Thailand Tightens Control of 10 Wild Animal Species

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced stricter controls on the possession of 10 high-risk wild animal species, with immediate effect.

Rabies Death Confirmed in Rayong, First of 2026

Thailand has recorded its first confirmed rabies death of 2026, with a 36-year-old Myanmar man dying in Rayong after being bitten by a puppy.

Pattaya Immigration Arrest Iranian Over Attempted Murder

Immigration police in Pattaya have arrested a 56-year-old Iranian man wanted on an attempted murder charge after he allegedly rammed a car into a rival, causing serious injuries.

Samui Bridge Plan Set for 2029 Construction Start

Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) has concluded its study into the 74-billion-baht Samui Bridge project, with construction scheduled to begin in 2029 and the route expected to open by late 2033. The 37.41-kilometre expressway will cut travel time between the mainland and Koh Samui from two hours by ferry to just 20 minutes.

Israeli Restaurant Owner Held in 50m Baht Drugs Bust

A 42-year-old Israeli restaurant owner has been arrested on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province for allegedly running a large-scale drug operation valued at approximately 50 million baht. Police said the suspect, Mr Shai Alfasi, was detained on 13 February following a coordinated undercover operation targeting drug distribution among foreign tourists.

Thailand Launches Drive to Tackle Birth Decline

Thai authorities have launched a renewed push to address the country’s collapsing birth rate, now at its lowest level in 75 years, with officials stressing the importance of supporting every pregnancy.

Chinese Fugitive Held in Bangkok Over Fraud Case

Immigration police have arrested a 43-year-old Chinese national wanted over a large-scale fraud case involving losses of almost 23 billion yuan.

Masseuse Ordered to Pay €1,000 in Berlin Sexual Assault

A Thai masseuse in Germany has been ordered to pay €1,000 in compensation after a court found she sexually assaulted a male client by providing “special services” without consent.

Three Held in Pattaya Pirate Tour Boat Inspection

Immigration officers in Pattaya have arrested three foreign nationals for working without permits on a tour boat docked at Laem Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya.

VAT Rise to 10% Proposed to Fund Elderly Benefits

A proposal to increase Thailand’s value-added tax (VAT) to 10% aims to boost government revenue and enhance welfare benefits for senior citizens.

18-Year-Old Dumps Newborn in Petrol Station Toilet

Police are investigating after the body of a newborn baby boy was found in a toilet at a petrol station in Bangkok, with an 18-year-old woman claiming she gave birth without realising she was in labour.

Passenger From Portugal Held with 3.1kg Cocaine at Airport

Customs officers have arrested a male passenger for attempting to smuggle 3.1 kilograms of cocaine into Thailand through Phuket International Airport, with the drugs valued at approximately 9.3 million baht.

Parit Confirms People’s Party to Lead Opposition

Parit Wacharasindhu has reaffirmed that the People’s Party will serve as leader of the opposition following the formation of a coalition government between Bhumjaithai Party and Pheu Thai Party.

Police Captain Suspended Over Cannabis Raid & Robbery

A serving police captain has been ordered to be suspended from the service pending investigation after surrendering over an alleged armed robbery at a cannabis shop in Pathum Thani.

UPDATE

Court Accepts Lawsuit Over QR-Coded Ballots

The Central Administrative Court has accepted a lawsuit seeking to stop the Election Commission from verifying and declaring the official results of last Sunday’s nationwide election, in which voting ballots carried barcodes and QR codes.

Malaysian Held Over 1.93m Baht Pattaya Fraud

Police in Pattaya have arrested a Malaysian national accused of defrauding a 20-year-old man of 1,933,000 baht in cash in a call centre scam.

Supreme Administrative Court Halts Coal Mine

The Supreme Administrative Court on 14 February 2026 upheld an earlier order by the Chiang Mai Administrative Court suspending approvals linked to a proposed coal mining project in Ban Kabeurdin, Moo 12, Omkoi subdistrict, Omkoi district, Chiang Mai.

Phuket–Betong Bus Overturns, 30 Injured

A scheduled air-conditioned bus travelling on the Phuket–Betong route overturned on Phetkasem Road in Huai Yot district, Trang province, in the early hours of 15 February, leaving 30 people injured.

Switzerland Returns 11 Ban Chiang Artefacts

The Royal Thai Embassy in Bern held an official ceremony on 11 February marking the voluntary restitution of 11 cultural artefacts to Thailand.

Cambodian Refugees Fear Return as Thai Nationalists Tighten Border

Six weeks after a ceasefire halted deadly clashes along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, thousands of displaced Cambodians remain stranded in makeshift camps, uncertain if they will ever return home.

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Thailand Live Monday 16 February 2026

https://aseannow.com/topic/1387504-thailand-live-monday-16-february-2026/