Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

C, Nunew Lead Domundi Artists at 26th Thai Festival Tokyo; Fans Line Up to Cheer

Thai artists C, Nunew, Net, JJ, and boy group DEXX performed at the 26th Thai Festival Tokyo, one of Japan's largest overseas festivals, delighting fans with emotional performances and special surprises. The artists expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and promised to return for future performances in Japan.

12 May Khaosod

C, Nunew, Net, JJ, and boy group DEXX delighted fans at the 26th Thai Festival Tokyo, with supporters crowding the stage edges, singing along to every song in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Domundi label artists including C Pruksa, Nunew Chawarin, Net Siraphop, JJ Ratchapol, and boy group DEXX members Titi Wanpichit, Po Supakarn, James Suphimongkol, Oo Thanapumi, Tutor Korapat, and Yim Prinyaakorn participated in the 26th Thai Festival Tokyo with honor from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. This was Thailand's largest overseas festival held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on May 9-10, 2025.

Both Thai fans in Japan and Japanese fans enjoyed intimate performances from all nine artists. DEXX opened with high-energy performances of 'Clang Clang,' followed by emotional songs 'Beside You' and 'Next Status.' Net and JJ surprised fans by appearing as characters from the trending series 'Pal Your Love Upon A Time Series,' performing the OST tracks 'Pal Your' and 'Still You' with beautiful vocal harmonies.

C and Nunew delivered the most spirited response, with Nunew performing 'First Date at Shibuya,' her Japanese debut song, followed by her sixth single 'New Season.' C then performed 'Breaking Heart Station' before the duo took the stage together with 'True Love,' closing with 'Heartquake' that captivated the audience.

All nine artists expressed their gratitude, stating it was a great honor to perform and meet Japanese and Thai fans in Japan. They described the warm atmosphere and promised to return if given the opportunity.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Knox Jolie-Pitt wins fans with love for Muay Thai

Knox Jolie-Pitt, son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has captured Thai fans' hearts with his serious commitment to Muay Thai training at a Los Angeles gym. The 17-year-old celebrated his birthday by competing in a Muay Thai technical competition and has even traveled to Thailand to train and watch matches at the historic Rajadamnern Stadium. His dedication to the sport, highlighted by his branded Thai Muay Thai gear, has sparked widespread appreciation for Thailand's national martial art among international audiences.

12 May Khaosod

Knox Jolie-Pitt, the 17-year-old son of Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, is gaining attention among Thai fans for his growing passion for Muay Thai after recently being spotted training seriously at a gym in Los Angeles.

Photos circulating online showed Knox training in Muay Thai shorts featuring the word "Rajadamnern" in Thai script, referencing Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the most historic and respected venues in the sport. Thai social media users quickly praised the teenager's apparent dedication to Thailand's national martial art.

According to entertainment reports and paparazzi photos from the past year, Knox has been training consistently in Muay Thai and appears to take the sport seriously. Images from recent sessions showed him stretching, lifting weights, sparring with coaches and training partners, and even continuing after suffering a nosebleed during practice.

His interest in the sport became widely noticed in July 2025 when he celebrated his 17th birthday by competing in an IKF Point Muay Thai Technical competition in Los Angeles. Videos from the event showed Knox exchanging punches and kicks with an opponent before eventually winning a medal. His mother Angelina Jolie and twin sister Vivienne were reportedly present to support him from the crowd.

Knox was also photographed wearing Muay Thai gear branded by Thai companies, including Tuff shorts commonly associated with the sport's international training community.

In 2025, Knox reportedly travelled to Thailand, where he attended fights at Rajadamnern Stadium and trained at a Muay Thai camp. His visit drew additional interest among Thai fans, many of whom welcomed the growing international appreciation for the sport.

Often referred to as "the art of eight limbs," Muay Thai is one of Thailand's most important cultural exports and a globally recognised combat sport. Unlike Western boxing, Muay Thai incorporates punches, elbows, knees and kicks, with fighters using nearly every part of the body both offensively and defensively.

