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Thailand COVID-19 Cases Surge Amid Warnings of Underreporting Thailand is experiencing a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, with over 31,000 new infections reported from May 11–17, marking the 11th consecutive week of increases. Dr. Thira Woratanarat warns that the real number is likely higher due to unreported cases and underestimation in official data. He urges the public to take precautions, including wearing masks in crowded places and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Dr. Thira expects the surge to continue for several more months and stresses community vigilance to manage the outbreak.

Thai Child Traumatised After Being Kicked by Classmate’s Father A Thai father was caught on video kicking a six-year-old boy in the head at a kindergarten in Trang on May 15, allegedly in retaliation for his child being scratched during play. The disturbing footage sparked outrage online, with the boy’s mother reporting emotional trauma and a change in her son’s behaviour. The school denied pressuring the family to forgive the attacker and claimed to have offered psychological support. Police have charged the father with assault, but he denies wrongdoing despite video evidence. The school now bans parents from entering the premises to prevent future incidents.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering topics from Thailand’s 11th consecutive week of rising COVID-19 cases to the arrest of Miss Grand International in a supplement fraud case. Thailand COVID-19 Cases Climb for 11th Straight Week Thailand reported over 31,000 new COVID-19 cases between May 11–17. Experts warn actual numbers could be much higher due to underreporting and urge the public to stay cautious. Outrage as Thai Father Kicks Six-Year-Old Boy A father in Trang sparked national outrage after a viral video showed him kicking a child at a kindergarten. Police charged him with assault as the school banned parents from entering. Tourists and Transgender Group Clash in Pattaya Brawl A violent fight broke out on Pattaya Beach between foreign tourists and transgender individuals over a disputed transaction. Police are reviewing footage and investigating both parties. Worker Missing After Bangkok MRT Construction Landslide Rescue teams are searching for a worker buried in a 19-metre-deep pit after a landslide at the MRT Orange Line site in Bangkok. Authorities pledged a full investigation. Phuket to Host Colorful City Pride Parade in June Phuket will hold City Pride 2025 on June 28, featuring a rainbow parade, art zones, and live music to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and promote inclusive tourism. Thailand Proposes 10-Year Visa, 99-Year Land Leases Thailand plans to introduce a 10-year tourist visa and 99-year land leases to attract long-term residents and boost economic sectors like tourism, tech, and logistics. Lightning Kills Three Tourists at Angkor Wat A lightning strike at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat killed three people on May 17. Officials remain silent amid concerns about tourism impact, while aid has been offered to victims’ families. Six Dead, 14 Missing in Papua Gold Mine Landslide A landslide at a remote gold mine in Indonesia’s Papua region killed six and left 14 missing. Search operations were paused due to weather and access challenges. Marcos Open to Duterte Reconciliation Amid Political Tensions Philippine President Marcos signaled openness to reconciling with the Duterte family following impeachment proceedings and public dissatisfaction with government services. Miss Grand International Arrested in Supplement Fraud Case Vietnamese beauty queen Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien was arrested for promoting misleading fiber supplements. Investigators found the product contained laxatives, not real nutritional value.

Missing British Teen Found Arrested in Georgia on Drug Charges Bella May Culley, an 18-year-old from the UK thought missing in Thailand, was found arrested in Georgia, 4,000 miles away. Authorities caught her at Tbilisi Airport allegedly attempting to smuggle 14kg of cannabis and hashish, facing up to 20 years or life in prison. Her family, who had been searching in Thailand, were devastated by the revelation. Bella had travelled through the Philippines and Thailand before disappearing, with her last message sent on 3 May. Her sudden arrest has turned a feared disappearance into a serious legal crisis abroad.

Body of Abducted DJ Tete Found in Kanchanaburi DJ Tete, a 33-year-old Thai man abducted on 14 May in Kanchanaburi, was found dead on 18 May. His body was discovered in a remote area wearing the same clothes from the day of his disappearance. Two suspects were questioned but denied involvement, and their vehicle is under forensic review. Investigators found car parts and tyres near the last phone signal traced. CCTV footage confirmed the abduction, and DJ Tete’s father had travelled 12 hours to file a missing person report. Police and forensic teams are now intensifying the investigation.

Thai Police Bust Teen-Led Sex Trafficking Operation in Bangkok Hotel On 17 May, police arrested two 18-year-olds at a Bangkok hotel in a sting operation targeting a teen-led sex trafficking ring. The suspects, caught arranging sexual services via the Line app, charged a 1,000 baht commission per transaction. Undercover officers posed as clients, using marked bills to confirm the illegal exchange. Upon entering the hotel room, both suspects were found preparing to provide services and later confessed. Charges include procuring individuals for prostitution and facilitating immoral acts. The case highlights growing concerns over youth involvement in trafficking networks in Thailand.

