Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

True Boosts 5G Network for Ubon's 125-Year Candle Festival

True Corporation is upgrading 5G and 4G networks across Ubon Ratchathani ahead of the city's 125-year Candle Festival in July, deploying mobile base stations and extra capacity at transport hubs and event venues to handle increased demand.

True Boosts 5G Network for Ubon's 125-Year Candle Festival
27 Jul Khaosod

True Corporation is upgrading 5G and 4G infrastructure to handle increased mobile demand during the 2025 Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, a 125-year milestone for this internationally recognized Thai tradition. The festival's main events run July 28–30, 2025, featuring candle processions at Thung Si Muang both day and evening, showcasing traditional candle carving, dancing, and regional northeastern culture. True will deploy mobile base stations (COWs), boost capacity at high-traffic zones, and prepare networks at key transport hubs including the airport, bus station, shopping centers, and main routes leading to event areas.

To ensure continuous service quality, True has deployed teams of network engineers on-site coordinated with its AI-powered Business Network Intelligence Center (BNIC), which monitors and manages network traffic 24/7 in real time. The company is committed to supporting Thailand's important festivals through quality digital infrastructure, enhancing the experience for both Thai and foreign visitors while preserving Thai soft power on a global stage.

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Police

Five Italian Students Fined Over Bangkok Skytrain Dispute

BANGKOK: Five Italian students have been fined after settling a dispute with a Thai woman over their behaviour during a BTS Skytrain confrontation that drew widespread online criticism last week.

Five Italian Students Fined Over Bangkok Skytrain Dispute
27 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: Five Italian students have been fined after settling a dispute with a Thai woman over their behaviour during a BTS Skytrain confrontation that drew widespread online criticism last week.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Stock Market Faces Oil Price Surge, Inflation Concerns

Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers have pushed crude prices higher, triggering inflation concerns that could weigh on Thailand's stock market this week, though strong domestic investment fundamentals offer some support.

Thai Stock Market Faces Oil Price Surge, Inflation Concerns
27 Jul Khaosod

Globlek Securities (GBS) expects Thailand's stock market to decline this week following global trends, with main pressure coming from geopolitical tensions after Yemen-based Houthi groups backed by Iran attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. The attacks have disrupted energy supply confidence, pushing crude oil prices higher and reviving market concerns about accelerating inflation, leading GBS to forecast the index trading range at 1,600-1,650 points this week. The broader market is supported by strong domestic economic fundamentals, with Thailand's Board of Investment reporting investment promotion applications in the first half of 2025 valued at over 1.47 trillion baht, up 37%, expected to create over 82,000 jobs and generate 1.2 trillion baht in annual export value. Investors should also monitor U.S. trade policy risks, including the Trump administration's tariffs on 60 countries at rates up to 12.5% against Thailand on forced labor allegations, uncertainty over USMCA renewal, rising global interest rates with the Fed expected to hike in September at 83% probability, and the elevated VIX Index at 18.70 reflecting fragile market sentiment. Domestically, watch for Commerce Ministry trade announcements, automotive production data, industrial production indices, Bank of Thailand economic reports on July 31, and the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on August 26; internationally, track the Federal Reserve meeting on July 28-29, U.S. economic data throughout the week, and China's industrial profit reports on July 27. GBS research director Watcharon Jongyariyong recommends investors focus on quality stocks with strong fundamentals while remaining cautious amid external headwinds.

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National

MP Blasts Government Over Flawed Welfare Card Rollout

Pheu Thai MP Sirikanya Tansukul criticized the government's flawed welfare card rollout, calling for temporary benefit reinstatement while criteria are reviewed through September.

MP Blasts Government Over Flawed Welfare Card Rollout
27 Jul Khaosod

Sirikanya Tansukul, a list-based MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, criticized the government on July 27, 2569 for its careless approach to revising and expanding the state welfare card criteria, saying officials failed to consider the real hardships of ordinary citizens. Speaking at Parliament, she stated she expects temporary reinstatement of benefits over the next two months to address problems pending appeal, though she is uncertain whether other criteria will be reviewed, as the public has encountered rules that fail to reflect their genuine difficulties, including issues around debt and life insurance purchased by children for parents.

