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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.
An American man wanted by authorities in the United States over alleged child sex abuse has been arrested at a meditation retreat at a temple in Chiang Mai.

The man, identified by authorities only as Joshua, was detained on September 10 after Thai immigration officers were asked by the FBI's Legal Attaché office at the US Embassy in Bangkok to locate him and arrange his deportation.

FBI request led to Chiang Mai operation

The Immigration Bureau received the request for cooperation on September 8. Joshua was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by a state court in New Hampshire, where he is expected to face further legal proceedings.

Joshua and another alleged accomplice were accused of sexually assaulting several girls aged under 16 before leaving the United States to avoid arrest.



Thai authorities revoked Joshua's permission to stay in Thailand before beginning efforts to find him, police said.

Immigration officers later learned that he intended to attend a meditation retreat at a temple in Chiang Mai. Undercover officers joined the retreat and monitored his movements, with temple staff cooperating in the operation.

Arrest made during meditation session

On the second day of the officers' participation in the retreat, they confirmed Joshua's identity and arrested him during a meditation session.

Police said Joshua admitted he was the person named in the US arrest warrant.

He was transported to the Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre before deportation under standard procedures. US authorities are expected to send officers to escort him back to New Hampshire.


Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

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12 September 2026


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The Sun has reported that young Russian men working in Pattaya's nightlife district say they left home partly because they fear being called up to fight in Ukraine.

The newspaper spoke to Sam, 23, from Moscow, and Ilya, 25, from St Petersburg, at a club on Walking Street. Both said they preferred work in Pattaya to the prospect of military service in Russia.

Sam, who had arrived in Pattaya three weeks earlier after first going to Bangkok, performs as a pole dancer at the venue. He said people his age were frightened they could be sent to fight and said he had buried friends and relatives during the war.

"Everything is so hard back home and every one of my age is terrified that they will be sent to fight," Sam told The Sun. He said he believed the conflict would not end until 2034, without explaining why he expected it to last that long.

Work and life on Walking Street

The Big Tool club is on Walking Street, at the centre of Pattaya's extensive red-light district. The venue employs men and women, and attracts male and female customers, according to the newspaper.

Sam said customers could buy drinks from a menu with prices reaching 1,390 baht. Ilya said he worked six days a week, with the club open until 3.30am, and offered hotel visits for 10,000 baht.

Commercial sex remains illegal in Thailand, even though nightlife and entertainment venues are highly visible in Pattaya and other tourist areas. Visitors and foreign residents should be aware that the law can be enforced, and that arrangements made through bars can carry legal, financial and personal-safety risks.

Ilya told the newspaper that Russia had changed sharply in recent years, claiming there was now "no money, no work and no hope". He said he would "definitely have to join the army" if he returned home, and added that he valued the freedom to be himself in Pattaya.

Yana, 26, a dancer from Vladivostok, told The Sun that many men at the club were from Russia or Turkey. She said Russian men would rather be in Thailand than risk ending up in the army and then at the front.

Thailand's growing Russian community

Russia last ordered a major mobilisation in September 2022, calling up 300,000 reservists after battlefield setbacks. The Sun said Moscow has since relied on recruitment incentives, particularly in poorer regions, while dismissing rumours of another imminent call-up.

The report cited Ukraine's claim that Russia is suffering around 1,000 casualties a day, while stating that Russia is desperate to replace losses. It also said that, in the four months shortly after the war began, 233,000 Russians arrived in Phuket, according to the local airport.

Sam summed up his decision simply: "Why would I want to join the army and fight and die when I can be in Pattaya having fun?"


Picture courtesy of The Sun

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12 September 2026
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Thai immigration police have arrested a 58-year-old Canadian man accused of sexually assaulting female clothing-shop employees at major Bangkok shopping centres. Officers say he allegedly used the pretence of holding trousers against staff before touching them inappropriately.

The man, identified by police as Karim Abdul Nabil, was arrested on 10 September at a condominium in the Rama 9 area. He was wanted under a Criminal Court warrant on a charge of committing an indecent act against a person aged over 15.

Immigration Division 3 investigators carried out the arrest alongside Phahonyothin police station officers.

Police link case to at least three reports

The investigation began after an incident at a clothing shop in a well-known mall in the Lat Phrao area in late August. Police said a foreign man approached a female employee and asked to compare a pair of trousers against her body, before allegedly taking the opportunity to molest her.



After reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence, investigators said they found the suspect had allegedly used a similar method on at least three occasions in several locations. One of the reported incidents was at a shopping centre in the Chatuchak area.

The Criminal Court subsequently approved an arrest warrant. Immigration officers traced the suspect to the condominium in Rama 9, placed the location under surveillance and then made the arrest, police said.

Officers said they confirmed he was the person named in the warrant, then informed him of the allegation and his rights through an English-language interpreter.

Immigration action could follow a final case outcome

Police said the Canadian initially confessed and was handed to investigators at Phahonyothin police station for legal proceedings.

Immigration Division 3 said it will consider revoking his permission to stay in Thailand once the case has reached a final outcome. Authorities also intend to deport him and place him on a watchlist barring him from returning to Thailand.

Major General Songprode Sirisuka, commander of Immigration Division 3, said Thailand welcomes foreigners who enter the country in good faith, but will not provide shelter to people who cause trouble or threaten public safety.

He said members of the public can report inappropriate behaviour involving foreigners to the Immigration Bureau hotline, 1178, available 24 hours a day.


Pictures courtesy of MGR Online

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12 September 2026
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Israel's embassy in Thailand has released a Thai-language video aimed at addressing concerns about Israeli tourists, with deputy chief of mission Rami Teplitskiy delivering a message urging visitors to respect local laws and culture.

