Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Three-Airport Rail Project Still Under Review

Thailand's transport ministry is reconsidering whether to terminate a joint venture for a high-speed rail project linking three Bangkok airports, with contract termination being just one option under review as construction costs have risen.

Three-Airport Rail Project Still Under Review
2d ago Khaosod

Transport Minister Siripong Angskakul stated that the decision to terminate the joint venture contract for the high-speed rail project connecting three airports—Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao—is not yet final. He confirmed that contract termination is merely one option being submitted for consideration to the Eastern Economic Corridor committee (EECC), as construction figures and costs have changed. The ministry is examining how to complete the project connecting all three airports from Bangkok to the Eastern Economic Corridor, which may require exploring alternative approaches.

"We have not yet concluded which direction to take, as we must first consider budget, feasibility, return on investment, and joint venture terms," Siripong said. "Both the Missing Link railway option and proceeding with the high-speed rail must be presented as alternatives, since multiple approaches need to be considered together."

Regarding potential penalties if the contract is terminated, Siripong noted that the consequences would depend on determining which party breached the agreement. He expressed skepticism that resolution would be straightforward, predicting that both government and private sector would resist and the dispute would likely end in legal proceedings. When asked about compensation claims, Siripong acknowledged such compensation would likely be due, though the final outcome depends on which party is found responsible. He added that determining liability requires examining the main contract and any memorandums of understanding, as both the transport ministry and private sector may share fault for issues such as delayed land transfers and debt obligations.

Siripong reaffirmed that the state must protect its interests to the maximum extent possible. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband, who handles legal affairs, stated he has not yet seen details of the contract termination proposal, as it remains under review by Thai Railways (SRT) and the Transport Ministry. When asked whether termination could be executed, Pakorn emphasized that his office must first examine the main contract and full details before offering legal guidance.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Dairy Farmers Storm Government House Over Milk Crisis

Over 10,000 dairy farmers from 60 cooperatives protested at Government House on July 14 to demand government action on a raw milk crisis caused by increased imports under new trade agreements with New Zealand and Australia that took effect

Dairy Farmers Storm Government House Over Milk Crisis
2d ago Khaosod

At 8:30 a.m. on July 14, 2025, dairy farmer cooperatives led by Subin Pompochaa, chair of the Thai Dairy Cooperative Assembly, gathered outside Government House with representatives from 60 cooperatives and over 10,000 farming families to submit a letter to the Prime Minister addressing the raw milk oversupply crisis affecting dairy farmers nationwide.

Subin stated that the crisis stems from trade liberalization agreements with New Zealand (TNZCEP) and Australia (TAFTA) that took effect on January 1, 2025, which significantly increased imported milk powder. Meanwhile, some processors reduced purchases of Thai raw milk, leaving farmers unable to sell their milk at fair prices, draining cooperatives of liquidity and burdening them with debt to members and financial institutions.

The assembly submitted four proposals: postpone imports of skimmed milk powder for 2025 until all Thai raw milk is purchased; accelerate a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for 2025–2026 milk purchases; extend the school milk program to lower secondary education and increase it to 365 days per year; speed up resolution of milk payment arrears to farmers; and revise labeling standards to distinguish products made from fresh cow's milk from those made from imported milk powder.

At 9:00 a.m., protesters occupied Pitsanulok Road in front of Government House Gate 4, requiring police to redirect traffic from the Chaloem Mueang Ruamchasai intersection to the Sam Misakwan intersection. The group then moved to Gate 5 opposite the Ministry of Education to await submission of their letter to the Prime Minister's representatives.

At 10:00 a.m., Pansak Jareun, director of the Government House Citizen Service Center, along with other officials, invited six protest representatives and officials from the Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the group's demands. By 10:30 a.m., Deputy Ministers Prasert Chantaruangthong (Education), Nikom Somklaeng (Social Development and Human Security), and Deputy Ministers Watchrapol Khaokhram and Piyaratchai Tiyapairat (both Agriculture) accepted the petition on behalf of the government, with Watchrapol assuring farmers that the government would urgently address their concerns.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Irrigation Department Advances Water Projects in Prachuap Khiri Khan

The Royal Irrigation Department is accelerating three major water projects in Prachuap Khiri Khan to strengthen water security and support agriculture across over 19,000 rai of farmland. The initiatives include sluice gate improvements, res

Irrigation Department Advances Water Projects in Prachuap Khiri Khan
2d ago Khaosod

The Royal Irrigation Department is overseeing water resource development projects in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province while accelerating construction of water sources and irrigation systems to strengthen water security, support agriculture, and improve quality of life for local residents sustainably.

