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Thailand News

All the latest news stories from Thailand are written in English. Fresh news and stories from around the kingdom brought to you daily.

Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan arrives in Canada

Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan has arrived in Canada after being held in Thai immigration detention, supporters said, a month after she was stopped from boarding a Bangkok-Vancouver flight.

The 55-year-old Chinese national, also known as Lily Zhang, arrived at Vancouver International Airport on Monday 3 July 2026 and was welcomed by supporters, according to a photograph posted online by Toronto-based activist Sheng Xue.

Ms Zhang had been held at Bangkok's Suan Phlu immigration detention centre since her arrest on May 7 for overstaying her visa. Supporters feared she could be deported.

Second flight succeeds

Ms Zhang moved to Thailand in 2014 after leaving China, where she said she faced persecution because of her involvement in Falun Gong, the spiritual movement banned in China. She is one of several Hong Kong democracy campaigners living in exile overseas.

She already had refugee status approved by the UN, and Ms Sheng said she began efforts to secure her resettlement. Canadian officials investigated the case and approved her application.

The Canadian embassy booked a July 8 flight from Bangkok to Vancouver, but Thai authorities did not allow Ms Zhang to board. She was returned to the detention centre.

According to Ms Sheng, pressure from Ottawa and the UN refugee agency, along with intervention by Thai lawmakers and international human rights groups, eventually led to Ms Zhang being allowed to leave.

"Once Thai authorities recognised Canada's uncompromising stance, they abandoned their resistance and pivoted to ensuring her safe departure by all available means," Ms Sheng wrote in an email to the Globe and Mail.

She said senior Thai police officers escorted Ms Zhang to Suvarnabhumi Airport on the night before her successful flight, alongside Canadian diplomats.

Hong Kong warrant and deportation fears

Ms Zhang is among 19 overseas-based activists targeted by Hong Kong police arrest warrants issued in July 2025 for alleged subversion under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law. Bounties for their capture ranged from HK$200,000 to HK$1 million.

Had she been returned to Hong Kong, Ms Zhang would have been the first person charged under the law to be deported and imprisoned, according to the report.

At about the time Ms Zhang was first prevented from travelling, Thai authorities also detained Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong. He remains in immigration detention, while China has sought his extradition on accusations of extortion and bribery.

Ms Sheng called Ms Zhang's arrival a "major defeat for the CCP's long-arm jurisdiction, diplomatic coercion and transnational repression in Southeast Asia and beyond".

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5 August 2026
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Thai mother alleges assault on Dubai-Bangkok flight

A Thai mother has alleged that a Pakistani passenger sexually assaulted her as she slept beside her four-year-old daughter on a six-hour flight from Dubai to Bangkok.

Beaut Pimpaporn, 33, said the alleged incident occurred on flight FZ-1583, after she boarded a connecting flight in Dubai following a trip to Milan, Italy. The aircraft landed at Don Mueang International Airport.

Claim made after Bangkok landing

Ms Pimpaporn said she had fallen asleep with her daughter on her lap and woke to find the passenger beside her allegedly performing a sex act and touching her buttock.

She said she had taken sleeping medication before boarding to help adjust her body clock, and was sleeping beneath a blanket. In a Facebook account posted under the name Beaut Aornnicha, she said she also noticed wetness on her clothes and initially questioned whether she had imagined what had happened.

The woman alleged that the man, identified as 30-year-old Raza Ali, then pretended to adjust the entertainment screen in front of her seat while repeatedly looking at her.

Rather than cause alarm during the flight, Ms Pimpaporn said she waited until the plane arrived in Bangkok before telling cabin crew. She said a Thai staff member later noticed what she described as semen stains on her trousers.

Passenger denied entry, police say

Ms Pimpaporn said cabin crew questioned Mr Ali, initially in Arabic, and that he first denied the allegation before admitting his conduct. She said he cried, knelt and asked for forgiveness, while several people believed to be travelling with him as part of a Pakistani tour group also asked her to let him go.


Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

She said crew refused to treat the matter as a private dispute and separated her daughter from the scene. Her child was taken to the captain so she would not witness events, Ms Pimpaporn said.

Tourist police and immigration officers removed Mr Ali from the aircraft and took him to a police station. Ms Pimpaporn made a police report and said she intended to press charges and seek compensation.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Chamnanyut Konkong, of Don Mueang district police station, said the suspect had been denied entry to Thailand. He said the complainant was interviewed and that officers would first seek mediation between the parties, which he described as normal procedure.

Ms Pimpaporn said she waived anonymity to encourage women, particularly those travelling alone, not to feel embarrassed about reporting suspected assault. "Passengers are often sleeping during long flights, and women travelling alone can be vulnerable," she said.


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5 August 2026
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Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence injures 12

12 people were injured after an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, August 4, forcing some passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the cabin ceiling.

Flight A12379 was carrying 134 people when it was hit by a sudden drop about 90 minutes after leaving Phuket. The early-morning service was cruising at altitude when the turbulence struck, with reports of cracks to the aircraft's interior.

The aircraft landed safely at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at about 11am local time. Emergency services were waiting on the tarmac and injured passengers and crew were taken by ambulance for treatment.

Sudden drop during cruise

A passenger said the aircraft shook for around two to three minutes and tilted during the episode. Many people had been asleep when the turbulence began, the passenger said.



Video from the cabin showed frightened passengers as the aircraft shook, including one man with his arm in a sling. Other images showed people being transferred from the aircraft, with some wearing head bandages.

Air India described the episode as a "brief turbulence-related event" while the aircraft was at cruising altitude. The airline said a sudden change in altitude occurred before the crew regained control of the aircraft.

Passengers taken for treatment

Those affected were taken to the Medanta medical centre in Gurugram, southwest of New Delhi. One patient was believed to have suffered a spinal fracture.