The video was posted on the embassy's Israel in Thailand Facebook page on Friday, September 11, 2026, accompanied by a statement in both Thai and English. The embassy said it was working closely with Thai authorities on the issue.

Teplitskiy delivered the message in Thai, an effort the embassy said was intended to allow him to communicate directly and sincerely with Thai people. The embassy apologised in advance for any pronunciation errors.

Embassy cites guidance for Israeli travellers

Alongside the video, the embassy said it had already issued an official guidance brochure for Israeli travellers to Thailand.



The brochure stresses what the embassy described as "strict respect for Thai culture and laws". It did not announce any new Thai immigration, visa or tourism rules.

For Israeli visitors and expatriates, the message is a reminder that embassy advice does not replace local regulations. Foreign nationals in Thailand remain subject to Thai law, including rules governing conduct in public places, business activity, accommodation and travel.

A message aimed at Thai audiences

The decision to issue the message in Thai appears intended to address those concerns directly with a Thai audience rather than only with Israeli nationals.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

In its accompanying statement, the embassy said it remained "fully committed to safeguarding our warm friendship" between Israel and Thailand. It also said it would continue encouraging Israeli visitors to treat all Thai people with honour and respect.

Thailand is a major destination for overseas visitors, and the embassy's wording underlines the importance for tourists of understanding local social expectations as well as formal laws. This can include behaving respectfully towards local communities and following instructions from Thai authorities.

The embassy did not say whether the brochure or video would be distributed beyond its social-media channels, or provide further details of its discussions with Thai authorities.

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12 September 2026
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Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has come under renewed public attention after images resurfaced of him displaying a gold amulet made by a former abbot arrested on September 10 over alleged temple-fund fraud.

Phra Wachirayan Wi, 66, better known as Luang Pho Atichot Dhammawaro, was formerly the abbot of Phuthaisawan Temple. Police allege he misappropriated more than 92 million baht from temple funds.

Former abbot leaves monkhood

Atichot was arrested on September 10 and formally left the monkhood that afternoon. The case has also drawn attention because of his relationship with Punyawee, 47, a woman who worked at the temple.


Picture courtesy of DailyNews

CCTV footage from the monk's quarters reportedly showed the pair engaging in sexual activity on multiple occasions, including on a table at the temple. Punyawee was also arrested and taken to the Crime Suppression Division for questioning after police found that temple funds had been transferred into her bank accounts.

The allegations remain under police investigation, but the case has put a spotlight on the former abbot's highly sought-after Buddhist amulets.

PM had called pendant Thai soft power

Atichot's best-known creation was the Nuea Duang amulet, meaning "beyond fate", which has reportedly been valued at up to three million baht.

Anutin owns a Nuea Duang amulet and had previously worn it to work. Photographs of him showing the pendant to journalists in October last year were reposted online following the former abbot's arrest.

At the time, Anutin was deputy prime minister and interior minister. Speaking about Thai soft power, he presented the Buddha amulet as an example of the country's craftsmanship.

The prime minister removed and displayed his necklace, explaining that the pendant illustrated Thai handiwork. He also pointed out its adjustable cord, which allowed the amulet to slide up and down.

According to local media, the solid-gold Nuea Duang depicts Jatukham Rammathep, revered guardian deities associated with Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It was released in 2006 to mark Phuthaisawan Temple's elevation to royal-monastery status.


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11 September 2026
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Search teams have recovered the body of a 35-year-old man who went missing while looking for forest produce with friends in the Phu Faek area of Kalasin province.

Anan, from Phu Laen Chang subdistrict in Na Khu district, disappeared on the afternoon of 9 September. His body was found at 8am on 10 September in a dry whirlpool hole known locally as Kaeng E-Toi.

Search hampered by mountain terrain

The search involved several agencies, including Metta Tham Rescue's headquarters team, Muen Hin Rescue, Border Patrol Police, Forestry Department officers, Na Khu police, local officials and villagers.

Teams faced difficult conditions in the mountainous area, which has streams and numerous deep water pools. Searchers had to take extra care while entering the area.



Officials initially believe Anan may have lost his footing before being swept by flashwater into the pool and a hole beneath it, leaving him unable to get out.

The precise circumstances and cause of death remain under investigation.

Body brought down the mountain

Rescue workers had to plan the recovery carefully because of the steep and hazardous ground. The operation to bring Anan's body from the location took several hours before it reached the foot of the mountain.

Visitors planning hikes or trips into forest areas should check local weather conditions, avoid entering waterways during or after heavy rain, and use guides or notify others of their route when travelling in unfamiliar terrain.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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11 September 2026
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Four Chinese nationals have been arrested in Songkhla after police said they tricked a 66-year-old woman into handing over gold, cash and rice for a supposed ritual to protect her child from danger.

The four suspects were detained on 9 September 2026, two days after the alleged scam at Thung Lung Market in Phatong, Hat Yai. The victim reported losses valued at 194,000 baht.

Warning of danger led to ritual

According to Thung Lung Police, the woman, identified only as Narumon, was shopping at the market at about 8am on 7 September when four people approached her.

One member of the group allegedly told her that her child was about to face danger and that a ceremony was needed to avert it. She was told to bring three items for the ritual: gold, money and rice.

The woman returned home and collected a one-baht-weight gold necklace, a two-salueng gold ring, two gold bracelets, a pair of earrings, a gold pendant depicting King Rama IX, 10,000 baht in cash and a handful of rice.

Police said the suspects then took her into a vehicle, told her to place the property in a black bag, performed chants and returned the bag to her. When she arrived home and checked it, the gold, cash and rice had gone.

