Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Woman Warns of Hit-and-Run in Parking Lot

A woman's vehicle was hit and damaged by a man in a Ko Lanta parking lot on July 20; she criticized the facility's security and police response after CCTV showed he had struck multiple cars.

Woman Warns of Hit-and-Run in Parking Lot
23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, Ms. Lukkaew, the victim, shared her account with online news after parking her car in a parking lot and being struck hard by an unknown man, causing damage to her side mirror and car door. CCTV footage revealed unusual behavior: the man had run into multiple vehicles at high speed. She raised concerns about the facility's security measures and the police's slow case progress.

The incident occurred on July 20 at approximately 10:30 a.m. while Ms. Lukkaew was slowly searching for an empty spot. A large, working-age man suddenly ran and rammed the side of her car with great force, causing the vehicle to shake and damaging the mirror and door. No security guards were present at the scene. After filing a report at Thonglor Police Station, she was told the caseload was heavy and they might not prioritize it, which disappointed her.

When her boyfriend spoke with the project manager, the manager initially denied responsibility, stating: "Security doesn't monitor cars and there are no guards at every point, only at the entrance." The manager told her to read the parking card terms, noting it wasn't a valet service, and added: "If we had to catch every crazy person, we'd have to catch them all over the country."

After the post went viral online, the manager apologized and promised to help identify the perpetrator and discuss compensation. The project manager later provided the vehicle's license plate information. Ms. Lukkaew's car required a month to get parts and eight days of repairs, leaving her without transportation. Her insurance stated they cannot file a claim until the offender is caught. The incident has cost her time and work, forcing her to cancel meetings and deal with repairs.

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Police

Woman Dies After Lightning Strike While Herding Cattle

A 68-year-old woman in Buriram province died after being struck by lightning while herding cattle in a rice field on July 22, with her husband saying she ignored repeated warnings about the danger.

Woman Dies After Lightning Strike While Herding Cattle
23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2025, Sommai (surname withheld), 68, a resident of Ro Thong subdistrict, Satuek district, Buriram province, was struck by lightning while herding cattle back home on the evening of July 22 in a rice field near Sok Khlong village, Ro Thong subdistrict. Doctors at Satuek Hospital transferred her to Buriram Central Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. She died at the hospital.

This morning, rescue workers from Wang Krood brought her body home for traditional funeral rites. Many villagers expressed their grief, and residents have become increasingly cautious and fearful about venturing into the fields, as lightning strikes have occurred frequently over the past one to two years.

Sitthichai (surname withheld), 62, the deceased's husband, recounted that he heard a loud thunderclap at the time of the incident but did not pay attention until someone alerted him. He ran outside and found his wife lying face-down with burn marks on her hat and shirt, unconscious. He immediately called emergency responders to transport her to the hospital, but she died shortly after.

Regarding reports that she was watching YouTube, he denied this, explaining that his wife did not use a smartphone to watch videos—she only used one for calls. He believed the actual cause was that she had left her phone on at all times and happened to be standing in an open field when lightning struck.

Sitthichai also noted that his wife was hardworking, taking care of cattle and farm work despite his repeated warnings to stop. He had cautioned her about lightning risks, but she would respond, "When it's time to die, you die."

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Bust Bitcoin Mining Ring Stealing 22 Million Baht Monthly Power

Police dismantled an illegal bitcoin mining network stealing approximately 22 million baht in electricity monthly, with connections to Chinese criminal groups and Thai government officials including seven state employees now facing charges.

Police Bust Bitcoin Mining Ring Stealing 22 Million Baht Monthly Power
23 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has revealed a cryptocurrency mining network with connections to underground Chinese capital and Thai government officials. Speaking at Government House on July 23, 2024, Pol. Maj. Khemchat Prakaihuangmani, director of the DSI's Technology and Information Crime Division, detailed Operation Silent Volt, which raided seven locations and dismantled a network illegally using electricity for digital currency mining.

The operation expanded on leads received since 2565 following five previous arrests. Investigators conducted a three-week advance investigation before the operation, discovering that perpetrators were connected to previously arrested underground Chinese capital groups and Thai government officials. The case has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The illegal operation involved a direct connection from a high-voltage 22-kilovolt distribution system, bypassing the PEA's metering system—the largest illegal transformer use ever encountered. The two sites had been operating since April and September of the previous year but left no traces, complicating investigation and follow-up. Investigators will charge the suspects with theft and are examining whether money laundering laws apply.

