PM pushes stronger defence readiness in 3.788 trillion baht budget plan

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20 April 2026, 15:45

NONTHABURI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stressed the importance of strengthening Thailand’s defence readiness in the upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget, warning that military capability must be sufficient to deter potential external threats amid rising global instability.

Speaking at a budget policy seminar at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani on 20 April, Anutin said the world is facing heightened volatility, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East that are affecting global energy security and economic conditions.

He said the government must adapt by improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary spending, ensuring that every budget item delivers maximum benefit to the country.

The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget stands at 3.788 trillion baht, an increase of 7.4 billion baht, or 0.2% from the previous year. Anutin said the plan must be “precise and targeted” in line with the government’s 10-plus policy framework aimed at steering Thailand through economic challenges and toward long-term sustainable growth.

He outlined five key policy areas: economic development, foreign affairs and national security, social development including disaster and environmental management, public sector reform, and anti-corruption measures.

On energy policy, the prime minister called for an accelerated transition toward clean and renewable energy, urging government agencies to adopt electric vehicles and expand solar rooftop installations where possible to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

On national defence, Anutin said the government places strong importance on military readiness and sovereignty protection.

He stressed that weapons and military equipment must be fully prepared and capable, warning that Thailand must not appear vulnerable to potential threats.

“We must not allow opposing forces to think they can invade our country at any time,” he said.

He instructed the armed forces and the Bureau of the Budget to ensure careful planning of defence capability, adding that military strength is essential to protecting sovereignty, dignity, and national security.

“The land of Thailand must appear only on Thailand’s map,” he said.

Anutin reaffirmed that government work is guided by three core principles: protecting the nation, religion, and monarchy; upholding democratic governance with the King as head of state; and ensuring fair enforcement of the law.

He urged all agencies to work together to drive national development while maintaining strong defence readiness and long-term stability.

Foreign bikers stunt in Phuket mall, spark outrage

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20 April 2026, 14:26

Foreign bikers stunt in Phuket mall, spark outrage

PHUKET — 20 April 2026, A group of foreign motorcyclists performing stunts in a shopping mall car park has sparked anger online, with many questioning law enforcement in the tourist province.

A video shared by the local Facebook page showed two foreign riders using the car park of Robinson Chalong in Muang district as an improvised racetrack, carrying out risky manoeuvres.

The clip shows the motorcycles circling the area, at times riding on one wheel, speeding and revving engines loudly. Several cars were parked nearby, raising safety concerns for people in the vicinity and other road users.

The page caption described the incident as foreign “street racing” riders taking over the car park, performing wheelies and creating a disturbance with loud engine noise.

After the video spread online, many users expressed frustration, calling on authorities to take serious action. Some questioned what local officials were doing, while others urged stricter enforcement, saying such incidents occur frequently without meaningful consequences.

There were no immediate reports of authorities taking action against those involved, and further investigation is expected.

Heroic father drowns after saving family from sinking pickup in Chai Nat crash

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20 April 2026, 14:04

CHAI NAT — A father died after sacrificing his life to save his family of four when their pickup truck plunged into a canal following a sudden road incident in Chai Nat province.

Police were alerted at 16:40 on 19 April 2026, to a serious accident in Moo 1, Tieng Tae subdistrict, Sankhaburi district, Chai Nat province. A Nissan Navara pickup truck had veered off the road and fallen into a irrigation canal, leaving one person missing and several others injured.

Rescue teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation in Chai Nat and divers were urgently deployed to the scene. The vehicle was found submerged with only its roof visible in fast-moving water, while skid marks more than 10 metres long were visible on the road.

After around 10 minutes of searching, divers recovered the body of 46-year-old Panya Thoengklip, known locally as “Chang Kob,” a technician and assistant village headman of Moo 6, Tieng Tae subdistrict. His body was found about 500 metres from the crash site. The scene was described as heartbreaking, with relatives crying uncontrollably as his body was brought ashore.

His daughter, Natsuda Thoengklip, recounted the final moments in tears, saying the family of five — her father, mother, younger sibling, her partner, and herself — had been travelling to buy supplies in the district after her father finished a repair job.

She said a white sedan suddenly pulled out from a side road, cutting in front of their vehicle. Her father swerved to avoid a collision, causing the pickup to lose control and plunge into the canal.

As the vehicle began to sink, he reportedly used his final strength to push all four family members to safety. A local farmer who witnessed the crash helped pull them ashore.

However, after ensuring everyone had escaped, he lost strength and was swept away by the strong current.

“Dad shouldn’t have saved me,” Natsuda said through tears.

His wife collapsed at the scene and required CPR before being rushed to hospital along with their seven-year-old daughter.

