https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-revives-riviera-coastal-road-plan-r2591/Thailand’s Transport Ministry is reviving the long-delayed Thailand Riviera coastal road project, with funding for the remaining sections included in the draft Budget Expenditure Act for the 2027 fiscal year. The tourism-focused infrastructure scheme, first approved in 2006, is intended to improve travel along the Gulf of Thailand coast, although only its first phase has been completed after more than 15 years of construction. Thailandtravel guides Get today's headlines by email The ministry plans to commission an 18 million baht consultancy contract to carry out a feasibility study and prepare a conceptual design for the Chumphon-Surat Thani-Nakhon Si Thammarat-Songkhla section. A further 21 million baht has been proposed for the survey and detailed design of the Sichon-Tha Sala section in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Southern Coastal Road Project, widely known as the Thailand Riviera, was launched during the administration of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after the Cabinet approved the tourism development project for the upper southern coast on 7 February 2006. At the time, the scheme covered Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong with a total budget of 32.54 billion baht, following a proposal by then deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop. The Department of Rural Roads carried out construction and improvement works between fiscal years 2009 and 2025. However, only Phase 1, a 515-kilometre route linking Samut Sakhon, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, has been completed. The full Thailand Riviera project is planned to extend for 950 kilometres across the Gulf coast, linking Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. The remaining phases include a 150-kilometre stretch from Chumphon to Songkhla, a 200-kilometre section from Songkhla to Narathiwat, and an 85-kilometre route connecting Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. Thailandtravel guides The Nation reported that if approved under the 2027 budget, the new studies and design work will mark the next stage in advancing the remaining phases of the coastal road. The government also continues to pursue a separate Thailand Riviera route along the Andaman coast, covering Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun over 600 kilometres, with that project currently undergoing a preliminary feasibility study. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:33:55 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/russian-woman-dies-after-phuket-condo-fall-r2590/A 31 year old Russian woman died after falling from the eighth floor of a condominium in Kathu district, Phuket, on July 2. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. Get today's headlines by email Officers from Kathu Police Station were called to the condominium in Kathu subdistrict at about 1.35pm after receiving reports that a foreign woman had fallen from the building. Rescue workers and a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital also attended the scene. Police found the woman’s body beside the condominium building. Her 31 year old Russian husband, who was at the scene with their one year old son, told officers the couple had argued before she left their eighth-floor room. According to the husband, he was later informed that she had fallen from the building. Police have not confirmed the circumstances leading to the fall and said their investigation remains ongoing. Initial police inquiries found that the couple had argued over financial problems and overstaying their permission to remain in Thailand. Investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the case to establish exactly what happened. Khaosod reported that authorities have also contacted the Russian Embassy to assist with the necessary legal procedures. No further details have been released while the investigation continues, with police reviewing CCTV and questioning witnesses. 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. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:13:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/doj-refuses-to-release-more-epstein-files-r1355/The U.S. Department of Justice has declined to release additional records from the Jeffrey Epstein files, arguing that the withheld material either contains sensitive information identifying victims or was lawfully redacted, despite a court order requiring further disclosure or an explanation for the omissions. Get today's headlines by email In a filing submitted on Thursday, Associate U.S. Attorney General Stanley Woodward asked the court to either extend the deadline for producing the records by 60 days or accept the department's explanation for why certain documents should remain withheld. The filing came shortly before a court-imposed deadline set by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan, who had ordered the department to provide additional records or justify its decision not to release them. DOJ cites victim privacyWoodward said the Justice Department disagrees with the court's conclusion that the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) can be enforced by private parties through the Administrative Procedure Act. However, he said the department was using the opportunity to clarify why some documents had not been disclosed. According to the filing, several emails had identifying information removed to protect the identities of victims. Woodward said parts of one email were also withheld because communications written by victims could appear misleading or disturbing if viewed without the surrounding context. The department also addressed a redacted draft indictment from 2007 prepared by the Southern District of Florida. Woodward said the redactions were already present in the copy obtained by the Justice Department and that officials had been unable to locate an unredacted version of that particular document. Interview notes remain withheldThe filing also explained why handwritten interview notes linked to a woman who made unsubstantiated assault allegations against President Donald Trump had not been released. Woodward said the handwritten notes duplicated information contained in typed interview reports that have already been disclosed. He added that the handwritten format made it more difficult to carry out redactions and increased the risk of accidentally revealing victims' personally identifiable information. The allegations made by the woman have not been corroborated, and Trump has denied them. While the Justice Department has released typed summaries from some interviews, it has not published the underlying handwritten notes. Court challenge continuesWoodward also rejected Judge Sullivan's suggestion that the department had effectively acknowledged violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act by withholding records. He wrote that the department had neither knowingly breached the law nor admitted doing so, maintaining that it continues to comply with its statutory obligations. Last week, Sullivan dismissed the department's arguments against releasing the additional records. He also found that the Public Integrity Project, a public interest law firm, had demonstrated that journalist Katie Phang was harmed by the withholding of the materials. The Justice Department began publishing thousands of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein late last year following the enactment of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. However, the release process has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue that the department failed to disclose all required records and did not meet statutory deadlines. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:02:36 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/driver-held-over-flight-attendants-parcel-delivery-r2589/Police have detained the driver who allegedly transported the parcel linked to Thai Airways flight attendant Mina, who was arrested in Australia in a heroin trafficking investigation. The 59-year-old man from Ayutthaya admitted driving the package to Mina’s condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Na district on June 22, but claimed he had simply been hired by a foreign-looking man to provide transport. Get today's headlines by email The investigation forms part of a wider probe ordered by National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet. Senior officers from the Royal Thai Police, the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau have been tasked with tracing everyone connected to the case after the flight attendant was arrested overseas with illegal drugs. Investigators said CCTV footage showed a man wearing a long-sleeved jacket and a hood concealing his head delivering the parcel to Mina’s condominium. The suspect arrived in a Toyota car, which police later traced to the 59-year-old driver. Police discovered the driver has a criminal record dating back to 1997, when he was arrested while transporting 10,000 methamphetamine tablets from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. He was originally sentenced to life imprisonment before serving a reduced 20-year prison term. During questioning at the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Narcotics Suppression Operations Centre, the driver admitted taking the parcel to Mina’s condominium on June 22. He told investigators he had been hired by a foreign-looking man, who travelled with him in the vehicle, and said they had also delivered another parcel to a woman in the Soi Suea Yai area before visiting Mina’s condominium for the first time. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom said officers later located the Toyota at a garage in Ayutthaya, where it was awaiting a windscreen replacement. The vehicle has been seized and transferred to the Metropolitan Police Bureau for forensic examination as investigators continue gathering evidence. Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj Gen Thiradet Thamsuthee said financial investigations confirmed Mina received a total of 3,400 baht for carrying the package. The payment was split into a 1,700-baht deposit and a further 1,700 baht transferred on the day she was due to depart on her flight. Komchadluek reported that police said further details of the investigation cannot yet be disclosed because they could affect efforts to identify other members of the suspected trafficking network. Forensic officers will examine the seized vehicle while investigators continue questioning the driver to establish the identities of all those involved. Related stories Thai-police-arrest-couple-in-Melbourne-heroin-probe Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:51:41 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-police-arrest-couple-in-melbourne-heroin-probe-r2588/Thai police have arrested a husband and wife in Loei province as part of an expanding investigation into an alleged transnational drug network linked to a Thai Airways flight attendant arrested in Australia. The case centres on the seizure of approximately 1 kilogram of heroin allegedly concealed in the flight attendant’s luggage at Melbourne Airport. Get today's headlines by email The arrests are directly connected to the investigation involving the Thai Airways crew member, identified in Thai reports as Mina, who was detained by Australian police at Melbourne Airport. Following her arrest, Thai authorities broadened their inquiry to identify the person who had allegedly sent the parcel linked to the case. Police investigators in Loei worked alongside the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and other police units to trace those suspected of involvement. At about 1pm on Thursday, July 2, investigators from Chiang Khan Police Station visited a house in That subdistrict of Chiang Khan district after learning that Athit, 43, and his wife, Thatsaphon, 42, were linked to an address in Pak Tom subdistrict. The couple were not found at the property. Officers later discovered they had been hired to tap rubber in Erawan district, prompting ONCB officers and Loei provincial police investigators to continue their search. Athit was eventually located at Wat Tham Pha Mak Ho in Sri Songkhram subdistrict of Wang Saphung district, where he was working on a temple roof. He was taken to Erawan Police Station for questioning. During the initial inquiry, police said Athit admitted being paid to send parcels to Bangkok on six occasions for a Lao national. Investigators stated that three parcels had been sent through a parcel service in Chiang Khan, with two dispatched from Ban That in That subdistrict and one from Erawan district. Police said Athit allegedly received 8,000 baht for each delivery. The most recent parcel was reportedly sent on June 28, 2026. Officers later detained Thatsaphon, a Lao national and Athit’s wife, after locating a black Mitsubishi Triton pickup with Loei registration parked in a rubber plantation in the Pha Nang-Pha Koeng area of Pha In Plaeng subdistrict in Erawan district. She was taken to Erawan Police Station for questioning. The Nation reported that during the preliminary inquiry, Thatsaphon denied any involvement in or knowledge of the alleged drug operation. Thai authorities have not announced any further arrests, and the investigation into the suspected transnational narcotics network remains ongoing. Related story Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:08:17 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/iran-plans-massive-funeral-for-khamenei-r1354/Iran is preparing a week-long funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, four months after he was killed at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, with authorities planning one of the largest public ceremonies in the country's history. Get today's headlines by email The funeral will extend across five cities in Iran and Iraq, with officials expecting millions of mourners to take part. The government says the ceremonies are intended to honour Khamenei while demonstrating the resilience of the Islamic Republic following the conflict. State media has devoted extensive coverage to the preparations, replacing recent focus on negotiations with the United States with tributes, documentaries and religious programming centred on Khamenei's life and legacy. Week-long ceremonies to span Iran and IraqParliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the ceremonies would show that Iran would not remain silent in the face of what he described as oppression, calling the funeral an event that would demonstrate the nation's resolve. The funeral may also provide the first public appearance of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since his father and several family members were killed. The ceremonies coincide with the Islamic month of Muharram, a period of mourning in Shiite Islam associated with the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Officials have also scheduled key events to overlap with the 250th anniversary of US Independence Day and other significant religious commemorations. Khamenei, who led Iran for 37 years, was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli war on 28 February. Authorities have portrayed the funeral as a celebration of his legacy despite the country's military losses and prolonged economic difficulties. Religious symbolism and nationwide preparationsAnalysts say his assassination has strengthened his symbolic status among supporters. Sina Toossi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, said Khamenei was now being presented as