Pictures courtesy of Daily Mail

However, airline bosses said that, "as of now", no serious injuries had been reported. Air India said the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remained its main priority and that it would provide the "necessary support" to those affected.

The carrier also said it would co-operate fully with authorities during the investigation.

Turbulence can occur without much warning, particularly while passengers are resting or moving around the cabin. The reported injuries in this case involved people who were not wearing seatbelts when the aircraft suddenly lost altitude.


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5 August 2026
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Chiang Rai gold shop robbed after warning shot

Two men fired a shot to create panic before raiding a gold shop in a Chiang Khong shopping centre, Chiang Rai, police said. The pair escaped with about five trays of gold jewellery and remain at large.

The robbery took place at about 4.15pm on August 4, 2026. Chiang Khong police, investigation officers and forensic staff have examined the scene and are tracing the suspects' route.

Gunmen escaped on Honda Scoopy

Staff told police the two male suspects arrived on a Honda Scoopy motorcycle carrying Chiang Rai registration number.



One of the men fired a single shot into the air, allegedly to threaten people and cause panic inside the shopping centre. The pair then entered the gold shop and quickly collected gold jewellery before leaving.

Initial reports indicate that at least five trays of gold jewellery were taken, although police are still checking the exact quantity and value of the missing property.

At the time, one employee was behind the counter, another was stationed outside the shop, and a shopping-centre security guard was also present. No injuries have been reported.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Police said the driver wore a red long-sleeved hooded top, while the passenger wore a long-sleeved jacket and black hat. Officers reviewed CCTV footage, gathering evidence and examining possible escape routes.

Motorcycle found beside the Mekong

After following the suspects' route, officers found the Honda Scoopy abandoned at Pla Boo Thong pier on the Mekong River.

Police believe the men may have crossed the river by boat to a neighbouring country. Authorities have contacted security agencies, Lao officials and other border-related bodies in an effort to locate and arrest them.

Anyone with relevant information can call the emergency number 191 or contact their nearest police station. Police said a further statement on the stolen property and the full circumstances of the robbery will be issued after official checks are completed.

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5 August 2026
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Mirror Foundation urges police reform on missing people

Thailand's Mirror Foundation has submitted six proposals to the Royal Thai Police calling for a stronger and faster response to missing-person reports, following recent murder cases in Chonburi involving people initially reported missing.

In a statement dated 3 August, the foundation's Missing Persons Information Centre said the cases exposed weaknesses in Thailand's system for dealing with missing people, particularly when those missing may be at risk of violence or other criminal activity.

The foundation said it received 2,266 reports concerning missing persons, unidentified people and unidentified bodies during the first seven months of 2026.

Calls for national database and dedicated staff

Among its proposals, the Mirror Foundation called for a strengthened national mechanism to manage missing-person and unidentified-body cases. It said dedicated personnel should collect information, coordinate cases and work with police stations and partner agencies throughout the country.

It also proposed a nationwide online system linking missing-person reports, search efforts, records of unidentified bodies and assistance work.

Such a system could be particularly relevant to foreigners in Thailand, whose relatives may be overseas and may struggle to establish which police station or agency is handling a case. A centralised database could also help connect reports made in different provinces.

No need to wait 24 hours

The foundation urged police to give all stations clear instructions that people can file a missing-person report immediately. It stressed that there is no requirement to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing, and that officers should begin searches without delay.

This is an important point for tourists, expats and their families: anyone concerned that a foreign national has disappeared can make a report at once. Where possible, those reporting a disappearance should be ready to provide identifying details, recent photographs, known locations and contact information.

The organisation also called for better officer training and improved attitudes towards missing-person cases, especially where there are indications that a person may face violence, harm or criminal activity.

Risk assessment at the first report

Its final proposal was for a risk-assessment process when a report is filed. This would help police decide how urgently to investigate, whether to deploy personnel and when to coordinate with other agencies, particularly in cases involving a possible risk of crime, death or injury.

The Mirror Foundation said prompt action on missing-person reports can prevent serious harm and save lives. It urged police to treat such cases as urgent rather than routine administrative matters.


Picture courtesy of Mirror Foundation

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5 August 2026
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Bangkok woman complains over alleged liposuction harm

A 36-year-old woman has complained to consumer advocacy page Saimai Survive after a liposuction procedure at a well-known Lat Phrao clinic allegedly left her with deep abdominal scarring and an uneven appearance.

The woman, identified as "Pee Ying", said on 4 August that she had paid a total of 70,000 baht for abdominal muscle contouring after initially agreeing to a 39,999-baht promotion advertised by the clinic on Facebook.

She has submitted evidence including chat records, payment slips and photographs of her wounds to the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, Social Security Office and Medical Council. She said there had been no progress in the case so far.

Price rose after she reached the operating table

According to her account, clinic staff approached her after she had changed clothes and was already on the operating table. They told her that an additional 70,000 baht was needed for a balanced abdominal shape that would not sag.

Feeling pressured by the situation, she agreed to pay, bringing the total cost to 70,000 baht.

She said the outcome did not match the clinic's advertising. Her abdominal muscle definition was allegedly uneven, while the abdominal skin became marked and misshapen. She also reported facial swelling.

When she later contacted the clinic to seek follow-up care or corrective treatment, she said staff refused to help and cut off communication. She added that the clinic blocked her Facebook account and removed her comments after she tried to post a warning review.

Doctors reportedly estimate costly corrective surgery

Pee Ying said doctors at other hospitals who examined her described the wounds as unattractive, with deep skin grooves, hard lumps in the abdomen and scar tissue around the surgical area.

She said they estimated that reconstructive surgery to correct the abdominal structure could cost more than 300,000 baht.

She and her lawyer later returned to the clinic to meet the doctor who carried out the procedure, presenting medical opinions from other hospitals and a treatment-cost assessment. She said the doctor maintained that the result was satisfactory from his perspective.

