Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Tourism

Tomorrowland Thailand Sells Out All 150,000 Tickets

All 150,000 tickets for Thailand's inaugural Tomorrowland electronic dance music festival in Chon Buri this December sold out within days, with 85% of buyers from abroad. The government projects the three-day event will generate 6 billion b

Tomorrowland Thailand Sells Out All 150,000 Tickets
1h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets snapped up shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday.

Speaking after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Surasak said the three-day electronic dance music festival, scheduled to take place in Chon Buri this December, sold around 50,000 tickets per day, reaching full capacity of 150,000 tickets across the event.

The government expects the festival to attract an average of 50,000 visitors daily and generate about 6 billion baht in economic activity each year.

Thailand has signed a five-year agreement to host Tomorrowland, with the government projecting the event will inject at least 30 billion baht into the economy over the duration of the contract.

According to the minister, about 85% of ticket buyers are international visitors, while 15% are Thai attendees. Foreign visitors include both short-haul and long-haul travellers, with many expected to stay in Thailand for extended periods.

Surasak said festival packages priced at 150,000 baht or more have also been sold, contributing to the projected economic impact. The event is expected to create around 4,000 jobs during both the preparation and staging of the festival.

The government said extensive measures are being put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of attendees, including dedicated shuttle bus services, enhanced public transport, increased police deployment and volunteer support.

Organisers will also implement comprehensive security measures in coordination with government agencies to ensure the safety of both festivalgoers and nearby communities, Surasak said.

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Regional

Lisa Wax Figure Stars in Thai Candle Festival

Ban Bing village in Nakhon Ratchasima is featuring wax sculptures of Thai pop star Lisa in its Buddhist Candle Festival float on July 28, depicting her as celestial beings and mythical creatures to blend contemporary culture with traditiona

Lisa Wax Figure Stars in Thai Candle Festival
1h ago Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A wax sculpture inspired by Thai global pop star Lisa will take centre stage at this year's traditional Buddhist Candle Festival in Chok Chai district, as organisers blend contemporary pop culture with centuries-old craftsmanship to attract wider audiences.

Community leaders and residents of Ban Bing village in Chok Chai subdistrict are racing to complete their candle float for the Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality's annual Candle Festival 2026, scheduled for 28 July.

The procession will continue to portray key moments from the life of the Buddha—including his birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana—alongside tributes to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, preserving the intricate artistry for which Chok Chai's candle festival is renowned.

A major highlight this year is a series of wax figures modelled on Lisa's likeness. Featuring her signature bangs, the sculptures depict the singer as celestial beings, angels and mythical creatures from the Himmapan forest, creating a contemporary twist on traditional Buddhist art.

Village head Sakchai Khumkratoke of Ban Bing said the artisan team wanted to make the festival more appealing to people of all ages and nationalities while maintaining its Thai identity.

"When we thought of a Thai person recognised both nationally and internationally, Lisa immediately came to mind," he said.

According to Sakchai, the artists unanimously agreed to incorporate Lisa's likeness into the procession by subtly integrating her face into sculptures of angels, celestial beings, kinnari and nakee figures. He said the design pays tribute to her talent and beauty while giving the candle float a more modern and international image.

"She represents Thailand on the global stage while remaining proudly Thai, and we wanted the procession to reflect that same spirit," he added.

The Chok Chai Candle Festival will be held on 28 July in front of the Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality Office before participating floats join the larger provincial candle festival in Nakhon Ratchasima from 28–30 July.

Visitors will not only be able to admire the elaborate candle floats but also see the Lisa-inspired wax sculpture up close as part of the Ban Bing community's procession.

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National

Gen Z Facing Rising Risk Of Liver Fluke Infection

Generation Z in Northeast Thailand increasingly risks liver fluke infection from eating raw or undercooked fish dishes popularized on social media, with nearly one in three people in the region already infected and facing potential cancer c

