Koh Lanta Community News — Events & Island Life
Khon Kaen Community Enshrines 400-Year-Old White Buddha
The ancient Luang Pho Phra Khao Buddha statue, believed to be over 400 years old, was enshrined in the Isan sim of Wat Pa Saeng Arun in Khon Kaen after a ceremony led by senior monks and the former governor. Participants dressed in white joined the rite, which now allows daily worship from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Devotees believe praying to the statue brings success and the fulfillment of wishes, and the temple also runs a merit‑making lottery and accepts donations for its upkeep.
Thai Actor Ken Thanks Himself for 15 Years in Showbiz
Thai actor Ken Phuphoom Phongphanphak, 34, says he’s busy despite a low‑key profile, highlighting his current series “Blood Legacy” and upcoming film “Nakee 3: Garuda Nakee.” In an interview, he reflected on 15 years in showbiz, his approach to role selection, and his openness to playing a villain. He also shared that his biggest goal now is to succeed in business alongside his acting career.
CGA, Odyssey Launch Premium Putting Lab in Bangkok
CGA and Odyssey have officially launched the Odyssey Putting Lab Thailand at the Rama 3 Driving Range in Bangkok. The facility offers premium putting analysis, coaching, custom fitting, and AimPoint green‑reading training using advanced technology. It aims to raise Thailand’s golf training standards and help players of all levels reach international standards.
Surin Welcomes Sprinter Phuripl Bunson With Nine-Elephant Parade
Surin Province will welcome home Thai sprinter Phuripl 'Biew' Bunson, a double Asian Games gold medalist, with a procession of nine elephants on October 19 at 5:00 p.m. The elephant parade will travel from the Mueang Surin district office through the city center to a new garden where an official ceremony will be held. Phuripl recently won gold in the men's 100 m and 200 m at the Asian Games, setting Games records and sharing the Asian 200 m record with China’s Xie Zhenye.
Actress Claims Sister Stole Gold, Seized 40-Million Baht Home
Former Thai actress Aek Achara Thongthep says her sister stole over 360 baht of gold from a family safe and pawned it while blaming their mother. She also claims her sister mortgaged a 40‑million‑baht plot of land she had given her, leading to the bank seizing the property, which is now up for auction in Tung Song. Fans have rallied behind her, urging her to appear on the talk show ‘Hone Krasae’ to tell her side of the story.
Khon Kaen Engineering Alumni Host 9th 8 Gears Golf Tournament
Khon Kaen University Engineering Alumni Association hosted the press conference for the 9th 8 Gears Traditional Golf Tournament, set for November 6 at Lum Luk Ka Golf Club in Pathum Thani. Representatives from eight Thai universities and affiliated golf clubs pledged readiness and showcased their spirit ahead of the competition, which will feature 144 players and an expected audience of 300‑400. The event will include an 8 Gears Business Matching session to strengthen engineering networks and foster future collaboration.
Koh Mun Nai Turtle Keeper Marks 40 Years of Conservation
For four decades, Kriangsak Ditsawut has cared for sea turtles on Koh Mun Nai in Rayong, nurturing hatchlings and releasing over 300 each year. His work follows a royal initiative by Queen Sirikit and faces challenges from aging breeders, staffing limits, and plastic pollution. Despite the emotional difficulty of letting go, he continues the conservation effort to give the turtles a better chance at survival.
Monre Leads Big Cleaning to Aid Lad Krabang Flood Recovery
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been assisting flood‑affected residents of Lad Krabang for twelve days, providing relief and launching a Big Cleaning operation to clear mud and garbage after waters receded. Minister Suthichai Chomglin emphasized the government’s commitment to continuous support from emergency response to recovery, under the ‘MONRE United’ policy. Local residents praised the efforts, noting the clean‑up helps them resume normal life and livelihoods.
Temple Committee Declines Fried Banana Offering at 3 PM
Am Witthawat attempted to donate 15 boxes of fried bananas to a temple committee in the afternoon, but was told the monks had already eaten and could not accept the offering. He insisted he would make the donation himself, sparking a debate over money collection and the uniqueness of his fried‑banana stall at Wat Rai Khing. The incident, discussed in a live stream and on social media, drew attention from locals and netizens alike.
Football Club Challenges School Over Cancelled Sports Agreement
Thitichot Pengthawaraporn, president of the Buddhirangsibun Football Club, has appealed to Thailand’s Education Minister after Buddhirangsibun School cancelled a memorandum of understanding that promoted student football. The club alleges the cancellation breaches the agreement, claims it has made major investments in equipment and facilities, and demands the deal be reinstated. It seeks a review and compensation for alleged losses.
Thai Influencer Gib Announces Husband's Sudden Death on Her Birthday
Thai influencer Gib announced the sudden death of her husband, Doctor Finn, on her birthday after 16 years together. Fans expressed shock and condolences, noting he died of a heart attack while she was in Nakhon Ratchasima arranging personal affairs.
Suratthani Rajabhat University Announces Four-Regional Loy Krathong Festival 2026
Suratthani Rajabhat University announced it will host the Four-Regional Loy Krathong Festival from November 14 to 24, 2026 at its Cultural Studies Center. The festival will feature light-and-sound performances, Southern Thai artists, free concerts, vendor stalls, and contests for Nang Nopphamat and krathongs. Organizers say the event aims to preserve Thai traditions, promote community participation, and boost the local economy.