Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Shadow Puppet Master Dies in Truck Collision

A shadow puppet theater owner died when his pickup truck collided with a stationary 10-wheeled truck at a red light in Rayong Province on July 19, while returning home from a temple performance.

Shadow Puppet Master Dies in Truck Collision
20 Jul Khaosod

A well-known shadow puppet theater owner died in a tragic collision when his pickup truck slammed into the back of a 10-wheeled truck stopped at a red light on the evening of July 19 in Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. Police from Ban Khai Station responded to the scene at 22:30 to find a white pickup severely crushed and wedged beneath the cargo truck, which was loaded with chicken crates. Officers discovered the body of a man, approximately 60 years old and identified as the owner of a prominent local shadow puppet troupe. Rescue personnel used specialized cutting tools to extract the victim from the wreckage.

Investigators determined that before the accident, the victim had been conducting a shadow puppet performance at a local temple and was driving his pickup truck carrying equipment back to his residence, with his son following on a motorcycle. At the Bang Buthorn traffic light intersection on Highway 3574, the 10-wheeled truck was stopped at the red signal preparing to enter Rayong city when the victim's pickup collided with it at high speed, causing his immediate death.

Police documented the scene and collected evidence, taking the truck driver in for further questioning at the station to determine the exact cause of the accident and to proceed with legal proceedings. The victim's body was sent to Ban Khai Hospital for autopsy pending collection by relatives for religious rites.

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Police

Drunk BMW Driver Crashes into Tuk-Tuk, Kills Three

A drunk BMW driver crashed into a tuk-tuk in Nonthaburi province early July 20, killing three people including the 37-year-old driver; the 31-year-old car driver tested at 152mg/dL blood alcohol.

Drunk BMW Driver Crashes into Tuk-Tuk, Kills Three
20 Jul Khaosod

At 4:10 a.m. on July 20, 2025, Bang Bua Thong Police Station received a report of a sedan colliding with a tuk-tuk in a residential community in Sone Loi subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi province. Officers, foundation staff, and a forensic doctor rushed to the scene near Soi 12.

Three people died in the crash. Two were found dead at the scene: an 82-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman who was the tuk-tuk driver. A 77-year-old woman received emergency CPR for 30 minutes but died shortly after, bringing the total death toll to three.

At the scene, the damaged tuk-tuk lay overturned, its front crushed. The black BMW sedan with Bangkok registration was wedged against a tree. The driver, a 31-year-old man named Yotthon, remained at the scene cooperating with police.

Relatives said the two elderly victims regularly used this tuk-tuk service to go to Bang Bua Thong market.

When questioned, the BMW driver appeared confused and claimed he did not see the tuk-tuk as he entered from the main village entrance. Police measured his blood alcohol level and found it to be 152 milligrams per deciliter. He was taken into custody for prosecution.

Police said preliminary investigation showed the tuk-tuk exited Soi 12 at the same moment the BMW was approaching at high speed, causing the violent collision. Authorities plan to review security camera footage from the scene. The driver will face charges, and the victims' bodies have been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

State Welfare Card: Appeal Process for Vehicle Ownership Rejections

The Land Transport Department is offering appeals for citizens rejected from the 2025 state welfare card program due to excessive vehicle ownership, with a July 17-31 deadline to submit corrections through government websites or participati

State Welfare Card: Appeal Process for Vehicle Ownership Rejections
20 Jul Khaosod

The Land Transport Department has launched assistance for citizens denied state welfare cards in 2025, primarily those rejected for owning more vehicles than program rules allow. Most cases involve vehicles previously owned but not properly re-registered after sale, or vehicles purchased under family members' names without the applicant's knowledge.

The program permits ownership of only motorcycles up to 300cc, three-wheeled vehicles, small four-wheeled taxis, or agricultural vehicles—one per category maximum. The department offers three ways to appeal between July 17-31, 2025: through the government websites welfare.mof.go.th or via the "Thangarath" and "Pao Tang" applications, or through five participating banks (Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Government Housing Bank, and Islamic Bank of Thailand).

Citizens can verify their vehicle ownership records free of charge at provincial transport offices nationwide by presenting a national ID or related documents. The Land Transport Department will check the central database and correct any discrepancies at no cost, treating this as a continuation of the state program.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Prominent News Anchor Popeiya Resigns After Nine Years

Prominent news anchor Popeiya Karaweela has resigned from Workpoint Channel 23 after nine years, with her husband citing her dedication and need for rest after sacrificing much for the organization.

Prominent News Anchor Popeiya Resigns After Nine Years
20 Jul Khaosod

Popeiya Karaweela, a prominent news anchor at Workpoint Channel 23, has resigned after nine years with the network. Her husband, Chin Thanaphat Tirangkul, also a news anchor, posted a tribute featuring her employee ID card, reflecting on her years of service. He wrote that the badge had hung around her neck constantly for nine years without ever being removed, accompanying her through every step of her career with dedication and full effort from the very beginning of the channel's construction.

