American Tourist Knocked Unconscious in Pattaya Street Fight

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

A violent street altercation involving foreign tourists left an American man unconscious in Pattaya in the early hours of 25 January 2026, prompting police intervention and emergency medical treatment. The incident occurred at around 4.30am in Soi Buakhao and drew a crowd of onlookers before officers arrived to restore order.

Thailand Revives Covid-Style Controls Amid Nipah Virus Alert

Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

Thailand has revived disease control measures previously used during the Covid-19 pandemic as a precaution against the possible spread of the Nipah virus, despite there being no confirmed cases in the country. The measures include intensified health screening of travellers arriving from countries considered to be at risk, with immediate implementation at key entry points such as airports.

Tourist Numbers Surge at Thale Bua Daeng After Lisa Campaign

Pictures courtesy of Bangkokpost

Tourist numbers have surged at Thale Bua Daeng, Udon Thani’s famed Sea of Pink Water Lilies, following the release of a promotional video and images featuring Thai K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, with visitors queuing before dawn to secure boat tickets. Since early Saturday, large numbers of Thai and foreign tourists have arrived at Ban Diam pier in Kumphawapi district, some lining up before 5am when ticket offices open. The sudden influx has prompted government agencies to step up safety, service and traffic management at the site.

Pheu Thai Lottery Plan Draws Backlash Over Ethics & Value

Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

The Pheu Thai Party’s proposal to award nine million baht every day through a lucky draw has triggered strong criticism, with opponents calling it unethical and wasteful, while the party argues it would strengthen Thailand’s digital tax system. The plan, unveiled during the current election campaign, has quickly become a focal point of debate over populist policies and the use of public funds.

Crane Drops Prefab House, Crushing Neighbour’s Home in Khon Kaen

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A crane incident in Khon Kaen municipality led to a prefabricated house being dropped onto a neighbouring home, causing severe damage but leaving the occupant inside alive in what was described as a miraculous escape. The incident occurred at around 11am on January 23, 2026, in Soi Klang Muang 9, off Klang Muang Road, and resulted in one house being rendered uninhabitable.

PM Dismisses Impact of Pita’s Return to Election Rallies

Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

The prime minister has downplayed the political impact of former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s return to campaign rallies, as Thailand’s election race intensifies ahead of polling day on 8 February. His comments come as the People’s Party (PP) hold a series of high-profile rallies in Bangkok and Samut Prakan aimed at mobilising supporters.

Army Denies Border Clash Rumours Near Cambodia Ahead of Poll

Picture courtesy of Amarin

The Thai army moved on January 25 to quell online rumours suggesting renewed tensions or a clash along the Thai–Cambodian border, reassuring the public that no such incidents had occurred. The clarification aimed to ease public concern as the country approaches the February 8 general election, a period seen as sensitive to misinformation.

Claims of ‘Quantum Mind’ Healing Draw Scrutiny in Northeast

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Crowds of patients have gathered to attend sessions promoting so-called “quantum mind” healing, raising concerns among residents and prompting calls for official investigation. The activities are linked to the wife of a deputy provincial governor and have attracted people with a wide range of illnesses seeking relief. Critics warn the claims could pose risks to public health if left unchecked.

DSI Arrests Chinese National Over Thai Nominee Companies

Picture courtesy of CrimeAsia

Authorities have arrested a Chinese national at Suvarnabhumi Airport in a coordinated operation targeting alleged illegal business activities involving Thai nominee structures. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), working with Suvarnabhumi Immigration officers, detained Mr Luo at about 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The arrest was carried out under a Criminal Court warrant and led to his immediate transfer to DSI custody for further legal proceedings.

Firework Blast at Funeral Seriously Injures Man, 66

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A 66-year-old man was seriously injured when a firework exploded during a funeral ceremony at a temple in Ang Thong province, leaving him with catastrophic injuries to his right arm. The blast occurred in the afternoon of 24 January and prompted an urgent emergency response. Rescue workers provided first aid before transferring the victim to hospital for critical treatment.

