Child’s Warning Helps Police Avoid Narathiwat Bomb Attack

In the headlines today, there are growing calls for stricter controls on foreign condo purchases, also, the international departure fee is rising at six Thai airports, in Narathiwat a child's warning helps police avoid a bomb attack, in ASEAN news Vietnam's tourism boom is placing more pressure on Thailand, and a little later we have some foreigners behaving badly in the form of a man in Pattaya going on a rampage and requiring ten police officers to subdue him.

Calls Grow for Stricter Controls on Foreign Condo Purchases

Thailand is facing renewed debate over foreign condominium ownership as the government considers increasing the current 49% quota in some developments.

Supporters believe the change could attract overseas investment, improve market liquidity and help developers sell a large stock of completed units.

Critics are concerned about speculation, housing affordability for Thai residents and the long-term consequences of allowing greater foreign control.

International Departure Fee Rises at Six Thai Airports

Thailand has raised its Passenger Service Charge for international departures from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person.

The 390-baht increase took effect on June 20 and applies at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports.

Thailand’s domestic Passenger Service Charge remains unchanged at 130 baht per traveller.

House Fire and Burning Electric Car Keep Phichit Crews Busy

A fire tore through three closely packed wooden houses in the Phrom Jai community of Phichit’s Taphan Hin district.

No injuries or deaths were reported, although investigators suspect a large collection of recyclable waste inside an unoccupied property may have contributed to the fire.

Shortly afterwards, firefighters were called to another incident nearby when a parked electric vehicle suddenly burst into flames.

Child’s Warning Helps Police Avoid Narathiwat Bomb Attack

A timed explosive planted beneath a police vehicle detonated near a mosque in Narathiwat’s Waeng district.

A child reportedly noticed a man crouching beside the vehicle and alerted nearby villagers, allowing officers to secure the area before the blast.

The device exploded while a bomb disposal unit was travelling to the scene, severely damaging the police truck and a nearby car.

No one was injured, although worshippers fled in panic when the explosion occurred.

Thailand and Russia Pursue Broader Cooperation in Kazan

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Russian President Vladimir Putin for bilateral discussions in Kazan on June 18.

The talks took place alongside the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit at the Kazan International Congress Centre.

Anutin described Russia as an important long-term partner, while officials characterised the meeting as friendly and constructive.

Vietnam’s Tourism Boom Places More Pressure on Thailand

Vietnam welcomed more than 21 million international visitors in 2025, an increase of approximately 20% from the previous year.

Easier visa rules, expanding air connections and major investment in airports, hotels and tourism infrastructure have contributed to the growth.

The expansion presents a growing challenge for Thailand, although Vietnam must still manage overcrowding, overdevelopment and the risk of excess hotel capacity.

More Than 10 Officers Required to End Pattaya Disturbance

A foreign man was arrested after an early-morning confrontation involving tourists, drivers and local residents near Pattaya Second Road.

Police said the apparently intoxicated man assaulted an Indian tourist, damaged a songthaew and refused to cooperate with responding officers.

More than 10 police officers were eventually needed to restrain him after a struggle lasting over 10 minutes.

Police initially charged the man with public drunkenness and disorderly behaviour while continuing to examine footage and interview everyone involved.

American DJ Detained Over Alleged Illegal Employment

Tourist police arrested a 30-year-old American man during an inspection of an entertainment venue in Chiang Mai.

Officers reportedly found him performing as a DJ at the business on Charoen Rat Road shortly after midnight on June 20.

Police alleged that the man did not possess the work permit required to perform the job legally in Thailand.

The arrest forms part of continuing enforcement against foreigners suspected of working outside the conditions of their visas or permits.