Viral clip shows tourist threatened, robbed in Patong

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21 March 2026, 09:53

Viral clip shows tourist threatened, robbed in Patong

PHUKET — 21 March 2026, A CCTV clip showing a foreign tourist being threatened and assaulted before having his cash stolen in Patong has been widely shared on social media, raising fresh safety concerns in one of Thailand’s busiest nightlife areas.

The footage, posted by the Facebook page Phuket Times reportedly shows an incident that took place at 05:12 on 19 March near Soi Bangla’s seafood market in Patong, Kathu district.

In the video, a male tourist is seen withdrawing money from an ATM while a Thai man stands behind him. Two more men then approach, forming a group of three. The suspects allegedly intimidate and physically assault the tourist after the withdrawal, before taking the cash and fleeing the scene.

The page claimed the attackers may be linked to a group that targets tourists, possibly luring them with offers before coercing them into withdrawing money. The claim has not been officially confirmed.

The clip has triggered strong reactions online, with many users calling for swift arrests and tougher action, warning that such incidents damage Thailand’s reputation as a tourist destination.

As of now, there has been no official update from authorities regarding the identification or arrest of the suspects. Police are expected to investigate and take legal action.

US transfers 17 Stryker vehicles to Thai army during Hanuman Guardian 2026

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 19:18

LOPBURI — The United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) has ceremonially transferred 17 Stryker armoured vehicles to the Royal Thai Army during the closing ceremony of Exercise Hanuman Guardian 2026, marking a new step in bilateral defence cooperation.

The handover took place at the Royal Thai Army Aviation Center in Lopburi and was attended by senior officials from both countries, including USARPAC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Joel Vowell, Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Pana Claewplodtook, and US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill.

The transfer was conducted under the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. The vehicles, previously used by US Army units, are expected to enhance Thailand’s military capabilities and support ongoing modernisation efforts.

According to USARPAC, the Stryker vehicles will form the foundation of the Royal Thai Army’s 111th Stryker Regiment Combat Team, supporting both training and operational missions.

USARPAC Commanding General Gen. Ronald Clark said the transfer reflects the long-standing alliance between the two countries and its role in maintaining regional security.

“The US-Thai alliance is a cornerstone of regional stability and security,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to strengthen military capabilities, build trust and address emerging challenges.

Ambassador O’Neill said the transfer could also lead to future infrastructure development to support the Stryker fleet, potentially creating jobs and expanding defence and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

He added that such investment could position Thailand as a regional hub for defence sustainment and innovation, while opening opportunities for collaboration between US and Thai companies.

Exercise Hanuman Guardian 2026 is a joint military exercise between Thailand and the United States and remains a key platform for defence cooperation. This year’s activities included live-fire drills and cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening coordination and mutual understanding between the two armed forces.

Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 17:32

Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao

CHACHOENGSAO — 19 March 2026, A wild elephant broke into a rural home in eastern Thailand overnight, rummaging through a kitchen and eating stored rice, officials said on Friday.

The incident occurred late in Tha Takiab district, where local officials and rangers inspected damage at a house in Ban Khlong Mahat village.

CCTV footage showed a large elephant quietly approaching the rear of the house before forcing its way through a wooden kitchen door. Once inside, it searched for food, opening cupboards and using its trunk to scoop rice from a storage jar.

Homeowner Boonruen Sathuchat said she was startled when her dogs began barking at around 21:00. On checking, she saw the elephant attempting to break into the kitchen and quickly called local authorities for help.

Wildlife volunteers and a rapid response team were deployed to the scene. By the time they arrived, the elephant had already entered the kitchen, scattering rice across the floor while feeding. It later retreated back into nearby forest after officials intervened. A second elephant seen approaching the house also turned back.

No injuries were reported, though the incident left residents shaken.

Local officials said monitoring teams have been deployed to the area and further measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents.

Naked foreign man detained after Pattaya street disturbance

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 16:43

Naked foreign man detained after Pattaya street disturbance

PATTAYA — 20 March 2026, A foreign man was detained after walking naked and shouting along a road in Pattaya in the early hours of Friday, alarming residents and motorists.

Tourist police and municipal officers were alerted at about 01:00 to reports of a man behaving erratically along Phra Tamnak Road, near Soi Phra Tamnak 5, heading towards the Pattaya Court intersection in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

Officers arriving at the scene found a man, believed to be aged between 30 and 40, naked and incoherent, shouting continuously as he walked along the roadside. Authorities intervened, brought the situation under control and provided him with trousers to cover himself.

The man was unable to provide clear information about his identity or accommodation. He was taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further identification and to locate relatives.

