Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand to Subsidize Home Solar Panels for One Million Households

Thailand will subsidize rooftop solar panels for up to one million households with 50,000-baht grants, using a 400-billion-baht loan program to cut electricity costs and reduce dependence on imported natural gas for power generation.

Thailand to Subsidize Home Solar Panels for One Million Households
7 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that under a 400-billion-baht loan decree, the government is developing a major solar rooftop subsidy program to reduce household electricity bills and advance Thailand's energy transition. Currently, Thailand depends on imported natural gas for over 60% of its electricity generation. The government will offer free subsidies of 50,000 baht per household to install rooftop solar systems, targeting 500,000 to 1 million households nationwide, particularly those consuming 5 kilowatts or more. For households without upfront capital, the government has partnered with the Government Savings Bank and Government Housing Bank to provide low-interest financing, with repayment structured around actual electricity savings rather than fixed loan payments. For example, a household that previously paid 5,000 baht in monthly electricity bills could reduce that to 3,000 baht after solar installation; the bank would collect 1,000 baht from the savings while the household retains 1,000 baht in monthly savings, with a typical payback period of 3 to 4 years. The program also aims to support Thailand's solar panel manufacturing sector by tasking the Board of Investment with measures to help local solar industry operators, while the electricity authorities will serve as a single-point-of-contact to ensure safety standards, facilitate grid connections, and manage excess power sales back to the grid through net billing arrangements. Ekniti emphasized the comprehensive approach: supporting citizens with subsidies, enabling low-income households through bank financing, promoting domestic solar manufacturers, and streamlining the process through utility companies as a one-stop service.

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Community

Taisho Pharma Opens Learning Spaces at Rayong School

Taisho Pharmaceutical opened learning spaces and renovated facilities at Ban Khao Loi School in Rayong, including a playground, vocational classroom, and sports equipment, as part of its "Taisho Go Health" community health initiative.

Taisho Pharma Opens Learning Spaces at Rayong School
7 Aug Khaosod

The laughter of children from a newly renovated playground may seem ordinary, but for Ban Khao Loi School in Rayong province, it represents the start of an opportunity space where children learn, grow, and discover their potential. Near the playground, students are planting nectar-bearing flowers to create food sources for bees and learning the relationship between nature and beekeeping—from caring for trees to processing honey into school products.

These small stories reflect how "good health" begins with everyday opportunities: learning, exercise, and spaces for children to explore and unlock their abilities. This concept underpins the CSR activities under the "Taisho Go Health" program by Taisho Pharmaceutical (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which aims to improve the quality of life for children and communities in Rayong province.

Yasumasa Iwamoto, chairman of Taisho Pharmaceutical (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said the company believes good health encompasses not just treating illness but also physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Through "Taisho Go Health," Taisho supports children, youth, and communities via education, sports, vocational skills, and public health initiatives. The company has helped develop Ban Khao Loi School by upgrading the playground, creating a vocational skills classroom, providing sports equipment and uniforms, health products, and scholarships, while also donating health equipment to the local health promotion hospital.

More than 30 executives, employees, volunteers, and team members worked together to create this opportunity space, upgrading the playground, providing sports equipment, offering scholarships, and renovating the vocational skills room so children can learn and develop their abilities. The team also supported Ban Khao Loi Health Promotion Hospital by improving facilities, donating beds and equipment for bedridden patients, providing patient meals, and supplying Taisho products to strengthen healthcare capacity in the area.

For the children of Ban Khao Loi School, these changes represent more than physical improvements—they are new opportunities for learning and personal development. One student, Thawichai Prakong (nickname Tiew), a sixth-grade pupil and talented shuttlecock athlete, shared his excitement at participating in the activities. Beyond painting the vocational skills room, he received sports equipment and uniforms that will encourage physical activity and stronger health. "I was excited and had fun painting the vocational skills room. Usually I play shuttlecock and football, and with the new equipment I want to invite friends to exercise together so we all stay strong. I'm also grateful that Taisho supported our playground, sports gear, and medical supplies for the school and health promotion hospital, making our school and community a better place," he said.