Arrests and charges

Thung Lung Police, led by superintendent Pol Col Chansarawut Saeng-arun, worked with investigation officers and Songkhla Immigration Police to trace the group.

The suspects were named as Ding Jinping, Lin Xueqing, Li Jintai and Yang Tulian, all Chinese nationals. Police said they were arrested along with evidence connected to the case.

Arrest warrants numbered 596/2569 and 597/2569, dated 8 September 2026, were obtained for Ding and Lin on a charge of jointly committing fraud by exploiting the victim's mental weakness. Li and Yang were arrested under Section 78(2)(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

All four suspects confessed to the allegations during their arrest, police said. Investigators are continuing interviews and gathering evidence.


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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11 September 2026
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A foreign man is being sought for questioning after CCTV footage reportedly showed him damaging property outside The Pannarai Hotel in Udon Thani in the early hours of September 8.

The hotel has submitted footage and other evidence to Udon Thani Provincial Tourist Police, asking officers to identify the man and summon him to accept responsibility for the reported damage.



The incident happened at about 2.40am outside the hotel in Mak Kaeng subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani. Hotel manager Suphattra provided CCTV footage and details to several news organisations, with Amarin TV later publishing the footage.

CCTV shows alleged damage outside hotel

The footage shows the man walking along the footpath outside the hotel before punching a plant decoration, kicking a traffic cone and striking an illuminated sign at the front of the property.

Suphattra also said the man kicked a car parked outside the hotel.


Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Damage to the hotel's sign has been estimated at between 7,000 and 8,000 baht, according to Suphattra. The hotel collected the CCTV recording and other evidence before filing its report with Tourist Police.

The foreign man's identity has not yet been established. Local police had not provided a further update on the investigation.

Visitors staying in the area who may have witnessed the incident, or who have information that could help identify the man, may be able to assist Udon Thani Provincial Tourist Police.

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11 September 2026
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Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) says deportation is just one of several tools available to preserve public order, following removal orders against two foreigners connected to a long-running dispute on Koh Samui.

DOPA director-general Nuchara Kosivil said on 10 September 2026, that a 2026 Prime Minister's Office regulation clearly provides for deportation as a measure to maintain public order. He warned that foreigners who break the law could now face stronger legal action.

The two recnt cases concern French national Kevin Dimino and Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon, whose dispute on Koh Samui, Surat Thani, escalated and made headlines for weeks.

For foreigners in Thailand, the comments underline that criminal proceedings are not necessarily the only consequence of alleged misconduct. Immigration and Interior Ministry action can also result in removal from the country where authorities consider an individual to pose a public-order threat.

Orders against Dimino and Ohayon

Mr Ohayon was ordered deported on 4 September after the Interior Ministry cited alleged threats to public order. The Koh Samui Provincial Court had previously sentenced him to up to one month in prison and a 10,000-baht fine for making threats that caused another person to fear for their safety.

After he pleaded guilty and received a sentence reduction, the final penalty was 15 days in prison and a 5,000-baht fine, with the prison term suspended for two years. Mr Ohayon has appealed the deportation order.

Mr Dimino was the second person ordered deported after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the order on Monday. He had been ordered deported on 7 September over several alleged incidents, including verbally harassing and abusing the owner and teachers of a language school, assaulting a Turkish national and threatening him with a knife.

The Interior Ministry later ordered his deportation, also citing his alleged conduct as a threat to public order.

Mr Dimino, who owns a zoo on Koh Samui, has lived in Thailand for about nine years and is married to a Thai woman, Jindarat. He was taken to Koh Samui police stations for detention pending deportation, while Mr Ohayon was held separately at Bo Phut police station to prevent a confrontation.

Jindarat said she would appeal the deportation order against her husband.

DOPA says cases are individual

Mr Nuchara said many foreigners live peacefully in Thailand and that each case must be considered individually. Asked whether the arrival of Israeli nationals had become a concern, he did not suggest a wider action against any nationality.

He also addressed a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, saying the site had originally been legally authorised. However, its permit was not renewed after it expired because the site no longer met current requirements.

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11 September 2026
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Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to issue its first witness summons to Israeli businessman Maimon David Marciano over suspected use of Thai nominees in businesses and property holdings.

Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapol Naowarat said Marciano is not currently a suspect, but investigators want him to explain arrangements involving law firms, hotels and condominiums in Chonburi. Authorities say the assets linked to him in eastern Thailand are worth more than 1 billion baht.

DSI examining Chonburi property network

Speaking after a Justice Ministry meeting in Bangkok on 9 September, Rutthapol said the DSI had obtained substantial information during raids at three locations in Chonburi on 21 August 2026, including sites in Bang Lamung and Pattaya.

Investigators are reviewing documents found during the searches, including property ownership papers connected with other areas, notably southern Thailand. The DSI believes there may be a wider network requiring further legal action.



Marciano is linked to KT International Law and Business, a legal office in Chonburi. Rutthapol said investigators had found indications that Thai nationals had been placed in management roles at legal and accounting firms on his behalf, potentially allowing foreign interests to hold land through legal loopholes.

The minister said there was, so far, no evidence of state officials assisting the arrangements. He added that the DSI needed more time to examine the evidence before taking further steps, but expected action within September.

Eastern and southern provinces under scrutiny

Rutthapol said the DSI will concentrate its foreign-capital investigations in eastern provinces, while police focus on the South. Agencies will share information as they investigate possible links between companies and individuals across regions.

He said some company directors listed in southern provinces had also appeared in landholding records in the North East. The DSI believes Israeli business figures operating in different parts of Thailand may know each other and could share Thai legal or accounting advisers.

