Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Poll Shows Cost-of-Living Crisis: Thais' Wallets Tightening, Struggling to Get By

Nearly 9 in 10 Thais report financial strain from tightening budgets to barely surviving, with most unable to sustain themselves more than six months without income, according to an IFD Poll survey.

4 May Khaosod

An IFD Poll survey reveals that Thailand's cost-of-living crisis extends beyond mere financial constraints into the broader wellbeing of Thai citizens. The poll, conducted between April 28 and May 1, 2025, surveyed 1,264 Thais aged 18 and above.

Key findings show that 88.31% of respondents face financial strain ranging from "beginning to tighten our belts" to "barely able to get by." The breakdown includes 47.07% experiencing initial tightening, 32.51% struggling to make ends meet, and 8.73% unable to cope at all, while only 11.69% maintain normal financial stability.

When asked how long households could survive without income, 78.62% indicated they could manage no more than six months, with 65.09% surviving only three months or less. Facing sudden income loss, 38.59% said they would rely on themselves, while 69.02% combined would depend on family or relatives. Only 3.44% expected government assistance.

As a last resort, households would resort to selling assets (32.03%), borrowing money (26.50%), moving in with extended family (17.85%), or sending family members to seek additional income (12.89%). When combined, 89.27% would need to rely on self-help and family support.

Beyond finances, 98% fear the economic crisis will damage their physical health, mental wellbeing, family relationships, and future prospects. Additionally, 90.67% feel that despite working hard, their lives are unlikely to improve. Mental health concerns rank highest among non-financial worries at 32.91%, followed by family stress (16.57%), reduced opportunities for children (15.53%), and hopelessness about the future (14.25%).

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Malaysian Man Renews Wedding Vows with Wife After She Lost Her Memory, Vows to Stand by Her Until the End

A Malaysian man renewed his wedding vows with his wife eight years after a traffic accident left her with complete memory loss, surprising her at home with their children to reaffirm their commitment to each other.

4 May Khaosod

A Malaysian man held a surprise wedding renewal ceremony for his wife after she lost her memory from a traffic accident, expressing his wish to be by her side until their final day. His wife regained consciousness from a coma following the accident but could not remember him, her children, or many basic abilities, becoming entirely dependent on his care. However, even without her memories, she felt she had made the right choice in him as her life partner.

The husband explained that the accident occurred eight years ago, and the years following it were the most difficult of his life, especially when their children were still young. Determined to strengthen for his family and care for his wife, he secretly planned a surprise renewal ceremony at their home, with their children waiting inside with flowers to welcome this special moment for their parents.

He wanted the surprise to bring her joy and help her understand the life they had built together. He even brought her original wedding ring to the ceremony—though her fingers had become smaller after the accident, he slipped the ring back on her finger and they exchanged rings again amidst an atmosphere filled with deep emotion. The wife thanked him for always standing by her side, while he expressed his heartfelt sentiment: "In this life, everyone must part ways someday. I ask that I may be with you in every moment until our final day."

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Community

Zico Kiatisuk Posts Photo Receiving Wedding Invitation from Tum Thanaboon and Girlfriend Ann, Confirms Attendance

Port FC midfielder Tum Thanaboon proposed to girlfriend Ann after a decade together, and the couple personally delivered their wedding invitation to legendary coach Zico Kiatisuk, who confirmed his attendance.

4 May Khaosod

Thai midfielder Tum Thanaboon Kesaratana of Port FC, together with his girlfriend Ann Sasiyada, delivered their wedding invitation to Zico Kiatisuk Senamuang, the legendary Thai national team coach and former manager of the Thai national team. The 32-year-old footballer surprised his girlfriend with a marriage proposal after being together for over 10 years. Recently, Tum Thanaboon and Ann Sasiyada have been distributing their wedding invitations, traveling to visit Zico Kiatisuk, a football legend and former Thai national team coach. Zico posted a photo of receiving the wedding card along with a congratulatory message saying, 'Brother would like to congratulate both of you. I will definitely attend the wedding.'

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Community

Shop Smart at the Mall: Mother Warns Against Spoiled Pre-Packaged Sushi, Nearly Gave It to Her Child

A mother discovered spoiled sushi at a Central mall food court that nearly ended up in her child's meal, prompting her to warn shoppers to inspect pre-packaged items before leaving stores, even at major retailers.