Man Killed by Wild Elephant After Late-Night Frog Hunt On 18 May, a 59-year-old man named Chalo was found dead in Uthai Thani after being attacked by a wild elephant while frog hunting alone at night. His body was discovered near a drainage ditch, with an overturned motorbike and elephant tracks nearby. His wife said he had gone out again at 2 am after an earlier unsuccessful trip. Authorities believe the elephant may have been startled by Chalo’s headlamp and charged. Local officials are now offering support to the grieving family as human-wildlife conflict concerns in the area grow.

Naked Foreigner Causes Chaos After Escaping Hospital in Pattaya In the early hours of 18 May, a naked foreign man, around 40 years old, escaped from a hospital and caused chaos in Pattaya’s Naklua area. Witnesses reported him shouting incoherently and damaging property with a chair and a large stone. Police and rescue workers struggled to subdue him as he threw objects and resisted arrest. The man had already broken free from custody once before being finally restrained after 30 minutes. He was taken to Banglamung Police Station to calm down. His identity, condition, and reasons for hospitalisation remain unknown. No injuries were reported, and police are still investigating.

Indian Tourist Found Dead on Koh Samet with Head Bound in Bag On 17 May, the decomposed body of a 49-year-old Indian tourist, identified as Mr Kakumanu, was found among rocks near Ao Som on Koh Samet. His head was bound with a black plastic bag fastened by a luggage strap, prompting police to treat the case as suspicious. The body appeared to have been dead for about two days and had washed ashore. No identification was found on him, though resort staff had reported him missing earlier. Forensic teams examined the scene, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities search for more clues.

The following transcription features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering everything from mysterious homicides around the kingdom to the enduring influence of Duterte after the recent Filipino senatorial elections. 1. Naked Foreigner Causes Chaos in Pattaya A naked foreign man caused a scene in Pattaya after escaping from a hospital early Saturday morning. Shouting incoherently and damaging property, he resisted arrest for 30 minutes before being subdued. His identity and condition remain unknown. 2. Suspicious Death of Indian Tourist on Koh Samet Thai authorities are investigating the death of a 49-year-old Indian tourist found with his head wrapped in a plastic bag on Koh Samet. The decomposed body washed ashore two days after he was reported missing. 3. Missing UK Teen Found Arrested in Georgia on Drug Charges Bella May Culley, an 18-year-old Brit previously thought missing in Thailand, has been arrested in Georgia with 14kg of cannabis. She faces a possible life sentence as shocked relatives grapple with the discovery. 4. Body of Abducted DJ Found in Kanchanaburi The body of DJ Tete, abducted on May 14, was found in a remote area of Kanchanaburi. Two suspects deny involvement. The case is now the focus of an intense police investigation. 5. Wild Elephant Kills Frog Hunter in Uthai Thani A 59-year-old man was killed by a wild elephant while hunting frogs at night in Uthai Thani. Authorities believe the animal was startled by the man’s headlamp. His death has raised concerns about human-wildlife conflicts. 6. Teen-Led Sex Trafficking Ring Busted in Bangkok Two 18-year-olds were arrested in a Bangkok hotel sting for running a sex trafficking operation through the Line app. They now face charges related to prostitution and exploitation. 7. Thai-Cambodian Tensions Flare Over Culture and Borders Cultural disputes and a border standoff have reignited Thai-Cambodian tensions. A military anthem incident and claims over traditional costume designs have fueled nationalistic outrage on both sides. 8. Malaysian Tourists Fined for Street Racing in Hatyai Ten Malaysian tourists were fined 5,000 baht each for illegal street racing near Hatyai’s Greenway Bazaar. Thai police tracked them using CCTV after public complaints. 9. Deadly Flash Floods Hit Northern Vietnam Flash floods and a landslide in northern Vietnam have killed nine and left several missing. Rescue efforts continue amid warnings of more heavy rain and natural disasters. 10. Duterte Allies Dominate Philippine Senate Race President Marcos faces political pressure after allies of former President Duterte won key Senate seats. Sara Duterte’s influence is on the rise, while Rodrigo Duterte, under ICC detention, was re-elected as Davao mayor.

