Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Community

Pro Petchr Tests New OMNI Edition Golf Simulator

Home Golf Simulator by Chalermwong launched the OMNI Edition golf simulator in Thailand, with pro golfer Petchr Sodsompun testing and endorsing its tournament-level accuracy and portability at the July 22 event.

Pro Petchr Tests New OMNI Edition Golf Simulator
24 Jul Khaosod

Chalermwong "Pee Sing" Borisit, CEO of Home Golf Simulator by Chalermwong, officially launched the OMNI Edition from Square Golf as the official distributor of this globally popular golf simulator device. He invited renowned golfer Petchr Sodsompun Gaewkanjana, known for precision iron play, to test the device's accuracy and provide expert feedback. Partners BenQ and Leborn also presented golf sim accessories at the testing event held at 4th Swing on Wednesday, July 22, 2025.

Pee Sing stated: "I invited Petchr, a world-class golfer renowned for accuracy in approach shots, to test the OMNI Edition and give real-world feedback. Since this brand is still very new to Thai golfers, I wanted to hear from a pro-level perspective on how accurate the device's various parameters are."

Petchr revealed: "After testing, the parameters displayed are very close to top-tier machines used during international competitions. With its complete functionality, portability, durability, and long-lasting battery for full training sessions, the OMNI Edition is an excellent tool that delivers real value."

The OMNI Edition offers top-tier accuracy, works in any training scenario, and connects to mobile, iPad, and computer applications. It displays up to 21 different parameters with room for future data updates. The device comes with a one-year warranty and expert guidance from a team with decades of golf technology experience since 2000. Orders are now available for Thailand delivery.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Passport Ranking Drops in Global Index

BANGKOK: The Thai passport went slightly down in the global ranking this year, as Singapore still underlined its most powerful travel document in the ratings.

Thai Passport Ranking Drops in Global Index
24 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: The Thai passport went slightly down in the global ranking this year, as Singapore still underlined its most powerful travel document in the ratings.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Viral BTS Clash Between Thai Commuter and Foreign Students Sparks Debate

A heated confrontation between a Thai commuter and a group of loud foreign passengers on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain went viral on social media, garnering millions of views and sparking debate about noise, manners and tourist behavior.

Viral BTS Clash Between Thai Commuter and Foreign Students Sparks Debate
24 Jul Khaosod

A video showing a confrontation between a Thai passenger and a group of foreign passengers on Bangkok's BTS Skytrain has drawn widespread attention online, with the original post receiving about 160,000 views on TikTok and a repost on X surpassing 2 million views as of Friday.

The video was originally posted by TikTok account @1234aaawry and later shared by X user @oohs00. It shows an argument over the group's noise level and route, with both sides exchanging insults. The group speaks mainly in English and may be Italian, although their nationality, identities and ages could not be independently verified. In the video, one young woman says the group is made up of students and is trying to find its way.

The person recording repeatedly tells the group to lower its voice, saying "Just say like normal things, OK? Not 'ahhh', not scream, OK? In Thailand we don't scream." An unseen passenger later comments sarcastically, "Sorry for bringing money to your country," before the person recording accuses the group of having "no manners."

The exchange escalates with both sides trading profanities and insults. When asked where they are from, one male passenger appears to answer, "Your mom." The woman filming later directs the group to a different BTS line, claiming "This line is not good for travel. You have to go to another line, the Sukhumvit line. This one just for living." BTS has no published rule restricting tourists to particular lines.

An older woman travelling with the group objects to being recorded, claiming the passengers are under 18, prompting the person filming to suggest calling the police. The video ends with the woman threatening to call the police herself and continuing to hurl insults.

In a follow-up statement, the original uploader explained that the dispute began before recording started. She said she was travelling home around 01:00 on the BTS Silom Line near Sala Daeng station when she heard loud shouting from a group of young foreign passengers who boarded at the next stop. She asked them to be quieter, and a woman she believed to be a teacher or chaperone responded: "Please be patient. They are children. You can't expect children to be quiet."

