Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Nissan Invites Customers to Experience the All-New Nissan KICKS e-POWER

Nissan Thailand is hosting a nationwide test drive event for the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER from May 15-17, 2025, featuring the brand's exclusive e-POWER technology that provides electric vehicle performance without external charging. Customers booking during the event can take advantage of special financing rates starting at 1.49% interest, down payments as low as 5,555 baht, and exclusive merchandise giveaways.

5d ago Khaosod

Nissan Thailand is inviting customers interested in the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER to experience real-world driving through the "The All-New Nissan KICKS e-POWER – KICKS ON. GAME ON. Showroom Test Drive Event" running May 15-17, 2025 at Nissan showrooms nationwide.

Beyond test drives, participants can experience the performance of the exclusive e-POWER technology, which delivers an electric vehicle driving experience without requiring external charging or changes to daily driving habits. The new model offers enhanced comfort with a premium interior design featuring Zero Gravity seats and spacious cabin space for both driver and passengers.

Nissan is offering special promotions for customers who book during the event to make ownership more accessible, including an attractive interest rate of just 1.49%, or starting with only a 5,555 baht down payment with flexible financing options up to 84 months. Existing Nissan customers receive an additional 10,000 baht discount. Event participants also receive exclusive Nissan merchandise including a stylish bag and insulated tumbler (limited quantities, subject to terms and conditions).

The all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER features modern, refined, and premium design with Japanese quality standards, combined with Nissan's exclusive e-POWER technology powered by an electric motor that delivers responsive acceleration, fuel efficiency, and environmental friendliness. It's equipped with the advanced ProPILOT driving assistance system that enhances comfort and confidence on every journey, creating an exciting driving experience under the concept "KICKS ON. GAME ON." or "New Freedom Kicks Style."

Interested customers can participate at Nissan showrooms nationwide between May 15-17, 2025.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Bank of Thailand Extends LTV Relaxation for Another Year Through June 30, 2027 to Support Real Estate Recovery

The Bank of Thailand has extended its Loan-to-Value relaxation policy for another year through June 30, 2027, allowing 100% financing for second homes under 10 million baht and higher-priced properties from the first loan contract. The extension aims to boost consumer confidence and support the struggling real estate sector, which has faced weak demand due to economic slowdown and Middle East tensions. Bank officials indicate the measure poses limited risk to financial stability as lenders remain cautious with credit approval.

5d ago Khaosod

The Bank of Thailand has extended its Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio relaxation for housing loans by one additional year, now ending on June 30, 2027. The measure enables 100% financing for second homes priced up to 10 million baht and homes exceeding 10 million baht from the first loan contract, intended to maintain consumer confidence and support the real estate sector's recovery.

On May 14, 2025, Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthilertvorakul announced that the Financial Institution Policy Committee (FIPC) approved the extension of the LTV relaxation period for housing credit and related loans. The timeline has been extended by one year from the original expiration date of June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2027, with the following details:

1. The LTV ratio ceiling is set at 100% for housing loans in both cases: (1) properties valued below 10 million baht starting from the second loan contract onwards, and (2) properties valued at 10 million baht or more starting from the first loan contract.

2. This relaxation is temporary for loan contracts executed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2027.

The Bank of Thailand's extension of the LTV relaxation aims to sustain confidence and support the real estate sector's recovery. Housing demand has remained weak due to economic slowdown and has been further impacted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected business costs and household purchasing power.

The committee assessed that the LTV extension would have limited impact on financial system stability, as financial institutions remain cautious in credit extension and there have been no unusual speculative signals observed to date.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Infinit Automobile Achieves Success, Sweeps AVATR Sales Awards with Outstanding Growth

Infinit Automobile made history when its chairman became the first Thai executive to speak at the CHANGAN Group Global Partner Conference 2026, sharing the success story of the AVATR brand in Thailand. The company also won the AVATR Outstanding Sales Growth Award 2025, recognized as the global dealer with the highest sales and most exceptional operational growth. Beyond these achievements, Infinit Automobile partnered with the Thai Dental Council and other organizations to advance clean energy adoption and support government sustainability policies.