The network was also linked to transnational organized crime, scamming gangs, and online gambling. Charges have already been filed against seven Thai government officials and one law enforcement officer.

Mongkol Trikitjanant, PEA governor, stated that any officials involved, regardless of rank, will face disciplinary, civil, and criminal action. Some have already been terminated.

Based on calculations involving approximately 2,000 bitcoin mining computers, the actual monthly electricity cost was about 22 million baht. However, perpetrators paid only 10,000-20,000 baht monthly, representing massive economic damage and significant state revenue loss.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Reaffirms One-China Policy, Says No Impact on Taiwan Relations

Thailand's Prime Minister reaffirmed the country's one-China policy on July 23, stating it will not affect bilateral cooperation with Taiwan or impact tourism and labor relations between the two nations.

Thailand Reaffirms One-China Policy, Says No Impact on Taiwan Relations
23 Jul Khaosod

At 11:40 a.m. on July 23, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister addressed Taiwan's Foreign Ministry statement expressing disappointment with Thailand's endorsement of a joint statement affirming that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. Anutin emphasized that Thailand has consistently upheld the one-China policy, which is nothing new, and that cooperation with Taiwan will continue as long as it does not contradict this fundamental stance. When asked whether Taiwan might perceive Thailand as biased, Anutin smiled and replied that Thailand's policy is simply one-China with no bias, and he declined to comment on social media reactions. Regarding concerns that the situation could affect Thai tourist visa policies or impact Thai workers in Taiwan, Anutin reiterated that Thailand's position is clear. He also reaffirmed that no additional clarification of Thailand's stance is necessary.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Drawn With Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong at 2026 Asian Games

Thailand's under-23 football team will face Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong in Group A at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, with a realistic chance of advancing by competing strongly against the weaker teams.

Thailand Drawn With Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong at 2026 Asian Games
23 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's under-23 football team, coached by Thawatchai Damrongong, has a realistic chance of advancing from their group at the 2026 Asian Games. On July 23, the 2026 Asian Games organizing committee in Nagoya, Japan held the draw for men's football, placing Thailand in Group A with host Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong. Though facing the strong home team, Thailand should be competitive against Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong. Group B is considered the toughest, featuring China, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and North Korea in a single group. The men's football group draw results are: Group A: Japan (host), Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong; Group B: China, United Arab Emirates, Iran, North Korea; Group C: Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Kuwait; Group D: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Sarayuth Elected Phuket Tourist Association President

Sarayuth Mallam won the election to lead the Phuket Tourist Association for 2026-2028, with the newly appointed governor committing to boost tourism development on the island.

Sarayuth Elected Phuket Tourist Association President
23 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Sarayuth Mallam has been elected as the new president of the Phuket Tourist Association for the 2026-2028 term, with recently arrived Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum pledging continued cooperation to strengthen the island’s tourism industry.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Truck Wheel Falls on Car, Damages Shop in Nonthaburi

A truck wheel fell from a vehicle and struck a parked car, damaging the vehicle and a rope shop's sign and planters in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district early on July 23.

Truck Wheel Falls on Car, Damages Shop in Nonthaburi
23 Jul Khaosod

A resident was jolted awake by a loud crash when a large truck wheel suddenly fell from nowhere, striking a parked car and causing extensive damage to potted plants and a shop sign. At 10:00 a.m. on July 23, 2025, authorities were notified of the incident at a three-unit shophouse on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Muang subdistrict, Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi province, a rope and canvas shop. The damage included a crushed car with a shattered rear window, broken lotus planters, and a destroyed shop sign. Security camera footage from 3:38 a.m. showed the large wheel rolling from the middle of the road, hitting the roadside before bouncing onto the car and then striking the planter.

Phongtharm (surname withheld), 29, the shop owner's younger brother, reported that around 3:00 a.m. he heard a loud crash while sleeping but didn't investigate. When he came down in the morning, he discovered the wheel on the lotus planter and the damaged car. After reviewing the security footage and seeing the wheel rolling from the street and causing the damage, he filed a report at Bang Yai Police Station. He is appealing to the truck owner to take responsibility for the damages and retrieve the wheel.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Ten Arrested in Phuket Gambling Den Raid

PHUKET; Ten people were arrested during a pre-dawn raid on an illegal gambling den in Kathu early yesterday morning (July 22) after officials tracked the operation to a new location, Phuket provincial officials have reported.

