Pokémon RUN 30 to Make Thailand Debut in January 2027

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3 June 2026, 17:29

Pokémon RUN 30 to Make Thailand Debut in January 2027

BANGKOK — 3 June 2026, Pokémon fans in Thailand will have the chance to take part in Pokémon RUN 30 when the regional running event arrives in the country on 9-10 January 2027, organisers announced as part of an official Asia tour schedule.

The venue for the Thailand event has not yet been disclosed.

Pokémon RUN 30 combines recreational running with activities inspired by the Pokémon franchise. Participants can complete challenges linked to Pokémon GO, while gaining access to event-exclusive missions and in-game bonuses available only to attendees.

The Asia schedule includes stops in several markets before reaching Thailand:

Philippines: 3-4 October 2026, SM Mall of Asia
Taiwan: 17-18 October 2026, Taichung Central Park
Taiwan: 31 October-1 November 2026, Dream Mall, Kaohsiung
Singapore: 7-8 November 2026, The Kallang
Taiwan: 14-15 November 2026, New Taipei Metropolitan Park
Indonesia: 12-13 December 2026, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Jakarta
Thailand: 9-10 January 2027, venue to be announced
Hong Kong: 23-24 January 2027, Hong Kong Science Park

Players of Pokémon GO will encounter Pokémon and collect in-game items along the running route. Organisers are also expected to offer exclusive Pokémon merchandise and collectibles, similar to products sold at previous large-scale Pokémon events in other countries.

All registered participants will receive a package of event-exclusive items, including a Pokémon RUN 30 T-shirt, a drawstring bag, a Poké Ball-themed armband, a Pokédex exploration booklet, a Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack, and a race bib.

Participants will also receive a lenticular 3D card themed around one of the three original starter Pokémon types, Bulbasaur (Grass), Charmander (Fire), or Squirtle (Water), with entrants able to select their preferred type.

The registration package will also include a shoulder-mounted Pikachu plush, while certain ticket packages will come with additional exclusive items.

Thai PM Rejects Concerns Over Recent Border Tensions

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3 June 2026, 17:14

Thai PM Rejects Concerns Over Recent Border Tensions

BANGKOK — 3 June 2026, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged the public not to worry about recent provocations along the Thai-Cambodian border, saying the situation remained under control and security forces were fully capable of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

Speaking at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters at 14:40, Anutin said residents could continue their daily lives as normal despite an incident reported on 2 June in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani province.

“The security agencies and the military have confirmed that they will fully protect Thailand’s borders,” he said. “Any future negotiations should proceed through the Foreign Ministry’s established channels.”

Anutin said the government had carefully considered and assessed the situation before making decisions, including the cancellation of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding, commonly known as MOU 44. He said all government actions were intended to strengthen Thailand and protect the interests of its people.

Asked about continuing incidents of provocation along the border, Anutin said such actions occurred regularly.

“That is why they are called provocations,” he said. “We must remain patient. We are in a stronger position, so we must stay calm and show restraint.”

He praised Thai military personnel for exercising patience in response to the incidents, adding that Thailand had never been the side initiating provocations.

When questioned about concerns among residents living near the border, Anutin dismissed fears and said conditions were significantly more peaceful than during the same period a year earlier.

“There is nothing to worry about,” he said. “Compared with last year, the border situation is much calmer.”

He added that no major security concerns had arisen since a ceasefire agreement was signed on 28 December 2025.

Anutin also brushed aside allegations made by Wasawat Puangphonsri, leader of the Thai Ruam Palang Party, who claimed that a casino near the Chong Sa-ngam border crossing was linked to Thai politicians.

“I do not pay attention to every claim made by every individual,” Anutin said. “The government has its own intelligence network and border protection plans.”

He said Thailand’s military remained well-equipped and fully prepared, adding that security operations against cross-border scam networks had resulted in arrests, deportations and asset seizures worth between 30 billion and 40 billion baht under the current administration.

Asked whether authorities should investigate the allegations involving politicians, Anutin said the matter was the responsibility of police, security agencies and intelligence services.

“They have far greater capabilities than people who go online and livestream,” he said. “People dealing with real security matters do not livestream them.”

He criticised individuals who broadcast allegations online, describing them as disruptive and potentially harmful to society.

When asked whether such activities were aimed at attracting viewers, Anutin laughed and replied: “I do not know about them.”

He then joked that those involved “should be sent to Srithanya Hospital,” referring to Thailand’s best-known psychiatric hospital.