The DSI is also examining information concerning Yosef Chaim Kanter, described as a leader of Thailand's Chabad network, after his name reportedly appeared in connection with substantial property holdings. Officials may initially open a separate inquiry before deciding whether it should be combined with other cases.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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11 September 2026
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Myanmar authorities have handed over nine Thai nationals wanted on arrest warrants, including three people described as key figures in transnational drug trafficking networks.

The suspects were transferred to Thai officials on 10 September 2026 at the first permanent border crossing over the Sai River in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, for prosecution in Thailand.

The handover was received by Pol Lt Col Suriya Singkamol, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Chiang Rai governor Choocheep Phongchai, and other agencies.

Myanmar's delegation was led by Brig Gen Tat Lwin Maung, joint secretary of Myanmar's Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC).

Three named as major drug suspects

All nine suspects are Thai nationals who had allegedly fled to live in Myanmar while wanted in Thailand, according to the ONCB.



Seven face drug-related charges. Of those, three were identified as major targets on the ONCB's wanted list: Chonnat, 44, whose surname has been withheld and who is wanted under a Chiang Rai Provincial Court warrant; Boy, 42, surname withheld, wanted under a Criminal Court warrant; and Kulaporn, 35, surname withheld, also wanted under a Criminal Court warrant.

The remaining suspects are wanted in other criminal cases.

Thai authorities said the operation followed an upgrade in cooperation between the Thai and Myanmar governments against transnational crime and narcotics trafficking. The suspects were returned so they could face legal proceedings in Thailand.

Cross-border intelligence cooperation

Suriya thanked Myanmar authorities and partner agencies for investigating and pursuing drug trafficking groups that had escaped arrest warrants by taking refuge in neighbouring countries.

He said the handover demonstrated the practical effectiveness of intelligence-sharing and joint work between the two countries.

The ONCB said it would continue its "drug eradication operation" both inside and outside Thailand, with the aim of dismantling transnational narcotics networks.

Members of the public can report drug information around the clock through the ONCB's 1386 hotline. The agency said callers' information would be kept strictly confidential.


Pictures courtesy of Naewna

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11 September 2026
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Asia Era One has offered to continue operating Bangkok's Airport Rail Link for four months after its current contract ends on 30 September, but wants 60 million baht a month and safeguards linked to the wider three-airport high-speed rail project.

The CP-affiliated company proposed running the service from 1 October 2026 until 31 January 2027. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board was due to consider the terms on 10 September.

SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng said the company submitted its written response, after discussions involving Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The ministry has been seeking an agreement to avoid an interruption to passenger services.

Conditions tied to high-speed rail contract

Asia Era One says the temporary Airport Rail Link arrangement must not affect its reserved right to terminate the public-private partnership agreement for the high-speed railway connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports.

It also wants the right to end the four-month operating arrangement if the SRT files a lawsuit, starts court action including an application for interim measures, or makes a claim under a guarantee connected with the partnership agreement, memorandum of agreement or three-airport high-speed rail project.

Under the proposal, the operator would have to give the SRT at least 30 days' written notice before stopping Airport Rail Link services.

The company is seeking 60 million baht a month for operating management costs and utilities, including water and electricity. Over four months, that would amount to 240 million baht.

The SRT has reported the proposed conditions to Phiphat and was preparing details for the board to decide how to proceed.

What passengers should expect

For foreign residents, tourists and airport-bound travellers, the immediate concern is whether services continue without a gap after September. The Airport Rail Link remains a key connection between central Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, although reliability problems can make it unsuitable for journeys with little time to spare.

Authorities have introduced supplementary Bangkok Mass Transit Authority buses and mainline rail services to help passengers complete journeys. Travellers using the line for flights or important appointments are advised to allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or arrange alternative transport.

Long-running maintenance pressures

The Airport Rail Link opened under the SRT in 2010. By around 2014, heavy use had created a need for major maintenance, but budget limits and difficulties obtaining overseas spare parts hampered work, reducing the number of available trains from nine to five or six.

Operating rights moved to Asia Era One in 2021 as preparation for integration with the three-airport high-speed railway, but problems with the existing system were not resolved.

Scheduled overhauls of control and signalling systems, faults on the ageing network and uncertainty over the transition between public and private management have all affected maintenance planning, train availability and timetables.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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11 September 2026

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A lone gunman robbed the TTB bank branch in Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani, taking 1,541,704 baht before fleeing in a car later found burned near the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).

The robbery took place on September 10, with the suspect using a firearm to threaten staff shortly before the branch closed. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage along the suspected escape route and examining the destroyed vehicle for evidence.

Gunman trapped staff inside bank

According to CCTV footage, the suspect was a slim man about 170cm tall, wearing a balaclava, long sleeve shirt and gloves. He drove a Toyota Vios to the branch, parked outside, then entered and turned the door sign to indicate it was closed.



The man then used an iron bar to brace the door, preventing people outside from entering, police said. He threatened five employees and one officer with a gun.

Police said he took 500,000 baht from the counter and forced staff to open a safe, taking the total stolen amount to 1,541,704 baht before leaving the scene.

CCTV also indicated that a vehicle believed to be connected to the robbery had driven around the area from September 7, apparently to survey the branch in advance.



Car found burned near AIT

Initial reports described the getaway vehicle as a Toyota Vios carrying registration Khom Mor 8353. Police said the registration plates were fake and had been prepared to disguise the vehicle and frustrate efforts to trace it.