The doctor reportedly declined compensation, saying she had signed a consent form before surgery. He also suggested electrical-wave abdominal massage to improve the shape, but did not guarantee an improvement. Pee Ying refused the proposal and declined to sign further documents.

She said she challenged the doctor to use photographs of her abdomen in the clinic's promotional material if he was satisfied with the work. According to her account, he declined, saying only attractive photographs could be posted on the clinic's page.

What foreign patients should consider

Thailand is a popular destination for cosmetic procedures among residents and medical visitors, but this case highlights the importance of confirming the full price and treatment plan before entering the operating room.

Foreign patients considering elective surgery should keep written quotations, consent forms, chats, receipts and before-and-after photographs. They should also check the clinic and practitioner's credentials, and seek an independent medical opinion promptly if they are concerned about a result.

Pee Ying said the experience had badly affected her mental health. She no longer felt able to wear exercise or sports clothing and said stress and anxiety over the scars had contributed to depression.


Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

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5 August 2026


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Thailand records 18.5m foreign arrivals in seven months

Thailand welcomed 18,510,243 international visitors between 1 January and 1 August 2026, with tourism generating 896.2 billion baht in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The total was down 3.19% on the same period last year, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said. Even so, the figures underline the continuing scale of overseas travel to Thailand for tourists, long-stay visitors and people travelling to see family or conduct business.

China remained the largest overseas market, providing 3,078,486 visitors during the period. Malaysia was second with 2,373,537 arrivals, followed by India with 1,376,433, Russia with 1,100,847 and South Korea with 679,064.

Weekly arrivals also slip

Between 26 July and 1 August, Thailand received 567,312 foreign visitors, an average of 81,045 people a day. That weekly total was 2.92% lower than in the preceding week.

The ministry linked the decline primarily to softer arrivals from short-haul markets after reports of unrest in Thailand's southern border provinces. It also cited reduced airline capacity on India-Thailand routes, where available seats fell 28.6% year-on-year.

European markets continue to grow

Long-haul arrivals, especially from Europe, continued to rise, supported by new air links. The ministry highlighted services between Dubai and Bangkok's Don Mueang airport, and between Amsterdam and Suvarnabhumi airport.

South Korean arrivals rose 19.85% from the previous week, driven by family travel during South Korea's summer school holidays. This made South Korea Thailand's fourth-largest source market for that particular week, despite ranking fifth over the full January-to-August period.



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5 August 2026
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Ayutthaya Chinese restaurant raid nets 13 arrests

Police in Ayutthaya have arrested 13 people following a raid on a Chinese restaurant where officers found an alleged mahjong gambling room and workers accused of immigration and labour offences.

The operation targeted the Hunan Chinese restaurant in Khan Ham, Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Police are also examining whether Thai nationals may have acted as nominee shareholders for foreign owners, potentially breaching Thailand's Foreign Business Act.

On 4 August 2026, Pol Col Manas Addodorn, superintendent of Uthai Police Station, led officers back to the premises to gather further evidence. Investigators examined business records, shareholder arrangements and financial transactions.

Mahjong room found during raid

The follow-up came after a joint operation on 3 August by Uthai police, Immigration Bureau Investigation Division 2 officers and immigration suppression investigators in Ayutthaya.

Officers said they found a room being used for mahjong gambling inside the restaurant. Five Chinese nationals were arrested: one accused of organising the gambling and four accused of taking part.



Police seized one mahjong table, 84 plastic tiles and 7,200 baht in cash allegedly used for gambling.

A further eight foreign nationals were prosecuted under labour and immigration laws. Two were accused of working beyond the scope of their permitted employment, while four were accused of failing to notify authorities of a change of employer.

The remaining two were accused of overstaying in Thailand and working without permits. All 13 suspects from the 3 August operation were handed to investigators for legal proceedings.

Nominee inquiry continues

Pol Col Manas said officers had received complaints that groups of foreigners were operating several businesses in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, potentially using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to avoid legal restrictions.

The restaurant was selected as one of the businesses for closer scrutiny as investigators continued gathering intelligence.

Police have checked income and expenditure accounts, tax records, sources of income, company registration documents, shareholder lists and share-transfer paperwork. The aim is to establish whether the business has been operated legally and whether Thai shareholders were genuinely involved or were holding shares on behalf of foreigners.

The nominee-shareholding inquiry remains at the evidence-gathering stage, with police working alongside relevant agencies. Officers said further legal action would follow if additional offences are found.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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5 August 2026
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Suvarnabhumi apologises after Chinese fans denied flight

Suvarnabhumi Airport has apologised for inappropriate conduct by security personnel after 22 Chinese fan club members were refused travel on a Thai Airways flight to Beijing on 29 July.

The airport said the group had followed a Chinese artist through restricted passenger areas and caused disruption before flight TG674 was due to depart Bangkok at 11.50pm. It said airline staff ultimately denied them boarding over security and safety concerns.

The case emerged after Chinese media reported that more than 20 Chinese passengers had been removed from the boarding bridge despite having checked in and cleared security. Online footage also appeared to show a uniformed security officer making a gesture widely criticised as racist.

Airport says fans entered restricted lounge

Suvarnabhumi said the incident began at about 11pm, when a group of fans travelling on TG674 followed the artist into an airline lounge which they were not entitled to use.



Thai Airways staff called airport security, who asked the group to leave the lounge. According to the airport, the fans continued following the artist into the hold room before boarding.

At the document-check point, the group allegedly did not cooperate with boarding-pass checks and tried to rush after the artist to board at the same time. They reached the air bridge, where the artist had already entered the aircraft.

The airline temporarily closed the aircraft door to prevent people who had not completed boarding-pass checks from entering. Security and airline staff then moved the group back into the departure lounge, Suvarnabhumi said.



Twenty-two passengers denied boarding

Thai Airways decided to refuse travel to all 22 fans because they had not followed security measures and airline rules, the airport said. The airline feared they could create disruption on board that could not be controlled after departure, causing a delay to the flight.

