Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand Repatriates Three Sailors Killed in Hormuz Strait

Thailand repatriated three sailors killed aboard a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz in March, with their remains returned to their families for funeral rites following coordination with Iranian and Omani authorities.

4h ago Khaosod

On July 3, 2025, Mangkorn Prathoomkaew, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a ceremony to receive and pay respects to the remains of three Thai crew members—Phanupong Munthan, Kiatsakdi Pawaphucha, and Chawalit Chaiyavongse—who died aboard the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuri Nari during an incident in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2025. Mangkorn laid wreaths in mourning alongside executives from Precious Shipping, the ship's owner, at Suvarnabhumi Airport before the bodies were returned to their hometowns for religious funeral rites. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its embassy in Tehran and the Department of Consular Affairs, coordinated and facilitated all procedures to bring the three sailors home from Iran. The ministry expressed gratitude to the governments of Oman and Iran for their cooperation throughout the process.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Hua Hin Airport Expansion Eyes Four Major Airlines

Hua Hin Airport expansion plans target four new international routes from Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur after renovations complete by year-end 2025. Thai tourism and transport ministers consulted with local business operator

4h ago Khaosod

Prachuap Khiri Khan is advancing a major tourism economy initiative as two ministers visited the area to consult with business operators on July 3, 2025, at Holiday Inn in Hua Hin District. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjchareonvorkul and Deputy Transport Minister Pattrapong Pattrasitthikul led consultations with hotel business operators in Hua Hin and Cha-am districts to develop a strategic plan for upgrading Hua Hin Airport to accommodate new flight routes.

Air Asia CEO Pairachpol Pornpattananangkur organized the consultation, dividing business operators into four groups to identify which airlines should launch direct service to Hua Hin after the airport renovation completes by year-end 2025. The proposals focused on four key markets: Group 1 (Taipei, Taiwan) targeting Chinese and Taiwanese tourists with purchasing power; Group 2 (Shanghai, China) focusing on large family tourism; Group 3 (Singapore) leveraging existing customer base familiarity with Hua Hin; and Group 4 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) attracting regional tourists and serving as a regional hub.

Minister Surasak stated the ministry will immediately compile the brainstorming results into a strategic tourism plan ready for implementation when the airport opens fully. Deputy Minister Pattrapong pledged government support to rapidly implement airline proposals and policy initiatives, emphasizing that Hua Hin serves as a critical gateway for transportation and commerce linking Thailand's southern region.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Nagelsmann Steps Down As Germany Coach After World Cup Exit

German coach Julian Nagelsmann has resigned after Germany's penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 32, citing the team's need for a fresh start following the disappointing early exit.

4h ago Khaosod

Julian Nagelsmann has officially stepped down from his position as head coach of the German national team following their elimination in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing on penalties to Paraguay. The 38-year-old coach explained that in the days following the elimination, he devoted significant time to reviewing events and speaking with close family, personal associates, and German Football Association (DFB) officials. "This decision was not easy at all," Nagelsmann said. "What has always mattered most to me is the success of the team. After this bitter disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity to start fresh without anything weighing them down further." He expressed his gratitude to coaching staff, support personnel, and all DFB officials who assisted throughout his tenure, particularly highlighting the players he worked with based on mutual trust. Nagelsmann also extended special thanks to fans for their unwavering support during difficult times, while expressing deep regret and pain at having disappointed them and being unable to deliver a successful World Cup campaign. "You deserved so much better," he said. Assistant coaches Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner will also be departing their positions with the DFB alongside Nagelsmann.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Chakraphop Penyaek Promoted to Parliament for For Thai Party

Chakraphop Penyaek has been promoted to the House of Representatives for the For Thai Party after a predecessor's resignation took effect on July 1, 2026.

4h ago Khaosod

The Royal Gazette website published a House of Representatives announcement promoting the next candidate on a political party's list to replace a vacant seat. According to the Election Commission's announcement on March 4, 2026, Prasert Chantarwangtong from the For Thai Party's 5th position list had been elected as a House member. However, Prasert submitted his resignation from the position effective July 1, 2026, ending his membership under Section 101(3) of the 2017 Thai Constitution. Under Section 105(2) of the constitution, Chakraphop Penyaek, the next candidate on the For Thai Party list, has been promoted to fill the vacant House seat. The announcement was made on July 2, 2026. According to reports, Chakraphop was the 17th list candidate to advance to the House position, following several For Thai party representatives who stepped down after receiving ministerial positions.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Myanmar Gang Arrested in Armed Cable Theft Raid

Police arrested two Myanmar nationals after an armed gang stole over 600,000 baht in electrical cables from a Chonburi company, threatening a security guard with knives during the July raid.

