UBON RATCHATHANI — 11 August 2026, An illegal taxi driver has admitted charging a Lao passenger 4,500 baht for a 94-kilometre journey and agreed to return the 3,600 baht he ultimately received.
The driver was also fined 2,000 baht by the provincial transport office for using a vehicle for the wrong type of service and had his private driving licence temporarily suspended.
The case came to light after a Lao passenger posted a video of his conversation with the driver, who had allegedly charged 4,500 baht for a trip from the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Transport Office to the Chong Mek border checkpoint in Sirindhorn district, a distance of about 94 kilometres.
The fare was eventually negotiated down to 3,600 baht.
Following the incident, transport officials summoned the driver to meet investigators at Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station.
At about 10:00, Sajja Sarawit, 32, appeared before Pol Col Saksri Krairat, chief of Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, to give a statement.
Sajja admitted charging the Lao passenger 4,500 baht, saying the fare was eventually negotiated down to 3,600 baht.
He said the passenger had arrived at the bus station, where he approached and offered a ride. He initially quoted a rate of 50 baht per kilometre before picking up the passenger and his luggage and driving them to the Chong Mek border checkpoint.
Upon arrival, he calculated the fare at 4,500 baht. The passenger offered 1,500 baht instead. Sajja said he told the passenger that he had no other customers and suggested going to the police, leading to further negotiations that resulted in the final fare of 3,600 baht.
Sajja apologised to the Lao passenger and offered to return the full 3,600 baht. He deposited the money with transport officials for the passenger to collect.
The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Transport Office also fined him 2,000 baht for using the vehicle for an unauthorised type of service and temporarily suspended his private driving licence.
Pol Col Saksri advised Sajja that if he wanted to work as a black-plate taxi driver, he should apply for proper registration with the transport office. He also said Sajja could register to work as a ride-hailing driver.
After giving his statement, arranging the refund and being fined under transport regulations, Sajja left the police station.
CHIANG MAI — 11 August 2026, Montfort College in Chiang Mai tightened security after a student allegedly posted a threat in a Line chat group to carry out a shooting at the school.
Messages seen by reporters included a photo appearing to show a handgun on the lap of someone sitting in the driver’s seat of a car. The sender described it as a Glock 19 pistol, saying it was real. The student also shared details about other firearms, and sent a close-up image of the Glock’s model number.
In a Line group chat with 254 members, named “Montfort Dark Side,” students discussed a possible shooting the following day, including possible times, locations on campus and recording video of the attack. Some participants appeared to question whether the threat was genuine, while others encouraged it or treated it as a joke.
The messages alarmed parents, some of whom contacted the school and went to collect their children. The school said it coordinated with Mae Ping Police Station, which sent about 20 officers to inspect the campus on 10 August.
“Anyone with children at Montford High School right now, the situation is not good.
senior high students are planning to shoot each other in the school.
My child is not going to school anymore. And some parents are starting to pick their children up.”
A teacher at the school said the students responsible had been identified and admitted to sending the messages “out of mischief” and in imitation of an online trend, without expecting it to spread so widely.
On 11 August, police and school staff conducted detailed checks of students, teachers and other personnel at the entrance before they entered the campus. Officers also inspected classrooms and spoke to students about safety precautions, recognising warning signs, taking shelter and responding if violence occurs.
The school said the situation has returned to normal. It added that parents concerned for their children’s safety may allow them to take leave from school when necessary.
In an initial notice to parents, the school said its student-affairs department had coordinated with Mae Ping police investigators, who would help monitor security while the messages were being circulated. It asked parents, students and staff to cooperate in safeguarding the school community.
PHUKET — A dispute over a tuk-tuk fare involving Israeli tourists and Australian tourists erupted in Patong, Phuket, on 9 August, after a tuk-tuk driver claimed an Israeli tourist argued with him and tried to force an Australian couple out of his vehicle.
The incident took place at about 20:15 on Thawiwong Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district.
