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.

Man shot dead after trying to stop drunk officer in Pattaya

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19 April 2026, 11:53

Man shot dead after trying to stop drunk officer in Pattaya

CHONBURI — 19 April 2026, a police officer allegedly opened fire while intoxicated on Pattaya’s Walking Street, killing a 41-year-old shop owner who tried to intervene, authorities said.

Police were alerted at 1:06 to a shooting behind a cannabis shop on the popular nightlife strip in South Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict. Officers and rescue workers arrived to find the victim, the shop owner, with two gunshot wounds to the torso.

He was given CPR at the scene and rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.

Police cordoned off the area and detained the suspect at the scene. He was identified as Pol. Sub-Lt. Jirasak Srikhatthanam, 54, attached to a police station in Chonburi province. A handgun and ammunition were seized as evidence.

Witnesses said the officer appeared heavily intoxicated and began brandishing a firearm, threatening people before firing into an entertainment venue. No one was injured in that initial gunfire.

The victim reportedly attempted to calm the officer and asked him to put the weapon away, but the suspect ignored him and later shot him twice despite no apparent dispute.

Pattaya police chief Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu said at 9:00 that the suspect was under his command and has been charged with murder, as well as firearms offences including discharging a weapon in public and carrying a gun without valid reason. A disciplinary probe for serious misconduct has been launched, and he has been dismissed from service.

Preliminary findings suggest the officer was heavily intoxicated and became involved in a dispute with a companion while drinking. Investigators are examining the exact circumstances that led to the shooting.

CCTV footage shows the suspect arguing with a man in a white shirt before the victim, who was shirtless, stepped in to intervene, reportedly attempting to calm the situation and disarm the officer. The suspect then fired, striking the victim, who collapsed and later died.

Authorities said the suspect has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.

Thai water worker dies after fall, suspected heatstroke

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19 April 2026, 10:41

Thai water worker dies after fall, suspected heatstroke

CHAINAT — 18 April 2026, a 58-year-old municipal waterworks employee died after falling from a bamboo tree, with heatstroke suspected as a contributing factor, police said.

At about 14:00, investigators from Muang Chainat police station responded to reports of a fatal fall in a bamboo grove in Hat Tha Sao subdistrict. Medical staff and rescue volunteers attended the scene.

The victim, identified as Chuan Pringpricha, was found shirtless, wearing trousers and trainers. Nearby were a machete, a chainsaw and a bottle of drinking water, while his shirt was found hanging on a bamboo branch.

A preliminary examination found bruising to the nose, believed to have been caused by a hard impact with the ground, along with minor abrasions on the body. Doctors said he may have suddenly lost consciousness due to an underlying condition or heatstroke amid extreme heat, before falling from a height of about three metres.

His wife, Wanna Koednoi, 48, said he worked as a waterworks employee for Hat Tha Sao municipality and took on extra jobs during his free time. He had been cutting overgrown bamboo at a neighbour’s field for about a week.

She said he left for work at around 10:00, but had not returned home by 13:00, which was unusual as he normally came back to eat and care for his bedridden mother. Concerned, she rode out to check and found him dead at the site.

Relatives said they did not suspect foul play. Police have released the body to the family for religious rites.

For preventive methods and treatments for heatstroke, read here:
BANGKOK BRACES FOR EXTREME HEAT, HEATSTROKE RISK

Pattaya beach packed as Wan Lai crowds surge, roads to close

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19 April 2026, 09:18

Pattaya beach packed as Wan Lai crowds surge, roads to close

PATTAYA — 18 April 2026, large crowds of Thai and foreign tourists packed Pattaya Beach ahead of the annual Wan Lai water festival, with authorities preparing to close key coastal roads on 19 April.

Reporters said the beachfront road from in front of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya to Soi 7 and Soi 8 grew increasingly crowded into the night, as revellers from earlier celebrations in Na Kluea flowed into central Pattaya to continue water festivities.

Tourists gathered at beer bars and seaside restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere, though traffic was still moving normally on the evening of 18 April.

Concerts were also held along Pattaya Beach, with popular Thai artists including New Country, Lipta, Proxie, Thx and F.Hero performing and drawing large audiences to the stage area.

The main Wan Lai Pattaya celebrations are set for 19 April. Morning activities from 08:00 to 12:00 will include a traditional bathing ceremony for Buddha images at Wat Chai Mongkhon, followed by entertainment and live music along the beach throughout the day.

Authorities said Beach Road from North to South Pattaya will be closed to traffic to facilitate the event and ensure safety for festival-goers.

