Mr. Chukeat Nongyai, President of the Pattaya Running Association, reported on the event’s objectives. The competition drew strong interest from both Thai and international runners as well as tourists, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.

Organized by Pattaya City’s Office of Tourism and Sports along with the Pattaya Running Association, the event was to promote sports tourism, elevate the standard of trail running in Pattaya to an international level, and advance the city’s image as a concrete “Sports City.”

This year’s race featured two distances, 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres, to accommodate runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced trail athletes. Following the opening ceremony, the presiding officials and participants joined the run along the course amid a joyful and smiling atmosphere. Awards were later presented to the winners in each category.

The Pattaya Trail is regarded as an important activity that stimulates the local economy, adds colour to the tourism sector, and encourages the public to prioritise health through exercise, supporting the sustainable development of Pattaya City in the future.

News by: Ms. Siraprapa Thongsamut
Photos by: Mr. Patiwat Areerattanapitak
Public Relations Division, Office of Tourism and Sports, Pattaya City

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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At 6:00 p.m., Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Damrongkiat Pinijkarn officially opened the event on Pattaya Beach. More than 100 participants, including representatives from the International Dance Council, members of CID UNESCO Thailand, and dancers from 11 countries, took part. The colorful procession drew large crowds of Thai and foreign tourists who gathered to watch.

The parade began near the curve of the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel and continued to the Central Pattaya intersection. Organizers said the activity supports the Thai government’s Soft Power (5F) policy, Food, Film, Fashion, Fighting, and Festival, as a key mechanism to enhance the country’s positive image and attract international visitors seeking diverse cultural experiences. It also seeks to promote peaceful coexistence through arts and culture, strengthen international relations, and raise the profile of Thailand’s cultural tourism on the global stage.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinijkarn expressed delight and pride that Pattaya was part of the event. “Dance is a universal language without borders,” he said. “It can convey emotions, stories, and identities in profound ways. Movement, the sparkle in the eyes, and smiles can connect the hearts of people from different nationalities and foster mutual understanding.”

He stated that the parade was a platform for cultural exchange, showing the world’s diversity through performing arts, dance, and traditional national costumes which are valuable cultural heritages.

The deputy mayor added that folk performances and dance forms from various cultures help preserve roots and traditions passed down through generations. They are part of local ways of life, beliefs, and histories while acting as a bridge for younger generations to learn about and appreciate differences.

“On behalf of Pattaya City, I thank all sectors that helped make this event a success,” Damrongkiat said. “I hope every participant finds joy, lasting impressions, and inspiration from tonight’s international cultural performances. This will contribute to building international friendship and aligns with the city’s policy of developing cooperation with nations across all dimensions in the future.”

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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Born on this day in 1952, His Royal Majesty has served as King since 2016, following in the footsteps of his late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. Throughout his reign, he has continued the tradition of dedication to the well-being of the Thai people and the prosperity of the nation.

The King’s birthday is observed as a national holiday across Thailand. Citizens, communities, and institutions traditionally express their loyalty and respect through ceremonies, charitable activities, and quiet reflection on the values of unity, continuity, and service that the monarchy represents.

On this occasion, Thais at home and abroad, together with friends of Thailand around the world, offer their respectful good wishes for His Royal Majesty’s continued good health and happiness. May the year ahead bring peace and progress to the Kingdom under his reign. Long Live The King!

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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The press conference today was held at the Malia Hotel Pattaya on Pattaya Second Road. The event is jointly promoted by Goldstar Boxing Promotions, Queensberry Promotions, and ISS Corporation (ISS Boxing Gym). Pattaya Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinijkan presided over the launch, joined by boxing legend Tyson Fury and his Polish opponent, Mariusz Wach.

The main event will see the British heavyweight star Tyson Fury face off against the experienced Polish fighter Mariusz Wach in what organizers are billing as a marquee heavyweight clash.

A standout feature of the event is Fury’s decision to fight without taking a purse. All net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Father Ray Foundation, which supports orphans, children with disabilities, underprivileged youth, and other vulnerable groups in Thai society.

Organizers anticipate an attendance of more than 1,500 spectators, including both Thai and international fans. The influx is projected to generate significant economic benefits for Pattaya’s hospitality sector, restaurants, transportation services, shopping malls, and tourism businesses.

