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No. 01 · ENDLESS
Tourism

Pathum Thani Opens Thai Culture Market to Boost Chao Phraya Riverside Tourism and Community Economy

Pathum Thani launched a Thai Culture Market to boost riverside tourism and local economies along the Chao Phraya River, featuring over 80 vendors and cultural activities through May 24 at Future Park Rangsit.

3h ago Khaosod

Pathum Thani opened the Thai Culture Market to boost Chao Phraya Riverside tourism and stimulate community economy. At 5 p.m. on May 22, 2025, Provincial Governor Ekawit Meepien presided over the ceremony, joined by several provincial officials and representatives. The event took place at Alive Park Hall, Floor G, Future Park Rangsit shopping center in Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani.

The Thai Culture Market is part of waterway and cultural tourism development activities under Pathum Thani's tourism enhancement project, stemming from national strategy focusing on creative and sustainable cultural tourism. Pathum Thani possesses considerable strengths as a Chao Phraya riverside town with long history and prominent cultural assets including temples, cuisine, and multicultural communities. The initiative opens tourism routes along the Chao Phraya River in Mueang and Samkhok districts to create added value through cultural product sales, local goods, and community participation in sustainable tourism management.

Event activities include: 1) Data collection and cultural resource surveys to promote community tourism along the Chao Phraya; 2) Training for communities as good hosts with knowledge of managing religious and cultural tourism and storytelling; 3) "Chao Phraya Way" activities featuring product development, promotion of Wat Sing and Wat Bot (Luang Pu Tian) attractions, and community river cruises.

The Thai Culture Market runs May 22-24, 2025, at Alive Park Hall, featuring over 80 local vendors, cultural product demonstrations, performances reflecting Pathum Thani's identity, and renowned artists throughout the three-day event.

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Police

House Fire Blamed on Electric Kettle; Teacher Left Appliance Plugged In Before Visiting Mother's Home

A teacher's house in Nakhon Si Thammarat was destroyed by fire on May 22 after she left an electric kettle plugged in while visiting her mother's nearby home, leaving her sleeping child inside. The child escaped safely when electrical sound

4h ago Khaosod

A house fire is believed to have been caused by an electric kettle left plugged in. The homeowner, a teacher, plugged in the kettle and then walked to her nearby mother's house, leaving her child asleep inside. The child heard unusual sounds before the electricity cut out throughout the house and ran after the mother, only to return and find the house engulfed in flames.

On May 22, 2569, police from Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province received reports of a fire in Soi Pa Yang, Moo 4, Tambon Tha Ngiao, Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat District. Police Captain Kittishai Krainara reported the incident and coordinated with firefighters from Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality to rush to the scene and extinguish the fire.

When they arrived, the fire was burning intensely and had spread rapidly, completely destroying the entire house. Firefighters deployed water to control the blaze. The homeowner, a teacher at a local school, reported that after returning from work, she plugged in an electric kettle and then went to her mother's nearby house, leaving her child sleeping in a room. The child heard abnormal sounds before the house's electrical system shut down completely and ran after her.

Investigators from the station examined the scene and coordinated with forensic police. The homeowner was identified as Chidarat Jitsaman, a teacher at a local school. She explained that after returning from work in Nakhon Si Thammarat, she plugged in an electric kettle and went to her mother's nearby house, leaving her child sleeping in a room. The child heard abnormal sounds before the house's electrical system shut down completely and ran after her.

"When she returned to the house, the fire had spread severely and couldn't be controlled. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed. The cause is suspected to be an electrical short circuit or the electric kettle causing the fire. Officials will continue to investigate and gather evidence to determine the exact cause."

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Police

Angry 18-wheeler Driver Hangs Vinyl Banner Insulting Traffic Police After Wheel Lock Frustration

A frustrated truck driver in Haad Yai hung a vulgar banner on his trailer after police wheel-locked it while he waited for tire repairs, claiming the roadside parking spot was a normal stopping point.

