Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Police Ordered to Monitor Released Prisoners Nationwide

Thailand's police have been ordered to monitor released prisoners nationwide through a centralized database system to prevent reoffending, with station commanders facing accountability for non-compliance.

Police Ordered to Monitor Released Prisoners Nationwide
1d ago Khaosod

The Royal Thai Police has ordered all police stations across Thailand to check and monitor the behavior of released prisoners to prevent repeat offenses. Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairuangkum Piamphairung announced that Police Chief Ittipol Chuachanhom has instructed all relevant units to enforce strict compliance with police regulations on prisoner monitoring and the National Police Office's crime prevention and suppression policies.

All police stations have been ordered to verify information about released prisoners entering their jurisdiction through the CRIMES system, which links data with the Department of Corrections. Police stations must use this information to record and report on released prisoners' behavior in the Police 4.0 application and maintain lists of suspended offenders, released prisoners, and local criminals for crime prevention analysis in their areas. Officers have been assigned to observe and report on the movements and conduct of these individuals according to established procedures, with station commanders regularly reviewing their activities.

The Criminal Records Registry and Information Technology Center have been instructed to update released prisoner information from the Department of Corrections in the CRIMES system immediately upon receipt. The Police Chief has emphasized the importance of this work and will conduct strict inspections of all police stations to ensure compliance. Any commander who neglects, fails to act, or unreasonably delays in carrying out these duties, resulting in damage or harm, will be held accountable for breach of duty.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Early Wake-Up No Escape: Thousands Swarm Santorini's Blue Dome

Even arriving at 6:30 a.m., a visitor found thousands already queued at Santorini's famous blue dome, turning the popular early-morning strategy into a crowded free-for-all that defeats its purpose.

Early Wake-Up No Escape: Thousands Swarm Santorini's Blue Dome
1d ago Khaosod

A traveler hoping to capture Santorini's famous blue dome with minimal crowds set her alarm for 6:30 a.m., envisioning pristine white walls, a striking blue dome, and morning sunlight. Instead, she encountered a seemingly endless queue of thousands waiting to photograph the same spot from identical angles, leaving no space to enjoy the view as imagined. Her viral video, captioned "The famous blue dome photo spot at 6:30 a.m.," quickly gathered over 110,000 views and sparked comment sections noting that everyone online receives the same travel tips, turning the early-morning strategy into a crowded free-for-all.

Adeel concluded that "social media has stripped Santorini of its charm," observing that "you only see people, not the beauty of the place." The footage captured a bride in a wedding dress waiting in the same queue as other tourists, prompting viewers to call the trip a waste and question whether destroying a destination's appeal for social media likes is worthwhile. Santorini welcomes approximately 3.4 million tourists annually against a permanent population of only 15,500, making the blue dome, white cliff houses, and iconic sunsets flashpoints for overtourism across Europe, much like Venice, Barcelona, and Majorca.

Paradoxically, while Adeel intended to capture a sunrise, her video of the massive queue drew far more attention than any sunrise photo could have, suggesting that crowds themselves have become the content. As viral travel advice spreads, the very tips meant to help travelers discover hidden beauty—such as waking early—ultimately concentrate visitors into the same times and places, defeating their original purpose.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Community

Thai Actress Injured After Competing in Hyrox Fitness Race

Thai actress Janistar suffered severe injuries competing in the Hyrox hybrid fitness race and warned others to prepare properly, sharing painful physical therapy footage to highlight the risks of inadequate training.

Thai Actress Injured After Competing in Hyrox Fitness Race
1d ago Khaosod

Thai actress Janistar has shared a cautionary video after competing in the Hyrox fitness race, revealing that the experience left her severely injured and requiring physical therapy treatment. Hyrox is a hybrid fitness competition that combines 8 kilometers of running alternated with eight fitness stations, testing both strength and cardiovascular endurance with standardized rules recognized worldwide. The event has attracted numerous Thai celebrities and influencers looking to measure their fitness levels.

