Lanta & News
No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Transport Ministry Tightens Rules On Abandoned Construction Projects

Thailand's Transport Ministry has announced stricter penalties for contractors who abandon construction projects, requiring mandatory liability insurance and detailed safety plans to prevent accidents. The regulations follow past incidents

Transport Ministry Tightens Rules On Abandoned Construction Projects
1h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn announced draft regulations on July 8, 2025 at Government House to impose stricter penalties on construction contractors who abandon projects. The Transport Ministry considered environmental factors, particularly rising material costs due to war impacts and economic challenges, when assessing why contractors abandon work. The ministry emphasized safety as its highest priority, requiring all contractors to submit detailed safety plans and obtain liability insurance to protect affected parties and prevent repeat incidents like past accidents on Rama 2 Road, the Si Khiw incident in Nakhon Ratchasima, and tunnel collapse from landslides in Chiang Rai. The new law mandates contractors carry third-party liability insurance at minimum. Pipat stated the Transport Ministry is holding a brainstorming seminar under "MOT New Chapter" on July 13 with working groups covering all transport modes—land, rail, air, and water. He acknowledged the government has only been working for three months and most transport projects require considerable time, so measuring KPIs and showing results within this period is unrealistic. However, the ministry is actively working and reporting progress while focusing on improving the country's overall logistics system.

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Police

Foreign Tourist Refuses Jet Ski Damages, Assaults Operator

A foreign tourist refused to pay for jet ski damage at Patong Beach in Phuket and assaulted the operator, leaving him with a fractured cheekbone and multiple injuries, prompting police to launch a manhunt.

Foreign Tourist Refuses Jet Ski Damages, Assaults Operator
1h ago Khaosod

A foreign tourist family rented a jet ski that collided with another, causing damage. When the jet ski operator demanded compensation, the tourist refused to pay and then assaulted the operator, leaving him seriously injured. Police are searching for the suspect.

On July 7, an assault occurred at Patong Beach in Kathu District, Phuket Province, after a foreign tourist rented and operated a jet ski that collided with another jet ski. When the operator requested compensation for the damage, the tourist refused and fled the scene before attacking the operator.

Nuttavut Detiam, the jet ski operator, explained that after the collision, he attempted to discuss the matter peacefully and provided evidence of the damage. However, the tourist refused to pay compensation and fled toward Bangla Road. When the operator followed to ask why the tourist wouldn't accept responsibility, a heated argument ensued. The tourist then grabbed the operator, threw him to the ground, and punched him in the face multiple times before fleeing.

Medical examination revealed the victim suffered multiple injuries including bruising across his body, facial swelling, and a fractured cheekbone. The victim stated he did not fight back because he knew the person was a tourist and wanted to follow legal procedures.

After the incident, the victim filed a complaint with Deputy Police Lieutenant Piyanat Khuntong, the investigation officer at Patong Police Station. He reported that while working at Patong Beach, a family of three foreign tourists—a father, mother, and child—rented two jet skis that subsequently caused damage. During discussions about compensation, the tourists refused to pay and headed toward Bangla Road. The victim followed to pursue the matter and was assaulted. The perpetrator fled toward CentralFestival mall.

Police Colonel Grakkrit Khankhruea, commander of Patong Police Station, revealed that upon receiving the complaint, he ordered the investigation team to urgently review CCTV footage and gather evidence to track down the foreign tourist and prosecute according to law, while ensuring justice for all parties.

The victim is demanding the perpetrator be held liable for both the jet ski damage and the assault damages. He has also urged law enforcement to strictly enforce the law against tourists who commit offenses, to build confidence among business operators and tourism workers in Phuket Province.

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National

Education Ministry Launches Rights Protection Centers Nationwide

Thailand's Education Ministry launched nationwide Rights, Freedoms and Safety Protection Centers to safeguard students and staff in both public and private schools, with 24-hour operations and a focus on transparency in handling complaints.

Education Ministry Launches Rights Protection Centers Nationwide
1h ago Khaosod

Deputy Education Minister Akkhnanth Kankanittinan announced the establishment of Rights, Freedoms and Safety Protection Centers across the Education Ministry on July 8, 2026. He presided over the third private education management coordination meeting held at the Private Education Commission office and broadcast via Zoom to regional units nationwide. The goal is to strengthen oversight, promotion, and delivery of private education services to a uniform national standard.

Akkhnanth stated that private education is a cornerstone of human resource development. The primary initiative unveiled today is the establishment of Rights, Freedoms and Safety Protection Centers to actively safeguard students and staff. He emphasized three critical operational guidelines:

1. Unity: Public and private education authorities at provincial and district levels must implement policy seamlessly without gaps 2. Proactive Safety: Vigilantly monitor and promptly address incidents affecting teachers' and students' rights and welfare with precision 3. Efficiency: Integrate regional data systems with central offices to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for private schools

Akkhnanth noted that the new Education Ministry prioritizes transparency and accuracy, standardizing all complaint-reception units under the single name "Rights, Freedoms and Safety Protection Centers." The ministry is implementing the Traffy Fondue technology system to track operations, currently navigating legal processes across agencies with rapid completion expected. Neglectful areas will be flagged red for immediate performance assessment. These centers will operate 24 hours daily.

