Pattaya hotel fire, princess's deteriorating condition, and arrests of foreigners

A large fire broke out at the Sunday JA Plus Hotel in Pattaya around 9:00 PM on May 21. The hotel, formerly known as J.A. Plus Hotel, is located on Pattaya Third Road in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. Footage from the scene showed intense flames engulfing parts of the building, and there were reports of several guests being trapped inside. Firefighters and rescue workers arrived at the scene to bring the blaze under control and evacuate those in danger. The incident was still developing, and the initial report had no confirmed casualties. The Royal Household Bureau of Thailand released a new statement reporting a deterioration in Princess Bajrakitiyabha's health. The Princess has been receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital since collapsing due to a heart condition in December 2022. In April 2026, doctors discovered an abdominal infection linked to colon inflammation, making her condition unstable. Medical complications included low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood clotting, while her lungs and kidneys continue to require support. Despite antibiotics and intensive treatment, doctors reported that the severe infection remains uncontrolled and is affecting multiple major organ systems. Immigration Police Region 3 raided an alleged Chinese brothel operating under the guise of a health spa in Rayong on May 20. Officers targeted the Ku Yiu Lin Health Spa in Pluak Daeng district after receiving information that sexual services were allegedly offered to Chinese clients. During an undercover operation, police were reportedly offered a package including body-to-body massage and sexual intercourse for 4,500 baht for 50 minutes. Authorities discovered over 10 converted rooms, along with condoms and lubricant, and found two Vietnamese women preparing to provide services. Eight foreign nationals were arrested on charges related to illegal work, prostitution offenses, and immigration violations, with no human trafficking victims identified during the inspection. A 21-year-old British national was arrested after video footage allegedly showed him driving recklessly on Koh Samui. A black rented SUV was filmed weaving through traffic, tailgating and overtaking closely on both sides of other drivers on Thawirat Phakdi Road in Bo Phut. The video footage circulated widely online, raising concerns among residents and tourists who feared such driving could lead to a serious collision. Bo Phut Police tracked the car to a hot... For readers: Always follow traffic rules in Thailand to avoid fines and dangerous situations, especially when renting vehicles.