Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thai Student's Remains to Return August 6

The remains of a Thai student will arrive in Thailand on August 6 after departing Georgia, with the Thai Embassy supervising the transfer and coordinating with authorities for the autopsy report and personal belongings.

Thai Student's Remains to Return August 6
4 Aug Khaosod

On August 4, 2569, Klose Mos, the brother of Hulun Zolo, posted a progress update on Facebook. He announced that the remains will depart Georgia on August 5, 2569 and are scheduled to arrive in Thailand on August 6, 2569, with travel proceeding as planned. Thai Embassy staff will supervise the transfer at Tbilisi Airport to ensure the process runs smoothly, and will continue coordinating with Georgian authorities. The embassy has formally requested that Georgian authorities expedite the autopsy report and toxicology results to Thailand as soon as possible, as well as the return of personal belongings. Thai volunteers and honorary consular officials in Georgia are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies. The family expressed gratitude to the Foreign Ministry, the embassy, all officials, volunteers, and everyone who has offered support and followed the case.

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Police

Thieves Steal Transformers from Power Poles for Copper

Thieves are climbing electrical poles, stealing transformers, and stripping them for copper wire in Pathum Thani, causing over 300,000 baht in damage and widespread power outages across the district.

Thieves Steal Transformers from Power Poles for Copper
4 Aug Khaosod

Police hunt thieves who climb electrical poles, remove transformers, and strip them for copper wire sales, causing over 300,000 baht in damage and widespread power outages. On August 4, 2569, Suteep Somjai, subdistrict chief of Bang Dueai in Muang Pathum Thani District, inspected a stolen 50kva transformer that had been removed from an electrical pole, stripped of copper, and abandoned in a rice field near Bang Dueai Sub-soi Road in Muang Pathum Thani District. Suteep disclosed that the theft of transformer equipment valued over 300,000 baht caused widespread blackouts and darkened streets. The thieves dismantled the entire transformer and extracted all internal copper, leaving only bolts and valueless components. Evidence at the pole shows the criminals used knock pegs to climb up, cut electrical fuses and power lines, and removed the meter and other devices. Some fuses were already detached with others prepared for removal, but the operation was likely interrupted by passing traffic. Suteep stated that because the transformer falls under the Department of Rural Roads' responsibility, coordination was made with authorities and Muang Pathum Thani Police to investigate and track the suspects. Rural Roads officials confirmed the damaged equipment is part of streetlighting for Road 3021 Rajapruek Line, with losses exceeding 300,000 baht and a complaint filed at Muang Pathum Thani Police Station. Multiple other locations have also been targeted. Officials are urging police to expand investigations to identify scrap metal dealers purchasing these stolen items for prosecution. Without eliminating buyer outlets, criminals will continue their spree, repeatedly harming residents. Frequent power outages endanger nighttime travelers, and without urgent preventive measures, another partially stripped transformer will certainly be stolen very soon.

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National

Anti-Corruption Panel Probes Local Exam Cheating Scandal

An anti-corruption panel is investigating systematic cheating in local civil service recruitment exams, with 200 suspects referred to authorities and nearly 6,000 test-takers under investigation.

Anti-Corruption Panel Probes Local Exam Cheating Scandal
4 Aug Khaosod

A parliamentary anti-corruption committee led by Asuraphon Sannathiraphop from Sisaket visited the Financial Intelligence Unit on August 4, 2025, to discuss measures and policies on combating corruption. The committee posed 23 questions covering foreign nominees, online gambling, and systematic cheating in local civil service recruitment exams.

Financial Intelligence Unit Secretary Thepsu Bowornchotidara confirmed that 200 names suspected of involvement have been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission as requested. While investigators traced the financial transactions, they cannot disclose individual names due to legal restrictions, though the names are those flagged by central police investigators.

Regarding 5,925 test-takers under investigation, officials said the legal deadline is 120 days, though the actual process takes less time. Asuraphon emphasized that high-ranking officials involved in the scheme have no one to turn to except themselves, and expressed hope they will testify and reveal those above them in the hierarchy. He urged authorities to pursue the case thoroughly and report any financial trails leading to higher-level officials to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

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Police

Armed Robbers Steal Gold From Shop in Chiang Rai Mall

Two armed men fired a warning shot and stole five trays of gold from a shop at a Chiang Rai mall before fleeing on a motorcycle that was later found abandoned near the Mekong River.

