Bangkok to Introduce New Pet Ownership Laws in 2026

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22 May 2025, 07:30

(April 23, 2025)— Dog and cat owners in Bangkok are being warned of new legislation coming into effect in early 2026 that will mandate pet registration, the use of leads in public, and restrictions on the number of animals kept based on property size. Failure to comply with these new rules will result in penalties.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced the upcoming changes, which were published in the Government Gazette on January 15, 2025 and are set to be enforced from January 10, 2026. According to BMA spokesperson Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, these new regulations aim to enhance the safety of both residents and their animals.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr. Amrapala urged current and prospective pet owners to familiarise themselves with the details of the legislation to avoid potential legal repercussions.

The key aspects of the new by-laws include limitations on the number of pets allowed per household, determined by the size of the property:

Large mammals such as cattle, buffalo, horses, and deer will be limited to one animal per 50 square wa (approximately 200 square metres).
Small mammals like goats, sheep, pigs, and miniature horses will be capped at three animals per 50 square wa.
Poultry will be subject to different rules: chickens, ducks, and geese will be limited to one bird per 4 square metres. Larger birds, such as ostriches, will be restricted to one per 50 square metres, while smaller birds will have a limit of five per 1 square metre.

Furthermore, the new regulations will prohibit the keeping or releasing of controlled animals in public spaces within Bangkok, with the following exceptions:

For necessary veterinary treatment or vaccinations.
For activities specifically authorised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
During a change of residence of the pet owner.
For animals owned or released by government agencies, and for releases related to charitable or traditional customs.

Specific rules will also apply to dog and cat ownership. Owners will be required to register their animals at designated BMA locations within 120 days of the animal’s birth or within 30 days of bringing the animal into the Bangkok Metropolitan area. The number of dogs and cats permitted will depend on the type and size of the property:

Rented rooms or flats (condominiums) between 20 and 80 square metres: one pet allowed.
Rented rooms or flats (condominiums) larger than 80 square metres: a maximum of two pets.
Land plots not exceeding 20 square wa (approximately 80 square metres): two pets allowed.
Land plots not exceeding 50 square wa (approximately 200 square metres): three pets allowed.
Land plots not exceeding 100 square wa (approximately 400 square metres): four pets allowed.
Land plots of 100 square wa (approximately 400 square metres) or larger: a maximum of six pets.

When taking dogs or cats outside the home or designated area, they must be kept on a secure lead at all times or transported in a suitable carrier, pen, cage, or other appropriate equipment. Owners must ensure their pets do not disturb other people and are obligated to clean up after their animals in public places. For designated dangerous dog breeds or dogs with a history of aggression, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, muzzles must be used, along with a strong, secure lead held no more than 50 centimetres from the dog’s neck at all times.

The BMA is offering free microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and neutering/spaying services for dogs and cats at its eight veterinary clinics. Pet owners are advised to contact the clinics for further details before their visit:

BMA Veterinary Clinic 1 Siphraya, Bang Rak District, Tel. 0 2236 4055 ext. 213
BMA Veterinary Clinic 2 Min Buri, Min Buri District, Tel. 0 2914 5822
BMA Veterinary Clinic 3 Wat That Thong, Watthana District, Tel. 0 2392 9278
BMA Veterinary Clinic 4 Bang Khen, Chatuchak District, Tel. 0 2579 1342
BMA Veterinary Clinic 5 Wat Hong Rattanaram, Bangkok Yai District, Tel. 0 2472 5895 ext. 109
BMA Veterinary Clinic 6 Chuang Nuch Netr, Chom Thong District, Tel. 0 2476 6493 ext. 1104
BMA Veterinary Clinic 7 Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Noi District, Tel. 0 2411 2432
Rabies Control Group, Mit Maitri Road, Din Daeng District, Tel. 0 2248 7417

#กทม #ข้อบัญญัติควบคุมสัตว์เลี้ยง2567 #BMA #Bangkok #Thailand #BangkokPets #ThailandPetLaws #PetRegistration #ResponsiblePetOwnership

Bangkok’s Buzz vs. Liveability: Governor Calls for 2027 Strategic Overhaul

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Contributor

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22 May 2025, 07:30

(April 22, 2025) — Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has launched a major initiative to redefine Bangkok’s future, urging a shift from a city known for its “buzz” to one celebrated for its “liveability.”

