Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Local

Pattaya Mayor Denies Reports of Forest Land Request for Dump

Pattaya's mayor denied reports that the city requested forest land for a garbage dump, clarifying instead that informal consultations are underway to find suitable land for a stray dog center serving the wider district.

Pattaya Mayor Denies Reports of Forest Land Request for Dump
6d ago Khaosod

Pattaya Mayor Pramesuan Gampichet has denied inaccurate reports about the municipality's plans, saying the claims of requesting forest land for a garbage dump and dog shelter are baseless. The mayor explained that Pattaya is seriously tackling the stray dog problem through ongoing neutering, vaccination against rabies, and a memorandum of understanding with Pong Subdistrict Municipality to transfer dogs to local shelters.

The mayor noted that current legal constraints limit the number of dogs the municipality can accept and restrict budget use to food and caretaker wages only. To work more comprehensively and efficiently, Pattaya officials have informally consulted with forest officials about finding suitable land for a stray dog center covering the entire Bang Lamung District. The proposed area would include reforestation, water sources, and public parks while preventing forest encroachment.

The mayor outlined four legal steps: first, the municipal council must approve operations outside municipal boundaries—which has already been passed; second, a community meeting must be held by the responsible subdistrict municipality; third, formal permission must be requested from the Department of Forests; and fourth, the Department of Forests must grant approval. The mayor emphasized that the project is currently in the study phase and no construction or facility has been established. He stressed that the stray dog problem requires serious public attention and cooperation.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Police

Truck Wheels Kill Two Teachers At Red Light

Two schoolteachers on a motorcycle suffered serious leg injuries when detached wheels from a 22-wheel truck rolled into them at a red light in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on August 12.

Truck Wheels Kill Two Teachers At Red Light
6d ago Khaosod

On August 12, 2025, Chaiyon Amphansan, Deputy Inspector of Wang Takian Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan, responded to a report of a 22-wheel trailer truck's wheels detaching and rolling into a motorcycle stopped at a red light. The incident occurred at the Wang Tha Chang intersection on Highway 359 between Phonmsakam and Sa Kaew in Wang Tha Chang Subdistrict, Kabinburi District. Two people were injured. Officers and rescue units from the Satchcha Buddhist Foundation of Thailand rushed to the scene and found an overturned motorcycle with severe damage, pinned by the massive dual rear wheels. The male and female riders had been thrown from the bike and lay crying in pain. Both are schoolteachers with serious injuries to their right legs. Rescue workers provided emergency first aid before rushing them to hospital.

The 22-wheel truck remained parked at the scene with its rear right axle bolt broken and one pair of dual wheels missing. The injured male teacher reported that he and his girlfriend were returning home after paying respects to his mother and were heading to Khao Yai National Park for a trip. When they reached the intersection, it was red light. While waiting, the 22-wheel trailer suddenly turned across from ahead, and its rear wheels detached, rolling straight into their motorcycle with violent force. They were thrown from the bike before they could brace themselves.

The truck driver told police he was traveling from Khao Hin Sop and intended to turn into a field at the Wang Tha Chang red light intersection. During the turn, he did not realize the rear axle bolt had snapped and the wheels had come loose. Only when he checked his mirror did he see the wheels rolling away and striking the motorcycle, injuring its riders. He immediately stopped to help. Police initially questioned the driver for further witness statements to proceed with legal action and coordinated compensation and medical expenses for the injured parties.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Factory Suspected of Dumping Toxic Waste Into Canal

Residents of Bun Loet Canal in Prachuap Khiri Khan province reported finding severely blackened water, foam, and dead fish, suspecting toxic waste dumping from an upstream factory. Authorities have banned water use pending lab tests to iden

Factory Suspected of Dumping Toxic Waste Into Canal
6d ago Khaosod

Residents of Bun Loet Canal village, Moo 16, Wang Tha Chang subdistrict, Kabinburi district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, reported finding severely blackened water with foam on the surface and a strong foul odor in the canal. Dead fish, including silver barb and climbing perch, were found floating along the banks, raising fears that chemical or toxic substances may have leaked into the natural water source. Village leaders, subdistrict council members, and the Wang Tha Chang subdistrict administration were alerted to investigate urgently.

