Foreign tourist vandalises motorcycles in Phuket area

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6 May 2026, 13:21

Foreign tourist vandalises motorcycles in Phuket area

PHUKET — 6 May 2026, A foreign tourist was shown vandalised parked motorcycles and behaving erratically in a residential area of Phuket, according to local media reports and widely shared social media footage.

The incident occurred in Chalong subdistrict, Mueang district.

Images posted by local Facebook page showed a shirtless man wearing black shorts and carrying bags, holding a knife and slashing motorcycle seats while shouting loudly in the street. His behaviour was described by witnesses as resembling that of someone under the influence of drugs.

The post identified the man as a British national and said he also damaged shop signage in the area.

The footage drew widespread reaction online, with many users criticising the man’s behaviour and raising concerns about the conduct of some foreign visitors.

Authorities have not immediately released further details about the suspect or any charges.

Anutin welcomes Cambodia’s UNCLOS move, says both countries now ‘under same rules’

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6 May 2026, 13:19

S__14254213_0 — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand and Cambodia were now moving toward a common legal framework after Cambodian leader Hun Manet announced plans to use compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to address overlapping maritime claims.

Speaking on Wednesday, Anutin said the two countries had previously operated under different frameworks, but Thailand’s cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding meant both sides would need to negotiate new rules for future talks.

“At least both countries will now be operating under the same set of rules,” Anutin said. “Thailand no longer has the MOU 44, so whatever discussions take place from now on, new rules and frameworks must be agreed upon together.”

He added that there was still time for discussions and that Thailand’s Foreign Ministry was overseeing the matter. Anutin is set to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines, from 7-9 May, where regional leaders including Hun Manet are expected to meet.

Hun Sen’s nephew says he owned 30% of scam-linked firm

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6 May 2026, 12:59

A cousin of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has acknowledged holding a 30 per cent stake in a payment platform linked by US authorities to cyber scams and money laundering operations across Southeast Asia.

Businessman Hun To, a nephew of former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, said in a statement on Wednesday that he owned shares in Huione Pay but was not involved in its management and received no profits from the company. His statement came after renewed scrutiny surrounding Phnom Penh-based Huione Group, which was designated by the US Treasury last year as a “primary money-laundering concern”.

US authorities accused the group of helping transnational criminal networks move billions of dollars tied to online scams, stolen funds and illicit cyber activities. Cambodian business records previously listed Hun To as a director of Huione Pay. According to a liquidation report, Chinese national Li Xiong held a 62 per cent stake in the company, while Hun To owned 30 per cent. Li was extradited to China last month over alleged links to a major gambling and fraud syndicate.

Huione Pay completed its liquidation process in October 2025. Liquidators said the company still held more than US$1.1 million in cash after paying creditors, with the remaining funds distributed to shareholders involved in its previous operations. Hun To denied receiving any portion of the remaining assets.

The controversy comes as Cambodia faces increasing international pressure over its role as a regional hub for cyber scam operations. Criminal syndicates based in casinos, hotels and heavily guarded compounds have been accused of running online romance and cryptocurrency investment scams targeting victims worldwide.

Teens hurl “ping-pong bomb” at homes, no injuries

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6 May 2026, 11:10

Teens hurl “ping-pong bomb” at homes, no injuries

CHONBURI — 6 May 2026, Two teenagers riding a motorcycle hurled a homemade “ping-pong bomb” into a residential area in Chonburi province early on Wednesday, shattering a car window but causing no injuries, police said.

Officers at Nong Prue police station were alerted to the incident in Soi Mab Yai Lia 23 in Nong Prue subdistrict.

Residents gathered at the scene to provide information to police. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Investigators found fragments of an improvised explosive device wrapped in black tape, which had detonated after being thrown by the suspects.

The blast damaged a white Toyota Yaris parked outside a rental property, shattering a side window.

A resident, Chat Klam Bua, 65, said she was asleep when she heard a loud explosion.

“I woke up and went to check, and saw the car window had been shattered,” she said, adding that most people in the area were asleep at the time.

Witnesses told police they saw two teenage males riding a motorcycle enter the alley before throwing the explosive and fleeing the scene at speed. The make and model of the motorcycle were not identified.

The resident said she had no known disputes with anyone.

