Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, February 16th, to Sunday, February 22nd 2026.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
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A double-decker coach traveling from Phuket to Betong overturned in Trang’s Huai Yot district, leaving more than 30 passengers injured, 10 of them seriously.
Dozens Injured, Driver Loses Leg, as Bus from Phuket Overturns in Trang
2. A 55-year-old American man was brutally assaulted and killed by four Myanmar nationals on a roadside in Bangkok’s Chom Thong.
55-Year-Old American Man Murdered by Four Myanmar Men in Bangkok Over Relationship Dispute
3. Authorities have ordered the closure of 20 schools in the Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani province amid growing concerns over an armed suspect on the run, who is believed to be hiding in the area. The man is wanted in connection with multiple offenses, including assault and illegal use of firearms, stemming from incidents in Chonburi province near Pattaya. The man later surrendered to police peacefully.
4. Thailand’s caretaker government is actively reviewing the current 60-day visa-free entry policy for tourists, with considerations to shorten the permitted stay period, amid growing concerns over misuse by some foreign visitors, confirmed the Thai Foreign Minister this week after a month of unconfirmed rumors and speculation.
5. Authorities have apprehended a 56-year-old man accused of severely injuring a two-year-old female Siberian Husky named “Molly” by dousing her in oil and setting her on fire, an act of extreme animal cruelty that sparked widespread outrage among animal lovers across Thailand.
Thai Police Arrest Suspect in Horrific Burning of Siberian Husky “Molly” in Songkhla
6. A heated confrontation escalated dramatically on the Bangkok-Rayong Motorway late on February 15th, 2026, when a truck driver allegedly shot at a motorway rescue vehicle after being warned about parking in a hazardous spot, before fleeing into nearby woods with a female passenger. He was the same person that led to the manhunt listed above and later surrendered.
7. A major multi-vehicle collision occurred in the early hours of February 19th, 2026, on Sukhumvit Road in the direction towards Pattaya, resulting in three fatalities and 16 injuries.
8. Officials have shut down a Russian-operated bar accused of running without a license, staying open past legal hours, and illegally selling shisha. Two suspects were arrested and a large quantity of contraband was seized.
Russian-Run Bar in Phuket Raided for Alleged Illegal Operations and Shisha Sales
9. Nigerians were arrested on the Bangla Road in Patong allegedly for being part of a major cociane network after a Brazillian male suspect was arrested with 3.1 kilograms of cocaine at the Phuket International Airport.
Nigerians Arrested on Bangla Road in Major Cocaine Network Bust
10. Phuket province has posted its highest flight and passenger figures in eight years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and signaling sustained tourism recovery in early 2026. The latest data further proves the island’s role as one of Thailand’s main international gateways.
That’s all for this week!
