Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Senior Police Officer Praises Colleagues for Promotion Consideration

Deputy Police Commissioner Trairuang Phiwphairn has publicly praised two colleagues, Tinakorn Rangmathai and Charunyakiat Pankaew, as candidates for police commander positions. In a Facebook post, he highlighted their investigative skills, work ethic, and commitment to recovering victims' assets in complex cases ranging from drug trafficking to cybercrime.

Senior Police Officer Praises Colleagues for Promotion Consideration
30 min ago Khaosod

Deputy Police Commissioner Trairuang Phiwphairn has posted on Facebook about colleagues being considered for police commander-level promotions at the end of August. He wrote as a fellow officer who has worked alongside them on major investigations, without endorsing who should or shouldn't be promoted.

Regarding Tinakorn Rangmathai, known as "Rong O," Phiwphairn recalled their collaboration on cases ranging from transnational crime and intellectual property violations to drug trafficking and cybercrime. He described Rong O as an imaginative investigator—someone who can see what others miss in the same set of data. Phiwphairn noted Rong O's inseparable bond with his iPad during meetings, always documenting ideas and coordinating tasks, but emphasized this masked someone who thinks and acts fast and follows cases to completion.

During drug suppression operations under the "Every Pill" initiative, Rong O was instrumental in tackling drug networks. When crime shifted online, he adapted quickly. Phiwphairn praised his approach to cybercrime cases, emphasizing not just catching criminals but recovering stolen money for victims. For victims, that money may represent their life savings. Phiwphairn also recalled an instance when Rong O personally went to court to request a search warrant for a critical case—a task requiring him to explain evidence and answer judicial questions, showing his willingness to stand accountable.

Phiwphairn characterized Rong O as a police officer ready to challenge wrongdoing and corruption. While circumstances, criminals, and technology change, his investigative mindset and courage to act remain constant. For a commanding officer needing someone to hand off an important mission and walk away without looking back, Rong O is that person.

Phiwphairn also mentioned working with Charunyakiat Pankaew, known as "Pee Tao," on a major investigation by the Royal Thai Police. The post was cut off but highlighted his contributions to significant cases.

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National

Thai MP Urges Emergency Plan for Border Trade Crisis

Thai Member of Parliament Tawee Sodsong has called for urgent government action to revive Sa Kaeo province's border economy, which has completely collapsed from 120 billion baht in annual trade to zero following the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. The crisis has devastated farmers, businesses, and workers across the region, with farmers losing crops and access to farmland, while misinformation and boycotts of Thai goods in Cambodia have further compounded the economic damage. The lawmaker is urging the government to implement a systematic recovery plan including fact-based communication, credit access, and compensation for those affected.

Thai MP Urges Emergency Plan for Border Trade Crisis
35 min ago Khaosod

On August 19, Lieutenant Colonel Tawee Sodsong, a member of parliament and head of the Thai Civichood Party, posted on Facebook highlighting the severe halt to Sa Kaeo's border economy, which has devastated the local population and calls for urgent assistance and recovery. Trade through the border checkpoint had averaged 10 billion baht monthly, or 120 billion baht annually, but has dropped to zero since border crossing restrictions were imposed following the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.

The economic collapse has affected not only cross-border traders but also transportation businesses, markets, shops, hotels, restaurants, tourism, farmers, workers, and local communities. Customers and purchase orders from Cambodia have declined, goods are stuck in inventory, shipping costs have risen, and businesses lack working capital. Some entrepreneurs have resorted to both formal and informal borrowing, reduced hiring, frozen investment, or are preparing to leave the area. Revenue has stopped while debts, rent, wages, interest, taxes, and regular expenses persist. If the situation persists, working-age people and youth may migrate, purchasing power will decline, and some children risk dropping out of school.

The crisis has been worsened by misinformation, fake news, rumors, and distorted online content that exaggerates the conflict beyond facts. This has fueled boycotts of Thai goods in Cambodia, causing some trading partners and consumers to reduce or cancel orders, while investors and tourists have lost confidence in traveling to the area. Local residents have called on the government to communicate facts quickly, consistently, and verifiably while holding those spreading false information accountable, without affecting legitimate reporting, criticism, and honest commentary.

