Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thai Asset Development Bank Names New Managing Director

Dr. Theethach Suksukhat, former Deputy Managing Director of Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation, has been appointed as the new Managing Director effective July 1, 2026, bringing six years of prior experience at the organization.

4h ago Khaosod

The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (Thai CGD) board has resolved to appoint Dr. Theethach Suksukhat as the new Managing Director for the term beginning July 1, 2026 and ending August 29, 2028. Dr. Theethach is a highly skilled executive who previously served as Deputy Managing Director of Thai CGD for six years. He also held significant national-level positions in the past, including Governor of the Thai Rubber Organization (TRO) and Director of the Ministry of Interior's Market Organization. This appointment will advance the company's initiatives and operations in line with Thai CGD's business objectives. In terms of education, Dr. Theethach earned his bachelor's degree in Economics from Thammasat University's Faculty of Economics, a master's degree in International Administration from the University of Melbourne, and a doctoral degree in Business Management from Victoria University in Australia. This promotion underscores his readiness to continue advancing Thai CGD's mission in accordance with the company's strategic plan.

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Police

Ex-Phuket Governor Arrested Over Bribery Scheme

Ex-Phuket Governor Roongrueang Thimabutr was arrested on June 30 for allegedly extorting bribes from a businessman and soliciting payments from civil service exam candidates through associates including his secretary.

4h ago Khaosod

On June 30, 2026, law enforcement agencies including the Central Police Investigation Bureau, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Local Administration, and the Department of Special Investigation jointly announced the arrest of Roongrueang Thimabutr, 54, former Phuket Provincial Governor, on corruption and misconduct charges related to extortion involving local government civil service recruitment.

According to investigators, a businessman filed a complaint through Phuket's Justice Center, alleging that the former governor demanded one million baht in exchange for help resolving a land ownership document. When the businessman could not provide cash, he transferred the funds via bank account. However, after payment, no action was taken.

Financial investigators traced the money and discovered the same account appeared in another case involving volunteer civil defense personnel being solicited for local civil service exam bribes. This connection led to expanded charges against the suspect.

Arrest warrants were issued on June 26 under the Criminal Code sections 143 and the Anti-Corruption Act section 175. Upon linking both cases, additional charges were filed under Criminal Code sections 149 and 157 for public official extortion and misconduct.

Investigators noted that while the money trail did not directly reach the suspect, it involved people close to him, particularly his secretary. The funds were transferred through volunteer accounts and later withdrawn as cash, creating a complex financial path connecting him to the scheme.

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Police

Search Underway After Construction Barge Sinks In Samut Prakan

A construction barge sank near Thai Central Chemical Company's pier in Samut Prakan on June 30, prompting authorities to inspect dock safety and deploy divers to search for one missing person.

5h ago Khaosod

On June 30, Transport Ministry Deputy Sompetch Bunyamani announced that following a construction barge capsizing opposite Suksawat Soi 84 in Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province near Thai Central Chemical Company's pier, he has ordered the Port Authority to conduct a thorough safety inspection of the company's dock facility and surrounding port structures.

The inspection will include checking the structural integrity of at least one pier on each side—both north and south—to ensure the incident has not affected other nearby dock structures. Officials have been instructed to ensure all safety systems meet international standards to provide maximum public assurance and safety, and authorities confirmed there are no dangerous gas pipelines in the incident area.

Regarding the search for one missing person, coordination has been made with a goodwill foundation to deploy a rescue team of 10 divers who are now stationed at the site and ready to conduct a full-scale search. All personnel have been reminded to prioritize safety during the operation. Two injured persons have already been transported to Paolo Hospital in Prapradeang.

Members of the public who witness emergencies, water accidents, or unsafe conditions at port areas are urged to contact the Port Authority's 24-hour water safety hotline at 1199.

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National

Suchart Reelected Thai Golf Association Chief

Suchart Suwannasri was reelected president of the Thai Golf Association for a third term at the organization's annual general meeting in Nakhon Pathom. The association plans to focus on developing youth golfers and promoting member courses

5h ago Khaosod

Suchart Suwannasri, president of the Thai Golf Association, led committee members and golf course executives at the 2569 annual general meeting held at The Royal James Golf and Sports Club in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom.

