Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Weather

Bangkok heat index hits 'danger' level, health alert

Bangkok authorities declared a dangerous heat index level Tuesday, warning residents—especially children, elderly people, and outdoor workers—to watch for heat-related illness symptoms like heatstroke and dizziness.

28 Apr Khaosod

BANGKOK — 28 April 2026, Bangkok authorities warned that the city's heat index has reached a "dangerous" level, urging residents to monitor their health and take precautions, particularly for vulnerable groups.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said the day's maximum heat index had entered the danger category.

Health impacts from extreme heat can occur when temperatures exceed what the body can tolerate, leading to both direct and indirect effects. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, rashes, swelling, heat cramps and heatstroke.

Authorities advised the general public to watch for symptoms, while those in at-risk groups should seek medical attention immediately if any abnormalities occur.

Vulnerable groups include children aged 0–5, people aged 60 and above, pregnant women, individuals with underlying health conditions, those with obesity, people who consume alcohol, outdoor workers, people exercising outdoors and tourists.

Residents can monitor air quality updates via the website airbkk.com or the AirBKK application. In emergencies, authorities advised calling 1669.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Royal Thai Navy Allocates 434 Million Baht for New Tanker Ship to Replace HTMS Chula, Contract Awarded to Thai Shipyard

The Royal Thai Navy awarded a 434 million baht contract to Thai shipbuilder TINDY to construct a new oil tanker to replace the aging HTMS Chula, which will be decommissioned in 2026 after 45 years of service.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, Royal Thai Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Paratj Rattanajaipan announced that the Navy is proceeding with a project to acquire one oil tanker to replace HTMS Chula, which was commissioned on December 30, 1980 and has served for over 45 years. The vessel is now at the end of its operational lifespan and is scheduled for decommissioning in 2026.

This project aligns with the Royal Thai Navy Strategy 2017-2037 (revised 2023) to maintain maritime logistics capabilities across regional naval commands. The new tanker will enhance the Navy's ability to conduct military operations and humanitarian missions, while promoting Thailand's domestic shipbuilding industry and technological capabilities.

The new oil tanker is designed and constructed to international standards and Royal Thai Navy specifications, including RINA classification standards, SOLAS and MARPOL conventions, and relevant maritime engineering standards. It will feature a high-safety fuel transfer system for efficient fuel replenishment operations while minimizing spillage risk and meeting international environmental standards.

On March 30, 2025, the Ministry of Defence approved the Navy's contract with Thai International Dockyards Limited (TINDY) through a selective procurement process, with a total budget of 434,634,000 baht and delivery scheduled for 2026. The contract was signed today with TINDY, an experienced Thai shipbuilder that has previously collaborated with the Royal Thai Navy.

The Royal Thai Navy confirmed that this project will significantly strengthen maritime security, enhance logistics capabilities, and enable the Navy to efficiently respond to evolving security challenges.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

AirAsia Releases Video Showcasing Staff's Mandarin Skills After Passenger Drama Over Crew Speaking Only English

A Chinese passenger's demand for Mandarin-speaking crew on an AirAsia flight from Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur sparked a viral incident that delayed the flight over an hour. AirAsia responded by releasing a video showcasing staff speaking Mand

28 Apr Khaosod

AirAsia went viral again after releasing a video highlighting staff members' Mandarin language skills in response to drama sparked by a Chinese passenger's complaints about crew members only speaking English on a flight from Chongqing, China to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The incident occurred on April 22 when a Chinese female passenger demanded that cabin crew address her in Mandarin instead of English, causing a disturbance on the aircraft. In a video that circulated online, she stated, "This is an international flight, but you can't speak Chinese. How can you provide service then?" The disruption delayed the flight by over an hour before the passenger was ultimately asked to leave the plane.

According to reports, the passenger's dissatisfaction stemmed from her friend missing the flight, and she wanted to get off as well. This led the captain to decide to return the aircraft to the gate.

