Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Two Gunmen on Motorcycle Kill Road Project Supervisor in Bannang Sata

Two gunmen on a motorcycle shot and killed a road project supervisor in Bannang Sata district, Yala Province, as he worked behind heavy machinery; authorities are investigating the motive and pursuing the helmeted suspects who fled toward a

Two Gunmen on Motorcycle Kill Road Project Supervisor in Bannang Sata
23 Jul Khaosod

At 11:57 a.m. on July 23, 2025, Bannang Sata Police Station received a report of a fatal shooting in the Ban Dalamap area, Khueun Bang Lang Subdistrict, Bannang Sata District, Yala Province. Officers responded alongside military and local administration personnel. The victim, identified as Narong (surname withheld), 48, was a supervisor overseeing a road-widening project. Authorities cordoned off the scene to collect evidence and launched an urgent investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

Preliminary investigation indicates two assailants wearing helmets that obscured their faces rode a single motorcycle. They shot the victim while he was working behind a backhoe, apparently using a handgun. After the shooting, they accelerated away toward Tha To District in Yala Province. Security forces are actively pursuing leads to track down the suspects.

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National

Bolt Launches Safety Program to Support Thai Drivers

Bolt launched "Bolt Sure," a safety program offering digital tools, financial incentives, and guidance to help Thai drivers obtain public transport licenses, with over 60,000 drivers licensed since 2024.

Bolt Launches Safety Program to Support Thai Drivers
23 Jul Khaosod

Bolt has launched the "Bolt Sure" program to strengthen safety standards and provide comprehensive driver support. The initiative expands assistance for obtaining public transport licenses through digital systems, financial incentives, and full-stage guidance while raising standards in Thailand's ride-hailing industry.

Bolt Thailand's General Manager Nattadon Suksiritonnanth announced that Bolt Sure enables drivers to obtain public transport licenses conveniently, quickly, and accessibly through digital tools, specialized assistance, and financial incentives, while advancing safety and service standards across Thailand's ride-hailing sector.

The Bolt Sure program builds on Bolt's commitment to supporting drivers in full legal compliance. The company has developed a dedicated driver communication channel to track license application updates, submit documents through official Bolt channels for faster verification, and receive guidance and support throughout the process.

Bolt continues promoting legal compliance through financial incentives. Drivers who obtain and upload public transport licenses to Bolt's system receive a 500-baht bonus plus special commission rate discounts—6% for motorcycle drivers and 5% for car drivers throughout July. Bolt is currently the only ride-hailing platform in Thailand offering direct financial incentives to support driver compliance with public transport license requirements.

Bolt also continues its Booster Days program through September 30, 2025, providing consultation and guidance on license application procedures and facilitating documentation and registration processes. Since launching its legal compliance support program in 2024, Bolt has invested over 30 million baht to help drivers obtain public transport licenses and register vehicles correctly.

Starting June 22, 2025, Bolt requires all new drivers to hold public transport licenses before joining the platform, aligning with the Ministry of Transport's policy to raise standards for ride-hailing service providers. Bolt has now applied this requirement to all new drivers and invites other platforms to adopt the same standards, ensuring equal support for all drivers and creating a safer, more transparent ride-hailing industry operating under uniform standards.

Results are already visible. Between January 2024 and June 2025, over 60,000 Bolt drivers obtained public transport licenses, with the company targeting 100% compliance by September 30, 2025.

"Tens of thousands of drivers across Thailand depend on Bolt to earn income and support their families," the statement said. "We believe legal compliance should not be a barrier to earning a livelihood. Bolt Sure was developed to give drivers access to tools and support to navigate the licensing process smoothly."

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Police

Ugandan Tourist Drowns in Phuket Villa Pool

A 22-year-old Ugandan tourist drowned in a luxury villa pool in Phuket's Kamala area early Thursday after getting into difficulty while swimming with an Indian visitor she had met at a local bar.

Ugandan Tourist Drowns in Phuket Villa Pool
23 Jul Khaosod

PHUKET — A 22-year-old Ugandan tourist drowned in the swimming pool of a luxury villa in Phuket's Kamala area early Thursday, police said.

Police in Kamala district received a report from emergency responders at about 05:15 on July 23 that a foreign tourist had drowned in a private villa pool in Kathu district.

The victim, identified as Claire Nabimanya, 22, was found face down at the bottom of the swimming pool.

According to police, an Indian tourist who reported the incident told investigators he had arrived in Thailand on his first day of vacation and met the victim at an entertainment venue on Bangla Road. The pair drank alcohol together before returning to the villa.

The man said they entered the swimming pool at around 04:00. He told police that the woman was not a strong swimmer, while the pool was about two metres deep with a sloping floor. She appeared to get into difficulty and drowned.

He said he attempted to rescue her but was unsuccessful. He then got out of the pool and tried calling the police emergency number 191 but could not get through, before contacting the 1669 medical emergency hotline. Rescue workers received the call at around 04:30.

