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Search Nears End at Collapsed State Audit Site in Bangkok Rescue efforts at Bangkok’s collapsed State Audit Office site are nearing completion, with 14 still unaccounted for following the March 28 quake. Over 45 bodies have been recovered, and search teams are focusing on one final area, expected to be cleared in the coming days. Once the operation concludes, the site will be returned to the Auditor General’s Office, ending BMA’s involvement.

Thai Police Apologise After Dismissing Influencer's Stalking Reports Thai influencer Linrada “Lin” Warakornsittichai received a formal apology from the police after her repeated stalking complaints were initially dismissed. A Burmese man allegedly harassed her online and physically, but officers downplayed her fears. Only after a viral Facebook post did they act, arresting and fining the man, who is now set for deportation. The case has reignited concerns about police handling of gender-based harassment.

Belgian Man Deported Over Repeated Drunken Behaviour A 25-year-old Belgian man, Mustafa Hakan Aslan, is facing deportation after causing two separate public disturbances in Chonburi within a week. The man, involved in property damage and erratic conduct, was deemed a threat to public safety under Thailand’s Immigration Act. Authorities have placed him on a watchlist, banning his return and detaining him pending deportation.

Pattaya Street Brawl Leaves Three Foreigners Injured A violent altercation broke out between two groups of foreign tourists outside a bar in central Pattaya on 5 May, leaving three men injured. Despite police intervention, the individuals refused treatment and cooperation. One man was reportedly beaten unconscious before the attackers fled. Investigations are ongoing with CCTV footage under review, but no arrests have yet been made, and the nationalities remain undisclosed.

Pattaya Street Brawl Leaves Three Foreigners Injured A street fight in Pattaya’s nightlife zone left three foreign men injured. The victims refused help and stayed silent. Police are reviewing CCTV as the attackers remain at large. Belgian Man Deported Over Repeated Drunken Behaviour A 25-year-old Belgian man has been deported after two alcohol-fuelled public disturbances in Chonburi. Thai authorities declared him a threat to public safety. Thai Police Apologise After Dismissing Influencer's Stalker Complaint Police have apologised to influencer Lin Warakornsittichai after ignoring her reports about an online stalker who later appeared at her condo. The man has been fined and faces deportation. Search Nears End at Collapsed State Audit Site in Bangkok Bangkok’s search at the collapsed State Audit Office site is almost over. Fourteen people are still missing, and officials aim to finish the search in the coming days. Lightning Strike at Prachinburi Festival Injures Two Two women were injured after lightning struck during a rocket festival in Prachinburi. One remains hospitalised with shoulder injuries. No weather warnings have followed. American Tourist Arrested in Phuket for ADHD Pills A U.S. tourist has been arrested in Phuket for carrying five ADHD pills without permission. The drug is a controlled substance under Thai law. Lao Soldiers Killed in Border Clash, Bullet Hits Thai Home Two Lao soldiers died in a border gunfight near Chiang Rai, linked to a drug bust. A stray bullet hit a Thai house, but no locals were hurt. Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Pull Back Troops from Disputed Temple Area Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to withdraw troops from the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple area, easing tensions and pledging peaceful cooperation. Indonesia Suspends Worldcoin Over Biometric Privacy Fears Indonesia has suspended Worldcoin, the iris-scanning crypto project, amid rising concerns over biometric data misuse and public complaints. WWII-Era Ship Sinks Before U.S.-Philippine Target Drill A WWII-era ship sank off the Philippines hours before a U.S.-Philippine military drill. The incident cancelled the exercise’s main event, though other drills continue.

Ladyboy Brawl Sparks Image Concerns in Phuket A viral video showing a physical altercation between ladyboys on Soi Bangla in Patong has stirred debate about Phuket’s image as a tourist destination. While many called for stricter policing, others warned against stigmatising the LGBTQ+ community. The incident underscores tensions between managing tourism’s glossy image and promoting social fairness.