Customs seize 2 million baht worth of One Piece trading cards

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3 June 2026, 16:41

Customs seize 2 million baht worth of One Piece trading cards

SONGKHLA — 31 May 2026, Thailand’s Customs Department has seized 30 boxes of One Piece OP-16 trading cards, valued at more than 2 million baht, after they were found abandoned near the Sadao border checkpoint, officials said.

Officers from Sadao Customs House were conducting surveillance and inspections for customs violations within the checkpoint’s area of responsibility.

While inspecting the arrivals section of the Sadao border crossing, customs officials noticed several cardboard boxes placed near a gate and moved in to investigate.

The inspection revealed 30 boxes of One Piece OP-16 game cards. No individual came forward to claim ownership or possession of the goods.

Customs authorities said the case involved the importation of goods into Thailand without completing customs clearance procedures, in violation of the Customs Act 2017 and other relevant laws.

The entire shipment was seized as evidence and transferred to Sadao Customs House for legal proceedings. Officials said further action would be taken in accordance with the law.

Meth-positive suspect arrested after gun scare

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3 June 2026, 16:05

Meth-positive suspect arrested after gun scare

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — 3 June 2026, Police in southern Thailand have arrested a man who allegedly fled a rehabilitation centre, committed theft and later terrorised residents by carrying a shotgun and firing warning shots in a village.

Police identified the suspect as Atthawit Thongsong, who had reportedly escaped from a treatment and rehabilitation facility operated by the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Volunteer Defence Corps.

According to police, the suspect was known for erratic behaviour and had recently been linked to thefts in the area.

Residents reported seeing him riding a motorcycle through villages in Chulabhorn district while carrying a long-barrelled firearm. Witnesses said he fired shots into the air, causing fear among local residents.

Police launched a manhunt after receiving reports of the armed suspect.

Officers later spotted him riding a motorcycle along the Ao Sri Muang road in Na Mo Bun subdistrict and attempted to make an arrest. However, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot while carrying the weapon.

Investigators later learned he was hiding in a house in Moo 3 of Na Mo Bun subdistrict. Police surrounded the property and took him into custody without further incident.

Authorities seized a shotgun and one round of ammunition.

The suspect was taken to Chulabhorn Police Station, where a drug test allegedly returned positive for methamphetamine use.

Police charged him with:

Illegal possession of a firearm
Carrying a firearm in a public place without authorisation
Using a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine)

He was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Chinese diner complains Bangkok restaurant accepting only yuan

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3 June 2026, 14:46

Chinese diner complains Bangkok restaurant accepting only yuan

BANGKOK — 3 June 2026, A Chinese resident in Thailand has sparked online debate after claiming a Chinese restaurant in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district refused to accept Thai baht and would only accept payment in Chinese yuan.

The complaint emerged in a video posted on TikTok by user JaideeBing and Bao, a Chinese national living in Thailand, who questioned whether the restaurant’s payment practices were legal.

“Chinese restaurant operating in Thailand, but it doesn’t have a Thai bank account. It only accepts cash and WeChat Pay. Is this allowed?” the user wrote in the post.

In the video, the man said he had recently eaten at a noodle restaurant in Huai Khwang and attempted to pay for his meal using local payment methods.

According to his account, restaurant staff told him they did not accept Thai QR-code payments and did not have a Thai bank account. He said staff then asked whether he had any other currency available.

The customer said he ultimately paid in Chinese yuan and was charged the equivalent of 375 baht for a bill that had originally totalled 325 baht, an increase of 50 baht.

“This restaurant only accepts yuan. I’m confused. Can they really do this?” he said in the video.

The man, who said he has lived in Thailand for many years, criticised the practice and urged businesses operating in the country to comply with Thai laws and tax regulations.

“They may think I’m new to Thailand, but I’ve been here a long time. Half of me is Thai already,” he said.

The video has attracted widespread attention on social media, with many users questioning whether businesses in Thailand can legally refuse to accept Thai currency or operate without a Thai payment system.

No response from the restaurant or relevant authorities was immediately available.

Tourist flees island after intruder enters hotel room

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3 June 2026, 13:58

Tourist flees island after intruder enters hotel room

RAYONG — 3 June 2026, A woman holidaying with friends on Thailand’s Koh Samet island escaped an attempted sexual assault after an intruder allegedly entered her resort room during the night, prompting her group to cut short their stay and return to the mainland.

The incident gained widespread attention after a member of the group posted an account on social media describing security concerns at a luxury beachfront resort in Ao Cho, a popular area on the island in Rayong province.

According to the post, a group of tourists, including men, women, a pregnant woman and children, had checked into the four- to five-star resort when the incident occurred during their first night.

