Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Two Red-List MPs Declare Vast Wealth From Political Dynasties

Two newly sworn-in MPs from political families declared massive assets: a Pheu Thai list MP and daughter of a former health minister reported 720 million baht in wealth, while a Palang Pracharath MP and nephew of the deputy prime minister r

Two Red-List MPs Declare Vast Wealth From Political Dynasties
1h ago Khaosod

On August 19, the National Counter Corruption Commission released asset declarations filed on March 15 by newly sworn-in MPs. Nattathida Thepsutin, a Pheu Thai party list MP and eldest daughter of former Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, declared single status with total assets of 720,101,877 baht and debts of 892,437 baht. Her assets include 1.5 million baht in cash, deposits across 22 accounts worth 61.2 million baht, mutual funds and securities valued at 198.6 million baht, and 297 land plots primarily in northern and central provinces totaling 380 million baht. She owns four residential buildings worth 36.7 million baht, a Toyota Alphard purchased in March worth 2.99 million baht, concessions valued at 34.4 million baht, and luxury items worth 4.6 million baht including 15 designer handbags from Hermes, Chanel, and Kelly, along with Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, diamond rings and earrings, and bracelets. She reported annual income of 13 million baht from salary, rental income, and dividends, with annual expenses of 4.4 million baht.

Peeraphat Ratchakij, a Palang Pracharath MP representing Surat Thani District 1 and nephew of Deputy Prime Minister Pippat Ratchakij, declared combined assets with his wife Thanachporn Kulsophonpong of 62.14 million baht and liabilities of 459,636 baht. Peeraphat's assets total 60.2 million baht, comprising deposits across 14 accounts worth 6.6 million baht, investments of 37.2 million baht largely in family-controlled companies and cryptocurrency trading platforms, a 3.8 million baht loan to Surat FC company, seven land plots in Surat Thani worth 4.9 million baht, and other assets worth 7.7 million baht. His annual income of 7.7 million baht derives from KFC franchise rent, island land rental, shrimp farming, market space rental services, and dividends. His wife Thanachporn declared assets of 1.94 million baht in deposits, investments, vehicles, and other items. Both reported notable assets including a vehicle license plate worth 395,000 baht, four gold bars weighing 10 baht each worth 2.74 million baht, a diamond jewelry set valued at 800,000 baht, and nine branded watches.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Foundation Launches Career Support for Northern Thailand Communities

Po Teck Tung Foundation distributed vocational equipment worth 1.16 million baht to 60 low-income residents across Lampang, Lamphun, and Chiang Rai provinces on August 18-19, while also providing free medical services to expand employment o

Foundation Launches Career Support for Northern Thailand Communities
1h ago Khaosod

Po Teck Tung Foundation is reducing inequality and expanding opportunities to create equal livelihoods for residents of Lampang, Lamphun, and Chiang Rai, with a total value of over 1.1 million baht. The foundation is distributing occupational equipment to low-income families and providing free medical services in the region.

Between 18-19 August 2025, foundation leadership led by Chinda Bunyalap, audit committee member, along with Siriporn Krajang (social welfare manager), Naowarat Wansilp (community medical unit head), and Prathawi Kulbut (acting education and career promotion department head), distributed vocational equipment to 60 women, men, single fathers, and LGBTQ+ individuals across three provinces with limited resources but possessing skills and knowledge. The total value of equipment distributed was 1,163,800 baht.

The initiative was presided over by Ronroong Theprak, Deputy Governor of Lampang Province, along with other provincial and national officials. The foundation also deployed community medical units with volunteer doctors, medical staff, rescue teams, and volunteers to provide free eyeglasses, haircuts, and youth recreation activities in Lampang and Chiang Rai.

The Occupational Development Program for Women and Families aims to provide vocational equipment to economically disadvantaged women, men, single fathers, and LGBTQ+ individuals who lack resources despite possessing skills and knowledge. In 2025, the foundation is collaborating with 12 women and family development centers across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Sisaket, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Phitsanulok. The foundation hopes this project will help create employment, generate income, reduce social inequality, and contribute to sustainable national development.

