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Foreign man causes disturbance at Phuket shabu shop

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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BMW crashes into KFC, injuring 12 people

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.

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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.

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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.

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Songkran continues in Phra Pradaeng, Mon cultural festival draws crowds

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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Natthaphong says government looks strong but is internally fragile

BANGKOK — Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has criticised the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, saying it appears strong on the surface but is in fact fragile due to networks of vested interests.

Speaking at 11:50 on 26 April at a hotel in Bang Na, Bangkok, the leader of the People’s Party was asked whether the government could complete its full four-year term and what potential political “traps” could threaten its stability.

From the outside, Natthaphong said the administration appears to have stability across multiple fronts, with some analysts attributing its strength to influence over the Senate and independent organisations. However, he argued that beneath that image lies internal weakness.

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“What makes this government fragile is that all the power groups tied together are driven by interests,” he said.

He pointed to what he described as political factions absorbed into the Bhumjaithai Party, alleged misuse of power by independent agencies, business groups providing support, and bureaucrats benefiting from the so-called “blue government” network.

Natthaphong said these interconnected interests would become more visible during crises, citing recent tensions over an oil-related issue as an example that exposed underlying weaknesses. He also suggested that even technocratic ministers have been reluctant to criticise sensitive policies such as the land bridge project.

“In every crisis, this internal fragility will emerge. A government that looks strong will ultimately reveal its weaknesses,” he said.

He added that it is the role of the opposition, including the People’s Party, to show the public that such a system could make Thai society more fragile and eventually undermine the government’s stability.

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Pattaya ladyboy duo lures Indian tourist, steals 100,000 baht gold necklace

PATTAYA — An Indian tourist has filed a police complaint after allegedly being robbed of a gold necklace worth more than 100,000 baht by a group of transgender women on Pattaya beach.

At 01:30 on 26 April 2026, Rishav Singh, 36, reported the incident to police at Pattaya City Police Station after returning to his accommodation and discovering his necklace missing.

The incident is said to have taken place on the night of 25 April along Pattaya Beach Road, opposite a shopping centre in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

Singh said he had been visiting Pattaya for a five-day trip and went out to entertainment venues on Walking Street in South Pattaya around 04:00 before walking back to his hotel along the beachfront road.

He said that while passing the beach area opposite a shopping centre, two transgender women approached him, initiated conversation and behaved in a friendly manner before hugging him. The tourist said he felt suspicious and tried to push them away.

After returning to his hotel, he later found his gold necklace missing, valued at around 300,000 Indian rupees, or approximately 100,000 baht.

Police said the complaint was recorded as evidence and investigators have been instructed to review CCTV footage from the area. Officers are also compiling records of individuals involved in similar incidents for identification.

If a match is found, authorities said they will move forward with legal action.

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