Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Cabinet Approves Updated Thai Visa Measures

Bangkok, 16 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises foreign visitors that the Thai Cabinet has approved updated details for visa exemption and Visa on Arrival measures. The five ...

19 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Bangkok, 16 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises foreign visitors that the Thai Cabinet has approved updated details for visa exemption and Visa on Arrival measures. The five ...

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Weather

Meteorology Office Warns 33 Provinces of Heavy Rain

Thailand's Meteorology Department warns 33 provinces of heavy thunderstorms over the next 24 hours due to southwest monsoon winds and a low-pressure system, with waves potentially exceeding 2 meters in affected areas.

Meteorology Office Warns 33 Provinces of Heavy Rain
19 Jul Khaosod

On July 19, 2025, the Meteorology Department forecast thunderstorms across Thailand over the next 24 hours due to ongoing southwest monsoon winds covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. The public is advised to take precautions against thunderstorm hazards.

Wave conditions in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are moderate, ranging from 1-2 meters high, while the lower Andaman Sea will see waves of about 1 meter. Areas with thunderstorms may experience waves exceeding 2 meters. Fishermen are urged to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm zones.

Regional forecasts show scattered thunderstorms across all regions: the North (30 percent of area), Northeast (20 percent), Central region (20 percent), East (30 percent), Southern East Coast (30 percent), and Southern West Coast (30 percent). Bangkok and surrounding areas will experience thunderstorms in 20 percent of the area. Temperatures range from 22-27°C low to 32-37°C high depending on region, with southwest winds at 10-35 km/h.

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Police

Taxi Driver Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Bangkok

A Bangkok taxi driver was arrested after striking and killing a retired police officer who volunteered daily directing traffic on Rama III Road, then fleeing the scene.

Taxi Driver Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Bangkok
18 Jul Khaosod

On July 18, police arrested Somchai, 63, a taxi driver, after he struck retired officer Veeraphat Saisisuk on Rama III Road in Bangkok's Bang Kho Laem district on the morning of July 17. The victim sustained severe injuries and died at Charoen Krung Hospital. After the incident, Somchai fled the scene, but investigators found his red Toyota taxi at a repair shop in the Lad Krabang area and traced him to his son's house. He faces legal charges for hit-and-run resulting in death.

Vereraphat Saisisuk was a former officer at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station who, despite retiring 13 years earlier, maintained a deep commitment to public service. He volunteered every morning to direct traffic at the Rama III Road median near Soi 8, helping ensure the safety of commuters during his decades of dedicated service to the community.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Minister Orders Crackdown on Phuket Forest Encroachment

Thailand's environment minister has ordered the Department of Forestry to crack down on illegal forest occupation in Phuket, rejecting investor appeals over protected land near Nui Beach that was developed without permission.

Minister Orders Crackdown on Phuket Forest Encroachment
18 Jul The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket — Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Sukhumbhand Chomklin, has directed the Department of Forestry to press ahead with strict enforcement against forest encroachment in Phuket, rejecting appeals from investors accused of illegally occupying protected land. The case centers on the Naka Kerd mountain range near Nui Beach, where private groups constructed 39 […] Phuket Forest Encroachment Case: Minister Orders Urgent Action -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Bar Fire Victim's Husband Vows Justice as Owner Stays Silent

Husband of nursing assistant killed in Bangkok bar fire demands justice as bar owner refuses contact or compensation, leaving grieving family without apology or support.

Bar Fire Victim's Husband Vows Justice as Owner Stays Silent
18 Jul Khaosod

A funeral service for nursing assistant Maneeratana Bomklaang, 38, was held on July 18 at Chatukham Macchamarama Temple in Buriram. She died in a bar fire in the Ladprao area of Bangkok. Her husband, Sergeant Thawee Kongdee, expressed that he cannot come to terms with losing his wife and their plans to start a family together. Since the incident, he said, the bar owner or their representative has not visited the family to apologize or offer condolences, nor sent any wreaths. Reports had suggested the bar's lawyer would provide 10,000 baht per victim, but the family has not received any contact or assistance. The husband is calling on government agencies to mediate negotiations for compensation and justice. "I will not let my wife die for nothing," he stated. His mother-in-law, Mayuree Bomklaang, 57, appealed directly to the bar owner to take responsibility and engage with the family to address the loss, as Maneeratana was an only daughter and the family's pillar of support.

