Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Editorial – Amnesty for Subsistence Farming on Land

A grassroots movement backed by over 12,000 voters is pushing for amnesty legislation to clear criminal records and restore land rights for subsistence farmers prosecuted under forest policies, arguing the law would lift the impoverished ou

8h ago Khaosod

The People's Movement for a Just Society (PMFS) has submitted a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives requesting consideration of a bill granting amnesty to citizens harmed or affected by state land and forest policies. The submission includes signatures from over 12,000 eligible voters. This grassroots movement represents networks affected by past flawed government policies. Bill drafters argue that the law would lift poor people out of a failed cycle of injustice, where legal proceedings have been used as a tool to imprison the impoverished. They stress that an amnesty law is urgently needed to clear records and restore land rights to original settlers. The PMFS hopes the bill will be prioritized for parliamentary consideration and quickly enacted. Since the 2014 coup on May 22, coup leaders announced measures against capitalists encroaching on forests through forest reclamation policies. However, in practice, over 48,000 people—mostly ethnic minorities, the poor, and the destitute—have been prosecuted despite having lived on the land before forest area designations and relying on nature for subsistence. Already impoverished, these people became even more destitute after facing state prosecution. Due to these failures, both government and opposition parties are urged to jointly push for law consideration to restore justice to this group.

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National

Thai Listed Companies Report 25% First Quarter Profit Growth Boosted by Rising Oil Prices; Energy and Petrochemical Sectors Lead Market Recovery

Thai listed companies reported 25.3% profit growth in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 369 billion baht, driven largely by rising oil prices that boosted energy and petrochemical sectors while other industries faced cost pressures.

8h ago Khaosod

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reported that listed companies achieved a combined net profit surge of 25.3% to 369 billion baht in the first quarter of 2025, buoyed by rising oil prices that drove exceptional performance in the energy and petrochemical sectors. General businesses continue to face pressure from production cost management and slowing purchasing power, while tourism, commerce, technology, and small-scale lending sectors show steady growth.

According to Asaddej Kongsiri, Chairman and Chief Executive of the SET, 813 companies—93.7% of the total 868 listed companies (including SET and mai, excluding real estate funds and infrastructure)—submitted first quarter 2025 results, with 624 companies reporting net profits, representing 76.8% of all reporting companies.

SET Overall Performance

Comparing first quarter 2025 to the same period last year, SET-listed companies achieved sales of 4.24 trillion baht, up 1.2%, while gross profit reached 1.04 trillion baht, up 24.7%. Core profit stood at 506.939 billion baht, up 56.5%, and net profit reached 369.201 billion baht, up 25.3%.

Regarding financial position as of March 31, 2025, the debt-to-equity ratio (excluding the financial sector) stood at 1.28 times, down from 1.34 times in the first quarter of 2024.

Growth Drivers and Performing Sectors

Kongsiri noted that Middle East conflicts in the first quarter drove oil prices higher, improving performance for energy and petrochemical companies through higher profit margins and inventory gains, benefiting from increased refining spreads.

General business companies face sales pressure and production cost management challenges. Commercial banks were impacted by economic slowdown, reflected in modest credit expansion and lower policy interest rates compared to the previous year.

Beyond oil-linked sectors, companies showing first quarter growth include those in tourism, domestic consumption, commerce, hotels, technology, and small-scale lending.

MAI Market Performance

For the Thailand's alternative market (mai), listed companies reported first quarter 2025 sales of 51.66 billion baht, up 3.3%, with operating profit of 3.92 billion baht, up 7.8%, and net profit of 2.526 billion baht, up 25.3%, reflecting careful management of production and selling costs.

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Police

A Stalled Investigation – Parliament Questions Progress in MP Kamlasak's Shooting Case

Investigation into the shooting of Narathiwat MP Kamlasak has stalled after seven suspects were arrested, with the case failing to progress beyond identifying alleged masterminds believed to be high-ranking government or military officials.

8h ago Khaosod

As expected, the case involving an armed gunman with a government vehicle allegedly linked to security officials who shot at Kamlasak Leewamoh, a Narathiwat MP from the Pracharaj Party, has suddenly gone quiet.

Until Pol. Col. Thawi Sodsong, Pracharaj Party leader, and victim MP Kamlasak were forced to periodically demand updates on the investigation's progress.

Because the case appeared to be moving forward smoothly, with five members of the hit squad arrested, followed by two additional suspects arrested for allegedly supplying weapons and the government vehicle used in the crime. But once all seven suspects were identified, the case stalled—never reaching the alleged masterminds or those who hired the killers.