Gen Z Facing Rising Risk Of Liver Fluke Infection
1h ago Khaosod

At Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Medicine on July 7, 2024, Associate Professor Wacharin Loilom, acting director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, revealed that Gen Z infections from the liver fluke parasite are increasing due to social media exposure. Northeast Thailand records over 10,000 cholangiocarcinoma cases annually. The director cited a concerning trend: numerous influencers posting viral videos of eating raw or undercooked fish dishes, particularly fermented fish prepared with lime juice and chili powder, which young people enthusiastically replicate. Random screening of approximately 200,000 people across the Northeast found an average liver fluke infection rate of 28.8%, with roughly one in three people infected. The truly alarming aspect is not the parasite itself, which is treatable with anthelmintic drugs, but the risk of cholangiocarcinoma development. If people continue old eating habits after treatment, they risk repeated infections, significantly increasing cancer risk. With Northeast Thailand's population of 24 million, approximately 6 million face infection risk. Khon Kaen University has developed a rapid test kit, similar to COVID-19 tests, approved by health authorities. The public health system now covers one free annual screening for those 15 and older who answer yes to any of three risk questions. Restaurant owner Wachirpun Wanthong, 39, owner of Saep Chatchajen restaurant, assured customers that his establishment uses 100% boiled fermented fish at 200 degrees Celsius, guaranteeing safety. He noted that customer visits have only increased since the health warnings emerged.

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National

Lucky Zodiac Signs See Wealth Flow On July 7

Six zodiac signs—Dragon, Gemini, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Virgo—will experience wealth and career breakthroughs on July 7, according to fortune teller Mo Boy. The fortunate signs benefit from ancestral blessings and mystical prote

Lucky Zodiac Signs See Wealth Flow On July 7
2h ago Khaosod

During this period, the fate of individuals and zodiac signs will undergo significant change, potentially shifting in positive directions or requiring careful caution. Fortune teller Mo Boy reveals that on July 7, six zodiac signs—Dragon, Gemini, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Virgo—will experience an opening of great wealth and fortune under the protection of the serpent's path. These signs enjoy good destiny connected to sacred and mystical forces. Their fortunes are strengthened as ancestral blessings reverse misfortune into good, with money flowing like a river, careers advancing, major projects developing, and blessings materializing according to wishes. May this merit be fulfilled for all.

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National

ANGEL Launches Mini Water Softener and Faucet Purifier in Thailand

ANGEL Group launched two water treatment products in Thailand—a compact whole-house softener that reduces hardness by up to 99.8% and a faucet purifier with antimicrobial technology—both available through HomePro with local installation sup

ANGEL Launches Mini Water Softener and Faucet Purifier in Thailand
2h ago Khaosod

Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2026 — ANGEL Group has launched two water treatment products in Thailand: the ANGEL Whole-House Mini Water Softener and ANGEL Faucet Water Purifier, designed to address hard water and contamination problems while improving water quality for Thai households. Both products are available through HomePro with installation and after-sales service provided by Mazuma, ANGEL's local partner.

The ANGEL Whole-House Mini Water Softener is designed for compact homes with a split-body structure measuring no more than 44 centimeters in height. It can be installed in both new and renovated homes and features a DIY Adjustable Softened Water Mode that lets users control water hardness levels, supporting a maximum flow rate of 25 liters per minute. The system uses a Dual Enhanced Softening System with a proprietary flat-distribution structure that reduces water hardness by up to 99.8% while lowering water and salt consumption. A patented smart control valve automatically adjusts resin regeneration cycles based on household water usage, while DuPont high-performance resin ensures stable operation, reduces scale buildup, and extends appliance lifespan.

The ANGEL Faucet Water Purifier features an 8-stage filtration system and patented APCM antimicrobial technology that inhibits microbes by 99.99%, protecting against contamination including resistant bacteria strains. It uses a cleanable ceramic filter cartridge combined with carbon-fiber ultrafiltration technology to eliminate sediment, rust, residual chlorine, odor, and other contaminants. Users can switch between normal water and filtered water modes with a flow rate of 1 liter per minute, making it ideal for cooking and kitchen use.

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National

Whoscall Launches Green Checkmark To Restore Business Trust

Whoscall launches a green checkmark verification system to help Thai businesses restore consumer trust and increase call pickup rates, addressing a crisis where over 40% of Thais reject unknown numbers. The new service includes branded call

Whoscall Launches Green Checkmark To Restore Business Trust
2h ago Khaosod

Whoscall, a TrustTech application by Goglook (Thailand), has launched "Whoscall Verified Number" featuring a green checkmark that verifies company identity and increases consumer confidence. The service transforms rejected calls into trusted communications, helping businesses recover lost sales in an era when over 40% of Thais refuse to answer unfamiliar numbers, creating a digital trust crisis that severely impacts Thailand's business sector.

Manavoo Joo, CEO of Goglook (Thailand), explained that fraudsters have made Thais reluctant to answer unknown numbers, affecting legitimate businesses as well. "Whoscall's green checkmark restores trust between brands and customers, reduces missed business opportunities, and drives sustainable growth for Thai businesses," he said.