Police inspected the scene and confirmed the pool was about two metres deep. They also found no lifesaving equipment near the pool.

Investigators reported no signs of a struggle or forced entry, and the villa room remained undisturbed. Officers also tested the emergency number 191 using the witness's phone and confirmed they were unable to connect.

The Indian tourist was taken in for further questioning and underwent a drug test as part of standard procedure.

The victim's body was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy. Police are coordinating with the Ugandan Embassy to notify her family and arrange the repatriation of her remains.

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National

Thailand Names Pradorn to Lead Anti-Corruption Committee

Pradorn Prissananantakul will head Thailand's new anti-corruption subcommittee focused on combating bribery and procurement fraud in the public sector, Deputy PM Pakorn announced at the NACC's first 2569 meeting.

Thailand Names Pradorn to Lead Anti-Corruption Committee
23 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's anti-corruption coordination committee (NACC) held its first meeting of 2569 on July 23 at Government House, where Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilthamphant announced the establishment of a new subcommittee on corruption and bribery in the public sector. Pradorn Prissananantakul, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, will chair the panel, with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry serving as co-members. The committee approved a "One Department, One Transparent, Zero Gray" transparency project for submission to the cabinet and discussed comprehensive anti-corruption measures, including new legislation targeting those involved in procurement fraud—whether as perpetrators, users, or supporters. The panel also emphasized upgrading public sector service standards through technology, with the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission spearheading efforts. Pakorn reiterated the government's commitment to resolving corruption comprehensively and confirmed work on a new Facilitation Act, initially targeting the hotel and café sectors. Chamber of Commerce President Poj Aramwattananont praised the government's serious commitment and the committee's clear policy direction, particularly the transparency initiative. He noted the need for clearer public communication about the Facilitation Act and urged faster implementation through regulatory adjustments at the departmental level.

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Police

Durian Farmer Dies After Mower Flips Into Canal

A 76-year-old durian farmer in Chanthaburi died when his grass-cutting mower flipped into a water canal while he worked at night, trapping him underwater for an estimated 6 to 10 hours.

Durian Farmer Dies After Mower Flips Into Canal
23 Jul Khaosod

A 76-year-old durian orchard owner from Khlung District, Chanthaburi, died after his small grass-cutting machine lost traction and flipped into a water canal while working at night. Officers from Makham Police Station, led by Deputy Superintendent Winit Simali, and rescue volunteers arrived at the 6-hectare orchard in Patawi Subdistrict, Makham District, at 9 a.m. on July 23, 2025.

At the accident site about 50 meters into the orchard, investigators found evidence of mowing along a curved and sloped water canal. The small mower was found overturned in the canal with the victim's body submerged, while his wife and son were grieving nearby. When the wife saw her husband's body pulled from the canal, she collapsed, and rescue volunteers had to administer emergency first aid.

The victim, identified as 76-year-old Virot (surname withheld), was still holding his phone tightly in his left hand and wearing a headlamp on his head. It is estimated he had been dead for 6 to 10 hours. A 37-year-old Cambodian laborer, Nuem, who discovered the body, reported that Virot was a hardworking orchard owner who often worked from dusk until late at night, always wearing a headlamp while inspecting and mowing the property himself. He had been working in the orchard for the past two nights before this incident.

Police initially believe that while Virot was operating the mower at night, although he wore a headlamp, the light may not have been sufficient. The canal area was thick with overgrown grass, curved, sloped, and slippery. The mower lost traction, flipped over, and fell into the canal, pinning the victim underneath. Though the victim initially tried to grab his phone to call for help, he was trapped under the machine and submerged in water, unable to save himself. The body has been sent to Makham Hospital for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before being returned to the family for religious funeral rites.

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National

BKS Ramps Up Bus Service for Long Weekend Holiday

BKS is increasing bus service during Thailand's late July 2025 long weekend to boost domestic spending, deploying 6,200 daily trips to handle an expected 100,000 passengers across the King's Birthday and Buddhist holiday period.

BKS Ramps Up Bus Service for Long Weekend Holiday
23 Jul Khaosod

Attawit Lak Jamroon, chief executive of BKS (Bus Transport Company Limited), announced that BKS is inviting the public to travel by public bus during the long weekend holiday in late July 2025 to support domestic economic stimulus through spending on transportation, accommodation, restaurants, and local goods. This helps generate income and distribute money to local entrepreneurs nationwide, in line with government and Transport Ministry policy.

The company is prepared to serve travelers during the continuous holiday period including the King's Birthday (July 28), Asahna Bucha Day, and Buddhist Lent Day between July 25–30, 2025. The operator expects an average of 100,000 passengers daily traveling both directions and has deployed an average of 6,200 bus trips per day—using both company-operated and contract buses—to meet passenger demand and prevent anyone from being left behind.

