Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Tourism

Disney Issues Lifetime Ban After Visitor Attacks Employee During Character Meet-and-Greet

A man was arrested and permanently banned from Walt Disney World after attacking a staff member during a character meet-and-greet at Epcot, escalating from his repeated attempts to cut the photo line with his family.

2 May Khaosod

What started as a family outing ended badly when Walt Disney World Resort issued a lifetime ban to a visitor after he attacked an employee during a character meet-and-greet queue. On May 2, foreign media reported that a man was arrested and issued a permanent ban from the theme park following his assault on staff during the character photo experience. Diego Rodriguez was taken into custody on battery charges after the incident at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, while waiting in line to photograph the character Mirabel from the film Encanto with his wife and child. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez repeatedly attempted to cut in line, frustrated by the long wait despite warnings from staff. When the child with him tried to run up to the performer but was stopped, tensions escalated. When his female companion requested an autograph from the character but was told that time slot was for photos only, she swatted the staff member with her autograph book. Rodriguez then grabbed the employee's arm, shook him, and shouted at both the performer and staff: "Why can other people take photos but we can't?" Disney took decisive action with a lifetime ban. Police immediately arrested Rodriguez and issued an order prohibiting him from entering any Disney parks for life. This incident reflects Disney's strict policies prioritizing employee safety, with clear prohibitions on physical and verbal violence. Violators may be immediately removed without refund and potentially banned permanently from the premises. The case also highlights the challenges large theme parks face in managing crowds, especially at popular attractions like character meet-and-greets with long queues. Disney emphasized that a magical experience is only possible when all guests respect the rules and treat each other with courtesy.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Chief Orders Deputy to Monitor Case of Officer Accused of Tricking Brain-Disabled Child into Gambling, Vows No Cover-ups

A Region 9 police officer has been suspended and faces investigation for allegedly tricking a brain-disabled person into gambling in Phattalung on April 27; police leadership vowed no protection for officers involved in wrongdoing.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2569, Police General Kitti Rat Pantupet and Deputy National Police Commander Itthiphol Ajjariyapradisit assigned Deputy Commander Trairongn Phiwphannr and a police spokesman to inspect and monitor the case of a Region 9 police officer who allegedly deceived a brain-disabled person into playing hi-lo gambling at a house in Kuha Sawannr subdistrict, Mueang Phattalung on April 27, 2569.

The case is being investigated as illegal gambling and fraud. A disciplinary committee has been established chaired by Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaturndanai Sentrang to conduct a strict investigation. The suspect officer has been suspended from duty effective May 1, 2569, after the investigation committee determined he committed serious disciplinary violations and criminal offenses.

Deputy Commander Trairongn met with the victim's family today, assuring them that the National Police Office is prioritizing the case and will ensure justice for all parties without any protection for wrongdoing officers.

The deputy commander also visited and provided encouragement and financial assistance to Police Sergeant Sompon Kaetdaeng, a Phattalung station officer who was injured while responding to an incident on April 28, 2569. The officer is currently hospitalized at Phattalung Hospital, and the police chief has ordered full medical care and welfare benefits.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Community

Ajarn Beer Clears the Air on Dating Rumors with Khwan Usamanee, Insists Spirits Won't Push Them Together

Spiritual influencer Ajarn Beer denies dating rumors with actress Khwan Usamanee, insisting they only met two months ago and dismissing speculation that supernatural forces could push them together. He claimed their frequent livestreams are

2 May Khaosod

Spiritual influencer Ajarn Beer has cleared up all the drama surrounding alleged secret dating with actress Khwan Usamanee and addressed online critics questioning whether he still follows the Eight Precepts, claiming he only livestreams to sell products and doesn't teach Dharma anymore. He recounted his childhood spent around corpses and near-death experiences before explaining his transformation into a well-known spiritual influencer, discussing his journey on the "Kwai Saep Show" on One31 with hosts DJ Phut Phuttichai and Benz Porchita.

When asked directly about dating Khwan Usamanee, Ajarn Beer responded dismissively: "Do people really want to know? Why do you care so much about village gossip?" Regarding perceived chemistry during their livestreams together, he explained: "I'm close with everyone. When people go live with me, they each have their own style. I joke around and chat fun with everyone, so I'm confused how there's drama with Khwan. She talks trash a lot, really trash talks a ton." He maintained they are not dating, claiming they only met less than two months ago when introduced through a mutual connection.