In closing remarks, Akkhnanth emphasized the need to change organizational culture by ending concealment, accepting truth, and collaborating on solutions. When incidents occur, information must be disclosed and discussed openly to heal victims and support all affected parties holistically. Regional administrators must serve as the first line of problem-solving. The Rights, Freedoms and Safety Protection Centers, established to protect all teachers, students, and staff sustainably, will serve as a permanent mechanism of the Education Ministry going forward.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Six Zodiac Signs Poised for Fortune in Second Half

Astrologer Mo Boi predicts six zodiac signs—Aries, Pisces, Gemini, Taurus, Leo, and Cancer—will experience a major fortune reversal in the second half of the year, with improved careers, finances, and relationships after struggling through

Six Zodiac Signs Poised for Fortune in Second Half
1h ago Khaosod

According to astrologer Mo Boi, six zodiac signs—Aries, Pisces, Gemini, Taurus, Leo, and Cancer—will see their fortunes reverse in the second half of the year. Those born under these signs have endured a difficult first half marked by obstacles, financial strain, and interpersonal betrayals that felt like endless cycles of hardship. However, the astrologer predicts a dramatic shift beginning in the latter half of the year. Life will stabilize, career prospects will flourish across all areas, debts will decrease, and wealth will surge dramatically. Romantic prospects will also improve, with these individuals radiating charm and charisma that draws good fortune. The astrologer promises major windfalls, remarkable speaking ability, and an overall reversal of circumstances after months of struggle.

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Breaking

Henderson Posts First Update After Billboard Fall Injury

Jordan Henderson breaks his silence on social media following a wrist injury sustained after England's World Cup victory over Mexico, confirming he will require surgery and miss the tournament.

Henderson Posts First Update After Billboard Fall Injury
1h ago Khaosod

Jordan Henderson, England's accomplished midfielder, has posted for the first time since suffering a wrist injury while celebrating after the match against Mexico. Henderson's wrist injury occurred when he fell from an advertising billboard while celebrating with teammates following England's victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was subsequently revealed that he will miss the opportunity to play in the 2026 World Cup due to requiring wrist surgery. Before Henderson's own social media activity resumed for the first time since the incident, he wrote: "Definitely a memorable evening. Incredible performance facing different challenges" and "Proud to be part of this special team. Thanks for the support. Another great Saturday."

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Doctor Warns: Liver Fluke Infection Can Strike Without Symptoms

Liver fluke infections are spreading among young people in Thailand with no obvious symptoms, but can silently cause bile duct cancer over time, warns a hospital doctor after screening found thousands infected at universities in Mukdahan Pr

Doctor Warns: Liver Fluke Infection Can Strike Without Symptoms
1h ago Khaosod

Doctor Jed warns: You can get liver fluke without any symptoms and risk bile duct cancer without knowing it. Liver fluke parasites are closer to home than many realize.

After Mukdahan Province screened students at Mahasarakham University and found 4,000 infected cases, the provincial governor ordered comprehensive testing and treatment for all confirmed patients.

Dr. Jetsadej Boonwongvirojn, deputy director of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, posted on his Facebook page "Dr. Jed" warning that infection can occur without symptoms and carry serious cancer risk. Screening of 12,733 new students at Mahasarakham University found 4,233 infected (33%), while Mahasarakham Rajabhat University screened 1,922 and found 380 infected (19%). Provincial screening of over 20,000 people revealed an 11% infection rate.

These numbers reveal that liver fluke is no longer just an older generation problem. University students are getting infected. Healthy-looking people are getting infected. Many infected individuals show no symptoms at all—no stomach pain, no jaundice, no feeling of illness. Yet the parasites may already be lodged in bile ducts, gradually causing inflammation. The frightening part is we may not remember which meal caused the infection: a fish cake, undercooked fermented fish, or fish sauce we thought was safely fermented.

Today I want to speak clearly about this because something starting with a few raw dishes may not end with just parasites—it can extend to bile duct cancer.

1. Why don't many people realize they're infected?

Because liver flukes are experts at "staying quiet." With light infection, people function normally, eat normally, work, study—nothing clearly warns of internal problems. Some may experience only occasional bloating, indigestion, or right rib pain, thinking it's poor digestion. But prolonged or repeated infection causes bile ducts to inflame, thicken, and potentially rupture.

