Lanta & News
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Police

Thai House Fire Leaves One Million Baht in Damages

A wooden house in Chiang Mai's Muang District was gutted by fire on August 21, destroying most of its contents and causing about one million baht in damages; the blaze, likely sparked by an electrical short circuit, was extinguished after 4

Thai House Fire Leaves One Million Baht in Damages
11h ago Khaosod

On August 21, 2025, Mae Ping Police officers in Chiang Mai received a report of a house fire in Sammakorn Village, Fa Ham Subdistrict, Muang District. Officers coordinated with firefighting units from Fa Ham Subdistrict Municipality and Chiang Mai Provincial Administration to respond to the blaze.

Firefighters took approximately 45 minutes to control the fire, which had consumed 70 percent of the traditional wooden structure. Nearly all household contents were destroyed, with total damages estimated at approximately 1 million baht.

The 62-year-old homeowner was away from the house at the time of the fire. A neighboring foreigner spotted smoke billowing from the house and flames spreading rapidly, and immediately called for help. Other neighbors quickly contacted firefighting authorities.

Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though Chiang Mai Police Forensic Unit will conduct a full examination to determine the exact cause. No injuries or deaths were reported.

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National

China Showcases 150+ Booths at CACF-Thailand 2026 Trade Fair

Over 150 Chinese manufacturers will exhibit at CACF-Thailand 2026 in September, offering Thai entrepreneurs direct access to suppliers, partners, and new market opportunities across China and ASEAN without traveling abroad.

China Showcases 150+ Booths at CACF-Thailand 2026 Trade Fair
11h ago Khaosod

CACF-Thailand 2026 creates a hub linking Chinese producers and Thai entrepreneurs to build new supply chain opportunities, complete with a Thai Brand Zone, Xiaohongshu social commerce platform integration, and business-AI forums.

Historically, China-Thailand commerce meant Thai business owners traveling to China to source factories, suppliers, or resale goods. But 2026 is reshaping that picture. Pakawin Jiamjirojn, organizer representative for CACF-Thailand 2026, said the 13th China-ASEAN (Thailand) trade fair runs September 2–4, 2026 at Hall EH101, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, bringing over 150 Chinese manufacturers and operators so Thai businesses can meet, negotiate, inspect goods, compare products, and find partners directly without flying to China. This year, however, CACF aims beyond simple sourcing—the bigger goal is helping Thai entrepreneurs discover new business opportunities: finding products, suppliers, building brands, co-developing goods, and connecting to wider business networks across China, Thailand, and ASEAN.

The participation of over 150 Chinese booths reflects not just a push to sell Chinese goods in Thailand, but also a desire to integrate Thai entrepreneurs into broader manufacturing and supply chain networks. The framing should not be "China competing with Thai businesses" but rather "both countries' businesses finding partners, not competitors."

Thai entrepreneurs can meet manufacturers, source suppliers, negotiate product development, forge business alliances, and explore new markets across ASEAN and beyond. Meanwhile, CACF-Thailand 2026 features a Thai Brand Zone where over 30 Thai entrepreneurs and brands showcase products, demonstrate capabilities, and build connections within the fair.

The event is shifting from "China manufactures, Thailand buys" toward linking strengths of both countries' entrepreneurs to create shared business opportunities in larger markets. A key question many Thai business owners ask: if we can bring Chinese goods to sell in Thailand, how can we sell Thai products to Chinese consumers? This is the "reverse flow" concept—repositioning China from merely a source of goods and manufacturing hub to a market for Thai products.

One highlighted channel is Xiaohongshu, a social commerce platform gaining major traction in China. Thai entrepreneurs will learn how to use Xiaohongshu to build brand awareness, reach Chinese consumers, and understand that modern Chinese markets decide purchases not on price alone but on content, lifestyle, reviews, and brand image.

Whether you run an established Thai brand, operate an online trading business seeking new markets, or want to understand Chinese consumer behavior, the fair offers opportunities to explore.

