PATTAYA — 2 March 2026, A 52-year-old Uzbek woman was injured shortly after midnight when her long skirt got caught in a motorcycle chain, pulling her from the vehicle in the Thai resort city of Pattaya, rescue officials said.
The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya said it received a report of an accident at 00:10 at the entrance to Soi 13/4 off Pattaya Second Road in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Rescue workers were dispatched to the scene.
The injured woman was identified as Miss Subkhana Dauletalievna, a 52-year-old Uzbek national. She suffered abrasions to her body and was given first aid at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle taxi driver, 26-year-old Pakorn Wongsaen, told officials he had picked up the tourist from Soi 16 on Pattaya Second Road. Noticing she was wearing a long skirt, he warned her to lift it to avoid any risk.
He said that as they approached the scene, the hem of the skirt entangled in the motorcycle’s chain and sprocket, causing her to be pulled off the back of the vehicle. The motorcycle was damaged, but the driver said he managed to keep it upright. The woman fell to the road.
After regaining his composure, the driver contacted authorities to request assistance.
Police investigate the scene where Atcharanee Wannathong, 28, was fatally shot by her boyfriend. He apparently turned the gun on himself but survived a gunshot wound to the head
SISAKET — 1 March 2026, A 33-year-old dump truck owner allegedly shot his girlfriend dead inside their home in Phrai Bueng district before turning the gun on himself, leaving their two-year-old son without his mother.
At 20:00, Pol. Lt. Col. Narong Piyaphan, deputy investigation chief at Phrai Bueng Police Station, was notified of a fatal shooting at a single-storey house in Moo 5, Phrai Bueng subdistrict. Rescue workers and investigators were dispatched to the scene.
The shooting occurred in a kitchen extension at the rear of the concrete house. Officers found one woman dead and one man seriously injured, both lying in pools of blood on the floor.
The injured man was 33, a dump truck owner from Khun Han district. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was barely breathing when found. Nearby, police recovered a modified blank gun and one 9mm shell casing.
The modified blank gun found at the scene of the incident
The deceased was identified as Atcharanee Wannathong, 28, his girlfriend. She had suffered one gunshot wound to her right calf and another to the head. Two shell casings were found close to her body.
Suraphong Wannathong, the woman’s father, tearfully told reporters that the couple had been together for about three years and had a two-year-old son. He said the suspect had shown a pattern of extreme jealousy and frequently argued with his daughter, particularly over her social activities. He also alleged that the man had previously threatened to kill the entire family if they separated and had fired a gun outside the house to intimidate them.
Atcharanee’s father alleges that the boyfriend had previously threatened to kill the family if she left him.
In recent months, Atcharanee had tried to distance herself from him because she could no longer tolerate his behaviour, her father said. On the day of the incident, she had planned to attend a close friend’s wedding, but he reportedly objected, leading to another argument.
A close friend of the victim said Atcharanee had told her earlier that day that her boyfriend was repeatedly calling and threatening to follow her to the wedding. The friend dropped her off at her parents’ garden house in the late afternoon. Shortly afterward, the suspect arrived at the residence where the shooting later took place.
The friend added that the couple had previously broken up several years ago after the man allegedly fired a gun at Atcharanee but missed. A police complaint was filed at the time. They later reconciled and had a child together.
A friend alleges the boyfriend previously fired a gun at Atcharanee but missed
Police are working on the assumption that a heated argument escalated, leading the man to shoot his girlfriend before attempting to take his own life. Forensic examinations, including gunshot residue, fingerprints and bullet trajectory analysis, are underway to determine the exact sequence of events.
The incident has shocked residents in the normally quiet community, particularly because the couple’s two-year-old son has now lost his mother in a single night. Police said they will continue gathering evidence and reviewing the suspect’s firearm possession as part of the ongoing investigation.
KOH PHANGAN — 1 March 2026, Thai tourist police have arrested two Ugandan women on the resort island of Koh Phangan on suspicion of running a prostitution operation via WhatsApp, earning about 500,000 baht a month and sending the money home, authorities said.
Investigators led by Lt. Col. Winij Boonchit searched a rented house in Moo 2, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Surat Thani province, after receiving a tip-off from an Israeli tourist. The informant alleged that a group of foreign women were offering sexual services and suspected thefts from clients.
Officers arranged a sting operation through WhatsApp, agreeing to pay 5,000 baht for two encounters. After an undercover officer signalled, police entered the house and arrested two suspects identified as Janat Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29, both Ugandan nationals. They were detained while allegedly providing services to a foreign male tourist inside the property.
During questioning, both women confessed, police said, that they had been operating on Koh Phangan for about two months, focusing mainly on foreign clients and seeing an average of three to four customers a day. Over that period, they said, they had served more than 180 clients, generating about 500,000 baht per month. The money was sent to their families in Uganda.
The women were charged with assembling in a place of prostitution for the purpose of prostitution and publicly advertising or soliciting for prostitution. They were handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings and possible deportation.
PATTAYA — 28 February 2026, Two Indian men have been arrested in Pattaya after three Indian women accused them of luring them to Thailand with false job offers and forcing them into prostitution, police said.
Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, chief of Pattaya City Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, deputy investigation chief, announced the arrest of two Indian men, a 25-year-old and a 32-year-old.
The three women told police they were contacted by the suspects via Instagram and offered jobs at a restaurant in Pattaya with high salaries and all travel expenses covered. They arrived in Thailand on 9 February 2026 and were taken to a hotel in Moo 10, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district.
According to the complaint, the suspects then demanded money, confiscated the women’s passports and cut off their contact with outsiders before detaining them in a hotel room.
The women alleged they were subsequently forced to engage in prostitution along Pattaya South Beach every day. If they refused, they were threatened, deprived of food and photographed in compromising situations. The suspects allegedly threatened to send the images to their families and to harm relatives if they attempted to flee.
The victims sit across from investigators as they answer questions at the police station
Police said the women were forced into prostitution from 9 February to 18 February 2026. They later devised an escape plan by asking for their passports under the pretext of booking a room with a client, then sought help from a local Indian restaurant before filing a police complaint.
On 27 February 2026, investigators learned the suspects were staying at an apartment on Pattaya Second Road Soi 18 and moved in to arrest them. The two men were taken into custody and handed over to investigators at the Pattaya City Police Station.
Both suspects have denied the allegations. Police have charged them with multiple offences, including joint human trafficking, unlawful detention, coercion, procuring for prostitution and violations of the Computer Crime Act. Legal proceedings are continuing.
MAE HONG SON — Security authorities have stepped up protection for Israeli tourists and the Chabad House in Pai district following escalating fighting between Israel, backed by the United States, and Iran.
On 1 March, Col. Phumirat Dusadee, director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Mae Hong Son, said the conflict intensified after Israel and the U.S. launched missile strikes on Iran on the morning of 28 February (local time), raising concerns the violence could spread across the Middle East.
He said northern Thailand hosts sites considered symbolic interests of Israel and the United States, as well as a large number of foreign tourists. Authorities are therefore closely monitoring sensitive locations including the Chabad House in Pai, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai, and U.S.-affiliated hotels in the region to prevent any untoward incidents.
Residents in Pai have been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to ISOC Mae Hong Son to help prevent unexpected incidents.
The Israeli National Security Council on 28 February issued a notice urging Israeli citizens abroad to exercise heightened caution due to the escalating conflict with Iran. The advisory warned of the possibility of increased attempts to target Israeli and Jewish interests overseas, including potential threats from terrorist groups or lone attackers.
In Pai, the Chabad House located behind Pai Police Station is now under close watch, with security units deployed to maintain order. Mae Hong Son Immigration officials said there are currently no more than 3,000 to 4,000 Israeli tourists staying in Pai.
LOEI — A gold rush has swept along the Mekong River in Pak Chom district after gold prices surged to a record 78,400 baht per baht-weight, prompting villagers to flock to newly exposed sandbanks in search of the precious metal.
Over the weekend, more than 150 panning spots were set up along a 10- to 20-metre stretch of riverbank in tambon Pak Chom, including Ban Sri Phuthorn and Ban Hat Bia. With the Mekong’s water level dropping significantly, wide sandbars have emerged, allowing residents to access sediment long buried beneath the river.
Samruay Daengphasom, a villager from Ban Sri Phuthorn, said gold panning is a traditional occupation passed down from grandparents but had faded over time. The current boom, she said, is driven by two main factors: record-high gold prices and unusually low water levels.
“At 78,400 baht per baht-weight, even tiny flakes are valuable,” she said. “And when the river drops, it’s easier to reach the mineral deposits.”
Panning requires both skill and luck. During this low-water period, most villagers can earn between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per day on average. Those who strike richer deposits may make several thousand baht a day — a significant income compared with general wage labor in the area.
Once collected, the raw gold can be quickly converted into cash. Mobile buyers and local gold shops visit the area weekly to purchase the finds, with prices calculated by gram and referenced against the current market rate.
For many in Pak Chom, the drying Mekong has turned hardship into opportunity, reviving a riverside tradition in the wake of soaring global gold prices.
BURIRAM — A 37-year-old Thai woman has sparked widespread attention after marrying two Austrian men in a single ceremony in Prakhon Chai district.
Dujduan Ketsaro, also known as Gig, a former independent singer-songwriter, wed Roman, a retired Austrian police officer, and Macky, who is currently serving in the Austrian police force. The two grooms are close friends who both fell in love with the same woman and agreed to build a life together as a trio.
The wedding, held on 28 February, was arranged in a simple local-style ceremony attended by relatives, neighbors and close friends. Despite its modest scale, the event was filled with warmth and celebration. After completing traditional rituals, including a bai sri su kwan blessing and wrist-tying ceremony, the two grooms embraced and jumped into a pond together, symbolizing their friendship and shared joy.
Dujduan said her real life differs from drama storylines. She was previously married to a Thai man and has three children, but the marriage was not smooth. Her music career also did not succeed as hoped, prompting her to work in Pattaya to support her parents, three daughters and two grandchildren.