4h ago Khaosod

An angry 18-wheeler driver displayed his frustration with traffic police by hanging a large vinyl banner with insulting messages on his trailer after his vehicle was wheel-locked while parked on the roadside. The driver had left his trailer by the roadside in Kuantang Subdistrict, Haad Yai District, Songkhla Province, while waiting for a tire shop to open to repair two burst tires. The 1.8-meter-wide, 6-meter-long vinyl banner, which cost 1,600 baht, contained profane language directed at traffic officers and their families.

On May 22, 2569, authorities reported receiving complaints from residents about the banner displayed on a 10-wheeled trailer parked along the Haad Yai-Phatthalung Road. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Wiratanchai (surname withheld), explained that two tires on the trailer burst on May 19. He had parked the trailer at the side of the road near a tire shop while waiting for it to open so he could get the tires replaced. He then took the tractor unit, which was carrying supplies for Thaksin University in Songkhla Province, to complete a delivery. When he returned, he found his vehicle had been wheel-locked by traffic police.

Wiratanchai claimed the location is a normal stopping point for 18-wheelers and that the vehicle was parked on the shoulder without obstructing traffic or causing accidents. He stated he was waiting to consult with a lawyer regarding the matter.

The tire shop owner confirmed that the driver did have two burst tires that needed replacement on the left rear axle, both on the inside and outside. The shop owner said the driver had called in the morning before opening to arrange the tire change and had parked the trailer at the shop. The driver then took the tractor unit to make a delivery to the university. When the tire replacement was completed, traffic police had already locked the wheel.

Lt. Sithichai Pradab, a traffic officer from Haad Yai Police Station, explained that on May 19, the trailer was left at the Kuantang intersection without warning signs or markers indicating a vehicle breakdown. Officers issued a fine and locked the wheel. He noted that regulations require vehicles with breakdowns parked on roadsides to display warning markers and cones at least 150 meters in front and behind the vehicle to alert other drivers.

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Police

Russian Driver's Car Erupts in Flames Just 100 Meters From the Garage

A Russian driver's 2025 sedan burst into flames just 100 meters from a repair garage in Chon Buri province on May 22, after he heard an explosion beneath the vehicle while driving. The car was completely destroyed before firefighters exting

4h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2026 at 7:50 p.m., Pattaya's Land Disaster Prevention Radio Center received a report of a car fire near Chai Phraks intersection in Jomtien on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Two fire trucks were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters found a white 2025 sedan engulfed in flames, with local residents attempting to control the fire using chemical extinguishers, but without success. It took approximately 20 minutes of coordinated water spraying by the Pattaya fire department to control the blaze, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed. The driver, Alex, 25, a Russian national, stated that he was driving to a repair garage where the car was a regular customer. While just 100 meters away, he suddenly heard a loud explosion beneath the vehicle accompanied by smoke billowing out. He managed to coast the car to the garage entrance, turned off the engine, and jumped out. Within seconds, the vehicle burst into flames. The repair shop manager explained that Alex had previously taken the vehicle to a Bangkok auto shop for engine modifications. Upon returning, he noticed abnormal noises from the engine and called the garage requesting an inspection, but the fire broke out before he could arrive.

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Police

Man Posing as Ride-Hailing Driver Arrested for Knife-Point Assault and Sexual Abuse of 13-Year-Old Girl

A 37-year-old man posing as a ride-hailing driver was arrested in Bangkok for abducting a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint and sexually assaulting her. Police apprehended the suspect on May 22 after the victim reported the attack to her guard

4h ago Khaosod

Police have arrested a 37-year-old man, identified as Satchaa (surname withheld), under arrest warrant No. 2922/2569 issued on November 21, 2569. The suspect was apprehended at a sidewalk along Ladprao Soi 53/1 in Saphan Song subdistrict, Wangthonglang district, Bangkok, on May 22, 2569. According to the investigation, Satchaa works as a ride-hailing driver without a valid license and was using another person's account to operate. While driving, he encountered a 13-year-old girl walking alone on Ladprao Road. He approached her with a knife and forced her into his vehicle, then took her to a rental room near Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24. There, he forced her to consume cannabis before sexually assaulting her and recording video footage. When the victim informed her guardians, they reported the incident to police. The investigation team coordinated with officers from the Crime Suppression Division to plan and execute the arrest. The case is now being processed according to legal procedures.

