https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/government-speeds-up-phuket-tourism-clean-up-r2540/Thailand’s Interior Ministry is stepping up efforts to clean up Phuket’s tourism sector by investigating companies suspected of using illegal Thai nominee shareholders for foreign owners. The campaign has already resulted in legal action against dozens of businesses while speeding up licensing for legitimate hotel operators. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee said 159 companies believed to be operating through nominee arrangements have been referred to a review committee. Legal action has been taken against 39 companies, while 34 have been ordered to divest their holdings. The investigation is set to expand further, with around 200 additional companies expected to be submitted to the committee for scrutiny. Polapee said an update on the operation is expected this week, with a joint press conference alongside the Department of Lands planned for July 2 or 3. He and Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit are also expected to return to Phuket in about two weeks. Alongside enforcement, authorities have accelerated the approval process for legitimate hotel businesses. Phuket previously issued around 40 hotel operating certificates each year, but following changes to procedures after the latest inspection visit, officials granted approximately 45 licences within just 10 days. According to Polapee, the faster licensing process is designed to help hotels and other tourism businesses operate legally while removing illegal levies that have affected honest operators. The changes are intended to allow compliant businesses to trade without fear of unlawful interference. The campaign forms part of an urgent policy directed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The ministry’s stated priorities are to “alleviate hardship, promote well-being, protect public peace, eradicate drugs and defeat gangsters.” The Nation reported that the crackdown targets nominee arrangements, where Thai nationals hold shares on behalf of foreign owners in breach of Thai law. Authorities have also linked the operation to broader efforts to prevent and combat transnational crime affecting the tourism industry. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:34:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/lorry-hits-rider-kills-elderly-man-in-kamphaeng-phet-r2539/A 70-year-old man was killed after an 18-wheel lorry collided with his motorised tricycle and ran over him at a three-way junction in front of a BAAC branch in Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand, on 29 June 2026. The victim, identified as Thongsuk, died at the scene after being struck and crushed by the heavy vehicle. Get today's headlines by email Khlong Khlung police said the crash occurred at a busy three-way junction outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Khlong Khlung branch in Village 2, Tambon Khlong Khlung. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed the victim riding his modified, unregistered tricycle out of a motorcycle repair shop in the area after it had been serviced. He then attempted to accelerate across traffic lanes. At the same time, a Hino 18-wheel lorry registered in Nakhon Sawan was travelling straight along the main road at normal speed and was unable to brake in time. The lorry struck the tricycle, causing an impact that threw Thongsuk onto the roadway and he rolled under and was run over by the wheels. The lorry driver, identified as 33-year-old Phayom from Village 2, Wang Khaem, Khlong Khlung district, was taken into custody at Khlong Khlung police station for questioning and legal processing. Officers carried out alcohol breath testing and drug screening as part of standard procedure and gathered witness statements and CCTV evidence for the case file. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Naewna reported that police confirmed that formal charges would be considered once all forensic and investigative evidence had been reviewed. Authorities arranged for rescue workers to transport the body to Khlong Khlung Hospital for a full post-mortem examination before releasing it to relatives for religious funeral rites. Caution video shows collision ScreenRecording_06-29-2026 15-26-22_1.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:24:21 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/burnham-unveils-no-10-north-devolution-plan-r1324/ndy Burnham has pledged to shift power away from Whitehall by creating a new Manchester-based Downing Street unit, dubbed "No 10 North", as he outlined his vision in his first major speech since launching his bid to become Britain's next prime minister. Addressing supporters at Manchester's People's History Museum, Burnham said the new team would oversee what he described as the largest redistribution of power in the country's history. He argued that devolving authority to local communities would help deliver economic growth across every part of the UK. The speech marked Burnham's first major policy address since announcing his leadership campaign after being elected MP for Makerfield. He is currently the only Labour MP to declare a candidacy and could become prime minister as early as 20 July if no challenger emerges. Devolution at the heart of proposalsBurnham said decision-making had been held back by central government and insisted that economic growth could not be directed from Whitehall alone. He proposed giving regions greater control over services including water, energy and transport, while suggesting London should gain more authority over education and housing. He also called for further devolution within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, arguing that people in cities such as Dundee and Bangor often felt as distant from their devolved governments as they did from Westminster. According to Burnham, the proposed No 10 North unit would coordinate reforms focused on essential utilities, industrial renewal and regional regeneration. Although he did not provide detailed policy plans, he said devolving power would act as a "circuit-breaker" for Britain and help spread economic opportunity more evenly across the country. Housing, welfare and education reformsAlongside his devolution plans, Burnham promised the largest council