4h ago Khaosod

Police arrested a Myanmar criminal gang that used two pickup trucks and armed members in balaclavas to raid and steal electrical cables worth over 600,000 baht from a Chonburi company, threatening a security guard with knives before tying him up and escaping.

On July 3, 2026, Colonel Krit Masuk, commander of Ban Bueng Police Station in Chonburi, led officers from Ban Bueng and Pluak Daeng police stations in Rayong to raid a worker camp in Maenam Khoo subdistrict, Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, which they had identified as a hideout for the Myanmar gang responsible for cable thefts in the Ban Bueng area. Police arrested two suspects: Ye Moe and Yan Oo, both Myanmar nationals, and seized multiple items including an unregistered 9mm handgun with ammunition.

Both suspects confessed to carrying the unregistered 9mm pistol with ammunition to intimidate anyone who resisted their crimes. The incident began when more than 10 suspects dressed in black with hooded balaclavas burst into a company work site in Nong Irun subdistrict, Ban Bueng district. They threatened the lone security officer with knives, tied his hands and feet with nylon rope, and gagged him with cloth.

Two more pickup trucks then arrived, and the gang quickly loaded large rolls of electrical cable onto the vehicles, fleeing within minutes with over 2,034 meters of cable worth approximately 600,000 baht. After the incident, investigators reviewed CCTV footage along the escape routes and found the suspects had sold the cables to scrap metal shops in the area. Using vehicle registration records, police traced the gang to their worker camp hideout in Pluak Daeng district and conducted the raid that led to the arrests.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Two Teenagers Killed In Motorcycle Crash

Two 15-year-old vocational students died after their motorcycle crashed into a parked truck while being chased by another motorcycle in Ayutthaya Province on July 3.

4h ago Khaosod

Two 15-year-old first-year vocational college students riding home on a motorcycle crashed into a parked pickup truck, were thrown onto the road, and died at the scene. Their classmates insist the victims were good, well-behaved students. Witnesses reported seeing two teenagers on motorcycles chasing them before the vehicle lost control.

At 3:30 p.m. on July 3, 2025, police in Uthai District, Ayutthaya Province responded to a motorcycle collision with a parked pickup truck on Rojana Road near Uthai intersection at kilometer 13 in Kan Ham Subdistrict. Two people were killed. At the scene, police found two 15-year-old vocational students from the provincial technical college, both from Bang Pa-In District, Ayutthaya Province, dead in the middle of the road. A red Honda PCX motorcycle lay damaged nearby, and a knife with a sheath was found at the scene. The parked pickup truck sustained damage to its right side, including a broken side mirror and a punctured right tire.

A good Samaritan who was driving behind the victims' motorcycle reported seeing two riders on another motorcycle chasing them in what appeared to be a high-speed pursuit. The victim's motorcycle swerved left, lost control, and struck the parked truck, throwing both riders onto the road. The pursuing motorcycle immediately fled the scene.

Another witness corroborated the account, stating they had been stopped at a red light when they saw the victims' motorcycle run the red light while being followed by a white Honda PCX motorcycle with two riders. The rear passenger appeared to be recording the victims' motorcycle on a phone. After witnessing the fatal crash, the witness provided information to police.

A classmate revealed that the victims normally rode home together, but on this day only one was riding. The student noted that their group had been chased and targeted by another group of teenagers on three previous occasions but had never been injured. The classmate firmly stated the victims were good kids, not troublemakers.

Initially, police reviewed CCTV footage showing another motorcycle traveling alongside the victims' bike, consistent with multiple witness accounts. Investigators are focusing on whether a high-speed chase actually occurred before the crash. Police in Uthai District are actively tracking the riders of the other motorcycle for questioning to clarify the facts and pursue legal action.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Five Officials Face Disciplinary Action In Local Exam Fraud

Five Interior Ministry officials face severe disciplinary action over alterations in local government exam scores, with investigators uncovering involvement across multiple departments and private contractors.