Ten Arrested in Phuket Gambling Den Raid
23 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET; Ten people were arrested during a pre-dawn raid on an illegal gambling den in Kathu early yesterday morning (July 22) after officials tracked the operation to a new location, Phuket provincial officials have reported.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

PM Condemns Attack, Orders Manhunt for Insurgents

Five ranger officers were killed and two civilians injured in a pipe bomb and gunfire attack at a Narathiwat checkpoint; PM Anuwit ordered a nationwide manhunt and maximum legal penalties for those responsible.

PM Condemns Attack, Orders Manhunt for Insurgents
23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2569, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek revealed that Prime Minister Anuwit Chanyaweerakul and the Interior Minister condemned the terrorist attack in Narathiwat. Assailants opened fire and threw pipe bombs at the Buketa Samee municipal checkpoint in Ra-ngae district, Narathiwat province, killing five ranger officers and injuring two civilians. The Prime Minister ordered maximum penalties under law for those responsible, condemning terrorism as an obstacle to peace negotiations.

The government will improve its rapid intelligence gathering and protective measures for officials. The PM confirmed that the government will take decisive legal action and will not allow perpetrators to escape justice. He instructed the Fourth Army Region, the Internal Security Command Region 4, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, the Interior Ministry, and relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators as quickly as possible.

The PM emphasized that this violent act is clearly a terrorist attack aimed at killing government officials and represents a serious national security threat. The government will apply strict legal measures without leniency. The Defense Minister was ordered to visit Narathiwat province to monitor the situation, inspect official performance, and coordinate security measures to prevent and address terrorism in the southern border provinces both in the short and long term, while restoring public confidence.

The PM expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and injured civilians, and instructed relevant agencies to provide maximum assistance and care. Although local cooperation in addressing the problem has been good, the past two to three months have seen escalating violence from terrorist operations aimed at creating fear and targeting state officials. The government will enforce the law strictly while ensuring public safety and building confidence in the border region.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Politician Blasts Government Welfare Card Screening Criteria

A Thai Loyalty Party MP criticized the government's welfare card screening process for cutting off 6 million genuinely poor people while protecting a bloated budget, calling the criteria flawed and urging clarity on whether affected cardhol

Politician Blasts Government Welfare Card Screening Criteria
23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2569 at 11:00 a.m. at Parliament, Dr. Voranut Detgitwitkram, Thai Loyalty Party list MP and party leader, criticized the government's welfare card screening process for causing distress to the poor. He noted that while the government uses substantial budget allocations including 400 billion baht in borrowing, it has taken an unusually harsh stance toward the poor. Although he acknowledged that some wealthy people may have mixed into the 13.2 million welfare cardholders, the government's criteria resulted in 6 million people—mostly genuinely poor—being cut off. Dr. Voranut said even Parliament cleaning staff had complained to him about losing their welfare cards, and criticized the mixed messaging about appeals and surveys. He called for the government to clarify whether the 6 million cut off will be able to use their cards in August and September. He expressed that 300 baht monthly is meaningful to the poor who depend on it for basic groceries, unlike middle-class citizens who can spend flexibly. While supportive of removing wealthy people from welfare rolls, Dr. Voranut criticized the criteria as flawed, noting that Finance Ministry technocrats working in air-conditioned offices lack experience with actual poverty. He urged clear rules that effectively exclude the wealthy without cutting off the truly poor, and said that if the 400 billion baht loan is necessary, it should help people instead.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Five Ranger Officers Killed in Narathiwat Checkpoint Attack

Five ranger officers were killed in a gunfire and bomb attack on a checkpoint in Narathiwat's Rangae District on July 23, with six villagers also injured in the assault.

Five Ranger Officers Killed in Narathiwat Checkpoint Attack
23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, gunmen launched an assault with gunfire and pipe bombs at Buko Sami checkpoint in Buket Sami municipality, Tangyong Sub-district, Rangae District, Narathiwat, killing five ranger officers from Unit 4509 on the spot and injuring six villagers. Authorities imposed strict road closures early in the day to allow forensic teams to inspect damage and collect additional evidence, prompting nearby shops selling water and rice to temporarily shut down. Investigators found severe damage to nearby homes, with roofs completely destroyed and motorcycles and household items suffering extensive harm from the explosions. Relatives of 43-year-old Sergeant Thirayuth Somakaet, one of the slain officers, invited Buddhist monks to perform a spirit-summoning ceremony at the incident site and collected his personal belongings to take home. Religious ceremonies, including a water blessing, will take place in Narathiwat before the deceased officer's body is transported back to his native village for religious rites and merit-making ceremonies.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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