Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thepsirin Nonthaburi School Announces Special Closure Aug 10-14

Thepsirin Nonthaburi School will close August 10–14 due to an emergency situation, with classes resuming August 17. Students are expected to study and complete assignments during the break while staff works remotely.

Thepsirin Nonthaburi School Announces Special Closure Aug 10-14
7 Aug Khaosod

Thepsirin Nonthaburi school has announced a special closure from August 10-14, with regular classes resuming on August 17. Director Nathathon Thongphlab issued the announcement on August 7, citing an emergency situation at the school. The closure details include: all students are off on August 10-11 and 13-14; students should review materials and complete assignments given by their teachers during the break; teachers and school staff are to work from home; and all students will return to campus for normal classes on August 17.

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National

State Housing Authority Launches Affordable Rental Project in Eastern Economic Corridor

The National Housing Authority opened an affordable rental housing project in Laem Chabang, Chachoengsao, offering 544 units at 2,000-2,400 baht monthly to serve workers in nearby industrial estates.

State Housing Authority Launches Affordable Rental Project in Eastern Economic Corridor
7 Aug Khaosod

The National Housing Authority (NHA), led by Director Thaveepong Wichaidisth, has unveiled its comprehensive housing development strategy for Chachoengsao Province, comprising 46 projects with 25,633 units total. These include 43 sales projects (22,554 units) and 3 rental projects (3,079 units), strategically located near industrial estates, employment hubs, and transportation networks including Bang Phli, Bang Pho, Laem Chabang, and Map Ta Phut.

Thaveepong stated that Chachoengsao is a strategically vital area for the Eastern Economic Corridor, experiencing sustained industrial expansion, investment, and job creation. This has driven increased housing demand, prompting the NHA to develop both sales and rental projects to support workers and residents while reducing living and commuting costs.

Most recently, the NHA opened the first phase of an affordable rental housing project in Laem Chabang, Chachoengsao, located on Sukhumvit Road in Bang Lamung District. The five-story building contains 544 units, each measuring 28 square meters with one bedroom, one multipurpose room, and one bathroom. Monthly rental rates start at 2,000-2,400 baht.

The location offers excellent accessibility to three industrial estates—Laem Chabang, Pinthong (Laem Chabang), and Laem Chabang Port—plus schools, hospitals, police stations, and shopping centers. Tenants pay actual water and electricity consumption rates. Of the 544 units, 265 have been rented (over 50%), primarily to Thai workers employed in nearby industrial zones on annual lease agreements. The NHA plans to develop phase 2 on adjacent available land.

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Tourism

Natural Eye Formation Draws Visitors to Phu Langka National Park

A striking natural rock formation resembling a giant eye with a crystal-clear spring pool at Phu Langka National Park is drawing visitors and pilgrims seeking blessings for prosperity and career advancement.

Natural Eye Formation Draws Visitors to Phu Langka National Park
7 Aug Khaosod

A remarkable natural formation called the "Naga's Eye" at Phu Langka National Park in Maha Sarakham Province is attracting growing attention from visitors and pilgrims. The distinctive feature consists of naturally weathered rock formations that resemble a giant eye, combined with a crystal-clear pool of spring water that accumulates in the cave year-round. According to Thai traditional beliefs, the naga dragon deity governs water sources and wealth, making the site a popular destination for those seeking blessings for prosperity and career advancement. Visitors ascend to the formation to make offerings and prayers before the "Naga's Eye," viewing it as a place of spiritual power and natural wonder. The site stands out as an authentic natural landmark in contrast to artificial tourist attractions, drawing hikers and spiritual seekers to explore Phu Langka National Park's scenic trekking routes.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

PM Anutin Visits School Shooting Site, 6 Dead

A shooting at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi Province on August 7 left six dead and multiple injured, prompting Prime Minister Anutin to visit the scene for a situation briefing.

PM Anutin Visits School Shooting Site, 6 Dead
7 Aug Khaosod

At 3:40 p.m. on August 7, 2026, a shooting incident occurred at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi Province resulting in six deaths and numerous injuries. Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawasin and Interior Minister traveled to the scene, accompanied by Deputy PM Yotchanan Wongsawasdee and ministers from Higher Education, Science and Innovation; Education; Public Health; Social Development and Human Security; as well as Deputy Interior Minister Palpir Suwannachuay and Police Chief General Kittiphat Panbut.

