Lanta & News
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National

Student Loan Fund Warns Borrowers of Fraud Scams

The Student Loan Fund warns borrowers to verify the identity of anyone contacting them about debt repayment, as scammers are impersonating officials to steal money and personal information.

Student Loan Fund Warns Borrowers of Fraud Scams
21 Jul Khaosod

The Student Loan Fund (Korskor) has warned borrowers with outstanding debts to verify the identity of anyone contacting them about payment, in order to prevent fraud. Acting fund manager Anchalee Phuriwitthawattana stated that Korskor conducts debt collection through its own officers and authorized agents in accordance with the Debt Collection Act B.E. 2558 and the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562.

Borrowers must verify that any contact about debt repayment is from an authorized Korskor representative before paying, to protect against impersonation by scammers. The fund advises borrowers to be cautious of anyone claiming to be a Korskor official and to verify information before taking action. Borrowers should not comply with requests to transfer money to personal accounts, provide personal information, passwords, or OTP codes, as Korskor and its authorized agents will never request such information via phone or social media.

Korskor recommends that borrowers verify their outstanding balance and pay through Mobile Banking at any bank by scanning a QR code, which is available anytime and anywhere, or at any Krung Thai Bank counter by providing the fund type, account number, ID number, and payment amount. Borrowers can find other payment methods on the official website www.studentloan.or.th.

The fund emphasizes that borrowers should be extra cautious of urgent requests to transfer money to personal accounts or disclose financial information, and should not comply under any circumstances to avoid becoming victims of fraud. Borrowers who need to verify information can call the Korskor Call Center at 0 2016 4888 or contact the fund's official LINE account.

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National

Thailand Launches Major Human Capital Initiative With Five Ministries

Thailand launched a major cross-ministry human capital initiative aimed at developing its workforce across all life stages, with five government ministries joining forces to strengthen national competitiveness and help the country escape th

Thailand Launches Major Human Capital Initiative With Five Ministries
21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2025, at Kasetsart University's Chakraphan Pensiri Building, the government marked a historic milestone in national administration by launching the "Thailand² Empowering Thailand, Elevating Human Capital" national seminar, representing the largest cross-sectoral integration effort to date. The initiative brings together five pillar ministries: Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Education; Labour; Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Social Development and Human Security. The overarching goal is to create exponential results in national development by systematically strengthening the capabilities of Thai people across all life stages, preparing the nation's human resources to become the most powerful engine driving the new economy amid digital-age challenges.

Prime Minister Anudhin Charnvirakul emphasized that investing in and developing Thai human potential is the sole key to helping Thailand escape the middle-income trap and reach high-income status. He stressed that "empowering" in mathematical terms means multiplying results for exponential growth. Thailand's most powerful and sustainable form of empowerment is investing in people, as regardless of how far technology, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence advance, capable and discerning humans remain the critical variable in controlling and creating added value from those technologies.

The government established a joint public-private committee to solve economic problems (known as CRPC) last month, with four subcommittees working closely to bridge government policy and the private sector's real labour-market needs, seeking the "right exponent" to unlock potential for all Thai citizens. Prof. Dr. Yot Sananon, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presented the "Lifelong Support" implementation plan reflecting a vision of comprehensive Thai care across the entire lifespan. He emphasized that public welfare must not be mere charity but rather investment in human infrastructure, beginning from early childhood (0-6 years)—the most critical period. The government aims to lighten the burden on working families by restructuring early childhood centres with hours aligned to parental work schedules, alongside a redesigned system to accelerate delivery of the 600-baht child allowance to families within 30-45 days, coupled with stricter child protection laws.

For school-age children (7-18 years), the government declared war on redundancy in education through the "Return Time to Teachers" policy, boldly eliminating unnecessary programmes and cutting KPIs by 71.52%, creating positive momentum across over 30,000 schools nationwide and allowing teachers to focus on classroom instruction and student development. The initiative also promotes the Zero Dropout PLUS programme targeting educational inclusivity.

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Regional

Yala Gears Up for Fruit and Local Product Festival

Yala Province will host its Fruit and Local Product Festival August 4–6 at Chang Phueak Field, showcasing agricultural products, livestock goods, and OTOP items to boost the local economy and promote the region's farming potential.

Yala Gears Up for Fruit and Local Product Festival
21 Jul Khaosod

Yala Province is preparing to host its 2025 Fruit and Local Goods Festival from August 4–6, 2025 at Chang Phueak Field in Yala Municipality. The event will provide farmers and producers a platform to sell agricultural products, livestock goods, OTOP items, and local specialties, while boosting the province's image, stimulating the economy, promoting tourism, and enhancing community well-being.

