Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Student Critically Injured After Falling Through Second-Floor Roof

A Grade 9 student in Nonthaburi Province suffered critical injuries including a fractured neck after falling through a deteriorated roof while retrieving earbuds during school break.

Student Critically Injured After Falling Through Second-Floor Roof
24 Jul Khaosod

Police Major Prasakorn Chaitheewiwongse, commander of Plai Bang Station in Nonthaburi Province, received a report from a secondary school in Bangkuwieng Subdistrict, Bangkruwai District, that a Grade 9 boy had fallen through a roof and struck the ground with critical injuries. Emergency responders quickly transported him to hospital.

Initial inspection of the scene showed the tile roof connecting the building sections had a large hole, with wooden debris and broken roof tiles scattered across the ground. The student was rushed to the ICU with serious injuries.

A school teacher explained the accident happened during midday break when the Grade 9 boy climbed onto the old tile roof to retrieve earbuds that had fallen while he was on the phone with his mother. The deteriorated roof, unable to support his weight, collapsed beneath him, and he fell headfirst onto wooden boards below, sustaining critical injuries and convulsions.

Rescue staff immediately took him to hospital ICU. Initial findings indicate a fractured neck. The school has now issued a safety warning to students about the dangers of leaving the building structures.

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National

Savings Bank Launches Auto-Savings Account for Small Traders

The Government Savings Bank launched the "Maha Heng" savings account, which automatically transfers daily merchant sales into dedicated savings at 0.50% annual interest, helping small business owners build financial reserves without tax lia

Savings Bank Launches Auto-Savings Account for Small Traders
24 Jul Khaosod

The Government Savings Bank has launched the "Maha Heng" savings account, a 0.50% annual interest product designed to help small merchants automatically convert daily sales into savings through the bank's merchant app. According to Songpol Cheevapathanasorn, director of the Government Savings Bank, the initiative promotes financial discipline among small business operators who struggle to allocate funds when using a single payment account through the merchant app.

The innovative deposit account automatically transfers daily sales into a dedicated savings account, fostering daily savings habits and enabling business owners to easily set aside reserves for operating expenses such as rent, utilities, and electricity. The account offers a 0.50% annual interest rate with no tax liability, and both principal and interest are fully guaranteed by the government under law. This tool helps traders accumulate savings gradually to build long-term financial security.

The Maha Heng account is a savings deposit account for individuals using the Government Savings Bank merchant app to process payments. The system automatically transfers daily sales into the account in predetermined amounts, with one account per person. Deposits can start from as little as one baht per transaction with no maximum deposit limit. Account opening is available at all bank branches, with subsequent transactions conducted through the merchant app. The 0.50% interest rate is valid until December 31, 2025, after which rates will follow bank announcements. Interested parties can inquire at any Government Savings Bank branch nationwide, the official website at www.gsb.or.th, or GSB Contact Center at 1115.

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National

Bodybuilding Association Adviser Files for Thai Sports Authority Chief

A bodybuilding association adviser has filed as the third candidate to lead Thailand's Sports Authority, with the application window closing July 29, 2026.

Bodybuilding Association Adviser Files for Thai Sports Authority Chief
24 Jul Khaosod

An adviser to the Thai Bodybuilding and Fitness Association has filed to compete for director-general of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), replacing current chief Dr. Kongsakda Yoddamani. He is the third candidate. The SAT is accepting applications for the position, with submissions available in person or by proxy at the Human Resources Department, 6th floor, SAT, phone 0-2186-7111 ext. 1217 or 7950, from July 15–29, 2026, during business hours (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), or by email to hrm@sat.or.th by 4:30 p.m. on July 29, 2026. As of July 24, 2026, Tanpawat Techphuvadon, adviser to the Thai Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, filed as the third candidate, following Siriches Pooltipayan, chairman of the Thai Mixed Martial Arts Association, and Dr. Surawit Loitanakulwat, also known as "Wit Kuan Eim" or "Siao Wit Kuan Eim Bang Rak," a local politician and Bang Rak community worker who filed earlier.

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National

Thai Volleyball Star Confident in Double Championship Sweep

Thailand's women's volleyball star Omsirin Sasipaporn believes the team can sweep both tournaments of the 2026 SEA V Cup, with competitions scheduled for late July and early August in Vietnam and Chiang Mai before the Asian Championship in

Thai Volleyball Star Confident in Double Championship Sweep
24 Jul Khaosod

Omsirin Sasipaporn, a standout middle blocker for Thailand's national women's volleyball team, has expressed confidence that the Thai team is capable of sweeping both tournaments of the 2026 SEA V Cup. The Thai women's volleyball team has returned to training camp in preparation for the SEA V Cup 2026, with the first tournament scheduled for July 31–August 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam, and the second for August 7–9 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team will then compete in the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship from August 21–30 in Tianjin, China.