The incident gained widespread attention online after a Facebook user named “Oiltuktukpatong Saranate” posted dashcam footage of the confrontation. The user captioned the first video, “Let’s see what the Israeli family did,” before posting additional footage and alleging that the tourists had verbally abused him, spat at him and attempted to lift a concrete barrier in what he believed was an effort to threaten him.
According to the tuk-tuk driver who posted the footage, a family of five Israeli tourists — a couple and their three children — had approached him earlier that evening to ask about the fare for a trip to the Patong beach area.
The two sides were unable to agree on a price and went their separate ways.
Shortly afterwards, an Australian couple approached the tuk-tuk and got into the vehicle. The Israeli family then returned and told the driver they wanted to share the ride.
The driver said he refused because the vehicle already had passengers.
An argument then broke out. The driver alleged that the Israeli man told the Australian couple to get out of the tuk-tuk because the family wanted to use the vehicle. The driver refused to comply, after which the dispute escalated into a heated verbal confrontation.
The driver further alleged that the Israeli man used offensive language and shouted at him to leave the area. At one point, the man appeared to try to lift a concrete barrier beside the road, according to the driver, who said he feared it could be used to assault him. The man was reportedly unable to lift it.
Parts of the incident were captured by the tuk-tuk’s dashcam and later posted on social media, prompting widespread online criticism.
Much of the discussion focused on the dispute over the fare and the alleged attempt to make the Australian passengers leave the tuk-tuk.
The driver said he had worked in Phuket’s tourism industry for several decades and disagreed with the behaviour shown during the incident.
He said verbal abuse and attempts to intimidate others should not occur in a tourist destination.
Enhances Hydro Forecasting System to Prepare for Potential El Niño Conditions
Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited or CKPower (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, announced the operating results of the Company and its subsidiaries for Q2/2026 and the first half of 2026. The Core Net Profit of the Company for Q2 and the six-month period was Baht 210 million and Baht 326 million, representing decreases of 40% and 22%, respectively, compared to the same periods last year. The decline was primarily attributable to lower electricity sales revenue from Bangpa-in Cogeneration Limited (BIC) and Nam Ngum 2 Power Company Limited (NN2), in line with lower electricity sales volume, together with higher fuel costs at BIC during the second quarter. However, the Company recognized a share of core net profit from Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL) of Baht 318 million in Q2 and Baht 517 million for the six-month period, representing increases of 49% and 134%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. This was mainly driven by higher water flows through the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant, resulting in increased electricity sales volume. In addition, XPCL benefited from lower financing costs following the gradual repayment of long-term borrowings and lower interest rates. Against this backdrop, XPCL’s strong operating performance provided a positive contribution that helped mitigate the impact from NN2 and BIC operating results, while supporting CKP’s overall performance.
As of the end of June 2026, the reservoir level at the Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant stood at 355 meters above mean sea level, broadly in line with the same period last year despite lower water inflows. Conversely, the average water flow through the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant was 15% higher year on year. Weather forecasts indicate the possibility of El Niño conditions developing in the second half of 2026. To prepare for these conditions, the Company is enhancing its Hydrometeorological Monitoring and Forecasting System to improve the efficiency and accuracy of electricity availability declarations by its hydroelectric power plants.
Construction of the Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Power Project reached 77% completion as of the end of June 2026, in line with the project schedule. Meanwhile, Bangkhenchai Company Limited (BKC) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) for a 6-MW renewable energy project under the non-fuel-cost Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. The project has commenced construction and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027 under a 25-year agreement.
CKPower also maintains a solid financial position. As of June 30, 2026, the Company maintained the Current Ratio of 2.49 times, while the Net Interest-bearing Debt to Equity Ratio remained at a low level of 0.52 times. These indicators reflect the Company’s prudent liquidity management and its ability to maintain an appropriate level of debt-servicing capacity. Meanwhile, the trend of lower average interest rates compared to the previous year is expected to help reduce XPCL’s financing costs and support operating performance in the second half of 2026, as the Company continues to monitor interest rate trends and manage its long-term debt structure.
“Amid ongoing volatility in the energy sector and geopolitical uncertainty, renewable energy continues to play a vital role in driving the transition toward a low-carbon economy. CKPower will continue to increase the proportion of renewable energy in its power generation capacity while enhancing operational efficiency, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” concluded Mr. Thanawat.
