Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Fuel Situation Causes Widespread Worry, Anutin Becomes PM Officially, 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 16th to Sunday, March 22nd 2026. They are not in any…*

A passenger van carrying Russian tourists crashed into a roadside barrier and utility pole in Phuket early Monday morning, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to 12 others, including the driver. The accident occurred on March 23, 2026, as the vehicle was traveling along a major route popular with foreign visitors.

Tourist Safety and Emergency Response in Phuket

Emergency responders arrived at the crash site within 15 minutes of the initial call, providing immediate medical attention to the injured. The van, which was transporting 13 people, struck the barrier at approximately 4:30 a.m. The fatality was confirmed at the scene, while the remaining passengers were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Phuket for treatment. Authorities identified the deceased as a 34-year-old Russian national, and police are working with the Russian consulate to notify her family.

Broader National Incidents and Travel Concerns

Elsewhere in Thailand, a viral video of a 26-year-old Japanese tourist being assaulted by a group of five to six men in Pattaya has prompted an intensive investigation by local tourist police. The suspects, believed to be motorcycle taxi app riders, allegedly attacked the victim in the early hours of Saturday, March 21. In a separate incident, more than 30 transgender women clashed in Pattaya’s nightlife district on Friday morning, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Meanwhile, the Pattaya Music Festival 2026 attracted thousands to Samae Beach on Koh Larn, with performances on March 20 and 21 drawing both locals and international visitors.

Authorities in Phuket are reviewing road safety measures for tourist transport operators, while national police continue to address high-profile incidents affecting foreign visitors across Thailand.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/23/top-national-thailand-stories-from-the-past-week-fuel-situation-causes-widespread-worry-anutin-becomes-pm-officially-and-more/