Thailand video news Italian Tourist Found Wandering Pattaya with Only a Hotel Key, Two Chinese Nationals Busted in Bangkok for Illegal Hostel and Drug Trade

Thaiger Video6 days agoLast Updated: Friday, October 17, 2025

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Thailand’s week was marked by dramatic rescues, tourist mishaps, and cautionary tales reflecting both human resilience and vulnerability. Authorities in Pattaya helped an Italian tourist who lost all his belongings find his hotel through digital records, while a Thai woman in Udon Thani fell victim to a fake matchmaking scam. Police in Bangkok raided an illegal hostel run by Chinese nationals, and a housemaid couple were caught stealing from a blind employer. In Phuket, jellyfish fears disrupted beach tourism, while two remarkable survival stories emerged—a Thai woman trapped in her car for three days and a British teen rescued from the jungle. In sports, Malaysia overtook Indonesia in the latest FIFA rankings, reshaping Southeast Asia’s football hierarchy.

“Italian Tourist Found Wandering Pattaya with Only a Hotel Key”

An Italian visitor, Marco De Vivo, was discovered at a Pattaya police station carrying nothing but a hotel room key, having lost all his belongings including his passport after a night out. Local authorities and community members sprang into action, using digital tools like Thailand’s arrival card database and hotel registration records to trace his accommodation. One tip led investigators to a hotel on Bua Khao Alley, prompting a check of registration logs. The case underscores advice often given to travelers: always carry hotel contact info or a photo of your booking. Authorities are now coordinating with international liaison officers to reunite him with his missing property.

“Thai Woman Loses 30,000 Baht in Fake Foreign-Husband Matchmaking Scheme”

A 50-year-old Thai woman in Udon Thani named “Jip” paid 30,000 baht to what she believed was a matchmaking agency promising to connect her with a foreign husband. The scheme demanded a full fee of 70,000 baht, but only the deposit was collected before the “agent” disappeared, blocking contact. CCTV evidence and a recorded meeting with a supposed company representative were submitted as part of her complaint. Jip hopes the footage and car registration details will aid police in identifying the scammer. She also warns other women considering overseas marriage services to beware of fraudulent operations.

“Two Chinese Nationals Busted in Bangkok for Illegal Hostel and Drug Trade”

Bangkok police arrested two Chinese men after uncovering an unlicensed hostel and illicit drug operations run from two rented houses in the city. During the raid, officers found illegal medications including Viagra and food supplements, as well as suspected illegal narcotics. The suspects, aged 29 and 31, were taken into custody and are now under investigation for drug and lodging violations. Officials noted that the hostel did not comply with local business licensing or safety regulations. Authorities stressed the importance of rigorous inspections to curb illegal enterprises housed under the guise of tourism services.

“Housemaid and Spouse Arrested for Stealing Gold from Blind Employer”

A housemaid and her husband were detained after allegedly stealing gold jewelry and cash from their blind employer in a provincial area. The theft was reportedly discovered when the employer asked about missing items and relatives assisted in the complaint. Investigators recovered a portion of the stolen valuables during questioning and traced some items to pawnshops or local buyers. The pair confessed to exploiting trust and the victim’s disability to commit the crime. The case drew attention to vulnerabilities in caregiving arrangements and the need for oversight when hiring in-home staff.

“Box Jellyfish Sting Fears Disrupt Tourism at Patong Beach”

Tourists at Patong Beach in Phuket have been put on high alert after multiple suspected box jellyfish stings in recent days. Medical teams were dispatched, and warning flags were raised to advise swimmers to remain cautious or avoid entering the water altogether. Lifeguards and local authorities are monitoring sea conditions and increasing surveillance of jellyfish presence. The incidents have dampened beachgoer confidence just as the high season nears. Officials are urging visitors to heed warnings and seek immediate treatment if stung.

“British Teen Found Alive After Days Lost in Thai Jungle”

A British teenager who went missing during a jungle trek in Thailand was located alive after enduring harsh conditions alone. Search teams coordinated across multiple jurisdictions and utilized drones and local trackers to narrow down the search area. The teen was reportedly weak and dehydrated but conscious upon rescue, and was airlifted to medical care. Authorities believe his survival was aided by prior wilderness training and rationing what little food and water he had. The case has drawn international relief and praise for the swift cross-agency rescue effort.

“Malaysia Overtakes Indonesia in FIFA Standings”

Malaysia has moved ahead of Indonesia in the latest FIFA rankings after a strong run in 2025, rising five places to 118th and reclaiming third spot among Southeast Asian nations. Despite Indonesia losing 13.21 points following defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Malaysia added 13.3 points thanks to back-to-back wins over Laos in Asian Cup qualifiers. Indonesia’s drop to 122nd marks a reversal from just a month ago, when they were ranked higher than Malaysia. The shift highlights Malaysia’s consistency this year—six wins, one draw, one loss—versus Indonesia’s mixed form in World Cup qualifying. Meanwhile, Thailand retains first in Southeast Asia and Vietnam climbed to 111th, with other regional nations spread further down the list.