Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand Tourism Plus Program Awaits Budget Decision

Thailand's Tourism Plus program remains in development pending government budget approval, with officials working to design incentives similar to the successful Half-Price Tourism scheme that will benefit small businesses across the country

Thailand Tourism Plus Program Awaits Budget Decision
6 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supoj Suthammapun said on August 6 that the Thailand Tourism Plus program is still under discussion because available funding is constrained and final budget allocation must be confirmed. She stated the government is in talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to push the initiative forward, similar to the popular "Half-Price Tourism" scheme, ensuring benefits reach small and medium enterprises nationwide rather than concentrating in one area. Supoj said the framework is largely ready, drawing on lessons from the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus program. When asked if the proposal could be submitted to the Cabinet this month, she replied no, noting that Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phan-charoenwalkul has raised the issue and further review is needed to finalize the program format and budget amount.

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National

Commerce Ministry Launches Franchise Expo With 50 Brands, State Subsidy Up to 10,000 Baht

Thailand's Commerce Ministry launched a franchise expo featuring 50 government-backed brands with subsidies covering up to 10,000 baht of franchise costs, aiming to support entrepreneurs in launching standardized businesses across food, ser

Commerce Ministry Launches Franchise Expo With 50 Brands, State Subsidy Up to 10,000 Baht
6 Aug Khaosod

The Franchise Expo Thailand by Smart SME Expo opened on August 6, 2025, with Poonpong Nayanapokaporn, director-general of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, presiding over the event. The expo showcases 50 government-supported franchise businesses across five categories—food and beverages, services, beauty and spa, and retail—designed to boost entrepreneurship and business expansion through standardized franchise models aligned with digital trends.

A key highlight is the "Thai Help Thai Franchise Career Plus" campaign, which subsidizes 50 percent of franchise package costs up to 10,000 baht per purchase, helping entrepreneurs launch new ventures. The expo also features live streams from influencers, one-on-one business consultations with experts, franchise trend updates, and a dedicated awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the Thai franchise sector, with 38 brands competing across 11 awards in four categories.

The event functions as a comprehensive business hub divided into four zones: a franchise and business zone featuring leading domestic and international brands; a technology and support zone offering marketing tools and digital solutions; a financial institutions zone with banks and lending consultations; and a highlights zone with seminars and one-on-one business matching sessions to help entrepreneurs expand their operations.

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National

Thailand Targets 5 Million Chinese Tourists With Wellness and Sports Tourism

Thailand's tourism authority is targeting 5 million Chinese visitors in 2025 through wellness, sports, and family tourism campaigns deployed across major Chinese cities, building on China's position as the country's largest source of foreig

Thailand Targets 5 Million Chinese Tourists With Wellness and Sports Tourism
6 Aug Khaosod

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is aggressively pursuing the Chinese market throughout 2025 via its offices across China, deploying region-specific strategies to target affluent travelers and distribute tourism income across the country. In eastern China, Shanghai's office is marketing wellness and experiential tourism through the "Healing is the New Luxury" campaign with partners LANN Space and Tuniu.com, showcasing wellness routes in Saraburi and Khao Yai while leveraging influencers and digital media to reach premium travelers. The "Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads" brand is also being promoted across more than 2,500 cinemas in Shanghai and via Nanjing television to over 5 million viewers, highlighting destinations like Rayong and Hua Hin.

Western China's Chengdu office is spearheading sports tourism in partnership with tour operator Zx-tour, organizing marathons and fam trips with content creators to attract runners from Sichuan and Chongqing provinces while supporting future direct flights from western China to Thailand's north. Meanwhile, Beijing's office targeting northern China is focusing on family tourism during summer holidays, organizing events in Changsha and Jilin Province that showcase Thai soft power through Songkran, cuisine, fruit, and cultural performances, drawing over 80,000 participants, while direct flights from Jilin to Thailand have increased 7% year-on-year.

China remains Thailand's top source of foreign tourists, with 3.15 million Chinese visitors arriving between January and August 2025. TAT aims to welcome over 5 million Chinese tourists for the full year, a key driver for revenues across hotels, restaurants, retail, and tourism-related businesses nationwide.

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National

Thailand Launches ERCvoice Energy Complaint Platform

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has launched “ERCvoice,” a new digital platform designed to enhance co...

6 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), has launched “ERCvoice,” a new digital platform designed to enhance co...

