Phuket tightens patrols after foreign tourists spear parrotfish

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11 May 2026, 14:36

Phuket tightens patrols after foreign tourists spear parrotfish

PHUKET — 11 May 2026, Authorities have increased patrols at Kata Beach after foreign tourists were reportedly seen spearfishing protected parrotfish and handling starfish in a marine conservation area.

Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, led by Naret Chuphueng, along with Phuket Marine Police Division 8, Phuket Tourist Police Division 2, forestry police and Karon municipality inspected the area near Kata Beach on the evening of 10 May following the circulation of social media videos showing foreign tourists diving and spearing parrotfish near Phuket Ska Bar.

The tourists had reportedly brought the fish onto the beach, attracting crowds of onlookers who photographed the incident. Videos also showed starfish being removed from the water and handled by visitors.

Authorities said no suspects were found during the inspection.
A local business owner told officials that on 9 May at around 20:00, a group of unidentified Chinese tourists were seen spearfishing among rocks off the southern end of Kata Beach before bringing parrotfish ashore.

The owner said attempts had been made to stop the group, but they ignored warnings. He urged authorities to install information signs and increase monitoring in the area, which is popular for marine activities.

Karon municipality said warning signs would be installed along the beachfront and municipal officers would conduct more regular inspections. Police in Karon district also pledged to increase patrols.

Officials additionally warned businesses, residents and tourists that parrotfish are protected under Phuket environmental protection regulations introduced in 2024. The species, listed under the Scaridae family, is prohibited from being caught or possessed.

Violators face penalties under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, including up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Authorities urged the public to report illegal fishing or possession of protected marine species through the marine protection hotline 1362.

Thai military builds border fence along Cambodian frontier

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11 May 2026, 13:22

CHANTHABURI — The Thai military is constructing a new border fence along part of the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Chanthaburi province, aiming to strengthen border security and improve safety for local residents, according to a security source.

The construction is taking place between border markers 52 and 54 in Pong Nam Ron district, covering a distance of about 1,310 metres near a permanent border crossing.

The source said the area is mostly flat terrain with a clearly demarcated boundary. Both Thailand and Cambodia already maintain patrol roads running along the border.

The new fence is being built with reinforced concrete foundations and steel mesh, with a total height of about 170 centimetres. Concrete panels measuring around 150 centimetres high are topped with an additional 20 centimetres of steel fencing to improve surveillance and security along the border.

Authorities said around 900 to 1,000 fence posts are being installed at intervals of roughly three metres.

The source added that some Cambodian soldiers had monitored and photographed the construction work, but Thai authorities insisted the project is being carried out entirely within Thai territory and falls under Thailand’s sovereign right to manage its own border areas.

Construction on the first phase began in late April and is expected to be completed within 45 days.

Photos of the fence construction, reportedly taken by Cambodian soldiers, have also been widely shared on Cambodian social media platforms.

Thai Festival in Tokyo attracts over 300,000 visitors

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11 May 2026, 13:04

TOKYO, Japan — Thai culture took centre stage in Japan as the 26th Thai Festival in Tokyo drew massive crowds over the weekend, with Japanese social media users marvelling at the popularity of Thai food and entertainment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow presided over the opening ceremony of the festival on 9 May at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. Shimada Tomoaki, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended as guest of honour.

Held from 9-10 May under the theme “Creative Life and Creative Heartbeat,” the Thai Festival in Tokyo is regarded as the largest Thai festival overseas and one of Tokyo’s major cultural exchange events, attracting more than 300,000 visitors annually.

The event featured booths promoting Thai products, services and creative industries, alongside cultural performances including traditional Thai dance, Muay Thai demonstrations, concerts and fan meetings with Thai artists and actors.

Photos and videos of packed crowds at the festival also went viral online. One Japanese X user, @Thai__Suki, posted images showing visitors filling the venue and wrote: “Look! This is Tokyo’s Thai Festival, where 300,000 Thai food lovers gather! It’s so packed!”

The user added: “This year too, Thai Fest is so crowded I can’t move forward. Japanese love for Thailand is seriously amazing. As a fellow Thai enthusiast, I’m nothing but thrilled.”

Trans woman forced to shave head after alleged insult to Islam

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11 May 2026, 12:37

BANGKOK — A transgender woman accused of insulting Islam during a livestream was surrounded by an angry crowd of Muslim protesters in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng area on Sunday night, before police intervened to escort her away amid fears of violence.

The incident took place in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 53, Bangkok after controversy erupted online over a livestream by a person known as “Madam Lor,” originally from Narathiwat, who allegedly mocked verses from the Quran and made offensive remarks about Islam during an online debate. The dispute reportedly stemmed from an argument over the wearing of hijab by transgender Muslims, after some Muslim community members criticised transgender women for dressing in ways deemed inconsistent with Islamic teachings.

Video clips from the livestream spread rapidly across social media platforms and drew backlash from Muslim communities in Thailand and abroad, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and parts of the Arab world.

