Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand Issues Land Rights to 1,500 Forest Families

Thailand's government distributed land ownership certificates to 1,594 families in Chiang Mai's forest conservation zones, aiming to balance livelihood security with environmental protection and reduce conflicts between communities and fore

2h ago Khaosod

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin presided over a ceremony on July 4, 2025, distributing occupancy certificates (Sor 12) in conservation forest zones to residents of Chiang Mai Province. The event took place at the 16th Regional Protected Area Office in Chiang Mai, attended by provincial governor Ratthapol Naradit, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Authority chairman Pichai Lertspoengadisorn, and senior officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

This action implements a key government policy under Prime Minister Anutthin Charnweerakul's administration, addressing the critical issue of land rights for farmers living in forest areas while maintaining environmental conservation. The initiative reflects the concept of "sustainable coexistence between people and forest," designed to reduce inequality and enhance living standards.

Suchart emphasized that the government aims to transform potential conflict between communities and forests into harmonious coexistence. He stressed that issuing these certificates provides not just legal recognition but creates stable livelihoods, allowing residents to conduct lawful occupations with steady income while serving as stewards of natural resources.

"When people have security in their lives, they will help protect forests for their children's future," Suchart said. "I urge recipients to preserve this land for generations to come."

The certification process involved comprehensive surveys across eight protected areas in Chiang Mai, benefiting 49 villages with 1,594 households covering 2,121 plots. This represents another success in resolving land disputes in conservation zones while enabling sustainable resource management and environmental stewardship.

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National

UK Lawmaker Pushes for Kane Knighthood

A UK lawmaker has proposed a knighthood for England striker Harry Kane following his two-goal performance against DR Congo, citing his World Cup record of 13 goals, which ranks sixth all-time in tournament history.

2h ago Khaosod

Harry Kane, England's Bayern Munich striker, could be set for a knighthood should England's 2026 World Cup campaign prove successful. Following England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the round of 32, with Kane netting both goals, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has submitted an early motion calling for Kane to receive the United Kingdom's highest honour to recognise his achievements with the national team. Beyond England's performance, Kane has now accumulated 13 World Cup goals overall, making him the 6th leading scorer in World Cup history, level with French striker Just Fontaine and ahead of Brazilian football legend Pelé. "This House wishes to commend Harry Kane's outstanding dedication in England's match against the Democratic Republic of Congo and celebrate the English national team's performance at the 2026 World Cup," the motion stated.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Songkhla City Police Chief Orders Swift Probe Into Bribery Allegations

Songkhla City Police superintendent ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that a deputy traffic commander solicited bribes from subordinates through kickbacks from fines and overtime pay. Preliminary findings are expected by July

2h ago Khaosod

The Songkhla City Police superintendent has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that a deputy traffic commander solicited bribes from subordinates. A Facebook post accused the officer of demanding and collecting kickbacks from traffic fine rewards and overtime pay, alleging intimidation, coercion, and abuse of authority that caused distress to junior officers and sparked widespread public criticism online.

On July 4, 2025, Colonel Kitti Triwaiy, superintendent of Songkhla City Police, directed the immediate launch of a fact-finding investigation due to public interest and potential reputational damage to the department. Kitti stated the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently for all parties, with designated personnel gathering comprehensive evidence and witness statements. He assured that any wrongdoing would not be overlooked.

Kitti anticipated preliminary findings would be clear by July 8, 2025, and pledged strict legal action if misconduct is substantiated.

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National

Pheu Thai Reaffirms Medical Cannabis, Not Recreational Use

Pheu Thai party clarified it supports only medical cannabis, not recreational use, and emphasized the need for strict legislation to regulate cultivation, distribution, and prescription while preventing misuse.

2h ago Khaosod

On July 4, 2025, Supachai Iamsumut, a Pheu Thai party list MP, posted on Facebook to clarify that medical cannabis is a fact Thai society should understand and that the party's position remains unchanged. Cannabis has become a heavily debated topic across politics, society, and media, with widespread misunderstanding that Pheu Thai promotes recreational cannabis and caused current problems.