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Police

Police Cadet Charged After Stealing Pickup Truck, Assaulting Officer

A 25-year-old police cadet from Nakhon Sawan was arrested for stealing a pickup truck he claimed to borrow for police work, then fleeing a checkpoint and assaulting an officer who suffered a ruptured blood vessel. He faces theft and obstruc

Police Cadet Charged After Stealing Pickup Truck, Assaulting Officer
11h ago Khaosod

On August 21, 2569, police arrested a 25-year-old police cadet trainee from Nakhon Sawan who was stationed at Nong Sone Police Station in Phichit for stealing a pickup truck belonging to a 66-year-old man. The cadet claimed he had asked to borrow the vehicle to apprehend a criminal suspect, but then fled and evaded a police checkpoint. He was charged with two serious offenses: theft and obstructing or resisting a police officer in the performance of official duties. He was remanded in custody at Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Court.

Senior Sergeant Paphawichya Chansri, one of the officers who arrested the cadet, suffered serious injuries including a ruptured cerebral blood vessel during the struggle and is undergoing emergency treatment at a private hospital in Nakhon Sawan province. Chansri is the son of Deputy Regional Police Commander Aneuk Chansri of Kamphaeng Phet, who has vowed to pursue the case to its conclusion.

The pickup truck owner's wife, Booncherd, 62, explained that her 66-year-old husband is a former village headman known for helping people in the community. When the officer approached asking to borrow the vehicle because his motorcycle had run out of fuel while chasing a suspect, her husband agreed, believing he was assisting with official police business. He waited near a temple entrance but later realized the truck had been stolen and used in an escape.

The woman also revealed that she spoke with the cadet's mother, who mentioned that her son suffers from a mental health condition and lacks medication, possibly causing hallucinations. The mother pleaded not to press charges, concerned it would ruin her son's future police career.

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National

Bangkok Hospital Upgrades Digestive Care With Advanced Endoscopy

Bangkok Hospital has upgraded its gastroenterology centre with advanced endoscopy technology and redesigned facilities to enhance digestive and liver care for both Thai and international patients.

Bangkok Hospital Upgrades Digestive Care With Advanced Endoscopy
11h ago Khaosod

Bangkok Hospital's main headquarters is advancing gastrointestinal and liver care through a major redesign of its gastroenterology centre under the concept "Beyond Future – Advanced GI Care and Endoscopy". The renovation elevates patient care using cutting-edge treatment technology, supported by specialist doctors and experienced multidisciplinary teams. The hospital reaffirms its commitment to delivering excellent care for all digestive and liver conditions, meeting standards trusted by both Thai and international patients.

Dr. Methini Maipaeng, Chairman of the Executive Board Group 1, highlighted the hospital's ongoing pursuit of medical excellence through comprehensive healthcare transformation. "In 2025, Bangkok Hospital continues advancing its health service system with comprehensive development, including ICHOM-certified treatment quality reflecting value-driven care and outcomes measurement that address patient needs and quality of life. Alongside modern medical innovation, we are becoming an Asia-Pacific Medical Robot Hub and offering digital health access with 24/7 appointment booking. We are also prioritizing employee wellbeing across physical, mental, and work-life balance dimensions to deliver the best care to patients, while fulfilling our social and environmental responsibility as we progress toward our Net Zero 2050 goal. Our achievements in the first half of the year reflect our commitment to creating valuable and sustainable healthcare system change for the future."

Dr. Boonthida Charoenswaddi, Hospital Director, said: "Bangkok Hospital prioritizes comprehensive, multidimensional patient care covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Our gastroenterology centre is one of our centres of excellence, enjoying growing patient trust. With more than 759 successful biliary and pancreatic endoscopy cases, over 600 ultrasound endoscopy cases, and more than 54,000 gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures (2021-2025 data), we maintain a complication rate below 1%. We are redesigning our gastrointestinal and liver disease care through advanced endoscopy, creating patient-centred services that elevate the treatment experience while continuing to develop our services and invest in modern medical innovation. True success lies in improving every patient's quality of life."

The redesign of the 2,800-square-metre gastroenterology centre combines precision design with patient journey principles and advanced endoscopy technology. Patients receive convenient, efficient, and high-quality care at every stage—from consultation through diagnosis, endoscopic treatment, and recovery and disease prevention. The centre features 15 new examination rooms and advanced procedure rooms.

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National

Bangkok Fair 2026 Showcases Community Products to Boost Local Economy

Bangkok Fair 2026 opens August 21-23 at Central Rama II mall, showcasing over 100 booths of community products from Bangkok's 50 districts to support local entrepreneurs and grassroots economic development.

