Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand Housing Agency Offers Debt Relief Program for Struggling Borrowers

Thailand's National Housing Authority launched a debt relief program allowing struggling borrowers to settle overdue loans with up to 50% principal reduction or pay interest-free over 36 months, with applications open until December 2026.

Thailand Housing Agency Offers Debt Relief Program for Struggling Borrowers
21 Jul Khaosod

The National Housing Authority is inviting eligible residents and citizens to join the "Clear Debt, Move Forward" program to assist non-performing loan (NPL) borrowers in reducing their debt burden, restoring their credit history, and regaining access to the formal credit system. Borrowers can choose between a one-time settlement with up to 50% principal reduction or interest-free installments over a maximum of 36 months. The program accepts applications until December 31, 2026.

On July 21, 2026, Thavipong Vichaidis, Governor of the National Housing Authority, announced that the program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the Thai Bankers Association, and Sukhumvit Asset Management (SAM). It aims to assist individual borrowers with non-performing loan status by reducing their debt burden, restoring their financial standing, and providing an opportunity to re-enter the formal credit system.

The National Housing Authority prioritizes improving citizens' quality of life while strengthening household economic security, and is promoting this measure to ensure Housing Authority residents have access to solutions for debt problems and financial rehabilitation.

Eligible participants must be individuals with non-performing loan (NPL) status, with payments overdue for more than 90 days as of September 30, 2025, and total NPL debt not exceeding 100,000 baht according to the National Credit Bureau (NCB). Applicants must not be bankrupt or listed on the Financial Intelligence Unit's Sanction List. The program covers credit card debt, personal loans, and remaining balances from previously secured loans.

Borrowers can choose payment options based on their circumstances: one-time settlement with up to 50% principal reduction, or installment payment with up to 30% principal reduction, 0% interest, and up to 36 months to pay. This helps reduce debt burden, improve liquidity, restore credit history, and create opportunities for a fresh financial start.

Governor Thavipong stated that stable housing must be accompanied by financial security. The Housing Authority serves as a channel to publicize beneficial government measures, ensuring residents have access to financial rehabilitation opportunities—a foundation for improving quality of life and providing long-term family security.

Interested parties can contact SAM Contact Center at 1443 ext. 6 or via LINE Official @samsocialamc. Eligible applicants can participate in the program until December 31, 2026.

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National

Woman Dies at Bank While Waiting to Renew Welfare Benefits

A 65-year-old woman from a highland village in Nan province died after collapsing at a bank while verifying her identity for welfare benefits renewal, sparking concerns over the system's impact on remote residents who face costly travel req

Woman Dies at Bank While Waiting to Renew Welfare Benefits
21 Jul Khaosod

A 65-year-old woman from Muban Saked Klang village in Pua district, Nan province, died after traveling down from Doi Saked to verify her identity and scan her face for state welfare benefits at the Agricultural Bank of Thailand branch in Pua on July 20. She collapsed while waiting in line in the afternoon and despite emergency responders' efforts to revive her, she died around 4:30 a.m. the following day. Her sister expressed the family's distress, saying the incident should never have occurred since the woman had already received her welfare card in a previous registration but was required to make the difficult journey down from the highland area to reconfirm her status.

The case has sparked broader concerns in the community. Neighbors report that many other residents who previously received welfare benefits have recently had them revoked—some simply because they had outstanding loans with the agricultural bank taken out to build homes, farm, or send children to school, while others lost benefits because their names appeared on vehicle registrations for old, deteriorated cars no longer in use. Residents from Doi Saked, most of whom own no private vehicles and must hire shared taxis at costs of 200 to 1,000 baht per trip to reach town, say they willingly bear these expenses to maintain their 300-baht monthly welfare benefit, which is essential to their livelihood.

Many residents are awaiting clarity on the welfare appeals process and are urging the government to expedite benefit restoration for eligible applicants and reform the system to better reflect the realities of life in remote areas, hoping to prevent further tragic losses.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

What Defines Talent in Tomorrow's World

Future success depends on continuous learning rather than past achievements, with modern talent defined by adaptability in a rapidly changing world rather than traditional markers like degrees and job titles.