RAYONG — 10 August 2026, A food vendor was injured after the van she was driving crashed into a large wild elephant crossing a road in Rayong province. The badly damaged van was carrying goods for her morning food business.
The accident occurred at about 03:15 on Route 344 (Ban Bueng–Klaeng), near the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation at kilometre marker 71+100, on the side heading towards Klaeng district.
Rescue workers from the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, who were on duty at the time, went to the scene and found the passenger van with its front end severely damaged. The windscreen was shattered, while the roof and bonnet had collapsed from the impact with the large elephant.
The injured driver, a food vendor, suffered cuts to her head and face. She had been travelling with her son when the crash occurred. Rescue workers provided first aid before taking her to a private hospital in Chon Buri province for further medical examination and treatment.
Thanadon Khamdee, the injured woman’s son, recounted the incident, saying his mother had been driving the van loaded with goods to prepare food for sale in the morning.
As they were travelling normally along the road, they noticed a large object crossing in front of them. Because it was late at night and the area was completely dark, they initially thought it was the shadow of a large tree blocking the road.
By the time they realised it was an elephant, they were too close to stop. The van crashed heavily into the elephant. They heard the animal cry out after the impact and realised what had happened.
The wild elephant was also injured in the collision. It reportedly walked away while crying out before heading into a canal and disappearing into the forest beside the road, in the direction of a reservoir.
Wild elephant tracking teams and relevant agencies have deployed personnel to search the area for the animal. They are attempting to locate it, assess its injuries and arrange treatment if necessary.
Officials have warned motorists using Route 344, particularly at night and in areas where wild elephants frequently cross the road, to exercise extra caution and reduce their speed.
Motorists who encounter wild elephants are advised not to sound their horns or rev their engines to drive the animals away. They should instead stop at a safe distance to prevent further accidents, as elephants regularly cross the road in the area.
Residents search through the rubble after an earthquake struck Pereira, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Miguel Angel Lopez)
CALI, Colombia (AP) — A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, damaging hundreds of buildings and leaving many trapped under debris while their loved ones and rescue workers searched through rubble.
Search teams and civilians picked through the remains of destroyed buildings in the country’s third-largest city, Cali, passing large pieces of concrete and other rubble down a long line of volunteers.
“Our building has basically been left in ruins, and the building next to ours? Completely collapsed,” said Álvaro López, who cradled his dog as he watched the search. The desperate scene recalled the searches still ongoing in neighboring Venezuela weeks after that country was devastated by two powerful earthquakes.
Besides Cali, the quake ravaged cities across western Colombia, including Pereira, Quibdo and Manizales, and was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. The epicenter was in San Jose del Palmar, a community of about 4,800 people in the Choco region about 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Bogota, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 87 people were injured and around 1,600 buildings were damaged, including at least 61 that completely collapsed. He declared an emergency to expedite funding for the quake recovery.
“We aren’t going to leave people alone. They are in our hearts and we are going to tend to people with our full determination,” he said.
Most powerful quake recorded in Colombia this century
Colombia’s Geological Service said Monday’s quake was the country’s strongest recorded “in the 21st century,” and that it was followed by several aftershocks.
Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)
Colombia’s Pacific region around the epicenter lies along the “Ring of Fire,” the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur. The Pacific, particularly the Choco region, is one of Colombia’s poorest, nestled in dense jungle. Much of Choco is only reachable by boat or plane, which may pose difficulty in assessing the wider toll.
Local authorities said the death toll included at least 40 people who were killed in the Risaralda region, where Pereira is located, and 27 people in the Valle del Cauca region, where Cali is located, including three children. Authorities also confirmed nine people killed in Choco, two in the Caldas region and a 73-year-old in the Antioquia region. It was not immediately clear where the other 32 people died.
By Monday afternoon, people had begun reporting their loved ones missing on digital databases just as civilians did following Venezuela’s earthquakes. One database had more than 2,000 people, mostly in Cali and Pereira, with the number steadily climbing.
