Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Tourism

Yamaha Teams With Tourism Authority For Southern Thailand Ride

Yamaha Motor partnered with Thailand's Tourism Authority to promote southern border provinces through a two-day ride event in Yala and Betong, featuring over 100 Fazzio users exploring local culture and landmarks.

5h ago Khaosod

Thai Yamaha Motor has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote quality tourism and boost the southern economy through the exclusive "Yamaha Fazzio The ICONIC Ride: New Colors from the Far South" event. More than 100 Yamaha Fazzio users embarked on a two-day, one-night journey through Yala and Betong to experience the charm of Thailand's southern border provinces through nature, culture, local life, and unique attractions.

Travelers visited notable landmarks including Skywalk Aiyerweng with its panoramic sea-of-mist views, the Aiyerweng suspension bridge surrounded by lush forest, and Betong Mongkol Tunnel at the city center. They also participated in art and craft activities where they collaborated with local artists on coffee-themed creations, experiencing authentic craftsmanship reflecting the area's identity.

Beyond tourism, the event fostered friendships among Yamaha Fazzio users from across Thailand, creating a vibrant community that exchanges experiences and inspires modern lifestyles. Thai Yamaha Motor remains committed to delivering experiences that connect people, lifestyle, tourism, and local communities, continuously supporting Thai tourism while encouraging riders to discover new adventures on every journey.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Ford Celebrates 30 Years With Fuel Card Giveaway

Ford Thailand is marking its 30th anniversary with a fuel card raffle offering over 1 million baht in prizes to vehicle owners at authorized service centers through October 2025. The campaign also includes discounts on maintenance, tires, b

5h ago Khaosod

Ford Thailand is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special after-sales service campaign offering the "Ford Complete Savings, Free Fuel Card Raffle" at authorized Ford service centers nationwide from July 1 to October 31, 2025. All Ford vehicle owners can participate in a raffle to win fuel cards totaling over 1 million baht across 300 prizes: 30 cards worth 10,000 baht each, 30 cards worth 5,000 baht each, and 240 cards worth 2,500 baht each. Winners will be announced in December 2025, with each vehicle eligible for one prize maximum.

Customers who book online or use the Service Price Calculator and spend 5,000 baht or more on maintenance receive discounts up to 400 baht on engine oil packages. Special promotions include a "buy three tires, get one free" offer, battery and brake pad discounts ranging from 200 to 600 baht, and an additional 400 baht discount when purchasing all four tires. All Ford vehicles receive complimentary 30-point inspections. Financing options include 0% installments over 10 months for purchases of 5,000 baht or more through Kasikornbank and Bank of Krungsri credit cards.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Man Scores Top Marks In District Chief Exam

After failing twice over six years, Witsarut Norach finally passed Thailand's district chief exam this year with the nation's top score, earning the position he pursued while working as a local administrator in Mae Hong Son Province.

5h ago Khaosod

Witsarut Norach, nicknamed Tan and 29 years old, graduated with first-class honors from Chiang Mai University's Department of Politics and Administration, and holds a master's degree in public administration from the same institution. He currently works as a local administrator (skilled promotion officer) in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. Witsarut took the district chief officer exam three times over six years—in 2564, 2567, and 2569—before finally succeeding this year with the nation's top score. He described his initial doubts about where to start, what to study, and how to approach exam preparation. After failing twice, he nearly gave up but persevered. He now wants to share his experience with others attempting the same path, hoping to become the mentor he wished he had when starting out.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

World Bank Elevates Vietnam, Philippines to Upper-Middle Income

The World Bank upgraded Vietnam and the Philippines to upper-middle-income status based on strong economic growth, with both countries exceeding the $4,636 GNI per capita threshold in 2025. The reclassification may boost investor confidence

