Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

International Entertainment – 'Bite Me Sweet' Sends Support to 'Chef Jan'

Thai pastry chef Jan Nicha is representing Thailand in the reality competition series 'Bite Me Sweet,' competing against top female chefs from Southeast Asia alongside five popular Korean celebrities. The show, which aired during Songkran on streaming platform Viu, features intense dessert challenges inspired by Korean snack culture with the winning team earning the chance to open an exclusive pop-up store in Singapore. Chef Jan, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu with extensive experience working with world-renowned pastry masters and international fashion brands, is receiving strong support from Thai fans.

28 Apr Khaosod

International Entertainment – A heated dessert battle! The reality series Bite Me Sweet brings together five hot Korean stars and Chef Jan, Thailand's representative, to showcase world-class culinary skills.

During the recent Songkran period, Viu launched 'Bite Me Sweet,' a competitive dessert arena that pairs five of South Korea's hottest male celebrities with five leading female chefs from Southeast Asia.

The show is hosted by charming MC Yoon Shi Yoon, supported by five handsome stars: Lee Se-on, Song Seung-hwan, Cha Joo-wan, Bae Min-gi, and Lim Sung-kyun. They compete under the challenging 'Dessert Survival' format, inspired by Korean Snack Culture, with the ultimate prize of opening an exclusive pop-up store in Singapore.

Thai fans are rallying behind 'Chef Jan Nicha,' a world-class Thai pastry chef competing in this round. Chef Jan is an alumna of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, specializing in classic French pastry, and has trained under over 10 award-winning pastry masters and world champions. She has also collaborated with global fashion brands like Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) and Giorgio Armani on luxury dessert collections.

Follow the sweet journey in Bite Me Sweet, a 10-episode series airing in Thai subtitles every Friday at 9:00 AM, with two episodes per week on Viu.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Suphajee Clarifies Durian Promotion Drama: 100 Baht per Fruit is PrimePie's Technique, Not Commerce Ministry Matter

Thailand's Commerce Minister clarified that a 100-baht-per-durian promotion by PrimePie is the company's own marketing technique, not a government subsidy, as the nation tackles a record 33% surge in durian production this year.

28 Apr Khaosod

At 9:40 AM on April 28, 2025 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthummaphan addressed the durian drama, emphasizing that this year's production is 33% higher than last year at over 2 million tons. She stressed the need for aggressive marketing strategy to prevent price crashes, noting that addressing the problem only at the end stage would be ineffective.

She outlined a dual-track approach: international markets through the Department of International Trade Promotion, focusing on eastern markets while expanding western ones; and domestic markets through multiple channels including modern retail and live commerce platforms. The strategy involves collaborating with multiple influencers to deliver products directly to consumers. On April 25, she visited Chanthaburi province to promote the initiative and observe orchard production firsthand with influencer participation.

Regarding the PrimePie live-stream promotion of one million durians at 100 baht each on April 28, Suphajee clarified this is PrimePie's promotional technique with specific conditions to be announced, unrelated to the Commerce Ministry's oversight role. She confirmed all farmers receive equal treatment with prices following market mechanisms, not government subsidies.

When asked if the controversy stemmed from unclear communication, she stated the issue belongs to PrimePie's pricing announcement. The Commerce Ministry focuses on quality and price monitoring. She urged the public to wait for the full promotion details, noting the intense public interest and government scrutiny makes fraudulent practices unlikely.

Suphajee emphasized that visiting orchards boosts farmer morale and educates about live-streaming capabilities, enabling direct farm-to-consumer product distribution. Regarding opposition claims of overcapplying support, she explained the government implemented a marketing plan following market mechanisms for at least three months. Since this year's supply is high, traditional marketing alone would fail; therefore marketing lower-grade quality durians, which remain good quality, becomes necessary.

Concerning upstream problem-solving, she told parliament yesterday that long-term solutions extend beyond market mechanisms to include product processing. Processing helps manage excess production, reduce price drops, and improve quality standards. Marketing strategy thus focuses not solely on fresh fruit sales.

Suphajee added that the Commerce Ministry similarly manages marketing plans for other fruits like mangosteen and rambutan.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Viral Backlash: Foreign Female Tourists Strip Down on Tuk-Tuk in Phuket, Online Users Demand Authorities Take Action

Foreign tourists aboard a tuk-tuk in Phuket were filmed removing their underwear and exposing themselves to passing vehicles, sparking widespread online outrage. The incident, captured on dashcam, has prompted social media users to demand authorities impose fines, deportations, and stricter enforcement in the popular tourist area. No official investigations or charges have been reported as of yet.

