Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Tourism

Thai Pastry Chef Creates First Michelin-Starred Moon Cake

Thai pastry chef Dech Kiuakachcha partners with Michelin-starred Chef Hideki Sato to create Thailand's first three-Michelin-starred moon cakes, available for pre-order through August 12 with a 20% early-bird discount.

Thai Pastry Chef Creates First Michelin-Starred Moon Cake
3h ago Khaosod

Kyo Roll En is launching its moon cakes earlier than competitors this year, and doing so in style with a high-profile collaboration between Chef Dech Kiuakachcha and Chef Hideki Sato of Ta Vie, a three-Michelin-starred French-Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong, to create Thailand's first three-Michelin-starred moon cake.

The connection between the two chefs is remarkable: Chef Dech, once an admirer, traveled to intern at Ta Vie in Hong Kong in 2019 to train under his idol. Chef Dech's skills have since flourished, making him the first Thai pastry chef to win Asia's Best Pastry Chef 2025 from Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. He has also collaborated with numerous leading chefs, including Chef Ton-Thitipat, Chef Pam-Pichaya, Chef Andy Yang, and other Michelin-starred chefs from Japan and Singapore.

Now, teacher and former student have reunited in the kitchen to create a limited-edition moon cake series. The collection features four limited flavors: two from Chef Sato—Chestnut Pu-Er Tea and Osmanthus Custard with Orange—and two from Chef Dech: Yuzu Lava and Satsuma Imo.

The packaging is premium and elegant, featuring red cloth with a phoenix feather pattern. The wooden box can be repurposed as a photo frame. Each box contains eight pieces covering all four flavors, paired with "Simple Kaffa" championship coffee from Taiwan, priced at 1,688 baht.

For those preferring the classic Cantonese-style moon cake, Kyo Roll En also offers its original recipe in four flavors: Custard with Salted Egg Lava (Hong Kong recipe), Durian with Salted Egg, Matcha Lava, and Taro with Black Sesame—a new flavor featuring whole black sesame seeds with a chewy mochi texture.

Two sizes are available: the large set with eight pieces covering all four flavors in a lantern-shaped box, priced at 1,288 baht, and the small set with four pieces in a chic handbag-shaped box, priced at 688 baht.

All moon cakes are open for pre-order from today until August 12, with an early-bird discount of 20% at Kyo Roll En or www.kyorollen.com/order. Products can be received from August 1 onwards.

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Community

Khon Kaen Villagers Hunt Grasshoppers After Dark

Villagers in Khon Kaen's Ban Non Tun hunt grasshoppers at night using headlamps and simple tools, selling the protein-rich insects for extra income during peak harvest season.

Khon Kaen Villagers Hunt Grasshoppers After Dark
3h ago Khaosod

Reporter Ekapong Phutha from Khon Kaen News visited Ban Non Tun village in Muang district, Khon Kaen province, where residents hunt grasshoppers after sunset along roadsides, abandoned spaces, and densely grassed agricultural plots during the insects' active feeding and resting period.

The hunters use minimal equipment: a headlamp to search in darkness and a punctured plastic bottle fitted below rubber boots to collect captured grasshoppers, with the boots protecting against stepping on sharp debris. Once a grasshopper is spotted clinging to grass, hunters quickly hand-catch it and place it in the bottle.

Resident Attit Panthuchinakun, 37, noted that these are pa thang kha grasshoppers, most abundant during the rainy season when abundant young grass provides natural food, triggering breeding and nocturnal foraging.

After capture, the grasshoppers are cleaned and prepared by frying, salt-roasting, or making into traditional dishes like fried grasshoppers or bamboo shoot curry—popular folk foods valued for their flavor, crispiness, and high protein content.

During years with large harvests, residents sell surplus grasshoppers to neighbors at 40 baht per handful, providing supplementary income.