“This event not only shows Pattaya’s capabilities in hosting world-class sporting events but also strengthens the city’s image as a premier international destination,” a city representative said.

The bout has received official sanctioning from the World Boxing Council (WBC), ensuring it meets the highest international standards. Fury’s participation has already generated widespread media interest, particularly in the United Kingdom and across Europe, where the charismatic former world champion enjoys a massive following.

The “HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN” is expected to deliver both sporting excitement and meaningful social impact as Pattaya positions itself firmly on the global events calendar.

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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The beachside tournament is to preserve, conserve, and promote Muay Thai as Thailand’s national cultural heritage while positioning the ancient combat sport as a powerful “Soft Power” tool to generate economic value, boost tourism, and elevate competition standards to international levels.

Organizers will transform Central Pattaya Beach into an open-air Muay Thai arena under the concept “Sand Fury,” blending sport, culture, and tourism in one spectacular seaside setting.

Highlight bouts include:
– Sudsakon S. Klinmee vs. Diego Bracero
– Saiyok Pumphanmuang vs. Raven Hunt

The full card features 12 professional fights:

1. Yaowyao Baan Ram Ba vs. Isuzu Srisya Pa Es
2. Petch Harinchai Srisya Pa Fire vs. Case Baan Ram Ba
3. Bigger Srisya Pa Base vs. Mohammed Baan Ram Ba
4. Khaopoon Sudsakon Muay Thai Gym vs. Nilmani Nil Mangkorn Muay Thai Gym
5. Black Shark S. Khon Satun Rao Ja Du Lae Kan vs. Cheyetsaho Gecharang
6. Saiyok Pumphanmuang vs. Raven Hunt
7. Sudsakon S. Klinmee vs. Diego Bracero
8. A-Tem Dif vs. Jake Kennedy
9. Khun Chang Sudsakon Muay Thai Gym vs. Mehdi Ayadi
10. Petch Luk Fluke Srisya Ek Pattaya vs. Lorenzo Olla
11. Chaba Kaeo Srisya Oi Jai vs. Super Fight Srisya Pattaya
12. Krai Thong Sudsakon Muay Thai Gym vs. Petchrat S. Klinmee

Beyond the ring action, visitors can enjoy an Exhibition & Market Zone featuring Thai food stalls from all four regions, displays of Muay Thai equipment and products, souvenir booths, and the Sand Fury Arena, complete with a sand ring, giant LED screens, spectator areas, and dedicated zones for VIP guests, media, and athletes.

Pattaya City invites residents, tourists, and Muay Thai enthusiasts to attend the free event and experience the beauty of traditional Thai boxing techniques while supporting the global promotion of Muay Thai and helping establish Pattaya as a sustainable international destination for sports, culture, and tourism.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Central Pattaya Beach. It starts at 5PM.

—

News: Miss Natthacha Traipipat
Photos: Mr. Thanaphong Unmak
Public Relations Division
Tourism and Sports Office
Pattaya City

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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The “Colors of Faith” festival, officially titled the “Grand Festival of Colors of Faith: Developing Moral Communities with Power, Central Region,” officially opened on Friday evening, July 17th, 2026, along Pattaya Central Beach in Chonburi Province.

Mr. Chaiyaphol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, led the opening ceremony. He was joined by Mr. Phongthasit Pijanand, Deputy Governor of Chonburi Province, and Ms. Kanueng Khaileuanam, Provincial Culture Officer of Chonburi, along with senior government officials, representatives from public and private sectors, local residents, and tourists.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs, along with Chonburi Province and culture offices from across the central region, organized the three-day event running from July 17 to 19, 2026. The festival aims to strengthen moral society through the “Bovor” framework, integrating homes, temples and religious sites, schools, and government agencies, while elevating religious and cultural capital as well as local wisdom to generate sustainable economic value through faith-based and cultural tourism.

Communities from 25 central provinces brought their unique cultural identities, local wisdom, and community products to the beachfront, transforming the stretch from Pattaya Central Beach to the front of Central Pattaya shopping center into a grand “Cultural Street.” The lively bazaar features stalls selling local foods, cultural products, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts, creating a colorful spectacle that has drawn both Thai and international visitors eager to experience Thai heritage up close.

