Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
Breaking

Tragedy: Five Italian Tourists Die While Cave Diving 50 Meters Deep in the Maldives

Five Italian tourists, including a marine biology professor from the University of Genoa and her daughter, died while cave diving at 50 meters depth in the Maldives on May 14. The Maldivian military recovered all five bodies following a high-risk rescue operation in rough weather conditions near Alimatha, one of the atoll's most popular diving sites. The incident marks another fatal diving tragedy in the Maldives in recent years.

4d ago Khaosod

Five Italian citizens have died in a diving accident while exploring a cave 50 meters deep at Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives, Italy's Foreign Ministry confirmed on May 15. The Maldivian military found one body in the underwater cave and, believing the other four divers were still inside, deployed a specialized deep-water rescue team despite the extreme risks involved. They eventually recovered all five victims. The five Italians entered the water early on May 14 from a liveaboard dive vessel, and crew members reported them missing after an extended period. Police cited rough weather conditions in the area, approximately 100 kilometers south of the capital Malé, and a yellow warning had been issued for passenger and fishing boats. The University of Genoa later identified the victims as a marine biology professor, her 20-year-old daughter, and two young researchers. The university expressed its deepest condolences to the families on social media. While diving accidents are relatively rare in the Maldives, several fatalities have been reported in recent years, including an experienced British female diver who died during a deep dive off Elig Dhoo in December 2024, and a Japanese national who was a member of parliament who died while diving on the Laviyani Atoll coral reef in 2023.

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National

Gold Prices Today, May 15, 2025: Sharp Decline Announced

The Gold Traders Association reported a sharp decline in gold prices on May 15, 2025, with gold ornaments dropping 850 baht per gram to 71,900 baht. Gold bars are buying at 70,900 baht and selling at 71,100 baht per gram, while global gold prices stand at $4,616 per ounce. Traders predict prices could surge by 1,000-2,000 baht in tomorrow's market opening.

4d ago Khaosod

Gold prices on May 15, 2025 have experienced a sharp continued decline according to the Gold Traders Association. Gold ornaments are selling at 71,900 baht per gram, down 850 baht compared to May 14's closing price. The latest information from the Gold Traders Association was posted on their website at 09:06 AM. Gold bars are being purchased at 70,900 baht per gram and sold at 71,100 baht per gram according to the first announcement. For 96.5% gold ornaments, the buying price stands at 69,478.28 baht per gram and the selling price at 71,900 baht per gram. Global gold prices (Gold Spot) are currently at $4,616.00 per ounce. Gold traders predict that tomorrow's market opening could see prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per gram, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht mark.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Royal Gazette Announces Election Commission Dissolution of Political Party with Explanation

The Election Commission has officially announced the dissolution of Phalang Thongthin Thai political party following a vote by the party's administrative committee on December 29, 2024. The party, which had been registered since 2012, ceased to exist as a political entity once the announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on May 15, 2025. The dissolution was conducted in accordance with the Political Party Act of 2017.

4d ago Khaosod

The Royal Gazette has published an Election Commission announcement declaring the dissolution of Phalang Thongthin Thai party and explaining the reasons, effective May 15, 2025. The party was originally registered on March 30, 2012, with policy and bylaw amendments approved on August 14, 2013, in compliance with the Political Party Act of 2017. Party Leader Prasertsin Sriakkhrakul notified the party registrar that during the party's 4th administrative committee meeting on December 29, 2024, the committee passed a resolution to dissolve Phalang Thongthin Thai under Article 100 of the party bylaws. This decision resulted in the party's dissolution under Section 91(3) of the Political Party Act of 2017. The Election Commission formally announced the party's dissolution under Section 91(7) and the second paragraph of the Political Party Act of 2017, effective from the date of publication in the Royal Gazette.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Community

Ratchaburi's Dish of the Week: Hand-Rolled Meatballs Charcoal Grilled, Delicious and Fresh with Charcoal Aroma, Affordable Prices

A Ratchaburi vendor has launched a hand-rolled meatball business using traditional charcoal-grilling methods, attracting steady customers with delicious, affordable offerings at just 10 baht per stick. The enterprise was started with minimal investment—just 500 baht—by Abhisit Sinseangium, who learned the craft through YouTube and now operates a mobile stand outside Nong Pla Mao temple with support from his wife, Sirikanjana, who hand-rolls the meatballs daily.

