Regional
Oil Spill Unlikely to Reach Shoreline Following Cargo Ship Sinkink in Phuket
The Pollution Control Department reports that an oil spill from a sunken Panama-flagged cargo vessel near Phuket is unlikely to reach Thailand's shoreline. Maritime authorities and the Royal Thai Navy successfully rescued all 16 crew members, and initial assessments indicate coastal seawater quality remains within normal standards.
Officials assure Patong beach safe to swim
The Pollution Control Department has conducted water tests at Patong Beach and declared the area safe for swimming following a recent algae bloom. Officials aim to reassure tourists and locals about the water quality and safety of the popular beach destination.
Songkhla District 2: Juree Num-kaew of Democrat Party Leads by a Large Margin
The 2026 election in Songkhla's District 2 has seen a decisive victory for Juree Num-kaew of the Democrat Party. With an overwhelming lead of nearly 10,000 votes, Juree has outperformed competitors Sasatra from Bhumjai Thai Party and Dr. Suphat from the People's Party in a hotly contested race.
71-Year-Old Blind Grandmother Refuses to Lose Her Right to Vote, Returns from Samut Sakhon to Surin
A determined 71-year-old blind grandmother from Surin Province traveled back from Samut Sakhon to cast her vote, overcoming her visual impairment. Her story highlights the resilience of border community residents amid ongoing tensions with Cambodia during the parliamentary elections.
Two Turkish Men Arrested for Forgery and Overstay in Phuket
Two Turkish nationals aged 30 were arrested at Phuket International Airport for using forged entry stamps and overstaying their visas by over two years. Immigration officers detained the men on Saturday evening, February 7th, after discovering their illegal documentation status.
Iraqi tourist shot dead in Patong
An Iraqi tourist was fatally shot in a brazen daylight attack in Patong, Phuket on February 7th. Local police have identified a foreign suspect and seized a firearm, launching an intensive manhunt to prevent the suspect from fleeing Thailand.
Cargo ship takes on water off Phuket coast
A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship experienced a maritime emergency off the coast of Phuket, taking on water and listing dangerously. Emergency services successfully rescued all 16 crew members and brought them safely ashore at Chalong Bay on Friday afternoon.
Colombian Gunman Arrested Hours After Shooting and Killing Iraqi Tourist in Patong, Phuket
A Colombian national was arrested in Phuket after fatally shooting an Iraqi tourist in Patong on February 7th. Local police successfully captured the suspect within eight hours of the crime, highlighting swift law enforcement response in the tourist area.
Cambodia's Field Burning Causes PM 2.5 Dust to Drift into Thailand, Shrouding Nam Yuen District
Cambodian field burning has created significant air pollution in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani province, with PM 2.5 dust drifting across the border. Local residents are experiencing respiratory impacts and reduced air quality, prompting provincial authorities to implement a burning ban to mitigate environmental damage.
Navy Announces Container Placement at Border, Committed to Ceasefire to Reduce Tensions
The Royal Thai Navy has deployed border containers in Trat Province as part of a strategic security measure to reduce tensions and prevent unauthorized border activities. This action follows a previous incident of border wire cutting and is aligned with a joint international agreement to maintain peace and safety in the border region.
Phuket Heats Up: 'Coach Sam' Invokes Revered Monk, Challenges Candidates to Swear Against Vote Buying
Phuket parliamentary candidate Coach Sam stirred controversy by attempting to have candidates swear against vote buying using a local monk's statue. He highlighted critical issues in Phuket, including tourist transportation safety and the need for stricter rental car regulations.
Algae returns to Patong Beach
Patong Beach authorities were compelled to clean up a significant algae accumulation this week. Municipal officials suggest the algae growth is due to natural environmental conditions and the proximity of tour boats anchoring near the shoreline.