6h ago Khaosod

The World Bank has upgraded Vietnam and the Philippines to upper-middle-income status following years of strong economic growth, a move that could boost investor confidence in both countries. Vietnam had been classified as a lower-middle-income economy since 2009, while the Philippines had remained in that category since the late 1980s. The World Bank attributed Vietnam's upgrade to its export-led growth model and the Philippines' broad-based expansion across multiple sectors. Both countries surpassed the World Bank's upper-middle-income threshold of $4,636 in gross national income per capita in 2025, with Vietnam reaching $4,970 and the Philippines $4,850. Philippine officials said the new classification reflects the country's sustained economic resilience, while Vietnam is targeting double-digit economic growth in 2026 through business-friendly reforms and infrastructure investment. Jordan, Micronesia and Sri Lanka were also upgraded to upper-middle-income status, while Togo moved from low-income to lower-middle-income. The World Bank said the share of low-income economies has fallen significantly since 1987. The new status could reduce access to concessional development financing, although Philippine officials said stronger economic fundamentals and improved market access are expected to outweigh the impact.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Thai-Lao Couple Arrested In Heroin Courier Ring

Police arrested a Thai construction worker and his Lao wife for operating as couriers in a heroin smuggling ring connected to a Thai Airways flight attendant arrested in Australia. The couple made six deliveries to Bangkok for 8,000 baht ea

6h ago Khaosod

Police arrested a Thai man and his Lao wife operating as couriers in a drug smuggling network connected to a Thai Airways flight attendant. The case began when Australian authorities arrested 26-year-old flight attendant Ms. Mina with drugs concealed in her luggage. Investigation revealed she had been hired to transport packages from Thailand to recipients in Australia. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau expanded the investigation to uncover a heroin smuggling ring that supplied packages to Ms. Mina for international delivery, with operations centered in Thailand's Northeast.

On July 2, 2569, officers from the Narcotics Bureau, Loei Provincial Police, and Region 4 investigators raided a residence in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. They apprehended Mr. Tit, 43, and Ms. Tad, 42, a Lao national and wife of Mr. Tit. Mr. Tit, who worked in construction at a local temple in Wang Sapung District, confessed to accepting payment for six package deliveries to Bangkok—three through a courier service in Chiang Khan, two in That District, and one in Eraawan District. He received 8,000 baht per delivery from Lao employers.

Ms. Tad was later found attempting to hide in a rubber plantation in Eraawan District while driving a pickup truck. She denied involvement and claimed ignorance of the operation.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Gulf Closes $600M Offshore Loan Facility

Gulf Development closed a $600 million offshore loan facility with 33 international banks, exceeding its initial $400 million target through strong investor demand and demonstrating confidence in the company's financial strength and infrast

6h ago Khaosod

Gulf Development Public Company Limited has successfully closed its US$600 million offshore syndicated term loan facility, a significant milestone in the company's funding strategy. The facility was initially launched in May 2026 at US$400 million with 3-year and 5-year tranches, and received substantial backing from GULF's relationship banks. Strong demand from lenders enabled the company to exercise its greenshoe option and increase the facility by US$200 million to reach the final amount of US$600 million.

The facility drew participation from 33 banks across Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India, Macau, and France, with peak demand reaching approximately 4 times the initial facility size. The diverse group of international financial institutions reflects GULF's longstanding relationships with partners and suppliers across its projects.

The strong market response demonstrates lenders' confidence in GULF's robust financial position, disciplined capital management, stable cash flow generation, and proven track record in developing and operating large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. It also recognizes GULF's position as a leading infrastructure and investment group capable of capturing future growth opportunities.

Ms. Yupapin Wangviwat, Chief Financial Officer of GULF Group, stated that the successful completion represents an important milestone in GULF's funding strategy, expanding access to international markets and diversifying financing sources. The strong banking community response reflects confidence in GULF's financial strength and operational track record. GULF's achievement of an 'A' credit rating with a Stable outlook from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), equivalent to Thailand's sovereign rating, further reinforces this confidence. The transaction strengthens existing banking relationships, establishes new partnerships with international lenders, and enhances financial flexibility.

DBS Bank Ltd., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd., Natixis Singapore Branch, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch, and United Overseas Bank Limited served as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Underwriters, and Bookrunners, with Mizuho Bank also acting as Facility Agent.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Russian Woman Dies After Falling From Eighth-Floor Condo

A 31-year-old Russian woman died after falling from an eighth-floor condo in Phuket following a heated argument with her husband over money and an overstayed visa in Thailand.

6h ago Khaosod

A 31-year-old Russian woman died after falling from an eighth-floor condominium. Her husband stood in shock holding their 14-month-old son, revealing they had argued fiercely before his wife left the room. Police have gathered information indicating the dispute involved money and an overstayed visa in Thailand, and are pressing forward with the investigation.

