Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan Visits Remote Mountain School to Address Teacher and Student Challenges, Pledges to Reduce Educational Inequality

Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan visited a remote mountain school in Chiang Rai that only recently received electricity, pledging to reduce educational inequality by accelerating support systems for schools in hard-to-reach areas.

2d ago Khaosod

On May 17, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan Kankittinanth traveled over two hours to a highland area to visit and listen to concerns from teachers and students at Phalang School in Muang Chiang Rai district, a remote school that only received electricity one month ago due to difficult terrain and limited accessibility.

During this visit, Akkhanan actively taught grades 1-4 students in reading, writing, and arithmetic, finding that students demonstrated excellent development and literacy skills comparable to urban schools.

He emphasized concerns about the safety and quality of life of teachers in remote areas, who face limitations in transportation, utilities, and educational resources. "Education should not be determined by geography," Akkhanan stated. "Whether children live in mountains or cities, they deserve equal educational opportunities and quality. This is the heart of reducing inequality that we must make real."

The Deputy Minister announced that the Ministry of Education will accelerate support systems for remote schools to bring learning quality to the same national standard. He referenced a Nida Poll survey showing most Thais still trust Thailand's education system but want the government to speed up reducing unnecessary paperwork and teacher workload, as well as hidden costs burdening parents.

"This field visit represents an important step in driving our policy to reduce educational inequality, ensuring Thai education meets the same standards whether schools are near or far from cities," Akkhanan concluded.

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Police

Three arrested after 10-kilometre drug chase in Chumphon

Highway police arrested three men and seized over 20,000 methamphetamine pills and crystal meth following a 10-kilometre car chase in Chumphon on May 17. The driver confessed to transporting drugs from Central Thailand to local dealers.

2d ago The Thaiger South

Three arrested after 10-kilometre drug chase in ChumphonLegacyHighway police arrested three suspects and seized more than 20,000 methamphetamine pills and crystal meth following a 10-kilometre car chase in Chumphon today, May 17. The suspects were identified as 33 year old Teerapong, 25 year old Suwapat, and 25 year old Pongsakorn. Police seized 20,200 methamphetamine pills and 52.13 grammes of crystal meth during the operation in Hat Phan Krai subdistrict, Mueang district, Chumphon. Police said officers spotted a black Nissan sedan driving suspiciously while patrolling the area. The vehicle reportedly had unusually dark window tint and expired annual tax registration. Photo via Matichon Officers activated emergency lights and sirens and ordered the driver to stop for inspection, but the vehicle sped away. Police coordinated a pursuit and followed the car for around 10 kilometres before stopping it on Highway 4. Inside the vehicle, police found Teerapong driving, with Suwapat in the front passenger seat and Pongsakorn seated in the back. A search uncovered the methamphetamine pills and crystal meth. All three suspects were later taken to Tha Sae Hospital for urine tests, which reportedly found drugs in their systems. Photo via Matichon Teerapong allegedly confessed that he had been hired to transport the drugs from Central Thailand to local dealers in Chumphon province. Matichon reported that the sedan was a pawned vehicle Teerapong bought from an acquaintance for 20,000 baht to transport drugs. The suspects were initially charged with jointly selling Category 1 narcotics and methamphetamine use. Teerapong was also charged with driving while under the influence of Category 1 narcotics. All three were transferred to Mueang Chumphon Police Station for legal proceedings. Photo via Matichon Elsewhere, a Kamphaeng Phet police chase began after a pickup truck driver allegedly tried to evade a checkpoint, before crashing into an 18-wheeler and being arrested with five million methamphetamine pills. The story Three arrested after 10-kilometre drug chase in Chumphon as seen on Thaiger News.

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Police

Government Housing Bank Assists Victims of Train-Bus Collision with Reduced Interest Rates of 0.01% Annually

The Government Housing Bank is offering severely injured victims of a May 17 train-bus collision on the Makkasan line interest rates as low as 0.01% annually, with permanent relief for deceased or permanently disabled customers to ease fina

2d ago Khaosod

The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has implemented emergency assistance measures for customers affected by a train-bus collision on the Makkasan railway line. On May 17, Dr. Mathattana Ampornpisit, Managing Director of the GHB, announced that following the serious accident resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, the bank is providing comprehensive support to affected customers. For severely injured customers, the interest rate will be reduced to 0.01% annually for one year, after which the original rate applies. For deceased or permanently disabled customers, the interest rate will remain at 0.01% annually for the entire duration of the loan contract to reduce long-term debt burden on grieving families. Affected customers can apply for these measures at any GHB branch nationwide starting immediately. For more information, customers can contact GHB Call Center at 0-2645-9000 or follow updates on GHB social media channels.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Train Driver Charged as Investigation Continues; CCTV Shows Red Flag Warning Was Ignored by Train

Train driver charged after CCTV footage revealed he ignored a red warning flag at a railway crossing where a train struck a passenger bus, killing multiple people on May 17.

