Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Chaiyachon Integrates Disaster Response Cooperation, Moves Forward with ONE ID Initiative for Cabinet Approval

Thailand's Digital Economy Minister announced disaster response protocols and a comprehensive ONE ID system for cabinet approval, while telecoms unveiled a public safety mobile network covering 75 provinces to strengthen emergency communica

12h ago Khaosod

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachon Chidchob announced after the ministry's fourth top executives meeting of 2025 that discussions focused on tracking progress of government policies, including energy efficiency measures and various technology initiatives. Projects under review include an AI Passport to expand Thai citizens' access to artificial intelligence technology, a public welfare data platform, and development of a comprehensive ONE ID system using digital identification data.

Responding to recent earthquakes and heavy rainfall affecting multiple regions, Chaiyachon directed relevant agencies to prepare disaster mitigation protocols. The Meteorological Department will enhance weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities in coordination with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to deliver timely public warnings. The National Statistics Office will establish standardized disaster data collection procedures to facilitate information sharing and develop a national public disaster database covering alerts, evacuation records, affected persons, damages, shelter information, and post-disaster recovery data, with proposals to be submitted to the cabinet.

Telecommunications Authority of Thailand (NT) presented a Public Safety Mobile Network (PSMN) project utilizing 850 MHz and 700 MHz frequencies to establish emergency communication channels for disaster alerts and relief operations. The project will deploy 350 base stations across 253 districts in 75 provinces, prioritizing high-risk disaster zones and economic areas including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Phuket, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong), based on eight years of historical disaster data.

The network will operate with roaming capabilities for maximum coverage and stability, with all base stations equipped with backup power generators and satellite backup systems covering 10 percent capacity for continuous communication even if primary networks fail. Accompanying applications will support mission-critical push-to-talk communications, video surveillance for emergency personnel, and public assistance request reporting with location coordinates.

The government is implementing comprehensive disaster management policies through integrated data sharing and inter-agency cooperation, emphasizing timely public alerts, immediate response, and rapid recovery operations to establish standardized disaster prevention and mitigation procedures.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Thawee, Rohm, and Neneh Lead Justice Committee Inspection of Bangkok Prison to Improve Inmates' Quality of Life Before Release

A parliamentary justice committee led by former Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong inspected Bangkok Special Prison to assess conditions and discuss improving rehabilitation programs and legal aid access for inmates serving long sentences.

12h ago Khaosod

Led by former Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, the parliamentary Justice, Law, and Human Rights Committee, including committee chairman Rangsiman Rohm, conducted an inspection of Bangkok Special Prison in the Lad Yao district on May 22, 2569 (2026). The committee visited various sections including the reception ward for elderly and vulnerable inmates, vocational training facilities, the prison kitchen, and the medical clinic to assess the quality of life and conditions for imprisoned individuals serving long sentences.

During the inspection, the committee discussed with prison director Kiattikorn Patmothat and relevant officials about policy frameworks for improving healthcare access, rehabilitation programs, and preparation for inmates' reintegration into society. Committee chairman Rangsiman noted concerns about inmates' access to current information about the outside world, particularly those serving lengthy sentences, and emphasized the need to improve legal aid fund accessibility to help inmates secure temporary release to defend their cases in court.

Rangsiman highlighted that many inmates face obstacles in gathering documents for their legal defense while imprisoned and called for improved systems to support their cases, as proper legal representation during trial is crucial for proving innocence. The committee plans to further study these issues raised by inmates to develop more effective solutions for the justice system.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Sirawit Falls to South Korea, Misses Medal at Asian Taekwondo Championships

Thailand's taekwondo team failed to medal at the Asian Championships in Mongolia, with SEA Games champion Sirawit losing to South Korea's Yang Hee Chan in the semi-finals despite previous victories over the same opponent.