Bangkok Fair 2026 Showcases Community Products to Boost Local Economy
11h ago Khaosod

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Social Development Office invites Bangkok residents to Bangkok Fair 2026 at Central Rama II shopping mall, 4th floor, Bang Khun Thian district, from August 21-23, 2026. The exhibition will showcase quality products and community goods from across Bangkok's 50 districts, featuring delicacies, Made in Bangkok items, Bangkok Brand 2026 products, and Bangkok G goods across more than 100 booths. The event aims to strengthen entrepreneur capacity, expand market opportunities, and drive sustainable grassroots economic development.

The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., with Runggnapa Trikhaew, director of the Office of Vocational Promotion, presiding. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration executives will attend, along with Nattakan Insorn, head of the Product Development and Marketing Promotion Group, who will present the event's objectives.

The opening ceremony highlights include a cultural performance titled "The Charm of Bangkok" reflecting the city's identity, performed by students from Nahluang School in Thung Khru, and a mini concert by Pae Weerasak Hortrap, a 52-time champion from the Channel 31 singing competition. Following the performances, officials will tour vendor booths and encourage entrepreneurs.

Bangkok Fair 2026 is a project designed to advance creative economy development at the community level in Bangkok with support from relevant agencies including district offices, Central Rama II shopping mall, participating entrepreneurs, and cooperating organizations.

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National

Thai King Elevates Senior Buddhist Abbot to New Ecclesiastical Rank

The Thai King elevated respected Buddhist abbot Thongchai Sukkhaño to a senior ecclesiastical rank, effective July 12, 2026. Now 70 with 42 years of monastic service, he oversees Wat Saket temple in Bangkok and international Buddhist missio

Thai King Elevates Senior Buddhist Abbot to New Ecclesiastical Rank
11h ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2569 (2026), the Royal Gazette published a royal decree elevating Phra Brahmasiddhi to Somdej Phra Rajadhikana with the formal title Somdej Phra Vorachit Siddhacharya, stationed at Wat Saket Rajavoramahavihara, a royal temple in Bangkok. The elevation was effective July 12 and announced July 14.

The honoree, Thongchai Sukkhaño (born February 16, 2499 or 1956), is a trusted disciple of the late Somdej Phra Phutthajarn. He has been entrusted with responsibilities in administration, education, welfare, religious propagation, and public service. Now age 70 with 42 years of monastic service, he serves as committee member of the Mahatthera Samakhom, regional superintendent of Zone 11, and abbot of Wat Saket.

After completing primary education, he ordained at Wat KhaoWong in Saraburi province and passed all three levels of Buddhist studies. At age 20, he took full monastic vows at Wat Saket under the tutelage of Somdej Phra Phutthajarn. His monastic name, Sukkhaño, means "one who possesses knowledge with happiness."

After ordination, he was trusted as a personal secretary and made significant progress in his religious life while earning a Bachelor of Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. From 2531 onwards, he served as assistant abbot overseeing restoration projects, construction of facilities for returning monks, international Buddhist housing, and multi-purpose buildings for moral education.

From 2545, he served as advisor and director of the office overseeing Thai Buddhist missionaries abroad, responsible for European and Scandinavian operations and oversight of 17 Thai temples in foreign countries. He also led the presentation of royal robes to 9 Thai temples across 9 countries and coordinated publication of a two-language (Thai-English) Buddhist monastic code manual.

His ecclesiastical ranks progressed through multiple royal promotions: 2530 as Phra Kru (ecclesiastical rank), 2532 as assistant abbot, 2535 as ordinary Rajadhikana, 2544 as royal-rank Rajadhikana, 2547 as celestial-rank Rajadhikana, 2549 as dharma-rank Rajadhikana, and 2554 as deputy-rank Rajadhikana.

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National

National Science Museum Launches AI Revolution Exhibition for Youth

The National Science Museum opens "AI Revolution: The New Human Edge" exhibition at the 2025 National Science and Technology Fair, offering hands-on learning to help youth understand artificial intelligence, machine learning, and critical t

National Science Museum Launches AI Revolution Exhibition for Youth
11h ago Khaosod

The National Science Museum invites children, youth, and the public to explore innovation through the main exhibition 'AI Revolution: The New Human Edge' at the 2025 National Science and Technology Fair. The exhibition aims to build understanding of artificial intelligence technology alongside critical analytical thinking, preparing the next generation to navigate future changes with awareness.

