Georgealbert

UPDATE Mayuree Naree Confirmed as Thai-Flagged Cargo Ship

Questions have emerged over the nationality of the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree after the ship was reportedly attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting debate over whether it is a Thai vessel or an Indian ship flying the Thai flag. Get today's headlines by email The vessel came under scrutiny after reports indicated its owners have Indian heritage, leading some observers to question whether the ship was genuinely Thai or merely using Thailand’s flag as a form of disguise. The incident also raised concern for the crew, with reports noting three Thai sailors missing after the ship’s engine room was struck during the attack. Available maritime registration records show that Mayuree Naree is legally registered under the Thai flag with Bangkok listed as its port of registry. Under international maritime law, a vessel’s nationality is determined by its flag state and official registration, regardless of the nationality of its owners or executives. The ship is owned by Precious Shipping Public Company Limited (PSL), a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand with its headquarters on North Sathorn Road in Bangkok. PSL is one of Thailand’s largest dry bulk shipping companies. The company was founded by business families of Indian heritage, including the Hashim and Shah families, who have operated businesses in Thailand for more than 50 years. Kirit Shah, chairman of the GP Group, and Khalid Moinuddin Hashim, managing director, are key figures behind the shipping enterprise. Despite the founders’ backgrounds and the international nature of the business, PSL is a Thai-registered company that operates under Thai law and pays taxes in Thailand. Its vessels traditionally carry female names ending in “Naree”, a naming pattern that has become a distinctive feature of the fleet. Technical data for Mayuree Naree identifies the vessel as a bulk carrier designed to access medium-sized ports. The ship carries the IMO number 9323649 and has a deadweight tonnage of approximately 30,192 tonnes. The vessel was built in 2008 at Hindustan Shipyard in India and measures about 179 metres in length with a beam of around 28 metres. Although constructed in India, it has been registered in Thailand and has operated under the Thai flag. The incident has also drawn attention to the structure of global shipping companies, where ownership, management and vessel registration can span multiple countries. In maritime law, the flag state remains the defining factor in determining a vessel’s nationality. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Related story Thai-flagged-cargo-ship-abandoned-after-attack-near-strait-of-hormuz Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 12 Mar 2026 View full article

A 70-year-old woman was seriously injured after being attacked by a neighbour’s pit bull in Samut Prakan on 11 March. The victim suffered severe wounds to her head and face after the dog suddenly lunged at her while she was helping deliver a parcel. Rescue workers provided first aid at the scene before rushing her to hospital. Get today's headlines by email The incident was reported at around 18:00 when the Samut Prakan emergency radio centre received a call about a dog attack in Soi Ruam Pattana 8, Moo 3, Tai Ban Mai subdistrict, Mueang district. Emergency responders from Samut Prakan Municipality arrived to find the victim, identified as 70-year-old Mrs Foo Lorattanamongkol, sitting on a chair covered in blood. She had deep lacerations under her right eye, near the corner of her left eye and multiple wounds on her head. Blood was found leading from the front of the house where the attack occurred to the victim’s nearby home, along with a clump of hair on the ground. The dog involved, a four-year-old male Pit Bull Terrier named “Four”, was found secured inside the owner’s fenced property. According to Mr Methee Lorattanamongkol, 71, the victim’s partner who witnessed the attack, the incident occurred while the woman was carrying a parcel to deliver to the neighbouring house. At that moment, a child inside the house opened the door slightly, allowing the dog to rush out unexpectedly. The animal immediately grabbed the woman and refused to release her until she fell backwards, leaving her with severe head and facial injuries. Mr Methee said the victim was known in the neighbourhood as a kind person who often gave food to the dog when its owner was away. He added that the sudden aggression was unexpected, as she had regularly interacted with the animal without previous problems. However, Mr Methee revealed that the dog had a history of aggressive behaviour. When it was younger, it reportedly bit a utility worker who had come to collect water and electricity payments. About two years ago, the same dog escaped and bit another elderly neighbour, injuring her arm. Following that earlier incident, the dog’s owner reportedly kept the animal confined and rarely allowed it outside, aware of its aggressive nature. Despite these precautions, the dog managed to escape again when the door was opened, resulting in the latest attack. Daily News reported that authorities have not yet announced any legal action or further measures regarding the dog or its owner. The injured woman remains under medical care at Samut Prakan Hospital as the case continues to be examined. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Related stories Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 12 Mar 2026 View full article