Sasipaporn revealed that after the Nations League concluded, the team is placing particular emphasis on the Asian Championship due to its importance, though they are focused on every competition. Following their VNL performance, the team now understands the playing style and is working to sharpen specific aspects of their game. She noted that the team's physical condition is currently good, with improvements in fitness and speed, as the upcoming schedule will be quite demanding. "Personally, I remain confident that we can win both tournaments of the SEA V Cup 2026," she stated.

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National

Emminence Group Expands Health-Tech Business Amid Strong Growth

Emminence Group is expanding its health-tech operations to become a comprehensive solution partner for affordable healthcare innovation across Thailand, operating four business divisions in dental, medical, healthcare, and industrial sector

Emminence Group Expands Health-Tech Business Amid Strong Growth
24 Jul Khaosod

Emminence Group, led by CEO Suchanan Achariyasucha, is expanding its health-tech business to meet surging demand for healthcare innovation. For over 55 years, the company has operated under the philosophy 'The Promise of Health,' dedicated to delivering quality health innovations from around the world to Thai consumers. Rather than positioning itself solely as a distributor, Emminence now aims to be a comprehensive solution partner, leveraging industry expertise to bring affordable, equitable access to global health innovations. As the company enters its 55th year, it commits to operating with integrity and social responsibility under the 'Wellbeing For All' concept, ensuring sustainable health security for all Thai citizens.

Emminence operates across four main business groups: (1) Dental—offering complete solutions including NSK drills, Micromotor surgical handpieces, Zumax microscopes, BlancOne whitening products from Italy, and oral care goods; (2) Medical—providing blood bank supplies, nursing products, and laboratory equipment including JMS blood bags from Japan and KW blood storage units from Italy; (3) Healthcare—featuring oral care and home health products including FURANO (own brand) cleaning tablets, Dentalpro toothbrushes from Japan (ranking first in Japanese interdental brush market share), Prosper health devices, Citizen blood pressure monitors, and HONORE support braces; and (4) Industrial—supplying pharmaceutical machinery including JCMCO tablet presses used globally and CVC counting and packaging systems. In 2026, the company plans to launch an additional new business division.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Bust Illegal Factory, Seize 200,000 Counterfeit Coffee and Cocoa Units

Police busted an illegal factory in Saraburi Province, seizing 200,000 counterfeit units of Nescafé, Ovaltine, and Downy products worth 2.6 million baht. Four suspects were arrested after convenience store operators reported being sold fake

Police Bust Illegal Factory, Seize 200,000 Counterfeit Coffee and Cocoa Units
24 Jul Khaosod

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has dismantled an illegal manufacturing facility and seized 200,000 counterfeit units of Nescafé coffee, Ovaltine cocoa, and Downy fabric softener with an estimated damage value exceeding 2.6 million baht. Police arrested four suspects following complaints from convenience store operators and residents in the Thonburi area who reported being approached by individuals posing as salespeople offering counterfeit branded products at suspiciously low wholesale prices.

Investigators traced the fake goods to a warehouse in Saraburi Province and a storage location in Thung Khru district, leading to coordinated raids at both sites. The operation resulted in the seizure of manufacturing and packaging machinery, approximately 168,588 counterfeit product sachets across 416 boxes, over 55,000 counterfeit packaging materials and printed logos, and raw materials including cocoa powder, coffee powder, milk powder, sugar, and creamer. All four suspects confessed to charges of manufacturing and distributing counterfeit trademark goods designed to deceive consumers into believing they were purchasing genuine branded products.

The Intellectual Property Department reported that over the past year, authorities have handled more than 1,000 counterfeit-related cases and seized over 3.5 million items worth more than 1.2 billion baht. In the first six months of 2025 alone, 457 cases have been prosecuted with seizures exceeding 1.6 million items valued at approximately 800 million baht.

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National

News Website Isaan Poll Names Top Figures, Anutin Ranks Fourth

Khon Kaen University's midyear poll of northeastern residents named top figures across 14 categories, with Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul ranking fourth for Prime Minister of the Year. The survey of 1,082 people across 20 provinces will be f

News Website Isaan Poll Names Top Figures, Anutin Ranks Fourth
24 Jul Khaosod

The Isaan Poll (E-Saan Poll) from Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Economics released its midyear 2025 awards survey, gauging public opinion across the northeastern region on outstanding individuals, organizations, and accomplishments in 14 categories. The survey sampled 1,082 residents aged 18 and over across 20 northeastern provinces using open-ended questions with no preset choices, allowing respondents freely to nominate candidates deserving year-end awards. A second survey will be conducted late in the year to finalize full-year results.