The white sedan involved in the incident fled the scene immediately. Police have collected evidence and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and locate the driver for legal proceedings.

The victim’s body has been sent for a detailed autopsy at Sawanpracharak Hospital’s forensic institute.

Myanmar fighter jets bomb KNU hospital, one bomb lands in Thailand

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20 April 2026, 13:40

A Myanmar military aircraft dropped bombs on a hospital operated by the Karen National Union (KNU) near the Thai border in Mae Hong Son province on Sunday, with at least one explosive landing inside Thai territory, prompting urgent evacuations.

At around 11:00 on 20 April 2026, Myanmar Air Force Yak-130 and MiG-29 fighter jets carried out an aerial attack targeting a KNU hospital and nearby civilian areas in Bue So township, Kayin State, located roughly 500 metres from the border opposite Mae Sam Laep village in Sop Moei district.

According to Thai security officials, nine bombs were dropped in the area, but the extent of damage and casualties on the Myanmar side remained unclear.

One bomb landed on the Thai side along the Salween River near Mae Wan area in Mae Sam Laep, causing panic among residents who fled the area.

Thai ranger units from the 36th Ranger Regiment, stationed at a border checkpoint in Mae Sam Laep, coordinated with local administrative officials to evacuate residents near the impact site to Huai Kong Kaad village for safety.

Earlier in the period of intensified fighting inside Myanmar, airstrikes by the Myanmar Air Force had also targeted KNU-controlled areas across from Tha Ta Fang in Mae Sariang district. Some injured Karen civilians were previously brought across the border for treatment at a local health promotion hospital in Mae Sam Laep.

Floor-seated wedding ceremony sparks cross-border claims

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20 April 2026, 12:29

BANGKOK — The wedding of Thai celebrity couple Nadech Kugimiya and Urassaya Sperbund has attracted widespread international attention, with fans praising the ceremony’s strong cultural identity.

The couple held their wedding in Khon Kaen, Nadech’s hometown in northeastern Thailand, following traditional Isan customs. The ceremony featured authentic local attire and rituals, including blessings performed while the bride and groom sat on the floor and the tying of sacred threads around their wrists — a practice known in Thai culture as bai sri su khwan.

Images and videos from the event circulated widely on social media, with many viewers expressing admiration for the preservation and presentation of regional Thai traditions.

However, the celebrations also triggered backlash from some Cambodian social media users. A number of posts accused Thailand of appropriating Cambodian cultural practices, particularly the floor-seated blessing ceremony and wrist-tying ritual.

Critics, however, pointed out that such claims overlook the diversity of Thai wedding traditions, which vary significantly across regions. Ceremonies in Thailand differ by locality — including those in the North, Northeast (Isan), Central Plains, and South — each with its own distinct cultural elements and historical roots.

Supporters of the couple and cultural commentators noted that the rituals seen in the wedding are long-established practices within Thai society, especially in the northeastern region, and are not exclusive to any single country.

The debate reflects ongoing sensitivities in Southeast Asia over shared cultural heritage, where traditions often overlap across borders due to historical and ethnic connections.

Thai govt warns hepatitis A cases double in summer

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20 April 2026, 11:55

Thai govt warns hepatitis A cases double in summer

BANGKOK — 20 April 2026, Thai government has warned the public to remain vigilant against hepatitis A after infections doubled during the summer, with cases concentrated in central and eastern regions, officials said.

Lalida Periswiwatana, deputy government spokeswoman, said on 20 April that the Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the situation following surveillance data showing a steady rise in cases, roughly twice as high as during the same period last year. Most infections have been reported in central and eastern provinces, including Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong and Chanthaburi, signalling a risk of clustered outbreaks during summer.

Hepatitis A is a communicable disease transmitted through contaminated food and water, typically via the faecal-oral route. It is commonly found in undercooked food, unsafe drinking water or non-standard ice. Early symptoms may be mild or unclear, including fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice and dark urine. Some infected individuals show no symptoms but can still spread the virus.

The average incubation period is about 28 days, making it difficult for many patients to identify the source of infection. The virus can also be transmitted before symptoms appear, complicating disease control, particularly in areas where food is sourced from multiple vendors.

The government has instructed public health agencies to step up proactive case finding, monitor for clusters and strictly inspect food and water safety to contain the situation early and prevent wider spread.

Members of the public are advised to take preventive measures by eating thoroughly cooked food, drinking clean water, avoiding questionable ice or food and washing hands before meals. Hepatitis A can be prevented by reducing risks at the source, and authorities are urging increased caution during the summer to help curb transmission and protect public health.