The Thai Golf Association held its 2569 annual general meeting with key agenda items including reports on the association's performance and announcements of activities planned for 2569, along with the election of a new board of directors. Suchart Suwannasri was elected president for his third term.

Sixty member golf courses attended the meeting on June 29, 2569, out of 90 member courses nationwide at The Royal James Golf and Sports Club in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom.

The president informed the assembly that agenda item three focused on reporting the association's activities and programs for the 2568-2569 period, emphasizing development of amateur golfer markets, youth golfers, and marketing support for member courses throughout the year.

The association collaborated with both government and private agencies, including organizing golf competitions to develop youth golfers toward world-ranked competitions in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, offering member courses privileges to participate in Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2025. The association also conducted training programs with both public and private sectors to develop personnel at member courses, rotating across different regions nationwide.

For the 2569-2570 plan, the president stated the focus would continue on developing golfers, particularly youth golfers who will form the foundation for golf courses and Thailand's golf industry in the future, along with marketing promotion activities for member courses in both domestic and international markets.

Following the meeting, Suchart thanked the member course executives for their trust and support of the association's activities and confirmed that the board would continue supporting member courses.

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National

Military Chiefs Inspect Border Region After Farm Access Ban

Thailand's three military service chiefs inspected border operations in Sa Kaeo province, coordinating defenses across the eastern region following new restrictions on nighttime farm access aimed at preventing unauthorized border crossings.

5h ago Khaosod

On June 30, 2569, representatives from the three armed forces—Gen. Chaiyaprueksa Duangprawat (Army Chief of Staff acting as Army Operations Center Chief), Adm. Thadawut Tatpitakgul (Navy Chief of Staff acting as Navy Operations Center Chief), and Air Chief Marshal Anurak Ramnarak (Air Force Chief of Staff acting as Air Force Operations Center Chief)—inspected the Eastern Region Command's operations in Sa Kaeo province's border areas at Ban Nong Jan, Ban Khlong Phaeng, and Bueng Takwan checkpoint.

The inspection aimed to monitor operational readiness, coordinate military actions across all three services, and prepare comprehensive military capabilities for maximum operational effectiveness. The three chiefs also met with relevant agencies to integrate plans and objectives for joint military operations across the Suranari, Burapha, and Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command areas, ensuring unified direction, coherence, and optimal efficiency.

This field inspection followed an Eastern Region Command directive restricting access to agricultural areas in border markers 46-47 east of Si Phent Road in Ban Nong Jan, Non Tambon, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo province, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. to prevent suspicious groups from entering the zone.

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National

ALLY Rebrands as Urban Experience Platform

ALLY REIT is rebranding as an Urban Experience Platform, investing 200 million baht to transform its community malls into lifestyle destinations across Thailand and the US by 2028. The company is also acquiring three new malls and rebrandin

5h ago Khaosod

ALLY REIT announced on June 30, 2025, a major corporate strategy overhaul led by CEO Kawintr Iamskulratana. The company is rebranding itself as an Urban Experience Platform, elevating its community mall assets into interconnected lifestyle and community spaces. With over 25 projects worth more than 20 billion baht—17 in Thailand covering 190,000 square meters of rental space and the rest in the United States—ALLY is investing 200 million baht to transform its CDC and The Crystal brands into curated lifestyle destinations featuring restaurants, brands, and activity spaces, with completion targeted for Q1 2028.

Simultaneously, ALLY is launching the ALLY Village brand by rebranding eight existing community projects, beginning with The Scene becoming ALLY Village Town-in-Town, Happy Avenue becoming ALLY Village Song-Prapha, and Amorini becoming ALLY Village Amorini. These renovations, budgeted at 10-50 million baht per project, will commence in 2027 and finish in 2029.

The company is also expanding its portfolio through a second capital increase of up to 1.515 billion baht to acquire three new community malls: Chan at the Avenue, Sai Yai Avenue, and The Zone Town-in-Town. This capital raise will consist of 757.5 million baht in new trust units and 757.5 million baht in debt financing. CEO Kawintr stated the company plans to add one to two new projects annually and is targeting 3 billion baht in revenue and 1.56 billion baht in net profit, compared to 1.823 billion baht and 931 million baht respectively in 2024.

