Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Community

Inspiring: American Grandfather Completes Giant 60,000-Piece Puzzle After 4 Years, Then Gives It Away for Free

Colorado retiree Lu Salas completed a massive 60,000-piece world map puzzle after four years of work, then donated it free to anyone willing to pass it along to others.

2 May Khaosod

An inspiring story from Colorado, USA: Lu Salas, a retired grandfather, successfully completed a giant 60,000-piece puzzle after dedicating more than four years and over 800 hours of work. The puzzle set, titled "What a Wonderful World," came in 60 boxes with 1,000 pieces each, and when assembled together forms a large world map. Salas spent years finding the right space to start the project, working methodically through each box in his own puzzle room and organizing completed sections on plastic sheets. His 8-year-old granddaughter, hailed as a "puzzle genius," occasionally assisted him throughout the process.

During the assembly, he faced a significant challenge when one piece went missing, but the manufacturer ultimately sent the missing piece, allowing him to complete the task. The project's grand finale involved assembling all 60 sections together—what Salas called "the greatest puzzle within the puzzle." Family and friends helped construct a nearly 9-meter-long table in his garage, and he even had to hang from the ceiling to fit all the pieces together, a process that took a full 9 hours.

Despite the puzzle's high value of hundreds or thousands of dollars, Salas decided to give it away for free to anyone interested, with just one condition: once they finish playing with it, they must pass it on so others can experience the same joy. He concluded by saying this accomplishment cannot be measured in monetary terms, and he considers it worthwhile if even one other person attempts a similar project.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Savings Lottery Draw Results for May 2, 2569 - Special 2-Year Savings Lottery Draw

The Government Savings Bank announced winners of its special 2-year savings lottery draw on May 2, with a top prize of 10 million baht going to ticket 0860959 and thousands of other winners across multiple prize categories.

2 May Khaosod

The Government Savings Bank released the winning numbers for the special 2-year savings lottery draw held on May 2, 2569, giving participants the opportunity to win major prizes while saving money. First Prize: 1 winner of 10,000,000 baht - Draw 266, ticket 0860959. Second Prize: 1 winner of 1,000,000 baht - Draw 266, ticket 2694681. Third Prize: 5 winners of 10,000 baht each - tickets 4554375, 2704334, 7674583, 3275138, 9350645. Fourth Prize: 10 winners of 3,000 baht each - tickets 3024052, 9017961, 0841186, 8076402, 5305536, 6024859, 6120896, 0065263, 7968865, 5386869. Fifth Prize: 15 winners of 1,000 baht each - tickets 1019058, 3013634, 1482428, 5571026, 0307940, 2764694, 1994881, 0514932, 0719992, 5691250, 4181217, 5056193, 8995309, 1234965, 1812659. Last 4 digits: 42,695 winners of 200 baht (Draws 251-253), 318,042 winners of 800 baht (Draws 254-262), 64,910 winners of 700 baht (Draws 263-264), 287,604 winners of 600 baht (Draws 265-271, 273), 38,518 winners of 500 baht (Draws 274-275), and ticket 9651. Last 3 digits: 426,897 winners of 40 baht (Draws 251, 253), and ticket 503.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Good News for Insured Workers: Starting May 1, 2026, Expanded Dental Benefits Including Impacted Tooth Extraction and Removable Dentures

Thailand's government has significantly expanded dental benefits for insured workers starting May 1, 2026, introducing separate coverage for impacted tooth extraction, increased denture coverage, and new dental implant support for full mouth restoration. The new benefits eliminate competition for funds between basic dental care and specialized treatments, with coverage ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 baht depending on the procedure. Workers who leave employment retain dental protection for an additional six months, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploychaleaw Laksameesangchan announced that the government prioritizes insured workers and aims to improve their quality of life by reducing healthcare costs and expanding access to efficient medical services. The government, through the Ministry of Labor, directed the Social Security Office to develop dental benefits for insured workers under Sections 33 and 39.

Beginning May 1, 2026, social security dental benefits have undergone major improvements. Insured workers undergoing impacted tooth extraction no longer need to compete for filling benefits, as social security has allocated separate funding. Coverage is up to 2,500 baht per tooth for those who have contributed for at least three months within 15 months before service. Workers who leave employment retain dental protection coverage for up to six additional months.