Land & Water Row Leaves Man Dead in Chumphon Orchard

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A 60-year-old man has died after being assaulted during a dispute over land boundaries and irrigation water in a durian orchard in Chumphon province. Police arrested a 75-year-old suspect shortly after the incident and are pursuing charges related to causing death through assault. The killing has shocked residents in the rural Thung Sae district and prompted a full criminal investigation.

Leaders Back Making Social Security Office Independent

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Senior political figures have voiced support for removing Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) from the civil service system, arguing that greater independence would improve transparency, flexibility and benefits for insured workers and employers. The proposal comes amid public scrutiny of the management of the Social Security Fund, which affects 24 million insured persons and more than 500,000 employers nationwide.

Man Found Drowned in Pattaya Reservoir, Suicide Suspected

Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

A man was found dead after drowning in a reservoir in Pattaya, Chonburi province, on the afternoon of 25 January 2026, in an incident witnessed by local residents. Rescue teams were dispatched urgently after reports that a man had struggled in the water before disappearing from sight. His body was later recovered from the bottom of the reservoir and police initially believe the death was a suicide.

Thai Councillor Arrested Over Failed Gold Shop Robbery

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Police have arrested a local municipal councillor accused of attempting an armed robbery at a gold shop in Nakhon Ratchasima province, an incident that ended without injuries but raised serious concerns about public safety and trust in local officials. The suspect allegedly fired a gun inside the shop before fleeing empty-handed, prompting a swift police investigation that led to his arrest the following day.

Players and Fans Brawl at Krabi Cup Football Match

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A football match in Krabi province descended into violence on 24 January 2026, forcing organisers to abandon play after a mass brawl involving players, team officials and supporters. The incident occurred during the Krabi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Cup, an annual tournament intended to promote unity among local communities and drew widespread criticism for undermining the event’s purpose.

Pattaya Tourist Shaken by Public Indecency on Beach

Pictures courtesy of SaimChon

A 19-year-old woman visiting Pattaya for the first time reported a shocking incident after encountering a homeless man committing an indecent act in public on Pattaya Beach, causing distress among nearby tourists. The incident, which occurred late at night in a busy area, prompted an immediate police response and raised concerns about public safety and the city’s tourism image.

Buriram Marathon Marks 10th Year as Thailand’s Top Night Race

Pictures courtesy of Buriram Marathon

Thailand’s premier night-running event returned to the national spotlight as the Buriram Marathon staged its 10th edition, drawing nearly 36,000 runners and reaffirming its status as one of the country’s most prestigious road races. Held in Buriram province, the event generated significant sporting and tourism activity, with tens of thousands of spectators lining the route and local businesses reporting a surge in demand.

Viral Video Shows Foreign Tourists Brawling on Bangla Road

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A viral video showing foreign tourists violently assaulting another foreign man on Bangla Road in Patong has sparked widespread concern over public safety in Phuket’s main nightlife area. The incident, which occurred late on the night of 25 January 2026, was filmed by bystanders and quickly circulated online the following day. The footage prompted criticism from residents and social media users, raising fresh questions about tourist behaviour and enforcement in the resort town.

Cambodia Constructs Trenches Opposite Thai Border in Trat

Photo via Khaosod

Images released on January 26, 2026, show Cambodian soldiers constructing trenches near Thai military positions in Trat province. The trenches, extending over a kilometer, remain on Cambodian soil. Thailand lodged protests regarding alleged drone surveillance but noted no territorial breach has occurred.

Former Municipal Officer Shoots Taxi Driver in Bangkok

Photo via Khaosod

A former municipal officer fatally shot a motorcycle taxi driver at a taxi stand in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on January 26, 2026, sending shockwaves through the community. Police from Huai Khwang Police Station arrived at the scene following a report of the shooting around 9:00 a.m. The victim, identified as Mr. Toonjai, was found deceased at the Ratchadaphisek Soi 10 taxi stand, having suffered two gunshot wounds to the head.