Twelve members of the group agreed to have their checked baggage removed from the flight. Ten others refused to do so and showed anger over the refusal to travel, while allegedly provoking staff during the operation, the airport said.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The airport said this led to a confrontation seen in social-media footage, after which security staff handed responsibility back to airline personnel. Under international aviation security procedures, checked baggage must be removed if its owner does not travel.

Earlier reports had quoted some affected passengers as saying they were ordinary travellers rather than fans, and that they had not been clearly told why they were barred from boarding. The airport's statement identifies all 22 as part of the fan group.

Staff face disciplinary action

Suvarnabhumi accepted that some security staff displayed inappropriate behaviour while handling the incident, despite the operation being intended to protect passengers and aviation security.

Group Captain Chananat Rodkul, the airport's Director of Security, has ordered disciplinary action against the staff involved. The airport said it would review its incident-management procedures and supervision of personnel.

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5 August 2026
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Thailand steps up cannabis shop enforcement

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has intensified enforcement against cannabis businesses, inspecting 1,326 shops since October 2025 and seizing products worth more than 109 million baht.

Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat outlined the results at a meeting on 3 August 2026, on enforcement guidelines under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medical Knowledge Act.

Authorities have carried out 83 seizures and started legal action against 40 people or businesses since the campaign began last October. They have suspended 84 operating licences, revoked four licences and considered 39 appeals against suspensions or revocations.

Nationwide inspections to follow

The meeting brought together officials from the Health Ministry, Royal Thai Police and local administrative bodies for training on procedures covering cannabis cultivation, sales, medical use and inspections of licensed premises.

Officials are now set to inspect businesses across the country. Depending on the seriousness of any breach, operators may be ordered to correct it, have their licence suspended, be closed down or face prosecution.

For foreign residents and visitors, the stepped-up checks are a reminder that the presence of a cannabis shop does not mean recreational consumption is officially permitted. Mr Pattana restated the ministry's position that cannabis is for medical use only.

New cannabis law remains in progress

Mr Pattana said the ministry was continuing work on the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act, which is intended to restrict cannabis to medical purposes, prevent recreational use and reduce risks to children and young people.

He acknowledged that political turmoil had delayed cannabis legislation in recent years, but said the government remained committed to speeding up the bill. He dismissed concerns about continuing uncertainty over whether it will be passed.

Under existing law, extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, remain classified as narcotics, Mr Pattana said. Any wider decision to reclassify cannabis would be for the relevant authorities.

If the proposed act comes into force, cannabis cultivators will need permits under its framework. Retailers already holding licences would be able to continue operating until their current three-year licences expire, after which they would have to meet the new requirements.

The rules matter particularly to expatriates who use cannabis for medical reasons, as well as tourists expecting Thailand's retail market to operate like a fully legal recreational system. The ministry's latest stance indicates that shops, products and claimed medical uses will face closer scrutiny while the new law remains unfinished.

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5 August 2026
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Tourist on motorised suitcase sparks Phuket road fears

A female tourist was filmed riding a motorised suitcase along a road in Phuket, prompting concern from residents and online viewers over the risk of a collision with passing traffic.

The unidentified woman, whose nationality is unknown, was seen travelling towards Kata Beach in Karon subdistrict, Mueang district. The footage was reported by TV Channel 7 on Tuesday, August 4.

A passer-by filmed her as she calmly travelled on the suitcase, stopped at traffic lights and crossed to the other side of the road rather than using the footpath.

Busy route to Kata Beach

While traffic was not especially heavy when the tourist was filmed, the road is normally busy and carries cars, motorcycles and buses throughout the day, particularly at rush hour.

Viewers and local residents said the behaviour created a substantial risk of an accident. They warned that using a suitcase as road transport could result in a rider losing balance, falling, or suffering serious injuries if struck by a vehicle.


Picture courtesy of TNR

For foreign visitors and residents, the episode is a reminder that Phuket's main tourist routes can be difficult to navigate even on foot. Road users should not assume that a low-speed personal device will be readily visible to drivers, particularly among motorcycles, buses and cars on busy resort roads.

Residents and onlookers urged tourists not to use suitcases as transport on public roads. They also called on relevant agencies, hotels and tourism businesses to provide continuing safety advice to foreign visitors, particularly on road safety in Thailand, to help prevent accidents.

Devices designed mainly for airports

Electric rideable suitcases have existed for several years and have become relatively popular in some countries as a way of getting around large airports, according to the BBC.

Most are powered by lithium batteries and have a top speed of around 13 km/h.

In some countries the motorised suitcases are categorised as "powered transporters". They therefore fall under the road traffic rules applied to motorised vehicles such as e-scooters, Segways and hoverboards.

In those countries they cannot legally be used on public roads without a licence and safety equipment, nor may they be ridden on pavements or cycle lanes. People can face penalties for doing so, although powered transporters may be used on private land with the owner's permission.

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5 August 2026
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Thai children under 18 to need birth certificate to leave Thailand

Thai nationals aged under 18 leaving Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport must now show a birth certificate to immigration officers, under a new measure announced on 3 August 2026.

The rule was issued by the departure immigration division at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Parents, guardians or other accompanying people are asked to ensure the required documents are ready before travel to avoid delays at immigration.

Previously, Thai children under 18 could travel overseas using only their passport. Immigration said the change is intended to protect children's best interests and prevent them being taken out of Thailand unlawfully or without the permission of a parent or legal guardian.

Documents accepted at immigration

Immigration officers will accept an original birth certificate, a copy of the birth certificate, or an electronic image of the document.

The airport notice also lists a consent letter from the father and/or mother issued by a government agency among the documents that may need to be shown to officials.

The announcement applies specifically to Thai nationals under the age of 18 who are departing the kingdom. It says the documents should be presented by the father, mother or another person travelling with the child.

