Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

From drug raid to defrocked, monk arrested after failed escape

A monk at a southern Thailand temple was arrested after authorities discovered methamphetamine pills and crystal meth in his quarters during a raid in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was defrocked and confessed to drug possession and use after atte

25 Apr Khaosod

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — A monk at a well-known temple in southern Thailand has been arrested after authorities found methamphetamine pills and crystal meth hidden in his shoulder bag, officials confirmed.

Noppitam district chief Apiwat Meethum said local officials received reports on the evening of April 24 that a monk at Wat Rong Lek temple in Noppitam subdistrict was involved in illegal drug activities.

When officers arrived to conduct an investigation, the monk attempted to escape through the rear of his quarters but was pursued and apprehended. He was later identified as Phra Phanuphat, known colloquially as "Ob".

A search of his quarters revealed 388 methamphetamine tablets and 0.03 grams of crystal methamphetamine concealed in a monk's bag, along with drug paraphernalia. The suspect acknowledged that the items were his.

Authorities had the monk defrocked before proceeding with questioning. A urine test came back positive for drug use, and he admitted to consuming three methamphetamine pills before his arrest.

He faces charges of possessing a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute without authorization. Police reported that he confessed to all charges and was transferred to Noppitam police station for further legal proceedings.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Amy Thetsara Startled! Moment of Close Encounter with Overzealous Fan—Face-to-Face Stare; Asks Fans to Say Hello But Keep Distance

Actress Amy Thetsara was startled by an overzealous fan who approached her closely at a coffee shop and stared at her face-to-face. She's since become more cautious and is urging fans to greet her gently and from a distance.

25 Apr Khaosod

Actress Amy Thetsara experienced an unsettling moment when an overzealous fan approached her closely at a coffee shop, staring directly at her. The incident has left many fans concerned about her safety since the video circulated online.

Recently, Amy was spotted with close friend Bonnie Patrapasit at an L'Oreal Paris event launching the new Infallible Fresh Wear Cushion Raffia Limited Edition at Siam Square ONE, where she discussed the incident.

Amy recounted: "I didn't really notice what was happening at first. I didn't know someone was filming or that someone would follow me. Suddenly, this person came up close and stared right at me. I was confused about what they wanted. I was scared because I was about to pay and enter my bank PIN, so I asked what they wanted. They said they didn't want anything, just that they were concerned about me. I felt bad for the people in the shop because it got a bit loud, so I decided to leave. I went outside to wait for my coffee, and then they followed me out too."

When asked if she found it strange, she replied: "It was definitely strange because the person taking photos seemed like the twin of the person who came up to me. They didn't come alone."

Regarding her precautions now, Amy said: "There's definitely some fear because they got so close. Some people told me that if they wanted to harm me, they could have done it since they were that close. After that incident, I've been more cautious. But I'm not sure what to do because there are always people waiting outside the GMM building. I've actually stopped going out for coffee as much. The staff at the building who heard about it are worried too—they ask if I know this person and why they came so close as if they knew me. I tell them I don't know them. Everyone is concerned because the images look quite scary, but it's something we can't control."

Asking what message she has for people with this behavior, Amy said: "I understand everyone who loves me. When they see me, they're happy and want to be close. But sometimes when I'm not prepared, I get startled. So I'd like to ask fans to greet me in a sweet way. We can say hello, but please do it gently and slowly."

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Expose 'Sugarcane Field' as Secret Route Used by Call Center Gang to Smuggle Thai BL Series Director Across Border to Forced Labor in Poipet

Thai police and military have identified a sugarcane field route in Sakaeo province as a major trafficking corridor used by call center gangs to smuggle Thai nationals illegally across the border to forced labor in Cambodia. A recently rescued BL series director helped authorities locate the smuggling route, which is particularly active during the dry season. Investigators have also uncovered involvement by former local government officials and are intensifying border patrols while warning the public about recruitment scams.

25 Apr Khaosod

On April 25, 2025, Region 2 police and soldiers from the Burapha Task Force raided Phasaeng subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district, Sakaeo province, where a BL series director and associate identified a sugarcane field as one of the natural routes call center gangs use to illegally smuggle victims across the Thai-Cambodian border. The victims had been lured with promises of investment training seminars before being trafficked to Poipet, Cambodia, where they were forced to work as scammers. They have since been released.

Investigators found the area ideal for border crossing, particularly during the dry season when water obstacles are minimal. This makes the farmland routes through Phasaeng and Khlong Nam Sai subdistricts a primary smuggling corridor for human trafficking.