Pheu Thai believes the time has come to present facts clearly. The party's stance has never changed: it supports cannabis for medical and health purposes, not recreation, and cannabis use must operate within clear laws with regulatory systems prioritizing public safety.

Promoting medical cannabis aims to give patients treatment options, support medical research and innovation, and create economic opportunities for farmers and businesses operating legally. However, removing cannabis from the narcotics list alone does not mean unrestricted use should occur. Conversely, Pheu Thai has consistently held that Thailand needs specific legislation tightly regulating cannabis cultivation, production, distribution, advertising, prescription, and use to prevent misuse.

The party's proposed law failed parliament in 2022 due to political reasons. Over two years, cannabis problems emerged from illegal shops, rampant recreational use, and state negligence. Without specific legislation, regulatory gaps exist—a lesson all sides should address together rather than use for political blame.

Pheu Thai believes the correct solution is not denying patients access or medical cannabis benefits, but urgently building efficient regulatory systems, closing legal gaps, and enforcing laws seriously. The party supports clear measures: limiting use to medical purposes, controlling prescriptions by healthcare professionals, prohibiting sales to children and youth, banning misleading advertising, and setting appropriate penalties for violations.

Good public policy must rest on academic evidence, not emotion or fear. Policy decisions should consider medical data, societal concerns, and lessons from past enforcement.

Thailand can become a regional medical cannabis hub with transparent, strong regulatory systems earning public trust in research, drug production, product development, and agricultural value creation. Pheu Thai reaffirms it does not support recreational cannabis but will defend patients' treatment access rights, support medical cannabis use, and push strict legislation protecting society. This position remains constant because our goal is patients' welfare.

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National

Kimi Wins Silverstone F1 Sprint, Overtakes Hamilton

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli overtook Lewis Hamilton on lap eight to win the F1 sprint at Silverstone, extending his championship lead to 43 points over teammate George Russell.

2h ago Khaosod

Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Mercedes driver, overtook veteran Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton in the eighth lap and led until the finish line to claim the sprint race victory at the ninth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season at Silverstone, United Kingdom.

Antonelli secured 8 points for a total of 179 points in the drivers' championship standings, extending his lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell by 43 points, with Russell finishing fourth.

Hamilton crossed the line in second place, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris in third, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in fifth, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen in sixth.

"I was really pushing with Lewis for the first 10 laps—it was great fun," Antonelli said. "We were both going flat out until I got the opportunity to pass. I knew my chance was coming. I had good speed coming out of Turn 4, and he ran a bit wide. I think he used his boost to defend, but I just waited for the right moment to use mine on the exit of Turn 13. I gave it everything and pulled off the move successfully."

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Fire Destroys Auto Body Shop In Hat Yai

A fire destroyed an auto body shop on Hat Yai's Ratanautit Road on July 4, with the blaze erupting in the paint-drying room and causing over one million baht in damage.

3h ago Khaosod

At 4:10 p.m. on July 4, 2569, Hat Yai police received a report of a fire at an auto body repair shop on Soi 17, Ratanautit Road, in Hat Yai municipality. Authorities immediately coordinated with the municipal disaster relief team and the Mitraphap Samakkhi Foundation rescue unit to respond to the incident.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the repair shop engulfed in intense flames with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Three fire trucks were mobilized to spray water and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring areas. It took approximately 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

Initial investigation revealed the fire started in the paint-drying room at the rear of the shop while one vehicle was being painted. Smoke suddenly appeared, and the fire rapidly spread to storage areas containing auto parts and spray paint, which are flammable materials. This caused the fire to spread quickly. Total damage is estimated at no less than one million baht.

As for the actual cause of the fire, Hat Yai police are coordinating with forensic investigators to conduct a detailed examination of the scene to determine the exact cause.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

22-Wheel Truck Crashes at Deadly Curve, One Dead

A 22-wheel truck carrying concrete beams lost brakes on a steep downhill curve on Highway 304 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, killing a passenger and injuring the driver in the early morning crash.

