Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Airplane Suffers Hard Landing in Phuket, and More

*The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, March 9th to Sunday, March 15th 2026. They are not in any…*

Published: 2026-03-16 21:38 UTC Event date: 2026-03-16

Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Airplane Suffers Hard Landing in Phuket, and More

Phuket Airport Hard Landing Causes Runway Delays

A passenger aircraft suffered a hard landing at Phuket International Airport late Wednesday morning, March 11th, 2026, resulting in its nose wheel detaching from the axle and causing significant disruptions. The incident led to delays for multiple flights as the affected plane blocked the runway, prompting Phuket International Airport to issue a formal apology to passengers, airlines, and service users. Emergency crews responded swiftly and no injuries were reported, but the malfunction required several hours to clear and inspect the runway.

Bangkok Named Best City in Asia for 2026

Bangkok has been recognised as the Best City in Asia for 2026 in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards by DestinAsian magazine. The Thai capital surpassed other major destinations such as Tokyo and Singapore in the rankings, reflecting its continued appeal to international travellers. This recognition highlights the city’s strong tourism sector and its importance to Thailand’s national economy.

Pattaya Crime: Illegal Clinics and Drug Raids

Chonburi Immigration Police Division officers arrested a 34-year-old Russian national in central Pattaya for allegedly operating an unlicensed beauty enhancement clinic from a condominium unit. In a separate incident on March 11th, Immigration Police Division 3 raided a residence in central Pattaya, apprehending a Chinese national suspected of running an online operation selling nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas,” as well as illicit substances and vape products called “Zombie Pods” laced with dangerous drugs. Police also seized an illegal firearm and ammunition during the raid.

Pattaya Hotel Owner Reports Cryptocurrency Theft

A 42-year-old hotel owner in Pattaya has appealed to the media after discovering that his cryptocurrency holdings, valued at over 6.5 million baht (approximately $180,000 USD), were allegedly sold without his authorization via a popular Thai trading app. The incident left him with less than 50,000 baht remaining in his account. The case has raised concerns about the security of digital assets and the need for stronger protections for investors in Thailand.

Pattaya Music Festival Draws Crowds to Jomtien Beach

The Pattaya Music Festival 2026 continued with its second weekend, attracting large crowds to Jomtien Beach for another series of live performances. The event, which has become a staple of the local entertainment calendar, featured a diverse lineup of artists and contributed to the city’s vibrant nightlife. Organisers reported a successful turnout for Week 2, Day One, with no major incidents.

Context and What’s Next

These stories reflect a dynamic week across Thailand, with Phuket experiencing travel disruptions, Bangkok earning international accolades, and Pattaya seeing both law enforcement activity and major entertainment events. Authorities are continuing investigations into the alleged illegal activities in Pattaya and the cryptocurrency theft. Meanwhile, Phuket International Airport is reviewing its emergency protocols following the hard landing, and Bangkok’s tourism sector is expected to benefit from its new title as Asia’s top city. Further updates are anticipated as investigations progress and events unfold.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/16/top-national-thailand-stories-from-the-past-week-airplane-suffers-hard-landing-in-phuket-and-more/