At 1:35 p.m. on July 2, 2569, Deputy Inspector Kiattisak Saengmani, Investigation Deputy at Kathu Police Station in Phuket, received a report of a foreign woman who had fallen from a condominium and died in the Kathu subdistrict area. He reported the matter to Superintendent Chalemchai Heursutsadi and coordinated with the forensic pathologist at Vachira Hospital in Phuket. Officers from the investigation division and rescue staff from the Phuket Charity Foundation rushed to the scene.

At the location, authorities found the body of a 31-year-old Russian woman lying face-up on the ground beside the building, with severe lacerations to her right leg and face. Her 31-year-old Russian husband was standing holding their 14-month-old son in distress. He reported that they had been staying on the eighth floor and had argued fiercely with his wife before she left the room, after which he was told she had fallen from the building.

Initial investigations revealed that the victim had been arguing intensely with her husband in their room over financial matters and her overstaying her permitted time in Thailand. However, officers are continuing to investigate and verify the facts while coordinating with the Russian embassy to proceed with legal procedures.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Student Loan Fund Assures Money Not Lost During System Upgrade

The Student Loan Fund assured borrowers that salary deductions for loan repayment haven't been lost during a system upgrade, which is temporarily delaying debt balance updates in the Kor Sor Sor Connect app. All payments will be backdated t

6h ago Khaosod

The Student Loan Fund (Kor Sor Sor) has addressed concerns raised on social media regarding borrowers whose salaries were deducted for loan repayment but whose debt balances showed no reduction when checked through the Kor Sor Sor Connect application. Some worried that employer-submitted funds might not have entered the system or were lost. The fund explained that it is currently upgrading its debt payment system, temporarily causing slower-than-usual debt balance updates. The fund assured that employer-submitted funds have not been lost and borrowers will not lose any legal rights. Deputy Manager Anchali Purivitdwatana confirmed the system is undergoing payment upgrades, which may temporarily extend the time needed to reduce debt balances. All borrowers in the salary deduction program through employers will not be affected or lose any legal rights, as the system will backdate payment dates to match actual salary deduction dates. During the system update period, borrowers can verify employer payment submissions through the Kor Sor Sor Connect app by selecting Services > Backdated Payment Records, with payment information appearing within three business days of employer submission. The fund assured borrowers that deducted and submitted funds have not been lost and will process all payment updates in order while recording payment dates according to actual salary deduction dates to fully protect borrowers' legal rights. The fund apologized for the inconvenience and thanked borrowers for their cooperation during the system upgrade.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Officials Celebrate Chinese Communist Party Anniversary, Bilateral Ties

Thai Pheu Thai party officials celebrated the Chinese Communist Party's 105th anniversary and 51 years of Thailand-China diplomatic relations, pledging deeper cooperation in trade, clean energy, technology, and education to address shared c

6h ago Khaosod

Former Deputy Prime Minister Pumidharm Vejjachaiand Deputy Party Leader Chakrapong Saengmani represented the Pheu Thai Party on July 2, 2026, in congratulating the Chinese Communist Party on its 105th founding anniversary and marking 51 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People's Republic of China.

Pumidharm noted that over the past century, the Chinese Communist Party has played a crucial role in propelling China toward remarkable development across economics, science, technology, and quality of life, establishing it as a major player on the world stage. Thailand-China relations over the past 51 years have grown on foundations of mutual respect, trust, and shared benefit, expanding across diplomacy, economics, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges—reflected in the saying "Thailand and China are not distant, we are siblings."

He emphasized that the 21st century requires greater cooperation than confrontation in addressing economic challenges, climate change, food and energy security, and technological revolution. Thailand and China should jointly create new opportunities through economic cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, digital economy, clean energy, education, and cultural exchange to improve the quality of life for both nations.

Pumidharm stressed that Pheu Thai attaches great importance to strengthening party-to-party relations with the Chinese Communist Party as a crucial mechanism for mutual understanding, trust-building, and policy exchange through Track 2 diplomacy. Cooperation frameworks will focus on knowledge and experience exchange in shared future areas including clean energy, tourism, technology and innovation—particularly artificial intelligence—alongside data infrastructure, modern agriculture, education, healthcare, and human resource development to support sustainable growth.

