Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Liverpool's Loss: Major European Club Makes Play for Arne Slot as New Manager

Ajax Amsterdam has reportedly approached Liverpool manager Arne Slot about becoming their new head coach, but the 47-year-old has declined the offer and chosen to remain with the English club. According to journalist Mike Verweij, Slot is in a stable position at Liverpool and shows no interest in joining the Dutch side at this time. The development comes as Ajax continues searching for a long-term managerial solution under chairman Jordi Cruyff's direction.

5 May Khaosod

Ajax Amsterdam has held talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot about taking over as their new head coach. Slot is contracted to Liverpool through summer 2027, though contract renewal negotiations have been delayed following disappointing results this season. According to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, Ajax has approached Slot regarding the managerial position. The Amsterdam club is actively seeking a new manager, with chairman Jordi Cruyff making significant efforts to secure a long-term head coach. While Ajax has been linked with several Spanish coaches, including Miquel from Girona, the technical director has boldly decided to contact Slot. However, it has been reported that the 47-year-old coach is not interested in the offer and has chosen to remain with Liverpool. Verweij stated: "I've been told again that they asked Arne Slot as well. Arne is stable in his position. He is simply staying with Liverpool. I understand that Arne doesn't really want to go to Ajax right now."

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Kulwuthi Maintains World No. 2 – Panichpol Climbs to World No. 25 in Men's Singles Badminton Rankings

The BWF released its latest world badminton rankings this week, with Thai player "View" Kulwuthi holding steady at world No. 2 in men's singles. Fellow Thai star "Ikkiu" Panichpol has climbed to world No. 25, while in women's singles, "May" Ratchanok Intanon remains the highest-ranked Thai player at No. 7.

5 May Khaosod

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced this week's badminton rankings, with Thai men's singles player "View" Kulwuthi Wititsant maintaining his position at world No. 2 with 98,265 points, while China's Shi Yuqi holds the top spot with 106,805 points.

Thailand's rising star "Ikkiu" Panichpol Theeraratanakul moved up one spot from No. 26 to world No. 25 with 46,885 points.

In women's singles, the top 10 remained unchanged. "May" Ratchanok Intanon holds world No. 7 with 69,836 points, while "Mew" Pornpawee Chochuwong sits at No. 8 with 67,737 points. "Tine" Supanida Katethong dropped from No. 13 to No. 15 with 52,752 points, and "Cream" Busanan Ongbamrungphan fell from No. 16 to No. 18 with 51,847 points. An Se-young continues to lead with 117,787 points.

In mixed doubles, "Bass" Dechapol Puavaranukroh and "Fame" Supissara Peusamransam maintain their position at world No. 3 with 95,700 points, while China's Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping lead at No. 1 with 106,700 points.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

MOF Advances Thai Agricultural Products to Global Markets at Thai Festival Tokyo 2026

The Marketing Organization for Farmers is promoting premium Thai agricultural products at Tokyo 2026, including mangoes, durian, and coconut water, to expand into Asian markets and increase farmer incomes.

5 May Khaosod

Bangkok – The Marketing Organization for Farmers (MOF), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, is advancing its strategy to bring Thai agricultural products to international markets, with emphasis on promoting high-value tropical agricultural products to compete in the global marketplace.

MOF is preparing to participate in promotional and marketing activities for Thai agricultural products at Thai Festival Tokyo 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, a major platform for presenting Thai agricultural potential to international audiences, particularly the continuously growing Asian markets.

This initiative aligns with Thailand's BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) model, which emphasizes economic development coupled with sustainability. MOF prioritizes upgrading agricultural product quality, promoting internationally-certified production, and increasing product value through innovation and technology.

At the festival, MOF will showcase exportable Thai agricultural products including mango with jasmine fragrance, aromatic coconut water, durian, golden banana, and tamarind. All products are premium quality selections under the "OR TOR KOR SELECT" brand, emphasizing strengths in quality, safety, and certified production standards such as GAP, GMP, and HACCP.

Additionally, business matching activities will be organized to connect Thai farmers and entrepreneurs with foreign importers and trade partners, opening new marketing channels, increasing trade value, and creating sustainable income for Thailand's agricultural sector.