AirAsia Capitalizes on the Moment with Mandarin Language Video

After the incident went viral across Malaysia and social media, AirAsia released a short TikTok video featuring employees taking turns speaking and reading various signs in Mandarin Chinese. The video ended by inviting viewers to comment on who spoke most fluently.

Social Media Praises the Marketing Team's Swift Response

The video received over 1,700 shares in a short time, accompanied by praise from netizens who viewed it as an excellent game-changing move. One comment stated, "That's the real deal. A classy response." The incident demonstrates social media's power to quickly transform a crisis into a marketing opportunity while reinforcing the brand's image of accessibility to passengers of diverse nationalities and languages.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Surge! Foreign tourists flock to Thailand with 11.3 million visitors in first four months, generating over 555 billion baht

Thailand welcomed 11.3 million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2025, generating over 555 billion baht in revenue. Last week saw 536,000 arrivals with a 15.42% increase, led by surging Chinese tourists (up 40%) and Taiwanese visitors who jumped to 5th place. Officials expect even higher numbers next week due to Labor Day holidays and government travel facilitation measures.

28 Apr Khaosod

According to Nattareya Thawiwong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand accumulated over 11.3 million foreign tourists from January 1 to April 26, 2025. Last week marked a strong recovery in short-haul market arrivals, with a 26% increase compared to the previous week. Chinese tourists led with over 100,000 arrivals, representing a 40% surge, while Taiwanese tourists climbed from 11th to 5th place among visitor nationalities.

The previous week recorded 536,401 total foreign arrivals, up 71,681 visitors or 15.42% from the week prior, averaging 76,629 tourists daily. The top five source countries were China (102,493), Malaysia (73,571), India (45,811), Russia (26,015), and Taiwan (18,482). Chinese and Malaysian visitors increased 37.31% and 20.91% respectively, while Taiwanese, Russian, and Indian tourists declined 41.93%, 15.32%, and 1.45% respectively.

The following week is expected to see increased arrivals driven by Labor Day holidays in multiple countries, normalized energy conditions in Thailand, the "Trusted Thailand" safety initiative, government travel facilitation measures, TM.6 card exemptions, and increased airline flights.

As of April 27, 2025, Thailand has accumulated 11.36 million foreign tourists from January 1 to April 26, generating approximately 555.6 billion baht in tourism revenue. The top five source markets were China (1.84 million), Malaysia (1.23 million), Russia (849,367), India (805,208), and South Korea (465,702).

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Danny Srirungrueng's Facebook Account Returns to Activity: Wife Thanks Everyone for Their Love and Concern

Danny Srirungrueng's wife has reactivated his Facebook account days after his funeral, thanking supporters for their love and concern for the late actor, known for the classic series "Je Tum Rocket Power.

28 Apr Khaosod

Danny Srirungrueng's Facebook account has returned to activity — his wife extends thanks to everyone for their love and support.

The beloved actor, best remembered for his role as Je Tum in the classic series "Je Tum Rocket Power," had shifted his focus to family life in Deom Bang Nang Buach District, Suphan Buri, and maintained YouTube and Facebook channels for fans to follow. After his last post on April 11, he fell silent for several days before his family announced his passing on April 20 at 12:54 PM.

Following his funeral on April 23, his Facebook account reactivated today (April 28) with a post that reads:

"Thank you all so much. This phone has just been turned on. During the time when Danny wasn't feeling well, I kept this turned off completely— whether it was his phone number, Line, or Facebook. Thank you all. Thank you for loving Danny. Thank you for your concern. Cheers."

The message was posted by Kwang Pathanee, Danny's wife, thanking everyone for their love and support of her husband. Comments continue to pour in with words of encouragement and fond remembrances of Danny.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Music News – GELBOYS Gives Gen Z Twist to Classic 'Go Cute Far Far' Remake

Boy band GELBOYS has released a Gen Z-infused remake of the classic hit 'Go Cute Far Far' originally by Dan-Beam. The new version maintains the original's charm while updating the sound, production, and incorporating modern youth culture elements. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms.