Safety is a priority. The company has instructed staff and contract operators to conduct strict vehicle inspection protocols, ensuring all buses and safety equipment are checked before service. Drivers must get adequate rest, undergo drug and alcohol testing (zero tolerance), maintain speed limits, and follow traffic laws. On long-distance routes exceeding four hours, two drivers are assigned per bus.

BKS has also deployed staff at all terminals nationwide to facilitate services and ensure passenger safety, while coordinating with relevant agencies for smooth traffic management. The public is urged to plan travel in advance and book tickets ahead of time. Passengers are asked to wear seatbelts throughout their journey for safety and to build confidence in public transportation.

For travel information and ticket reservations, contact the website https://tcl99web.transport.co.th, the BKS E-Ticket app, Facebook (BKS), Line (@BKS99), ticket counters nationwide, or call 02-936-2841–48.

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Community

Social Media Stars Enjoy Italian Gelato, Draw Mixed Reactions

Social media personality Maddham visited Kritsana's gelato shop in a viral video that sparked mixed online reactions over the pair's shared eating practice, though the shop owner defended his Ultra Smooth Gelato quality.

Social Media Stars Enjoy Italian Gelato, Draw Mixed Reactions
23 Jul Khaosod

Social media personality Maddham recently visited Kritsana's gelato shop in a video posted with the caption "delicious stuff." In the clip, Kritsana licks the ice cream and feeds a spoonful to Maddham, who reacts with an exaggerated squeal and facial expression before eventually enjoying the gelato and saying "that's enough...eek." Kritsana then licks the cup again and places it near Maddham's mouth, prompting various online comments, with some joking that the pair must be in love. The video has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics commenting on the shared eating practice. Kritsana, the gelato shop owner, has defended the quality of his Ultra Smooth Gelato and hinted at launching a new menu soon.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Cuts Diesel Prices at Refineries by 2.40 Baht

Thailand cut diesel prices by 2.40 baht per liter at refineries through mid-August, using surplus refining profits to ease consumer costs and reduce pressure on the state oil fund.

Thailand Cuts Diesel Prices at Refineries by 2.40 Baht
23 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's National Energy Policy Committee has approved a 2.40 baht per liter reduction in diesel prices at refineries from July 24 to August 15, 2025, drawing on surplus refining profits to relieve living cost pressures on consumers and reduce strain on the oil fund. Energy Minister Eknath Phromphanthum announced that the decision covers high-speed diesel in all grades—B0, B7, and B20—and aims to ensure fair cost transfer to consumers while maintaining the country's energy stability. The committee assessed global oil prices and refining costs during early July 2025 and found continued refining surpluses despite ongoing market volatility. Using criteria established by the fuel price committee, officials calculated the surplus from refining between July 1–15 at approximately 3,892 million baht based on assumed daily fuel consumption of 91.03 million liters, which will now be applied as a price reduction at refineries for high-speed diesel.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

DITP Expands Thai SELECT Network to Boost Culinary Exports

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, is advancing its global mission to elevate the Thai culinary industry through its comprehensive network developm...

23 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, is advancing its global mission to elevate the Thai culinary industry through its comprehensive network developm...

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Government Promotes Bun Bang Fai Festival as Cultural Asset

The Thai Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting traditional Thai festivals and culture as a sustainable economic and tourism driver, leveraging the nation's unique cultural Soft Power. ...

23 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

The Thai Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting traditional Thai festivals and culture as a sustainable economic and tourism driver, leveraging the nation's unique cultural Soft Power. ...

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Local Bangkok Politician Seeks Thai Sports Authority Director Post

Bangkok politician Dr. Suwitaya Lertthanakulwattana has applied to lead Thailand's Sports Authority, becoming the second candidate for the position as the current director's term expires in September 2026.

Local Bangkok Politician Seeks Thai Sports Authority Director Post
23 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Suwitaya Lertthanakulwattana, known as "Seeyaithai Kwaniam Bangrak," a local politician and community worker in Bangkok's Bang Rak district, has submitted her candidacy to lead the Sports Authority of Thailand as the second applicant, following Dr. Siriches Pooltipaiyannont, chairman of the MMA Association.

Current director Dr. Kongsakdi Yodmani's term expires in September 2026. Ms. Natthareya Thaveevong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will chair the selection committee to oversee qualifications, accept applications, conduct interviews, written exams, and English language tests. The successful candidate will be presented to the Sports Authority board and then to the Cabinet for final approval.

Dr. Suwitaya has held significant positions as adviser to parliamentary commissions and secretary working closely with prominent politician Samak Sundaravej. She has long been involved in community assistance in Bang Rak and is recognized locally as a coordinator helping residents in the district. She previously ran as a Bangkok City Council candidate from Bang Rak on the Democratic Party ticket.

Dr. Suwitaya holds a doctoral degree in philosophy in social, business, and political leadership from Rangsit University. She currently serves as an executive overseeing the Swarovski jewelry group in Thailand and leads a cosmetics business division known under the brand name "Witaya Kwaniam."

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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