Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Southern Thailand Mangosteen Harvest Surges 75%, Trade Ministry Opens Auction Centers

Southern Thailand's mangosteen harvest has surged 75% to 139,000 tonnes in 2025, prompting the Department of Internal Trade to open auction centers and launch a nationwide promotion campaign. The government is partnering with influencers and retailers to distribute mangoes through trade shows, department stores, and government agencies at discounted prices, aiming to move 10,000 tonnes and support farmers facing market glut.

Southern Thailand Mangosteen Harvest Surges 75%, Trade Ministry Opens Auction Centers
24 min ago Khaosod

Southern Thailand's mangosteen production has surged 75% to 139,000 tonnes in 2025, prompting the Department of Internal Trade to open three auction centers in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chumphon and launch a campaign urging Thai consumers to "eat southern mangosteen, help Thai farmers." Deputy Director Jirawut Suwannaacha said the department is proactively opening distribution channels through trade shows and department stores rather than waiting for market oversupply to become a crisis. The strategy includes partnering with influencer Supachai at the A FAIR event in Bangkok from August 13–19, 2025, where 4.5-kilogram baskets will sell for 180 baht, and coordinating with government agencies, state enterprises, and large organizations to expand retail access. Additional promotional events include the Premium Durian Fest 2026 at Central North Village and Larn Park Paragon in early September, alongside sales partnerships with Modern Trade stores, public agencies, and companies including the Thai Teachers Council, Thammasat Hospital, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Customs Department, Thai Airways International, the Royal Thai Army, and the Commerce Ministry. Officials emphasized that supporting farmers requires building consumer demand and market awareness, not just procurement, and that consumer choices to buy Thai mangosteen directly benefit producers during this peak harvest period.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Frontline Engineering Sets IPO Price at 1.23 Baht

Frontline Engineering has set its IPO price at 1.23 baht per share, with subscriptions opening on August 21 and August 24-25. The company, which specializes in comprehensive water pumping and drainage system services, plans to list on the mai market in the third quarter of 2025. FLE serves government and private clients nationwide and has developed Smart Water Management technology for real-time system monitoring.

Frontline Engineering Sets IPO Price at 1.23 Baht
25 min ago Khaosod

Frontline Engineering Public Company Limited (FLE) has priced its initial public offering at 1.23 baht per share, with subscription periods scheduled for August 21 and August 24-25. The company expects to list on the mai market in the third quarter of 2025 under the trading symbol FLE in the industrial goods sector.

The offering comprises 100 million shares, representing 33.33% of the company's total issued and paid-up capital. Six additional securities firms are participating as co-managers and guarantors: Globlex Securities, CGS International (Thailand), Trinity Securities, Beyond Securities Public Company, UOB Kay Hian (Thailand) Public Company, and Liberator Securities.

According to Prinyacha Wongpetchkhao, senior director of commercial banking at Phillip Securities (Thailand), FLE stands out as a comprehensive one-stop provider of water pumping and drainage systems. The company offers consulting, design, procurement, installation, testing, maintenance, and after-sales service, with engineering expertise and more than 20 years of industry experience.

FLE serves government agencies, state enterprises, and private sector clients across the country with water management projects. The company maintains strong partnerships with leading global equipment manufacturers, enabling it to provide pumps, valves, and certified equipment with tailored solutions.

A key strength is FLE's development of Smart Water Management (SWM) technology—an intelligent pump management system that provides real-time monitoring and maintenance tracking via Cloud IoT, improving operational efficiency and decision-making.

Seksarn Thanopachai, chief executive of Fin Plus Advisory, the financial advisor to FLE, highlighted the company's specialized expertise, experienced team, and capability to develop diverse customer solutions. He noted that Thailand's infrastructure investment and digital economy transition create new opportunities for FLE, particularly with the expanding data center sector, which requires efficient and stable utility systems. FLE can leverage its water system expertise and SWM technology to support future digital infrastructure projects.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Highway Police Update Flood Conditions Across Four Provinces

Highway Police have issued flood updates for four northern and northeastern Thai provinces affecting 16 road sections as of August 20. Eight routes are currently passable while eight remain closed due to flooding, with the majority of closures in Nan Province. Travelers are advised to check road conditions before departing and contact the Department of Highways at 1193 for real-time updates.