What Defines Talent in Tomorrow's World
21 Jul Khaosod

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with a group of young people from Kasetsart University who had joined the Hope Club, a forum for open dialogue between myself and the younger generation on topics ranging from change and opportunity to our near future.

I opened the discussion with a thought-provoking question: "Do you think you have the qualities of a 'talent'?" The room fell silent for a moment, and before anyone could answer, one participant raised their hand and posed a counter-question: "But what is your definition of 'talent'?"

That question shifted the entire conversation. Rather than me waiting for their answer, we began a shared reflection. It wasn't just about the true meaning of talent, but about recognizing how rapidly this very definition is being rewritten in a world that never stops moving. Their responses reinforced an important truth: the world is advancing into a new era of transformation, and it is already happening.

"I don't see myself as a talent or anything else," one student said. "I just see myself as someone here to learn, to meet my own needs, and to improve myself every single day. I think whenever I walk into a room and feel like I'm the best, that's a sign I'm in the wrong room. I see talent as someone who keeps filling their glass—not overflowing it."

Their answer was more than an explanation; it reflected a deeper truth about the value shift in modern society. In my youth, good grades, admission to a dream university, and a stable job were the societal markers of success. But today, these have become merely snapshots of the past—indicators of effort, determination, and intent at a particular moment. They no longer reveal what comes next.

These achievements are like photographs from a bygone era, telling us what you accomplished yesterday in a controlled environment. They tell us nothing about how you will face new challenges in the real, constantly changing, and difficult-to-control world we live in.

Over the past 30 years, leading organizations through shifting business landscapes has taught me one crucial lesson: the moment we believe we are skilled, that we have succeeded, and we stop learning—that is the most dangerous trap for any so-called talent. It is what I call the illusion of arrival, especially in this age where change happens faster than most people can adapt.

For True Corporation, we face this challenge head-on. We are strategically moving forward with a goal to become an "AI First" organization by 2028. But this mission is not about replacing people with AI; it is about equipping our people with new tools.

Our AI Practice Day program is one reflection of that commitment. It is about learning through hands-on experience, diving deep, and learning alongside colleagues—helping employees transition from mere "awareness" to real "capability." We emphasize not certificates, but practical tools that work.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Hits 1 Million Durian Export Target to China

Thailand's durian exports to China surged past 1 million tons by mid-July 2025, worth over 114 billion baht, as the government accelerates shipments of the country's bumper crop to its largest buyer.

Thailand Hits 1 Million Durian Export Target to China
21 Jul Khaosod

The Ministry of Commerce announced the successful push to export fresh Thai durian to China, with shipments from January 1 to July 19, 2025 exceeding 1 million tons, valued at over 114.8 billion baht and surpassing targets faster than expected. The ministry will continue clearing southern durian supplies, expand foreign markets, and promote processing to increase value and create stable income for Thai farmers.

On July 21, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supa Juea Sutthamphand announced at Frankfurt Airport that exports of fresh Thai durian to China reached 1,000,763.66 tons, valued at approximately 114,818.15 billion baht, reflecting Chinese market confidence in Thai durian quality. This achievement resulted from integrated cooperation between government, private sector, and farmers in expanding markets and maintaining continuous quality standards.

"The ministry will continue pushing export volumes higher, particularly accelerating southern durian clearance currently hitting markets, while promoting processing to add value, create market alternatives, and boost farmer income," Supa Juea stated.

With 2025 Thai durian production up approximately 30 percent, the ministry tasked the International Trade Promotion Department with an intensive strategy in the Chinese market to expand trade channels and push fresh durian exports to no less than 1 million tons, a goal achieved faster than anticipated.

