Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Regional

Officials Crack Down on Foreign Nominees Holding Phangan Land

Thai authorities raided Koh Phangan and identified 104 foreign-controlled companies illegally holding 124 land parcels through nominee arrangements, vowing to enforce laws against foreign land ownership that violates Thai regulations.

Officials Crack Down on Foreign Nominees Holding Phangan Land
4d ago Khaosod

On August 14, Deputy Interior Ministers Pol Pheera Suwannachui and Worasit Liengprasit arrived at Koh Phangan District in Surat Thani to investigate and address the problem of foreign land ownership through nominee arrangements. They met with district officials, provincial authorities, and representatives from tourism, commerce, and immigration agencies. Pol Pheera stated that despite previous visits by senior officials, no progress had been made, prompting this follow-up inspection to tackle illegal nominee arrangements, foreign labor issues, and improper business registrations on the island.

The investigation revealed 104 foreign-controlled companies illegally holding 124 land parcels, with foreigners owning more than half the shares in each. Pol Pheera pledged that Thai territory must belong to Thais and that foreigners should not be allowed to monopolize land, businesses, or livelihoods. He emphasized that authorities would pursue every case of foreign ownership violating Thai law, particularly illegal hotels and commercial establishments operating outside the system and failing to report guest information to immigration.

Pol Pheera expressed frustration that some hotel operators deliberately avoid legal registration to reduce costs below legitimate businesses, allowing foreign investors to thrive while Thai workers suffer. He acknowledged Koh Phangan's unique situation, with approximately 45,000 hidden foreign residents, including 20,000 foreign laborers, many of whom work illegally and displace Thai workers. He called for coordination with the Labor Ministry to upskill Thai workers in the tourism sector to ensure they can compete for jobs and earn income, and he committed to enforcing the law regardless of investment size or resort ownership.

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National

PM Anutin Visits Air Force Base in Escorted Fighter Jet Demo

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Royal Thai Air Force Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday, arriving in a private jet escorted by three F-16 fighter jets in a VIP protection demonstration. He reviewed the base's operational readi

PM Anutin Visits Air Force Base in Escorted Fighter Jet Demo
4d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday in his private jet, escorted by three F-16 fighter jets in a simulated VIP protection mission. Anutin, who also chairs the National Security Council, was visiting the Royal Thai Air Force's Wing 1 to review its operational readiness and observe demonstrations of air combat capabilities.

As the prime minister's aircraft entered the airbase's airspace, two F-16s flew alongside it while a third flew above, simulating an escort mission for a VIP aircraft before the planes landed. Anutin was received by Air Chief Marshal Seksan Khantha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Defence Permanent Secretary Gen. Tharapong Malakam, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Ukrit Boontanont and senior military officers.

The prime minister reviewed an honour guard before watching demonstrations of the Air Force's tactical missions, including simulated air-to-ground and air-to-air operations involving F-16 fighter jets. Speaking to personnel at Wing 1, Anutin praised the unit for its role in protecting Thailand's sovereignty, particularly through tactical fighter operations amid security concerns along the border.

"I would like to commend all commanders, personnel and staff for their sacrifice and dedication in protecting the nation's sovereignty and providing reassurance to the people," Anutin said. He said strengthening the Air Force's capabilities, particularly its fighter operations, was an important national security priority and that the government was ready to provide full support.

"The government is ready and willing to provide full support so that the Royal Thai Air Force can maintain its highest level of capability," he said. Anutin also thanked Air Force personnel for demonstrating unity, patriotism and dedication to the public interest, urging them to maintain their readiness and commitment to protecting the country's sovereignty and national interests.

During the visit, the prime minister inspected tactical military equipment and watched a Combat Search and Rescue demonstration involving an H225M helicopter.

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National

Wildlife Photo Contest Launches With 850,000 Baht in Prizes

Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources launches its 32nd annual wildlife photography competition with over 850,000 baht in prizes, accepting entries until August 31 to promote conservation awareness.

Wildlife Photo Contest Launches With 850,000 Baht in Prizes
4d ago Khaosod

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in partnership with Charoen Pokphand Group and affiliated companies, is calling on Thai nature lovers to enter the 32nd annual 'Wildlife Has Value, Forests Matter' photography competition. Participants are invited to submit photographs of Thai wildlife and forests, as well as video clips, as part of an initiative to raise awareness about conservation and environmental protection. The competition carries royal patronage and offers total prizes exceeding 850,000 baht. Registration is open from now until August 31, 2025. For more information, call 02-858-6279 or visit www.trueplookpanya.com/event/photocontest/login to submit entries.

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Police

Police Issue Summons in Temple Entry Blockade Case

Police in Khon Kaen issued five summons in a temple trespassing case involving a woman named Pa Da and four vehicle owners connected to an August 14 incident at Pa Adulyaram temple.