If further review is needed, the matter must go to the Public Welfare Committee, a process that could take considerable time. However, with the appeal deadline extended through the end of September, there may be enough opportunity to address current problems. When asked whether she saw the government's adjustments as easing social tension, Tansukul said the repeated cycle of reversals and rule changes with the welfare card stemmed from initial criteria that were poorly conceived and failed to prioritize public welfare. She concluded that the government's approach has been careless and error-prone, lacking thorough consideration and real concern for citizens' struggles.

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Police

Elderly Rider Vows Legal Action After MG Driver Punches Him

A 70-year-old delivery rider was punched by an MG sedan driver at a Bangkok gas station on July 26 after parking in an EV charging spot, leaving him with injuries requiring six stitches and vowing legal action.

Elderly Rider Vows Legal Action After MG Driver Punches Him
27 Jul Khaosod

A 70-year-old food delivery rider has vowed to take legal action against an MG sedan driver who punched him at a gas station in Minburi, Bangkok on July 26. The incident began when the rider parked his motorcycle in an empty EV charging spot while collecting a fried banana order. When he returned, an MG sedan owner was waiting to use the charging spot. The rider quickly took a photo and moved his bike, but the driver and his wife in the MG began honking and verbally abusing him, escalating to physical violence when the man got out and punched the rider in the face, causing a cut under his right eye that required six stitches.

The victim reported the incident to Minburi Police Station and received medical treatment. He stated he has been a delivery rider for 10 years and has never experienced such an attack. His left eye is now in significant pain, preventing him from eating or sleeping, and he has been forced to stop working. He disputes the driver's claim that he spat on them, pointing out he was wearing a face mask. The victim emphasized he is pursuing this case through the legal system to its conclusion, and urged people not to bring their home behavior into public society.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to Split Tourism and Sports Ministry by Early Next Year

Thailand will split its Tourism and Sports Ministry into two separate agencies by early 2025, with the new ministries to manage distinct budgets for sports and culture-tourism operations. The separation comes as the country seeks to boost t

Thailand to Split Tourism and Sports Ministry by Early Next Year
27 Jul Khaosod

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjareungvorkul announced on July 27 at Government House that the proposed separation of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will be submitted to parliament during the upcoming session. After cabinet approval, the plan will undergo three parliamentary readings before being sent to the Senate, with completion expected by the end of this year or early next year, in line with the Civil Service Commission's recommendations. The new ministries will be named the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with clearly allocated budgets for each department.

Regarding concerns about budget reductions, the minister clarified that the existing budgets for sports and tourism operations will remain separate and clearly defined across all departments. Surasak expressed enthusiasm about UNESCO's formal recognition of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a World Heritage site, marking the first such monument in southern Thailand. This designation presents an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of Nakhon Si Thammarat among international tourists, as most foreign visitors currently concentrate on Phuket, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Krabi, and Hat Yai in Songkhla.

The ministry is prepared to launch additional promotional campaigns and coordinate with international travel agencies to attract more foreign visitors to Nakhon Si Thammarat and surrounding areas. When asked about other sites under consideration for World Heritage status, the minister mentioned that the Culture Ministry is actively working on Thai traditional costume recognition, though other site nominations remain less developed. Thai costume registration with UNESCO is expected to advance further and is anticipated to be another source of national pride.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Anutin Dares iLaw to Release More Data on Senate Seat-Buying

Prime Minister Anutin challenged activist Yingluck Achananont to release more data on a Senate seat-buying scheme, while government officials announced plans to sue her over disclosures of those involved in the scandal.

Anutin Dares iLaw to Release More Data on Senate Seat-Buying
27 Jul Khaosod

At 10 a.m. on July 27, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a cabinet meeting. Two cabinet members reported their absence: Deputy Education Minister Akranun Kannikittinan and Deputy Interior Minister Jaejsathit Thaisathit.

Before the meeting, reporters asked whether Anutin would exercise his right to sue Yingluck Achananont, director of the Internet for the People (iLaw) project, over her disclosure of names of those involved in the Senate seat-buying scheme. Anutin replied that pursuing legal action is everyone's right.

When asked whether iLaw would release more data, Anutin smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Government Spokesman Paradon Prissananantakul, a Democrat Party deputy from Ang Thong, confirmed that he would proceed with the lawsuit against Yingluck, saying he would announce the filing details later.