The woman allegedly fought off the attacker and screamed for help before her boyfriend intervened, causing the suspect to flee.

The post criticised the resort’s response, claiming staff took a long time to arrive and that no security personnel were immediately available.

The writer also questioned remarks allegedly made by the resort manager, who reportedly suggested the group remain in their original rooms and move the victim to another room while continuing to offer the affected room to other guests.

The group later decided to leave the island, saying they no longer felt safe staying at the resort.

Police said the incident was reported to Phe Police Station in Rayong province.

Investigators identified the suspect as Nattapong, 31, a construction worker employed at a nearby building site. Officers tracked him down and arrested him while he was allegedly gambling online using a mobile phone.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed that he had seen the victim staying in a room near his work area and acted on impulse. Police said he entered the property at night intending to sexually assault her but fled after she woke up and shouted for help.

The 32-year-old victim told investigators she had been staying on the island with about 15 friends when she heard unusual noises outside her room. She said she discovered a man attempting to force his way inside and screamed, causing him to run away.

Police have charged the suspect with:

Attempted rape
Night-time trespass
Illegal online gambling

He has been transferred to investigators for further legal action.

The resort later issued a statement saying the suspect was not an employee but a construction worker from a nearby site. It said the property had security measures and CCTV coverage in place and had not ignored the incident.

The resort added that it would strengthen screening procedures for non-guests entering and leaving the premises.

Provincial police said Rayong’s police chief is scheduled to visit Koh Samet on 4 June to inspect the scene and discuss additional safety measures aimed at preventing similar incidents.

British man arrested after second disturbance in Phuket

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3 June 2026, 13:15

British man arrested after second disturbance in Phuket

PHUKET — 2 June 2026, A 24-year-old British man was arrested after allegedly causing a second public disturbance in Phuket’s Chalong area within two days, police said.

The incident occurred at about 12:00 on 2 June in Soi Ta-iad, a popular fitness and Muay Thai training district in Chalong, Mueang Phuket district.

Police said officers responded after receiving reports from members of the public that a foreign man appeared heavily intoxicated, was speaking incoherently and causing a nuisance in the area.

A patrol team led by Sub-Lieutenant Bandit Khamkaew arrived at the scene and found the man displaying signs of intoxication and behaving erratically. When officers attempted to search him, he allegedly resisted and tried to flee.

Police said officers detained the man out of concern that his behaviour could pose a risk to nearby residents and visitors. He was taken to Chalong Police Station for further investigation.

Authorities later identified him as the same individual involved in an earlier incident on 1 June, when he was found sitting outside a house in Soi Ta-iad.

According to police, the man, identified only as Mr Brown, had allegedly banged on a resident’s door and attempted to take a raincoat and motorcycle helmet left outside the property. The homeowner reported feeling frightened and concerned for the safety of their family and property.

Officers who responded to that incident found that the British national possessed valid identification and immigration documents and had travelled to Phuket to study Muay Thai. Police said he was able to communicate clearly during questioning and claimed his actions were a prank.

As the homeowner chose not to file a complaint, officers issued a warning and escorted him back to his accommodation.

Following the second incident, police charged Mr Brown with becoming intoxicated and behaving disorderly in a public place to the extent of losing self-control.

He was handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for legal proceedings.

Police urged the public to report individuals whose behaviour causes disturbances or may pose a danger to the community.

Thailand warns 6 southern provinces of floods and landslides

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3 June 2026, 11:51

Thailand warns 6 southern provinces of floods and landslides

BANGKOK — 3 June 2026, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned six southern provinces to prepare for heavy rain, flash floods, forest runoff, landslides and rough seas as a strong south-west monsoon is expected to affect the region from 3-8 June.

DDPM Director-General Theerapat Katchamat said on 3 June that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre had assessed weather conditions and risk factors following a warning issued by the Meteorological Centre for the West Coast of Southern Thailand.

According to the weather advisory, a relatively strong south-west monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand’s western southern region is expected to bring increased rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy downpours through 4 June, with the risk of flash flooding and runoff.

Authorities also expect rough sea conditions in the Andaman Sea. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are forecast to reach 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms. In the lower Andaman Sea, waves are expected to reach about 3 metres, with higher waves in stormy conditions.

The DDPM identified six provinces as areas at risk of flash floods, water runoff, flooding and landslides between 3 and 8 June:

Ranong
Phang Nga
Phuket
Krabi
Trang
Satun

Four provinces were also placed on alert for strong winds and rough seas:

Ranong
Phang Nga
Phuket
Krabi

Theerapat said provincial authorities and regional disaster prevention centres had been instructed to closely monitor weather and water conditions, deploy emergency response teams and position heavy equipment in high-risk areas to ensure rapid assistance if needed.