Officials said the action was taken to prevent potential harm to the individual and to avoid disruption to the public and tourists in the area.

SHR Advances Three Core Strategies in 2026

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MC Marketing

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20 March 2026, 15:33

Bangkok 5 March 2026 – – S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited (SET: SHR), a leading international hotel and resort investment and management company, reported a record-high normalised net profit of over THB 615 million for 2025 and unveiled its 2026 business direction under the theme Scaling to New Heights, Unlocking Greater Value. The Company aims to enhance the quality of its hotel portfolio through strategic investments in high-potential assets, while moving forward with new hotel developments, brand repositioning, and elevated guest experiences in line with global travel trends. SHR targets portfolio RevPAR growth of 20 to 25 percent, an EBITDA margin advancing towards 30 percent, and a reduction in its average cost of debt by more than 0.50 percent, while strengthening its net profit base for sustained long-term growth.

Mr. Michael David Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited or SHR, said that in 2025 the Company achieved RevPAR growth across all regions, driven by higher average daily rates and its continued success in attracting high-spending quality guests. Combined with improved operational efficiency and a significant reduction in finance costs, normalised net profit reached a record high of THB 615 million. This performance reflects the strength of the Company’s geographically diversified portfolio and its ability to manage revenue effectively amid varying tourism dynamics in each market. The Company also declared a dividend of THB 0.07 per share for 2025, representing the highest dividend payment since listing and equivalent to a dividend yield of approximately 4 percent, based on the average market price of the Company’s shares in 2025, above the industry average.

In 2026, the Company will build upon this momentum through its Scaling to New Heights, Unlocking Greater Value plan, accelerating growth and unlocking long-term value creation through three core strategies.

The first strategy, Asset Rotation, focuses on proactive portfolio management with an emphasis on asset quality over quantity to create sustainable long-term value. During Q1 2026, the Company completed the divestment of 15 hotels in the United Kingdom located outside primary markets and largely reliant on domestic demand. Proceeds from the transaction will be used to repay high-interest bank loans and optimise capital allocation toward higher-yield assets.

In parallel, SHR has allocated an investment budget of approximately THB 3,000 to 3,500 million to expand in Thailand, a market where the Company possesses strong expertise and networks, creating scale advantages while selectively investing in upper upscale hotels and adopting cluster management to enhance operational efficiency and support long-term growth.

The second strategy, Asset Enhancement, aims to transform the portfolio into a premium lifestyle-driven hotel portfolio. In collaboration with The Ascott Limited, a leading global hospitality operator, the Company is rebranding and upgrading four hotels in the United Kingdom under lifestyle-oriented brands including The Unlimited Collection and lyf, alongside room upgrades and enhanced facilities to strengthen competitiveness and long-term asset value. Hotels under The Unlimited Collection brand are now fully operational, while two lyf properties are expected to be completed and launched in mid 2026, supporting an ADR increase of approximately 20 to 30 percent compared with 2024.

In addition, SHR plans to upgrade room products at two SAii Hotels and Resorts properties. SAii Phi Phi Island Village will renovate all 12 hillside pool villas, while SAii Maldives Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton will add private pools to 20 existing overwater villas and develop 18 new overwater villas to meet demand from upper-tier guests, enhance pricing power, and support long-term ADR growth.

The third strategy, Experience-Led Brand Growth, highlights SAii Hotels and Resorts as a distinctive upper-upscale lifestyle brand. The Company will further develop its brand pillars and signature experiences, spanning wellness, sustainability, and mindful culinary offerings, to strengthen differentiation and long-term brand equity. Together with Ascott-affiliated brands including The Unlimited Collection and lyf, SHR will elevate guest experiences through thoughtful design, local cultural integration, and curated activities aligned with global experiential travel trends.

Examples include stargazing experiences in natural settings in response to the growing quiet travel trend, holistic wellness packages integrating travel with fitness and active lifestyles, and marine and coastal conservation activities such as coral propagation and mangrove planting, catering to modern travelers who prioritise health, purpose, and meaningful journeys.

Driven by these strategies, SHR targets portfolio RevPAR growth of 20 to 25 percent from 2025 levels and expects to improve its EBITDA margin towards 30 percent through disciplined cost management and operational excellence, while reducing its average cost of debt by more than 0.50 percent.

Mr. Marshall added that alongside these three strategies, the Company continues to advance its sustainability agenda in parallel with business growth, placing strong emphasis on climate resilience. SHR has installed solar panels across multiple properties in Thailand and the Maldives, bringing total installed capacity to over 2,676-kilowatt peak (kWp). In the past year, solar energy accounted for more than 14 percent of total electricity consumption. The Company is also systematically enhancing its energy efficiency management to optimise energy usage and manage long-term costs.