Field inspections confirmed the canal water was pitch black with foam floating on the surface and an overpowering stench throughout. Dead fish carcasses were discovered along the shoreline. Village headman Udom Thongsaenkhum reported that residents first noticed the water turning black with a strong odor and found three to four dead fish the previous evening. The source of the chemical contamination has not yet been determined, as the canal originates upstream from Khao Chakkhram district in Sa Kaew province.

Community leaders have temporarily banned residents from using canal water for drinking, consumption, and agriculture as a precaution. The area has existing concerns about residual toxins, and authorities are waiting for water samples to be collected and tested to determine the true cause. A local resident named Sa, who raises 28 cattle, expressed distress that she can no longer allow her herd to drink from the canal and now must carry water from her home for the animals, imposing a heavy burden on her livelihood. She has urged government agencies to urgently investigate and identify the source of the pollution.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Fire Engulfs Luxury Home in Phuket

A luxury home in Phuket's Kamala area caught fire Wednesday afternoon, with thick smoke pouring from the third floor, though no injuries were reported.

Fire Engulfs Luxury Home in Phuket
6d ago The Phuket Express

Phuket – A fire broke out late Wednesday afternoon (August 12th) at a luxury residence in Kamala, sending thick smoke billowing from the third floor of the property. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. At approximately 5:10 p.m., Pol. Lt. Phirawat Yodtor, an investigator with Kamala Police Station, received an emergency call about the […]

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Community

Devotees Flock to Luang Pho Somwang Temple on Mother's Day

Thousands of devotees visited Klang Bang Phra Temple in Nakhon Pathom on Mother's Day to make merit at the revered 30-meter Buddha image, with many seeking blessings for family prosperity and lottery luck.

Devotees Flock to Luang Pho Somwang Temple on Mother's Day
6d ago Khaosod

Devotees and families flocked to Klang Bang Phra Temple on August 12, 2026, to pay respects to Luang Pho Somwang, a 30-meter-tall Buddha image revered by locals and foreign visitors alike for its spiritual power. The temple, located in Nakhon Pathom Province, is famous for granting blessings and good fortune to those who make merit there, with worshippers often returning to make offerings if their wishes are fulfilled. The atmosphere was crowded on Mother's Day, with children and parents joining long queues to place gold leaf on the Buddha's right hand. Many lottery enthusiasts also visited, as the lottery draw was just four days away, hoping to receive lucky numbers through chance-drawing rituals.

Suwan, a 30-year-old housewife from Samut Sakhon, brought her five-year-old daughter to the temple for the first time on Mother's Day with her husband, a factory technician. She had heard of the temple's reputation for good fortune and decided to visit. Suwan prayed for her daughter's future success, good health, and education, and for her husband's career advancement and family prosperity. She also hoped to obtain a car to transport her daughter to school. She asked her daughter to draw three lottery balls from a container, receiving the numbers 841. Before leaving, Suwan performed a respectful gesture, raising her hands to her head while praying for her wishes to be granted, vowing to return with offerings of roasted pork, rice, and eggs if her wishes come true.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Deploy Security at Khon Kaen Temple Over Demolition Threat

Police deployed officers around a Khon Kaen temple after a real-estate agent threatened on radio to demolish its wall in a land dispute, prompting authorities to establish patrols and checkpoints to prevent potential property damage and mai

Police Deploy Security at Khon Kaen Temple Over Demolition Threat
6d ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen police have increased security around Wat Pa Adulyaram temple following remarks by a real-estate agent on a local radio show who claimed she would demolish the temple wall in a land dispute. Officers are stationed at entry and exit points and key locations with continuous patrols.

On August 12, 2026, a woman identified as a real-estate agent and sister of an inheritance manager called into a Khon Kaen radio programme to dispute a land case involving Wat Pa Adulyaram in Khon Kaen municipality. While explaining the dispute and asserting her claims, she stated at the end of the call that she would demolish the temple wall, shocking listeners on air.

City Police Commander Yoswatchai Kaewsaipanya subsequently ordered patrol officers to conduct a show of force and heightened surveillance of the Wat Pa Adulyaram area on Kalpapruek Road in Muang District, Khon Kaen province and surrounding areas. The deployment followed online social media posts and statements that could alarm residents and lead to public disorder.