Thung Khloang municipal firefighters were later called to a car fire in scrubland opposite AIT on inbound Phahonyothin Road, before the entrance to Soi Thaweewit. They found a Toyota burned out, believed to be the car used in the robbery.


Picture courtesy of Amarin

Police suspect the vehicle was set alight to destroy evidence. Forensic officers have been instructed to check its chassis and engine numbers to identify the registered owner.

Pathum Thani provincial police chief Major General Peeraphol Chotiksetthiar and officers from Khlong Luang Police Station attended the bank. Police Region 1 commissioner Lieutenant General Watthana Yeejeen also ordered investigators to urgently trace CCTV footage from the escape route.

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11 September 2026
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A 41-year-old Israeli man has been arrested at a Chiang Mai condominium after Excise Department officers and police found 200 packs of allegedly untaxed foreign cigarettes, officials said.

The man, identified only as Mr A, was arrested at about 14:30 on Wednesday, 10 September 2026, at a condominium in Nong Hoi subdistrict, Muang district.

Parcel delivery led to arrest

Officers from the Excise Department's Regional Office 5 and Mae Ping Police Station seized 20 cartons containing the 200 packs of cigarettes.

According to officials, the operation began after a tip-off that a foreign national had ordered untaxed cigarettes for delivery by a private courier service.



Condominium staff were asked to alert the intended recipient when the parcel arrived. Officers then moved in and made the arrest, officials said.

Mr A allegedly admitted ordering the cigarettes. He told officers that the products were intended for his own use.

What this means for foreigners

The case is a reminder for foreign residents and visitors that tobacco bought or brought into Thailand can be subject to excise and customs rules, including when it is ordered for delivery rather than bought in person.

Officials described the cigarettes as foreign and untaxed. No further details on the charges or the next legal steps for Mr A were included in the police statement.

Enforcement involved excise officers and police

Thailand's Excise Department is responsible for overseeing excise-duty goods, while police may assist in investigations and arrests. In this case, the operation involved officers from the department's Regional Office 5, which covers Chiang Mai, together with Mae Ping Police Station.


Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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11 September 2026
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A 34-year-old Thai man has accused workers at a massage shop in Bangkok's Lat Phrao-Wang Hin area of threatening to detain him after he refused to pay for what he said was an unfulfilled sexual service.

The man took his complaint to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, saying he wanted to warn other customers after the dispute at the shop. The owner and masseuses named in his account have not publicly responded.

Dispute over 600 baht

The man said he had used the shop several times previously without trouble, normally paying 400 baht for a one-hour massage.

On his latest visit, he said a masseuse suggested a "special massage", a term commonly used for intimate services involving sexual activity. She reportedly quoted 1,000 baht, which he said he negotiated down to 600 baht.

According to his account, he arrived at about 9pm. The masseuse entered the treatment room at about 9.03pm and stopped the session at around 9.40pm.

He alleged that she briefly touched his private area before telling him the session was over. The man said he believed he had been deceived because the service he expected had not been provided.

Payment refused

When the masseuse requested the agreed 600 baht, he refused and instead offered the usual 400-baht rate for a standard massage.

He claimed three masseuses then approached him and demanded the full payment, allegedly threatening to keep him at the shop until he paid. The man said he pretended to be an influential person in the area, after which the women accepted 400 baht and allowed him to leave.

The man did not say whether he had filed a police complaint. It is also unclear whether anyone will face charges, as offering sexual services is illegal in Thailand.

The complainant said he went public because he feared other customers could face similar treatment.


Picture courtesy of Top News

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11 September 2026

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A Rosh Hashanah celebration organised by Chabad Patong will go ahead in Phuket on 11 September, but under reduced hours, a single venue and an 800-person attendance limit.

Phuket authorities acted after local objections raised security concerns and questions about the effect of the gathering on the surrounding community. The event will be held at Chabad House in Patong district from 4pm until 9pm.

The original plan involved Chabad House and a hotel, operating from 4pm to midnight, and was expected to cater for around 1,000 Jewish residents and visitors. The hotel has now been removed from the programme, the expected attendance has fallen by about 200 people, and the celebration will finish three hours earlier.

Authorities reject calls to cancel event

The decision followed talks involving provincial authorities, security agencies and Chabad Patong representatives. Organisers told officials that cancellation was no longer practical because tickets had been sold, some participants had booked accommodation and preparations were complete.

They said a cancellation could result in significant losses for Chabad Patong and harm Phuket's image as an international tourism destination. Organisers also noted that the celebration is held annually.

Provincial authorities concluded that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for security measures to suspend the event.

Protest permitted away from Chabad House

The review was prompted by a petition filed with Phuket authorities on 8 September by the Protect Phuket Land group. It asked for the celebration to be reconsidered, citing concerns about security, possible violence by third parties or incidents connected with conflicts involving Israel.

The group also raised concerns over the location of Chabad House within a local community.

After authorities allowed the event to proceed, Protect Phuket Land said it was disappointed and announced plans to protest when the celebration starts. It questioned whether the venue could safely hold 800 people, claiming its capacity may be about 700. Organisers have not disclosed how many tickets have been sold.

Authorities said a protest will be allowed if the group follows the required application procedures. Demonstrators will be allocated a location away from Chabad House to reduce the risk of confrontation or clashes.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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11 September 2026
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Thailand expects the first group of Sri Lankan workers to arrive within one to two months, with around 10,000 people earmarked for an initial scheme focused on the construction industry.

Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the move would help address shortages in jobs that are difficult to fill with Thai workers, while testing where Sri Lankan workers' skills are best suited in the Thai economy.