Thai SCG vessel clears Hormuz after Oman mediation

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19 April 2026, 17:12

Thai SCG vessel clears Hormuz after Oman mediation

BANGKOK — 19 April 2026, A Thai cargo vessel operated by Siam Cement Group (SCG) has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic efforts involving Oman and Iran, the Foreign Ministry said.

The development follows an official visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to Oman from 15–17 April, during which he sought Muscat’s assistance in coordinating with Iran to help Thai vessels affected in the strategic waterway.

The ministry said it had been informed by SCG that one of its two ships previously stranded in the strait has now exited the area.

Officials said they will continue to monitor the vessel’s journey back to Thailand and provide updates upon its arrival.

Efforts are ongoing to assist another Thai vessel that remains in the Strait of Hormuz, the ministry added.

Wife pleads for justice after assault leaves man in ICU

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19 April 2026, 16:22

Wife pleads for justice after assault leaves man in ICU

PHUKET — 19 April 2026, The wife of a Thai man left critically injured after an alleged assault by a group of foreign nationals has appealed to the media for help, saying the case has shown little progress as her husband remains in intensive care.

The case gained attention after a local social media page shared images of the 38-year-old victim, identified as Weerasak Mudlee, lying in a hospital ICU bed connected to monitoring equipment.

According to the post, the man was severely beaten and remains under close medical supervision. The wife expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of progress in the investigation, questioning whether the response would have been different if the victim were a foreign tourist.

Police records show the incident occurred at about 20:30 on 12 April in front of Marine Plaza market in Patong, Kathu district. The victim told investigators he was driving through the area when a foreign man splashed water into his vehicle, prompting him to stop and confront the individual.

He said a group of about four to five foreign men then attacked him, leaving him seriously injured.

The victim later filed a complaint with Patong police, who are now working to identify and locate those involved.

Authorities have not yet released details on suspects or arrests as the investigation continues.

Thai police bust cocaine ring, arrest alleged kingpin

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19 April 2026, 15:06

BANGKOK — 19 April 2026, Thai police have dismantled a cocaine trafficking network and arrested four suspects, including an alleged Nigerian ringleader, seizing drugs and assets worth millions of baht.

Senior officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau led the operation targeting a network linked to a suspect identified as Patrick, 47, a Nigerian national. He was arrested near Silom Soi 1 in Bangkok and faces multiple counts of selling a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine) for commercial distribution without authorisation.

Police said the suspect had lived in Thailand for more than 17 years, reportedly under a family visa through a Thai spouse, which authorities believe may have been a sham marriage.

Three others were also arrested: a 60-year-old Swiss national identified as Thomas, detained with 0.87 grams of cocaine in Nonthaburi province, and two Thai men, aged 35 and 34, arrested in Bangkok on charges of joint possession of cocaine without permission.

Authorities seized about 30 grams of cocaine, a car, roughly 1.5 million baht in cash, foreign currency and other assets. Additional property worth more than 400,000 baht is under investigation.

The arrests followed a four-month investigation into drug trafficking activities dating back to 2025. Police tracked the main suspect’s movements before arresting him at around 23:00 on 18 April after he allegedly delivered drugs to associates.

During a search of his residence, officers found more than 1 million baht hidden above the ceiling in a bathroom.

Police said the suspect appeared distressed during the arrest and admitted to the charges, telling officers he was shocked to be caught after operating for years.

Further investigation led officers to several additional suspected locations, during which the key suspect broke down in tears after his arrest and pleaded to be sent home, saying he did not want to rot in Thai jail.

All suspects have been handed over to investigators at multiple police stations for legal proceedings, while seized assets have been forwarded to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for further action.

Authorities said the operation disrupted a significant drug network and that further investigations are under way to identify additional suspects.

Spinner dolphin stranded in Phuket, vets race to save it

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19 April 2026, 13:55

Spinner dolphin stranded in Phuket, vets race to save it

PHUKET — 19 April 2026, Marine officials are providing round-the-clock care to a stranded spinner dolphin found in a weakened state on a Phuket beach, as efforts continue to save the animal’s life.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said it was alerted by a member of the public to a live dolphin washed ashore in front of Andaman White Beach Resort in Sakhu subdistrict, Thalang district.

Rescue teams from a marine endangered species unit found a juvenile female spinner dolphin, about 175 centimetres long and weighing roughly 26.5 kilograms. The animal was underweight and severely weak, unable to swim normally.

A physical examination revealed abrasions on the body consistent with stranding, as well as dehydration and low blood sugar. Veterinarians suspect a possible infection may have contributed to the animal’s condition.

The dolphin has been moved to the Siritharn Marine Endangered Species Rescue Centre, where veterinary staff are providing intensive treatment and monitoring its condition continuously.

Officials urged the public to report any sightings of stranded or injured marine animals to authorities immediately to improve their chances of survival.

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