Janistar's participation drew attention from her fanbase, as her public image is associated with a more relaxed lifestyle. However, after completing the competition, she shared footage of herself undergoing physical therapy while in pain, cautioning other fitness enthusiasts with a message stating: "If your body isn't ready or you haven't warmed up properly, you can get injured. Look at my condition—ended up at the physical therapy clinic." The video, accompanied by screams of pain during treatment, sparked mixed reactions from followers, with many commenting humorously that she should return to her former lifestyle rather than risk further injury from intense competition.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Expands Auto Gate at Suvarnabhumi to Speed Arrivals

Thailand is expanding automated immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport to 33 nationalities and improving tourist facilities as part of short-term efforts to reduce arrival queues and enhance visitor experience.

Thailand Expands Auto Gate at Suvarnabhumi to Speed Arrivals
1d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Panitchpakdi chaired a coordination meeting at Suvarnabhumi Airport on August 17 to enhance tourist facilities and streamline immigration procedures. The delegation included Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjairutgul, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsukulkiati, and Pattrapong Pattrasit, along with immigration, tourist police, and Thai Airways officials.

Supachee emphasized that Suvarnabhumi is not merely an airport but Thailand's first impression on visitors. Long immigration queues or poor service damage visitor confidence and tourism revenue. She stressed that improvements must cover the entire journey—from convenience and security through customs, baggage claim, and airport departure, including managing wait times.

Short-term measures include reducing queue times, staffing adjustments during peak flights, expanded waiting areas, and extending Auto Gate access to 33 nationalities to bypass low-risk passengers. The government also aims to fix issues with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system after tourists were duped by fraudulent websites charging fees for the free official service. Airlines will be instructed to inform passengers before check-in and direct them to the correct QR code.

Supachee noted that wait times should become positive experiences through hospitality-driven solutions—improved queuing systems and displays of Thai culture like Khon dance, shadow puppetry, or folk music to transform bottlenecks into memorable moments.

Medium-term plans include using the Satellite Terminal as an additional immigration checkpoint and streamlining passenger flow to baggage claim to reduce congestion in the main building. Long-term priorities focus on accelerating the East Terminal expansion to handle higher passenger volumes and preparing systems before Thailand implements tourist fee collection next year. As the government seeks higher revenue from visitors, it must improve service standards in parallel.

Tourism Minister Surasak noted that first impressions begin at airport entry, and during peak periods, physical management must align with passenger care. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is preparing cultural performances and traditional music to create Thai atmosphere in appropriate areas. Transport Ministry officials said they will enhance facilities for both arrivals and departures.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Arrest 20 in Isan Scam Network, Recover 3 Million Baht

Police arrested 20 suspects across Isan in a crackdown on online scam networks, recovering over 3 million baht for victims after one gang defrauded a retiree of 19 million baht through fake stock trading schemes.

Police Arrest 20 in Isan Scam Network, Recover 3 Million Baht
1d ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen — At the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3 headquarters in Khon Kaen, Deputy National Police Commissioner Tri Rong Piw Phan and other senior officers announced the results of a sweep against a scammer network operating across the Isan region. Police arrested 20 suspects and recovered 3,088,294 baht for victims.

One major case involved an online stock trading fraud targeting a 70-year-old man, with losses totaling 19 million baht. Scammers built credibility by using SEC logos on their profiles, convincing the victim to transfer money 22 times to 15 different bank accounts. The gang used accounts registered under individuals, juristic persons, and companies to appear legitimate.

Investigation revealed foreign nationals were involved in cash management and withdrawals. Police obtained court warrants to arrest company directors and account holders, but the alleged Chinese investor remained in hiding. The breakthrough came by tracing financial flows through 13 money-mule accounts to the company Thanyasini Mobile, leading to the arrest of a cash courier and the company manager, Thanasini.

A second operation by Crime Suppression Division 2 arrested five suspects for social media investment scams and equipment sales fraud. They used fake investment returns and system-crash excuses to prevent victims from withdrawing funds. Police identified money laundering through 13 proxy accounts across multiple provinces and recovered partial refunds for victims.