12h ago Khaosod

The 2026 Asian Taekwondo Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from May 21-24, served as a qualifying event for the Asian Games. On day two, Thailand's taekwondo team competed with four athletes. In the 58kg division, Fa Ees Sirawit Muhammadiad, the previous SEA Games champion, defeated Brunei's Muhammad Iman Safwan in the first round with a dominant 12-0 performance in both rounds. He then advanced to face a Chinese competitor in the Round of 16, winning 11-1 and 13-9. In the semi-finals, Fa Ees faced Yang Hee Chan, a former world youth champion from South Korea, whom he had previously defeated at a Grand Prix event in Thailand last year. However, this time Fa Ees lost decisively 0-2, 0-9 and 6-14, narrowly missing out on a medal.

In the 49kg division, Shutikarn Jongkolratanvattana, a previous SEA Games champion who moved down from 53kg, defeated Singapore's Nichelle Tan in the first round and advanced to face Yun Yu Liu, the world champion from Taiwan. After a close first round that ended 5-5 on kicks before Shutikarn's head strike gave her the edge, the semi-final proved more challenging. Liu pressured aggressively in the second round with a head strike to take it 3-1. The third round remained tied 3-3, but Liu's stronger chest protector scoring secured the victory. Shutikarn was eliminated in the Round of 16.

Two other Thai athletes also fell short: Krit Yachon Prom Patchai lost to South Korea's competitor 11-12 and 9-15 in the 74kg Round of 16, and Lukkaow Kanjanaksa Chunchoolim lost to China's Chao Su Nan 1-2 in the 73kg Round of 16.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Senate Commerce Committee Partners with Consumer Council to Address Gaps in Laws Against Online Fraud as Scam Cases Surge

Thailand's Senate Commerce Committee and Consumer Council are partnering to address surging online fraud, with data showing over 121,921 scam cases in four months causing 7.48 billion baht in damages. A public forum scheduled for June 19 wi

12h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2569, the Subcommittee on Commerce and Digital Economy under the Senate Commerce and Industry Committee, led by Senator Ekchai Rueangrat, held discussions with the Consumer Council headed by Saree Ongsom Huang, Secretary-General of the Consumer Council Office, to plan a seminar on protecting consumers from online fraud.

Senator Ekchai revealed after the meeting that participants agreed Thailand is fully transitioning into a digital society (E-Society), with transactions, commerce, investments, and services increasingly moving online. Simultaneously, cyber threats are evolving just as rapidly, including money transfer scams, account draining, fake account creation, and identity fraud, causing widespread consumer damage.

Data from the Anti-Online Fraud Center (ACSC) shows that in the first four months of 2569, over 121,921 cases were reported with total damages exceeding 7,480 million baht. E-commerce fraud cases remain the highest category, while investment scams cause the greatest financial harm. Facebook is identified as the platform where consumers face the most deception, with the Consumer Council receiving numerous complaints about social media scams totaling over 165 million baht in damages.

"This shows that many victims still lack access to remedies, despite the government enacting the Prevention of Cybercrime Act Version 2 over a year ago to strengthen accountability. In practice, however, the mechanism to help defrauded citizens remains ineffective, while online platforms—the primary channels criminals use—lack clear responsibility to adequately protect users," Ekchai stated.

From the discussions, participants agreed to organize a public forum to allow victims to voice problems, exchange policy recommendations, and collectively develop stronger consumer protection measures suited to the digital economy context. They will also study the feasibility of new legal frameworks to effectively hold platforms accountable while establishing a long-term implementation plan. The forum is scheduled for June 19, 2569 in the B1 conference room of the Parliament Building.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Senior Police Officer Denies Misconduct Against Female Server, Claims He Was Calling for Drinks; Station Chief Confident in Strong CCTV Evidence

A senior police officer in Kanchanaburi has been accused of indecent assault against a 20-year-old server at a restaurant in Mueang district; he denies wrongdoing but investigators say restaurant CCTV footage clearly documents the incident.

12h ago Khaosod

A senior police officer (Senior Sergeant) serving as deputy traffic control officer at Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station has been accused of indecent assault against a 20-year-old part-time female server working at a pork hotpot restaurant in Lad Yai subdistrict, Mueang district, Kanchanaburi province. The incident caused the victim significant fear and distress, leading to a formal complaint filed at Lad Yai Police Station.