3h ago Khaosod

At 4:40 a.m. on July 4, 2569, officers responded to a 22-wheel truck that overturned on Highway 304 (Kabinburi-Pak Thong Chai route) at kilometer 210+400, on a steep downhill curve approaching Pu Tho shrine in Na Di district, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The truck, carrying small concrete piles from Dan Khun Thot in Nakhon Ratchasima bound for Nong Yai in Chonburi, jackknifed and tipped on its side, scattering heavy concrete beams across both southbound lanes and blocking all traffic.

Rescue workers battled heavy rain and darkness to extract the occupants using cutting equipment. The driver, Chaliao, 58, was pulled out with severe injuries and taken to Na Di Hospital, then transferred to Kabinburi Hospital. The passenger, Gowin, 49 (truck attendant), was struck by falling metal and died from his injuries at the hospital shortly after arrival.

Investigators determined the truck was traveling at high speed on the long downhill stretch with a heavy load when brake failure occurred. The driver may have been unfamiliar with the road. The truck struck a median barrier during ongoing construction work before flipping and sliding across all lanes. Traffic was blocked until 1:00 p.m. when concrete beams were cleared and lanes reopened.

Highway 304 is a narrow, steep route notorious for accidents, earning it the name "death curve." Though the government approved billions of baht for a four-lane expansion with elevated bridge and wildlife tunnel, accidents continue regularly, mostly involving heavy trucks and double-decker buses.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Social Security Board Election Deadline Approaching

Only 600,000 of 11 million eligible workers have registered for the Social Security Board election with just days remaining before the July 15 deadline, raising concerns about worker and employer representation in decisions affecting pensio

3h ago Khaosod

The election for the Social Security Board may not attract the same attention as national politics, but it directly affects the quality of life for over 11 million insured workers and more than 400,000 employers. Those elected will shape the direction of the social security fund, which is built from contributions by employees, employers, and the government.

The board's role extends beyond simply receiving reports from the Social Security Office. It shares responsibility for setting policy, establishing fund management guidelines, determining medical benefits, unemployment compensation, and retirement pensions, as well as overseeing fund investments to ensure stability, transparency, and maximum benefit to all insured parties.

The Social Security Board determines how monthly contributions from all parties are managed and whether the benefits workers receive will meet their future needs. This election is therefore not distant from anyone's life.

The concern is striking: with registration closing July 15, only about 600,000 of 11 million eligible workers have registered, and just 4,000 of over 400,000 eligible employers have done so. If large numbers of eligible participants neglect registration and don't vote, the opportunity to select representatives with knowledge, ability, and understanding of workers' problems diminishes. The voices of the majority stakeholders won't be truly reflected, ultimately affecting fund management and long-term benefit development.

Worker and employer participation represents joint determination of the future welfare system that all own together, since the social security fund is essential protection for working people from employment age through retirement.

With less than 10 days before registration closes on July 15, all eligible voters—both workers and employers—should not let this important opportunity pass. Register now and vote to help shape your own welfare future. Choose knowledgeable, honest people with vision to set policy, establish sound management practices, and ensure transparent, efficient fund operations that truly serve workers' interests.

Every vote is the power that will determine the quality of life security for working people in the future.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Anuthín Faces Pressure Over Local Exam Corruption Scandal

Systematic corruption in local government civil service exams has drawn criticism of PM Anuthín for issuing strong rhetoric without taking decisive action to dismantle the networks involved.

3h ago Khaosod

The systematic corruption uncovered in local government civil service examinations under the Department of Local Administration is a grave matter. The operation functions as a professional racket with intermediaries arranging exam tampering—something ordinary people cannot accomplish alone. This requires backing from high-level officials to execute at this scale, and it deeply damages public confidence in Thailand's civil service merit system.

This issue tests Prime Minister Anuthín Charnvirakul and Interior Minister directly, as the Interior Ministry oversees this department. However, their response has disappointed public expectations. While the Prime Minister expressed anger and used harsh language, calling perpetrators "national traitors," these appear to be abstract expressions of emotion rather than concrete leadership. His remarks suggesting he didn't know such corruption would occur, or implying perpetrators thought he wouldn't return, sound like casual political commentary from a coffee shop, not statements from someone shouldering responsibility.