An unnamed, 38-year-old German national died after falling from the ninth floor of a hotel in Pattaya late on 11 March 2026, with police initially believing it to be suicide, related to stress from personal and financial problems. The incident occurred at 23:35 at a hotel in Soi Pratumnak 5, Chon Buri province. Get today's headlines by email Police Lieutenant Pakorn Prakobnan, deputy investigation inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, received the report of a person falling from height and immediately informed his superior, Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyu, the station chief. Investigators, along with officers from the police investigative team and rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya, were dispatched to examine the scene. Emergency responders found the man’s body on the ground beside the hotel building after he had fallen from the ninth-floor rooftop. He died at the scene from the impact and authorities cordoned off the area to prevent bystanders from approaching while evidence was collected. Officers inspected the rooftop and discovered a pair of shoes believed to belong to the deceased left behind near the edge. Police confirmed the man had been staying in a room on the second floor of the hotel, where investigators reported no signs of a struggle or disturbance. Shortly after the incident, the man’s girlfriend arrived at the scene and became visibly distressed upon seeing his body. She remained in tears as officials continued their investigation and questioned her. According to the girlfriend, whose name was withheld, the couple had argued previously and had been living separately for about two months. She said the separation followed her discovery that the foreign man already had a family, though she did not expect the situation would lead him to take his own life. She added that she only learned about the incident after receiving a phone call informing her of what had happened, prompting her to rush to the hotel. Hotel staff also told police the man had reportedly been facing financial difficulties, noting that he had not paid his rent for two months. Police carried out a detailed examination of the scene and coordinated with the investigative unit to gather further evidence. Initial findings suggest the incident may have been linked to stress stemming from both personal issues and financial problems. The body was later transferred by rescue personnel for a formal post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. Authorities said the investigation will continue while officials await the results of the autopsy. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. Pictures courtesy of SiamChon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Thai wildlife officials rescued 366 wild and exotic animals abandoned beside a sugarcane plantation in Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province, many suffering severe dehydration and starvation. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on 10 March after a tip-off from a concerned citizen who reported suspicious objects concealed under black mesh near a sugarcane field east of Ban Khlong Phai village, Moo 3, Sai Thong subdistrict. Officers from the Wildlife Conservation Division under the Protected Areas Regional Office 1 (Prachin Buri), led by director Somruek Supamittrakritsana, joined forces with police from Khlong Hat Police Station to investigate. Officials discovered large numbers of animals tightly packed into cardboard boxes and plastic baskets. The haul included two sloths, 172 snakes, 58 Japanese turtles, three of which were found dead, 16 tortoises, 47 lizards, 25 geckos and 46 softshell turtles. All animals were reported to be in a poor condition after being deprived of water and food for an extended period. Wildlife veterinarians at the scene provided emergency treatment and hydration to animals in critical condition before arranging their relocation. Yotsawat Thiansawat, director of Protected Areas Regional Office 1 (Prachin Buri), confirmed the rescue and described it as one of the largest suspected wildlife trafficking incidents in the border area. Authorities believe the animals were abandoned by traffickers unable to move them due to heightened border security measures. Following the report, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment ordered urgent action to prioritise the survival of the animals. The minister also instructed the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to coordinate with Natural Resources and Environmental Crime police to investigate the trafficking network behind the operation. Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek Veterinarian Dr Suphalak Prachan and a veterinary team from the Aranyaprathet Wildlife Checkpoint provided initial care at the site before transferring the animals. All seized animals were later transported to the Bang Phra Waterbird Breeding Station in Chon Buri province for rehabilitation and recovery in accordance with department regulations. Officials suspect the traffickers abandoned the animals because stricter surveillance along the Thai border has made smuggling operations more difficult. The increased enforcement is part of government policy aimed at cracking down on wildlife trafficking networks operating across borders. Komchadluek reported that authorities said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest those responsible for the illegal transport and abandonment of the animals. Enforcement agencies have pledged to maintain proactive operations to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks in the region. Related stories Police-seize-protected-wildlife-in-Bangkok-raid Indian-man-held-at-airport-with-15-wild-animals Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Consumer Protection Police have arrested a former dentist accused of illegally treating patients despite having her professional licence revoked, raising concerns about public health risks from unlicensed medical practice. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place on 11 March after officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), working with officials from the Dental Council and the Department of Health Service Support, inspected a dental clinic in Phanthai Norasing subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province. Authorities had received information that a former licensed dentist was continuing to provide treatment to patients at the clinic even though her licence to practise dentistry had previously been revoked. Police said they found the suspect, identified only as Ms A, aged 50, performing a dental procedure to take a mouth impression in preparation for making dentures for a patient. Although the clinic itself was legally registered as a medical facility, investigators discovered that the woman carrying out the treatment no longer held a valid licence to practise dentistry. According to investigators, Ms A graduated from a dental faculty at a Thai institution and was granted a dentistry licence in 2006. She began working at the clinic in 2022. However, the Dental Council revoked her professional licence in 2023. Despite the revocation order, police said she continued treating patients at the clinic instead of ceasing practice. Officers subsequently arrested Ms A and seized evidence including dental equipment, patient treatment records, and related documentation. She was taken to investigators from Division 4 of the Consumer Protection Police Division for legal proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Dr Akhom Praditsuwan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, said clinic operators who allow individuals without professional licences to treat patients are violating the law. He warned that treatment by unlicensed practitioners can pose serious health risks to patients, including infections and severe complications that could potentially develop into oral cancer. Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant General Natsak Chewnasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, cautioned individuals against impersonating or falsely presenting themselves as medical professionals. He said dentistry requires specialist training and must be conducted under strict professional standards. Treatment by unlicensed individuals could expose patients to contaminated equipment, bloodstream infections, improper procedures, and potentially life-threatening consequences. Thaitabloid reported that authorities say the case will proceed through the legal process while investigators review evidence related to the clinic’s operations and patient records. AQOYEGV465mtm6odhIe7UYNGZO6to4ppq_j9X_MtBIjq3qUGYIFISYePWcPyPHwkc5YHB0shFg74XjStu4wsASwWE2RP7hCr_dLcSw2HbQ.mp4 Related stories Illegal-Si-Racha-clinic-raided-four-arrested Police-raid-unlicensed-clinic-arrest-Taiwanese-dentist Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Laos and Thailand have agreed to strengthen cooperation on consumer protection, focusing on information sharing, law enforcement coordination and addressing risks linked to online trade. The agreement aims to improve safeguards for consumers as cross-border commerce and digital shopping continue to expand in both countries. Officials say the partnership will help protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace. Get today's headlines by email The Department of Internal Trade under Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation and information exchange. The agreement was signed in Vientiane by Santisouk Phounsavath, Director General of Laos’ Department of Internal Trade, and Ronnarong Phoolpipat, Secretary-General of Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board under the Office of the Prime Minister. Both sides said the MoU creates a formal framework for collaboration as trade between the neighbouring countries continues to grow. Under the agreement, Thailand will provide public information materials on consumer protection to support Lao authorities. These materials include manuals and laws in the Thai language that may assist officials in strengthening consumer protection systems. The two agencies will also offer advisory support and work together to develop joint action plans aimed at improving consumer safeguards. The partnership encourages the exchange of information related to law enforcement, product and service safety, and the protection of consumers involved in online commerce. Officials will share knowledge, experiences and best practices regarding investigations and procedures for consumer protection. Training programmes, study visits and seminars are also planned to build capacity among relevant staff. Authorities from both countries will coordinate efforts to resolve consumer complaints, particularly those linked to unfair practices in cross-border trade. In Laos, consumers can currently submit complaints through the Consumer Protection Hotline 1510, the Consumer Protection Facebook page, the Consumer Protection Association Facebook page, or