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.
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.
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.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday welcomed the upcoming release of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he still respects Thaksin after working under him for more than two decades.
Speaking to reporters on 9 May, Anutin said he wished to congratulate Thaksin and his family ahead of the former prime minister’s expected release from detention on 11 May.
“I still respect him. I used to work under him for more than 20 years. We have a close relationship, like family,” Anutin said.
When asked whether he planned to seek advice from Thaksin on issues the former premier was known to have expertise in, Anutin said there was no restriction against meeting him.
However, he said Thaksin should first be allowed to spend time with his family following his release.
“Bangkok is small. Someday we may have a chance to meet under different occasions,” he said.
Anutin added that Thaksin would still be under parole conditions after his release, meaning there would likely still be restrictions and limited convenience for outside visitors.
Asked whether Thaksin’s return could trigger political ripple effects if he remained active in politics, Anutin said he had not thought that far ahead.
“Regardless, he is still someone I respect,” the prime minister said.
TAK — Thailand’s Third Army Region has launched its 12th tactical attack drone commander training course, featuring demonstrations of reconnaissance drones, bomb-dropping drones and night-time tactical operations aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Naresuan Force.
The training inspection took place on 8 May at the shooting range of the 310th Military Circle at Fort Wachiraprakarn in Tak province.
Lt. Gen. Worathep Boonya, commander of the Third Army Region and head of the Third Army Region Operations Centre, visited the training programme to monitor the development of military personnel in modern warfare technology.
He was welcomed by Col. Narongchai Charoenchai, deputy commander of the Naresuan Force, along with instructors and trainees participating in the course.
According to the army, the programme is designed to improve soldiers’ operational skills in the use of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for security missions, reconnaissance, surveillance and modern military operations.
The army said drone technology had become an increasingly important component of contemporary warfare.
During the visit, military personnel demonstrated several types of tactical drones, including reconnaissance drones, bomb-dropping drones, incendiary drones and FPV (first-person view) drones.
Officials said the drones could be adapted for intelligence gathering, target tracking, border surveillance and tactical operations, including special operations and night-time bombing missions.
The Third Army Region commander also met trainees and instructors, stressing the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving military technology and new forms of security threats.
He praised the Naresuan Force for conducting systematic and modern training in line with the Thai army’s push toward a more technology-driven military.
BANGKOK — The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is moving forward with plans for four new rail transit projects in Bangkok, including the Brown, Silver, Grey and Blue lines, according to MRTA governor Kajpachon Udomthamphakdi.
The first project is the Brown Line connecting Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum), covering 22.1 kilometres. Kajpachon said the MRTA would continue to push ahead with the project as planned.
The second project is the Silver Line, a 19.7-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) route linking Bang Na and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The project is currently under review to improve integration with the airport terminal.
MRTA will also conduct a new environmental impact assessment (EIA), as the previous study is more than five years old. The review process is expected to begin within the next two to three months and take around one year.
Kajpachon said the third project, the Grey Line monorail connecting Watcharaphon and Thong Lo over 16.3 kilometres, is also being revised to better match current conditions. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the MRTA board in 2027.
The fourth project is the Blue Line monorail linking Din Daeng and Sathorn over 6.7 kilometres. MRTA expects studies for the route to begin after 2029 in line with priorities under the M-MAP2 transport development plan.
TRAT — Far from the crowds of Phuket and Samui, Koh Kut remains one of Thailand’s quietest and most beautiful island destinations — a place where jungle-covered hills meet crystal-clear seas and life still moves at a slower pace.
Located near the Cambodian border in eastern Thailand’s Trat province, Koh Kut — also spelled Koh Kood — is Thailand’s fourth-largest island, yet it has managed to avoid large-scale development and mass tourism.
Instead of beach clubs and traffic jams, visitors are greeted by coconut trees, wooden piers, fishing villages and long stretches of white sand beaches that often feel almost untouched.