Speaking at the Rama Gardens Hotel on 10 September 2026, Julapun said the Cabinet had already approved the framework for a labour cooperation memorandum of understanding and a government-to-government employment agreement with Sri Lanka.

The MOU is due to be signed on 14 September. Once that is completed, Thailand can immediately begin the process of bringing in workers from Sri Lanka, he said.

First intake aimed at construction

Julapun said the MOU itself does not set a numerical limit, but the government has set an initial target of roughly 10,000 workers.

The pilot intake will allow officials to assess which industries best match the workers' skills and where they could replace foreign workers whose numbers may have declined in recent years.

Construction has been identified as the main initial sector because Sri Lankan workers already have experience in the industry in several countries, the minister said.

Checks and monitoring promised

Julapun said Thailand continued to need overseas workers, according to discussions with private businesses, but that the country must remain careful over security, safety and conduct.

He said Sri Lankan workers had been employed in a number of countries without Thailand receiving negative reports about them. He added that they could help drive the economy without causing problems for Thai workers.

Nevertheless, Julapun said scrutiny, monitoring and supervision by the Department of Employment and other state agencies would need to be strict after workers arrive, to maintain order.

He said the scheme should not normally create difficulties for Thai workers because some types of employment remain hard to fill locally. Jobs remain open to Thai workers who need work, he added, but foreign labour is necessary to meet demand in certain areas of the economy.


Picture courtesy of Khoasod

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11 September 2026
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Sondhi Limthongkul led supporters of the "Taking Back Our Thailand" movement to the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok on September 10, calling for action over alleged foreign domination of Thai real estate and concerns about some Israeli visitors.

The gathering began at 9am outside Ocean Tower 2 on Sukhumvit 21 in Asoke, where the embassy is based. Pantep Puapongphan, Nititorn Lamlua and Phichit Chaimongkol joined Sondhi, along with network leaders and a large number of members of the public, including Sirinat Samut, known as Sai Samut.

The group said it wanted to submit a letter demanding a crackdown on foreign capital acquiring property in Thailand, including through Thai nominees. It said the aim was to protect Thai sovereignty, the interests of Thai people and domestic businesses.

Embassy meeting offer declined

At about 10.15am, Sondhi told the crowd that the Israeli Embassy had said no staff were working that day, but that the ambassador was prepared to receive him privately at a later date.



Sondhi said he declined because the visit was being made on behalf of Thai people across the country and should not become a private discussion.

He then read an open letter to the embassy in English and Thai. It called on the Thai government and Israeli Embassy to address the issues in practical terms rather than merely acknowledge the complaint through diplomatic procedure.

The letter raised allegations involving the behaviour of some Israeli tourists and residents in Thailand, including alleged lawbreaking, disrespect for local customs, fraud and unpaid service bills. It said such cases had repeatedly affected local communities and prompted calls for more serious regulation.

Visa policy among protesters' concerns

Sai Samut said he had returned from the United States at 4am that morning before attending the rally. He argued that Thai people needed to work together to "take our country back from the government", claiming government administration had harmed Thai people's dignity.



He identified visa-free entry as the starting point of the problem, alleging that some visitors entered Thailand as tourists before operating businesses, settling in the country and mistreating Thai people without government protection.

Sai compared the current atmosphere to the period before the fall of Ayutthaya, while saying he had no political colour and would oppose anyone, of any nationality, who broke laws or failed to respect others.

Four demands

The group is making four demands to the Israeli embassy and government:
 
 1. Maintain strict control over citizens by enforcing training measures and emphasizing to Israeli tourists the importance of respecting Thai laws and culture.

2. Do not protect offenders; cooperate with the Thai police and authorities in prosecuting Israeli citizens who commit crimes, without using diplomatic intervention.

3. Disclose land ownership and cooperate transparently in the investigation of land ownership and operations of the Chabad Center, as well as related organizations in Thailand.

4. Send a message to the Israeli government urging them to end their atrocities against civilians in conflict zones and to abide by international humanitarian law.

Further rallies planned

Sondhi said the government should be concerned if it continued to favour capital interests rather than managing the situation. He said he would next submit a complaint concerning "Chinese grey capital" and planned speaking events in Chon Buri, Chanthaburi and Khon Kaen.

He also said the movement could gather again after the Election Commission's expected September 14 decision on whether the Senate election collusion case should be sent to the Supreme Court's Election Cases Division.

Separately, national artist Aed Carabao, real name Yuenyong Opakul, said he had recorded a song titled "Where Do Jewish People Come From?" in support of the movement. He cited previous warnings he had posted about alleged Israeli takeovers in Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Koh Phangan, Surat Thani.


Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

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10 September 2026
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Pattaya police have arrested a 40-year-old Thai man accused of helping a gang impersonate officers, detain massage workers and extort money from them. Kiattisak, also known as Ice, was arrested at a rented room in Pattaya on September 8.

Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station surrounded the room and reportedly spent more than an hour carrying out the operation before taking Kiattisak into custody.

The arrest stems from a complaint lodged by three masseuses who said a group of men claiming to be police raided their Pattaya massage shop on August 3.

Workers allegedly taken to Jomtien room

The three women told police they were taken to a rented room in the Jomtien area after the supposed officers said they would conduct drug tests.



Instead, the group allegedly forced the massage workers to pay 7,500 baht. The men also allegedly made them contact foreigners who possessed drugs and arrange meetings, allowing the gang to pursue further extortion.

Police have confirmed that none of those involved in the operation were genuine police officers. One suspected group member was arrested in August following the initial investigation.

Suspect allegedly gathered victim details

Further inquiries led officers to Kiattisak, who reportedly confessed during questioning to identifying potential victims and collecting their personal information.