MOF is committed to serving as a crucial link connecting Thai agricultural products from farms to global markets under the concept "From Thai Farms to Global Markets," while elevating the image of Thai agricultural products to international recognition standards.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Face Additional Charges: Crocodile Brand Legal Team Pursues Computer Crime Case Against Bird Wannawang

Influencer Bird Wannawang faces additional Computer Crime Act charges filed by Crocodile brand adhesive company following a controversial Songkran prank video involving misleading content with the branded product. Legal representatives met with cybercrime police on May 5 to discuss prosecution, with potential charges carrying penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment or 60,000 baht. Police warned that anyone sharing the harmful content faces identical penalties to those posting it and called on all parties to delete such material immediately.

5 May Khaosod

Influencer Bird Wannawang faces an additional charge as the legal team of Crocodile brand adhesive company prepares to pursue Computer Crime Act violations. The company issued a warning that those who share the harmful content must delete it immediately, as penalties for sharing are equivalent to those for posting the content.

The case involves a video by Bird Wannawang where white powder was placed in Crocodile brand adhesive bags as a prank during Songkran festivities in Samut Prakan province's Phra Pradaeng district, drawing widespread criticism over its inappropriate and dangerous nature.

On May 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, legal representatives from the Crocodile brand company met with officers from Technology Crime Investigation Division 2 in Muang Thonburi to discuss case proceedings, citing damage to the company's reputation. The legal team revealed they would consult with police on all applicable laws and charges, particularly under the Computer Crime Act. If applicable, the company confirmed it would pursue legal action, despite Bird Wannawang's claims that the content was merely entertainment and the bags contained only powder.

The company asserted its legal rights, noting multiple videos featured their clear brand trademark, causing demonstrable harm. The company confirmed a clear policy protecting organizational reputation and corporate social responsibility but declined to disclose case details.

Lt. Col. Chatchaphan Khlai Khliang, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division, revealed that the Crocodile company submitted evidence and filed charges against Bird Wannawang under the Computer Crime Act. Preliminary charges fall under Section 14(1) regarding data distortion in computer systems causing public panic, carrying penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment or 100,000 baht fine. However, when targeting a specific person or entity, as in this case, penalties are reduced to up to 3 years imprisonment, 60,000 baht fine, or both.

Bird Wannawang's lawyer scheduled a meeting with cybercrime police for May 6 at 11:30 AM. Police indicated they may postpone until late in the week and potentially file an additional charge beyond the assault case previously filed by Phra Pradaeng station.

Regarding account closures, cybercrime police requested digital ministry assistance to partially block Bird's accounts, but two platforms—X and YouTube—remain active due to their foreign jurisdiction, requiring coordination through the Attorney General and MLAT system. Should Bird voluntarily close the channel or remove content, it would suggest acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Cybercrime police urged anyone sharing Bird's or others' harmful content to delete it immediately, as sharing carries identical legal penalties as posting. Regarding the electric saw company that Bird used for Songkran pranks, police have not yet received a complaint but welcome one. Additionally, if the Tourism Authority of Thailand believes Bird's content damaged Thailand's tourism image, they may file a cybercrime report as well.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Adrian Stockman, Thai-Swedish Midfielder, Denies Being Approached to Play for Thai National Team

Adrian Stockman, a 20-year-old Thai-Swedish midfielder for Malmö, has denied reports that the Thai Football Association approached him to play for the national team, calling the claims unfounded. Speaking to Swedish media, Stockman stated he has never been contacted by Thai authorities and questioned the origin of the rumors. While the midfielder acknowledged that playing for Thailand remains a possibility in the future, he emphasized his current focus is solely on his career in Sweden.

5 May Khaosod

Adrian Stockman, a Thai-Swedish midfielder, has confirmed through Swedish media that he has never been approached by the Football Association of Thailand to play for the national team.

Earlier, there were reports that the Thai national team had been in contact with several mixed-heritage players to strengthen the squad for upcoming competitions. Reports suggested that Adrian Stockman, a midfielder for Malmö in Sweden's top league, had agreed to help the Thai team during the FIFA international window in June.

When addressing this matter, Thai national team coach Anthony Hudson told media on April 20 that he had discussed with Stockman and his family their future plans, but could not reveal specific details because some players have the option to represent other nations, which could also affect their club commitments.

Now, Stockman has come forward to Swedish media outlet fotbolldirekt, questioning where the reports about him playing for Thailand originated. He stated: "I've seen those reports too, but there's no factual basis for them. I've never been in contact with the Thai Football Association. I wonder where they got this news from. It might just be expectations people have about me, but it's not actually true."

