Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Sansiri Launches Digital Bonds Via Pao Tang App

Sansiri launches digital bonds through Krung Thai Bank's Pao Tang app starting August 27, offering 3.80% annual returns with a 1,000 baht minimum investment and 24-hour secondary market trading.

Sansiri Launches Digital Bonds Via Pao Tang App
4 Aug Khaosod

Sansiri is preparing to offer digital bonds through Pao Tang, opening subscriptions on August 27 with an interest rate of 3.80% per year. Sansiri reaffirms its position as Asia's first real estate leader to pioneer digital fundraising, creating sustainable growth and equal investment opportunities for all investors. In partnership with Krung Thai Bank, the company is launching digital bond subscriptions through the Pao Tang wallet application, allowing investors to start with just 1,000 baht.

The bonds offer steady returns in volatile market conditions with fixed interest rates of 3.70–3.80% per year, paid quarterly over a 5-year investment period. The bonds carry a BBB+/Stable credit rating from Tris Rating and provide liquidity through 24-hour secondary market trading via the Pao Tang app, where investors can view holdings and buy-sell prices in one place.

Vicharn Viriyaphusit, Chief Financial Officer of Sansiri Public Company Limited, stated that Sansiri and Krung Thai Bank have successfully pioneered digital fundraising to provide easy and equal access to investment opportunities. The company is reoffering digital bonds in response to investor demand through the Pao Tang application. Subscriptions are expected to open on August 27, 2026, offering a steady return investment option with fixed interest rates of 3.70–3.80% per year over a 5-year term with quarterly interest payments. Investors will also be able to trade bonds in the secondary market in real-time, 24 hours a day.

The Sansiri digital bonds are registered bonds of the unsecured, non-subordinated type with a bondholder representative. They received a BBB+ credit rating with a stable outlook from Tris Rating on August 3, 2026, reflecting Sansiri's strong brand, diverse housing products, and solid profitability.

Over 40 years, Sansiri has demonstrated its commitment to being a model corporate citizen and playing a modern private sector role in driving sustainability. Beyond its success and leadership in Thai real estate, Sansiri remains dedicated to its mission as a good corporate citizen, standing alongside Thai society for over 40 years under an ESG framework focused on four sustainable pillars. The company has engaged in multi-dimensional social problem-solving with an emphasis on creating "practical, implementable models."

From field-based community assistance during crises to promoting circular economy initiatives among small restaurants and farmers, to systematically improving education equity through the "Zero Dropout: Every Child Must Study" program piloted in Ratchaburi Province—which has helped over 13,000 students and out-of-school youth return to formal education—Sansiri continues to make an impact. The company's commitment to equality was recently recognized with the Prime Minister's TZD+ Award for outstanding national-level organizational advancement in 2026. This same commitment to accessibility has now extended to the digital bond offering, which opens investment opportunities to a broader range of investors.

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Community

12-Year-Old Singer Saves $1 Million to Build Home for Great-Grandmother

A 12-year-old singer named Phak Bung has saved over 1 million baht from traditional ceremony performances to build a new home for her 80-year-old great-grandmother in southern Thailand. The house is nearly complete and set to finish on her

12-Year-Old Singer Saves $1 Million to Build Home for Great-Grandmother
4 Aug Khaosod

Tosapol Himphan is proud of his 12-year-old daughter, known as "Phak Bung," who has saved money from singing and performing traditional Naka ceremonies to build a home worth over 1 million baht for her great-grandmother. The project is nearly 90 percent complete and is scheduled to be finished on her 13th birthday, October 17. Tosapol plans to formally train Phak Bung next year to take on full Naka ceremony performances, as multiple event organizers have requested her services. He aims to have her carry on the family tradition of Lam Lom singing and ceremonial work.

Phak Bung has been saving money since she was 4 or 5 years old, earning rewards from singing performances and working alongside her father at ceremonies. She earns between 3,000 to 10,000 baht per event, which she has been accumulating steadily. The home project was something she promised her great-grandmother, now 80 years old, whose original house—built in 1981 or 1982—had become too dilapidated to repair. Tosapol emphasizes that none of the construction funds came from his or his wife's money; all savings are Phak Bung's own earnings from performances.

