Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Trans Actress Yoshi Makes Feature Film Debut in Horror Thriller

Tham Studio 19 has cast trans actress Yoshi Rindrada Thuraphan, Miss Tiffany's Universe 2017, in her acting debut as the lead in Rindrada (The Influencer), a cyber-horror film directed by Atitaya Ariyavongsa. The film follows a young influencer who becomes a vengeful ghost after cyberbullying-driven suicide, returning with limited time to uncover the truth and haunt those who harassed her online. Yoshi expressed excitement about the role and emphasized that trans actresses deserve opportunities based on talent regardless of gender.

Trans Actress Yoshi Makes Feature Film Debut in Horror Thriller
39 min ago Khaosod

Tham Studio 19 is proud to present Rindrada (The Influencer), a cyber-horror film directed by Atitaya Ariyavongsa and produced by Kritiniya Ariyavongsa.

The film stars Yoshi Rindrada Thuraphan, Miss Tiffany's Universe 2017, in her first leading role as Rindrada, a young influencer who becomes a terrifying ghost. She is paired with Krathing Khunnorng Prathetsaratan, who plays Po, an ordinary noodle vendor who becomes Rindrada's crucial ally.

The supporting cast includes Neena Natchada Jessica Padovan as Hannah, a mysterious girl from the underworld who controls the laws of time, and Tok Taek Pizzamovie Suthirjan Sriphet as Meena, Rindrada's only close friend who is ready to protect her from the threats of social media harassment.

Rindrada tells the story of an influencer who decides to end her life after intense cyberbullying, but death gives her a second chance as a spirit with limited time to uncover the truth and target everyone who participated in the online violence against her. With her digital connections, she launches a widespread haunting operation, aided by Hannah, the mysterious girl from the underworld, and Po, the ordinary noodle seller who fights to save Rindrada from becoming the "demon" that social media created. "The more likes she gets, the scarier she becomes."

Yoshi Rindrada, who plays the lead role, expressed her excitement about the opportunity: "I'm very happy and excited to have received this great opportunity. I want to do my best with this chance and learn everything I need to, whether through additional training or workshops with fellow actors, so I won't have regrets later. Rindrada is my first film as a full lead actress and it's a horror film with my name as the title, so it feels like a great honor.

The story follows Rindrada throughout—from when she was alive, to what happened when she died, and what happens after she returns. Everyone experiences Rindrada's journey until they're no longer afraid of her."

When asked about Rindrada's frightening appearance, she explained: "The scariness of Rindrada isn't pretty at all in the film, because the director researched how to make me not look pretty. Actually, it wasn't pretty from version 2 onwards, but he wasn't satisfied, so Rindrada has multiple versions—up to five versions in total. Each version has a different level of deterioration, and version 5 is the ultimate version. You'll have to watch it to see how grotesque it gets."

The trans actress also shared her feelings about being cast in this leading role: "I'm very happy that the producers and director and the entire team saw my potential and allowed me to represent the LGBTQ+ community in this role. This is another responsibility I carry. Trans actresses, besides being beautiful, need to be talented too. Regardless of your gender, you can be an actor just the same. You just need to not close the door on opportunities."

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Police

Birthday Party Brawl Leaves Deputy Wounded

A violent group clash erupted at a birthday party in Bangkok on August 19, leaving a Deputy Sheriff stabbed and another person bottle-struck. The incident stemmed from an earlier dispute that escalated into multiple confrontations throughout the evening. Police have questioned witnesses and the main suspect is preparing to surrender to face assault charges.

Birthday Party Brawl Leaves Deputy Wounded
39 min ago Khaosod

A birthday celebration at Baw Tak Koong in the Ladprao Wang Hin area descended into violence when a large group clash erupted, leaving a Deputy Sheriff stabbed and 191 others injured. Police have completed questioning witnesses, and the suspect is preparing to turn himself in. On August 21, 2569, Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command officials, led by Commissioner Siam Bunsawm and Deputy Commissioner Phallab Armhla, instructed officers from Chokechai Police Station and related units to investigate an incident at the birthday party of a prominent figure named Ud Ratchada. The event was attended by Harley enthusiasts, police, soldiers, former officers, and several well-known personalities including Kamnarn Frank from Nonthaburi, Kok Thasai, Bang Khlong Tan, and Moo Tawan Nara.