When asked if he would travel to Thailand after the first half of Sweden's league season, Stockman, who plays for Sweden's under-21 national team, said he would not, emphasizing his focus remains "only on Sweden."

Regarding the attention he's received in Thailand, Stockman acknowledged it's flattering but suggested it could be handled better: "It's nice to receive attention, but it could be done better. By releasing news like that, many people actually believe it—some even claim it's been confirmed that I've chosen the Thai national team."

Stockman added that he's not upset about the reports and that the truth will eventually emerge. When asked about future possibilities of playing for Thailand if he doesn't make Sweden's senior squad, he replied: "Of course, it's something I think about, but right now I'm not really considering it."

Adrian Stockman was born on November 23, 2005, and is a Thai-Swedish midfielder currently playing for Malmö in Sweden's top division. The 20-year-old was born in Sweden to a Swedish father and Thai mother.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Son Describes Desperate Search for Mother After Severe Storm Before Finding Her Body

A severe storm in Chainat province killed a 74-year-old woman whose son launched a desperate search after her home was damaged and calls went unanswered, with over 400 homes affected across the region.

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, 2025, authorities reported that a severe summer storm struck Muang District in Chainat province, toppling 50 high-voltage power lines (22 kilovolts) across a distance of more than 2 kilometers along Phaholyothin Road in Subdistrict Suo Hok. The disaster claimed the life of 74-year-old Ms. Thawon (surname withheld). The family has since held a merit-making ceremony at Noen Than Temple as relatives mourn her passing. Inspectors found her home severely damaged with the roof nearly completely blown away and belongings soaked by rain, making it uninhabitable. Family members have temporarily relocated to relatives' homes.

Her 48-year-old son, Kittiphon (surname withheld), recounted that on the day of the incident, his mother had intended to bring curry to deliver to his sister who lived 12 kilometers away, as she normally did out of concern for her. However, the storm intensified suddenly, damaging the roof of his mother's home. He attempted to call her but received no answer, so he prepared to take his pickup truck to search for her. When his sister came out to help search, they found only dozens of toppled power poles before rescue workers informed them of the tragic news.

Kittiphon revealed that he had previously planned to sell his truck to raise money for home repairs to provide his mother comfort, but now that intention will never be fulfilled. His 32-year-old nephew, Khuanchai (surname withheld), shared his emotional shock upon learning the news, explaining that he was too devastated to read the message himself and had his girlfriend read it to him before rushing back from Chonburi province to say a final goodbye to his beloved grandmother.

Beyond the sudden loss of life, the storm affected over 400 homes and left residents without power for extended periods as authorities work urgently to restore electricity.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Germany: Car Crashes Into Crowd in Shopping District, Kills 2 and Injures Dozens

A car plowed through a shopping district in Leipzig, Germany on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring 22 others before the driver was arrested; authorities say there's no indication of political or religious motives.

5 May Khaosod

A car struck pedestrians in Leipzig, Saxony, in eastern Germany on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 4 local time, resulting in at least 2 deaths and 22 injuries, with 2 of the injured in serious condition. Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung stated the suspect has been arrested, though authorities have not yet determined a clear motive. Police confirmed the vehicle hit people in the central Grimmaische Straße shopping district before the driver fled and was subsequently apprehended. Prosecutors identified the deceased as a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German citizens. Authorities are investigating the suspect for murder and attempted murder, and stated there is "no basis on current knowledge" to suggest religious or political motives were involved.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Pond Opens Up About Tense Moment Fleeing Sasaeng Fans – Phuwit Reveals Previous Encounter With Aggressive Fan

Thai actor Pond Narawitch describes a frightening encounter with aggressive sasaeng fans at a Shanghai hotel, prioritizing the safety of bystanders over his own during the incident. The actor stressed the need for fans to support artists re

5 May Khaosod

Pond Narawitch reveals the frightening moment he rushed away from sasaeng fans in the middle of Shanghai, expressing more concern for those around him than himself – Phuwit discloses he once witnessed a sasaeng confrontation with a guard due to lack of footage, with the team being the first to face the situation.

