Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, February 9th, to Sunday, February 15th 2026.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
-
The centric conservative Bhumjaithai Party of incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has secured a stunning landslide victory over progressive and populist opponents in the general election, winning 194 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, according to the latest unofficial tallies with over 95% of votes counted.
In a big political development following Thailand’s general election on February 8th, the Pheu Thai Party has declared its readiness to support the Bhumjaithai Party as the core party in forming the next coalition government.
Pheu Thai Party Announces Support for Bhumjaithai-Led Government Formation
2. A 17-year-old male suspect was arrested after storming into Patong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district in Songkhla , opening fire and taking hostages in a violent incident that left three people injured and later cost the life of the principle.
17 Year-Old Gunman Arrested After Three People Injured in School Shooting in Hat Yai
A tragic incident unfolded at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School when a 17-year-old male student stormed onto campus with a firearm and fatally shot the school’s director, who courageously confronted the attacker to protect other teachers and students.
UPDATE: Heroic Female School Director Dies in Hat Yai Shooting After Protecting Others
3. Thai authorities have dismantled what they call a major drug trafficking operation on Koh Phangan, arresting a 42‑year‑old Israeli national resturant owner who allegedly ran a mafia‑style network supplying narcotics to foreign tourists.
Israeli Man Arrested with Illegal Narcotics Valued at 50 Million Baht on Pha Ngan Island
4. A double-decker coach traveling from Phuket to Betong overturned in Trang’s Huai Yot district late Saturday night, leaving more than 30 passengers injured, 10 of them seriously.
Dozens Injured, Driver Loses Leg, as Bus from Phuket Overturns in Trang
5. Immigration officers from Chonburi Immigration and Tourist Police from Pattaya have successfully rescued a Chinese man who was allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom by a fellow countryman in a hotel in South Pattaya.
Pattaya Police Rescue Chinese National Held for Ransom by Countryman in Hotel Room
6. Thai Immigration Police in Chonburi Province have arrested a 43-year-old German national wanted by German authorities for alleged fraud and money laundering, following a tip-off from the German Embassy in Thailand.
7. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has assessed that the oil spill from a Panama-flagged cargo vessel that sank off Phuket is unlikely to drift toward Thailand’s shoreline, while overall coastal seawater quality remains within normal standards.
Oil Spill Unlikely to Reach Shoreline Following Cargo Ship Sinkink in Phuket
The Incident Command Center overseeing the salvage of the sunken cargo vessel SEALLOYD ARC convened a morning briefing to assess progress and set operational priorities.
The Pollution Control Department has issued an urgent advisory to the public following the sinking of the Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel SEALLOYD ARC, which went down southwest of Kaew Noi Island, Phuket, on February 7, 2026.
Warning: Hazardous Cargo Containers Adrift After Cargo Ship Sinks Off Phuket
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has confirmed that seawater along Phuket’s popular beaches remains within safety standards for recreational use, following concerns over a cargo ship sinking off the coast earlier this month.
Pollution Control Department Confirms Phuket’s Seawater Quality Safe for Recreation
8. Thai Customs officials have arrested a male passenger attempting to smuggle 3.1 kilograms of cocaine into the country, with an estimated street value of 9.3 million baht. The arrest took place at Phuket International Airport.
https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/02/13/cocaine-worth-9-3-million-baht-seized-from-passenger-arriving-from-portugal-at-phuket-airport/
9. Police in Phuket have dismantled an illegal gambling operation run by foreign nationals, arresting seven Russian nationals, one Ukrainian, and one Kazakhstani during a raid on a luxury villa in Rawai.
Russians, Ukrainian, Kazakhstani Nationals Arrested in Phuket Gambling Raid
10. Officials raided an unauthorized dental clinic near a popular shopping mall and arrested a Taiwanese national accused of practicing dentistry without a license.
Taiwanese Dentist Arrested for Operating Illegal Clinic in Phuket
11. Officials carried out a coordinated operation in Patong’s Bangla Road, detaining nine foreign women suspected of engaging in sex work. Pattaya also had a similar raid, arresting twenty foreign women.
Nine Foreign Women Detained in Bangla Road Prostitution Crackdown
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