On July 8, 2025, Vice Governor Amnuay Chutong and Vice Governor Muhammad Santipimuek, along with government officials and related agencies, held a preparatory meeting at Yala Provincial Hall to coordinate implementation of the event.

Vice Governor Amnuay Chutong said the festival aims to help farmers market agricultural products, expand sales channels for fruits and livestock products, and promote community goods while showcasing Yala's potential as a quality fruit producer and source of distinctive southern border products.

Activities will include exhibitions from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives under the theme "Innovation, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainable Agriculture Development for Yala," durian tastings, agricultural product competitions, native and Betong chicken contests, fruit and agricultural product sales, OTOP demonstrations, and product competitions from all eight districts of Yala. Cultural performances and stage shows will be held throughout the festival.

Yala Province will hold a press conference on July 21, 2025 at the Provincial Agriculture Office to publicize details and invite the public, tourists, and interested parties to participate. The event is expected to generate income for farmers and businesses while stimulating the local economy.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Husband Killed as Mung Bean Sacks Collapse in Warehouse

A 39-year-old warehouse worker in Samut Prakan province was killed when a stack of 150 mung bean sacks collapsed on him while he and his wife retrieved bags for processing. His wife escaped with injuries but survived the incident.

Husband Killed as Mung Bean Sacks Collapse in Warehouse
21 Jul Khaosod

A husband and wife working at a mung bean processing warehouse in Samut Prakan province were struck by collapsing sacks on the morning of July 21, 2025. Police received the report at 10:30 AM and coordinated with rescue volunteers from the Po Tek Tung Foundation. The incident occurred inside a warehouse where mung beans in burlap sacks were stacked in piles of 200–300 sacks each, reaching heights of 5–6 meters with narrow walking passages between them.

Ms. Suri, 42, from Buriram Province, and her husband Mr. Wichit, 39, from Sisaket Province, were both warehouse workers tasked with lifting sacks of mung beans to feed them into a sorting machine. While the couple was pushing a cart into a narrow passageway to retrieve sacks from the right-hand stack, the left-hand stack suddenly collapsed behind them. Ms. Suri managed to free herself but was injured with bruises and body pain. Mr. Wichit was completely buried under approximately 150 sacks, each weighing 50 kilograms, totaling several tons.

Ms. Suri ran for help and rescue workers were called to the emergency line. Fellow workers quickly began removing sacks to extract the couple. Emergency responders performed CPR on Mr. Wichit but were unable to save his life. Ms. Suri received first aid and was transported to hospital. Police documented the scene and collected the body for an autopsy at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators plan to review CCTV footage and take a formal statement from Ms. Suri once she recovers.

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National

Cabinet Approves Five-Year Fishing Plan to Combat Illegal Fishing

Thailand's cabinet approved a five-year fisheries management plan targeting illegal fishing elimination and aquatic resource restoration while boosting the fishing industry's global competitiveness and food security.

Cabinet Approves Five-Year Fishing Plan to Combat Illegal Fishing
21 Jul Khaosod

The cabinet has approved Thailand's 2566-2570 (2023-2027) fisheries management policy and plan, establishing a comprehensive framework to develop the entire Thai fishing sector. The plan targets the restoration of aquatic resources, elimination of illegal fishing practices, advancement of fisher and operator capabilities, and increased competitiveness of the Thai fishing industry to ensure food security and sustainable resource use.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Pattharadarsami Tongsluaikorn announced that the cabinet approved the fisheries management policy and plan proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. This five-year framework will guide Thailand's fisheries management and development in alignment with resource conditions, economic factors, environmental concerns, and international trade regulations, while promoting balanced and sustainable growth in the fishing sector.

The spokesperson noted that Thailand's fishing sector is crucial to national food security and economic stability, yet faces significant challenges including declining aquatic resources, climate change impacts, illegal fishing (IUU Fishing), and international trade standards. The government established this policy and plan to direct comprehensive development of the entire fishing system—from resource conservation and fishing management to aquaculture and downstream industry development.

The plan operates through four strategies and 18 tactical approaches covering aquatic resource conservation and ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries resource management, enhancement of fisher and operator capabilities, product standard development, technology and innovation promotion, and value-addition to fishing products. These measures aim to strengthen Thailand's fishing industry competitiveness in global markets.

Deputy Spokesperson Pattharadarsami stated that approval of this policy will serve as a critical mechanism to balance resource utilization and conservation while improving fishers' quality of life, increasing fishing industry value, and building international confidence in Thai fishing products. The sector is positioned to become a sustained driver of Thailand's economic growth.

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National

Actress Ning Pursues Master's Degree in Nutrition Science

Actress Ning Panita is pursuing a master's degree in nutrition and functional medicine to provide scientifically-backed health and beauty advice rather than relying on marketing-driven endorsements for her beauty business.

