Thailand Flooding and Floodwater

Here in Pattaya, the downpours effectively wiped out evening trade in parts of the city, with several roads becoming temporarily impassable. At one stage, floodwater running from Sukhumvit towards the beach was deep enough for a few particularly adventurous souls to actually swim in it, which really isn’t recommended.

Urban floodwater can contain sewage, bacteria, chemicals, oil, and whatever else has been washed out of drains, septic systems, and rubbish. Anyone forced to wade through contaminated floodwater is advised to wash thoroughly afterwards, particularly if they have cuts or grazes, and to clean any wounds carefully.

Traffic Fines and Scam Messages

Motorists across Thailand are also being warned about a new round of scam messages claiming that they have unpaid traffic fines. The messages, which may claim to come from the Royal Thai Police, typically arrive by SMS and contain either a link or QR code. Recipients are told they have an outstanding e-ticket and are encouraged to visit what initially appears to be a genuine website.

That’s where the trouble begins. The fake site then asks for personal or banking information, which scammers can use to steal money or compromise accounts.

Government officials have stressed that the Royal Thai Police does not send traffic fine demands by SMS containing payment links or QR codes. Official channels are available for checking genuine outstanding fines, including government and police applications and the official police ticket management system.

So, if an unexpected message arrives telling you that you’ve got a traffic fine and conveniently provides a link to pay it, don’t click it and don’t scan the QR code. The only thing likely to be speeding away will be your money.

Cemetery in Chachoengsao

Elsewhere, an unusual case involving four bodies buried at a cemetery in Chachoengsao has now been clarified by officials. Authorities say the issue isn’t with the deceased or their families, but with the legal status of the cemetery itself.

The site’s operating license reportedly expired in 2022 and was not renewed because the location failed to meet requirements for a licensed human burial ground. Despite that, burials reportedly continued with three people interred there in 2023, 2025, and 2026, while preparations were apparently being made for another burial.

Officials say the site currently has no valid license to operate as a cemetery or to conduct the relevant ceremonies. Arrangements are therefore being made for the remains to be respectfully transferred to a properly licensed cemetery in the Bangkok area that can accommodate the religious requirements involved.

Importantly, there is no suggestion that the families of those buried there knowingly did anything wrong. The investigation instead centers on those responsible for owning and operating the site and why burials continued after its license had expired.

DSI Officers Dismissed from Service

Two officers from Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation, the DSI, have meanwhile been dismissed from service over alleged links to corruption surrounding local government examinations.

The Ministry of Justice says evidence uncovered during the investigation indicates that the two officers may have acted as middlemen, allegedly receiving and transferring money connected with a network of brokers promising assistance to examination candidates.

Both now face further investigation and, if the allegations are proven, could face disciplinary consequences as well as criminal charges. And the ministry appears keen to make clear that being an investigator doesn’t place anyone above investigation themselves.

Reduction in the Refinery Price of Diesel

And finally, some welcome news for motorists and, perhaps more importantly, Thailand’s transport and distribution industries. Despite pressure on global oil prices, Thailand’s Energy Policy Administration Commission has approved a reduction in the refinery price of diesel of 2 baht and 40 satang per liter, effective from Wednesday and running through to the end of October.

For somebody filling a diesel car, any saving is welcome. But the wider significance is for trucks, buses, delivery companies, and businesses moving goods around the country every day. Transport costs eventually find their way into the price of almost everything we buy, so keeping diesel affordable can help prevent rising fuel costs from feeding through into everyday prices.