Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, May 18th to Sunday, May 24th.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
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In a major operation on May 19th, 2026, Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong and senior police officials led a raid on a suspected drug laboratory in the Banglamung district, uncovering a large-scale production site for chemicals used in drug-laced e-cigarettes, popularly known as “K-pot”, “zombie pods” or “yaa kae.”
Chonburi Authorities Raid Major Chinese Drug Lab Producing Zombie Pods Near Pattaya
2. A Chinese national detained in connection with a major military and explosives weapons seizure in Pattaya has been transferred out of the intensive care unit into a regular hospital room, although under 24/7 heavy guard, after his condition stabilized, authorities confirmed on Monday.
3. Pattaya police are intensifying efforts to restore the city’s reputation as a safe family friendly tourist destination following a brazen robbery of 110,000 Baht from a 67-year-old Swedish man by a group of transgender women in the heart of the city.
4. Firefighters battled a blaze at the J A Plus Hotel in North Pattaya on the evening of May 21st, 2026, forcing the chaotic evacuation of hundreds of guests, many of them foreign tourists.
Four People Injured in Pattaya Hotel Fire, Firefighters Praised For Effort
5. Pattaya City authorities have ordered the temporary suspension of the J A Plus Hotel following a fierce fire that broke out on its rooftop, as officials move to investigate the cause and assess structural safety.
6. In a high-profile operation showing Thailand’s crackdown on transnational crime, investigators from the Immigration Bureau’s Division 3 mobilized forces to arrest two foreign fugitives wanted by their respective governments on the same day, May 23rd, 2026, including a drug trafficking suspect from France hiding in Pattaya.
Wanted French Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested in Pattaya, Chinese Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok
7. Police in Phuket have arrested a 29‑year‑old Russian national after discovering a substantial quantity of narcotics including Ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin, and ecstasy, hidden in his luggage during a routine checkpoint inspection.
Russian Man Arrested at Phuket Checkpoint on Bus from Pattaya with Large Drug Haul
8. The Director-General of Thailand’s Royal Forestry Department has issued an urgent order mandating the removal of 11 unauthorized structures within the protected forest zone at Nui Beach, Phuket, by June 5th, 2026.
Forestry Department Orders Urgent Demolition of Illegal Structures at Nui Beach
9. Private sector leaders in Phuket have voiced support for the government’s recent decision to abolish the 60-day free visa policy for 93 countries, reverting instead to country-specific rules that generally allow stays of around 30 days.
Phuket Businesses Back End of 60-Day Free Visa, Accept Short-Term Dip in Tourism
10. The Thai Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for more than 90 countries, reverting to the previous visa regulations. The decision, announced on May 19, 2026, by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, marks a big shift in Thailand’s immigration policy.
11. Thailand’s Cabinet has officially approved the termination of the 60-day visa-free stay scheme for tourists from 93 countries, reverting most entries to the previous 30-day limit in an yet to be identified near future timetable.
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
