Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Regional

Phuket Crackdown Targets Unlicensed Hotels Over Foreign Ownership

Thai authorities raided hotels across Phuket's three districts, uncovering unlicensed operations suspected of foreign ownership disguised through nominee structures. The crackdown reflects the government's enforcement of laws restricting fo

Phuket Crackdown Targets Unlicensed Hotels Over Foreign Ownership
23 Jul The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket— Deputy Interior Minister Polpree Suwanchawee has intensified efforts to dismantle nominee business structures in Thailand, leading a high-profile inspection of hotels in Phuket suspected of foreign-controlled ownership. The campaign underscores the government’s stance that “Thailand’s land must belong to Thai people.” During the inspection of hotels across three districts in Phuket, authorities discovered three […] Unlicensed Hotels in Phuket Targeted as Thai Government Expands Nominee Investigations -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Weather

Heavy Rain Expected Across Northern Thailand and Andaman Coast

Heavy rain and thunderstorms will sweep across northern Thailand and the Andaman coast through July 24 due to a low-pressure system, with the upper Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand seeing moderate seas and waves reaching 2 meters during sto

Heavy Rain Expected Across Northern Thailand and Andaman Coast
23 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issues a 24-hour weather forecast for July 24, 2025, warning of heavy rainfall in northern Thailand and the western Andaman coast caused by a low-pressure trough over northern Vietnam and moderate southwest monsoon winds affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public is urged to remain alert for dangers from heavy rain and water accumulation. Sea conditions in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will be moderate with waves 1-2 meters high, rising above 2 meters during thunderstorms; fishermen are advised to navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Tropical Storm Noel, currently northeast of the Philippines, is expected to move across the northern Philippines toward the upper South China Sea today and make landfall in Guangdong, China on July 25-26, 2025, with no impact on Thailand. Regional weather forecasts include: Northern region with 60% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Maehongson, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, and Phetchabun; Northeastern region with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nongkhai, Buengkan, Udonthani, Sakonnakhon, Nakhonphanom, Mukdahan, Amnatcharoen, and Ubon Ratchathani; Central region with 60% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Lopburi and Saraburi; Eastern region with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nakhonnayok, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat with 1-2 meter waves rising above 2 meters during thunderstorms; Eastern Southern region with 40% thunderstorms primarily in Chumphon, Suratthani, Nakhonsithammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat with 1-meter waves offshore; and Western Southern region with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Ranong, Phangnga, and Phuket with 1-2 meter waves.

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Police

Ranger Hero Wimol Returns Home to Surin for Funeral Rites

Volunteer ranger Assadthorn Wimol Dapthong, 43, was killed in a militant attack at a Narathiwat checkpoint on July 22 and returned to his native Surin province for royal funeral rites, leaving his elderly parents without their primary finan

Ranger Hero Wimol Returns Home to Surin for Funeral Rites
23 Jul Khaosod

The body of Assadthorn Wimol Dapthong, a 43-year-old ranger volunteer with the 45th Special Operations Regiment, was returned to his birthplace in Sangkha district, Surin province, on July 23 after being killed in a militant vehicle attack on July 22 at Buke Samee checkpoint in Narathiwat. Military honor guards and local officials, including Sangkha subdistict head Bunliang Riamthong, presided over the solemn reception attended by government leaders and large crowds of family and community members.

On July 24, the King graciously granted special royal ablution and floral wreaths, with the royal cremation ceremony scheduled for Monday, July 27. The royal family also extended condolences through the Surin provincial governor, who will present additional wreaths. The deceased, born August 6, 1981, had served as a volunteer ranger in Thailand's southern border region for over 20 years after completing two years of mandatory military service, driven by a childhood dream of becoming a soldier.

Wimol's aging parents, 73-year-old Mann and 70-year-old Taw, remain devastated by his death. His family revealed that he was their financial pillar, sending home 7,000–8,000 baht monthly to support them and finance his nephews' education, later reducing to 4,000–5,000 baht monthly after taking on truck payments. His passing has created severe hardship for the family, who have called on authorities to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly. The Army has pledged to posthumously promote the deceased and provide full ongoing support to his family.

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Police

Police Arrest Gold Necklace Snatcher Within Six Hours

Satun police arrested a motorcycle-riding gold necklace snatcher within six hours of the July 24 theft from a 64-year-old woman in Chachoengsao Province. The 32-year-old suspect confessed to targeting victims wearing jewelry and planned to

Police Arrest Gold Necklace Snatcher Within Six Hours
23 Jul Khaosod

Satun police arrested a man known as "Go from Ban Chang" within just six hours of a gold necklace snatching incident. On July 24, 2569, a suspect grabbed a 3-baht gold necklace from 64-year-old Nang Wongduan as she rode her motorcycle after attending a funeral at Chong Saem Temple near a convenience store on the road leading to Tambon Chong Saem in Satun District, Chachoengsao Province.