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National

PM Orders Investigation Into Personal Data Breach

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul has ordered a full investigation into a personal data leak involving images shared on social media, with agencies working to secure access routes and strengthen government cybersecurity standards nationwi

PM Orders Investigation Into Personal Data Breach
6 Aug Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul has ordered an investigation into a personal data leak involving images and information shared on social media. Government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek announced the directive on August 6, stating that the PM has instructed all relevant agencies to investigate the facts immediately and establish an internal investigation committee to determine the root cause and identify those responsible. The PM stressed that such incidents should not occur and that the government should use this as an opportunity to strengthen data security standards across all government systems.

The Ministry of Digital Economy for Society reported that initial findings have not detected a direct breach of government databases, and access routes have been secured. Digital forensics examination is underway to identify the cause and those involved. The Ministry of Transport has suspended irregular user accounts, ordered password changes across all agencies linked to the Land Transport Department, and referred the case to the Cyber Crime Investigation Command for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry and Department of Local Administration are investigating data access pathways. The Department of Local Administration confirmed no breach has been detected in the main population registration database. The National Cybersecurity Committee is accelerating an audit and assessment of information systems across approximately 300 government agencies nationwide within 30 days, and is promoting the adoption of multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a standard to strengthen government data security, reduce unauthorized access risks, and prevent similar incidents.

Government spokeswoman Rachada stated that the government is not concealing or denying responsibility before the investigation concludes, and is prepared to implement beneficial recommendations including closing security gaps, reviewing data access permissions, protecting whistleblowers in good faith, and evaluating the effectiveness of cybersecurity budget allocations to ensure genuine protection for the public.

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Police

Laos Returns 32 Online Gambling Admins to Thailand

Laotian authorities returned 32 Thai nationals to Thailand who had been operating illegal online gambling websites from Vientiane, earning 15,000-18,000 baht monthly. They were among 373 Thai arrested in a July crackdown on illegal gambling

Laos Returns 32 Online Gambling Admins to Thailand
6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Muang District, Nong Khai Province, authorities received 32 Thai nationals—both men and women—from Laotian officials. Immigration officers and partner agencies screened the group, separated any potential trafficking victims, and reviewed case files. Initial findings showed no human trafficking victims or wanted persons among them.

Investigators determined that all 32 had worked as online gambling administrators in Cambodia before border clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces prompted them to return to Thailand. They subsequently traveled to Vientiane, Laos, and rented accommodations to operate illegal gambling websites around the clock in two 12-hour shifts, earning 15,000 to 18,000 baht per month.

On July 22, 2025, Laotian authorities launched a major crackdown on illegal gambling networks and human trafficking, arresting 373 Thai nationals. Of that total, 32 were returned on this date, with 341 others still awaiting repatriation proceedings.

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Police

Bangkok Bank Employee Arrested for Inflating Credit Card Limit

A Bangkok Bank senior credit officer was arrested at Nong Khai railway station for fraudulently raising his own credit card limit from 40,000 to 70,000 baht and spending the excess on personal expenses.

6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, 2026, immigration and railway checkpoint officers at Nong Khai jointly arrested 32-year-old Panuvatn from Bangkok, who was wanted under a Bangkok South Criminal Court warrant for computer data tampering and theft from his employer. The suspect arrived by train at Nong Khai station and was identified when submitting his documents for departure; he was then detained and handed over to Thung Mahamaek Police for further investigation.

Investigators determined that Panuvatn worked as a senior credit card approval officer at a major Bangkok bank headquarters. Using his authority to approve temporary credit limits and issue new cards, he altered his own credit card limit from the approved 40,000 baht to 70,000 baht and spent the difference on personal expenses. When the bank's head office discovered the fraud, it filed a complaint and obtained an arrest warrant on July 27, 2026.

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National

Thailand Strengthens Wellness Tourism Quality Standards

Thailand is reinforcing its position as a world-class tourism destination by advancing quality tourism standards and strengthening its wellness tourism sector, in line with the Government’s “Value...

6 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

Thailand is reinforcing its position as a world-class tourism destination by advancing quality tourism standards and strengthening its wellness tourism sector, in line with the Government’s “Value...

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand and Myanmar Sign Labor and Cooperation Pacts

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a plenary meeting with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing during the latter's official visit to Thailand, focusing on strengthening comprehensive bilateral ...

6 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a plenary meeting with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing during the latter's official visit to Thailand, focusing on strengthening comprehensive bilateral ...

