Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

BEM Reiterates: Old MRT Cards and MRT Plus Will No Longer Be Valid Starting June 1

Bangkok's MRT system will stop accepting old-model and MRT Plus cards from June 1, 2026, shifting entirely to EMV Contactless payments via credit and debit cards.

17h ago Khaosod

Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) is reminding MRT passengers on the Blue and Purple Lines that starting June 1, 2026, old-model MRT cards and MRT Plus cards will no longer be usable for travel. The system will fully transition to EMV Contactless payment, accepting VISA and MASTERCARD credit and prepaid cards, UNIONPAY credit cards, debit cards, and Spider EMV cards. Card type verification is available on the BEM Bangkok Expressway and Metro Facebook page. Passengers can exchange their old cards at any Blue or Purple Line station free of charge by presenting their old card and national ID. For additional information, contact the Information Center at 0-2624-5200.

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National

PM Discusses with French President to Elevate Thai-French Relations, Push Forward on Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement

Prime Minister Anutin met with French President Macron in Paris to boost bilateral trade in renewable energy and aerospace while advancing Thailand-EU free trade agreement negotiations, with both nations committing to strengthen their partn

17h ago Khaosod

On May 25 at 8:30 PM Paris time at the Palais de l'Elysée in Paris, French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Interior, with a warm welcome atmosphere.

Following the meeting, government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek summarized key discussion points:

1. Trade and Investment Promotion: Both the French President and Prime Minister agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment growth, particularly in high-value industries including renewable energy, aerospace and aviation, smart electrical transmission lines, and AI Data Center infrastructure—future industries where French private sector has strong expertise and capacity. Following discussions with MEDEF International and leading French private companies, many firms expressed interest in investing or expanding investments in Thailand, while France commended Thai private sector investments in France and welcomes further expansion.

2. Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: This is one of the Thai government's key policies, with commitment to conclude negotiations this year. The Prime Minister thanked France for continuous support of the negotiation process, confident this agreement will be a significant turning point creating economic opportunities for both nations.

3. Enhanced Security Cooperation in Cybersecurity: As both sides participate in Cobra Gold exercises, security and cybersecurity cooperation will be expanded, aligning with the government's global efforts to combat cybercriminals and online threats, successfully prosecuting and extraditing suspects, and seizing illegal assets.

4. Thailand-Cambodia and Myanmar Situations: The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to respecting sovereignty principles, peace, and international law. The decision to cancel MOU 44, after nearly 25 years without progress, led Thailand to apply international law (UNCLOS) through bilateral discussions. For land border issues, Thailand will follow the joint statement signed late last year while requiring proof of Cambodia's sincerity.

Both sides will advance a Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Thai-French Partnership 2026-2028, a significant step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

French participants included Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Deputy Minister Éléonore Caroit, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Benoît Guidée, French Ambassador to Thailand Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne, Asia Affairs Advisor Julie Le Saos, and others.

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Police

Out-of-Control Van Crashes Into Stranded Bus in Pakistan, Killing 17 People

A runaway van struck a disabled bus and waiting passengers near Peshawar on May 25, killing at least 17 people who were standing outside the stalled vehicle.

17h ago Khaosod

A van lost control and collided with a passenger bus that was disabled and parked along a roadside between Swat and Peshawar in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on May 25, resulting in at least 17 deaths and 10 injuries, with 3 in critical condition. Rescue officials reported that bus passengers had exited the vehicle and were standing nearby when the van swerved out of control, striking the waiting people and the rear of the bus with considerable force. Many passengers were reportedly traveling home ahead of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide. Road accidents are a frequent occurrence in Pakistan due to lax enforcement of traffic laws, low safety standards, speeding, and reckless driving.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Community

Num Kharachai Thanks Ajarn Yingsakdi for Filling In on Nohn Krachae, Receives Great Audience Response

Substitute host Ajarn Yingsakdi earned enthusiastic audience praise while filling in for Num Kharachai on the Nohn Krachae program, with viewers calling for his return and even suggesting he become permanent host.