2d ago Khaosod

Police have filed charges against the train driver as the investigation into the collision between a train and a passenger bus continues. On May 17, Deputy Police Commissioner Siam Bunserm disclosed the progress of the investigation into the incident that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Following instructions from Police Commissioner Kittisart Pansetchai, who inspected the scene yesterday, Deputy Commissioner Samvuay Pheurng Thap gathered an investigation team to accelerate evidence collection, including CCTV footage, witness statements, and technical evidence to determine whose negligence caused the accident and whether all safety protocols were followed.

Deputy Commissioner Siam emphasized that the investigation focuses on whether all responsible parties—including the crossing attendant, train driver, and bus driver—followed standard procedures or failed in their duties. Although the railway crossing has experienced regular traffic congestion and vehicles blocking the tracks, no accident of this severity has occurred before.

So far, charges have been filed against the train driver. The bus driver remains hospitalized with serious injuries and cannot yet provide a statement. The crossing attendant is still under investigation to determine if all duties were properly performed. If negligence is found, additional charges will be filed.

CCTV footage shows that the crossing attendant waved a red warning flag to indicate the crossing was unsafe, but the train neither stopped nor slowed down before striking the bus and sideswiping another vehicle. Experts are still examining the train's data recorder to review speed and braking distance, as well as verifying the proper procedures for flag warning distance, required braking distance, and appropriate speed at the crossing to determine who was negligent or failed in their duties.

Deputy Commissioner Siam added that traffic police already oversee the area, but will now coordinate with the State Railway of Thailand and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to implement additional safety measures, including signal lights, traffic management, and enhanced safety protocols at the railway crossing. He urged the public to respect traffic laws, particularly avoiding parking that blocks intersections and railway crossings, noting that such regulations exist for everyone's safety. With many hazardous areas throughout Bangkok, public cooperation and awareness are essential to supplement police efforts.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Commerce Ministry Teams with Unilever to Slash Prices on 'Thais Helping Thais' Products by Over 50%

The Commerce Ministry and Unilever Thailand launched a program slashing prices on over 700 essential products by more than 50% across 70,000 retail outlets nationwide to ease the cost-of-living burden for grassroots communities.

2d ago Khaosod

The Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry has joined forces with Unilever Thailand to implement the 'Thais Helping Thais' policy through the 'Unilever Price Cut Helping Thais' program, reducing prices on essential consumer goods by over 50% across more than 700 product lines. The program covers approximately 70,000 partner retail outlets nationwide, emphasizing public-private collaboration to make affordable products accessible at neighborhood shops and community stores without requiring long commutes.

Poonpong Nainapakaranukrom, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, stated that the government prioritizes reducing the cost-of-living burden and maintaining price stability for essential goods, particularly ensuring grassroots communities have access to necessary products at reasonable prices. The initiative also creates business opportunities for small entrepreneurs, mom-and-pop stores, community shops, and regional retailers to compete and grow sustainably.

On May 14, 2025, the Department of Business Development and Unilever Thailand launched the 'Unilever Price Cut Helping Thais' program at a local shop in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province. This collaboration supports the 'Thais Helping Thais' initiative through 'star-rated shops,' offering price reductions exceeding 50% on essential consumer goods across four main categories: household products, personal care items, beauty and health products, and food items from leading brands including Breeze, Comfort, Sunsilk, Clear, Dove, Vaseline, and Knorr.

Unilever has been a long-standing partner with the Commerce Ministry, producing leading consumer goods across diverse categories. The company is committed to working with retail networks nationwide—from small retailers and wholesale shops to supermarkets and hypermarkets—ensuring widespread access to essential consumer products. Unilever continues supporting various Commerce Ministry initiatives, including smart shop development programs, essential goods price reductions, economic stimulus fairs, and emergency relief activities, demonstrating the private sector's role in implementing policies aimed at reducing living costs while maintaining domestic consumption stability amid fluctuating economic conditions.