2. How does the parasite enter the body?

The real risk is freshwater fish with white scales eaten raw or undercooked—like snakehead, mullet, or climbing perch used in fish cakes, raw fish salad, or undercooked fish dishes. Regarding fish sauce: properly fermented and cooked fish sauce differs from raw or unknown-source fish sauce in risk level. "Fermented for a long time" doesn't automatically mean safe, especially without prior heat treatment.

3. Lime juice, salt, and chili don't equal cooking

Many believe "squeezing lime until fish flesh turns white means it's cooked." It's not. The whitening comes from citric acid changing the flesh's texture, not providing heat or guaranteeing parasite death. Salt, pepper, alcohol, or sourness cannot replace boiling, steaming, or grilling.

4. How does a tiny parasite become cancer?

The parasites don't simply settle passively. They cling to bile ducts, causing repeated irritation and inflammation. The body repairs, inflames again, repairs again. Over many years of this cycle, bile duct cells can change abnormally and develop into cancer. Not everyone infected develops cancer, but those with chronic infection, repeated raw food consumption, and no treatment face increasingly high risk.

5. Who should get screened?

Anyone who has eaten raw dishes—fish cakes, raw fish salad, undercooked fermented fish, or freshwater fish still red inside. Don't assume past consumption is irrelevant.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Drug Hub: Cannabis Deregulation Spirals Without Control

A Thai MP warns that cannabis deregulation since 2022 has turned Thailand into a global drug hub, with nearly 3,000 smuggling cases and 300,000 kilograms seized in eight months, while psychiatric cases from use tripled to over 20,000 annual

Thailand Drug Hub: Cannabis Deregulation Spirals Without Control
1h ago Khaosod

Speaking at Parliament on July 8, 2025, Nathapong Ruengpanya, a list-system MP and Pheu Thai party leader, criticized the government's cannabis deregulation policy, stating that Thailand is now becoming a global cannabis export hub and is viewed by international governments as a base for transnational criminal gangs and drug traffickers. Customs data from October 2024 to May 2025 document nearly 3,000 cannabis smuggling cases involving over 300,000 kilograms worth approximately 4 billion baht, with many additional cases escaping detection overseas—including recent seizures of 23 kilograms in Hong Kong, over 1.2 tons in Poland and Germany hidden in shipping containers valued at 450 million baht, and 3.37 tons of high-quality cannabis flowers seized in Indonesia.

Ruengpanya attributed this deterioration to 2022, when Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, then Public Health Minister, removed cannabis from the drug list—a move at odds with destination countries that maintain cannabis as an illegal narcotic. The impact on Thai citizens is stark: psychiatric cases from cannabis use surged from approximately 6,500 in 2019 to over 20,000 in 2023—a threefold jump—following deregulation.

The MP argued that deregulating cannabis without sufficient legal safeguards has failed to address critical gaps. There is no minimum age requirement for purchasing cannabis products, unlike strict regulations governing alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets. Producers operate under only three license types—sales and processing, export, and research—but notably lack a manufacturing license. This gap means authorities cannot track total cannabis stocks or production volume, making oversight impossible.

Ruengpanya called for immediate government action, urging the Prime Minister to directly oversee relevant agencies, including the Narcotics Control Board, to establish comprehensive short-term solutions. While Pheu Thai supports medical cannabis use, the party insists that proper legal controls—which have been neglected for four years under Anutin and the Bhumjaithai party—are essential to prevent the current spiral of problems.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Opposition Party Maps Two Scenarios For Energy Loan Verdict

Opposition parties warned the Constitutional Court on July 8 that rejecting the government's 400-billion-baht energy decree could create financial complications, while questioning whether the second 200-billion-baht tranche lacks sufficient

Opposition Party Maps Two Scenarios For Energy Loan Verdict
1h ago Khaosod

On July 8, 2569, opposition party representatives Sirikanya Tansakul and Weerayut Kanchanchuchart held a press conference at Parliament regarding the Constitutional Court's July 9 hearing on whether the government's 400-billion-baht energy decree violates Article 172 of the Constitution. Sirikanya outlined two main scenarios: the decree passes entirely, or it fails. She warned that if rejected, complications would arise since 200 billion baht has already been disbursed to Thai Help Thai Plus projects and state fund allocations. The remaining 200 billion baht lacks emergency necessity and clear roadmap, raising concerns about fund padded with unnecessary projects under the guise of crisis response.

Weerayut expressed heightened concerns about the second tranche of 200 billion baht designated for energy transition, noting the complete absence of conditions, targets, or timeline for achieving the transition. He warned of potential budget manipulation and questioned whether the December 2570 spending deadline would create pressure for inefficient fund utilization. As the decree represents significant public debt, ineffective implementation risks wasting resources without achieving energy transition goals. The party called for government accountability should damages occur.

