Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Breaking

Car Engulfed in Flames at Khao Yai Viewpoint; Driver Narrowly Escapes Before Explosion

A sedan caught fire at Khao Yai National Park's viewpoint on April 27 after the driver noticed smoke from the engine; she escaped safely before the vehicle was completely destroyed.

27 Apr Khaosod

On April 27, 2569, Chaiyya Huai Hongthong, director of Khao Yai National Park, received a report of a private vehicle fire that broke out spontaneously at the viewpoint parking area at kilometer 30 on Thanarart Road in Moo Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He ordered the park's water truck to be deployed and coordinated with the Moo Si Municipal Fire Department to respond. Assistant Park Director Ratchanee Chokcharoen supervised the operation on site.

Upon arrival, officials found a black sedan with Bangkok license plates engulfed in intense flames originating from the engine compartment and spreading throughout the vehicle. Firefighters rapidly deployed water to prevent the fire from spreading into the nearby forest. It took more than 30 minutes to extinguish the fire completely, leaving the vehicle totally destroyed.

Interviewed at the scene, the 26-year-old female car owner from Kamphaeng Phet recounted the frightening moments. She had driven to the national park for sightseeing and parked at the viewpoint to take photos. Suddenly, she noticed abnormal smoke billowing from under the hood, followed by flames shooting out rapidly. She immediately made the decision to flee the vehicle before the fire engulfed it entirely.

Authorities initially suspect the fire resulted from prolonged uphill driving combined with the extremely hot weather in the area. The engine, equipped with a dual fuel system (LPG and gasoline), accumulated excessive heat until reaching a critical point and igniting. Further detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported.

It was noted that April 27 marked the first perpendicular position of the sun over Bangkok this year, when Thailand receives maximum solar energy. The National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT) has previously indicated that April-May experiences extremely hot conditions, easily causing engine heat accumulation if not properly maintained.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Khla Tham Party Prepares Major Leadership Restructuring; Thammanat Set to Become Party Leader, Narumon Moves to Treasurer

The Khla Tham Party will hold its annual general assembly on April 28 to restructure its leadership, with Air Chief Marshal Thammanat Prompow being promoted to party leader and current leader Narumon Phinyosinwattana moving to treasurer. The reshuffling also includes changes to key positions such as party secretary, registrar, and spokesperson, establishing new deputy party leadership roles.

27 Apr Khaosod

The Khla Tham Party (KT) will convene its 2569 annual general assembly on April 28 at 1 p.m. at the Golden Tulip Sofferini Hotel in Bangkok with a major restructuring of the party executive committee on the agenda. Air Chief Marshal Thammanat Prompow, currently party advisor, will be promoted to party leader, replacing Narumon Phinyosinwattana, who will transition to the position of party treasurer in place of Bunyying Nitikaanjana from Ratchaburi. Phai Likkhit from Kamphaengphet will continue as party secretary. Air Vice-Marshal Yossasingha Leamlertsai from Chachoengsao will assume the role of party registrar, replacing Arthakorn Sirilattayakorn who becomes party spokesperson. Phakkaphoomi Boonpramuk from Tak will serve as party manager, while deputy party leaders include Police Lieutenant General Surin Palarai from Songkhla, Bunying, Air Vice-Marshal Anudis Nakorntarp, and Akkrasaen Lohveerakul from Chaiyaphum.

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National

U.S. Attorney Addresses Questions on "Scambodia"

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia addressed international concerns about Cambodia's role in cyber scam operations, noting that an estimated 40-60 percent of the country's GDP comes from scam revenue. U.S. authorities have charged individuals linked to scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia, taking down hundreds of websites and restraining over $700 million in cryptocurrency tied to victims. While acknowledging recent Cambodian efforts against scam centers, U.S. officials stressed their focus remains on targeting those organizing these operations regardless of political connections.

27 Apr Khaosod

A senior U.S. prosecutor addressed questions on Cambodia's role in cyber scam operations during a virtual press briefing on April 24, while also responding to queries about alleged links between public officials and scam networks in the region.

Jeanine Ferris Pirro, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, made the remarks during a briefing on U.S. enforcement actions targeting transnational cyber scam and forced-labour operations in Southeast Asia.