Soi Cowboy Remains Bangkok’s Iconic Party Strip Soi Cowboy, located between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and 23, remains a neon-lit symbol of Bangkok’s nightlife since its founding in 1977. Now home to over 40 bars, it rivals Patpong and Nana Plaza. The street draws global tourists while sparking ongoing conversations about culture and modern vice.

Thailand Uses Muay Thai as Soft Power Tool Thailand is leveraging Muay Thai as a cultural export to strengthen global influence, with initiatives in Europe and China. Plans include training centres, gear exports, and appearances in games and media. Each international location aims to generate over 10 million baht, blending sport and soft diplomacy.

Serial Concrete Attacker Caught in Bangkok A 32-year-old man named Chalad was arrested for repeatedly throwing concrete blocks at cars along Bang Na-Trat Road, admitting to 12 prior incidents. Blaming alcohol and homelessness, he expressed regret during a police reconstruction. Charged with attempted murder, he faces trial as concerns rise over public safety.

C-130 Plane Skids Off Samui Runway, No Injuries A Thai Air Force C-130 transport aircraft veered off the tarmac at Samui Airport due to brake failure, but all 62 passengers and crew escaped unharmed. The pilot’s swift action prevented serious damage. An investigation is underway, with no airport infrastructure affected.

Bee Swarm Injures 30 at Temple Ceremony Over 30 people were stung when bees attacked a monk ordination ceremony in Nakhon Ratchasima, triggered by a balloon hitting a hive. Victims suffered facial and torso injuries, with one man stung nearly 100 times and hospitalised in ICU. The incident caused chaos and prompted emergency medical intervention.

Ladyboy Brawl Sparks Image Concerns in Phuket A viral fight between ladyboys on Soi Bangla has raised concerns about Phuket’s tourist image. The video, widely shared online, prompted debate over public behaviour and law enforcement. Officials urge the public not to generalise the LGBTQ+ community based on the incident. Serial Concrete Attacker Caught in Bangkok Bangkok police arrested a man who admitted to throwing concrete blocks at cars on Bang Na-Trat Road 12 times. He blamed alcohol and homelessness for his actions. Charged with attempted murder, he will appear in court on 4 May. Bee Swarm Injures 30 at Temple Ceremony Over 30 guests were stung during a monk ordination in Nakhon Ratchasima when a child’s balloon disturbed a hive. Victims suffered facial and torso stings, with four seriously injured. Emergency responders rushed several to hospital. Thailand Uses Muay Thai as Soft Power Tool Thailand is promoting Muay Thai abroad to boost cultural influence and economic growth. Training centres and gear exports are planned across Europe and China. The campaign also features Thai fighters in games and films. C-130 Plane Skids Off Samui Runway, No Injuries A Thai Air Force C-130 skidded off the runway in Samui due to brake failure during a training flight. All 62 onboard were safely evacuated. No injuries or airport damage were reported. Soi Cowboy Remains Bangkok’s Iconic Party Strip Soi Cowboy continues to thrive as a nightlife hotspot with over 40 bars and neon-lit appeal. Located off Sukhumvit Road, it attracts global tourists. The street remains a symbol of Bangkok’s party culture. Deadly Crash at Manila Airport Kills Two An SUV crashed into pedestrians outside NAIA Terminal 1 in Manila, killing a child and one adult. Four others were injured. The driver, who panicked and hit the accelerator, is now in custody. Malaysia Holds Emergency Session Over US Tariffs Malaysia’s Parliament will convene on 5 May to respond to sudden US tariffs targeting local exports. Trade officials are negotiating with the US. The government aims to protect jobs and trade ties. Indonesia Opens Hajj Terminal to Ease Pilgrimage Travel President Prabowo inaugurated a new Hajj terminal at Soekarno Hatta Airport to improve pilgrim services. The facility includes pre-clearance lanes for Saudi immigration. It is designed to reduce stress for elderly travellers. Tourism Booms in Ho Chi Minh City During Reunification Day Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Day celebrations drew 2.7 million visitors and doubled Lunar New Year revenue. Hotels were near full occupancy. Parades, tours, and patriotic events boosted tourism significantly.