The Ministry of Commerce is also advancing comprehensive fruit management, linking domestic markets, expanding foreign markets, and increasing productivity through processing to enable Thai fruit to enter markets efficiently.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Vows to Pursue Local Exam Cheating Scandal to the Top

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to pursue the local civil service exam cheating scandal to the highest level, with multiple agencies investigating whether more masterminds were involved beyond three already arrested. He emphasized

PM Vows to Pursue Local Exam Cheating Scandal to the Top
21 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on July 21, 2569 at Government House that he is monitoring the ongoing investigation into fraud in the local civil service examination. He stated that the central civil service committee has already established procedures that cannot be interfered with, and he will decide whether to chair the July 23 committee meeting after reviewing official documents. He delegated the oversight to Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Leangpraseuth.

When asked about the central examination committee's authority to dismiss affected local officials without waiting for the central civil service committee's approval, Anutin said different officials have different interpretations and he has consulted with Deputy PM Pakorn Nilepracheech, the secretary-general of the Council of State, as each committee must exhaust all procedures first. He noted that those dissatisfied with any decision can appeal through proper channels.

Regarding whether there are more masterminds involved than the three arrested so far, Anutin said the Central Investigation Police Bureau is investigating with additional reports filed by the civil service examination committee, local government department, the state, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) which is coordinating with police. He assured the public that multiple agencies are working at full capacity to bring wrongdoers to justice.

When asked how to explain to society why people are blaming politicians and political parties, Anutin clarified that this is a government matter, not a party matter. He stated that the government has ordered all agencies to have zero tolerance for corruption and cannot allow new civil servants to be hired through fraudulent examinations. He emphasized that the government will pursue whoever is responsible to the fullest extent of the law, and that the NACC, police, and other investigative units will handle the case thoroughly.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Community

Doctor Warns Against Trampolines for Children Under Six

A cosmetic surgeon warns parents that children under six should never jump on trampolines, as their fragile bones cannot withstand the enormous rebound force, especially when adults bounce alongside them.

Doctor Warns Against Trampolines for Children Under Six
21 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Nathpol Wongkiatjchorn, known as Dr. Jump, a cosmetic surgeon, shared medical advice on his Dr. Jump Facebook page regarding children and trampoline use. He warns that children under six should not be allowed on trampolines—a caution nearly 90 percent of parents overlook, mistakenly believing lighter bodies are safer. In reality, parents are mistaken.

Globally, many orthopedic surgeons treat injuries from trampolines because people assume they are soft play equipment where bouncing causes no harm. However, trampolines are actually giant springs that store and release enormous energy with each impact. Children under six lack the physical development to handle this; their shin bones are small and fragile, and when hit by uncontrollable rebound force, injuries can result.

More dangerous than the equipment itself is adult carelessness. Many parents jump alongside their children—a behavior with serious physical consequences. When a 70-kilogram parent bounces down on a trampoline with a 15-kilogram child, the impact depth increases dramatically, and all that adult energy transfers through the mat directly to the child's legs. The rebound force can feel as hard as concrete, causing the child to lose balance or fall.

Parents often think holding their child's hand tightly prevents injury, but holding hands does not protect the legs and can sometimes increase danger if a falling child is suddenly pulled by the arm. If parents take their children to trampolines, they must remember three rules:

1. Children under six should only watch, without exception. Explain directly that their bones are not strong enough and they can play when older. Ball pits or slides are better alternatives. 2. One child per trampoline mat. If your child is over six, one child per mat only—never bouncing with larger friends or with parents. If the area becomes crowded with older children, remove your child immediately. 3. Never attempt flips or backflips under any circumstances. Many children want to try tricks like rolling or backflips, but landing on the head risks serious injury.

Teach your child to jump up and down on both feet—that alone is fun and provides sufficient exercise. Trampolines are not bad equipment when children are old enough and parents understand the safety rules.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

PM Anutin Dismisses Police Chief Specs as 'Giving Goosebumps'

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected fixed qualifications for the upcoming national police commissioner appointment, emphasizing national stability over seniority as the key criterion.