Farmers have reported that approximately 6,000 acres of sugarcane were damaged by clashes and fires, while another 1,800 acres cannot be harvested due to safety concerns. Many damages remain uncompensated. Farmers also face delayed subsidy payments for sugarcane cutting measures, inconsistent burning regulations across agencies, labor shortages, and limited access to credit. Some have been unable to repay debts and have had farming equipment seized. Residents have also reported unexploded ordnance or suspicious objects in farmland, preventing normal agricultural activity and requiring urgent state inspection and clearance.

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National

Tidlor Holdings Issues First Yen Bonds Worth 16.5 Billion Yen

Tidlor Holdings has successfully issued its first yen-denominated bonds worth 16.5 billion yen in the Japanese capital market with an A- credit rating. The three-year bonds received strong investor response and mark an important step in diversifying the company's funding sources internationally. This follows an earlier domestic bond issuance of 3.5 billion baht in Thailand that was oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's financial stability and growth prospects.

Tidlor Holdings Issues First Yen Bonds Worth 16.5 Billion Yen
36 min ago Khaosod

Tidlor Holdings has launched its first yen-denominated bond offering worth 16.5 billion yen with a three-year maturity, aimed at expanding access to foreign capital markets and increasing flexibility in managing the group's financial structure.

The senior unsecured bonds carry an A- credit rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. and were offered to qualified institutional investors in Japan, receiving positive investor response. Maturity is set for August 2029. This successful entry into the Japanese capital market represents a major milestone for Tidlor Holdings in broadening its funding base internationally, demonstrating the company's ability to access increasingly diverse funding sources and strengthening its capital structure to support long-term business operations and growth.

Earlier, Tidlor Holdings also successfully issued bonds in Thailand valued at 3.5 billion baht, which received strong institutional investor response with subscription reaching twice the offering amount. This reflected investor confidence in the company's fundamentals and growth potential. Atidarya Poonvatthu, Chief Executive Officer of Tidlor Holdings, stated that building strong and diversified funding sources is a critical element of prudent and sustainable business management. She added that accessing the Japanese capital market provides additional financial flexibility for the group and reflects investor confidence in Tidlor Holdings' business foundation and operational capabilities.

The company remains committed to managing its capital structure efficiently while managing risks to support quality long-term growth, under the leadership of an experienced professional management team dedicated to creating financial opportunities and expanding insurance access for Thai citizens.

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National

Bas-Feem Advance After Three-Game Battle at World Championships

Thai badminton pair Bas Dechapal and Feem Supissara won a thrilling three-game match against Spain's 44th-ranked duo at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi on August 19, advancing to the last 16. The match scores were 14-21, 21-11, and 21-15. Another Thai mixed doubles pair, Omo and Poppo, also progressed to the last 16 after their Scottish opponents retired during their match.

Bas-Feem Advance After Three-Game Battle at World Championships
48 min ago Khaosod

At the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, India on August 19, in the last-32 round of mixed doubles competition, Thailand's 4th-seeded pair Bas Dechapal Puvaranukul and Feem Supissara Pewsamphran faced Spain's Ruben Garcia and Lucia Rodiguez, ranked 44th in the world. The match went the distance, requiring three games before the Thai pair secured victory 2-1 with scores of 14-21, 21-11, and 21-15, advancing to the last 16. They will next meet Japan's Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara, seeded 16th.

Meanwhile, Thailand's 15th-seeded pair Omo Phakkapol Thirarat and Poppo Supsiri Tatratchai advanced without too much difficulty after Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Julia Macpherson, ranked 35th, retired during their match. Omo and Poppo progressed to the last 16, where they will face a challenging encounter against China's second-seeded pair Jiang Zhen Pang and Wei Ya Xin.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Stock Market Poised For Further 10% Gains

The chairman of Thailand's capital market federation says the Thai stock market, which has rallied nearly 30% since the start of the year to above 1,600 points, could gain another 10% or more over the next 12 months. Five factors support this outlook: strong global growth driven by AI investment, controlled inflation, Thailand's appeal as a manufacturing hub, a new economic growth cycle, and recovering corporate earnings. However, the market faces risks from geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and domestic political uncertainty.

Thai Stock Market Poised For Further 10% Gains
49 min ago Khaosod

The chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations said the Thai stock market has rebounded strongly from 1,250 points to above 1,600 points earlier this year, but the uptrend is far from over, citing five factors that could drive another 10% or greater gains over the next 12 months.

Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, chief executive of Tisco Securities and chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, shared his positive outlook on Facebook, noting that the SET index has climbed nearly 30% since the start of the year and is now outperforming global and emerging markets.