US Lecturer Wins Appeal to Remove Monitoring Bracelet Dr Paul Chambers, a US academic charged under Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, has been allowed to remove his electronic monitoring bracelet following a successful appeal. Although his bail conditions remain in place, including travel restrictions, the move marks a partial relief in a case he denies involvement in. Chambers was originally denied bail and fitted with the device in early April.

Opposition Calls for Probe into Chinese Student Visa Abuse Thailand’s People’s Party has demanded a formal investigation into reports of Chinese nationals exploiting student visas to work illegally. The deputy party leader alleges some universities offer sham courses taught entirely in Chinese, facilitating tax-evasive schemes. The Higher Education Ministry has received a petition and is under increasing pressure to intervene.

Shirtless Tourist Sparks Outrage at Thai Restaurant A Chinese tourist caused public outrage in Prachin Buri after dancing shirtless, coughing up phlegm, and throwing money over fellow diners. Captured on video, the incident drew widespread criticism online for its disrespectfulness. Though police issued a warning, no arrest was made, reigniting debate over leniency toward unruly tourist behaviour in Thailand.

Drunk Thai Hospital Director Injures TV Crew in Car Crash The director of Nong Bua Daeng Hospital crashed into two television photographers in Chaiyaphum while allegedly intoxicated, leaving them seriously injured. CCTV footage shows he did not brake before hitting the men on the pavement. With a blood alcohol level of 119mg, the director faces legal action as police review evidence and the victims recover in hospital.

Thailand Pledges to End Dual Pricing for Foreign Tourists Thailand’s tourism minister has vowed to scrap dual pricing practices following growing complaints from foreign visitors. Sparked by a viral article, concerns about scams and safety are prompting faster reporting systems and app usage. Despite a slight dip in arrivals, tourism revenue rose, and officials aim to ensure fair treatment and boost confidence in the sector.

Polish Couple Fined for Public Nudity on Koh Phangan A Polish couple were fined and detained after being caught naked and embracing on a road in Koh Phangan. The woman received a 5,000 baht fine, while the man was sent for psychiatric assessment. Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb public nudity on the island, particularly at known hotspots like Zen and Secret Beach, urging tourists to respect Thai cultural norms.

Polish Couple Fined for Nude Cuddle on Koh Phangan A Polish couple were fined after being found embracing naked on a road in Koh Phangan. The woman paid 5,000 baht, while the man was sent for psychiatric evaluation. Police are cracking down on public nudity across the island’s beaches. Drunk Thai Hospital Director Injures TV Crew in Crash A hospital director in Chaiyaphum, driving under the influence, crashed into two TV crew members outside a restaurant. Both victims suffered serious injuries. CCTV footage and a failed alcohol test have led police to pursue legal action. US Lecturer Allowed to Remove Monitoring Bracelet in Thailand American academic Dr Paul Chambers won a court appeal to remove his electronic monitoring bracelet. He still faces lèse-majesté charges and must follow other bail terms. The case continues under Thailand’s strict royal defamation laws. Shirtless Tourist Sparks Outrage in Thai Restaurant A Chinese tourist caused outrage in Prachin Buri by dancing shirtless, coughing up phlegm, and throwing money over diners. The drunken incident was caught on camera and widely shared online. Police issued a warning but made no arrest. Thailand Vows to Scrap Dual Pricing for Foreign Tourists Thailand’s tourism minister has vowed to end dual pricing after growing complaints from foreign tourists. Authorities are improving tourist support tools and tackling scams. Though arrivals dipped, tourism revenue still increased this year. Thai Opposition Demands Probe into Chinese Student Visa Abuse The opposition claims some Thai universities are enabling Chinese nationals to work illegally via fake study programmes. These “zero-dollar” operations are tied to tax evasion and shady business practices. The Higher Education Ministry is reviewing the allegations. Cambodia Hails Its Own Press Freedom as “Very Good” Cambodia’s Ministry of Information claims press freedom is “very good” based on a survey of nearly 500 journalists. Most respondents felt safe and independent in their work. However, critics question the survey’s credibility as it was state-led. South Korea’s Finance Minister Becomes Interim National Leader Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as interim president and prime minister after Han Duck-soo’s resignation. He now faces political unrest, economic concerns, and diplomatic challenges. South Korea prepares for elections in June. Vietnam Celebrates 50 Years Since War’s End and Reunification Vietnam marked 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War with parades and tributes in Ho Chi Minh City. Leaders praised the reunification as a triumph of justice and faith. The event comes amid tensions over new US tariffs on Vietnamese exports. Papua Commemorates 62 Years of Integration with Indonesia Papua celebrated its 62nd year of integration with Indonesia through parades and community events. Officials stressed unity and inclusive development. The date marks the UN-supervised handover of West Papua from Dutch to Indonesian control in 1963.

