Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, July 14th, to Sunday, July 20th 2025.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
- A 61-year-old British tourist, Mr. Glennon, who is speech-impaired and relies on a wheelchair, was robbed of his belongings at a hotel in Central Pattaya on July 16th, 2025. The incident was reported to the Pattaya City Police Station at 12:16 AM.
Disabled British Man Robbed by Three Companions He Met on Pattaya Beach
He informed the police that he had engaged the companionship services of three individuals—two Thai women and one transgender woman—whom he met at Pattaya beach to alleviate his loneliness.
2. A chilling series of incidents unfolded in central Pattaya when police from Pattaya City Police Station received reports of two foreign nationals found dead in separate rooms of the same condominium, just two hours apart, on July 17th, 2025.
Initial investigations suggest no direct connection between the deaths, but the proximity in time and location has prompted authorities to keep all possibilities open.
3. Thailand’s Immigration Bureau have apprehended two foreign nationals in major crime busts during a transnational crackdown in the coastal city of Pattaya.
South Korean and Chinese Man Arrested in Pattaya as Part of Transnational Drug Crackdown
The first arrest involved Mr. Sun, a 39-year-old Chinese man wanted for drug-related offenses and illegal e-cigarette distribution. Officers located him in a residence in Huai Yai.
The second case saw the capture of Mr. Sung, a 60-year-old South Korean national, in a rented room on Sukhumvit Pattaya Soi 71.
4. In a bizarre incident in the early hours of July 18th, 2025, Pattaya City Police received a distress call at 2:30 AM from three Indian tourists staying at a hotel in Soi Beach Road 11.
Indian Tourists Report Thai Escort to Police Over Small Breasts Dispute in Pattaya
The men claimed a Thai woman, estimated to be 35-40 years old, refused to leave their hotel room after a disagreement over her escort companionship services.
5. The Andaman Coastal Resources Research Center told the Phuket Express about an unusual marine phenomenon at Kata Noi Beach in Phuket, where several venomous and rare sea creatures have recently washed ashore.
6. A 41-year-old man from Uzbekistan was arrested by Thai authorities in Wichit following an alleged assault and theft involving his girlfriend.
Uzbek Man Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting and Robbing Girlfriend in Phuket
Among the stolen items were cash, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle. After fleeing the scene, Mr. Artur was tracked down to Soi Na Seua, Village 4, also within Wichit.
7. Authorities at Phuket International Airport arrested a 60-year-old American man, identified only as Mr. Tyler, for attempting to smuggle 6.6 kilograms of heroin out of the country hidden in boxes of powdered creamer.
60-Year-Old American Man Caught Smuggling 6.6kg Heroin at Phuket Airport
Mr. Tyler claimed the bag belonged to a French friend and that he was asked to transport it to France. His flight itinerary was set to route through Phuket – Doha – Brussels – France.
8. Thailand’s property market is enduring a difficult stretch in 2025 as economic uncertainty and dwindling purchasing power from both domestic and foreign buyers send shockwaves across major hotspots like Bangkok and Phuket.
Phuket and Bangkok’s Real Estate Market Faces Harsh Realities
Real estate consultancy Knight Frank (Thailand) paints a bleak picture, labeling the year as “exhausting and genuinely painful” for the sector.
9. Three Thai soldiers from Company 6021 of the Rapid Deployment Force Battalion were injured after triggering Russian-made PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines near Chong Bok, close to the Thai-Cambodian border.
Three Thai Soldiers Injured by Russian Made Landmine Near Thai-Cambodian Border
The incident occurred at coordinates 48P WA 21507 86176, in an area designated as a “green zone,” previously cleared of explosive remnants by the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC).
10. In a move aimed at preserving the delicate marine ecosystem of one of the world’s most iconic beaches, Thailand’s Department of National Parks has announced the seasonal closure of Maya Bay and Loh Sama Bay in the Phi Phi Islands area from August 1st to September 30, 2025.
Maya Bay in Krabi to Temporarily Close for Annual Marine Recovery
Despite the temporary closure of these two bays, visitors can still enjoy other scenic and snorkeling-friendly spots around the park such as Phi Phi Don Island, Ton Sai Bay, Monkey Beach, and various certified dive sites.
11. Bangkok has earned the top spot as the world’s No. 1 “dream city” for digital nomads in 2025, according to HotelWithTub’s latest ranking of the 100 most popular destinations for remote workers based on cost of living, lifestyle quality, safety, and online engagement.
With more professionals embracing remote work, Thailand’s flexibility, quality of services, and strong digital infrastructure make it one of the top destinations for today’s mobile workforce.
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support!
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