5d ago Khaosod

Infinit Automobile has made history as the first Thai company executive to share success insights on the global stage, while sweeping the AVATR sales awards with outstanding growth. Anuwat Intraphuwasakthi, Chairman of Infinit Automobile, was honored to deliver a keynote address and share the success story behind the AVATR brand in Thailand at the CHANGAN Group Global Partner Conference 2026. He became the first and only Thai executive invited to take the stage and share experiences and vision on CHANGAN's global platform alongside partners and investors from around the world, reflecting the parent company's strong confidence in the management capabilities of Infinit Automobile's team in the Thai market.

Beyond the recognition on the major stage, Infinit Automobile reinforced its leadership position by winning the AVATR Outstanding Sales Growth Award 2025, given to the dealer with the highest sales and the most exceptional operational growth in the world. The success reflects not only strong sales growth but also continuous customer trust in Infinit Automobile and the company's commitment to development aligns with AAS Group's core values of Growth & Greatness. This achievement demonstrates customer confidence built through Infinit Automobile's consistent dedication to building trust and transparency, earning high credibility in the premium electric vehicle market.

Additionally, Infinit Automobile partnered in signing a cooperation agreement titled "Collaboration to Drive Dental Profession toward Sustainability" with the Thai Dental Council and other partners across multiple dimensions, including finance, clean energy, and infrastructure. Through innovative electric energy technology solutions, this collaboration reflects a unified effort to create an ecosystem in the electric vehicle industry and demonstrates readiness to help transform government agencies toward clean energy-powered operations in support of government policy under comprehensive and sustainable service standards.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Air Conditioning Technician Arrested for Indecent Exposure in Front of Former Miss Universe While She Jogged

Police arrested a 31-year-old air conditioning technician in Nonthaburi after he exposed himself in front of a former Miss Universe Thailand jogger. The suspect confessed to the indecent act and was found to have a prior criminal history including a similar offense in 2022. He was fined 10,000 baht and released after family members paid the penalty.

5d ago Khaosod

On May 14, 2025, Rattanadhiloset Police Station officers arrested 31-year-old air conditioning technician Surasit for committing an indecent act by exposing himself on a motorcycle in public. He was apprehended at a grocery store on Rattanadhiloset Soi 22 in Bangkok Noi District, Nonthaburi Province.

The case began when 49-year-old Warinthon Phadungvithee, a former Miss Universe Thailand, filed a report on May 6, 2025, stating that on May 4 at approximately 7:30-7:50 a.m., while jogging with her boyfriend on Nonthaburi Soi 46, a Thai man wearing a black sleeveless shirt and patterned shorts on a black Honda Scoopy motorcycle pulled up beside her and exposed himself. When she turned away and informed her companion, the suspect fled.

Police reviewed CCTV footage and identified the suspect as Surasit. Upon interrogation, he confessed that he acted on impulse after seeing the woman because his wife is seven months pregnant. He admitted to committing similar offenses two to three times previously in Nakhon Sawan Province.

Police discovered Surasit had a prior indecent exposure conviction from March 21, 2022, at Suwannaram Park in Nakhon Sawan, and a separate home invasion case in 2016. He was charged with indecent exposure in public and fined 10,000 baht before being released.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Regional

PM Anuthin Orders Natural Resources Minister Suchati to Lead Team in Reclaiming Noi Beach in Phuket, Sets 7-Day Deadline for Illegal Structure Demolition and Forest Restoration

Prime Minister Anuthin has ordered the Natural Resources Ministry to demolish illegal structures at Noi Beach in Phuket within seven days and restore the encroached national forest reserve to state control.

5d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul has ordered Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin to lead a team to Noi Beach in Phuket to reclaim state land and demolish illegal structures within seven days, while advancing forest restoration efforts.