What this means for foreign families

Parents should carry a birth certificate in an accepted format when flying out of Suvarnabhumi with a Thai child, even if the child also has another nationality or passport. Where one parent is not travelling, families should also ensure they have any government-issued parental consent documentation required by immigration.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Immigration said the requirement is designed to make the immigration process smoother when passengers have the documents available for inspection.


Picture courtesy of Thansettakj

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5 August 2026


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Chinese man jailed 46 years over Pattaya weapons cache

A Chinese national has been sentenced to 46 years in prison after a major cache of military-grade weapons, explosives and signal-jamming equipment was found at his home in Chon Buri.

Pattaya Provincial Court handed down the sentence to Sun Mingchen, 31, following his guilty plea to offences involving firearms, ammunition, explosives and military communications equipment.

The case followed a police operation launched after Sun's sedan overturned in Bang Lamung district on the evening of May 8. A Taiwanese woman was travelling with him and neither was seriously injured.

However, officers from Na Jomtien police station found a handgun in the vehicle, prompting them to detain Sun and widen their investigation.

Weapons found at Huai Yai residence

Police subsequently searched Sun's residence in tambon Huai Yai and seized what authorities described as a large stockpile of weapons and military hardware.

The haul included M4 and M16 assault rifles, a 9mm Glock pistol, ammunition, magazines, C4 high explosive, anti-personnel explosives and bomb-making components. Officers also recovered body armour, chemical protection masks, radio communication sets, radio signal jammers and remote signal transmission equipment.

Pattaya provincial prosecutors charged Sun and a second defendant with illegal possession of military firearms, ammunition, explosives and other military equipment, including radio devices.

The court found Sun guilty of offences under the Firearms Act, Arms Control Act and Radio Communications Act. It said his guilty plea had been useful, but considered the offences especially grave because of the threat posed to public safety and national security.

Sentence reduced, but maximum term applies

The court reduced Sun's punishment by one-third before imposing consecutive terms totalling 46 years. Under Thai law, he can serve no more than 20 years of the sentence.

All items seized during the investigation were ordered confiscated.

Sun pleaded guilty to all charges. The other defendant denied the allegations, and the court temporarily removed that case from the docket. Prosecutors were ordered to refile it within 15 days, while the second defendant remains in custody pending further proceedings.

Authorities described the prosecution as a significant case for the Pattaya provincial prosecutor's office, with judgment secured in less than three months after Sun's arrest. They credited cooperation between police investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary.


Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

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4 August 2026

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Singapore Airlines sued over satay skewer injury claim

Former Thai teen pop star Briohny Smyth has filed a lawsuit against Singapore Airlines in Los Angeles, alleging that a sharp piece of a chicken satay skewer lodged in her throat and injured her vocal cords.

The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles federal court on July 24, concerns an incident on a Singapore Airlines flight to Los Angeles on July 28, 2024. Singapore Airlines had not yet publicly commented on the case as of August 3.

According to court documents reviewed by UK newspaper The Independent, Smyth, 44, was travelling in business class when a wooden piece broke away from a satay skewer while she was eating her in-flight meal.

Claim centres on business-class meal

Smyth said the fragment became stuck in her throat, causing immediate pain, violent coughing and choking sensations. She eventually expelled a jagged piece of wood measuring roughly 3.8 centimetres, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint says she was eating the meal as intended and was not responsible for the injury.

She later sought treatment from an ear, nose and throat specialist, who found scarring and trauma to her vocal cords said to be consistent with an injury from a sharp foreign object.

Voice-related losses sought

Smyth alleges she has continued to suffer throat discomfort, vocal fatigue, hoarseness, tightness and pain when speaking or singing for extended periods since the flight.

The former singer became well known in Thailand as a teenager, releasing a platinum-selling album at the age of 13 during a music career spanning the late 1990s and early 2000s. She later left the entertainment business and became a US-based yoga instructor and wellness educator.

Her complaint describes her as a professional singer, performer, wellness educator and public speaker, and argues that her voice is central to her work.

She is seeking damages for bodily injury, lost earning capacity, professional harm and emotional distress. The claimed emotional harm includes anxiety associated with eating and flying.


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4 August 2026
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TISI seizes 19,665 illegal squishy toys

Thailand's Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has seized 19,665 substandard squishy toys worth 1,013,000 baht from six shops and distribution centres in the Sampheng market area.

The action, announced on Monday, August 3, follows concerns that the increasingly popular toys may contain unsafe chemicals, heavy metals, fragrances and coatings that fail to meet safety requirements.

TISI secretary-general Ekniti Romyanon said squishy toys are legally classified as toys and controlled products. They must meet Thai Industrial Standard TIS 685 Part 1-2019 and display the TIS certification mark.

Six operators face legal action

One of the six operators was found to be both a seller and an unauthorised importer, while the other five were selling substandard goods, according to TISI.

The institute said it would pursue strict legal action against all those involved. Selling controlled products without the TIS mark can bring a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both.



Unauthorised importers can face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 2 million baht, or both.

TISI said it had stepped up monitoring of squishy toy sales on online platforms, particularly TikTok, concentrating on shops with large follower numbers and high viewing figures. Its subsequent investigation identified the six major sellers and distribution centres in Sampheng.

Chemical, choking and hygiene concerns

Ekniti said many substandard squishy toys are made from polyurethane and low-grade foam. These materials may contain residues of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, substances associated with cancer risks and endocrine-system disruption.

Some products are made to look like food and have added scents, increasing the chance of young children putting them in their mouths. TISI warned this could lead to exposure to toxic substances, choking or airway obstruction.

Regular skin contact with, or inhalation of, volatile substances may also affect the respiratory system and trigger allergic reactions, Ekniti said. The moisture-retaining material used in some toys can additionally allow bacteria and fungi to grow if it is not properly cleaned, potentially causing skin conditions.


Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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4 August 2026
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Georgealbert

LINE VOOM Thailand to close & delete content on Sept 28

LINE VOOM will permanently close in Thailand at 11am on Monday, September 28, with all content on the service due to be deleted once it shuts down.

LINE announced the decision on August 3, saying changes in the internet market had led it to consolidate resources used to manage its services. The shutdown process will begin on August 31.

All posts, messages, photographs and videos held on LINE VOOM will be removed after the closure. Users will no longer be able to access the service in Thailand.

For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the announcement is relevant if they use LINE VOOM to store personal photos, videos or posts, or to follow local businesses, organisations or official accounts. LINE has advised users to save anything they want to keep before the September 28 deadline.

Backup tool is available on computers

The backup function has been available since July 1, but it can only be used through a desktop or laptop computer.

Users must sign in through the LINE VOOM backup website, select "Request backup" and confirm the request. They must then confirm again to start the process.

LINE will collect and prepare the data, then send a completion notice through LINE Service Messages. Users can download the backup file and will need the supplied password to open it.

Stories and follower features will also end

Several functions linked to LINE VOOM will disappear when the service closes. These are Stories, Follow and Followers, and Birthday Cards on LINE VOOM.

Those wishing to continue receiving updates from accounts they follow have been advised to add those accounts as friends before the shutdown. This can be done by opening the My menu, selecting the settings icon, entering the Followers section, choosing an account, selecting the chat icon and adding that account as a friend.

However, LINE said this option is available only for official accounts.

LINE apologised for the inconvenience and thanked users for supporting LINE VOOM. It said users with questions, or those who believe they have been affected by the change, can use its enquiry form within 30 days of the August 3 announcement.

The company added that it would continue developing and improving its other services.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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4 August 2026
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Russian interpreter assists Chon Buri murder inquiry

A 22-year-old Russian woman who grew up in Thailand has been volunteering as an interpreter in the Chon Buri murder investigation involving two Russian siblings.

Varvara Davydova, who has lived in Thailand since the age of eight, has assisted police with Thai-Russian interpretation in the high-profile case. She is mostly based at Pattaya Immigration Bureau and has previously helped with a number of cases as a volunteer interpreter.

Fluent Thai speaker with legal training

Davydova speaks Thai fluently and graduated with first-class honours from the Faculty of Law at Sripatum University's Chon Buri campus. She first worked as an interpreter when she was 15.

Her role in the murder inquiry gained attention on Thai social media, where her contribution was described as important because of the gravity of the case.

For foreign residents and visitors, the case underlines the practical importance of interpreters during dealings with Thai authorities. While police and immigration offices may arrange language assistance, an interpreter can be particularly important in serious criminal cases, where statements, legal procedures and interviews need to be understood accurately.

Davydova said she often volunteers because she understands that people may not have the money to pay for help.

"Many times I volunteer because I understand they don't have the budget, and I understand it's difficult for them, so I go and help," she said.

"Most of the time they do pay something, but I never ask for it. If they give, they give, if not, that's fine too, because I understand that if they want to pay, it comes out of their own pocket."

Experience is the reward, she says

Davydova said the experience of seeing how Thailand's legal system operates was valuable to her.

"What I get is experience. I've seen how the law is actually applied, and that has real value."

A Facebook page, "Nu Noi Bon Yod Khao An Nao Nen", described Davydova as Thai in every sense except for her passport. She later shared the post with the caption: "100% Thai at heart, all that's left is the ID card."


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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4 August 2026
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Georgealbert

Cat suspected after Pattaya condo fire prompts evacuation

A fire at the Arcadia Beach Continental condominium in Pattaya forced Thai and foreign residents from the building in the early hours of 4 August 2026. No one was injured, although a sixth-floor flat and all property inside was damaged.

Pattaya City's land disaster relief radio centre received the report at 2.36am. The fire was in room 610 on the sixth floor of Building D at the condominium in Soi Thap Phraya 7.

Police from Pattaya City Police Station, Bang Lamung district officials, rescue volunteers and firefighters were sent to the scene.

Firefighters worked for two hours

Fire crews found flames burning fiercely inside the flat, with smoke spreading throughout the building. Residents, including both Thais and foreigners, were evacuated as officers moved to prevent the blaze spreading further.



Firefighters entered the room' using breathing apparatus and used water hose-line to bring the flames under control. It took around two hours before the building was declared safe and residents were allowed to return.

The room's interior and all belongings inside were damaged by the fire. Despite the scale of the blaze and the overnight evacuation, there were no reported injuries.

Owner awoke to burning smell

May, the owner of the flat, told officials she had been asleep when she woke after smelling burning. She found flames in the kitchen, in the area of an electric stove.

She grabbed her phone and ran from the room, seeking help from a neighbour and condominium staff. However, she said the fire spread quickly, forcing those nearby to flee the building.

May said she suspected her cat may have stepped on the stove's on-off control. She told officials that similar incidents had happened before.

Cause still to be confirmed

The suspected involvement of the cat has not been confirmed. Forensic officers from Chon Buri Provincial Forensic Science Division 2 are due to examine the scene to establish the exact cause of the fire.


Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

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4 August 2026
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Brit, 32, dies in Thailand days before wedding after crash

British man Kyle Campbell, 32, has died in Thailand days before he was due to marry his fiancee, Kannika Masasai, his family said.

The plumber from Westhoughton, Bolton, died in his sleep in the early hours of July 30 after being involved in a motorbike crash, on a holiday island, that left him with a head injury. He had travelled to Thailand to marry Kannika, his partner of two-and-a-half years. The family said he had travelled often to meet Kannika during that time.

Family raise concerns over treatment

Mr Campbell was taken to hospital after the crash, where relatives said he received treatment before being discharged only hours after the collision.

His family say doctors gave him the all-clear but advised that he return the following day so he could travel to the mainland for further treatment. The family were informed of his death in the early hours of July 30.



