Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, October 20th, to Sunday, October 26th 2025.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
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Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand passed away peacefully at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, at the age of 93.
Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand Passes Away at 93
The nation mourns the loss of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, a beloved figure whose grace and dedication to the Thai people will be remembered forever.
2. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party, announced her resignation from the party leadership citing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the party ahead of the upcoming general election.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra Resigns as Pheu Thai Party Leader, Signals Major Party Overhaul
The resignation has sparked speculation about who will succeed Paetongtarn and how the party will redefine itself.
3. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an executive orders revoking permissions for poker tournaments and “Pai Phae” card games, which had been operating under the guise of sporting or recreational activities after a previous order by the prior Pheu Thai government.
Thai Prime Minister Revokes Permissions for Poker and Traditional Thai Card Games as Sports
Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint declaration on Sunday in Malaysia pledging an end to hostilities along their long-disputed border, with U.S. President Donald Trump presiding over the ceremony as a key witness.
4. Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint declaration on Sunday in Malaysia pledging an end to hostilities along their long-disputed border, with U.S. President Donald Trump presiding over the ceremony as a key witness.
The signing brought together Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, flanked by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
5. Two Indian nationals, Mr. Anower, 52, and Mr. Hasan, 38, reported a theft to Pattaya City Police at 1:06 AM on October 23rd, 2025, after allegedly being robbed of over 50,000 baht in cash. The incident occurred at a hotel in Soi Beach Road 13/4.
Indian Tourists Allegedly Robbed of 50,000 Baht by Woman in Pattaya Hotel Room
Authorities are continuing their investigation and pursuing legal action to identify and apprehend the suspect.
6. On October 20th, 2025, at 3:19 PM, the Pattaya Vegetarian Festival 2025 officially commenced with a ceremonial procession. Pattaya Mayor Pormase Ngampichet led the ritual to invite the deities “Kiew Ong Huk Joew” and “Phra Bodhisattva” to reside at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation (Naklua Shrine).
Pattaya Vegetarian Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Grand Ceremony
The festival, held from October 20 to 30, 2025, at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation (Naklua Shrine), features a variety of vegetarian food stalls surrounding the shrine.
7. A fatal motorcycle accident claimed the lives of an American man and his Thai girlfriend today, October 20th, 2025, at 7:16 AM, along a notorious curve on Jomtien Second/Thappraya Road in Pattaya.
American Man and Thai Girlfriend Killed in Morning Motorcycle Crash in Pattaya
A white Yamaha R7 700cc motorcycle, registered in Chonburi, was found overturned after crashing into the median and skidding across the road.
8. Pattaya City will host the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet will bring the event’s planning to a meeting with relevant agencies on Monday, October 27th, 2025.
9. Heavy rainfall swept across Phuket early Monday morning (October 20th), triggering flash floods and traffic disruptions in multiple areas across the island province.
10. The rhythmic beat of drums, the crackle of firecrackers, and a sea of white-clad devotees signaled the start of one of Thailand’s most revered spiritual traditions—the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
11. Police in Patong, arrested a 36-year-old Kuwaiti national for possession of crystal methamphetamine and overstaying his visa.
12. A joint task force led by the Koh Pha-ngan Police Station’s Special Operations Center has raided a large-scale vehicle rental business allegedly operated illegally by a Russian national. The business was run by a Russian owner based in Phuket.
13. Immigration authorities in Phuket raided five businesses in Patong suspected of operating under illegal foreign ownership structures, commonly referred to as “nominee arrangements.”
Israelis Arrested after Five Businesses Raided For Suspected Nominee Violations
14. Two tourists—a Thai national and a German visitor—were safely rescued after going missing during a diving trip near Racha Noi Island, a popular destination off the coast of Phuket.
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
