The Pattaya News Official

URGENT: ESCAPED CRIMINAL SUSPECT:The man suspected of robbing a number of local businesses in Pattaya that was arrested after a coffee-shop owner kept him talking over beer in Jomtien as reported previously has escaped while being taken to court late this afternoon, leaving the victim fearful and police searching for him, publicly releasing his photo, and asking for the public to report any sightings at the police hotline 191. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/10/20/breaking-suspect-in-coffee-shop-burglary-escapes-pattaya-police-custody-police-ask-for-assistance-if-seen/

JUST IN: Banglamung Canal overflows, leading to what residents in some villages call the worst flooding in 30 years. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/09/26/banglamung-canal-overflows-leading-to-what-residents-say-is-worst-flooding-in-30-years/

JUST IN: Banglamung Canal overflows, leading to what residents in some villages call the worst flooding in 30 years. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/09/26/banglamung-canal-overflows-leading-to-what-residents-say-is-worst-flooding-in-30-years/

BREAKING: All Fifty Districts in Bangkok have been declared public disaster zones due to widespread flooding and continuing rain. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/09/26/bangkok-governor-declares-all-fifty-districts-public-disaster-zones-after-widespread-flooding/

BREAKING: Australian national Simon Peter Carman, 45, appeared for the first time today in a Pattaya court on multiple charges related to the death of a minor found strangled and stuffed in a suitcase in Pattaya in June. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and asked for bail, claiming he isn't a flight risk. The prosecution objected. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/09/18/simon-peter-carman-australian-is-formally-indicted-in-pattaya-on-charges-of-murdering-a-minor-and-stuffing-her-in-a-suitcase-pleads-not-guilty-to-all-charges/

URGENT: Chonburi Governor Rushes to Banglamung Kindergarten After Teacher Shot Dead; School Closed, 44 Children Safe, Shooter Believed to be Teacher's Husband CHONBURI — Panic swept through a municipal kindergarten in Banglamung district on Wednesday after a gunman opened fire on school grounds, killing one teacher. Officials said all 44 children at the school were unharmed. The killing appeared to be targeted and the suspect is reportedly thr teacher's husband. The shooting occurred at Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict Municipality Kindergarten in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Authorities said the attacker used a firearm to kill a teacher on a first-floor walkway of the school building while classes were underway. Teachers and pupils were left shocked by the sudden violence. Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong and Banglamung District Chief Anusak Piriyamon immediately traveled to the scene after receiving the report. They worked with police and local officials to secure the area and restore order. Emergency teams quickly evacuated all 44 students, three remaining teachers and three other school staff members to a safe location. Officials confirmed that none of the children were injured. Governor Naris ordered the kindergarten closed at once and directed that counseling teams be deployed to support children and staff who witnessed the incident. Police said the suspect is believed to be the husband of the victim. After the shooting, he fled to a residence in a local housing estate. Officers have surrounded the house and are negotiating for his surrender. Investigators are examining the motive and other details. Police said they will release further official updates as the inquiry proceeds.

JUST IN: A 31-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced to 46 years in a Thai prison for the illegal possession of military-grade weapons, C4 explosives, an explosive vest, signal-jamming equipment, body armor, grenades, and other prohibited military hardware, the Pattaya Provincial Court ruled this morning. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/08/04/chinese-man-sentenced-to-46-years-in-prison-after-discovery-of-massive-military-grade-weapons-cache-in-pattaya/

BREAKING: Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 34-year-old British man and reported cannabis farm owner who was found stabbed to death in the bathroom of a rented luxury villa in the Nongprue area of Pattaya, and his young British wife has been detained as a person of interest. She has initially claimed her husband injured himself but police are skeptical pointing out several facts that conflict with this statement. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/07/02/british-cannabis-farm-businessman-found-stabbed-to-death-in-pattaya-villa-young-british-wife-detained-for-questioning/

Tomorrow's PRIDE parade will take place still, starting at 430 PM from Central Marina to the Dolphin Roundabout and ending up at Central Mall Pattaya. Thousands of participants, pageant winners, celebrities, influencers, and more will be there. Free admission! For those not interested through traffic should avoid the area, it will be essentially shut down to vehicle traffic.