Chokechai Police received reports of an assault at the venue. Upon arrival, the fighting had already ceased and people were dispersing. The incident occurred on August 19 around 11 p.m. On August 20, a complainant named Sattawat reported being hit with a bottle, breaking his eyebrow, and that Deputy Sheriff 191 had been stabbed in the abdomen with a knife while hospitalized. He explained that the violence began when someone slapped a person at another table due to a prior dispute, followed by shouting and a second altercation before the Deputy Sheriff attempted to intervene. A man then stabbed the Deputy Sheriff with a knife, causing injuries.

Pol. Captain Phrom Tawi stated that investigators have already questioned Sattawat and have scheduled to take a statement from Deputy Sheriff 191 at the hospital, who is now in stable condition. CCTV footage from the venue has been collected and restaurant staff have been questioned. Forensic evidence from both victims' injuries is being examined and processed. Police are identifying all individuals involved to determine whether they committed or participated in the assault. The suspect who stabbed Deputy Sheriff 191 has contacted police to surrender this afternoon, allowing authorities to proceed with evidence gathering and formal charges.

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National

Lawyer Petitions Military Panel Over PM's Gun Permit Ban

Prominent lawyer Songkran Ajchariyasarp has filed a formal complaint with the House Military Affairs Committee, challenging the Prime Minister's suspension of firearm permit issuance as an unlawful infringement on citizen rights. Songkran argues the suspension violates the Firearms Act and constitutional law, and contends that qualified citizens have a statutory right to obtain permits for self-defense. The lawyer also criticized the government's three-year renewal requirement for existing permits as outdated and warned the measure affects millions of legal gun owners.

Lawyer Petitions Military Panel Over PM's Gun Permit Ban
41 min ago Khaosod

At 11:30 a.m. on August 21, 2025, at Parliament, Rachen Trakoolwiang, a list-system MP and leader of the New Alternative Party, received a letter from prominent lawyer Songkran Ajchariyasarp in his capacity as a member of the House Military Affairs Committee. The complaint seeks an investigation into the Prime Minister's suspension of firearm permit (Form 3) issuance. Songkran argues the suspension violates public law as defined by the Firearms Act and constitutional law, which prohibit the state from issuing regulations that unlawfully infringe on citizen rights. He notes that qualified citizens have the statutory right to petition local registration offices for firearm permits to protect their lives and property, yet the government has suspended this process in an overreach of legislative authority. Songkran also criticized the three-year renewal requirement for Form 4 permits as outdated, citing approximately 6.2 million existing permits. He highlighted that the government's plan to collect firearms and permits during a public consultation has prompted widespread public objection, since citizens legally purchased their weapons. He pointed out that the Cabinet has not adequately informed the public of their rights under Section 7 of the Firearms Act for continuous firearm possession, nor clarified Section 8(bis), which allows emergency firearm use without a carry permit. Songkran stated he will present the matter to Parliament's speaker and military committee for debate and suspension of the measure. He also noted that the Ombudsman has scheduled him to provide clarification on August 24 for potential referral to the Supreme Court's criminal division against the Prime Minister for issuing regulations that violate citizen rights. He urged Deputy Prime Minister Phahorn Nilpraphand to reconsider this backward-looking policy extending 92 years into the past, warning it affects the electoral base of both the Pheu Thai Party and coalition partners. Songkran displayed a cage containing mice and removed one, announcing he was establishing a government mascot called "Mouse Lawyer" to represent issues the Prime Minister should address but has neglected—such as online gambling and illegal weapons—which affect the entire justice system. He stressed that the Prime Minister, bound by law, has overstepped executive authority into legislative matters and urged him to remain under the law, noting he has received numerous complaints.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Officials Name Probe Committee Finding Officials, Local Politicians in Exam Fraud

A probe into a local government exam cheating scandal has implicated lower-ranking officials and some politicians, with investigators tracing a financial trail of approximately 9 billion baht through witness statements.