When asked about the term "Scambodia" in relation to scam activity in Cambodia, Pirro said Cambodia remains "a source of focus." She noted that public reporting suggests 40 to 60 percent of Cambodia's GDP is derived from scam revenue, while acknowledging that Cambodian authorities have recently taken action against scam compounds. However, she said U.S. authorities are "waiting to see whether that will actually change the prevalence of scams in Cambodia."

The briefing also included a question from BBC journalist Sen Nguyen regarding allegations involving Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as possible links to scam centres, and whether U.S. intelligence had detected related activity in Vietnam.

Pirro responded that U.S. authorities could not comment on any particular investigation. "We do, however, take seriously allegations that public officials are involved in or profiting from scam centers," she said. "The strike force is focused on targets organizing and leading these compounds regardless of their political connections."

The briefing focused on U.S. efforts against cyber-enabled investment fraud, commonly known as "pig butchering" scams, where victims are lured through fake job offers or online schemes before being defrauded.

Pirro said U.S. authorities have charged individuals linked to scam compounds in Myanmar and carried out enforcement actions against recruitment networks allegedly operating in the region, including Cambodia. She added that hundreds of websites had been taken down and more than $700 million in cryptocurrency linked to victims had been restrained as part of ongoing investigations.

The remarks come amid increased international scrutiny of cyber scam operations in Southeast Asia, where trafficking-linked fraud networks have expanded in recent years.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Farm Expo Unites Partners in Major MOU to Advance Business, Technology, and Marketing in Thai Agriculture

Farm Expo and multiple partners from government, private sector, and educational institutions have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding to advance Thai agriculture through integrated business, technology, and marketing development. The three-year cooperation aims to translate research and innovation into practical applications, strengthen farmer capabilities, and enhance Thailand's agricultural competitiveness globally. The collaborative network includes major organizations such as Kasetsart University, various government agencies, and private companies working across five key dimensions of agricultural development.

27 Apr Khaosod

Farm Expo has partnered with agricultural networks from the public sector, private sector, and educational institutions to sign a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at driving comprehensive development of business, technology, and marketing in Thai agriculture. The collaboration seeks to connect knowledge, research, and innovation for practical applications with commercial scope, while elevating the capabilities of Thai farmers and strengthening their competitive position on the global stage.

Farm Expo CEO Norbadee Phadungjariyon, who coordinated the cooperation between relevant agencies, stated: "This cooperation represents a crucial step in systematically linking all sectors of Thai agriculture together. We believe that integrating knowledge, technology, and networks from strong partners will help accelerate development and elevate Thai agriculture to compete at the international level."

The cooperation stems from a shared commitment to advance Thai agriculture through the integration of knowledge, research, and innovation from leading organizations. Past collaborations have generated positive results across multiple dimensions, including promoting research and innovation for practical agricultural applications, creating networking platforms, and supporting Thai farmers' capacity development for international competitiveness.

The MOU signing includes both organizations renewing their cooperation and new partners joining to expand the collaborative network further. Organizations renewing their cooperation include Kasetsart University, Chiang Mai University, the Agricultural Research Development Office (Public Organization), the Digital Economy Promotion Office, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), the Thai Industry Council, Farm Expo Company Limited, and TechSoft Media Company Limited.

New organizations joining include the Agricultural Land Reform Office, the Land Development Department, the Department of Agriculture, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, PostToday Company Limited, and Marketeer.

Existing partner agencies including the Department of Agricultural Extension, the Rubber Authority of Thailand, and the National Innovation Office, whose previous MOUs remain in effect, also participated in this ceremony to demonstrate the strength of the ongoing and tangible cooperative network.

Under this MOU, key objectives include promoting public-private cooperation in developing Thai agriculture, disseminating knowledge and integrating modern agricultural technology to farmers nationwide, and driving business development and marketing of agricultural products both domestically and internationally.

The cooperation encompasses five main dimensions: macro-level knowledge information exchange, support for access to modern agricultural technology, business development to elevate agricultural products to global markets, marketing opportunities through communication tools, and promoting agriculture for environmental sustainability toward Net Zero goals.