Armed Robbers Steal Gold From Shop in Chiang Rai Mall
4 Aug Khaosod

At approximately 4 p.m. on August 4, 2025, two armed robbers entered a well-known shopping mall in Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province, and targeted a gold shop. Both suspects were disguised with surgical masks and dark sunglasses. After walking through the mall and heading directly to the gold shop, one robber fired a warning shot into the air while threatening shop employees and security guards stationed nearby. The first robber then climbed over the counter and grabbed five trays of gold, while his accomplice kept staff at gunpoint. Both men then fled the shop and mall on a rental motorcycle, which was later discovered abandoned along the Mekong River bank.

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National

Miss & Mister Earth Thailand 2026 Launches with 1.7 Million Baht Prize

The Miss Earth Thailand 2026 competition launched with 1.7 million baht in prizes, focusing on environmental conservation and selecting ambassadors to represent Thailand at the international Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines.

Miss & Mister Earth Thailand 2026 Launches with 1.7 Million Baht Prize
4 Aug Khaosod

Dr. Sirikhant Ansonkran, president of Miss Earth Thailand Organization, alongside her daughter Nayploy Narupit, director of the competition, held an official press launch at the InterContinental Bangkok. The event was attended by executives, celebrities including Dr. Koh Teerasak and Tao Teevapol, and media representatives, with DJ Annapol Kittikul and Tom Tosawarot (Mister Earth Air Thailand 2025) serving as hosts.

The 2026 competition operates under the central theme "REBIRTH" and the slogan "One Earth, Many Voices, One Mission," emphasizing environmental conservation and identifying representatives who combine beauty, knowledge, and understanding to create sustainable social change. The competition is supported by numerous national executives and sponsors, including leaders from Nopparat Cosmetic Clinic, Amornphand Villa Resort, Super League, Thai Smile Bus, Chat Cosmetics, the Thai Dairy Promotion Organization, Brilliant Power Company, and Traill International School.

The competition offers prizes and rewards totaling over 1.7 million baht to send winners to serve as environmental ambassadors on the global stage at the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines. Dr. Sirikhant emphasized that Miss Earth is an international platform focused on environmental issues, requiring contestants to not only present beauty but also possess knowledge, understanding, and the ability to communicate environmental concerns to the public. The "REBIRTH" concept represents not starting from zero, but beginning anew with accumulated experience, knowledge, and deeper understanding to address long-standing environmental problems through collective cooperation.

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National

FedEx Launches Direct Cargo Route Connecting Asia to Australia

FedEx launched a new non-stop cargo service between Guangzhou and Sydney with five weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights, cutting shipping times from Thailand to Australia by up to a day. The route expands access to Australia's market for Tha

FedEx Launches Direct Cargo Route Connecting Asia to Australia
4 Aug Khaosod

FedEx has unveiled a new dedicated non-stop cargo flight service between its Asia-Pacific regional hub in Guangzhou, China and Sydney, Australia, enhancing cargo connectivity from major markets across Asia, including Thailand. According to Sathit Phasinphiphit, FedEx Thailand's managing director, the new route will operate five Boeing 777 freighter flights weekly, expected to reduce shipping times from various Asian countries, including Thailand, to Australia by up to one day, with Thai goods reaching major Australian cities within two business days.

The new route will also serve cargo from southern China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines, enabling Thai exporters to access Australia's high-value market more quickly and efficiently. Phasinphiphit stated that the service upgrade allows Thai customers to plan and manage shipments to Australia with greater flexibility and precision—critical factors in today's rapidly changing trade environment. He added that FedEx helps Thai exporters respond to market demands promptly, enhance shipping reliability, and unlock business opportunities across the region while expanding into foreign markets.

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National

Thailand Invests 210 Billion Baht in Lower Huay Luang Water Management

Thailand is investing 210 billion baht in a major water management project anchored by the Ban Dan Muang pumping station in Nong Khai province to address flooding and drought in the northeast, with the facility over 85% complete and expecte

Thailand Invests 210 Billion Baht in Lower Huay Luang Water Management
4 Aug Khaosod