Delivery Riders Rally at Police Station After Assault Case

Photo via Khaosod

Nearly 100 delivery riders gathered outside Pathumwan Police Station on 25 January 2026 in response to an assault on a female delivery rider by two security guards in central Bangkok. The incident occurred on 24 January at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, where the rider, Ms. Supphannika, and her partner, Mr. Nattawut, were delivering food. Ms. Supphannika was allegedly struck with a helmet and kicked by one guard, leading to loss of consciousness and injuries.

Safety Fears Rise After Staged BTS Phone Theft Video

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

A staged video depicting a mock phone theft on a BTS Skytrain in Thailand has led to widespread criticism online. The clip, shared by a Thai content creator on TikTok, shows an orchestrated scenario where the creator feigns distraction as another individual grabs the phone and runs off. The public backlash focused on concerns that such content could negatively alter the perception of safety in Thailand, particularly among tourists.

Highway Police Halt Illegal Transport of Chinese Nationals

Photo via Khaosod

Highway police apprehended suspects involved in smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand on January 25, 2026. Officers intercepted two vehicles on Highway 344 in Chonburi province, preventing them from reaching Bangkok. Using family members in the front seats to disguise their activities, these couriers were engaged in moving individuals across borders illegally.

Three Drivers Face Charges in 3.6M Baht Diesel Scam

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

Three trailer drivers in Chonburi Province are accused of siphoning diesel fuel valued at over 3.6 million baht, approximately £80,000, and replacing it with water. The alleged theft occurred before delivering the fuel to a vessel bound for an offshore oil rig. The incident was reported on 25 January 2026 by Thanaporn Udomratnukulchai, transport manager for Pattamwat Petroleum Co., Ltd.

Candle Causes Fire Amid Power Outage in Family Home

File photo for reference only

A fire erupted in a townhouse in the Ngam Charoen 3 village in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, early Tuesday morning, nearly consuming the property. Firefighters were promptly notified and dispatched from the Nong Prue municipality to control the blaze.

Huge Meth Stash Discovered Next to Roadside Pole in Chachoengsao

Photo via Khaosod

Police in Chachoengsao province are probing a significant drug find after 230,000 methamphetamine pills were discovered in a residential area. The drugs were located at approximately 11:00 am on January 25, 2026, by villagers in Moo 8, Ban Song subdistrict. They noticed a suspicious sack at the base of an electric pole and alerted authorities.

Dr. Supat Plans to Appeal Dismissal Over Corruption Claims

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

A former hospital director in Songkhla, Thailand, Dr. Supat Hasuwankit, has been dismissed from the civil service over alleged corruption in procuring COVID-19 test kits in 2021. The decision, taken by the Public Health Ministry’s civil service commission, came after a fact-finding committee found irregularities in his handling of the procurement process. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat emphasized that the investigation was transparent and free from political influences, allowing Dr. Supat the right to appeal.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Titan Capital CEO in Film Piracy Case

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Thailand's Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Tantai Narongkoon, CEO of Titan Capital Group Holdings Co Ltd, over allegations of intellectual property infringement. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) claims that Tantai, along with six others, pirated foreign films via a streaming site, causing approximately 4.5 billion baht in damages. The infringement is linked to money-laundering charges as a predicate offence.

Thailand Launches Initiative to Combat Rising Obesity Rates

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Thailand's Public Health Ministry has announced new efforts to tackle increasing obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. At the "KIN-D: Key Integration for Nutrition and Defeat NCDs" event, Health Minister Phatthanathorn Promphan emphasized the critical need for early intervention through nutritional education and easier access to healthier foods. This move targets chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions driven by poor diets and low physical activity levels.

Major Overhaul Planned for Social Security Office

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The government aims to reform Thailand's Social Security Office (SSO) due to increasing criticism over its fund management and service inefficiencies. Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong announced plans to make the SSO more professional and transparent, reflecting 31 years of operations needing adaptation to current societal needs.