Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thai FA Chief Distributes Free Tickets for Youth Schools to Thailand-Myanmar ASEAN Cup

The Football Association of Thailand is distributing free tickets to youth schools for the Thailand-Myanmar ASEAN Cup match at Rajamangala Stadium on August 8, aimed at inspiring young athletes and developing grassroots football.

Thai FA Chief Distributes Free Tickets for Youth Schools to Thailand-Myanmar ASEAN Cup
5 Aug Khaosod

Madam Paeng Nualprann Lamsam, chairman of the Football Association of Thailand, is extending her youth support program by offering free tickets to schools and academies to cheer the Thai national team during the 2026 ASEAN Cup Group B fourth round match against Myanmar at Rajamangala Stadium on August 8.

The initiative is designed to inspire young athletes enrolled in schools and academies registered with the Football Association of Thailand, while promoting grassroots football development. Schools and academies interested in receiving sideline seating tickets should submit their requests to media@fathailand.org by August 7 at 5:00 PM. The association will send confirmation emails to selected schools (limited spots available).

Thailand will face Myanmar at Rajamangala Stadium on August 8 at 8:00 PM. The match will be broadcast live on the TrueVisions NOW app, with tickets available at https://shorturl.asia/zlmX2.

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National

Thailand Raises 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 2% on Tech Exports, AI Investment

Thailand raised its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.6-2% driven by surging technology exports and AI investments, with exports now projected to grow 8-10% after earlier contraction predictions.

Thailand Raises 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 2% on Tech Exports, AI Investment
5 Aug Khaosod

Payong Srivannich, chairman of the Thai Bankers Association and head of the three-institution joint private-sector committee, announced that the committee has revised Thailand's 2025 GDP growth forecast upward to 1.6-2% from the previous 1.2-1.6%. Export growth is now projected at 8-10%, a dramatic reversal from the earlier forecast of a 0.5-1.5% contraction, while inflation is estimated at 2.5-3% compared to the prior 2-3% estimate.

The upgrade stems from stronger-than-anticipated export and investment recovery, particularly in technology products benefiting from the global AI investment wave. Thai exports in the first half of this year grew 17.6% year-on-year, with technology products—accounting for 26.5% of total exports—surging 45.9%.

Payong noted that the global economy faces high uncertainty in the second half of 2025 from Middle East tensions, energy price pressures, inflation, and unclear global interest rate trajectories. However, the world economy is expanding in a K-shaped pattern, with countries leveraging digital and AI advantages, including Thailand, positioned for stronger growth than energy-import-dependent nations.

The committee concluded that Thailand must accelerate technology-sector growth by increasing domestic value addition through higher local content ratios, building domestic supply chains, and developing a workforce suited to new investment. Greater linkage between government and private data will improve economic policymaking precision.

The private sector has pledged support for five new government investment strategies: Investment & Industry Transformation Hub, AI & Digital Hub, Green Economy, Financial Hub, and Medical Hub—mechanisms to attract foreign direct investment. ASEAN-bound FDI is projected to exceed $544 billion by 2025, with Thailand remaining a key target. Investment promotion requests through the Board of Investment in the first half reached 1.47 trillion baht, a 37% year-on-year increase, positioning Thailand for structural economic reform and stronger long-term growth.

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National

King Prajadhipok's Institute Launches Royal Heritage Exhibition

King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), through the King Prajadhipok Museum and the Office of the Secretary-General, has launched a major commemorative exhibition titled “A Legacy in Bloom: Designing ...

5 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), through the King Prajadhipok Museum and the Office of the Secretary-General, has launched a major commemorative exhibition titled “A Legacy in Bloom: Designing ...

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Leads ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement

Thailand has successfully led ASEAN member states to conclude negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), marking a major milestone in the region’s digital transformation a...

5 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

Thailand has successfully led ASEAN member states to conclude negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), marking a major milestone in the region’s digital transformation a...

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Interior Minister Orders Crackdown on Foreigners Threatening Thais

Thai authorities on Koh Samui have launched an investigation into reports of foreigners threatening and assaulting local residents, with the Interior Ministry vowing strict enforcement regardless of nationality or status.

Interior Minister Orders Crackdown on Foreigners Threatening Thais
5 Aug Khaosod

Interior Ministry Deputy Vorrasing Liangprasetth announced on August 5 that following complaints of Thai citizens being threatened and assaulted by foreigners on Koh Samui, he has issued urgent orders to the Surat Thani Governor and Samui District Chief to investigate immediately. The ministry will coordinate all relevant agencies and will not tolerate any incidents that undermine public safety, with strict and impartial legal action against anyone, regardless of nationality or status, found to have violated the law.