The National Water Resources Office is investing 210 billion baht in the lower Huay Luang water management project, a critical initiative to solve flooding and drought problems in Udon Thani and Nong Khai provinces. NWRO Secretary-General Chayant Mueangsoong revealed this after visiting the Ban Dan Muang pumping station in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai province, on August 4, 2025. The project is anchored by the Ban Dan Muang pumping station, which is over 85% complete and designed to manage water flow in two directions. During the rainy season, ten pumps will discharge water from Huay Luang into the Mekong River with a combined capacity of 150 cubic meters per second. During the dry season, the station will pump water from the Mekong back into the system for local storage and use. "Whenever any component is finished, we will begin operating it to help residents immediately, without waiting for the entire project to be completed," Mueangsoong said. He noted that land acquisition and COVID-19 had delayed the project, prompting the National Water Resources Committee to approve an extension through 2025. The extended timeline will cover an additional 20 water-retention pond sites and river improvements to increase total system storage capacity to over 250 million cubic meters, benefiting more than 300,000 rai of agricultural land. The NWRO intends to use the "Huay Luang Model" as a template for similar projects across the northeast. The broader lower Huay Luang basin development project in Nong Khai and Udon Thani is approximately 25% complete and includes the Ban Dan Muang pumping station, 82 kilometers of water-retention dams, and 35 water-retention ponds to manage water for agricultural areas during both rainy and dry seasons. Mueangsoong noted that El Niño is currently reducing rainfall by about 10%, so the NWRO is coordinating daily with the Meteorological Department and the Water Resources Information Institute to assess conditions and manage water through a dynamic curve system. The Irrigation Department has been tasked with maximizing water retention in Huay Luang. Sunton Khamsrimueang, director of Large-Scale Irrigation Construction Office 5 under the Irrigation Department, explained that the area's main challenge is flooding during the rainy season, which prevents farmers from growing rice, while all water drains into the Mekong during the dry season. The project is designed to use the pumping station at the mouth of Huay Luang to control flow and utilize the waterway as the primary reservoir. When the spillway gates are completed, water storage during the dry season will reach 160 meters above mean sea level, representing approximately 138 million cubic meters—enough to significantly ease water shortages for local residents. Thammapong Naowbut, director of the NWRO Region 3 office, stated that the NWRO Region 3 uses the Northeastern Mekong River Basin Committee as the primary mechanism for monitoring and overseeing the project to align with the master water resources management plan, coordinating with the Irrigation Department and related agencies to drive progress. The NWRO is also advancing the master plan for water resources management in the northeastern Mekong basin, covering 15 provinces.

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National

Thailand Launches Unified Tourism Data Platform

Thailand's Digital Economy and Tourism ministries are launching a unified tourism data platform to integrate existing apps and improve visitor safety and convenience. The new system will consolidate services like Thailand Tourist Police, Am

Thailand Launches Unified Tourism Data Platform
4 Aug Khaosod

The Digital Economy Ministry is partnering with the Tourism and Sports Ministry to advance the "Domestic Tourist Information Center" project and upgrade Thailand's tourism platform. On August 4, 2025, Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob and Deputy Minister Nan Bunthida Somchai held discussions with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjareungvorkul on implementing the initiative.

Minister Chaiyachanok explained that the two ministries are preparing to launch the "Domestic Tourist Information Center" project to enhance Thailand's Tourism Data Platform. The platform will integrate tourism data and services to increase convenience and safety for visitors entering Thailand, while reducing duplication and improving efficiency across shared platforms.

A joint working committee headed by Inspector-General Dr. Phalvorn Vidurkalachit has been established to develop the tourism platform with a focus on security and data integration. This information will support tourism businesses, community enterprises, and SMEs.

Discussions revealed that existing applications from the Tourism Ministry—including Thailand Tourist Police, Amazing Thailand, and the Tourism Wallet system—are well-regarded. The Digital Economy Ministry is prepared to integrate these with the Travel Link platform operated by the Big Data Institute (public organization), or BDI.

The Digital Economy Ministry is committed to developing digital systems to enhance public technological capability and confidence, while supporting government agencies in implementing digital systems for administration and public service delivery.

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National

Community Drug Treatment Model Transforms Lives in Thailand

A community-based drug treatment program in Nonthaburi Province has transformed Ta Itsai from a high-risk drug zone into a rehabilitation success story by combining faith-based support with systematic treatment and involving all religious c

Community Drug Treatment Model Transforms Lives in Thailand
4 Aug Khaosod

Many believe that once someone falls into drug addiction, their life is ruined forever. But in Ta Itsai Community in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, residents are proving that opportunity and community strength can genuinely rehabilitate those who have gone astray.

On February 21, 2025, Dr. Jadej Thammadhatchaari, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), along with Dr. Sarayut Boonchaipanichawattana, Director of the National Institute for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts (NITRA), and Dr. Somchat Sujitrang, Regional Director of NHSO Zone 4 Saraburi, visited the CBTx Ta Itsai program—a community-based treatment and rehabilitation model for drug users. Local officials including Ta Itsai Municipality Mayor Prida Chueaphudit and Village Head Kasama Ta Itsai presented the community's transformation from a high-risk area into a multicultural harmony zone.

From Red Zone to Multicultural Harmony Village Head Kasama Ta Itsai recalled that in the past, Ta Itsai was a cramped, closed community facing severe drug problems. About 40 percent of residents had fallen into drug addiction, leading to disputes, theft, and domestic violence that created long-standing fear and mistrust.