US K9 seizes 100 Thai pork sandwiches at airport check

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19 April 2026, 09:09

US K9 seizes 100 Thai pork sandwiches at airport check

WASHINGTON — 18 April 2026, a US customs K9 unit has intercepted more than 100 Thai pork sandwiches in a traveller’s luggage, prompting authorities to reiterate strict bans on bringing meat products into the country.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations shared images on its official Facebook page of “Merla”, a beagle detection dog known for sniffing out prohibited agricultural items.

CBP said the dog discovered over 100 “ancient-style” Thai sandwiches filled with pork floss and bologna, concealed in a passenger’s baggage. The items, which also included pork and chicken products, were immediately seized and destroyed.

In a caption accompanying the post, CBP reminded travellers that all agricultural goods, including meat, must be declared upon entry into the United States.

Authorities warned that importing meat and processed animal products, including pork, chicken and beef in any form, is strictly prohibited. This extends to items such as pork floss, Chinese sausage, dried pork, fermented pork and even seasoning packets containing meat ingredients.

Failure to declare such items can result in fines of up to $10,000 (about 321,000 baht).

CBP said the measures are in place to prevent the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever and avian influenza, which could severely impact US agriculture and ecosystems.

Other prohibited items include fresh produce, seeds, certain animal products, dangerous weapons and medicines without English labelling, officials added.

Lisa stuns Coachella crowd with surprise ‘Bad Angel’ set

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18 April 2026, 17:29

Lisa stuns Coachella crowd with surprise ‘Bad Angel’ set

CALIFORNIA — 18 April 2026, Lisa Lalisa Manobal delivered a surprise performance at Coachella’s second weekend, joining electronic artist Anyma on the main stage for their collaboration “Bad Angel”, thrilling fans after earlier disappointment over a cancelled show.

The appearance followed last week’s cancellation of Anyma’s set due to strong winds affecting stage safety, a decision made jointly by organisers and the artist. The move had fuelled speculation that Lisa would appear, leaving fans disheartened at the time.

Lisa had still attended the festival, drawing attention after being spotted watching fellow YG Entertainment artists, including BIGBANG members performing alongside Rosé.

During the second weekend, however, fans got the moment they had hoped for as Lisa emerged in an angel-inspired outfit for a dramatic on-stage reveal, performing “Bad Angel” with Anyma.

The performance drew loud reactions from the live audience and quickly went viral online, with the hashtag #LISA_COACHELLA trending in Thailand.

Monk expelled after alleged daily beer purchases

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18 April 2026, 16:55

Monk expelled after alleged daily beer purchases

KALASIN — 18 April 2026, a monk accused of repeatedly buying beer from a local shop has been expelled from a temple in northeastern Thailand after the behaviour sparked widespread criticism online, local officials said.

The case came to light after social media users shared images and accounts alleging the monk had been purchasing alcohol daily for nearly a year. A shop worker initially believed the drinks were being bought for labourers working at the temple, but later claimed the monk himself consumed them.

One post said the monk returned frequently to buy beer and later confronted shop staff angrily after residents reported the behaviour to local authorities, allegedly appearing intoxicated.

District chief Ommaree Yeewasri, along with police and administrative officials, ordered an investigation. Officers, village leaders and residents inspected the shop and confirmed that a monk identified as Phra Phirun, attached to a forest temple in Na Kham subdistrict, had purchased alcoholic beverages.

A subsequent check at the temple did not find the monk. Authorities conducted drug tests on four remaining monks, with all results negative.

The Na Kham subdistrict ecclesiastical chief said the monk had already been removed from the area and sent back to his original affiliation in Prasat district, Surin province.

Officials said no further irregularities were found, and the case has drawn attention to concerns over monastic conduct within local communities.

Thailand deports 106 Cambodian migrants at border crossing

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18 April 2026, 16:31

Thailand deports 106 Cambodian migrants at border crossing

SA KAEO, 18 April 2026 — Thai authorities on Friday deported 106 Cambodian nationals who had entered the country illegally, handing them over to officials at the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district.

At 14:00, officers from the Thai-Cambodian Border Coordination Office, immigration police, paramilitary rangers, customs officials and related agencies carried out the repatriation at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge.

The group comprised 64 men, 25 women and 17 dependants. All had been arrested for illegal entry and residing in Thailand without permission.

Cambodian immigration officials and relevant authorities received the group at the midpoint of the bridge. The handover proceeded without incident, officials said.

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