Liangprasetth added that authorities will conduct comprehensive inspections of related businesses, including their operations, land use, property ownership, employment practices, permits, and compliance with Thai law, to ensure transparency and build confidence among law-abiding residents and tourists.

Thailand welcomes tourists and investors acting in good faith, but will not tolerate anyone using influence, violence, or abuse of power to intimidate Thai citizens. Public safety is the Interior Ministry's priority, and authorities have been ordered to report findings urgently and address any law enforcement gaps to prevent recurrence. Provincial governors and district chiefs across major tourism areas have been instructed to closely monitor situations and immediately assist residents when incidents occur, affirming that the state will not leave people to face problems alone.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Courts French Investment in Tech and Energy

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Vice Chairman of the French Employers’ Association International (MEDEF International) and Chairman of the France–Thailand Business Council, together wi...

5 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Vice Chairman of the French Employers’ Association International (MEDEF International) and Chairman of the France–Thailand Business Council, together wi...

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Auto-Exempts Old Vehicles From Welfare Card Criteria

Thailand is automatically exempting owners of vehicles over 20 years old from state welfare card eligibility requirements, potentially benefiting up to 1 million people immediately. The government is also opening one-stop service centers at

Thailand Auto-Exempts Old Vehicles From Welfare Card Criteria
5 Aug Khaosod

Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattrakul announced on August 5, 2569 (2026) that the Department of Land Transport has completed preparations to streamline the state welfare card eligibility criteria. The government will automatically exempt owners of vehicles over 20 years old or motorcycles over 15 years old from certain assessment requirements, potentially benefiting approximately 1 million people based on current data. By mid-August, the department will consolidate all information and submit it to the Ministry of Finance for the first round of eligibility review.

Since the cabinet meeting, over 200,000 citizens have submitted additional appeals at transport offices. Officials are handling complaints from all channels and expediting case-by-case resolutions. The implementation is expected to result in 2-3 million additional people qualifying for state welfare card benefits.

Beyond Transport Ministry efforts, the Prime Minister has instructed the Interior Ministry to open one-stop service centers at all district offices nationwide. Officials will also conduct home visits to assist vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled who cannot travel easily. These citizens can wait at home or inform their village headmen of their needs, who will coordinate with district offices directly. "This approach will reduce anxiety and ensure no villager is overlooked in receiving these welfare benefits," Siripong stated.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

UK Chevening Scholarship Applications Now Open

Applications for the prestigious Chevening scholarship—offering full master's degrees at UK universities—are now open through October 6, 2025, with particular focus on developing leaders from Thailand and across Asia.

UK Chevening Scholarship Applications Now Open
5 Aug Khaosod

The prestigious Chevening scholarship program for postgraduate study in the United Kingdom has opened applications from August 4 to October 6, 2025. The program offers full master's degree scholarships at UK universities to aspiring global leaders who demonstrate international knowledge, ties to the UK, and shared values in addressing global challenges and sustainable development. Over the past 40 years, Chevening has received hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide and selects individuals who show exceptional leadership, drive positive change, and possess strong networking skills backed by compelling evidence. British Deputy Head of Mission David Thomas stated that since 1983, the scholarship has supported generations of Thai leaders in developing the international knowledge, skills, and networks needed to create positive impact in their communities and professions. Thai Chevening alumni now hold significant roles across education, research, business, public service, social development, and innovation sectors. Since its inception in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening scholarships, reflecting the UK's commitment to developing future leaders. Interested applicants can apply at chevening.org/apply before the October 6 deadline and should review program details at chevening.org/vision and chevening.org/resources, or contact chevening.thailand@fcdo.gov.uk for more information.

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Police

Foreign Man Caught Stealing Phone From Pattaya Café

An elderly foreign man was captured on CCTV stealing a mobile phone from Espresso Love café in Pattaya on August 3, with the café owner filing a police report and appealing for the device's return.

5 Aug The Thaiger Crime

Foreign man caught on CCTV stealing phone in Pattaya caféLegacy An elderly foreign man was caught on CCTV allegedly stealing a mobile phone from a café in Pattaya, prompting an appeal for the device’s return. The appeal was shared by Facebook user Oanchalee Sadkhunthod in a Pattaya group today, August 5. The post asked anyone who recognised the man to tell him to return the phone allegedly taken from Espresso Love café. The incident reportedly occurred on August 3 at the café in Pattaya. Photo via Facebook: Oanchalee Sadkhunthod CCTV footage shows the elderly foreign man entering the café and ordering coffee. After finishing his drink and paying as normal, he left the shop before returning a short time later while staff were speaking with another customer. The footage appears to show the man picking up a mobile phone before leaving the premises, with the alleged theft clearly captured on the shop’s security cameras. The café owner has since filed a police report.