18h ago Khaosod

The latest episode of Nohn Krachae featuring substitute host Ajarn Yingsakdi in place of Num Kharachai has garnered overwhelmingly positive audience response. Fans praised the new host for bringing energy and entertainment to the program. Num Kharachai posted photos from the episode and expressed his gratitude to Ajarn Yingsakdi, saying: "I'm so glad everyone loved today's Nohn Krachae... Thank you so much, Ajarn Yingsakdi. I was thrilled when he answered immediately without any hesitation when I called to invite him. Hope he comes back often, I'd love to hang out!" Kharachai also shared side-by-side comparison photos of himself and Yingsakdi from when they appeared together in a film scene, alongside shots from the recent episode, jokingly captioning it "You two are always on it." Viewers expressed strong approval of Yingsakdi's performance, with many suggesting he become a permanent host, praising his comedic timing and natural chemistry with the show's format. Comments included "Make him the permanent host, he's so sharp" and "I don't have to worry anymore about whether Num will show up."

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Gold Prices Today, May 26, 2025: Gold Prices Fall

Gold prices fell 250 baht per gram to 70,800 baht on May 26, though merchants predict a surge of 1,000-2,000 baht tomorrow that could break the 80,000 baht mark.

18h ago Khaosod

Gold prices fell on May 26, 2025, according to the Gold Merchants Association announcement released this morning. Gold ornaments dropped 250 baht per gram to 70,800 baht compared to yesterday's closing price. As of the latest announcement at 9:01 AM, gold bars are trading at 69,800 baht per gram for purchase and 70,000 baht per gram for sale. Gold ornaments (96.5% purity) are being purchased at 68,401.92 baht per gram and sold at 70,800 baht per gram. Global gold spot prices are currently at 4,539.00 USD per ounce. Gold merchants predict tomorrow's market opening could see prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per gram, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht mark.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Thai woman in South Korea driven to suicide by financial pressure from creditor

A 40-year-old Thai woman in Seoul died by suicide after allegedly being driven to financial despair by excessive interest charges and public shaming from a creditor over a 650,000-baht debt.

18h ago The Thaiger Crime

Thai woman in South Korea driven to suicide by financial pressure from creditorLegacyA Thai woman living in South Korea died by suicide after allegedly facing financial pressure from excessive interest payments and public humiliation by a creditor. The deceased was identified as 40 year old Areerat. Her body was discovered in a rented room in Seoul two days after her South Korean husband reported her missing to local police. Areerat was originally from Ubon Ratchathani and had moved to South Korea after marrying her husband. Her older sister, 42 year old Anchalee, told ThaiRath that the family first became concerned after seeing social media posts from Areerat’s friends expressing condolences over her death. Anchalee said Areerat’s 13 year old daughter later contacted the family to confirm the news. According to Anchalee, Areerat had worked overseas since the age of 20 and had previously lived and worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. The family acknowledged that she initially worked in the country illegally before later obtaining legal residency through marriage. Photo via Matichon Areerat had lived in South Korea for around 15 years. She previously worked in a factory before starting a small business importing Thai food ingredients, kitchen utensils, and other products for sale to Thai residents in South Korea. She reportedly lived alone in a rented room to support the business while her husband and daughter stayed at another residence located further away. Anchalee said the family had not known about Areerat’s financial difficulties until after her death, when friends shared details of her situation. According to friends, Areerat experienced cash flow problems after allowing customers to pay in instalments and regularly offering discounts. Without sufficient operating funds, she allegedly borrowed 30 million won, approximately 650,000 baht, from another Thai woman living in South Korea. Photo via Matichon Friends claimed Areerat had repaid the original amount, but the lender allegedly continued charging excessive interest rates that reportedly doubled the debt burden. The friends said the financial pressure caused a significant stress for Areeya. Before her death, she reportedly posted a farewell video message to friends on Facebook. Friends further alleged the creditor publicly shamed Areerat online by exposing details of the debt and making comments encouraging her to harm herself. After seeing the video, friends and a former employer reportedly attempted to contact and help her but were unable to intervene in time. They also told the family that Areerat had struggled with depression for more than five years. In interviews with Thai media, family members said they were still unable to fully accept the loss and hoped she would find peace after death. Photo via Matichon If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. The story Thai woman in South Korea driven to suicide by financial pressure from creditor as seen on Thaiger News.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