The incident sparked worry among fans after a viral clip showed Pond hurrying away from a group attempting to approach him at a Shanghai hotel, with his team quickly ushering him into an elevator and securing the area for safety. This is seen as another example of the escalating sasaeng problem and invasion of artists' privacy abroad. Most recently, Pond Narawitch and Phuwit Satitayapun attended the "LEGO CERTIFIED STORE OPENING" at Siam Paragon Fashion Hall, where Pond acknowledged feeling startled and chose to leave quickly to avoid causing chaos or affecting others nearby. He confirmed that his team and agency had security measures in place, but emphasized his main concern wasn't himself but the general public, staff, and tourists who could be affected by such incidents. He also appealed to fans to support artists responsibly for everyone's safety.

When asked to describe the incident, Pond explained: "I was more startled than anything. The situation happened so suddenly with people approaching us unexpectedly. I've never experienced this before in my life. We were in a hotel area, and I didn't want to cause commotion. My team had already arranged for an elevator, so as soon as we got out of the car, we just went straight into it."

When questioned if there were preceding events before deciding to run, Pond responded: "Honestly, my main concern was that the people around us would be troubled. If I had walked slowly, other tourists or people who don't know what's happening might get startled. We didn't want to create chaos, so we quickly got into the elevator and returned to our room."

Asked if his team warned him beforehand about such incidents, Pond said: "Actually, they prepared very well. Whether it's the security team or the entire staff, they informed us what to be careful about. But I didn't want to trouble the team either, because if I walked slowly, they'd have to wait and struggle. So I felt it was better to move quickly."

When asked if he felt unsafe during that moment, Pond replied: "If you ask whether it was safe or not, I can't really say. But one thing is certain – I felt startled and chose to protect myself. I wasn't even sure if those people were actually our fans or something else. It was the first time this happened in my life."

Asked if this was his normal approach, Pond confirmed: "Yes, normally I'm quiet and reserved, but I felt this might create problems for people around us, and that was the main factor."

Phuwit added: "I think it's important to mention that in many places we've visited, whether it's us or other artists from Thailand or Thai artists abroad, we've encountered similar situations many times. But they usually aren't recorded or don't leak out. In most previous cases, our team brought Thai security along with local security from those countries.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Team Thailand+ Launches SelectUSA 2026 Mission to Expand Trade and Investment Opportunities

Thailand's Commerce Ministry-led delegation has officially begun its mission at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, meeting with US government officials and investors to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. The summit, hosting over 2,700 investors from more than 100 countries, focuses on manufacturing renaissance and future technologies. Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding with US partners regarding agricultural imports, marking progress in expanding economic cooperation.

5 May Khaosod

Team Thailand+, led by the Minister of Commerce, has officially launched its mission at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 to elevate Thailand-US trade and investment cooperation.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 runs from May 3-6, 2026, hosted by the US Department of Commerce, welcoming business leaders and investors from over 100 countries. This year features approximately 2,700 investors and investment promotion agencies (EDOs) from all 50 US states and territories, totaling over 1,100 organizations. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick presided over the opening ceremony, emphasizing this year's theme: "Future Ready: Reshaping Global Business & Manufacturing Renaissance," which focuses on industrial manufacturing revival alongside development of future technologies including semiconductors, clean energy, biotechnology, and modern supply chains to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the United States.

On the first day, the Thai delegation participated in the opening ceremony and meet-and-greet sessions with US Department of Commerce representatives to exchange views on economic policy, trade, and future investment trends. Private sector representatives updated their investment plans with US counterparts.

In the afternoon, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce held discussions with the US Trade Representative (USTR) to advance trade, investment cooperation, and trade facilitation, while exchanging policy information on key issues. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Thai Animal Feed Producers Association and US private sector partners regarding agricultural imports from the United States.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Democrat Party Touts Candidate Qualifications for Bangkok Governor, Confirms Full Slate of 50 District Council Candidates

The Democrat Party announced it will reveal its full slate of 50 Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly candidates this evening, while keeping its Bangkok governor candidate's identity secret for now. Party officials hint the eventual governor candidate has significant political experience and government coordination skills. The party expressed confidence in significantly improving its electoral performance in Bangkok, citing the return of former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as party leader.