A major part is the open-air exhibition “Proud to Wear Thai, Across the Land,” displayed directly on the sandy beach. Valuable Thai national costumes and regional traditional attire from various eras are showcased under the night lights, with the Gulf of Thailand as a scenic backdrop. The elegant display has quickly become one of the most popular spots for photographs, showing the beauty of Thai textiles and traditional dress.

Throughout the three days, visitors can enjoy contemporary cultural performances, live music, spectacular light-and-sound shows, religious knowledge exhibits, and educational activities suitable for all ages and genders.

Chonburi Province and the Department of Religious Affairs are inviting members of the public and tourists to participate by wearing Thai or traditional attire. Organizers hope attendees will take pride in the nation’s cultural heritage, support community products, and help preserve Thailand’s unique charm for future generations.

The “Colors of Faith” festival continues through Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Pattaya Central Beach and starts around mid afternoon daily.

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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On Saturday, 18 July 2026, Music on the Move and Ocean Marina Pattaya invite the public to experience Music x Marina Experience, a unique cultural event that blends live music with the atmosphere of one of Southeast Asia’s largest yacht marinas.

Inspired by the concept “Where Music Drifts with the Sea,” the event is designed as more than a traditional concert. Instead, it offers an immersive musical journey throughout the marina, inviting visitors to wander, explore, and discover performances unfolding across the waterfront landscape.

From 17:00 to 18:30, guests will encounter a series of accessible and enjoyable chamber music performances presented across three distinctive locations within Ocean Marina:

Dockside Stage – Welcome Aboard
An elegant opening featuring a string ensemble, set against a backdrop of luxury yachts and the golden hues of sunset over the marina.

Along the Deck – Sailing Through Sound
A woodwind ensemble positioned along the marina promenade, allowing music to gradually reveal itself as visitors stroll through the space.

Garden Stage – The Final Harbour
A brass ensemble performance set among Ocean Marina’s palm gardens, bringing the experience to a vibrant and uplifting conclusion.

Beyond the performances, visitors can enjoy Ocean Marina’s waterfront atmosphere, leisure spaces, and marina lifestyle experiences, reflecting the intersection of travel, relaxation, and culture in one destination.

Music x Marina Experience forms part of Music on the Move 2026, a music camp initiative dedicated to bringing classical music beyond traditional concert venues and into public spaces, tourism destinations, and communities. The project aims to create meaningful and memorable experiences for both musicians and audiences through music in unexpected settings.

For Ocean Marina Pattaya, the event also reflects a broader vision of positioning the marina as more than a yacht destination or seaside resort, but as a vibrant hub for lifestyle, culture, and contemporary experiences in Pattaya.

Event Information

Music x Marina Experience
Saturday, 18 July 2026
17:00–18:30
Ocean Marina Pattaya Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien
Free Admission

More information: https://musiconthemove.pgvim.ac.th

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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Thai authorities have issued a strong advisory to both domestic and international travelers, urging them not to carry or accept luggage or packages from strangers for transport abroad, as even unwitting involvement in transnational cannabis-smuggling networks could lead to severe legal consequences including up to ten years in Thai prison.

The warning comes as Thai customs and police intensify inspections at major airports following a sharp rise in smuggling attempts. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan stated that officials have been directed to ramp up checks in response to reports of cannabis being smuggled out of Thailand. It remains illegal to carry, conceal, or accept payment to transport cannabis, cannabis flower, or cannabis-containing products overseas, regardless of cannabis being decriminalized inside Thailand.

While cannabis is permitted for limited medical use within Thailand, its export is strictly regulated and prohibited without proper authorization. Violations under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine equivalent to four times the value of the goods (including duty), or both. Additional penalties under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and the Ministry of Public Health Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025) may include up to one year in prison and fines of up to 20,000 baht per offense.

Recent enforcement actions show the scale of the issue. In just two days at Phuket International Airport this week, authorities arrested a 21-year-old Belgian woman with approximately 31.7 kilograms of cannabis hidden in two suitcases and a 30-year-old Russian man with more than 17 kilograms of cannabis flower and resin. Another recent case involved a Thai woman and a Filipino national caught with over 32 kilograms of cannabis buds. Some claimed they didn’t know the cannabis was there or they were only transporting a bag for a “friend” but this isn’t a legal defense.