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Police

PM Anutin Blames Stress in School Shooting, Pledges Stricter Gun Laws

A 14-year-old student's shooting at a Nonthaburi school prompted PM Anutin to blame accumulated stress and vow stricter gun laws, while acknowledging the legally registered weapon was accessible at home.

PM Anutin Blames Stress in School Shooting, Pledges Stricter Gun Laws
7 Aug Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul spoke to foreign media on August 7 at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi regarding the shooting carried out by a 14-year-old student, stating that multiple factors contributed to the incident, with stress being one of them. When asked why police had not managed the problem of illegal gun carrying in public spaces despite previous government measures, Anutin noted that carrying weapons in public is already illegal in Thailand, but the case involves several other factors. He said authorities must wait for the investigation to conclude and promised the National Police Office would provide a complete report.

Anutin emphasized that as Interior Minister he previously proposed reforms to gun ownership and public carrying regulations, eventually issuing a ministerial announcement banning weapon possession and purchase by non-officials. As Prime Minister, one of his priorities is enacting new and stricter firearms legislation, currently in progress. He stated the incident was not criminal but stemmed from an individual under accumulated stress and depression. The weapon used was legally registered and stored in a home, making it accessible to the child, though Anutin clarified this was not a public-space incident.

Anutin stressed the need to elevate security measures at schools to reassure parents that educational institutions will implement stricter and more effective screening to prevent weapons from entering campuses. He noted that practical measures would not include X-ray machines or weapon detectors for screening every student, as that would be inappropriate. He reaffirmed to foreign media that the government does not permit ordinary citizens to own or carry weapons in public areas, and indicated that youth incidents require examining youth mental health issues, which are often not direct psychiatric conditions but acute emotional episodes triggered by external stimuli.

Shortly after, at 5:10 p.m., Anutin returned to Government House with Police Chief General Kittirat Panpetch and Army Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Natthakitti Chaowanat, where they were expected to discuss measures against illegal weapons.

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National

Thailand Routs Philippines 3-0 in CV Cup 2026 Leg 2

Thailand's women's volleyball team dominated the Philippines 3-0 in the SEA V Cup 2026 Leg 2 at Chiang Mai on August 7, extending their winning streak to five consecutive matches against their rivals.

Thailand Routs Philippines 3-0 in CV Cup 2026 Leg 2
7 Aug Khaosod

Thailand's women's volleyball team fielded a full-strength squad and cruised past the Philippines 3-0 in sets to capture an opening victory at the BYD DMI 6th SEA V Cup 2026 Leg 2, held at Chiang Mai's 700 Years Stadium on August 7. In their head-to-head record, Thailand has won all five of their most recent matchups against the Philippines. In the first leg of CV Cup 2026, Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-2 (25-17, 19-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-10).

Coach Kiattipong Ratchatagrienggai deployed Thailand's premier roster, featuring Pornpraporn Kaetprachaya, Taddao Nuekchang, Chatchua Moksin, Kaewkalya Komulthala, Acharaporn Kongyos, and Sasicha Janthawisut, with Piyanus Paennoi as the libero. Thailand's dominant performance resulted in a commanding 3-0 victory with set scores of 25-19, 25-17, and 25-19, earning them three points in the second leg.

In the opening match of the day, Vietnam fell to Indonesia 2-3 (25-20, 25-18, 22-25, 20-25, 9-15). The CV Cup matches in Chiang Mai have drawn huge fan interest, with ticket resellers pushing prices up tenfold. Thailand's women's team will face Indonesia in their next match on August 8 at 4:30 p.m.