CBRE Reports Sustained Bangkok Office Market Recovery as 'Flight to Quality' Drives Premium Grade Buildings, Rental Rates Jump 79.3%

Bangkok's office market continues recovering with occupancy rates climbing to 79.3% in Q1 2025, driven by tenants moving to premium-grade buildings in the CBD while older properties face mounting pressure.

18h ago Khaosod

On May 25, 2025, CBRE Thailand, the world-renowned real estate advisory firm, released its Q1 2025 Bangkok office market report showing continued market improvement. Overall space occupancy rates have increased to 79.3%, marking the second consecutive quarter of growth. Net take-up in Q1 2025 exceeded 11,000 square meters, bringing the market's consecutive positive net take-up streak to eight quarters.

The "Flight to Quality" trend—where tenants migrate to higher-quality office buildings—continues unabated in Q1, with demand heavily concentrated in Grade A+ buildings in the CBD, while Grade A properties outside the CBD also attract tenants steadily.

No new office space was completed in Q1, and future projections suggest new supply will remain limited, with new office space over the next five years expected to remain lower than the amount that entered the market in 2024 alone.

Rental rates are diverging significantly between premium and standard buildings across all locations. Top-tier buildings continue to command higher rents, while older or less competitive buildings face increasing pressure.

Throughout 2025, many aging office buildings with good potential are scheduled for major renovations, and other buildings may undergo repositioning, renovation, or demolition. These factors will drive increased office relocation demand among tenants.

Rungrat Veerabutkakarn, Managing Director of CBRE Thailand, stated that tenants remain active and are spending more time comparing multiple options before making decisions. Many companies are willing to relocate offices without significantly expanding space if they find higher-quality, better-value options that better meet their employees' workplace needs.

Chotika Tangsiriratkul, Head of Project Development Advisory and Market Research at CBRE Thailand, added that the overall office market is gradually improving. The market currently shows positive net take-up for eight consecutive quarters, while new space entering the market remains relatively low. Older buildings are increasingly adopting new strategies and repositioning themselves, which will trigger a new wave of tenant relocations and widen the gap between strong and ordinary buildings.

CBRE Thailand anticipates that demand for well-equipped office space with market advantages will remain stable, with stronger buildings continuing to outperform the overall market.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Royal Decree: Lieutenant General Released from Royal Protection Service Duty

Lieutenant General Pongsak Prom Thongsuk has been released from his position in Thailand's Royal Protection Service, effective May 21, 2025, according to a Royal Gazette decree.

18h ago Khaosod

The Royal Gazette has published a Royal Decree releasing a commissioned officer from Royal Protection Service duties. On May 26, 2025, the Royal Gazette website announced the release of a commissioned officer from his position as Royal Protection Service member. The decree, issued under Article 15 of the 2017 Thai Constitution and related legislation governing royal service administration and personnel matters, specifically releases Lieutenant General Pongsak Prom Thongsuk, Commander of the Armed Forces Division (acting) of the Royal Guard Command, from his Royal Protection Service duties effective May 21, 2025. The announcement was made on May 25, 2025, in the eleventh year of the current reign.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Japanese Police Hunt Suspect After Pepper Spray Incident at Tokyo Shopping Center Injures 19

A man sprayed an irritant substance believed to contain capsaicin at an ATM in Tokyo's Ginza Six shopping center on Monday, sending 19 people to hospitals with severe throat and respiratory irritation.