Speaking at a key planning seminar, he highlighted the need for a strategic overhaul to address the city’s persistent inefficiencies and improve the quality of life for all residents.

The Governor emphasised that while Bangkok attracts tourists with its vibrant atmosphere, it lags behind regional rivals like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in terms of liveability.

He criticised the city’s notorious traffic congestion and the impact of corruption, calling for a more efficient and effective administration.

“We must move beyond day-to-day operations and adopt a clear, strategic vision,” Mr. Chadchart told attendees. “Bangkok is a thrilling city to visit, but it is not yet a truly liveable city—and this is a major problem.”

The seminar, part of the 2027 Operational Plan project, aimed to gather feedback from officials, businesses, and civil society on the city’s development goals. Key themes included improving infrastructure, enhancing social services, driving economic growth, and protecting the environment.

Governor Chadchart stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making and public engagement. He outlined a three-step process: analysing the current situation, establishing clear policy directives, and implementing a comprehensive action plan.

He also emphasised the need for greater efficiency within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), advocating for the integration of technology to streamline bureaucratic processes.

“We must improve the quality of life and the quality of the city,” he said, citing recent improvements in flood control, street lighting, and public services as encouraging signs. He urged attendees to provide candid feedback, promising that their input would shape the city’s future.

The 2027 Operational Plan will serve as a framework for annual operational plans and budget allocations, ensuring that all BMA agencies work towards a unified vision. The initiative reflects a commitment to transforming Bangkok into a more liveable and sustainable city for all its residents.

#กทม #บริหารจัดการดี #เมืองน่าอยู่ #Bangkok #BMA #Bangkok2027 #CityLiveability #ChadchartSittipunt #BangkokStrategy #UrbanDevelopment

Thailand Vows To Tighten Control on Cannabis After Smuggling Cases Involving Tourists Soar

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Associated Press

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21 May 2025, 20:47

Thailand-Cannabis — FILE - Police stand guard as cannabis activists and entrepreneurs, holding cannabis plant gather in front of Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, July 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai officials on Wednesday said they planned to tighten regulations on cannabis sales after cases of tourists attempting to smuggle the drug out of the country soared in recent months.

Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, which has boosted Thailand’s tourism and farming and spawned thousands of shops. But it’s facing public backlash over allegations that under-regulation has made the drug available to children and caused addiction.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party has promised to criminalize the drugs again, but faced strong resistance from its partner in the coalition government which supported the decriminalization.

Thailand’s Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at a press conference that officials are aiming to roll out new regulations in coming weeks that will tighten control on the sale of cannabis, including requiring shops to sell cannabis only to customers who have a prescription.

He emphasized that it is against Thai law to bring cannabis out of the country without permission from the authorities.

Airport officials said they have tightened inspections to detect smuggling attempts, adding that most people found with cannabis in their luggage are foreigners, especially Indian and British nationals.

cannabis research1 — Seized cannabis buds are displayed at the ceremony to hand over 2.1 tons of cannabis buds to the Department of Thai Traditional Medicine for medical research at the Customs Department on April 28, 2025.

Last week two young British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka for alleged attempts to smuggle cannabis after they flew there from Thailand, according to the British media.

Britain’s government said a joint operation with Thailand in February resulted in over 2 tons of cannabis seized from air passengers. It said that since July last year, over 50 British nationals had been arrested in Thailand for attempting to smuggle cannabis.

It also said there was a dramatic increase in the amount of cannabis sent to the U.K. from Thailand by post since the decriminalization in 2022.

In March immigration authorities and police said 22 suitcases filled with a total of 375 kilograms of cannabis were seized, and 13 foreigners, most of them British, were arrested at the international airport on the Samui Island.

Thai officials said the suspects were hired to travel to Thailand as tourists then traveled to Samui, a popular tourist destination, where they would wait at the arranged accommodation to receive the suitcases with cannabis. They would then be instructed to travel from Samui to Singapore, and then from Singapore back to the U.K., where they would be paid 2,000 pounds ($2,682) upon completing the job.