Highway Police Update Flood Conditions Across Four Provinces
27 min ago Khaosod

Highway Police are urging the public to check road conditions before traveling. Four provinces are affected with a total of 16 road sections impacted: eight passable and eight impassable. The breakdown by province is as follows:

Nan Province: 10 affected sections - Nan Highway Division 1: three sections (one passable, two impassable) - Nan Highway Division 2: seven sections (one passable, six impassable)

Phichit Province: one section - Phichit Highway Division 2: one section passable (flooded road)

Nong Bua Lamphu Province: four sections - Nong Bua Lamphu Highway Division: all four sections passable (flooded roads)

Nakhon Phanom Province: one section - Nakhon Phanom Highway Division: one section passable (flooded road)

Travelers should verify conditions before departure and exercise caution in affected areas. Road condition updates are available through the HDMS system by calling 1193.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Athletics Chief Stresses Discipline Before Asian Games

Thailand's Athletics Association held a committee meeting to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, with the president emphasizing the importance of athlete discipline in the final month before competition. The meeting reviewed preparations for relay teams, approved budgets for the national championships, and discussed facility improvements at the national athletics centre. Officials urged athletes to maintain health and follow guidelines to ensure optimal performance at the Games.

Thai Athletics Chief Stresses Discipline Before Asian Games
30 min ago Khaosod

The Thailand Athletics Association, under Royal Patronage, convened its third committee meeting of 2025 on August 20 at the Deluxe Conference Room of Thammasat University's Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani Province. General Chakratip Chaijinda, president of the association, presided over the session, which was attended by Deputy President Naphant Leamsongwan, Senior Deputy President Witawat Tantiwes, Deputy President Amnat Sunthorn, Board Member General Anekapol Mongkoldetc, and Treasurer Anurak Sengiem.

The meeting included reports on the Thai Domestic Power Kids Athletics programme, updates on training camps for the men's and women's 4×100-metre relay teams in Prague, Czech Republic, and assessments of Thailand's national athletics team's preparedness for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. The committee also approved the budget for the 70th Thai National Athletics Championships in 2025 and reviewed plans to develop facilities and infrastructure at the National Athletics Centre in Samkhok, Pathum Thani, including a fitness area and temporary container structures.

The association president stated: "If our athletes face any problems, they should immediately report to their coaches or management. The most important thing is discipline. Good athletes must know how to conduct themselves appropriately, especially with the Asian Games just one month away. All directives should focus on practical, actionable measures that benefit the team during this critical pre-competition period. All athletes should take care of their health and be extra cautious about illness, accidents, and other factors that could affect their readiness to compete."

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Major Drug Dealer Arrested in Bangkok with Vape Devices

Police in Bangkok arrested a 30-year-old suspected drug dealer with 15 vaping devices and methamphetamine on August 20, 2026. The arrest followed an undercover buy operation after intelligence indicated the suspect was supplying drugs to teenagers and nightlife tourists. The suspect has been charged with possession and use of Class 1 narcotics.

Major Drug Dealer Arrested in Bangkok with Vape Devices
33 min ago Khaosod

On August 20, 2026, police commanders including Deputy Police Chief Pallop Airmlo and Narcotics Bureau Deputy Commissioner Suphachai Chaisuwan coordinated an operation that resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old suspect named Krakkad (surname withheld) in Soi Prasahasangsoekhrae, Din Daeng District, Bangkok. Officers recovered 15 vaping devices and methamphetamine in his possession.

Following an informant's tip that the suspect was selling drugs to teenagers and nightlife visitors, undercover officers purchased a total of 15 vaping devices from him. When the suspect arrived for a delivery meeting, police arrested him and found additional contraband concealed in a shoulder bag.