As of 11:00 AM on May 22, 2569 (2026), the accused officer appeared for questioning at Lad Yai Police Station regarding charges of indecent assault. He initially denied the allegations, claiming he was merely extending his arm to summon the server for drinks and had no intention of touching her inappropriately.

Meanwhile, the victim and the restaurant owner also came to the police station. However, due to the victim's severe state of distress and fear, police separated them to prevent face-to-face contact.

Subsequently, Akkanant Kannitinant, Deputy Education Minister, arrived with his legal team to assist the victim with her case. After consulting with the Lad Yai Police Station Commander, it was confirmed that the restaurant has multi-angle CCTV footage that clearly documents the suspect's behavior.

While the suspect claims lack of intent, investigators are confident the strong evidence will lead to prosecution. Station leadership stressed that regardless of the suspect's police status, the investigation will proceed fairly and impartially. They emphasized that because the suspect shows no remorse for his actions, they will pursue the case to its fullest extent.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

ONEP Marks International Biodiversity Day with Push for Sustainable Conservation

Thailand's ONEP celebrated International Biodiversity Day on May 22 with over 400 government, business, and civil society participants, emphasizing sustainable conservation efforts and local action for global environmental impact.

12h ago Khaosod

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), through its Biodiversity Management Division, organized the 2025 International Biodiversity Day celebration on May 22 at Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok under the theme 'Acting Locally for Global Impact.' Prinyaporn Suvanakate, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources and Environmental Ministry, served as guest of honor, while Deputy Secretary-General Nareerat Punmani delivered remarks alongside Deputy Secretary-General Kanda Chugaew. More than 400 participants attended, representing government agencies, private enterprises, civil society networks, and educational institutions.

The annual International Biodiversity Day aims to raise awareness and understanding of biodiversity's importance while promoting its sustainable conservation and utilization. It serves as a platform for Thailand to showcase its achievements in advancing sustainable biodiversity protection and resource management.

Program highlights included exhibitions honoring the late Queen Sirikit as 'Mother of Biodiversity Conservation,' displays from government agencies, private companies, academic institutions, and environmental networks, and certificate presentations to areas recognized as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). Three panel discussions were held: a special presentation on Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's book 'Some of My Observations on Biodiversity in Thailand,' a network discussion on strengthening Thailand's biodiversity transformation, and a business forum addressing nature-positive initiatives for global impact.

Insights gathered from participants will help demonstrate Thailand's progress in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, reinforcing the country's commitment to implementing global cooperation frameworks.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Yodiq Ananat Leads 28 Fighters Through Weigh-Ins Ahead of Tonight's Fights

All 28 fighters cleared weigh-ins for ONE Championship's double-header at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium on May 22, headlined by Yodiq Ananat facing Russia's Kiamran Nabati in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash.

12h ago Khaosod

ONE Championship is serving up maximum entertainment with The Inner Circle streaming exclusively to members on Live.ONEFC.com from 6:30-8:30 PM, followed by ONE Lumpinee 155 broadcasting to 195 countries worldwide from 8:30-11:30 PM. The card features 14 matches at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Rama Intra) on Friday, May 22, 2026, with all 28 fighters having successfully completed weigh-ins and hydration testing.

The Inner Circle main event pairs Yodiq Ananat, a 24-year-old ONE Championship red-card fighter from Buriram, against Russia's 31-year-old undefeated Kiamran Nabati in a Muay Thai bantamweight bout (135-145 lbs). Another standout matchup features 21-year-old British fighter Freddie Haggerty against 18-year-old Franco-Thai boxer Yoonis Ananat in a Muay Thai strawweight division (115-125 lbs).

The ONE Lumpinee 155 main event opens with a title opportunity bout between 23-year-old knee specialist Detcho Mawinmuaythai from Songkhla and Russia's undefeated 19-year-old Rustam Yunusov in a Muay Thai flyweight division (125-135 lbs).