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Police

Appeals Court Upholds 2-Year Sentence for Anon Nampha

Thailand's appeals court has upheld a two-year prison sentence against human rights lawyer Anon Nampha for lèse-majesté charges, bringing his total prison time across all cases to nearly 32 years. The conviction relates to a 2020 university

Appeals Court Upholds 2-Year Sentence for Anon Nampha
3h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Region 5 Appeals Court has upheld a two-year prison sentence for human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampha on lèse-majesté charges, bringing his total sentence across all cases to approximately 31 years and 8 months. The conviction stems from a November 23, 2020 speech at Chiang Mai University's Arts and Culture Hall during a gathering that included commentary on changes to royal property management. The court found his remarks constituted an offense against the monarchy under Article 112 of the Criminal Code. The original trial court had convicted Anon and sentenced him to two years imprisonment, which he appealed. The appellate judgment was read via video conference to Bangkok's special detention facility, where Anon remains incarcerated. This marks the first Article 112 case against Anon to be decided on appeal, with his accumulated sentences now totaling approximately 31 years and 9 months across all prosecutions.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai PM Heads to Shanghai to Attract AI Investors

Prime Minister Anutin heads to Shanghai this week to attract artificial intelligence investors and meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, positioning Thailand as a potential tech hub for Chinese companies.

Thai PM Heads to Shanghai to Attract AI Investors
3h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced his visit to China from July 16–20 at a government house press briefing on July 16, stating that the trip aims to participate in the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai and open a Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu. The Chinese government has formally invited him to Beijing for bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang before further meetings at the ASEAN Summit and APEC gatherings.

Anutin emphasized that AI cooperation is a priority for the Thai government as it explores potential partnerships with the global community. The Shanghai event will be significant, featuring speeches and meetings with major AI entrepreneurs and technology firms. Thailand is positioning itself as a potential hub—whether as a data center or manufacturing base—for Chinese investors.

Anutin stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with him and his delegation in Shanghai on July 17. He described this as an opportunity to summarize discussions from the past year, including matters dating back to the King's visit to China, when China purchased Thai rice. Thailand will seek China's support across trade, investment, security, and law enforcement dimensions. When pressed on specific security cooperation examples, Anutin declined to elaborate, saying such sensitive matters must be discussed bilaterally. He stressed that all progress continues steadily and that China remains a great ally supporting Thailand consistently, whether requests are made or not, on issues ranging from sensitive matters and security to combating corruption and crime, as well as trade.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Community

Yan Ta Fo Phanni Serves Generous Bowls in Sai Noi

Yan Ta Fo Phanni in Sai Noi serves generous bowls of red noodle soup topped with nine different ingredients including fish balls, squid, and jellyfish in a rich, aromatic broth. The restaurant recently moved to Bangrua-Sai Noi Road and offe

Yan Ta Fo Phanni Serves Generous Bowls in Sai Noi
3h ago Khaosod

Noodle lovers seeking a complete and satisfying meal should not miss Yan Ta Fo Phanni in Sai Noi, Nonthaburi. This restaurant serves rich, aromatic yan ta fo with a smooth broth and toppings so generous they overflow the bowl. Every spoonful delivers excellent value, leaving diners full and satisfied from first bite to last.

The restaurant's standout feature is its generous use of nine different toppings: round fish balls, rugby fish balls, squid tentacle pieces, fish dumplings, fried shrimp pieces, jellyfish, crispy squid, blood cake, and fried dumplings. Each component offers a different texture—crunch, crispness, and tenderness—perfectly balanced in a single bowl.

Beyond the abundant toppings, the yan ta fo broth is another draw for many customers. It boasts a rich, well-rounded flavor with a distinctive aromatic sauce that coats the noodles and toppings evenly. Combined with plump, tender fish ball pieces, the result is so delicious diners struggle to put their spoons down.

The restaurant offers noodle choices including small, large, crispy, and egg noodles, plus yan ta fo in classic, tom yum, and dry tom yum versions, as well as tom yum noodle soup and dry tom yum noodle soup. Value comes not just from portion size but also quality ingredients, ensuring every bowl is packed with fresh flavors. The restaurant suits lunch, dinner, or anyone craving hot noodles on a budget.