by direct submission. Officials believe improved cooperation will help address challenges linked to digital commerce, including issues involving product quality control and misleading advertising. The agreement comes as online shopping continues to grow rapidly in Southeast Asia, creating new challenges for regulators responsible for protecting consumers. Cross-border purchases have increased the need for stronger cooperation between national authorities to ensure product safety and fair business practices. Officials say the new framework will help both countries respond more effectively to emerging risks in digital trade. The Nation reported that Lao and Thai authorities are expected to begin implementing joint activities under the MoU, including training sessions and knowledge exchanges. The cooperation is also expected to strengthen investigative coordination and improve responses to consumer complaints involving businesses operating across borders. Both governments say continued collaboration will be essential as digital commerce continues to expand across the region. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Immigration police have arrested a Chinese national wanted under an extradition warrant after locating him living in an upscale housing estate in Bangkok. The suspect, identified as Hou, 33, was detained on 10 March 2026 after allegedly fleeing an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court. Authorities say the arrest forms part of a wider effort to combat transnational crime and track foreign suspects hiding in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email The operation was carried out at around 14.10 on 10 March following orders from senior Immigration Bureau officials including Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and other senior commanders. Investigators from the Immigration Bureau’s Transnational Crime Suppression Division had been tasked with locating foreign fugitives subject to extradition warrants. Their investigation led them to a residential estate in the Lat Phrao–Kaset Nawamin area of Bueng Kum district in Bangkok. Police identified Hou outside a house in the estate where he had reportedly been living with his Thai wife. Officers approached and identified themselves before requesting to inspect his travel documents. Checks confirmed he matched the suspect named in the arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on 2 February 2026. Authorities said Hou holds both Chinese and Vanuatu passports. He is accused under the extradition warrant of offences including theft of large amounts of state or public property, repeated theft, burglary involving unlawful entry into a residence, theft while carrying a weapon, and theft through fraudulent methods. The warrant had been requested by the Attorney General, after a request from Chinese authorities. According to investigators, Hou admitted he was the individual named in the warrant and confirmed he had not previously been arrested or surrendered in relation to the case. Officers formally informed him of the charges and his legal rights before taking him into custody. He was later transferred to the Office of the Attorney General’s International Affairs Department for further legal proceedings. The Immigration Bureau said the arrest reflects intensified enforcement efforts ordered by national police chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet to tackle transnational crime. The policy emphasises stronger suppression of offences involving foreign suspects and closer international cooperation. Authorities said the bureau is increasing coordination with international policing organisations including Interpol, Europol and ASEANAPOL to exchange intelligence and strengthen cross-border law enforcement. Officials believe such cooperation will improve the ability to track and arrest suspects attempting to evade justice by moving between countries. The government has also emphasised strict disciplinary action against any police officers found to be involved in criminal activity, as part of efforts to maintain transparency and public confidence in law enforcement. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Related stories Chinese-gang-leader-arrested-in-Bangkok Chinese-fugitive-arrested-in-Khao-Yai-poker-case Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Two workers were killed after a truck carrying a prefabricated house struck a pedestrian bridge in Phuket on the morning of 11 March 2026. The victims, who were sitting on top of the structure being transported, suffered fatal injuries when the vehicle passed beneath the bridge. Police said one worker died after his head struck the bridge while the other fell from the truck onto the road. Get today's headlines by email The incident occurred at about 09.50am on Thepkrasattri Road in front of Hongyok Bamrung School in Mai Khao, Thalang district. Lieutenant Chaiyarat Heedjan, deputy inspector at Tha Chatchai Police Station, received the report from the police radio centre and informed station chief Colonel Khunadet Na Nongkhai before coordinating with relevant officials to inspect the scene. Authorities found a white 18-wheel Hino truck registered in Bangkok parked at the location, carrying a prefabricated house unit on its trailer. One victim was discovered lying motionless on the roof ceiling of the prefabricated structure with severe head injuries. The second victim was found face down on the road after falling from a height, with serious wounds across his body including severe head