Despite continuous enforcement efforts reducing incidents by over 50%, police data shows approximately 900 Thais still fall victim to these scams daily, with losses averaging 40 million baht per day. Bangkok and surrounding areas remain the most affected.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Weather

18 Provinces Warned of Flash Floods August 19–21

Eighteen Thai provinces face flash flood warnings through August 21 as a monsoon trough and strengthening southwest monsoon bring heavy rainfall across the north, northeast, and eastern regions.

18 Provinces Warned of Flash Floods August 19–21
1d ago Khaosod

The National Water Resources Office warned on August 17, 2025, that 18 provinces must prepare for flash floods and flooding from August 19–21 as a monsoon trough moves across the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The office cautioned residents in flood-prone urban areas where drainage systems may be overwhelmed, and in zones at risk of flash floods, mudslides, and riverbank overflow due to heavy and cumulative rainfall.

The 18 provinces on alert are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uthai Thani, Tak, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Chanthaburi, Trat, Kanchanaburi, and areas at risk based on cumulative rainfall. (The source data lists 17 provinces—10 in the north, 4 in the upper northeast, 2 in the east, and Kanchanaburi.)

As of August 17, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., the highest rainfall recorded by region was Chiang Mai in the north at 73 mm, Bueng Kan in the northeast at 35 mm, Lopburi in the central region at 22 mm, Sa Kaew in the east at 30 mm, Kanchanaburi in the west at 19 mm, and Satun in the south at 70 mm. Heavy rain is forecast to continue on August 17 in the north, upper northeast, east, and southwestern south. From August 18–22, the north and upper northeast are expected to see increased and heavy rainfall in many areas as the monsoon trough drifts southward while the southwest monsoon remains strong over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf.

Nationally, water reservoirs held 48,320 million cubic meters (60% capacity) on August 17, with 24,199 million cubic meters in use (43%). By region: the north held 15,915 million cubic meters (58%), the northeast 5,803 million cubic meters (48%), the central region 641 million cubic meters (34%), the east 1,511 million cubic meters (48%), the west 19,672 million cubic meters (69%), and the south 4,778 million cubic meters (62%).

The four major dams in the Chao Phraya basin showed: Bhumibol Dam at 7,334 million cubic meters (54%), Sirikit Dam at 6,113 million cubic meters (64%), Khwae Noi Bamrung Dam at 288 million cubic meters (31%), and Pasak Chachoen Dam at 248 million cubic meters (28%). The three major reservoirs in the Eastern Economic Corridor held: Bang Phra at 54 million cubic meters (46%), Nong Plalai at 84 million cubic meters (51%), and Prasae at 196 million cubic meters (66%).

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Chamber Pushes Russia Trade Deal to Boost Bilateral Commerce

Thai business leaders visited Russia to expand bilateral trade and push for a free trade agreement with the EAEU bloc, citing agriculture and fertilizer imports as key growth areas worth potentially $2.2 billion annually.

Thai Chamber Pushes Russia Trade Deal to Boost Bilateral Commerce
1d ago Khaosod

The Thai Chamber of Commerce, headed by Pon Aramwattananon alongside Vice Chairman Chanin Cholisraarongse, led a private-sector delegation to Russia accompanying Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Siwarak Poungketkeaw. The delegation aims to expand trade, investment, and business opportunities between the two countries. During the visit, Thai business leaders met with Russian economic organizations including the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Russian-Thai Business Council to discuss sector linkages and preparations for the Russian-Thai Investment Forum 2026, scheduled for October 29-31, 2026, in Bangkok. The delegation also participated in the Joint Russian-Thai Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, where Thai representatives outlined measures to strengthen balanced economic cooperation between the nations.

According to Pon, Thailand and Russia enjoy a long-standing relationship spanning people-to-people ties, tourism, and trade. Last year, bilateral trade reached approximately $1.7 billion, with the first half of this year already totaling around $1 billion and projected to reach $2.2 billion by year-end. However, this does not reflect true potential, particularly in agriculture and food exports, which offer significant growth opportunities.