Deputy Commander Thitiwat Suriyachai of Region 2 police revealed that Thai nationals continue to be deceived into working in neighboring countries. Call center gangs typically use local Thai guides to lead victims across the border through natural routes. Authorities have identified the criminal network and plan to increase patrols and interception efforts along the border.

Investigations have also uncovered connections between the trafficking network and former local government officials who may have been complicit or involved in smuggling people for call center work in Cambodia. These officials have been suspended from duty and are under investigation.

Authorities have warned the public to be cautious of job solicitations in border areas, especially those promising high wages or offering training programs, as they may be fronts for human trafficking or call center scams.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Toyota Advances with Confidence, Opens Factory Doors to Showcase World-Class Manufacturing Process

Toyota opened its manufacturing facility in Ban Pho for the third time to demonstrate its commitment to quality and customer confidence through the 'Toyota Trusted Services Open House III' event. The plant is one of only three Toyota factories in Thailand and uniquely manufactures vehicles for export back to Japan, including the Hilux pickup truck and Land Cruiser FJ model. The facility showcases world-class production systems utilizing advanced technology, robotics, and the Toyota Production System (TPS) to ensure highest quality standards.

25 Apr Khaosod

Toyota held its third open house event to build customer confidence, showcasing its world-class manufacturing process at the Ban Pho plant under the 'Toyota Trusted Services Open House III' program. The initiative has reached its third edition, allowing media personnel to experience the operations of various departments and reinforce assurance that every Toyota vehicle is manufactured under strict standards for maximum quality before delivery to customers worldwide.

According to Somkhit Praditsgarnchai, Senior Managing Director of Toyota Motor Thailand Limited, Toyota Trusted Services represents a service experience designed to build customer confidence and peace of mind from the moment someone becomes a Toyota owner—from standard quality from the beginning, through delivery to customers, and throughout vehicle use.

The Ban Pho plant is a world-class manufacturing facility where Toyota actually produces vehicles, not merely assembles them. It is Toyota's only facility worldwide capable of manufacturing vehicles for export back to Japan. The plant produces Toyota Hilux legendary pickup trucks, which began exporting to Japan in 2017, and this year added the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ model—a quality guarantee reflecting high manufacturing standards. Previously, Toyota manufactured Land Cruiser exclusively in Japan.

The Ban Pho factory operates on 1,500 acres and began production in 2007, with a maximum capacity of 230,000 vehicles annually. It produces pickup trucks and multipurpose vehicles across six main production lines, utilizing advanced digital technology including the E-KANBAN system for inventory management and real-time transport systems to ensure continuous production, reduce costs, increase efficiency, and maximize resource value.

The facility implements the Toyota Production System (TPS), a globally recognized manufacturing system emphasizing high quality, reasonable costs, and short lead times. It operates on two pillars: Just in Time—producing vehicles exactly when and in the quantities customers need—and Jidoka, which guarantees quality through strict adherence to standards by both Toyota and component suppliers without exception. Toyota monitors every production step using the POKAYOKE system, an automated mechanism that detects anomalies and errors.

The manufacturing process includes: the stamping shop, which produces body components in various sizes using advanced technology at a capacity of 2,380 pieces per hour with excellent quality control; the welding shop, which joins body structures using robot systems controlled by computer for maximum accuracy and energy efficiency; the painting shop, where Toyota was Thailand's first manufacturer to use advanced water-based painting technology that is environmentally friendly by reducing volatile organic compounds harmful to respiratory systems; and the molding shop.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Anutin Affirms Land Bridge Advancement to Boost Revenue Inflow, Directs Questions to Ekniti on Thai Help Thai Plus Program

PM Anutin pushed forward the Land Bridge infrastructure project for Cabinet consideration this summer as a revenue-generating priority, while reshaping the stimulus program into Thai Help Thai Plus with 4,000 baht distributed monthly over f

25 Apr Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated his administration's push to move forward with the Land Bridge project, which aims to generate revenue for the country. The project will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration between June and July this year. According to Anutin, the Land Bridge represents a core policy priority for the Bhumjaithai Party, with designs updated to align with current conditions, including technological considerations and construction costs. The PM emphasized the urgency of moving forward, noting that Thailand must capitalize on strategic transportation corridors to create income streams and foster economic prosperity. When asked about public understanding in affected areas, Anutin stated this was a collective national interest matter. Regarding the Thai Help Thai Plus stimulus program, Anutin said the Cabinet submission timeline was set for June, pending approval in May. He clarified that the program, originally branded as "People 50-50" during campaigning, has been rebranded and restructured as "Thai Help Thai Plus" to address Middle Eastern regional concerns. The new format allocates 1,000 baht monthly for four months (totaling 4,000 baht per recipient) rather than the original two-month duration. When pressed for specific registration numbers, Anutin deflected to Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, explaining that he would only answer whether he approves the concept in principle, but not operational details, as his detailed responses might discourage other officials from taking initiative. He expressed full support for all ministerial and coalition partner initiatives, offering approval pending further consultation. On the Clean Air Act legislation, Anutin confirmed his party's support for the Bhumjaithai Party's draft version currently under parliamentary review.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Drunk woman sits in road, narrowly avoids traffic hits

