🔄 Last updated on July 28, 2025
Find the latest Thailand local news in our news feed. Beyond the political crisis shaking the country, follow the local news, unusual events, and practical information that shape the daily life of the kingdom.
For an in-depth analysis of the political situation, see our main article: Thailand’s Political Crisis: Border Conflict at the Heart of Tensions.
💡 News feed on Thailand local news updated on July 29, 2025.
Thailand Local News: Security & Justice Updates
This section covers Thailand local news related to security and justice issues that may concern tourists and residents alike.
MAJOR ALERT: Armed Conflict at the Cambodian Border
Since July 24, the security situation has been dominated by a military escalation at the Cambodian border, involving intense clashes and the declaration of martial law. For a full analysis, please read our main article: Thailand’s Political Crisis: Border Conflict at the Heart of Tensions.
Fatal Shooting in Bangkok Neighborhood
Bangkok, July 28, 2025 – A shooting broke out in the Chatuchak district, leaving six people dead, including the gunman. The event sent shockwaves through the capital, which is usually spared from this type of armed violence.
Two French Nationals Arrested for Drug Trafficking and Child Abuse
July 26, 2025 – Thai authorities announced the arrest of two French nationals in separate cases. One is accused of drug trafficking in Phuket, while the other is suspected of child abuse offenses in Pattaya.
Truck Accident in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 22, 2025 – A truck lost control on a rain-slicked road and collided with another vehicle, adding another incident to the series of road accidents in the region.
Rise in Thefts by Transgender Women in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 19, 2025 – A series of thefts targeting foreign tourists has been reported, raising concerns. A Chinese tourist had 20,000 baht stolen from his hotel room by a transgender woman. Another similar case involving a British tourist in a wheelchair occurred on July 15.
Unusual Dispute in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 18, 2025 – Three Indian tourists called the police, unhappy with the appearance of a prostitute they had hired, deeming her “not sexy enough.” They refused to pay her in full, which required police mediation.
Ride-Hailing Driver Assaulted in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 18, 2025 – A ride-hailing driver was violently assaulted by a passenger in the early morning hours, sparking renewed debate on the safety of transport service drivers in tourist areas.
Two French Children Rescued in Phuket
Phuket, July 13, 2025 – Two young French tourists were saved from drowning by lifeguards on a Phuket beach. The event serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution when swimming in the often-rough Andaman Sea during monsoon season.
Fake Police Gang Arrested in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 12, 2025 – Authorities have arrested a gang, including Chinese nationals, accused of robbing a tourist by impersonating police officers. The alleged mastermind was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to flee.
Scandal Involving Monks
July 11, 2025 – Police arrested a woman accused of having sexual relations with at least 11 monks and blackmailing them. Investigators uncovered payments equivalent to nearly 10 million euros and 80,000 compromising photos and videos.
Tsunami Scare in Phuket
Phuket, July 7-8, 2025 – Following a series of earthquakes off Sumatra, tsunami fears spread in Phuket and along the Andaman coast. Authorities held an emergency meeting on July 7 to urge the public to remain vigilant but calm.
Fatal Road Accident in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 8, 2025 – A 61-year-old driver died in a high-speed car accident in the early morning hours.
Fraud-Related Arrest
July 7, 2025 – Authorities arrested one of the main organizers of a fraudulent investment scheme.
Arrest of an Irish fugitive in Krabi
Krabi, July 6, 2025 – An Irish citizen, wanted for multiple criminal charges in his home country, was arrested in Krabi. He had overstayed his visa by 415 days.
Coordinated Attacks in the South
Yala & Narathiwat, July 5-10, 2025 – In a series of coordinated attacks, armed men raided three village security centers in Yala province on July 10, stealing firearms. This follows an IED explosion on July 5 that injured two rangers in Narathiwat, escalating tensions linked to the southern insurgency.
Joint Thailand/U.S. military exercise in Chonburi
Chonburi, July 5, 2025 – The Thai and U.S. naval forces launched the annual CARAT 2025 military exercise. Involving over 1,000 personnel, this training aims to enhance cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Warning against beggars in Bangkok
Bangkok, July 4, 2025 – The capital’s authorities have renewed their call to refrain from giving money to beggars, a practice that can fuel human exploitation networks.
Dismantling of a fraud network in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, July 3, 2025 – A police operation led to the dismantling of an online fraud network operated by Chinese nationals, with estimated damages of $15 million.
Terrorist Alert in Tourist Provinces
July 2, 2025 – Several foreign governments issued a security alert following the discovery of explosive devices in highly tourist areas such as Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. Authorities attribute these attempts to the ‘Barisan Revolusi Nasional’ (BRN) separatist group.