house building programme since the years following the Second World War. He also pledged a "complete rethink" of education, arguing that schools should no longer be primarily geared towards university education. Instead, he said greater emphasis should be placed on technical and vocational training. On welfare, Burnham said he was prepared to reduce spending but insisted any reforms would be "fair and lasting". He proposed expanding mental health support for young people receiving employment assistance and suggested that employment services should be devolved to regional mayors and delivered more through trusted community organisations. He also repeated his proposal to reform business rates to support pubs and high street businesses, while promising to maintain sound public finances and pursue a 10-year strategy aimed at raising living standards. Burnham declined to discuss potential cabinet appointments, including the position of chancellor, saying decisions would be made only after the Labour leadership contest concludes. He also confirmed that transition discussions with the civil service would begin this week following authorisation from outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Opposition questions proposalsConservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham's emphasis on devolution, arguing it reflected a lack of national solutions rather than a clear governing strategy. She said politicians too often shifted responsibility without providing local authorities with sufficient powers. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed Burnham's focus on growth but warned that previous promises of regional renewal had failed to deliver lasting change. He urged Burnham to reconsider Labour's stance on relations with Europe and support rejoining the single market. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said devolution could be effective but questioned whether creating separate centres of political power in northern and southern England would lead to conflict rather than cooperation. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski argued that greater powers for local authorities would have limited value without increased funding, while the SNP's Westminster leader Dave Doogan said the proposals offered little that would significantly benefit Scotland. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:19:03 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/why-only-bangkok-elects-its-governor-r2538/Bangkok remains the only province in Thailand where residents directly elect their governor, highlighting the capital’s unique administrative status and the country’s highly centralised system of government. While Bangkok voters regularly head to the polls to choose their leader, governors in the other 76 provinces are appointed by the Ministry of Interior as senior civil servants responsible for implementing national policy. Get today's headlines by email Thailand’s centralised structure dates back to reforms introduced by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during the 1890s, when semi-independent local rulers were replaced with centrally appointed officials. That system remains largely unchanged today, with provincial governors routinely transferred between provinces to prevent them from establishing entrenched local power bases. Their role is to represent the central government rather than the people living in the province. Bangkok became the exception in 1972 when the former provinces of Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were merged into the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, creating a special administrative area that combines provincial and municipal responsibilities. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act introduced direct elections for the city’s governor, with the first vote taking place in 1975. Lawmakers argued that Bangkok’s size, complexity and national importance required a more accountable leadership capable of responding to issues such as urbanisation, transport and flooding. Successive governments have declined to extend the same electoral model to the rest of the country, preferring to retain provincial governors as Interior Ministry appointees. According to academic Thanet Charoenmuang, who campaigned for an elected governor in Chiang Mai during the early 1990s, officials rejected the proposal over concerns that greater local autonomy, particularly in border provinces, could encourage national fragmentation. Although Bangkok is the only province with an elected governor, it is not the only area where residents directly elect a local executive. Pattaya, which has special administrative status within Chonburi province, also elects its mayor. Across Thailand, voters also elect chairpersons and councillors to Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAOs), which manage selected local services and budgets but do not replace the authority of the appointed provincial governor. Bangkok’s own right to elect its governor has not always remained in place. Elections were suspended during periods of military rule from 1977 to 1985 and again from 2014 to 2022, when the post was filled by ministerial appointment. The city’s democratic process resumed with the Bangkok governor election held in May 2022. The Thaiger reported that calls to introduce elected governors nationwide continue to surface, with supporters arguing the change would strengthen local democracy and improve administrative efficiency. However, five decades after Bangkok’s first governor election, no government has introduced nationwide reform, leaving the capital as Thailand’s sole province where the governor is chosen at the ballot box. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:14:12 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/supreme-court-hands-trump-big-win-but-three-setbacks-r1323/Donald Trump secured a significant victory at the US Supreme Court on Monday after the justices expanded presidential authority over independent federal regulators. However, the court also handed the president three notable defeats, underscoring that its conservative majority is not always aligned with his agenda. Get today's headlines by email The rulings, issued on the second-to-last day of the court's current term, covered presidential powers, election rules, the Federal Reserve and one of Trump's long-running legal battles. Court Expands Presidential AuthorityIn its most consequential decision, the Supreme Court overturned a nearly century-old precedent that had limited a president's ability to remove officials serving on independent regulatory agencies. Writing for the six-member conservative majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said officials exercising executive authority must remain accountable to the president and, ultimately, to voters through the elected executive. The decision reverses a landmark ruling dating back to the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and gives Trump, as well as future presidents, broader authority to dismiss and replace officials leading agencies that Congress had intended to operate independently. Although the case centred on the Federal Trade Commission, the ruling is expected to affect numerous agencies responsible for elections, communications, labour, finance and environmental regulation. Trump welcomed the decision on his Truth Social platform, saying it had "greatly" increased presidential power. Federal Reserve Ruling Limits Trump's ReachDespite the sweeping ruling on executive authority, the court refused to extend that reasoning to Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. In a 5-4 decision, Roberts and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court's three liberal justices in allowing Cook to challenge her dismissal. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, although the dispute has also unfolded against the backdrop of his criticism of the Federal Reserve's refusal to lower interest rates. Roberts wrote that Cook should have the opportunity to contest the allegations against her, while warning of the serious consequences that could arise if presidents were able to exert direct control over the central bank. The decision represented a significant setback for Trump, whose administration has repeatedly criticised the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Court Rejects Trump on Mail-In BallotsTrump also lost a separate case involving mail-in voting. In another 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the authority of states to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterwards, rejecting Trump's challenge. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined by Roberts and the court's three liberal justices, wrote that the US Constitution gives states broad authority to determine the "time, place and manner" of congressional elections. The majority also dismissed Trump's arguments that mail-in voting is particularly vulnerable to fraud, indicating that such policy questions should be addressed through the political process rather than the courts. Following the ruling, Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass legislation restricting mail-in voting. Although the Republican-controlled House has approved the measure, it has not advanced in the Senate. Appeal in Carroll Defamation Case RejectedThe Supreme Court also quietly declined to hear Trump's appeal of the $5 million civil judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll after a jury found he had defamed her. The justices provided no explanation for declining the case, leaving intact the 2023 verdict. Trump criticised the decision on social media and vowed to continue challenging what he described as "lawfare" against him. The ruling effectively ends Trump's effort to overturn the $5 million judgment, although he is continuing to appeal a separate case in which a jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages. Monday's decisions highlighted the complex relationship between Trump and a Supreme Court with a conservative majority. While the court significantly strengthened presidential authority over independent agencies, it also blocked the president on key priorities involving the Federal Reserve, mail-in voting and one of his most prominent legal appeals. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:13:01 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/malaysian-tourists-injured-in-narathiwat-bomb-blast-r2537/Two Malaysian tourists were injured when a bomb hidden inside a road culvert exploded in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat, on Monday 29 June 2026, at 11:40, authorities said. Get today's headlines by email The two injured tourists received emergency assistance at the scene and were taken to hospital. Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of their injuries. The blast took place in Tak Bai district, where the device detonated on a public road. The explosion occurred near the Sapom three-way intersection on the inbound road to Tak Bai district in Ban Phrai Wan, Phrai Wan subdistrict. According to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, unidentified attackers planted the bomb inside a road culvert before it detonated. Security forces secured the area, managed traffic, and deployed explosive ordnance disposal and forensic officers to examine the blast site and gather evidence. Emergency responders quickly moved injured tourists to hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the attack and working to identify those responsible. The investigation remains ongoing across multiple agencies. The bombing affected public safety and property, while also dealing a blow to confidence in tourism and the local economy in the area. ISOC Region 4 Forward Command urged residents to report suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals through its 1341 hotline or local security units as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released any information on the perpetrators’ identities. Khaosod reported that security forces continue to maintain heightened vigilance in the area during the investigation. Further updates are expected as inquiries progress. