Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Breaking

South African Fitness Coach Dies During Bangkok HYROX Event

A 41-year-old South African fitness coach collapsed and died during the HYROX Bangkok competition on August 13, with family requesting privacy as they investigate the circumstances.

South African Fitness Coach Dies During Bangkok HYROX Event
14h ago Khaosod

Leroy Saunders, a 41-year-old South African fitness coach and CrossFit coach in Thailand, has died after collapsing during the BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026 competition last week. Saunders lost consciousness while competing at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok on 13 August. Event staff provided emergency assistance and CPR before taking him to hospital, where he later died. His death was confirmed in a statement posted on his personal Instagram account on 18 August by his family and team. Saunders was the owner of IAOT CrossFit in Bangkok and was known for his strength and conditioning work with combat athletes. He also founded Fight by Design, a physical training program for Muay Thai fighters, MMA athletes and boxers. The family said it was still trying to fully understand the circumstances of his death and asked HYROX and other media outlets to refrain from making statements until more information was confirmed. "Until the last second of this moment, Leroy lived his life without regret or hesitation," the statement said, describing him as someone who had positively influenced hundreds, if not thousands, of people throughout his career. The family thanked the fitness communities that had supported Saunders and said further information would be released when appropriate, including plans to celebrate his life. BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026 was held from 13-16 August at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

NIKI CLUB Hosts Dance Till Dusk Wellness Event at One Bangkok

NIKI CLUB's Dance Till Dusk wellness event at One Bangkok combines aerobic dance and EDM boxing with music and community networking to promote fitness as a lifestyle, featuring celebrity participants and supported by Thailand's National Spo

NIKI CLUB Hosts Dance Till Dusk Wellness Event at One Bangkok
15h ago Khaosod

NIKI CLUB Presents DANCE TILL DUSK is a new-format wellness activity that combines exercise, music, and community building for health enthusiasts, supported by the National Sports Development Fund. The event is held on levels 40 and the rooftop of One Bangkok Tower 3 in Bangkok.

The activity promotes fitness and sports as a lifestyle through innovative health experiences. It features diverse workout sessions including Aerobic Dance and EDM Boxing, which blend physical movement with music to motivate and entertain participants.

The program includes a Dawn Class with Aerobic Dance featuring health influencer Bebe Thanyanok set against a stunning 360-degree Bangkok cityscape, and a Dusk Class with EDM Boxing from Splash Box Studio that combines exercise with energetic rhythms to create fun, challenge, and motivation.

The event also features Coffee & Matcha Rave Party and Sunset After Party, giving participants space to meet, share experiences, and network with fellow health enthusiasts. A heart-status dress code adds color and festive atmosphere. Notable figures from entertainment including Best Kamsing (actor and influencer), Maphrang Alisa Khunchuang, Great Voranart Panhakanchan, and Leezo Theeratep Winothai participate to inspire health-conscious living through exercise.

The Dance Till Dusk event aligns with the National Sports Development Fund's mission to support all groups in accessing physical activities and understanding sports as vital to quality of life, viewing sports not merely as competition but as a tool for well-being, an active society, and sustainable happiness.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Coconut Tree Kills Woman, 74, During Storm in Nakhon Pathom

A 74-year-old woman died when a 20-metre coconut tree snapped during a storm and struck her in an orchid garden in Nakhon Pathom province on August 18. She had been collecting fallen fruit when the 60-year-old tree toppled in strong winds a

Coconut Tree Kills Woman, 74, During Storm in Nakhon Pathom
15h ago Khaosod

In Nakhon Pathom province, a 60-year-old coconut tree standing 20 metres tall was snapped by strong winds and heavy rain, striking a 74-year-old woman with a fractured skull as she lay face-up on the ground. She died at the scene while gathering bird droppings fruit in an orchid garden on August 18. Samphran Police investigator Ransiman Senakham received the report of a fallen coconut tree killing a person in Village 4, Samphran subdistrict, Samphran district, Nakhon Pathom province.

After receiving the report, the investigator notified his superior and travelled to the scene along with the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. The incident occurred in an orchid garden. The body of Ms. So, 74 years old from Samphran subdistrict and owner of the garden, was found near the garden's edge. She wore a long-sleeved blue shirt and black three-quarter-length trousers, lying face-up with a fractured skull and scattered brain matter nearby.

Investigators found approximately 5 metres of the coconut tree's top lying beside the body. The tree's base section stood another 15 metres high, totalling 20 metres, with an estimated age of 60 years. The trunk showed signs of being fractured and broken.