4d ago Khaosod

Ratchaburi's featured dish of the week showcases traditional hand-rolled pork meatballs charcoal grilled—delicious, fresh, not gamey, and fragrant with charcoal smoke—priced affordably at 10 baht per stick with a special promotion of buy 10 get 1 free.

Ms. Sirikanjana Kunyanawashin from Nong Pla Mao subdistrict in Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi, hand-rolls approximately 10 kilograms of pork meatballs daily using traditional techniques. Her husband, Abhisit Sinseangium, operates a charcoal-grilled stand outside Nong Pla Mao temple. The meatballs' delicious, fresh taste and charcoal aroma attract steady daily customers, providing reliable family income.

According to Sirikanjana, the meatball-rolling technique requires kneading cold pork thoroughly before shaping to ensure uniform size. She uses a spoon to drop them into gently simmered water, then increases heat once the pot is full while continuously stirring so the meatballs float evenly and cook through with a distinct pork aroma.

The key to tender, evenly-cooked meatballs is patience and skill developed over months of practice. Proper technique is crucial during the simmering stage—using high heat causes uneven cooking, deformation, and hardened or torn surfaces.

Abhisit previously worked in a meatball factory but left due to health issues and struggled with various business attempts until having only 500 baht remaining from his mother. With limited capital, he invested in fresh pork and repurposed kitchen equipment—a pot and gas stove—to make hand-rolled meatballs, avoiding expensive commercial equipment costs.

He learned traditional meatball techniques through YouTube and tested his product at local merit ceremonies. After receiving positive feedback, he converted a motorcycle into a sidecar stand with a charcoal grill, which reduced costs while providing distinctive charcoal smoke aroma. He scores the meatballs before grilling to ensure deep, even heat penetration.

Abhisit credits his mother's support for helping him persevere through difficult economic times. Resourcefulness with available materials enabled him to create this meatball business. Interested customers can visit the stand outside Nong Pla Mao temple from afternoon until evening, then at the C.J. convenience store branch in Nong Pla Mao in the evening. Prices are 10 baht per stick (buy 10 get 1 free). For inquiries, call 0659832295.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thank Phongsakorn Posts Emotional Photos with His Sons, Fans Rush to Offer Support

Thai actor Thank Phongsakorn posted emotional photos with his two sons, captioning them with a cryptic message that sparked concern among his followers. Thousands of fans flooded the comments with supportive messages and heart emojis, though the exact nature of his situation remains unclear. The vague yet melancholic post has left many wondering about potential family changes.

4d ago Khaosod

In a recent social media post, actor Thank Phongsakorn shared several photos with his two sons accompanied by a melancholic caption stating 'From now on, it's just the two of us, and that's enough.' The emotional post quickly garnered numerous supportive comments from concerned fans, who left messages like 'Are you okay bro,' 'Don't say that,' 'Sending you strength,' and 'Whatever happens, I hope everything works out for the best for everyone.' Many followers sent heart emojis and expressed their worry, with some offering philosophical support such as 'Starting with love, understanding, patience, and forgiveness, we will always find our way.' The ambiguous caption and the outpouring of concern suggest that Thank may be going through a challenging personal situation, though he has not specified the exact nature of the matter.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Satun's Featured Dish: 'Oven-Roasted and Rotisserie Chicken' with Aromatic Spice Marinade

A popular roasted and rotisserie chicken shop in Satun Province's Kuan Don District has become a must-visit culinary destination, especially during Ramadan, selling 80-90 chickens daily. The restaurant offers two distinct preparations of large chickens using the same spice marinade—tender rotisserie chicken and drier, more aromatic oven-roasted versions—each requiring careful 2-3 hour slow-roasting over charcoal. Priced at 125 baht for half a chicken and 250 baht for a whole bird, the shop has gained popularity among both local Thai Muslim residents and tourists.