4 May Khaosod

Shop Smart at the Mall: Mother Warns Against Spoiled Pre-Packaged Sushi, Nearly Gave It to Her Child

When buying pre-packaged food that wasn't freshly prepared, you must carefully check the expiration date and inspect it thoroughly before consumption. Even purchases made at major department stores can have problems.

This case was shared in a consumer group where a shopper discovered spoiled, foul-smelling sushi bought from a mall and almost served it to her child. She's warning others to inspect their purchases carefully.

Her post states: "I want to warn everyone about this experience. If you buy pre-packaged sushi like this, you should open and check it before driving home to confirm whether the food is fresh or spoiled. I went to eat at Central, near a buffet restaurant. Some items had promotional discounts. The store had pre-packaged sashimi and sushi displayed at the front. I bought two boxes for my son. When I opened them, there was a strong rotten smell.

Fortunately, only about 10 minutes had passed since purchase, and the restaurant was nearby. I went to inform the staff and asked for a refund. Initially, the restaurant refused and offered to make new sushi, but after seeing the staff's expressions, I decided against it and requested my money back instead. I had lost confidence and trust in the establishment.

The restaurant took responsibility and refunded my money without any issues.

When I purchased the items, I didn't notice the promotional display as it was far from where I was sitting. Who would think the food would be spoiled? The mall opens at 10 a.m., and I bought it at noon. If you bought something when the mall was about to close, I wouldn't be surprised if it had been sitting for a long time.

I want to remind everyone that just because the mall has only been open for two hours doesn't mean everything is fresh. Please check your purchases carefully before leaving to avoid wasting time and disappointing yourself. Think about it—if you gave spoiled food to relatives or elders, what would they think?

(I'm not naming the restaurant) My intention is simply to warn people to check their purchases carefully. That way, if there's a problem, you can claim a refund or exchange immediately without wasting time."

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Heartbroken Durian Farmer Watches 4 Tons of Fruit Destroyed as Storm Strikes Just Before Harvest

A durian farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima lost approximately 4 tons of fruit when a sudden windstorm destroyed her orchard on May 2, just 80 days before the harvest was due.

4 May Khaosod

A heartbroken durian farmer watched helplessly as a spring storm ravaged her orchard in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, destroying approximately 4 tons of durians. Arreeya Singphong, owner of the durian farm in Ban Bor Ling, posted photos and videos on Facebook showing durians scattered across the ground after a 15-minute burst of powerful winds on the evening of May 2. The fallen fruit, which had been neatly piled into a mountain-like heap, was just 80 days away from being ready for commercial harvest. Unable to process the fallen durians into products like fried durian chips, Arreeya is now offering them to local residents for cooking, with any unclaimed fruit destined for disposal. The financial loss is incalculable, as the durians were on the verge of becoming profitable harvest.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Finance Ministry Proposes 400 Billion Baht Borrowing Framework at Cabinet Meeting Tuesday, Uses COVID Crisis Model Without Raising Public Debt Ceiling

Thailand's Finance Ministry is proposing a 400 billion baht borrowing framework to be presented to the cabinet on May 5, designed to address impacts from the Middle East crisis. The borrowing, modeled after COVID-19 emergency measures, will not require raising the public debt ceiling as current debt levels remain at 66.38% of GDP, safely below the 70% limit. A project screening committee will be established to evaluate and approve how state agencies use the borrowed funds.

4 May Khaosod

The Finance Ministry will present a royal decree for borrowing 400 billion baht to the cabinet on Tuesday, May 5, as a fiscal tool to absorb the impacts of the Middle East crisis, along with the 'Thai Help Thai' program. After economic agencies reviewed all available funding sources—including the 2025 budget management, central fund allocations, and emergency reserves—they determined that existing budgets were insufficient to handle the situation, prompting the decision to issue the borrowing decree. This domestic borrowing will be drawdown-based, used only as needed, mirroring the 1.5 quadrillion baht emergency borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding fiscal discipline concerns, the Finance Ministry confirms that the 400 billion baht borrowing will not require raising the public debt ceiling, currently set at 70% of GDP. Thailand's public debt in March 2025 stands at 66.38% of GDP based on an estimated 19.10 quadrillion baht. Following cabinet approval of the decree, the government will establish a 'Project Screening Committee' chaired by the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary to evaluate and filter project proposals from state agencies for maximum value. Relevant agencies must expedite preparing detailed plans and justifications for the decree to present to parliament for legislative approval.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Applied Your Deodorant But Still Smell? Pharmacists Point Out You Might Be Using It Wrong

Most people apply antiperspirant before leaving home, but pharmacists say it should be applied immediately after showering at night—the aluminum salts need 6-8 hours to create a protective film that blocks sweat glands.