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister received an initial briefing from Education Minister Presert, then proceeded to a conference room for a full situation summary and additional reports. The PM discussed the incident with the Police Chief and inquired about the cause of the shooting.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Woman Wins Cosmetic Surgery Lawsuit After Three Years of Scrutiny

After three years of public scrutiny, Toom Ratchaneekor won a medical malpractice lawsuit against Leluck Hospital and a physician over a botched facial surgery, with the court ordering 7.7 million baht in compensation from her original 50 m

Woman Wins Cosmetic Surgery Lawsuit After Three Years of Scrutiny
7 Aug Khaosod

Toom Ratchaneekor has overcome three years of public vilification after a court ruled in her favor in a 50-million-baht damages case against Leluck Hospital, Dr. Pin Leluck (Pissaporn Srichaiyanwat), and another physician over a facial cosmetic surgery procedure. The court ordered the defendants to pay 7.7 million baht in compensation. Toom and her lawyer Sittichai Kritiyamedhagun held a press conference to discuss the victory.

When asked about her initial reaction to winning, Toom said: "We fought for three years and became a social defendant for three years, while people didn't understand the depth or reality of what happened. Only the two parties truly know the full truth. We were constantly attacked because we never publicly explained what occurred—speaking out would have just escalated the mud-slinging. Now I'm relieved to be normal again. For three years, I couldn't walk through the market without wondering if people hated me or still supported me. I had to wear a mask and had no confidence in myself. I'm truly grateful that justice exists because we fought for it."

When asked what she believed led to her victory, Toom responded: "Nothing more than the facts of what happened to me and what was done to me—things people saw and didn't see. I think that's enough for us now."

Her lawyer explained that the case hinged on medical malpractice in a consumer protection matter. He noted that under consumer protection law, the burden of proof lies with the medical side to demonstrate that their actions did not constitute negligence or wrongdoing. The court found negligence on the physician's part. The lawyer mentioned submitting a case closure statement and medical certificates, though some documents were not translated into Thai. A treating physician was initially summoned but could not appear in court, so the defense presented available evidence.

When asked if the defendant planned to appeal, Toom said: "That's their right—it's something anyone can do."

Regarding concern that an appellate court might reverse the decision, Toom stated: "As my lawyer said, everything depends on evidence. As for claims about late submissions causing delays—we had the authority to request them, and we submitted everything according to the specified timeline. Anyone can verify who actually submitted late."

Asked if she was satisfied with the 7.7-million-baht compensation versus the 50-million-baht claim she filed, Toom said: "We initially asked for 50 million because my first lawyer recommended that figure, but I already knew that realistically the court wouldn't award that amount."

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Charge Beer Hall Owner With Five Counts in Fatal Fire

Police charged the owner of an unlicensed Ladprao beer hall with five counts after a fire caused by faulty wiring killed multiple people, with investigators finding emergency exits blocked and doors locked in violation of safety regulations

Police Charge Beer Hall Owner With Five Counts in Fatal Fire
7 Aug Khaosod

Police announced on August 7, 2026, at Phaholyothin Police Station that they have filed charges against the owner of a beer hall in Ladprao with five serious counts, including operating an unlicensed establishment, with evidence showing tables blocked emergency exits and fire escape doors were locked in violation of fire safety laws.

Deputy Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Kiatikul Sandikul revealed that investigators conducted interviews with 211 witnesses, including experts and forensic officers, and concluded that the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring that shorted and ignited acoustic foam insulation. The owner, 45-year-old Suwichai Sailbat, faces charges of reckless arson (up to 7 years imprisonment and 140,000 baht fine), recklessness causing death (up to 10 years and 200,000 baht), recklessness causing severe injury (up to 3 years and 60,000 baht), recklessness causing bodily or mental harm (up to 1 month and 10,000 baht), property damage, and operating without proper authorization.

The investigation found that the fire started from electrical short-circuiting due to improper wiring modifications. The layout of the establishment was unsafe, with numerous tables and emergency exits blocked or locked in violation of fire safety regulations. Staff and customer interviews confirmed negligence on the part of the owner. Seven case files have been submitted to prosecutors for consideration.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Three-Legged Deity Draws Pilgrims to Samut Songkhram Temple

A three-legged statue of Thao Wessuwanna, a wealth deity, draws pilgrims to Wat Prathumkhanawat temple in Samut Songkhram Province, inspired by the late abbot's vision. Devotees seek blessings for prosperity, health, and business success at

Three-Legged Deity Draws Pilgrims to Samut Songkhram Temple
7 Aug Khaosod

Among the sacred figures that Thai people and devotees revere and visit to seek blessings, the name of Thao Wessuwanna—the god of wealth and protection—ranks foremost. Across the nation, one unique and uncommon shrine stands out: the three-legged statue of Thao Wessuwanna Pang at Wat Prathumkhanawat in Maeklong subdistrict, Muang district, Samut Songkhram Province.