Community leaders later arranged a meeting at a restaurant in Ramkhamhaeng 53 on May 10 in an attempt to ease tensions and prevent the situation from escalating further. However, news of the meeting prompted thousands of angry protesters to gather outside the venue.

Inside the restaurant, Madam Lor reportedly apologised to her family and society, saying the remarks were made in a moment of anger. Protesters allegedly demanded that she slap herself and shave her head as a sign of repentance.

The situation later descended into chaos as people outside the venue, unaware of the apology, attempted to push through the crowd to confront her. More than 10 patrol police officers were deployed to break through the crowd and escort her safely from the area to a police station for legal proceedings.

The incident has sparked widespread debate online, with some condemning the alleged insult to religion, while others criticised the public humiliation and intimidation, saying it violated personal rights and risked provoking mob justice.

Roadside bomb injures three Thai rangers in Narathiwat

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11 May 2026, 12:31

NARATHIWAT — Three paramilitary rangers were injured in a roadside bomb attack in Waeng district on Sunday.

The attack took place on 11 May 2026 along Highway 4057 near Ban Mai Fad in Kayu Khla subdistrict, Waeng district, when a convoy of rangers from Ranger Task Force Regiment 11 was travelling to pick up an operational team.

Officials said the explosion was triggered near Ban Nam Khao, shortly before the convoy reached Nam Khao Bridge. The blast struck personnel from Ranger Company 1106, injuring three officers, including one volunteer ranger.

All three were transported to Sungai Kolok Hospital for treatment.

Security officials sealed off the area following the attack to allow explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams and forensic officers to examine the scene.

Govt says no hantavirus outbreak, increases screening

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11 May 2026, 11:28

Govt says no hantavirus outbreak, increases screening

BANGKOK — 11 May 2026, Thailand has not detected any outbreak of hantavirus infections and the current risk to the public remains low, the government said on Monday, while authorities continue to strengthen disease surveillance and screening measures.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Pherdsriwattana said the Public Health Ministry was closely monitoring the situation following a World Health Organization (WHO) report linking hantavirus infections to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.

She said Thailand had increased monitoring at international disease control checkpoints and within domestic surveillance systems despite no confirmed local outbreak.

Hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents such as field rats and house rats. Infection usually occurs through inhaling airborne particles contaminated with rodent urine or droppings in poorly ventilated spaces.

Human-to-human transmission is considered very rare and has only been associated with certain strains of the virus.

Early symptoms typically resemble influenza, although some patients may later develop severe respiratory complications.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus, with medical care focused on treating symptoms.

The government has instructed the Department of Disease Control to intensify screening of travellers arriving from high-risk areas and coordinate information sharing with airlines, ports and related agencies.

Public health units nationwide have also been advised to increase screening for patients with a history of rodent exposure.

Thailand’s National Communicable Disease Committee has approved a study into whether hantavirus should be classified as a dangerous communicable disease under the Communicable Disease Act of 2015.

Authorities are also preparing updated risk assessments, surveillance systems and response plans to match the evolving situation.

The government urged the public to reduce contact with rodents and contaminated environments, avoid entering enclosed spaces where rodents may live and disinfect risky areas before cleaning them.

Officials advised against sweeping or vacuuming contaminated areas directly and recommended maintaining clean homes and workplaces to prevent rodent infestations.

“The government is closely monitoring emerging diseases,” Lalida said. “Although Thailand’s current risk remains low, preparedness measures for surveillance, screening and public communication are being strengthened continuously to ensure public confidence and safety.”

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole

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11 May 2026, 10:57

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole

BANGKOK — 11 May 2026, Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole, from Klong Prem Central Prison.

At 7:40, Thaksin was granted parole and released after serving a total of 243 days in prison, under parole conditions and legal supervision measures. While the redshirt mob has been gathering in front of the prison to show support ofr the former PM.

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Thaksin has arrived home on Monday morning. After he was granted parole and released from Klong Prem Central Prison, following a total of 243 days in custody, he is now required to comply strictly with probation conditions during his parole period.

The conditions include:

He must reside at the address registered with the prison authorities.
He is prohibited from travelling outside his residential area without permission.
He must not engage in misconduct or commit another criminal offence.
He must engage in lawful employment.
He is prohibited from carrying any kind of weapon.
He is prohibited from visiting or contacting other inmates who are not relatives.
He must report to probation officers every month.

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“I can’t remember anything anymore. I have Alzheimer’s already”, Thaksin Shinawatra briefly joked when the reporter asked how he is, after reporting to the probation office and being fitted with an electronic monitoring bracelet on Monday morning following his release from prison.

Foreign tourists filmed fighting on Patong street

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11 May 2026, 10:34

Foreign tourists filmed fighting on Patong street

PHUKET — 11 May 2026, A street fight involving foreign tourists in Phuket’s Patong area has sparked renewed concerns among residents over repeated violent incidents in the popular nightlife district.