19h ago Khaosod

Japanese police are intensifying their search for a suspect following a chaotic incident at Ginza Six shopping complex in Tokyo on Monday, May 25, according to BBC reporting on May 26. A man sprayed an unknown substance at an ATM on the lower floor of the shopping center, causing at least 19 people to be hospitalized due to a strong odor. Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokespersons stated that the substance is believed to be an irritant spray likely containing capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, and authorities are actively pursuing the suspect for prosecution.

Witnesses near the scene reported experiencing severe throat pain and itchiness. One elderly woman in her 70s told media that she began feeling irritation and throat pain as she approached the ATM, saying "When I got to where the commotion was, it started. I thought maybe there was a small fire or something, and when I got close to the ATM my throat felt so irritated it was almost numb." Following the incident report, firefighters, emergency services, police, and ambulance personnel mobilized to the shopping complex to assist those affected.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Petpattaya Tests His Strength Against Julius in The Inner Circle Battle This Friday, June 26

Thai boxer Petpattaya faces Brazilian Muay Thai champion Julius in a bantamweight clash Friday at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, with both fighters seeking ONE Championship contracts after recent winning streaks.

19h ago Khaosod

ONE Championship ramps up excitement for The Inner Circle on Friday, June 26, at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Ramintra), with 28-year-old Petpattaya Abhichaatfarm facing 31-year-old Brazilian Muay Thai champion Julius Lobo under Thai boxing rules in the bantamweight division (135-145 lbs). The live stream is exclusive to members on Live.ONEFC.com from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Both fighters are in peak form following consecutive victories, with matching strength and physique—evenly matched in every way. This card promises all-out action as both competitors seek to earn points and create a path toward future ONE contracts, guaranteeing an exciting showdown.

Petpattaya has consistently developed his boxing skills since his program debut loss, now riding a three-fight winning streak. Most recently, he delivered a devastating elbow knockout of American Aryan Esparza in the third round at ONE Lumpinee 147 in March, claiming a 350,000-baht bonus.

For this fight, Petpattaya drops down to full bantamweight and plans to showcase aggressive striking to overcome Julius's strength, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory and a ONE contract. Meanwhile, Julius, a formidable foreign fighter and small-ring championship holder, returns after nearly two years away with impressive form. He recently won by unanimous decision against hot prospect Werapol Lukjaodomphoktoom at ONE Lumpinee 135 in November, followed by a stunning third-round knockout of Kong Glai S. Sommai at ONE Lumpinee 152 in May. Julius aims for a third consecutive win to pursue his own ONE contract, testing Petpattaya's granite chin.

Catch Petpattaya vs. Julius on Friday, June 26. Tickets are available through THAI TICKET MAJOR. At-home viewers can watch the live broadcast of The Inner Circle from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Live.ONEFC.com, exclusive to members.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Royal Gazette Announces Guidelines for Designating Alcohol Sales Prohibition Areas Near Educational Institutions

Thailand's Disease Control Department has established guidelines for designating alcohol sales prohibition zones near schools, with exemptions for existing licensed retailers and large commercial establishments operating before specified da

19h ago Khaosod

The Disease Control Department has issued a Royal Gazette announcement on May 26, 2026, establishing guidelines for designating alcohol sales prohibition zones near educational institutions. The proclamation outlines that appropriate locations or areas near schools meeting one or more criteria shall be restricted: areas easily accessible to children, youth, and students based on distance from the school; places with characteristics unsuitable for minors; locations that could serve as gathering spots or corruption centers for young people; and areas likely to cause disturbance to students. The announcement exempts certain establishments from these restrictions, including legally licensed alcohol retailers operating before July 22, 2558, licensed hotels under hotel laws, authorized service establishments, manufacturer/importer sales points, retail stores or supermarkets within commercial buildings of 10,000 square meters or larger, and major sports venues with approved special events and proper youth protection measures. Existing alcohol license holders as of February 11, 2568, may continue operations until their licenses expire or are suspended or revoked. The announcement was issued by Montien Kanasawad, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, on May 14, 2569.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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