4d ago Khaosod

Satun stakes its claim among Thailand's 77 provinces with a culinary gem: 'Oven-Roasted and Rotisserie Chicken,' featuring an aromatic spice marinade with two distinct preparations. Whether you're driving along Yantratrakam Road heading out of the city, you'll notice the smoky aroma emanating from this famous roasted chicken establishment located just before the Kuan Stato traffic light (Wang Prachan Border) in Kuan Don District, Satun Province. It has become a must-visit taste destination where Thai Muslim locals and tourists consistently stop by for support.

The shop's appeal lies in its two-style presentation of large chickens weighing nearly two kilograms. Both use the same intense spice marinade but deliver distinctly different textures based on customer preference. The rotisserie chicken emphasizes tenderness and succulence, while the oven-roasted version offers drier, more aromatic meat—both are incredibly popular, especially during Ramadan.

Behind the delicious flavors are staff members 'Nong Ha' and 'Mai,' whose meticulous attention to detail—including 2-3 hours of slow-roasting over charcoal with consistently low heat—ensures the chicken cooks evenly throughout while preserving the complete spice bouquet. Rushing the fire risks burnt skin and undercooked meat.

The 'Oven-Roasted and Rotisserie Chicken' shop operates exclusively during Ramadan, setting up their ovens in the afternoon to prepare hot chickens for the breaking-of-fast period. Sales are guaranteed at 80-90 chickens daily.

Friendly pricing: half chicken for 125 baht, whole chicken for 250 baht. To order, call Mai at 098-674-7468.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Local

Ang Thong's Hidden Gem: Uncle Chalerm's Crispy Banana Chips Are Flying Off the Shelves

Uncle Chalerm from Ang Thong has turned surplus banana crops into a thriving business selling crispy banana chips in three flavors at affordable prices. His homemade snacks have become so popular that customers continuously reorder, praising both the taste and value for money.

4d ago Khaosod

In Ang Thong Province, crispy banana chips made by Uncle Chalerm Rassamee, a village headman from Moo 6, Yi Loen Subdistrict, Wisetchai District, have become the talk of the town. After his banana crop flooded the market at low prices, Chalerm pivoted to processing bananas into crispy chips, which his wife now sells alongside fresh fruit at Ang Thong Market. The snacks come in three flavors—salty, sweet, and paprika—priced at 20 baht per bag or three bags for 50 baht, with bulk orders available at 150 baht per kilogram. The crispy, fresh chips combine sweet, salty, and tangy notes that keep customers coming back for more.

Chalerm explained that he and his wife run both a farm and a fruit stand at the Municipal Fresh Market 2 on Soi Thai Panich Bank in the downtown area. When banana prices plummeted, he started making the chips, and customers were immediately hooked by the taste and affordability. The secret to his recipe involves using nearly-ripe bananas that are peeled, soaked in lime water, dried, and then fried with pandan leaves for a fragrant crunch.

For the salty version, he adds salt water to the finished chips. The sweet version gets a double-fry treatment with sugared water, while the paprika flavor is dusted with paprika powder. Interested customers can find the chips at Municipal Fresh Market 2 or call 089-0879431 to place orders.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Surat Thani's Signature Dish: Khao Siao Po with Nakhon Pathom Recipe, a Century-Old Culinary Tradition

Surat Thani's celebrated khao siao po, prepared with a traditional Nakhon Pathom recipe over 100 years old, is featured as a must-try local dish. The restaurant, now run by third-generation owner Khun Jeng, serves crispy-outside, tender-inside meat with a secret spice sauce and rotating daily curry soups at affordable prices from 50-150 baht.

4d ago Khaosod

Surat Thani's featured dish is khao siao po with the traditional Nakhon Pathom recipe, a culinary treasure passed down for over a century. The dish boasts a crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat inside, paired with a signature secret sauce infused with aromatic spices that tantalize the senses and leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.

Reporter Thanapat Chirajint from Surat Thani province invites you to experience this iconic dish, emphasizing that visitors to Surat Thani must stop by Khao Siao Po Old Recipe restaurant, branch 2, which has maintained its traditional formula for over 100 years. The restaurant evolved from a street cart operation into a comfortable sit-down establishment.

