Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week Monday, February 23rd, to Sunday, March 1st 2026.
They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
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The Department of Land Transport (DLT) in Thailand has officially launched the “Taxi Dee Prom” (or “Taxi ดีพร้อม”) system, an innovative QR code-based safety and verification initiative designed to enhance passenger security and service quality in public taxis.
Thailand Launches Innovative QR Code System For Taxi Safety and Real Time Complaints
2. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued an urgent advisory due to military tensions between Israel and Iran. In response to recent airstrikes and missile operations, several Middle Eastern countries have closed or restricted their airspace to protect civil aviation.
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Issues Advisory Amid Middle East Airspace Closures
3. Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, popularly known as “Mayor Beer,” has pushed forward with enforcement measures against a building owner found in violation of building control regulations.
4. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has dismantled a cross-border scam network involving a Russian national and a Thai woman, who allegedly used mule accounts to withdraw large sums of cash across Pattaya and surrounding areas, with funds circulating in the millions of baht.
CIB Busts Russian-Led Scam Gang Operating in Pattaya, Involving Millions in Circulating Funds
5. A 55-year-old German tourist has commended the rapid response and efficiency of Pattaya police after officers quickly apprehended suspects involved in the theft of cash from his hotel room, followed by a physical assault on the city’s beach.
German Tourist Praises Pattaya Police for Swift Arrest of Suspects in Robbery and Assault Case
Thai police believe one of the two remaining fugitives in a high-profile assault case involving a German tourist is the same individual who, just hours later, allegedly stole cash from a South Korean man and went on a destructive rampage at a pool villa in the Huay Yai area.
The Tourist Police Division 4, Region 2, under the Tourist Police Bureau Region 1, successfully apprehended a suspect wanted for robbing a Chinese tourist in a hotel room incident that occurred earlier this month.
Pattaya Tourist Police Arrest Transgender Suspect in Robbery of Chinese Tourist
6. Officers from the Pattaya Immigration Police conducted a midnight raid on a location in central Pattaya, apprehending four Chinese nationals who were allegedly operating an illegal mahjong gambling session.
7. A pickup truck transporting Myanmar migrant workers overturned in Sri Racha district, Chonburi province, on the morning of February 28, 2026, injuring 15 people.
15 Myanmar Migrant Workers Injured in Pickup Truck Accident in Sri Racha
8. A gang of three hooded robbers armed with knives stormed a townhouse in a gated community in Nong Prue, late Thursday night, overpowering a British resident and his Thai girlfriend before escaping with a safe containing over 2 million baht in cash, says the victim.
Police in Pattaya have intensified their manhunt for a gang of three hooded robbers who stormed a rented home in a gated community and made off with a safe containing over 2 million baht in cash from a British chef.
A gang of robbers who Pattaya police say appeared to have mimicked tactics from the blockbuster film series Fast & Furious by using three vehicles to evade detection has been a subject of major investigation following a daring home invasion robbery in Pattaya, Thailand.
10. Phuket Governor Nirut Phongsitthithavorn has announced an ambitious plan requiring all local administrative organizations across the province to manage and eliminate food waste within their own jurisdictions by next year.
11. Police in Patong have arrested a 29‑year‑old Turkish/Swedish dual national following the death of an Australian tourist who was fatally injured after being struck during a street altercation.
Foreign Man Charged After Fatal Assault on Australian Tourist in Patong Following Road Rage Incident
12. Tourist police on Koh Phangan have arrested a 33‑year‑old Russian man after discovering a dangerous mix of illicit drugs inside his rented residence.
Russian Man Arrested on Koh Phangan with Deadly Drug Cocktail
13. As of 8:00 a.m. on March 1, 2026, Phuket International Airport (HKT) reported that ongoing hostilities in the Middle East have disrupted 22 flights across four airlines: Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Unicair (private flights), and Air Arabia. The disruptions include 11 arrivals and 11 departures.
Phuket Airport Reports Flight Disruptions Amid Middle East Instability
That’s all for this week!