Actress Ning Pursues Master's Degree in Nutrition Science
21 Jul Khaosod

Actress and producer Ning Panita has surprised many by revealing she is currently studying for a master's degree in Integrative Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the College of Integrated Medicine at Dhurakij Pundit University. Her goal is to strengthen her knowledge of health and beauty on a scientific foundation, refusing to be merely a celebrity endorser driven by marketing but rather someone who provides consumers with accurate information. She has acknowledged her willingness to pursue a doctoral degree if possible.

Ning made these remarks after attending the opening of the eighth national academic conference SMART at Dhurakij Pundit University. She also expressed pride in her daughter Nirun, who created a surprise by appearing on the show "Across the Wall" despite having only a few days to prepare. However, Ning is in no rush for her daughter to debut professionally, wanting her to develop skills in multiple areas first since Nirun is only 13 years old.

Regarding her decision to pursue further education, Ning explained: "In today's world of self-care, beauty, and health, there are countless people speaking about these topics. But since I own a business related to beauty, whenever I speak about something, it should be based on scientific principles and accuracy. I don't want to be just selling products. In the online shopping world, people often buy because of marketing rather than genuine knowledge. That's why I decided to pursue a master's degree in Nutrition. At the very least, when I speak about something, people who trust me know it comes from truth, not from creative briefs or my personal feelings. I don't want anyone to misunderstand, especially with AI and Chat GPT becoming so prevalent—misinformation can easily spread. In the end, human relationships and trust still drive these matters."

When asked how she plans to apply her studies, Ning responded: "I hope to use this knowledge to educate others and apply it to caring for myself, my mother, my children, and my business partners. Most importantly, I want to help consumers avoid becoming victims of marketing manipulation. When I speak accurately and have credibility through my degree, people who buy from me will have correct information. As celebrities and actors, if we do this, it becomes a positive trend and soft power. Also, education has no age limit—it's never too late to learn."

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Police

Court Sentences Fraud Suspect to Nearly Five Years for Courtroom Escape

A Bangkok court sentenced a man to nearly five years in prison for helping a defendant escape from the Klong Prem Prison facility by obtaining a stolen ankle monitor key and providing civilian clothes during courtroom proceedings in Decembe

Court Sentences Fraud Suspect to Nearly Five Years for Courtroom Escape
21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2569, the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road issued its judgment against defendant Prasit Chiaowkok and others, who were accused of helping another defendant escape during court proceedings. Prasit Chiaowkok was sentenced to 4 years and 12 months imprisonment. According to the court's findings, on December 22, 2565, the defendants conspired to steal an ankle monitor key from the Central Klong Prem Prison, a government facility operated by the Department of Corrections. The defendants planned and coordinated their actions: they obtained the key, provided civilian clothes (a blue short-sleeved shirt, jeans, socks, and shoes), and supplied 11,000 baht in cash to the escaping defendant. That same day at midday, the defendant requested permission to use the men's restroom on the ninth floor of the courtroom, then used the stolen key to remove the ankle monitor, changed into the provided clothes, and fled down to the third floor. The defendant was later apprehended the same day, and the provided clothing was recovered.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Keeps August 12 as Public Holiday for Queen Sirikit

Thailand's Cabinet has officially designated August 12 as a national commemorative day honoring the late Queen Sirikit, maintaining its status as a public holiday that also marks National Mother's Day.

Thailand Keeps August 12 as Public Holiday for Queen Sirikit
21 Jul Khaosod

BANGKOK — Thailand's Cabinet has officially recognized 12 August as a national commemorative day while maintaining its status as an annual public holiday to honour the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksmisangchan announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

12 August marks the birth anniversary of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and is also observed as Thailand's National Mother's Day. The date will continue to be observed as an annual public holiday.

The Cabinet's decision comes following the Queen Mother's death on 24 October 2025, which triggered a period of national mourning. The government said the move reflects the Thai people's enduring gratitude for her lifelong dedication and contributions to the nation and its people.

According to the government, annual royal merit-making ceremonies are held on 12 August to commemorate the Queen Mother's birth anniversary. The Secretariat of the Prime Minister proposed officially designating the date as a national commemorative day while maintaining its public holiday status, a proposal the Cabinet approved on Tuesday.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Taps Data Sharing Law to Fight Scammers

Thailand's new data-sharing decree between government agencies helped slash scam losses by 75% in four months, enabling faster tracking of fraudsters' financial movements across previously siloed databases.

Thailand Taps Data Sharing Law to Fight Scammers
21 Jul Khaosod

Call center gangs and cross-border scammers have quietly drained Thai wallets for years, pushing total fraud losses to a national crisis level. But mid-2025 brought encouraging news when Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy for Society revealed that scam damages fell significantly over four months, with a little-known law proving to be the breakthrough weapon: the "2025 Decree on Disclosure of Personal Information Held by State Agencies to Other State Agencies."

