Navy boosts eastern border with Thai-made AWAV 8×8 vehicles

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27 April 2026, 11:51

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Navy will procure additional Armoured Wheel Amphibious Vehicle 8×8 (AWAV 8×8) units to strengthen its operational capability along the eastern border and support domestic defence industry development, a navy spokesperson said on 27 April 2026.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan said the procurement from Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co., Ltd. is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the navy’s readiness in line with current security conditions, including safeguarding maritime sovereignty, responding to emerging threats and supporting disaster relief operations.

The AWAV 8×8 was designed by Thai engineers and manufactured domestically using local labour and machinery, reflecting the country’s growing defence industrial capability. At least 40% of its production value comes from locally sourced materials, helping strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on imports and support long-term industrial security.

The eight-wheeled vehicle offers high mobility across all terrains and can operate effectively alongside the navy’s landing platform dock (LPD) vessels.

In terms of protection and firepower, the AWAV meets STANAG standards for ballistic and blast resistance and is equipped with machine guns, control systems and integrated communications that connect with the navy’s network. It also complies with MIL-STD environmental standards, ensuring durability in both land and maritime operations.

The navy has already deployed seven AWAV units, which have demonstrated high operational readiness and effectiveness. Additional procurement is considered necessary to meet force requirements and support future operational plans.

Rear Admiral Parach said the move not only enhances the navy’s capability but also advances Thailand’s defence industry policy, strengthening long-term self-reliance and contributing to national security in both military and economic dimensions.

Teens spark fire near bamboo, raising wildfire fears

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27 April 2026, 10:52

Teens spark fire near bamboo, raising wildfire fears

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 27 April 2026, Social media users have shared a video showing two teenagers lighting a fire near a bamboo grove, prompting concerns it could spread uncontrollably in dry conditions.

A local Facebook page posted the clip with a caption stating that two youths were seen starting a fire near Saphan 1 Market in Sikhio subdistrict, Sikhio district. The area is close to dry bamboo, which can act as highly flammable fuel, raising the risk of a wider blaze. The purpose of the fire remains unclear, and authorities have been urged to investigate and monitor the situation. Residents were also asked to report similar incidents immediately.

The footage was recorded in the early evening of 26 April 2026. It shows two teenagers, one wearing a blue shirt and white shorts, the other a patterned shirt with black trousers, crouching as they build a fire beside a large bamboo cluster. Smoke can be seen spreading into the surrounding area.

Although the location resembles a wooded community area without nearby homes, passers-by expressed concern that the fire could spread quickly due to the dry season. The ground is covered with fallen bamboo leaves, twigs and other dry debris, which could fuel a fast-moving fire that may be difficult to control.

Online users also questioned the teenagers’ intentions, with some speculating they may have been using smoke to drive out bees, catch insects or grill fish.

However, provincial authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima have enforced a strict no-burning policy. The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office announced on 5 November 2025 a ban on all burning from late winter 2025 through the summer of 2026 to tackle haze and PM2.5 pollution.

The ban, covering all 32 districts, applies to forests, agricultural land, roadsides and community areas, particularly during the dry season from January to April. Officials, including local administrators, police and community leaders, have been instructed to strictly enforce the law. Any burning must be stopped immediately, and violators will face legal action. The order remains in effect until 31 May 2026.

Foreign man causes disturbance at Phuket shabu shop

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27 April 2026, 09:38

Foreign man causes disturbance at Phuket shabu shop

PHUKET — 26 April 2026, A foreign man caused a disturbance at a shabu restaurant in Patong, prompting police to intervene after a confrontation with the shop manager, according to a video that went viral on social media.

A post by Facebook user Sirinthip Phoosuwan, shows an incident inside a mala shabu restaurant in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district. A man wearing a black shirt, is seen walking in and out of the premises several times before allegedly harassing and assaulting people inside.

According to the post and witness accounts, a man in a white shirt, believed to be the restaurant manager, attempted to intervene and slapped the suspect, who then shouted loudly, alarming customers and staff. The restaurant contacted Patong police, who arrived at the scene and took the man into custody to calm him down at the police station.

The poster said the man initially approached a nearby table asking “Open?” before repeatedly entering and leaving the restaurant, raising suspicion. At one point, he allegedly attacked the man in white, believed to be the manager, leading to the escalation seen in the clip.

The poster added that they did not witness the entire incident clearly, as they were watching a film at the time and only observed parts of the incident. Some moments were captured only in audio, particularly when police questioned those present and details of the incident were recounted.

Police are investigating the incident and will proceed in accordance with the law.

