https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/worldnews/harry-and-meghan-to-stay-at-royal-residence-during-uk-visit-r1308/Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will stay at a royal residence during their visit to the UK next month after accepting an invitation from King Charles III, marking the first time they have done so since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Get today's headlines by email The visit will be the couple's first trip to Britain together in four years and their first family visit since 2022. They will be joined by their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, although the children are not expected to appear at public events. First acceptance of royal accommodationA palace source previously said the Sussex family had been offered accommodation on the royal estate for future visits, but this is the first occasion they have accepted the invitation. CNN understands the family will divide their stay between a royal residence and private accommodation during the trip. Harry and Meghan left royal life in 2020 and moved to California, saying they wanted to become financially independent. Their departure was followed by years of public tensions with the royal family. In interviews and Harry's memoir, the couple cited media intrusion, family disputes and racism within British institutions as factors behind their decision to leave. Signs of improving relationsHarry has returned to the UK several times since relocating to the US. Meghan accompanied him for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022, while Harry attended King Charles III's coronation alone in 2023. In September last year, Harry and the King met privately at Clarence House for the first time in 19 months, as Charles underwent cancer treatment. The meeting fuelled speculation that relations between the two were improving, and they are reported to have remained in contact. Harry, however, is still believed to be estranged from his brother, Prince William. Invictus Games eventsThe trip will centre on events marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel founded by Harry. The visit will begin with Invictus-related engagements in London, where Meghan will join him, before Harry attends additional events in the Midlands linked to charities and causes he supports. The family's security arrangements have not been disclosed. Harry has previously expressed concerns about bringing Meghan and their children to Britain after losing taxpayer-funded police protection when he stepped back from royal duties. While staying at a royal residence, however, the family will be covered by existing security arrangements. Details of the family's private activities during the visit have not been made public. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026Sat, 27 Jun 2026 06:08:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/starmer-rejects-call-to-sack-immigration-minister-r1307/Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has rejected a request from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to dismiss immigration minister Mike Tapp after a dispute over an unauthorised newspaper article on government immigration policy. Get today's headlines by email The disagreement arose after Tapp wrote an opinion article for The Times arguing that foreign care workers should be exempt from proposed changes to visa settlement rules affecting migrants already living in the UK. A Home Office source said Mahmood viewed the article as unauthorised "freelancing on policy" and believed it breached both collective responsibility and the Ministerial Code. She asked Starmer to remove her junior minister from government. PM backs both ministersHowever, Downing Street rejected that request, saying it is solely the prime minister's responsibility to determine whether the Ministerial Code has been breached. A spokesperson said Tapp had instead been reminded of his obligations under the code, including collective responsibility and the proper procedures for clearing and presenting government policy. Earlier, Downing Street said Starmer continued to have confidence in both Mahmood and Tapp. Pictures courtesy of AOL Row over visa policyIn his article, Tapp argued that care workers who entered the UK legally on care worker visas and had contributed to the country's social care sector should not face longer waits before becoming eligible for settlement. He wrote that he believed those who had "played by the rules" and made a genuine contribution to the care system should be exempt from the planned changes, adding that the issue was one he had been working to resolve. After the article appeared, a Home Office source told the BBC that Tapp was expected to be dismissed for breaching the Ministerial Code, accusing him of presenting policy ideas being developed by Mahmood's team as his own. The Ministerial Code states that collective responsibility allows ministers to debate policy privately but requires them to present a united public position once decisions have been made. Public exchangeResponding on X, Tapp rejected the allegations, saying the dispute had shifted from claims that he broke the Ministerial Code to accusations that he had taken someone else's ideas. He said he had been working on the policy for months and claimed to have "the receipts" to support that assertion. Tapp also said he would not be intimidated into abandoning his views. Supporters of Mahmood interpreted the reference to "receipts" as a possible threat to disclose sensitive government documents. According to reports, that prompted the home secretary to limit Tapp's access to official documents and government meetings. Later, Tapp sought to ease tensions, writing on X that he had "a lot of respect" for Mahmood and would continue working hard for the country. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:50:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/uk-to-launch-new-sponsored-asylum-routes-r1306/The UK government will introduce new capped legal routes for refugees to enter the country later this year, allowing universities, community groups and businesses to sponsor asylum seekers under a system modelled on Canada's refugee sponsorship programme. Get today's headlines by email The Home Office said the scheme is designed to expand safe and legal pathways while tightening rules intended to reduce what it describes as abusive asylum claims. The announcement comes ahead of the government's immigration bill being presented to Parliament, where some measures are expected to face opposition from Labour MPs. New sponsorship systemUnder the new framework, approved organisations, including "trusted universities", will be able to sponsor refugees seeking protection in the UK. A separate work-based route is due to launch next year, enabling employers to sponsor refugees. Applications for the university sponsorship programme will open later this year, with the first arrivals expected in 2027. The government said the number of people admitted through the new routes will be capped, initially starting at a low level. It added that the Home Office will decide which organisations are eligible to act as sponsors, while all applicants will undergo strict security and eligibility checks. Officials said the new programme is intended to become the long-term foundation of the UK's asylum system and eventually operate on a much larger scale than the existing UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS). Balancing