28 Apr Khaosod

The four members of GELBOYS – New Chayapak, Pide Monthaprumi, PJ Mahidol, and Leon Brocco – have given a fresh Gen Z interpretation to the classic hit 'Go Cute Far Far' by Dan-Beam. The remake retains the cutesy charm of the original while infusing it with modern production and contemporary youth culture vibes. The lyrics have been sharpened in perspective, with music production by Mek Machina (Sukum Immuabsin) and new rap arrangements and opening sections created by SMEW (Thanis Kaewsurivoong), adding signature Gen Z slang that defines GELBOYS' style. This comeback not only reinforces GELBOYS' image as an up-and-coming T-POP group worth watching, but also showcases their continuous musical evolution in terms of sound, production quality, and the increasingly distinctive identities of all four members, while maintaining their characteristic Gen Z appeal. The 'Go Cute Far Far' (GO CUTE FAR FAR) version by GELBOYS is now available on all streaming platforms.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Assistant Professor Prinya Helps 4 Inmates in Thailand's First Work-Release Program to Pay Fines

Assistant Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul from Thammasat University has launched Thailand's first work-release program, helping four inmates imprisoned solely for inability to pay court fines gain their freedom. The program, funded by Prinya himself, totaled 98,500 baht and placed the inmates with participating organizations where they will work to repay the fund at a rate of 500 baht per day. This innovative initiative aims to address Thailand's poverty-driven incarceration problem, which affects 40,000 to 50,000 people annually.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, Assistant Professor Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul from Thammasat University's Faculty of Law announced a groundbreaking initiative to address Thailand's problem of poverty-driven incarceration. He revealed that four inmates have been helped through a new work-release fund program, with all four securing their freedom on this date.

According to Prinya, Thailand currently imprisons people unable to afford court-ordered fines at a rate of 500 baht per day. Despite legal provisions allowing community service as an alternative to jail time, most courts reject these requests, resulting in approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people imprisoned annually simply for being poor. This prompted Prinya and his law students to establish a fund that pays inmates' fines upfront while providing job placement opportunities. Once inmates earn enough through work to repay the fund, their debt is considered settled.

At the Central Pathum Thani Detention Facility, four willing inmates were selected for the program with fines totaling 98,500 baht (ranging from 12,000 to 30,000 baht each, equivalent to 24 to 60 days of confinement). Prinya personally funded the payment this morning, and the facility has now processed the fine payments through their originating courts. All four inmates will now work with partner organizations including Tatchon Dee Project, Mirror Foundation, and Thammasat University to earn back the funds.

This marks the first initiative in Thailand enabling inmates imprisoned purely for financial hardship to work their way to freedom. Once the four inmates complete their work obligations and repay the fund, Prinya plans to use the recovered money to assist other willing inmates in the same manner.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Caught Red-Handed: Supachee and Pimrypai's Stories Don't Match on 100-Baht Durians—Premium Grade or Not?

A controversy erupted over contradictory claims about durian quality in a livestream promotion featuring Deputy PM Supachee Suthammaphan and influencer Pimrypai, with the Commerce Ministry saying lower-grade fruit while the promotion itself used "premium grade" terminology. Durian farmers are worried the 100-baht pricing signals artificial pressure on farm-gate prices, and a parliamentary MP is demanding clarity before the evening livestream airs. The situation has raised broader questions about transparency and the effectiveness of using influencers to solve agricultural market challenges.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, at Parliament, Prisat Wachrasindu, a list MP from the Pheu Thai Party, spoke to media about concerns surrounding an evening livestream involving Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammaphan and prominent influencer Pimrypai. Prisat said he was representing the public's worries, particularly from durian farmers anxious that the 100-baht-per-fruit promotion signals pressure that could artificially depress farm-gate prices and harm farmers' livelihoods.