PM Anutin Dismisses Police Chief Specs as 'Giving Goosebumps'
21 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the upcoming appointment of the 16th national police commissioner at a government house interview on July 21. When pressed about whether there were specific qualifications or "specs" for the role, he replied with a Thai expression meaning the topic makes his skin crawl. He said the selection must follow the spirit of the law and prioritize national interests, rejecting the idea that seniority alone should determine the choice. Anutin stressed that the foremost consideration is whether the new chief can maintain national stability. He warned that even if the selected candidate has 1.5 years of service remaining, the government will review the decision if the country becomes unstable. When a reporter asked about candidates with long service records and outstanding achievements, Anutin declined to answer, made a dismissive gesture, and abruptly left the press conference.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Viriyah Insurance Marks 79 Years With Duty-Focused Campaign

Viriyah Insurance launches a campaign celebrating 79 years by highlighting "duty" as its core value, partnering with creative agencies to share messages of encouragement for various professions serving Thai society.

Viriyah Insurance Marks 79 Years With Duty-Focused Campaign
21 Jul Khaosod

"Duty" may sound simple, but for Viriyah Insurance it has been the driving force behind the organization for nearly eight decades. Today, the company is sharing this core value with the broader public through a corporate image campaign titled "Steadfast in Duty for 79 Years."

Managing Director Amorn Tongtew stated: "The special aspect of this year's campaign is presenting a fresh perspective—not just promoting our image, but communicating to the public about Viriyah's role as a general insurance provider ready to stand alongside customers and Thai society in every situation over these 79 years."

To strengthen this concept, Viriyah partnered with creative agency Choojai and Friends, which brought creative thinking and sharp insights to develop the campaign strategy. The team started by studying Viriyah's past communications and consumer voices on social media, combined with interviews across all organizational levels to deeply understand company culture. Connected with the core philosophy "Fairness is policy"—a DNA passed down through generations—the team identified that "duty" as a general insurance company protecting and guaranteeing risks for Thai society represents Viriyah's true identity.

In the first quarter, Viriyah launched a pre-campaign titled "Be Encouragement for Your Duty," inviting people to share encouragement for various professions and roles in society such as doctors, nurses, street sweepers, and traffic police through the Viriyah Insurance Facebook page. These messages were then displayed on billboards at major Bangkok landmarks before the official campaign video launches.

The campaign video was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Atta Hemvadi from ATTAh FILM, known for advertising, music videos, and the recent film "Gohang: The Gohem Heart." Atta explained: "We wanted to tell a 'back to simple' story, where simplicity creates good feelings for viewers. We hope that when the advertisement reaches the public, they will truly understand Viriyah's intention to communicate with society."

The video narrative begins by asking viewers: "Is neglecting one's duty becoming normal in society?" before gradually drawing them into realistic scenarios that prompt self-reflection about their own roles, concluding with gratitude for people of virtue.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Defense Ministry Meets With Khaosodsod Over Security Coverage

Thailand's Defense Ministry met with Khaosodsod newspaper on July 21 to establish security guidelines for reporting after a disputed military map publication, with both sides affirming no malicious intent and committing to closer coordinati

Defense Ministry Meets With Khaosodsod Over Security Coverage
21 Jul Khaosod

Defense Minister General Adulyadej Boontharmkaraichon met with Khaosodsod newspaper executives on July 21 at the Defense Ministry to discuss guidelines for security reporting and prevent future misunderstandings that could harm military security or alarm the public. Khaosodsod management clarified that publication of the disputed military map image was not intended to cause harm or spread inappropriate information. The newspaper's coverage of border conflicts has demonstrated good coordination and cooperation with the military, and it remains committed to reporting facts directly while respecting operational sensitivities and prioritizing national security interests. The newspaper says it promptly complies when the military requests corrections or content removal, and maintains smooth cooperation on border reporting with the armed forces. The disputed report aimed to communicate accurate facts about soldiers injured by a land mine while reducing public confusion from widely circulating rumors and maintaining troop morale. Both sides collaborated closely on the information and images, with the military understanding there was no malicious intent to compromise Thai military secrets. Defense Minister Adulyadej stressed the need for more careful news review considering security concerns to prevent similar misunderstandings. The meeting between the Defense Ministry and Khaosodsod aims to build understanding and establish guidelines for careful, accurate, and beneficial public reporting to prevent future confusion. Both parties are confident no ill intent was involved, but offer sincere apologies if the reporting caused public concern.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

SCB X Reports Q2 Profit of 11.1 Billion Baht

SCB X posted Q2 net profit of 11.1 billion baht, up 9 percent from the previous quarter, as gains from investments and trading offset declining net interest income from lower interest rates.