It's notable that suspects six and seven are current government officials—naval officers with the ranks of Rear Admiral and Captain. These two officers surrendered and acknowledged charges in early May, after which the case came to a complete standstill.

By late May, Pol. Col. Thawi and MP Kamlasak filed a complaint with Parliament's National Security Committee, requesting assistance in expediting the investigation. They emphasized that this case isn't merely a personal matter for one MP, but rather a reflection of the entire southern border security problem.

Having to rely on a parliamentary committee to push the case forward suggests the investigation has stalled. The prosecution has proceeded only against the five-member hit squad and two military officers as accomplices—out of seven total suspects. It raises the critical question: who gave the orders, and who paid for the assassination?

It's not hard to guess why. The investigation and arrests began with the five gunmen, many of them former commandos and former Rangers, all with military backgrounds. When pressure came from the MP victim, who provided evidence, investigators were forced to charge the Rear Admiral and Captain. But when it came to higher-ranking officials, it's predictable that investigating officers would face resistance, causing the case to stall.

Like many other cases, once investigations reach powerful government figures—whether in the security apparatus or military—the case becomes stuck and fails to progress. But the question remains: will we ever see true justice?

If investigations must slow because they've reached powerful government officials, military security agencies, or the armed forces, then the process cannot possibly be fair or just.

Don't forget that the victim's side includes Pol. Col. Thawi, a former high-ranking investigator from an anti-crime unit. With someone like him pushing hard, there's no way this pressure will ease up.

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Police

Chiang Kham Station Conducts Urine Drug Testing for 158 Officers, All Clear—Reinforcing Image of Ethical Police

Chiang Kham Police Station in Phayao tested all 158 officers for drugs as part of an "Ethical Police" initiative, with all personnel testing negative. The screening reinforces the department's commitment to maintaining strict ethical standa

8h ago Khaosod

On May 26, Chiang Kham Police Station in Phayao conducted comprehensive urine drug screening for all officers following directives from Deputy Police Commander General Samran Nualma and the Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau. The "Ethical Police" initiative requires strict oversight of officer conduct to prevent drug involvement and strengthen organizational discipline, morality, and integrity. Station Commander Colonel Thanad Chummaano, along with deputy commanders, oversaw the screening process, which tested all 158 officers with complete transparency and accountability. Results showed all 158 officers tested negative for drug use, reflecting the department's elevated standards and reinforcing its image as a model law enforcement agency in the fight against narcotics. The program builds public confidence in the police force by demonstrating that law enforcement officials maintain the highest ethical standards and are fully committed to protecting community safety.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Community

81-Year-Old Woman Spends 1 Million Baht to Buy a House for 4 Stray Cats

An 81-year-old retired court official in Sukhothai Province purchased a 1 million baht house as a dedicated home for four stray cats she feeds daily, completing the mortgage payments on her pension alone.

8h ago Khaosod

A reporter visited a house located in Muang District, Sukhothai Province, after learning that a charitable woman had purchased the property for 1 million baht solely as a residence for four stray cats.

Upon arrival, the house was found to be an old wooden structure on stilts. The woman who bought the house is Kanokwan Panwichian, 81 years old, a former director of the Phitsanulok Provincial Court office.

Kanokwan explained that she lived with her son, but several years ago, stray cats wandered into the house and eventually had litters, totaling 12 cats. She cared for them with compassion, having them vaccinated and neutered. However, one cat named "Nam Taan" (Sugar) had three kittens: Nong Klang, Nong Lek, and Nong Nam Taan Saai. These four cats preferred to hide in an old vacant house at the entrance to the soi. Kanokwan would regularly visit to feed them, and after a long time, she felt guilty troubling the house's owner.

She decided to purchase the house for 1 million baht for peace of mind. She paid a down payment of 500,000 baht and took out a 20-month mortgage at 25,000 baht per month, which she has now completed.

Kanokwan said that during the 20-month mortgage period, life was quite difficult as she used nearly her entire pension for the house payments, leaving only 4,000 baht monthly to live on. She had to tighten her belt and budget carefully for food and expenses. Now that the payments are finished, she feels relieved and can peacefully live and rest with the cats. She gave the other house to her children to live in as before.