Four men found dead after entering old well in palm plantation in Phang Nga

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26 April 2026, 20:17

PHANG NGA — Four men have been found dead after entering an old water well to clean it inside a palm plantation in Kuraburi district, with authorities initially suspecting suffocation due to a lack of oxygen.

Rescue workers were called to a shallow well in a palm plantation in Village 11, Ban Saeng Tham, Khura subdistrict, after reports that several people had died inside the approximately six-metre-deep structure on 26 April 2026.

According to initial reports, the victims had entered the well to carry out cleaning work before reportedly losing consciousness and drowning. Authorities believe the deaths were caused by oxygen deprivation, as the confined space inside the well had limited airflow.

Rescue teams were initially unable to retrieve the bodies due to the narrow structure and low oxygen levels inside the well. Officials from the Phang Nga Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office were later deployed with specialised equipment to assist the operation.

All four bodies were eventually recovered. The deceased were identified as men aged between 34 and 51.

Amorntep Preekham, acting chief of the Phang Nga Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said the operation involved coordination among multiple agencies. He said initial assessments suggest the victims likely died from suffocation inside the well, adding that a detailed investigation will be carried out.

Delivery rider sparks concern after asking to see cat in customer’s room

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26 April 2026, 20:04

UDON THANI — A 24-year-old nurse has sought police assistance after a food delivery rider allegedly refused to leave after completing a delivery and later sent messages asking to go up to her room to see her cat, despite her not owning one.

Police from Muang Udon Thani Police Station were alerted by the 191 emergency centre at around 13:00 on 26 April 2026 and were dispatched to a dormitory in Muang district after the woman reported feeling unsafe.

At the scene, officers found the woman, a nurse at a state hospital in Udon Thani, in a distressed state. CCTV footage and chat messages between her and the rider were collected as evidence.

The rider, who had already left the scene, reportedly fled after learning that police had been contacted. Officers later attempted to contact him by phone, but he declined to meet police, saying he was not available.

According to the woman’s account, she had ordered a 105-baht dry sukiyaki meal via a delivery application and instructed the rider to leave the food at the stairs of her dormitory.

She said the rider later asked for her Line account, followed by further messages requesting contact details. After she asked for his phone number instead, he sent it and continued messaging her.

The woman said the rider later texted that he was still outside the dorm and asked which room to deliver the food to, adding that he wanted to go up to see her cat. She said she does not own a cat.

Feeling uncomfortable, she told him that her boyfriend would come down to collect the food. The rider then allegedly sent a message expressing disappointment.

The woman said she later saw the rider still waiting on his motorcycle outside the dorm and ran back inside out of fear, before calling police for help.

She added that she did not dare consume the food and planned to file a formal complaint after finishing her shift, requesting police to summon the rider for questioning over his intentions.

Over 400 villagers rally against fluoride mining project in Mae Hong Son

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26 April 2026, 19:08

MAE HONG SON — More than 400 residents from communities in the La watershed staged a rally opposing a proposed fluoride mining project, declaring their stance of “no mine, only communities” to protect land rights and the environment.

On 26 April 2026, the Rak Lum Nam La Network, together with EarthRights International, Amnesty International Thailand, and the Center for Protection and Revival of Local Community Rights (CPCR), organised an event titled “No Mine, Only Communities: Four Years of La Watershed People Reject Mining” at Ban Hua La village in Mae La Luang subdistrict, Mae La Noi district.

Participants issued a joint declaration opposing a private company’s fluoride mining project, saying it could affect the environment, livelihoods, and community rights in the area.

The network comprises residents from six communities: Huai Makok, Hua La, Santisuk Santipattana, Mae La Luang, and Thung Pa Kha, with representatives from allied communities also joining in solidarity.

Organisers said the rally aimed to urge authorities to halt the project amid concerns over long-term environmental and social impacts.

More than 400 people took part in the march to express their opposition.

Tourist slammed after pouring milk, snacks over herself in Thai 7-Eleven

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26 April 2026, 17:53

A foreign tourist has gone viral online after posting a video of herself making unusual content inside a convenience store in Thailand, drawing widespread criticism from Thai social media users.

In the clip, the woman is seen pouring snacks over her head and splashing milk onto herself inside the store, while suggesting she wished there were stores like 7-Eleven in her home country because of the variety of food available.

The video quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting a wave of negative reactions from Thai netizens, many of whom criticised the behaviour as inappropriate and disrespectful in a public retail space.