Lieutenant Colonel Komsorn Khantung, chief of Satun Police, ordered his officers to review closed-circuit footage and identify the suspect and the white Honda Ciao motorcycle used in the crime. By 22:30 on July 23, just six hours after the incident, officers tracked down and arrested 32-year-old Saipha, known as "Go from Ban Chang," along with the motorcycle. The suspect had removed the license plate to conceal the vehicle and fled to Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, which borders Satun District.

During questioning, the suspect confessed to seeing the victim wearing a large gold necklace, turning his motorcycle around, and snatching it before fleeing to Ban Chang. After his image and motorcycle were released to the media, he attempted to hide but was ultimately apprehended by investigators. He admitted to planning to sell the necklace to pay a motorcycle installment and buy methamphetamine. Officers later located the clothing he wore during the crime, which he had discarded in a rubber plantation forest, and recovered the gold necklace from his girlfriend's house. The suspect was handed over to Satun Police investigators for legal proceedings.

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Tourism

Anchan Villas Launches Luxury Development in Phuket

Anchan Villas has launched Anchan Emerald, a 1.4-billion-baht luxury residential project in Phuket's exclusive Pru Champa area, marking the developer's 15th major property venture.

Anchan Villas Launches Luxury Development in Phuket
23 Jul The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – A new icon of refined tropical luxury, Anchan Emerald is the 15th prestigious development by Anchan Villas, representing an investment value of over THB 1.4 billion across more than 40,000 square meters in the sought-after Pru Champa residential enclave—one of Phuket’s most desirable addresses. Crafted from over 19 years of excellence in luxury […] Introducing the Gem of Phuket – Anchan Emerald -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Man Shoots Rival Dead Over Old Grudge in Phatthalung

A 42-year-old man fatally shot his longtime rival on a Phatthalung road on July 23, citing revenge for an earlier stabbing incident that left him hospitalized.

Man Shoots Rival Dead Over Old Grudge in Phatthalung
23 Jul Khaosod

A 42-year-old man shot and killed a former rival on a road in Phatthalung province on July 23, 2025, over a long-standing dispute. Police Deputy Superintendent Thaveewat Mingtong of Koh Nangkham Station received reports of a shooting on the Koh Mak–Pak Phayon road in Pak Phayon district at 6:00 PM. Officers found the body of Somma-ae, 46, lying near a white Honda motorcycle, with a gunshot wound to the neck from a 12-gauge shotgun—a single shot that created nine distinct wounds. A long blade was also recovered from the scene.

Investigation revealed that the victim, Somma-ae, was leaving a rubber plantation on his motorcycle when he encountered Suriya (also called Ae), 42, who was following him in a vehicle. The victim challenged Ae, "What do you want from me now?" and reached for a knife at his waist. Ae then drew a shotgun and fired once, killing him instantly.

Ae surrendered to police at Koh Nangkham Station, explaining that he had harbored anger and resentment for a long time. Earlier in the year, Somma-ae had stabbed him during a quarrel, leaving him hospitalized for several days. Although local elders had helped mediate a reconciliation, the victim continued to provoke him, keeping the grudge alive. When the opportunity arose, Ae acted on his revenge.

Police detained Ae for questioning and recovered the shotgun used in the shooting. He faces charges of intentional murder and illegal possession of a firearm in public.

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Regional

Phuket Identifies Five More Unlicensed Hotels

Phuket authorities have identified five additional unlicensed hotels as part of an intensified provincial crackdown on illegal accommodation operations led by Deputy Interior Minister Teerarat Polapee.

Phuket Identifies Five More Unlicensed Hotels
23 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Officials have identified five more hotels allegedly operating without licences as the province’s ongoing crackdown on illegal accommodation businesses entered another phase with the return of Deputy Interior Minister Teerarat Polapee’s enforcement campaign.

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Local

Vendor Complaint: Motorcycle Parking Encroaches on Road with Iron Fence

A juice vendor near Saraburi Hospital is forced to set up her stall dangerously far into traffic after a motorcycle parking operator installed a permanent iron fence blocking her original spot, despite municipal officials initially designat

Vendor Complaint: Motorcycle Parking Encroaches on Road with Iron Fence
23 Jul Khaosod

A vendor is raising objections after a motorcycle parking area operator installed a permanent iron fence on the roadside, forcing her to shift her drink stall more than a meter onto the street. When she inquired with municipal officials, she was told it was the parking operator's right. The dispute centers on the fence blocking access to her usual spot in front of Saraburi Hospital, and she claims she is also being charged 10 baht daily.

Footage shows an argument between municipal staff and the juice vendor over her stall encroaching past the designated boundary. The vendor explained that she had to move further out because the parking operator built a parking structure with an iron fence that blocked her access to the original spot. When she questioned the municipal officials, they said it was the parking operator's right to do so, sparking the conflict. The vendor also mentioned being charged 10 baht per day.

On July 23, a reporter visited the site in front of Saraburi Hospital, where traffic is heavy during morning and evening hours, causing significant congestion. Workers were installing an iron fence in the area where the vendor normally sets up shop, with steel supports preventing the fence from being folded to allow her stall. The parking facility features permanent construction with dense steel framework, metal sheet roofing, and compressed board insulation. The structure extends approximately 1 meter onto the road and projects an additional foot, spanning 20 meters in length and 2 meters in height.