The crisis is stark: statistics show Thai consumers reject unknown numbers at a rate of 40.1%. Savitree Chaisutti, head of business development at Goglook (Thailand), noted that this figure reflects massive lost commercial opportunities that the new service aims to address.

Whoscall Verified Number Pro introduces three new features for sales, marketing, and customer service teams:

**Brand Banner**: Displays ads on the caller ID screen with a clear "reason for calling," such as "approval notification" or "delivery confirmation," reducing hesitation and immediately increasing call pickup rates.

**Quick Reply Service**: When customers miss or end a call, a quick reply button appears on-screen, allowing instant connection to LINE, Facebook Messenger, or the company's chatbot, reducing dropped calls and enabling timely deal closure.

**Survey**: Immediately after a call ends, businesses can send short surveys directly to customers' screens, including 1-5 star ratings, yes/no questions, or links to promotional websites, enabling brands to collect data and measure results instantly at no additional cost.

Whoscall has also launched a new advertising campaign using fictional characters to illustrate the digital trust crisis, highlighting how even quality sales leads result in zero conversions when customers refuse to answer calls. The campaign presents Whoscall Verified Number as an intelligent solution to transform rejected calls into trusted connections.

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National

Deputy PM Supachai Assures She's Still Working

Deputy PM Supachai Suthumphanthum addressed speculation about her absence by appearing at a Bhumjaithai Party meeting on July 7, insisting she remains at work despite social media rumors.

Deputy PM Supachai Assures She's Still Working
2h ago Khaosod

On July 7, 2569, at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, acting as party leader, arrived for the weekly party meeting alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthumphanthum. When reporters asked Supachai about social media speculation regarding the Commerce Minister's whereabouts, she responded, "I'm here, I'm working," and waved to the press. Anutin added that Supachai had not disappeared. When pressed about whether the Prime Minister had ordered increased public communication in light of activity on the Commerce Ministry's Facebook page, Supachai confirmed there was nothing to report, emphasizing she works every day before excusing herself for the meeting. As they entered the elevator, Anutin reiterated to reporters: "Supachai has not disappeared."

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Father's Final Gift: Organ Donation Saves Five Lives

A 60-year-old man from Phetchabun Province died of a cerebral hemorrhage, and his family donated his heart, kidneys, and corneas to save five other patients at Phetchabun Hospital.

Father's Final Gift: Organ Donation Saves Five Lives
2h ago Khaosod

On July 7, 2026, Phetchabun Hospital held a ceremony honoring Somchai Pienphuangphan, 60, from Moo 5, Raweng Subdistrict, Muang District, Phetchabun Province, who died from a cerebral hemorrhage. Hospital Director Dr. Kobchai Jirchachanchai and administrators presented certificates of honor from the Thai Red Cross organ donation center and eye bank in recognition of the family's donation.

The donated organs—two corneas, two kidneys, and a heart—will help five other patients. Somchai's 25-year-old daughter, Arisara Pienphuangphan, revealed that her father was normally very healthy and rarely fell ill. Last Sunday, he complained of a severe headache and collapsed. After being rushed to Nong Phai Hospital and then transferred to Phetchabun Hospital, doctors diagnosed a cerebral hemorrhage and determined surgery was impossible due to the severity of his condition.

Initially, the family had accepted that their father would pass peacefully. However, when nurses informed them about the organ donation program, the family unanimously agreed to donate his organs as a final act of merit—something their father had always enjoyed doing. Arisara expressed her hope that if her father is aware, he would know the family will care for their mother well, and she wished his spirit peace in the next life.

Namchai Sitong, head nurse and director of Phetchabun Hospital's organ donation center, explained that the patient arrived with severe headaches and extensive brain bleeding that could not be surgically treated. The family agreed to donate the organs to the Thai Red Cross to help other patients in need.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Zen Group Refreshes Three Thai Isaan Brands Globally

Zen Group is rebranding three Thai Isaan restaurant chains—Tam Mua, Lao Yuan, and Khiang—with menu refreshes and expansion into tourist destinations across Thailand, Laos, and international markets. The fastest-growing brand, Khiang, is shi

Zen Group Refreshes Three Thai Isaan Brands Globally
2h ago Khaosod

Zen Group is launching a comprehensive 2025 rebranding of three Thai Isaan restaurant brands—Tam Mua, Lao Yuan, and Khiang—with new locations and expansion plans to bring Thai street food to international markets. On July 7, 2025, Sirutwat Chatchawal, Senior Executive Vice President of the Franchise Business Group at Zen Corporation Group Public Company Limited, revealed the company's strategy to refresh these brands to meet modern consumer demands for dining experiences beyond just satisfaction.