New dental benefits effective May 1, 2026, include:

1. Tooth Extraction/Filling/Tartar Removal (Basic Benefits) - Private hospitals/clinics: 900 baht annually (unchanged) - Public hospitals: Expanded coverage including root scaling and bone contouring

2. Impacted Tooth Extraction - Previous: Covered under 900 baht annual limit; extraction at 2,500 baht required 1,600 baht out-of-pocket - New: Separate allocation, up to 1,500 baht per tooth (simple extraction) or 2,500 baht per tooth (complex extraction with bone grafting) - Public hospitals with agreements cover actual costs per standards

3. Removable Dentures - Previous: Limited coverage - New: Increased to 1,500-6,000 baht depending on number and type of teeth, plus 900 baht repair coverage per service

4. Dental Implants for Full Mouth Restoration - Previous: No coverage - New: Surgical fee of 17,500 baht per person for those who lost all teeth and cannot wear removable dentures, plus 3,300 baht per implant set, including follow-up care benefits

Insured workers using services outside contracted facilities must pay first and request reimbursement through e-Self Service or at Social Security offices nationwide. Additional information is available at provincial Social Security offices or the 24-hour hotline 1506.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Big Pae Encourages Bangkok Youth Precision Sport Shooters Heading to National Youth Games

Bangkok's youth precision sport shooting team received encouragement from officials before competing at the National Youth Games in Surat Thani this May.

2 May Khaosod

Coaches and representatives of Bangkok's youth precision sport shooting team met with Thirachai Wuthitham, chairman of the Bangkok Sports Association, at the Watsn 1 Sports Building conference room at the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese), Din Daeng, to receive encouragement and blessings before departing for the 41st National Youth Games, also known as the "Surat Thani Games," scheduled for May 7-17, 2025, in Surat Thani Province. The sports association chairman offered words of encouragement and blessings to all athletes, hoping they will achieve success and bring honor and pride to Bangkok residents. Regarding precision sport shooting, he noted that although many perceive it as risky, it operates under strict supervision with clear safety standards and receives strong parental support. Both mothers and fathers play crucial roles in promoting and encouraging their children, which strengthens family institutions alongside athletic development. He emphasized that athletes must perform their duties fully, with focus and care, follow all regulations, and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. He also invited all Bangkok residents to cheer on Thailand's youth precision sport shooting team and support them in achieving victory at this competition.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Fisheries Department Addresses Thailand FishAI App Controversy Over Misidentified Fish Species

The Fisheries Department clarified that its Thailand FishAI app, still in prototype stage, currently identifies only 50 fish species and acknowledged errors flagged by users as it continues developing the AI system. The department is expand

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2025, the Fisheries Department clarified issues with the Thailand FishAI application following online discussions about errors in the app's fish identification function. The department thanked users for their interest in downloading the app and explained the current limitations.

Thailand FishAI is a research and development project utilizing artificial intelligence technology that was completed within just one year. Currently, the prototype system can identify 50 fish species (though it cannot yet identify all species). Each fish species requires extensive image data collected from fieldwork, including various sizes and angles—typically 100 to 1,000 images per species depending on the fish's distinctive characteristics—to train the AI system.

The species currently identifiable are mostly freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family, the most diverse fish family in Thailand, including both common and rare endemic species such as white barb, gold barb, giant snakehead, red-finned barb, various loaches, silver barb, rosy barb, false shark, coral barb, sweetlips, and snakehead. The app also identifies rare Thai species like Thai freshwater angelfish and Thai siamese. Additionally, it can identify some ornamental fish species including Siamese fighting fish, carp, goldfish, koi, and some exotic species, as well as some economically important species like snapper, catfish, and tilapia.

The Fisheries Department is committed to continuously expanding the database so the AI system can identify more fish species, requiring ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors to enhance service quality.

The Thailand FishAI application also features a "Library" function—an aquatic animal database allowing users to search information on over 2,000 aquatic species collected by the Fisheries Department, including freshwater fish, saltwater fish, ornamental fish, and aquatic plants, organized by category for convenient and rapid access.

Additionally, the "Survey" function allows users unfamiliar with a fish species to upload photos with details and directly consult Fisheries Department experts through the app. Experts will respond and notify users, while user-submitted fish images help improve the app's database.

Users encountering problems, inaccurate AI results, or having suggestions can report issues through the "Survey" menu or via the official LINE Open Chat by searching "Thailand Fish AI." The Fisheries Department welcomes all feedback for continuous improvement.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines

Police arrested three suspects and seized drugs and slot machines during an undercover operation disguised as a durian vendor truck in a Bangkok community near a school where narcotics were being sold to youth.

2 May Khaosod

Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines. Big Jo leads raid in Bangkok.

On May 2, 2569, Police Lieutenant General Siam Bunserm, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the operation. Police Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee, Deputy Commissioner for Narcotics, Police Major General Witthawat Chinkam, Commander of Division 5, and other senior officers from the Narcotics Suppression Center under the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau launched Operation Durian Toxin. They conducted a search of a community behind Udomsuk 30 School in Bang Na Nua Subdistrict, Bang Na District, Bangkok, using an undercover operation disguised as durian vendors to investigate the target area.