According to the uploader, a young woman in the group later apologized and explained they were trying to find their route. The uploader said she replied that she was not angry but wanted them to lower their voices.

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National

Kraviroj Hits Back at iLaw Over Public Defamation Claims

Bhumjaithai MP Kraviroj Parisnanakul announced plans to file defamation charges against iLaw's Yingcheep Atchajanont, claiming the activist named him and eight others in an influence case without evidence, causing reputational harm.

Kraviroj Hits Back at iLaw Over Public Defamation Claims
24 Jul Khaosod

At 11:25 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at parliament, Kraviroj Parisnanakul, Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong, addressed the case involving Yingcheep Atchajanont, manager of the Internet Law for Citizen Democracy project (iLaw), who exposed evidence in a parliament influence case naming Kraviroj among nine implicated individuals. On July 23, Deputy Prime Minister Pharadorn Parisnanakul, one of those named by iLaw, made a public statement. Bhumjaithai has discussed the matter and intends to file defamation charges on behalf of all nine affected members, though the party is still deciding how to proceed.

Kraviroj expressed surprise that iLaw initially disclosed all nine names linked to the influence case, but Yingcheep later claimed he had no evidence—only hearsay from others. Kraviroj stated this caused significant harm. He acknowledged that politicians must undergo public scrutiny from opposition, civil society, and independent organizations, and welcomes such oversight. However, he insisted scrutiny must be conducted fairly and factually, without unfounded allegations or political manipulation designed to damage reputations or mislead society.

Kraviroj noted that when he first heard of the allegations, he thought there might be new information, but was told they were old matters already investigated by opposition leader Prayut Chan-o-cha and parliamentary committees. He questioned why the issue resurfaced now without new evidence, suggesting possible political timing rather than genuine accountability concerns.

He appealed to civil society and the public that while oversight is commendable and necessary for politicians, it must be grounded in accurate information and good faith—not hidden political agendas that harm others. When asked about Yingcheep's invocation of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) defense rules, Kraviroj argued that if government figures used state power to silence truthful disclosure, that would constitute censorship. However, he countered that Yingcheep himself admitted his claims lacked evidence and were not factual, yet caused harm by naming all nine individuals with unsubstantiated accusations of misconduct. Kraviroj asserted that the affected parties must defend their rights and dignity. He drew a parallel, asking what would happen if someone made baseless accusations against Yingcheep—such as links to forex schemes or inciting youth unrest—without evidence. Just as Kraviroj's group suffered damage from false allegations, they must exercise their right to legal defense.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Eyes LGBTQ+ Economy as Growth Driver

BANGKOK: Thailand should recognise its LGBTQ+ economy as a new growth engine that requires legal and structural reforms to attract investment and enhance global competitiveness, according to several speakers at a recent forum.

Thailand Eyes LGBTQ+ Economy as Growth Driver
24 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: Thailand should recognise its LGBTQ+ economy as a new growth engine that requires legal and structural reforms to attract investment and enhance global competitiveness, according to several speakers at a recent forum.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Dismantle 'Style Cycle' Scam Ring, Arrest 17 Suspects

Police arrested 17 suspects across 11 provinces in a takedown of the "Style Cycle" online scam ring that defrauded victims of millions of baht through fake shop registrations and account activation schemes. The gang operated a sophisticated

Police Dismantle 'Style Cycle' Scam Ring, Arrest 17 Suspects
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, the Central Investigation Police Command announced the takedown of the 'Style Cycle' gang following coordinated raids across 19 locations in 11 provinces: Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Chachoengsao, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaeo, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Roi Et, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Police arrested 17 suspects—three involved in money laundering and control, seven in fund transfers and cash withdrawals, and seven operating fake bank accounts—and seized approximately 23 million baht in assets including luxury vehicles, cash in multiple currencies, gold bars, jewelry, designer goods, and other valuables.

According to investigators, the scam began when victims were lured via Facebook to open online shops and join a Line OpenChat group called "Style Cycle Market" with over 1,000 members. After registration, victims were told their withdrawals were blocked due to insufficient sales credit and were directed to another group where they were deceived into transferring money multiple times—some amounts reaching millions of baht—to supposedly "activate" their accounts and process inventory. The victim in this case transferred money 25 times totaling 14.75 million baht but could never withdraw funds.

