Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Regional

Phuket Officials Map Island's Tourism Future Amid Strong Revenue

Phuket officials and academics met to chart the island's tourism strategy as the province reported B545.37 billion in tourism revenue for 2025, underscoring its vital role in Thailand's economy.

Phuket Officials Map Island's Tourism Future Amid Strong Revenue
6 Aug The Phuket News

PHUKET: Officials and academics gathered in Phuket on Wednesday (Aug 5) to discuss the island’s future development as Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum highlighted the province’s economic strength, with Phuket generating an estimated B545.37 billion in tourism revenue in 2025 and recording a Gross Provincial Product (GPP) of B272.4bn.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Community

Legendary Bangkok Red Pork Rice Shop Serves Up Six Decades of Flavor

A beloved Bangkok red pork rice shop has thrived for over 60 years by maintaining its original recipe and signature gravy sauce, now located near Varjakra intersection in the old quarter.

Legendary Bangkok Red Pork Rice Shop Serves Up Six Decades of Flavor
6 Aug Khaosod

While red pork rice may seem like an ordinary menu item found everywhere, Khao Moo Daeng Nakhon Sanuk stands out as a legendary establishment that has captured the hearts of food lovers for generations. With over 60 years of culinary tradition and an original recipe that has steadfastly preserved its authentic taste, this shop has become a pilgrimage site for devotees of this classic dish.

Originally located in front of the old Nakhon Sanuk cinema (now the Grand China Hotel), the restaurant relocated to Soi Sida near Varjakra intersection on Thanon Luang in Bangkok's historic old quarter, where it continues to attract loyal regulars and visitors from across the city.

What sets this shop apart is its meticulous selection of ingredients. The roasted red pork follows an ancient recipe with tender meat and perfect smoky aroma, while the crispy pork skin crackles satisfyingly with every bite. Quality Chinese sausage and salted duck eggs complement the dish beautifully.

All ingredients are made in-house: the red pork, crispy pork, Chinese sausage, and salted eggs. The real draw that keeps customers willing to queue is the shop's signature ancient-recipe gravy sauce. Simmered to a perfect balance of flavors with a distinctive reddish-orange hue, the sauce is kept in bottles and drizzled fresh over rice with each order, delivering a full sensory experience.

The gravy stands out with its balanced saltiness—not overly sweet like typical red pork rice shops—and carries a subtle spice that cleanses the palate perfectly. This unique character keeps customers coming back repeatedly.

Beyond the pork and gravy, the condiments add another dimension. Fresh sliced chili, spring onions, and pickled chili vinegar are available for customers to customize to their taste. A touch of sweet soy sauce mixed in rounds out the flavors beautifully, earning the shop praise as "very delicious" among regulars.

At just 60-80 baht per plate, Khao Moo Daeng Nakhon Sanuk has endured more than half a century while maintaining its traditional taste and meticulous preparation standards. It has become a legendary Bangkok red pork rice destination passed down through generations—a must-visit for any true enthusiast.

The restaurant is located at Varjakra intersection, Thanon Luang, Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok. Hours: 6:00 AM–1:30 PM daily (closed Mondays). Telephone: 0-2222-2864.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

SME Competitiveness Index Falls in Q2, Microenterprises Hardest Hit

Thailand's SME competitiveness index fell to 45.1 in Q2 2025, with microenterprises declining most sharply as high costs eroded profit margins despite improved sales. The sector expects recovery in coming months as oil prices ease, but oper

SME Competitiveness Index Falls in Q2, Microenterprises Hardest Hit
6 Aug Khaosod

Thanaworn Pholvichit, rector and chairman of the advisory board at Thailand's Chamber of Commerce University's Economic and Business Forecasting Center, announced that the SME competitiveness index for Q2 2025 stood at 45.1, down 0.8 points from the previous quarter. All measured indices—business conditions, operational capability, and business sustainability—fell below 50, indicating sector weakness. While sales showed improvement, profit margins stagnated due to persistently high costs, especially fuel expenses. The index is expected to improve in July and August as oil prices begin declining.

