Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, October 13th, to Sunday, October 19th 2025.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
- The Pattaya-Chonburi Business and Tourism Association has reported an unprecedented surge in hotel bookings ahead of the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, scheduled for November 28-29, 2025.
2. A 31-year-old Brazilian woman, identified as Miss Silva, was arrested in Pattaya early this morning after allegedly assaulting a traffic police officer during a routine traffic stop.
Brazilian Tourist Arrested in Pattaya for Allegedly Assaulting Traffic Police Officer
3. Phuket authorities and local safety advocates are urging heightened vigilance following a disturbing incident in Patong involving a violent assault and robbery targeting a transgender woman known locally as “Barbie.”
Transgender Allegedly Assaulted and Robbed by Foreigner in Patong
Phuket police have apprehended a Pakistani national accused of assaulting a transgender woman and stealing ฿10,000 in cash, following a swift investigation that led to his capture at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
UPDATE: Pakistani Man Arrested Allegedly Assaulting Transgender Woman in Patong
4. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office anticipates a major tourism surge during the island’s iconic Vegetarian Festival, forecasting more than 634,000 visits and over 22 billion baht in revenue throughout the nine-day celebration from October 21–29, 2025.
Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival Expected to Generate Over 22 Billion Baht
5. A dramatic rescue unfolded off Kata Beach on October 16 when a parasailing boat capsized during a sudden storm, prompting a teenage parasailing guide to risk his life to save a tourist.
Parasailing Guide Saves Tourist During Sudden Storm off Kata Beach – VIDEO
6. A late-night blaze severely damaged a luxury residence in Kathu on October 16th, with estimated losses reaching in the tens of millions of baht. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Fire Guts Luxury Home in Kathu With Damages Estimated in the Tens of Millions of Baht
7. The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has issued an urgent scam alert for its nationals traveling to the kingdom, citing a surge in fraud targeting visitors amid a tourism rebound.
Chinese Embassy Warns Tourists of Rising Scams in Thailand Following Viral Tour Bus Incident
8. In a resounding endorsement, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was reinstated as leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party on Saturday, capturing 96.18% of the votes from party members during an extraordinary general assembly.
Former Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva Returns as Democrat Party Leader in Landslide Victory
9. Thailand pauses in solemn reflection to mark the ninth anniversary of the passing of His Royal Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, reverently known as King Rama IX.
Thailand Remembers His Royal Majesty King Rama IX The Great on the Anniversary of His Passing
That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.