During questioning, the suspect confessed that the drugs were his. He has been charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) without authorization and illegal use of Category 1 narcotics. He was handed over to investigators at Sutthisat Police Station for further legal proceedings.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Pheu Thai Deputy Chief Backs Full Probe Into Phuket MP Over Nominee Claims

Rangsiman Rom, Pheu Thai deputy leader, has confirmed the party is cooperating fully with investigations into Phuket MP Somchai Techavatcharajorn over allegations he concealed assets through nominee companies. Rom acknowledged prior complaints about the nominee issue and said Pheu Thai has referred the matter to the Department of Business Development and supports a thorough probe by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The deputy leader emphasized the party will not protect anyone found guilty and urged authorities to verify the MP's asset declarations immediately.

Pheu Thai Deputy Chief Backs Full Probe Into Phuket MP Over Nominee Claims
44 min ago Khaosod

At 1:45 p.m. on August 20, 2025, at Parliament, Rangsiman Rom, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, addressed allegations against Phuket MP Somchai Techavatcharajorn of the Thai Democrats Party, who was accused of involvement with 28 nominee companies. Rom clarified that Somchai denies the connection but noted that all company names have not yet been reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, raising questions about potential asset concealment. Rom separated the issue into two distinct matters: the nominee allegation and the asset disclosure concern. Regarding asset disclosure, he said this falls within the NACC's remit, as MPs are legally required to file asset information with the commission. If facts match the reports, the NACC can proceed accordingly. On the nominee issue, Rom confirmed that Pheu Thai previously submitted the matter to the Department of Business Development for investigation through the Political Development Committee, and the party takes the allegation seriously. He stated that if Somchai chooses to clear his name at the DSI, that is a legal process that must continue. Rom emphasized that Pheu Thai has not remained silent and has submitted the matter for scrutiny. As far as he knows, the Department of Business Development has not yet reported findings of any nominee involvement. Should evidence emerge, Pheu Thai will support legal action. When asked about prior complaints to the party, Rom confirmed the main allegation centers on nominee companies, and if facts prove otherwise, this would trigger further consequences including asset concealment proceedings. He stressed that the party has already taken steps, namely referring the case to the Department of Business Development, because Pheu Thai treats the nominee issue as significant. The party expects all its MPs to avoid involvement in such matters, and should anyone be implicated, legal action must follow strictly. On whether the party feels troubled by the recurring problem, Rom said Pheu Thai does not want such issues to occur, but when they do arise, the most important response is to manage them appropriately and enforce the law. He stressed that the standard Pheu Thai wishes to see in Thai political society is a refusal to protect wrongdoers. Should evidence prove wrongdoing, action must be taken within the party's authority, though party procedures may be more limited than criminal prosecution. Rom concluded by saying that today's accusation involves the Phuket MP being linked to nominees, and Pheu Thai's response is to work with relevant authorities empowered to handle the case. The NACC, he argued, is best positioned to investigate because MPs submit asset declarations directly to the NACC, not to the party, meaning the NACC has superior access to data and can verify whether declared assets are accurate.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Close Friend Chakrit Breaks Down at Ray's Funeral Service

Actor and presenter Ray MacDonald, a beloved Thai-Scottish entertainment figure from the 1990s, died suddenly on August 19 from three blocked coronary arteries. His close friend Chakrit was visibly devastated while preparing funeral arrangements at Wat Yang Royal Temple on August 20, with his wife Ann providing comfort as they organized the Buddhist ceremonies.

Close Friend Chakrit Breaks Down at Ray's Funeral Service
51 min ago Khaosod

At 12:30 p.m. on August 20 at Wat Yang Royal Temple, Ray MacDonald's wife Samrina, along with close friends Chakrit Yainnam and Leo Puth, attended the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital to receive the autopsy results. The findings indicated three blocked coronary arteries leading to heart failure. Ray's body was then transported to Wat Yang Royal Temple for religious ceremonies.