injuries and died at the scene. The truck driver, identified as Sitthisak Sritin, told police he had transported the prefabricated house from Chon Buri province and was delivering it to Phuket town. He said he believed the height of the load would clear the pedestrian bridge, but the structure struck the edge of the bridge as the vehicle passed beneath it. According to the driver’s statement, the impact caused the head of one worker sitting on the prefabricated house to hit the bridge violently. The deceased were identified as Hine Kyaw, 34, a Myanmar national who suffered fatal head injuries, and Than Thaik Aung, 23, also from Myanmar, who fell from the truck during the collision. Police said the bodies were examined at the scene and that medical personnel from Vachira Phuket Hospital were requested to conduct a formal post-mortem examination. Investigators also inspected the area to gather further evidence and determine the precise circumstances of the accident. ThaiRath reported that officials stated that the case will proceed according to legal procedures once the investigation is completed. Authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed in relation to the incident. Pictures courtesy of Thairath Related stories Six-injured-after-pickup-towing-boat-crashes-in-Patong Australian-biker-dies-in-ravine-after-Loei-crash Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Thailand has called on Cambodia to demonstrate “genuine sincerity” and verifiable cooperation following an earlier grenade attack near the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket province. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday 11 March, again condemning the incident and warning that joint border survey activities cannot resume until security is guaranteed. The attack has heightened tensions and raised concerns over the safety of personnel working along the disputed frontier. Get today's headlines by email According to Bangkok, Cambodian forces fired a 40-mm grenade round into Thai territory near the Phlan Hin Paet Kon area in Kantharalak District on 24 February 2026. Thailand described the action as a “clear violation” of the Joint Statement signed on 27 December 2025, which required both sides to implement an immediate ceasefire and avoid provocative behaviour. The government said the attack represents a serious breach of the agreement and a threat to stability along the border. Thai officials also accused Cambodia of engaging in a “repeated pattern of intentionally provocative conduct”. The Ministry cited several alleged encroachments, including the construction of a community market and the Ta Om Equestrian Monument on what Thailand claims is its side of the watershed at the An Ses-An Mah entry point. Another example raised was the building of an administrative facility inside Thai sovereign territory in Ta Phraya District, Sa Kaeo Province. Bangkok said these actions violate the Memorandum of Understanding on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU 2000), particularly Article V, which outlines the obligations of both countries in managing border demarcation. Thailand stated it has lodged multiple formal protests since 2010 but claims the Cambodian side has failed to respond or address the concerns raised. Officials stressed that Thailand’s recent stabilisation measures along the frontier are defensive and aimed solely at preventing further casualties. The Ministry reaffirmed that Thailand remains committed to the MOU 2000 as the sole framework for resolving land boundary disputes. However, it warned that technical survey and demarcation work cannot proceed while tensions remain and the security of the Joint Survey Team cannot be assured. Authorities said the current environment along the border poses an unacceptable risk to personnel involved in the process. The Nation reported thatCambodia has proposed convening a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to address the dispute. Thailand acknowledged the proposal but said a formal response would only be issued after the formation of the country’s new Cabinet. Until then, Bangkok is urging Phnom Penh to move beyond “verbal assurances” and introduce verifiable measures to restore stability and protect border officials. Related Stories Thai-Cambodian-border-talks-most-await-new-government Thailand-bars-new-Cambodian-workers-minister-confirms Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 12 Mar 2026 View full article

A 50-year-old American man was found dead after an apparent suicide in a wooded area near Mabprachan Reservoir in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on 11 March 2026. Police said the man had sent a video message to his wife indicating his intention to end his life before his body was discovered later that day. Authorities are continuing their investigation while coordinating with the United States Embassy. Get today's headlines by email At around 16:00 on 11 March 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Jirasak Aebfaeng, an investigating officer at Nong Prue Police Station, received a report of a man found hanged in a scrub area beneath the embankment of Mabprachan Reservoir in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. Rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya were dispatched to the scene with police officers to conduct an inspection. Officers found the body of Mr Jason, aged 50, an American, seated against a tree with a rope tied around his neck and attached to a branch. A Yamaha motorcycle bearing registration