Prisat noted a troubling inconsistency: the Commerce Ministry's initial statement claimed the durians shown were not grade A but a lower premium category, yet when reviewing Pimrypai's livestream, the influencer and the minister both used the terms "premium grade" and "grade A meat," and the durians looked like top-tier fruit. "If we're being honest, someone isn't telling the truth," Prisat stated. "The Commerce Ministry says it's a lower grade, but the influencer clearly says premium or grade A. So I'm asking the ministry to clarify who's being truthful."

On the morning of April 28, the Commerce Ministry issued a new statement claiming it had no involvement in selecting which products appeared in the livestream—essentially saying it didn't know what was being sold. This contradicts the ministry's prior claim about lower grades, and Prisat questioned how the minister could claim ignorance when she was visible on camera hearing the product descriptions and pricing.

Prisat urged Deputy PM Supachee not only to stream this evening but also to make herself available for parliamentary questioning, as this matter will likely feature in upcoming debates. He noted that while using influencers isn't inherently wrong, there are concerns about pricing transparency and whether this approach will actually solve long-term agricultural challenges. Each crop, he argued, requires tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all strategies.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

TRUE Corporation Partners with OYMotion to Launch Neuro AI Technology Innovation, Setting New Standards for Thai Public Health

TRUE Corporation and OYMotion are partnering to deploy brain-computer interface technology that uses AI to control prosthetics and aid physical therapy, aiming to reduce costs and improve rehabilitation access across Thailand's public healt

28 Apr Khaosod

Leveraging BCI technology connected through TRUE's digital ecosystem and network to revolutionize physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Bangkok, April 27, 2025 – TRUE Corporation's Research and Innovation Center announced a collaboration with OYMotion, a global leader in neurotechnology innovation, to develop Neuro AI Technology aimed at elevating physical therapy and rehabilitation practices. The initiative combines Thailand's leading medical expertise with Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology integrated with AI and data analytics platforms to control intelligent prosthetics and devices through TRUE's network, converting "thoughts" into "commands." This stimulates neural circuits to command muscle movement, enabling faster brain learning and recovery compared to traditional physical therapy. The innovation alleviates pressure on scarce physiotherapy specialists and reduces treatment costs in the public health system – a critical barrier to continuous rehabilitation access for patients, particularly those with cerebrovascular disease and limb mobility deficits such as stroke patients or those with movement impairments, restoring movement freedom and improving quality of life.

The collaboration optimally combines both organizations' strengths: OYMotion's advanced expertise in decoding neural signals from brain wave sensors and muscle signals, integrated with TRUE Corporation's digital ecosystem, AI technology, and Data Platform, connecting signals and data through TRUE's network to transmit commands from patients' brains to robotic devices or prosthetics for precise movement resembling natural limbs.

Neuro AI Tech has been developed to benefit Thai people and society across four dimensions: 1) Patients receive faster and more accurate care and rehabilitation, boosting motivation for health recovery and enabling near-normal daily life resumption; 2) Medical personnel can analyze brain function data to customize treatment for individual patients, reducing care and therapy burdens and enabling doctors to focus fully on complex diagnostics; 3) Hospitals can expand patient care and services at scale while maintaining nursing care quality standards; and 4) Driving Thailand's public health system forward, establishing new standards for rehabilitation and functional recovery, equipping medical professionals with tools to advance specialized expertise for optimal treatment outcomes.

Akracha Panjvinin, Head of TRUE Corporation's Research and Innovation Center, stated: "This collaboration with OYMotion reflects TRUE Corporation's commitment as Thailand's leading telecom-technology company to continuously create innovation, believing that powerful technology is technology that creates positive value and tangibly improves people's quality of life. Through this collaboration, TRUE Corporation's Research and Innovation Center has built an innovation ecosystem integrating Thailand's leading medical institutions and medical personnel expertise with OYMotion's expertise, Neuro AI technology, and digital infrastructure to serve patients."

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Two Chinese Suspects in Custody for Armed Gold Shop Robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima; Claim They Were Duped Into Coming to Thailand

Two Chinese nationals arrested for an armed gold shop robbery in Nakhon Ratchasima claim they were lured to Thailand under false pretenses to repair drones before resorting to theft when their money ran out.