The sport originated centuries ago as a battlefield fighting technique before evolving into a professional combat sport deeply tied to Thai culture and identity. Today, Muay Thai is practised worldwide, attracting professional fighters, fitness enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

Rajadamnern Stadium, founded in 1945, is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of modern professional Muay Thai and remains among the sport's most prestigious arenas alongside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Royal Gazette Announces 8 Locations Where Alcohol Sales and Consumption Are Banned, Effective Today

Thailand's Royal Gazette has announced eight new alcohol control regulations effective immediately, banning the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in major public areas including transportation hubs, government facilities, and public parks. The updated regulations represent an overhaul of the original 2008 laws to better address current public health and safety concerns. The prohibitions apply nationwide across roads, railways, ports, bus terminals, factories, government facilities, and public recreational areas.

12 May Khaosod

The Royal Gazette website has published eight alcohol control announcements establishing locations and areas where the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, effective immediately. These eight announcements update and refine the original 2008 regulations to better align with contemporary needs. The details are as follows:

1. Prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages on roads, on vehicles, or in vehicles on roadways 2. Prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages at railway stations and trains, with exceptions for special events held inside Bangkok's main station air-conditioned hall 3. Prohibition on selling or consuming alcohol in areas of public ports and regular passenger ferries 4. Prohibition on selling or consuming alcohol in all passenger transport stations nationwide 5. Prohibition on selling or consuming alcoholic beverages in factory industrial areas, except for distilleries that may conduct normal business operations or allow tasting during production processes 6. Prohibition on selling or consuming alcoholic beverages in areas controlled and used by government, state enterprises, or other government agencies, except for areas designated as private quarters, clubs, or traditional ceremonial gatherings 7. Prohibition on selling or consuming alcoholic beverages in public parks operated by state enterprises or other government agencies 8. Prohibition on selling or consuming alcoholic beverages in state enterprises or other government agencies

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Watch Out! Pichetsad, LINE Plus Advisor, Eyes Bangkok Governor Race Under Democrat Party; 'Mark' to Launch Candidacy on May 16

The Democrat Party is set to unveil its Bangkok governor candidate on May 16, with strong indications pointing to Pichetsad Rukspreecha, a LINE Plus executive advisor and former Google Thailand executive. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva emphasized the candidate will have strong technology expertise to drive Bangkok's economic transformation, with a major reveal event scheduled for mid-May.

12 May Khaosod

Watch Out! Pichetsad, LINE Plus advisor and leading contender, is set to join the Democrat Party (DP) to run for Bangkok governor. Party leader Abhisit acknowledged the candidate possesses technology expertise and plans to leverage tech to unlock Bangkok's potential and drive economic transformation.

On May 12, 2569, the Democrat Party held their inaugural 'Bangkok Build AI' event at the old tobacco factory complex 5, featuring an AI Demo Day that shifted from talk to demonstration.

Notably, former Bhumjaithai party list candidate Anucha Burpachai attended alongside DP deputy leader Saklethi Phattiyakul, arriving in the same vehicle and meeting with party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy leader Korn Chatikavanich.

Anucha revealed he previously served as Khlong Toei constituency MP for the Democrats and recently resigned from Bhumjaithai membership, with the party's acknowledgment.

At the event, observers spotted Pichetsad Rukspreecha, a LINE Plus executive advisor who is widely considered the leading candidate for Bangkok governor under the Democrat Party. A former LINE Thailand CEO and Google Thailand executive, Pichetsad previously served as secretary to former Bangkok Governor Apiruk Kosayodhin. When asked, Pichetsad briefly stated he was attending as someone from the IT industry.

Abhisit declined to reveal the Bangkok governor candidate's identity, asking observers to wait until May 16. When asked if the candidate was present at the event, Abhisit gestured toward the forum stage and suggested the candidate would be there, adding that the identity would be revealed on May 16. When pressed about whether the candidate has IT knowledge, given technology's importance, Abhisit suggested waiting for the candidate to speak on May 16.

When asked if they could compete with rivals, Abhisit said it depends on voters' choice, but the party is fully committed to presenting what it believes will benefit Bangkok.

Regarding the Democrat Party backing modern, new-generation candidates, Abhisit stated he wasn't sure how that's currently defined, noting that generational labels matter less than vision and openness to world changes.

The party currently seeks to present real economic and national transformation, he explained. Bangkok is a city with potential to play an important role in this regard.