In similar news, last year, a Thai woman in Phuket accused a man believed to be British of stealing her mobile phone and attempting to drive away in her car outside her workshop in Choeng Thale, Thalang district. The woman later said the suspect had been detained after another victim allegedly caught him attempting to steal a motorcycle and handed him over to police. However, she expressed concern that he could be released and reoffend. In another similar incident, police searched for two Middle Eastern men accused of stealing two mobile phones from a hotel. According to staff, one man distracted an employee by asking to view guest rooms while his accomplice allegedly took the devices from the reception counter. CCTV footage reportedly captured the theft, with the stolen phones valued at about 24,500 baht.

The story Foreign man caught on CCTV stealing phone in Pattaya café as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Slain Soldier's Mother Grieves as Siblings Receive Education Fund

The mother of a soldier killed at Hill 350 continues grieving her son's loss while his two younger siblings receive educational scholarships from the Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, who visited their newly built home in Sis

Slain Soldier's Mother Grieves as Siblings Receive Education Fund
5 Aug Khaosod

In a remote border area of Sisaket province, Ms. Pichsinee Saosa, 42, the mother of First Lieutenant Phanuphattana Saosa—a hero who fell at Hill 350 during combat operations—continues to grieve deeply. Although her family recently moved into a new home built with assistance from government agencies, military units, and local residents, and completed in June 2569, the loss remains ever-present in her heart.

The new home, which replaced a deteriorated structure, is now home to Ms. Pichsinee, her new husband, and two younger children: Suchawalee, 16, and Phanthaphop, 13—the deceased soldier's siblings. Inside, a glass cabinet carefully displays the military uniform, helmet, and personal belongings of First Lieutenant Phanuphattana, mementos that his mother views daily with both pride and longing.

During a visit on the same afternoon, General Noppadol Pinthong, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, personally came to offer support and encouragement to the family. He brought essential supplies including drinking water, rice, dried food, eggs, and kitchen items to help ease the household's financial burden. Most significantly, he presented educational scholarships to both of the deceased soldier's younger siblings to support their studies in accordance with their late brother's wishes.

Ms. Pichsinee shared that although months have passed, the pain feels as fresh as yesterday. She thinks of her son every day and still cries almost every night, unable to accept the greatest loss of her life. The family has already held a merit-making ceremony for his ashes, which are kept at Khok Throk Wattanarama Temple, and is preparing a blessing ceremony according to local custom.

She recalled her son's intention to support his younger siblings' education to the highest level while allowing them to choose their own paths. However, the younger brother, Phanthaphop, has insisted to his mother that he wants to follow in his older brother's footsteps by serving in the military to serve the nation.

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National

Thai Plastic Pellet Maker Earns Halal Certification in Indonesia

PTT Global Chemical becomes the first Thai plastic pellet maker to earn halal certification in Indonesia, covering all 137 products across five polymer types to better serve customers in Muslim markets requiring verified raw material status

Thai Plastic Pellet Maker Earns Halal Certification in Indonesia
5 Aug Khaosod

PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) has become the first Thai plastic pellet manufacturer to receive halal certification in Indonesia, covering all 137 products including HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PS, and Hexene Monomer under the brands InnoPlus by GC, PlastMate by GC, and DIAREX by GC. This certification enhances GC's ability to meet diverse customer needs, particularly in industries requiring verification of raw material halal status throughout the supply chain.

The achievement reflects GC's proactive efforts to upgrade products, systems, and processes to align with Indonesian halal requirements, adapt to regulatory changes, and support continuous business operations for customers and partners in line with customer-centric development strategies. GC operates in Indonesia through PT GCM Marketing Solutions Indonesia (GCMI), a major polyethylene distributor controlling approximately 10% of Indonesia's PE demand and around 20% of PE imports to the Indonesian market.

GCMI serves diverse industries including packaging, food and beverages, consumer goods, construction, electrical and electronics, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing. The halal certification enables customers to clearly verify raw material status, select products, and plan production in line with Indonesian market requirements.

GC's 137 certified products cover HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PS, and Hexene Monomer groups under three brands, all passing certification using GC's original formulas and production standards without requiring formula or process modifications. This reflects the company's already-established quality and control systems. Between July 14–17, 2025, Indonesian halal assessment inspectors evaluated GC's manufacturing facilities and warehouses, resulting in halal certification number ID31410078824010726 for all 137 products submitted.

GC has implemented a halal management system, appointed a halal supervisor, and established a working team from relevant departments to oversee operations, support assessments, and manage halal requirements long-term. The halal certification enables customers, manufacturers, distributors, and business partners to systematically verify raw material halal status, increase confidence in product selection, and support production and distribution planning, particularly for products serving Muslim consumers who value the origin and status of raw materials in manufacturing processes.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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