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:06:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-fraud-suspect-arrested-in-chiang-mai-r2536/A Chinese woman wanted by authorities in China over an alleged multi-billion-baht investment fraud has been arrested in Chiang Mai by officers from the Immigration Bureau. Get today's headlines by email The suspect, identified only as Ms Zheng, 33, was detained on 28 June after investigators located her at a condominium on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Highway. She is the subject of a Chinese arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice linked to an alleged illegal investment scheme that reportedly caused losses exceeding 4.243 billion yuan. The arrest followed an investigation led by senior Immigration Bureau officers under the direction of Lieutenant General Phanumat Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. Officers from Investigation Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau, working with Investigation Division 5 and Chiang Mai Immigration, tracked the suspect to her residence before serving an order revoking her permission to remain in Thailand. Chinese authorities allege that on 10 February 2025, the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, filed fraud charges against Ms Zheng, the general manager of Shenzhen Juhang Cloud Storage Technology Co., Ltd. She is accused of working with the company’s legal representative, Bai Chaoshun, to promote an investment scheme involving cloud storage servers. According to investigators, the company offered contracts for the purchase of cloud storage servers together with service agreements and related contracts, presenting the scheme as a legitimate investment. Investors were promised monthly returns ranging from 4.75% to 5%, allegedly persuading thousands of people across China to invest. Chinese police claim the scheme raised funds illegally, resulting in losses of more than 4.243 billion yuan and affecting over 4,500 victims. Following her arrest, Ms Zheng was transferred to Investigation Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau, where she will remain in custody pending deportation proceedings. Thaitabloid reported that The Immigration Bureau said members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity can report it to their local immigration office or by calling the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:57:58 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/teen-jet-ski-worker-dies-at-jomtien-beach-r2535/An 18-year-old jet ski worker has died after falling into the sea while delivering a jet ski to a customer at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Chon Buri, on 29 June 2026 at 09:30 authorities said. Lifeguards and rescue teams were deployed to search the waters, recovered the victim from the sea, and attempted CPR before a hospital doctor confirmed his death. Get today's headlines by email The incident had prompted a temporary restriction of the immediate search area along the beach. Emergency teams maintained presence until the scene was fully cleared. The victim, identified as Mr Chatchai, 18, was working as a boat crew member for a jet ski operator. According to colleagues, he had taken a jet ski out to deliver it to a customer when he disappeared from view. Moments later, staff noticed the jet ski floating unattended offshore and raised the alarm, prompting a coordinated search effort. No witnesses directly observed the moment of the incident . He was working for a local jet ski rental service at the time. Police at Pattaya City Police Station attended the scene and began an initial investigation, documenting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities said the cause of death has not yet been established and remains under investigation. Possible factors under consideration include falling from the jet ski, losing consciousness in the water, or underlying health issues, pending a full forensic post-mortem examination. Officers secured the area while evidence was collected. Further inquiries will continue once medical examination results are available, with police expected to review operational safety procedures linked to jet ski services in the area. The findings will determine whether any additional safety measures or regulatory actions are required. Amarin reported that authorities will continue to review safety compliance in jet ski operations at popular tourist beaches. Results of the post-mortem will guide further reporting on the incident. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:48:33 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-tourism-lags-despite-15-million-visitors-r2534/Thailand’s tourism industry has yet to return to last year’s performance despite welcoming more than 15 million foreign visitors so far in 2026, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Between January 1 and June 20, the country recorded 15,447,571 international arrivals, generating more than 745.39 billion baht in tourism revenue. However, visitor numbers were down 2.78% compared with the same period in 2025. Get today's headlines by email Figures released by the ministry’s Economics Tourism and Sports Division showed that China remained Thailand’s largest source market with 2,538,498 visitors. Malaysia followed with 1,992,324 arrivals, ahead of India with 1,188,190, Russia with 996,840 and South Korea with 576,404. Despite the year-on-year decline, international arrivals increased during the week of June 14 to 20. Thailand welcomed 508,133 foreign visitors during the seven-day period, an increase of 21,464 people, or 4.41%, compared with the previous week. Daily arrivals averaged 72,590 visitors. The ministry said the weekly increase was driven by the Dragon Boat Festival holiday in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. China remained the largest source market during the week with 83,796 visitors, while arrivals from Malaysia also rose due to a midweek public holiday. Taiwan recorded the strongest weekly growth, with arrivals increasing by 18.23%, making it the fifth-largest source market for the week. According to TravelNews, short-haul markets grew by 3.37% compared with the previous week, while long-haul markets increased by 7.40%. However, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports expects international arrivals to ease in the coming week as holiday travel in several key source markets comes to an end. The ministry also noted that the Indian market continues to face challenges because of reduced flight availability. The Thaiger reported that although China and Malaysia continue to support Thailand’s tourism sector, officials said overall visitor numbers remain below those recorded during the same period