Visitors to Wat Prathumkhanawat, situated along the Mae Klong River, are immediately drawn to the striking sculpture of Thao Wessuwanna with three legs. The statue stands prominently on the riverbank, facing the broad waters as though guarding against dangers from the river. The deity has a green complexion, wears a golden crown and ornaments, and holds a ceremonial baton. The most astonishing feature is the presence of three legs—believed to be unique to this province.

This remarkable statue came into being before 2007, inspired by a vision of Phra Kru Udomsamut Khun (Luang Pho Udom), the late abbot and meditation master of Wat Prathumkhanawat. One night, he dreamed of Thao Wessuwanna with three unusual legs and resolved to commission the statue's construction based on this vision.

Today, the three-legged Thao Wessuwanna draws steady streams of devotees seeking blessings for prosperity, wealth, business success, investments, property sales, health, and family matters. Grateful worshippers return to make offerings of incense, candles, chicken figurines, and red water as tokens of gratitude.

Beyond the renowned deity, Wat Prathumkhanawat houses other significant sacred objects. "Luang Pho Saan," the principal Buddha image in the ubosot (ordination hall), was created in 1857 using an intricate wooden construction technique. This 31-inch-wide, 41.5-inch-tall image in the maravichai posture is considered highly sacred and remarkable. Currently preserved in the abbot's quarters, it is revered by locals seeking happiness, safety, and protection of assets.

"Luang Pho Phra Ruang Chao," a regally dressed Buddha image, stands before the ubosot. This was recreated in 1974 from a smaller original donated by devotees and is especially sought after for blessings regarding career advancement and civil service examinations.

Phra Kru Thammathornpaibuun Yanwipulo, the current abbot, explained that Wat Prathumkhanawat was founded in 1857 during the reign of King Rama IV. A devoted layman named Bua spearheaded its construction. After completing the temple, Bua ordained as a monk and was later granted the ecclesiastical title "Thao Chao Khun Winaiyamuni." For over a century, the riverside temple has served as a spiritual center for the Maeklong community.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Community

Book Review: Ten Zen Tales and Ten Zen Riddles

Bhikkhu Buddhadasa's collection pairs ten Zen tales with ten riddles designed to teach Buddhist ethics and encourage sudden insight through simple yet profound storytelling techniques.

Book Review: Ten Zen Tales and Ten Zen Riddles
7 Aug Khaosod

The book '10 Zen Tales and 10 Zen Riddles' is authored by Bhikkhu Buddhadasa and published by Sukhaphap Jai Publishing House for 115 baht. Sometimes the deepest teachings appear in the simplest stories. Zen Buddhism employs a unique teaching technique called "pointing directly at the mind," which directs instruction straight to the heart, enabling listeners to experience sudden realization or a rapid flash of insight and attain the Dharma instantly. Zen tales represent one of the widespread and popular teaching methods in contemporary Zen Buddhism. This book is the fourth discourse in the ethics guidance series, originally titled "Spiritual Entertainment for Ethics," which Ajahn Buddhadasa delivered to teachers at the Teachers' Council Auditorium on January 14, 1962. It was later published in Dhammakosanat volume 18 under the title "Buddhist Ethics." The current volume comprises 10 Zen tales accompanying the lectures, some of which may be familiar, such as the tale of overflowing tea. Ajahn Buddhadasa emphasizes that Dharma tales are essential as educational tools for teaching ethics to children and youth, as they make learning enjoyable and engaging while allowing young people to absorb the teachings naturally. Beyond the 10 Zen tales, the book also contains 10 Zen riddles with verses composed by Ajahn Buddhadasa based on Zen images from the Mokkhabhavan Spiritual Theater to help readers understand these riddles more easily. The Zen riddles include themes such as "The Sound of the Bamboo Flute Returns to the Bamboo Thicket," "Bowing to the Buddha Image," and "The Earthworm Writes a Letter to Humans," which invite readers to consider truths beyond their habitual thought patterns. All stories in the book are short, concise, and easy to read, yet they leave space for readers to discover meaning independently, which is the essence of Zen learning. It is hoped that this book will be suitable for teachers, students, and all those interested in Zen who wish to apply its teachings to their daily lives.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Hospital Urgently Seeks Type-A Blood for Two Critical Students

Phranangklao Hospital urgently needs type-A blood donations for two critically injured 13- and 14-year-old students shot at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi on August 7, requiring emergency surgery to remove bullets.