Officials Name Probe Committee Finding Officials, Local Politicians in Exam Fraud
1h ago Khaosod

On August 21, Asapol Sannittripath, Sisaket House member and chair of the anti-corruption committee, revealed that a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nillpraphand has examined the local government exam cheating scandal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission reported that preliminary findings implicate officials at rank 10 and below, with no involvement above that level. At director-general level, involvement traces back to the drafting stage of the terms of reference. Among politicians, only local government officials are implicated so far.

Based on witness statements from over 500 of some 5,000 people questioned, investigators identified a financial trail of approximately 9 billion baht. Asapol confirmed that former director-general Narucha Kotsawilaichit and another former director-general before Thirot Suphavibul of the Department of Local Administration are named. Regarding politicians, Asapol said no specific names were provided and the committee would need to request details directly from Pakorn.

Asapol also clarified the Burapha University case from 2564, where a local administrator arrest led to cancellation of the original terms of reference. When the university was asked to draft new terms, it claimed unfamiliarity and failed to submit a bid. He noted the fraud connects to the 2565 local administrator exam at Kasetsart University, where five of eleven candidates from Bang Yai were implicated in cheating. Regarding Sisaket province, Asapol confirmed DSI has already filed 19 cases where payment was made but funds could not be recovered.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Balances Pork, Chicken, Egg Prices Amid Rising Demand

Thailand's trade department met with major livestock and poultry producers to balance rising pork, chicken, and egg prices with consumer affordability. Pork prices have climbed to 72-74 baht per kilogram due to lower output, while broiler c

Thailand Balances Pork, Chicken, Egg Prices Amid Rising Demand
1h ago Khaosod

The Department of Internal Trade held discussions with national pig, broiler chicken, and layer chicken farmers' associations—including the National Swine Raisers Association, Broiler Chicken Raisers Association, Broiler Chicken Producers Association for Export, Layer Chicken Raisers Association, Southern Layer Chicken Raisers Association, Central Small-Scale Layer Chicken Traders Association, and egg-farming cooperatives in Chachoengsao, the Mae Khlong River basin, and Chiang Mai-Lampang—along with major producers CPF, Betagro, Thai Foods, Suroboonthaifarm, Cargill Meats, VCF Group, and SPM to monitor production and trade conditions and discuss price-management strategies that balance producers' interests without harming consumers.

Farm-gate pork prices have risen to 72–74 baht per kilogram, up from the previous month due to slightly lower output. Prices are 1–2 baht above production costs, allowing farmers viable income. Pork prices are expected to hold steady until mid-September, after which they may soften as October brings vegetarian festival season, when pork demand traditionally drops.

Broiler chicken production, which declined due to weather damage and reduced capacity from higher production costs, is beginning to recover. Damage is lessening and farmers are increasing stocking rates, so output is expected to return to normal by mid-September. Layer chicken egg supply is currently adequate and steady, with plans to boost supply after extending the productive lifespan of laying hens.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Male Body Found Floating in Nan Province Flood

Rescue teams recovered a male body floating in floodwaters in Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province on August 21; the unidentified victim, estimated between 40 and 50 years old, was swept away by flood currents.

Male Body Found Floating in Nan Province Flood
1h ago Khaosod

A male body has been recovered floating in floodwaters in Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province. On August 21, 2025, the Petchkesum Foundation posted an update on Facebook regarding the flooding situation in Nan Province, confirming the discovery of a male body in the district. Following reports from residents to the Petchkesum Foundation's disaster response team, water rescue personnel investigated and successfully recovered the body from the river. The deceased is a male estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old who was swept along by floodwaters in Tha Wang Pha District. Rescue teams are currently coordinating with police and on-duty medical examiners to conduct an autopsy for identification and to locate the victim's relatives. The Petchkesum Foundation expressed its deepest condolences.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Hotels Face Tourism Slump and Tight Credit Crisis

Thai hotels face a double crisis as foreign visitor numbers dropped 7.2 percent in 2024 while banks tightened credit, leaving many operators unable to expand or refinance. Industry leaders recommend low-cost operational improvements like re

Thai Hotels Face Tourism Slump and Tight Credit Crisis
1h ago Khaosod

Ray Matsuda, CEO of Coco Global Hospitality, warns that Thai hotels face simultaneous pressure from sluggish tourist arrivals and stricter credit access, making it impossible for operators to rely on market recovery alone. Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported 32.9 million foreign visitors in 2024, a 7.2 percent decline from 2023 and still below pre-pandemic levels, with Q1 2025 showing a 2.4 percent drop year-on-year. On the financing side, commercial bank lending for property development projects fell roughly 20 percent by year-end 2024, with financial institutions focusing on large established operators, making access to credit harder for new and independent hotel owners.