Government Plans Airport Upgrades to Boost Regional Tourism Thailand will invest nearly 166 million baht in 2025 to upgrade airports in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan as part of efforts to promote secondary city tourism. The initiative, aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s vision, includes enhancing facilities, increasing flights, and improving transport links. Mukdahan’s airport remains in the environmental review phase. The long-term plan, extending to 2029, also includes air traffic system upgrades and legalised drone agriculture projects to support local economies.

Nude Tourist in Phuket Reignites Visa-Free Debate A foreign tourist was filmed walking completely nude down a road in Phuket on 29 April, apparently intoxicated and striking poses. The footage quickly went viral and ignited public outrage, with many linking such behaviour to relaxed immigration rules. While some viewers reacted with humour, others raised concerns about public decency and Thailand’s international image. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the man will face legal consequences.

‘Family Holiday’ Revealed as Drug Trafficking Operation Police in Chumphon arrested four individuals, including a minor, on 28 April after discovering 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine concealed in parcel boxes inside two vehicles pretending to be on a family trip. The suspects admitted to transporting drugs from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Songkhla for 100,000 baht per trip. The minor claimed she was unaware of the smuggling. All now face serious drug trafficking charges, with the juvenile processed under separate legal procedures.

Belgian Tourist Goes on Rampage in Pattaya Shops A 25-year-old Belgian tourist named Mr Mustafa went viral after vandalising two convenience stores in Pattaya—smashing wine bottles and pouring soda on himself during an early morning outburst on 27 April. After initially being fined, he reoffended days later by threatening staff at another location. Police detained him and sent him to hospital for psychiatric evaluation. The incidents have sparked renewed public concern about misbehaving foreign tourists and visa-free entry policies.

Taxi Blocks Ambulance, Causing Patient’s Death in Phuket A 62-year-old man suffering from heart disease died after a taxi allegedly blocked an ambulance en route to Patong Hospital, despite activated sirens and emergency care being administered inside. The incident occurred on 27 April, after the patient collapsed in a durian orchard. CCTV footage is being reviewed and the taxi driver may face legal charges for obstructing an emergency vehicle. The tragedy has prompted police to advocate for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement of laws protecting emergency services.

Thai Locals Applauded for Assisting Seizing Tourist A foreign woman suffered a seizure on a Bangkok street on 28 April, prompting quick and compassionate aid from local Thais. Captured in a viral TikTok video, the incident showed passersby providing first aid and comfort until emergency services arrived. The woman, accompanied by her partner, was later stabilised. The video drew widespread praise and served as a reminder of proper seizure response—turning the person on their side and calling emergency services, rather than placing anything in their mouth.