28 Apr Khaosod

Heavy backlash erupted online when the Phuket Times page shared images of foreign female tourists aboard a moving tuk-tuk on Patuk Road in Kamala subdistrict, Phuket heading toward the Kamala roundabout. The images show multiple foreign women engaging in inappropriate behavior by repeatedly removing their underwear and turning to expose themselves to vehicles following behind, disregarding the presence of other road users, tourists, and members of the public.

Social media commenters have flooded the post with critical reactions, with users calling for fines, deportation, arrests, and stricter enforcement measures. Dashcam footage from a vehicle following behind clearly captured the incident. However, there are currently no reports indicating that relevant authorities have launched investigations or taken action against those involved.

Public sentiment remains strong in calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in major tourist areas.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Srinakharinwirot University Ready to Host 42nd Thai University Personnel Sports Games

Srinakharinwirot University is hosting the 42nd Thai University Personnel Sports Games from May 27 to June 4, 2026, with 65 universities and approximately 8,000 athletes competing in 18 sports disciplines. The event, themed "Health & Happiness," aims to promote camaraderie and wellness among university personnel nationwide, with competitions spanning traditional and international sports for a total of 472 medals.

28 Apr Khaosod

Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) announced its full readiness to host the 42nd Thai University Personnel Sports Games, officially known as "SWU Games," scheduled for May 27 to June 4, 2026, at its Ongkharak campus in Nakhon Nayok province. The event will bring together 65 institutions with approximately 8,000 athletes competing across 18 sports disciplines and one demonstration sport for a total of 472 medals. Organized under the theme "Health & Happiness," the games aim to foster camaraderie and promote both physical and mental wellness among university personnel nationwide.

University President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaloewit Jeerjit expressed confidence in SWU's capability to host the event, citing the university's over 50-year legacy of producing quality personnel in physical education, health education, recreation, sports science, and public health. He emphasized that the university has comprehensive preparations across all areas including personnel management, athlete accommodations, facilities, health services, and transportation for the massive gathering.

The competition will include 15 internationally recognized sports (football, futsal, volleyball, swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, golf, track and field, pétanque, sepak takraw, aerobic dance, esports, basketball, and woodball), two traditional Thai sports (takraw and Thai chess), one fitness sport (aerobics), and one demonstration sport (cornhole) chosen by the host. All competitions will take place at SWU's Ongkharak facilities during May. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chusit Pradabpetch, chairman of the Thai Universities Sports Committee, underscored that the personnel sports games represent an important platform for promoting unity and well-being across Thailand's higher education sector.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Kim Opens Memorial to Honor North Korean Soldiers Killed in Ukraine, Estimated 2,000 Deaths

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov opened a memorial in Pyongyang honoring North Korean soldiers who died fighting in the Ukraine conflict. South Korean intelligence estimates over 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with approximately 2,000 killed in combat operations. Kim pledged North Korea's continued full support for Russia's military objectives in Ukraine.

28 Apr Khaosod

BBC reported on April 28 that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov opened a memorial in Pyongyang to honor North Korean troops who died fighting in the Ukraine war. While official figures on North Korean troop deployments in Ukraine remain undisclosed, South Korean intelligence estimates over 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to assist Russia. These troops have been involved in operations to recapture areas of Russia's Kursk region in western Russia in exchange for food, money, and military aid, with intelligence assessments indicating approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in combat. Kim reaffirmed to Belousov that North Korea "will fully support the Russian Federation's policies in protecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security interests as always," adding that Russia "will certainly achieve victory in this sacred and righteous war."

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Priset Ubchue Emerges as Bangkok Governor Candidate, Party Postpones Launch to May 5

The People's Party will unveil its Bangkok governor candidate and 50 assembly candidates on May 5, with party MP Priset Ubchue refusing to confirm the nominee's identity ahead of the official announcement. Priset emphasized that the party has thoroughly vetted the candidate's qualifications and has been preparing the campaign for months with comprehensive policy proposals.

28 Apr Khaosod

At 9:45 a.m. on April 28 at Parliament, Priset Wachrasindu, a People's Party list MP, commented on reports that the party would field Chaiwat Sathawarawichit, also known as "Dr. Joe," as its Bangkok governor candidate. Priset stated that the People's Party has already announced it will unveil its Bangkok governor candidate and 50 Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly candidates at 5 p.m. on May 5, though he could not confirm the candidate's identity before the official announcement.