a martyred religious figure whose influence had grown after his death. Iran has previously held mass funerals for the country's founding leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 and Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Both events were marred by deadly crowd crushes, prompting extensive security planning for the latest ceremonies. Authorities have mobilised thousands of emergency personnel, ambulances, helicopters and volunteers, while schools, mosques, sports halls and public buildings have been prepared to accommodate visitors. Firefighters have installed thousands of water sprinklers around the main funeral venue in Tehran to help cope with summer temperatures. The government has also announced major transport restrictions, including airport closures during parts of the ceremonies, and says millions of loaves of bread will be baked to feed mourners. Regional procession and international attendanceFollowing ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei's body will be taken to the holy city of Qom before being transported to the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq. It will then return to Iran for burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace. Officials say the inclusion of Iraq reflects Iran's view of itself as a leader of a broader regional Shiite movement. Iranian authorities estimate attendance could range from four million to 15 million people and say around 14,000 journalists, including 900 from overseas, will cover the events. State media says several foreign leaders and senior officials are expected to attend, including Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russia's Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev. Western officials have not been invited. Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref described the funeral as one of the century's most significant events, while Revolutionary Guards commander Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian said it would demonstrate the Islamic Republic's strength to the international community. Questions remain over Mojtaba KhameneiAttention is also focused on whether Mojtaba Khamenei will appear publicly during the funeral. He has not been seen since the war began, communicating only through written statements while officials say he is overseeing negotiations with Washington. Funeral organisers said any decision on his attendance rests with the Supreme Leader's office. His appearance would mark his first public event since assuming the country's highest office and could reinforce his authority. If he does not attend, questions are likely to persist about his security and his role in leading the country. Iran has warned against any attacks during the funeral, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Tehran would respond immediately to threats against its leadership after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Mojtaba Khamenei was "marked for death". Despite the government's efforts to portray the funeral as a national show of unity, some Iranians have expressed frustration at the disruption caused by the preparations, with long fuel queues and heavy traffic reported in Tehran. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:36:56 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/trumps-crypto-earnings-raise-tax-questions-r1353/President Donald Trump's disclosure that he earned about $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures has prompted renewed scrutiny over how much tax he may owe, with experts saying the answer is difficult to determine because of the limited public information about the businesses involved. Get today's headlines by email The financial disclosure, released after Trump's return to office, provides the clearest picture yet of the scale of his involvement in the cryptocurrency sector. However, it does not reveal how the income is structured for tax purposes, leaving accountants and legal experts unable to calculate his actual tax liability. Potential Tax BillOne accountant who specializes in cryptocurrency taxation estimated that Trump could owe at least $250 million in taxes on the crypto income. If the entire $1.4 billion were taxed as individual federal income at the highest statutory rate of 37%, the bill would reach about $518 million before any deductions or offsets. Tax experts cautioned, however, that such estimates may differ significantly from the amount ultimately owed because the income could have been earned through corporate entities or reduced by deductible expenses and operating losses. Omri Marian, a law professor specializing in cryptocurrency taxation, said the available disclosures do not provide enough detail to determine the ownership structure behind the assets or how the income should be taxed. He said the public information shows Trump generated substantial earnings but offers little insight into how the beneficial ownership is arranged, making it impossible to accurately assess the tax consequences. Sources of the IncomeAccording to the disclosure, Trump received about $625 million in royalties linked to the $TRUMP meme coin through a licensing agreement with Celebration Coins. The filing also states that World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency company co-founded by Trump and his sons, paid him more than $590 million from sales of digital tokens and the sale of an equity stake in the business. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service generally treats digital assets under the same tax rules that apply to traditional securities. However, experts said it remains unclear whether Trump's crypto earnings would be classified as capital gains, ordinary income or business income because the disclosure does not provide sufficient detail. The structure of the businesses receiving the income is also significant. If the earnings were recognized by corporate entities rather than Trump personally, they could be subject to different tax rates, while any previous business losses could reduce the overall tax bill. Limited TransparencyThe White House declined to answer questions about whether Trump paid taxes on the crypto income, whether it was reported on an individual or corporate basis, or whether any losses were used to offset taxable gains. Unlike several recent presidents, Trump has not made his tax returns public, limiting outside analysis of his finances. Settlement Limits Future Tax ClaimsQuestions about Trump's tax affairs have also been complicated by a Justice Department settlement reached in May. Under the agreement, the IRS and the Treasury Department are permanently barred from pursuing claims against Trump or his company based on prior tax returns. The settlement resolved Trump's lawsuit alleging the IRS failed to safeguard his confidential tax records after a government contractor leaked them to news organizations, including The New York Times, in 2020. The agreement also proposed creating a $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to compensate individuals claiming they had been targeted by government "lawfare." The proposal drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, and a federal judge later paused its creation. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche subsequently told Congress that the Justice Department was no longer moving forward with the fund. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:01:50 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/burnham-pledges-cost-of-living-relief-if-elected-pm-r1352/Andy Burnham has pledged to introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of living if he becomes prime minister, outlining proposals to lower household bills, support businesses and expand public control over key services. Get today's headlines by email In his first interview since returning to parliament, the Makerfield MP told LBC he would consider cutting business rates for some high street firms, reducing water and energy costs by bringing utilities under greater public control, and making bus travel free for 16- to 18-year-olds. Plans Target Household Bills and High Street BusinessesThe proposals are expected to form part of an early package of cost-of-living measures. Allies have also suggested the package could include more far-reaching policies, such as a temporary freeze on private sector rents. Speaking to Andrew Marr, Burnham said there was scope within Labour's 2024 manifesto to adjust tax policy. He argued that higher business rates could be applied to large warehouses and major developments on the outskirts of towns and cities, allowing lower rates for businesses such as pubs. Burnham said both households and businesses were paying too much for essential services, particularly energy. He said a government led by him would introduce a plan to increase public control over water, energy and transport over time, with the aim of reducing bills and fares. He said the country needed to give both families and businesses more financial breathing space by putting more money back into people's pockets. Allies Push for Wider MeasuresSupporters of Burnham have urged him to go further by freezing private rents for a year, removing green levies from energy bills and funding them through taxation instead, and lowering the cap on bus fares. Opinion polling suggests proposals focused on easing living costs could prove popular with voters. Research by Persuasion UK found Labour could win significantly more parliamentary seats by campaigning on a platform centred on tackling the cost of living than by maintaining its current approach. Questions Over FundingSeveral of Burnham's proposals could face financial and practical challenges, particularly over how they would be funded. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary and a potential member of a Burnham cabinet, has suggested increasing capital gains tax. However, Treasury officials have argued such a move would not necessarily generate additional revenue. Experts have also questioned whether bringing utilities under greater public ownership would automatically reduce consumer bills, pointing to the substantial investment still required in sectors such as water. Burnham insisted he would continue to follow the government's borrowing rules and rejected suggestions that his plans would rely on higher public borrowing. He said his previous experience in the Treasury and as health secretary demonstrated his commitment to disciplined public finances. Manchester Role for GovernmentBurnham also said he intended to spend part of his working week in Manchester if he became prime minister, as part of plans to decentralise government away from Westminster. He confirmed that his preferred location for a planned "No 10 North" would be a digital campus currently under construction near Manchester Piccadilly station. Burnham said having part of the Prime Minister's operation based in Manchester would demonstrate a commitment to shifting power away from Westminster and strengthening regional decision-making. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 03:56:51 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/cambodian-man-sets-five-myanmar-workers-ablaze-in-bangkok-r2587/Five Myanmar migrant workers suffered serious injuries after they were set on fire by a Cambodian man in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district in the early hours of 3 July, according to emergency responders. The attack took place inside Soi Punnawithi 12 in Bang Chak, prompting a major emergency response and the victims’ transfer to several hospitals. Get today's headlines by email Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were called to the scene after receiving reports that several Myanmar workers had been attacked and set alight. On arrival, they found five people with severe burn injuries, comprising three men and two women, all identified as Myanmar nationals. Emergency personnel provided immediate assistance before transporting the injured victims to multiple hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Authorities have not released details of their conditions beyond describing the injuries as serious. Police identified the suspected attacker as a Cambodian man. Officers are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack. At this stage, investigators have not disclosed what led to the alleged assault or whether the suspect has been formally charged. Further details are expected once police complete initial interviews and gather evidence from the scene. The incident has drawn a large emergency response due to the number of casualties and the severity of the injuries. Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation assisted alongside police in managing the aftermath and ensuring the victims received urgent medical care. Daily News reported the investigation is ongoing, with officers working to establish the circumstances that preceded the attack and determine the suspect’s alleged motive. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as inquiries continue. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:00:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/kalasin-school-offers-5500-baht-teacher-salary-r2586/A primary school in Kalasin province has drawn widespread criticism after advertising a temporary English teaching position with a monthly salary of just 5,500 baht. Ban Non Yang School in Kuchinarai district, under the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 3, published the recruitment notice on 1 July 2026. Get today's headlines by email The school is seeking one temporary employee to work as an assistant teacher and English teacher. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in English, while the advertised salary is fixed at 5,500 baht per month. Applications are being accepted in person at the school’s personnel office from 1 to 7 July 2026, between 09:00 and 15:00. The school said applications would be accepted throughout the period, including weekends and public holidays. The recruitment notice quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread debate over the level of pay being offered. Many users questioned whether the salary would be enough to support even a basic standard of living. Commenters calculated that the monthly salary equates to around 275 baht per day based on a 20-day working month. Several argued that this is lower than the earnings of many daily labourers, while others said food delivery riders working only a few hours each day could earn more. Some social media users also questioned whether the advertised wage complies with Thailand’s labour laws. The discussion has renewed attention on the pay and employment conditions of temporary teachers in the country’s public education system. The advertisement has also reignited wider debate over funding for public education and the reliance on temporary teaching positions with relatively low salaries. While criticism has focused on the advertised pay, the recruitment notice itself remains open to applicants under the published conditions. Khaosod reported that there has been no response from the school or the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 about the announcement. Applications will continue until 7 July 2026, after which the school is expected to proceed with its recruitment process for the temporary position. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:51:08 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/vietnam-drug-suspects-arrested-in-bangkok-r2585/Five Vietnamese nationals wanted in connection with a drug trafficking case in Vietnam have been arrested in Bangkok after officers from Thailand’s Immigration Bureau tracked them to two apartments in the Sukhumvit area. Get today's headlines by email The arrests followed a request from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, made through its representatives in Thailand, seeking the deportation of three suspects, including Mr Tran, who is wanted on charges of illegally distributing narcotics in Vietnam. Thai immigration authorities had previously revoked Mr Tran’s visa and ordered investigators from Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division to locate him. On 1 July 2026, senior Immigration Bureau officers, including Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, received a report that Mr Tran was staying at apartments in the Sukhumvit area. Investigators obtained a search warrant from the South Bangkok Criminal Court and searched two rooms. Officers spent around one hour and 30 minutes knocking and waiting, on the first apartment door before it was opened. During that time, they reported hearing repeated toilet flushing. Inside, they found Mr Tran, Miss Thi, Miss Thi, and Mr Huy. Police seized 2.14 grams of ketamine contained in a zip-lock bag, drug-taking equipment and other items, totalling eight exhibits. Investigators also found residue believed to be methamphetamine inside the toilet. Testing of the toilet water confirmed the presence of methamphetamine. During a search of the second apartment, officers found another Miss Thi along with drug paraphernalia. Urine tests conducted on all five suspects returned positive results for methamphetamine. While officers were carrying out the operation, building management alerted them that items had been thrown from the building. Police recovered a stainless steel container and seven resealable bags, six of which contained methamphetamine tablets. The items were seized as evidence while investigators work to identify their owner and source. Suspects one to three were charged with jointly possessing a Category 2 narcotic (ketamine) without permission and using a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine). The fourth suspect faces the same charges, together with remaining in Thailand after permission to stay had expired. The fifth suspect was charged with using methamphetamine. All five were handed over to investigators at Lumpini Police Station for legal proceedings. Following any court rulings in Thailand, authorities said those wanted by Vietnam would be deported to face the outstanding drug trafficking charges there. Thaitabloid reported that The Immigration Bureau urged members of the public to report foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity to local immigration offices or via the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:19:35 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-court-jails-four-doctors-in-surrogacy-case-r2584/Bangkok Criminal Court has sentenced four obstetricians to prison terms ranging from 10 years 6 months to 15 years in a major surrogacy and commercial egg trafficking case, following a ruling delivered on 2 July 2026. The court found the defendants guilty of involvement in an international criminal network operating surrogacy arrangements for commercial gain. Get today's headlines by email According to the case details, the network was linked to Chinese investor Zhao Ran and was uncovered after police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division arrested suspects in February 2020. The operation involved recruiting Thai women to act as surrogate mothers or egg donors, with payments of around 400,000 to 450,000 baht per person. Procedures such as embryo implantation were carried out in Laos or Cambodia, after which the women returned to Thailand for antenatal care at private hospitals and were housed by the Chinese-backed group in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok before travelling to China for delivery. The court said obstetricians in the case were aware that surrogacy for commercial purposes and egg trading were illegal and breached medical ethics, yet facilitated the process by treating human bodies as commodities for profit. It also found that agents and doctors operated at different levels of the organisation, with serious impacts on children born through the arrangements, who were deprived of traditional family upbringing and faced long-term emotional harm. The court applied sentence reductions of one quarter due to partially useful testimony but stressed the gravity of the offences. Amarin reported that the sentences varied among the defendants, with doctor 1 receiving 15 years, doctor 2 13 years, doctor 3 10 years 6 months, and doctor 4 13 years 6 months. Other defendants received terms between 4 years 6 months and 13 years 6 months, while two defendants were acquitted. In a related ruling, Zhao Ran and his associates were previously sentenced to 50 years imprisonment. Further legal proceedings may continue as the convicted parties retain the right to appeal. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:06:25 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-drug-agency-seizes-heroin-bound-for-australia-r2583/Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized heroin concealed inside silk clothing, local handicrafts, coffee packets and winter jackets that was destined for Australia and Taiwan. The drugs were hidden in international parcels intercepted during an operation involving the ONCB and partner agencies, with investigators linking the network back to the Golden Triangle. Get today's headlines by email Speaking at the ONCB headquarters on 2 July 2026, ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol said the latest seizures followed an earlier operation on 30 June. Officers intercepted two parcels in Bangkok containing heroin hidden inside local products and bound for Australia. Investigators traced the latest parcels to Loei province, where they found they had been dispatched on 1 July. ONCB officers immediately inspected a parcel delivery shop in Loei and discovered that three more packages with similar characteristics to those that had already been distributed to two locations in Bangkok. At the first location in Bang Kapi district, officers seized two parcels containing 6.23kg of heroin hidden inside silk clothing. The packages were destined for Taiwan. At the second location on Rang Nam Road in Ratchathewi district, officers seized one parcel containing 9.98kg of heroin concealed inside coffee packets and winter jackets. That shipment was destined for Australia. Further investigation found that the suspected organiser of the Australian-bound shipments is a Thai national wanted under an arrest warrant issued in Tak province for fraud. According to investigators, the suspect directed the operation from Australia. Officers expanded the investigation by raiding three locations in Loei and Nakhon Phanom linked to the parcel shipments and bank accounts used to receive transport payments. A suspect involved in dispatching the parcels told investigators that he and his Lao wife had delivered the packages on two occasions after collecting them from a Lao man. Payment for the work was transferred into his wife’s bank account. Authorities are also looking at possible connections with the Thai Airways hostess arrested in Australia. Pol Lt Col Suriya said Thailand’s border with the Golden Triangle, a major production area for methamphetamine, crystal meth, heroin and ketamine, together with the country’s extensive transport links by road, air, sea and international postal services, makes close cooperation between domestic and international agencies essential in disrupting drug trafficking networks. Khaosod reported that he said authorities will continue investigating the wider trafficking network and pursue legal action against everyone connected to the operation. Members of the public with information about drug offences are encouraged to contact the ONCB hotline on 1386, with officials stating that all reports will remain strictly confidential. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:53:14 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/man-rescued-from-water-tank-in-khon-kaen-r2582/A heavily intoxicated man was rescued in Khon Kaen, Thailand, after climbing into a water tank and falling asleep inside. Police were alerted at 11:30am on 2 July 2026, after residents reported a man inside the tank in an alley off Phimphasut Road in Khon Kaen municipality. Get today's headlines by email When officers and rescue workers arrived, they found the unidentified man standing upright and asleep, wedged in the tank with only his head above the rim and unresponsive despite repeated attempts to wake him. Rescuers drained the water from the tank and the man fell to the bottom still asleep. They then carefully tipped it onto its side to pull the man out safely. After regaining consciousness, the man walked to the road and rode away on his motorcycle. There is no report explaining why no officers stopped him, despite being clearly intoxicated. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod A local resident, Montakarn Buathong, 44, said workers behind her home discovered the man inside the tank and initially feared he had died because he was motionless. She said he later told rescuers as he walk to his motorcycle that he had been drinking heavily before parking his motorcycle near the alley, climbing over a fence, opening the tank lid and getting inside to sleep. Khaosod reported that residents said the man was fortunate to survive, noting that if he had lost his balance and fallen into the water inside the tank, he could have drowned. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:35:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/ice-quietly-arrests-10000-in-five-day-operation-r1351/US immigration authorities have arrested about 10,000 people suspected of being in the country illegally over a five-day period, according to sources familiar with the figures. Get today's headlines by email The arrests were made across the United States during a recent nationwide enforcement effort, the sources said, marking a significant increase in detention activity. Immigration arrests accelerateOfficials have also set a new operational target of at least 2,000 immigration arrests per day, according to the sources. The goal follows discussions between senior White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership aimed at increasing enforcement activity. A source familiar with those discussions told ABC News that officials had previously urged ICE to work toward 3,000 arrests per day. DHS highlights focus on criminal offendersIn a statement, a DHS spokesperson said immigration officers had been carrying out President Donald Trump's pledge to arrest and remove migrants accused or convicted of serious crimes. "Since Day One, DHS law enforcement has been delivering on President Trump's promise to the American people to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists," the spokesperson said. The Trump administration has repeatedly said its immigration crackdown is focused on what the president has described as the "worst of the worst" offenders. While the criminal records of those arrested in the latest operation have not been disclosed, the DHS spokesperson said nearly 70% of ICE arrests involve migrants who have been charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States. Lower-profile enforcement strategyAccording to sources, the recent enforcement operations have been conducted with relatively little public attention. The approach follows a commitment by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin during his confirmation hearing earlier this year to keep the agency focused on its work rather than publicizing enforcement actions. That represents a shift from the approach of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who favored greater publicity for ICE operations. ICE is also preparing for new leadership under Lance Schroyer, a close ally of Mullin and a former Oklahoma state trooper. Schroyer has no previous federal immigration enforcement experience. Calls for more public dataMike Howell, president of the Trump-aligned Oversight Project and a leader of the Mass Deportation Coalition, welcomed the reported increase in arrests but said the administration should release more detailed deportation statistics. "There have been so many numbers thrown around in press releases, estimates, extrapolations, and puffery that most people are just kind of immune to it and waiting to see the hard data that's being withheld," Howell said. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:34:14 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/uk-arrests-eight-in-crackdown-on-online-rape-networks-r1350/At least eight people have been arrested in the UK as part of investigations into online networks that encourage men to drug and sexually assault women, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said. Get today's headlines by email Since October 2025, the agency has identified 270 individuals connected to a forum and associated websites where footage of coordinated sexual abuse was shared. Investigators said the offending mirrors the abuse suffered by French survivor Gisèle Pelicot, whose case drew international attention after she was repeatedly drugged by her husband and raped by dozens of men. Investigations uncover organised abuse forumsThe NCA said the abuse is typically carried out by a long-term partner and can continue undetected for many years, with some cases lasting decades. Deputy director Nigel Leary said drug-facilitated sexual assault was "no longer isolated behaviour" but had become "increasingly organised". Victims identified and international inquiries launchedThe agency said 14 investigations are under way, with eight victims identified and provided with support. Evidence gathered from the online forums has been shared with law enforcement agencies in several countries as part of efforts to identify offenders and victims beyond the UK. The NCA said it has established a coordinated response involving prosecutors and safeguarding organisations to help identify victims and provide support while pursuing criminal investigations. Last week, representatives from law enforcement agencies in Brazil, Canada, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States met in London to exchange intelligence on suspected offenders, victims and online communities linked to the abuse. The agency said the meeting resulted in the identification of more than 150 offenders and victims, as well as four previously unknown online communities. Authorities urge victims to seek helpSiobhan Blake, the Crown Prosecution Service's national lead for rape and serious sexual offences, described the crimes as among the most disturbing she had encountered. She said victims were subjected to severe sexual abuse in their own homes, calling it an extreme betrayal of trust. Blake added that the offending flourished in secrecy, both online and behind closed doors, and said the criminal justice system was committed to exposing those responsible and securing justice for victims and survivors. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, said victims may not immediately realise they have been assaulted. She urged anyone who feels something is wrong to seek help, even if they have no clear memory or proof, adding that police and support services would listen, take reports seriously and provide appropriate care. Pelicot case highlighted scale of abuseEarlier this year, Gisèle Pelicot told the BBC she had been "crushed by horror" after learning that her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, had repeatedly drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious. The 73-year-old waived her right to anonymity to speak publicly about her experience and campaign for victims. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:25:59 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/ex-son-in-law-admits-triple-murder-in-nakhon-sawan-r2581/Police in Nakhon Sawan have uncovered the bodies of three family members buried in a cassava field in Phaisali district after an investigation into their disappearance. Officers have arrested the victims’ former son-in-law in Chon Buri, and he has reportedly confessed to killing his former father-in-law, mother-in-law and ex-wife. Get today's headlines by email The case began after the three victims disappeared from their home in Ban Mai Waree Yen, Village 8, Phaisali subdistrict, Phaisali district, Nakhon Sawan. Investigators found evidence suggesting an intruder had entered the property and cut the home’s CCTV system before the family vanished. The family’s pickup truck was last seen in Khlong Ha, Pathum Thani province, providing investigators with an important lead during the search. As enquiries continued, officers from Phaisali Police Station searched a cassava field owned by the victims. Police discovered freshly disturbed ground covered with leaves, prompting them to call forensic officers from the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Police forensic unit. The investigation led to the recovery of the three bodies buried at the site. Police later detained the prime suspect, identified as the victims’ former son-in-law, in Chon Buri province. According to initial reports, he admitted carrying out the killings. The suspect reportedly told investigators the motive stemmed from family conflicts and disputes over the victims’ property and assets. No further details regarding the alleged dispute have been released. Major General Narewit Sukonthawit, commander of the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Police, travelled to the scene and is personally overseeing the investigation and witness interviews. ThaiRath reported that the investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering evidence and conducting further questioning. Authorities have not yet released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the killings. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:24:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/damascus-cafe-bombing-kills-six-near-government-district-r1349/At least six people were killed and 22 others injured after a bomb exploded inside a busy cafe in central Damascus, according to Syrian state media. Get today's headlines by email Deadly Blast Rocks Central DamascusThe interior ministry said the explosive device had been planted inside the cafe, which is located about 100 metres from the Palace of Justice in the capital's Hejaz district. Authorities have not identified those responsible, and no group immediately claimed the attack. The bombing is the deadliest to hit Damascus since a suicide attack on a church in June 2025 that killed 25 people. Witness Describes Scene of DevastationMohammed al-Dahabi, who owns a glasses shop next to the cafe, said the explosion brought back memories of the violence that gripped the city during Syria's civil war. "I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook," he told AFP. "I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere." Video shared on social media appeared to show at least two men lying motionless on the outdoor terrace of the cafe after the blast. Authorities Vow ActionDamascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi visited the scene and said those behind the attack would be held accountable. "Each time the country sees a period of stability, malicious parties try to destabilise it," he said. Officials have not announced any arrests or provided further details about the investigation. Security Challenges PersistThe bombing comes as Syria's interim government continues to face significant security challenges following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces in December 2024, ending more than 13 years of civil war. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been working to consolidate government control across the country and improve security, but violence has continued in several areas. The June 2025 church bombing, which killed 25 people, was claimed by the little-known jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah. However, Syrian authorities attributed that attack to the Islamic State (IS) group. In recent months, Syria has also experienced repeated outbreaks of deadly sectarian violence involving government forces and members of the country's Alawite and Druze religious minorities, underscoring the continuing instability despite the end of the civil war. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:19:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/uzbek-men-held-with-cannabis-at-phuket-airport-r2580/Two Uzbek nationals have been arrested at Phuket International Airport after customs officers discovered large quantities of cannabis in their luggage as they prepared to leave Thailand. Get today's headlines by email The arrests were made on 1 July 2026 during baggage inspections carried out by customs officials at Phuket International Airport in cooperation with other agencies. Officers said both men were attempting to take cannabis products out of the country without completing the required customs procedures. The first suspect was identified as Mr Jalilboyevich Bunyodboy Juraboev, 26, a citizen of Uzbekistan. During an inspection in the Baggage Inspection Room (BIR) on the first floor of the international departures terminal, officials selected two of his four suitcases for further examination. Inside the luggage, officers found 30 vacuum-sealed packages containing dried cannabis flower with a total gross weight of 9.8 kilograms. They also discovered 14 processed cannabis bars with a combined gross weight of 1.03 kilograms. The second suspect, Mr Mukhiddinovich Nursayid Mukhiddinov, also 26 and also a citizen of Uzbekistan, was stopped separately after his luggage was examined in the Baggage Inspection Room. Authorities said they found 30 packages of dried cannabis flower weighing a total of 9.8 kilograms, eight bags of cannabis resin with a combined gross weight of 4.1 kilograms, and additional processed cannabis products consisting of one package, five bars and nine blocks with a total gross weight of 2 kilograms. Officials invited both passengers, identified as the owners of the luggage, to witness the searches. According to authorities, the men acknowledged ownership of the suitcases and consented to the inspections, which confirmed the suspicious items previously detected by X-ray screening. Both suspects have been charged with attempting to export goods from Thailand without completing customs formalities under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017). They also face offences under Thailand’s narcotics legislation and the Ministry of Public Health regulations governing controlled herbs, including cannabis. Amarin reported that following the arrests, the two men and all seized items were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings. The case is being supervised by Pol Col Salan Santisatsanakul, chief of Sakhu Police Station, with investigating officers continuing the case in accordance with Thai law. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:11:15 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/ex-olympian-indicted-over-lincoln-reflecting-pool-damage-r1348/A former US Olympic canoeist has been indicted on a felony charge after allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, federal prosecutors said. Get today's headlines by email David "Davey" Hearn, 67, is accused of causing about $1,000 (£750) in damage to the landmark after allegedly pulling up newly installed sealant from the bottom of the pool on 19 June. Former canoeist faces felony chargeUS Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment on Thursday, saying the damage occurred shortly after renovation work had been completed. "The defendant ripped a piece of recently installed sealant on the bottom of the reflecting pool," Pirro said. She described the incident as a deliberate act that damaged a restoration project carried out by the National Park Service. Hearn denies wrongdoingHearn, a three-time US Olympic canoeist, has denied the allegations. He previously told the BBC that he had stopped by the Reflecting Pool after a long bike ride out of curiosity about its condition. He said he only touched material that had already come loose and insisted he "didn't destroy, rip, tear, peel, or remove any part" of the coating. His lawyers also rejected the charges, calling the prosecution politically motivated. In a statement issued after the indictment, they said Hearn was innocent and argued that the case reflected "the administration's effort to shift blame for their own failures". Hearn has previously described his arrest as an "arbitrary, capricious prosecution". Ongoing problems at the Reflecting PoolThe Reflecting Pool has experienced several issues despite a recent $14 million renovation project. Large sections of the new sealant have been seen peeling from the bottom, while algae growth has also been reported. US Park Police said five people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the site, while another five have received federal citations. A National Park Service official had previously said parts of the pool's lining had been cut with a sharp object. President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for the damage. After inspecting the site on 20 June, he said on social media that repairs would begin immediately. He wrote: "Work will begin immediately on fixing the seriously vandalized Reflecting Pool," adding: "Who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE!" Historic landmarkThe Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was built in the 1920s and extends 2,030ft (619m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Over the years, it has faced recurring maintenance challenges, including leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth and bird droppings. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:11:05 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-visa-free-list-updated-for-35-destinations-r2579/The Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its 2026 list of countries and territories offering visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Thai passports. The revised list includes 35 destinations where Thai travellers can enter without applying for a visa, subject to each country’s entry conditions. Get today's headlines by email The permitted length of stay varies widely depending on the destination, ranging from 14 days to as long as 365 days. Some countries also offer visa-free entry only on a temporary basis, while others apply specific conditions to the exemption. The updated guidance reminds travellers that visa-free arrangements are determined by the destination country and may change without notice. As a result, travellers are advised to confirm the latest entry requirements before every trip. The Department of Consular Affairs recommends checking with the embassy of the destination country in Thailand or contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date information before departure. This is particularly important for destinations where visa exemptions are temporary or subject to additional conditions. While the updated list provides greater clarity for Thai passport holders planning overseas travel in 2026, travellers remain responsible for ensuring they meet all entry requirements set by the country they intend to visit. These may include limits on the length of stay, permitted purposes of travel, or other immigration conditions. The department stressed that visa-free entry does not guarantee admission, as final approval is granted by immigration authorities in the destination country. Travellers should therefore verify all requirements before travelling to avoid unexpected changes that could affect their plans. Summary of 35 countries and territories that Thais can visit visa-free in 2026 Georgia: 365 days Argentina: 90 days Brazil: 90 days Chile: 90 days Ecuador: 90 days Haiti: 90 days Panama: 90 days Peru: 90 days Republic of Korea: 90 days Cambodia: 60 days Samoa: 60 days China: 30 days Hong Kong: 30 days Indonesia: 30 days Kazakhstan: 30 days Kyrgyz Republic: 30 days Laos: 30 days Macau: 30 days Mongolia: 30 days Malaysia: 30 days Maldives: 30 days Philippines: 30 days Russia: 30 days Seychelles: 30 days Singapore: 30 days South Africa: 30 days Tajikistan: 30 days Timor-Leste: 30 days Türkiye: 30 days Vietnam: 30 days Japan: 15 days, under a temporary measure from Tuesday (July 1, 2025) to Saturday (August 1, 2026) Brunei: 14 days Myanmar: 14 days, for travel through international airports only Oman: 14 days Taiwan: 14 days, under a temporary measure from Friday (August 1, 2025) to Friday (July 31, 2026) Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:02:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/french-fugitive-arrested-in-phuket-r2578/A 29-year-old French national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice has been arrested in Phuket and is being prepared for extradition to Luxembourg, Thai police announced. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place on 2 July 2026 during a joint operation involving officers from the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division, the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division and Phuket Immigration. The operation was carried out under the direction of senior police officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Lertchai Jampathong, commander of the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division. The suspect, identified as Mr Chirrane Yanis, a French citizen, was detained outside a hotel in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket. Authorities said he was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. According to police, Mr Yanis is wanted on multiple serious charges. These include membership of a criminal organisation, money laundering involving assets or proceeds derived from criminal activity, kidnapping, unlawful detention, hostage-taking, armed robbery committed by two or more offenders, as well as extortion and blackmail. Following his arrest, officers transferred the suspect to Phuket Immigration for further legal procedures. Thai authorities said preparations are under way to extradite him to Luxembourg, where he is wanted to face the allegations. The operation was led by officers including Acting Pol. Lt. Col. Theerachai Hasso, inspector attached to the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division, and Pol. Lt. Apirat Yanarat, deputy inspector from Investigation Division 1 of the same command. The arrest formed part of cooperation between regional police investigators and immigration authorities in locating internationally wanted fugitives. The case highlights continued cooperation between Thai law enforcement agencies and international policing partners in executing Interpol Red Notices and processing extradition requests involving suspects accused of transnational organised crime. Amarin reported that as the extradition process moves forward, the suspect will remain in the custody of Thai immigration authorities while the legal procedures required for his transfer to Luxembourg are completed. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:56:21 +0000