Another key initiative is protecting biodiversity areas of no less than 30 percent of total project areas across its assets. Currently, the marine area within the CROSSROADS Maldives project, covering more than 1.71 million square meters and representing 18.9 percent of the total marine area, has been recognised with Official Potential OECM status, in preparation for designation as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). This milestone reflects the project’s important role in SHR’s sustainable development strategy and marks the first and only project from a Thai company to receive such recognition.

Hotels within the portfolio also organise numerous sustainability initiatives that engage guests and local communities, raising awareness of environmental protection and ecosystem conservation, reinforcing SHR’s role in advancing responsible development on a global scale.

“SHR is entering a new phase of growth with strong strategies and a clear direction. The Company is committed to enhancing portfolio quality, investing in high-potential assets, and accelerating profitability to achieve a sustainably higher level of performance,” Mr. Marshall concluded.

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited or SHR is a subsidiary of Singha Estate Public Company Limited or S. The Company engages in international hotel investment and management, pursuing both organic growth and inorganic growth strategies. Its portfolio spans five countries including Thailand, the Maldives, Fiji, Mauritius, and the United Kingdom, comprising more than 11 brands across five key asset groups, including hotels operated under its proprietary brands SAii Hotels and Resorts and Santiburi, hotels under the Outrigger Hospitality Group brand, hotels within the CROSSROADS Maldives project, upper midscale hotels in the United Kingdom, and joint venture hotels, reflecting a diversified investment strategy and sustainable long-term growth.

#SHR #SinghaEstate

#SinghaEstate #RealEstate

#Hotel #Travel

Krabi police seize drugs, cache of weapons

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 15:32

Krabi police seize drugs, cache of weapons

KRABI — 20 March 2026, Police in Krabi have arrested members of a drug trafficking network and seized a large cache of firearms, including military-style weapons, during a province-wide crackdown, officials said on Friday.

The arrests were part of “Operation Eagle 154: Protect Krabi”, conducted between 1 and 20 March to combat drug-related crime and improve public safety.

Authorities displayed the seized items at a press conference led by Krabi governor Angkoon Silathevakul and Police Major General Sukkasem Nakornwilai, chief of Krabi provincial police. Among the weapons confiscated were 17 firearms, including a modified M16 rifle fitted with a suppressor and shell-catching net, a submachine gun, shotguns and handguns. More than 200 rounds of ammunition were also recovered.

Police also seized 26,127 methamphetamine tablets and 29.84 kilograms of cannabis extract. Additional assets included six cars, 10 motorcycles, gold jewellery and cash, bringing the total value of confiscated items to more than 11 million baht (about $310,000).

In total, authorities arrested 161 suspected drug traffickers, 39 drug users and four individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.

As part of the operation, officers on 13 March raided a business in Sai Thai subdistrict suspected of illegally producing and distributing cannabis extracts. The premises, operated by Cannazon Co., had been converted into a cultivation and processing facility, with multiple cannabis strains and a laboratory capable of producing extracts such as kief, hash and moonrock.

A 31-year-old Israeli national who identified himself as the owner was arrested and charged under Thailand’s narcotics laws. Authorities also seized assets linked to the operation, including the building, equipment and bank accounts, valued at more than 3 million baht.

Officials said this was the second raid on the same premises after an earlier operation in January resulted in charges related to the use of Thai nominees and a 60-day suspension of its cannabis sales licence. Investigators allege the suspect resumed operations after being released on bail, selling cannabis extracts locally and online for 250 to 500 baht per gram.

In a separate case, police in Ao Luek district raided a rental house following a tip-off and arrested suspects with 1,909 methamphetamine pills, customer records and several firearms. One suspect admitted ordering the drugs via the Line messaging app for resale.

Authorities said further investigations are under way to trace financial transactions and expand the crackdown on related networks, including asset seizures under narcotics laws.

Former TOWIE participant found dead in Phuket canal

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 14:09

Former TOWIE participant found dead in Phuket canal

PHUKET — 20 March 2026, A British man found dead in a canal in Phuket has been identified as a former participant in the UK reality television series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), with police now believing he accidentally fell into the water and was unable to climb out.

The body of Jordan Wright, 32, was discovered face down in a drainage canal in Bang Tao area of Thalang district at about 14:00 on 14 March. Investigators, forensic officers and a medical examiner who examined the scene found no signs of physical assault.

A hotel key card found near the body led police to a room at Coco Phuket Bangtao hotel, where Wright had been staying alone.