A heavily intoxicated woman sat in the middle of a road in San Kamphaeng district early Saturday morning, causing multiple vehicles to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting her. Rescue workers and police responded to the dangerous scene and safely removed the woman from the roadway. Authorities did not specify details about the woman's condition or whether she was seeking help.

25 Apr Khaosod

CHIANGMAI — On Saturday, April 25, 2026, a drunken woman sat in the middle of a road in San Kamphaeng district, forcing several vehicles to swerve abruptly and narrowly avoid hitting her, according to authorities.

A patrol unit from a local rescue team responded to reports that a woman was attempting to get herself struck by traffic on the San Pa Kha–Bo Sang road.

At the scene, the woman was found intoxicated and sitting in the roadway, creating a dangerous situation for passing motorists. Several vehicles were seen taking sudden evasive action to avoid a collision.

Rescue workers and police officers worked together to calm the woman before safely escorting her off the road to a secure area to prevent potential harm.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to push one trillion baht land bridge plan to Cabinet

Thailand's transport minister plans to submit a 1 trillion baht "land bridge" megaproject to Cabinet in June, creating a transshipment route between the Indian and Pacific oceans via ports on the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

25 Apr Khaosod

BANGKOK — 25 April 2026, Thailand's transport minister said he plans to submit a proposed "land bridge" megaproject to the Cabinet in June, aiming to capitalise on potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz while insisting the state will not fund the scheme.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the project, estimated at around 1 trillion baht, would link ports on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, creating a transshipment route between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

He said the plan aligns with earlier remarks by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that the project should proceed, citing possible future instability in the Strait of Hormuz as an opportunity for Thailand.

Responding to criticism that transferring cargo between ports would increase shipping times, Phiphat said more than 90% of global container shipping involves transshipment rather than direct end-to-end delivery.

"If cargo is transferred at Thailand's ports, it would also have to be transferred elsewhere, such as in Singapore," he said, adding that Thailand is seeking to attract more transshipment traffic.

Phiphat said feasibility studies by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning have been completed, and he will conduct a site visit in May. The project is expected to be opened to bidding for both domestic and foreign investors, with equal opportunities.

Construction could begin later this year, pending Cabinet approval, which he expects to seek between June and July.

He stressed that the government would not directly invest in the project but would grant land concessions to private investors.

Environmental and health impact assessments will be required, he said, acknowledging local concerns. Authorities will engage with communities to address opposition and clarify information, which he suggested may be influenced by activist groups.

Phiphat said the government aims to open the project for investment in the third quarter of 2026.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Shocking Discovery: Motorcyclist Finds Woman's Body in Overgrown Field, Gunshot Wounds Detected

A 26-year-old woman from Phuket was found dead in an overgrown field in Samut Prakan with a gunshot wound to the head, alongside a 9mm GLOCK pistol. A motorcycle taxi driver discovered the body while urinating near the field around 6:30 a.m. and alerted authorities; family members report the victim had recently moved to the area and left home the previous afternoon, with the motive for her death currently unknown.

25 Apr Khaosod

At 7:30 a.m. on April 25, 2026, Lt. Weerawut Siri of Phra Samut Chedi Police Station in Samut Prakan received a report of a female body discovered in an overgrown field near a futsal court at an abandoned transportation office compound in Ban Pla Kod Subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan. Officers including Deputy Commander Prabhat Mangkang, Police Major Patchnkorn Kanjina, and other personnel rushed to investigate.

The scene was a vacant 10-rai field covered almost entirely with grass. The former transportation office branch had relocated years earlier. The body, found lying face-down in the grass, was that of a woman wearing a black hooded jacket over a pink and red silk scarf, black sweatpants, and white-and-black sneakers. Blood was visible on her face and the ground. Officers cordoned off the area before forensic teams conducted a detailed examination.

Initial investigation identified the deceased as Miss Phim (alias), 26, from Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Muang Phuket, Phuket Province. When the body was moved, a 9mm GLOCK pistol was found beneath her. She had a gunshot wound to the right temple with the bullet passing through the left side of her head. Medical estimates indicated death occurred 6-8 hours prior.