The decree took effect on June 30, 2025, after royal gazette publication on June 29. Its core purpose is to require state agencies to share personal data they hold with other state agencies upon request, enabling faster electronic cross-linking of information to serve the public. Previously, citizen data scattered across police, tax authorities, customs, and business development agencies sat trapped in separate "silos," forcing investigators to navigate slow bureaucratic channels to trace suspects' financial movements. The new law unlocked rapid data-sharing between agencies.

Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob announced that his ministry has already integrated data with five major agencies: the National Police Office, the Special Cases Investigation Department (DSI), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Bank of Thailand, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Acting under anti-cybercrime powers, these agencies now access bank account data linked to scammer networks.

Results are striking: scam losses in June 2025 dropped to around 530 million baht, down from 2.111 billion baht in March 2025—a 1.581 billion baht decline, or roughly 75%, in just four months. When the decree reaches full implementation, the minister said, it will enable even broader data-linking across government, giving authorities a complete money-trail picture and faster victim restitution.

Most scam bases operate outside Thailand, scattered along borders with Myanmar and in special economic zones in Laos, backed by gray-market Chinese funding networks. National Police data show that since launching an online complaint system in March 2021 through September 2024, over one million online fraud cases have been reported, with cumulative losses exceeding 100 billion baht. Early 2025 saw major crackdowns in gray zones along the border, forcing call centers to repeatedly relocate—a "whack-a-mole" pattern rather than root-cause fixes, even as the private sector grapples with fallout.

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National

PTT Secures 68 Billion Baht Loan from SCB for Energy Infrastructure

PTT secured 68 billion baht in financing from Siam Commercial Bank to support energy infrastructure development, with funds split between a subsidiary's asset monetization strategy and short-term credit to ensure Thailand's energy security

PTT Secures 68 Billion Baht Loan from SCB for Energy Infrastructure
21 Jul Khaosod

PTT and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) are working together to strengthen sustainable energy infrastructure, with SCB providing over 68 billion baht in financing to the PTT Group. The credit consists of two components: 17.376 billion baht in long-term financing to support PTT Tank Terminal's subsidiary Tank Infra Limited as part of an Asset Monetization strategy aimed at maximizing asset utilization, increasing business flexibility, and opening opportunities for domestic and international capital sources and commercial partnerships. The second component is 51 billion baht in short-term credit to safeguard the country's energy security amid Middle Eastern instability, which has significantly affected crude oil price volatility on global markets.

PTT Group's Asset Monetization strategy seeks to maximize the utility of assets within the group, create synergy for asset and capital optimization, unlock value from existing assets, and develop new energy infrastructure business models while maintaining its commitment to national energy security and transitioning to clean energy with balanced stakeholder consideration.

Sarachai Rattanaprorn, President and CEO of Siam Commercial Bank, stated that this financial support reflects the bank's confidence in PTT's ability to adapt and grow within a transforming energy industry, particularly in its transition toward future energy. The bank views infrastructure development as critical to meet rising and increasingly diverse energy demands amid global market volatility and the shift toward new energy forms. The partnership between SCB and PTT demonstrates complementary strengths, with the bank serving as a financial partner supporting strategic growth while PTT acts as a key mechanism for developing Thailand's essential energy infrastructure to efficiently and sustainably meet future energy needs.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Officials Warn Local Exam Takers: Brokers Cannot Sell Positions

Officials warned thousands of local government job candidates not to fall for exam fraud brokers ahead of a nationwide test on July 26, emphasizing that no positions can be bought and those attempting such schemes will lose money.

Officials Warn Local Exam Takers: Brokers Cannot Sell Positions
21 Jul Khaosod

The Deputy Permanent Secretary issued a stern warning before the local government employee examination across five regional test centers in five regions, vowing to block all exam fraud and urging candidates not to fall for broker scams claiming to sell positions. Nirat Pongsitthawatr, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and acting director of the Department of Local Administration, announced on July 21 that on July 26 the department will hold a local government employee examination for administrative positions across five test centers in five regions: Chiang Mai, Udon Thani-Khon Kaen, Pathum Thani, Chon Buri, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, with 37,359 candidates registered. Thammasat University will oversee the examination. The Department of Local Administration will enforce the strictest anti-fraud measures and asked all candidates to have confidence in their own abilities and never believe, pay, or engage in any score-buying schemes—anyone approached will be defrauded 100%. Those who encounter or are approached by anyone attempting to facilitate or commit fraud should immediately report evidence to the Department of Local Administration at the Local Ombudsman Center (02-2419014), the Royal Thai Police, or the National Anti-Corruption Commission, with assurance that all information provided will be kept strictly confidential.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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