Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week as an Alcohol Law Amendment in Thailand Causes Mass Confusion, and More

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, November 3rd, to Sunday, November 9th 2025.

They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

  1. Thai immigration authorities have arrested a 22-year-old Israeli man wanted for an armed robbery in his home country, intercepting him at Koh Samui International Airport just as he prepared to flee the island paradise.

Israeli Fugitive Nabbed at Koh Samui Airport

2. As the high season kicks off, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is ramping up efforts to lure 6.71 million foreign visitors in November and December, aiming to salvage a revised annual target of 33.4 million arrivals despite a concerning 3.94% dip in October numbers.

Thailand Tourism Faces Uphill Battle as Government Targets 6.71 Million Visitors in November-December to Hit Revised 33.4 Million Annual Goal

3. Thailand ushered in an overhaul of its alcohol regulations with the enforcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025), aiming to tighten controls on marketing, advertising, and consumption while introducing steeper penalties for violations.

Editorial: Alcohol Law Amendment in Thailand Causes Mass Confusion, Differing Statements, Demand For Changes From Hospitality Industry

4. Thousands of Thai and foreign residents marked Loy Krathong across Pattaya and Banglamung district on Wednesday night, continuing the ancient tradition under a veil of national mourning for Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.

Pattaya Residents Observe Loy Krathong in Somber Tribute to Her Royal Majesty Queen Mother Sirikit

5. A long-simmering feud between two neighboring households in Sri Racha district erupted into a heated confrontation involving verbal abuse and a firearm threat, all sparked by disputes over cats allegedly defecating on each other’s property.

Neighbor Dispute Over Pet Cat Escalates to Gun Threat and Dueling Police Reports in Sri Racha

6. Residents in Pattaya have alerted media to a widespread proliferation of mysterious QR code stickers plastered by unknown individuals on public utility poles, signs, and building walls across the city, particularly in bustling tourist zones frequented by foreign visitors.

Pattaya Plagued by Illegal QR Code Stickers Linking to Online Porn and Contraband Sales, Threatening Tourism Image

7. In an operation late Friday night, Sattahip police seized 49 electronic slot machines, two signal transmitters, and a large cache of electronic equipment while detaining several Chinese and Thai nationals suspected of links to an international scam ring.

Police Raid in Sattahip Seizes 49 Slot Machines, Targets Chinese Scam Network

8. A 32-year-old Russian tourist tragically drowned off Nai Thon Beach in Phuket’s Thalang District on Monday evening, prompting a swift multi-agency search and renewed warnings about swimming during hazardous sea conditions.

UPDATE: Russian Tourist Drowns Off Nai Thon Beach

9. Thai authorities have arrested a 27-year-old Russian national for allegedly promoting the sale of illegal drugs through QR code stickers distributed across Phuket’s tourist hotspots.

Russian Man Arrested for Promoting Illegal Drug Sales via QR Code Stickers Across Phuket

10. Four foreign tourists were safely rescued late Wednesday night after their speedboat ran aground on rocks near Maiton Island, prompting a coordinated maritime response amid challenging sea conditions.

Four Foreign Tourists Rescued After Speedboat Runs Aground Near Maiton Island

11. Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide and caused a power pole to collapse in Patong on Thursday afternoon, damaging two homes and prompting an urgent response from local authorities.

Landslide and Power Pole Collapse Strike Patong Amid Torrential Rain

12. Security personnel at Phuket International Airport, in coordination with immigration police and customs officers, apprehended a 25-year-old Israeli national for illegal possession of firearm ammunition during a routine baggage inspection.

Israeli Man Arrested at Phuket Airport for Possession of Unauthorized Ammunition

That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support.

Goong Nang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for more than eight years and has worked with The Pattaya News for six years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.