Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, April 28th, to Sunday, May 4th, 2025.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
Let’s get started and see what the top stories were!
- Pattaya police continued to detain Mr. Tong Yuan Fu, the Chinese suspect in the gruesome murder of a transgender woman in Pattaya as we reported here.
The family has also met with prominent LGBTQIA+ rights Groups SWING Thailand who have pledged to assist them in finding justice for Note and full accountability for the suspect.
2. The Chonburi Immigration Office revoked the visa of Mr. Mustafa Hakan Aslan, a 25-year-old Belgian national, and ordered his deportation after he caused disturbances and damaged property in two separate incidents at convenience stores within a week.
Aslan was informed of the visa cancellation and will be detained for deportation. His details will be added to a blacklist, barring him from re-entering Thailand.
3. A late-night fire in the early morning of Tuesday (April 29th) broke out at a well-known nightclub in Phuket Town, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting emergency responders to take swift action.
Fire Erupts at Popular Nightclub in Phuket Town, All Staff and Guests Escape Uninjured – VIDEO
Neighbors saw smoke and heard two explosion-like noises before alerting emergency services.
4. An Israeli suspect has been arrested for stealing a motorcycle from a hospital parking lot in Wichit.
The stolen motorcycle was returned to its rightful owner on April 30th, bringing an end to the ordeal.
5. Thailand officially implemented the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a mandatory online immigration form replacing the paper-based TM6 for all foreign travelers entering the country by air, land, or sea.
Thailand Officially Launches Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC
The system, accessible at tdac.immigration.go.th, requires travelers to submit personal details, travel itineraries, accommodation information, and a health declaration within 72 hours before arrival.
6. The Thai government has intensified its response to a Zoonotic anthrax outbreak in Don Tan District, Mukdahan Province, after a second confirmed case and one death were reported, marking the country’s first anthrax-related fatality in decades.
Thai Government Escalates Zoonotic Anthrax Response Following Confirmed Case in Mukdahan
The outbreak, linked to the consumption of undercooked beef during a religious festival, has prompted a public health and livestock containment strategy to curb the spread of the deadly zoonotic disease.
7. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced Sunday that casinos, as part of Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex policy, will promote “responsible gambling” to address public concerns.
Speaking on her “Empowering Thais” program on NBT, she outlined measures to ensure the controversial plan prioritizes tourism and economic growth while curbing social harms.
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support!
