Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Anutin welcomes Cambodia's UNCLOS move, says both countries now 'under same rules'

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed support for Cambodia's move to pursue compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS to resolve maritime boundary disputes between the two nations. With Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding, both countries will now operate under a unified legal framework that requires new rules and agreements. The matter is expected to be addressed at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Cebu this May.

6 May Khaosod

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand and Cambodia were now moving toward a common legal framework after Cambodian leader Hun Manet announced plans to use compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to address overlapping maritime claims.

Speaking on Wednesday, Anutin said the two countries had previously operated under different frameworks, but Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding meant both sides would need to negotiate new rules for future talks.

"At least both countries will now be operating under the same set of rules," Anutin said. "Thailand no longer has the MOU 44, so whatever discussions take place from now on, new rules and frameworks must be agreed upon together."

He added that there was still time for discussions and that Thailand's Foreign Ministry was overseeing the matter. Anutin is set to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, from 7-9 May, where regional leaders including Hun Manet are expected to meet.

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Breaking

Foreign tourist vandalises motorcycles in Phuket area

A British tourist was captured on video vandalising motorcycles and damaging shop signs in Phuket's Chalong subdistrict on May 6, 2026. Witnesses reported the shirtless man appeared to be under the influence of drugs as he slashed motorcycle seats with a knife and shouted in the street. The incident sparked widespread criticism online regarding the conduct of some foreign visitors to the area.

6 May Khaosod

PHUKET — 6 May 2026, A foreign tourist was caught on camera vandalising parked motorcycles and acting erratically in a residential area of Phuket, according to local media reports and viral social media footage. The incident took place in Chalong subdistrict, Mueang district. Images shared by local Facebook pages showed a shirtless man wearing black shorts and carrying bags, wielding a knife and slashing motorcycle seats while shouting loudly in the street. Witnesses described his behaviour as consistent with someone under the influence of drugs. The post identified the man as a British national and noted that he also damaged shop signage in the area. The footage sparked significant online outrage, with many users condemning the man's actions and voicing concerns about the conduct of certain foreign visitors. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect or any potential charges.

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National

Sisters, it's time to test your speed! Faye and Atom's finale premiere is officially announced! HE or BE will be revealed on May 15!

A highly anticipated finale premiere event for the Thai drama series "Broken of Love" starring Faye and Atom has been officially announced, set to take place at Siam Pavalai. Tickets go on sale May 4 at noon via Thaiticketmajor, with prices ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 baht for in-person attendance and 899 baht for online streaming access.

6 May Khaosod

Sisters, it's time to test your speed! Faye and Atom's finale premiere is officially announced! Whether it's a happy ending or tragic ending will be revealed on May 15! The most heartbreaking and anticipated finale event of 2026 is finally here! Our beloved Faye and Atom will be at Siam Pavalai to witness the final chapter of Broken of Love with everyone! Here's your ticket guide: The event theme is "The Last Promise" - just hearing the name makes you want to cry. Beyond watching the drama, there will be a special stage performance, likely the final romantic surprise from both actresses for fans. Ticket sales launch May 4 at noon sharp! Remember to log into your Thaiticketmajor account in advance - these hot tickets sell out in seconds. For overseas fans who can't attend the Bangkok venue, don't cry! Online streaming tickets cost only 899 baht so you can watch from home. In-person tickets range from 1,500 to 3,500 baht, offering the chance to see the stars and the finale up close. What do you think - will Broken of Love end with them making "the last promise" to stay together forever, or will it leave us with heartbreaking regrets? Drop your finale predictions in the comments and share this lucky charm post with Faye and Atom to help everyone get their desired seats on May 4!

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Breaking

Chaos! Hundreds of Drug Rehabilitation Patients Flee Treatment Center; Authorities Intensify Manhunt

Approximately 500 patients at a drug rehabilitation center in Nakhon Si Thammarat province attempted to escape on May 6, 2025, allegedly due to stress from confinement. Authorities launched a rapid response, and by early afternoon, all escapees had been accounted for with no reported injuries or significant property damage. Officials determined the escape was led by about 10 patients frustrated with prolonged confinement and family members refusing to retrieve them.