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Police

Pattaya Hotel Manager Explains Rooftop Fire, Reports Over 25 Million Baht in Damages

A rooftop fire at A.J. Plus Hotel in Pattaya on May 22 forced 240 guests to evacuate, injuring four people including a staff member with serious burns. Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit caused the blaze, with da

4h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2025, reporters documented the progress of the fire at the A.J. Plus Hotel on Pattaya Soi 3 in the northern Pattaya area, Moo 6, Nai Klang Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. At the time of the incident, approximately 240 guests from 120 rooms were forced to evacuate the building in chaos.

Four people were injured in total: three guests—two Thai women and one Indonesian boy—suffered smoke inhalation and injuries during evacuation. The fourth victim was Thawatchai, a 40-year-old hotel employee who attempted to contain the fire but sustained approximately 20% burns and smoke inhalation. His condition was serious and he was transported to a nearby hospital.

Hotel Managing Director Athinath Wattanaphrom revealed that preliminary staff interviews suggest the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit somewhere on the rooftop, though the exact location remains unknown. He stated the hotel is awaiting official investigation results from relevant authorities.

Following the incident, the hotel evacuated all guests and temporarily arranged alternative accommodation at nearby hotels while awaiting safety inspections. The hotel apologized to all guests and emphasized that customer safety is the top priority, committing to full support for those affected. Initial damage assessment estimates total approximately 25 million baht.

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Police

Demolition Order Issued for Nui Beach Structures in Phuket by June 5 Following Encroachment on Protected Forest

Phuket authorities have ordered the removal of all structures from protected forest land at Nui Beach by June 5, with demolition at the owner's expense if the deadline is missed following discovery of illegal tourism development on approxim

4h ago Khaosod

The Director-General of the Forestry Department has signed an order under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507, requiring occupants and related parties to remove all structures from the Naga Range National Reserved Forest area at Nui Beach, Soi Laem Nui Out, Moo 2, Karon Subdistrict, Muang District, Phuket by June 5. This follows an inspection by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, local administration, and the Forestry Department on May 14, which discovered tourism-related development and numerous additional structures. The inspection found approximately 15-18 rai of encroachment with 11 structures including shops, residences, bathrooms, tourist service points, pavilions, a naga statue, a worship plaza, concrete roads, and a water dam. Officials confirmed the actions violate Section 14 of the National Reserved Forest Act, with complaints already filed at Karon Police Station. Failure to comply within the deadline will result in the Forestry Department proceeding with demolition at the owner's expense, plus an additional 30% administrative fee.

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Police

Eight Thais Return Home from Laos Casino Job with 127 Smuggled Mobile Phones

Eight Thai nationals were caught smuggling 127 mobile phones across the Mekong River into Nong Khai after fleeing a Laos online gambling operation that was shut down after just 10 days.

4h ago Khaosod

Eight Thai nationals crossed back into Thailand after working at an online gambling casino in Laos for only 10 days before authorities shut it down. They attempted to smuggle 127 mobile phones across the Mekong River back to Nong Khai, claiming the devices were used to transfer funds between gambling website customers.

At 11:00 AM on May 22, 2025, officers from the Nong Khai Customs Office, Immigration Bureau, military, and police jointly apprehended Ms. Sukanya, 38; Mr. Manas, 32; Mr. Praphruek, 20; Mr. Niphon, 23; Ms. Hattairat, 24; Mr. Somphorn, 31; Mr. Chatchai, 36; and Ms. Orthhai, 24—all Thai nationals—along with 127 mobile phones.

During routine screening at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Muang Nong Khai, officers stopped a Hyundai vehicle (registration Kb 0437, Kamphaengphet) entering from Laos. The driver was Laotian with eight Thai passengers inside. Upon inspection of their luggage, officers discovered large quantities of hidden mobile phones, totaling 127 units, and detained all passengers.