At 1:05 p.m., a rescue van arrived at the temple with Ray's body, accompanied by his wife and close friends. Ann Pattira, Chakrit's wife, and other friends were waiting at the temple to prepare for the water-sprinkling ceremony and merit-making rites.

Heartbreaking footage showed Chakrit, who received his close friend's body at the temple to arrange the funeral rites, sitting in tears at the temple hall with his wife Ann comforting him by his side.

Ray MacDonald was a Thai-Scottish actor and presenter who became an idol for 1990s youth and won two consecutive Golden Swan Awards for Best Actor in the series "Crazy Karaoke Dream" and "Love by Design." He later transitioned to become a travel influencer and YouTube content creator with the channel "Rayron: Wandering," becoming a role model for many travel influencers.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Presenter Shares Father's Heart Disease Warning Signs

Thai presenter Gift Warodaya shares his father's discovery of severe coronary artery disease, where one blood vessel was 90 percent blocked with plaque. Gift recognized the warning signs—mild chest tightness and sharp arm pain—from prior work on a heart disease awareness campaign, allowing him to seek urgent treatment that potentially prevented a fatal heart attack. The story highlights that coronary artery disease can affect anyone regardless of fitness level and typically stems from prolonged consumption of unhealthy foods.

Thai Presenter Shares Father's Heart Disease Warning Signs
53 min ago Khaosod

Thai presenter and actor Gift Warodaya Kamthontip has shared his family's experience with his father's health scare, which led to discovering severe coronary artery disease during routine hospital screening. One of his father's blood vessels was found to be 90 percent blocked with plaque; had treatment been delayed further, a heart attack could have occurred at any time.

Gift credits his knowledge of heart disease symptoms to work he did over a decade ago as a presenter for Phyathai Hospital and Mahidol Channel covering heart disease awareness. When his mother called to report his father's symptoms—mild chest discomfort and sharp pain radiating to the left arm, lasting no more than 15 minutes and recurring every two to three weeks—Gift immediately recognized them as warning signs and rushed his father to Siriraj Hospital for comprehensive cardiac testing.

The human heart has three major arteries: one in the front and two in the back. Doctors discovered that one of the rear arteries in Gift's father had become 90 percent blocked. Coronary artery disease is not determined by physical fitness alone; many athletes have collapsed on the field without knowing they had the condition. The disease typically develops gradually from prolonged consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats. Today, Gift's father takes daily heart medication and carefully monitors his diet, maintains regular health checkups, and watches for warning signs—a reminder for everyone to look after the health of those they love.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Rescue Toddler Locked Inside Truck at Gas Station

Police and mechanics in Rayong Province rescued a toddler who became trapped inside a locked truck after a parent stepped out to run an errand at a petrol station. The child's doors locked automatically while the parent was away, and officers spent over 20 minutes safely extracting the child. Police are urging parents never to leave young children unattended in vehicles.

Police Rescue Toddler Locked Inside Truck at Gas Station
56 min ago Khaosod

Police mechanics and traffic officers from Ban Chang Station rescued a young child trapped alone inside a six-wheeled truck after the doors locked automatically while a parent was away. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, as emergencies can strike unexpectedly. At 07:30 on August 21, 2025, Colonel Thanongsak Kammat, commander of Ban Chang Station, received a report that a small child was locked inside a six-wheeled passenger truck parked at a petrol station on Sukhumvit Road in Ban Chang District, Rayong Province. He immediately dispatched traffic police and mechanics from the station to assist. Officers discovered that the parent had exited the truck to run an errand while refueling, leaving a toddler alone inside with the engine running. The vehicle's doors then locked automatically, trapping the child inside. Officers worked for more than 20 minutes before successfully removing the child safely. Ban Chang Station's commander has issued a public warning to parents with young children: always remove your keys when parking and never leave children unattended in vehicles, as unexpected emergencies can occur at any time.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Community

ETC and BWG Launch Waste-to-Goods Exchange Program

Earth Tech Environment and Better World Green companies launched the "Happiness Bank" program in Saraburi Province on August 19, allowing residents to exchange collected waste for essential consumer goods. The inaugural event collected 4.8 tons of waste and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 419 mature trees. The initiative reflects the organizations' commitment to turning discarded materials into community benefits while promoting sustainable waste management practices.