last year. The ministry said attracting more international tourists during the second half of 2026 will be important to support the continued recovery of the tourism industry. Picture courtesy of The Thaiger Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now TheThaiger 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:38:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/five-killed-in-shooting-at-germany-youth-centre-r1322/Five people were killed in a shooting at a youth centre in the northern German town of Stade on Monday, police said, adding that a male suspect had been detained. Get today's headlines by email The motive for the attack remains unclear as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Shooting at Youth CentreLocal media reported that the incident occurred at a youth centre in central Stade, a town of just under 50,000 residents located west of Hamburg. Police confirmed that one male suspect was in custody but did not immediately provide further details about his identity or possible connection to the victims. Investigation UnderwaySome local media reports suggested that more than one person may have been involved in the shooting. However, police did not confirm those reports and said investigations were ongoing. Emergency services responded to the scene as officers secured the area and launched an investigation. Authorities have not yet released information about the victims or said whether they believe there is any ongoing threat to the public. Police said they would provide further updates as more information becomes available. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:36:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/venezuela-earthquake-death-toll-hits-1450-as-search-continues-r1321/Rescue teams from Venezuela and around the world continued searching for survivors on Sunday, four days after two powerful earthquakes devastated the northern state of La Guaira, as the death toll climbed to 1,450. Get today's headlines by email Thousands of people also remain missing, according to several databases being used by families trying to locate loved ones, while hopes of finding more survivors fade with each passing day. Search Continues Despite Dwindling OddsEmergency crews pressed on with rescue efforts despite the passing of the critical 48- to 72-hour window that aid agencies consider the best chance of finding people alive after a major disaster. Authorities said survival remains possible if those trapped have access to food and water. On Sunday morning, rescue workers from the United States and France pulled a man and his son from the ruins of a collapsed building. Covered in dust, the pair were carried on a black tarp to an ambulance and given intravenous fluids as crowds gathered to watch. The United Nations said more than 2,200 rescue workers from around the world had arrived by Saturday, with additional teams continuing to reach the disaster zone. Civilian volunteer Jason Mercano, who had been communicating with relatives trapped beneath the rubble through social media, said rescuers remained determined. "It's been incredibly hard work, but we're going strong," he said. "We've never given up hope." Criticism of Government ResponseThe disaster has sparked growing criticism of the Venezuelan government, with many residents saying rescue operations were initially led largely by civilians rather than state authorities. President Delcy Rodríguez's government said more than 14,000 military personnel and police officers were patrolling La Guaira, where access has been restricted and entry now requires special permits. Officials also reported that more than 770 buildings had collapsed or suffered damage in the earthquakes, roughly double the number previously reported on Friday. The earthquakes present a major challenge for Rodríguez, who assumed office in January following the U.S. capture and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela has struggled with prolonged economic difficulties for more than a decade, and many citizens continue to question the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents. Destruction and International AidScenes across La Guaira reflected the scale of the devastation. Families searched through the remains of collapsed buildings, calling out the names of missing relatives in the hope of hearing a response. As temperatures remained high, many residents wore face masks because of the smell of decomposing bodies. Elsewhere, recovery teams loaded victims onto trucks from a hospital parking area where bodies were being identified. Many rescuers worked with limited equipment, wearing motorcycle helmets instead of proper protective gear as they searched unstable piles of debris. Frustration also boiled over at one rescue site, where residents prevented an excavator from leaving after accusing government workers of taking photographs at the scene without helping with recovery efforts. The International Organization for Migration estimated that more than six million people could be affected by the disaster, including around two million residents of the capital, Caracas. Experts said the extensive damage was intensified because the two shallow earthquakes struck in quick succession. Smaller aftershocks have continued to shake Caracas and surrounding areas, including a magnitude 4.8 tremor on Saturday. International rescue teams and aid supplies continued arriving from countries including Mexico, the United States, Brazil, El Salvador and France. Hope Amid the TragedyDespite the widespread destruction, occasional rescues have kept hope alive for families waiting at disaster sites. Yonahí Regalado said she spent hours calling the names of her sister and one-year-old nephew until international rescue teams reached the area. "It doesn't matter who it is, whoever, whether it's family or somebody else. If there is anyone alive, let's get them out," she said. Small acts of compassion also emerged during the crisis. In one widely shared video, a Venezuelan rescuer comforted an elderly woman trapped beneath debris, reassuring her that he would remain beside her if the unstable structure collapsed. Meanwhile, Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, suffered significant damage. One runway has reopened while U.S. teams continue repair work to restore the airport's operations, according to Jeremy Lewin, a senior U.S. State Department official overseeing foreign assistance. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:23:20 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/how-scotland-escaped-europes-murder-capital-label-r1320/Scotland has transformed its approach to tackling violent crime, cutting homicide rates dramatically after shifting from a law enforcement-led strategy to one that treats violence as a public health issue. Get today's headlines by email In the early 2000s, Scotland was described by the United Nations as the most violent country in the developed world. Between 2003 and 2005, Glasgow recorded the highest murder rate of any city in Europe, while Scots were almost three times more likely to be assaulted than Americans. Knife crime, gang violence and organised crime were widespread, particularly in Glasgow's east end. Scotland Cut Violence by Treating It as a Public Health IssueFaced with persistently high levels of violence, police and government officials established the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) in 2005. Rather than focusing solely on arrests and prosecutions, the unit adopted a prevention-based strategy that sought to address the underlying causes of violent behaviour. Prevention replaces punishmentOne of the SVRU's best-known initiatives came in 2008, when 85 rival gang members gathered at Glasgow Sheriff Court for an unusual intervention. Instead of a criminal trial, they heard from victims' relatives, doctors and others affected by violence, who described its devastating personal consequences. Participants were offered confidential support to help them leave gang life behind. Similar sessions followed, attracting hundreds of young people, with almost 400 later seeking assistance. The programme formed part of a broader strategy that viewed violence as a preventable problem rather than an inevitable feature of society. Officials compared the approach to tackling infectious disease, combining early intervention, support for those most at risk and measures aimed at preventing violence before it occurred. Researchers identified key risk factors, including poverty, unemployment, unstable family environments and social deprivation. In response, the SVRU worked with schools, healthcare providers, social workers and community organisations to develop targeted programmes. Broad partnerships drive lasting changeMany initiatives focused on supporting vulnerable people before violence occurred. Dentists and hospital staff were trained to identify signs of violence and direct patients towards specialist services. Schools were encouraged to reduce pupil exclusions, while charities introduced education programmes and support workers to help victims of violence in emergency departments. The strategy also drew on successful initiatives from abroad, including programmes in Chicago and Cincinnati, but adapted them to Scotland's own circumstances rather than replicating them unchanged. The results were significant. Over the following decade, Glasgow's homicide rate fell by 56%, while Scotland's overall homicide rate declined by 38%. Violent crime across the country dropped by almost one-third between 2006 and 2015, and Scotland now records its lowest homicide levels in more than two decades. The country now sits around the middle of European rankings for murder rates, with fewer killings per head of population than Sweden, France, and England and Wales. New challenges remainDespite the progress, experts say further work is needed. A 2024 study found that reductions in serious violence have slowed, partly because of a shortage of safe spaces for young people. Officials also point to new challenges, including the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the influence of social media and continuing child poverty, with nearly one in four Scottish children growing up in poverty. The profile of violent offenders has also changed. Whereas teenagers and young adults once accounted for most murder suspects, people in their 30s and 40s now make up the largest group, suggesting different forms of intervention may be required. The Scottish model has attracted international attention. Since 2019, violence reduction units based on the Scottish approach have been established across 20 police force areas in England and Wales, with early assessments indicating reductions in the most serious forms of violence. While Scotland's experience has become an example for other countries, those behind the programme argue that lasting success depends on continued investment in prevention, collaboration across public services and adapting interventions to emerging social challenges. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:40:27 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/gop-fears-trump-is-losing-voters-on-the-economy-r1319/Republican lawmakers are expressing growing concern that President Donald Trump is increasingly out of step with both GOP candidates and voters on the economy, as inflation and rising living costs remain central issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Get today's headlines by email Several Republican senators have urged Trump to focus more closely on household finances and promote his administration's economic record. Instead, they say, the president has concentrated on foreign policy, internal party disputes and election-related legislation, raising fears that Republicans could struggle to retain voter support. Housing bill sparks frustrationTensions intensified after Trump declined to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, despite the measure passing Congress with overwhelming support. The president said he would not approve the legislation until Congress passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, a proposal that faces long odds of becoming law. The decision surprised Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republican lawmakers, who argued that delaying the housing bill undermines efforts to address affordability concerns during a difficult political period. Sen. John Cornyn said Republicans needed to remember that the midterm elections were approaching, while other lawmakers warned that abandoning widely supported legislation could further weaken the party's standing with independent