The field visit monitored the Tung Maprao sluice gate project in Phong Prasart Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, which will enhance water management efficiency, drainage, and agricultural water delivery. The project will benefit over 4,800 rai of agricultural land and improve living standards in the area.

The department also tracked the Ban Sai Thong reservoir project in Thong Mongkol Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, a critical water storage facility. Once completed, it will provide water for domestic and agricultural use, support over 6,800 rai of cropland, and ensure long-term water security for local communities.

Another key project is the Ban Khlong Loi Lower reservoir, a royal initiative in Ron Thong Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District. The facility will store over 17 million cubic meters of water to serve three villages and expand agricultural benefit area by more than 8,600 rai, while helping mitigate drought and reduce flood risk.

Siripol Raksanawesch emphasized that involved agencies must closely monitor project implementation and accelerate construction according to schedule, prioritizing work quality, safety, and public benefit to maximize water management efficiency.

The Irrigation Department continues developing water sources and irrigation systems to enhance water security, adapt to climate change, support agricultural development, and sustainably improve the quality of life for residents in line with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives policy.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Justice Minister Denies Case Pressure in Forex Probe

Justice Minister Rutthapol Naovaratana denied accusations of case pressure in a forex probe, stating the DSI investigation is proceeding normally despite the criminal court approving arrest warrants for only 2 of 30 requested suspects.

Justice Minister Denies Case Pressure in Forex Probe
2d ago Khaosod

Justice Minister Rutthapol Naovaratana gave an interview on July 14, 2025, at the Government Centre Building A on Chaengwattana Road regarding the forex case. The criminal court approved arrest warrants for only 2 suspects out of 30 requested by the DSI special investigation unit. The court has not yet approved an arrest warrant for Bhavuth Pongsutthiyapanu, a Thai list MP. The DSI must issue summons for the remaining 22 suspects according to the court's order. Regarding accusations that the DSI is hastening the case, the minister confirmed that procedures are normal, as the DSI has been investigating continuously and the matter involves forensic and financial evidence. When investigation reports are submitted, evidence can be compiled accordingly.

The minister said he is unaware whether the 833 million baht financial trail linked to Bhavuth is accurate, as he has only seen news reports about it and the matter is still under investigation. He also stated he does not know the identities of the 2 suspects for whom warrants were approved.

According to additional reports, the DSI's special investigation unit has gradually issued summons to 22 suspects following the court's orders after the court approved only 2 arrest warrants. The DSI's investigation report used as evidence identified financial transaction data and patterns through three groups: brokers, introducers, and payment gateways. Companies Rennie Corporation Limited and Pay Solution Limited acted as payment gateway entities. Investigation found significant links from these entities to accounts of network members. Additional entities including ALPFX Plus Limited and Spark Digital Limited facilitated cash flows before funds entered personal accounts. Evidence also showed asset conversion transactions between bank accounts and digital asset service providers from 2021 to 2024. Among individuals connected to the network, Bhavuth Pongsutthiyapanu was identified as a key figure in receiving and forwarding cash flows, with 14 transfers of 2 million baht each totaling 28 million baht from Spark Digital Limited.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Phuket Orders Safety Inspections After Bangkok Bar Fire

Phuket authorities have launched safety inspections at entertainment venues and public facilities across the island after a Bangkok bar fire killed 28 people on Saturday.

Phuket Orders Safety Inspections After Bangkok Bar Fire
2d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum has ordered sweeping inspections of entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels and other public establishments across the island following the deadly fire at a bar in Bangkok on Saturday night that has so far killed 28 people and injured 71 others.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Krungthai Bank Launches 14-Month Fixed Deposit with Monthly Interest

Krungthai Bank launched a 14-month fixed deposit product with monthly interest payments reaching 1.25% per annum for deposits over 10 million baht, available until September 30, 2026.