These incidents are part of a broader crackdown. Thai Customs reported seizing over 37,000 kg of cannabis between October of last year and June 2026. New penalties introduced in June also impose fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram to deter smugglers on top of the risk of ten years in jail.

International partners have also noted the trend. The UK’s National Crime Agency reported a dramatic increase in cannabis couriers arriving from Thailand, with hundreds arrested in recent years. Japanese authorities have seized significant quantities linked to flights from Thai airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Chiang Mai, prompting closer scrutiny of Thailand as a source country.

The spokesperson stated that cannabis remains banned in many destination countries, where penalties for illegal importation can range from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment or even capital punishment in some jurisdictions.

Travelers are advised to thoroughly inspect their own belongings, firmly refuse any packages or extra luggage from others, and never transport unknown items across borders. Suspicious activity or online recruitment attempts related to cannabis smuggling should be reported immediately via police hotlines 191 or 1599.

With Thailand tightening controls after its 2022 decriminalization experiment, officials stress that the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits for those tempted to flout the rules.

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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Leading the event preparations were Pol. Maj. Gen. Pinit Maneerat, Chairman of the Competition Advisory Board; Ms. Cassandra Haller, President of the Heroes Taekwondo Organizing Committee and her team; and representatives from the Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities of Thailand. The group presented detailed plans for the international competition, which Pattaya City is organizing together with the Sports Association for Persons with Disabilities of Thailand and the Heroes Taekwondo Club.

The championships are scheduled for July 31st to August 2nd, 2026, at the Indoor Athletics Building of the Eastern National Sports Center in Pattaya, Chonburi Province. The event is to inspire young people and persons with disabilities, provide a platform for disabled athletes to compete alongside international counterparts, and showcase Thailand’s, and particularly Pattaya’s, capability to host world-class sporting events. Organizers also expect the competition to boost the local and national tourism economy.

More than 5,000 participants, including athletes and their delegations from 33 countries worldwide, are expected to attend. The event is positioned as a major promotion of Pattaya as a Sports City and a hub for Sports Tourism.

During the preparatory meeting, officials discussed comprehensive readiness measures, including venue setup, electrical systems, traffic management, security, medical and ambulance services, cleanliness, and public relations campaigns.

Mr. Wisitsak Wongsawatchai expressed the importance of smooth traffic flow, effective event promotion, sufficient waste management facilities, and robust security to ensure a positive experience for all visitors and to uphold Pattaya’s image as an excellent host city. He invited residents and tourists alike to attend and support the athletes.

The public is welcome to attend the competitions free of charge from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Live broadcasts will be available on the GMAC Studio YouTube channel, while full details can be followed on the official Facebook page: Taekwondo International Championships 2026.

News: Ms. Khwanjai Suetrong
Photos: Ms. Chinanang Chumchuea
Public Relations Section, Office of the Director
Tourism and Sports Office
Pattaya City

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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The awards presentation and closing ceremony took place at 3:00 p.m. on July 10th, 2026, at the Physical Education Building of Pattaya City School 7 (Ban Nong Phang Kae). Ms. Boonyam Lekcharoen, Director of the Education, Religion and Culture Promotion Division, led the event. Joining her were Dr. Suree Wanna, Director of Pattaya City School 3 (Wat Sawang Fah Phruektharam), along with teachers, coaches, athletes, parents, and relevant officials.

The three-day competition, held from July 8 to 10, 2026, was organized by the Pattaya City Education Office. It featured intense matches across six age-group categories for both boys’ and girls’ teams: Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16. Schools under the Pattaya City administration participated enthusiastically, turning the event into a showcase of local youth sporting talent.

Championship Results:

– **Under-12 Boys**: Pattaya City School 3
– **Under-12 Girls**: Pattaya City School 8
– **Under-14 Boys**: Pattaya City School 1
– **Under-14 Girls**: Pattaya City School 2
– **Under-16 Boys**: Pattaya City School 1
– **Under-16 Girls**: Pattaya City School 8

The event functioned as a key selection process to identify skilled athletes who will represent Pattaya at the 41st Thailand Local Administrative Organization Student Games.

For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.

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