According to Sirutwat, Khiang is the fastest-growing brand, originally built through delivery platforms with 40% delivery sales and 60% dine-in revenue. The company is now shifting the balance to 20% delivery and 80% dine-in service, similar to traditional restaurants. The rebrand includes ten new menu items designed to attract modern customers to eat in-store more frequently, expected to increase average bill value from 200 baht to 300-400 baht per customer. The expansion also targets international tourists.

Khiang has opened locations in strategic tourist areas including Suvarnabhumi Airport and Khao Yai Village, serving as gateways for global visitors. Future locations will include Liberty Silom in Bangkok next month, Mae Rim and Nimmanhaemin in Chiang Mai, with studies underway for Pattaya, Chonburi, and Phuket. Currently operating 46 branches nationwide, Khiang plans to add five more locations by year-end—four in Thailand and one in Laos—bringing the total to 51 branches.

Tam Mua, with 70 current branches, is transitioning to standalone locations open until midnight with alcohol service. A pilot opened in Buriram, with three additional locations planned for Bangkok's Ari, Sukhumvit 50, and Onnuch areas. Lao Yuan targets opening two branches this year—one in Thailand and one in Laos—reaching 43 total branches by year-end, comprising 41 domestic and 2 international locations.

Sirutwat noted that all three brands experience continuous sales growth yearly, driven by their focus on som tam and pad krapow—two of the five essential Thai dishes. The rebranding strengthens Zen's Thai food portfolio in a competitive market valued at over 500 billion baht annually.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Teen Buys Lakers Jersey for $3, Discovers It's Worth Millions

A 19-year-old American thrift store shopper bought a Los Angeles Lakers jersey for $3 and discovered it belonged to NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, with Sotheby's estimating its auction value at $150,000-$250,000.

Teen Buys Lakers Jersey for $3, Discovers It's Worth Millions
2h ago Khaosod

On July 7, 2026, an incredible thrift store find made headlines in the secondhand collecting world. Quinn Brown, a 19-year-old American, purchased a Los Angeles Lakers jersey for just $3.07 (roughly 100 baht) only to discover it once belonged to NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, with an estimated auction value of $150,000-$250,000 (approximately 4.9-8.2 million baht).

Brown recounted how he spotted another customer holding the jersey while shopping, but when they decided against purchasing it and put it back, he quickly grabbed it. He then posted a photo on Instagram and was contacted by the prestigious auction house Sotheby's to authenticate the item.

Sotheby's confirmed the jersey was worn by Chamberlain during the 1972 NBA Finals. A similar game-worn Chamberlain jersey from that era previously sold for $4.9 million (approximately 163 million baht).

Wilt Chamberlain, known as "The Big Dipper," passed away in 1999 at age 63 and is considered one of basketball's greatest players. He holds the record for the highest scoring average in the league for seven consecutive seasons.

Sotheby's opened bidding for the jacket on July 1 with the auction closing on July 20.

Brown began collecting and reselling secondhand items during his high school years and eventually made it his full-time profession, completing over 10,000 sales. He spends 15-20 hours weekly hunting for valuable items in thrift stores but admits he never expected to find such a significant treasure. If the auction goes as expected, Brown plans to use the proceeds to improve his life and retire young.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Local

Construction Company Terminates Employee, Disclaims Liability

Ja's Construction has terminated its sales manager effective March 1, 2025, and disclaims liability for the former employee's future actions, directing clients to contact the company directly.

Construction Company Terminates Employee, Disclaims Liability
2h ago Khaosod

Ja's Construction has announced the formal termination of one employee. Ruay Dang Pang Dee Co., Ltd. (Ja's Construction) officially ends the employment of its sales department manager effective March 1, 2025. The company states it will not be held responsible for any actions taken by this individual after the termination date. Anyone with ongoing business matters with the former employee is instructed to contact the company through Line ID @jaban69. The announcement was issued on July 7, 2025. The construction business is owned by acclaimed singer Ja Nongphanee and has achieved considerable success as a contractor despite the economic difficulties many Thai businesses face.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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