access and enforcementHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the reforms would protect people fleeing conflict and persecution while ensuring the asylum system remains controlled and commands public confidence. The government said it is also continuing with plans to tighten how human rights and modern slavery laws apply to asylum cases. Ministers argue the changes are needed to prevent unfounded claims and close loopholes. The reforms include changes to the application of the right to family life under the European Convention on Human Rights, which ministers say has been used to challenge rejected asylum claims. The Home Office also plans to amend the Modern Slavery Act, removing protection from foreign nationals who have received custodial sentences or where there is evidence documents have been forged. Pressure on the asylum systemThe government has faced pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers housed in taxpayer-funded hotels, while continued small boat crossings have fuelled criticism of the asylum system. Although community sponsorship already exists under the UKRS, the Home Office said most refugees are currently supported by local authorities. The new sponsorship model is intended to broaden that support base by involving a wider range of organisations. Cabinet disagreementThe policy announcement also coincided with a disagreement within government over wider immigration reforms. Junior minister Mike Tapp argued that foreign care workers should be exempt from planned visa changes affecting migrants already living in the UK. According to reports, Mahmood sought Tapp's dismissal following his public comments, but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to remove him. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:38:45 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/ex-trump-adviser-bolton-pleads-guilty-in-documents-case-r1305/John Bolton, the former US national security adviser under President Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully retaining classified information, bringing to a close a long-running investigation linked to notes he kept while preparing his memoir. Get today's headlines by email Bolton, who has become one of Trump's most outspoken Republican critics since leaving the White House, originally faced 18 charges over the alleged mishandling of classified material. On Friday, however, he admitted a single count of illegally retaining classified information as part of a plea agreement. Guilty plea and penaltiesThe charge relates to diary entries containing national defence information, including material classified at the top-secret level. Prosecutors said Bolton could face up to five years in prison and has agreed to pay fines totalling $2.25 million (£1.7 million). As part of the agreement, Bolton will also debrief national security officials on the classified information he retained and complete 100 hours of community service, according to CBS News. He is due to be sentenced on 28 October. During the hearing, the judge outlined allegations that Bolton had shared diary entries containing sensitive information with family members. Asked whether the allegations were true, Bolton replied: "I did, your honour," before adding that he was "sorry for it." Prosecutors and defence respondUS Attorney Kelly Hayes said Bolton fully understood the rules governing classified information because of his senior government positions. "He also knew the damage to national security that could be caused by mishandling that sensitive information," Hayes said. "Nevertheless, as Mr Bolton just admitted, he put our national security at grave risk in violation of the law." Bolton's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said his client accepted responsibility and avoided a prolonged trial that could have exposed additional classified information. Lowell contrasted Bolton's actions with Trump's handling of classified documents, arguing the president had never accepted responsibility over the separate criminal case brought against him in 2023. That case was later dismissed after Trump returned to office. Following the plea, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he hoped Bolton would be "dealt with harshly". Long-running investigationBolton served as Trump's national security adviser until his dismissal in 2019. His 2020 memoir, The Room Where It Happened, offered a highly critical account of the Trump administration. The White House unsuccessfully sought to block publication, arguing the manuscript contained classified information that had not been properly reviewed. Although the book was published, the Justice Department later launched an investigation into whether Bolton had improperly disclosed classified material. Prosecutors also accused Bolton of sending some classified documents from his time in office to two relatives. The indictment further alleged that a hacker briefly gained access to an online account where some of the documents were stored and issued a threat referencing Hillary Clinton's email controversy. Rare prosecutionBolton's indictment came amid several criminal cases involving critics of Trump, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. However, former federal prosecutors told the BBC that Bolton's case differed because of the strength of the evidence and his admission of wrongdoing. A person familiar with the plea agreement said Bolton also wanted to avoid a trial that might require the disclosure of additional classified information. Carrie Cordero, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, said prosecutions involving classified information are uncommon but not unprecedented, noting that both junior and senior government officials have faced similar cases. Before joining the Trump administration, Bolton served as US ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush. He also lost his Secret Service protection earlier this year after Trump returned to office. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:29:36 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/singha-heir-sued-by-mother-in-thai-court-case-r2505/A member of one of Thailand’s wealthiest brewing families, Siranudh “Psi” Scott, is facing a lawsuit from his mother in a dispute that has drawn attention to Thailand’s “ungrateful child” law. The case involves allegations, family conflict, and a claim to recover valuable land assets, with the pair due to appear in court on 8 July after mediation failed. Get today's headlines by email Siranudh Scott, a fourth-generation member of the billionaire family behind the Singha beer empire, is being sued by his mother, Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi. The dispute escalated after he made public allegations in May that he had been sexually abused by his older brother and a babysitter. Following these claims, his mother argued that he damaged the family’s reputation and is seeking to reclaim land worth millions of dollars that had been gifted to him by his late grandfather. The legal action is based on Thailand’s “ungrateful child law”, a 1908 provision that allows parents to revoke gifts if children are deemed neglectful, abusive, or responsible for serious reputational harm. The law is intended to protect parents from neglectful children and reflects the strong emphasis on family obligation and hierarchy in Thai society. In this case, it has brought renewed scrutiny to how the law is applied in disputes involving