SCB X Reports Q2 Profit of 11.1 Billion Baht
21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2025, SCB X Public Company Limited reported second-quarter net profit of 11.117 billion baht, a 9 percent increase from the previous quarter. The growth was supported by improved net interest income and significant gains from investment and trading activities, demonstrating the resilience of SCB X's diversified business model, which integrates traditional banking, digital financial services and retail lending, and platform and technology businesses to generate multiple revenue streams and balanced risk management in a declining interest rate environment. However, year-over-year profit declined 13.1 percent.

The bank reported net interest income of 27.306 billion baht, up 2 percent quarterly but down 10.2 percent year-over-year due to pressure on net interest margins following rate cuts in 2024-2025. Loan growth remained steady compared to year-end, reflecting prudent credit disbursement across the group. Diversified revenue sources helped offset the impact of lower rates, with fee and other income reaching 11.365 billion baht, up 14.8 percent year-over-year, driven by wealth management business growth through the SCB WEALTH by CardX credit card linking wealth services to daily spending and expanded global investment options via InnovestX. Investment and trading income stood at 2.552 billion baht, down 21.2 percent year-over-year but up significantly 349.1 percent quarter-over-quarter due to improved performance of the bank's investment portfolio.

Operating expenses totaled 17.042 billion baht, down 2.2 percent year-over-year, yielding a cost-to-income ratio of 41.3 percent, reflecting continued cost discipline through process optimization, resource management, expense restructuring aligned with business conditions, and deployment of artificial intelligence and automation across group operations amid revenue headwinds from lower rates.

The bank continues to provide targeted customer assistance through its "You Fight, We Help" program and debt restructuring for customers with recovery potential, while actively managing asset quality. The non-performing loan ratio improved to 3.17 percent at quarter-end from 3.23 percent in the previous quarter, with provisions down 5.3 percent year-over-year. The coverage ratio remained strong at 158.6 percent, and regulatory capital adequacy stood at a robust 18.6 percent.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Delivery Driver Escapes Life Sentence After Finding 1.7 Million Meth Pills in Sofa

A delivery driver in Trang narrowly escaped serious legal trouble after discovering 1.78 million methamphetamine pills hidden inside sofas he was transporting from Chiang Mai, alerting police to the massive drug shipment.

Delivery Driver Escapes Life Sentence After Finding 1.7 Million Meth Pills in Sofa
21 Jul Khaosod

A furniture transport worker narrowly avoided prosecution after noticing a sofa was unusually heavy and emitted a suspicious chemical smell during a delivery job from Chiang Mai to Trang province. According to Pol. Col. Yutthana Kaenjanchan, the discovery began when a conscientious delivery driver reported to Highway Police Division 335. The driver had previously transported durian from Chanthaburi to Lampoon and was seeking additional cargo work to avoid returning with an empty truck. A contractor in Prao District, Chiang Mai, offered him a 18,000-baht job to deliver sofas to Trang. Upon receiving the furniture, the driver noticed the sofas were abnormally heavy and detected a methamphetamine-like odor, prompting him to stop the vehicle along a road in Ban Pong Subdistrict and immediately alert authorities. Officers discovered three sacks containing 1.78 million methamphetamine pills concealed inside six sofas. Pol. Col. Yutthana confirmed that police are actively investigating and pursuing the drug trafficking network behind the shipment, while commending the conscientious driver for reporting his suspicious findings and enabling officers to intercept a massive drug haul.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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