VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (23 April 2026) from Fabulous Radio Pattaya

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Today's very latest news coming to you first from the fabulous Patia Media Group here in Patia. And if you could like and subscribe, that would be amazing. Thank you.

[00:00:12]Thailand's transport landscape could be heading for a major shakeup. The Ministry of Transport has unveiled plans to effectively bring several Bangkok rail lines back under state control in a move aimed at simplifying fairs and easing commuter costs. The proposal would see the government buy back operating concessions from private companies currently running services across the capital. Each of those firms has invested heavily in infrastructure, manages day-to-day operations, and collects ticket revenue. So, this would be no small transition. But the goal is clear. a single ticket system and a fair cap of just 40 BART targeted for rollout by 2027. If it goes ahead, it could finally bring long- awaited integration to Bangkok's rail network and potentially save regular commuters a significant amount each day. Meanwhile, along Thailand's northern frontier, authorities are stepping up security as tensions continue to rise across the border with Myanmar. The interior ministry has ordered stricter safety measures in four key provinces, TAC, Mihong, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.

[00:01:31]Governors have been instructed to increase surveillance, improve coordination, and involve local communities in reporting anything suspicious. It's a familiar pattern.

[00:01:42]Previous escalations in Myanmar have seen thousands of civilians fleeing across the border into Thailand, often housed temporarily before being returned once conditions stabilize.

[00:01:55]In business and national life, Thailand is marking the passing of one of its most influential figures. Pracet Prasatong Os, the founder of one of the country's largest private hospital networks and the driving force behind Bangkok Airways has died at the age of 93. A pioneer in both health care and aviation, he began his career as a surgeon at Siri Hospital before moving into business, founding the Bangkok Hospital Group in 1972.

[00:02:28]His airline, launched even earlier, played a key role in transforming Kosamui into a globally recognized destination with a royal bathing right marking his passing, a significant honor. A former Thai television actress has been sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty in an investment scam case. The court heard that funds entrusted to her by multiple investors were never invested as promised, instead being used for personal gain. Evidence included repeated issuance of bad checks amounting to millions of BART despite multiple opportunities to repay the debts. Her request for bail pending appeal has been filed, but notably the victims in the case have strongly opposed it. Back here in Paya, a late night street fight involving foreign tourists has drawn attention after video footage surfaced online. The incident unfolded around 2:00 a.m. close to the Soy Honey Junction, where two tourists were seen fighting in the street.

[00:03:36]Witnesses say the man who was attacked had earlier been verbally abusing people nearby, both customers and staff, before the situation escalated. At one point, several locals appeared to join the confrontation before motorcycle taxi drivers stepped in to break it up.

[00:03:55]Police arrived shortly afterwards to restore order, but interestingly, as of now, no formal complaints have been filed by either side, leaving the exact cause still unclear. On a more positive note for local health care, Paya's mayor has welcomed a specialist team from the city's preventive medicine service center, highlighting the importance of expanding public health services. The center provides a wide range of support from vaccinations for tropical diseases to testing and counseling for sexually transmitted infections. That's particularly relevant in a city like Paya where both residents and visitors may require accessible confidential health care services. They also issue internationally recognized vaccination certificates, essential for travelers heading to certain parts of the world where diseases such as yellow fever or cholera remain a concern. And finally, a lighter note today. It's St. George's Day, celebrated by the English as the feast day of their patron saint. Whether he really did slay a dragon, well, that's still up for debate. But what's certain is that across Paya there's plenty of celebration going on. Venues are marking the occasion with traditional food, drinks, and a distinctly British atmosphere with one of the longestrunn celebrations taking place at the Loft Pub out by the lake.

[00:05:24]Rumor has it the legend of dragon slaying might even be loosely based on someone a little closer to home. It's rumored that the dragon tale may be based on the loft boss's husband, Ginger Tony, who we are told can breathe fire if need be. Either way, it's a good excuse for a bit of fun. And your weather outlook for today. Partly cloudy skies with a chance of rain. Highs around 32° dropping to 27 tonight.

[00:05:56]Humidity climbing to around 80%. So, expect it to feel warm and sticky out there.

[00:06:02]>> Local and national news today from Fabulous Patia Media Group. And to get a notification every time we release another bulletin or program, like and subscribe to our channel, Fabulous Patia Media Group, by using the link below.

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