Photos of the missing included a young mother and her baby in Pereira; another showed an 80-year-old woman in Cali whose family was desperately looking for details after her building collapsed.
Cities left devastated
Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver in Cali, said he saw plumes of dust shoot up across the city as buildings collapsed. Residents and rescue workers were searching the rubble for survivors. The local government said that people remained trapped in a number of the city’s 380 damaged buildings.
“My entire house shook. I’ve never lived through such a powerful earthquake,” he said. “We’re thanking God we’re alive.”
Little was known about the extent of the damage in Choco, a remote region where officials reported dozens of injured people and damaged buildings but few other details. Phone signals were out in many parts of the region’s capital, Quibdo. The town closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, San Jose del Palmar, has no airport, and is located on top of a mountain ridge along a highway linking the cities of Cali and Pereira.
Residents stand outside the Cathedral of Manizales after it was damaged by an earthquake in Manizales, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.(AP Photo/John Jairo Bonilla)
Patients are evacuated from a hospital after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)
A man leaves an apartment building after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)
In Pereira, further south in the coffee-producing mountains of Colombia, photos and videos on local media showed pieces of the airport ceiling falling onto travelers taking shelter and screaming. People ran through rubble and plumes of dust, and residents said collapsed stores, residential buildings and homes lined the city. Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar told a local radio station there were at least 15 collapsed buildings where people were feared trapped.
In nearby Manizales, one of the towers of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed and fell on the nave. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas asked residents to stay outside in case of aftershocks. Authorities said flights were suspended in the airports of Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira as they assessed damage.
Offers of aid from across the Americas
Small earthquakes, known as “temblores,” are common in central and western Colombia, but those above 6.0 magnitude are rare. In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude quake near the city of Armenia killed more than 1,100 people.
Response to the earthquake presents the first major challenge for de la Espriella, a Trump ally who was sworn in as president over the weekend. A divisive figure because of his pledge of an all-out crackdown on criminal groups, de la Espriella said he had personally taken charge of the government’s response to the emergency.
On Monday night, the U.S. State Department announced it would provide $15.5 million for emergency shelter, food and other earthquake response aid. Governments across Latin America also lined up to help.
Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum — whose countries were among the largest providers of aid to Venezuela following its recent crisis — said they were ready to assist Colombia.
“From El Salvador, we are in communication and ready to provide immediate support with our rescue teams, medical personnel, paramedics, supplies, or any other assistance that our Colombian brothers and sisters deem necessary,” Bukele said.
Chilean President José Antonio Kast said Chile, one of the region’s most earthquake-prone countries, “knows the pain and the challenge left by earthquakes” and pledged help.
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Suárez reported from Bogotá and Janetsky reported from Mexico City. Associated Press journalists Manuel Rueda in Bogotá, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s main international airport, serving millions of passengers each year.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has defended food prices at its international passenger terminal, saying restaurants and beverage outlets are required to keep their prices within 20% of normal market prices.
The clarification from Airports of Thailand (AOT) came after Khaosod English published a post on 9 August asking followers whether food at Suvarnabhumi Airport was too expensive. The post cited complaints from some passengers who said food inside the international departure terminal was significantly more expensive than similar items outside the airport, with some saying certain prices were several times higher than normal.
In its response to Khaosod English, AOT said Suvarnabhumi Airport has a wide range of restaurants and beverage outlets, with prices varying according to the type of establishment and menu. The airport said this gives passengers and other users a range of choices based on their preferences and budgets.
Budget food options
AOT said King Power Suvarnabhumi Co., Ltd. (KPS), which has the concession to manage commercial activities inside the passenger terminal, has also introduced budget food options under its “Suvarnabhumi Food Guide” program for 2026-27.
The program offers food sets starting at 50 baht, AOT said.
Examples include a Krispy Kreme doughnut set with one can of soft drink, as well as a Bonchon chicken set with sundubu soup, Japanese rice and a 600-milliliter bottle of Purra mineral water for 280 baht.
The airport also pointed to Magic Food Point, a food court on the first floor of the passenger terminal, as another budget option. Prices there start at 30 baht, and the food court offers a variety of food and drinks 24 hours a day.