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Thailand Targets Nominee Businesses Causing $468M in Damages

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Khaosod English

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21 May 2025, 20:07

BANGKOK — Thailand has accelerated efforts to combat nominee businesses that have caused economic damages of $468 million, while authorities have also pursued nearly 40,000 cases of illegal online products with damages exceeding $63.5 million over the past nine months.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan revealed the results of the fifth meeting of the Committee for Managing Foreign Business and Product Violations held today (May 21). During the past nine months, relevant agencies under the committee have prosecuted over 39,186 cases involving substandard and illegal products, amounting to damages of more than 2.074 billion baht ($63.5 million).

Authorities have collected VAT on imported goods valued under 1,500 baht, totaling 1.796 billion baht. Additionally, they have implemented Notice and Takedown measures, removing more than 10,378 illegal products from online platforms.

nominee rayong4 — Thai Police launch “CIB Nominee Sweep EP.3” investigation, inspecting suspicious companies and construction sites in Rayong province, where they found operations run almost entirely by Chinese nationals. Photo released May 1, 2025.

Regarding the crackdown on nominee businesses, legal action has been taken against 857 entities across seven high-risk business sectors: tourism, real estate and related businesses, land transportation, warehousing, construction, agricultural land trading, and other businesses. The total business damage from these cases amounts to 15.288 billion baht ($468 million).

“Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has placed great importance on this issue and has instructed the Ministry of Commerce to take proactive measures. Amid rapid changes in the global economy, there is a high risk of illegal and substandard products flooding into Thailand, which inevitably affects Thai SMEs,” Pichai stated.

The meeting also approved the appointment of Deputy Commerce Minister Suchart Chomklin and Police Lieutenant General Pittaya Sirirak as additional advisors to two subcommittees: the Subcommittee for Preventing and Suppressing Foreign Nominee Businesses and the Subcommittee for Promoting Thai SMEs and Addressing Substandard Foreign Products.

chinese fake cosmetic3 — The officers inspect a warehouse in Tail Ban sub-district, Samut Prakan Province on April 24, 2024.

Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunphang disclosed that data shows there are approximately 46,918 companies considered at risk. Provincial-level working committees will be established in every province, chaired by a deputy governor appointed by the provincial governor, with the provincial commerce office serving as secretariat, working alongside relevant agencies to conduct rigorous fact-checking on funding sources, business operational capabilities, and connections to foreigners.

For new companies registering in the future, there are proposals to amend laws to increase penalties for nominee businesses, including asset seizure. The draft legislation will be submitted to the Cabinet for prompt advancement to Parliament.

“We have instructed each province to work proactively, requiring them to complete the investigation of all high-risk companies within three months. Provinces with a large number of potentially non-compliant companies may need more time but must report progress every three months,” he added.

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Thai Bus Driver Steals $8,600 from Romanian Tourist’s ATM Card

By

Khaosod English

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21 May 2025, 18:37

surat atm2 — Surat Thani Immigration Police interrogate a bus driver who confessed to finding and using a Romanian female tourist's ATM card to withdraw $8,600 on May 20, 2025.

SURAT THANI — A Romanian tourist’s lost credit card led to unauthorized withdrawals totaling 280,000 baht ($8,600) while she was traveling from Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province to Phuket, authorities reported.

According to Police Colonel Naruwat Phuttharo, Surat Thani Immigration Police Commander, Ms. Cristina, a Romanian national, filed a complaint at Saku Police Station in Phuket seeking assistance. Phuket police then coordinated with Mueang Surat Thani Police Station and immigration authorities to investigate the case.

Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, ordered Surat Thani Immigration to expedite the investigation as the incident damaged Thailand’s tourism reputation.

surat atm1 — Officers discover evidence at the bus driver’s residence on Talad Mai Road in Mueang District, Surat Thani on May 20, 2025.

Investigators discovered that the person withdrawing money from the woman’s account was a tour bus driver. Police subsequently arrested 34-year-old Channarong, a tour bus operator. CCTV footage revealed that the suspect used a white car to make withdrawals from ATMs around Surat Thani city area 14 times, totaling 280,000 baht.

Officers gathered evidence and obtained a search warrant from the Surat Thani Provincial Court to search Channarong’s residence on Talad Mai Road in Mueang District, Surat Thani. They seized 280,000 baht in cash along with the clothes the suspect wore during the incidents. Channarong confessed that after finding the credit card on the bus with its PIN code attached, he tested the card and, upon discovering it worked, proceeded to make multiple cash withdrawals.