Police established a visible presence, patrolled entry and exit points and key locations, and scheduled regular checkpoints to prevent confrontation, property damage, or any actions that could threaten public order. Police emphasized that temples and religious sites are places of worship and spiritual centers for Buddhists, requiring special attention to maintaining peace and security so monks, residents, and worshippers can use the facility safely and with confidence.

Muang Police Station affirmed its commitment to maintaining public order by preventing incidents, reducing confrontation, and enforcing the law appropriately to ensure that disputes do not disrupt the religious site and public peace.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Parliament Appoints Dechrat Sukkamanid as Opposition Leader Spokesman

Dechrat Sukkamanid has been formally appointed as the opposition leader's spokesman in Thailand's House of Representatives, effective May 14, 2024, according to a Royal Gazette announcement signed by the House Speaker.

Parliament Appoints Dechrat Sukkamanid as Opposition Leader Spokesman
6d ago Khaosod

The Royal Gazette has published an official announcement appointing Dechrat Sukkamanid as spokesman for the opposition leader in the House of Representatives. The announcement was signed by Sopin Sarom, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and dated June 11, 2024.

According to the announcement, following a royal decree that appointed the opposition leader on May 8, 2024, under Article 106 of the Thai Constitution, the appointment was made under the authority of the Parliamentary Staff Regulations Act of 2011. Dechrat Sukkamanid has been appointed as a political parliamentary staff member to the position of opposition leader spokesman in the House of Representatives, effective from May 14, 2024.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to Tighten Steel Standards, Target Induction Furnaces

Thailand will tighten steel standards through public consultation starting August 17, with stricter scrutiny on induction furnaces used in construction rebar due to quality control concerns and higher failure rates.

Thailand to Tighten Steel Standards, Target Induction Furnaces
6d ago Khaosod

The Industrial Product Standards Committee will open a public consultation on August 17 to review proposed new steel standards and strengthen construction material safety. The committee has voted to revise steel standards, especially rebar used in building structures, with particular scrutiny on induction furnace production due to quality control limitations.

Following approvals on June 23 and July 21, the committee has tasked the Industrial Product Standards Office to refine the draft standard and conduct public hearings before finalizing the new Thai Standard 24-25xx.

The core aim is to strengthen steel standards for effective quality and safety control, particularly for rebar used in critical structural components like columns and beams that directly affect building integrity. Induction furnaces face a key limitation: their melting process combines multiple raw materials, making composition control and contaminant removal difficult. Poor process control can result in substandard steel properties that compromise structural strength and safety.

Random inspection data shows steel from induction furnaces has a higher failure rate than other furnace types, highlighting the need for strict production and quality controls from the outset. Artwich Suwannaphakdi noted that when production technology has limitations and inspection capacity is insufficient, raising standards becomes essential to manage risk. The Industry Ministry's steel standards inspection team has only five staff, severely limiting factory oversight coverage.

This standard revision is not merely an industrial requirement but a public safety measure, especially for steel used in building structures where quality failures can have wide-reaching impacts on lives and property. August 17 marks the public hearing phase; the new standard is not yet mandatory. The Standards Office will compile feedback, assess regulatory impact, and submit findings to the committee before the standard advances through regulatory and royal gazette procedures.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Anuthin Performs at OTOP Arts Festival Event

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul took to the stage at the Thai Crafts OTOP exhibition during Mother's Day celebrations, performing with a live band and dancing with visitors to mark the event at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

PM Anuthin Performs at OTOP Arts Festival Event
6d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister attended the "Thai Crafts OTOP: Touching Hearts with Royal Blessing" 2569 exhibition during Mother's Day celebrations, held August 8-16 at Challenger Hall 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani. This was the PM's fourth visit following inspection trips on August 8-9 and the official opening on August 10. During his tour, Anuthin joined The Palette band on stage to perform, inviting audience members to sing along and dancing with young visitors in a relaxed, friendly manner that created a festive atmosphere throughout the venue.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Cambodian Gang Steals Motorcycles for Cross-Border Resale

Cambodian gang members arrested in Rayong after stealing ten motorcycles intended for resale across the border in Cambodia at inflated prices. Police seized the bikes and detained four suspects while hunting for the gang's leaders.