The restaurant is managed by "Khun Jeng," Ms. Kanjana Ratchathan Paisalakitti, 40, the third-generation owner. She explains that the khao siao po recipe has been served for over a century, inherited from her grandmother's generation. All ingredients are prepared fresh daily according to the original formula, including red pork, crispy pork, roasted duck, and Chinese sausage.

All ingredients are marinated with the restaurant's proprietary recipe, then grilled over charcoal. The crispy pork is grilled in 5-kilogram portions to achieve the perfect crispiness outside while remaining tender inside. The roasted duck features crispy skin and tender meat, topped with a special secret sauce made from a unique blend of spices. When eaten, the aromatic spices rise to your nose, creating a refreshing sensation.

It's best enjoyed with mild curry soup, which changes daily. Different curries are served on different days: pumpkin and pork bone curry (Sunday-Monday), glass noodle and minced pork curry (Tuesday-Friday), pickled mustard greens and pork bone curry (Wednesday-Saturday), and turnip and pork bone curry (Thursday).

Prices: khao siao po is 50 baht per plate or 60 baht for the special portion. Full meal sets range from 100-150 baht. The restaurant is located at 140/18 Moo 2, Makham Tia Subdistrict, Muang District, Surat Thani Province. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For directions, call 083-142-6642.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Samut Prakan Hidden Gem: Ancient Pork Noodle Soup—Delicious and Filling for Just 10 Baht, Perfect for Relaxing by the Canal

Sriwan's ancient pork noodle soup shop in Samut Prakan's Nakhon Nueang Khet Old Market has operated for 30 years, serving delicious bowls for just 10 baht—an affordable meal for low-income residents. Located in a charming two-story wooden building along the canal, the shop is famous for its signature sweet and balanced broth that attracts both locals and Bangkok tourists. Local authorities are working to revive the historic market's tourism appeal with new attractions and photo spots.

4d ago Khaosod

Today, the "77 Provinces Delicacies" series featuring reporter Kong Keriat Buddhirungsimaphon from Thai PBS Samut Prakan takes us to sample ancient-style pork noodle soup at just 10 baht—incredibly affordable. Sriwan's ancient pork noodle shop operates inside the Nakhon Nueang Khet Old Market in Mueang District, Samut Prakan. Housed in a charming two-story wooden structure along Nakhon Nueang Khet Canal, the shop retains classic architectural appeal.

The standout feature is the shop's affordable pork noodle soup at just 10 baht per regular bowl or 20 baht for a special portion—bucking current economic trends. Diners can enjoy their meal with a lovely canal-side atmosphere, and the shop's delicious offerings are guaranteed after 30 years in business. The owner aims to help low-income residents, allowing anyone with 20 baht to enjoy a satisfying meal.

Aunt Sriwan, or Chanapa Suwanthanajai, 69, the shop owner, revealed she has been selling ancient-style pork noodle soup for over 30 years. She started at 5 baht per bowl, adjusted to 8 baht, and only five years ago raised the price to 10 baht due to change-making challenges. Special portions increased from 15 baht to 20 baht.

On regular days, she uses approximately 5–6 kilograms of noodles daily, while weekends see sales reaching 10 kilograms per day. The reason for maintaining these prices is low overhead costs—the shop building is her own property, requiring no rent. She intentionally keeps prices low to serve as a signature establishment within the old market, and to support low-income community members who can afford a full meal with just 20 baht.

Another highlight is the shop's distinctive broth recipe with a unique sweet and harmonious flavor that attracts many customers, particularly Bangkok tourists. One visiting couple reportedly orders as many as 14 bowls during their visits because they love the unique taste. The broth is made with finely ground pork mixed into the stock.

Aunt Sriwan confirms that despite economic hardship, she remains committed to selling at 10 baht to continue supporting community members with limited income.