The Thai private sector believes Thailand should accelerate negotiations for a Thai-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to establish a systematic economic cooperation framework, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and facilitate trade, investment, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity with EAEU members: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Pon stated that Russia is not merely an important market but a gateway to the EAEU market of over 185 million people. A successful Thai-EAEU FTA would open new markets for Thai goods and services while providing access to raw materials, energy, fertilizers, and technology vital to Thai manufacturing.

Both sides emphasize reciprocity and mutual benefit in trade cooperation. Thailand seeks to import 1-2 million tons annually of urea fertilizer from Russia to strengthen input security and ease the burden on Thai farmers, with Russia ready to support long-term contracts. Thailand offers high-quality agricultural and food products, particularly canned tuna and animal feed, while Russia supplies fertilizers, wheat flour, king crab, sunflower oil, beef, and premium seafood to meet Thai market demand.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Kasetsart University Installs 16th Rector

Assistant Professor Dr. Kongsakdi Thiangtharm was installed as Kasetsart University's 16th rector on Monday, pledging to advance the institution through collaborative leadership and a 20-year strategic vision centered on integrity and natio

Kasetsart University Installs 16th Rector
1d ago Khaosod

Kasetsart University held a royal appointment ceremony to install Assistant Professor Dr. Kongsakdi Thiangtharm as rector on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Sudtham Areekul Conference Room. University council chairman Dr. Kritsanapong Kirtikorn presided over the ceremony, which included paying respects before the royal appointment was formally read.

After receiving the royal appointment, Rector Kongsakdi pledged to carry out his duties with full responsibility and commitment, stating his determination to advance Kasetsart University through honesty and integrity for the benefit of education, society, and the nation.

In outlining his management vision to senior staff and faculty, Rector Kongsakdi emphasized collaborative leadership and shared commitment. "I believe our collective strength grows when we work together to overcome challenges," he said. "Every administrator is ready and fully committed to working together across all sectors. Our policies emerge from everyone's participation, and we are building a 20-year strategic blueprint that depends entirely on mutual cooperation."

He identified three core principles guiding his tenure: Syntegration—collaborative teamwork where leaders act together with shared vision, reducing individual ego and departmental silos to focus on the university's unified goal and Thailand's broader interests; Glocalization—thinking globally about worldwide changes and challenges while maintaining deep understanding of Thai identity and local community problems; and ensuring all actions meet international standards while addressing local and national needs.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

30 Bags of Meth Found Buried at Khon Kaen Prison Site

Workers excavating a construction site at Khon Kaen Central Prison in Thailand unearthed 30 bags of methamphetamine buried underground on August 17, 2026. Authorities are investigating whether the drugs were deliberately planted or arrived

30 Bags of Meth Found Buried at Khon Kaen Prison Site
1d ago Khaosod

KHON KAEN — On 17 August 2026, forensic officers inspected a construction site for a new staff residence at Khon Kaen Central Prison after workers uncovered 30 bags containing methamphetamine while excavating the ground.

Khon Kaen Central Prison Director Phairat Khaminthakul, Muang Khon Kaen Police Chief Pol. Col. Yotsawat Kaewsuebthannij, Muang Khon Kaen district officials and officers from the Regional Forensic Science Center 4 inspected the site, located south of the prison.

The drugs were discovered after a construction worker operating an excavator was clearing and levelling the land in preparation for construction. The machine uncovered 30 opaque plastic bags buried underground, 24 blue bags and six pink bags.

Authorities cordoned off the areas where the bags were initially found and where the excavator later dragged the bags containing the methamphetamine, around 50 metres from the original discovery point.

Investigators also questioned construction workers, the excavator operator and prison officials responsible for security and overseeing the construction project.

Pol. Col. Yotsawat said the drugs were found along the edge of the construction area, about 10 metres from the prison wall surrounding the inmates' detention area. The site had previously been overgrown and used for dumping rubbish. Workers had been clearing the rubbish and filling the area with soil when they uncovered the drugs.