Krungthai Bank Launches 14-Month Fixed Deposit with Monthly Interest
2d ago Khaosod

Krungthai Bank has launched its "Special 14-Month Fixed Deposit" product, designed for customers seeking to balance liquidity management with steady returns and continuous savings growth. Interest is paid monthly starting from the first month, with tiered rates based on deposit amount, reaching a maximum of 1.25% per annum.

The product caters to both regular individual customers and Wealth clients, with interest rates determined as follows: • Deposits over 10 million to 30 million baht: 1.25% per annum • Deposits over 5 million to 10 million baht: 1.15% per annum • Deposits over 2 million to 5 million baht: 1.05% per annum • Deposits up to 2 million baht: 0.85% per annum

Interested customers can open accounts from now until September 30, 2026, with a minimum deposit of 500,000 baht per transaction and a maximum of 30 million baht per account. The bank will transfer interest to the customer's savings or current account each month. Interest rates and terms are subject to the bank's conditions and may change with notice.

Customers with total assets of 2 million baht or more will receive Krungthai WEALTH status, unlocking world-class financial, investment, and lifestyle privileges. Benefits include airport lounge access, airport limousine service, airline ticket discounts, Let's Relax spa services, health check packages, and year-round discounts from leading retailers and brands.

Krungthai Bank is committed to developing financial products and services that address life at every stage, promoting savings and financial discipline to build security and better opportunities for Thais, in line with its mission "60 Years Krungthai: Every Step for a Million Futures." For more information, contact any Krungthai branch or Krungthai Contact Center at 02-111-1111, or visit https://krungthai.com/link/special-fixed14m

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to Revisit 40-Baht Rice Curry Plan After Backlash

Thailand's Commerce Ministry will revisit its 40-baht rice curry plan following public backlash, with officials saying the price is negotiable and the government willing to subsidize costs for participating restaurants under an expanded pro

Thailand to Revisit 40-Baht Rice Curry Plan After Backlash
2d ago Khaosod

Commerce Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi addressed criticism of the 40-baht rice curry initiative on July 14 at Government House, explaining that the Commerce Ministry can control ingredient costs through the Thai Help Thai program launched April 1. The Internal Trade Department is coordinating directly with the Agriculture Ministry to source ingredients from farmers, allowing the government to manage certain costs while other ingredients fall under other agencies' control.

Supachai outlined an expanded proposal under the Thai Help Thai Plus program, which has registered over 200,000 restaurants. The government would support participating vendors by subsidizing additional costs beyond raw materials, providing affordable meal options for low-income earners. The minister stressed that 40 baht was an initial figure and not final, and that feedback—both supportive and critical—is welcome.

The program was not presented to Cabinet today because disagreement over it does not warrant Cabinet-level debate at this stage, Supachai said. Implementation requires cooperation from multiple sectors and vendors' voluntary participation. The minister acknowledged those who do not see value in the rice curry program and said the Commerce Ministry's goal is to address cost-of-living concerns for all citizens while responding to public demand for affordable daily meals.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Candy Vendor Defends Exit Route After Beer Hall Fire

A candy vendor at Ladprao Beer Hall defended her exit route during the deadly July 14 fire, saying the rear door she and others escaped through was unlocked and passable despite a narrow passage and her nearby sales table.

Candy Vendor Defends Exit Route After Beer Hall Fire
2d ago Khaosod

On July 14, Ms. Pattama, a candy vendor at the Ladprao Beer Hall, described the moment of the fire. She was sitting near the restroom selling candy when she heard a sound like breaking glass, initially thinking it was a fight. When someone ran toward her shouting "Fire!" she rushed out through the back door immediately.

Ms. Pattama explained that the rear door near the restroom could be opened, though it was fitted with a simple padlock on the day of the fire—not a deadbolt—because the door handle was broken. The door was difficult to open and required a hard push, and was kept locked to control customer access through the front entrance, where ID checks and searches for prohibited items were conducted. During the fire, several people, including herself and the housekeeper, escaped through that back exit.

Regarding her candy sales table positioned near the restroom door—which had been questioned as potentially blocking the escape route—Ms. Pattama insisted the table did not obstruct the exit. The wooden red-and-black table, she noted, was movable and not permanently installed. Though the passage was narrow and could only accommodate one person at a time, the table did not block it, and multiple people successfully escaped using that route during the fire.