Tourist arrested with pythons in his pants
Phuket, July 2, 2025 – A tourist was intercepted at Phuket airport with several baby pythons hidden in his pants, highlighting the importance of controls against animal trafficking.
For official and constantly updated security information from an English-speaking government source, it is highly recommended to consult the travel advice for Thailand from the UK Government.
Thailand Local News: Health & Society Updates
Typhoon Wipha Alert
July 20-24, 2025 – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a major alert for Typhoon Wipha. Although expected to weaken, its influence is forecast to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall across much of the country, with risks of flash floods, particularly in the North, Northeast, and South.
Restaurant Sector Facing Crisis
July 22, 2025 – Many restaurants across the country are facing major difficulties, affected by rising costs of raw materials and a decline in customers.
Urgent Call for Blood Donation in Phuket
Phuket, July 16, 2025 – An urgent appeal was launched by Phuket hospitals for O-negative blood, which is very rare in Thailand, to help a hospitalized French citizen.
Thailand Revives Nuclear Power Project
July 14, 2025 – The government announced the official revival of its nuclear energy development project. It will focus on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology for its future electricity generation.
Human Rights Watch Report on Refugees
July 14, 2025 – Human Rights Watch published a report accusing Thai authorities of mistreatment and extortion of Myanmar nationals who have fled the military junta.
“Blue Dragon” Alert in Phuket
Phuket, July 11, 2025 – Authorities issued a warning about the reappearance of the “blue dragon,” a venomous sea creature, on Phuket beaches following recent sightings.
Health Alert on HIV and Arsenic Contamination
July 10, 2025 – Health authorities have raised alarms over a rise in new HIV cases, particularly among young people. Concurrently, a report revealed that children in the north of the country have been poisoned by arsenic from contamination linked to mines in neighboring Myanmar.
Thailand Ranked Safest Tourist Destination
July 10, 2025 – Despite recent incidents, the country was named the safest tourist destination in the world for 2025, a ranking that has sparked debate.
Worrying Decline in Chinese Tourism
Early July 2025 – The first half of 2025 showed a more than 34% drop in Chinese visitors compared to the pre-pandemic period, heavily impacting the tourism-dependent economy.
Phuket positions itself as a wellness tourism capital
Phuket, July 6, 2025 – The island hosted the “Phuket Health Expo 2025” to promote its medical and wellness infrastructure and establish itself as a leading global destination for health tourism.
Technical issues for the tourism stimulus program
Bangkok, July 5, 2025 – The launch of the domestic tourism stimulus program “50-50” experienced significant technical problems, leading to public frustration and a chaotic start.
Cannabis Law Tightened
Late June 2025 – Since June 26, a medical prescription is again mandatory for cannabis purchases. This major regulatory change aims to combat addiction and trafficking.
COVID-19 Situation: Persistent Summer Wave
Late July 2025 – Thailand is facing a persistent summer wave of COVID-19, with over 33,000 new cases reported in the last week of July, including 6,000 in the capital, Bangkok, alone.
Drop in Global Peace Index Ranking
2025 Review – In contrast to some tourism rankings, Thailand slipped from 81st to 86th place in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
Monkeypox Cases
2025 Review – The government has confirmed 40 cases of monkeypox in the country since the beginning of 2025.
Unusual Thailand Local News
Thailand is also known for its surprising stories. Here is a selection of the most unusual miscellaneous news reported recently.
Tourist Crashes Motorcycle into Shop Window
Pattaya, July 22, 2025 – Attempting to impress a woman with his motorcycle, a tourist lost control of his vehicle and crashed through a shop’s glass window. No serious injuries were reported.
Naked American Man Rescued from Sewer
Bangkok, July 15, 2025 – Rescue workers were surprised to find a naked American citizen stuck in a sewer pipe. The disoriented man reportedly bit one of the rescuers during the extraction before being taken to a hospital.
Heavy Flooding in Pattaya
Pattaya, July 1, 2025 – Torrential rains hit Pattaya, causing significant flooding in several parts of the city.
Hungry bear surprises restaurant customers
Khao Yai National Park, July 1, 2025 – An Asian black bear wandered into a restaurant on the edge of the national park. After inspecting the kitchen under the stunned gaze of customers, the animal left without causing any damage.
Escape attempt by faking drunkenness
Pattaya, June 28, 2025 – A man suspected of motorcycle theft tried to evade arrest by residents in Pattaya by faking extreme drunkenness, a ruse that ultimately failed.
Pattaya: Sea turns green and emits a strong odor
Pattaya, June 22, 2025 – The sea turned a bright green color and gave off a strong sulfur smell, a natural phenomenon identified as a plankton bloom.
