Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
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. 01 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.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
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.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
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.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
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. 05 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. 06 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.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
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. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Doctor Lists Five Colon Cancer Warning Signs Beyond Stomach Pain

A Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital doctor warns of five colon cancer signs beyond stomach pain, including changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, anemia, unexplained weight loss, and worsening abdominal bloating—symptoms that warrant medical eva

Doctor Lists Five Colon Cancer Warning Signs Beyond Stomach Pain
4 Aug Khaosod

Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongvirooj, deputy director of Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, has posted five warning signs of colon cancer that people should not ignore, noting that early-stage colon cancer does not necessarily cause abdominal pain. While many people experience common digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome, it is important to distinguish between minor digestive complaints and serious warning signs that warrant medical evaluation.

The five warning signs are: (1) A clear change in bowel habits, such as a shift from daily bowel movements to constipation lasting several days or alternating between loose stools and constipation, or a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation; (2) Blood in stool or abnormally dark stools—while people often assume bright red blood indicates hemorrhoids, bleeding from the colon or rectum can also occur, and sometimes blood is present in amounts too small to see without testing; (3) Anemia, fatigue, or easy tiring even without visible blood loss, as some colon cancers can cause slow, chronic bleeding undetectable to the naked eye; (4) Unintentional weight loss despite maintaining the same diet and activity level, which can accompany loss of appetite and fatigue; and (5) Changes in existing abdominal pain or bloating patterns, such as increased frequency or severity of symptoms. Dr. Jetsada emphasizes that while not all these symptoms indicate cancer, persistent or multiple simultaneous symptoms warrant investigation rather than self-diagnosis as simple digestive trouble.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Road Project Stalls as Contract Deadline Looms in Two Months

A 4.99 million baht road project in Khao Wang District faces near-certain failure with only two months left before its September deadline, as no construction work has begun despite a 120-day timeline that started in May.

Road Project Stalls as Contract Deadline Looms in Two Months
4 Aug Khaosod

On August 4, Prakop Mangkang, director of the Office of the Ombudsman in Yasothon Province, and his team inspected the reinforced concrete road construction project running from Ban Mak Mai to Ban Phon Muang in Khao Wang District. The project, worth 4,989,900 baht, calls for a 6-meter-wide, 1,120-meter-long road with 0.15-meter thickness, with a 120-day timeline from May 29 to September 25, 2025. However, inspectors found no construction work had begun on site, with only two months (approximately 60 days) remaining—creating a high risk of project failure. Prakop warned that rushed construction near deadlines often leads to compromised quality standards, such as inadequate soil compaction and insufficient concrete curing time, causing rapid pavement deterioration after opening. The Ombudsman's office recommended that the provincial organization accelerate planning review, enforce strict penalty clauses if deadlines are missed, and involve local residents as public monitors. The office pledged to closely monitor the project's progress to ensure the nearly 5 million baht in taxpayer funds produces a durable, standard-compliant road that genuinely benefits residents of Khao Wang District.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
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