Chin explained his wife's decision to resign, noting that her work had become like a part of her life—she loved it dearly and sacrificed much for the organization. Despite the challenges and hardships she endured without explanation, she gave everything with her whole heart. He expressed pride in seeing her finally rest and in witnessing her leadership in her final mission with the team, adding that he was proud of her courage in choosing a new path.

In related news, Popeiya congratulated her husband on receiving the Outstanding Male News Anchor Award of 2569 from Channel 5's entertainment variety show. She praised his exceptional skills and credited him as a major influence on her own journalism career. She also thanked him for believing in her during a difficult decision about her work, saying that despite having countless reasons to hold her back, he chose to support her because he did not want to see her cry—a decision she promised never to betray.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

State Welfare Card 2025 Water Bill Discount Registration Opens

Qualified State Welfare Card holders can now register for monthly water bill discounts of up to 100 baht through July 25 for existing beneficiaries or September 25 for new applicants, with support appearing on bills one month after registra

State Welfare Card 2025 Water Bill Discount Registration Opens
20 Jul Khaosod

As of July 20, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perjaiwiwattana announced that the government has opened registration for qualified beneficiaries of the 2025 State Welfare Card to claim reduced water utility rates, effective immediately. The subsidy covers up to 100 baht per household monthly. Each household (address) qualifies for one benefit only. If the water bill exceeds 100 baht but does not exceed 315 baht, beneficiaries pay only the amount above the subsidy. Bills exceeding 315 baht must be paid in full by the cardholder.

Existing beneficiaries from the 2565 program who meet 2569 qualifications can register July 20-25 and will see support on their August water bill, reflected in the September statement. New eligible beneficiaries who have completed identity verification can register July 20 through September 25 and will receive support for October water usage, shown on their November bill. Neither group can claim retroactive benefits.

Eligible individuals can self-register through three channels: the Provincial Waterworks Authority website (www.pwa.co.th), the PWA Plus Life app, or the LINE Official Account @PWAThailand. Registration is also available through staff at Provincial Waterworks Authority branches nationwide. During the registration window (July 20 – September 30, 2025), services operate daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, including holidays, to accommodate the public.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Heavy Rain Expected Across 33 Thai Provinces This Afternoon

A weak southwest monsoon will bring scattered thunderstorms to 33 Thai provinces today, with waves exceeding 2 meters possible in storm areas; sailors should avoid affected zones.

Heavy Rain Expected Across 33 Thai Provinces This Afternoon
19 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain across Thailand over the next 24 hours due to a weak southwest monsoon system affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Thunderstorm hazards are expected nationwide, and the public is urged to remain vigilant. Wave heights in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf range from 1–2 meters, while the lower Andaman Sea sees approximately 1 meter; thunderstorm areas may experience waves exceeding 2 meters, and sailors are advised to navigate with caution and avoid storm zones.

Regional forecasts show scattered thunderstorms: the North (30% coverage, chiefly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Tak); the Northeast (20%, mainly Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Ubon Ratchathani); the Central region (10%, mostly Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Nakhon Pathom); the East (20%, chiefly Nakhon Nayok, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat); and the South. Bangkok and its surrounding areas expect 10% thunderstorm coverage mainly between afternoon and evening, with maximum temperatures of 35–37°C.

For the South (East Coast), thunderstorms are forecast at 20% coverage across Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, with sea waves around 1 meter and higher waves exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. The South (West Coast) faces 20% thunderstorm coverage in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, with maximum temperatures of 32–35°C and similar sea conditions.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Famous Buddha Amulet Dealer Crashes Car Into Tree

Prominent Buddha amulet dealer Ton Bang Kae escaped with minor injuries after his car flipped and hit a tree in Suphan Buri late Thursday night; police are investigating the crash.

Famous Buddha Amulet Dealer Crashes Car Into Tree
19 Jul Khaosod

At 11:50 p.m. on July 19, volunteer rescue workers from the Samakarn Foundation in Suphan Buri responded to reports of a vehicle accident in which a car flipped and struck a roadside tree, causing significant damage near the Chok Namchai factory in Bang Plama District, Suphan Buri Province. The driver was identified as Ton Bang Kae, a prominent Buddha amulet dealer. Rescue personnel successfully extracted him from the vehicle, and he was found to have sustained only minor injuries. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Gelato Shop Owner Defends Pricing, Explains Photo Ban Rules

Jelato gelato shop owner Krishnan Sripoomi broke silence on pricing and photography ban controversy, clarifying his rules aim to preserve product quality by preventing melting during social media documentation of the 400-500 baht servings.

Gelato Shop Owner Defends Pricing, Explains Photo Ban Rules
19 Jul Khaosod

Krishnan Sripoomi, owner of gelato shop Jelato, has faced days of heated online debate over pricing, customer rules, and social media commentary on Thai consumer mindset. On July 19, he broke his silence for the first time, addressing all the controversy surrounding bans on chewing and photography, defending his pricing, and reiterating that everything he does aims to ensure customers experience the best product possible.