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Police

Phuket Police Bust Illegal Cannabis Shops, Seize 2.9M Baht

Phuket police raided four unlicensed cannabis shops in the city center, arresting five suspects and seizing products worth 2.9 million baht in a coordinated enforcement operation.

Phuket Police Bust Illegal Cannabis Shops, Seize 2.9M Baht
18 Jul The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Authorities in Phuket have intensified their crackdown on unlicensed cannabis businesses, raiding four shops in the city center and seizing products valued at more than 2.9 million baht. Five suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation. The integrated task force — comprising provincial and district officials, the Phuket Public Health Office, the Internal […] Four People Arrested in Phuket During Illegal Cannabis Shops Raid, Assets Seized Worth 2.9 Million Baht -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Phuket Cyber Police Arrest Self-Taught Hacker

A 26-year-old self-taught hacker arrested in Phuket attempted to breach police systems to erase his own arrest warrants before targeting private websites, stealing 200,000 baht from a gaming site.

Phuket Cyber Police Arrest Self-Taught Hacker
18 Jul The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Cyber police have arrested a 26‑year‑old man in downtown Phuket who, despite having only a primary school education, taught himself advanced hacking techniques using AI chatbots. Investigators revealed that the suspect initially attempted to breach police systems to erase his own arrest warrants before turning his attention to private websites with weaker defenses. […] Wanted Hacker Arrested in Phuket Who Tried to Erase Warrants and Stole 200,000 Baht via Gaming Website Hack  -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Police Identify Suspect in Jok Shop Rampage, Question Monday

Police identified a suspect in a July 16 jok shop rampage in Khon Kaen where an intoxicated customer threw bowls and condiments after a dispute with staff. Both parties have filed complaints, and the suspect is scheduled for questioning Mon

Police Identify Suspect in Jok Shop Rampage, Question Monday
18 Jul Khaosod

Police have identified the suspect in an incident at a jok noodle shop in Khon Kaen municipality where a customer allegedly threw bowls of jok and scattered condiments across the street on July 16. The incident occurred in the early hours after the customer, appearing heavily intoxicated, became upset claiming the shop was trying to force him out. According to Lt. Col. Yasawat Kaewsubthanynich, commander of Muang Khon Kaen police station, both the shop owner and customer have filed mutual complaints. The shop owner is pressing charges for property damage and related offenses, while investigators have scheduled the suspect for questioning on Monday, July 20. The customer also filed a complaint on July 17 regarding the posting of video footage and information that he claims caused him harm, and police are investigating that complaint as well. The commander stated that police will conduct a thorough, fair investigation of both parties without discrimination, working diligently to resolve the dispute and maintain social order based on evidence and facts.

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National

PM Anutin Advances Thailand-China Tourism Ties

PM Anutin led a Thai delegation to Chengdu to boost tourism and investment ties with western China, meeting with major airlines and digital platforms to expand air routes and promote Thai destinations to Chinese travelers.

18 Jul TAT Newsroom

Chengdu, 18 July 2026 – Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul led a high-level Thai delegation to advance Thailand’s tourism cooperation with western China through government and business engagements during his official visit to China from 16 to 20 July 2026, covering Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing.

The Prime Minister today presided over the Thailand–China Sichuan Investment and Economic Forum 2026, which brought the Thai delegation together with more than 200 representatives of leading businesses in western China to discuss investment and economic cooperation.

The delegation included Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry; and Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society.