When asked about Yingluck's recent participation in an opposition coalition seminar marking the second anniversary of the Senate election and discussing Senate seat-buying evidence, Paradon dismissed it as an old matter.

When pressed on whether the lawsuit would be filed this week, Paradon said they would discuss it further.

Responding to Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's statement that he does not want a silencing lawsuit, Paradon stated: "This is not a silencing suit. It's about party damage—not just personal damage but damage to the entire party, which is why we must proceed."

When asked if legal action would be taken against other individuals, Paradon said no decisions had been made yet.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Halts Chinese Poultry Import Bid, Cites Safety Review

Thailand's livestock department is reviewing China's request to import frozen and cooked poultry products, beginning a multi-stage safety assessment that includes evaluations for avian flu and compliance with international standards.

Thailand Halts Chinese Poultry Import Bid, Cites Safety Review
27 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Livestock clarified on July 27 that China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) formally requested to export frozen and cooked poultry meat, as well as byproducts such as chicken and duck liver, to Thailand starting January 27. The request follows standard international trade procedures under WTO rules based on equal treatment principles. The department has begun its review using the same standards applied to requests from other trading partners worldwide. Currently in the early documentary phase, the department is seeking detailed scientific information from GACC to assess risks across the entire poultry industry supply chain in compliance with Thai regulations and international quality and animal health standards. Multiple steps remain before any import decision, including thorough safety evaluations regarding avian flu and other harmful residues that could affect animals and consumers. Thailand's poultry industry produced approximately 3.82 million tons in 2024 and exported 1.34 million tons of chilled, frozen, and processed poultry products worth over 168 billion baht. Any import request must clear scientific review, risk assessment across the entire production chain, and consultation with farmer representatives, cooperatives, associations, and relevant government agencies. The Department of Livestock and Ministry of Agriculture assured the public that any decision will prioritize farmers' interests and national welfare.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Exporters Remain Upbeat on US Tariff Impact

Thai exporters express confidence that incoming US tariffs will not significantly harm their shipments, though business leaders are pushing the government to accelerate trade negotiations and strengthen Thailand's global competitiveness.

Thai Exporters Remain Upbeat on US Tariff Impact
27 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: The private sector is optimistic that new US tariffs will not have a major impact on Thai exports, though businesses are urging the government to expedite trade negotiations to enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Health Ministry Orders Investigation into Doctor App Fraud Claims

The Health Ministry is investigating unauthorized medical service claims in the Mor Phrom health app after users reported fake hospital visits in their records, with one complaint showing visits to a Pathum Thani facility the person never a

Health Ministry Orders Investigation into Doctor App Fraud Claims
27 Jul Khaosod

Health Minister Pattana Promptpattana announced on July 27 that his ministry is investigating complaints from citizens who discovered unauthorized medical service usage in their Mor Phrom app records. One complainant found two visits to a Pathum Thani hospital listed in their app history despite never visiting that facility or seeing a doctor there. The minister explained that the Mor Phrom app continuously receives and updates data from healthcare providers and displays it on users' phones. If users find incorrect information, they can report it to the app, which will delete the visible entry while keeping backend records for investigation purposes to determine whether the error resulted from data entry mistakes or identity fraud. Pattana stated he has already ordered an investigation and expects to assess the data within one to two days, though additional cases can be reported at any time. The ministry is also coordinating with the National Health Security Office and private hospitals to cross-reference data.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Studies Plan to Merge Duplicate Agencies

The Thai government plans to merge duplicate agencies starting September, beginning with the Government Savings Bank, while studying the dissolution of the National Office for Coordination of National Reform Strategy and Reconciliation.

Government Studies Plan to Merge Duplicate Agencies
27 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Porkron Nilpraphan announced on July 27, 2569 at Government House that the consolidation of redundant government agencies will begin this September, starting with the Government Savings Bank. The National Office for Coordination of National Reform Strategy and Reconciliation (NCRSR) has not yet been dissolved and is currently under study. Beyond the NCRSR and the Government Savings Bank, the government is targeting 3-4 additional state enterprises that have failed performance evaluations for years and have not been merged. The list of specific state enterprises will be disclosed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission. When asked about the impact on civil servants, Porkron stated the government would minimize negative effects and provide alternatives such as transfers to other agencies. The entire process is expected to take considerable time to complete.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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