4 May Khaosod

Applied Your Deodorant But Still Smell? Pharmacists Point Out You Might Be Using It Wrong, with guidance on the correct timing to effectively reduce perspiration and body odor.

Compiled by the Thai PBS Online News Team May 4, 2025

Based on foreign media reports, during hot season many people apply antiperspirant before leaving home, believing it will reduce sweating and body odor. However, one internet user recently shared her experience of discovering after years of use that antiperspirant should be applied immediately after showering. She expressed her frustration: "Seems like I've been doing it wrong all along!"

The user posted on the Threads platform, stating that antiperspirant should be applied after bathing, not before leaving home as she had been doing. She emphasized: "If you wait to apply it when leaving home, it's basically useless."

After the post went viral, many netizens shared their opinions, including comments like "I've been using it for years and just found out," "You have to wait until it dries before putting clothes on," and "If you apply it before leaving home, it becomes a mix of pleasant and unpleasant smells."

Pharmacist Xiao Lu explained that aluminum salts in antiperspirant products require 6-8 hours to react and create a film layer that adheres to skin and blocks sweat glands, effectively reducing perspiration. He emphasized: "You shouldn't apply it before leaving home because it barely works."

How to Apply Antiperspirant Correctly to Eliminate Body Odor Throughout the Day

1. Apply the night before bedtime Pharmacists recommend applying antiperspirant in the evening before bed, and the skin must be completely dry. If the skin is still damp, it may cause irritation or rashes.

2. No need to reapply during the day There's no need to reapply during the day. You can shower normally in the morning as usual and should avoid using antiperspirant right after shaving to prevent skin inflammation.

Pharmacists also noted that most antiperspirants on the market have low concentration and last approximately 24-48 hours. With continuous use over time, sweat production noticeably decreases, and you can adjust to using it every 2 days. Some pharmacy-grade products use long-acting formulas that may remain effective for 4-7 days.

However, beginners are advised to use it daily first, then reduce frequency once they notice decreased perspiration. Currently, some products are available for once-weekly use as well.

Source: CTWANT

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

CCTV Footage Shows Wat Sai Chol Embankment Collapse, Houses Swept Into Bang Pakong River

A dramatic embankment collapse at Wat Sai Chol temple on May 3rd swept multiple houses and a motorcycle repair shop into the Bang Pagong River in Chachoengsao Province, with eyewitness footage capturing the moment of disaster. A motorcycle shop owner who spent over 20 years saving to build his home and business lost everything to the disaster, while local authorities have launched emergency relief efforts and investigations into ongoing river erosion problems. Officials are implementing immediate containment measures and developing long-term solutions to prevent further collapses in the area.

4 May Khaosod

CCTV footage has revealed the dramatic moment when the embankment in front of Wat Sai Chol temple in Rangsit collapsed and slid into the Bang Pakong River on May 3rd at 3:10 PM, dragging multiple residential structures and a motorcycle repair shop down with it. District officials, led by Prattaweep Wijob, the deputy district chief of Muang Chachoengsao, along with Sutheep Sathit, head of Ban Mai Subdistrict Administration Organization, and community leaders visited the site on the morning of May 4th to assess damage and distribute relief supplies.

Official Prattaweep announced that local agencies would urgently survey neighboring areas, as river erosion from the Bang Pakong River is occurring at multiple points. He stated plans to escalate the issue to provincial level to develop long-term solutions in coordination with the Department of Irrigation and relevant agencies. Local authorities are also seeking assistance with repairs and reconstruction for affected residents.

Subtheep reported that concrete cutting equipment would be deployed the same day to remove cracked concrete panels, as cracks had expanded more than one hand-span since the initial collapse, to prevent further structural failures before water levels rise.

Aswin, 30, the owner of the damaged motorcycle repair shop, expressed his devastation. He was delivering river shrimp when his wife called to inform him of the disaster. The shop and house, built over 20 years of accumulated savings, now lay in ruins. He has temporarily stored valuables with relatives and is sleeping in a tent at the site to guard remaining possessions, unable to sleep due to the sound of concrete cracking throughout the night.