6 May Khaosod

At 7:20 a.m. on May 6, 2025, Radio 191 received reports of a disturbance at the drug rehabilitation center in Kaew Saen subdistrict, Na Bon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, with approximately 500 patients attempting to escape. Police and officials from various agencies were dispatched to the scene, with Deputy Region 8 Police Commander Ponchai Khachakl and Na Bon District Police Commander's deputy Khajit Kongprab arriving to oversee the situation personally.

Initial investigations revealed no injuries or clear property damage. Officers were actively pursuing escapees while monitoring the surrounding area to prevent harm to local residents. Deputy Na Bon Police Commander Kasamsit Champathong confirmed that authorities were urgently resolving the situation and called on local residents to report any suspicious individuals.

By 1:00 p.m., Na Bon District Chief Virapan Sukawalli reported the situation had returned to normal, with all rehabilitation patients accounted for. Thirty had safely returned home, while others were being reunited with their families.

Investigations determined that approximately 10 core leaders, placed in the program for nearly a year by family members who refused to pick them up, had planned the escape. When the power went out in the early morning, they forced open the door seeking to leave and go home—not causing serious damage or destruction. When others saw the open door, they also exited. Authorities concluded the incident stemmed from stress related to confinement rather than violence.

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National

Sky and Nani Invite Fans to Watch Series 'WU' and Reveal Production Challenges

Stars Sky Wongsurawat and Nani Hiranyakrit unveiled their new supernatural series 'WU' at a May 5 premiere, revealing intense production challenges including Chinese ritual incantations, action sequences, and emotional performances. The ser

6 May Khaosod

Stars Sky Wongsurawat and Nani Hiranyakrit unveiled their new series 'WU' at a premiere event on May 5 at CentralwOrld PULSE Hall, Level 7, alongside the full cast and director. Both actors revealed that filming the series was extremely challenging, with Sky acknowledging he faced challenges across all aspects of production, while Nani had to manage both intense action sequences and deep emotional performances that demanded significant physical effort.

Nani described the series as follows: 'It's a story about people who gain power from heaven and earth to subdue demons. When they encounter these evil forces, various missions unfold. Sky plays Wu, and I play a character named Pete. In the story, Pete is eternally tasked with subduing demons, and when he encounters Wu at a location with evil power, the two meet and face missions that could affect the world.'

Regarding character development, Nani noted that Pete is a young man with a complex backstory, while Sky explained that his character is 'Wu Out of the Cage'—not following the traditional way of Wu but instead defying the natural order. He works for money and accepts any job to subdue demons, whereas Pete is an athlete who has lost himself in vice.

On the production challenges, Sky detailed that being Wu involves performing long ritual incantations in Chinese language, incorporating Chinese cultural elements, and coordinating extensively with the CG team on visual effects. Nani discussed how Pete's hot-headed nature, combined with an internal power, required her to handle both physical action and emotional depth simultaneously, draining both body and spirit.

Both actors emphasized the importance of the supporting cast, noting that every guest star plays a crucial role in advancing the storyline and missions. Sky and Nani's characters, who didn't know each other initially, gradually develop into partners—with Pete as a possessed athlete and Wu as an unconventional demon subduer.

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National

GC Opens New NatureWorks Plant Producing Full-Cycle PLA in Asia

GC has opened a second NatureWorks plant at Nakhon Sawan Bio Complex to produce 75,000 tons of PLA bioplastic annually from Thai sugarcane, positioning Thailand as a regional bioplastic manufacturing hub.

6 May Khaosod

GC opens new NatureWorks plant producing full-cycle PLA bioplastic in Asia, advancing Thailand toward becoming a bioplastic manufacturing base and providing fossil-fuel-free plastic alternatives.

Saroj Puddhathammawong, Chief Operating Officer of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), a chemical products leader, announced the company's expansion into low-carbon business under a strategy balancing business growth with sustainability. This is achieved through investment in NatureWorks, the world's largest polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic producer. The second plant has officially opened at the Nakhon Sawan Bio Complex in Nakhon Sawan Province, marking a major step for Thailand's bioplastic industry and aligning with global sustainability trends.