ETC and BWG Launch Waste-to-Goods Exchange Program
57 min ago Khaosod

Earth Tech Environment Public Company Limited (ETC) and Better World Green Public Company Limited (BWG) have partnered to organize the "Happiness Bank BWG x ETC" initiative on August 19, 2026, at Wat Phra That Ban Nuea in Saraburi Province. The program aims to promote community-based waste sorting from the source and add value to discarded materials, returning benefits to society. The event was opened by Sirichai Suphamon, Deputy District Officer of Kaeng Khoi District, serving as the official representative, with ETC's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Suphawat Kunravini reporting on the event's objectives, and BWG Vice Chairman Akkrawit Khanthaew thanking all participants. Local government officials, subdistrict administrators, village headmen, and community leaders attended in full support.

A key highlight of the program was the opportunity for residents to bring "worthless waste" to exchange for essential daily consumer goods, demonstrating that discarded materials can create real value and happiness for communities. The inaugural event successfully collected 4,840 kilograms (approximately 4.8 tons) of waste and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 9,216.65 kgCO₂e, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of approximately 419 mature trees. The event also featured renowned entertainer Poom Kiattiphoom, who engaged warmly with the public in activities that created a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

The "Happiness Bank BWG x ETC" initiative goes beyond promoting waste sorting and proper disposal methods; it reinforces the shared vision of "transforming waste into happiness" held by both organizations, demonstrating their commitment to improving community living standards alongside sustainable environmental management.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Seeks T&G Partnership to Boost Thai Fruit Exports

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnweerakul met with executives from New Zealand fruit giant T&G Global in Auckland to discuss deepening cooperation on Thai agriculture. The talks aim to connect Thai farmers to T&G's distribution network spanning over 50 countries while applying the company's expertise in apple production to elevate Thai fruit standards. The partnership would position Thailand as a regional agricultural trade hub for Southeast Asia while benefiting the country's 6.4 million farming households.

PM Seeks T&G Partnership to Boost Thai Fruit Exports
1h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnweerakul and his delegation held talks with T&G Global executives in Auckland, New Zealand on August 20 to explore expanded cooperation and investment opportunities in Thailand. According to Naruetan Thedtheerashakdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, the discussions centered on integrating Thai high-quality fruits and agricultural products into T&G's global distribution network to reach markets across the region and worldwide. The prime minister proposed applying T&G's experience in transforming local agricultural products into world-class branded apples to improve Thai fruit cultivation standards, harvesting, packaging, and value-added production.

Thailand's strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia connects it to over 700 million consumers and benefits from robust infrastructure including Laem Chabang Port, Suvarnabhumi Airport, cold chain systems, and logistics providers. This cooperation would benefit Thailand's approximately 6.4 million farming households, nearly one-third of the national workforce, by opening global markets for their produce. Both parties also discussed research and development partnerships, particularly in post-harvest management technology and agricultural storage methods to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables without chemical preservatives.

T&G Global, founded in 1887, is one of New Zealand's largest and oldest horticultural companies, operating integrated operations from crop research and development through cultivation, packaging, storage, logistics, and distribution. The company operates farms in 10 countries and sells fresh fruit in over 50 nations worldwide, with apples accounting for approximately 67 percent of revenue. Premium brands include ENVY, JAZZ, and Orchard Rd. T&G operates in Thailand through T&G South East Asia, headquartered in Bangkok since 2016, and has been granted investment promotion status for an International Business Center, making Thailand a key base for Southeast Asian operations.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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