wealth and reputation. Siranudh has publicly criticised the legislation, saying it reflects outdated expectations of obedience within families. “Looking at the fine print, this law is an attempt to kind of silence any damage done to a family name. Anything remotely damaging to the name is considered disobedient possibly by the law,” he told AFP. He added, “It has really no place in a liberal society that places importance on the welfare of children.” His mother filed the lawsuit in February, and legal representatives have said the court is seeking an amicable resolution aimed at reuniting the family. The Bhirombhakdi family is ranked as Thailand’s 15th richest by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $1.75 billion. Most cases under the filial piety provision are typically resolved through mediation, particularly within wealthy families, according to legal experts. The Daily Mall reported that anthropology professor Jiraporn Laocharoenwong of Chulalongkorn University said the Thai term for ingratitude carries a stronger moral meaning than in English, referring to a breach of care and obligation rather than simple ungratefulness. Lawyers also note that children have limited legal routes to sue parents under Thai custom except in criminal matters. The court hearing is scheduled for 8 July after two rounds of mediation failed. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:13:21 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chon-buri-officials-arrest-12-illegal-chinese-workers-r2504/Labour officials in Chon Buri, working with security agencies, carried out a coordinated inspection in Bo Win, Si Racha district, on 25 June 2026, resulting in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals found working illegally across multiple sites. The operation targeted five high-risk establishments under a wider anti-trafficking and forced labour prevention plan. Authorities reported that some of the workers attempted to flee during the raids, including running into nearby wooded areas and hiding inside premises. Get today's headlines by email The inspection was led by officials from the Chon Buri Provincial Employment Office, including Phuwakon Tosingsakorn, with support from Naratip Sutthitham, Kornsak Janthong, and officers from the Internal Security Operations Command in Chon Buri. The operation formed part of the fiscal year 2026 action plan to prevent forced labour, illegal employment, and human trafficking in the province. The team inspected five workplaces in total, focusing on construction and food service businesses. Officials confirmed that the sites employed 35 Thai workers, 47 Myanmar workers, and 12 Chinese workers who were found to be working legally with valid permits. However, a separate group of 12 Chinese nationals (9 men and 3 women) were discovered working without authorisation. Their roles included construction supervision, procurement of building materials, cooking, and customer service duties in Chinese-run restaurants. Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง During the raid, workers at a construction site reportedly scattered in panic, with some escaping into nearby forested areas while abandoning personal belongings. At one Chinese restaurant, a cook was found attempting to hide beneath a preparation table after noticing officers entering the premises. At another restaurant, customers were observed sitting in groups playing cards while waiting for food service. Authorities detained all 12 individuals and transferred them to Bo Win Police Station for prosecution under Section 8 and Section 101 of the Foreigners Working Management Emergency Decree BE 2560 (2017), as amended. A separate charge was filed against one Chinese female employer for hiring undocumented foreign workers under Section 9 and Section 102 of the same law. Complaints were also lodged against four additional employers for further investigation and legal proceedings. Officials said the case remains under investigation as authorities work to identify all responsible employers and ensure compliance with labour regulations across the region. AQOvI8W3Db4da00-s8vsI2-xWcWWFfChj44-KeqNfWAlPLl9-6RcU2pL57UEuQE7mEYbM4cGnLgPgDvJVWXthMIeK0MyBw5IwhF4Y9_UdQ.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:49:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/customs-seize-b23m-cash-in-boxes-at-mae-sai-border-r2503/Mae Sai customs officers in Chiang Rai have seized more than 23 million baht in cash concealed inside parcel boxes in a Myanmar-registered car attempting to cross into Tachileik, Myanmar. The money was discovered during an inspection at the first Mae Sai border checkpoint, leading to the arrest of the driver and the launch of legal proceedings. Get today's headlines by email The vehicle was searched on June 23, 2026, in the outbound vehicle lane around 20 metres from the Thai-Myanmar border. The driver, a 31-year-old Myanmar national, had already completed outbound passport procedures with Chiang Rai immigration officers before customs officers carried out the inspection. During the search, officers found Thai 1,000-baht banknotes worth a total of 23,023,000 baht hidden inside two cardboard boxes labelled as fish-strip and potato products. Authorities said the cash had been concealed inside the boxes in an apparent attempt to move the money across the border without detection. Officials stated that the cash had not been authorised by an exchange-control officer and had not been declared to customs before leaving Thailand. Under Thai law, anyone transporting currency out of the kingdom must comply with customs declaration and exchange-control requirements. The cash was seized as evidence and the driver was arrested for further investigation. Authorities said the alleged offence involved an attempted smuggling of Thai currency out of the country without completing the required customs procedures. The Nation reported that the case is being pursued under Sections 242 and 252 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560, together with Section 80 of the Criminal Code and Sections 8 and 8 bis of the Exchange Control Act B.E. 2485. Investigators will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted transfer of the funds and what additional individuals were involved. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:35:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/man-collecting-dung-killed-by-elephant-in-krabi-plantation-r2502/A man was killed after being attacked by an elephant while collecting dung at a palm oil plantation in Ao Luek district, Krabi, Thailand, on 25 June 2026. The victim, identified as Somchai, 49, from Ao Luek Tai in Krabi, was found unconscious at the scene with multiple injuries before later dying at Ao Luek Hospital. Get today's headlines by email Police at Ao Luek station received a report of a person injured by an elephant at a plantation in Moo 6, Ao Luek Tai subdistrict, Ao Luek district. Emergency responders from the Sawang Krabi Ao Luek Rescue Unit and the municipal emergency medical team in Laem Sak were sent to the location. At the scene, rescuers found Somchai lying unconscious beside a female elephant identified as Pang Chao Saen, aged around 30 years. The elephant was tied up at the plantation site. Emergency teams moved the animal away before providing first aid to the victim and transporting him to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. He suffered multiple severe injuries. Initial police investigations