Over its 116-year history, Po Teck Tung Foundation has expanded its programs widely, alleviating suffering and providing welfare to disadvantaged people regardless of race or religion.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Police Commission to Question MP Over Alleged Foreign Nominee Property Scheme

The Parliamentary Police Commission is preparing to question the Department of Special Investigation about a Phuket opposition MP's alleged involvement in a financial network using nominee companies to hold property worth over 100 million b

Police Commission to Question MP Over Alleged Foreign Nominee Property Scheme
1h ago Khaosod

The Parliamentary Police Commission is preparing to summon the Department of Special Investigation to examine allegations that a Phuket opposition MP is connected to a financial network involving nominee companies. Watchrajpong Kuwichitsuwan, chairman of the Police Commission and a Samut Prakan MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, revealed that the DSI is preparing to question Somchai Tetchawarawarin, known as Lawyer Kaeng and a Phuket MP from the People's Party, following discovery of his involvement in financial flows through legal entities alleged to be nominees. The companies, in which he reportedly holds shares and serves as authorized director in over 30 firms, lack genuine business operations but focus on holding land and condominium units valued at more than 100 million baht jointly with foreign nationals. The Police Commission will summon the DSI director and relevant officials to verify whether these activities occurred, whether the case should be accepted as a special case, and whether legal violations or nominee arrangements for foreigners apply. Watchrajpong stated that the People's Party should investigate the matter seriously, just as it examines political opponents, and should not allow the suspect to face consequences alone without the party taking responsibility. He urged Somchai to come forward, clarify his position, and not remain silent, as silence suggests an attempt to conceal wrongdoing. Watchrajpong emphasized that if nominee behavior for foreigners is confirmed, it would set a poor example and suggest disregard for the law. He noted that government policy, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister, aims to crack down seriously on such schemes as they pose threats to national security and sovereignty, as well as social and economic stability.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

AWC Opens Thailand's First Fairmont Hotel on Sukhumvit

Asset World Corporation opened Thailand's first Fairmont-branded hotel on Bangkok's Sukhumvit Road, featuring 416 rooms and over 2,000 square meters of event space designed to generate revenue from conferences, dining, and wellness alongsid

AWC Opens Thailand's First Fairmont Hotel on Sukhumvit
1h ago Khaosod

Asset World Corporation (AWC) is advancing its luxury hotel and service expansion strategy with the debut of Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand's first Fairmont-branded hotel, developed in partnership with Accor and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Positioned as a lifestyle destination and hub for meetings, incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in central Sukhumvit, the property caters to international tourists, business travelers, and domestic clientele.

The new hotel opening is part of AWC's broader approach to developing and managing hotel and lifestyle assets by creating a destination that integrates hotel operations, food and beverage, wellness, and event management to maximize long-term revenue potential.

The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit features 416 guest rooms and suites, which began welcoming guests from August 18, 2026, positioning itself as a new luxury hotel on Sukhumvit—one of Bangkok's key zones for tourism, commerce, and business. Beyond room revenue, AWC has structured the hotel to generate income from related businesses, with plans to open seven restaurants and gathering spaces throughout 2026, including a rooftop dining experience launching in December, driving business activity and spending beyond standard room rates.

The hotel emphasizes MICE as a revenue driver, offering over 2,000 square meters of event space across three floors accommodating international conferences, executive meetings, seminars, weddings, gala dinners, and various event formats. The Signature Grand Ballroom, featuring a 12-meter ceiling, along with breakout ballrooms and flexible meeting areas, enables the hotel to serve multiple market segments from domestic organizations to international clients.

Expanding MICE facilities diversifies the hotel's revenue base beyond room bookings to include conferences, food and beverage, banquets, and in-house activities—a key component of luxury urban hotel business models.

Beyond rooms and MICE, the hotel plans to open seven food and entertainment venues including Harper's, AELA Social Bar, CAYA Pool Club, and Wiggle Room, with additional experiences on floors 32-33 and rooftop areas launching late 2026. The property also includes a 1,000-square-meter Fairmont Spa and Fairmont Studio for yoga and fitness, plus family facilities, reflecting a lifestyle and wellness approach alongside hotel operations.