On May 14, 2025, Minister Suchati revealed that following PM Anuthin's directive to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to investigate encroachment on Khao Naka Range National Forest Reserve at Noi Beach in Karon Subdistrict, Muang District, Phuket, he has ordered relevant agencies to proceed strictly to reclaim forest areas and regulate land use according to law.

Minister Suchati stated that demolition notices for structures within the target area at Noi Beach must be completed within one week under Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507, and demolition of encroaching structures must proceed urgently without waiting for criminal cases to reach final judgment.

Additionally, he has ordered thorough inspection of all areas and structures. If any additional construction is found beyond the original court-adjudicated case, immediate seizure or additional prosecution will be conducted to prevent further law violations.

For areas with state forest enterprise concessions showing no utilization or improper use, these will be seized and returned to Forest Department management for proper state land administration and public benefit.

Minister Suchati has also tasked the Forest Department with considering declaring the Noi Beach area as a "recreation forest zone" to allow residents and local communities to participate in forest stewardship and appropriate utilization while ensuring sustainable natural resource conservation.

Regarding Freedom Beach recreation forest, Forest Department Director General Nikorn Siroroanannont and Deputy Director General Pattapong Smittipatthana have been assigned to work with Phuket Province in community engagement, coordinated through Karon Subdistrict headman Winai Chidchiao, to build public understanding of government operations.

In areas where the Forest Department has already conducted arrests, Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507 will be expedited per the PM's directive to strictly protect forest resources and ensure public justice.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Live from the Temple – Second Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony with Somdej Thongchai as Buddhist Clergy Director

Thailand held its second Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony on April 28, 2026, with Somdej Phra Maha Ratchmongkhon Muni appointed as director of the Buddhist clergy delegation. Over 500 monks and novices participated in the ceremony at the Marble Tripitaka Hall in Buddhmonthon, with government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband in attendance. The event aimed to preserve the Tripitaka, the Buddha's core teachings, and promote Buddhist education throughout Thailand.

5d ago Khaosod

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 5:45 PM, the Supreme Patriarch appointed Somdej Phra Maha Ratchmongkhon Muni (Thongchai Thammadhcho), a member of the Maha Thera Association, senior monastic administrator, and deputy abbot of Wat Trimitwit Witthayaram, as director of the Buddhist clergy for the second Tripitaka Recitation Ceremony of 2569 BE.

Amphorn Kittamphon, a royal advisor, served as director of the lay delegation, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband and Wannee Nonthasiri, inspector general of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), representing the ministry at the ceremony.

The Bangkok sangha (monastic community), the Nakhon Pathom provincial sangha, and over 500 royal scholarship recipients and novices participating in the government's scholarship program for Thai monks attended the recitation at the Marble Tripitaka Hall in Buddhmonthon under royal patronage. The atmosphere was peaceful and filled with reverence, reflecting the profound commitment to preserving Buddhism and safeguarding the Tripitaka, a crucial intellectual heritage of the nation.

Phra Maha Pairot Yanakusalo, deputy abbot of Wat Mahathat Yuvaraj Rangsrit and director of the Abhidhamma Chotika College at Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University (MCU), delivered discourse on the Tripitaka's significance. He explained that the Tripitaka is the primary Buddhist scripture compiled since the First Buddhist Council by accomplished elders, making it invaluable for transmitting the Buddha's teachings.

The Tripitaka recitation ceremony aims to instill Buddhist principles into the hearts of the faithful, ensuring the dharma remains integral to Buddhist life across all ages and communities. The event supports the preservation and study of the Tripitaka, strengthens wisdom among participants, and fosters cooperation between the sangha and government and private sectors, while advancing royal and ecclesiastical policies to establish Buddhmonthon as Thailand's premier Buddhist learning and activity center.