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Regional

Nearly 100 Monkeys Escape Lopburi Sanctuary

Nearly 100 monkeys escaped a wildlife sanctuary in Lopburi on June 30, with authorities launching recapture operations across multiple locations after the animals entered local homes seeking food and relief from heat and stress.

5h ago Khaosod

Nearly 100 Lopburi monkeys broke out of their enclosure and entered local homes, likely driven by heat, hunger, stress, and desire for freedom. Authorities mobilized to recapture them using tranquilizer darts and baited traps at multiple locations.

On June 30, 2025, Samruan Sachaphop, mayor of Lopburi City Municipality, received a report from staff at the municipal animal nursery in Pho Kao Tom subdistrict that monkeys held in the Department of National Parks' care had escaped their enclosure. Nearly 100 monkeys got out, though officials prevented over 1,000 remaining in the same cage from fleeing further. The mayor immediately ordered staff and relevant agencies to recapture the escaped monkeys quickly to prevent public disturbance and trouble for residents.

Veeraphong Rit Rod, Lopburi's provincial governor, traveled to the site with district officials, the municipality, the Department of National Parks, the provincial Dharma Center, and the livestock office to coordinate a capture plan. Officials conducted capture operations across multiple locations and successfully brought back some monkeys. Simultaneously, another team repaired the damaged enclosure.

Governor Veeraphong revealed that the municipality's disaster prevention staff, working with the Department of National Parks, launched capture operations and reinforced the broken section of the enclosure. Some escaped monkeys have been recaptured, while others still roam the surrounding area. Long-term solutions include upgrading to a stronger, double-layered enclosure that monkeys cannot break through. The province is also establishing a foundation to manage the monkeys' diet and living conditions.

Mayor Samruan explained that recapture operations are ongoing, with some monkeys returning voluntarily and others requiring active capture. The animals escaped due to heat, hunger, stress, and desire for freedom. Officials will return all escaped monkeys to their enclosure as quickly as possible without disturbing residents. The municipality apologizes to affected residents and urges them to report any damage so officials can provide compensation.

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Community

Comedian Nos Udom Returns For DEAW 16 Comedy Tour

Thai stand-up comedian Nos Udom brings DEAW 16: NEVER GROW UP to Bangkok's Siam Paragon in September with seven performances and tickets starting at 2,000 baht.

5h ago Khaosod

Popular Thai stand-up comedian Nos Udom is returning with the microphone for DEAW 16: NEVER GROW UP, featuring seven performances with tickets on sale July 4th. Fans can expect to laugh along with Thailand's favorite comedian as he brings his comedy show back to the city center. The event will feature special merchandise from Dom Shop and DOM DOG, the beloved "dom dog" mascot that audiences love to dance with, at Paragon Hall, 5th floor, Siam Paragon.

Don't miss the chance to see Nos Udom at DEAW 16: NEVER GROW UP Thai Stand Up Comedy on September 11-13 and 17-20, 2025, with seven total performances at Paragon Hall, 5th floor. Ticket prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 baht. Sales begin July 4, 2025 at all 7-Eleven branches and www.allticket.com/event/deaw16. For ticket inquiries, contact LINE OA: @counterservice or visit https://www.facebook.com/thaistandupcomedy

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National

Kimberly Confident She'll Conceive Quickly When Ready

Actress Kimberly Ann Voltemas clarified she's not currently pregnant after sparking speculation with a bikini post, revealing she and her husband plan to delay having children due to her heavy filming schedule in 2025. She expressed confide

5h ago Khaosod

After posting a bikini photo with the caption "Better hurry before my body changes," actress Kimberly Ann Voltemas sparked speculation that she might be expecting. However, on June 30th, she clarified her family planning timeline during an appearance at the "Good Fortune Luncheon" event at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park. Speaking with her husband Maak Parin, Kimberly acknowledged they weren't ready this year and may have missed the window due to her continuous filming commitments throughout 2025.

She revealed that she's already frozen her eggs and her doctor confirmed her excellent health, leaving her confident about conceiving quickly when the opportunity arises—what she jokingly calls "opening and closing the door quickly." Regarding visiting sacred temples in Hong Kong to pray for children, as some friends have suggested, Kimberly said she hasn't thought about it because she doesn't want children right now.