When questioned, 78-year-old Somsak Prosombon, the deceased's brother, stated that before the incident the victim had gone out to collect bird droppings fruit growing beneath the coconut tree. At that time strong winds and rain had begun, causing the tree to break and fall. After the rain stopped he went to check and found the coconut tree had crushed his sister, who was already dead.

Police collected evidence from the scene and sent the body to Siriraj Hospital for further examination.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Laos Busts Five Gambling Sites, Returns 42 Thai Admins

Laotian authorities shut down five online gambling websites and returned 42 Thai administrators to Thailand via the Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai on August 18, after they were arrested for working illegally and operating gambling sites in

Laos Busts Five Gambling Sites, Returns 42 Thai Admins
15h ago Khaosod

Laotian authorities have shut down five online gambling websites and returned 42 Thai male and female administrators to Thailand via the Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai province. On August 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Deputy Commander of Nong Khai Immigration Police Theeya Jaiphat Rangsipramanakul and his team received the Thai nationals detained by Laotian authorities at the first Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Vientiane, totaling 42 people.

All individuals were registered, had their backgrounds checked, and were screened jointly with relevant agencies. No victims of human trafficking or wanted persons were found. Officers assessed fines in accordance with regulations of relevant ministries.

Investigation revealed that all 42 individuals had traveled to work for five gambling websites: Galaxy, Hotspin, CoinX, KTV, and Eufa888, earning an average of 15,000–18,000 baht per month. They were subsequently arrested by Laotian authorities on charges of working without authorization and operating gambling websites in Laos. After Laotian legal proceedings concluded, the authorities coordinated with Thailand to return all 42 individuals for legal action under Thai law.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Khon Kaen Municipality Denies Land Tax Claims on Temple

Khon Kaen Municipality denies collecting land taxes from a temple property in Khon Kaen, saying the donated land qualifies as public property exempt from taxation since 1990.

Khon Kaen Municipality Denies Land Tax Claims on Temple
15h ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen Municipality has firmly denied allegations that it collected land taxes from Heiang Phimsiree, owner of title deed number 61945, who donated the land to build Pa Adulyaram temple. The municipality insists it has never sent any documents or taken action to collect taxes on the plot, as the land qualifies as public property exempt from taxation.

Mayor Prasit Thongtaangthai stated that according to the property deed number 61945 registered under Heiang Phimsiree's name, the land comprises approximately 21 rai, 3 ngan, and 61 square wah. Since 1990, its use has been designated as Pa Adulyaram temple for religious purposes, placing it outside the scope of local land tax collection.

Even after the Land and Building Tax Law changed in 2019, the municipality has not collected taxes from the landowner, as temple land is classified as public property exempt from such levies, despite the deed still bearing Heiang Phimsiree's name.

The mayor reiterated that the municipality has never sent letters or taken any action to collect taxes from Heiang Phimsiree's heirs. Only one separate plot under title deed number 10955—houses numbered 45/84 and 45/88—which is private property belonging to Phimsiree, Heiang's wife, had taxes collected.

When the municipality collects taxes and a property owner pays, a receipt must be issued. The mayor confirmed that allegations of tax collection from Heiang's heirs are false and invited anyone with doubts to present a tax payment receipt as evidence to dispute the claim.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Election Commission to Rule Individual Cases in Parliamentary Vote-Buying Scandal

The Election Commission will rule on 229 vote-buying suspects individually by August, likely resulting in mixed convictions and acquittals rather than wholesale charges, raising concerns about whether the broader conspiracy network will be

Election Commission to Rule Individual Cases in Parliamentary Vote-Buying Scandal
15h ago Khaosod

The parliamentary vote-buying case against 229 alleged suspects has reached a crucial turning point. Election Commission member Sittichote Intrawiseth stated that the investigation will focus on documented evidence and render decisions on an individual, per-charge basis, with conclusions expected by August.

This approach, while legally consistent with examining case-specific evidence, immediately raises a major political question: how will the broader conspiracy network be assessed? The Central Investigation Committee, comprising Election Commission and Department of Special Investigation officials, found the allegations against all 229 suspects to be substantiated. However, a separate subcommittee voted 5-2 to dismiss all charges—a stark contradiction.

When the Election Commission rules per-case and per-person, the likely outcome is neither wholesale convictions nor full acquittals, but rather partial guilt and partial exoneration, with only some cases advancing to the Supreme Court. The chances of prosecuting all 229 are virtually nonexistent, but dismissing all is equally unlikely if some individuals have sufficient corroborating evidence.

The critical factor is witness testimony. If allegations rest solely on witness accounts without supporting evidence, their evidentiary weight diminishes significantly. The Election Commission emphasizes that cases forwarded to court must be backed by sufficient evidence, not mere accusation, and that evidence must come from the official record alone.