When broken down by company size, medium enterprises achieved the highest operational capability index at 50.7, followed by small businesses at 47.8 and microenterprises at just 43.1. By sector, manufacturing led at 49.1, buoyed by export opportunities projected to grow as much as 10% this year, with services at 46.5 and trade at 44.9. Vachir Kuntaveetep, dean of the economics faculty at Thailand's Chamber of Commerce University, noted that most business operators reported revenue, orders, costs, net profit, employment, and debt levels remaining flat year-on-year, but liquidity has deteriorated compared to the previous year, resulting in an overall business conditions index of 43.9 for Q2 2025.

On operational capability, most businesses reported product and service quality, technology and innovation, branding, access to capital, and workforce capability remained unchanged. However, debt repayment ability and competitive differentiation declined. The overall operational capability index for Q2 2025 stands at 46.5. For business sustainability, most operators saw income diversification, environmental friendliness initiatives, crisis adaptability, corporate governance, and employee turnover rates holding steady, though profit-generating capacity fell, placing the sustainability index at 44.9.

The university projects MSME sector GDP growth of 2.2 to 2.7 percent in 2025. Business operators are calling on the government to reduce costs—particularly water, electricity, transport, and cooking gas bills—provide favorable financing conditions, lower interest credit access, expand lending limits and repayment periods, help resolve existing debt, boost domestic and international marketing especially through e-commerce expansion and B2B networking events, and develop workforce skills with emphasis on digital and AI competencies.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Community

Ex-New Country Member Muttri Goes Solo With Debut Single

Former New Country member Muttri launches her solo career with debut single "Look Bad Sad Often," a modern luk thung pop track she wrote herself based on personal experiences about being misjudged for her tough appearance.

Ex-New Country Member Muttri Goes Solo With Debut Single
6 Aug Khaosod

Muttri, formerly of New Country, has stepped into a solo career with a new look and released her debut single "Look Bad Sad Often," a contemporary luk thung pop song that reflects her true identity, thoughts, and real-life experiences through modern music infused with luk thung elements. She wrote the song herself and talked about her solo journey.

"Yes, the song is called 'Look Bad Sad Often' and I wrote it myself from real-life experiences," Muttri explained. "The content is truly about me. People around me have always said I have a bad look—that I seem tough and hard to approach—so many people don't dare talk to me. In reality, I'm a fun and easy-going person, and not many people come on to me because they're scared. But there was this one guy who said he liked girls with a bad look like mine, but it's funny because he dumped me and started dating a girl who's nothing like me—the total opposite type. After saying he liked girls like me, what's the point?"

On the creative process, Muttri said: "I basically started from scratch. When I found out about the solo project, I talked to my producer about what direction I wanted to go. We set up the beat together, and I wanted a Western-style beat with a touch of luk thung vocals. Once I had the music, I spent about a week writing the lyrics. I brought in Chester to do the rap verse and add wordplay and fun to it. I also mixed in a Suphan Buri accent with modern melody and beat."

On the "bad girl" direction, she added: "I'm continuing the vibe from New Country, where we've always done modern luk thung. Now that I'm going solo, I'm keeping the luk thung essence but making it more personal. When I was with New Country's six members, I couldn't be fully myself—I had to balance with everyone else. Now that I'm solo, I can put all of myself into everything and let fans really know who I truly am."

Muttri emphasized her involvement at every stage: "Yes, from day one—choosing the producer, writing the lyrics, makeup artist, director, stylist, picking the music video lead actor, even the video editing. I'm lucky that the label trusted me so much and believed in me."

On selecting the music video co-star: "He doesn't actually match the character (laughs). I discussed with the director what the lead should look like, and he suggested that since I'm styling as a bad girl, the actor should be a homestyle Thai-international type to create contrast with my look. After talking it over, we chose Sack Sarakaew, a model and influencer, and it was our first time working together."