The new facility opening reflects the company's vision for sustainable growth through developing products that meet innovation, performance, and environmental impact reduction standards. NatureWorks, a joint venture between PTT Global Chemical and Cargill, serves as a key mechanism driving the bioplastic industry while responding to market demand for alternative materials and enhancing supply chain flexibility, particularly as the world prioritizes managing raw material diversity risks amid geopolitical volatility.

This is NatureWorks' second PLA bioplastic facility under the Ingeo brand, utilizing world-class bioplastic technology and 100% Thai sugarcane as feedstock to produce environmentally friendly PLA bioplastic with a production capacity of 75,000 tons annually. This demonstrates Thailand's potential to develop a complete value chain industry from upstream to downstream, adding value to the agricultural sector and connecting to other industries.

Ingeo PLA biodegrades under appropriate conditions, has a low carbon footprint, and reduces environmental impact. Applications include tea bags, coffee capsules, food packaging, household items such as electrical appliance components, office equipment, phone cases, cosmetic cases, diapers, cleaning cloths, face masks, and 3D printing filaments.

Ingeo PLA holds international certifications across multiple dimensions, including USDA BioPreferred for biopreferred raw materials and circular carbon, and ISCC PLUS for sustainable raw materials.

"This plant represents another significant step for NatureWorks, reflecting the global growth trajectory of low-carbon materials amid high-volatility conditions. Biomaterials are playing an increasingly important role in providing industrial flexibility. We are confident NatureWorks will be a powerful force driving our Sustainable Portfolio strategy and elevating Thailand's bioplastic industry to the regional Asian level," said an NatureWorks representative.

Thattaphol Rangsitphol, Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, noted that this bioplastic facility represents a meaningful investment for Thailand, as it leverages and adds value to the country's agricultural raw materials, particularly the sugarcane and sugar industries, enhancing competitiveness and resilience.

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National

Rayong FC Congratulates and Thanks Coach Bo on Appointment as Thailand U-20 National Team Head Coach

Coach Bo Chakrapan Panpi has been appointed head coach of Thailand's U-20 national football team, with his former club Rayong FC praising his nearly two years of dedication in building team discipline and player development.

6 May Khaosod

Coach Bo Chakrapan Panpi, former head coach of Rayong FC in Thai League 1, has been officially appointed by the Football Association of Thailand as head coach of the Thailand U-20 national football team. Rayong FC posted a statement on their official Facebook page expressing gratitude to their former coach and congratulating him on the national team position.

In their statement, the club praised Coach Bo's dedication over nearly two years with the team, describing him as a quiet yet earnest, determined, and truly professional worker. The club credited him with playing a crucial role in establishing the team's foundation in discipline, game understanding, and continuous player development, helping the club achieve its goals. The club emphasized that his success extended beyond match results to elevating the team in every dimension.

Rayong FC stated that working together as a professional family built on respect, listening, and mutual trust had been integral to their partnership. Club president expressed deep gratitude for Coach Bo's sweat, dedication, and accomplishments with the club, and offered sincere congratulations on this important career milestone in the national team role. The club pledged continued support and best wishes for Coach Bo's success in developing Thai football and bringing honor to the nation.

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National

Ice Sarunyu Opens Up About 20 Years in the Music Industry: Never Felt Good Enough Despite Nationwide Hit Songs

Veteran Thai singer Ice Sarunyu has revealed that despite two decades of hit songs, she has struggled with feelings of inadequacy, attributing the battle to industry pressures and evolving personal expectations.

6 May Khaosod

In an interview on Let's Talk, Ice Sarunyu opened up about her 20-year career in the music industry, revealing that she has never felt adequate despite her nationwide hit songs. She acknowledges that no one stays famous forever and has now matured in her thinking, choosing to create a new balance in her life.

Reflecting on her childhood, Sarunyu explained that she was drawn to singing from a young age, captivated by the sound of music. While other children had varied career aspirations, she had one unwavering dream: to become a singer. As she grew older, she briefly considered other careers like being a flight attendant or pilot, but music remained the central pillar of her life. By second grade, she was already volunteering to sing at school events—from flag ceremonies to Christmas celebrations and teacher appreciation days.