This cooperation is set for a three-year period, with all parties able to jointly review and consider continuation.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

ACSC Clarifies 'Big Kong' Photo with Right-Hand Man Kok Arn, States Meeting with Cambodian Deputy Police Chief on Scammer Crackdown

The Anti-Online Scam Center clarified a widely circulated photo showing officials dining together, stating it documented a November 2567 meeting with Cambodia's Deputy Police Chief to coordinate efforts against online scammers, not evidence

27 Apr Khaosod

On April 27, 2569, the Anti-Online Scam Center (ACSC) under the direction of Police General Thana Chuawongse, Deputy Police Commander and Chief of the Counter Crime and Corruption Bureau, and Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phooridetch, Assistant Police Commander and Deputy Chief of the Bureau, posted a statement addressing a photo circulating on the CSI LA Facebook page. The image showed ACSC officials dining together alongside text that misleadingly suggested close ties with Kok Arn's associates. The ACSC clarified that the photo was genuine but showed a delegation led by Cambodian Deputy Police Chief Sam Vannvirak meeting with Thai police at a restaurant in Paragon shopping mall on November 27, 2567 to discuss cooperation on combating online scammers. The ACSC emphasized that the individuals pictured from the Cambodian side had no prior acquaintance and no close relationship with the officials mentioned in the misleading posts.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Soccer Schedule April 27, 2025: Manchester United Host Brentford at Home

Manchester United face Brentford at Old Trafford in a Premier League match on April 27, 2025, with the Red Devils sitting in 3rd place and favored to win. The evening also features Serie A matches between Cagliari and Atalanta, and Lazio and Udinese, as well as a La Liga clash between Espanyol and Levante.

27 Apr Khaosod

Soccer Schedule April 27, 2025

English Premier League Manchester United vs Brentford kicks off at 2:00 AM and will be broadcast live on Mono Max. The "Red Devils" Manchester United welcome the "Killer Bees" Brentford to Old Trafford. Both teams have played 33 matches so far. Manchester United has won 16, drawn 10, and lost 7, accumulating 58 points and sitting in 3rd place. They need more points to secure a top-five finish. Brentford has won 13, drawn 9, and lost 11, with 48 points in 9th place, fighting for a European football spot.

Manchester United are expected to field Benjamin Sesko, Bruno Fernandes, and Bryan Mbeumo, while Brentford will likely use Igor Thiago, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Shade. Manchester United are riding high in confidence, and although Brentford are a tough opponent, the home side are favored to win.

Italian Serie A Cagliari vs Atalanta kicks off at 11:30 PM. Cagliari host Atalanta at the Unipol Domus stadium. Both teams have played 33 matches. Cagliari has won 8, drawn 9, and lost 16 with 33 points, sitting in 16th place and needing to avoid relegation. Atalanta has won 14, drawn 12, and lost 7 with 54 points in 7th place, competing for a European berth. Despite Cagliari's home advantage, Atalanta's superior quality gives them better winning chances.

Lazio vs Udinese kicks off at 1:45 AM. Lazio host Udinese at Stadio Olimpico. Both teams have played 33 matches. Lazio has won 12, drawn 11, and lost 10 with 47 points in 9th place. Udinese has won 12, drawn 7, and lost 14 with 43 points in 11th place. Neither team faces much pressure. Lazio have a home advantage and superior squad depth, making them clear favorites.

Spanish La Liga Espanyol vs Levantle kicks off at 2:00 AM. Espanyol host Levante at RCD Estadi. Both teams have played 32 matches. Espanyol has won 10, drawn 8, and lost 14 with 38 points in 14th place, needing points to avoid relegation. Levante has won 8, drawn 8, and lost 16 with 32 points in 19th place, desperately fighting for survival. Espanyol's recent form has been poor, while Levante appear to be building momentum, making the visitors unlikely to lose.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Takraw Sweeps Three Golds – Thailand Climbs to Second on Asian Beach Games Medal Count

Thai takraw athletes won all three gold medals available on the final day of competition at the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, with dominant performances in women's doubles, mixed doubles, and men's doubles. Thailand has climbed to second place on the overall medal count with 6 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals, behind host nation China which leads the standings.

27 Apr Khaosod

Thai takraw athletes delivered outstanding performances at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, Hainan Province, China on April 27, 2025, claiming all three gold medals on the final championship day.

In women's doubles, Thai pair Chutathip Kanthathong and Aariya Homdee dominated North Korean opponents Kim Hyo-gyong and Cha Sol-gyong, winning 2-0 (12-8, 12-3) and claiming gold.