"We need to determine whether the drugs are old or newly placed. We are questioning all relevant witnesses and checking CCTV footage," Pol. Col. Yotsawat said.

The discovery site is opposite one of the prison's CCTV cameras, but the camera is facing in a different direction.

Authorities are considering two main possibilities: that the drugs were deliberately left there by someone with malicious intent, or that they were buried in soil brought in to fill the site. Investigators will determine the cause through further examination.

Prison director Phairat said all possibilities must be investigated. The prison has coordinated with the contractor after handing over the site to a private company to build a four-storey staff accommodation building with 32 rooms. The site was handed over in February, while construction under the contract began in July.

Following the discovery, authorities will completely seal off the construction area to prevent construction workers from coming into contact with inmates who are taken outside the prison for community service. Unauthorised people will also be barred from entering the area.

"We have patrol officers checking the area around the prison every hour, while officers remain stationed at the prison's watchtowers around the clock," Phairat said.

Security measures will now be tightened, including strict checks on everyone entering and leaving the prison, designated parking areas and waiting zones for visitors, as well as areas used as residences by prison officials and staff. The prison also conducts thorough searches.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Vocational Student Shoots Rival Dead in Broad Daylight

A 17-year-old vocational student shot and killed a rival in broad daylight in Phichit province on August 17, firing four times from an illegally purchased handgun; both the gunman and 14-year-old driver were arrested.

Vocational Student Shoots Rival Dead in Broad Daylight
1d ago Khaosod

On August 17, Deputy Suprintendent Nakorn Saiyut, duty officer at Pho Thale District Police Station in Phichit province, received a report of two gunmen on an unregistered motorcycle shooting a teenage boy, resulting in one fatality. The incident occurred in front of a house in Moo 5, Bang Khlan subdistrict, Pho Thale district, Phichit province. Officers rushed to the scene and found the victim, identified as Nuan, 17, a Grade 5 student at Bang Mun Na Phumi Witthayakhom School, lying in a pool of blood. He had been shot four times with an 11-millimeter handgun in the chest and breast area. Four shell casings were recovered as evidence.

The two suspects fled to Bang Mun Na district but were arrested shortly after, along with the motorcycle used in the shooting. The gunman was identified as Dol, 17, a vocational college student from Phichit studying in Phitsanulok province. The driver was a 14-year-old from Phichit. According to the investigation, Nuan had come to get motorcycle repair equipment from the house when Dol and the young driver arrived on a motorcycle. When Nuan came out to check the sound, Dol opened fire, hitting him four times fatally. The two had a prior dispute.

Dol confessed to purchasing the 11-millimeter handgun from the internet for 30,000 baht, which was loaded with 8 rounds. He fired four shots. Authorities charged both suspects with premeditated murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and illegally carrying a gun in a public area without authorization or emergency justification. Further investigation is ongoing.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Chinese Tourist, 44, Dies After Drowning in Phuket Hotel Pool

A 44-year-old Chinese tourist drowned in a Phuket hotel pool on August 17 after his daughter found him unresponsive in the water; he was pronounced dead at the hospital despite resuscitation efforts.

Chinese Tourist, 44, Dies After Drowning in Phuket Hotel Pool
1d ago Khaosod

On August 17, 2025, Phuket's Patong Police Station received notification from Patong Hospital requesting an investigation into a fatal drowning. The victim was identified as 44-year-old Chinese national Mr. Ye, who was staying at a hotel in Phuket with his family from August 16 to 22.

Ye had entered the hotel's swimming pool, which is approximately 2 meters deep. His daughter later found him standing motionless in the water and called for assistance. Foreign swimmers nearby immediately responded and pulled his body to the edge of the pool, where they performed chest compressions and called an ambulance.

Despite medical team efforts, Ye was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m. at Patong Hospital. Dr. Suksan Kamnuansilp, the attending physician, conducted a preliminary autopsy. The body was transferred to the forensic pathology division at Vachira Hospital in Phuket for official autopsy procedures. Police documented the scene, collected evidence, and notified the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to proceed with appropriate protocols.

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.