Initially, authorities charged the suspect with theft, misappropriation of another person’s document in a manner likely to cause damage, unlawful possession of another person’s electronic card, and unauthorized use of another person’s electronic card for goods, services, other debts, or cash withdrawals in a manner likely to cause damage.

Police have transferred the suspect to investigators at Saku Police Station in Phuket for legal proceedings, after which the money will be returned to the tourist.

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Thai Bank Manager and Staff Arrested in Chinese Scam Network

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Khaosod English

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21 May 2025, 14:41

BANGKOK — Thai police have arrested bank officials who helped Chinese scammers open 15 mule accounts for criminal activities. Investigators are expanding their probe to identify additional accomplices.

Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Center, held a press conference at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters on May 21 to announce the results of a major operation.

Metropolitan Police and Provincial Police Region 2 jointly arrested four bank employees, including a manager, along with two interpreters and five Thai facilitators who provided support to Chinese suspects, bringing the total to 11 arrests.

bank scammer3 — Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr (center), Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Center, and his team hold a press conference at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters on May 21, 2025.

Investigators discovered that the 15 mule accounts were opened at a bank in Pattaya, Chonburi Province. These accounts belonged to 15 Chinese nationals who entered Thailand on tourist visas in March 2025, all visiting the country for the first time. Thai accomplices escorted these Chinese nationals to banks around the country to open accounts, beginning on March 9.

The Chinese nationals returned to China on March 13, after bank managers and staff allegedly forged documents to allow account openings with tourist visas. Police declined to reveal the commission received by bank staff, citing ongoing investigation details.

bank scammer4 — Thai police arrest bank employees who helped Chinese scammers open 15 mule accounts for criminal activities.

bank scammer2 — The chart shows 15 Chinese nationals who opened 15 mule accounts at a bank in Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

The investigation revealed that the 15 accounts received approximately 118 million baht ($3.6 million), of which 91 million baht has already been withdrawn. The remaining funds have been frozen. These accounts were linked to 106 fraud cases. Further investigation connected them to 462 additional accounts involved in 2,084 cases nationwide, with total damages estimated at 2.2 billion baht ($67.3 million).

Police are currently expanding their investigation in all dimensions, particularly regarding the 15 Chinese nationals who fled the country. Thai authorities have coordinated with Chinese officials to issue arrest warrants after discovering that five suspects have connections to call center scam gangs operating in neighboring countries.

Police has also contacted the Bank of Thailand to conduct a thorough review of procedures allowing foreigners to open bank accounts with tourist visas, noting that such practices are not permitted in other countries worldwide.

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Popular Turkish Ice Cream Seller Among Eight Arrested on Khaosan Road

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Khaosod English

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21 May 2025, 09:12

turkish icecream2 — A 27-year-old Turkish national who operates an ice cream stall with the distinctive Turkish-style serving performance on Bangkok's Khaosan Road is operating on a tourist visa without a work permit.

BANGKOK — Immigration officials, while inspecting foreign nationals illegally working in Bangkok’s nighttime tourist areas, discovered a Turkish national with a tourist visa selling popular Turkish ice cream.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Phuangsombat, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation Division, Immigration Bureau 1, along with his team and Chana Songkhram Police Station officers, surveyed nightlife venues on Rambuttri Road and Khao San Road in the early hours of May 21. The operation, ordered by Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, targeted locations likely to have illegal workers.

The inspection resulted in the arrest of eight foreign males – seven Myanmar nationals selling goods on the street or in front of establishments, mostly restaurants selling roti, kebabs, ice cream, and fruit juice. Four of them could not produce passports and are believed to have illegally entered the kingdom to work.

Officials also arrested Mr. Muhamet, a 27-year-old Turkish national operating an ice cream stall with the distinctive Turkish-style serving performance that attracted tourists. Investigations revealed he entered Thailand on a tourist visa without a work permit.

When questioned, his Thai employer stated they paid him 50,000 baht monthly. Muhamet reported earning approximately 2,000-3,000 baht daily and had been working for about a month.

turkish icecream1 — Bangkok police take eight foreign vendors to Chana Songkhram Police Station for legal proceedings on May 21, 2025.

Muhamet was detained along with the seven Myanmar nationals and taken to Chana Songkhram Police Station. All were charged with being foreigners working without a work permit or performing work beyond their legal rights.