Beaches that rival the Maldives
Koh Kut is best known for its stunning beaches and unusually clear water, especially during the dry season from November to April.
Among the island’s most popular beaches are Ao Tapao, Klong Chao and Bang Bao, where soft white sand and calm shallow water create postcard-like scenery.
Unlike many major tourist islands, Koh Kut still feels peaceful even during high season. Many resorts are spread far apart, allowing visitors to enjoy quiet beaches and uninterrupted sea views.
Sunset on the island is another highlight, with orange skies reflecting across calm waters and wooden fishing boats.
Waterfalls hidden in the jungle
Beyond the beaches, Koh Kut also offers lush rainforest and waterfalls hidden inside the island’s tropical interior.
Klong Chao Waterfall is among the island’s best-known natural attractions, featuring freshwater pools where visitors can swim beneath cascading water surrounded by dense jungle.
Motorbike rides through the island’s quiet roads are also popular, passing rubber plantations, small villages and forested hills.
Compared with Thailand’s more commercialised islands, Koh Kut offers a more laid-back atmosphere focused on nature and relaxation.
Fishing villages and local life
Traditional fishing communities remain an important part of Koh Kut’s identity.
At Ao Salad village in the island’s north, wooden houses stand above the water while fishing boats move slowly through narrow canals. Fresh seafood restaurants serve locally caught crab, squid and shrimp.
Visitors looking for a quieter experience often choose Koh Kut over nearby islands because of its slower pace and limited nightlife.
How to get there
Most travellers reach Koh Kut by taking a ferry or speedboat from Laem Sok Pier in Trat province. Ferries usually take between 60 and 90 minutes depending on weather and sea conditions.
Flights from Bangkok to Trat are also available, though many visitors choose to travel by bus or private car before continuing by boat.
While internet access and modern facilities are available on the island, Koh Kut remains far less developed than Thailand’s major beach destinations — part of the reason many visitors fall in love with it.
For travellers seeking clear seas, quiet beaches and a slower island atmosphere, Koh Kut continues to stand out as one of Thailand’s most beautiful coastal escapes.
FILE - David Attenborough, watched by zoo staff, reaches out to a kangaroo during his visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Dan Peled, File)
LONDON (AP) — The BBC is hosting a party for David Attenborough at the Royal Albert Hall. Cinemas are playing his nature films. Friends have spent weeks lavishing praise on the man and his work.
But the world’s most famous wildlife presenter is likely to be uncomfortable with all the attention as he celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, said Alastair Fothergill, the producer of some of Attenborough’s most well-known documentaries and the director of Silverback Films.
“He’s always been very clear to all of us that work with him: ‘Remember, the animals are the stars, I’m not,’’’ Fothergill told The Associated Press. “So, yes, surprisingly for one of the most famous men on the planet, he doesn’t like being famous at all.”
Glorious gorillas
But Attenborough has had to accept the accolades this week as scientists, politicians and conservationists celebrated the man who has brought frolicking gorillas, breaching whales and tiny poisonous frogs into living rooms around the world for more than 70 years.
FILE – Butterfly Conservation President Sir David Attenborough poses for a photo with a south east Asian Great Mormon Butterfly on his nose, as he launches the Big Butterfly count at London Zoo, July 11, 2012. (John Stillwell/PA via AP, File)
Through BBC programs such as Life on Earth, The Private Life of Plants and The Blue Planet, Attenborough has illuminated the beauty, ferocity and sometimes downright weirdness of nature in a hushed melodic voice that conveys his own awe at what he is witnessing.
Viewers who might never leave their hometowns were transported to the Himalayas, the Amazon and the unexplored forests of Papua New Guinea. But behind the stunning images was an attention to scientific accuracy that helped teach people about complex subjects like evolution, animal behavior and biodiversity.
And as the evidence mounted, he began to sound the alarm about climate change, ocean plastic and other human-caused threats to the planet.