Further checks showed Wright entered Thailand on 3 December 2025 on Qatar Airways flight QR828, arriving in Bangkok at 19:15, and was due to depart on 31 May 2026.

CCTV footage from the hotel indicated Wright had been pacing repeatedly before running out of the premises at around 23:25 on 12 March. He was seen heading towards a nearby construction area before entering a drainage canal approximately 1.6 metres deep.

Police said the canal measures about 2 metres from ground level to the bottom, making it difficult to climb out, particularly at night. Investigators believe Wright, who appeared to be in a distressed or agitated state at the time, was unable to get out of the canal and later died.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with further forensic examination under way to determine the exact cause of death.

Cambodian man held over illegally modified guns

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 13:43

Cambodian man held over illegally modified guns

SA KAEO — 20 March 2026, Police in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a Cambodian man after he collected a suspicious parcel containing modified blank-firing guns and a cache of ammunition, in a case believed to be linked to an illegal cross-border arms network.

Pol. Col. Chuchat Khongmuang, superintendent of Khlong Luek Police Station, said officers acted on a tip-off and inspected the parcel, which was suspected of containing illicit items. The suspect, later identified as Sok Em, 23, was detained while arriving to receive the package.

Inside, officers found two modified 9mm blank guns, three magazines, a suppressor, two gun cases and a mobile phone. Authorities said all items were illegal. The suspect was charged with illegal possession of firearms and unlawful entry into the kingdom.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence uncovered additional items, including 310 rounds of 9mm blank ammunition, 20 rounds of 8mm ammunition, six gun boxes and two more parcels concealed inside the house.

Police believe the case may be connected to a network smuggling and distributing illegal firearms along the border. Investigators are working to trace the origin of the parcels, identify transport routes and track down other suspects.

The suspect and seized items have been handed over to investigators at Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing.

Phuket busts South Korean drug gang, arrests four with export stash

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 12:40

Thai officials stand behind the arrested South Korean men with seized evidence laid out on the table ahead of them.

PHUKET — 20 March 2026, A South Korean drug ring has been busted in Phuket, with immigration police arresting four suspects and intercepting narcotics allegedly bound for South Korea.

The operation was carried out under a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals involved in transnational crime, directed by senior Immigration Bureau commanders. Authorities had been alerted by South Korean police, via the Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affairs Division, about suspects allegedly trafficking drugs from Thailand to South Korea and believed to be hiding in Phuket.

Following surveillance, investigators identified a luxury housing estate in tambon Koh Kaew, Muang district, as the group’s hideout. A court-approved search warrant was executed at around 08:30 on 19 March.

Four South Korean nationals were arrested:

Sim, 43 — charged with illegal possession of a Category 2 drug (ketamine) and use of a Category 1 drug (methamphetamine); tourist visa revoked.
Lee, 32 — charged with illegal use of methamphetamine; tourist visa revoked.
Kim, 31 — charged with possession of ketamine and crystal methamphetamine (ice), drug use, and overstaying his visa by 733 days.
Seo, 31 — charged with possession and use of methamphetamine, and overstaying by 733 days.

Authorities seized the following items:

Approximately 300 grams of ketamine
Approximately 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice)
Drug paraphernalia, including syringes
Six mobile phones
One laptop and one computer CPU
Six luxury-brand items (watches and bags)
Two credit cards

Police said two of the suspects had entered Thailand on 60-day tourist visas but became involved in a drug trafficking network, violating the terms of their stay. All four suspects, along with the seized evidence, have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Dry season turns profitable as red ant eggs sell at 500 baht per kilo

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Khaosod English

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20 March 2026, 10:37

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Villagers in Ban Don Tat Ruea, Non Daeng district, are turning to harvesting red ant eggs as a source of food and income during the dry season, when farming activities have slowed.

Residents in Non Daeng subdistrict said they have been collecting the eggs from nests built by red ants on roadside trees, particularly along the route linking Ban Don Tat Ruea and Ban Don Udom in Don Yai subdistrict. The seasonal activity has drawn many villagers seeking both household consumption and supplementary earnings.

Priyaporn Khaengkhan, 33, said she spends a few hours each day gathering red ant eggs while taking a break from agricultural work. “I collect enough for my family and to share with neighbours,” she said.

She added that an average harvest yields around 1–2 kilogrammes per day. With market prices reaching about 500 baht per kilogramme, some villagers are focusing more seriously on collecting the eggs for sale.

Despite the high price, demand remains strong, with many customers placing advance orders. Locals said those who collect the eggs for sale can earn between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per day, making it a lucrative seasonal activity.

Four South Korean nationals were arrested:

Authorities seized the following items:

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