The four Myanmar nationals who illegally entered the country face additional charges of being foreigners entering and staying in the kingdom illegally or without passing through authorized checkpoints. Those with expired visas were charged with being foreigners remaining in the kingdom after their permission had expired.

Officials are still investigating to take legal action against the Turkish man’s employer, as well as determining whether the group of Myanmar nationals were hired by the same employer to sell goods in a similar manner.

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Japan’s Agriculture Minister Resigns After a Rice Gaffe

By

Associated Press

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21 May 2025, 08:37

Japan Rice — Japan's Agriculture Minister Taku Eto, center, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s agriculture minister was forced to resign Wednesday because of political fallout over recent comments that he “never had to buy rice” because he got it from supporters as gifts. The resignation comes as the public struggles with record high prices of the country’s traditional staple food.

Taku Eto’s comment, which many Japanese saw as out of touch with economic realities, came at a seminar Sunday for the Liberal Democratic Party, which leads an struggling minority government. The gaffe could be further trouble for the party before a national election in July. A major loss could mean a new government or could mean Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would have to step down.

“I made an extremely inappropriate remark at a time when consumers are struggling with soaring rice prices,” Eto told reporters after submitting his resignation at the prime minister’s office. Eto’s resignation was the first under Ishiba’s leadership that began October.

The government has released tons of rice from its emergency stockpile in recent months, but the latest agricultural ministry statistics show little impact from the move. Some supermarkets have started selling cheaper imported rice.

AP25141047275048 — Large bags of several varieties of rice are sold at a supermarket in Hyuga, Miyazaki prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 19, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)

Eto also sought to clarify the comments that got him in trouble. He said he does actually buy white rice himself and was not living on rice given as gifts. He said the gift comment referred to brown rice, which he wants people to become interested in because it can reach market faster.

Ishiba appointed popular former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister, to lead the ministry, noting his experience in agriculture and fisheries policies and enthusiasm for reforms.

Koizumi told reporters Ishiba instructed him to do everything to stabilize the rice supply and prices to address consumer concern.

“I was told to put rice before anything,” Koizumi told reporters. “At this difficult time, I will do utmost to speedily tackle high rice price that people feel and worry in everyday life.” He said he shares consumers’ concerns as he feeds his children packaged instant rice sometimes.

AP25141147673429 — Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, center, is surrounded by reporters at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)

Ishiba, also a former farm minister, said he wants to strengthen Japan’s food security and self-sufficiency. He has proposed agricultural reforms, including increased rice production and possible exports, though critics say he should urgently fix the ongoing rice problem first.

Noting the rice situation, Ishiba said he suspects the rice price surge is “not a temporary but a structural problem.”

“It may not be easy to find an answer,” he said, but repeated his pledge to do the utmost to ease consumers’ difficulties and to reform rice policies.

Koizumi said the measures so far have proved ineffective and that he will speed the effort as soon as he formally takes office later Wednesday.

Party leaders plan to further grill Ishiba at a party leaders’ debate at parliament scheduled later in the day.

Japanese rice demand has decreased over recent decades as people’s diets have diversified, but rice remains a staple food and integral part of Japanese culture and history.

“Rice is the stable food for the Japanese. When its prices are rising every week, (Eto’s) resignation is only natural,” said Shizuko Oshima, 73.

The shortfall started last August on panic buying following a government caution over preparedness for a major earthquake. The supply pressure eased after the autumn harvest, but a shortage and price increases hit again early this year.

Officials have blamed the supply shortage on poor harvests because of hot weather in 2023 and higher fertilizer and other production costs, but some experts blame the government’s long-term rice production policy.

The unprecedented release from emergency rice stockpiles was seen in part as an attempt to figure out distribution problems. The government has denied there is now a rice shortage, but officials say it’s a mystery why rice is not reaching consumers. Some experts say the rice shortage could be serious but it’s difficult to trace rice as its distribution route has become so complex since the end of government control in 1995.

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Croatian Man Running Unauthorized Tours Caught in Chiang Mai

By

Khaosod English

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20 May 2025, 20:27

CHIANG MAI — A Croatian national has been arrested in Chiang Mai for illegally operating an unlicensed tour business catering to foreign tourists. The suspect faces serious charges that could result in imprisonment and fines of up to $15,100.