Aseem Puri, Chairman of Unilever Thailand, noted that the success of the first phase reflects tangible cooperation in assisting consumers and small-scale retailers throughout the country. Unilever is therefore proceeding with Phase 2 of the 'Price Cut Helping Thais' campaign to further alleviate the cost-of-living burden while strengthening retail shops, which are vital to community and grassroots economies. The company continues supporting 'star-rated shops,' which represent one of the key initiatives.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Community

Viral: Grandmother Mistakes Young Man for Grandson, Drags Him by the Ear at Internet Café, Then Quickly Apologizes

A Vietnamese grandmother mistakenly grabbed and scolded a young man at an internet café, thinking he was her grandson, then quickly apologized when she realized her error—even kissing his cheek to make amends.

2d ago Khaosod

A viral moment unfolded at an internet café in Vietnam when a grandmother stormed in looking for her grandson and punished the wrong person. Suspecting her grandson had sneaked out to play games, she rushed to the café to drag him home. Upon entering, she spotted a young man at a gaming station and, without getting a clear look at his face, grabbed his ear and struck him lightly several times as if disciplining her own grandson.

The startled young man soon looked up, at which point the grandmother realized her mistake—he was not her grandson at all. Once aware of her error, she instantly switched from angry mode to affectionate, apologizing profusely while stroking his head, kissing his cheek, and gently pinching his face in an attempt to appease him, all to the laughter of other café patrons.

Later, the café owner revealed that the young man was a polite regular customer who visited on his days off. He always spoke respectfully when topping up credits or ordering drinks. Despite the sudden ear-pulling, he showed no signs of annoyance and instead laughed off the situation with composure.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Khon Kaen monk wins 12 million baht lottery jackpot

A Buddhist monk in Khon Kaen won 12 million baht in the government lottery draw on May 16 with two tickets bearing the same winning number.

2d ago Khaosod

KHON KAEN — A monk in northeastern Thailand became an online sensation after winning 12 million baht in the government lottery draw on May 16. Photos shared on social media showed Phra Khru Amnuay, a monk at Pa Nong Du Thammaram temple in Waeng Noi district, smiling while holding two winning lottery tickets bearing the number 107387, which matched the first-prize result. The two-ticket set carried a combined prize value of 12 million baht. The news quickly spread online, with many social media users congratulating the monk and posting messages of admiration and blessing. Some also jokingly expressed hope that they might be the next first-prize winner in a future draw. Initial reports said the monk had already filed a police record regarding the winning tickets at Waeng Noi Police Station.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Mother recounts desperate search after train-bus crash near Makkasan

A mother from Ubon Ratchathani traveled to Bangkok after her 25-year-old adopted daughter went missing following a train-bus collision near Makkasan that killed eight people on May 16.

2d ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — The adoptive mother of a missing woman broke down in tears while recounting the final moments before learning her daughter may have been involved in the deadly train-bus collision near Makkasan Airport Rail Link station that killed eight people.

The crash occurred on 16 May and left several others injured after a train collided with a bus near the railway crossing.

On 17 May, 59-year-old Wipada Jantham travelled from Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok in search of her 25-year-old adopted daughter, known as "Rose", who has remained unreachable since the accident.

Wipada said she became alarmed after her daughter's Apple Watch repeatedly sent notifications shortly after news of the crash emerged.

"At first I was still at home in Ubon Ratchathani, but the watch kept alerting non-stop. I tried calling her dozens of times but couldn't reach her," she said.

Eventually, a rescue worker answered the phone and informed her that her daughter had been involved in an accident.

Wipada said she later checked her daughter's final social media story and saw a photo appearing to show her sitting on a bus with a bag on her lap.

"The moment a mother hears something like this, you can't sit still. I kept searching online to see which hospitals victims were sent to before deciding to fly to Bangkok immediately," she said.

Despite fearing the worst, Wipada said she was still hoping for a miracle and believed her daughter could still be alive somewhere in hospital.

She described Rose as a talented and careful young woman who graduated with second-class honours from Kasetsart University before securing a job in Bangkok after completing an internship. Rose had dreamed of saving enough money to return home and care for her family, Wipada said.

"This tragedy is cruel. I just hope my daughter was not on that bus," she said, while calling on authorities to improve safety measures at the crossing, which locals say has seen repeated accidents.