AWC's hotel development aims to create a comprehensive "destination" integrating hotel, dining, wellness, and events to build multiple revenue streams.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Weather

True Mobilizes Network Teams for Nan, Phayao Flood Response

True Corporation deployed network teams and mobile base stations across northern Thailand to maintain communications and assist flood response efforts in Nan and Phayao provinces following heavy rainfall that damaged homes and infrastructur

True Mobilizes Network Teams for Nan, Phayao Flood Response
1h ago Khaosod

True Corporation has mobilized its northern Thailand network teams to respond urgently to flooding in Nan and Phayao provinces following heavy, continuous rainfall that triggered flash flooding, particularly in Pua District of Nan Province. Water levels have risen rapidly, damaging homes and critical infrastructure. True is closely monitoring the situation and network status for both mobile and home internet services, and has established a northern command center at its Chiang Mai office to coordinate operations and deploy field teams with personnel, equipment, backup power systems, and mobile base station vehicles (COW units) from across northern Thailand to support Nan Province and maintain continuous communications for residents and emergency responders.

True is also working with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to send emergency alert messages via Cell Broadcast to residents in Pua District, warning of sudden floods, overflow, and landslides. The alerts urge people to move valuables to higher ground and relocate vulnerable groups such as elderly residents and bedridden patients to safe areas, and to seek assistance from local agencies if evacuation becomes necessary.

For network management, True has prioritized base stations in at-risk areas, especially critical cell sites serving hospitals, command centers, public assistance centers, and essential infrastructure. The company is closely monitoring power systems, transmission systems, area access, and base station status to assess risk and promptly repair any network damage. Teams have prepared mobile base stations, temporary base stations, generators, backup power systems, field equipment, and vehicles, and are ready to dispatch repair and signal-boosting teams once it is safe to access affected areas. True is coordinating closely with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, government agencies, local government organizations, rescue units, and other relevant agencies to support communications in disaster zones, evacuation shelters, and emergency response centers. The company is prioritizing the continuity of communications through both mobile networks and home internet during the crisis so residents can contact family, seek help, and receive government alerts, while also supporting coordination among rescue teams and government officials. Field teams will follow safety guidelines from government agencies and adapt to actual site conditions to ensure rapid and safe network recovery.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Launches Prime Minister's Youth Cup for Football and Volleyball

Thailand has launched the Prime Minister's Youth Cup, a groundbreaking nationwide competition combining football and volleyball across six age categories to develop young athletes from district to national levels. The project, announced by

Thailand Launches Prime Minister's Youth Cup for Football and Volleyball
1h ago Khaosod

The government is moving forward with a major initiative to create opportunities for the nation's youth in football and volleyball through the Prime Minister's Youth Cup project, marking the first time in Thai sports history that two of the country's most popular sports are combined in a single youth competition of this scale. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Thailand Sports Authority, the National Sports Development Fund, the Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, and the Volleyball Association of Thailand jointly announced the Prime Minister's Youth Cup as a significant collaboration to promote youth sports competitions throughout the country. The project aims to develop quality base-level athletes nationwide through a competition system spanning district, provincial, regional, and national levels.

The competition was officially announced on August 19 at The Grand Forvins Hotel, with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakul presiding alongside other senior officials from the sports organisations. The project covers six age categories across two sports: boys' football U14, U16, and U18; girls' football U18; boys' volleyball U15; and girls' volleyball U15.

Boys' football competitions in the U14, U16, and U18 age groups will use a four-stage system starting with district-level qualifying (Stage 1), followed by provincial selection (Stage 2), then regional competition across 12 zones (Stage 3), and concluding with a national championship (Stage 4). This system also allows provincial all-star teams to participate, giving additional talented players the chance to compete at higher levels. Girls' football U18 will be held as a regional league competition across four zones, with representatives advancing to nationals. Volleyball competitions for both boys and girls U15 follow the same four-level structure from district through to national level. All six categories will be broadcast live on BG Sports during the Stage 4 national finals, with coverage of other key matches in earlier stages as well.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Air Force Officer's Ex-Lover Arrested for Evading Debt

A 48-year-old woman was arrested in Rayong for evading a 400,000-baht court judgment in a case stemming from a dispute with an air force officer's wife.