When asked what music gave her as a child, Sarunyu reflected that it provided every emotion. Even during difficult moments—when scolded or beaten by her father—songs would spontaneously come to mind. She grew up listening to diverse genres: her grandmother enjoyed traditional Thai music, her neighbors played country songs, and her parents favored classic hits like "Yesterday Once More."

Comparing her childhood vision of being an artist to the reality, Sarunyu noted similarities and differences. As a child, she imagined standing on stage entertaining people, making them sing and dance along. However, she hadn't anticipated the industry's pressures, expectations, or the unseen challenges. The dream of performing has come true, but the reality includes pressure from expectations—both from fans and herself—concerns about whether releases will succeed, competition for visibility, and the disappointment when new work doesn't match previous successes.

On the pressures of professional performance, she explained that being in this industry means dealing with expectations beyond oneself. The work behind each release is extensive, with numerous uncertainties: whether it will succeed, meeting audience expectations, ensuring the work meets her standards, dealing with release delays, and experiencing visibility barriers. She has experienced both emotional strength and vulnerability, with periods where casual encounters with people asking what she's been working on become reminders of her presence.

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National

Sirikanya Slams 400-Billion-Baht Loan Decree as Handout That Won't Help Vulnerable Groups; Opposition Considers Constitutional Court Challenge

Pheu Thai deputy leader Sirikanya Tansukul criticized the government's 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree, saying it lacks provisions for vulnerable groups and wastes funds through poorly-screened cash transfers. The opposition is consi

6 May Khaosod

On May 6, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, briefed reporters on her shadow cabinet meeting regarding the government's proposed 400-billion-baht emergency decree. She criticized the decree for containing no provisions to assist vulnerable populations, instead channeling 200 billion baht into the 'Buy Thai' cash transfer program, which lacks proper screening mechanisms. This creates the absurd situation where those who truly need help may not receive it, while those receiving aid may not actually be in need.

Sirikanya noted that the previous 'Thailand Helping Thailand Plus' program nearly exhausted its budget within four months, raising questions about whether the government believes the global crisis will end soon. She warned that if the crisis persists beyond four months and energy prices remain high, new borrowing may be required, suggesting this loan round could be the last possible one given current constraints.

Regarding the other 200 billion baht earmarked for economic restructuring, Sirikanya argued these funds should be allocated through a formal law rather than an emergency decree, as there appears to be no urgent justification for bypass normal legislative procedures.

When asked about filing a Constitutional Court petition, Sirikanya said the party is consulting internally and is aware the Democrat Party (Pheu Chai) also wants to request an interpretation ruling. Party coordination is needed before submission to ensure alignment on key issues.

Party Leader Nathpong Ruengpanyawit emphasized that the critical concern is ensuring the loan decree doesn't become wasteful spending, hidden subsidies, or blank checks, and that it includes clear debt management plans. He criticized the government for apparently trying to exploit constitutional loopholes rather than transparently distinguishing urgent measures requiring emergency decrees from non-urgent items that should follow normal legislative processes.

Deputy Party Leader Weerayut Kanchuchat expressed concern about the government's plan to spend 200 billion baht within four months. He questioned whether the government is genuinely preparing for the crisis or simply borrowing to boost fading political popularity and win back electoral support. He cautioned that if the government is truly crisis-prepared and wants to avoid future debt accumulation, it must use borrowed funds wisely.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Somaphap School Wins Northern Region Championship at Chang Junior Cup 2026

Somaphap School from Bangkok won the northern regional championship of the Chang Junior Cup 2026, defeating Chiang Mai's NT Academy 2-0 in the final. The tournament for 13-year-olds aims to develop youth talent and identify Thailand's top teams, with winners earning an exclusive trip to experience world-class football in England. The competition continues with qualifying rounds in the Northeast and Bangkok regions before the national championship.