Under interrogation, all eight confessed to traveling to operate an online gambling website at a Laos casino location. They launched the website on May 10, 2025, but it was shut down after just 10 days by Laotian authorities. They decided to return to Thailand to resettle. The mobile phones were equipment used to process financial transfers between gambling website customers and were being transported for potential future operations.

Authorities charged them with illegal importation of goods (mobile phones) without customs procedures. Police are investigating potential connections to scam operations and call centers, with the case being forwarded to Muang Nong Khai Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Police

House Fire Claims Life of 62-Year-Old Man; Firefighters Battle Blaze for Over 20 Minutes

A 62-year-old man died in a house fire in Nakhon Si Thammarat province after becoming trapped inside the wooden structure. Firefighters battled the blaze for over 20 minutes before discovering his charred remains inside.

4h ago Khaosod

A tragic house fire in Nakhon Si Thammarat province claimed the life of a 62-year-old man who became trapped inside. At 8:30 PM on May 22, 2569, police from Hua Sai Police Station received a report of a raging house fire affecting a residential building in Moo 5, Nansaton Subdistrict, Hua Sai District. Station Commander Lt. Col. Sompon Rakkhaew coordinated with firefighters to rush to the scene and begin extinguishing the blaze.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story wooden house engulfed in rapidly spreading flames that prevented nearby residents from offering assistance. Firefighters spent more than 20 minutes spraying water to contain and extinguish the fire. Once inside to conduct a search, authorities discovered the severely charred remains of a 62-year-old man. Investigation revealed that the victim was alone in the house at the time of the fire and was unable to escape in time before being overcome by the flames. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the true cause of the fire and will coordinate evidence collection for further legal action.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Arrest of Thai Man Forced to Work as Scammer in Cambodia, Assaulted When Refusing, Coerced into Impersonating Police

A 33-year-old Thai man was arrested at the Nong Khai-Laos border after being trafficked to Cambodia where he was tortured and forced to impersonate police in scam operations. He had escaped to Laos seeking legitimate work before being depor

5h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2025, Deputy Commander Theeyaphat Rangsipramanakul of Nong Khai Immigration, along with immigration officials, received custody of 102 Thai nationals suspected of involvement in scamming operations from Laos at the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge checkpoint in Muang Nong Khai District. Among them was 33-year-old Phongthep from Nonthaburi, subject to arrest warrant No. 125/2566 issued on January 13, 2566, facing charges including fraud, impersonation, gang membership, transnational organized crime participation, computer fraud, and money laundering, with the Anti-Scamming Division handling the case.

During interrogation, Phongthep stated that in 2566, a friend named Aek invited him to work as a call center employee in Cambodia. He illegally crossed the border through Sakaew Province and was detained for 12 days upon arrival. When offered illegal work, Phongthep refused and was threatened for payment of 30,000 baht or to have relatives send money. Unable to comply, he was tortured with electric shocks and forced to read scripts impersonating a police officer receiving complaints for two months before escaping back to Thailand. In mid-April 2567, seeing an online job posting for packaging work in Laos, he crossed the border illegally through Nakhon Phanom Province to Savannakhet Province in Laos. Though employers provided accommodation, he was arrested by Lao authorities and deported to Thailand before starting work.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Officer Killed in Ambush Attack at New Sai Buri Police Station; Authorities Launch Manhunt

A police officer was killed in a gun ambush at Sai Buri Police Station in Pattani province on May 22. Authorities are hunting unknown gunmen who opened fire before fleeing the scene.

5h ago Khaosod

A police officer has been killed following an ambush attack by unknown assailants at the new Sai Buri Police Station. At approximately 18:40 on May 22, 2569, gunmen of unknown number fired on police officers stationed at the facility in tambon Tabing, Sai Buri district, Pattani province, using firearms of unidentified type and caliber. Police Officer Nattawut Suratdet sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Somdet Phra Yupracha Hospital in Sai Buri, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Officers immediately returned fire, causing the assailants to retreat and flee the scene. Authorities have secured the area, collected evidence, and launched an urgent investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. The Internal Security Command Region 4 is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information or leads about the incident is urged to contact the Region 4 Command Center hotline at 1341 or report to local task force units available 24 hours a day to help maintain safety in the area.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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