Financial investigations revealed the gang operated a complex money-laundering scheme: they moved funds to purchase goods for export to Cambodia, withdrew cash to Chinese networks in Bangkok's Ratchadamri area, and purchased gold to obscure origins. A front company in Mae Sot, Tak province, laundered money for scammer gangs in Myanmar and Cambodia, taking a 25 percent commission. Money collectors received a 5 percent fee for cash delivery to Chinese networks. In 2568 (2025), the network cycled over 149 million baht and was linked to over 226 other online fraud cases totaling more than 17 million baht in losses.

Investigators also found that Thai nationals operating the fake accounts were themselves victims of recruitment scams. They responded to job postings on Facebook and TikTok offering admin or driver work paying 18,000–19,000 baht monthly. Upon falling for the scheme, they were taken to open multiple bank accounts, placed in vans, and transported to the border regions of Sa Kaeo and Chachoengsao under armed guard. They were forced across the Thailand-Cambodia border into Poipet, where their phones and documents were confiscated. Held in an iron-barred room under 24-hour armed guard, they were forced to edit images and pose as admins to scam Thai victims. One account holder reported being ordered to scan his face repeatedly to confirm money transfers over three to four days while facing threats.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Pushes for Balanced Trade Deal With US

Thailand secured exemptions for over half its US exports from new 10-12.5% retaliatory tariffs imposed July 24, while negotiators push for a balanced trade deal to protect both nations' interests and long-term economic ties.

Thailand Pushes for Balanced Trade Deal With US
24 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Commerce Ministry is accelerating trade negotiations with the United States to reach a mutually beneficial settlement and preserve a strong long-standing trade relationship. The US is invoking Section 301 of its 1974 Trade Act to investigate trading partners worldwide, including Thailand, on two key issues: structural excess capacity and failure to enforce prohibitions on imports of goods made with forced labor. These tariff measures replace previous Section 122 duties of 10% above normal most-favored-nation (MFN) rates, which expired on July 24, 2025.

On July 23, 2025, the US announced final determinations imposing retaliatory tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on Thailand and 37 other countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, and China for not implementing forced labor import bans. However, Thailand secured exemptions for 2,120 product categories representing over half of its export value to the US, including integrated circuits, hard drives, aircraft parts, natural rubber, cassava flour, pineapple, fruits, coconut products, and sugar. The tariffs take effect July 24, 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphachai Sutthangphanranth, leading Thailand's negotiating team, stated the goal is to reach a balanced agreement that protects public health, national security, and the government's policy-making authority while maintaining a long-term economic partnership. Assistant Commerce Minister Kirida Phaoapichit confirmed the US enforcement of Section 301 tariffs at 12.5% (a 2.5% increase from the previous 10% rate) and noted Thai competitiveness remains viable given the broad exemptions granted. The Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring a separate pending investigation into structural excess capacity affecting 16 countries including Thailand, while simultaneously pursuing a reciprocal trade agreement (ART) to maximize benefits for both nations. Thai negotiators acknowledge discussions may take longer than some regional peers due to sensitive issues and domestic legal constraints that cannot be waived, particularly regarding health and security matters.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Royal Gazette Announces Ecclesiastical Rank for Monk at Wat Kai Tia

A Bangkok monk at Wat Kai Tia received a royal ecclesiastical promotion to Phra Khru Wachrathorn, effective July 23, in recognition of his religious duties and suitability for the position.