When asked what he wanted to clarify first amid the drama, Krishnan explained: "Let me talk about eating. The reason I ask people not to chew is that I want them to take small spoonfuls and not take photos—it will melt. I'm serious. I work in my own kitchen, and when I make it, the taste of gelato is very intense. When eating, I want each spoonful to be perfect. Photography is normally fine, but this is what I truly intended. A 400-500 baht cup of gelato—I want customers to take it and eat it without it melting, with every spoonful being delicious and perfect. That's my goal. But I can't force customers. I'm just explaining my intention."

When asked if his rules were about protecting content or recipe secrets, Krishnan denied it: "It has nothing to do with recipe theft. This is about not taking photos while eating. My shop is like a fish tank now—everyone films and takes pictures, which is normal. But my intention is clear: I want every customer to enjoy every spoonful. We all know that when you photograph food and leave it, the quality isn't the same. But with my gelato, which is expensive, I want customers to have a good experience."

He also addressed the viral video of a younger person chewing gelato with millions of views, saying they were just playing around at his shop. Krishnan emphasized that content creators visit daily and they joke together, which has helped his shop gain visibility.

Regarding his controversial post about Thai consumer mindset, Krishnan explained his genuine intention: "I felt that if we had two countries or two families, one where people focus on doing good things would develop, while the other with restrictions wouldn't progress. This discourages people who want to make quality products. That's my real thought. Please listen without drama. In your own home with your family, when you do anything... it's about removing restrictions."

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Officials Nab Illegal Rosewood Loggers, Seize Assets Worth 1 Million Baht

Authorities arrested five suspects and seized over 1 million baht in assets during a raid on an illegal rosewood extraction ring at Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum Province.

Officials Nab Illegal Rosewood Loggers, Seize Assets Worth 1 Million Baht
19 Jul Khaosod

On July 19, Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomkeling commended Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary officials and partner agencies for coordinating with Huai Yang police to bust an illegal rosewood extraction ring in the sanctuary. Authorities arrested five suspects—three Thai nationals and two Vietnamese nationals—and seized contraband worth approximately 1,040,000 baht, including two pickup trucks, 104 kilograms of rosewood, mobile phones, and tools used in the operation. The suspects face nine criminal charges and have been handed over to investigators at Huai Yang Police Station in Chaiyaphum Province. Attapol Charinchansar, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, reported that the operation took place between July 18 and 19 and targeted a cross-border smuggling network. The minister has instructed prosecutors to file a strong motion opposing bail due to persistent problems of suspects obtaining release and then absconding. Officials will pursue the strictest legal measures to prevent offenders from evading justice and to ensure sustainable natural resource protection.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Tennis Star Lalana Wins ENKA OPEN 2026 in Istanbul

Thai tennis star Lalana Tharadej won the WTA ENKA OPEN 2026 in Istanbul on July 19, defeating Belgian opponent Hanne van de Winkel 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to claim the title and $15,000 prize.

Thai Tennis Star Lalana Wins ENKA OPEN 2026 in Istanbul
19 Jul Khaosod

Thai tennis player Lalana Tharadej continued her winning streak by defeating Belgian opponent Hanne van de Winkel to claim the WTA ENKA OPEN 2026 title in Istanbul, Turkey on July 19. Tharadej, ranked 91st globally and seeded second in the tournament, faced 98th-ranked Winkel, seeded third, in the women's singles final.

In a competitive first set, both players displayed strong tennis, but Tharadej prevailed 6-4. The second set remained closely contested as Winkel fought back from behind, taking a 5-4 lead before Tharadej rallied to win 6-4 and level the match at 1-1 sets. In the decisive third set, Tharadej reasserted her dominance, building leads of 3-0 and 5-3 before closing out the victory 6-3. She won the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and claimed the championship prize of $15,000 USD (approximately 504,450 baht) along with 125 world ranking points.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Hotel Chef Hits Intern, Forces Her to Eat Raw Rice

A Patong hotel chef assaulted a 20-year-old intern, hitting her with a ladle and slapping her face after she failed to respond quickly to an order, while previously forcing her to eat raw rice as punishment for overcooking.

Hotel Chef Hits Intern, Forces Her to Eat Raw Rice
19 Jul Khaosod

A hotel chef in Patong, Phuket, has been accused of striking and humiliating a 20-year-old intern from Nakhon Si Thammarat. The student, who began her internship on July 1st alongside three classmates, was working in the hotel kitchen when the chef became angry that she had not immediately responded to his order to scoop rice. He hit her arm with a ladle and slapped her face twice, causing her to suffer dizziness and severe pain.

In a separate earlier incident, the same chef forced the intern to eat an entire plate of raw rice after she had overcooked a batch. Following this incident, she lived in constant fear of making mistakes and being criticized. When her instructor learned of the abuse, she immediately withdrew the student and her three classmates from the internship due to safety concerns.

The intern has filed a complaint at Patong Police Station. Authorities are investigating charges of assault and are considering additional charges related to coercion and mistreatment of a minor.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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