The 2026 Thailand Hotel Investment Guide, prepared jointly by C9 Hotelworks and Watson Farley & Williams, shows current lending criteria set loan-to-value ratios at 50-60 percent and debt service coverage ratios of 1.2 times for new projects and 1.4-1.5 times for operating properties, constraining expansion and capital raising for many operators. Matsuda reframes the crisis: the key question is not "when will the market recover" but "what can operators do while waiting." He draws on the Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic) example from the 1929 Great Depression, when founder Konosuke Matsushita maintained full wages, cut production in half, and had workers clear inventory within two months instead of laying anyone off.

Matsuda proposes three no-capex strategies for Thai hotel operators: (1) sophisticated revenue management tailored to day-of-week, season, local events, and competitor moves—not just price cuts; (2) boosting online review scores; and (3) daily Kaizen continuous improvement. These require no major capital outlay and can be implemented immediately to strengthen operations during the downturn.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Honors Fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards Winners

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards ceremony, honoring 77 entrepreneurs from all provinces for advancing micro-enterprise development and strengthening Thailand's grassroots economy th

PM Honors Fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards Winners
1h ago Khaosod

Prince of Songkhla University and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion are advancing micro-enterprise development nationwide through the fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards program, designed to identify and elevate promising entrepreneurs from all 77 provinces into management and business development exemplars that strengthen grassroots economy sustainably.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards ceremony, held as part of the 18th National SME Awards at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand also in attendance.

The fourth SME Provincial Champions Awards is a joint initiative between the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion and Prince of Songkhla University to expand development opportunities for promising micro-enterprises at the provincial level, raising management standards, strengthening competitive capacity, and preparing businesses for global changes emphasizing sustainable growth, digital transformation, and market expansion.

This year, 77 entrepreneurs won the SME Provincial Champions Awards, representing all 77 provinces nationwide, reflecting the program's commitment to distributing development opportunities broadly across regions. An additional 12 special awards were presented, including the Seven Pillars of Excellence recognizing excellence in seven areas, and Sectoral Grand Champions across four industry groups: manufacturing, services, retail and commerce, and agriculture.

The program extends beyond award selection to establish systematic business development processes. Participating entrepreneurs receive business health checks, management training, in-depth consulting, peer learning from successful exemplars, study visits to thriving enterprises, e-catalog development, and networking with partners. This approach identifies business strengths and limitations, then charts efficiency improvements and growth to enable genuine competitive advantage, particularly for micro-enterprises at provincial level that drive local job creation, income generation, and economic circulation.

Ten selected participants will also have opportunities for international business exposure visits, applying knowledge and experience to business development while opening pathways to global market connections.

Prime Minister Anutin stated that SMEs are critical to Thailand's economic foundation, creating jobs, generating income, and distributing economic opportunities across the country. Amid global economic shifts, digital technology, changing business models, and sustainability challenges, entrepreneurs must boost productivity, add value, innovate, and improve market and capital access.

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion aims to make the National SME Awards and Provincial SME Champions Awards catalysts for driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand and New Zealand Forge Strategic Partnership

Thailand and New Zealand elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, aiming to triple bilateral trade to $7.5 billion by 2045 and restore direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland by March 2027.

Thailand and New Zealand Forge Strategic Partnership
1h ago Khaosod

Thailand and New Zealand have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, setting a target to triple bilateral trade to US$7.5 billion by 2045 and supporting plans to restore direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland in March 2027.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made the announcement after full bilateral talks at Government House in Wellington, held during Anutin's official visit marking 70 years of diplomatic relations.

The two leaders signed a Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership, raising Thailand-New Zealand ties to a higher level. They also agreed on the Thailand-New Zealand Joint Plan of Action 2026-2030 as a framework for implementing the partnership.