Suwarong Wongsirii, acting deputy director of NSM, explains that throughout history humans have created tools to transcend their limitations—from stone tools, wheels, and abacuses to microscopes and computers. These developments reflect fundamental human skills in observation, thinking, analysis, and problem-solving to address increasingly complex challenges. The transition from machines that follow instructions to AI capable of learning, analyzing, and creating new data drives this exhibition's exploration of machine learning and the processing of massive data sets across images, sound, language, and sensors—technologies applied across medicine, industry, art, and everyday life. NSM aims to deliver hands-on learning experiences so that children and youth understand not just how to use these tools, but the underlying principles, learn to ask critical questions, and recognize both the potential and limitations of technology.

While AI excels at pattern recognition and rapid processing, it cannot fully replace humans because 'humans think to understand the world and its meaning, while AI processes to find answers based on conditions.' Critical thinking, emotional and contextual understanding, value-based decision-making, ethics, creativity, and inspiration remain distinctly human capabilities. The future world therefore needs people who not only use AI, but know when, how, and how to verify its outputs. This aligns with this year's event theme, 'Intelligence in Science for a Sustainable Future,' which shifts the question from 'What can AI do?' to 'What kind of future will we create when humans and AI work together?'—because no matter how advanced technology becomes, humans remain the questioners and direction-setters.

Visit the 'AI Revolution: The New Human Edge' exhibition at the 2025 National Science and Technology Fair from 15–23 August 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in Buildings 9–11 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

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National

BNI Launches Global Business Network to Support Thai SMEs

BNI Thailand celebrated its 20th anniversary by launching a global business network connecting 5,000 SMEs and startups to shift from competition to collaboration, with plans to add 1,500 new members in 2025. Members have generated approxima

BNI Launches Global Business Network to Support Thai SMEs
12h ago Khaosod

BNI, a global business network organization, is connecting SMEs to build a business ecosystem that transforms competition into collaboration and aims to drive entrepreneurs toward mega trends.

Recently at Bitec Bangna, marking BNI Thailand's 20th anniversary, the organization held the BNI Thailand Expo & International Conference 2026, attracting significant participation from Thai and international SME and startup networks.

Glakrit Thalengnawachat, Chairman of BNI Thailand, revealed that BNI develops Thai entrepreneurs, especially SMEs and startups, by building networks and expanding markets both domestically and internationally. The organization aims to shift the business world from competition to collaboration through a connectivity and collaborative network. This approach supports economic growth, resilience, and sustainability for the Thai economy under the Giver Gain philosophy, where members provide business opportunities to one another based on trust. Each member targets referring clients worth an average of 5 million baht to fellow members, creating continuous circulation in Thailand's economy.

Currently, BNI Thailand has 5,000 members from diverse business sectors, providing members with advisors and business development learning. In 2025, the organization expects to add 1,500 new entrepreneur members, bringing the total to 6,500 nationwide.

"Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed the development and transformation of our member network. Some entrepreneurs have grown into stock market listings, others have expanded their customer base internationally, and many have used BNI tools and networks to survive despite economic crises, political challenges, and the COVID situation. Overall, BNI members have generated approximately 135 billion baht in business value," Glakrit said.

He also outlined BNI Thailand's future direction, stating the organization will push SME and startup members to develop businesses toward global mega trends using an Accelerate approach—accelerating business transformation to align with macro trends affecting the economy, society, lifestyle, and sustainability. This includes collaboration with government agencies to support future economic policies such as electric vehicles, solar cells, sustainable tourism, creative industries, and pet-related business growth.

"Our Accelerate approach emphasizes sustainability, expands membership to entrepreneurs in various provinces, and creates member business value by connecting with international networks. BNI Thailand members span multiple industries including IT and online services, property and construction, marketing services, industry, health and wellness, and hotels and hospitality."

Merry Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI (Business Network International), revealed that BNI is a global organization founded 40 years ago with branches in over 78 countries and 355,000 members worldwide. BNI believes that business does not have to be isolated; building teams and networks are crucial to driving member businesses and mutual support. In 2025, the focus will be on combining tradition and innovation to develop member businesses. However, as global conditions change rapidly, BNI has implemented AI to provide greater support opportunities for members.