In mixed doubles, Supawalee Wongkhamjun and Pak Pong Detcherung defeated North Koreans Kim Il-sin and Han Song 2-0 (12-6, 12-10) to secure the gold medal.

In men's doubles, Sorasak Tao-siri and Jirati Chantaleang fought a closely contested match against Iraq's Ali Jalil and Ahmad Abdulrahman, losing the second set before rallying to win 2-1 (12-7, 9-12, 12-3).

With these victories, Thailand now stands second on the medal standings with 6 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Host nation China leads with 14 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze, while the Philippines sits third with 3 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Two Chinese Suspects Nabbed for Nakhon Ratchasima Gold Shop Robbery, Arrested in Bangkok After Returning Rental Car

Police have arrested two Chinese nationals for robbing a gold shop in Nakhon Ratchasima and fleeing with over 30 gold rings. The suspects, Zou Qintao and Song Haolong, were apprehended in Bangkok after returning to a car rental location, where officers recovered the stolen gold. Both are currently in custody at Pravet Police Station undergoing interrogation.

27 Apr Khaosod

Two Chinese suspects have been arrested for robbing a gold shop in Nakhon Ratchasima, with police recovering over 30 gold rings from the crime. The masked robbers smashed display cases at the shop around 10:21 a.m. and escaped in a Yaris, triggering a multi-unit police pursuit. On April 27, 2569, officers from Bangkok Metropolitan Police Divisions 4 and 5, along with immigration police, arrested Zou Qintao, 27, and Song Haolong, 19, at a car rental location in Sukhumvit Soi 77, Pravet district, Bangkok. The suspects are currently in custody at Pravet Police Station pending interrogation, following coordination between Chok Chai Police Station and Division 3 crime investigation units.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Chinese influencer says she was lured to Cambodia with fake high-paying job

A Chinese livestream influencer named "Umi" has gone public about being lured to Cambodia under false job pretenses and forced into a cyber scam operation. She was found injured and weakened in Cambodia before being rescued and returned to China for medical treatment. Her case highlights a growing problem of human trafficking and forced involvement in online fraud networks across Southeast Asia.

27 Apr Khaosod

A Chinese social media influencer has alleged that she was lured to Cambodia with the promise of a high-paying job before being forced into a cyber scam operation, according to reports from South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Mothership.

The influencer, known online as "Umi", is a livestream host from Fujian province with around 24,000 followers on Chinese platforms. She previously drew public attention after being found in a distressed condition in Cambodia and later returning to China in January.

In a recent livestream titled "The Turbulent Story of Cambodia", Umi said she was deceived by a woman she knew who offered her an attractive job opportunity abroad. She claimed that upon arrival in Cambodia, her passport was confiscated and her movements were restricted.

She also alleged that she was forced into so-called "keyboard work", a term commonly associated with online scam operations targeting victims in cyber fraud schemes, SCMP reported.

"I was deceived by that woman, and she still hasn't been caught," she said during the livestream, adding that she regretted her decision to travel.

The livestream was cut off abruptly after around 30 minutes, and her social media account was later banned, according to reports.

Chinese media cited by Mothership said Umi was previously found injured and in a weakened condition in Cambodia, with photos circulating online showing her holding an X-ray film. She was later located at a hospital by the Chinese embassy and brought back to China for medical treatment.

Doctors in China reportedly found she tested positive for drugs, and her leg condition was believed to be caused by nerve compression due to prolonged immobility.

Reports also said her father, a farmer in Fujian, had believed she was working in another province and had sent her money over time before losing contact.

Her case has drawn renewed attention to cyber scam networks in Southeast Asia, where victims are often lured by fake job offers and later forced into online fraud operations.

A United Nations report has estimated that hundreds of thousands of people from multiple countries have been trafficked into scam compounds across the region in recent years.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

When Proposing Amendments to the Law Becomes a Legal Risk

The Supreme Court accepted a petition against 44 opposition MPs for proposing amendments to Thailand's royal defamation law, potentially exposing them to a lifetime ban from politics. The court issued a gag order preventing the MPs from publicly defending themselves, raising concerns about whether legislators can legally propose reforms to existing laws. The case highlights tensions over the untouchable status of Thailand's lese majeste statute and its impact on democratic reform efforts.