BREAKING: The Thai Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for more than 90 countries, reverting to the previous visa regulations. The decision, announced on May 19, 2026, by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, marks a big shift in Thailand’s immigration policy. Importantly, the exact dates of implementation were not made clear, with the Tourism minister only saying all relevant agencies and Immigration would be informed of the decision. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/19/thailand-officially-revoking-60-day-visa-free-entry/

URGENT: A 31-year-old Chinese national identified as Mingchen Sun, who is facing charges for concealing C4 explosives and a large cache of war weapons in the Pattaya area, was urgently transported to a local hospital under heavy guard and with a SWAT team on Monday evening after suffering a violent seizure while being processed into Pattaya Special Remand Prison. He is under heavy guard and security has been stepped up at the hospital while he is treated. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/11/chinese-suspect-in-pattaya-military-grade-weapons-cache-case-suffers-seizure-from-severe-stress-rushed-to-hospital/

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation and ordered the immediate shutdown of an illegal nightclub following the death of a Chinese tourist who was brutally assaulted by staff and patrons inside the venue. Ten people from Thailand, China, and Myanmar have been arrested and claimed self defense and that the victim was the instigator. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/07/pattaya-police-chief-orders-immediate-closure-of-illegal-pub-after-chinese-tourist-beaten-to-death-ten-people-arrested/

Pattaya Hosting 15th “Southeast Colors EEC The Food Runway” Seaside Food & Music Festival This Weekend Pattaya, Chonburi Food lovers and beach enthusiasts are invited to the 15th edition of the popular “สีสันตะวันออก EEC The Food Runway” festival, a free-entry event blending gourmet delights, live music, and stunning sea views along Pattaya’s beachfront. The festival will take place starting today from May 1st to the 4th, 2026, at Pattaya Beach Road from around 5 PM to about 10 PM daily. Organizers promise a celebration of Eastern Thailand’s culinary scene and coastal lifestyle. Features: - Over 120 Food Stalls: Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of local specialties, fresh seafood, and street food favorites from Chonburi, Rayong, and Chanthaburi provinces. - EEC Food Runway Contest (May 1st): A unique and creative event where chefs and designers transform food into stunning fashion outfits showcased on a runway. - Four Days of Mini Concerts: - May 1: YOURMOOD - May 2: HERS - May 3: Kan Tong Thung Ngoen (ก้านตอง ทุ่งเงิน) - May 4: Pla Nil Tem Baan (ปลานิลเต็มบ้าน) The event will transform the beachside area into a lively Night Festival atmosphere, allowing visitors to stroll, dine, enjoy sea breezes, and listen to music well into the night. This year’s festival wants to showcase a fresh side of Pattaya beyond its famous beaches, combining gastronomy, culture, and entertainment in one scenic seaside location. Entry is free. Organizers encourage both locals and tourists to come and experience the flavors and vibes of Eastern Thailand’s “Southeast Colors” festival. There are no road closures planned but the area is expected to be VERY busy and on top of a long holiday weekend through traffic should avoid Pattaya Beach Road during the festival.

Pattaya Prepares for Massive Crowds During Songkran and Wan Lai Festival Big Days Next Weekend Authorities are urging residents and visitors to get ready for heavy crowds as Pattaya’s extended Songkran celebrations reach their peak with the Big Day, Wan Lai Pattaya, on April 19th, 2026. The beach road will be fully closed to traffic. Pattaya’s official Songkran festivities this year run from April 17th to the 19th, 2026, transforming the city into a major water festival destination. The main action centers on Pattaya Beach Road, featuring multiple concert stages and activities. While the event promises non-stop fun, officials are implementing strict traffic measures to ensure safety amid expected large crowds, especially on the final day. April 17–18: Main Festival Days The primary zone is Pattaya Beach Road Five concert stages and various activities will keep the atmosphere lively. Daytime: Normal vehicle access remains open. Nighttime: More than 800 police officers and volunteers will manage traffic across Pattaya and Jomtien. April 19: Wan Lai Pattaya The Biggest Day Crowds are expected to be significantly larger than previous days as people flock to the beach and indeed all of Pattaya for the traditional “Wan Lai” water fights. Beach Road Closure: The 3-kilometer stretch of Pattaya Beach Road will be completely closed to all traffic from the Dolphin Roundabout to the Wat Chai Mongkol intersection. Time: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (noon to midnight). Emergency Access: Sois 1 through 13/4 (connecting Beach Road to Second Road) will remain open exclusively for emergency vehicles. Residents and visitors are strongly requested not to park in these lanes to ensure ambulances and rescue teams can pass freely. Regular traffic will NOT be allowed on these sois. Parking Options: Ample parking will be available at shopping malls and public lots in the northern, central, and southern zones of the city. Travel Advice Organizers recommend planning ahead to fully enjoy the festivities. Leaving private vehicles at home and using public transport or designated parking is strongly advised, it will make the experience far more enjoyable and help reduce congestion. Songkran and Wan Lai in Pattaya combine traditional Thai New Year water fights with modern concerts and beach parties, drawing both locals and international tourists. While the event is expected to be highly entertaining, cooperation with traffic measures will help keep everyone safe and ensure smooth operations throughout the celebrations.