The music video tells the story of a young woman at a house party who confronts her ex-boyfriend as he arrives with his new girlfriend, triggering her mission for revenge in bad-girl style. Two scenes particularly stand out: one featuring a buffalo in the background, reflecting Suphan Buri's character—she wanted a real buffalo but it was hard to manage, so they used an image instead—and another of her sitting on a stretcher surrounded by an intricately designed lotus frame, which she loved because everyone gasped in awe.

For the choreography, Muttri worked with Khru Sai from Harem Check, whom she'd never collaborated with before but had seen lots of work from. "I specifically asked for badass moves," she said.

On how this differs from New Country: "Not much different, though it has more of a T-pop feel. This song is sexier—I've grown up, and I wanted to show my identity more clearly, so I went for a badass vibe. I really love this song. I've written a lot of songs, but this one is so me. I'm happy to release it for everyone to hear, and the response has been really good."

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand and Myanmar Sign Agreement on Cross-Border Pollution Control

Thailand and Myanmar signed an agreement on August 6 establishing a joint committee to monitor water quality in shared border rivers and prevent transboundal pollution affecting both nations.

Thailand and Myanmar Sign Agreement on Cross-Border Pollution Control
6 Aug Khaosod

Thailand and Myanmar have signed a Terms of Reference (TOR) to establish a joint working committee on water quality management in shared border rivers and rivers flowing between the two nations. On August 6, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchad Choomklin advanced environmental cooperation between the two countries by signing the TOR, which aims to enhance monitoring, tracking, and water quality data exchange while establishing systematic measures to prevent and resolve transboundary pollution issues. The agreement seeks to protect water resources, ecosystems, and improve quality of life for people in border areas sustainably.

Prime Minister Anuthong Chayanweerakul of Thailand and President Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar presided over the signing ceremony, witnessed by the permanent secretaries of both nations' natural resources and environment ministries—Dr. Raviwan Phuridej (Thailand) and La Maung Teng (Myanmar). The signing took place during President Min Aung Hlaing's official visit to Thailand on August 6-7, 2025, to strengthen and elevate bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, energy, and environmental development.

The TOR establishes a cooperation mechanism for monitoring, surveying, and exchanging information and expertise on water quality in shared rivers while defining joint measures for systematic water quality management. It aims to enable rapid and effective problem-solving while minimizing impacts on border communities. The TOR is valid for three years from the signing date. Both countries will establish joint working committees at ministerial and departmental levels to drive concrete implementation, integrating environmental agencies' work in monitoring water quality, sharing technical data, and jointly developing prevention and resolution strategies. This will improve water resource management, reduce pollution risks, and create long-term environmental security for people in both countries.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Bus Driver Sentenced to 2 Years for Medical Student's Fatal Crash

A bus driver was sentenced to two years in prison for fatally striking medical student Arunnapha Watthanapanich on the Khon Kaen University campus in 2022. The victim's mother urged the case to serve as a warning about reckless driving's de

Bus Driver Sentenced to 2 Years for Medical Student's Fatal Crash
6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, 2025, the Khon Kaen Provincial Court delivered its judgment in the case of a nursing school bus that struck a motorcyclist on the Khon Kaen University campus in August 2022. The collision killed Arunnapha Watthanapanich, a second-year medical student. The driver was sentenced to four years in prison, reduced to two years on appeal without suspension.

Arunnapha's mother, Nittaya Rungsathit, said the family's four-year wait was not merely about securing justice, but ensuring the case becomes a cautionary tale for society. She emphasized that reckless driving causes suffering not just for victims but for perpetrators and their families as well. "If people feared consequences before acting recklessly, accidents would decrease. If my daughter's life helps prevent others from being injured or killed, then something good has come from this," she said.

The mother stressed that the family's goal was not revenge but prevention—to make drivers more aware and careful before tragedy strikes. She noted that accidents remain frequent because people focus on minimizing punishment after the fact rather than avoiding negligence in the first place.