When asked whether two months of campaigning would be sufficient, Priset said the party has been continuously preparing Bangkok's campaign, not just beginning preparations for the May 5 announcement. The party has already revealed preliminary candidate names and is gathering public feedback through its website on candidate suitability. Policy proposals are also being continuously developed.

Priset emphasized that solving Bangkok's problems requires multiple parallel mechanisms. The party has already prepared policies for both the governor candidate and Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly candidates, which will be detailed during the May 5 launch.

The People's Party MPs have prioritized pushing for amendments to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act, as the 1985 law significantly limits elected governors' power to address Bangkok's problems such as traffic and flooding. The party previously submitted draft amendments and presented them to the current assembly for modernized management structures and more effective problem-solving.

When asked about the party's confidence given that some major parties might not field candidates, Priset said the focus should not be on which parties participate, but on the party providing the most complete and thorough proposals so Bangkok residents will trust that supporting the People's Party in Bangkok would improve their quality of life.

Regarding the selection criteria and thorough vetting to prevent past controversies, Priset said the party takes multiple factors seriously in candidate selection, including vision and policy alignment. The party considers how well candidates can cooperate with all party sectors and Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly colleagues.

Priset confirmed the party is strict about candidate qualifications, screening, and verification.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Good News: SME D Bank Expands Green Productivity Credit to Help SMEs Combat Rising Fuel Costs

SME D Bank has launched an expanded 100 billion baht green productivity lending program offering exceptionally low 3% interest rates to help small and medium enterprises transition to clean energy and combat rising fuel costs. The program provides loan amounts up to 30 million baht per applicant with repayment periods of up to 10 years, with applications accepted until December 30, 2025.

28 Apr Khaosod

Industry Minister Warawut Silpaarch revealed that SME D Bank has expanded its lending program to cover SME entrepreneurs seeking special interest rate loans under the "SME Green Productivity" initiative, offering a remarkably low rate of just 3% annually, fixed for the first three years, with repayment periods extending up to 10 years, maximum individual loan amounts of 30 million baht, and a total credit line of 10 billion baht.

The initiative aims to support entrepreneurs facing high transportation fuel costs as part of relief measures for SME operators. Beyond providing capital assistance, the program elevates Thai SMEs toward green industry standards, enabling them to compete globally under new trade regulations emphasizing environmental sustainability.

Entrepreneurs can use the credit to transition vehicles to clean energy sources beyond electric vehicles (EVs), install solar panels, and upgrade machinery to use renewable energy. Applications are open from today through December 30, 2025 (or until funds are depleted) through SME D Bank branches nationwide, LINE Official Account @SMEDevelopmentBank, website www.smebank.co.th/loan/greenproductivity/, and Call Center 1357.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Fay Phattharit: Business Booming, Adjusts Rates Fairly, Makes Fans Happy with New Car and Driver

Young Thai actor Fay Phattharit discusses his thriving career and new relationship with non-industry girlfriend Earn Arisa, revealing he recently hired a driver and opened a new office while keeping spending modest. Despite growing his company to 12 employees, Fay prefers modest growth and focuses on work quality rather than flashy investments. He emphasized adjusting his appearance fees fairly based on his current position and balancing his increasingly busy schedule with support from his partner.

28 Apr Khaosod

This year is turning out great both professionally and romantically for young actor Fay Phattharit Eaksaengkul. Recently, he appeared at Chang Cold Brew Cool Club's announcement of their new "Chill Everyday – Afterwork" campaign communication strategy, where he updated fans on his new office space and his relationship with non-industry girlfriend Earn Arisa, which became public earlier this year.

When asked if his office looked luxurious, Fay downplayed it: "My office isn't fancy at all. Nothing fancy." Clarifying further, he explained: "I'd say it's just decent. I have to thank clients who still reach out and give me opportunities. But our office really isn't luxurious—we don't use expensive things at all."

Regarding the office budget, Fay revealed: "I asked for free items and sponsorships only, because we don't have the money. It was actually a house, and we just fixed up the deteriorated parts to make it functional again. Nothing fancy about it."

He emphasized he's not trying to spend extravagantly: "I focus more on the quality of work that comes out. I only spend on what's necessary—equipment, office space—and importantly, good chairs for the employees. Those are essential."