Police have documented the scene and advised the victim to file a formal complaint. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage along possible escape routes to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Boy dies after motorcycle struck by lorry in Samut Prakan

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6 May 2026, 10:04

Boy dies after motorcycle struck by lorry in Samut Prakan

SAMUT PRAKAN — 5 May 2026, A 12-year-old boy was killed when he was run over by a lorry after the motorcycle he was riding on with his father swerved to avoid a pushcart on a road in Samut Prakan province, officials said.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Thepharat Road, also known as Bang Na-Trat Road, on an outbound frontage lane at kilometre marker 16 in Bang Chalong subdistrict, Bang Phli district.

Rescue workers arriving at the scene found the boy, a Myanmar national, with fatal head injuries after being struck by the rear wheels of an 18-wheeler lorry. His body was found in the middle of the road.

His father, 38, also a Myanmar national, was injured and taken to hospital.

The motorcycle lay overturned on the road, prompting authorities to temporarily close two left lanes to manage traffic.

The lorry involved was found parked about 100 metres from the scene. The driver, identified as Montree Maijaroen, 49, remained at the site to give a statement to police.

Investigators said traces of blood and tissue were found on the left-side trailer wheels.

Witnesses told police the father and son had been riding normally when they encountered a vendor pushing a cart against traffic. The motorcycle swerved into the road to avoid the cart and was struck by the lorry travelling behind them.

The lorry driver said he had been driving normally when the motorcycle suddenly moved into his path. He said he tried to avoid the collision but was unable to do so.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Saphat Prakarnpitak, an investigating officer at Bang Phli police station, inspected the scene and ordered the boy’s body to be sent to the forensic institute at Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital.

The lorry driver has been taken in for further questioning as legal proceedings continue.

Eight tourists criticised over indecent behaviour in Pattaya Bay

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6 May 2026, 09:55

CHONBURI — 6 May 2026, A video showing four couples of foreign tourists engaging in explicit behaviour in Pattaya Bay has drawn criticsm from locals.

The clip, shared on social media, shows eight tourists—four men and four women—apparently intoxicated as they enter the sea in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. They are seen embracing and kissing in pairs, displaying intimate behaviour in the water.

Three couples are seen engaged with one another in the water. Although nighttime, the water and beach are brightly lit. One couple is seen kissing. — Only three couples are visible at any one time, though the full video shows eight people in total.

Witnesses at the scene, including other tourists and local residents, repeatedly shouted for the group to stop and recorded the incident on their phones. The group, however, ignored the warnings and continued their behaviour openly.

At around 02:00 on 6 May 2026, reporters spoke with a 44-year-old witness, who filmed and posted the video. He said the incident occurred between approximately 03:00 and 04:00, when the group appeared heavily intoxicated and began acting inappropriately. The exact date of the incident was not specified.

Mr. Mon said he was angered by the situation and attempted to intervene, but the group did not respond and their behaviour escalated. He decided to record the video as evidence for authorities to take action.

He added that similar incidents have occurred before, involving tourists from various countries, and warned that such behaviour damages Pattaya’s image as a tourist destination and reflects poorly on Thailand.

Thailand has laws and widely observed cultural norms governing behaviour in public spaces. Indecent or explicit conduct in open areas may be considered an offence and can lead to legal action. Authorities and local communities regularly urge visitors to respect local customs to help maintain public order and the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

Clean Air Bill among 31 laws Cabinet backs to proceed

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5 May 2026, 17:37

Clean Air Bill among 31 laws Cabinet backs to proceed

BANGKOK — 5 May 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet has reaffirmed support for 31 draft laws to continue through the legislative process, including the Clean Air Bill, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Tuesday.

Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said the bills comprise 21 draft acts proposed by the Cabinet and 10 submitted by members of the previous House of Representatives.

Among the Cabinet-backed bills still pending consideration are draft laws on cheque offences, public service facilitation, bankruptcy, and the protection and promotion of traditional Thai medicine. The Clean Air Bill is also included among those the Cabinet has confirmed should proceed in parliament.

The 10 draft bills proposed by former MPs have already passed initial approval in the House and are currently under Senate consideration. These include legislation on the allocation of broadcast frequencies and regulation of radio, television and telecommunications, as well as a bill on provincial administrative organisations and another concerning dairy cattle and milk products.