Relatives have described the standard of medical care he received as "inadequate". In a statement on a JustGiving fundraising page, Mr Campbell's cousin, Dianne Fisher, said the family had since been told his care was inadequate and that he later died as a result of his injuries. The family gave no further details of where the crash occurred or the hospital involved.

"His death has devastated everyone who knew and loved him," she wrote.

Kannika, who has been left grieving alongside Mr Campbell's 12-year-old son, paid tribute to her fiance.

"Death takes away the body but love remains, rest in peace my love, and you will always be in my heart," she said.

"I will keep you in my best memories forever my love."

Repatriation costs and travel concerns

The family has launched a JustGiving appeal with a GBP10,000 target, which was quickly reached, to help meet the cost of returning Mr Campbell's body to the UK, his funeral and other unexpected expenses.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Thailand."


Picture courtesy of The Sun

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4 August 2026
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Five held after 528kg ice seizure in Chaiyaphum

Five people have been arrested after authorities seized around 528 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, known locally as ice, in Chaiyaphum province on 3 August.

The drugs, said to be worth more than 50 million baht, were allegedly being transported from Tha Li district in Loei to Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya.

Suspect vehicle stopped in Muang district

The operation was part of Chaiyaphum's "Phaya Lae City Protection" measures and its 90-day anti-drugs campaign. Governor Anan Narkniyom, deputy governor Thongchai Olarphattanachai, provincial chief administrative officer Worasit Phutjeeb and Muang Chaiyaphum district chief Dech Sanaokham had ordered continued action against drug networks.

Dech said local officials were alerted by the Non Samran subdistrict headman and central Narcotics Control Board officers, who had been tracking a suspected drug vehicle travelling from Loei.


Picture courtesy of kaoded

He requested support from Chaiyaphum's Territorial Defence Volunteer force. Security officer Sergeant Major Phongrawee Yuangsuwan then led volunteers from Company 2, Muang Chaiyaphum district, alongside central narcotics police and officers from Ban Khai Police Station.

At Ban Don Khwang in Non Samran subdistrict, Muang Chaiyaphum district, officers found a white Nissan X-Trail with Udon Thani registration plates.

Inside were 18 sacks containing Chinese tea bags used to conceal the drugs. Officials said the sacks contained almost one-kilogramme bags of ice, with 30 bags in each sack, totalling approximately 528kg.

Two suspects found hiding in sugarcane field

Three suspects alleged to have acted as lead-car drivers were initially detained. Two others, believed to have been driving the drug vehicle, abandoned it and fled into the Ban Don Khwang area, prompting concern among local residents.

Provincial security officials, Territorial Defence Volunteers, Ban Khai police, village headmen and village security teams were deployed in a wide search. At 9.30am, officers said they surrounded and arrested both fugitives while they were hiding in a sugarcane field in Ban Don Khwang.

All five suspects are from Udon Thani province, according to the initial investigation. Authorities described them as part of a major drug network.

The suspects allegedly admitted they had been hired to transport the drugs for 500,000 baht. They were charged with importing and causing the spread of a Category 1 narcotic, and were handed over with the evidence to Narcotics Suppression Bureau investigators for legal action and further investigation into the network.

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4 August 2026
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Chinese cannabis farm fire causes extensive damage

A fire tore through an indoor cannabis-growing facility in Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan, early on 3 August, causing damage estimated at more than 80 per cent. All 11 employees working at the site escaped safely, with no injuries reported.

The large warehouse in Bang Phriang subdistrict was described as a Chinese-owned, licensed enclosed cannabis cultivation factory, reportedly operating for export to China. Police are examining the site in detail to verify the claims surrounding its operations.

The Provincial Emergency Medical Command Centre in Samut Prakan received the fire report at about 1am. Fire engines were sent from Bang Bo municipality, Khlong Dan Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Bang Sao Thong municipality and Bang Phriang municipality, along with volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation.

Fire brought under control in 30 minutes

The warehouse occupies roughly four rai of land and carries a sign identifying it as a plant cultivation centre. Firefighters found flames burning at several points inside the building, with most of the interior affected.



Petty Officer First Class Boonsang Chommalee, 53, head of the Bang Phriang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation fire department, said crews encountered four or five areas of fire. Foam was used to tackle the blaze, which was brought under control in around 50 minutes.

The facility used extensive air-conditioning to maintain cool temperatures for indoor growing. Boonsang said the initial assessment was that an electrical short circuit in a control cabinet, possibly linked to the heavy use of air conditioners, caused an explosion and subsequent fire. He said the interior structure was largely made of aluminium frames and most collapsed during the fire.

Workers escape as damage mounts

The 11 employees on duty at the time fled the warehouse before the fire could trap anyone inside. Officials reported no casualties.

Investigators found coconut husk material inside, consistent with plant cultivation, although the fire chief said initially he could not confirm what was being grown there. Further information later identified the site as an enclosed cannabis-growing operation.

Police to examine operation and cause

The owner was reported to be Chinese and to hold the required licence for the cultivation facility. However, police will need to establish whether the operation and its stated export arrangements were as claimed.

The precise cause of the blaze remains subject to the official investigation. Initial damage was put at more than 80 per cent of the facility.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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4 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand GDP claims questioned as households cut spending

A Thai analysis published on 2 August 2026 has challenged government claims of a strong GDP recovery, arguing that headline growth is failing to reach ordinary households and small businesses.

The analysis says the gap between positive official economic reports and daily financial pressures has become increasingly stark. It cites polls and public sentiment suggesting that nearly 90% of people feel financially vulnerable, with many cutting spending, including on food.

A widening gap between GDP and daily life

The analysis argues that ministers and state agencies use macroeconomic figures to reassure investors and financial markets that Thailand's economy remains stable.

However, the commentary says this contrasts sharply with the experience of people facing rising living costs and household debt that have outpaced their ability to earn.

