Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, March 16th to Sunday, March 22nd 2026.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
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Thailand’s House of Representatives has confirmed Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as Prime Minister for a second term (His first term was only roughly for a few months as essentially a transitional PM after the prior was legally removed), following a decisive parliamentary vote on Thursday.
Thai Parliament Re-Elects Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister in Landslide Vote
2. Thailand’s government is actively reviewing its popular visa exemption scheme, with a proposal now agreed upon in principle to shorten the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days for travelers from 93 eligible countries and territories. The move, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wants to address misuse of the policy while preserving the country’s appeal as a top tourism destination.
3. In the early hours of Friday morning, a heated confrontation happened in the heart of Pattaya’s nightlife district when more than 30 transgender women gathered to reportedly settle a long-standing feud over a missing mobile phone, drawing a large crowd of curious tourists who watched and even cheered amid the tension.
Large Group of Transgender Women Clash Near Walking Street, Drawing Large Crowd
4. The third week of the Pattaya Music Festival 2026, themed “Pattaya Waves Got Rhythm,” launched on Friday, March 20th, at Samae Beach on Koh Larn, drawing enthusiastic crowds of locals and tourists to the island’s scenic shores for a night of live music blending with ocean waves.
The third week of the Pattaya Music Festival 2026 delivered an electrifying night of live music on March 21st, 2026, as thousands of Thai and international tourists flocked to Samae Beach on Koh Larn island for Day 2 of the week’s festivities.
Pattaya Music Festival 2026 Rocks Samae Beach on Koh Larn with Massive Crowds and Top Thai Artists
5. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage has captured a violent assault on a 26-year-old Japanese man by a group of 5-6 Thai men, reportedly motorcycle riders associated with a mobile taxi ride-hailing app said police, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
6. Tourist Police in Pattaya have launched an intensive investigation into a shocking gang assault on a 26-year-old Japanese tourist, captured in a viral video that has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about safety in the popular nightlife district.
7. A tragic accident occurred early this morning when a passenger van carrying Russian tourists crashed into a roadside barrier and utility pole in Phuket, leaving one woman dead and 12 others injured, including the driver.
Female Russian Tourist Killed, 12 Other Foreign Tourists Injured in Phuket Van Crash
8. Phuket police are investigating a serious incident at a local shooting range after a stray bullet fired by a staff member struck a Chinese tourist in the face.
Chinese Woman Seriously Injured After Accidental Shooting at Phuket Gun Range
9. The ongoing unrest in the Middle East has begun to ripple across Thailand’s tourism sector, with Phuket reporting significant losses in both visitor numbers and revenue.
Middle East Conflict Costs Phuket Tourism an Estimated 5.5 Billion Baht So Far
10. Immigration Police in Phuket, working in close coordination with South Korean authorities, dismantled a drug trafficking ring operated by four South Korean nationals who had been hiding in a luxury housing estate on the island.
Four Overstaying Koreans Arrested with Half a Kilo of Crystal Meth and Ketamine
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