6 May Khaosod

Chang natural mineral water continues its mission to champion Thai football through the Chang Junior Cup 2026, a youth tournament for 13-year-olds committed to developing young talent and discovering Thailand's best teams. Winners will receive the Most Talented Player award and two Sportsmanship Awards, plus an exclusive opportunity to experience world-class football in England.

The Chang Junior Cup 2026 northern regional qualifying round was held from May 1-3, 2025 at Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai, with 36 teams participating. The championship match was attended by dignitaries including Vorpong Unchaleesakul, Sales Manager for Region 5 at Chang International Company Limited, and Natharat Sithikol, General Manager of Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai, who presented awards to the winners.

In the final, Somaphap School, a rising team from Bangkok that had defeated the two-time defending northern champion Nakhon Sawan Municipality Sport School 3-0 in the semifinals, faced NT Academy from Chiang Mai. Somaphap School's strong form carried through as they won 2-0 to claim the northern regional championship and earn a berth in the national championship round, where they will compete against Thailand's leading youth club teams.

The Chang Junior Cup 2026 is supported by the Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, Leicester City Football Club, Boothroom Limited (Ari sports brand distributor), and Molten (Thailand) Limited, all working to elevate Thai football to international standards.

Upcoming qualifying rounds include the Northeast region (May 8-9 at Buriram United's training facility with semifinals and finals on May 10), and Bangkok and surrounding provinces (registration May 4-8 for 48 teams, with matches May 19-24 at Thai Bev Football Academy). The top three teams from the final regional round will advance to the national championship. For more information, follow Facebook: ThaiBev ThaiTalent and Line: @ThaiBevThaiTalent.

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National

Rising Costs Push Back-to-School Spending to 66 Billion Baht, Highest in 17 Years; 27% of Parents Face Shortfalls and Turn to Loans

Back-to-school spending in Thailand has reached 66 billion baht this year, the highest in 17 years, as parents struggle with rising costs for textbooks, supplies, and tuition. About 27% of families report insufficient funds and resort to loans and asset pawning to cover education expenses. Despite economic pressures, parents continue prioritizing quality education at international and private schools while cutting back on other household expenses.

6 May Khaosod

According to Thanavon Polwichai, rector and advisor to the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, back-to-school spending reflects persistent cost-of-living pressures on Thai households. The projected 66-billion-baht spending figure represents a 6% expansion and the highest level since surveys began 17 years ago in 2010. Despite rising costs, most parents prioritize their children's education by increasing spending on tutoring, school supplies, and tuition, while cutting savings and reducing other household expenses. Higher-quality schools—including international, bilingual, and private institutions—are becoming increasingly popular, demonstrating that Thai families view education as a critical investment in their children's futures.

Umakamol Suntrsurati, assistant director of the forecasting center, notes that average back-to-school spending per family stands at 29,930 baht, varying significantly by school type: 10,975 baht for public school regular classes, 33,874 baht for public school special classes, 31,040 baht for Thai-language private schools, and 52,660 baht for bilingual private schools. Nearly half of parents (48.3%) report increased expenses this year, with primary causes being higher product prices (32.4%), purchasing more items (21.9%), and rising transportation and fuel costs (13.8%).

Parent buying patterns show that 84.4% purchase new textbooks entirely, and 61.4% buy new shoes and socks, while showing more flexibility with other items like school supplies and bags. However, the back-to-school burden strains household liquidity, with 27.1% of parents reporting insufficient funds. To cope, they resort to institutional loans (26.0%), pawning assets (21.7%), borrowing from relatives (15.7%), installment payments (15.4%), cash advances on credit cards (12.4%), and informal loans (3.6%).

Nearly half of parents (49.8%) believe the current economic situation significantly impacts education spending, forcing them to cut back in other areas: reducing travel and recreation (36.4%), personal expenses (26.9%), household food costs (20.9%), and drawing down savings (13.7%). When asked what government support they need most, parents prioritize increased tax deductions for education expenses (36.9%), direct financial subsidies (34.5%), student transportation allowances (21.9%), and price controls on school-related goods (6.7%), highlighting that tuition, supplies, and fuel costs remain the primary pressures on Thai households during the school season.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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