It describes Thailand as a "K-shaped economy", where major corporations and platform businesses continue to prosper while SMEs and lower-income households fall behind. In this view, tourism and export income is concentrated among a small number of large businesses controlling much of the country's supply chain.

The result, the analysis argues, is that purchasing power among ordinary consumers has not recovered, even where national growth indicators improve.

Short-term stimulus criticised

The commentary also questions short-term economic stimulus measures and cash-distribution policies, comparing them to temporary pain relief rather than treatment for deeper problems.

Such measures may briefly boost economic activity, it says, but do not address structural issues including inequality, corporate concentration and long-term workforce skills.

The analysis warns that weak household purchasing power could eventually slow the wider economy, as small businesses depend heavily on domestic consumers. It also suggests that public distrust of economic management could grow if gains from GDP expansion do not reach household budgets.

The analysis from SiamRath concludes that GDP growth alone cannot demonstrate national prosperity unless its benefits are more widely distributed, including at household level.

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4 August 2026
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British tourist found dead in Patong hotel room

A 41-year-old British tourist, Zakir Mahood, has been found dead inside a hotel room in Patong, Phuket, after displaying a "Do Not Disturb" sign for several days.

Police were alerted on 3 August after the man, who had been staying alone since 24 July, failed to respond when hotel staff checked his room on his scheduled departure date.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Rapeepan Chumtham, an investigator at Patong Police Station, reported the case to Patong Police Chief Colonel Krakrit Khankruea before travelling to the hotel in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, with relevant officers.

Hotel check-out prompted discovery

The hotel's head housekeeper, who found the body, told police that the British guest had been due to check out on 3 August.

The room was last cleaned on 27 July. After that, the guest had placed a "Do Not Disturb" sign outside his door, meaning staff did not enter the room again.

At about 11am on 3 August, the head housekeeper went to inspect the room because it was the guest's check-out day. After knocking and receiving no reply, staff opened the door and found him dead inside.

Officers found no signs that the room had been ransacked or anything was missing and no evidence of a struggle, according to the initial examination. The cause of the British man's death has not yet been established.

Post-mortem examination under way

Investigators examined the body with forensic doctor Athit Surawisakul. Their preliminary assessment was that the man had been dead for around 24 hours.

However, the exact cause of death could not be confirmed at the scene and will depend on a detailed post-mortem examination.

Authorities asked Kusoldharm Phuket Rescue Foundation's Patong unit to transfer the body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination.

Police have also contacted the embassy and arrangements made for the body to be collected for religious rites, in line with procedure.

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4 August 2026
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Georgealbert

Police Chief probes alleged links to Chonburi killer

Thailand's national police chief has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that a murder suspect in Chonburi worked for a police officer, collecting methamphetamine tablets and pursuing drug debts.

The inquiry concerns Thana Kerdthong, known as Pong, who has been accused in the killings of two Russian siblings and and a family of three, involving the five bodies being buried in Chonburi province.

Police were acting after claims that Pong had taken someone to collect drugs from a senior figure allegedly serving at Huay Yai Police Station in Chonburi. The allegations were aired by a victim during an appearance on the Hone Krasae television programme.

Phones to be examined

At 2pm on 3 August 2026, Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phewpan, deputy inspector-general and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had ordered a fast and thorough fact-finding investigation.

The Chonburi provincial police commander has been instructed to report the findings without delay.

Trairong said supervisors had also been ordered to urgently examine the mobile phone of the officer named in the allegations, in an effort to find supporting evidence.

"If the evidence is clear, legal proceedings must be taken in line with the law," Trairong said, adding that any other officers found to be involved would face equally firm action.

Disciplinary and criminal action promised

Kitrat has instructed relevant units to handle the matter carefully, fairly and directly. If an officer is found to have supported criminal activity or received benefits, the police chief said action would be taken under both disciplinary and criminal law, without exception.

Trairong said the Royal Thai Police would not protect corrupt or criminal officers. He said any progress supported by evidence would be reported to the police chief and the public.

The claims have not been established, and the investigation is intended to determine whether there is evidence connecting any police officer to Pong's alleged activities.

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4 August 2026
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Georgealbert

Udon Thani police rescue student held by scam gang

Police in Udon Thani rescued an 18-year-old first-year university student on 3 August after scammers allegedly tricked her into handing over 140,000 baht, then confined herself in a hotel while they demanded further money from her family.

The gang reportedly posed as AIS staff and police officers, telling the student, identified only as "Dao", that her phone number was linked to mule accounts and money laundering.

Udon Thani City Police, led by superintendent Pol Col Pattawong Chanphon, worked with the student's relatives to find her at a hotel room in the province. She was safely rescued while the scammers were reportedly still controlling her through an iPad video call.

Threats, fake documents and stolen gold

According to police, the fraudsters sent counterfeit official documents and conducted video calls using a backdrop resembling a real police station to make their claims appear credible.



They allegedly told the student to take her mother's gold jewellery, weighing 2.5 baht in gold weight, to a pawnshop. She received 140,000 baht and transferred the full amount to the gang, who claimed it was needed for an investigation.

The student was then instructed to turn off her phone, block contact channels and rent a hotel room where she was to remain alone. The scammers kept her under constant video-call supervision from her Ipad, police said, leaving her unable to sleep and disorientated.

AI voice used in ransom demand

When friends and relatives could not reach her, the scammers contacted her mother and claimed the student had been abducted. They demanded 100,000 baht and threatened to cut off her arms and legs.

Police said the criminals used AI technology to imitate the student's voice during the call, apparently to make the threats more convincing.

Her uncle became suspicious after noticing abnormalities in the AI-generated voice. He remained calm, took the student's mother to police and filed a report.

Officers traced the student's location through her Instagram account, identified the hotel and entered the room using a key card.

Authorities reported that the investigation remains ongoing, as they work to identify and track down the suspects.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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4 August 2026
Georgealbert
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