She met Roman while he was visiting Pattaya, and they have lived together as husband and wife for five years. Later, Macky, a close friend of Roman, traveled to Thailand and developed feelings for her. Duangduan said all three discussed the relationship openly and reached a mutual understanding. She has been in a relationship with Macky for about a year before they decided to marry.
She consulted her parents and children, who accepted the arrangement. Both men have cared well for her and the family, she said. While some people may not agree with a three-person marriage, she believes happiness and mutual consent within the family are what matter most. Each groom will transfer 1 million baht as dowry, she added.
Her 61-year-old mother said she has seen her daughter struggle for years and is satisfied as long as her daughter is happy and well cared for. She said the family is not concerned about the dowry and only hopes the couple will live together with love and understanding.
Saengthon Mayor Thian-iew Lueangdechanurak said he has attended many weddings but has never seen a Thai woman marry two grooms at the same time, adding it may be the first such case in the province. He congratulated the trio and wished them lasting happiness.
The bride joked with him during the event, saying, “Marry one and the world won’t remember — marry two at once and they will.”
BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army has eased restrictions on fuel exports to Laos while maintaining strict control measures to prevent smuggling to Cambodia, an army spokesperson said on 28 February.
Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said exports had been suspended since 14 December for security reasons after concerns that fuel was being diverted to Cambodia. He stressed that border security remains a priority, alongside consideration of economic impacts and bilateral relations.
The 2nd Army Region has introduced relaxed measures coupled with tighter oversight to reduce impacts on Lao citizens and businesses. Authorities have held joint meetings with security agencies, local officials and fuel exporters operating through Chong Mek checkpoint to verify operators on both sides. Champasak provincial authorities in Laos have provided written confirmation that the importing company is legally registered and will not re-export fuel to third countries.
Additional safeguards include GPS tracking of fuel tankers from origin to destination, vehicle inspections in line with permit conditions and mandatory certification of fuel delivery at designated depots in Laos. Transport reports must be submitted to the Suranaree Task Force each time.
The army said the move supports good relations with Laos while ensuring coordinated Thai-Lao measures remain in place to prevent any illicit diversion of fuel to Cambodia.
Traces of air defense missile interceptions are seen in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
BANGKOK — The Thai government has ordered urgent preparations to evacuate Thai nationals from the Middle East amid rapidly escalating tensions following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on 28 February.
Security sources said on 1 March that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts on the safety of Thai citizens in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said embassies and consulates have been instructed to issue safety advisories, urge Thais to avoid high-risk areas, prepare travel documents and register with officials. Hotlines have been activated to maintain close communication. If the situation deteriorates, safe zones and assembly points will be designated under emergency plans to facilitate evacuation.
The government has called a meeting of the National Security Council on 2 March at 10:00 to integrate response measures. Relevant agencies, including the foreign, labour and defence ministries, as well as the Royal Thai Armed Forces, have been instructed to accelerate emergency evacuation plans.
Initial plans involve chartered commercial flights from safe locations or the use of Thai Airways, with the Royal Thai Air Force placing suitable aircraft on standby. The Air Force will coordinate flight routes and airport arrangements, while the Foreign Ministry will oversee registration and assembly of Thai nationals before evacuation.
In some cases, evacuees may be moved across borders to third countries to ensure safe departure.
The government said the safety of Thai citizens remains its top priority and pledged coordinated, proactive efforts to ensure any evacuation is carried out swiftly and securely.
BURIRAM — A man from a Thai-Cambodian border district has apologised after a viral video showed him dressed in a uniform resembling a Cambodian soldier and carrying a homemade crossbow, prompting confusion and safety concerns.
The clip, widely shared on social media and reported by several media outlets, led some viewers to believe he was a real Cambodian soldier provoking Thai troops.
On 27 February, Theerasak, known as “Ton”, from Lahan Sai district in Buriram province, came forward to clarify and apologise to the public. He said he works as a rubber tapper and takes general labour jobs. The uniform used in the clip included clothing once worn by his father, a former ranger, and a hat bought from Chong Chom market when the border crossing was open. He also made a wooden gun to resemble a real firearm.
He filmed scenes in forest areas and a village bunker, editing in real audio from past incidents in which Cambodian soldiers were heard provoking Thai troops. The video gained more than one million views and was widely shared.
Theerasak said he was concerned the clip could cause misunderstanding that he was an actual Cambodian soldier and feared for his safety when travelling.
He said recent border clashes had forced him to evacuate twice from risk areas, disrupting his livelihood. With the rubber-tapping season currently closed and no steady income, he and friends began producing online content to earn money, starting just over a month ago. He insisted the clip was meant as satire, but was shocked when some social media users and media outlets portrayed him as a Cambodian soldier staging provocations.
He apologised to the Thai public and said he would exercise greater caution in producing future content.
An administrator of the page that shared the clip said it was intended as a simulated scenario for entertainment. However, the use of authentic audio from real border incidents may have led some viewers to believe it was genuine, creating confusion. The admin said the content creator had been advised to be more careful to prevent possible negative consequences.