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Police

National Police Chief Issues Urgent Order on Uniform and Grooming Standards for Police Influencers

Thailand's National Police Chief ordered commanders to enforce strict uniform and grooming standards for officers working as social media influencers, ensuring they maintain professional appearance and conduct while representing the force p

8h ago Khaosod

On May 26, 2026, General Kittiratch Panpetch, National Police Commissioner, issued an urgent order regarding proper conduct of police officers in uniform, sent to deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, police majors, commanders, and supervisors. The directive notes that many police officers now appear on public media, social media, and work as influencers to advance police public relations, enhance the force's image, and help the public understand police roles and responsibilities. However, while officers wearing the honorable and dignified uniform properly maintain their appearance and grooming according to the 2566 Police Conduct Regulations when communicating information and performing public duties, they must serve as role models. The commissioner directed supervisors to oversee the dress, grooming, and conduct of officers appearing before the public media or engaged in public relations, ensuring they comply with regulations and maintain proper standards. Officers are instructed to avoid inappropriate gestures or behavior, and inspectors are to monitor and advise on these matters going forward.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Former Prominent Footballer Shot by Ex-Wife Outside Municipal Office

A 42-year-old former footballer was shot twice in the hand and shoulder by his ex-wife in a municipal office parking lot in Ratchaburi on May 26, prompting a manhunt as she fled in a bronze Toyota Vios.

8h ago Khaosod

At 9:20 AM on May 26, 2025, Po Haad Police Station received a report of a shooting incident in the parking area of Po Haad Municipal Subdistrict Office in Bang Pae District, Ratchaburi Province. The victim was identified as Pornchay Acharinda, a 42-year-old former renowned footballer and municipal employee, who was shot once in the right palm and once in the right shoulder. Blood stains covered the parking area, and two .38 caliber shell casings were found along with a blood-stained cream-colored shoulder bag and camouflage jacket, all collected as evidence.

The shooter was identified as Punyanucha, 41, the victim's ex-wife from whom he had been separated for approximately two years. After the shooting, she fled in a bronze Toyota Vios (License plate: Kho-2190, Ratchaburi). The firearm used in the incident was seized by a coworker of the victim who witnessed the event and intervened.

Investigation revealed the two are divorced former spouses with two children in the mother's care. A previous court case established child support obligations. Witnesses reported the woman arrived at the municipal parking lot coinciding with the victim's arrival, and the two had an argument before the shots were fired. The shooter then fled the scene. The victim was rushed to Ban Phaew Hospital in Samut Sakhon and is reported to be in stable condition.

Initial investigation found the firearm at the scene, a .38 caliber pistol. Police have not yet located the suspect and have requested relatives to bring her in for questioning. Preliminary charges include illegal possession of a firearm and attempted murder. Police are gathering witness statements and will question the victim.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

May 28 D-Day: Chatchatcharit Launches Platform with 250+ Policies to Get 'Bangkok Working'

Chatchatcharit Sittiphan, seeking a second term as Bangkok Governor, will launch 250+ policy proposals on May 28 at Stadium One aimed at revitalizing the city across all sectors.

8h ago Khaosod

Former Bangkok Governor Chatchatcharit Sittiphan, running as a candidate for his second term as Bangkok Governor, posted on Facebook on May 26 announcing his campaign's first major platform event. The event will feature the unveiling of over 250 policy proposals from his team designed to get Bangkok working across all sectors and create a leap forward toward a metropolis of hope and opportunity. The launch will occur on May 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Stadium One, where attendees can hear Chatchatcharit's vision and plans for his four-year tenure.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Khana Thai Party Denies Shielding Chonnapat, Believes Parliament Session Closes in July Ahead of Legal Process

The Khana Thai Party denies shielding MP Chonnapat Naksan and says parliament will decide whether to allow his questioning by investigators, with legal proceedings expected after the July parliamentary recess.

9h ago Khaosod

At 5:10 p.m. on May 26, 2025, Arthakorn Sirilattayakorn, a Chachoengsao MP and Khana Thai Party spokesperson, addressed the National Assembly's preparation to consider an urgent matter on May 28 regarding the Special Investigation Department's request to bring MP Chonnapat Naksan from Songkhla for questioning and testimony during the parliamentary session. Party executives are currently in consultations with party MPs but confirmed the party will base its decision on the spirit of the law and past parliamentary practices. Despite being a new party, Khana Thai has MPs with extensive political experience and prioritizes legislative principles.

"What happens this Friday, we must examine the spirit of the law—how similar matters have been handled in the past—and look at the bigger picture, not make a decision for any individual," Arthakorn stated.