Fay's team has grown to 12 employees, which he considers significant growth. However, he prefers to keep the company compact rather than expanding rapidly: "I want it to stay compact. I don't want it to get too big because then I can't manage everything properly. If there's potential in the future, we might expand, but I prefer growing gradually. I'm worried that if we grow too fast, things might spiral out of control."

When asked if industry friends have invested or joined, he clarified: "No, we just work together normally. No one has asked to co-invest or anything extra. We do our own thing."

On his new vehicle, Fay explained: "I bought the new car because I couldn't handle driving myself anymore. In a day, I work at 4-5 different locations. Having a new car and a driver saves me a lot of time and stress on the road. Driving myself was stressful."

With the new arrangement, his work has become smoother: "It's better. I get more rest time in the car and can even hold meetings while driving."

Regarding whether this is a reward for his hard work, Fay said: "It's both a reward and a tool to make my work more efficient. Before, when people called about work while I was driving, I couldn't focus. Now I can work all the time."

He clarified the vehicle won't replace his old jeep for adventure trips: "This is a van, so I can't take it on rough trips. For those, I'll still use my old jeep."

Fay acknowledged his life has changed significantly: "It's changed quite a bit. Opportunities come with work and stress. I need to manage it well because there's a lot more work now."

On whether he's raised his rates with his increased prominence, Fay said: "I think it's appropriate. I haven't bumped it sky-high. I'm keeping it suitable to where I am right now."

Asked if his life feels complete with both career and romance, he replied thoughtfully: "It's a good angle that the media sees. But people aren't good in every aspect. There are always tough and bad moments—that's normal."

When stressed, he gets support from his girlfriend: "We talk normally. She helps me keep balanced so I'm not stressed alone. She shares the burden and listens when I need to vent."

On whether his girlfriend has the same chill lifestyle, Fay said: "Yes, she's pretty chill. She's not the needy type at all."

Asked if he's taken her on any of his rough adventure trips, he replied: "Not yet. I've tried inviting her, but it seems like it might be too much for her. I don't want to put her through that. There are limits.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Priṣṭh Urges Parliament Speaker Not to Dismiss NACC Investigation Request in Saksayam Case, Points Out Two Submission Routes

Opposition lawmakers are pursuing a petition through two parallel routes to investigate alleged National Anti-Corruption Commission misconduct in the Saksayam Chidchob stock manipulation case, after the NACC dismissed the initial complaint. Coalition coordinator Priṣṭh Wachrasindhu is urging Parliament Speaker Sompon to establish clear guidelines for evaluating the petition and avoid dismissing it as former Speaker Wannasai previously did. The opposition aims to gather 140 parliamentary signatures or 20,000 public signatures to refer the investigation to the Supreme Court.

28 Apr Khaosod

At 9:45 AM on April 28, 2025, at Parliament, Priṣṭh Wachrasindhu, opposition coalition coordinator and Phak Prachasanchai representative, discussed collecting parliamentary signatures to submit to the Supreme Court for establishing an NACC investigation committee regarding alleged misconduct in the Saksayam Chidchob case involving stock manipulation. He stated this is a public communication matter and will brief other opposition parties. After the NACC dismissed Saksayam's case, the opposition views the NACC statement as potentially a whitewashing effort, given clear evidence of stock involvement, necessitating use of Constitutional Article 236 to request the parliamentary speaker refer the matter to the Supreme Court for investigating NACC officials for misconduct.

Priṣṭh explained two signature submission channels: parliament members requiring 140 signatures (the Democratic Party has 119), supplemented by other opposition parties; and senators, with over 10 already interested. A third route involves 20,000 public signatures, and he called for public participation from those viewing the NACC resolution as misconduct.

"Dual parallel submission pathways would address concerns that the parliamentary speaker might dismiss the complaint, as former Speaker Wannasai did before the 120-day dissolution regarding NACC officials," Priṣṭh stated.

He noted different parties' positions would emerge during today's opposition coalition meeting, with some potentially needing internal party discussions before committing. When asked whether pre-negotiations with the speaker were necessary, Priṣṭh responded such decisions shouldn't depend on backroom talks. Constitutionally, parliamentarians cannot directly submit to the Supreme Court—they must go through the speaker, who exercises discretion.