When pressed further about denying the relationship, Ajarn Beer became defensive: "How many times do I have to tell you? We're not dating." Regarding online speculation about supernatural forces pushing them together, he joked: "Nobody's pushing anything. Spirits can't push it down. I dodge it all the time."

Ajarn Beer dismissed the possibility that Khwan Usamanee would be interested in him, making disparaging comments about her appearance and intelligence. He noted that Khwan has been publicly seeking a husband and even opened a livestream asking for a boyfriend based on a television drama character. Regarding their frequent livestreams together, he attributed it to people enjoying her clueless and confused demeanor.

Reflecting on their history at Bangkok University, Ajarn Beer mentioned they never actually talked much as upperclassman and lowerclasswoman, and he used to gossip about her distinctive style, including her habit of wearing the same red shoes throughout her university years.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Football Schedule May 2, 2026: Arsenal Can't Afford to Slip Up in London Derby Against Fulham

Arsenal must avoid defeat against Fulham on May 2 to maintain their title challenge, with the Gunners leading the Premier League table by several points ahead of a busy evening of London derbies.

2 May Khaosod

Football Schedule May 2, 2026

English Premier League

Brentford vs West Ham United - A London Derby clash kicking off at 21:00, broadcast live on Mono Max. Brentford are fighting for a European ticket spot while West Ham battle relegation. The hosts have struggled for form recently, but the visitors still look vulnerable.

Newcastle United vs Brighton - Starting at 21:00 on Mono Max, this match sees Newcastle still sweating over relegation danger while Brighton chase a European qualification spot. Newcastle's recent form has been poor, giving Brighton an excellent opportunity to pull off a win on the road.

Wolves vs Sunderland - Kicking off at 21:00 on Mono Max. Wolverhampton have already been relegated, facing a Sunderland side still hunting for European football. The hosts appear to lack motivation, while the visitors should collect three points.

Arsenal vs Fulham - A crucial London Derby at 23:30 on Mono Max at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners currently lead the table with 73 points from 34 matches (22 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses) and are fighting for the title. Fulham sit 10th with 48 points (14 wins, 6 draws, 14 losses) and are chasing European qualification. Arsenal are expected to field Victor Nkakrenko, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, while Fulham will likely deploy Raúl Jiménez, Emile Smith Rowe, and Harry Wilson. Despite the enormous pressure Arsenal face, their clear superiority over Fulham suggests they won't miss this opportunity.

German Bundesliga

Bayern Munich vs Heidenheim - 20:30 on PPTV and beIN Sports 3. Bayern have already secured the title and face a Heidenheim side fighting relegation. Even with a rotated squad, Bayern remain favorites to win.

Hoffenheim vs Stuttgart - 20:30 on beIN Sports 5. Both teams are battling for a top-four finish, but Hoffenheim's home advantage gives them better winning odds.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburg - 20:30 on beIN Sports 6. Frankfurt chase UEFA Conference League qualification while Hamburg need points to guarantee survival. The hosts appear stronger and should collect the victory.

Werder Bremen vs Augsburg - 20:30 on beIN Sports 7. Bremen need points to secure survival while Augsburg's fate is already settled. The home side's motivation gives them the edge in this match.

Union Berlin vs Cologne - 20:30 on beIN Sports 8. Both teams remain in relegation danger with similar recent form, suggesting a likely draw.

Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig - 23:30 on beIN Sports 3. Both clubs are competing for the top four, with Leverkusen holding a home advantage. However, Leipzig are in fine form, making a draw a likely outcome.

Italian Serie A

Udinese vs Turin - 20:00 on True Premier Football 3. Neither team has much to play for, but Udinese's home advantage works in their favor.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Research Reveals That Age 40 Is When Humans Experience Peak Happiness in Life

A UK study of 2,000 people found that peak happiness occurs around age 47, not in youth, as older adults develop better self-understanding, healthier habits, and stronger self-confidence that outweigh physical changes.

2 May Khaosod

Research has revealed that the period of life when humans feel happiest is not childhood or adolescence, but the late forties. This challenges the assumption that happiness inevitably declines with age. Many people grew up believing that being in their twenties was the best time—in terms of energy, health, and happiness—but assumed contentment would decrease over time. However, recent studies paint a different picture and may reassure those anxious about entering middle age.

Foreign media reports cite a UK survey that collected data from around 2,000 participants and found that the age at which people felt they had the highest health and happiness levels was approximately 47 years old. This suggests that the best years of life may still be ahead, even after turning 40.

Why does the late forties become the peak of happiness?