Udompon Ekiam, director of the National Buddhism Office, received participants and gave a report alongside her team, officials, and staff who coordinated the ceremony efficiently. Government officials, representatives from both public and private organizations, and numerous devoted citizens participated in the recitation.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai lawmakers delay debate on 400 billion baht emergency loan

Thailand's House of Representatives has suspended debate on a 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree after opposition lawmakers filed a petition with the Constitutional Court challenging its legality. The decree, approved to address the energy crisis and fund the country's energy transition, is now awaiting a court ruling expected within 60 days. The petition, signed by 135 lawmakers, argues the decree violates Section 172 of the constitution.

5d ago Khaosod

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's House of Representatives has delayed consideration of a 400 billion baht ($11 billion) emergency borrowing decree pending a Constitutional Court ruling on a challenge filed by opposition lawmakers.

During a parliamentary session on May 14, 2026, Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Pattanachaiyakul informed lawmakers that the Cabinet had approved a royal decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address the impact of the energy crisis and support the country's energy transition.

Before House Speaker Sophon Saram could place the decree on the parliamentary agenda, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People's Party, submitted a petition signed by 135 lawmakers requesting a Constitutional Court review.

The petition contends that the emergency decree may violate Section 172 of Thailand's constitution, which governs the issuance of emergency royal decrees.

According to Section 173 of the constitution, parliamentary consideration of the decree must be suspended until the Constitutional Court issues a decision.

The constitution requires the court to rule within 60 days of receiving the petition and notify the House speaker of its determination.

Should the court find that the decree violates the constitution, the measure will be declared null and void from the beginning. Such a ruling requires approval from at least two-thirds of the sitting Constitutional Court judges—currently six of the court's nine members.

According to local media reports, Sophon filed the petition with the Constitutional Court on May 12, 2026, and the court's office has confirmed receipt of the case.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Thai police arrest 16 fleeing Poipet scam compound

Thai police arrested 16 people attempting to illegally cross from Cambodia near the Sa Kaeo border after fleeing a crackdown on online scam operations in Poipet, including four Thai nationals who had been recruited to work for an illegal ga

5d ago Khaosod

SA KAEO — Fourteen May 2026. Thai authorities arrested 16 people, including Thai, Shan, and Vietnamese nationals, who were attempting to illegally cross from Cambodia into Thailand following a crackdown on online scam and gambling operations in Poipet, officials confirmed Thursday.

At 5:30 am, troops from the Burapha Task Force, Aranyaprathet Special Task Force, and the 12th Ranger Forces Regiment, working with Sa Kaeo provincial forces, intercepted the group near Ban Phu Nam Kliang village in Pa Rai sub-district, Aranyaprathet district, after receiving reports of unauthorized border crossings through unofficial routes.

Officers spotted suspicious individuals crossing the border on foot and moved in to surround and arrest them. The 16 detainees consisted of four Thai nationals, two Vietnamese, and 10 ethnic Shan migrants from Myanmar—all lacking valid travel documents.

During interrogation, the four Thai detainees admitted they had been recruited through contacts to work for the online gambling website UFABET168 in Poipet, attracted by monthly salaries between 15,000 and 25,000 baht. Previously employed as delivery riders, warehouse workers, sales staff, and factory workers, they crossed the border more than a year ago to take these jobs.

Tensions escalating along the Thai-Cambodian border prompted the closure of several checkpoints, leaving them stranded in Poipet accommodations for weeks with no way home. To return, they each paid a Cambodian broker 8,000 baht to arrange transport to an unofficial border crossing. The broker drove them in a Cambodian-registered vehicle before directing them to walk the rest of the way into Thailand.

The 10 ethnic Shan migrants said they had travelled from Siem Reap to Poipet with help from Chinese financiers to work as security guards at a building operated by a Chinese business group. When Cambodian authorities launched operations against call center gangs, scammers, and online crime networks, their employer shut down, forcing them to attempt illegal entry into Thailand to return home.