Faculty Dean Associate Professor Dr. Sutin Wienvivatana explained that the poll revealed the four most-nominated candidates in each category, listed alphabetically without disclosing vote tallies. For Prime Minister of the Year, nominees include Natthaphong Ruengpanjawitthee, Pitha Limcharoen, Professor Yashanan Wongswadee, and Anutin Charnvirakul.

Other major categories included Ministry of the Year (Finance, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Labor, and Education); Organization of the Year (Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Charoen Pokphand, PTT, and Mirror Foundation); Social Activist of the Year (Kan Jompluang, Bin Banloeruethit, Boom Panadda, and Ice Ratchanok); and News Outlet of the Year (Khao Sod, Daily News, Thai Rath, and Matichon).

Electronics categories included TV stations (Channel 3 HD, Channel 7 HD, Thai Rath TV, and One 31); music and entertainment groups; male and female actors (including James Jirayu, Bella Ranee, Yaya Urassaya, and Fern Pimchanok); male and female singers; and male and female news anchors. Easterners of whom the region is proud included singers Tay Tawan and Monchan Kaenchan, and actress Lisa Lalisa.

The survey reflects northeastern public sentiment in the first half of 2025 toward individuals, organizations, and media in governance, social benefit, news, and entertainment—recognizing those with sustained accomplishments, credibility, and enduring recognition rather than brief notoriety. The results represent only the midyear survey and do not constitute final year-end conclusions.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Retired Dentist Loses 20 Million Baht to Ex-Employee Scam

A retired 65-year-old dentist in Pathum Thani lost over 20 million baht to a former female employee who gained his trust by befriending him and his daughters, then fraudulently convinced him to invest in a fake durian business and obtained

Retired Dentist Loses 20 Million Baht to Ex-Employee Scam
24 Jul Khaosod

A retired dental professor and clinic owner filed a cyber crime complaint on July 24, 2025, at the Cyber Crime Police Division in Muang Thong Thani, Pathum Thani, alleging he was defrauded of over 20 million baht by a former female employee. The 65-year-old dentist, separated from his wife, had allowed the woman to live in his home after she befriended him and his two doctor daughters, who believed she was trustworthy and hired her as a caregiver.

The fraud was discovered when his daughters noticed his bank account balance declining rapidly and multiple credit cards being maxed out. Investigation revealed the woman had convinced him to invest in a durian export business facing financial difficulties, requesting transfers of money to help. Financial records showed some funds were transferred to accounts linked to online gambling websites.

Before fleeing, the woman obtained informal loans from multiple lenders by posing as the homeowner and showing them the victim's luxury house in Pathum Thani. This resulted in numerous loan collectors visiting the victim's home demanding repayment, causing distress and safety concerns to the family.

Police indicated the case may be classified as a "Hybrid Scam"—combining romance scam tactics to build trust with investment fraud. Investigators will examine the financial trail, recipient accounts, and related URLs. If the case falls under cyber crime jurisdiction, charges will be filed immediately; otherwise, it will be transferred to local investigators. Authorities urged the public, especially retirees with substantial savings, to be cautious of individuals who build relationships before soliciting investment or financial assistance, and recommended family members closely monitor elderly relatives' financial transactions.

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National

Thailand Raises GDP Growth Target to 2.5%

Thailand's Ministry of Finance raised its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 2.5% from 1.6%, citing strong export demand and increased investment driving economic expansion.

Thailand Raises GDP Growth Target to 2.5%
24 Jul Khaosod

The Ministry of Finance has raised Thailand's 2025 economic growth forecast to 2.5 percent, up from an April projection of 1.6 percent, citing strong export demand and accelerated investment. Finance Ministry spokesman Winit Wisetsuwannaphum attributed the upgrade to sustained export growth, increased public and private investment, and rising private consumption supported by government economic policies.

Export values in US dollars are projected to expand 12.5 percent, nearly double the previous 6.2 percent forecast, driven by improved demand from major trading partners. The first five months of 2025 saw consecutive export growth averaging 10.9 percent, particularly in industries recovering with global economic cycles. Imports are expected to rise 19 percent as private sector investment acceleration drives increased machinery, equipment, and capital goods purchases, along with higher energy import prices in the second quarter.