The five supporting factors are: First, the global economy is stronger than expected. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade friction, the International Monetary Fund forecasts global growth of 3.0% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, with corporate profits continuing to grow worldwide, driven significantly by investment in the AI ecosystem.

Second, global inflation remains controlled. Although energy prices have risen due to Middle East tensions, inflationary pressure is not as severe as in 2022–2023, allowing major central banks to avoid aggressive interest rate hikes—a supportive environment for equities.

Third, Thailand stands to benefit from manufacturing relocation and global supply chain restructuring. Thailand's geographic position, political neutrality, and infrastructure give it a competitive edge in attracting foreign direct investment in emerging industries. Foreign direct investment in AI, data centers, semiconductors, and electric vehicles has increased significantly, with FDI promotion applications in the first half of 2025 nearly matching the entire 2024 total of 1.36 trillion baht. If this translates into sustained real investment, it will provide a new growth engine and lift Thailand's long-term economic potential.

Fourth, the Thai economy is laying the foundation for a new growth cycle. Though structural challenges remain—high household debt, an aging society, weak competitiveness, and low productivity—the government is taking action to address these issues and create new growth drivers, particularly in AI infrastructure, the digital economy, and future industries. The International Monetary Fund forecasts Thai GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027. While not high, if sustained new investment materializes, the economy could return to 3% or higher growth sustainably.

Fifth, corporate earnings and market fundamentals are recovering. Bloomberg Consensus forecasts SET earnings per share will rise from 80.8 baht in 2024 to 106 baht in 2025 and 114 baht in 2026. The SET is trading at approximately 14.8 times forward price-to-earnings, or 12.6 times excluding Delta, which is not expensive compared to other regional markets. Additionally, 61% of Thai listed companies are still trading below book value, indicating that market recovery has not spread across all companies. Foreign investors are beginning to return as net buyers after selling Thai stocks for several years, suggesting that fund flows could return to the market.

Paiboon noted that in the long term, the Jump+ program and Corporate Value Up Program will help improve the quality and value of Thai listed companies. However, the market must still navigate volatility from geopolitical risks, trade wars, inflation, and U.S. interest rate direction. Domestic risks remain centered on politics; if investors lose confidence in government stability, it could shock the Thai stock market.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Knocks Out Power Across Phayao

Heavy rainfall in Phayao province triggered a landslide that brought down high-voltage power poles between Jun and Pong districts, leaving a large area without electricity. Regional electricity officials have mobilized repair teams and are working around the clock to restore power to affected residents. Authorities warn residents to avoid damaged poles and electrical equipment due to electrocution risks.

Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Knocks Out Power Across Phayao
50 min ago Khaosod

Heavy rainfall in Phayao province, especially in Pong district, has caused widespread damage from flash flooding and landslides, with a major soil slide at the boundary between Jun and Pong districts toppling high-voltage power poles and damaging electrical infrastructure across a broad area. The power outage extends from Ban Huai Khao Kam in Jun district to Ban Huai Khok Moo in Pong district, affecting many residents and homes. Following the incident, the Regional Electricity Authority's Jun district office mobilized staff and engineering teams to assess the damage and begin repairs to the high-voltage lines and distribution network, working to restore electricity to residents as soon as possible.

Authorities have warned residents in the affected areas to keep away from damaged power poles, downed lines, and electrical equipment due to the risk of live current and potential electrocution, and urged them to monitor official announcements from the Regional Electricity Authority. Repair crews are working at full capacity, and power will be restored quickly once systems are ready, with authorities apologizing for the inconvenience caused by this severe rainfall and landslide event.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Seven Actors Light Up Bangkok Arena in Duang Go Round Concert

Seven stars from the Thai drama Duang With You Series packed Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani with a two-night concert on August 15-16, 2025, featuring elaborate staging, surprise guests, and individual solo performances. Titi, Po, North, Otto, Thir, Wave, and Hugh delivered songs from the series soundtrack alongside special collaborations with BUS members, creating energetic moments that delighted fans throughout both shows.

Seven Actors Light Up Bangkok Arena in Duang Go Round Concert
51 min ago Khaosod

Seven lead actors from the Duang With You Series transformed Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani into a venue filled with smiles, brightness, and happiness. Titi Wanpichit, Po Suphakar, North Chatchapol, Otto Saranun, Thir Therati, Wave Thanaphut, and Hugh Phuwichaya brought their on-screen chemistry and success to the stage at the Duang Go Round concert presented by True5G on August 15-16, 2025.