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Police

Car Crashes Into Daycare, Injures 15 Children; Driver Tests Positive for Drugs

A car crashed through a daycare in Kanchanaburi, injuring 15 young children, after the 54-year-old driver tested positive for drugs and reported dizziness. Police arrested the driver and his passenger, recovering a firearm from the scene.

Car Crashes Into Daycare, Injures 15 Children; Driver Tests Positive for Drugs
7 Aug Khaosod

At noon on August 7, 2025, police from Muang Kanchanaburi station responded to reports of a car crash at an early childhood development center in Kaeng Saian subdistrict, Muang district, Kanchanaburi province. A black Honda City sedan had lost control, struck the center's outer wall, and crashed through the building's rear wall at high speed. Debris and concrete fragments scattered onto children who were sleeping, injuring 15 children between ages 2 and 4 out of 34 total. All injured children were in stable condition after transport to Phahonphonphayuhasena Hospital.

Investigators found the driver was 54-year-old Chatchawal from Kanchanaburi province, with his 30-year-old nephew Phanupong as a passenger. The driver reported experiencing sudden dizziness while driving. Urine tests on both men showed purple coloring, indicating drug use. Police interrogation revealed that both had consumed cannabis mixed with powder while staying near the daycare. After the crash, the driver called his girlfriend to bring him a bag containing a firearm for safekeeping. Officers seized the weapon and are pursuing charges against both men.

Security footage showed the sedan approaching at high speed before crashing into the center. Provincial officials have since begun investigating the incident further.

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Police

Body Found in River With 10kg of Bricks in Backpack

Police recovered a male body from the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi with approximately 10kg of bricks in his backpack; the deceased showed no signs of injury and had been dead for roughly 24 hours.

Body Found in River With 10kg of Bricks in Backpack
7 Aug Khaosod

At 3 p.m. on August 7, police from Muang Nonthaburi station received a report of a male body floating in the Chao Phraya River beneath Rama VII Bridge in Suanai Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi Province. At the scene, officers found the deceased wearing cycling attire with a black backpack containing one cement block used as an umbrella base and one concrete brick weighing approximately 10 kilograms total. No wounds were found on the body, and the corpse had been deceased for about 24 hours.

Andy Khemapimuk, a singer, actor, DJ, and host in the Dragonfire band, traveled to view the body and recalled that he had last met the deceased about a month prior. He noted that the man was very close to his mother and was someone who always planned his actions carefully. Andy added that they had been in regular contact, and the deceased had recently sent video clips of Dragonfire songs to their group chat and mentioned reuniting with the band soon.

The deceased's mother disclosed that before his death, her son had been preparing to ordain as a monk at Sangkhathan Temple and had already obtained documents from the temple, though no ordination date had been set. He had been regularly meditating there beforehand. Investigators have questioned relatives and submitted the body for detailed autopsy to determine the cause of death. The family expressed disbelief, noting that the deceased had concrete plans to become a monk in the near future.

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Regional

Wild Boar Kills Cattle in Nakhon Si Thammarat Attack

A wild boar killed one cow and injured another in a nighttime attack on a residential property in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Thung Song District on August 7, with footprint analysis ruling out tiger or bear involvement.

Wild Boar Kills Cattle in Nakhon Si Thammarat Attack
7 Aug Khaosod

On August 7, 2025, Somkhit Kalsuwannam, the district officer of Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat, along with police officers, investigated a dead cow at a residential property in Tambon Nam Tok, Thung Song District. The cow had suffered fatal bite wounds to its abdomen with internal organs exposed, and a second cow was injured with bite marks on its leg. Initial concerns that a tiger or bear might be responsible were ruled out after experts conducted a detailed footprint analysis. The animal responsible was identified as a bearded pig, locally called a "hog," a large and aggressive omnivorous creature that hunts both plants and animals. The footprints confirmed the culprit was not a tiger or bear. The incident occurred near dense forest. Homeowner Somphop said the attack happened around 9 p.m. when he heard his tethered cow cry out in distress. Upon rushing out with a flashlight, he saw a massive wild boar, which locals call a "stray hog." He shouted to drive it away, and it fled rapidly into the forest. He stressed that while the damage might suggest a tiger or bear attack, he clearly saw the animal was a wild boar. Officials from the district and relevant agencies who inspected the scene confirmed his account.