Private consumption is forecast to grow 2.7 percent while private investment is expected to expand 9 percent, supported by machinery investments and capital inflows into promoted sectors under the New S-Curve targeting and Thailand FastPass measures. These initiatives have boosted foreign investor confidence, resulting in foreign direct investment of 187 billion baht in the first half of 2025—68.3 percent higher than the same period last year—supporting domestic manufacturing base expansion.

Government consumption is projected to grow 1.5 percent while public investment is expected to expand 3.2 percent, supported by timely fiscal year 2026 budget completion and mega infrastructure projects that will enhance competitiveness and attract private investment. Inflation is forecast at 2 percent annually, with crude oil averaging 82 dollars per barrel (range of 77-87 dollars), down from the previous 91-dollar estimate. The current account is expected to show a small deficit of 0.5 billion dollars, or negative 0.1 percent of GDP, primarily from first-half deficits.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Officials Share Cyber Crime Lessons, AI-Era Threats

A Securities and Exchange Commission official shared cybercrime investigation lessons with Thai police, highlighting how digital evidence and international cooperation helped dismantle call-center scam operations in northern Thailand.

Officials Share Cyber Crime Lessons, AI-Era Threats
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2569, Pornchai Nariloedthaphandhun, a board member of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and advisor to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), delivered a lecture at the Royal Thai Police's "Public-Private Peace and Order Management" training program. His topic was "Technology-Based Crime and Digital Challenges for Economic and Social Development," presented at the Police Education Command of the Royal Thai Police Office.

Pornchai shared his experience in cybersecurity work since his master's-level studies in justice processes, emphasizing digital evidence collection and preservation, proper legal procedures (due process) for prosecution, and establishing criminal liability. What once was a specialized operation for certain units has become essential baseline knowledge for all officers, advancing the justice system to keep pace with modern crime. He also proposed applying classical criminology theory to police and prosecution work to improve case management efficiency.

Pornchai detailed lessons learned from investigating call-center gang operations in Chiang Khong, which he first flagged in 2567 and gained government attention under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's administration, leading to sustained crackdown operations. He stressed the importance of building early cooperation networks when tools and information were scarce, supported by intelligence from international partners like the International Justice Mission (IJM) and teams from the United States and China, ultimately enabling authorities to map the criminal supply chain successfully.

Portchai concluded that future crime will present greater challenges, and identifying or apprehending masterminds will become harder. Many current regulations address only immediate problems but cannot sustainably eliminate these criminal networks. Therefore, both the NBTC and SEC face the challenge of designing safe regulatory frameworks while relying on proactive police action to break criminal cycles and genuinely reduce harm to the public.

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National

Chiang Mai Temple's Women Ban Ignites Global Equality Row

A Chiang Mai temple's ban on women entering its main shrine while charging them equal admission fees has sparked global backlash online, with critics questioning the fairness and demanding better explanation of the tradition rooted in local

Chiang Mai Temple's Women Ban Ignites Global Equality Row
24 Jul Khaosod

Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai, has sparked widespread online debate after a foreign tourist shared a photo of a sign outside its Silver Ubosot stating that while both men and women are required to purchase entry tickets, only men are permitted to enter the Ubosot. Women are restricted to walking around the exterior and viewing the interior through their mobile phones instead.

The post, shared on X, has received more than 4.5 million views, triggering criticism from internet users worldwide, with many questioning gender equalities and why women are charged the same entrance fee as men while being denied access to the same areas. The English-language sign also drew heavy criticism for containing the phrase "Think you for your donation and respectation" instead of "Thank you for your donation," with many users saying such errors should not appear at a tourist attraction that welcomes international visitors.

Many Thai social media users explained that the restriction stems not from Buddhist teaching but from local beliefs dating back to the Lanna Kingdom, rooted in animist beliefs and spirit worship. According to traditional belief, women—particularly those menstruating—were considered capable of rendering sacred spaces ritually impure. Many Thai users stressed that such restrictions are not practised across Buddhist temples throughout the country and apply only to some temples in northern Thailand.

Many Thai women have said the issue has been debated within Thai society for years with little change. Some suggested that if access restrictions remain, admission fees should be adjusted accordingly, or visitors should be clearly informed of conditions before purchasing tickets. Others pointed out that if this is a specific temple custom, its historical background should be explained comprehensively so international visitors do not mistakenly assume it represents Buddhist doctrine as a whole.

The debate has highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing respect for local beliefs and traditions with gender equality—an issue of growing global significance. Both Thais and foreigners have questioned the fairness of charging equal admission fees while providing unequal access to visitors.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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