Also attending were H.E. Mr. Chatchai Viriyavejakul, Ambassador of Thailand to the People’s Republic of China; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment; and Mr. Sake Nopthaisong, Consul-General of Thailand in Chengdu, together with senior representatives of Thailand’s public and private sectors.

The delegation was formally welcomed by Mr. Shi Xiaolin, Governor of Sichuan Province; Mr. Hu Yuankun, Secretary of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee; and senior provincial officials and executives.

During the forum, the Prime Minister met separately with Mr. Wang Fei, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Sichuan Airlines Group, and Mr. Li Jinfei, Vice President and Head of Hotels and Travel at Meituan, in special one-on-one meetings arranged by TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

Strategic cooperation with Sichuan Airlines centred on restoring the Chengdu–Chiang Mai service and exploring new routes to Hua Hin Airport and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, expanding access beyond Thailand’s established gateways and supporting growing demand from western China.

Separately, TAT’s Ms. Thapanee discussed an expanded strategic partnership with Meituan, a major Chinese digital platform. Proposed cooperation includes data exchange to support market analysis and a Thailand National Campaign under the Two-Way Tourism concept, alongside gastronomy promotion through the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide and support for TAT’s Trusted Thailand initiative to strengthen confidence among Chinese travellers.

The engagements align with the policy of Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, to strengthen tourism infrastructure and air connectivity, including the development of Hua Hin Airport for international services and the wider use of U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport as a regional gateway.

The discussions are expected to advance new direct air services alongside joint marketing with major Chinese partners, supporting Thailand’s tourism performance in the second half of 2026 and throughout 2027. The wider market drive targets more than 5.13 million Chinese visitors and at least 288.385 billion Baht in tourism revenue.

The post Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul leads high-level tourism engagements in China appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

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National

Phuket Boy, 9, Wins Two World Coding Titles

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has hailed a 9-year-old Phuket student after he claimed two world coding titles and was ranked No.1 globally at an international competition in Italy.

Phuket Boy, 9, Wins Two World Coding Titles
18 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has hailed a 9-year-old Phuket student after he claimed two world coding titles and was ranked No.1 globally at an international competition in Italy.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Charity Concert Raises Funds for School Music and Sports Equipment

A charity concert featuring artist Sek Loso raised 80,000 baht for musical instruments and sports equipment at Wat Bang Poon School in Pathum Thani on July 18, 2025. The event, organized by restaurant owner Chalongkan Rungsangyakorn, aimed

Charity Concert Raises Funds for School Music and Sports Equipment
18 Jul Khaosod

A popular Pathum Thani restaurant, Somwang Gai Yang, hosted a charity concert featuring artist Sek Loso to fundraise for musical instruments and sports equipment for Wat Bang Poon School students. On July 18, 2025, the restaurant organized the charity concert after learning that many children at the school love playing music but lack adequate instruments because the school's equipment is damaged and insufficient, along with inadequate sports gear. The concert aimed to generate funds to help students acquire musical instruments and sports equipment for learning and practice.

The event was filled with enjoyable activity as community members came together to support the children, providing them access to musical instruments and sports equipment to use their free time productively and stay away from drug use.

The event also included an auction of charcoal artwork by artist Eed Footbat, a musician and visual artist who created a portrait of Sek Loso. The auction attracted enthusiastic bidding from attendees.

Suphorn Gosaletcottum, owner of the restaurant Kruaruaymit in the Talat Thai area of Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, won the artwork auction at 25,000 baht and donated an additional 10,000 baht to support the school. In total, the fundraising campaign collected 80,000 baht, which the school principal received in person.

Chalongkan Rungsangyakorn, owner of Somwang Gai Yang, revealed that he learned about the school's needs from the principal and decided to organize the charity concert to mobilize community support. "After learning that some of the school's musical instruments were damaged and insufficient for students interested in music and arts, I wanted to contribute by helping provide music equipment so students can develop their musical abilities and use their free time productively, engaging in meaningful activities away from drug use," he explained.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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