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National

Myanmar Leader's Thailand Visit Signals Hope for Border Trade Boost

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand in August 2025 to revive bilateral trade and investment, with border commerce accounting for 81 percent of the 244 billion baht in annual trade between the nations.

Myanmar Leader's Thailand Visit Signals Hope for Border Trade Boost
7 Aug Khaosod

Thailand's Commerce Ministry has hailed Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing's official visit to Thailand on August 6-7, 2025, as a landmark moment that could reshape economic ties between the two nations. According to Arada Fuengtong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, the visit represents a potential turning point in reviving economic, trade, and investment cooperation after years of constraints imposed by Myanmar's internal situation. The leaders' discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, energy, environment, labor development, and trade facilitation, alongside the Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum 2026.

Border trade between Thailand and Myanmar continues to be the primary economic mechanism, despite challenges from regional instability and Myanmar's trade measures. In 2025, bilateral trade totaled 244.051 billion baht, with border and cross-border trade accounting for 199.112 billion baht, or 81 percent of total trade. The Mae Sot checkpoint in Tak Province, linking to Mawlamyine, serves as the critical trade gateway, but traders have faced significant obstacles including border closures, import licensing delays, foreign exchange requirements, logistics issues, and security concerns that have driven up costs and undermined business confidence.

The leadership talks carry crucial importance as a "political signal" reflecting both governments' commitment to serious economic cooperation, particularly in reducing trade barriers and facilitating border commerce. Thailand has proposed holding a Joint Trade Commission (JTC) meeting with Myanmar within 2025 to systematically address trade obstacles through improved import procedures, reduced non-tariff measures, customs facilitation, and enhanced logistics networks. The Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum 2026 will also provide a platform for private sectors from both nations to exchange business information and build trade networks, fostering investment collaboration and new opportunities.

Commerce Ministry officials concluded that Myanmar President's visit is not merely a reciprocal leadership exchange but a crucial opportunity to lay the groundwork for renewed economic cooperation that could revitalize Thailand-Myanmar border trade and drive sustainable expansion of the border economy.

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Police

School Shooting in Nonthaburi Leaves 9 Dead

A 12-year-old girl died from gunshot wounds at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi, bringing the death toll to nine in a shooting carried out by a Grade 9 student who killed his grandparents before attacking the school.

School Shooting in Nonthaburi Leaves 9 Dead
7 Aug Khaosod

A 12-year-old girl has died from gunshot wounds sustained in a shooting at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi, bringing the total death toll to nine. On August 7, rescue teams from Bangyai Hospital and Bang Maenang Municipality transported severely injured victims to Phra Nangklao Hospital's emergency department, where the girl was pronounced dead. Two other children, ages 14 and 13, were struck in the torso and remain in critical condition as medical teams work urgently to save them.

Another female student is in shock from the incident. The shooter, a Grade 9 student, had previously used a firearm—belonging to his grandparents—to kill them at home before carrying out the attack at school. The nine confirmed deaths include school administrators Kitthipong Rong (assistant director of student affairs) and Saifun (class secretary); teachers Thiwaporn (guidance counselor), Nannchonathporn (Thai language teacher), and Praphaiporn (mathematics teacher); the 14-year-old shooter; his grandfather, 73; his grandmother, 74; and the 12-year-old girl.

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National

Thai Women's Sepaktakraw Team Reclaims King's Cup

Thailand's women's sepaktakraw team won the 39th King's Cup World Championship on August 7, defeating defending champion Vietnam 2-1 in sets to reclaim the title.