When asked if she and her best friend Nadezhda Kukirimiya (Anya Urasiaya) would get pregnant together, Kimberly laughed it off, saying Anya hadn't mentioned any timeline. She explained her current focus is work, as filming runs continuously through the year. She dismissed pregnancy speculation, explaining she simply took the bikini photo in the morning when her body looked good, knowing she'd "ruin it" after eating at the hotel's many restaurants. She joked that Anya even texted her asking her not to reveal anything before the wedding.

When pressed about whether conceiving requires divine intervention, Kimberly noted that some friends who desperately wanted children found them elusive until combining spiritual and medical approaches. She expressed confidence in her own health and genetics, saying both she and her husband are equally "fit," joking they're ready to "open and close the door quickly" when the time comes. However, she emphasized that 2025 likely won't be the year, as her filming schedule extends through year-end with another production beginning shortly after.

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National

Iraq to Reopen Embassy in Thailand After 70 Years

Iraq will reopen its embassy in Thailand for the first time in 70 years following Cabinet approval, strengthening bilateral ties and opening new opportunities in energy, trade and tourism.

5h ago Khaosod

The Cabinet on 30 June approved a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowing the Republic of Iraq to reopen its embassy in Thailand, marking a significant upgrade in bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the decision follows Iraq's continued request to restore its diplomatic mission in Bangkok after improvements in its domestic stability.

She said the reopening of the embassy will enhance coordination between the two countries and open new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in energy, trade and investment.

Iraq is the world's fourth-largest oil producer, and Thai officials expect closer engagement in the energy sector as well as expanded trade links. Iraq is also an important export market for Thai rice.

The move is also expected to support tourism cooperation, as the number of Iraqi visitors to Thailand continues to rise. In 2025, Thailand recorded 15,644 Iraqi tourists, more than triple the previous year.

Officals said the embassy will further strengthen Thailand's role as a regional hub for engagement with the Middle East, while improving consular services and facilitation for Iraqi nationals in Thailand.

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Police

Award-Winning Teacher Arrested For Student Sexual Abuse

A decorated disciplinary teacher at a Chiang Mai school has been arrested and remanded in custody after allegedly grooming and sexually abusing a female student on multiple occasions, with authorities charging him with multiple offences rel

5h ago Khaosod

CHIANG MAI — 30 June 2026, A disciplinary teacher at a well-known school in Chiang Mai has been arrested after a female student and her family sought help from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women over allegations that he had groomed and sexually abused her on multiple occasions. Thailand's Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has also ordered his dismissal from the civil service.

Pavena Hongsakul, president of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, said the victim's mother brought her daughter to the foundation on Thursday, alleging that the suspect, a disciplinary teacher and recipient of a distinguished teacher award, had groomed and sexually abused the student on multiple occasions. He is also accused of coercing her into sending inappropriate images through chat messages.

The victim's mother said she only became aware of the situation after information circulated on social media. She later accompanied her daughter to file a police complaint at Fang Police Station on 18 June, and the girl underwent medical examinations as part of the investigation. The mother added that her daughter is currently suffering from severe psychological trauma.

The mother further alleged that after the complaint was filed, several people contacted her in an attempt to persuade the family to withdraw the case or enter mediation, claiming that local influential figures could act as intermediaries. The family refused, insisting on full legal prosecution, and submitted all relevant evidence to investigators.

The Pavena Foundation coordinated with Chiang Mai Provincial Police and officers at Fang Police Station to closely monitor the case. Investigators later gathered sufficient evidence to seek an arrest warrant for the suspect, which was approved by the court.

Police charged the teacher with multiple offences related to the sexual abuse of a minor before taking him to court for detention. Investigators opposed bail, and the court denied his temporary release, citing concerns that he could flee or interfere with evidence. He has since been remanded in custody and transferred to prison.

The Pavena Foundation said it will continue working with relevant agencies to provide support and rehabilitation to the victim while monitoring the progress of the case. Separately, OBEC has ordered the teacher's dismissal from the civil service pending the outcome of both the criminal case and disciplinary proceedings.

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