The restaurant also serves blanched fish dumplings, blanched squid, blanched jellyfish, mixed fish balls, and fried dumplings. Customers seeking flavorful yan ta fo with generous toppings and tender fish balls at excellent value can expect to return again and again.

Yan Ta Fo Phanni has relocated from its previous spot near 7-Eleven in Sai Noi to a new location on Bangrua-Sai Noi Road, about 50 meters past The Hamilton development, near Sai Noi Subdistrict Municipality. The new spot is more convenient and easier to visit. The restaurant is open daily and accepts dine-in and Line Man delivery orders.

For those seeking delicious yan ta fo with full toppings, flavorful fish balls, and genuine value in every bowl, this restaurant is a must-visit destination. Open daily 11:00–19:00. For more information, call 06-1662-8787.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Honor Officers' Heroic Rescue of Three from Beer Factory Fire

Police commended Sergeant Major Suphraj Yodathul for rescuing three people from a beer factory fire in Bangkok on July 12-13, though he remains hospitalized receiving oxygen treatment with stable condition.

Police Honor Officers' Heroic Rescue of Three from Beer Factory Fire
3h ago Khaosod

Metropolitan Police Commissioner General Siam Bunsomchai, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division commander Sittichay Srisophachaiyarut, and deputy commander Sittisak Nakamad have commended Sergeant Major Suphraj Yodathul for his courageous and selfless response to the factory fire that occurred overnight on July 12-13, 2026.

Sergeant Major Suphraj and four colleagues rescued three people from the dangerous area: two men and one woman. They assisted two men who crawled out near the entrance and extinguished flames engulfing one of the women before facilitating rescue personnel to complete the evacuation and clear the surrounding area for efficient rescue operations.

Sergeant Major Suphraj is currently hospitalized and receiving oxygen treatment under medical observation. Initial blood tests and chest X-rays are normal, and his overall condition remains stable. The division expressed encouragement to all injured parties and commended the selflessness, bravery, and humanitarian spirit of Sergeant Major Suphraj Yodathul and all those who assisted in the rescue effort.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Community

Karen Weavers Revive Traditions in Northern Thailand

Karen weavers in Chiang Mai's Ban Laeykaeo village preserve centuries-old textile traditions using natural dyes and hand-weaving techniques while adapting designs for modern markets. The cooperative of over 100 artisans across eight village

Karen Weavers Revive Traditions in Northern Thailand
3h ago Khaosod

In Ban Laeykaeo village, Doi Tao district, Chiang Mai province, Karen weavers preserve centuries-old textile heritage through hand-dyed fabrics in soft pastel tones. The natural dyes come from roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits of various plants, meticulously applied to create distinctive patterns that blend traditional wisdom with contemporary design.

Carefully dyed threads from the Ban Laeykaeo weaving group are passed to skilled weavers who continue the heritage while incorporating modern elements, resulting in textiles with strong character and cultural power. Every month on delivery day, weavers gather in a lively assembly of pride, each piece representing the craftsmanship and dedication of its creator. Under the supervision of Kanyanrat Bunpet (Grandmother Pед), the group leader, a dedicated team carefully inspects and systematically records each finished cloth. Though weavers typically work separately under their homes, they dedicate one day each month to meet, discuss patterns, exchange creative inspiration, and critique each other's work to develop new designs and strengthen their collective output.

Kanyanrat Bunpet explained: "These monthly meetings are wonderful. We gather to discuss patterns, share stories, and talk about other things. Right now we're receiving many orders—different members take different jobs. Our weavers are fully prepared."

The diversity of skills among group members drives the weaving community forward. Some excel at traditional plain weaving, others master ancient patterns, while many create impressive contemporary adaptations. Both heritage and new designs emerge flawlessly, filled with living stories.