When asked if working interferes with her schooling, Tosapol says performances are scheduled mainly on weekends, though she occasionally misses school when event organizers specifically request her. He notes that Phak Bung is disciplined with money, often depositing earnings into her personal savings account. Fans and followers admire her filial piety and work ethic at such a young age. The total project cost, including the house and furnishings like air conditioning units, is approximately 1 million baht, with about 850,000 baht already spent.

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Police

Soil Collapse Buries Worker at Rayong Construction Site

A 38-year-old woman was trapped and rescued after a soil pile collapsed into a four-meter-deep excavation pit on Sukhumvit Road in Rayong on August 4, burying her while she worked on a drainage pipe project.

Soil Collapse Buries Worker at Rayong Construction Site
4 Aug Khaosod

At 1:00 p.m. on August 4, 2025, rescue teams from Sawaeng Phorn Kusol Foundation in Rayong responded to a soil collapse that buried construction workers on Sukhumvit Road near Sai Jao Pho Sai Thong shrine in Mueang Rayong district. At the scene, workers were plastering a concrete drainage pipe in a four-meter-deep, four-meter-wide excavation when an adjacent pile of soil, stacked by a backhoe, suddenly collapsed and slid into the pit. Two male workers managed to escape with minor injuries, but a 38-year-old female worker was trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams rapidly deployed to dig and retrieve her, performing CPR before emergency transport to Rayong Hospital.

Some local residents have speculated that the accident may have occurred because the construction project did not perform a traditional incense-lighting ceremony to pay respects to the local guardian spirits before beginning work. Residents view this as either a causal factor in the accident or a spiritual warning from the shrine, which is a site of deep reverence and regular prayer in the community. This remains a personal belief held by some community members.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Attracts 18.5M Tourists in First Seven Months

Thailand received 18.5 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of 2024, generating 896 billion baht in revenue, though visitor numbers declined 3.2% compared to the same period last year.

Thailand Attracts 18.5M Tourists in First Seven Months
4 Aug Khaosod

BANGKOK — Thailand welcomed more than 18.5 million foreign tourists between 1 January and 1 August, generating nearly 900 billion baht in tourism revenue despite a slight decline in visitor numbers from the same period last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said Thailand recorded 18,510,243 international arrivals between 1 January and 1 August, down 3.19% year-on-year. Foreign visitors generated 896.2 billion baht in tourism revenue during the period.

China remained Thailand's largest source market with 3,078,486 visitors, followed by Malaysia (2,373,537), India (1,376,433), Russia (1,100,847) and South Korea (679,064).

During the latest reporting week, from 26 July to 1 August, Thailand received 567,312 foreign visitors, down 2.92% from the previous week, or an average of 81,045 arrivals per day.

The ministry attributed the decline mainly to weaker arrivals from short-haul markets following reports of unrest in Thailand's southern border provinces and reduced airline capacity on India-Thailand routes, where seat capacity fell 28.6% year-on-year.

Long-haul markets, particularly Europe, continued to grow, supported by new flight connections, including Dubai–Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Amsterdam–Suvarnabhumi services.

South Korean arrivals increased 19.85% from the previous week, driven by family travel during the country's summer school holidays, making South Korea Thailand's fourth-largest source market for the week.

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Police

Fuel Tank Explosion Injures Three During Demolition

Three workers were injured when an old fuel tank exploded during demolition at a petrol station near Samrong Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, with authorities investigating whether residual fuel vapors caused the blast.

Fuel Tank Explosion Injures Three During Demolition
4 Aug Khaosod

An old fuel tank exploded while it was being dismantled at a petrol station in front of Samrong Hospital in Samrong district on Tuesday afternoon, injuring three people. The explosion occurred as workers were carrying out demolition work on an old fuel tank at a petrol station in the area. Three people were injured in the blast, which also alarmed residents and people in the surrounding area.