Phuket Floods Leave Tourists and Locals Stranded Heavy rains flood Patong, Kata, and Karon, stranding tourists as roads turn into rivers and businesses brace for losses. Thailand Expands Alcohol Sales Despite Festival Bans New law lets more venues sell alcohol year-round, sparking debate over religious tradition versus economic recovery. Bangkok Car Fire After Service Raises Safety Fears A car bursts into flames post-service; insurance confusion follows as scrutiny grows over garage accountability. Child-Begging Gang Busted in Pattaya Police arrest foreign nationals using kids to beg; children rescued, adults face trafficking and immigration charges. Drunk Tourist Climbs Phuket Traffic Light in Bizarre Stunt A foreign man climbs pole to change red light, causes public scene in Patong; police issue warning.

Koh Samui Waterfall Horror Lands British Soldier in Deep Debt A British soldier is facing mounting medical bills after suffering spinal injuries from a fall at Koh Samui’s Na Muang Waterfall. With no travel insurance, the soldier’s family launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover his treatment and evacuation. Authorities have renewed warnings about the dangers of slippery rocks during the rainy season.

Knife Fever: Brit Suspect Flees After Frenchman Knifed in Phuket Phuket police are searching for a British man accused of stabbing a French national outside a nightclub in Patong. Dubbed “Knife Fever,” the incident has sparked concerns over tourist violence, with the French victim in serious condition after emergency surgery. CCTV footage shows the suspect fleeing the scene, prompting an international manhunt with immigration and consular officials involved.

Family of 11 Under Scrutiny for Alleged Incest and Porn Production A Thai family of 11 is under police investigation for producing incestuous pornographic content, potentially involving child exploitation. Authorities discovered digital evidence during a raid, prompting involvement from social services and international agencies. The disturbing case has caused public outrage, with calls for tougher measures on online exploitation.

Fake Gun Robbery Foiled as Thief’s Motorcycle Runs Out of Fuel A Bangkok robbery attempt ended in failure after the thief’s getaway bike ran out of fuel. The man, armed with a toy gun, robbed a convenience store but was caught shortly after. He confessed, citing financial desperation. Though the gun was fake, he faces charges of armed robbery due to the threat posed to staff.

Danish Man Vanishes After No-Show at Thailand Airport Thai police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of a 42-year-old Danish man who failed to board his return flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport. His luggage was left behind and CCTV last spotted him days earlier. Authorities, along with Danish officials, are treating the case as a missing person investigation amid fears of foul play.

Knife Fever: Brit Suspect Flees After Frenchman Knifed in Phuket Phuket police are hunting for a British man accused of stabbing a French national outside a Patong nightclub. The victim was rushed to hospital with multiple wounds. The suspect fled and may be attempting to leave Thailand. Authorities are coordinating with immigration and international officials. Ko Samui Waterfall Horror Lands British Soldier in Deep Debt A British soldier has been left paralysed and facing soaring hospital bills after falling at a Ko Samui waterfall. With no travel insurance, his family has turned to crowdfunding for help. Officials are warning tourists to avoid risky hikes during the rainy season. Danish Man Vanishes After No-Show at Thailand Airport A 42-year-old Danish man has gone missing in Thailand after failing to board his flight home. CCTV last captured him two days before his flight. Thai police and Danish officials are now working together in an urgent missing persons investigation. Family of 11 Under Scrutiny for Alleged Incest and Porn Production A Thai family is under investigation for allegedly producing incestuous pornographic content. Raids uncovered digital evidence pointing to child exploitation. Authorities are working with international agencies as the case sends shockwaves across the country. Fake Gun Robbery Foiled as Thief’s Motorcycle Runs Out of Fuel A Bangkok robbery was foiled when the thief’s motorbike ran out of petrol just minutes after he fled with stolen cash. Police arrested him nearby and found the weapon was a toy gun. The suspect confessed, claiming desperation after losing his job.

Russian Man Smuggles Hashish in Body to Koh Pha Ngan Thai police arrested a Russian man, Denis, on Koh Pha Ngan for possession and attempted sale of illegal drugs, including hashish swallowed in condom parcels. Officers also found cocaine and magic mushrooms. He admitted to importing drugs from Bhutan for distribution to tourists. The case is part of a broader anti-drug push targeting international smugglers.

Australian Detained in Phuket for Carrying Grenade Rounds Australian national Peter Davison was detained at Phuket International Airport after security found grenade rounds and other explosives in his luggage. The 61-year-old had no legal authorisation to possess the items and now faces serious weapons charges under Thai law. The case highlights Thailand’s strict airport security and zero tolerance for illegal munitions.