Royal Gazette Announces Ecclesiastical Rank for Monk at Wat Kai Tia
24 Jul Khaosod

The Royal Gazette announced on July 24, 2569 BE the royal conferral of an ecclesiastical rank certificate upon Phra Ratchavachrathorn of Wat Kai Tia in Bangkok, promoting him to the rank of Phra Khru Wachrathorn. The royal appointment was issued to recognize his suitability for the proper performance of religious duties. The rank became effective from July 23, 2569 BE and was announced on July 24, 2569 BE, marking the 11th year of the current reign.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Lawmaker Urges Digital Minister to Brief Panel on TH-AI Passport Deal

A Thai lawmaker demands the Digital Minister brief Parliament's budget committee on the controversial TH-AI Passport deal, citing agency non-cooperation and allegations that advertising cost estimates are misleadly low by roughly 8 million

Lawmaker Urges Digital Minister to Brief Panel on TH-AI Passport Deal
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, at Parliament, Rachanok Srinok, a list-based member of the Pheu Thai Party and chair of the House Committee on Budget Formulation and Administration, discussed inviting agencies to brief the committee on the TH-AI Passport issue. She complained that relevant agencies rarely show up to explain, noting that a committee meeting on July 16 was convened to review the project because registration had been scheduled for July 15 but was postponed due to contract changes. The current postponement date remains unknown.

Rachanok said the committee has repeatedly requested cooperation and documents but received no response on delivery timelines. She noted that some officials even left the meeting in less than an hour. A key issue concerns Section 5 of the Terms of Reference, which mandates nationwide advertising via billboards, convenience store screens, and department stores. A Human Intelligence representative claimed this costs only 900,000 baht and is not essential, but Rachanok disagreed, arguing that specifications locked into the ToR must be met exactly.

Rachanok stated that attempting to downplay the 900,000-baht figure as insignificant was misleading. When she priced out the Section 5 specifications using Plan B's nationwide display network, she calculated the actual cost at roughly 9 million baht—far exceeding the quoted figure. This would effectively lock out competitors and allow only the display company to bid at the artificially low price.

She also raised concerns that no bidder specified which display company's screens they would use in their technical proposals, despite the ToR requiring top-five displays nationwide. Yet the Digital Economy Ministry and the scoring panel awarded points without clarifying this detail, suggesting evaluators knew the winning bidder's identity in advance. Rachanok further complained that the committee's request for both the original and amended contracts has gone unmet.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Orm Kornnaphat Takes Immediate Legal Action Against Defamation

Thai actress Orm Kornnaphat has authorized Shanghai Protector Law Firm to pursue immediate legal action against those spreading defamatory content about her on Chinese social media platforms, with no further warning letters to be issued.

Orm Kornnaphat Takes Immediate Legal Action Against Defamation
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2025, Shanghai Protector Law Firm announced it has been authorized by Orm Kornnaphat (Kornnaphat Sethratanapong) to take immediate legal action. This follows previous warning notices regarding violations of her reputation rights on Chinese online platforms including Weibo, Douban, and Bilibili.

After investigation, the firm discovered that certain individuals have continued spreading false information and defamatory content that further damages her reputation. The law firm now declares that all parties must immediately cease publishing, sharing, and commenting on the infringing content and delete all such material.

From this announcement forward, no further individual warning letters will be issued. Instead, the following legal measures will be pursued immediately:

— Civil lawsuits in civil court seeking cessation of infringement, removal of negative impact, reputation restoration, formal apology, and full economic damages including direct and indirect losses, emotional harm, and all reasonable costs of protecting her rights (including attorney fees, document certification, court fees, expert fees, etc.)

— Criminal complaints will be filed against those whose conduct may constitute criminal offenses

— Administrative complaints to public security authorities for defamation and insult in a public context

— For those with particularly severe violations or conduct that may constitute criminal offenses, criminal prosecution procedures will be fully pursued in cooperation with judicial authorities

The internet is not a lawless space or refuge for malicious conduct. The statement calls on those responsible to recognize the legal consequences of their actions and immediately cease the infringing conduct. All parties are warned that legal action will proceed without further notice.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Phuket Police Arrest Two In Cannabis Shop Raids

PHUKET: Phuket authorities have arrested two more people and seized cannabis products worth an estimated B120,000 in the latest phase of the provinces ongoing crackdown on cannabis businesses.

Phuket Police Arrest Two In Cannabis Shop Raids
24 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket authorities have arrested two more people and seized cannabis products worth an estimated B120,000 in the latest phase of the provinces ongoing crackdown on cannabis businesses.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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