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Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has concluded that there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal and disciplinary proceedings against six suspects, including five police officers, over the alleged extortion of 6 million baht from British fugitive Ritesh Patel. Patel, who was wanted in the United Kingdom on alleged drug trafficking charges, fled first to Dubai before arriving in Thailand in June 2022. Immigration authorities later arrested him in Phuket

A Turkish national has been arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport after customs officers allegedly discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside packages of coffee and chocolate. According to Thailand's Customs Department, the suspect arrived on June 25 aboard a flight from Brazil. During a routine baggage inspection, officers uncovered cocaine, classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, hidden among food products. Authorities said the seized

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has carried out a series of coordinated operations across southern provinces, dismantling major online gambling and fraud networks with combined financial activity and damages approaching one billion baht. Speaking at a press conference held on June 21 at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Tinnakorn Rangmat said the nationwide operation resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects and the seizure of asse

While the academic year is only beginning in Thai schools, international schools are already reaching the end of theirs. Graduation season marks an important milestone for senior students, many of whom are saying goodbye not only to their school but also to Phuket as they prepare to continue their education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries. One of the most anticipated events of the school year has already taken pla

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has launched the third phase of its campaign targeting foreign nominee networks in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, stepping up efforts to combat illegal business operations and concealed foreign ownership. The latest operation was officially launched at Mueang Phuket Police Station and brings together the Royal Thai Police, Immigration Bureau, Department of Lands, and several other government agencies in a coordinated enforce

A Chinese national was arrested at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport after allegedly attempting to bring a large shipment of Cuban cigars into Thailand without declaring them to customs authorities. According to Thailand’s Customs Department, the passenger arrived from Hong Kong on June 13. During a baggage inspection, officers discovered six packages containing imported cigars of various brands and types. The total value of the seized tobacco products was estimated at approximate

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), the operator of Thailand’s premium long-term residency program under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has reaffirmed its commitment to strict member screening procedures by working closely with five government security agencies. The company said the enhanced verification process is designed to ensure a high-quality membership base, strengthen national security, and support Thailand’s reputation as one of the

Thailand is moving forward with plans to launch a seaplane service between Phuket and Krabi by the end of 2026, aiming to improve travel links across the Andaman region and attract more high-spending visitors. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Phiriswattana, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy led by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to strengthen transportation networks and support Thailand’s ambition of becoming a r

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has identified fraudulent student visas as one of the primary targets of its new enforcement campaign, “3 No’s: No Entry, No Stay, No Escape.” The focus became clear following an English-language publication released by Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department (PRD Thailand) on June 6. The report summarized the Immigration Bureau’s performance during the first five months of 2026 and highlighted several key priorities aimed at strengthen

Small restaurants in Thailand’s tourist destinations are increasingly facing a frustrating problem: some foreign visitors finish their meals and then refuse to pay, knowing that business owners have limited options for recovering even modest amounts of money. In one widely discussed case, a Russian couple left a restaurant in Mai Khao, Phuket, in April 2024 without paying the full bill, withholding just 120 baht — roughly three US dollars. When confronted by the owner, they r

Buddhists across Thailand are celebrating Visakha Bucha, one of the most important religious holidays in the Buddhist calendar. Morning ceremonies were held at temples nationwide, while candlelit processions are expected to take place later in the evening. Visakha Bucha commemorates three key events in the life of the Buddha — his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. According to Buddhist tradition, all three events occurred on the full moon of the sixth lunar mont

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau and other government agencies will suspend operations on June 1 and June 3 in observance of national holidays. June 2, however, will remain a regular working day. The additional holiday on Monday, June 1, was granted because Visakha Bucha Day falls on Sunday, May 31 this year. Visakha Bucha, also known internationally as Vesak, is considered one of the most important Buddhist celebrations. Observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, the h

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has officially forwarded the case files and all 31 suspects connected to the Villa Andaman nominee property investigation to the Office of the Special Litigation Prosecutor, marking a major step in one of Thailand’s largest crackdowns on illegal foreign-controlled real estate operations in Phuket and Koh Samui. The investigation focuses on a network of law firms and consulting companies suspected of helping foreign investor

Nearly half of Thai businesses admit to paying bribes or providing benefits to government officials in order to simplify business procedures, according to a new survey conducted by Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). The study was carried out by the committee’s analytical division as part of its Zero Corruption campaign during March and April 2026. A total of 401 business executives and company representatives participated in the su

The Andaman coast has become the center of a major regional naval exercise as Thai and Singaporean warships arrived in Phuket to participate in the annual SINGSIAM 2026 joint maritime drills. The participating vessels include the Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Taksin, which sailed from the Gulf of Thailand, alongside two Singapore Navy ships — RSS Unity (17) and RSS Stalwart (72). This year’s SINGSIAM exercise is being hosted by Singapore and is taking place in the Andaman Sea

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism is continuing to move forward with plans to introduce a tourist entry fee for all foreign visitors entering the country. Officials now say the payment system could eventually be integrated directly into the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) platform. The proposal was discussed during the “Thai Tourism Amid the Global Crisis” forum held in Bangkok on May 20. Speaking at the event, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phanchanworakun said Thaila

Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has dismantled a major heroin trafficking network that was allegedly supplying narcotics to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. One of the suspects was arrested moments before boarding transport to Phuket while allegedly carrying 16 kilograms of heroin intended for distribution on the island. According to information released by CIB officials during a press conference on May 19, police arrested a Nigerian national identified as Chiadika

Thailand’s government has confirmed plans to cancel the 60-day visa-free entry program introduced in 2024 for citizens of 93 countries and territories. However, authorities also made clear that the country will not simply return to the previous system that existed before the reform. The announcement followed a cabinet meeting held on May 19 and was officially published by Thailand’s Public Relations Department (PRD Thailand) on May 20. Despite the confirmation, the government

The Similan Islands National Park has announced tourism revenue exceeding 215 million baht during the 2026 season, marking one of the strongest financial performances in the park’s history before its annual seasonal closure. Park Chief Sirivat Suebsai said the famous marine park welcomed more than 400,000 visitors between November and May, with international travelers accounting for over 90% of arrivals. Despite a slight decrease in the total number of tourists compared to la

Thai authorities have launched an intensive search operation after a tourist went missing when a kayak overturned in rough seas near Railay Bay in Krabi province. According to officials from Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, two tourists rented a kayak and departed from Railay Bay before encountering strong winds and heavy waves earlier this week. The kayak reportedly capsized around half a nautical mile from the shore after being caught in deteriorating weathe