Comments included criticism of her manners and concerns over social etiquette, with some users questioning whether such behaviour was acceptable in a place where people regularly shop and pass through.

The incident has reignited online debate over tourist behaviour and public conduct in Thailand, particularly in shared commercial spaces.

BMW crashes into KFC, injuring 12 people

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26 April 2026, 15:23

BANGKOK — A car lost control and crashed into a KFC restaurant inside a Bangchak petrol station in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district on 25 April, injuring 12 people and causing extensive damage to the store.

Police from Phra Khanong Police Station, along with rescue volunteers from Ruamkatanyu Foundation, were dispatched to the scene at around 20:15 at a petrol station on Soi Sukhumvit 62.

At the scene, a bronze BMW M5 with Bangkok registration plates was found having crashed through the glass entrance door of the restaurant, shattering the entire panel before coming to a stop inside the counter area.

The impact caused significant damage to the fast-food outlet, with preliminary estimates indicating around 70% property damage.

A total of 12 people were injured, comprising six men and six women. The injured included the driver, identified as 36-year-old Chinese national Chen Zhen, five customers, four restaurant staff, and two delivery riders. One rider was pinned under a table after being struck and had to be rescued using hydraulic cutting equipment before all victims were rushed to hospital. None of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening.

Police said initial investigations found that the vehicle had entered the petrol station to refuel. While waiting, the driver reportedly accelerated in an attempt to overtake another vehicle in order to move to a different fuel pump lane, before losing control and crashing into the restaurant.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting witness statements to determine the exact cause of the incident before proceeding with legal action.

Songkran continues in Phra Pradaeng, Mon cultural festival draws crowds

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26 April 2026, 14:59

SAMUT PRAKAN — Songkran celebrations are still in full swing in Phra Pradaeng district, where large crowds of tourists and locals gathered on 26 April for one of Thailand’s most culturally distinctive New Year festivals, known for preserving Mon heritage traditions.

By 11:30 on 26 April 2026, the atmosphere in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan province, was lively as visitors continued splashing water under intense heat, particularly in front of the district office where a stage and live performances were set up.

Despite many believing the traditional Songkran period had ended, the festival in Phra Pradaeng—also known as “Songkran Pak Lat”—continues to draw strong participation, with streets and key intersections filled with crowds enjoying water activities and entertainment.

Major roads including Suksawat Road, Pu Chao Saming Phrai Road, and Phetchahung Road, as well as surrounding alleyways, were packed with revellers on both sides, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere across the district.

Authorities have implemented strict traffic and safety measures this year, including a ban on pickup trucks carrying water tanks and passengers from entering 13 main routes, in an effort to prevent accidents and ease congestion.

Police from multiple stations across Samut Prakan have been deployed to manage traffic, maintain order, and ensure public safety throughout the festival period.

Phra Pradaeng Songkran is a long-standing tradition of Thai-Mon communities, featuring cultural activities such as the Nang Songkran procession, floral floats, traditional Mon folk games including “Saba Raman,” and performances like Mon dance.

The festival also features major parades and cultural showcases, which are set to continue through the afternoon with the official opening ceremony and procession.

The event highlights the unique identity of Mon heritage in Thailand and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most culturally significant Songkran celebrations, extending beyond the traditional festival period with activities continuing for several days each year.

Thai King, Queen to visit Sweden for King Carl XVI Gustaf’s 80th birthday

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26 April 2026, 14:12

672164009_1252984967007099_7037538199861763648_n — Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand

BANGKOK — The Bureau of the Royal Household announced on 22 April that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will make an official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden from 29 April to 2 May 2026, at the invitation of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

The visit will mark the 80th birthday celebrations of King Carl XVI Gustaf, with Their Majesties scheduled to attend a series of official events in Stockholm.

On 29 April 2026, Their Majesties will proceed to the Royal Palace in Stockholm to attend an informal dinner hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf for heads of state, government leaders, and members of foreign royal families attending the celebrations.

On 30 April 2026, Their Majesties will attend a thanksgiving service at the Royal Chapel, followed by a changing of the guard ceremony and a choral performance in honour of the Swedish monarch. They will later attend a luncheon at Stockholm City Hall, hosted by the Stockholm City Council.

In the evening, Their Majesties will return to the Royal Palace for an official state banquet hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf, attended by foreign leaders, royalty, and other dignitaries.

The Bureau of the Royal Household said the King and Queen will depart aboard a Thai Airways flight, TG8886, from Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base at 00:30 on 29 April 2026.

They are scheduled to return on 2 May 2026 aboard flight TG8887, arriving at Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base at 09:00.

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