Air Force Officer's Ex-Lover Arrested for Evading Debt
2h ago Khaosod

Police from Region 2 Provincial Police arrested Sunant, 48, on August 19 following a warrant issued by Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court on a fraud charge. The suspect had evaded a court judgment requiring her to pay 400,000 baht in compensation and fled to work as a shopkeeper in Ban Chang district, Rayong. The case originated from a widely publicized incident in which an air force officer's wife filed a complaint against the other woman. The matter proceeded to court, where both parties agreed to settle with the defendant promising to pay 400,000 baht. However, after the judgment was handed down, the defendant failed to pay and went into hiding. The court subsequently approved an arrest warrant. On the 19th, officers tracked down the suspect working at a shop in Ban Chang, Rayong, and took her into custody according to the warrant. She was processed at Ban Chang Police Station before being transferred to Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station for legal proceedings and court referral.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Football Seeks Free TV Coverage for Asian Cup Final

The Thai Football Association is seeking government help to broadcast the 2026 Asian Cup final on free TV, as TrueVisions currently holds exclusive streaming rights despite widespread fan criticism of paid-only coverage.

Thai Football Seeks Free TV Coverage for Asian Cup Final
2h ago Khaosod

Madam Pang Nualpranne Lamsam, president of the Thai Football Association, has discussed with the Sports Minister the possibility of getting government help to broadcast the 2026 Asian Cup final on free television. Thai football fans have criticized the lack of free-to-air coverage of Thailand's matches in the tournament, as broadcast rights are held by TrueVisions, which streams all matches exclusively through the TrueVisions Now app. With Thailand now advancing to the final round again, calls for free broadcast access have intensified. Sports Minister Surasak Charoenpanwanich asked Madam Pang about the feasibility of airing the final match on free TV. Madam Pang explained that TrueVisions owns the rights and has already sold monthly subscription packages at 199 baht per month to viewers, so the government would need to negotiate with TrueVisions. She has already discussed this with Ongaj Praphakamon, head of TrueVisions and Media at True Corporation, who said he would consult company executives before providing an answer. Madam Pang cited the precedent of World Cup coverage, where JAS and MONO purchased the rights but still allowed the semifinals and final to air on free TV. She understands TrueVisions' position since they sold subscription packages for this tournament, but said the company must also consider its paying customers. The Sports Minister stated that broadcasting national football matches creates inspiration and is important for the team. He urged the Football Association to develop a plan requesting support from the National Sports Development Fund to help purchase broadcast rights for future national team matches.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Cambodia Factory Closures Displace 4,000 Workers After Border Disruptions

Three Cambodian factories in Banteay Meanchey province are closing due to soaring transport costs and reduced orders caused by Thailand-Cambodia border disruptions, displacing nearly 4,000 workers. The ministry is helping displaced workers

Cambodia Factory Closures Displace 4,000 Workers After Border Disruptions
2h ago Khaosod

Three factories in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province have closed or are preparing to shut down as soaring transportation costs and falling orders linked to disruptions along the Thailand-Cambodia border put pressure on businesses, Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training said. The closures affect nearly 4,000 workers. ML Intimate Apparel (Cambodia), which employed 683 workers, and Hi-Tech, which employed 2,532 workers, have already closed, while Nidec Die-casting Cambodia, with 724 workers, is scheduled to cease operations in October.

The ministry said workers at the two closed factories have received their wages and other benefits required under Cambodian labor law. It will monitor the third closure to ensure workers receive all legally required payments.

Ministry spokesman Sun Mesa described the closures as regrettable, linking them to sharply higher transportation costs following what he called Thailand's unilateral border closure. Before the disruptions, goods from Banteay Meanchey factories could reportedly reach production facilities in Thailand within one to two hours. The ministry said transport costs have since increased by dozens of times because goods must be routed through Cambodian sea routes before entering Thailand, with some shipments even requiring air freight.