Cambodian Gang Steals Motorcycles for Cross-Border Resale
6d ago Khaosod

On August 12, Deputy Commander Tor Sak Sareeratana of Rayong Provincial Police announced the arrest of four Cambodian suspects—three men and one woman—along with the seizure of ten motorcycles stolen from villages across Ban Khao, Pluak Daeng, Muang Rayong, and Wang Chan districts. According to Tor Sak, the gang members named Thon Goh, Mike, and Guy stole a Honda Giorno motorcycle parked in front of a rental room in Chumsamg subdistrict at midnight on July 27. On August 9 at 3 a.m., the same three men attempted to steal a Honda PCX motorcycle, but the owner heard them and interrupted the theft, forcing the criminals to flee empty-handed. Later that day at 8 p.m., they successfully stole another Honda Giorno from a rental room in Phlongta-ian subdistrict.

Police reviewed CCTV footage of the suspects' escape route and identified them as Cambodian nationals renting accommodation at Chumsamg market near the Wang Chan-Khao Chamao road. Officers conducted a raid and arrested the suspects along with the ten stolen motorcycles. The gang intended to sell the bikes in Cambodia for 110,000 to 150,000 baht each through an accomplice named Sai and a buyer named Sunsai. The gang is led by Thai, a previously convicted offender who recruited members to systematically steal motorcycles—particularly Honda PCX models, which are in high demand in Cambodia. Thai and another gang member named Chin remain at large. The gang obtained theft tools including remote controls and code-setting boxes from Cambodia, while other equipment was purchased from local markets. Police have now seized 20 motorcycles and arrested six suspects, with ongoing coordination with border checkpoints to heighten security.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Former Politician Charged in Fatal Shooting of Nonthaburi Administrator

Former three-term Nonthaburi MP Chalor Riewrang has been charged with fatally shooting provincial administrator Thongchai Yenprasert, his political rival, on August 10, ending a career marked by party-switching and previous legal troubles.

Former Politician Charged in Fatal Shooting of Nonthaburi Administrator
6d ago Khaosod

From local politician to three-term member of parliament, Chalor Riewrang built both renown and notoriety, earning legendary nicknames along the way. Today, his life has reached its lowest point after he was charged with shooting Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, resulting in Yenprasert's death.

Chalor began by building his political base in local government before entering the national arena. He switched parties countless times, eventually winning election as Nonthaburi MP three times: in 1996 under the Thai Nation Party, 2005 under Thai Rak Thai, and 2011 under For Thailand Party.

The nickname "Lung Snake Charmer" came from voting against his own party line in 1997, when he and 12 other MPs supported Chuan Leekpai for prime minister. The nickname "Lung Bootleg CD" stemmed from allegations that he was involved in a bootleg CD operation; police raided his home but found no evidence of wrongdoing.

He faced another case for filing false asset and debt declarations to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The Supreme Court convicted him in 2019, sentencing him to one month in jail and a 4,000-baht fine, with the sentence suspended for one year.

His political star began fading steadily. In the 2019 election, he ran under the Palang Pracharath Party but lost. In 2020, he challenged for the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization chair under the Nonthaburi Power Group banner but lost to the same Thongchai Yenprasert—the man he would later shoot.

After that defeat, Chalor quietly faded from the political spotlight. Though he joined the Thai Pride Party in 2022, he never regained any significant role.

Then on August 10, Chalor fired a 9-millimeter weapon at Thongchai, killing him, and wounded Thongchai's driver. Chalor claimed the shooting was over an 11-million-baht debt, but the Provincial Administrative Organization and Thongchai's associates denied any such debt existed.

Regardless of the facts, the answer must come through the justice system, not through the barrel of a gun. The court denied bail, and Chalor is now held in prison pending trial.

This is not merely the end of one politician's career, but a cautionary tale for all in politics. Power is fleeting, reputation is fragile, and the high walls built on political gain can crumble at any moment. When trouble comes, no office ranks above the law.

This lesson extends beyond serious crime to serious political wrongs—corruption, abuse of power, defrauding the nation and the people. Whether one uses a gun or abuses power while believing oneself above the law, the price one eventually pays may exceed the walls one built. And when that day comes, no position, no party, no ally can reach out to help. It is then a tiger's paw.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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