Following tips from local residents about a foreigner selling tours to other tourists in downtown Chiang Mai, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, ordered an investigation on May 20. Officers from the Tourist Police Division 2 collaborated with relevant agencies to inspect the reported location.

Officials from the Northern Region Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office discovered the illegal operation on the ground floor of an condominium on Chang Klan Road. The business was operating from a rented room without proper licensing. Evidence of tour package sales to tourists was found on the premises.

croatia tour1 — Thai authorities arrest Mr. Andrej, a Croatian national, for operating a tourism business without a license and working as a foreigner without a work permit at his office in Chiang Mai City on May 20, 2025.

Authorities identified the operator as Mr. Andrej, a Croatian citizen who presented himself as the business owner and whose name appeared as the seller of tour programs. Officials charged him with operating a tourism business without a license and working as a foreigner without a work permit.

These offenses carry penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment, fines up to 500,000 baht (approximately $15,100), or both. The suspect was taken to Chiang Mai City Police Station for further legal proceedings.

This operation is part of a broader crackdown on 10 prohibited activities that negatively impact Thailand’s tourism industry. The initiative aims to build tourist confidence and restore Thailand’s reputation as a safe destination with high standards.

croatia tour2 — Officials from the Northern Region Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office discover an illegal operation on the ground floor of a condominium on Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai Province, on May 20, 2025.

Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, stated that the department has clear guidelines for regulating tour businesses under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. These regulations ensure fairness for legal operators and build confidence among both Thai and foreign tourists. He emphasized the department’s ongoing concrete efforts to address nominee tour companies and illegal guides.

Phakdeewanich urged all tour operators to conduct their businesses legally and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to the Department of Tourism or the Joint Operations Center for Solving Problems of Tourism Businesses Using Thai Nominees (JOCST) at 0-2141-3119 or 0-2141-3264.

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Israeli Tourist Witnesses Violent Attack on Grab Taxi Driver in Pai

By

Khaosod English

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20 May 2025, 18:35

pai taxi3 — Local modified taxi vehicles in Pai district lined up after dropping off tourists for river tubing activities.

MAE HONG SON — An Israeli tourist was left frightened after witnessing her Grab driver being assaulted by local transportation operators in the popular tourist town of Pai, Mae Hong Son province.

Theerachai Boonmapieng, a Grab driver, filed a police report with Police Lieutenant Atthapon Boonthawee at Pai Police Station late on May 19, stating he was attacked by a group of local pickup taxi drivers while he was waiting for his passenger outside a popular venue in Pai.

“I was parked across the street from Moonbeach Pai in Mae Hee sub-district when about four men standing by the road shouted at me, “Didn’t we already talk about not picking up customers here?” Theerachai recounted. “Then a large man opened my car door while another, thinner man began punching me.”

The Israeli female tourist, who Theerachai had brought from Chiang Mai to attend a party in Pai, was reportedly terrified and urged the driver to flee. Another assailant damaged Theerachai’s vehicle during the confrontation.

Prior to the violent incident, Theerachai had reported to the Pai Police Station Superintendent around 9 a.m. upon arriving in Pai with his foreign passenger, informing authorities about their planned itinerary and also meeting with tourist police. Around 10 AM, he encountered the group of local taxi drivers near the Walking Street in front of Pai District Court, where they argued about transportation services for tourists.

The local drivers reportedly claimed that providing services in Pai was exclusively their territory and livelihood, not for outsiders to profit from.

pai — Pai officials emphasize that modifying pickup trucks with metal barriers is both illegal and not safe for tourists.

After taking Theerachai’s statement, police officers accompanied him to Pai Hospital for a medical examination and treatment, gathering evidence for the case. Authorities have since apprehended the suspects and brought them in for questioning at Pai Police Station.

Beyond this specific assault case, officials are under pressure to address the ongoing conflict between local transportation operators – including modified pickup trucks and songthaews (shared taxis) – and visiting drivers from other areas. The Mae Hong Son Provincial Transport Office has previously held meetings to establish legal guidelines for operations.

Officials note that the practice of modifying pickup trucks with metal barriers is illegal and puts tourists at risk, as these vehicles lack proper insurance coverage for passengers. Despite these warnings, local drivers have reportedly ignored regulations.

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