4h ago Khaosod

The Permanent Secretary of the Interior is preparing to establish a severe disciplinary committee to investigate five government officials from the Department of Local Administration in connection with the local government examination fraud scandal, indicating involvement at high ministerial levels. An investigation committee led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Santi Yimlammai discovered score alterations and identified Department of Local Administration staff, contracted employees, private companies, and outside individuals as potential suspects. The NACC has also begun investigations in Nonthaburi Province.

The Interior Ministry will proceed with disciplinary action against five officials within its jurisdiction, while approximately ten other suspects remain under investigation by the Central Investigation Police. The NACC plans to conduct a comprehensive backward-tracing investigation within three to six months to identify all involved parties.

When asked whether the five officials face regular or severe disciplinary proceedings, the Permanent Secretary stated that severe disciplinary action typically involves matters affecting public perception and ministerial reputation. The disciplinary committee decision is currently being processed and the Secretary promised to sign the order within one to two days.

Regarding the involvement of the Transportation Ministry secretary's recent resignation, the Permanent Secretary declined to confirm any connection, stating he was unaware of other related matters. When pressed about the Terms of Reference for selecting examination contractors involving four past and present directors of the Department of Local Administration, he noted the investigation dates back years and involves multiple departmental leadership across different periods.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Seven Monks Killed as Boy Crashes Stolen Truck

Seven monks killed when an 11-year-old boy stole his father's pickup truck and crashed into a Buddhist procession in Maha Sarakham province are being honored at merit-making ceremonies in Ubon Ratchathani, with the incident leaving 10 dead

4h ago Khaosod

Seven monks are being honored at Baan Nam Khun temple in Nam Khun district, Ubon Ratchathani province, following a deadly collision in Maha Sarakham province. An 11-year-old boy stole his father's pickup truck and drove it into a Buddhist procession, resulting in 10 deaths and 10 injuries. On May 3, 2026, officials transferred the remains of seven deceased monks to the temple for merit-making ceremonies, with provincial Buddhist leaders guiding the procession according to each monk's seniority.

Oey Seangsit, a renowned singer and son of Phra Bhikkhu Rochat Thongburan, one of the deceased monks, shared that his last conversation with his father was about sound mixing, as his father enjoyed delivering sermons to relatives. He expressed deep sorrow, saying he cannot bear to watch accident footage that has circulated online and has cried until tears no longer come.

The seven deceased monks are: 1) Phra Bhikkhu Yothin Vannasuree (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 2) Phra Bhikkhu Rochat Thongburan (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 3) Phra Bhikkhu Nikkhom Angkhap (Chumphon), 4) Phra Bhikkhu Sakda Sila (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 5) Phra Bhikkhu Samuay Rawang (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), 6) Phra Bhikkhu Chaisoarn Nanthasingh (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani), and 7) Phra Bhikkhu Sakorn Klangsungnern (Nam Khun, Ubon Ratchathani).

Buddhist monks have already performed funeral rites. Royal water blessing ceremonies are scheduled for May 4 at 4 p.m., with the Ubon Ratchathani provincial governor presiding.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Delays Local Exam Recruitment Over Score Irregularities

Thailand has postponed local government recruitment exams after discovering score irregularities in a random inspection, with authorities now checking approximately 15,000 candidates for potential fraud or errors before proceeding.

4h ago Khaosod

At 6:20 p.m. on July 3, 2025 at Government House, Deputy Interior Minister Worasisd Liangprasert revealed that the fact-finding committee has reported irregularities in exam scores detected during a random inspection. The Prime Minister has ordered preliminary checks on approximately 15,000 candidates from the recruitment list to determine whether score anomalies occurred.

If irregularities are confirmed, further action will be taken, including referral to relevant agencies for investigation. Should actual errors or fraud be found, cancellations may follow, consistent with previous central committee resolutions calling for a new verification process.

The first batch of recruitment scheduled for July 1, 2025 will be postponed pending investigation results. Upon completion, the government emphasized that candidates who passed through legitimate means without involvement in fraud will proceed normally through the recruitment process.