Arthakorn noted that during the election campaign, he witnessed Chonnapat affirm his readiness to enter the legal examination process. He believes that after the parliamentary session closes in July, Chonnapat will proceed through the legal system, with case outcomes depending not only on parliament but also on Chonnapat's own defense and investigation proceedings.

"Khana Thai will not shield anyone or protect someone who has done wrong, but at this time we uphold the principles of the legislative branch," Arthakorn concluded.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

MG Elevates Customer Experience with 'MG SMILE' – Caring Every Step of the Way

MG Thailand launches 'MG SMILE,' a comprehensive service program designed to enhance customer experience from initial purchase through after-sales support, featuring personalized touchpoints at each stage of the automotive journey.

9h ago Khaosod

MG is creating memorable experiences and smiles for its customers by elevating service standards through its 'MG SMILE' program, reinforcing the 'In Thailand for Thailand' philosophy. SAIC Motor-CP Co., Ltd. and MG Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Thailand's MG manufacturer and distributor, have announced a comprehensive service standard upgrade designed to enhance the complete customer journey from initial inquiry through after-sales support. The initiative demonstrates MG's commitment to caring service at every step and delivering satisfaction alongside world-class automotive technology tailored to Thai consumers' needs.

The sales experience has been redesigned with transparent, friendly guidance that empowers customers to confidently select the right vehicle without pressure. This is expressed through 'Five Smile Moments': First Contact Smile (welcoming reception), Discovery & Recommendation Smile (personalized vehicle suggestions), Test Drive Experience Smile (confidence-building performance assessment), Transparent Pricing & Finance Smile (clear financial information), and Delivery Day Celebration Smile (smooth handover experience).

The after-sales service journey encompasses 'Six Smile Moments' ensuring continuous customer care: Service Booking Smile (convenient scheduling), Service Arrival & Check-in Smile (smooth registration), Waiting Experience Smile (comfortable service waiting area), Service Quality Smile (efficient professional work), and additional care touchpoints throughout vehicle ownership. MG's MG SMILE framework unites all departments to systematically deliver excellence and build lasting customer relationships at every important moment of their automotive journey.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Supports Thai Kitchen Innovators to Break Into Food and Beverage Export Markets

Thailand's government is launching a food innovation showcase at THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2026 to help local entrepreneurs and startups export their products to international markets through business networking and product presentations.

9h ago Khaosod

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (NIA) in partnership with the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Kasetsart University (KU), is launching a product promotion and technology innovation showcase for Thai food entrepreneurs under the Thai Kitchen 2026: Crafted FoodTech Accelerator Program at THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026. The initiative aims to create business and marketing opportunities for Thai food and beverage innovators by facilitating meetings, product presentations, and business negotiations with international importers, distributors, investors, and business partners.

Dr. Kricchapon Boonfeuang, Director of NIA, stated that the food industry is a high-potential sector for driving Thailand's economy. NIA is committed to promoting and supporting innovative entrepreneurs through four key mechanisms: Groom (nurturing and developing innovation potential), Grant (providing funding), Growth (creating market expansion opportunities and capital sources), and Global (entering global markets). The Thai Kitchen 2026 program serves as an additional platform to strengthen Thai entrepreneurs through product development, business model creation, market linkage, and the Growth Lab Journey, which provides customized consulting and activity planning tailored to each participating company.

The Thai Kitchen 2026 Program, operated by NIA and Kasetsart University, aims to accelerate growth and expand Thai innovation-based businesses—including MSMEs, FoodTech startups, and social enterprises—into international markets. The program emphasizes commercializing Thai food research, technology, and innovations while enhancing business strategy capabilities, product development, international standard compliance, and access to business partner networks.

The NRCT, which operates the HIVE Food Hub (a center of expertise for healthy and sustainable food industry along the value chain) and Innovative House, is supporting these entrepreneurs through training in booth preparation, business negotiation guidelines, pricing strategies, and business matching activities. The program includes 12 entrepreneurs from the Thai Kitchen 2026 Program and 12 from the Innovative House network, presenting their products at booth 9BB-01 in Hall 9 of Impact Muang Thong Thani during May 26-30, 2569 (2026).

The showcased products include health-conscious foods, raw materials and seasonings, functional foods and beverages, and high-value processed food products, demonstrating the potential of Thai researchers and entrepreneurs in developing value-added food innovations with distinctive characteristics capable of competing on the global stage.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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