Officials were also ordered to monitor vulnerable tourist attractions, including caves and waterfalls, and temporarily close sites if conditions become dangerous.

Authorities plan to install warning signs along coastlines and advise tourists against swimming during periods of rough seas. Boat operators, captains and passenger ferry services have also been urged to exercise caution, with sailing restrictions possible if conditions worsen.

Provincial agencies have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock monitoring, prepare temporary shelters and ensure adequate supplies of food, drinking water and essential items in case evacuations become necessary.

The DDPM urged residents to follow official warnings and monitor updates through the THA DISASTER ALERT mobile application, the DDPM Line service “1784”, or the 1784 emergency hotline, which operates 24 hours a day.

Thai justice minister says Thaksin granted royal pardon

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3 June 2026, 10:41

Thai justice minister says Thaksin granted royal pardon

BANGKOK — 3 June 2026, Thailand’s justice minister said former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is among those granted a royal pardon in connection with celebrations marking Queen Suthida’s 48th birthday, making him immediately eligible for release from the remainder of his sentence.

Speaking to reporters at Sanam Luang at about 06:30 on 3 June, Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Navarat said Thaksin’s name appeared on the list of individuals receiving a royal pardon.

Asked about questions surrounding Thaksin’s remaining sentence, which some reports said amounted to about one month and 10 days, Rutthapol said the former premier would be considered to have completed his punishment under the law.

“Under the law, he is released immediately because the remaining sentence is less than one year, in accordance with Section 8,” Rutthapol said.

S 320561161 — Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Navarat

When asked whether Thaksin’s electronic monitoring device, or EM bracelet, could be removed immediately, the minister replied: “It can be removed straight away.”

Rutthapol said further administrative procedures would still need to be carried out by relevant committees responsible for implementing the royal pardon process.

He said separate committees in each province would handle the next steps, although he did not yet know the details of their meetings or timelines.

However, he reiterated that Thaksin was definitely included among those granted the royal pardon.

No further details about the implementation process were immediately available.

Disabled man drowns after pedal boat capsizes in river

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3 June 2026, 10:09

Disabled man drowns after pedal boat capsizes in river

SISAKET — 2 June 2026, A 35-year-old man with a congenital disability drowned after a leaking pedal boat capsized in the Mun River in northeastern Thailand, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 16:40 on 2 June near Ban Kaeng floating restaurants in Khu Sot subdistrict, Muang district, Sisaket province.

Emergency responders from the Khu Sot Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, the Sawang Chit Sisaket Foundation and the Sisaket Rescue Foundation launched a search operation after receiving reports of a missing person in the river.

The victim was identified as Thitsawat Suma, known by the nickname “Nai”, from Wang Hin district in Sisaket province.

According to friends, a group of seven colleagues had travelled to the riverside venue for a meal and a recreational outing hosted by their employer. Before returning home, several members of the group decided to ride a swan-shaped pedal boat on the river.

One friend, 18-year-old Siwakorn Thongkhamsuk, said three people were on the pedal boat while a fourth person held onto an inflatable ring being towed behind.

He said Thitsawat, who was born with a disability affecting his left arm, was not wearing a life jacket and could not swim.

The group had travelled some distance from shore when they noticed water leaking into the boat through a hole in its hull. As they attempted to turn back, the vessel became unstable and suddenly overturned in the middle of the river.

Siwakorn said he managed to grab the inflatable ring and swim back to shore, but realised Thitsawat had not resurfaced.

Friends searched for him and called out his name before contacting emergency services.

Rescue divers and search teams combed the area for more than three hours, facing difficulties caused by the river’s depth and fading daylight.

The victim’s relatives, friends and work colleagues gathered on the riverbank as the search continued.

His supervisor, speaking through tears, described Thitsawat as a hardworking and determined man who had overcome significant challenges throughout his life.

He said Thitsawat had been orphaned as a child and supported himself through labour jobs despite his disability. The two had worked together in roof construction for more than a decade and had become as close as family.

“He was honest, hardworking and never caused problems for anyone,” the supervisor said. “I brought him here to relax after working hard for so long.”

As darkness fell and the search stretched into its fourth hour, relatives performed a traditional ritual by lighting incense and praying for the missing man to be found.

About 10 minutes later, rescue divers located Thitsawat’s body underwater not far from where the boat had capsized.

His body was brought ashore as relatives, friends and colleagues broke down in tears. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

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