Aeroflot Flight from Bangkok Diverted to Delhi After Smoke Alarm An Aeroflot flight from Bangkok to Moscow made an emergency landing in New Delhi after crew detected a burning plastic smell mid-air. Over 400 passengers safely disembarked without injuries. The incident prompted emergency protocols and a full technical inspection, delaying the flight. It adds to recent concerns over aviation safety, particularly surrounding Delhi’s busy international airport.

Drunken Irish Tourist Arrested After Violent Brawl in Pattaya A 29-year-old Irishman was arrested following a violent drunken altercation on Soi 6 in Pattaya that left two bar staff injured. Witnesses claim the tourist assaulted a female worker before fleeing, bleeding and without identification. Conflicting accounts have emerged, with the tourist alleging he was attacked first. Police are reviewing CCTV footage as concerns grow over unruly foreign behaviour in Thailand’s nightlife districts.

Israeli Tourist Criticised for Refusing to Remove Shoes in Thai Café An Israeli tourist drew widespread criticism in Thailand after refusing to remove her shoes at a café on Koh Pha Ngan, defying local customs. The confrontation, captured on video, showed her arguing with staff and citing the economic contributions of Israeli tourists as justification. Her claims were slammed as entitled, with netizens accusing her of cultural disrespect. Although she later cited foot pain and miscommunication, many remained unconvinced.

Israeli Tourist Sparks Outrage on Koh Pha Ngan A viral video shows an Israeli tourist refusing to take off her shoes at a café on Koh Pha Ngan, violating Thai customs. She justified her actions by citing Israeli tourism’s economic value, but online critics slammed her behaviour as entitled and disrespectful. Irish Tourist Arrested After Violent Brawl in Pattaya Police arrested a drunk 29-year-old Irish tourist after a violent brawl on Soi 6 in Pattaya left bar staff injured. The man fled the scene but was later found bleeding and without ID. Conflicting accounts have sparked a police investigation. Bangkok–Moscow Aeroflot Flight Makes Emergency Landing An Aeroflot flight from Bangkok to Moscow made an emergency landing in Delhi after a burning smell was detected mid-flight. All 400+ passengers landed safely. The incident adds to growing aviation safety concerns in the region. Brazilian Pair Caught Smuggling Cocaine at Bangkok Airport Two Brazilian nationals were arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport with over 7kg of cocaine hidden in their bags. The drugs, valued at 22 million baht, were discovered during a routine scan. Both face serious narcotics and customs charges. Australian Detained in Phuket for Grenade Possession An Australian man was detained at Phuket Airport after grenade rounds and other explosives were found in his luggage. He lacked proper permits and now faces weapons charges under Thai law. Authorities are investigating his intent. Russian Man Smuggles Drugs Inside Body to Koh Pha Ngan A Russian man was arrested on Koh Pha Ngan with hashish, cocaine, and magic mushrooms. Police say he smuggled drugs inside his body using condom-wrapped parcels. He now faces multiple drug-related charges. Cambodia Bans Livestock Imports from Thailand Cambodia has temporarily banned livestock imports from Thailand over anthrax concerns. No cases have been detected yet, but authorities are on alert and have activated emergency response measures at the border. Thai Jets Intercept Myanmar Fighter Near Border Two Thai F-16s were deployed after a Myanmar jet flew close to the Thai border in Kanchanaburi. Officials say there was no airspace violation, but the incident has stirred concern amid ongoing regional tensions. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Witness Vanishes Malaysian businesswoman Pamela Ling vanished on her way to meet anti-corruption officers. Her ride was intercepted by three vehicles and she hasn’t been seen since. Authorities suspect foul play, with 16 people already questioned. South Korean Tourist Rescued After Kidnapping in the Philippines A South Korean tourist was rescued days after being kidnapped near Manila during a fishing trip. Authorities have not revealed the suspects’ identities. The incident follows another violent attack on a Korean tourist, sparking safety concerns.

American Tourist Arrested in Phuket for ADHD Pills A 27-year-old American was arrested in Kamala, Phuket, after police found five methylphenidate pills in his bag during a routine stop. Although commonly prescribed for ADHD, the drug is classified as a Category 2 psychotropic substance in Thailand and requires prior authorisation. He now faces charges for illegal possession of a controlled substance.

Lightning Strike at Prachinburi Festival Injures Two Two women were injured after lightning struck during a rocket festival at Wat Rattanettaram in Prachinburi on 4 May. One woman remains hospitalised with shoulder injuries after being knocked unconscious while protecting her child. The incident caused widespread panic, though emergency crews quickly responded. No further weather warnings have been issued for similar events.