Emergency medical and rescue teams rushed to the scene to assess the situation and assist those affected. Authorities cordoned off the area as a precaution before taking all three injured people to hospital for treatment. Details of their conditions have not yet been released.

Initial inspections indicated that the explosion occurred during the dismantling of the old fuel tank. Authorities suspect that flammable fuel vapour may have remained inside the tank, potentially triggering the blast. Officials are investigating the scene and collecting evidence to determine the exact cause of the explosion. The incident was reported by volunteers from the Boonwipha Fire and Rescue Base.

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National

Deputy PM: NBTC Chair Removal Lawful, Pm Duty Only

The government's removal of NBTC Chair Dr. Sornchai Chaiyapruek is lawful and proceeds through proper channels, Deputy PM Prakorn Nila-Phand said, noting that filing an Administrative Court challenge does not halt the process.

Deputy PM: NBTC Chair Removal Lawful, Pm Duty Only
4 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Prakorn Nila-Phand addressed Dr. Sornchai Chaiyapruek's removal from the NBTC chairmanship following a selection committee decision that he lacked required qualifications. Prakorn stated the matter is undergoing legal verification and the government can only proceed through lawful means. He noted that filing a challenge at the Administrative Court does not suspend the process, as regulations specify that court filings do not stop proceedings. Prakorn emphasized the government's role is solely to submit the matter to the Royal Decree as required by law, with the selection committee and Senate having already approved the candidate. He defended the government's responsibility to verify legal compliance before submission to avoid repeat errors. On whether Sornchai can chair NBTC meetings while pending removal, Prakorn said that follows NBTC regulations, which the government cannot override. Responding to criticism about the selection committee's composition, Prakorn cited the Attorney General's opinion that the law clearly specifies "Governor of the Bank of Thailand" by position, not individual, so the principle must be upheld.

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Police

DSI Charges Four in Major Online Trading Fraud Ring

The DSI charged a Democrat MP, former entertainer, and two others in a major online trading fraud scheme involving unauthorized securities and futures trading, with plans to pursue charges against 47 suspects total.

DSI Charges Four in Major Online Trading Fraud Ring
4 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, officers from the DSI's Technology and Information Crime Division summoned Democrat Party MP Phawut, former entertainer Film (Ratphumi), and two others to hear charges related to an online asset-trading investment scheme. All four appeared as requested to be informed of the allegations. The DSI filed six serious charges against them, including conspiracy to defraud the public through fraudulent lending and fraud, operating an unlicensed securities brokerage, conducting unauthorized futures trading, entering false data into computer systems likely to harm the public, conspiring to commit money laundering, and actual money laundering. Investigators plan to pursue charges against 47 suspects in total, with summonses already issued to 10 others. After the charges were read, the four were released without bail to allow them time to gather evidence and prepare their defense. The DSI emphasized that these charges represent only the initial investigative stage, and all suspects retain full legal rights and are presumed innocent until a final court verdict is reached.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Motorcycle Sales Surge Despite Economic Headwinds

Thailand's motorcycle sales surged 2 percent to 950,000 units in the first half of 2024 as rising fuel costs pushed consumers toward two-wheelers, with Thai Honda now projecting 1.73–1.77 million units for the full year.

Thailand Motorcycle Sales Surge Despite Economic Headwinds
4 Aug Khaosod

Rising energy prices are boosting Thailand's motorcycle market in the first half of 2024, with overall sales projected to reach 1.73–1.77 million units for the full year, according to Masayuki Hamamatsu, executive chairman of Thai Honda Co., Ltd. Although the market faced economic headwinds and weak consumer purchasing power in the first six months (January–June), motorcycles remain essential transportation for Thai consumers. As fuel prices climbed, many consumers shifted to motorcycles as their primary commute option, driving overall market sales up 2 percent to 950,000 units, with Honda selling 760,000 units. Based on this performance, Thai Honda has raised its full-year market target to 1.73–1.77 million units, while Honda's own sales goal is now 1.40–1.43 million units.