In the related civil case, the appellate court ordered the defendant to pay approximately 9 million baht in damages to each parent. The defendant is currently petitioning for a further appeal, which the court has not yet formally accepted. The plaintiff's legal team indicated they are not filing additional appeals and are awaiting the court's next decision.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Young Weavers Keep Karen Craft Alive at Doi Tao

Young Karen weavers in Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai, are preserving their community's centuries-old textile tradition through handmade cotton cloth and colorful patterned sashes, with children learning the craft from childhood and creating

Young Weavers Keep Karen Craft Alive at Doi Tao
6 Aug Khaosod

The Karen Phlop community in Baan Lai Gaew village, Doi Tao District in southern Chiang Mai, is a remarkable handicraft village known for weaving.

The garments produced there follow a remarkable journey: cotton is planted during the rainy season, and once the bolls mature and burst open, they are dried and fluffed before being spun into thin thread. The yarn is then dyed using natural dyes discovered long ago, producing a variety of colors. The dyed cotton is woven into cloth before being cut and sewn in the final steps.

All clothing and daily-use items come from handmade work, reflecting high self-reliance. Historically, Doi Tao was a remote, isolated community far from urban development, but the Karen Phlop people possessed inherited handicraft skills passed down through generations.

Young children, especially girls, grow up watching their mothers weave daily and gradually absorb and practice the craft from childhood. Children often begin with small woven pieces that resemble toys, then progress to small child-sized sashes. As they grow older, most can weave basic cloth patterns.

Children often weave simple sashes for themselves or ask their mothers to stitch them into small shoulder bags, a practice that sparked one of the village's most consistently bestselling products. Small, charming patterned bags represent the top-selling item from the Karen Phlop Baan Lai Gaew weaving group throughout every era. One such bag is called the "Jub Jib sash," which carries a delightful backstory.

At age eight, a girl named Jub Jib learned to weave with her mother's help creating small patterns. After cutting and sewing, her father, who sold woven products at various market booths, took the bags to sell. The young girl's handiwork attracted interest, and orders followed. Proud and encouraged by the attention, Jub Jib continued weaving sashes bearing her name. Years later, as she grew into a young woman, the Jub Jib sash remained highly sought after.

While mothers work on large, intricate cloth pieces, the younger generation learns weaving through small sash projects. Teenagers in the community express their creativity through their own designs, producing crafts that have garnered significant attention. Examples include dolls of Karen Phlop boys and girls, elephants, rabbits, and wild boar—crafted from fabric scraps left over from sewing and transformed into entirely new products.

When traditional wisdom walks hand in hand with design, craft is no longer merely heritage from the past; it becomes a language of the future that people worldwide understand together. Importantly, young people are carrying forward the value of finely made, beautiful, and genuinely nature-friendly handwork. The community—members of many generations and ages—are collectively building their community's future, keeping Karen Phlop weaving alive, and continuously advancing their creative economy.

The Jub Jib sash stands as a testament to this charming and admirable craft movement. Discover Baan Lai Gaew village and the young people creating their community's economy. Follow the story in the Thung Saeang Tawan series featuring Karen Phlop at Doi Tao on Facebook and YouTube at payaiTV.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Disqualifies 5,925 Local Officials in Exam Fraud Crackdown

Thailand disqualified 5,925 local government job candidates for exam fraud, with officials approving a revised candidate list for 2025 positions on August 6.

Thailand Disqualifies 5,925 Local Officials in Exam Fraud Crackdown
6 Aug Khaosod

At 1 p.m. on August 6, 2025, Deputy Interior Minister Worasilp Liangprasert chaired the seventh 2025 Central Committee meeting for Local Government Officials to consider a resolution from the Local Government Recruitment Examination Committee (LGEC) to disqualify 5,925 examination candidates and announce a revised candidate list for fiscal year 2025. Attending the meeting were Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arthit Samphantharatna, Deputy Permanent Secretary Niran Pongsitthaworn, LGEC Chairman Vunchai Chanphorn, and other senior officials. Liangprasert stated before the meeting that the agenda was highly important, involving review of procedures and rules governing the recruitment examination for local government positions. He noted that LGEC had voted on the matter on August 5 and submitted it to the central committee. Permanent Secretary Arthit confirmed the meeting would conclude with a decision and that the figures aligned with LGEC's resolution, with signatures already affixed.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Fans Line Up From 4 AM for Women's Volleyball Tournament Tickets

Volleyball fans camped out from 4 AM in Chiang Mai to snag tickets for the SEA V Cup 2026 second leg, with matches kicking off August 7 featuring Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia.