All suspects were turned over to investigators for legal action. Authorities are expanding their investigation into human smuggling networks, illegal border crossing operations, and financial connections to transnational online gambling enterprises.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Community

Sacred Objects News – First Edition Medal of Luang Por Piem, Wat Koh Lak, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Wat Koh Lak in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province celebrates the legacy of Luang Por Piem Chantachoto, a revered abbot and Buddhist scholar born in 1883. Known for his expertise in fortune-telling, astrology, and herbal medicine, Luang Por Piem served as the temple's abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader, overseeing significant temple renovations and educational programs. He passed away in 1949, leaving behind a lasting spiritual and physical legacy at Wat Koh Lak.

5d ago Khaosod

Wat Koh Lak in Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is an ancient temple constructed around 1757 that originated as a monastic community during the Ayutthaya period. It was elevated to the status of a royal temple in 1972. The temple is widely respected for "Luang Por Piem Chantachoto," whose monastic name was "Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun," a distinguished abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader of Prachuap Khiri Khan. He was renowned for his accurate fortune-telling abilities and expertise in astrological practices, and was also skilled in treating illnesses with herbal medicine.

Born into the Thawarnanan family at Ban Na Huai in Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Pranburi on Thursday, May 25, 1883, his family worked as farmers. At age five, his mother enrolled him to study Thai and Khmer script with the abbot of Wat Na Huai. At age nine, after a house fire, the family relocated to Ban Sra Chaeng in Nong Chok District, Phetchaburi Province. At age eleven, he studied magic water incantation with Mo Khiao, a renowned master, and learned multiple skills from famous teachers including architecture, drawing, and sculpting.

He was ordained at Wat Lad in Muang District, Phetchaburi Province in 1903 under Phra Kru Suvanmuni as preceptor and Phra Plad Bun as the ceremonial master, receiving the name Chantachoto. He spent five years at Wat Lad studying Buddhist teachings and performing monastic duties diligently. He assisted in constructing Wat Na Huai's ordination hall. In 1915, Phra Kru Suthajarakun transferred to Wat Koh Lak as abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader, and Luang Por Piem was appointed acting abbot of Wat Na Huai, becoming full abbot in 1916.

While at Wat Na Huai, he studied astrology from Phra Suvanmuni at Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi and began gaining his reputation in astrological sciences. He governed monks and novices with virtue and renovated temple buildings and facilities systematically. In 1919, he received the rank of Phra Kru Chao Thawan. In 1920, he became a preceptor. In 1930, he became abbot of Wat Koh Lak. In 1931, he was appointed as acting provincial ecclesiastical leader.

In 1924, he was elevated to Phra Kru Sannyabat Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun, serving as assistant provincial leader. In 1941, he was elevated to Phra Kru Medhivorakun and became provincial ecclesiastical leader. In the same year, he received the rank of Phra Rachakhanachao Third Class.

As abbot of Wat Koh Lak and provincial ecclesiastical leader, he demonstrated his full capabilities by utilizing his knowledge for various projects, most notably constructing the magnificent ordination hall, establishing a Buddhist studies school, and developing water facilities for the temple. Beyond his administrative duties conducted with moral principles, he undertook numerous renovation and monastic complex construction projects at various locations. He passed away peacefully on May 29, 1949 from intestinal illness.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Kitchen Paradise – Mr. Nong's Fish Rice Soup with Packed Ingredients, Fresh and Non-Fishy

Mr. Nong's Fish Rice Soup, a Bangkok branch of a legendary 50-year-old Rayong restaurant, offers authentic fish rice soup with fresh, firm meat and naturally sweet broth made from fish bones. Operating daily from noon to midnight on Rama 4 Road, the restaurant sources fresh seafood directly from fishing boats at affordable prices starting at 100 baht per bowl, along with specialty dishes like fish head hot pot and limited-edition stir-fried fish jaw.