Police said the information was then allegedly passed to other members of the group, who carried out the claimed abductions and extortion.

Kiattisak had previously been arrested and imprisoned for drug-related offences. He was reportedly released from prison about one year ago before allegedly becoming involved in the latest offences.

Another suspect remains at large, and police said their investigation and search would continue.


Picture courtesy of SaimChon

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10 September 2026
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The Royal Thai Navy has selected South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. for a THB16.73 billion package to supply a new frigate, equipment and long-term support.

The selection will be formally explained at a Navy briefing on September 18, 2026, once the legally required period for appeals has ended.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an acknowledgement of the selection summary submitted by the Defence Ministry and Navy on September 4, Navy spokesman RAdm Parach Rattanachaiphan said. The permanent secretary for defence approved the outcome on September 7.

Adm Korawit Chayarathi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Fleet and chairman of the frigate procurement project management committee, signed the announcement naming Hanwha Ocean.

What the THB16.73bn package covers

The contract covers one frigate and its systems and equipment, as well as spare parts, tools, documentation, support services, testing and trials.

It also includes fuel, lubricants, training, acceptance inspections, warranty coverage and related ceremonies.

Hanwha Ocean's THB16.73 billion quotation is exempt from customs duty, but includes VAT, other applicable taxes, transport and all other expenses. The price is fixed and firm under Delivered at Place, or DAP, terms set out in Incoterms 2020.

Transport and insurance are included until the vessel is delivered to Sattahip Naval Base in Sattahip subdistrict, Sattahip district, Chonburi, or another site named by the Navy.

Navy cites transparency and longer-term gains

Parach said the Navy recognised the public interest in a procurement involving national security, maritime protection and taxpayers' money.

He said the process had placed emphasis on compliance with regulations, value for money, transparency and scrutiny. The assessment considered the frigate's operational capability, its suitability for Navy missions and value across its working life.

The Navy also considered prospective technology transfer, personnel development, technical knowledge and opportunities for Thailand's domestic defence industry.

"The Navy gets a ship" was not the sole objective, Parach said; "the country must benefit alongside it". He said the investment should build Thai skills, support industry and strengthen national self-reliance beyond the frigate's delivery.

Appeal window remains open

Although the selection has been approved and announced, participants can still lodge appeals under the relevant laws and regulations.

Parach said the appeal mechanism protected the rights of all parties and helped ensure the procurement was handled fairly. At the September 18 briefing, the Navy will set out its criteria, explain its decision and outline the principal elements and expected benefits of Hanwha Ocean's proposal.

"This frigate is being funded with taxpayers' money," Parach said. "Our aim is therefore not simply to obtain the best ship for the Navy, but to ensure that this investment also delivers benefits for the country."


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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10 September 2026

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The French owner of Samui Exotic Park in Surat Thani has been ordered deported from Thailand, with his wife preparing to appeal the Interior Ministry's decision on Friday, 11 September.

Kevin Dimino was formally informed of the order by Surat Thani Immigration on 8 September, a day after the ministry issued the deportation decision. He has been held at Koh Samui Police Station while awaiting removal to his country of origin.

The case follows a dispute involving Israeli tourists at the animal park on Koh Samui.

Ministry order and detention

The Interior Ministry's 7 September order said Mr Dimino had engaged in threatening, harassment and physical assault, and had caused annoyance to others. It also alleged conduct that created racial and religious division, caused problems among tourists, and risked harm to people or property through reckless behaviour.

Mr Dimino attended Surat Thani Immigration with his wife and lawyer on 8 September. Pol Col Narawat Phutthawiro, superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration, notified him of the deportation order, read it to him officially and took him to make an official police record.

He was then placed in custody at Koh Samui Police Station pending the process of being sent back to France.

The order comes after an earlier deportation case involving the same dispute. On 24 August, Jindarat, 35, and Mr Dimino, described as the owner of Samui Exotic Park, filed a complaint against a group of Israeli tourists, saying they had been seriously threatened and feared for their lives.

On 4 September, the Interior Ministry ordered the deportation of Yaacov Ohayon, an Israeli national identified as Mr Dimino's opposing party in the Samui Exotic Park case.

Appeal planned at Interior Ministry

Mr Dimino's wife is now preparing to file an appeal with the Interior Ministry. Tae Achiva, from the Thai Mai Thon team, wrote on Facebook that he would take Mr Dimino to submit the appeal at 10.30am on Friday, 11 September.

In the post, he questioned whether the outcome was appropriate, saying Mr Dimino had been protecting his business and family.


Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

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10 September 2026
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A British coroner has recorded an open verdict into the death of Aaron Campbell, 27, who was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room in March 2025.

Thai post-mortem findings had listed a drug overdose as the cause of death after morphine was detected in his urine. However, Nottingham coroner Helena Gallagher, at an inquest held on 8 September 2026, said the report did not state the level of morphine present or whether it was therapeutic or fatal.

Mr Campbell, a traffic management worker from Retford, Nottinghamshire, had travelled to Thailand in December 2024 and toured the country, visiting waterfalls and festivals. He had planned to return to the UK and save for a future trip to Japan.

Last message after a beer

By March 23, 2025, Mr Campbell was staying at the Sukawadee Hotel in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon area. At 7.45pm that evening, he messaged a friend saying he felt "a bit sick" after drinking a beer and was returning to his room.

He wrote that he thought he had "caught something on the Khao San", referring to Bangkok's main backpacker strip. It was the last contact anyone had with him.



Mr Campbell failed to check out for a planned flight home and was found dead on his bed two days later. Messages sent by relatives and friends had remained unread.