He reaffirmed that Pheu Thai pursues a balanced, open foreign policy centered on people's interests, confident that strong relations with all countries, especially China as a long-standing friend, will be vital foundations for economic development, improved quality of life, and regional security cooperation. Pumidharm blessed the Chinese Communist Party with continued success in guiding the nation, expressing confidence that Thai-Chinese friendship will strengthen across all dimensions, enabling both nations to build a peaceful, secure, sustainable, and prosperous Asia and world.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Prepares to Boost Welfare Card Budget If Shortfall Emerges

Thailand's government is prepared to boost welfare card funding if the 420-billion-baht 2027 budget proves insufficient, with final beneficiary numbers to be approved by mid-July. Officials are also overhauling the welfare system to elimina

6h ago Khaosod

The government is monitoring the 2027 state welfare card budget allocation of 420 billion baht, which is down from the 4.7 billion baht monthly allocation in 2026. Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Laweron Saengsonit revealed that if the budget proves insufficient, the government stands ready to supplement it with central funds, following established practice. The government is also preparing to overhaul the entire welfare system to prevent duplicate benefit payments.

Saengsonit disclosed that the Public-Private-Benefit Committee for Grassroots Economy and Social Affairs will meet on July 3rd to finalize the number of applicants who passed screening for the 2026 state welfare card. The results will be presented to the Cabinet for approval on July 7 or 14, with beneficiary names announced on July 17.

While the 2027 budget represents a decrease from 2026 levels, Saengsonit noted that whether it will be sufficient depends on the final number of approved applicants from 2026. "If the allocated budget falls short, we will use central funds to cover the gap, which is the standard practice each year," he said.

Saengsonit emphasized that the government needs to understand how much support each Thai citizen receives and ensure it is adequate without duplication. He highlighted that the Finance Ministry is pushing for implementation of a Negative Income Tax system, which will leverage Big Data to ensure citizens receive appropriate welfare benefits efficiently and eliminate overlap.

Regarding the economy, Saengsonit noted that first-half performance remains solid, bolstered by various government measures. He added that third-quarter growth is expected to receive continued support from the Thailand Helping Thailand Plus program, helping sustain economic momentum.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Thailand U16 Ice Hockey Team Heads To New Zealand Tournament

Thailand's U16 ice hockey team will compete in the Pan Pacific Series in New Zealand this October, marking the youth program's first official international tournament while promoting Thai culture globally.

6h ago Khaosod

Team manager Janista Liwchelaiwong has set her sights on Thailand's U16 ice hockey team using the Pan Pacific Series as a platform to showcase Thai culture through the sport. Janista Liwchelaiwong, manager of the Amazing Thailand Ice Hockey youth development program for athletes under 16, along with coach Tewin Chatsuwanpol, announced Thailand's participation in the Pan Pacific Series 2026, to be held in Queenstown, New Zealand from October 29 to November 2, 2026. The young Thai athletes were also inspired by Jonas Siegenthaler, a Thai-Swiss professional ice hockey player who competes for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL.

The Pan Pacific ice hockey competition is a collaborative effort among four nations—New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Australia—to develop youth ice hockey together, with New Zealand serving as this year's host. This tournament marks Thailand's first official international competition for its U16 development program and represents a crucial step in preparing young athletes for elite-level competition in the future.

The U16 youth team is part of the larger Amazing Thailand Ice Hockey Team initiative, which combines youth sports with tourism promotion through a youth sports tourism concept. The program aims to use international ice hockey as a platform to promote Thailand to the global audience while creating valuable opportunities for young athletes through cultural exchange, international friendships, and world-class sporting experiences.

Janista Liwchelaiwong revealed that last year, she brought 12 young Thai athletes to compete in Australia and returned with victories, making this an excellent opportunity for the federation to support the U16 athletes as part of a continuous development program that can feed athletes into the U18, U20, and senior national teams. With the Pan Pacific Series 2026 in New Zealand coming later this year, this represents a prime opportunity to develop Thailand's U16 ice hockey athletes.

"Our goal is certainly to win," she said, "but beyond that, this is a chance for the young athletes to showcase their abilities, gain inspiration, and grow. Our Thai team also serves as ambassadors of Thai culture in the process."

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