Police Issue Summons in Temple Entry Blockade Case
4d ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen police have issued five summons in the Pa Adulyaram temple trespassing case, including one for a woman known as Pa Da and four vehicle owners. Police say the trespassing charge is separate from an ongoing land-ownership dispute, and the temple has been reported as a suspicious location on three previous occasions.

On August 14, Deputy Inspector Yoswatchai Kaewsuebnit, superintendent of Muang Khon Kaen police station, reported progress in investigating the alleged trespassing by a group of men. Analysis of CCTV footage and witness evidence identified four vehicles connected to the incident: two vans, one cement mixer truck, and one material-carrying pickup truck. Police have questioned the vehicle owners as witnesses. The cement mixer driver stated he was ordered by a shop manager to deliver cement in the area, believing it was to facilitate traffic flow. Police also invited the person who ordered the cement to provide information and establish connections to the case.

Police have now issued five summons total: one for Pa Da and four for the vehicle owners. Pa Da's summon was sent to her registered address in Bangkok, but police have received no response. CCTV footage and witness testimony confirm Pa Da was present at the scene and must be questioned to establish the facts and determine her involvement.

Regarding one van that travelled from Bangkok, police are coordinating with Bangkok Metropolitan Police to check for links to other cases in the Phra Khanong precinct. On the trespassing charge itself, police clarified that the key issue is the right of possession. If outsiders interfere with a landowner's right of possession, this may constitute trespassing regardless of whether a land-ownership dispute remains unresolved.

Police also addressed claims that the temple may be a suspicious location. They stated that the temple had been inspected approximately three times following complaints, with urine tests conducted on monks and temple residents. Most tests showed no narcotics, with only one temple boy testing positive in one instance, leading to legal proceedings. Police found insufficient CCTV coverage—cameras were present only at the abbot's quarters, with none at the entrance or surrounding areas. Police officers collected funds to donate cameras to the temple for additional security.

Police confirmed they will expedite questioning of all witnesses and those involved to establish facts and proceed with legal action.

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National

Thailand Tourism Stimulus Plan Set for October 1

Thailand's government will launch a tourism stimulus program on October 1 featuring 500,000 digital vouchers and a proposed foreign visitor fee of 400-450 baht to boost domestic travel and restructure the sector for long-term growth.

Thailand Tourism Stimulus Plan Set for October 1
4d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachee Paibulwattana announced after chairing a meeting on the integrated tourism revenue plan for fiscal year 2569 that the government is preparing to accelerate domestic tourism stimulus measures alongside restructuring the tourism sector to generate revenue and improve long-term competitiveness. The effort will utilize the public-private economic cooperation committee to drive integrated work through creative economy and visitor economy working groups led by Weersakdi Khosuratana, coordinating with commerce, agriculture, food security, community, and small business sectors to distribute tourism income more broadly through the economy.

The meeting also approved taking a proposed foreign tourism fee—provisionally set at 400-450 baht—through a public consultation process before submission to the cabinet. Collection methods are being studied across multiple channels including airlines, websites, applications, payment points, and accommodation systems. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panieerchakul stated that the Thailand Tourism Plus programme is being coordinated with the Finance Ministry on funding and system details, targeting a launch date of October 1 to follow immediately after the Thai Help Thai programme ends on September 30, 2569. The initial framework allocates 500,000 vouchers using the "Pao Tang" digital platform to support accommodation and coupons, expanding eligibility beyond restaurants to benefit a wider range of service businesses and distribute funds more broadly.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Four Body Changes From Daily Afternoon Naps After Meals

Regular afternoon naps after meals for three months may sharpen focus, stabilize blood pressure, and improve digestion, but experts warn against napping immediately after eating or for longer than 60 minutes.

Four Body Changes From Daily Afternoon Naps After Meals
4d ago Khaosod

What happens to your body if you nap regularly after lunch for three consecutive months? Health experts outline four remarkable changes.

Compiled by the Sadfon Online news team on August 14, 2025, based on international media reports. The period between noon and 2 p.m. represents a natural low-energy point in the body's circadian rhythm, causing drowsiness. After eating, the body redirects blood to the stomach to aid digestion, which may increase afternoon sleepiness.

If you nap appropriately and consistently for three months, your body may experience multiple benefits with four observable changes:

1. Brain Rest and Reduced Fatigue Hours of hard work and stress keep the nervous system operating continuously, leading to fatigue, weakness, and afternoon concentration loss. Short naps allow the body and brain time to recover, potentially reducing drowsiness, sharpening focus, and improving response times when returning to work.

2. Better Metabolic Support Lunch provides substantial energy, but sitting for hours afterward may cause heaviness and sluggishness. Proper midday rest allows organs to relax after digestion and helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels, reducing post-meal fatigue and boosting afternoon alertness.