In the second half of the year, Thai Honda plans to introduce several new motorcycle models to meet diverse consumer demand. Recent launches include four new models: the Honda Click160, available in four new color options (yellow-black, white-black, black, and green-black) at 69,900 baht, and the Click160 R Limited Edition with an upgraded rear shock at 76,400 baht (500 units only). The Honda PCX160 premium automatic is available in a new RoadSync Type at 99,900 baht and a Standard Type at 96,000 baht. Honda also introduced the Giorno+ Buzz Lightyear Limited Edition (2,000 units) at 74,900 baht and the Super Cub Tokyo 80s Limited Edition (500 units) at 54,000 baht. Regarding relocation of electric motorcycle production from Thailand to Vietnam, Thai Honda confirmed that Thailand remains a key manufacturing hub with clear strategies for the EV market. The Ladkrabang plant has capacity to produce 1.75 million motorcycles annually—both conventional and electric—and is ready to increase EV output if demand grows.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

TAT Partners With TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka to Boost Indonesian Tourism

Thailand's tourism authority signed agreements with Indonesia's TransNusa Airlines and travel platform Traveloka to boost Indonesian visitor arrivals through improved air connectivity and digital marketing, targeting 890,000 Indonesian tour

4 Aug TAT Newsroom

Jakarta, 4 August 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today advanced Thailand–Indonesia tourism cooperation through separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Indonesia-based TransNusa Airlines and Southeast Asian travel platform Traveloka at Fairmont Jakarta. The high-level signing was witnessed by Thailand’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul and H.E. Mr. Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and Energy and Chairman of the Advisory Board at KADIN Indonesia.

Signed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Datuk Bernard Francis, Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa Airlines; and Mr. Albert, Co-founder of Traveloka, the agreements aim to expand air connectivity, strengthen digital marketing and boost Indonesian arrivals across Thailand, while supporting closer tourism and business cooperation between the two countries and stronger connectivity within ASEAN.

Ms. Thapanee said, “Indonesia is an important ASEAN market for Thailand, supported by close cultural ties, convenient travel and growing demand for diverse tourism experiences. These partnerships advance TAT’s Partnership 360 strategy by combining air access, digital reach and market insight to grow Indonesian travel to Thailand. They also support the global ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ campaign by connecting travellers with meaningful experiences across established and emerging destinations, while extending tourism benefits to communities and the wider economy.”

Through the agreement with TransNusa Airlines, TAT will focus on tourism promotion, travel product development and stronger air links between Indonesia and Thailand. Activities will support the “Feel All the Feelings – Visit Thailand, Feel Every Emotion” campaign through tourism fairs, promotional campaigns, digital content, workshops and familiarisation trips, alongside efforts to strengthen the Jakarta–Bangkok and Bali–Phuket routes.

The Traveloka partnership will use the platform’s digital reach, distribution capabilities and market intelligence to promote destinations and tourism experiences across Thailand. It will also support TAT’s Sustainable Tourism Goals by raising awareness of responsible travel, sharing consumer insights, planning campaigns, and communicating relevant tourism policies, entry requirements, and safety measures, subject to appropriate data privacy and security safeguards.

Together, the agreements connect improved air access with targeted digital promotion and market intelligence, supporting greater visitor flows and wider tourism benefits across Thailand.

From 1 January to 31 July 2026, Thailand welcomed 376,337 Indonesian visitors, who stayed for an average of six nights. Their leading interests include Thai cuisine, historical sites, community-based tourism, wellness experiences and beaches. TAT aims to attract 890,000 Indonesian visitors in 2026.

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Regional

Ratsada Inks Deal to Bury Power Lines

PHUKET: Ratsada Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to begin work on a project to place power lines underground along key roads in the municipality.

Ratsada Inks Deal to Bury Power Lines
4 Aug The Phuket News

PHUKET: Ratsada Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to begin work on a project to place power lines underground along key roads in the municipality.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
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