Fitz Club Pattaya wins Thailand’s first ITF Masters Star award

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5 May 2026, 17:32

Pattaya, Thailand – Fitz Club Pattaya is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Star Tournament Recognition Award (MT700 category) by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). This historic achievement marks the first time both a venue in Thailand and a Thai individual have received this honour, placing Fitz Club among an elite group of just 9 venues worldwide to earn this distinction.

The award recognises venues that deliver exceptional, professionally run tournaments and provide an experience that exceeds expectations. It is based on player satisfaction, seamless tournament operations, and the overall quality of the event. Evaluations draw on player feedback surveys, tournament supervisor reports and scores, as well as ITF Masters committee assessments—reflecting consistently high standards across all areas.

This success is driven by the vision and passion of Royal Cliff’s CEO, Mr. Vitanart Vathanakul, whose commitment to tennis extends well beyond leadership. As an active ITF Masters Tour player and MT400 champion, he achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 96 in the 35+ category—bringing invaluable player insight into creating a truly athlete-focused tournament experience.

For the past eight years, Fitz Club Pattaya has proudly hosted ITF Masters tournaments, continually improving its facilities and fine-tuning every aspect of the experience. From world-class courts and highly attentive event organisation to exceptional hospitality, accommodation, and attention to detail, the venue has earned outstanding praise from players—many of whom return year after year.

This recognition reflects the team’s unwavering commitment, determination and continuous improvement. It stands as a proud milestone for Fitz Club, reinforcing its position as a leading international tournament venue and its dedication to delivering world-class experiences. The team now looks forward to welcoming tennis players and sports enthusiasts from around the world to experience this excellence first-hand.

Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier sports destination for professional and recreational athletes. The centre has welcomed world-class talent over the years, including former ATP stars such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin, all of whom have trained on its courts engineered to mirror the playing conditions of the Grand Slam Open. With a long-standing legacy in competitive sports, Fitz Club has proudly hosted numerous high-profile events, ranging from prestigious Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash championships and Table Tennis competitions. This rich history underscores its reputation as one of Thailand’s most established sporting venues. Continuing its commitment to excellence, Fitz Club has further expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities for pickleball, futsal and basketball making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub

Thailand to get first Pokémon Center at centralwOrld in 2026

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5 May 2026, 16:47

BANGKOK — Thailand is set to welcome its first official Pokémon Center, with a new store planned at centralwOrld, marking a major expansion of the global franchise in Southeast Asia.

The project is a partnership between Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Central Pattana, which have signed a lease agreement for “Pokémon Center BANGKOK”. The store is expected to open within 2026.

The Bangkok outlet will be the third permanent Pokémon Center outside Japan, following locations in Singapore and Taipei, and is expected to be the largest such store internationally.

Company representatives said the move reflects confidence in Thailand’s growth potential, driven by a strong fan base and the country’s role as a regional tourism hub.

The Pokémon Center is an official retail and experience space offering exclusive merchandise, trading card games and themed activities. It also serves as a hub for news and updates related to the franchise.

Shunsuke Sasaki, director of Pokémon (Thailand), said the opening marks a significant milestone for the company in Thailand.

“We are truly grateful to have the opportunity to open the first official Pokémon Center store in Thailand at centralwOrld,” he said, adding that the location reflects the vibrant and high-traffic environment the brand was seeking.

Isareit Chirathivat of Central Pattana said the collaboration goes beyond retail, aiming to create a destination that attracts both Thai and international visitors.

The new store is expected to become a landmark attraction, contributing to tourism and reinforcing Bangkok’s position as a global lifestyle destination.

Further details about Pokémon Center BANGKOK will be announced ahead of its opening.

Miss Grand secures Miss Universe rights in five ASEAN countries

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5 May 2026, 15:34

687032498_122189177924760207_1144741471463546271_n_1 — Nawat Itsaragrisil, chief executive of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited

Nawat Itsaragrisil, chief executive of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited, has announced a major regional expansion after securing rights to operate the Miss Universe business in five ASEAN countries.

In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company said its executive board approved the agreement at a meeting on 30 April 2026.

Under the deal, the company has obtained exclusive rights to manage and operate the Miss Universe licence in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos.

The agreement covers national pageant organisation, related events and activities, commercial development tied to the brand, and the right to appoint one local sublicense partner in each country.

Miss Grand said the move strengthens its position in the regional pageant industry and expands its business footprint across Southeast Asia.

The company previously acquired the rights to organise Miss Universe Thailand in 2025.

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