The operation followed the policy of Police General Kittiratchawit Panpetch, Police Commissioner, Police General Samran Nualmaa, Deputy Commissioner, Police General Sompraseang Yenthum, Special Advisor, and Police Lieutenant General Kritsada Kanjanaolongkorn, Assistant Commissioner, aimed at suppressing narcotics in communities, especially youth hangouts. This followed complaints from residents that a group was illegally selling drugs and luring youth during school breaks, causing trouble for local residents.

Investigation revealed that the hangout was operated by someone known as "Bang Dam," who sold narcotics and operated slot machines, pricing drugs low to attract youth in the Udomsuk 30 area near the school.

Investigators devised a plan using a modified pickup truck disguised as a durian vendor truck, parking it near the target house with officers concealed inside for surveillance. When they spotted the suspect inside the house, they revealed themselves and made the arrest, searching the premises.

Three suspects were arrested:

1. A 42-year-old Thai male (Bang Dam) charged with operating illegal gambling and Class 1 drug possession. Additional charges for drug dealing are being investigated.

2. A 32-year-old Thai female (Ms. May) charged with operating illegal gambling.

3. A 43-year-old Thai female (Ms. Porn) charged with possessing and using Class 1 methamphetamine (ice).

Police seized 2 slot machines, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Eight other people were found at the location, including three teenagers aged 15. Drug tests on the youth came back negative, and they claimed they came to play games with friends. Officers proceeded with child and youth protection protocols.

During initial interrogation, some suspects confessed that the slot machines belonged to someone else who installed them in exchange for revenue sharing, while the drugs were for personal use. The matter of luring youth is still under investigation.

Police revealed that the area is a densely packed community with multiple access routes, making it easy for offenders to escape. Strict surveillance of strangers made previous investigations difficult. The plan to use an undercover durian truck allowed officers to access the area and successfully make arrests.

After the arrests, many residents came out to observe, and community representatives thanked the officers, reflecting the community's appreciation.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Natural Resources Minister Suchat Mobilizes Nationwide Drought Relief, Assists Over 21,600 Households

Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry has mobilized nationwide drought relief efforts, assisting over 21,600 households across multiple provinces with emergency water supplies and equipment deployed by regional water resource offices.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2569, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has launched an urgent assistance program to support communities facing the severe drought crisis. The Department of Water Resources has been directed to mobilize nationwide resources to increase drinking and household water availability, support community water supply systems, and establish emergency water reserves in at-risk areas.

The ministry stressed that the government regards public welfare as paramount, particularly during this widespread drought emergency. All relevant agencies have been instructed to provide full support, including securing domestic water supplies, assisting the agricultural sector, and strengthening frontline personnel to alleviate public hardship as quickly as possible.

Theerachun Bunsit, Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, revealed that he has ordered all 11 regional water resource offices to closely monitor the situation and mobilize machinery, pumping equipment, water trucks, and various support systems to affected areas immediately. Operations focus on securing drinking and household water, production water for public utilities, and systematic agricultural assistance.

Relief operations continue across multiple provinces including Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Krabi, and Ubon Ratchathani, with water pump installations, clean water distribution, and comprehensive field support provided for both household consumption and agricultural use. Drinking water has also been supplied to wildfire-fighting personnel in vulnerable areas.

To date, the Department of Water Resources has successfully assisted over 21,600 households, representing approximately 43,200 people, and distributed nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water to frontline wildfire personnel, demonstrating the ministry's proactive approach to mitigating drought impacts.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry reaffirms its commitment to continued assistance, ensuring adequate water availability for citizens, reducing hardship during this crisis, and establishing long-term national water security while standing beside the people in all circumstances.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand's Young Elephants Touch Down in Saudi Arabia After 12-Hour Journey, Dive into Recovery Pool

Thailand's U-17 national football team has arrived in Saudi Arabia after a 12-hour flight to compete in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 under coach Marco Gökçek. The young squad is grouped with Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar, with group leaders advancing to knockout rounds and ultimately representing Asia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Thailand will begin their tournament on May 5th against Tajikistan.

2 May Khaosod

Thailand's U-17 national football team, led by head coach Marco Gökçek with 23 players, departed for Saudi Arabia on the evening of April 30th to compete in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. In the early morning hours of May 1st, the team completed their approximately 12-hour journey to Saudi Arabia, where Gökçek immediately arranged recovery sessions in the hotel pool to help players recuperate. Thailand is placed in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar. The group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout rounds, with the eight advancing nations eligible to represent Asia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar in November 2026. Thailand will open their campaign against Tajikistan on the evening of May 5th (morning of May 6th) at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium B (Champions).

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Lucky Numbers Arrive: POTATO Band Delivers Winning Lottery Numbers This Round, Complete List with Warnings

Rock band POTATO released lucky lottery numbers hidden in their latest music video "Life in Chaos," warning fans to verify official sources and avoid scam websites impersonating them.