3. Improved Sleep Consistency and Nighttime Sleep Quality People who stay up late or sleep too little at night often feel groggy the next afternoon. Short midday naps can restore some energy, reduce fatigue, and maintain alertness for the remainder of the day.

4. Stronger Blood Vessels and Stable Blood Pressure Prolonged work stress strains the cardiovascular system, affecting blood pressure. A midday rest acts as a "stress break," allowing the nervous and circulatory systems to relax and reducing the heart's workload. Consistent proper naps may reduce daily blood pressure fluctuations and improve circulatory stability.

However, not everyone feels refreshed after napping. Continued fatigue after waking may indicate poor napping habits:

Napping immediately after eating: The stomach is actively digesting. Lying flat increases the risk of acid reflux, bloating, and indigestion, and may reduce blood flow to the brain. A 10-15 minute light walk after eating is recommended instead.

Napping longer than 60 minutes: The body may enter deep sleep, causing grogginess upon waking, similar to "losing time," along with possible headaches, fatigue, and afternoon sluggishness.

Napping at a desk: This posture may compress the chest, lungs, neck blood vessels, and restrict blood flow to the brain. Lying flat on a bed or reclining in a chair with proper back support is preferable.

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Community

Giant Sacred Tree Draws Crowds Seeking Lucky Numbers

Hundreds flocked to Satthatham Temple in Samut Songkhram on August 14 to bless a massive 7.75-meter takian tree retrieved from a canal, with devotees seeking lucky lottery numbers tied to the sacred ceremony.

Giant Sacred Tree Draws Crowds Seeking Lucky Numbers
4d ago Khaosod

A ceremonial blessing of a giant tree called 'Mother of the Great Takian' drew crowds on August 14 at Satthatham Temple (also known as Mon Temple), near the Don Hoi Lot tourism site in Bang Ja Kreng subdistrict, Samut Songkhram province. The Chu Chi community partnered with the temple to honor the enormous tree that residents had retrieved from Chu Chi Canal after discovering it submerged underwater about 500 meters from the settlement. The tree was then installed beside the temple's golden teak ordination hall and has become a focal point for visitors and devotees.

The takian tree measures 7.75 meters long and 2.92 meters in diameter, weighing over two tons. Residents raised it from the canal on August 6 before relocating it to Satthatham Temple for public veneration. The blessing ceremony began at 10:09 a.m., led by monks and local officials chanting Buddhist verses for auspiciousness. Devotees brought flower garlands and colored cloth as offerings, while some believers applied powder to the trunk seeking lucky lottery numbers based on personal beliefs. Numbers derived from the ceremony—824, 36, and 968—became popular lottery picks among participants, though monks stressed that fortune is a personal matter that cannot be verified or guaranteed.

The temple houses another large takian tree, approximately 6-7 meters in girth and over 10 meters long, weighing at least 10 tons, which was brought from Lampang province about 20 years ago. Both trees reflect the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Chu Chi community maintains with the local waterway and traditional beliefs passed down through generations. The installation of these sacred trees has become a new attraction drawing locals, tourists, and spiritual travelers. Satthatham Temple welcomes visitors 24 hours daily to pay respects, experience the riverside Mon temple atmosphere, and learn about the heritage of the Chu Chi community while exploring the Don Hoi Lot attractions.

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National

Democrat MP Defends Party Amid Assault Case Against Aide

Democrat MP Chuan Leekphai defended his party after assault charges were filed against colleague Chaiyachon Detchdecho, a deputy regional head, over an alleged incident at a Nakhon Si Thammarat police station. Chuan said he is monitoring th

Democrat MP Defends Party Amid Assault Case Against Aide
4d ago Khaosod

On August 14, 2025, Democrat party list MP Chuan Leekphai commented on assault charges filed against party colleague Chaiyachon Detchdecho, a list MP and deputy regional head overseeing the South. Chaiyachon faces charges over an alleged assault on a deputy director at Thung Yai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Chuan said he is following the case but has not yet verified the facts, learning about it only from news reports. When asked whether the matter would affect the party, he deferred to party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva for comment, but stressed that everyone must be equal before the law.

When pressed on whether the incident could damage the party's southern support base, Chuan said he was uncertain. However, he argued that the real issue facing current politics is vote-buying, not this case. He revealed he has written to the Election Commission chairman noting that the previous election cost the most money in history as parties competed to secure parliamentary seats and form government, and that without winning, parties might resort to illegal tactics like undermining the Senate. Chuan said he received a thank-you response from the commission chairman but nothing from the secretary-general.

"We survived the last election because we ran a party-list campaign," Chuan explained. "If we had run in constituency races, we would have been less certain of victory. But because of the party-list system, we gained more MPs since other parties spend less on party-list candidates."