Hospital Urgently Seeks Type-A Blood for Two Critical Students
7 Aug Khaosod

Phranangklao Hospital is urgently seeking type-A blood to perform life-saving surgery on two critically injured students from a shooting at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi on August 7, 2025. At 2 p.m., teachers, parents, and officials gathered at the emergency room to monitor the condition of the injured students. Three students were admitted to the hospital, with two in critical condition. Parents are closely monitoring their children's status and declined to give interviews. The hospital is requesting type-A blood donations for the two critically injured boys, ages 13 and 14, who require urgent surgery to remove embedded bullets. While residents and local government employees have already donated blood, the hospital continues to appeal for more type-A blood to assist the two students.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Community

Maha Sarakham Unveils Memorial Coins for Sao Ha Festival

Maha Sarakham Municipality created limited-edition commemorative coins featuring Buddha in the teaching pose to support the Sao Ha festival and local scholarships. The coins were ceremonially blessed by respected monks in June 2026.

Maha Sarakham Unveils Memorial Coins for Sao Ha Festival
7 Aug Khaosod

Maha Sarakham Municipality, working with the Maha Sarakham Provincial Culture Office, organized the Bun Sao Ha festival (the Seventh Lunar Month Festival) at the Kan Tharawichaya Mondop chapel in the municipality area of Maha Sarakham Province from June 8-10, 2569 (2026). The event drew large crowds of government officials, merchants, students, and residents.

For the 2569 celebration, Maha Sarakham Municipality commissioned the creation of sacred commemorative coins titled "Buddha Coins, Vitarka Mudra Edition—Precepts and Virtue Series."

The coins were created to commemorate the Bun Sao Ha festival and to generate donations supporting the Maha Sarakham Long Drum Association, local cultural events, and educational scholarships for high-achieving students.

The coins are rectangular in shape. The front features the Buddha standing in the Vitarka Mudra pose—also called the teaching or preaching stance—with both hands raised to chest level and fingers forming a circle. Two disciples stand on either side with palms joined in respect. The back features a sacred inscription reading "In commemoration of Bun Sao Ha, continuing the destiny of Maha Sarakham Municipality, B.E. 2567."

Production numbers are limited and include the following materials: gold (custom orders), 20 Maha Sethee sets; 9 silver coins; 100 alpaca metal coins; 100 new metal coins; 500 gold-plated bowl coins; 700 fire-finish copper coins; 100 bronze coins; and 400 lead coins for distribution.

The Buddhist consecration ceremony took place at the Kan Tharawichaya Mondop on June 10, 2569 (2026), attended by respected Buddhist monks held in high regard by local devotees, including Luang Ta Gaap (Wat Ban Uparat) and Luang Pho Monunchay (Wat Pa Sattadham), among others.

Venerable Dhammavichira, Special Advisor to Region 9's Buddhist hierarchy, lit the ceremonial candles to begin the rite. Luang Pho Monunchay extinguished the candles, officially concluding the ceremony.

Following the consecration, all the sacred coins were presented to Venerable Thepvichiranyansunthon (Luang Ajarn Suriyan Kothaparnya of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen, Maha Sarakham Province) and Venerable Thepvachiravidyakum (Luang Ajarn Tom Apassaro of Wat Tha Saebng, Roi Et Province) for individual mental consecration rites.

Given the virtuous intention behind the creation of these coins, the presiding monks approached the consecration with sincere determination, instilling confidence in the spiritual power of the coins. Those interested may contact Maha Sarakham Municipality.

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Police

Government Sets 1 Million Baht Compensation Per School Shooting Victim

The government approved 1 million baht compensation for each victim killed in a school shooting in Nonthaburi province, with additional payments for injuries and family support disbursed within days.

Government Sets 1 Million Baht Compensation Per School Shooting Victim
7 Aug Khaosod

At a meeting held on August 7, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradon Prischanantakul chaired a committee session to consider relief payments for victims of the shooting that killed teachers and students in Nonthaburi province. The Disaster Victim Relief Fund currently holds 254 million baht.

Paradon said the committee would apply standards from four previous incidents: the Terminal 21 mall shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima, the daycare center shooting in Nong Bua Lamphu, the youth-perpetrated Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok, and the school shooting at Pattani Prasaen Kireevatana School in Surat Thani. The meeting approved the following compensation rates: 1 million baht for deaths, 700,000 baht for permanent disability, 200,000 baht for serious injury, and 100,000 baht for minor injury. Additional support includes 50,000 baht for funeral expenses and 30,000 baht monthly per family of deceased, plus 50,000 baht per child under 25 years old.

Paradon confirmed that payments would be expedited and likely dispersed within days. He emphasized that the Interior Ministry strictly prohibits private firearm possession or carrying firearms in public, with exceptions only for government officials performing official duties. He pledged to propose amendments to the Firearms Act in parliament.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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