All fighters underwent mandatory hydration testing, weight checks, and health examinations meeting strict safety standards, with fighter health and safety as the top priority. Weight compensation negotiations may occur if athletes fail to meet their contracted weight limits to allow fights to proceed.

The Inner Circle members can purchase tickets through THAI TICKET MAJOR, while home viewers can stream live action exclusively on Live.ONEFC.com from 6:30-8:30 PM (membership required). Complete weigh-in results for all matchups are detailed in the official fight card.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Major Football Database Reveals All-Time Championship Winners; Uum Theerathorn Cracks Top 9 as Messi Dominates Rankings

Transfermarkt's latest rankings show Messi leads all players with 45 championships, while Thai fullback Uum Theerathorn cracks the top 9 with 36 titles at age 36, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's 34th championship.

12h ago Khaosod

Transfermarkt, the world's leading German-based football database, has released statistics on the 13 players with the most championship titles. The rankings were updated after Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo clinched his 34th career championship with Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr, earning him 13th place overall. Thai veteran fullback Uum Theerathorn Boonmatan, at 36 years old, ranks 9th on the list with 36 career championships, equaling the trophy haul of notable players like Ángel Di María, Gerard Piqué, and Andrés Iniesta. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi leads all players with 45 championships, followed by Brazilian midfielder Marquinhos with 42, and Brazilian defender Dani Alves in third place with 41.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

63 Gamblers and Operators Detained and Remanded in Custody; Samut Prakan Governor Orders Clarification from Responsible Officers Over Underground Casino Raid

Police raided an underground casino operating from a Samut Prakan hotel, detaining 63 gamblers and operators and seizing equipment and 43 million baht in daily turnover. The illegal operation streamed live games to online members across Tha

12h ago Khaosod

A total of 63 gambling operators and players were detained and are pending court remand following a raid by the special operations unit of the Department of Local Administration. The operation, code-named 'Closing the River Mouth Game,' was conducted at a hotel in Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province on the night of May 21. Officers seized substantial amounts of cash, gambling chips, and equipment, and discovered daily financial turnover within the illegal gambling operation reaching approximately 43 million baht. The casino also operated live-streaming services, allowing online members to place bets in real-time on games they could not physically attend, with winnings credited directly to their accounts.

As of May 22, 2569, all 63 suspects were taken into formal custody for legal proceedings. Among them, nine were identified as Myanmar nationals, though no Chinese nationals were found participating. After overnight interrogations conducted by police at Phra Samut Chedi Station, all suspects were brought to the station this morning for formal charge notification. The investigation is ongoing, with all 63 expected to be remanded to the District Court this afternoon for further legal processing.

Regarding the potential responsibility of local police officers, Police Colonel Phumin Singhsuit, commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, has ordered the area police station to urgently submit a clarification report to Provincial Police Command. Upon reviewing these reports, authorities will conduct a fact-finding investigation to determine whether the 'Big Five' officers of Phra Samut Chedi Police Station face disciplinary action or potential dismissal.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Community

Browsing the Dharma Bookshelf – 'How to Chant for Maximum Merit and Virtue'

A new guide explores Buddhist chanting practices and their role in cultivating merit and virtue, offering methods for practitioners to achieve spiritual happiness and wisdom through regular devotion and understanding of dharmic teachings.

12h ago Khaosod

The book 'How to Chant for Maximum Merit and Virtue' Author: Editorial team of Liang Chiang Publishing House Published by: Liang Chiang Publishing House for Buddhism Price: 18 baht

"Any household that regularly practices chanting and worshipping the Buddha, cultivating virtuous discipline, will experience no quarreling but only forgiveness and compassion. Such a home becomes a place of supreme happiness and comfort throughout life until its end. Therefore, the practice of chanting and worshipping the Buddha while cultivating virtue holds great benefit. If practiced consistently with sincere intention, one will transform from wrongdoing to righteousness and experience lasting happiness." – Dharmic teachings from Phra Tham Singhaburajacharya (Luang Por Charn Jitdhamma), former abbot of Wat Ampawan, Sing Buri province.