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Car Owner Accuses Influencer of Fraud Over Classic Car Repair

A car owner paid over 280,000 baht to an automotive influencer with 800,000 followers for classic American car repairs in June 2023, but over a year later the vehicle remains incomplete and missing, prompting a police report.

Car Owner Accuses Influencer of Fraud Over Classic Car Repair
4d ago Khaosod

On August 14, Chatchawal Kaillin, owner of V10 Garage in Pathum Thani's Mueang district, disclosed a case involving a customer who sought assistance after taking a classic American car to a well-known automotive influencer nicknamed "Two-Tone Head" for repairs. The influencer has over 800,000 social media followers and is photographed frequently with celebrities.

According to Kaillin, the situation began in June 2023 when the car owner agreed to bring the classic American vehicle in for repairs with a total cost exceeding 500,000 baht. The owner paid approximately 280,000 baht upfront. However, more than a year later, the work had only progressed partially, with only the paint job completed. The influencer claimed to have ordered Lexus chassis parts and an engine, but the owner discovered the photos were copied from other pages.

Eventually, a Toyota engine was installed instead of the promised parts, contradicting what the influencer had proposed. Work then stalled and the vehicle was abandoned. Most critically, the car owner does not know where their vehicle currently is. The owner approached V10 Garage for help locating the car and recovering the 280,000 baht already paid. Kaillin has since accompanied the owner to file a police report.

The owner expressed concern about the influencer's extensive network among other influencers and celebrities, fearing the case would not receive fair treatment. They chose to contact V10 Garage because of Kaillin's automotive expertise and willingness to help automotive-related disputes. Kaillin agreed to assist in tracking down the matter.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Election Commission Fires Staff Over Bribery in Tak, Maha Sarakham Cases

An Elections Commission staff member has been fired for accepting bribes in fraud cases in Tak and Maha Sarakham, with disciplinary proceedings still ongoing in the second case.

Election Commission Fires Staff Over Bribery in Tak, Maha Sarakham Cases
4d ago Khaosod

Election Commission Chairman Sitthichote Intrawisase announced on August 14, 2025, that an Elections Commission staff member found to have accepted bribes in Tak and Maha Sarakham election cases has been terminated. In the Tak case, which involved local election fraud and bribery, the commission received complaints and opened an investigation, determining the staff member had acted improperly; the disciplinary committee has already voted to dismiss this officer. In the Maha Sarakham case, the same officer was assigned to investigate further allegations in a House election matter and was similarly found to have engaged in bribery. That dismissal was processed first, but disciplinary proceedings in the second case are still pending; the preliminary findings of the disciplinary committee recommend termination, with a final decision expected soon from the subcommittee.

Intrawisase stated that while suspicious financial transfers to the officer from persons other than the House candidates themselves have been identified—including connections to Senate member Sukhsamruay Wantaniyakul and her associate Anyani Siifa—no new investigation has been opened into these links because insufficient forensic or witness evidence currently exists to establish a prima facie case. He rejected suggestions that previous election investigations involving this officer should be reopened, saying no grounds or evidence yet justify reopening closed cases.

When asked about concerns over the Senate selection dispute case, in which the opposition plans to introduce additional evidence this weekend, Intrawisase said the commission has no worries and will base its judgment on evidence presented in the proceedings. The main investigation subcommittee's findings are considered the primary basis for any decision, he added.

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National

Asset Management Company Auctions 70 Properties Worth 451 Million Baht

Sukhumvit Asset Management is auctioning 70 properties worth 451 million baht across Thailand in August-September 2025, ranging from residential homes to commercial and investment properties. The company partnered with six major banks to of

Asset Management Company Auctions 70 Properties Worth 451 Million Baht
4d ago Khaosod

Sukhumvit Asset Management (SAM) is expanding property ownership opportunities through auctions of 70 residential and investment properties valued at over 451 million baht during August and September 2025. The offerings include vacant land, townhouses, single-family homes, duplexes, commercial buildings, and condominiums for residence, as well as hotels, resorts, factories, warehouses, and office buildings for investment purposes.

SAM has partnered with six leading banks—Bangkok Bank, UOB, TMB Thanachart, Kasikornbank, CIMB Thai, and Government Housing Bank—to provide special financing conditions exclusively for SAM customers. The company has also launched the "SAM Pre-Owned Property Must Tell Others" campaign, offering referral rewards of up to 3 million baht per property for customers who introduce friends or acquaintances to buy SAM properties through auction or direct sale.

Featured properties under 20 million baht include a two-story house in Bangkok's Don Muang district starting at 7.48 million baht, a townhouse in Tha Wa district starting at 6.37 million baht, and a duplex in Samut Prakan starting at 5.56 million baht. Properties extend nationwide, including an office building in Chiang Mai starting at 11.99 million baht and a commercial building in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district starting at 16.54 million baht.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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