When pressed on whether the Bangkok governor candidate must have technology knowledge, Abhisit affirmed this was correct. The party needs people with genuine understanding—not merely interest or basic usage—who see technology's potential for city and economic development.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Chinese Man with Home and Savings Chooses to Sleep Outside Supermarket for 10 Years—His Heartbreaking Reason Revealed

A 78-year-old Chinese man named Qiang Ming chose to live outside a Shanghai supermarket for over a decade despite owning a home, citing loneliness after his 2000 divorce. His life changed in 2021 when caretaker Huang Lanjie discovered him and began providing care, but their attempt to formalize a caretaking agreement revealed that his house actually belonged to his ex-wife, resulting in legal complications and family conflict.

12 May Khaosod

Despite owning a home and having savings, 78-year-old Qiang Ming from China has chosen to live in the back hallway of a supermarket in Shanghai's Yangpu district for over a decade, citing deeply emotional reasons.

According to reports, he owns a 20-square-meter room—an old house left to him by his mother. However, after divorcing his wife in 2000, he became afraid of living alone in the quiet, empty home and chose to live near people instead. The bustling atmosphere of the supermarket made him feel more at ease and comforted.

He has never begged or caused problems for anyone. He carries substantial cash and owns various IT devices. His bed consists of just a single mat. Every day he wakes at 4:30 a.m. to pack up his belongings so as not to interfere with the store's operating hours. When the supermarket closes at night, he curls up in the same spot.

This lifestyle took a toll on his appearance—his hair became unkempt and his beard long, making him look pitiful. However, his life began to change in 2021 when Huang Lanjie, a domestic worker from Shandong province working in Shanghai, discovered him by chance in the supermarket. Taking pity on him, she spoke with him and began bringing him food and caring for him regularly.

Desiring someone to care for him in his final years, he proposed giving the house and his pension card to her so she would look after him until the end. She happily agreed to become his "adopted daughter."

However, when the two went to formalize their caretaking agreement in late 2024, they encountered a problem. Officials discovered that according to divorce papers from years earlier, the house belonged to his ex-wife, not to him, despite his claims of an "informal divorce."

Ultimately, both the primary court and appeals court ruled that the house belonged to his son. His son confirmed that his parents were indeed divorced and had previously offered to renovate the house for his father to return to, but his father refused. The son waived all other inheritance rights solely to prevent his father from giving the house to someone else, fearing his father might be deceived or taken advantage of.

Currently, Qiang Ming has moved in with Huang Lanjie in a rented room, though the relationship between father and son remains strained.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Netiwit Faces Prison Time as Constitutional Court Unanimously Rules Military Draft Law Constitutional

The Constitutional Court has ruled that Thailand's mandatory military conscription law is constitutional, rejecting a challenge from activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal who refused to serve on human rights grounds. Netiwit, who publicly defied the draft in April 2024 claiming the system violates human rights and creates inequality, now faces up to three years in prison for his refusal to participate in military selection screening.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that Sections 27 and 45 of the 2024 Military Service Act do not violate Articles 26 and 31 of the Constitution. The ruling came after activist and political movement leader Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal challenged the law in case number Sor.3118/2568, accused of evading military conscription under the 1954 Military Service Act, Section 45. On April 5, 2024, Netiwit traveled to the military selection screening location at Bang Pu Municipality in Samut Prakan Province and publicly declared his refusal to participate in mandatory military service, arguing it contradicts human rights principles and creates inequality among Thai citizens, as all Thais should have the freedom to choose military service without coercion. The Samut Prakan District Court completed witness examination on September 11, 2024, when Netiwit filed a petition requesting the Constitutional Court review whether Sections 27 and 45—which mandate the conscription of Thai males aged 18 and above for military selection screening and impose penalties for non-compliance—violate the Constitution. Section 27 requires conscripts to appear before the selection committee with proper documentation, with exemptions only for civil servants on urgent state business, overseas students, government workers during wartime, those working with military units on active operations, those with legitimate hardship, those taking screening elsewhere, or those with verified illness. Section 45 imposes penalties on anyone who evades or refuses to appear for military screening, refuses screening when summoned, fails to complete the screening process, or otherwise evades conscription service, with maximum punishment of three years imprisonment.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026 Offers Exclusive Dream Prize Opportunities

Chang launches the 12th edition of the Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026, offering young Thai golfers the opportunity to compete on an internationally-recognized platform and pursue professional golf careers. The tournament is endorsed by Thailand's Department of Physical Education and recognized by leading global golf ranking institutions, with special mentorship from PGA Tour coach Dr. Rick Sessinghaus, who trained world-ranked professional Collin Morikawa. Selected youth will enter the ThaiBev ThaiTalent program to develop comprehensive skills for international professional golf competition.