Local shopkeeper witnesses described hearing a thunderous sound before watching the embankment collapse into the river before their eyes. They noted fortunate timing—the incident occurred during low water season, as high water would have had residents wading beneath the embankment harvesting shrimp for shrimp paste production, potentially resulting in fatalities.

Authorities remain on high alert for additional collapses in the area and have cordoned off the zone with warning barriers.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

BWG Distributes 0.0075 Baht Dividend, Issues BWG-W8 Warrants as Industrial Waste Management Leader

Better World Green approved a 0.0075 baht dividend per share and issued BWG-W8 warrants at its annual meeting, rewarding shareholders after two years of renewed profitability driven by industrial waste management revenue growth.

4 May Khaosod

Better World Green Public Company Limited (BWG) held its 2025 annual shareholder meeting at the Renewable Energy Center in Ayutthaya province, with unanimous approval of all major agenda items. The meeting approved the distribution of BWG-W8 warrants along with a dividend payment of 0.0075 baht per share, reflecting the company's operational recovery and delivering shareholder returns following two consecutive years of renewed profitability.

Suwat Luangviriya, CEO and Executive Director, along with the board of directors, announced that "2024 performance showed outstanding growth, with industrial waste management revenue increasing from the expansion of all three branch locations. Simultaneously, net profit increased significantly through efficient cost management combined with strategic business decisions. These factors clearly strengthened the group's financial position and resulted in appropriate financial restructuring. The company is confident that 2025 profits will better reflect true earnings quality."

Better World Green Public Company Limited is committed to developing industrial waste management aligned with circular economy principles, emphasizing efficient and environmentally-friendly resource utilization alongside branch expansion and enhanced service capabilities to support growth and create long-term sustainability.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Selection Committee Report Proposes Chakrapong for Constitutional Court Judge, Nomination Rejected Over Qualification Deficiency

A selection committee proposed police academy lecturer Chakrapong Vivat-vanich for Thailand's Constitutional Court, but his nomination faces rejection over claims he lacks required academic credentials, including a five-year full professors

4 May Khaosod

On May 4, 2025, Senate President Mongkol Surasatchaya scheduled a Senate meeting for May 5 to establish a committee to investigate the background, conduct, and ethical behavior of the nominee for Constitutional Court judge, replacing the position vacated by Chief Judge Nakarin Mektrirat. The selection committee, chaired by Supreme Court President Adisak Tuntiwongse, has proposed Chakrapong Vivat-vanich, a lecturer in police science at the Police Cadet Academy. A senator had submitted a petition requesting postponement of the selection process pending clarification of the committee's composition, citing constitutional concerns and potential conflicts of interest. The selection committee determined that the constitutional and legal provisions clearly allow the committee to proceed with the existing members and cannot delay the selection process. However, the committee received a petition challenging Chakrapong's qualifications under Article 200(4) of the constitution, which requires candidates to hold expertise in political science or public administration and have served as a full professor at a Thai university for at least five years. The petition claims Chakrapong teaches law at the Police Cadet Academy and lacks documented academic work supporting a full professorship appointment. The selection committee agreed to review and assess Chakrapong's qualifications based on these allegations, and the nominee was given an opportunity to respond.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

JJ T. Tanin Confirms Relationship Downgrade, Keeps Reasons Private

Thai celebrities JJ and T. have confirmed they are downgrading their relationship to friendship after 10 years together, citing personal reasons they prefer to keep private while continuing to work together at their entertainment company.

4 May Khaosod

JJ Krishanapoom Piboolsongkram and T. Kanyavee Songkham have released a statement through their company QOW Entertainment Limited following widespread speculation about their relationship last week. The pair confirm they have reduced their relationship status and remain good friends.

In their statement, they explain they did not initially intend to address this publicly as it is a sensitive matter. However, due to widespread discussion on social media, they felt direct communication was necessary. They clarify that past interviews being recirculated are simply reflections of experiences from their 10-year history together and do not explain their current decision.

Both say they grew and matured throughout their relationship and did their best to maintain it. While keeping the true reasons private, they emphasize they still maintain a good relationship and will continue managing QOW Entertainment together. They may appear together for business or personal occasions as usual.

They conclude by thanking everyone for their support and asking for understanding and respect for their decision, with hopes that people will continue to support them both.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
Loading more…
Endless reading Scroll to read. When you reach the bottom, keep scrolling. A bar fills, and the next story slides in when it's full.
↑ ↓ or Space