The contradiction is striking: if the Prime Minister is the highest authority in government structure, then announcing his displeasure without taking decisive action only undermines confidence in his authority and leadership. The public now questions whether this represents evasion of responsibility or signals that the Prime Minister lacks actual governing power.

These doubts reinforce a deeper question: Does Anuthín himself truly hold full executive authority, or is someone else really in charge? The time has come for concrete action beyond words—dismantling these corruption networks completely and decisively, not just scapegoating low-level officials. Effective action would restore public trust and boost approval ratings. But inaction or failure to deliver would carry predictable consequences.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Forest Conservation Debate: Guns Versus Human Rights

A conservation foundation's receipt of firearms to enforce forest protection has reignited debate over whether Tub Larn's forest should be preserved through state force alone or by respecting the rights of communities that existed there bef

3h ago Khaosod

The Tub Larn forest conservation movement has split into two opposing approaches. One extreme conservation camp prioritizes forest and wildlife protection above all, rejecting any human presence or involvement. The other approach maintains that forests must be protected while also respecting the rights of communities that existed there before the park was established, especially when those settlements have clearly developed into towns and deserve recognition of their rights.

The first group represents radical green conservationists, including middle-class nature enthusiasts who enjoy peaceful forest tourism but never acknowledge the lives of villagers on forest margins. The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation belongs to this camp, known for prioritizing forest and wildlife protection and supporting strict government forest enforcement while disregarding forest-edge communities.

Recently, the foundation posted a photo showing it received firearms from a former October student activist to equip government officials for forest protection—a moment perfectly timed with the conservation methodology debate. This image clarifies the philosophy: supporting forest conservation through official authority, state power, and armed force.

Although the firearms were given to officials in the Thung Yai Naresuan zone, the gun image arriving during the Tub Larn debate emphasizes how one camp views forests and wildlife as needing separation from human life. They believe forests and wildlife survive through strong government power and sacred protected-area laws.

This approach recalls how authorities handled the Karen communities of Bang Kloi in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Phetchaburi, forcibly displacing them from the forest, destroying settlements and burning homes, regardless of their ancient ancestry. When community leaders like Billy fought to defend their rights through legal channels, they disappeared without a trace.

This thinking-foundation suggests applying strict National Parks Department authority to protect Tub Larn's forest boundaries without reducing protected zones or restoring community rights. Villagers faced this logic: however long you lived here before the park existed, once it became a national park, state authority must drive you out completely to live elsewhere.

When the Parks Department chose to adjust boundaries and restore rights to pre-existing communities, this camp rejected it completely. They launched campaigns claiming the forest will disappear, be destroyed, wildlife will have no home. But whether original residents will have homes? That doesn't matter to them.

The difference between providing firearms to strengthen government authority and finding solutions that honor human rights, allowing people and forests to coexist—these conservationists could not be more different.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Buriram United Names New Football Chief Executive

Buriram United Football Club appointed Chonnachoke Chidchob as Vice President of Executive Affairs and Head of Football Operations, tasking him with strategic management and elevating the club to Asian prominence. The club also named Siwaru

3h ago Khaosod

Buriram United Football Club has officially appointed Chonnachoke Chidchob as Vice President of Executive Affairs and Head of Football Operations. As Vice President of Executive Affairs, Chidchob will be responsible for overseeing the club's overall management, establishing strategic direction, and implementing plans to drive the organization toward its established goals. Simultaneously, as Head of Football Operations, he will manage and develop the club's football programs to elevate Buriram United to become a leading Asian football club in accordance with the organization's vision and long-term objectives.

The club has also officially appointed Siwaruk Thetsueang as Senior Director of Youth Development. In this position, Thetsueang will oversee and structure the club's youth development system, instill professional values, and develop young athletes to advance to the senior team in line with the club's long-term goals.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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