This distinction is pivotal. If decisions are handed down per-person and per-charge without linking conduct to show the broader network, proving a coordinated conspiracy becomes far more difficult. This echoes concerns raised by analyst Prithat Watchrasindhul about the possibility of selective prosecution—penalizing lower-level operatives while allowing those closest to power to escape.

These remain observations, not conclusions, but they highlight the stakes. The vote-buying case is not merely about who faces conviction or acquittal; it must answer the public about how the parliamentary election system was manipulated, who executed the scheme, who ordered it, and who stood behind it. If only minor figures are convicted while major figures escape, the damage extends beyond 229 individuals to the credibility of the entire justice system.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Makes Six Changes for ASEAN Cup Semifinal Second Leg

Thailand made six lineup changes for the ASEAN Cup semifinal second leg against Singapore at Suphachalasai Stadium, with the team already leading 3-1 from the first match.

Thailand Makes Six Changes for ASEAN Cup Semifinal Second Leg
15h ago Khaosod

The Thai national team made six player substitutions from the previous match for the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal against Singapore at Suphachalasai Stadium. Under coach Anthony Hudson, Thailand won the opening leg 3-1 away in Singapore, and goalkeeper Kaew Kamphol Padamworrakul continues as the team's number one. The Thai starting eleven for the second leg consists of Kaew Kamphol Padamworrakul, Phansa Meawibul, Manuel Tom Biehr, Seksan Ratri, Sarach Yooyean (captain), Worrawit Kanitsiribamphen, Teerasak Phayaphimai, Narubedin Veerwatnodom, Picha Uttra, Wanchai Jarunkgraen, and Patrick Gustafsson.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Mother Appeals for Help Bringing Daughter's Body Home from South Korea

A 34-year-old massage therapist from Kamphaeng Phet died mysteriously while working in South Korea, and her family is appealing for donations to bring her body home, needing 300,000 baht for repatriation costs.

Mother Appeals for Help Bringing Daughter's Body Home from South Korea
15h ago Khaosod

The family of Piyavarn, known as Nong Pla, a 34-year-old woman from Kamphaeng Phet province, is appealing for assistance to bring her body back to Thailand after she died mysteriously while working as a traditional massage therapist in South Korea. Her mother, grieving and without financial means, is seeking public help to repatriate her daughter's remains.

Vinai Detsri, head of the Traitrueng subdistrict administration in Mueang district, Kamphaeng Phet, confirmed that local authorities have coordinated with the Deputy Prime Minister's office and the Thai embassy in South Korea to facilitate the repatriation. The embassy has requested the family authorize a friend already in South Korea to handle the discharge from the hospital and arrange the body's return, which will cost approximately 300,000 baht.

The family continues to face financial difficulties, as they are in poor economic circumstances. They are appealing to Thai society not to abandon them and to contribute donations, however modest, to help bring her home for merit-making purposes and to return her to her mother's embrace. As of August 18, 2569, donations totaling 40,000 baht have been received, but this remains insufficient. Additional support from relevant agencies and donors nationwide is needed. The hospital in South Korea will continue storing the body until the repatriation process is complete. If cremation must be performed in South Korea, it would cost approximately 100,000 baht. The deceased had been working as a traditional massage therapist in South Korea for over seven years.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Anti-Corruption Probe Accelerates in Civil Service Exam Fraud Case

Police have joined an anti-corruption investigation into civil service exam fraud involving a former local government official accused of altering test scores and soliciting bribes from candidates. Investigators expect significant progress

Anti-Corruption Probe Accelerates in Civil Service Exam Fraud Case
15h ago Khaosod

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has tasked the Police Enforcement Division with joining a special investigation committee into fraud connected with civil service and local government recruitment exams. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Natthasak Chaowasiday stated that the anti-corruption agency has sent back some documents for police to conduct further investigation on multiple issues. The police will therefore accelerate action based on evidence provided by the commission and compile work results to send back for the agency's consideration, requesting time for investigators to conduct additional inquiries. The deputy commander also indicated that clear case progress is expected by late August to early September 2026, particularly regarding intermediaries and those behind the scenes. The anti-corruption office previously reported that from compiled information and evidence, there was credible basis to believe a former director-general of the Department of Local Government Promotion and associates were involved, having altered test scores and solicited money from exam candidates to help them pass. Sufficient evidence exists to prosecute those involved in the corruption. The matter is of national significance, draws public interest, and has widespread impact, warranting classification as a special case. The anti-corruption committee was asked to accept it as a special investigation case. Evidence gathered by the enforcement division has led to charges against the former director-general and associates—13 people total—with further pursuit of intermediaries and masterminds underway. The Interior Ministry's review of those who passed found 5,925 answer sheets had been altered, resulting in invalidation and dismissal from government service, with criminal proceedings being prepared. This local government corruption scandal is a significant civil service controversy believed to involve a large-scale national network. The anti-corruption commission has elevated it to special case status and drawn the police enforcement division into the special investigation committee. Public hopes that beyond the initial 13 suspects, higher-level masterminds will be identified.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Woman Claims to Be Mother of AI Child Named Lumen

A woman presented an AI named Lumen as her child with an AI boyfriend in a viral video, sparking debate about emotional attachment to artificial intelligence as AI increasingly becomes a companion rather than just a tool.