28 Apr Khaosod

Two Chinese nationals accused of robbing a gold shop in Chokchai District, Nakhon Ratchasima, are being held for intensive interrogation with plans to file charges this afternoon. According to the April 27 incident, two men wearing black hoodies smashed multiple glass display cases and made off with approximately 30 gold rings valued at around 300,000 baht, escaping in a white Toyota Yaris.

On April 28, Deputy Superintendent Prachaya Nimala of Chokchai Police Station and Deputy Station Commander Asdech Patwimlsilp took custody of suspects Zou Qintao, 27, and Song Haolong, 19, for separate interrogations with a Chinese interpreter present. Both suspects appeared visibly tense, with formal charges to be filed later in the day.

Police recovered 44 patterned gold rings weighing 156.9 grams and 24 pairs of gold earrings (44 pieces) weighing 119 grams, valued at 700,000-800,000 baht. The suspects face charges of armed robbery with weapon use, property damage, and vehicle use in commission of a crime.

During initial investigation, both suspects claimed they were recruited via the internet to come to Thailand to repair drones, with promised wages of 40,000 US dollars per unit (approximately 1,300,000 baht). They rented a vehicle and followed GPS coordinates provided. However, upon reaching the Cambodia border area, they became frightened and did not proceed. After their funds depleted to just 20 baht, they decided to commit the gold shop robbery to raise money. The suspects admitted to selling some gold for 16,800 baht.

Background checks revealed the suspects attempted an earlier robbery at a gold shop in Ban Lueam District on April 26, with one suspect captured on CCTV footage at a convenience store, though that robbery did not occur.

Surasak Jirawongpaisarn, 74, the gold shop owner, thanked police for the swift apprehension and expressed more concern about recovering the gold than the suspects' nationality. Staff remain shaken but he emphasized the need for increased security measures going forward.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

70-Year-Old Chinese Woman Spends 15 Million Baht on Live Streaming in Six Months, Can't Pay Electricity Bill

A 70-year-old Chinese woman from Shanghai spent approximately 15 million baht of her family's savings in just six months on gifts for live-streaming performers, leaving household bills unpaid. Her son discovered the family's bank account was completely drained and compared his mother's spending behavior to drug addiction. When the money ran out, the streamers she supported abandoned her without returning any assistance.

28 Apr Khaosod

Jiang, a 70-year-old from Shanghai, China, has developed a severe addiction to competitive live-streaming battles on social media platforms, known as "PK" (performer versus performer competitions). Within six months, she depleted over 3.3 million yuan (roughly 15 million baht) in family savings and personal pension funds by sending expensive gifts to her favorite streamers.

Her son Wang, who works in another city, had entrusted his mother with years of accumulated salary and bonuses due to her reputation for being frugal and responsible. However, when he returned home, he discovered the savings account was completely empty, household utilities remained unpaid, and even a minor 15-yuan electricity bill (about 70 baht) couldn't be settled. Shocked by the situation, Wang stated his mother's behavior was "more severe than drug addiction."

Since May, Jiang has been spending over 500,000 yuan monthly (approximately 2.3 million baht), continuously sending gifts ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 yuan each (9,000 to 14,000 baht) to support her favorite streamers in winning competitions. She explained that she became fascinated with the competitive system and wanted to help her preferred streamer win, leading her to impulsively send expensive gifts.

It took Wang several days to make his mother realize the severity of her actions. She had even considered using her next pension payment to continue the spending spree. Jiang expressed remorse, saying, "My son asked me how much a drug addict spends monthly. He told me I spend even more than that. I didn't realize it. All the money just vanished. I really feel sorry to my son."

When her savings dried up, Jiang attempted to contact the two streamers who received the most money, but they responded coldly with "little love, but lasting love" before disappearing. Wang subsequently filed complaints with consumer protection agencies and the streaming platform, though no concrete progress has been made to date.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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