After exiting, she called the housekeeper and helped pull people trapped inside to safety. However, the fire spread rapidly, causing panic and disorientation among many people.

Ms. Pattama acknowledged she did not know the door was an official fire exit, only that it was an accessible exit. She reflected that better preparation might have saved more lives, but the fire developed too quickly to allow for any organized response. Upon returning to the shop today, she brought flowers to pay respects to the deceased—regular customers she had known and spoken with often.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Mystery Man at Bangkok Beer Fire Spreads Unverified Rumors

An unvetted volunteer spread false claims about a Bangkok beer warehouse fire, including an unverified rumor that the owner locked customers inside until they paid bills, while inappropriately accessing the restricted scene.

Mystery Man at Bangkok Beer Fire Spreads Unverified Rumors
2d ago Khaosod

A volunteer with no official credentials or firefighting expertise was mysteriously present at a Bangkok beer warehouse fire in Ladprao and was identified as the source of a false rumor about the incident. The man, a former candidate of the "Bangkok Can Fly" civic group, was able to enter the restricted area and gave interviews to multiple media outlets while closely following Prime Minister Anutin at the scene, despite having no role in emergency response. Most significantly, he originated an unverified claim—later widely shared on social media—that the bar owner had locked customers inside until they paid their bills, contributing to misinformation about the fire.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Thai Minister Vows to Reclaim Phuket Beaches from Encroachers

Thai authorities will demolish illegal structures at two Phuket resorts after giving owners one month to comply voluntarily, while also cracking down on beach operators who have illegally collected fees from visitors for years.

Thai Minister Vows to Reclaim Phuket Beaches from Encroachers
2d ago Khaosod

Speaking at Government House on July 14, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Choomklin discussed progress in addressing beach encroachment in Phuket, explaining that the issue involves two separate agencies. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation handles encroachments within protected areas and has obtained permission to post demolition notices at two large resorts after years of litigation. Property owners have been given one month to voluntarily remove structures; if they do not comply, authorities will execute demolition under the law. Suchat acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized that court orders must be carried out.

Suchat noted that a second group of encroachers has long occupied public beaches and collected fees from visitors—earning hundreds of thousands of baht daily. He stressed that no matter how influential these operators are, they cannot be above the law and must return the beaches to state control. He credited the directors of both departments for their commitment and revealed that two officials in Phuket have been reassigned due to concerns about their willingness to pursue enforcement or personal safety worries.

Regarding a private developer's recent filing with the Administrative Court to obtain protection, Suchat stated that authorities already possess all necessary evidence from previous criminal convictions dating to 2018, 2019, and 2020. He characterized most of the encroachers as intermediaries, some knowingly breaking the law, and declared that when voluntary compliance fails, enforcement will proceed to completion. When asked whether most violators are government officials or people of influence, he used the analogy of "small-time enforcers" who must have backing from "big operators" higher up, and pledged to find all those involved. He also noted that the developer filed the court case to delay the July 18 demolition deadline but expressed confidence that the court will rule based on existing evidence. Suchat concluded by reaffirming the government's full commitment to the task and stated that while the developer is suing, authorities will continue their work.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Local Politician Faces Charges Over Protected Forest Encroachment

A local administrative official faces charges after forestry officials discovered illegal road construction through protected mangrove forest in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, with over 2 kilometers of concrete roads built without authorizat

Local Politician Faces Charges Over Protected Forest Encroachment
2d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2025, Songkun Dalakkawin, a senior forestry officer with the Tiger Unit Special Operations Center for the Southern Region, disclosed that on July 13 forestry officials, Police Unit 427, and Natural Resources officers entered Khuan Khreng mangrove forest in Moo 6, Khreng Subdistrict, Chao Auat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province following complaints of encroachment by a local administrative official.

Inspections revealed approximately 2 kilometers of concrete road access, followed by another 100 meters of gravel fill, totaling 2,020 meters from the main road. The site is part of Khuan Khreng National Reserved Forest, which was being cleared in preparation for development. After officials seized the area and began recording evidence at Chao Auat Police Station, the politician arrived with local leaders and residents to protest the actions.

To prevent confrontation, officers relocated their documentation process outside the police station. Formal complaints were subsequently filed against the local politician under the Land Code, the Forestry Act of 2484, the National Reserved Forests Act of 2507, and the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2562.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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