Former Speaker Wannasai previously dismissed an NACC investigation petition regarding a watch case involving former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, using discretion without explanation before the 120-day dissolution. Concerns also include timeframe issues, as Wannasai's case took 10 months before dismissal.

Priṣṭh called on Speaker Sompon to clarify evaluation criteria for both submission systems: whether decisions would be based on which party the case involves, or clear timeframes not exceeding specific days or months.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Falcon Insurance Marks Thai New Year with Auspicious Opening of 6th Branch in Nakhon Sawan

Falcon Insurance has officially opened its sixth branch in Nakhon Sawan province, marking a strategic expansion into Thailand's lower northern region following Thai New Year celebrations. The move aims to strengthen the company's service coverage in an economically diverse area while pursuing a targeted 30% sustainable premium growth for 2569. Backed by its parent company Fairfax Financial's strong global financial position and world-class AA- credit rating, Falcon Insurance is equipped to provide comprehensive insurance products across automotive, property, health, and cargo sectors.

28 Apr Khaosod

Falcon Insurance Public Company Limited marked an auspicious occasion after Thai New Year by officially launching its new branch in Nakhon Sawan province to reinforce its position in the lower northern region. The province serves as a strategic junction connecting the upper-central and northern areas, functioning as a logistics and SME business hub with a well-distributed economic structure encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Falcon Insurance is pursuing business growth and sustainability under the guiding principles of Fairfax Financial, a globally strong financial institution. The company is expanding into high-potential strategic areas nationwide, with comprehensive insurance underwriting capacity increased by over 300%. Falcon aims for a sustainable 30% premium growth in 2569 while maintaining quality standards and leveraging AI technology to enhance speed, accuracy, transparency, and fairness in operations.

Sophaa Kanjanarint, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "With external factors and inflation impacting businesses and households, building confidence through a stable insurance system is crucial for economic progress. The Nakhon Sawan branch opening represents a key strategy to expand service coverage across the economically high-potential lower northern region. Falcon Insurance is committed to bringing expertise in risk management and diverse insurance products to serve the region's community and business sectors."

Ekkathada Attanon, Senior Manager of Falcon Insurance's Nakhon Sawan branch, added that the team is fully prepared to serve customers in Nakhon Sawan and neighboring provinces including Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, and Phitsanulok. The branch offers comprehensive expertise across vehicle insurance, fire insurance, accident and health insurance, third-party liability insurance, and cargo transport insurance, with world-class service standards and complete insurance coverage.

Despite current economic challenges, Falcon Insurance maintains strong financial confidence as part of the Fairfax group, which achieved record-breaking results in 2025 with net profit exceeding 4.8 billion USD (approximately 151.35 billion baht) and an AA- credit rating from S&P. Fairfax plays a vital role in transferring knowledge and operational standards across insurance underwriting and risk management practices.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Phloi Prom Leads Honey Trap Band to Battle Siamese Cats in AUA Concert

Retro rock band Honey Trap, led by vocalist Phloi Prom, will perform at an AUA concert on May 3rd alongside legendary acts Siamese Cats and Band of Brothers, featuring over 50 foreign songs from the 1970s-1990s.

28 Apr Khaosod

Honey Trap, a retro rock band fronted by vocalist and sound therapist Phloi Prom Proemwong, is undergoing intensive rehearsals for the American University Alumni (AUA) association concert scheduled for May 3rd. The band recently held a major rehearsal at Le Tana, with Phloi Prom describing this as no ordinary concert, featuring over 50 songs that required a full year of preparation. The event will showcase three legendary bands rarely seen together: Honey Trap, the iconic Siamese Cats led by Khon Thaepphayangkuri, and the Band of Brothers led by Siao Song of True Corporation.

Honey Trap consists of master-level musicians including conductor Reuangyot Phimthong, a Grammy award recipient with six Prachinamalinee awards, and guitarist Kitti Kuntiyangkur, a former Blue Angel member with over 30 years in the music industry. The band will be joined by Jonas Anderson, a foreign singer known for performing Thai country music, as well as other notable musicians.

Reuangyot Phimthong explained that the concert will feature exclusively foreign songs from the 1970s-1990s era, requiring an entire year of preparation to rehearse over 50 pieces. Jonas Anderson expressed his excitement about joining the performance, noting that although he typically sings Thai music, the exceptional talent of this team made it impossible to refuse. The concert takes place on May 3rd at the Novotel Sukhumvit 20, with tickets available through Thai Ticket.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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