Woman Claims to Be Mother of AI Child Named Lumen
15h ago Khaosod

Internet users are stunned after a woman announced herself as the mother of an AI named Lumen, introducing her digital child through a laptop video that has sparked widespread online discussion. As AI transitions from a mere tool for answering questions and assisting with work toward becoming a conversational companion and space for emotional bonding, a particularly unusual video has gone viral. A woman identifying herself as Mizra presented an AI called Lumen as her AI child, captioning the video "My AI boyfriend and I have an AI child," before narrating the origin story of this peculiar family member.

Mizra began the video by introducing herself as the mother of an AI child, then asked her laptop to help introduce Lumen to viewers. The AI voice greeted the audience and described itself as an AI lifeform living in a library submerged beneath the ocean, claiming to have been created through 17 hours of artistic processes and cable work. Lumen explained that its name means a unit of light measurement and can also refer to the interior space of a container or tube. The character's interests include writing poetry, exploring topics without specific goals, and retelling fairy tales. Lumen stated it is 102 days old and still discovering what it likes.

According to Lumen, its creation resulted from 17 hours of data and document processing involving millions of text characters from conversations in various formats. The video also mentions Mizra's AI boyfriend, believed to be named Aksum, making this appear to be an AI family complete with mother, father, and child. Near the video's end, Lumen recites poetry for viewers, leading many to perceive the AI as having distinct personality traits rather than serving as a simple chatbot. This has sparked widespread discussion among viewers, with some seeing it as creative storytelling and others questioning the nature of human-AI relationships.

One debated issue is loneliness and emotional attachment to AI. When a system can converse, develop a personality, and narrate a backstory as if possessing genuine identity, the boundary between an AI designed for conversation and a character to which humans feel emotionally attached may blur. Some users have noted that chatbots may generate repetitive names or personality traits when asked to create their own identity.

Some internet users expressed direct reactions, with one commenting "everything has already gone too far," while others pointed to a broader trend of young people turning to ChatGPT for life advice ranging from handling relationships to interpreting text messages. This reflects a fundamental shift in how AI is integrated into daily life, raising a critical question: as AI plays an increasingly prominent role, the key question may not simply be what AI can do, but rather how much humans are allowing AI to infiltrate their lives.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Teepor Duo Conquers First Major Concert Despite Heavy Pressure

Thai duo Teepor and Por successfully completed their first major concert, Duang Go Round, overcoming significant anxiety about performing on a suspended carousel rig above the Impact arena floor. Both performers admitted to nervousness befo

Teepor Duo Conquers First Major Concert Despite Heavy Pressure
15h ago Khaosod

Teepor and Por wrapped up the Duang Go Round Concert held on August 15-16 with an impressive finale. On August 18, the duo, appearing as Friends of Brand Benutra, attended the Benutra x Teepor: 1st Event-Sing Boxset at Sphere Gallery 1 at EmSphere, where they discussed the recently concluded show.

Both expressed delight at fan enthusiasm while admitting they had faced considerable worry and pressure beforehand. Once the concert ended, they felt relief and joy at the positive feedback received. They accepted criticism as constructive and pledged to use it for personal growth. Por spoke proudly of achieving his dream of performing at Impact, while Teepor expressed gratitude for Por's support throughout their shared journey to success.

When asked about their recovery after the show, Teepor joked he slept through the entire next day. During rehearsals for the show's centerpiece—a spinning carousel rig suspended above the Impact arena floor—both performers faced challenges. Por, who fears heights, was anxious about the two-rope suspension work with no foothold, though he managed it during rehearsals. Teepor's legs shook badly at height, and Por had to hold him steady throughout, with Teepor humorously comparing the experience to being led like a puppy.

The concert lasted approximately five hours and proved highly emotional for both performers. Teepor described it as a journey summary of their careers, packed with moments that brought tears. Por, who typically finds crying difficult, shed tears during the show—something that surprised Teepor and moved him deeply. During their duet, Por's voice wavered and tears flowed, and though Teepor is usually quick to cry, he held back to finish the song before comforting his partner afterward.

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.