The municipal government had previously designated this area as a casual vending zone for evening street vendors, with a marked line indicating where vendors could set up. However, with the parking operator's structures now encroaching onto the road, vendors must now set up even further into the street, worsening traffic congestion.

The motorcycle parking operator's manager stated that the parking area was originally a tent with steel poles, but officials noted the poles were encroaching onto the road. The operator then collected funds to build a permanent steel structure with a solid roof, spending approximately 40,000 baht. He claimed to have obtained permission from the hospital and municipal authorities before construction. Regarding the iron fence, he declined to say who authorized it but acknowledged the roof extends slightly beyond the boundary. He denied knowing about the 10 baht daily charge from vendors.

According to the person who posted the video, the incident occurred on July 21. Previously, the iron fence could be folded in, but two months ago, when the parking operator saw the vendor folding it to set up without encroaching, a physical altercation broke out. The operator then had steel supports installed to prevent the fence from being folded, forcing the vendor further onto the street. The parking operator now reports vendors to municipal officials for blocking the road, shifting blame despite having created the obstruction.

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Regional

Phuket Governor Meets Kenyan Ambassador to Boost Ties

Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum met with Kenya's ambassador to explore expanded cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and sports, with plans to establish a sister-city relationship between the two regions.

Phuket Governor Meets Kenyan Ambassador to Boost Ties
23 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum welcomed Kenya’s ambassador to Thailand yesterday (July 23) to discuss expanding cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and sports, including a proposal to establish a sister-city relationship between Phuket and a Kenyan city.

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Regional

Songkhla Governor Mobilizes Aid for Homeless Elderly Woman

Songkhla's governor has ordered assistance for a 68-year-old homeless woman whose welfare benefits were cut despite owning two decades-old motorcycles, after flooding destroyed her Hat Yai home.

Songkhla Governor Mobilizes Aid for Homeless Elderly Woman
23 Jul Khaosod

Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo has ordered relevant agencies to assist a 68-year-old homeless woman living in a makeshift shelter after her welfare card was revoked. She lost her welfare benefits because she owns two motorcycles, though inspection revealed both vehicles are over 15 years old. With an ailing bedridden husband and no children to care for them, she survives by collecting garbage and selling scrap materials, supplemented by a 600-baht monthly elderly assistance stipend. Flooding at the end of 2024 left her without a home, forcing her to live in a shelter with her husband. The governor has tasked Hat Yai District Officer Ekachai Kaewratana to coordinate agencies in reviewing her welfare card eligibility, improving her living conditions, and providing health checks. Hat Yai Municipal Council member Suphavitch Monichote expressed satisfaction with the government's swift response, noting that permanent housing should be arranged for her. He acknowledged that driving at her age poses safety risks and thanked all agencies involved in assisting her, demonstrating that the state does not abandon its people.

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National

60-Year-Old Caregiver Fights to Restore Welfare Card Amid Land Confusion

A 60-year-old caregiver in Chachoengsao has had her state welfare card revoked repeatedly since 2016 because land records in Nakhon Si Thammarat are registered under her name, though she insists she never owned the property and cannot affor

60-Year-Old Caregiver Fights to Restore Welfare Card Amid Land Confusion
23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2025, Ms. Sakorn, 60, filed a complaint from her rented room on Phraya Srisunthon Road 3 in Chachoengsao province. She lives with her 40-year-old son, who has been paralyzed from the waist down following a car accident 20 years ago and remains bedridden with severe pressure sores. She has raised him alone since her husband's death over a decade ago.

Her state welfare card has been revoked three times since 2016, a period of over nine years, because the verification system shows her name linked to approximately 3 rai of land in Nakhon Si Thammarat's city district. Although the name, surname, and ID number match hers, she insists she has never owned property there and has no relatives in the province. She is originally from Lampang, and her late husband was from Nakhon Sawan, before they moved to work in Chachoengsao.

"When denied in 2016, I tried to appeal and check with the Land Department, but officials said I had to travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat myself or grant power of attorney. I cannot travel because I must care for my paralyzed son and treat his bed sores daily. I have no money for travel expenses, so the matter dragged on. When I reapplied through Krung Thai Bank, officials found land and property records under my name. I appealed again, insisting I own nothing," she explained.

Although the monthly assistance is only 300 baht, she says it is vital for her family's survival. Her household faces substantial expenses including rent, water, electricity, food, absorbent pads for her son, and wound care supplies. She affirmed that if the land were truly hers, she would sell it to fund her son's care and support. However, she is confident she never owned it and would never want property that is not rightfully hers. She is calling on relevant agencies to urgently investigate, correct the erroneous data, and restore her welfare card, as she has lost nine years of potential state assistance despite being a Thai citizen who meets the criteria. "I do not want the 3 rai of land in Nakhon Si Thammarat. I only want the state welfare card that every Thai citizen deserves," she stressed.

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