The two-night concert kicked off with Titi and Po making a dramatic entrance on a carousel descending from above the hall, performing the song Baby with dazzling light shows and full-circle 360-degree staging that brought them close to fans throughout the venue. Their mascot Bokbear joined the opening rap segment, followed by all seven actors performing the series soundtrack including the hit song "Jib Mai Job (Someday, Say Yes)." Surprise guest appearances added extra excitement, with Jinwook and Phutatchai of BUS joining on night one and Copper and Marckris of BUS on night two.

The concert showcased individual talents through solo stages, with Thir delivering a heart-melting performance in "Thee Rak (You)," Hugh bringing smooth energy with "Where Did You Come From," Wave performing the catchy "Move Around," North commanding the stage with "Nakorn Dara," Otto stunning with sharp dance moves in "Pinky Up," and North and Otto teaming up for a sleek duet on "Baddie." Titi closed out the performances with a high-energy solo featuring both singing and dancing in "Just Right" followed by the explosive "Guilty" with flame effects on stage, while special guests Orn Sripan and Nunew Chawarin appeared on respective nights to create memorable moments with the cast.

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National

Thailand Denies Invading Cambodia, Rejects Border Claims

Thailand's military information chief has dismissed allegations by a Chinese investor in Cambodia that Thai forces invaded and seized property, clarifying that such claims cannot change international borders or be decided via social media. The Thai official stressed that military deployment follows a joint agreement with Cambodia and that border disputes must be resolved through bilateral mechanisms using evidence and documents, not unsubstantiated accusations.

Thailand Denies Invading Cambodia, Rejects Border Claims
51 min ago Khaosod

On August 19, Air Vice Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Information Centre, responded to claims made by a Hengfang Hotel owner who brought Chinese embassy officials to the area demanding Thailand return all property to Chinese investors in Cambodia. Sonjaidee said he wanted to clarify that investors, the Chinese government, and border facts are three separate issues that should not be conflated. While individuals have the right to petition their embassy for assistance, personal claims that Thailand has invaded or stolen property do not make those claims factual, he said.

Sonjaidee emphasized that current Thai military deployment follows a joint statement issued on December 27, 2024, requiring both sides to maintain their positions along an agreed troop deployment line without advancing. Thai forces are upholding this agreement, not engaging in invasion or territorial seizure as some have alleged. He stressed that border disputes must be resolved through bilateral mechanisms using documents, coordinates, and evidence—not through interviews, videos, or social media posts.

Property disputes must be separated from military deployment matters and resolved through proper legal channels and interstate processes, Sonjaidee added. He cautioned against assuming that Chinese diplomatic officials visiting the area means the Chinese government endorses the investor's allegations. Thailand values its relationship with China and believes China understands that disputes between countries must be resolved through facts and proper mechanisms, not accusations. "Investors have the right to make claims, but no one has the right to turn allegations into fact or change borders through social media," Sonjaidee said. "Thailand is not advancing, we are maintaining our positions under agreement, and we will not abandon our duty to protect Thai sovereignty," he concluded, adding that Thailand is ready to present factual evidence if false claims of invasion or theft are spread.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

MP Raises Data Processing Concerns Over TH-AI Passport

A Democratic Party MP has raised serious concerns that Thailand's TH-AI Passport program violates the digital economy roadmap by mandating overseas data processing, contrary to stated policy. She has called for a halt to further budget disbursement, full contract disclosure, and warned against using pre-registration numbers to justify payments before actual service use.

MP Raises Data Processing Concerns Over TH-AI Passport
51 min ago Khaosod

On August 19, 2025, Chardchai Liaopairojaon, a Democratic Party list MP and deputy party leader, posted a video and statement on Facebook regarding the National Digital Economy and Society Committee's TH-AI Passport program, which opened early registration on de.aipass.net ahead of the official August 31 launch.

Chardchai said she reviewed the privacy policy and terms of service carefully and discovered critical language stating: "The platform cannot process commands and provide responses without sending data to the AI model you select. If you do not wish for your data to be processed this way, you cannot use the service." She highlighted that the Digital Economy Ministry has effectively acknowledged in its own documents that sending Thai citizen data overseas for processing is not optional but mandatory.