However, Ta Itsai Community has a population of 16,608 people (6,617 households) embracing religious diversity. It includes Muslim communities (Groups 6, 7, 10), Buddhist communities (Groups 1–4), and multicultural Buddhist-Christian-Muslim communities (Groups 5, 8, 9), with four temples, one mosque, and one Christian church as spiritual centers.

This diversity has been refined through the concept of "white multicultural harmony," transforming differences into collective care strength and leaving no one behind. The Ta Itsai Mosque serves as the spearhead and spiritual center connecting family trust with concrete health services and support networks.

Not Just Suppression, But Treatment with Faith and Rehabilitation Through Systems The CBTx Ta Itsai model's distinguishing feature is that it does not turn patients into "outsiders" but instead treats them in their actual communities through two key mechanisms:

Treatment with Faith: Relying on trust, family strength, and religious principles to support the spirit and reduce stigma, creating a safe space for patients to seek help.

Rehabilitation Through Systems: Integrating all sectors from screening and rehabilitation planning to vocational training, home visits, and continuous follow-up through five critical steps: (1) identification and screening, (2) counseling and rehabilitation, (3) family and community care, (4) network coordination, and (5) continuous follow-up.

Dr. Jadej Thammadhatchaari, Secretary-General of NHSO, stated that drug problems cannot be solved by a single agency. Multi-sector integration and support for strong communities is the answer.

"NHSO's important role is to support communities in strengthening their capacity to care for drug patients within the community itself. We provide budget support through the Local Health Security Fund (LHSF) available nationwide so communities can learn to provide care and use their own context to solve drug problems in their communities. Drug problems cannot be solved by any single agency alone; multiple agencies must work together."

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National

Thailand's First Lunar Mission Launches Nationwide STEM Initiative

Thailand's first lunar instrument launches August 24 aboard China's Chang'e-7 mission, with nationwide livestreaming aimed at inspiring 3 million students in science and technology education.

Thailand's First Lunar Mission Launches Nationwide STEM Initiative
4 Aug Khaosod

Thailand is preparing to send its first-ever scientific instrument to the moon. Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongsuwan announced on August 4 that the country is ready to launch the CE-7 MATCH payload—a Thai-designed and developed scientific device—as part of the Chang'e-7 international lunar exploration mission. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is leading the effort in partnership with the Education Ministry, Thai PBS, and Sea (Thailand), with live coverage of the Long March 5 Y14 rocket launch scheduled for August 24.

Yossanan emphasized that this historic achievement represents more than scientific progress—it demonstrates a significant boost to human capital and the government's commitment to an innovation-driven economy. The CE-7 MATCH device will orbit 200 kilometers above the lunar surface and monitor solar storms for three years, generating cutting-edge research while training world-class Thai engineers. Leading economies with strong growth all conduct advanced space research, Yossanan noted, because space-grade research produces technological spillovers that spark new innovations and intellectual property across multiple sectors.

The heart of the Thailand Moonshot initiative, however, is human development. For the first time, the Higher Education and Education Ministries have jointly organized this effort to livestream the historic event to over 3 million young people nationwide. By partnering with global leader Sea Group and its digital platforms reaching 20 million users, Thailand aims to ensure equitable access to STEM education and support the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

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Tourism

MK Restaurants Offers Japan Flight Tickets with AirAsia

MK Restaurants is offering 10 round-trip flights to Japan with AirAsia this August when customers spend 899 baht or more per receipt, with winners announced in September for travel through year-end.

MK Restaurants Offers Japan Flight Tickets with AirAsia
4 Aug Khaosod

MK Restaurants has teamed up with budget airline AirAsia this August to thank loyal customers with the "MK Takes Mom to Eat and Win a Japan Flight" campaign, offering 10 round-trip prizes to five popular Japanese cities worth 680,000 baht total. Customers can enter by ordering the signature sukiyaki set or spending 899 baht or more per receipt (after discounts) at any MK Restaurants location nationwide—except MK Gold, MK Live, MK Premium Buffet, and MK Paradise—between August 1-31, 2025. Members earn two chances to win per receipt, while non-members get one. Winners will receive two-seat prizes to Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa (two prizes per city), with results announced September 11 and travel permitted from September 12 to December 31, 2025. Additionally, during Mother's Day week (August 10-16), customers ordering the "Mom's Travel Sukiyaki Set" or any menu totaling 1,299 baht or more receive a free duck-shaped neck pillow (worth 299 baht) as a gift, while supplies last.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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