12 May Khaosod

Chang advances further with the "Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026" competition, offering exclusive Dream Prize opportunities to develop golf skills and strengthen both body and mind with world-class professionals. "Chang natural mineral water" continues to develop Thai golf sports potential by organizing the "Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026" for its 12th year, guaranteeing world ranking standards from three leading institutions—Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). It is Thailand's only tournament endorsed by the Department of Physical Education, allowing credits to be applied toward university education both domestically and internationally. Competitors can win exclusive Dream Prizes by enhancing their golf skills under PGA Tour-level coaching, with the addition of renowned coach Dr. Rick Sessinghaus from Flow Code Golf Academy—the mentor of world-ranked professional golfer Collin Morikawa (ranked 6th globally, 2-time major champion)—who will strengthen participants' mental resilience to handle competitive pressure professionally during special camps. Outstanding youth will be selected for the "ThaiBev ThaiTalent" program, developing them on a comprehensive path to world-class professional golf. The "Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026" launched its first qualifying round spectacularly at Siam Country Club Bangkok, a five-star standard golf course, with Marketing Director Jessadakorn Coaches of Chang natural mineral water and Pattarisorn Thasomsingh, Manager of Activity Projects at Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, present alongside famous golf influencers Tao – Sethpong Piangpo and Art – Marut Chuencham on May 7, 2025. Jessadakorn Coaches, Marketing Director of Chang natural mineral water, stated: "Chang is committed to developing and continuing to elevate Thai youth's potential toward professional golf careers. We believe that creating world-class golfers requires comprehensive preparation—both technical skills and mental strength. Over the past 20 years, Chang has genuinely supported Thai golf through creating international-standard competition venues like the Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit to provide Thai youth opportunities to develop and advance to international competitions. Last year's success, including championships across all age categories in the International Championship round, demonstrates Thai junior golfers' potential. With proper platforms and development systems, they can compete and build international reputations, just like senior athletes from this program who have succeeded globally, such as 'Fever' Nitidhon Thippong, winner of three Asian Tour events, and many others excelling on the world stage. We hope this platform will be a crucial starting point for pushing Thai youth toward professional golf careers and building Thailand's reputation internationally." Pattarisorn Thasomsingh, Manager of Activity Projects at Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, stated: "The Chang competition..."

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Research Reveals Lead Contamination in Diseased Catfish from Chiang Khan

Diseased catfish from the Mekong River in Chiang Khan, Loei Province show lead levels slightly above safety standards, though healthy fish remain safe to eat when properly cooked. Researchers from Naresuan University recommend avoiding visi

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, a research team from Naresuan University, led by Associate Professor Dr. Thanapol Penyarrat, director of the digital database and systems unit at the Office of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee (TSRI), released research findings on bloated catfish caught from the Mekong River in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. The team tested five types of heavy metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese. The lead levels in the tested catfish slightly exceeded the standard of 0.3, with samples measuring 0.31 mg/kg.

Initial inspection results of catfish from Chiang Khan, Loei Province found elevated lead and mercury content in the flesh, with lead contamination most prevalent in diseased catfish. In contrast, samples from Nong Khai Province showed levels below safety standards and are safe for consumption. Diseased fish should not be eaten due to the high parasite burden in their intestines. While healthy catfish typically contain moderate levels of heavy metals, diseased fish show higher concentrations of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese, though only lead approached standard limits.

Statistical analysis shows that diseased fish contain significantly higher heavy metal levels than healthy fish, consistent with international research indicating that diseased fish have compromised immune systems and are susceptible to infections and parasites. Blood tests conducted by Dr. Nathawut Charoenphol on diseased fish from Nong Khai Province confirmed exposure to heavy metals, DNA damage, red blood cell abnormalities, numerous parasitic infections, elevated white blood cells, and bacterial infections.