found that Somchai worked as a farmer and general labourer. Before the incident, he had gone to the plantation to collect elephant dung for use as compost fertiliser. At the time, the elephant’s mahout was not present. Investigators believe the victim approached too closely to the elephant while it was unattended by its handler. The animal is thought to have become startled or threatened, leading it to attack the man. Police and rescue workers secured the area while ensuring the elephant was restrained and moved away so that medical assistance could be safely given. Officers have since begun collecting statements from the mahout to establish the full sequence of events. Naewna reported that further inquiries are ongoing to determine the precise circumstances leading up to the attack and whether additional safety measures are required at the plantation. Picture courtesy of Naewna Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:23:26 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-government-advances-tourism-ministry-split-r2501/The Thai government is moving forward with legislation to restructure the Ministry of Tourism and Sports by separating tourism affairs from sports administration and integrating tourism functions with the Ministry of Culture, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt. Mr Pakorn, who oversees the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), said the draft legislation has been completed and was sent to the cabinet secretariat for circulation among agencies to gather comments on administrative arrangements. The move represents a formal step in the government’s plan to reorganise tourism governance at ministerial level. Get today's headlines by email He said the consultation process is expected to take no longer than one month, after which the bill will be submitted to the cabinet, likely next month or in August. The proposal involves separating tourism responsibilities from the existing combined ministry structure and reallocating tourism functions to align with the Ministry of Culture. The current Ministry of Tourism and Sports oversees both sectors, and the proposed change would establish a clearer administrative division between them. Under the draft plan, agencies currently under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports would be reassigned depending on their functions, with tourism-related bodies moving under the new structure linked to the Culture Ministry. The cabinet secretariat will circulate the draft to relevant agencies to collect feedback on administrative arrangements before final approval. No additional public statements or opposition details were provided in the report. The Bangkokpost reported that following the one-month consultation period, the draft is expected to be returned to the cabinet for consideration, with submission likely next month or in August. If approved, the restructuring would proceed through legislative approval and administrative implementation stages. Further details on transitional arrangements have not yet been announced. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:11:29 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-navy-oil-tanker-fire-response-drill-in-sattahip-r2500/Thai Navy units have conducted an annual fire-fighting drill involving an oil tanker scenario at Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri, aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities. The exercise focuses on rapid intervention during shipboard fires, improving rescue readiness for both naval and civilian vessels, and reducing potential loss of life, property and marine environmental damage. Officials said the training supports round-the-clock maritime rescue preparedness across operational units. Get today's headlines by email According to Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachai Phan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, the exercise was carried out by the Amphibious and Logistic Support Fleet as part of the fiscal year 2026 training programme on 25 June 2026 at Laem Tien Pier within Sattahip Naval Base. The drill featured HTMS Chula and HTMS Rad and was designed to test crew readiness and operational procedures under realistic emergency conditions. It also included inspections of firefighting equipment, onboard safety systems and operational manuals. Picture courtesy of Amarin Training scenarios covered initial situation assessment, fire suppression, search and rescue operations in confined and low-oxygen spaces, first aid for injured or unconscious personnel, and coordination with relevant agencies in the event of a real emergency. A further key focus was managing oil spill risks linked to maritime fires, including containment and initial clean-up measures to minimise environmental impact on marine resources, fisheries, tourism and coastal communities. The Royal Thai Navy emphasised that the exercise strengthens interoperability and ensures a unified standard of response across all three naval areas. Amarin reported that the Royal Thai Navy said similar drills will be conducted across all operational regions under its responsibility during fiscal year 2026. The aim is to ensure consistent preparedness, improved coordination and faster response times for maritime emergencies nationwide. The programme is intended to build public confidence in the navy’s ability to assist in disasters at sea and protect national maritime interests. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:04:23 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/miss-thailand-runner-up-accuses-sponsor-of-assault-in-rayong-r2499/A 27-year-old second runner-up of Miss Thailand Phuket 2026 has filed a police complaint alleging sexual assault and attempted rape by a prominent pageant sponsor at a hotel in Rayong on 26 June 2026. The complaint was lodged at Nikhom Phatthana Police Station and relates to an alleged incident that took place on the evening of 25 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email According to the complainant, she travelled to Rayong to meet and thank sponsors who had supported her pageant activities. She said she met a Thai man identified only as “Mike” aged in his 50s, who is a well-known durian farm owner in Nikhom Phatthana district and a major sponsor of the pageant. She stated she trusted him as a senior figure in the industry. The woman alleged that Mike offered to book her a hotel room in Nikhom Phatthana district as she was due to film a tourism commercial in Ban Chang district the following day before travelling to Nakhon Ratchasima for another pageant commitment. She claimed that while she was taking a shower, he entered the bathroom naked and attempted to force himself on her. She said she defended herself using Muay Thai techniques, striking him with a knee to the groin and punching him in the face, causing him to flee the room. The complainant further alleged that when she sought help from hotel staff, the response was inadequate. She said police were called and she was briefly treated as if she were intoxicated and causing a disturbance, despite reporting injuries sustained during the incident. Hotel staff later met investigators and said they initially believed the pair were husband and wife. They added that once the woman requested emergency medical assistance, staff realised the seriousness of the situation and followed appropriate procedures. The hotel stated it prioritises guest safety. Khaosod reported that police are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses as part of their investigation. No charges have been announced. Mike denied the whole incident and is threatening to sue her for defamation. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:56:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/australian-arrested-at-bangkok-airport-over-pattaya-murder-r2498/Police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian man at Suvarnabhumi Airport after he attempted to flee Thailand, in connection with the disappearance and murder of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was found on 27 June 2026, inside a suitcase abandoned beside railway tracks in Pattaya. Get today's headlines by email The suspect, identified publicly by Thai police as Mr. Simon Peter Carman, was detained while attempting to buy a ticket to return to Australia. He has denied any involvement in the killing and maintains he is innocent despite what police describe as strong CCTV evidence. He currently faces a charge of abducting a minor under the age of 18 for indecent purposes. The arrest followed a joint investigation by Pattaya City Police and Nong Prue Police, who traced the suspect’s movements using CCTV footage collected along his suspected escape route. According to investigators, the victim, Miss T, 17, from Kalasin province, disappeared after entering a condominium on Jomtien Second Road with Carman at 3.34am on June 25. CCTV footage showed the pair holding hands as they entered the building and went to Room 20 on the 15th floor. Police say the teenager was never seen leaving the condominium alive. Further CCTV footage recorded at around 9.34pm the same day allegedly showed Carman dragging a large black suitcase from the building. He loaded it onto a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle bearing Prachuap Khiri Khan registration. Police later used CCTV tracking him riding along Sukhumvit Road towards Soi Chaiyapruk 2 and then onto a road running parallel to the railway tracks. Investigators said the suspect disappeared from CCTV coverage for more than nine minutes before returning to the condominium on the same motorcycle without the suitcase. Police believe the victim’s body was disposed of during that period. A body concealed inside a black suitcase was later discovered beside railway tracks behind Pattaya Floating Market in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. Police from Pattaya and Nong Prue coordinated efforts under senior officers, analysing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify and locate the suspect. Pictures courtesy of ฉลาม นิวส์ Officers tracked Carman to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where he was arrested before boarding a flight. Authorities are continuing to question him while forensic specialists gather additional evidence to support the case. The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to examine forensic evidence and complete the case file for legal proceedings. AQNBb6JGZVfZQuABgpVQXz7nrv8u57OgrcO2FjquaLhDQLgFepf41yByHtek7wYc7a-sIDNVk5UGKJQxA5JJ1ZSuWRJLCTPsATKWaAAwRw.mp4 Related story Foreigner-linked-to-suitcase-body-probe-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ฉลาม นิวส์ 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:43:41 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-chief-chinese-consul-inspect-pattaya-safety-r2497/Thai Tourist Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pueak-am and Mr Wu Jian, Minister Counsellor and Consul General of China in Thailand, inspected safety measures in Pattaya, Chon Buri, aimed at strengthening tourist confidence across the coastal resort city. The visit covered key coastal safety points including Laem Bali Hai Pier and Ta Waen Beach on Koh Larn, where lifeguard readiness and operational procedures were reviewed. They also presented support items to lifeguards and volunteer responders working along the shoreline. Get today's headlines by email Following the inspections, the delegation held a coordination meeting with tourism network partners at Tourist Police Station 4, Subdivision 2, Division 1, focusing on integrated safety measures for both domestic and international visitors in the Pattaya tourism zone. The group also took part in a formal roll-call ceremony designed to reinforce public confidence among visitors and tourism operators. Officials observed demonstrations of a mobile drone operations vehicle and an AI-based surveillance camera system deployed in the Walking Street area, designed to improve real-time monitoring and incident response capabilities. Authorities said these systems are intended to strengthen safety standards across Pattaya’s tourism infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas, while supporting confidence among Thai and foreign tourists, including visitors from China. Pol Lt Gen Saksira and Mr Wu Jian emphasised continued cooperation between Thai authorities and Chinese representatives in promoting safer travel environments, particularly in coastal tourism destinations where water-related activities remain a key attraction. Officials said the measures form part of broader efforts to upgrade safety systems and enhance coordination among law enforcement, local agencies, and tourism stakeholders ahead of peak visitor periods. The Daily News reported that the inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to improve safety infrastructure and coordination across Pattaya’s tourism sector ahead of peak seasons. Authorities indicated continued joint initiatives and monitoring to maintain safety standards for visitors and to support sustained tourism confidence in the region. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:20:47 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-prepares-rescue-team-for-venezuela-quakes-r2496/Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:13:06 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/us-strikes-iranian-targets-after-cargo-ship-attack-r1304/US forces carried out strikes on Iranian military targets after Washington accused Tehran of breaching a ceasefire agreement by attacking a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Get today's headlines by email The action followed an incident on Thursday in which a one-way attack drone struck a cargo vessel transiting the strategic waterway. No casualties were reported, but the attack prompted plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors who had remained in the region amid heightened security concerns. President Donald Trump described the attack as a "foolish violation" of the truce between the United States and Iran. Asked shortly before the military operation whether Washington would retaliate, Trump replied: "You'll see." Military responseUS Central Command (Centcom) said on Friday that American forces targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, along with coastal radar sites, in response to the attack. In a statement, Centcom described the operation as "a powerful response" to what it called Iranian aggression against commercial shipping. It said the drone strike had clearly violated the ceasefire and accused Iran of threatening freedom of navigation through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Centcom added that US forces would continue coordinating and supporting the safe passage of commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. Strait of Hormuz tensionsThe latest escalation comes months after fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran disrupted shipping in the Gulf. Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran that began at the end of February, Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and gas exports. The disruption drove up international oil prices and delayed shipments of other key commodities, including fertiliser. The strait is regarded as one of the world's most strategically significant waterways because a substantial share of global energy supplies passes through it. Ceasefire under strainThe United States and Iran reached a 14-point memorandum of understanding on 17 June aimed at ending hostilities. Among its provisions, Iran agreed to use its "best efforts" to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without imposing charges for a period of 60 days. Washington said Thursday's drone attack breached those commitments, prompting the military response announced by Centcom. The strikes mark the latest setback for efforts to stabilise the region following weeks of conflict and renewed international concern over the security of commercial shipping in the Gulf. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:11:30 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/the-truth-about-thailands-notorious-bangkok-hilton-r2495/The “Bangkok Hilton” nickname refers to Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi, Thailand, a maximum-security men’s facility widely associated with severe conditions and long-term sentences. The term has become a shorthand used by foreign media and visitors, often as a dark joke, despite generally not being used by Thai’s locally. Get today's headlines by email The label “Bangkok Hilton” was popularised after a 1989 Australian television mini-series starring Nicole Kidman, which depicted a fictional Bangkok prison. It was later reinforced by a 2004 BBC documentary titled The Real Bangkok Hilton. Bang Kwang itself lies on the Chao Phraya River around 11 kilometres north of central Bangkok in Nonthaburi. It was developed between the late 1920s and early 1930s after land was acquired under the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), and opened to house serious offenders, including life sentences and death row prisoners. Conditions at Bang Kwang have contributed to its reputation. Designed for around 3,500 inmates, it has held up to 8,000 at times. For decades, new prisoners wore leg irons for three months, with death row inmates previously shackled permanently until the practice ended in 2013. The prison economy includes a “chit system”, where food and basic needs beyond one free daily bowl of rice and vegetables must be purchased or traded internally. Bang Kwang is Thailand’s main death row facility. The last execution by firing squad took place in December 2002, with the country’s last execution occurring in June 2018 by lethal injection. While executions remain legal, they are rare and subject to lengthy appeals and royal pardon processes. Foreign prisoners have included Warren Fellows, jailed for heroin trafficking in 1978 and released in 1990 after a royal pardon, and Jonathan Wheeler, who served over 18 years of a 50-year sentence. Alan John Davies became the first European sentenced to death in Thailand in 1995 before later returning to the UK under amnesty. Sandra Gregory’s case is often misattributed, though she served time at Klong Prem women’s prison, not Bang Kwang. Release pathways often depend on royal pardons issued during national occasions or prisoner transfer treaties. Thailand has 37 such agreements, and 1,082 foreign prisoners have been transferred home since 1990. The first treaty was signed with France. Drug laws remain central to prison populations. Cannabis was decriminalised in June 2022 but reclassified in June 2025 for medical use only under prescriptions valid for 30 days. Serious drug offences still carry long sentences or death penalties, with a Malaysian man sentenced to death for heroin trafficking in March 2025. TheThaiger reported that access to Bang Kwang is restricted to families, lawyers, embassies and approved visitors, though reforms have introduced video calls and reduced shackling. Overcrowding persists, and the “Bangkok Hilton” nickname continues despite growing official scrutiny of prison conditions. Pictures courtesy of TheThaiger Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now TheThaiger 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:05:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/worker-falls-from-chiang-rai-hospital-building-site-r2494/A 63-year-old construction worker from Nakhon Nayok has died after falling from a 14-storey hospital construction project at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital in Chiang Rai. The man was found trapped on scaffolding between the fourth and fifth floors after the fall and was initially taken to intensive care before later dying from his injuries. Get today's headlines by email Police at Muang Chiang Rai Police Station received reports of the incident on the afternoon of 26 June 2026. Officers were notified that a worker had fallen from the upper levels of a major construction site for the hospital’s new international cardiovascular and vascular health services centre. Emergency responders and rescue teams from the Siam Chiang Rai Foundation were dispatched to the scene alongside provincial officials. The worker, identified as a 63-year-old male from Muang district, Nakhon Nayok province, reportedly fell from the upper structure of the 14-storey building while scaffolding was being installed along the side of the project. He landed on an already completed section of scaffolding between floors four and five, where he was found unconscious by rescue personnel. He was urgently transported to the hospital’s intensive care unit immediately after the rescue. However, medical staff confirmed that he later died due to the severity of injuries sustained from the fall, which shocked fellow workers on site. The hospital director, Dr Somsak Apayapiboon, confirmed the incident and said the patient had been admitted to ICU following the incident. Senior provincial officials, including Chiang Rai Governor Choochip Phongchai and Nangs Jittraat Mheetongthanakorn, chair of the advisory committee to the Minister of Public Health, attended the scene. Authorities coordinated with the victim’s relatives, who are based in central Thailand, to arrange next steps and ensure entitlement to any compensation and welfare support. The construction project, located beside Ruam Chit Thawai Kham Road, is valued at 766,080,000 baht. It is scheduled to run from September 2023 until September 2026. The 14-storey structure, comparable in height to the hospital’s emergency building, is a prominent feature in Chiang Rai city and remains under active construction with significant machinery, materials, and workforce on site. Manager Online reported that an investigation into the cause of the incident is to be carried out by authorities. Picture courtesy of MGR Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:56:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreigner-linked-to-suitcase-body-probe-in-pattaya-r2493/Police in Pattaya, Chon Buri, are investigating a foreign man in connection with the discovery of a body concealed inside a large suitcase abandoned near the railway line behind Pattaya Floating Market, just after midnight on 27 June 2026. The victim is believed to be a 17-year-old girl who had previously