Wipada also urged the government to ensure the fatal crash becomes the last tragedy of its kind.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Three Nakhon Ratchasima Districts Warned of Rabies Outbreak After Stray Dogs Test Positive

Nakhon Ratchasima authorities warn of a rabies outbreak after 16 animals tested positive this year, with three stray dogs recently confirmed infected in Muang, Kaeng Sanam Nang, and Phimai districts. Officials have vaccinated animals in aff

2d ago Khaosod

May 17, 2026 – The Nakhon Ratchasima Public Health Office has warned residents in the province to be vigilant about rabies after 16 animals have been confirmed infected this year. The three most recent cases involved stray dogs found in three districts: Muang, Kaeng Sanam Nang, and Phimai. In the Muang district, a rabid dog was discovered near Wat Bung in Nong Phai Lom subdistrict, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima. An investigation by the provincial health office found no high-risk human contacts but identified 11 high-risk animals. Provincial veterinary officials have vaccinated animals within a 5-kilometer radius of the outbreak site. In Kaeng Sanam Nang district, the outbreak was found in Si Suk subdistrict with two people exposed to the disease receiving their third vaccine dose. Livestock officials have conducted vaccination operations on animals within a 5-kilometer radius. In Phimai district, the case involved a stray dog in Nai Muang subdistrict, and investigations are ongoing. The Nakhon Ratchasima Public Health Office urges anyone bitten by a mammal to seek medical care within 24-48 hours.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

AI cameras help arrest human trafficking suspect in Pattaya

AI-powered surveillance cameras helped Pattaya tourist police arrest a 38-year-old Thai man wanted for human trafficking near Walking Street on May 15, marking another success for facial recognition technology in catching serious crime susp

2d ago The Thaiger Crime

AI cameras help arrest human trafficking suspect in PattayaLegacyPattaya tourist police used an AI surveillance camera system to arrest a Thai man wanted in a human trafficking case near Walking Street in Pattaya on the morning of May 15. The arrest took place at around 9.15am after the AI camera system detected and identified a person matching Criminal Court arrest warrant No. 2462/2569, dated April 29. Police moved in and arrested 38 year old Somchat Saelee, a Thai national, as he was walking near Pattaya Walking Street. Photo via Naewna Somchat was reportedly wanted on several serious charges, including jointly committing human trafficking, conspiracy to commit human trafficking, taking a minor for exploitation, coercion, illegally taking a person out of the kingdom, and entering false information into a computer system. Naewna reported that the charges are linked to a network accused of unlawfully exploiting people and minors. Photo via Naewna After the arrest, officers transferred Somchat to investigators at the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) for legal proceedings. Police added that the case displayed how AI surveillance technology is being used to support security work and track suspects in serious cases in major tourist areas such as Pattaya. Photo via Naewna Similarly, back in January, four individuals wanted for their alleged roles in online scam operations were arrested in Pattaya after AI-powered surveillance cameras alerted tourist police to their presence at a busy pier. The arrests occurred at Laem Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, where facial recognition technology flagged each suspect. All had outstanding warrants for cybercrime and fraud, and were handed over to the relevant police units. One suspect explained to police that they were smuggled into Cambodia and forced to work in a compound involved in romance scams and investment fraud, targeting Thai victims. The story AI cameras help arrest human trafficking suspect in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Mitsubishi Driver Recounts Near-Death Experience as Train Collides with Bus—A Narrow Escape

A Mitsubishi driver narrowly escaped death when a freight train struck an air-conditioned bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok, pushing the vehicle into his car; the survivor questions whether safety signals malfunctioned during the collisi

2d ago Khaosod

Like a scene from a movie, a Mitsubishi driver describes the harrowing moments of narrowly cheating death when a freight train collided with an air-conditioned bus, with survivors witnessing the chaos unfold. A freight train struck Route 206 air-conditioned bus at the Makkasan railway crossing on Asoke-Din Daeng Road, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, with survivors now sharing their accounts of the tragedy.

On May 17, 2026, Sakrin (surname withheld), 48, one of the incident survivors who was driving a gray Mitsubishi Expander with damage to the rear window and crushed rear section, revealed that he was driving from Phetchburi Road heading toward the Fortune area when he turned left from the Water Gate before crossing the railway at the Asoke intersection.

While passing through the railway crossing, he heard only the sound of the barrier signal, but the barrier did not lower, allowing his vehicle to continue normally. The traffic light on his side remained green, so he did not stop. He noticed an orange bus parked crosswise on the railway tracks, which he found unusual, so he accelerated to cross the tracks. However, just one meter after crossing, the train collided with the bus, pushing it into his vehicle and causing damage. He admits to being terrified and attempted to accelerate away but was too late. After stopping and checking his passengers for injuries, he saw the bus engulfed in flames but was unable to help.

Sakrin remarked that the incident felt like a movie scene and described it as "cheating death," as being even slightly slower could have resulted in far worse consequences. He also raised concerns about the railway crossing's operational system, suggesting possible miscommunication between train and traffic signals, and noted that buses should not remain parked on railway tracks due to the extreme danger. He questioned whether the train had slowed down despite the bus clearly blocking the tracks. His passengers later continued their journey by another vehicle as they needed to rush to a job interview. Sakrin admitted he remains shaken by the incident.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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