Meanwhile, Surakij Arthasiriphanya, Tambon Nakhon Nueang Khet Subdistrict Chief, revealed that the old market was once bustling with constant tourist traffic but quieted down following the COVID-19 situation. The subdistrict administration has since enhanced the landscape and added multiple photo spots to accommodate tourists, inviting the public to return to visit the ancient floating market, purchase community goods, and experience the authentic canal-side lifestyle preserved in its original charm.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Nakhon Pathom's Beloved Fried Pork with Rendered Fat Wins Asia's Food Guide 2026 Award

The renowned street food stall "Moo Tod Nam Uan Chuan Huai" in Nakhon Pathom has been awarded Asia's Food Guide 2026, earning recognition from Reels Food Asia for its exceptional quality and unique signature dishes. The restaurant is planning to expand to Chiang Mai and Bangkok, with an official launch expected in mid-June 2025, while maintaining affordable prices despite its Asian-level culinary standards.

4d ago Khaosod

The celebrated street food stall "Moo Tod Nam Uan Chuan Huai" (Fried Pork with Rendered Fat) at Wat Rai King in Nakhon Pathom has won the Asia's Food Guide 2026 award from Reels Food Asia and Reels Business 2026, earning recognition as one of Thailand's most sought-after street food destinations. The award celebrates restaurants with excellent quality, outstanding taste, and unique characteristics that set them apart.

Reels Food Asia has named "Moo Tod Nam Uan Chuan Huai" as one of this year's must-visit street food shops, highlighting signature dishes including crispy fried pork neck with concentrated, aromatic flavor, crispy pork with fluffy skin, and spicy papaya salad with crab and fermented fish paste. The menu also features a special creamy tom yum shrimp soup that has become a customer favorite.

One distinctive feature that sets this restaurant apart is their signature secret-recipe crispy corn, served with every menu item, adding an irresistible crunch and perfect flavor balance that customers say cannot be found elsewhere.

Beyond exceptional taste, Reels Food Asia and Reels Business also praised the restaurant for offering quality food at accessible prices that truly reflect authentic Thai street food culture. Despite its Asian award-level quality, the food remains affordably priced, allowing all customer segments to enjoy the experience at great value.

The stall has been named "The Street Food Guide 2026" by Reels Food Asia and Reels Business, recognized as a must-try street food destination. The restaurant plans to expand to Chiang Mai first, followed by Bangkok, with an official opening expected in mid-June 2025 to meet nationwide customer demand.

Street food enthusiasts and those who love bold, flavorful dishes should not miss the opportunity to experience the Asian-level deliciousness of "Moo Tod Nam Uan Chuan Huai," currently the hottest trending food stall in the region.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Community

Buzz Around 'Kha Thok Spirit Shrine' as Wishes Come True; Locals Seek Lucky Three-Digit Numbers

The 'Kha Thok Spirit Shrine' in Uthai Thani Province has become a popular destination among locals seeking blessings, with residents reporting their wishes have been granted repeatedly. The nearly 100-year-old shrine was previously called the 'Flower Spirit Shrine' but was renamed after locals found it more effective. As the government lottery draw approaches, devotees are visiting to seek lucky numbers and divine their chances at winning.

4d ago Khaosod

The 'Kha Thok Spirit Shrine' has been generating excitement as devotees report their wishes being granted repeatedly; locals are now seeking lucky three-digit numbers. The shrine, which has stood for nearly 100 years, was previously called the 'Flower Spirit Shrine' by residents. On May 15, 2569, residents in Moo 1, Ban Nam Tok, Sakaekrang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uthai Thani Province, have been visiting the shrine with incense and candles to pay respects, timing their visits ahead of the government lottery draw on May 16, 2569. The shrine features prominent deputy spirit statues displayed both at the front and rear. Locals report that the shrine has fulfilled their wishes repeatedly—whether requesting exemption from military service, career success, or good fortune.

According to 55-year-old Nang Nam Oay, the shrine has existed for nearly 100 years and was formerly called the 'Flower Spirit Shrine,' but residents found it ineffective and renamed it 'Kha Thok Spirit Shrine' with better results. Grateful devotees have brought deputy spirit statues to the shrine as offerings. After receiving blessings, locals light incense to divine lottery numbers, with the number 173 being one such result. Locals plan to use these divined numbers for the lottery draw and, if they win, will clean the shrine and bring additional deputy spirit statues as offerings of gratitude.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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