5 May Khaosod

At noon on May 5, 2569, Sakolthee Phatthiyakul, Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader for Bangkok, disclosed the results of the Democrat Party's candidate selection committee meeting for Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly (BMA) candidates. The party will announce its complete slate of 50 district candidates this evening following executive committee approval. The candidates include approximately 12-13 former BMA members and members from other parties including Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai who have worked cooperatively with the Democrats, plus strong performing former candidates and new generation members. Sakolthee noted that BMA elections are generally less competitive than national parliamentary races, and expressed confidence that with Abhisit Vejjajiva's return as party leader, the Democrat Party's popularity in Bangkok has grown substantially. He believes the party will win significantly more districts than in the previous BMA election, unlike the parliamentary elections where the Bhumjaithai Party won all 33 Bangkok seats. Regarding the selection criteria for candidates from other parties, Sakolthee stated that the selection committee thoroughly reviewed their work performance, approach, and ideology. Many are former Democrat members or ex-senators and assemblymen. The party will announce the Bangkok governor candidate in mid-May, as the selected candidate needs to complete current work obligations first. When asked about competing against incumbent Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Sakolthee acknowledged he is a formidable 'former champion' with strong public support. However, the Democrat Party has identified gaps in his administration, including insufficient CCTV coverage expansion, inadequate feeder bus systems connecting residents to public transport, and other development areas. The Democrats' candidate and Bangkok team are prepared to address these issues. Regarding suggestions that Bangkok residents prefer independent candidates over party-affiliated ones, Sakolthee countered by referencing the 2565 gubernatorial election, questioning whether Chadchart was truly independent. He noted that media outlets know which parties supported Chadchart and believes the public desires clarity about candidate affiliations and their teams. Sakolthee emphasized that the Democrat Party operates transparently, backing party-endorsed candidates directly, and maintains that transparency benefits voters wanting to know their representatives' true affiliations. He acknowledged both advantages and disadvantages to independent candidacies, but noted that the Democrats provide candidates policy freedom while believing that BMA members ultimately prioritize constituents' interests regardless of party affiliation. Sakolthee highlighted the Bangkok governor candidate's main strength: he immediately accepted when Abhisit approached him, and brings substantial experience to the role.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Pokémon Center Set to Launch in Thailand – The Largest Flagship Store Outside Japan

Thailand's first Pokémon Center will open at Bangkok's CentralwOrld mall by 2026, becoming the largest flagship store outside Japan and a major Southeast Asian hub for fans seeking immersive experiences and events.

5 May Khaosod

Thailand is preparing to welcome its first Pokémon Center, marking a major milestone as the largest store of its kind outside Japan. Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has partnered with Central Pattana, a leading sustainable real estate developer, to open "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" at CentralwOrld shopping mall in central Bangkok by 2026, positioning Thailand as a genuine global lifestyle destination.

The signing ceremony was attended by Shunsuke Sasaki, executive director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Isares Jiratiwat, Head of Leasing – Fashion & Luxury at Central Pattana, reflecting a significant strategic partnership. The event was highlighted by an appearance of Pikachu dressed in Thai-inspired attire, symbolizing the blend of Thai culture with the Pokémon world.

Elevating the Pokémon Experience in Thailand

The opening of "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" represents a major expansion of Pokémon's business in Southeast Asia, serving as the largest flagship store outside Japan. This reflects confidence in Thailand's market potential as a high-growth region with an expanding fan base and a key lifestyle and tourism destination. The Pokémon Center is more than a merchandise store—it's a complete immersive space where fans can experience the Pokémon world through trading card tournaments, special events, and the latest news updates. With existing locations in Singapore (opened 2019) and Taipei (opened 2023), "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" will become the third international location.

The new store is positioned as a destination rather than merely a retail outlet for global Pokémon fans. CentralwOrld was selected as the inaugural location due to its status as a world-class landmark in central Bangkok with high foot traffic from both Thai citizens and tourists, and its reputation as a global destination where world-class brands create experiences. This strategic positioning will truly elevate "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" as a major destination for Pokémon fans across the region.

Strengthening a New Landmark Through Partnership with Central Pattana

The collaboration with Central Pattana combines the strengths of both organizations to create new value in the shopping mall experience. Central Pattana brings expertise in developing national landmarks, while the Pokémon brand enjoys global recognition. The opening of "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" is expected to enhance the appeal of the shopping mall, create new reasons for visitors to travel to Bangkok, and contribute significantly to Thailand's tourism industry in the long term.

Executive Perspective

Shunsuke Sasaki, Executive Director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated: "We are greatly honored to open the first Pokémon Center in Thailand at CentralwOrld. This partnership represents a significant milestone for Pokémon in the region, and we are delighted to collaborate with Central Pattana. For this Bangkok project, we envisioned 'where would a Pokémon Center belong in Bangkok?' and the answer was a place brimming with people and vibrant energy—CentralwOrld."

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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