Prices monitored monthly
AOT said restaurants and beverage outlets at Suvarnabhumi Airport operated under KPS are subject to contractual conditions requiring them to control prices so they do not exceed 20% above market prices.
The benchmark is based on regular selling prices at department stores and leading hotels in Bangkok, rather than prices at restaurants located outside the airport generally.
AOT said it receives pricing information from KPS and checks the submitted prices every month to ensure compliance with the conditions.
The airport acknowledged the concerns raised by passengers and said their comments and suggestions would be taken into consideration as part of efforts to improve services.
AOT also said it would coordinate with relevant operators to encourage them to take into account price, product quality and value for money, while maintaining international service standards at the airport.
Black oil-like slicks were found floating in the sea and washing ashore at Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri on Monday, prompting authorities to warn tourists against swimming in the affected area.
The substance was reported along the shoreline and in seawater, with large amounts seen near Jomtien Beach and Koh Lan. Pattaya City officials deployed workers to collect samples, assess the extent of the pollution and begin cleaning up the slick.
Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai said authorities were investigating two possible causes: an illegal discharge from a vessel or a substance drifting into the area from around Laem Chabang or Koh Lan. Officials from the Marine Department and environmental agencies have joined the investigation.
Pattaya City urged residents and tourists to exercise caution and avoid swimming at Jomtien Beach until the situation is assessed.
Each August, jasmine becomes one of Thailand’s most meaningful flowers. Its small white blooms are traditionally woven into garlands and offered to mothers on Mother’s Day, a gesture of gratitude, respect and enduring love.
This year, those garlands may be harder to find. With just days to go before the 12 August holiday, jasmine supplies are running low as demand outstrips production. A source at the Department of Internal Trade said output is below usual levels, while demand has surged; some areas have already run out.
Officials will inspect jasmine and other fresh-flower prices at Pak Khlong Talat 1 and 2, Bangkok’s main flower markets, on 11 August. Some vendors have reported prices of up to 2,000 baht per kilogram ahead of the holiday.
The scramble for jasmine is a small window into the deeper meaning of Mother’s Day in Thailand: a holiday shaped by family traditions, royal commemoration and a history that has changed repeatedly over the decades.
Why jasmine?
The flower most associated with Thailand is known in Thai as dok mali (ดอกมะลิ), generally Jasminum sambac: small white buds with a powerful, sweet fragrance.
It has long been used in phuang malai, the hand-strung floral garlands offered at temples and shrines, given to respected elders and guests, or hung in homes, businesses and vehicles as gestures of respect and good fortune.
Jasmine also appears in Thai food and drink, where its scent is used to perfume desserts and water. But it is the flower’s freshness and fragrance that make it particularly prized for garlands. The blooms are delicate and short-lived, so they are usually picked and sold quickly.
Its white colour is commonly associated with purity and gentleness. For Mother’s Day, its lingering scent is widely understood to represent a mother’s lasting love.
Thailand’s flower for mothers
Jasmine has deep roots in Thai religious and domestic life, but its formal link to Mother’s Day is more recent.
When 12 August was designated National Mother’s Day in 1976, jasmine became the flower most closely associated with the occasion. Garlands are commonly given to mothers, grandmothers and other maternal figures as an expression of love and gratitude.
The demand is tightly concentrated into only a few days each year. Growers, wholesalers, garland makers, schools and families are all seeking fresh jasmine at the same time for ceremonies, offerings and gifts.
That is why a modest fall in production can quickly result in a shortage.
Why is Mother’s Day on 12 August?
Thailand’s Mother’s Day was not always held on 12 August.
The first official celebration was organised by the Ministry of Public Health at Suan Amphorn in Bangkok on 10 March 1943, before being interrupted by the Second World War. Mother’s Day was later observed on 15 April from 1950 and briefly moved to 4 October.
In 1976, the date was changed to 12 August, the birthday of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. It remains a national public holiday.