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Thai Autopsy on Hlun Soe Finds Heart Abnormality, Poison Ruled Out

Thai autopsy on Bowortat Pengsook, known as Hlun Soe, found heart abnormalities but ruled out poison; tissue samples are being tested to determine if he had pre-existing heart disease before final conclusions.

Thai Autopsy on Hlun Soe Finds Heart Abnormality, Poison Ruled Out
6 Aug Khaosod

Doctors revealed that the family of Bowortat Pengsook, known as Hlun Soe, accepted the results of Thailand's second autopsy. Georgia preserved heart tissue samples to determine whether he had pre-existing heart disease. The family will receive the body on August 7 and hold merit-making ceremonies in Kalasin province.

On August 6, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Institute of Forensic Medicine under the Justice Ministry, Associate Professor Woravir Waiyavuth, Deputy Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, disclosed details following the second autopsy of Bowortat Pengsook, also known as Hlun Soe. The repeat autopsy was conducted after the deceased's body had already undergone official autopsy in Georgia. The Institute explained the procedures and obtained family consent to release information to the media.

Preliminary autopsy findings showed no signs of physical trauma, and most organs appeared normal except the heart, which Georgia had examined thoroughly. However, the Institute collected tissue samples for further laboratory analysis, including histological examination and testing for chemical or toxic substances.

Woravir stated that preliminary autopsy findings overall indicate heart and circulatory system failure, but the cause of death cannot yet be concluded, and the possibility of poisoning has not been ruled out. The Justice Ministry is coordinating with Georgian authorities to request the first autopsy results, blood test results, toxicology reports, details from the scene of death, and information on narcotics for comparative analysis. Results are expected in approximately 1-2 weeks before an official conclusion on the cause of death can be made. The preliminary conclusion of cardiac and circulatory failure was reached because other organs showed no abnormalities that would indicate the cause of death.

Woravir noted that the condition of the body, having already undergone one autopsy, limits the scope of a second examination and cannot compete with the first. Therefore, the results from the first autopsy in Georgia are crucial. Without those results, the conclusion on the cause of death would be incomplete, but laboratory examination results will provide supporting evidence.

Woravir stated that internal organs have been returned completely, with only tissue samples retained for further testing. Initially, the family was informed of preliminary autopsy findings and appeared satisfied with the results, even though laboratory results are not yet complete. Testing includes genetic analysis and examination of heart muscle that showed signs of severe stimulation, factors dependent on lifestyle. Further examination will determine whether the deceased had pre-existing heart disease. Georgian authorities suspected this possibility and submitted heart vessel tissue for detailed analysis.

When asked what would happen if both countries' autopsies were completed and the family remained uncertain about the cause, Woravir replied that if issues such as poisoning were involved, legal action could be pursued, but the family is not currently concerned. He emphasized that the family can now take the body back for religious ceremonies since the Institute has preserved all evidence. Regarding questions about whether the deceased inhaled gas, Woravir stated that Georgia tested the blood but Thailand could not because there was no blood available. He acknowledged that delays in autopsy can cause decomposition and loss of needed details, though the exact timeline of the delay was unclear.

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National

Thailand To Resume US Trade Talks End of August

Thailand will resume technical-level negotiations on US trade tariffs by the end of August, with Commerce Minister Supachai Sathirathai leading discussions that extend beyond tariffs to include investment and support measures.

Thailand To Resume US Trade Talks End of August
6 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Sathirathai announced on August 6, 2025, that technical-level negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) regarding US Section 301 tariffs will conclude by month's end. She will travel to participate in discussions alongside technical teams, aiming to maximize Thailand's national interests. Supachai explained that trade policy alone is insufficient because Thailand enjoys a considerable trade surplus with the US, so other negotiation topics—including private-sector investment and additional support measures—must be included.

Regarding US proposals that Thailand cannot accept, Supachai said Thailand will not compromise on its red lines and will employ policy-level strategies. While technical teams can achieve a certain level of agreement, policy-level talks are necessary, as demonstrated in her previous meeting with the US Commerce Secretary to gain a comprehensive view beyond trade balance specifics.

When asked whether Thailand will propose 13 additional export products for tariff exemptions, Supachai noted that Thailand has already secured exemptions for over 2,000 products. Combined with goods under Section 232 that have been negotiated for some time, approximately 72% of Thai exports now enjoy tariff-free status, with 28% still subject to duties. She said officials are evaluating which additional products could qualify for exemptions to expand the benefits further.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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