5d ago Khaosod

When the weather turns gloomy and rainy, there's nothing quite like fish rice soup—an easy, comforting dish that soothes the stomach with a hot broth that slides down smoothly. But finding a truly delicious spot with fresh, tender fish at reasonable prices feels like winning the lottery.

Thanks to a recommendation for "Mr. Nong's Fish Rice Soup" near Samyan on Rama 4 Road, we discovered a restaurant that checks all the boxes. The fish is genuinely fresh, with firm, succulent meat that isn't mushy, tough, or fishy—simply delicious in every way.

This place has real pedigree, having operated for over 50 years, starting as a street cart near Mab Taphut in Rayong under the name "Pattaya Fish Rice Soup," serving an ancient Chinese recipe popular among Chachoengsao residents.

What makes it special is the broth—fragrant, smooth, naturally sweet from fish bones. The soy dipping sauce is equally excellent, available both spicy and mild, and when mixed with roasted chili, it becomes absolutely outstanding.

After 40 years of roadside operation, the shop moved into a shophouse before expanding to central Rayong and changing its name to "Mr. Nong's Fish Rice Soup." Most recently, it opened in Bangkok on Rama 4 Road between Soi Chula 9 and 11.

Owner Hia Nong-Bantur from Rayong explains that ingredients are fresh daily from the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, including grouper, white snapper, mackerel, squid, shrimp, and oysters. The restaurant buys directly from fishing boats without middlemen, allowing competitive pricing.

Fish rice soup comes both soupy and dry, starting at 100 baht, served in generous, steaming bowls with abundant ingredients and large pieces. The menu also features hot pot, salads, stir-fries, deep-fried items, and tom yum, with "fish head hot pot" being particularly impressive—the meat is tender and succulent, and the collagen-rich fish skin is incredibly satisfying.

There's also a secret menu item: "stir-fried fish jaw with herbs" using grouper jaw enhanced with fish maw. Each jaw is carefully portioned, with three per serving, and since the shop receives only 15 groupers daily, they can make just five plates maximum—truly limited edition.

The restaurant opens daily from noon to midnight. Free parking available in the back (enter via Soi Chula 11); parking card gets one free hour at the restaurant. Call 09-2945-6669 for reservations.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Willian Popp Bids Farewell to Mueang Thong Following Contract Expiration, Says 'I Love This Club Very Much'

Brazilian striker Willian Popp has announced his departure from Mueang Thong United after his contract expired, following the club's relegation from Thailand's top division to Thai League 2. In an emotional farewell message, Popp expressed his deep love for the club and apologized to fans during this difficult period, reflecting on his 108 matches and years of special memories with the organization. He thanked coaches, staff, teammates, and supporters while expressing confidence that the club will recover and continue building its legacy.

5d ago Khaosod

Willian Popp, the talented Brazilian striker for Mueang Thong United, has announced his departure from the club, stating that he must say goodbye despite his love for the organization following the expiration of his contract.

Mueang Thong United has been relegated from Thailand's Thai League to Thai League 2 after competing in the top division for more than 17 years.

The Brazilian forward recently announced his farewell, apologizing to supporters during this challenging period while reaffirming his deep affection for the club.

In his emotional post, Popp wrote: "There are moments in life that leave you speechless. My expectations for this club have always been the highest, but this season we were unlucky and made mistakes that put us in this situation. I want to apologize to all the Gilen fans. I know how you feel because this is also a very difficult time for us. But I'm confident the club will come back stronger. I must tell you that I'm saying goodbye to a club I love very much. This is not how I wanted to bid farewell to you, but my contract has ended. I want to leave you with my love and good feelings. I will always be your cheerleader, and I'm confident this club will continue to write a beautiful history.

We played 108 matches together with many wonderful moments. We lost together and we won together. I made many friends and met special people who, from the bottom of my heart, are my true family. These years have been truly special. I want to thank all the coaches, all the staff, all my teammates, and of course all Mueang Thong fans for the love and warmth you've given me. You will always be in my heart. I love you all!"

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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