been reported missing, although formal identification is still pending. Get today's headlines by email Officers opened the suitcase after it was found abandoned and discovered the body folded inside. During an initial examination, investigators identified a tattoo consistent with that of the missing teenager. Police said the victim’s identity will only be confirmed following forensic identification and a post-mortem examination. The discovery brings an apparent end to the family’s search for the missing girl. The case has attracted widespread public attention as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and identify those responsible. The investigation is being directed by Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, who assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Khatchamat, deputy superintendent of investigations, to lead the inquiry. Officers are also working closely with Pol. Col. Nattaphon Phongsuksakul, superintendent of Nong Prue Police Station, supported by Pol. Lt. Col. Wirat Thetthong and Pol. Maj. Kamron Rodma. Police have sealed off the scene while forensic specialists gathered evidence. Investigators are reviewing local CCTV footage, examining forensic evidence and questioning witnesses as part of efforts to determine the movements of a foreign man linked to the investigation and establish whether he was involved in the case. Pictures courtesy of ฉลาม นิวส์ Investigators are examining CCTV footage which reportedly shows a foreign man, already under investigation for her disappearance, transporting the suitcase on the back of a motorcycle before abandoning it near the railway line. Police are comparing the suitcase recovered at the scene with images of a foreign man seen wheeling a similar suitcase out of a condominium in the Jomtien area to establish whether the evidence is linked. Authorities have stressed that forensic examinations and evidence collection remain ongoing. No formal confirmation of the victim’s identity has yet been issued, as the police investigation continues. AQOr9IpiDrFjeGNhMNqtbIW5X5KvUwFmigU5P7lrU0h6Kh5bHhYngCA1LUV3bix3oC8ToZ-91fw3e4AwTbY47sutD__RnHNM95GkldjNLg.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ฉลาม นิวส์ 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:44:22 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-targets-332m-tourists-in-2026-r2492/Thailand is aiming to welcome more than 33.2 million foreign tourists by the end of 2026 as it shifts its focus towards attracting higher-value visitors rather than simply increasing arrival numbers. Get today's headlines by email The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is pursuing a “Value over Volume” strategy designed to position Thailand as a “Quality Destination”, placing greater emphasis on tourism revenue, service standards, safety and sustainability. Officials believe the approach will strengthen the sector despite continued global economic uncertainty and intense international competition. Between January and May 2026, Thailand recorded 14.03 million foreign tourist arrivals. Although slightly below the figures for the same period in previous years, the country has maintained more than 14 million visitors during the first five months for the third consecutive year, with 14.76 million recorded in 2024, 14.36 million in 2025 and 14.03 million in 2026. Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Natthriya Thaweevong said the figures demonstrate continued confidence among international travellers and reinforce Thailand’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. She said the government’s strategy is intended to generate greater economic value, spread tourism income to local communities, improve service standards, enhance safety and promote sustainable tourism across the country. Thailand’s quality tourism ambitions have also received international recognition. Koh Samui was recently named “Best Island 2026” in the Asia-Pacific region at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, based on votes from readers of the global travel magazine. The ministry regards Koh Samui as a model for developing premium tourism experiences while protecting natural resources, preserving local communities and maintaining high service standards. Alongside Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya, the island remains one of Thailand’s leading destinations for overseas visitors. From the beginning of the year until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Koh Samui welcomed more than 1,006,112 foreign tourists, generating more than THB25,531.85 million in revenue. The island proved especially popular with visitors from Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, France and China. Natthriya said Thailand’s success should not be measured solely by visitor numbers but by the quality of tourists, the revenue they generate and the benefits delivered to businesses and communities nationwide. The Nation reported that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will work with public and private sector partners during the second half of 2026 to stage more international events, festivals and activities. It will also promote health tourism, sports tourism, community-based tourism and cultural tourism to create higher-value visitor experiences and improve Thailand’s competitiveness. Supported by these initiatives, the ministry remains confident Thailand will exceed 33.2 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 2026, generating significant economic revenue while supporting balanced, high-quality and sustainable long-term growth. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:27:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/israel-lebanon-agree-initial-troop-withdrawal-deal-r1303/Israel will withdraw from two locations in southern Lebanon under a new agreement reached after four days of negotiations in Washington, marking what officials described as an initial step toward broader talks between the neighboring countries. Get today's headlines by email The agreement, brokered by the United States and signed by representatives of Israel and Lebanon, provides for the transfer of the two sites to the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of a pilot arrangement linked to the existing ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the withdrawals involve one area north of the Litani River and another south of it. He described the move as the removal of Israeli troops from positions the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) "does not need," while stressing that Israel would continue to maintain a military presence in other occupied parts of southern Lebanon. Pilot withdrawal under US-backed dealThe agreement emerged during a fifth round of US-hosted talks aimed at encouraging wider cooperation between Israel and Lebanon, two countries that have never established diplomatic relations. A senior Israeli official said the trilateral agreement between Israel, Lebanon and the United States would create the conditions for a "future agreement" as efforts continue toward a broader peace arrangement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that significant challenges remain but described the signing as an important milestone. "Today is the beginning of the beginning," Rubio said during the signing ceremony. He added that while difficult negotiations lie ahead, the United States was honored to help facilitate the process. Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, called the agreement the "first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity." Lebanon welcomes agreementUnder the arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces will deploy to the two locations vacated by Israeli troops. The pilot programme forms part of the latest ceasefire agreement between the two countries. The announcement follows earlier indications that Israel was considering limited withdrawals from occupied territory in southern Lebanon as a goodwill gesture during negotiations. On Thursday, the IDF said it would temporarily reduce its troop levels in Lebanon but did not mention relinquishing territory. A day earlier, Israel's defence minister had stated that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon even if the United States requested their withdrawal. Netanyahu links deal to HezbollahNetanyahu portrayed the agreement as beneficial for Israel, saying it allows Israeli forces to remain in much of the territory they currently occupy until Hezbollah is disarmed. He also described the agreement as a setback for Iran, accusing Tehran of attempting to pressure Israel into withdrawing from southern Lebanon through force. Following the signing, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun thanked the Trump administration for hosting the negotiations. He said the agreement would allow Lebanese citizens to return to "their fully liberated land" under the exclusive sovereignty of the Lebanese state, in an apparent reference to Hezbollah's influence, which is backed by Iran. Hezbollah, however, strongly rejected the talks. Hassan Fadallah, a member of the group's parliamentary bloc, condemned direct negotiations with Israel and urged the Lebanese government to reverse its decisions. Speaking to the pro-Hezbollah Al-Mayadeen television channel, he said anyone who "shakes hands with the enemy is a criminal like them." Rubio said both Lebanese and Israeli citizens had endured decades of conflict and deserved to live in peace and security, while cautioning that achieving lasting progress would require considerable further work. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:27:02 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/small-plane-crashes-into-beijings-tallest-skyscraper-r1302/A small aircraft crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper on Friday afternoon, prompting a large emergency response in the Chinese capital and raising questions about how the incident occurred in one of the world's most tightly controlled airspaces. Get today's headlines by email Videos shared on social media showed debris falling from the 109-story CITIC Tower, commonly known as China Zun, after the apparent impact. Footage also appeared to show the aircraft's tail section on the ground near the building, along with a taxi that had a shattered window. A CNN journalist at the scene reported that people were evacuated from the skyscraper and gathered outside near the entrance as emergency crews responded. Fire engines, police vehicles and an ambulance were seen around the building. Emergency ResponseAuthorities had not immediately released details about casualties, the cause of the crash or the extent of the damage. CNN said it had contacted Chinese authorities as well as a telephone number listed for the aircraft's owner but had not received information about the incident. The CITIC Tower, completed in 2018, is the tallest building in Beijing and serves as a major commercial office tower in the city's central business district. Aircraft IdentifiedImages circulating online that appeared to show the aircraft's registration suggested it was a domestically built Sunward SA 60L Aurora, a light sport aircraft owned by a local general aviation company. Unverified flight data posted online from Flightradar24 appeared to indicate the aircraft had followed a highly irregular flight path before the crash. The flight information has not been independently confirmed. Questions Over Airspace SecurityThe crash is likely to attract particular attention because of Beijing's heavily restricted airspace. Since May 1, authorities have imposed sweeping regulations that effectively prohibit drone operations across the capital without prior government approval. Under the rules, residents cannot buy, rent or operate drones within Beijing's extensive municipal area unless they have official authorization. The restrictions reflect the city's broader security measures, particularly around sensitive government and commercial areas. It remains unclear how the aircraft came to strike the skyscraper or whether it had authorization to operate in the area. Officials have not yet provided further details, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:37:51 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/volkswagen-plans-up-to-100000-job-cuts-r1301/Volkswagen is preparing a sweeping restructuring that could eliminate up to 100,000 jobs worldwide over the next several years and eventually end production at four German plants, according to a report by Manager Magazin. Get today's headlines by email The report said Volkswagen Chief Executive Oliver Blume plans to significantly reduce the group's workforce while cutting investment by around 15% over the next five years. Capital spending would fall to just over €130 billion (US$148 billion), reflecting the company's drive to lower costs as it faces mounting competitive pressures. A Volkswagen spokesperson declined to comment on what the company described as confidential documents. "The relevant facts of the matter will be discussed and approved by the relevant bodies. We will not pre-empt this process," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The spokesperson added that the entire Volkswagen Group, including its brands and subsidiaries, must undergo "far-reaching change." Major Restructuring PlansAccording to Manager Magazin, Blume and Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz are planning a fundamental overhaul of the company. The magazine, citing sources, reported that Volkswagen's core VW brand and its parts-manufacturing operations would be separated from the current group structure and reorganised into standalone entities. The restructuring would also involve a gradual shutdown of production at four German factories. The report said vehicle manufacturing would end at Volkswagen's plants in Hanover, Zwickau and Emden, as well as Audi's facility in Neckarsulm, once the models currently built there reach the end of their production cycles. Cost-Cutting Drive IntensifiesBlume has previously pledged to deepen Volkswagen's cost-cutting efforts beyond the 50,000 job reductions already under way. Although Volkswagen reached an agreement with labour unions in 2024 that ruled out plant closures in Germany during the current decade, under-utilised factories have remained under scrutiny as the company seeks to improve efficiency. Industry Under PressureVolkswagen, along with other European automakers, is grappling with a combination of challenges, including tariffs, growing competition from Chinese manufacturers and the costly transition to electric vehicles. The reported restructuring plans underscore the scale of the changes facing Europe's largest carmaker as it attempts to strengthen its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global automotive market. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 June 2026Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:30:12 +0000