2 May Khaosod

Who will become the next millionaire? Many sources have released their lucky number predictions, including POTATO, the beloved rock band whose social media page has become widely recognized as a leading authority on lottery numbers among Thai internet users. POTATO releases their lucky number predictions on the 1st and 16th of each month for fans and lottery enthusiasts looking to win the government lottery jackpot.

As the latest lottery draw approaches, POTATO's page has posted that this round's numbers are hidden in their music video "Chaywit Woonwai" (Life in Chaos). They encourage followers to click the link in the comments to select their preferred numbers. The page emphasizes that no additional numbers will be added and asks followers to choose carefully for maximum luck.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: POTATO has clarified they operate no number groups, house number groups, or any other number-picking syndicates. They warn fans not to be deceived by fraudulent websites and gambling sites that use their profile images to scam people. Only pages with official blue verification checkmarks are legitimate. The band also reminds the public that lottery purchases should be done responsibly and should never be relied upon as a primary source of income.

The numbers found in the "Life in Chaos" music video include: 10.04, 10.05, 10.21, 10.42, 10.43, 11.07, 11.25, 11.43, 11.44, 12.00, 12.30, 123, and 213.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to Host Southeast Asian U-12 Tennis Championship with Eight Nations Competing in Muang Thong Thani

Thailand is hosting the ITF Asia U-12 Team Tennis Championship from May 4-8, 2025, in Muang Thong Thani, bringing together eight Southeast Asian nations to compete for the regional title. The Thai team, which won both boys and girls categories last year, has been extensively prepared with the goal of defending their championship. Additionally, Thailand is conducting a series of ITF World Tennis Tour professional tournaments across three phases from May through September, attracting international players and boosting local tourism and the economy.

2 May Khaosod

Suchai Pornchaiyasuksadom, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, announced that the association will host two major tournaments this May. The first is the ITF Asia U-12 Team Championship running from May 4-8, 2025, at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani, featuring eight nations: Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, and Thailand as host.

Thailand's boys team includes Oliver Bensen Berkhout (Thai-Dutch) from Chon Buri, Deer Sorprasit from Bangkok, and Prattakorn Pacheeratana from Ayutthaya, coached by Sahathat Supkij. The girls team features Wimuttinya Pongnu from Bangkok, Pakchira Horlersukul from Bangkok, and Loretta Lee Abrahamsen (Thai-American) from Nonthaburi, coached by Itthipol Srisena, with assistant coaches Anut Rueankoan and Boonmee Potpiajit.

Teams finishing in the top three of both boys and girls categories will represent Southeast Asia in the Asian Championships final. Suchai noted that Thai teams won both categories last year and advanced to the finals, and this year the team has prepared thoroughly with the goal of defending their championship titles.

The association is also currently hosting ITF World Tennis Tour professional events for both men and women at Kasetsart University's Kamphaeng Saen Campus in Nakhon Pathom, in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation. The first phase includes six tournaments (three for men, three for women) and concludes on May 17. Two additional phases are scheduled: the second from June 6-26 and the third from August 31 to September 20. These tournaments attract professional players and spectators from around the world, boosting the local economy and tourism through spending on food, accommodation, and other services.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Lucky Numbers from the Takian Tree: Entire Village Hits Lottery After Previous Draw

Villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima discovered a takian tree while cleaning a canal and credited it with lottery winnings across their entire community. The grateful residents made offerings and identified lucky numbers to play in the next draw.

2 May Khaosod

Nakhon Ratchasima - May 2, 2569 (2026): Following a canal-cleaning project by residents of Baan Raatkhon Samakkhi Village, Moo 7, Non Sombourn Subdistrict, Sieng Saang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, to prepare a swimming area for children, workers discovered a takian tree in the canal known as Khlong Lam Mash, an ancient waterway in lower Isaan that originates from the Sankamaeng mountain range in Thab Lan National Park and flows through multiple districts in Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram provinces before joining the Mun River.

While cleaning the canal for tourism development, residents found a takian tree but could only remove branches rather than the entire trunk. They brought flowers, incense, candles, and flour to the tree to seek blessings, and remarkably, villagers reported widespread lottery winnings. Ms. Tanaphon Lueangtong, a Non Sombourn Subdistrict Administrative Organization member, explained that residents attempted to extract the full tree using chains, but the chains broke. They managed only to retrieve portions of the branches, which they then enshrined with flowers, incense, candles, and flour as offerings.

Following the reported good fortune from the previous draw, with nearly the entire village winning prizes, grateful residents brought traditional Thai clothing and offerings of flowers, incense, betel nuts, cigarettes, and sweets to express gratitude to the Takian Tree Goddess. The community conducted a merit-making ceremony at the site, dedicating the blessing to the sacred spirit and planning to develop it as a tourist destination. After the ceremony, residents gathered to interpret auspicious numbers, identifying 092 and 506 as particularly promising lottery numbers.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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