This health organization study aimed to discover when people feel "best" in both body and mind. One key finding is that as people age, their perspective on health changes significantly. Health experts explain that older adults no longer view health as merely physical appearance, but as encompassing internal well-being, strength, and the ability to manage daily life effectively.

Additional factors that promote happiness in the 40+ age group include:

- Better self-understanding about one's body and knowing what to prioritize or avoid - Greater emphasis on health through proper eating, rest, and lifestyle choices - Reduction in risky behaviors such as heavy drinking or partying - Increased self-confidence and decreased concern about others' opinions

Shifting perspectives on what it means to be "old"

Another survey found that current generations view "old age" as beginning later than in the past, with an average of around 69 years compared to the previous belief that aging began in the early sixties. However, health experts warn that even though the definition of old age has been pushed back, many people still aren't seriously preparing for long-term health care. Building good habits should start now if you want to maintain strength and health in your sixties and seventies.

This research presents a new view of life: age 40 is not a period of decline as many believe, but rather the beginning of a more stable and happier phase in terms of mindset, self-care, and life satisfaction. It might truly be called the "golden years" of life.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Frustrated Parents Drive 100 Kilometers to Develop Film Photos After Japanese School Mandates Film Camera Use

Parents in rural Japan must drive over 100 kilometers to develop film photos after their child's school banned digital cameras and smartphones on field trips, citing concerns about lost devices and screen distractions.

2 May Khaosod

Frustrated parents are forced to drive over 100 kilometers to develop film photos for their children after a Japanese school implemented a strict policy requiring students to use only disposable film cameras on school outings. A Twitter user @simantokoubou from Kochi Prefecture revealed that their child's school prohibits digital cameras and smartphones, allowing only single-use film cameras for field trip photography.

The problem is that most traditional photo development shops in the area have closed or switched to digital services, leaving the nearest film processing lab over 100 kilometers away. This has forced parents to waste both time and money on travel just to preserve their child's memories.

The post sparked widespread online debate. Some users explained the rule originated years ago when digital cameras became popular and schools experienced problems with lost or stolen devices, so they switched to film cameras as a preventive measure.

However, many argue the policy is outdated and impractical in today's digital age, creating unnecessary financial and logistical burdens on parents. Others defend the approach, saying film cameras have benefits—since photos can't be reviewed immediately or edited, children stay more focused on experiencing and absorbing their surroundings rather than staring at digital screens.

The debate raises an important question: should schools modernize their rules for the digital era, or maintain traditional methods to provide children with offline experiences?

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Breaking: 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nara, Tremors Felt in Osaka and Kyoto

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Nara Prefecture on May 2, causing tremors across Japan's Kansai region including Osaka and Kyoto, with no reported damage or injuries.

2 May Khaosod

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Japan at 6:28 p.m. Japan time on May 2, 2025, with a maximum seismic intensity of 4 on the Japanese scale. The epicenter was located in Nara Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometers. Tremors were felt across multiple areas of the Kansai region, including Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, and Osaka. No tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake, though it caused significant alarm among tourists, as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Wakayama are all major tourist destinations in Japan. To date, there have been no reports of damage or injuries from the earthquake.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Mananchaya Eyes Championship Glory at Japan's W100 Gifu Tennis Tournament

Thai tennis player Mananchaya Sawankaew advanced to the final of Japan's W100 Gifu tournament, where she'll face Australian prospect Emerson Jones for the $100,000 championship title.

2 May Khaosod

Thai tennis player Mananchaya Sawankaew has advanced to the singles final of the ITF Women's World Tennis Tour W100 Gifu tournament in Japan on May 2, 2025, competing for a total prize pool of $100,000 USD or approximately 3.2 million baht. The world's 186th-ranked player and defending runner-up secured her spot in the championship match by defeating 19-year-old Japanese rising star Hayu Kinoshita, ranked 297th globally, with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory in the semifinals.

In the final, Mananchaya will face 17-year-old Australian prospect Emerson Jones, ranked 133rd in the world, after Jones advanced by defeating fellow Thai player Rungkao Lanna Tharard, ranked 113th globally and the tournament's top seed, in the semifinals.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Man's Plan Backfires as Thieves Steal 10kg of Freshwater Crabs at Old Nakhon Ratchasima Bus Station

A man's plan to enjoy freshwater crabs sent via intercity bus from his mother backfired when thieves stole the 10kg pot from Nakhon Ratchasima's old bus station, with CCTV footage capturing a suspect on a motorcycle fleeing the scene.