from Chon Buri, belonging to the deceased, was parked neatly nearby. Initial checks at the scene revealed no signs of struggle or other suspicious circumstances. The victim’s wife, identified only as Mrs B, told police through tears that her husband had suffered from several chronic medical conditions, including blood clots and heart disease. She also said he had mental health issues and depression, and had frequently expressed distress about his illnesses and a desire to end his life. According to her statement, the man left home on 9 March and could not be contacted. At approximately 16:00 on that day, he sent her a message and video clip via his phone stating that he intended to hang himself. After receiving the message, she immediately contacted police and attempted to locate him using the GPS signal from his phone but was unable to find him. She then was later informed that his body had been discovered in the wooded area near the reservoir. Police have documented the scene and recorded the case in the official logbook as evidence. Investigators believe the man took his own life to escape suffering from serious illness, although further inquiries are being conducted. Kaoded reported that authorities said relevant individuals will be invited for questioning at the police station as part of the investigation. Police are also coordinating with the United States Embassy to notify other relatives and to proceed with the required legal procedures. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. Pictures courtesy of Kaoded Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 12 Mar 2026 View full article

Thailand will not allow new Cambodian workers to enter the country, Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong confirmed, reiterating the government’s policy amid mounting concerns from businesses about labour shortages. Get today's headlines by email The announcement follows discussions between the Labour Ministry and representatives of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, which includes the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Bankers’ Association. Private sector representatives urged the government to urgently address shortages of workers, particularly in industrial, construction and agricultural sectors. Trinuch stated that while no additional Cambodian workers would be admitted, those already in Thailand with valid work permits would continue to be managed under existing regulations. Employers must ensure their workers are properly registered and verified, and will be responsible for confirming their employment status. The minister also rejected reports that Thailand might reopen border crossings with Cambodia to allow more migrant workers to enter. She said the government has no policy to reopen the border or permit new arrivals at this time. Officials stressed that policies concerning foreign labour must not affect national security and would be coordinated closely with security agencies. Authorities are also screening the backgrounds of foreign workers, and any individual found to pose a threat to national security will be deported. Businesses have requested a six-month extension allowing Cambodian workers already in Thailand to continue working, particularly those covered under a cabinet resolution issued on 24 September 2024. Their work authorisation is due to expire on 31 March 2026. According to Thailand’s Department of Employment, about 53,809 Cambodian workers fall under that cabinet resolution. Many companies rely on these workers to fill positions that remain difficult to staff locally. In addition, another 85,117 Cambodian workers employed under the bilateral memorandum of understanding system are expected to complete their four-year work terms between November 2025 and December 2026. Authorities are also considering a temporary three-month extension for approximately 6,072 Cambodian seasonal fruit workers in eastern provinces who currently hold border passes. Khoasod reported that the government has indicated that decisions on labour extensions or other measures will be made in consultation with security agencies and relevant ministries. Businesses continue to press for flexibility, warning that labour shortages could affect production and agricultural output in the coming months. Related stories Work-permit-deadline-extended-for-some-nations-to-March-31 Work-permit-renewal-for-100000-cambodians-on-hold Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 12 Mar 2026 View full article

UPDATE Phuket Airport Reopens After Air India Express Runway Incident Pictures courtesy of Phuket Airport Phuket International Airport has resumed normal operations after an Air India Express aircraft became disabled on the runway following landing, causing temporary disruption earlier on 11 March 2026. Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn confirmed that the airport reopened for normal services from 19:00 after authorities successfully cleared the runway. The disruption occurred when Air India Express flight AXB938, travelling from Hyderabad (HYD) to Phuket (HKT), became stranded on the runway, following a hard landing. Officials said the aircraft was removed after relevant agencies worked together under aviation safety procedures to resolve the situation. The operation involved coordination between airport authorities, aviation officials and the airline to manage the aircraft and assist affected passengers. Speaking at a press briefing, Governor Nirat said all agencies involved acted quickly to manage the situation and minimise disruption. Authorities also used multiple communication channels, including local and national media, to keep passengers and the public informed about the incident. The governor added that affected passengers should contact their airlines to complete any necessary arrangements following the disruption. He also apologised to passengers who experienced inconvenience during the incident. Phuket authorities implemented additional measures to reduce confusion among travellers and residents. Following the incident, officials activated the Cell Broadcast Service system to send alerts in both Thai and English to people in the surrounding area, ensuring accurate and timely information reached both residents and tourists. Phuket International Airport Director Montchai Tanod said that once the aircraft was removed from the runway, teams carried out detailed inspections across the runway and airport. These checks included the runway surface, lighting systems, navigation equipment and other safety infrastructure. The inspection confirmed that all systems were fully operational and met aviation safety standards, allowing the airport to safely resume services. Officials also reviewed landing data and CCTV footage as part of the verification process. One of the first flights to use the runway after reopening was an arrival from Sydney at 19:30. Airport officials said this marked the return of normal flight operations following the earlier disruption. Montchai added that airlines had provided assistance to passengers in line with regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. Support included providing snacks, drinks and regular updates to travellers during the disruption. Warunee Saiboonchan, Chairperson of the Phuket Airport Aviation Business Group, said the incident affected both inbound and outbound flights for a period of time. However, airlines coordinated closely with the airport to manage schedules and assist affected passengers. Phuket authorities reaffirmed that the airport continues to follow international aviation safety standards and thanked all agencies involved for helping resolve the situation quickly. Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 12 Mar 2026

3 Now Reported Missing After Cargo Ship Blast Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport MinisterPhiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered urgent monitoring of the situation after a Thai-flagged cargo ship was damaged by an explosion while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March 2026. Authorities are searching for three missing crew members believed to have been working in the engine room at the time of the incident. The vessel, Mayuree Naree, a 19,891-gross-ton bulk carrier registered in Thailand, belongs to Precious Shipping Public Company Limited. According to the Marine Department, the explosion occurred at about 11:00am Thailand time near the stern while the ship was sailing after departing an anchorage off the United Arab Emirates. A fire broke out in the engine room following the blast, forcing the captain to order the crew to abandon ship. The crew members evacuated using lifeboats and were rescued by naval forces from Oman. Rescuers successfully brought 20 crew members ashore at the port city of Khasab, where they were reported safe. However, three crew members are still unaccounted for and are believed to have been inside the engine room during their watch shift when the explosion occurred. Precious Shipping confirmed the rescue of 20 crew members and said the search for the remaining three was ongoing. Thailand’s Marine Department has since coordinated with several international and domestic agencies to support rescue operations. Officials have dispatched representatives to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre in Singapore and contacted the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations to help liaise with naval forces in the region. The Royal Thai Navy has also been instructed to coordinate with military authorities in Bahrain for additional assistance. Further coordination is underway with Thailand’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to support diplomatic and rescue efforts. Speaking before a meeting of Thailand’s Middle East conflict monitoring centre, Phiphat said Prime Minister AnutinCharnvirakulhad already been briefed about the incident. He added that authorities have not yet confirmed whether the blast was caused by gunfire or a sea mine. Phiphat noted that the ship had been anchored near the UAE before being instructed by port authorities to move about 20 kilometres offshore shortly before the explosion. He said intelligence information was still unclear about the incident and that military forces patrolling the area had assisted with the rescue. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapasconfirmed that the rescue of the Thai crew was the government’s immediate priority. He said the full details of the incident would be presented after the official briefing scheduled for 12 March. Authorities will continue searching for the three missing crew members while monitoring security risks for Thai vessels operating in the region. The government is also expected to assess whether additional safety measures are needed for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. https://aseannow.com/topic/1389377-thai-flagged-cargo-ship-abandoned-after-attack-near-strait-of-hormuz/#findComment-20414910 Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 11.03 2026