Fans Line Up From 4 AM for Women's Volleyball Tournament Tickets
6 Aug Khaosod

The Thailand Volleyball Association has shared photos of volleyball fans flocking to purchase tickets for the BYD DMI 6th SEA V Cup 2026 second leg in Chiang Mai, with supporters beginning to queue from 4 AM. The tournament's opening matches are scheduled for August 7, following ticket sales that began on August 6 at the Chiang Mai Provincial Administration Organization office at 9 AM. The Thailand Volleyball Association's Facebook page posted images of fans waiting in line, noting that queues formed outside the provincial office starting at 4 AM. The tournament schedule for August 7 includes Indonesia vs. Vietnam at 1 PM and the Philippines vs. Thailand at 4:30 PM, with matches continuing on August 8 and 9 featuring Vietnam vs. Philippines, Thailand vs. Indonesia, Philippines vs. Indonesia, and Thailand vs. Vietnam.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Fortune Teller Warns of Vehicle Tragedies in Second Half of Year

A fortune teller predicts 2–3 major vehicle accidents involving trucks and buses in Thailand's second half of 2025, along with warnings of severe flooding, seismic activity, and violent incidents in populated areas.

Fortune Teller Warns of Vehicle Tragedies in Second Half of Year
6 Aug Khaosod

A fortune teller identified as Mo Plaai Prai Kasip has released predictions for the second half of 2025, warning of eight major events. Regarding vehicles, the teller warns of multiple serious accidents involving trucks, buses, and multi-wheel vehicles, with some incidents potentially occurring near or beneath bridges and possibly involving overloaded cargo or overcrowding. The prediction suggests 2–3 major vehicle-related disasters may occur.

Mo Plaai also warns of severe flooding from neighboring regions, describing rapid, forceful water flows coming from higher elevations that may strip vegetation and damage infrastructure. Seismic activity is another concern, with tremors potentially originating from border regions rather than within Thailand itself, which could affect businesses in those areas.

Additionally, the teller cautions against a potential violent incident in populated areas such as intersections and foreign shopping centers, recommending police presence. The predictions also mention a growing trend of foreign visitors using Thailand as a destination for medical tourism and euthanasia-related matters, which may increase criminal activity.

Regarding celebrities, the teller warns of sudden health crises or deaths among formerly famous individuals, particularly men, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Finally, a dangerous building-related incident is predicted to occur in a central location, though details remain unclear.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Officer Arrested After Multiple Abuse Victims Come Forward

A Songkhla police officer surrendered after a warrant was issued for possession of child sexual abuse material and coercion of over 20 women into making explicit videos sold online. His ex-girlfriend's discovery of footage involving a child

Police Officer Arrested After Multiple Abuse Victims Come Forward
6 Aug Khaosod

A police officer from Thung Lung Station in Songkhla has surrendered after a warrant was issued charging him with possession of child sexual abuse material. The investigation revealed that over 20 women were victimized by the officer, who allegedly coerced them into recording explicit videos that were later sold in secret online groups.

His ex-girlfriend disclosed she was forced to remain in a two-year relationship due to blackmail with a secretly recorded video. During their relationship, she was repeatedly filmed without consent during intimate moments and attempted to delete the recordings. When she discovered additional explicit videos of multiple women on his phone—including footage involving a child as young as 4 years old—she worked to identify all victims before filing a report on June 2.

The provincial police commander had previously ordered the officer's suspension following the complaints and public disclosures of his conduct. On August 6, 2025, after the arrest warrant was approved and issued, the officer immediately surrendered to investigators to face the charges. He is currently undergoing interrogation, and authorities are preparing to seek detention pending court proceedings.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full. ↑ ↓ or Space Or use the arrows at the bottom of the screen.