The ministry is helping affected workers find new jobs through the National Employment Agency and provincial labor authorities. Officials said factories producing similar goods are seeking workers and authorities are arranging transportation to new workplaces. Workers seeking to change careers can also access free vocational training at 32 technical and vocational training schools across Cambodia. The ministry said more than 90,000 job vacancies are currently available nationwide.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Three Northern Provinces Ordered to Prepare for Flash Floods

Thailand's deputy prime minister ordered three northern provinces to prepare for potential flash floods following forecasts of heavy August rains and thunderstorms that could trigger flooding and river overflow.

Three Northern Provinces Ordered to Prepare for Flash Floods
2h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, who also serves as Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister and chairs the northern regional flood and drought prevention committee, signed an urgent order to the three provincial governors on Tuesday following a Meteorological Department forecast warning of thunderstorms, isolated heavy rain and strong winds in August that could trigger flash floods, forest runoff and river overflow.

The committee has mandated eight immediate measures: closely monitor conditions and coordinate with upstream areas and neighbouring provinces, focusing on flood-prone communities and key transport routes; improve warning speed and accuracy through Cell Broadcast alerts and local communication channels; pre-position personnel, boats and water pumps in high-risk areas with a KA-32 helicopter on standby for evacuations; prepare temporary shelters with adequate supplies and health care; provide continuous updates on river levels and warnings for residents and tourists; establish incident command centres if flooding occurs; survey and record damage for fair relief payments; and coordinate with local Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry agencies to support response efforts around the clock.

The measures were issued under the Prime Minister's Office Order No. 275/2026, which established five regional flood and drought prevention committees to accelerate relief efforts.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Probe Fake Thai Birth Certificates for Chinese Children

Immigration police are investigating a "ghost father" scheme where Thai men were falsely named as fathers on birth certificates for Chinese children, with four people facing charges in connection with at least two families.

Police Probe Fake Thai Birth Certificates for Chinese Children
2h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — Immigration police have expanded an investigation into an alleged "ghost father" network accused of falsely registering Chinese children as Thai nationals, with four people facing legal action in connection with two families. The case centres on Thai men allegedly being named as fathers on birth certificates despite DNA evidence indicating that the children's biological fathers were Chinese nationals.

Pol Col Suriya Puangsombat, superintendent of the Immigration Bureau Division 3 Investigation Sub-Division, said the inquiry began after a 39-year-old Chinese woman, surnamed Huang, applied to extend her stay in Thailand on the grounds that she was caring for Thai-national children. Police became suspicious of the relationship between the woman and the Thai man named as the children's father on their birth certificates.

On 14 July, investigators collected DNA samples from the parents and children. Huang allegedly admitted that her two daughters were not the biological children of the 53-year-old Thai man, identified under the pseudonym Pradit, but of a 40-year-old Chinese man, surnamed Yue Long. The children's births were registered at Si Racha district office in Chon Buri province.

Checks found that Pradit was listed as the father of six children: three with his Thai wife, two with Huang, and one with another Chinese woman, surnamed Wang, 42. Police said the information gave them grounds to suspect that foreign children had been falsely registered as Thai nationals.

The people linked to the case were placed on a watchlist. On 24 July, immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport alerted investigators after Wang, her Chinese partner, surnamed Zhu, 42, and their son were preparing to fly to Australia. Police asked the family to attend questioning and provide DNA samples. Wang allegedly admitted that Zhu, not Pradit, was her son's biological father. The child's birth had been registered at Khan Na Yao district office in Bangkok.

Wang is accused of jointly making false statements to officials, causing false information to be entered in official documents, and improperly registering a birth. On 4 August, Huang and Yue Long were summoned to acknowledge similar charges, including using an official document resulting from false information. Pradit attended a second summons on 18 August and allegedly confessed to the allegations. He was released temporarily while investigators gather further evidence for prosecutors.

Police said three Chinese nationals and one Thai national are now facing legal action. Immigration Bureau Division 3 investigators said they would continue examining possible links to others involved in similar alleged misuse of Thailand's civil registration system.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full. ↑ ↓ or Space Or use the arrows at the bottom of the screen.