Pattaya —
A group of six boys and two girls, whose ages only range from 14 to 16 years old, were arrested by Pattaya Police on Monday, July 29th, for carrying samurai swords and several other weapons.

The arrest occurred around 6 PM near the Pattaya Police Station’s Dongtan substation. Police confiscated three samurai swords, each measuring around 30-50 cm long, six pocket knives, and three brass knuckles from the teens, who were found gathering among a large number of unsuspecting tourists.The arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen who observed the teens drawing their weapons into view.

Police quickly arrived to find the group visibly nervous and, upon searching, discovered the guns hidden in their pants and bags.

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The teenagers claimed that they were carrying the weapons to assist a friend who had allegedly been kidnapped and assaulted by unknown assailants.

They stated that they brought the guns for self-defense while attempting to help their friend. However, the police were unconvinced by their explanation and took them into custody at Pattaya Police Station’s Dongtan substation.

The teens’ parents were contacted to come and potentially face legal action.

Pattaya —

Pattaya City has suspended nine beach umbrella operators for unfair practices against tourists during the recent extended holiday in Thailand.

Mr. Wuttisak Rermkijakarn, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, announced that this decision followed complaints from tourists about some umbrella vendors’ unfair practices, particularly during Thailand’s recent three-day holiday period.

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Among the nine operators, eight are first-time offenders and have been ordered to cease operations for two weeks, from July 30th to August 15th, 2024. One repeat offender operator faces a two-month suspension from July 30th to October 1st, 2024.

Mr. Wuttisak warned that any operators violating the city’s regulations a third time would face permanent license revocation.

The city’s regulations require vendors to pay an annual fee of only 750 baht and to treat tourists well, as positive experiences lead to good first impressions and better word-of-mouth promotion. Mr. Wuttisak emphasized the importance of beach umbrellas in providing convenience to tourists and urged all vendors to adhere to these guidelines.

Pattaya City has also set guidelines for umbrella operations, including a mandatory one-day off per month for vendors. During the low season, vendors must take two days off per month to help restore the beach’s natural beauty.

Mr. Wuttisak encouraged anyone experiencing unfair treatment by beach vendors to report it to Call Center 1337 or via the Pattaya City Mayor’s direct Facebook page. The city will investigate all complaints and act appropriately if violations are confirmed.

The details of how the operators exploited tourists were kept from the public and media.

Sisaket —

At 9:30 PM on July 22nd, 2024, Mueang Sisaket police received a report of a shooting incident that left four people dead at a residence in Mueang, Sisaket.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of four victims: Duangduean, 41, a primary school principal; her new husband, Pramat, 39, a lawyer; Duangduean’s mother, Yokmanee, 66; and her brother-in-law, Bunluen, 61. Duangduean’s 10-year-old son survived the ordeal and sought help from neighbors.

According to Dutchadaporn, 63, Bunluen’s wife, the suspect is believed to be Pathapee, 42, Duangduean’s ex-husband and former school principal in Buriram. After their separation, Duangduean moved in with Pramat, her new husband, which allegedly fueled Pathapee’s resentment.

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The couple’s bitter disputes over property and defamation cases added to the tension. Pathapee had previously distributed threatening leaflets targeting his ex-wife.

Following the mass shooting, Pathapee fled, and Sisaket police pursued him in collaboration with Buriram authorities. They later found Pathapee dead in his car from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on a road in Buriram, bringing the total death toll from the tragic incident to five.