Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, March 9th to Sunday, March 15th 2026.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
- Bangkok has been ranked the Best City in Asia for 2026 in the Readers’ Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine, surpassing major regional destinations including Tokyo and Singapore. The recognition underscores the strong appeal of Thailand’s capital among international travelers.
2. In an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, a Thai-registered cargo ship was struck by an unidentified projectile while attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a fire onboard and the evacuation of its crew.
Thai Cargo Ship Attacked in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iranian Threats to Maritime Traffic
3. Officers from the Chonburi Immigration Police Division arrested a 34-year-old Russian national for allegedly illegally running a beauty enhancement service from a condominium unit in central Pattaya.
4. Officers from Immigration Police Division 3 (Immigration Bureau Region 3) conducted a raid on March 11th, targeting a residence in central Pattaya, leading to the arrest of a Chinese national suspected of running an online operation selling nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, along with illicit substances and vape products commonly called “Zombie Pods” laced with dangerous drugs.
5. A 42-year-old hotel owner in Pattaya has publicly appealed to the media after discovering that his cryptocurrency holdings, valued at over 6.5 million baht (approximately $180,000 USD), were allegedly unauthorizedly sold through a popular Thai trading app, leaving him with less than 50,000 baht.
6. The Pattaya Music Festival 2026 continued its high-energy run with Week 2, Day One, delivering another electrifying weekend of live music at Jomtien Beach.
7. A dramatic incident took place at Phuket International Airport when a passenger aircraft experienced a hard landing late Wednesday morning, causing its nose wheel to detach from the axle.
Airplane Suffers Hard Landing at Phuket Airport, Nose Wheel Detached
Phuket International Airport has formally apologized to passengers, airlines, and service users following delays caused by an aircraft malfunction on the runway after landing on March 11th, 2026.
8. Phuket immigration police have arrested a 46‑year‑old French national wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for attempted murder in France.
French Fugitive Arrested in Phuket Wanted on Interpol Red Notice for Attempted Murder
9. Phuket launched its annual historical extravaganza with grandeur as the province paid tribute to two legendary heroines, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon, through a dazzling light and sound performance at the Thalang Victory Monument (Ban Reang), Thalang.
Phuket Honors Heroic Sisters with Spectacular Light and Sound Show
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
