Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, July 7th, to Sunday, July 13th, 2025.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
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Pattaya Tourist Police executed a raid on a lavish villa in a high-end community following reports of a Chinese national flaunting firearms on social media.
Pattaya Tourist Police Raid Luxury Villa of Chinese National Posing with Guns on Social Media
Mr. Liu claimed he only possessed BB guns and that the firearms in his social media photos and videos belonged to friends or were borrowed from a shooting range for posing purposes.
2. A gang of three Russian nationals allegedly stole 2 kilograms of premium organic cannabis valued at 160,000 baht from a cannabis clinic.
Authorities are investigating and urge anyone with information about the suspects or the vehicle to come forward.
3. Khao Kheow Open Zoo hosted a grand celebration titled Happy Deng Day to mark the first birthday of Moo Deng, the beloved pygmy hippopotamus who has captured hearts worldwide.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo Celebrates Happy Deng Day for Moo Dengs First Birthday
An exclusive auction of Moo Deng memorabilia, including her favorite bucket, paw prints, and first-ever photos, raised funds to support sustainable animal care at the zoo.
4. Thai authorities apprehended Mr. Hao Yong, a Chinese national, at Suvarnabhumi Airport as he attempted to flee to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hao Yong is accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and robbery of a Chinese businessman in Pattaya, as we have been reporting here for the past two days.
Thai Police Arrest Alleged Mastermind of Kidnapping and Robbery of Chinese Man in Pattaya
5. In a proactive move showing Thailand’s commitment to disaster readiness, officials in Phuket participated in a nationwide virtual meeting to enhance preparedness for earthquakes and tsunamis.
Phuket Stays Alert as Regional Quakes Bring Reassurance on Tsunami Preparedness
The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Interior, brought together provincial leaders and national disaster response teams following recent seismic activity in Japan and the Nicobar Islands, India.
6. Authorities in Patong have arrested two individuals—a Swedish national and a Thai woman—in connection with cocaine trafficking.
Swedish and Thai Suspects Arrested in Patong Over Cocaine Distribution
The suspects are a 41-year-old Swedish man and a 32-year-old Thai woman.
7. In a transformative move for Thailand’s southern infrastructure, the Department of Highways has officially launched a landmark initiative to boost traffic efficiency and regional growth: the design and construction of the nation’s first-ever suspension bridge linking Phang Nga and Phuket.
Thailands Ambitious Proposal for First Suspension Bridge to Connect Phang Nga and Phuket
The project includes comprehensive upgrades to existing structures such as the historic Sarasin Bridge, alongside new alignments that connect the proposed bridge to emerging expressway routes like the Muang Mai–Kathu corridor and the Patong Tunnel.
8. A routine marine excursion took an unexpected turn when a tour vessel named Poseidon, carrying five international tourists, encountered engine trouble while returning from a sea trip.
Five Foreign Tourists Rescued After Tour Boat Leak off Phuket
9. Thailand’s Cabinet announced the withdrawal of the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill, which aimed to legalize casino gambling within integrated resorts to boost tourism and economic growth.
Thai Cabinet Withdraws Controversial Casino Entertainment Complex Bill Amid Political Turmoil
For now, the future of legalized casinos in Thailand remains uncertain.
10. As Thailand observes Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day on July 10 and 11, 2025, respectively, both tourists and locals are grappling with confusion and frustration over the country’s evolving alcohol regulations.
Confusion and Frustration Surround Thailands Alcohol Laws on Religious Holidays
The new policy, published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on May 9th, 2025, allows alcohol sales on these holidays at specific venues: international airports, licensed hotels, registered entertainment venues in entertainment zones (such as bars and clubs), and locations hosting major national or international events in designated “tourism zones.”