27 Apr Khaosod

Ten prominent MPs from the main opposition People's Party (PP) may have breathed a sigh of relief last Friday after the Supreme Court decided to accept a petition alleging serious ethical misconduct against them, but refrained from suspending them from their parliamentary duties. The petition stems from their proposed amendment to the royal defamation law.

Their faces remained stern and stressed at the press conference, however. The court also instructed them not to speak publicly about the case regarding their attempt to amend the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code. This gag order effectively renders them unable to defend themselves in the court of public opinion.

The list of those facing the case includes PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (who is soon to be appointed as the opposition leader), and deputy leaders Rangsiman Rome and Sirikanya Tansakul. In total, the case targets 44 former Move Forward Party MPs—the predecessor to the People's Party—including former leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

The fact that the petition was filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and accepted by the Supreme Court raises serious concerns about the Thai justice system. A key duty of any Member of Parliament is to serve as a legislator—to propose, amend, and enact laws. Now, these 44 individuals face a potential life ban from politics for merely signing a petition to amend a law.

Ironically, the bill was never even tabled in Parliament due to opposition from other MPs. The proposal sought only to reduce the heavy penalties of Section 112 and designate the Bureau of the Royal Household as the sole complainant to prevent the law from being abused by third parties.

If a law cannot be amended, it ceases to be a legal instrument and becomes a belief system—or a cult. If the Supreme Court adjudicates that legislators cannot amend the lese majeste law, it enshrines the royal defamation law as a "special" law, standing above all others and immune to change. This is detrimental to the genuine democratization of Thailand. Furthermore, it is not beneficial to the monarchy itself, as it will deprive the monarchy institution of critical feedbacks from the press, the public and MPs. The persistence of such draconian laws, carrying maximum prison terms of 15 years, means that critical public feedback regarding the role of the monarchy in Thai society remains a very high-risk undertaking.

For example, monarchy reform movement co-leader Arnon Nampa is currently serving 31 years of combined prison terms, mostly for critical remarks made on rally stages—remarks deemed by judges to be defamatory and/or insulting to the monarchy.

The movement today is inactive, if not almost dead. While tens of thousands once listened to Arnon's rousing speeches, current rallies calling for his right to bail—which has been denied 104 times over the past two years and seven months—struggle to gather more than 200 people.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Announce Month-Long Drug Crackdown Results: 63 Million Methamphetamine Pills Seized, 5 Tons of Ice Confiscated, 442 Million Baht in Assets Frozen

Police seized 63 million methamphetamine pills and 5 tons of crystal meth during a month-long nationwide drug crackdown ending April 27, arresting nearly 15,000 suspects across 16,283 cases.

27 Apr Khaosod

On April 27, 2025, at the National Police Office, Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Krisada Kanchanalonkorn, acting as deputy chief of the Narcotics Suppression Center, reviewed nationwide drug suppression operations and announced results from the tenth nationwide drug network encirclement and search operation of 2025, conducted between March 28 and April 27, 2025.

The operation resulted in 16,283 drug cases with 14,875 suspects arrested and 1,071 additional arrests on outstanding warrants.

Seized controlled substances included: 63 million methamphetamine pills, 5,336 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 937 kilograms of ketamine, 94 kilograms of heroin, 200 ecstasy pills, 346 firearms, and 5 explosive devices. Police also seized 11 million baht in cash and froze approximately 442 million baht in assets connected to drug trafficking.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Krisada called on all units to integrate intelligence and deploy specialized equipment such as portable X-ray machines provided by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau to prioritize reporting significant drug cases through proper command channels.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma has directed all agencies to intercept drug trafficking in border areas around Bangkok and in southern Thailand. Officers are monitoring and searching suspicious persons and vehicles engaged in drug trafficking from neighboring countries. Smugglers are concealing drugs in shipping containers with items like batteries and electrical equipment, using pickup trucks, taxis, cargo trucks, fuel tankers, and passenger vans with hidden compartments. Other methods include ant-colony style transportation via buses, trains, and postal services from northern and northeastern border provinces to Bangkok, southern Thailand, and the surrounding areas. Malaysian networks also transport drugs using Malaysian-registered vehicles and public transportation.

Citizens who spot drug-related crimes can report to the narcotics hotline at 191 or 1599, available 24 hours daily.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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