Motorcycle taxi driver Theerasak, 64, stated that around 6:30 a.m., he had dropped off passengers before parking his bike and stepping out to urinate near the field. He noticed what appeared to be someone lying in the grass, approached to investigate, and discovered the body. Shocked, he ran to alert police and rescue teams.

Family members revealed the victim had recently moved from Phuket Province to stay with relatives in an adjacent village since October. They noted she had mild mental health issues, never sought medical treatment, sometimes spoke to herself, and occasionally seemed distant. She was unemployed and left home around 3:00 p.m. the previous day dressed entirely in black with a black mask. Relatives believed she was job hunting, as she had mentioned to neighbors seeking employment assistance. The motive behind the incident remains unknown.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Anutin Emphasizes Palang Pracharath's Unity Despite Party Expansion and Growing Membership

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, head of the Palang Pracharath party, emphasized the importance of maintaining party unity and identity as the party continues to grow and attract new members. He dismissed concerns about internal factions and stated that solidarity remains a core principle of the party.

25 Apr Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, speaking as leader of the Palang Pracharath party following the 2569 annual general meeting on April 25, noted the approval of meeting minutes and minor updates to party regulations.

When asked about his emphasis on party unity during the meeting, Anutin explained that cohesion has always been a defining symbol of Palang Pracharath. He stressed the need to reinforce this message as the party expands and welcomes new members, ensuring all members understand and maintain the party's core identity: internal solidarity and commitment to serving the nation and its people.

Addressed about potential internal divisions within the party, Anutin remarked humorously: "If there are any factions in Palang Pracharath, it's just me."

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Peace Talks in Focus: Trump Representatives Head to Pakistan as Iran Officials Arrive in Islamabad

U.S. President Trump's envoys Steve Wittkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Pakistan on Saturday to conduct peace negotiations with Iran, with White House officials signaling Iran's willingness to talk and noting recent diplomatic progress. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already arrived in Islamabad on Friday to meet with Pakistani officials, though Tehran clarified there are no direct planned meetings with the U.S. at this stage. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that Iran has an opportunity for a good agreement if it abandons its nuclear weapons program in a verifiable manner.

25 Apr Khaosod

According to BBC reporting on April 25, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Wittkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are traveling to Pakistan on Saturday morning local time for peace negotiations with Iran. White House spokesperson Karolina Levitta stated that "Iran wants to negotiate" and added that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is prepared to travel if the negotiations succeed. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bagaei said that he and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, on Friday evening, April 24, where Araghchi will meet with senior Pakistani officials. Bagaei emphasized that "there are no planned meetings between Iran and the United States." Levitta told reporters that President Trump decided to send Wittkoff and Kushner to Pakistan to hear Iran's views, adding that the American leader is always willing to offer diplomatic opportunities. "We have seen progress from the Iranian side over the past 2-3 days," she said. Meanwhile, the Iranian embassy in Islamabad stated that Araghchi plans to review bilateral issues and discuss the regional situation. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously said Iran has the opportunity to reach a good agreement, emphasizing that "what they need to do is abandon nuclear weapons in a manner that is concrete and verifiable." Hegseth also warned that the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is expanding globally. Both Trump and Hegseth have stated that the United States does not feel pressured to end the conflict with Iran.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Accelerates Rail System Renewal, Fast-Tracks High-Speed Train Project Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai, Orders Missing Link Extension Contract Signing Within 6 Months and Completion of Diesel-Electric Locomotives by July

Thailand's government is accelerating rail modernization, fast-tracking a high-speed train project between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai while pushing completion of diesel-electric locomotive overhauls by July. The State Railway of Thaila

25 Apr Khaosod

Deputy Transport Minister Panija Chuphanik chaired the third oversight committee meeting on April 25, 2569 to track the State Railway of Thailand's recovery plan implementation. SRT Governor Anant Pothnimdaeng and representatives from various transport and economic agencies participated. Chuphanik disclosed that the committee monitored SRT's progress on directives from the February meeting, emphasizing accelerated project completion within fiscal year 2569 timelines and focusing on strategic infrastructure development. Key directives include reviewing the request for 2,850 additional personnel positions aligned with rail transport policy; expediting procurement of 216 diesel locomotives with spare parts; accelerating the high-speed rail project phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai) by revising the Terms of Reference with improved scope; advancing the suburban rail Missing Link extension projects (Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Makkasan-Huai Khwang and Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong) with contract signing targeted for October; completing the overhaul of 21 diesel-electric locomotives by July; and planning to increase freight transport capacity on the ICD Lat Krabang-Laem Chabang route from 497,805 TEUs annually to 700,000 TEUs by 2570.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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