Catfish from both Chiang Khan and Nong Khai require continued monitoring. However, the public should not panic as only visibly diseased fish are affected, while healthy-appearing fish remain safe for consumption when properly cooked. The research team will collect additional water, sediment, and fish samples weekly for further testing to determine heavy metal contamination levels and will coordinate with provincial authorities on management strategies.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Twin Mother Nearly Dies After Accidentally Picking Up Emerald Green Insect, Loses Consciousness Three Times

An American mother of twins nearly died after accidentally touching a shimmering emerald green insect while visiting a historical park, suffering a severe allergic reaction that caused respiratory failure and multiple episodes of unconsciousness. The woman required four adrenaline injections to survive the incident. Medical experts note that the reaction was extremely rare, as the insect—identified as a six-spotted tiger beetle—is typically non-toxic to humans.

12 May Khaosod

An American mother of twins nearly lost her life after accidentally picking up a shimmering emerald green insect while visiting a historical park with her 9-year-old twins. She suffered a severe allergic reaction that caused respiratory failure and required four adrenaline injections to survive. Antoinette Webb, 44, recounted the terrifying incident, explaining that she spotted what she thought was the most beautiful green insect she had ever seen and picked it up to admire it. Within seconds of touching the insect, she felt a burning sensation spreading across her body and experienced a sudden, severe allergic reaction. Webb rushed up a grassy slope with her twins to a gift shop at the park to seek help, but lost consciousness after that point. Dean Martin, the organization's director and former military physician, reported that Webb collapsed in front of him with breathing difficulties, hives covering her entire body, lips turning blue, tremors, and losing consciousness multiple times before entering respiratory failure and losing consciousness three times. Martin and his team administered allergy medication at the scene while waiting for an ambulance. Webb was taken to the hospital and required four injections of adrenaline or epinephrine to control the severe allergic reaction. Reports indicate the insect was a 'six-spotted tiger beetle,' a shimmering green insect commonly found in North America that is typically non-toxic, but in Webb's case triggered an extremely rare and severe allergic reaction.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

74-Year-Old Veteran Manager Claudio Ranieri Ready to Take Over Italian National Team

Legendary Italian manager Claudio Ranieri has signaled his openness to leading the Italian national team as either head coach or technical director, following his recent departure from AS Roma. The 74-year-old veteran is now available after previously turning down similar opportunities due to his Roma commitments. Ranieri's potential appointment comes as the Italian Football Federation seeks a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, whose contract was terminated after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.

12 May Khaosod

Veteran Italian manager Claudio Ranieri has announced his willingness to take on a role with the Italian national team, whether as head coach or technical director. The Italian Football Federation is actively searching for a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who parted ways with the team after failing to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ranieri recently became available after stepping down as a consultant at AS Roma following a clash with manager Jean-Pierre Gasperini. Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia: "Previously I had to turn it down because I had a job at Roma and couldn't do two jobs at once, but now I'm free, so if someone contacts me, why not? Don't say it's impossible." When asked whether he would accept a coaching or director position with the Italian national team, he replied: "I don't know yet, but when your national team reaches out, you have to say yes. It's as simple as that." At 74 years old, Ranieri has previously announced his retirement twice. His impressive resume includes managing numerous clubs and most notably leading Leicester City to win the English Premier League championship.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Phipat Denies Connection to Land Acquisition Company Linked to Land Bridge Project, Acknowledges Brother as CEO

Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakij denied any personal involvement with Ama Marine Co., Ltd., a company accused of acquiring land in Ranong Province for the Land Bridge megaproject, though he acknowledged his brother serves as its CEO. The company has issued statements denying any land purchases or involvement in the controversial project. Phipat refused to elaborate further on the matter, stating continued discussion could create additional complications.

12 May Khaosod

At 3:00 PM on May 12, 2025, at the Thai Pride Party headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakij addressed allegations concerning Ama Marine Co., Ltd.'s involvement in land acquisitions in Ranong Province for the Land Bridge project. Phipat questioned the media, stating, "I don't see how this involves me, and the company has already issued a statement." When pressed about company board members with the surname Ratchakij, Phipat acknowledged that the CEO is his younger brother, then asked if there was an issue with that. Regarding opposition claims that the company purchased land, Phipat stated the company had already clarified it was not involved and did not make any purchases, suggesting journalists contact the company directly if they had further questions. Phipat concluded by saying he preferred not to discuss the matter further, as continued discussion might complicate things.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full.
↑ ↓ or Space