That helped people understand not only how life evolved but, more importantly, why we have to protect it, said Professor Ben Garrod, an evolutionary biologist at the University of East Anglia and himself a broadcaster who has worked alongside Attenborough.
Attenborough, Garrod believes, initially saw himself as a neutral observer but was compelled to speak out when he saw that politicians, business leaders and the public weren’t taking the emergency seriously.
“He is showing you the majesty, the ferocity, the fragility of the natural world. He shouldn’t have ever had to have turned to policymaking and advocacy,” Garrod said.
“I think it’s very easy for a lot of people to say, ‘He should have done it sooner. Why didn’t he act 20 years, 30 years, 40 years ago?’” Garrod then asked: “Why didn’t we?”
Fond of fossils from the start
Born in London on May 8, 1926, the same year as the late Queen Elizabeth II, Attenborough was raised on the grounds of what is now the University of Leicester, where his father was a senior leader.
His fascination with nature developed when he was a young boy, riding his bicycle into the surrounding countryside where he collected treasures such as abandoned birds’ nests, the shed skin of a snake and, most importantly, fossils.
FILE – Three year old Susan and her father David Attenborough pose for a photo with a sulphur-crested cockatoo Georgie, Dec. 7, 1957. (PA via AP)
“I’d find a fossil and show it to my father and he’d say ‘Good, good, tell me all about it.’ So I responded and became my own expert,” Attenborough told Smithsonian Magazine in 1981.
He went on to study geology and zoology at the University of Cambridge.
In 1952, Attenborough joined the BBC, working behind the scenes on “everything from ballet to short stories.” After he’d been there about two months, the capture of a “living fossil” off the coast of East Africa caused an international stir, and he was asked to produce a short piece about the coelacanth.
That story was told in the studio by Professor Julian Huxley, an evolutionary biologist, who used pickled wildlife specimens and a photograph of a coelacanth to explain the fish’s significance.
But Attenborough thought television could do more.
“I’d always wanted to do films on animals around the world,” he recalled in a 1985 interview with The Associated Press. “But the attitude was, ‘We’ve got TV cameras in the studio. What’s this about spending money abroad?’”
In 1954, he finally persuaded the BBC to let him accompany a London Zoo team that traveled to West Africa to collect specimens. That began a decade as host and producer of “Zoo Quest,” kick-starting his career in the field.
The privilege of his life
One of the most famous moments of that long career came during the 1979 series “Life on Earth,” when Attenborough encountered a family of mountain gorillas in a forest on the border of Rwanda and what was then Zaire (now Congo).
FILE – Britain’s King Charles III meets broadcaster and biologist David Attenborough, left, as he attends the ‘Ocean with David Attenborough’ film premiere in London, May 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool, File)
During that scene, voted one of Britain’s top TV moments of all time, a young gorilla lies across his body while several babies try to remove his shoes. Attenborough grins, laughs and is speechless with delight.
“I honestly don’t know how long it was,’’ Attenborough later told the BBC. “I suspect it was about 10 minutes, or even a quarter of an hour. I was simply transported.”
“Extraordinary, really,’’ he reflected. “It was one of the most privileged moments of my life.”
A character everyone could understand
Attenborough has combined his knowledge of television, an understanding of his audience and his commitment to science to create a character who could deliver complicated issues surrounding wildlife, conservation and natural history to a mass audience, said Jean-Baptiste Gouyon, a professor of science communication at University College London.
“Basically he gave wildlife television a figure, a front of the house person … which has come to embody television discourse about nature,” Gouyon said.
And on this, his centenary, his fans made a point of finding him. In a recorded audio message he said he thought he would mark the day quietly. As if.
FILE – David Attenborough holds ‘Inti’, an armadillo from Edinburgh Zoo, before receiving a cheque from the People’s Postcode Lottery for the charity Fauna and Flora International of which he is Vice-President, at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, Jan. 24, 2017. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP, File)
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages,” he said. “I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages.”
