Thailand Blocks Nearly 30,000 Foreigners

The transcription below contains news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex on the Good Morning Thailand programme. Featured stories include Thailand's immigration crackdown that has barred nearly 30,000 foreigners from entering the country, a series of high-profile crime cases involving foreign nationals, and the bizarre appearance of millions of pink sea cucumbers along a beach in Rayong.

Thailand Blocks Nearly 30,000 Foreigners Under Immigration Crackdown

Thailand has refused entry to nearly 30,000 foreign nationals during the first five months of 2026 under its "Three No's" immigration strategy. Authorities say the campaign targets security threats, visa violators, and suspected criminals, while enhanced screening systems help stop blacklisted travellers before they reach the country.

UK Keeps Frozen Pension Rule for British Retirees in Thailand

The UK government has confirmed that British retirees living in Thailand will continue to miss out on annual state pension increases. Officials say pension uprating only applies in countries with reciprocal agreements, leaving many overseas pensioners receiving significantly less than their counterparts in the UK.

Italian Man Accused of Smuggling Heroin Into Koh Samui Police Cell

Police on Koh Samui have arrested a 46-year-old Italian man accused of trying to smuggle heroin into a detention cell. Officers allegedly found drugs hidden inside a drink bottle, while a later search of his accommodation uncovered additional narcotics and drug-packaging materials.

Russian Woman Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Beauty Clinic in Phuket

A Russian woman has been arrested in Phuket for allegedly operating an unlicensed beauty clinic from a luxury villa. Police seized Botox, fillers, medical supplies, and cosmetic treatment equipment worth more than 600,000 baht during the raid.

Indonesian Man Jailed for Molesting Thai Teen on Flight

A Singapore court has sentenced an Indonesian man to 15 months in jail and three strokes of the cane for molesting a Thai teenager during a flight. The victim alerted cabin crew after the incident, leading to the man's arrest when the aircraft landed.

Japanese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Bangkok

Thai immigration officers have arrested a Japanese national wanted over an alleged billion-yen scam operation. Investigators believe he helped run a transnational fraud network based in Cambodia that targeted victims in Japan.

Nakhon Ratchasima Issues Rabies Warning

Health officials in Nakhon Ratchasima are urging residents to remain vigilant after one person died from rabies and 20 animal infections were recorded this year. Authorities are expanding vaccinations and monitoring high-risk areas to prevent further cases.

Millions of Pink Sea Cucumbers Wash Ashore in Rayong

Millions of pink sea cucumbers have washed up along a beach in Rayong following rough monsoon conditions. Marine experts say the rare event likely occurred after strong waves disturbed the seabed, pushing the creatures onto the shoreline.