Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week,  Monday, December 15th, to December 21st 2025.

They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

1. Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has officially scheduled the next general election for February 8, 2026, after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives last week amid political challenges and an escalating border conflict with Cambodia.

Thailand Sets General Election for February 8, 2026, Following Parliament Dissolution

2. Thai Royal Marines have declared the border area in Trat province fully secured following an eight-day operation to reclaim the strategically important “Three Houses” site, known locally as Ban Sam Haeng or the area around three structures in Ban Nong Ree village.

Thai Royal Marines Declare Border Sector in Trat Province Secured After Reclaiming Disputed Area

3. A pedestrian bridge on Bang Na–Trat Road collapsed onto traffic on Thursday morning (December 18th) after a trailer truck’s dump bed suddenly lifted and struck the structure, leaving one person dead and causing severe damage to multiple vehicles.

Pedestrian Bridge Collapses Onto Vehicles After Dump Bed Strikes Structure, Killing One in Samut Prakan-VIDEO

4. Thai retailers and bar owners are adapting to an update in the country’s alcohol regulations, with a new prohibition on selling alcoholic beverages to visibly intoxicated individuals now in force since November.

Explainer: New Regulations on Ban on Alcohol Sales to Intoxicated Customers in Thailand

5.  A white Toyota van driven by a Chinese national crashed into a residential wall and overturned late Thursday night in Pattaya’s Nongprue sub-district, causing the driver to flee the scene on foot before later being apprehended by police.

Chinese Man Crashes Van Into Home in Pattaya, Flees on Foot Before Being Arrested By Police

6. The city of Pattaya officially kicked off its grand year-end light festival on Friday evening, illuminating 11 iconic landmarks with dazzling displays under the theme “PATTAYA THE SEALEBRATION OF LIGHT AND LEGACY.”

Pattaya Lights Up with Spectacular Year-End Celebrations Honoring Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit

7. Immigration officials in Chonburi Province conducted coordinated raids on two major locations, resulting in the discovery of nearly 200 migrant workers violating Thai immigration laws, primarily from Myanmar and Cambodia.

Chonburi Immigration Authorities Raid Two Sites, One Near Pattaya, Uncover Nearly 200 Illegal Migrant Workers

8. The 17th edition of the “Walk and Eat in Naklua” festival officially kicked off on the evening of December 20th, presided over by Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampichet.

Pattaya Launches 17th Annual Walk and Eat in Naklua Festival For The Next Six Weekends

9. Phuket Immigration officers have arrested two Indian nationals wanted on Interpol warrants for their alleged involvement in a fatal fire incident at an entertainment venue in India.

Two Indians Arrested in Phuket for Deadly Fatal Fire at Nightclub in India, Say Police

10. A Canadian national sparked chaos in Krabi after hijacking a private car inside the Muang Krabi Police Station and leading officers on a dramatic pursuit through the city before being apprehended near Krabi Hospital.

Canadian Man Hijacks Car Inside Krabi Police Station, Captured After Dramatic Chase

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.