Party leader Natthapon Ruangpanyanvut suggested that if the court rules negatively, the government will need to reassess cabinet ministers' performance, as evidenced by recent credit rating downgrades and ongoing evaluation demands.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Dew and Tee Star In Dark Manga Murder Mystery Series

Dew and Tee star in GMMTV's dark manga thriller "Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order," with the actor drawing real artwork for the series and his co-star undergoing martial arts training for his detective role. The murder mystery airs Tuesdays

Dew and Tee Star In Dark Manga Murder Mystery Series
2h ago Khaosod

GMMTV, Thailand's leading content provider, invites fans to experience the thriller "Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order" starring Dew Jirawat Sutthiwanit and Tee Theeradej Witipanichaya at "Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order The First Page" event. The dark manga artwork comes to life on screen with exceptional chemistry between the two leads.

Both actors revealed their intensive preparation for the series. Dew plays a cartoonist and has contributed his real drawing skills to create manga artwork for nearly the entire production. Tee plays a tough detective and, aside from fitness training, has taken martial arts classes and studied action films sent by the director as homework. Dew actively supports his co-star by sending detective and investigation films for Tee to watch.

The two explained that working together as friends on a series makes the job easier and creates mutual understanding that extends beyond their on-screen performances. Dew has offered character guidance and film recommendations. Their collaboration also includes music, with "True Colors" serving as their debut duet.

Dew shared that he enjoys singing and has taken additional vocal lessons from a singing teacher friend. Future musical contributions are planned but remain unannounced.

"Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order" airs every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on GMM 25, with episodes available on the oneD app. Both actors emphasized the full commitment and intensity of their work, with an unpredictable ending.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Nong Nooch Partners with Chinese Botanical Garden on Global Plant Conservation

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden became Thailand's first private organization to partner with China National Botanical Garden on a five-year plant conservation and research initiative, signing the agreement Tuesday with China's ambassad

Nong Nooch Partners with Chinese Botanical Garden on Global Plant Conservation
2h ago Khaosod

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden has made history as the first private Thai organization to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China National Botanical Garden (North Garden) to jointly advance plant species conservation, research, and botanical resource development at the international level.

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Fueang Fa Conference Room between Kampol Tansatcha, president of Nong Nooch Pattaya, and Dr. Wei Yu, deputy director of China National Botanical Garden (North Garden), with Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jie serving as witness. Both parties have established a five-year cooperation framework.

This collaboration represents a crucial step in linking Thailand's botanical garden network to the world stage by integrating the capabilities of two leading organizations. China National Botanical Garden (North Garden) is renowned for its research, plant species conservation, and botanical education, while Nong Nooch Pattaya is internationally recognized as one of the world's largest collections of palms and cycads, as well as for conserving tropical plants, rare species, and plant genetic resources.

Following the signing, Kampol Tansatcha led delegations from both organizations in planting a Cedrela fissilis tree at the "Forest Tree Garden" in the foothills of Khao Khiao to symbolize the beginning of their collaborative conservation and plant species research efforts between Thailand and China. This South American native species is experiencing population decline in nature due to logging and forest loss, reflecting both organizations' shared commitment to preserving the world's valuable plant resources for future generations.

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Police

Biohazard Truck Hits Broken-Down Car, Two Foreigners Injured

A biohazard waste truck traveling at excessive speed struck a disabled vehicle on a Rayong roadside on July 8, injuring two African nationals, with rescue efforts initially delayed when panicked companions blocked access to the trapped vict

Biohazard Truck Hits Broken-Down Car, Two Foreigners Injured
2h ago Khaosod

A biohazard waste truck collided with the rear of a disabled vehicle parked on the roadside, injuring two foreign nationals. Rescue workers were initially obstructed while attempting to assist.

On July 8, 2025, an accident occurred near kilometer marker 90-91 in Kraesabhan subdistrict, Kaeng district, Rayong province. Three African nationals traveling from Bangkok to Chanthaburi experienced vehicle trouble and pulled over to the shoulder to inspect their car. During this time, 50-year-old Patchphon, a biohazard waste truck driver en route from Samut Prakan to Chanthaburi, was driving at excessive speed. The truck lost control and struck the rear of the disabled vehicle with considerable force. The impact propelled the truck into all three foreigners, resulting in two injuries, with one victim suffering a crushed right leg.

When Kaeng district rescue personnel from the Buddhist Community Relief Association arrived to help the victim trapped under the vehicle, the victim's companions became panicked and blocked rescue efforts, refusing to let officials near the injured person. Despite rescue workers' attempts to communicate using sign language, their efforts were unsuccessful. The officials eventually withdrew to allow the companions to attempt their own rescue. After realizing they were unable to help, the companions finally permitted rescue personnel to proceed. Using a hydraulic jack to lift the truck, rescue workers extracted the victim and transported him urgently to Kaeng Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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