Karen Pholo textiles from Ban Laeykaeo have gained excellent reception across Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and international markets. The sales and production teams communicate seamlessly, collaboratively developing new ideas to sustain steady progress.

"We monitor the market—we see what sells well and what buyers want, so we weave both custom orders and traditional patterns," Kanyanrat added. "Many people who previously worked elsewhere have returned home to weave. Our members range from working age to teenagers to elders. Everyone has daily work and flexible income."

The Ban Laeykaeo weaving group is a robust network of over one hundred old and young weavers spread across eight villages, serving as a vital economic engine for the community. The textiles here never stop evolving, featuring new pattern designs and diverse techniques drawn from members' talents.

Behind this success lies the collaboration of dyers, weavers, designers, and salespeople who unite their efforts to create beauty and value. Karen Pholo textiles from Ban Laeykaeo shine, flourish, and stand ready to advance with the strength of their vibrant community. From the perspective of their determination and collective power, it is clear these weavers create genuinely beautiful and valuable work. They have arrived at this point through impressive strength, and this united force will surely guide them toward an even more beautiful path ahead.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Real Estate Market Slows, But Rama 9 Leads Condo Search

Despite a slowdown in Thailand's real estate market marked by rising debt and tighter lending standards, online property searches remain strong, with Rama 9 leading condo interest at 42% of mentions due to its BTS access and affordability.

Real Estate Market Slows, But Rama 9 Leads Condo Search
4h ago Khaosod

RealWatch Lab released a social listening survey on July 16, 2025, revealing that despite the real estate market slowdown, consumers remain actively searching for housing online. Rama 9 has topped the list for condominium interest, while Bangna leads for single-family homes and townhouses. The broader market faces persistent challenges: household debt stands at 86.7% of GDP (up 0.05% from Q4 2024), and personal loan defaults exceeding 90 days (NPLs) reached 9.59% of total credit, up from 9.45% in Q4 2024. Financial institutions have tightened mortgage approval standards, with housing loan rejection rates climbing to 44.9% in the first half of 2025, compared to 39.8% in the same period last year. This caution is reflected in declining new project launches: land subdivision permits fell 45.7% in Q1 2025, and residential construction permits dropped 50.2% year-on-year, according to the Government Housing Bank's Real Estate Information Center. However, RealWatch Lab's analysis of social media posts from January through June 2025 identified 10 high-interest locations—five for condominiums and five for houses and townhouses. Common characteristics across these prime locations include proximity to public transportation (both roads and mass transit), shopping centers, hospitals, schools, universities, and employment hubs. For condominiums, Rama 9 dominates with 42% of online mentions, with discussions highlighting convenient BTS access, proximity to jobs, affordable pricing compared to downtown areas, and competitive rental returns.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Rescuers Revive Cat Hit by Pickup Truck With CPR

Two Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers in Ayutthaya performed CPR on a cat struck by a pickup truck, successfully reviving the animal after 30 minutes of chest compressions and resuscitation efforts.

Rescuers Revive Cat Hit by Pickup Truck With CPR
4h ago Khaosod

AYUTTHAYA — Two volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation have won widespread praise online after performing CPR on a cat that had stopped breathing after being struck by a pickup truck, successfully reviving the animal in what many viewers described as a miraculous rescue.

A video circulating on social media shows the two rescuers desperately administering first aid to the brown cat. One volunteer supports the animal's head and keeps its airway open while the other performs continuous chest compressions, urging the cat to breathe again.

Kantharak Raitook, 37, a Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteer, said he and fellow rescuer Watcharapol Suporn, 33, were sitting along Bang Nom Kho Sai Nai Road in Moo 5, Bang Nom Kho subdistrict, Sena district, Ayutthaya, when they witnessed a pickup truck hit the cat.

The pair initially intended to move the cat's body off the road to prevent it from being run over again. However, after touching the animal, they noticed it was still warm and bleeding from its mouth and nose, prompting them to immediately apply their emergency rescue training.