2 May Khaosod

At approximately 10:30 AM on May 2, 2569, Sinchai Taetsomboon, a young man from Nakhon Ratchasima Province, reported to journalists that he had been craving freshwater crabs after seeing news reports of locals collecting them in large quantities following recent rains. He called his girlfriend Mesaa Charakklang and asked her to have his mother send crabs via the intercity bus service from Dan Khun Thot District to the first Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Bus Station, commonly known as the "old bus station."

After confirming the delivery time and location, Sinchai arrived at the station at 10:30 AM to collect the package, but found the crabs missing. He requested to review CCTV footage from the station and discovered that the 10-kilogram pot of crabs his mother had sent had been stolen. Security footage showed a man wearing a white or light green short-sleeved shirt, black shorts, and a dark gray helmet, riding a gray-black Honda Wave motorcycle with unknown license plates. The suspect parked behind an orange bus near a tour coach before walking toward the baggage claim area, then calmly rode away with his left hand holding the crab pot between his legs.

Sinchai expressed shock at the theft, saying he had never heard of crabs being stolen before. However, given the current economic hardship and high cost of living, he acknowledged that thieves likely hoped to either eat the crabs or sell them for profit, as freshwater crabs currently command premium prices of several hundred baht per kilogram. He lamented that despite his effort in arranging for the crabs to be sent so he could prepare a delicious meal, the entire pot was stolen.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

World-Class Mud Run Festival Draws Over 2,000 Athletes from 20 Countries to Test Their Mettle

Over 2,000 athletes from 20 countries competed in Thailand's inaugural Tough Mudder obstacle course festival in Pattaya, tackling mud pits and walls while emphasizing teamwork over individual competition. The world-class event generated mor

2 May Khaosod

The "2026 Pattaya Tough Mudder" was a massive success, drawing more than 2,000 Thai and international athletes from over 20 countries who competed in the world-class mud run festival. Participants tackled brutal mud pits, scaled tall walls, navigated obstacle courses, crawled through muddy barriers, and worked together as teams to conquer challenges designed to test physical strength, mental fortitude, and teamwork—without emphasizing individual competition times.

The inaugural Tough Mudder event in Thailand exceeded organizers' expectations, with overwhelming participation and an exciting atmosphere that pushed every athlete to their limits. Despite being the first of its kind in the country, the event was executed at the highest level and generated over 150 million baht in economic activity.

Tough Mudder is a world-class experiential obstacle course racing event centered on teamwork and world-class challenges. Unlike traditional racing, participants compete against themselves and the course rather than each other, emphasizing cooperation, camaraderie, and the challenge of conquering mud and obstacles. The course features over 20 obstacles spread across distances like 15 kilometers, with highlights including the Mud Mile, wall climbs, and mutual assistance challenges. For more information, participants can visit the Tough Mudder Thailand Facebook page or community group.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Family Initiative: We Don't Abandon Our Own - Supporting Officers Injured in Nakhon Ratchasima Shooting

The Royal Thai Police's "Police Family: We Don't Abandon Our Own" program provides ongoing medical and financial support to Sergeant Major Kritsada Karun, who was critically injured in a 2020 Nakhon Ratchasima shooting, including surgery co

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2025, Deputy National Police Commander General Kornchai Klaokluang announced that the Royal Thai Police prioritizes ongoing care for officers injured in the line of duty under the 'Police Family: We Don't Abandon Our Own' program. The initiative is providing continuous assistance to Sergeant Major Kritsada Karun, a member of the 2nd Special Operations Company of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, who was seriously wounded in a shooting incident at Terminal 21 shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima on February 9, 2020.

General Kornchai has been personally visiting and providing encouragement since 2025 through the present, overseeing medical monitoring, healthcare expense coverage, and family welfare support to ensure the officer can live with dignity and improved quality of life. The program provides monthly financial assistance of 2,000 baht, along with coverage for a titanium skull replacement surgery costing 68,000 baht to relieve the family's financial burden.

Additionally, the police have installed extra air conditioning units at the officer's residence at the Police Aviation Division welfare quarters in Thonburi, Bangkok—completed on April 30, 2025—to maintain optimal cooling 24/7 and create a proper recovery environment. This comprehensive care reflects the National Police Office's commitment to long-term support for injured officers and their families, embodying the principle that 'the police family never abandons anyone' and aligns with Deputy Commander Kornchai's personal philosophy of never leaving anyone behind.

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