The plan focuses on four pillars: political and security cooperation, including action against transnational crime, online scams and human trafficking; economic, trade and innovation cooperation with priorities in innovation, food and energy security, the green economy, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation; education, culture and people-to-people ties including skills development and capacity-building; and regional and multilateral cooperation through Mekong frameworks, ASEAN-led mechanisms, APEC and other international forums.

Both sides aim to triple bilateral trade to US$7.5 billion by 2045 and plan to develop a Closer Economic Partnership to create new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries. Anutin noted that senior Thai business representatives joined the visit and met with New Zealand officials and businesses, opening cooperation opportunities in new sectors.

Following the joint press conference, the two leaders witnessed the signing of four cooperation documents: a cultural cooperation agreement; a memorandum of understanding between Thailand's Office of the Civil Service Commission and Education New Zealand; an information-sharing and partnership agreement between the Royal Thai Police and New Zealand Police; and a private-sector memorandum between Chata Instruments Company Limited and Aeroqual Limited.

Anutin also sought New Zealand's support for Thailand's bid to join the OECD, which Luxon said New Zealand would fully support. Thai Airways is planning to resume direct Bangkok-Auckland services in March 2027, with Anutin saying he would seek to bring forward the target date to support tourism, trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Deputy Mayor Found Dead With Husband in Phetchabun Home

A deputy mayor and her husband were found dead from gunshot wounds in their Phetchabun home early Thursday, with police investigating whether it was a murder-suicide or related to personal disputes.

Deputy Mayor Found Dead With Husband in Phetchabun Home
1h ago Khaosod

A deputy mayor of a subdistrict administrative organisation and her husband were found dead from gunshot wounds in their bedroom in Lom Sak district early on Thursday, with police investigating the circumstances.

At about 02:00 on 21 August, police were notified of a shooting that left two people dead at a house in Pak Chong Subdistrict, Lom Sak district. Police and an on-duty doctor from Lom Sak Hospital attended the scene.

The two-storey wooden house had the incident on the first floor, where the bedroom was located. Police found the body of Sudjai, 44, lying dead on a folding chair. Nearby, her husband Yongyut, 47, was found dead on the bedroom floor. A semi-automatic handgun was found near the scene.

Police initially suspected that Yongyut may have shot Sudjai before using the firearm on himself. However, investigators will collect physical and forensic evidence to establish the exact circumstances and cause of death.

Sudjai was serving as deputy mayor of Pak Chong Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Lom Sak district. She had also been acting as the organisation's mayor while Mayor Siriyaphorn Mee Saeng was suspended from duty by the Election Commission.

Police said they had so far found no indication that the deaths were connected to local political issues. A personal matter was considered a possible motive, but investigators will question witnesses and examine surrounding evidence to determine what happened and why.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Over 3,900 Sq Km at Risk of Flooding in Sukhothai-Phichit Region

Satellite data shows over 3,900 square kilometers at risk of flooding across Sukhothai and Phichit provinces, with high-risk zones concentrated in the central and lower regions including key districts like Mueang Sukhothai and Mueang Phichi

Over 3,900 Sq Km at Risk of Flooding in Sukhothai-Phichit Region
2h ago Khaosod

At 9:29 a.m. on 21 August, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, released data from its Check Water application, which analyzes satellite imagery and geospatial information. High-risk alert zones (marked red) form a large, continuous area covering the river basins of Sukhothai, Phichit and neighbouring provinces, totalling over 3,900 square kilometres of at-risk terrain.

Sukhothai province faces widespread impact, with dense high-risk areas clearly spread across the central and lower portions of the province. Affected districts include Sawankhalok, Si Samrong, Mueang Sukhothai, Kongkrai Lad, and parts of Si Satchanalai in the north.

Phichit province's central and western areas show extensive high-risk zones, with water masses flowing from Sukhothai and covering key areas in Phrom Phiram, Bang Rakam, Mueang Phichit, and parts of Wat Boranimit district.

Adjacent areas and bordering provinces display both high-risk (red) and lower-risk (yellow) zones spreading across provincial boundaries into parts of Uttaradit, Phichit and Kamphaeng Phet.

The analysis relies on GISTDA satellite imagery with high precision and real-time updates, enabling accurate assessment of water mass direction and expansion. This helps relevant agencies and the public plan and respond to the flooding threat effectively.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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