The two volunteers took turns performing CPR for about 30 minutes before the cat began breathing again, astonishing everyone at the scene.

A daughter of an acquaintance later volunteered to take the cat to a veterinary hospital for emergency treatment.

Pornkamol Phianphong, 47, who later adopted the cat, said the animal was unable to walk and was still bleeding from its mouth and nose when it arrived at his home. He rushed it to a veterinarian, who said the cat would have a good chance of survival if it made it through the first night.

After receiving treatment and close care, the cat regained consciousness the following morning. Although it was initially unable to walk, its condition gradually improved until it fully recovered and was able to walk and live normally again.

Pornkamol named the approximately two-year-old male cat Boon Rod, meaning "survived through merit," to reflect its remarkable escape from death.

The rescue video has since attracted widespread admiration online, with many praising the two Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers for applying their lifesaving skills to save an animal, ultimately giving Boon Rod a second chance at life.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

DITTO Launches Blu Green Token, Raises 480 Million Baht

Thailand's first environmental conservation digital token, Blu Green Token, raised 480 million baht in a successful fundraising round backed by carbon credits from mangrove forest preservation, with trading set to begin on Bitkub exchange J

DITTO Launches Blu Green Token, Raises 480 Million Baht
4h ago Khaosod

DITTO, in partnership with Token X, has successfully closed a fundraising round for Blu Green Token (BLU), raising 480 million baht against a target of 400 million tokens priced at 1.20 baht each. The offering period ran from July 3–13, 2025, and drew strong demand from institutional investors, individual investors, and major corporations including large food and supply-chain groups.

Blu Green Token is Thailand's first environmental conservation digital token, backed by carbon credits generated from mangrove forest preservation. Following the close of the offering, the token will begin trading on Bitkub digital asset exchange starting July 20, 2025, allowing token holders to buy and sell in the secondary market.

Thakorn Rattanakamolporn, chief executive officer of DITTO (Thailand) Public Company Limited and Siam TC Technology Co., Ltd., noted that the strong response reflects investor confidence in digital assets linked to carbon credits and environmental conservation alongside investment returns. He added that DITTO and its subsidiary view digital tokens as a mechanism to expand investment options while supporting sustainability.

Jittinan Chatsisiaraj, chief executive officer of Token X under SCB X Group, expressed confidence that Blu Green Token represents an important example of integrating real-world assets with digital technology to create new investment opportunities. Token X is preparing to list the token on digital asset exchanges to enhance liquidity and support secondary market trading beginning July 20, 2025.

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Police

Pork Vendor Finds Elderly Woman Dead in His Unlocked Car

An elderly woman was found dead in the back seat of a pork vendor's unlocked sedan parked near a shrine in Samut Prakan on July 16, with no signs of injury or foul play.

Pork Vendor Finds Elderly Woman Dead in His Unlocked Car
4h ago Khaosod

On July 16, 2025, police from Samroong Tai Station responded to a report of an unconscious person inside a sedan parked in front of Pho Thap Samroong Shrine on the old tram road in Samut Prakan Province. Officers and rescue workers discovered a black sedan with license plate ending in 8469. Inside, they found an elderly woman aged 60–70 years dead in the back seat. The body showed no signs of injury or violence.

Investigators questioned Chana, 61, the car's owner and a pork vendor at Samroong Market. He explained that after closing his stall the previous afternoon, he drove back to his room and parked the car before resting. The next morning, he left his room, unlocked the car, and drove to the parking area. As he was about to walk back to his stall, something brushed against his back. When he turned around, he saw a human foot hanging over the driver's seat and realized it belonged to a dead person, prompting him to alert authorities.

Chana confirmed he had never seen or met the deceased woman before. He stated that he never locks his car because the lock mechanism is broken. He believes the woman may have entered the vehicle while it was parked at a condominium, and he was unaware of her presence until her foot touched his back at the parking area.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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