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National

M6 Highway Section Opens Free on Weekends

A 110-kilometre section of the M6 Highway between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong opened for free weekend use on Friday, offering drivers an alternative route to Nakhon Ratchasima that could reduce traffic on major roads by 30–40%.

M6 Highway Section Opens Free on Weekends
12h ago Khaosod

On 21 August, Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn and Transport Ministry Undersecretary Siripong Angskul opened the M6 Highway Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong section for trial operation. The 110-kilometre route between Bang Pa-in in Ayutthaya province and Pak Chong will be free to use every Friday from noon through Sunday midnight, providing an alternative route from Bangkok and surrounding areas to Nakhon Ratchasima and the Northeast. The route offers access at five points: Bang Pa-in, Hin Kong, Kaeng Khoi, Mueang Mak, and Pak Chong gates, connecting to the existing trial section running Pak Chong to Nakhon Ratchasima bypass.

The opening is expected to reduce traffic on Phahon Yothin Road and Mittraphap Road by 30–40%, especially during weekends and holidays. The full M6 line stretches 196 kilometres and serves as a strategic route to the Northeast, supporting regional connectivity and economic development. The highway will eventually open free service around the clock across its entire length during New Year 2570 celebrations.

Deputy PM Pipat stated that opening this section demonstrates the government's commitment to developing transport infrastructure and improving travel efficiency between Bangkok, the Central region, and the Northeast. He called for special attention to scenic areas, particularly around Lam Takhong, to prevent parking violations and accidents, and urged the public to observe traffic laws strictly. Highway authorities have coordinated with Highway Police, forest rangers, rescue units, and local agencies to ensure road safety and public assistance throughout the route.

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National

Army Aviation Center Readies Disaster Relief Forces and Aircraft

The Army Aviation Center completed a readiness inspection of personnel and aircraft on August 21 to ensure rapid disaster relief response across three districts in Chainat province.

Army Aviation Center Readies Disaster Relief Forces and Aircraft
12h ago Khaosod

On August 21, Lieutenant Colonel Cherdkiat Chosropngong, commander of the Army Aviation Center and director of its disaster relief operations center, conducted a readiness inspection of personnel, equipment, and aircraft assigned to disaster relief operations.

The inspection aimed to ensure that prevention and rescue operations would be executed swiftly and efficiently, in compliance with Army regulations and procedures of civilian government agencies and other Defense Ministry departments. The center's primary responsibility is to provide immediate assistance to disaster victims in its designated areas upon request from the Army's central disaster relief center, deploying appropriate personnel and equipment according to its capabilities until victims receive adequate relief.

The Army Aviation Center has previously conducted training exercises for ground and air-based rescue operations using specialized aircraft equipment such as winches and rescue baskets to ensure operational effectiveness. The center maintains command and control capabilities for disaster relief missions across its assigned districts—Sak Luang, Khun Khan, and Noen Kham in Chainat province—and stands ready to respond to emergencies with immediate action when coordinated requests are received.

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National

Thailand Repatriates 44 Citizens From Cambodia

Thailand repatriated 44 citizens from Cambodia on August 21 after they completed legal proceedings, while simultaneously returning 35 Cambodian nationals who had finished serving sentences in Thai courts.

Thailand Repatriates 44 Citizens From Cambodia
12h ago Khaosod

On the morning of August 21, 2569, Eastern Command forces, together with Sa Kaeo Immigration, Aranyaprathet Customs, the 12th Border Patrol Police Command, and local security units, received 44 Thai nationals traveling back from Cambodia at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge near the Ban Khlong Luk permanent border crossing in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. All individuals had been arrested and had completed legal proceedings in Cambodia.

Simultaneously, Thai authorities returned 35 Cambodian nationals who had been arrested and completed legal proceedings in Thailand to Cambodia, following procedures and guidelines established by both countries.

This bilateral exchange of persons was conducted under humanitarian principles and Thailand-Cambodia cooperation frameworks. Despite border gate closures in the area, both nations continue to coordinate the return of individuals who have completed legal processes in accordance with proper procedures and humanitarian standards.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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