A further post-mortem examination was carried out after his body was repatriated to Britain. It found morphine, Tapentadol and Tramadol, but none was present in an excessive concentration, the inquest heard.

The doctor could not establish a cause of death. Ms Gallagher said the reason morphine, which is prescribed in Thailand, was in Mr Campbell's system was unclear.

Coroner rejects overdose finding

Ms Gallagher told Mr Campbell's parents, Paul and Moira, and sister Natalie that she was sorry she could not provide answers. She said: "Sadly we do not tend to get as much information as we would like when there is a death abroad."

Aaron Campbell's relatives are unlikely to ever discover why he was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room

Checks with Mr Campbell's GP found no history of mental health problems or drug abuse.

Speaking after the hearing at Nottingham's Council House, Mrs Campbell said her son had never used illicit drugs and suggested his drink may have been spiked, possibly with robbery in mind. That possibility was not established at the inquest.

She described him as health-conscious, quiet and careful, saying he carried a medical kit in his backpack and had organised his Thai trip in detail. She also criticised Bangkok authorities for what she said was a lack of cooperation with attempts to obtain further information.

For foreign visitors and residents, the case underlines the practical difficulty families can face in obtaining detailed evidence after a death overseas, particularly where local and UK medical findings differ.


Pictures courtesy of Daily Mail

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10 September 2026
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Georgealbert
A Dutch man and a Thai woman involved in an alleged assault at a Koh Samui bar have settled their dispute following police mediation, according to the woman's representative.

The representative said both parties were called in by police after the August 29 confrontation at Pookies Bar in Plai Laem. A settlement was successfully reached she said.

Apology and reconciliation

The woman’s representative, who owns Pookies Bar, said the Dutch man admitted wrongdoing and apologised during the mediation process.

She said this brought the matter to a close and that the Dutch man and the woman had since reconciled. According to the representative, they are now on good terms.



The representative also asked media outlets to stop circulating claims that could harm either party or imply that there had been no movement in the case. She said such claims were inaccurate and thanked those who helped the pair resolve the dispute peacefully.

CCTV footage showed confrontation

The dispute stemmed from a confrontation at Pookies Bar on August 29 which was captured by CCTV cameras.

Footage showed the Dutch man repeatedly striking the Thai woman before lifting a metal bar stool. Bystanders stepped in during the incident.


Pictures courtesy of Koh Samui News & Info

The woman later attended Koh Samui Hospital, where a medical certificate recorded bruising to her left cheekbone. She reported the matter to police and subsequently approached the media, saying at the time that there had been no progress in the case.

No further details of the agreement reached during the police mediation were disclosed by the representative.

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10 September 2026
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Hua Hin Provincial Court has sentenced a man, 36-year-old Rattikorn "Sam" Yingyot, to death for the robbery and killing of a hotel receptionist in Prachuap Khiri Khan province in January.

The ruling, delivered on 8 September, followed the defendant's admission during court proceedings. Judges found the crime so brutal that there were no grounds to reduce the sentence.

Receptionist attacked during night shift

The victim, a 35-year-old receptionist, was killed at a hotel in Hua Hin district at about 3.15am on 19 January.

CCTV footage showed her attacker repeatedly hitting her with an iron bar before taking two mobile phones and a black bag, then fleeing the scene.

She was found behind the reception counter with severe head injuries. Police later recovered the iron bar nearby.

Officers arrested the suspect the following day after a search near railway tracks in Hua Hin.

Court rejects plea for leniency

Although the defendant admitted the offence, the court said the circumstances showed exceptional brutality. It also said he had shown no fear of the law and had caused devastating loss to the victim's family.

The court consequently imposed the death penalty rather than reducing the punishment.

The victim's mother attended the hearing and said the sentence delivered justice for her daughter. She also noted that the ruling was made by the court of first instance and that further legal stages and appeals remain before the case is finally concluded.

Only the second death sentence in Hua Hin court

According to Amarin TV, this was only the second death sentence handed down by Hua Hin Provincial Court.

The earlier case involved the murder of a young girl known as Nong Kaem aboard a train.

The ruling brings the trial stage of the receptionist murder case to a close, although the mother's comments underline that the legal process has not yet ended.


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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10 September 2026
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A Thai woman confronted a foreign man at a Makro supermarket in Krabi after accusing him of jumping the checkout queue and making an insulting comment about Muslims.

Footage shared by the woman on Facebook on September 7 shows her demanding an explanation and an apology after she said the man told her, "Muslim is number 2."

Checkout confrontation

The woman said she had been waiting at the supermarket's fast-track checkout when the man pushed his shopping cart in front of her.

In her Facebook caption, she said her hands and voice were shaking with anger, adding that she had never expected to encounter such an incident herself.

During the filmed confrontation, she told the man that people of every race, nationality and religion were human. The man tried to shield his face from the camera with a scarf and replied that he was only shopping.


Picture courtesy of the woman's Facebook account

At the end of the video, he apologised, saying, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

Woman alleges attempt to take her phone

The woman later said that the man had walked towards her and allegedly tried to grab her phone to stop her filming.

She also claimed he handed her a 10-baht coin before leaving, an action she considered a further insult.

Although the exchange was heated, the woman thanked Makro staff for assisting her. She also apologised to customers not involved in the dispute whose faces appeared in the video.

Online supporters raise further claims

Friends and several Thai social-media users backed the woman in comments under her post.

One friend said she had previously encountered the same foreign man while travelling on the road. She alleged that he ran a red light while riding a motorcycle, then travelled through a narrow gap between two trucks.

The friend also alleged that the man regularly walked along the road while talking to himself.

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10 September 2026
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