Though Buddhism, founded by the Buddha, emerged over 2,500 years ago, its light of dharma continues to illuminate and guide the path of life, helping people understand right from wrong. However, the benefit one receives depends on each individual's dedication to studying and learning Buddhist teachings.

Chanting is another method for acquiring wisdom, as it originally served as a means of memorization – reciting teachings orally, a practice called "mukhapatha." The Buddha instructed Venerable Upali to recite and memorize the Vinaya (monastic code) and Venerable Ananda to recite and memorize the Sutras, which proved invaluable during the First Buddhist Council, as these two senior monks accurately preserved the Buddha's teachings without error. Later, chanting developed as a protective practice against various dangers, earning it the additional name "protective chanting."

Today, regardless of what one hopes to gain through chanting, as a Buddhist practitioner, when you bow and chant before the Buddha, strive to understand the dharma by studying the meaning of the chants. Upon understanding, practice accordingly so your life proceeds smoothly and safely.

It is hoped that the contents of this book, filled with chants and teachings on how to achieve maximum merit and virtue, will help you recognize the value of merit – goodness – and the value of virtue – wisdom – as foundations for lasting happiness.

May the true dharma remain in your heart forever.

--------

**'The Yellow-Furred Animal' – A Critical Examination of Buddhist Monks** **The Core of Suffering's Foundation in 'Mulmadhyamakakrika'**

"Those who associate with the wicked inevitably become wicked..." – A teaching from Phra Buddhagosha (P.A. Payutto) of Wat Yanawesakawan.

This week's column introduces a quality book from Inbend Publishing: "The Yellow-Furred Animal" by Uten Promadaeng, a short story collection critically examining Buddhist monks and religious beliefs. Many Buddhists of previous generations view criticizing monks as sinful karma creation. Some witness monks exhibiting misconduct but dare not speak or rebuke them, treating the monkhood as a privileged status above ordinary humans. Society reveres them; food and money flow to them without effort; wrongdoings often go unchallenged. Some behave like gangsters or influential figures cloaked in yellow robes. Modern monks are no exception – today's sangha seemingly does everything: fighting, drinking alcohol, engaging in sexual misconduct, committing fraud, purchasing ecclesiastical ranks. This book addresses these issues directly through short stories that largely critique monks. This appears to be the first and only collection of its kind, priced at 299 baht.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

New Amulet Release - Commemorative Medal of Luang Pu Ton

A commemorative medal featuring revered Buddhist master Luang Pu Ton from Chachoengsao was created in 1979 in limited quantities of white metal and copper, becoming highly sought by collectors and devotees.

12h ago Khaosod

Luang Pu Ton Kantasilo of Wat Khao Noi Kirivat in Ban Bueng District, Chachoengsao, was a revered Buddhist master who earned the deep faith of countless devotees. As a respected monk, he commissioned the creation of numerous amulets and sacred objects over the years, including medals, powders, cast figurines, and bells. Among his most popular creations is the "first edition portrait medal from 1979," distributed as a commemorative gift to those who contributed funds toward the construction of the ordination hall and residence.

The medal features an oval shape with a connecting loop at the top, created in 200 pieces of white metal alloy and 2,000 pieces of darkened copper. The front displays a half-length portrait of the monk facing forward, wearing robes draped over one shoulder, with "Luang Pho Ton Kantasilo" inscribed along the top edge. The reverse shows a square yantra design with diagonal lines and four Khmer letters spelling "cha-pha-ka-sa" inside. The temple name and location "Wat Khao Noi Kirivat, Ban Bueng District, Chachoengsao" appear on the upper edge, with "2522" (Buddhist Era) on the bottom, indicating the creation year.

Luang Pu Ton consecrated the first edition amulets according to ancient rituals and chanting practices, including the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the Buddha's first sermon. These medals remain highly sought after by amulet collectors and devotees throughout Chachoengsao.

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