Video footage shared by local Facebook user showed several foreign men fighting on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong, Kathu district.

The clip showed two foreign men assaulting another tourist in the middle of the street as bystanders looked on in shock.

Another foreign man was later seen running into the confrontation and punching one of the attackers before a man wearing a white shirt fled the scene.

The person who posted the video captioned it: “How many incidents a day does Patong need?”, reflecting growing frustration among local residents over recurring fights involving tourists in the area.

The footage quickly spread online, drawing widespread criticism and concern from social media users.

Some commenters claimed the dispute began after two men allegedly caused trouble in the area and assaulted another tourist, prompting retaliation from his friend.

Others called for tougher law enforcement measures, while some expressed concern that repeated incidents could damage Phuket’s tourism image and undermine visitor confidence in public safety.

Authorities had not reported any serious injuries or additional legal action as of Monday.

Residents and business operators in Patong have urged officials to strengthen security measures and increase patrols in tourist areas to prevent recurring violence in the district.

Thai FM says Thailand may cut visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days after Chinese weapons case

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9 May 2026, 20:05

688217185_1427522746083475_3907504787826089169_n — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow

TOKYO, Japan — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Saturday expressed concern following the arrest of a Chinese national linked to a cache of military-grade weapons and explosives discovered in Chonburi province.

Speaking in Tokyo, Sihasak said authorities needed to closely examine the investigation findings and the suspect’s immigration history, especially because the weapons were found in the possession of a foreign national.

“It is concerning, but we need to wait for the investigation results first because we still do not know the objective,” he said.

The case emerged after police in Na Jomtien, Chonburi, arrested a Chinese man following a car crash that led officers to discover firearms and eventually a large stockpile of military weapons and C4 explosives at a rented property.

Sihasak said Thailand’s immigration screening process may need to become stricter, noting that Thailand remained an open society welcoming tourists and foreign investment.

However, he warned that authorities also needed to be more cautious regarding visa regulations, as some foreigners may enter the country claiming to be tourists or using visa-free schemes.

The foreign minister said the Foreign Ministry was currently reviewing visa measures, with the visa committee considering reducing the current 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days.

He added that officials were also examining whether existing visa categories were sufficiently strict and secure.

Vietnam’s Phu Quoc is transforming into a major travel destination

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9 May 2026, 18:48

PHÚ QUỐC, Vietnam — Once known mainly as a quiet fishing island off Vietnam’s southern coast, Phú Quốc has rapidly transformed into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing beach destinations.

With white sand beaches, luxury resorts, night markets and massive entertainment projects, the island is increasingly attracting travellers looking for a tropical getaway that combines nature with modern tourism infrastructure.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian coast, Phú Quốc is Vietnam’s largest island and has become a key part of the country’s tourism ambitions.

Beaches, sunsets and clear water

Phú Quốc’s biggest attraction remains its coastline.

Long Beach, stretching along the island’s western side, is known for sunset views, beach bars and resorts, while Sao Beach on the southeast coast is famous for powdery white sand and turquoise water.

The dry season between November and April is considered the best time to visit, when calm seas and sunny skies make the island ideal for swimming, snorkelling and island hopping.

Compared with many larger beach destinations in the region, parts of Phú Quốc still retain a slower and more relaxed atmosphere.

From fishing island to tourism giant

Over the past decade, the island has seen major investment in tourism infrastructure.

Large-scale developments such as Sunset Town and Grand World have transformed parts of the island into entertainment and shopping hubs filled with colourful Mediterranean-style architecture, restaurants and nightlife.

Luxury international resorts now line many sections of the coast, while Phú Quốc International Airport has made access far easier for foreign travellers.

The island is also becoming increasingly popular among Thai tourists because of short regional flight times and visa-friendly entry policies for many visitors.

The world’s longest sea-crossing cable car

One of the island’s most famous attractions is the Hon Thom Cable Car, which stretches across the sea connecting Phú Quốc with smaller southern islands.

The cable car offers panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs and the Gulf of Thailand below.

Visitors can also take boat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling, diving and seafood dining.

Seafood and local culture

Despite rapid development, traditional fishing communities still remain part of island life.

Seafood is one of the highlights of visiting Phú Quốc, with fresh crab, squid, sea urchin and grilled shellfish widely available at local markets and beachside restaurants.

The island is also known across Vietnam for fish sauce production and pepper farms.

Easy access from Thailand

Travellers from Bangkok can reach Phú Quốc through connecting flights via Ho Chi Minh City or direct regional routes depending on airline schedules.

As Vietnam continues investing heavily in tourism, Phú Quốc is positioning itself as one of the region’s major island destinations — offering a mix of tropical scenery, entertainment and fast-growing resort development.

Beaches, sunsets and clear water

From fishing island to tourism giant

The world’s longest sea-crossing cable car

Seafood and local culture

Easy access from Thailand

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