Regarding candidates who have submitted appeals for fairness, requesting that the postponement be lifted because they passed honestly, Deputy Interior Minister stated that even in the three-day round on July 1, the central committee reaffirmed the postponement decision to await facts, while ensuring no unfair impact on genuinely qualified candidates.

Currently there is a waiting period for the recruitment list. Once exam results are released, the list can be immediately activated, but only after establishing the facts about who may be involved in any irregularities.

When asked about the National Institute of Development Administration's statement to open a flash drive containing exam questions from both NIDA and the Civil Service Commission, Deputy Interior Minister stated this was NIDA's matter alone, and that the priority was to establish the facts, expressing confidence that the National Anti-Corruption Commission already has the information.

When asked if salary suspension has been ordered for NIDA officials, Deputy Civil Service Commission Acting Secretary-General Siriphan Srikongplee stated the matter remains pending.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Actor Defends Devil's Lawyer Series Against Thai Fishing Industry Criticism

Actor Natt Kijjirut defends the Netflix series "Devil's Lawyer" against Thai Fisheries Association criticism that it damages the industry's reputation, arguing the show responsibly highlights social issues like illegal labor and forced labo

5h ago Khaosod

Actor Natt Kijjirut has defended the Netflix series "Devil's Lawyer" against allegations that it damages Thailand's fishing industry reputation, insisting the show serves as a voice for important social issues. The Thai Fisheries Association had issued a warning to fishing vessel owners, operators, and port authorities across coastal provinces to be cautious about allowing film productions that might portray illegal labor practices, drug trafficking, and forced labor in Thai fishing operations. Concerns arose because the series is distributed on Netflix, a globally watched platform, and officials worried it could create misconceptions and harm the industry's image.

When asked if he was shocked by the controversy, Natt responded: "I apologize if it upset the Fisheries Department, but I'm not shocked because we anticipated this during filming. The answer is in the content itself. Ultimately, we didn't do anything wrong. Anyone who watches the series will understand what the fishing characters' intentions are. If you watch carefully, there's nothing damaging about it. We actually became a voice for what the series stands for."

Regarding potential backlash from the industry affecting future productions, Natt expressed confidence in Thai society: "I believe in our society more. I trust that viewers and people in various industries with concerns are ready. Everyone knows that a film's function is to reflect whatever exists in society—real or imagined. Films are entertainment. There are more important things than film. We know what our intentions are."

Natt praised Thai filmmakers and the current wave of Thai content taking on difficult stories: "I admire Thai filmmakers. I admire what we managed to do with Devil's Lawyer. I admire this year's wave of Thai content where we can tell harder stories. I admire investors who are more open-minded and the audience's movement toward defending correct issues. Society is more ready than some people might think."

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Motorists File Complaints Over Road Tar Damage

Multiple vehicle owners filed complaints after tar from a Bang Khen-Nong Sua road construction project damaged their cars in Pathum Thani, with the site having no warning signs or lighting despite ongoing work.

5h ago Khaosod

On July 3, 2025, at Khlong Ha Police Station in Pathum Thani, numerous vehicle owners damaged by tar from the Bang Khen-Nong Sua road construction project filed complaints with investigative officer Wirawat Bunypaeng. They sought to document damages from tar stuck to their vehicles that couldn't be washed off after driving through the construction zone, which had no warning signs or lighting.

One victim, Ms. Supharat, reported driving her white Honda HRV at 8:30 PM when she felt rocks hitting the car. By morning, she discovered tar coating the vehicle. After unsuccessful car washing costing money, she contacted her insurance company and filed a report. Her car was less than a year old. She noted the site had no lighting, warning signs, or barriers, estimating hundreds of vehicles were likely damaged.

Pressum, a Pathum Thani reporter, was also affected. Driving at 8:30 PM from Nong Sua Police Station to Khlong Luang District, he didn't realize the tar-laying operation was underway in the dark, rainy conditions. He discovered his car fully covered in tar by morning and found multiple Facebook complaints about widespread damage.

"I paid 7,000 baht to clean my car and notified the construction contractor," he stated. "I'll submit the receipt and request the supervisor inspect the site to prevent this happening again."

Another victim, Pirat, driving a Toyota Vios, passed through the unmarked tar zone and discovered damage only the next morning. He demanded the contractor take responsibility for the damage.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full.
↑ ↓ or Space