Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, June 16th, to Sunday, June 22 nd, 2025.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
Let’s get started and see what the top stories were!
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The Pattaya Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center received a report of a serious accident involving a car running over a person in the parking lot of an entertainment venue on Pattaya Third Road in Chonburi.
Drunk Swedish Tourist Falls and Is Run Over by Car in Pattaya Parking Lot
According to security staff, the tourist was intoxicated, fell, and despite his wife’s attempts to help, he lay back down due to his drunken state and was then run over.
2. ิ Pattaya police, in collaboration with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, arrested a 42-year-old German national, Mr. Jansen, for allegedly trafficking cocaine and illegal possession of a firearm.
Alleged German Drug Dealer Caught in Pattaya Police Operation, Cocaine and Illegal Firearm Found
Jansen, who has resided in Thailand for over four years, allegedly used his role at the bar and sports club as a front for his illicit activities.
3. Police raided an eight-story luxury apartment complex, located in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya Central 36. The operation targeted an illegal hub housing foreign nationals involved in gambling, call center scams, and other illicit activities, resulting in the arrest of over 50 suspects.
Authorities are expanding their investigation to determine potential links to broader criminal networks, with further arrests possible.
4. Pattaya police conducted a major operation targeting two luxury residences suspected of housing an illegal loan syndicate. The raids, resulted in the arrest of 25 Chinese nationals.
Pattaya Police Raid Uncovers 25 Chinese Nationals Operating Illegal Loan Syndicate
The group was allegedly running an illegal loan business, targeting clients in China via the QQ application.
5. Police arrested a 33-year-old Russian national for allegedly practicing medicine without a license, following a sting operation conducted by the Phuket Tourist Police.
Russian Woman Arrested for Illegal Medical Practice in PhuketÂ
She confirmed that she is not a licensed doctor and lacks authorization to practice medicine or distribute pharmaceutical drugs in Thailand.
6. Thai authorities have arrested a woman of Uzbek nationality for operating an unlicensed beauty clinic in the Chalong subdistrict of Phuket.
The suspect, identified only as Ms. Maftu (a pseudonym), was apprehended with over 13 items of medical and cosmetic equipment reportedly used for unauthorized aesthetic procedures.
7. Phuket’s provincial governor is calling on Thailand’s central government to implement stricter zoning regulations on the sale and consumption of cannabis in the province, following mounting complaints from tourists over the smell of marijuana in popular travel hotspots.
Phuket Governor Proposes Cannabis Zoning Amid Tourist Complaints
Under the proposed plan, cannabis sales and use would be restricted to clearly designated zones, similar to those established for nightlife and entertainment venues.
8. Phuket is experiencing a wave of economic resurgence in early 2025, with surging tourism revenue and near-record employment growth reflecting a province on the rebound.
Local officials report that between January and April, Phuket generated approximately 188 billion baht in tourism income—fueled by a rise in quality-driven travelers despite modest visitor numbers.
9. A masked intruder broke into four luxury villas in Phuket’s exclusive Yamu neighborhood on the night of June 17th, stealing high-end goods valued at more than 2 million baht. The thief remains at large.
Burglar Hits Four Luxury Villas, Stealing Millions in Valuables in Pa Klok-VIDEOS
Thalang Police Station has received formal reports of the incidents, but as of now, no progress in identifying or apprehending the suspect has been announced.
10. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed disappointment over the leak of a private phone conversation with a Cambodian leader, calling it a breach of trust that could undermine diplomatic progress on border issues.
Thai Prime Minister Responds to Public Release of Phone Call with Cambodian Leader
The conversation, intended to ease tensions and propose joint steps toward peace, was made public without authorization and followed by unexpected demands from the Cambodian side, escalating the situation.
Thailand’s Prime Minister has traveled to the Thai-Cambodian border in Ubon Ratchathani province to monitor the security situation and boost the morale of military forces.
Prime Minister Strengthens Military Morale During Border Security Visit
11. In the early hours of June 20, 2025, a series of explosions disrupted the annual Red Cross Fair in Pattani, southern Thailand, injuring three people and prompting heightened security measures.
The Red Cross Fair is a popular event in the region, typically drawing large crowds, although the attack took place early in the morning before the event had begun in earnest.
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support!
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