"This directly contradicts the Thailand digital roadmap section 2.2, which clearly requires the program to store and process data within Thailand with maximum protection under Thai personal data laws," Chardchai stated. "This is no longer just opposition concern—it is documented fact."

Chardchai outlined three priority demands: First, no further budget disbursement until clear and transparent clarification on the contradiction between the roadmap and actual operating conditions. Second, full disclosure of revised contract details, particularly regarding the pay-per-use payment model. Third, registration numbers must not be used as a value metric, as she predicted the ministry may use these figures to claim legitimacy while citizens may only have registered without actually using the service or developing intended skills.

Chardchai emphasized the greatest risk is that early registrations could be counted as active users to justify immediate per-head payments despite no actual service use or skill development occurring. She vowed not to stop scrutiny simply because of impressive registration numbers, stating that the legislative branch's duty is to protect national interest and every baht of taxpayer money.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Hosts Major Asia-Pacific Science Museum Conference

Thailand officially opened the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres Conference 2026, hosting international museum and science centre leaders at Bangkok's IMPACT Exhibition Center from August 19-22, 2026. The conference theme emphasizes museums as active spaces engaging communities with science amid global uncertainty. The event runs alongside Thailand's National Science and Technology Festival and reflects the country's ambition to become a regional hub for science education.

Thailand Hosts Major Asia-Pacific Science Museum Conference
52 min ago Khaosod

Thailand formally opened the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres Conference 2026 (ASPAC Conference 2026) on August 19, 2026, hosted by the National Science Museum under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The four-day conference runs through August 22, 2026, at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Muang Thong Thani, alongside the National Science and Technology Festival. Deputy Minister Supachai Pathumnakul presided over the opening ceremony, joined by NSM Acting Director Suwrong Wongsiree, National Research Council Deputy Director Sirinporn Diewtrakoorn, and international science centre representatives.

Deputy Minister Pathumnakul outlined the ministry's policy to strengthen Thailand's competitive capacity while promoting lifelong learning. He explained that hosting ASPAC 2026 alongside the science festival demonstrates Thailand's strategic readiness to serve as an international hub for science learning resources. The conference theme, "Museums Empowering Futures: Science Engagement in the Age of Uncertainty," emphasizes that modern museums must become proactive spaces connecting science to society and preparing citizens and young people for an uncertain future.

Acting NSM Director Wongsiree noted that Thailand has been honoured to host this international conference, which brings together museum leaders and practitioners to exchange experiences, showcase modern science communication innovations, and build future collaborations. National Research Council Deputy Director Diewtrakoorn highlighted the importance of science communication and public engagement in times of change, describing science museums as bridges linking cutting-edge research to the public and helping develop scientific literacy across the Asia-Pacific region.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Mystery Man Confronts Monastery Staff Over Siege Video

A man on a motorcycle confronted monks at Pa Adulya Ram Monastery in the early morning hours, aggressively demanding to know who filmed videos during a recent monastery siege and siege. A resident monk feared for his safety when the visitor reached into a delivery bag and prepared to defend himself. The incident prompted police to increase security patrols at the monastery and has intensified concerns about an ongoing land dispute involving the monastery's heirs.

Mystery Man Confronts Monastery Staff Over Siege Video
1h ago Khaosod

A mysterious man on a gray-black Honda Wave motorcycle with an unknown license plate and a food delivery bag arrived at Pa Adulya Ram Monastery late at night on August 19. CCTV captured him entering through the Kalppaphruek Road gate and parking near the abbot's quarters. The short-haired man, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and three-quarter-length pants, was confronted by a resident monk who asked him why he had come. He responded aggressively, asking the monk if he was the one who filmed videos during the monastery siege, then claimed he himself had done the filming. The monk became alarmed when the man walked back to his motorcycle and began reaching into the food delivery bag, fearing a potential attack. He retreated to his quarters to prepare a weapon for self-defense, then witnessed the man hastily drive away through the rear gate around 10:30 p.m. The man appeared to be intoxicated. The monk later called the 191 emergency line, and Khon Kaen City Police arrived at the scene. This incident has raised concerns that the ongoing dispute over land ownership claims involving the monastery's heirs will not be resolved easily, as this confrontation appears to be an intentional provocation. Since the incident, a red donation box has been installed, and police have increased security patrols at the monastery, though visitors have been few due to the recent rain.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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