Thai Women's Sepaktakraw Team Reclaims King's Cup
7 Aug Khaosod

Thailand's women's four-player sepaktakraw team has won the 39th King's Cup 2026 World Championship at Island Hall in the Island Fashion shopping mall on Rama Intra Road on August 7. In the championship final, the Thai team of Vibhada Jitphaworn, Masya Duangsri, Ratchami Tongsot, and Somrudee Prueppruk faced off against Vietnam, their familiar rival and the defending King's Cup champions. The Thai team secured victory with a 2-1 set win, with scores of 14-17, 15-11, and 15-13, successfully reclaiming the King's Cup title. Vietnam earned the silver medal, while Indonesia and the Philippines claimed third place.

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Community

Tae Reunites With Furby Gang, Denies Pregnancy Rumors

Furby girl group members reunited for a meal after years apart, with Tae Nathaporn dismissing pregnancy rumors and clarifying that an unflattering outfit sparked the speculation. The five-member group remains connected through their group c

Tae Reunites With Furby Gang, Denies Pregnancy Rumors
7 Aug Khaosod

Tae Nathaporn shared details of the Furby girl group's reunion, expressing joy at reconnecting and dismissing talk of pregnancy. She explained that people mistakenly thought her outfit made her look pregnant, but clarified she is not expecting and will announce any baby news herself.

The gathering delighted fans when all five members—Mew Niththa, Tae Nathaporn, Matt Phirenee, Tae Jarinporn, and Mint Chalida—came together for a meal after years away from public view. On August 7, while attending the AumAum market opening at Mega Bangna, Tae spoke with the media about the reunion.

Tae explained that the group planned the meetup to catch up on life, share a meal, and spend time together. Regarding speculation about pregnancy, she firmly denied it and said she would announce any good news herself. She described the group's connection: "We still have our Line group. We didn't organize this through direct messages. We're still here and still connected. We haven't seen Matt's son yet, but several of us found time. We were able to coordinate with Tae too, though she's been quite busy. But we don't blame each other—everyone is living their own life. Some have kids, some are working, we're all spread out. Today we were fortunate to see each other again, and it was great to catch up."

When asked who initiated the reunion, Tae couldn't remember but said she just went along: "We basically updated each other on how life has been going and what everyone's up to."

Asked if it felt like a moms and kids vibe, she said: "Kind of. Those who recently had babies watch those whose kids are already running around, and those without kids chat together."

On what she got out of the reunion: "We just ate until we were full. That's really all there was to it—just updating each other."

When asked if their group chat is quiet, Tae said: "It's not completely silent, but we don't discuss everything. It's more like we message every now and then. We take turns. But mostly we don't really chat much—it's more like someone invites and we follow up. It feels like there's a group leader checking in on everyone."

Asked about Tae's absence, she said: "Let's just say Tae hasn't shown her true colors. I think maybe love and work keep her busy. But we're happy for our friends no matter what stage of life they're in—whether it's work or relationships. We give each other space."

On whether any big announcements are coming, Tae smiled and said: "I don't know, I won't tell. But we're ready to support each other with whatever comes. If something happens and someone tells the group, we'd definitely mark the calendar and cheer them on."

Regarding the long-awaited Naki film, Tae said: "It's been three years. We're waiting. People keep asking when, but we understand it's a production matter. It's a big project that both the cast and audience are invested in. Let's give them time. It's coming this October."

On her own plans for motherhood, Tae said casually: "For me, whenever it happens. It's a natural thing—sometimes your body cooperates, sometimes it doesn't."

On pregnancy superstitions, Tae was clear: "I don't believe in that stuff. I've never really thought body shape has so much to do with it. (People pointed out her outfit at the Nana and Nadech wedding looked rounded?) It's the outfit and the fabric. People can say what they want, but I'm not pregnant at all. When there is news, I'll tell everyone."

Asked if anyone is pressuring her about having children, she said firmly: "No one is rushing me."

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