And he isn’t planning to stop now, Fothergill said.
“He said to me recently he feels unbelievably privileged that a man in his late 90s is still being asked to work. And, you know, he will go on forever. He will die in his safari shorts.”
Lisa is set to become the first Thai artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony after FIFA announced the line-up for the 2026 tournament’s opening shows.
The Thai superstar, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, was named among a roster of international artists scheduled to perform during the opening ceremony festivities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Other artists announced by FIFA include Katy Perry, Anitta, Future, Rema and Tyla.
Lisa is scheduled to perform at the opening match between the United States and Paraguay on 12 June at SoFi Stadium.
FIFA also announced separate opening ceremony performances in Mexico and Canada featuring artists including Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Tyla and J Balvin.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
PATTAYA — Two Chinese nationals were arrested after a car crash in Chonburi led police to uncover a cache of military-grade weapons, explosives and C4 explosive devices at a rented house in Pattaya area, police said on Friday.
The incident began on the evening of 8 May when a white sedan overturned on its own along the old railway parallel road in Huay Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Police believed rain and slippery road conditions may have caused the accident.
Officers from Huay Yai Police Station arrived at the scene and found two Chinese nationals identified as Ma Yu Hsih and Sun Mingchen. During an inspection of the vehicle, police discovered a handgun inside the car and detained both suspects for questioning.
The investigation later expanded to a house in The Maple village in Moo 2 of Huay Yai subdistrict, where authorities discovered a large cache of weapons and military equipment.
Items seized included two M4 rifles, 13 fully loaded magazines, two detonators, hand grenades, ammunition and multiple bulletproof vests.
Police sources said two black and brown tactical vests were found packed with C4 explosives. All items were seized for further examination.
Authorities said the suspects were Chinese men from China’s plateau region who entered Thailand using alien identification documents. Police said they had no clear occupation and rented the house in Pattaya area.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly claimed they purchased the weapons through social media and arranged delivery in Rayong province. They reportedly told investigators the weapons were bought for personal collection purposes and for use in a planned suicide attempt.
Police said Sun Mingchen, 31, told investigators he previously operated a liquor business in Cambodia before relocating to Thailand following border tensions. He allegedly claimed he intended to carry out a suicide bombing because he suffered from depression.
Authorities said Sun entered Thailand on 27 January 2026 through Suvarnabhumi immigration checkpoint, while the female Chinese national entered on 24 April 2026.
However, investigators said they were unconvinced by the explanations because the seized weapons were military-grade arms with high destructive capability typically used in combat operations.
Police said the explosives discovered included C4, a high-powered military explosive commonly associated with combat missions and terrorist attacks. Ammunition seized included 5.56mm M193 rounds.
National police chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet ordered an intensive investigation into all security and public safety dimensions of the case. Police said no direct links to a planned attack had yet been established, but authorities were continuing to investigate the origins of the weapons and explosives.
Investigators also revealed further details about Sun’s background. Police said he had rented the house for 38,000 baht per month and had lived there for around two years.
Records showed he first entered Thailand in 2020 on a tourist visa and had frequently travelled in and out of the country since then.
Authorities also found that Sun allegedly possessed both Chinese and Cambodian passports, along with a Thai pink identification card issued to non-Thai nationals.
Police said his name also appeared on a house registration document in Sam Wa Tawan Tok subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa district, Bangkok, and that he possessed a 13-digit Thai identification number.
Investigators found that his registered address had previously been transferred from a house in Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai province on 14 November 2023. Authorities said they were still verifying the legality and circumstances surrounding the documents.
A resident in the housing estate, who declined to be named, told reporters the Chinese man appeared friendly and often greeted neighbours warmly.
The resident said villagers were shocked to learn explosives had been stored in the neighbourhood and feared widespread damage if the C4 devices had detonated.