The holiday therefore honours mothers and maternal care while also carrying a strong connection to the monarchy. Around the date, homes, schools and government offices are commonly decorated with national flags, royal emblems and portraits of the Queen Mother.
FILE – Queen Sirikit (centre) and Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand (right) visit the new Thai brewery in Hartmannsdorf, Germany, 10 April, 1997. Sirikit Kitiyakara, who supervised royal projects to help the rural poor, preserve traditional craft-making and protect the environment, died on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. She was 93. (AP Photo/Eckehard Schulz, File)
Why Thailand turns light blue
Thai tradition assigns auspicious colours to the days of the week. Light blue is associated with Friday, the day Queen Sirikit was born.
That is why light-blue shirts, flags and decorations are a familiar sight around Mother’s Day. The colour links the celebration of mothers with the Queen Mother’s birthday.
The ceremony at a mother’s feet
For many people, the most recognisable Mother’s Day tradition takes place at school.
Mothers or guardians are invited to ceremonies where children offer jasmine garlands, kneel before them and ask for their blessing. Children may then perform a wai, pressing their palms together in respect, before bowing down at their mother’s feet.
The deeper gesture is known as kraap (กราบ), or kraap thao (กราบเท้า) when directed towards a parent’s feet. It conveys profound gratitude and respect, and may include asking forgiveness for past mistakes.
Not every family observes the day in the same way. Some make merit at a temple, share a meal or give a small gift. But the simple jasmine garland remains the enduring symbol, and the reason a seasonal flower shortage can matter to households across Thailand.
CHONBURI — 10 August 2026,Pattaya City has temporarily suspended six people from duty after tourists allegedly were asked to pay 2,000-3,000 baht without receiving official fine documents or receipts.
The allegations involve people dressed similarly to Pattaya City special affairs officers at Bali Hai Pier. Tourists, business operators and tour guides reportedly complained that they had been taken into a tent and accused of offences including loud motorcycle exhausts and smoking before being asked to pay money.
On 9 August, footage reportedly showed a tourist placing money on a table in front of officials. However, Pattaya City said it was still investigating whether the money was an official fine or payment for another purpose, and whether the people involved had the legal authority to collect it.
At 10:30am on 10 August, Pattaya City permanent secretary Kiatthisak Sriwongchai said the city had been informed of the incident on 9 August and immediately ordered an investigation.
A preliminary investigation identified six people involved. Three were Pattaya City officials, including two municipal officers and another officer seen in the footage. The other three were outsourced workers hired to help maintain order in the area.
All six have been temporarily removed from their assigned duties while the investigation proceeds.
Pattaya City will take action on two fronts. The responsible department has been instructed to prepare a report for filing a police complaint if wrongdoing is found, while a fact-finding committee has been established in accordance with regulations.
The normal investigation period can take up to 60 days, with extensions possible, but Pattaya City officials have ordered the case to be completed within about two weeks to establish the facts quickly and ensure transparency.
For the three outsourced workers, Pattaya City will summon their contractor to acknowledge the findings and take appropriate action. Government officials involved may also be transferred from their current area of responsibility while the investigation is underway.
Officials cannot issue fines
Kiatthisak said loud motorcycle exhausts did not fall directly under Pattaya City’s authority.
Such offences must be handled under relevant laws, including legislation concerning public nuisances and the Vehicle Act, which fall under the authority of agencies such as police and the Department of Land Transport.
This will be a key part of the investigation into whether the money allegedly collected from tourists was demanded under lawful authority, whether proper documents or receipts were issued and what the payments were officially classified as.
Kiatthisak stressed that Pattaya City officials have the authority to arrest in certain circumstances but do not have the authority to impose fines.
He apologised to residents and tourists over the incident and said Pattaya City had consistently instructed its officials to perform their duties properly.
The city does not want the conduct of its personnel to cause problems for visitors or damage Pattaya’s tourism image, he said.
Members of the public and tourists who encounter similar conduct can report it to the Pattaya City hotline at 1337.
The city said the investigation remains ongoing and an official conclusion will depend on the findings of the fact-finding process and any subsequent legal proceedings.
“Anyone with children at Montford High School right now, the situation is not good.