voters. Concerns over economic messagingRepublican senators have also questioned Trump's public comments about the economy, saying they risk reinforcing voter concerns about rising prices. Sen. Thom Tillis said Americans wanted to know that leaders understood the financial pressures they faced and had a clear plan to address them. Recalling his own struggles with fuel costs decades ago, Tillis said voters would give policymakers time to solve economic problems if they believed their concerns were being acknowledged. He suggested the conflict involving Iran had diverted the president's attention from domestic economic issues but argued that the administration should communicate more clearly that tackling inflation and living costs remains a priority. Trump has also drawn criticism after saying he was not thinking about Americans' financial situations while working to negotiate an end to the Iran conflict. His allies argued the remarks were taken out of context and that he was referring to his focus on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, some Republican senators privately expressed discomfort with the comments. Polls add to Republican concernsRepublican strategists say the economy remains the dominant issue for many voters, even as Trump prioritises national security and election-related measures. Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist, said the president's focus on Iran and the SAVE America Act was not aligned with the issues most important to many Americans, despite his belief that he was acting in their best interests. A Republican senator, speaking anonymously, said internal polling showed independent voters moving away from Republicans. The lawmaker said negative perceptions of Trump's handling of the economy had worsened following US military strikes against Iran, which were followed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, higher fuel prices and increased fertiliser costs. Recent public polling has also pointed to economic dissatisfaction. A Fox News survey found that 59% of registered voters felt pessimistic about the economy, while 44% said they were falling behind financially, both figures higher than a year earlier. A PBS/NPR/Marist poll found that 33% of Americans approved of Trump's handling of the economy, the lowest level recorded by Marist on that issue since it began tracking the measure in 2019. Pressure ahead of the midtermsConcerns about the political impact of the economy have also surfaced during private Republican meetings. According to a senior Republican aide, Sen. Tim Scott warned colleagues that polling had deteriorated for both the party and the president, arguing that the Justice Department's proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund would further damage Republican prospects. Veteran Republican strategist Vin Weber said voters would ultimately judge the administration based on economic conditions rather than messaging alone. While acknowledging that the president should show greater empathy toward voters' financial concerns, Weber argued that the overall state of the economy would remain the decisive factor in the election. He added that Democrats were likely to highlight Trump's comments about the economy but said the broader economic environment and the president's approval ratings would have a greater influence on the outcome of the midterm elections. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:27:23 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/pakistan-airstrikes-kill-dozens-in-afghanistan-r1318/Pakistan launched overnight airstrikes and a ground operation along its border with Afghanistan, with Afghan officials saying at least 36 civilians were killed and more than 160 injured, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two neighbours. Get today's headlines by email Afghanistan's Taliban government condemned the strikes, describing them as a "cowardly act of aggression" and an "act of brutality." Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban administration, said Pakistani forces first struck a house in Chamkani district of Paktia province, killing an elderly man and a child and injuring several members of the same family. Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Targeting Civilians He said a second strike hit the area after local residents gathered to help those affected, killing 28 villagers and wounding 158 others. In neighbouring Paktika province, another airstrike reportedly hit a home in Giyan district, killing six people, most of them women and children. Afghan officials also said a civilian house in Kunar province was struck, killing around 30 livestock but causing no human casualties. Pakistan Says Militants Were TargetedPakistan said its military action targeted militant hideouts and safe havens following a series of attacks inside the country. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security forces carried out a ground operation before launching airstrikes, killing 29 militants. He said the operation was a response to multiple attacks by armed groups operating against Pakistan. Militant violence has increased in Pakistan in recent years, with authorities blaming the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups for many of the attacks. Although separate organisations, the TTP maintains close ties with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers, who returned to power in 2021. The latest operation came after militants attacked the regional headquarters of Pakistan's paramilitary Rangers in Karachi, killing three soldiers. Pakistani security forces said they killed three attackers and captured a fourth suspect, whom they identified as an injured Afghan national. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction that split from the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the Karachi assault. Conflict Continues Despite Peace EffortsThe latest cross-border operation took place less than three weeks after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on what it described as militant positions inside Afghanistan. Those strikes ended roughly a month of relative calm following what Islamabad had previously referred to as an "open war" between the two countries. Relations have steadily deteriorated in recent months, with repeated military exchanges across the border. Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting since February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes after earlier Pakistani air raids. Several rounds of negotiations have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire. China hosted talks between the two countries in April and later said both sides had agreed to avoid further escalation while seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:18:05 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/us-iran-agree-to-halt-strikes-in-strait-of-hormuz-r1317/The United States and Iran have agreed to "stand down" following several days of military exchanges that threatened a fragile ceasefire, according to media reports citing a US official. Get today's headlines by email The reported agreement follows a series of attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries accusing each other of breaching the truce reached earlier this month. Shipping Route to ReopenThe US official told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that vessels would once again be able to move through the Strait of Hormuz "freely". The official also said negotiations aimed at bringing the conflict to an end would continue. Iran has not publicly commented on reports that it has agreed to halt attacks in the strategic waterway. On 17 June, the US and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which called for the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts". Under the agreement, Iran also pledged to make its "best efforts" to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without charge for 60 days. Ceasefire Under PressureThe ceasefire came under renewed strain after an Iranian projectile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The US responded over the weekend with strikes on multiple targets in Iran. US Central Command (Centcom) said the operation was a direct response to Iran's "continued aggression" against commercial shipping. Iran then launched strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain on Saturday. The US said the attacks failed to reach their intended targets and caused no casualties or damage. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports. Tehran had effectively closed the waterway after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February. Lebanon Ceasefire Also TestedSeparately, the US helped broker a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Friday, with the aim of laying the foundations for a lasting peace. However, the agreement quickly came under pressure as fighting continued between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah's leader rejected the deal, accusing the Lebanese government of undermining the country's sovereignty. Two days after the agreement was signed, the Israeli military said it had destroyed a 200-metre-long tunnel in southern Lebanon that it said was used by Hezbollah and contained hundreds of weapons. A joint statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the US had been informed before the strike. Tehran has said an end to hostilities in Lebanon is necessary for any broader regional ceasefire to hold. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:03:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/horrific-scene-as-117-dead-dogs-found-at-shelter-r1316/Authorities in California have discovered the remains of at least 117 dogs buried at a self-described "no-kill" animal shelter, with investigators saying many of the animals appeared to have died from gunshot wounds. Get today's headlines by email The remains were uncovered during searches at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, northern California. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said investigators also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other animal remains across the property. Investigation uncovers mass burial siteInvestigators searching the site on Thursday identified an area inside a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered nearby, according to the sheriff's office. Sheriff William Honsal described the discovery as a "horrific scene" and said the investigation remains in its early stages. No criminal charges have been filed. The inquiry began in April after authorities received what they described as credible allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy involving the shelter. Using ground-penetrating radar, investigators located 117 intact canine remains buried in an open field in various stages of decomposition. Seventy of the remains were examined with portable X-ray equipment, which revealed bullet fragments in many cases. Authorities said gunshot wounds appeared to be the cause of death for numerous animals. Additional remains in more advanced stages of decomposition were also recovered. Court documents from an earlier search state that investigators were alerted by two animal advocates, including a neighbouring property owner who used trail cameras to monitor activity near an alleged burial site. The pair later entered the shelter property and uncovered dog remains, according to the affidavit. Shelter defends its practicesMiranda's Rescue receives animals transferred from shelters and accepted from private owners. The organisation also collects transfer fees and donations, saying the money helps cover food, veterinary treatment, medications, staffing and operating expenses. A request for comment was left for the shelter's founder, Shannon Miranda. In a statement published on the organisation's website on 18 June, Miranda said recent media reports and online commentary had presented "an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture" of the rescue's work. Miranda said the organisation's mission was to save as many animals as possible while balancing animal welfare with public safety. The statement maintained that the rescue does not euthanise animals simply to create space. However, Miranda said euthanasia may be carried out in rare circumstances, including when an animal is terminally ill or poses a serious and ongoing danger to people or other animals. Investigation remains ongoingSheriff Honsal said investigators still have extensive evidence to examine, including physical evidence, witness interviews and data collected during the searches. The sheriff said hundreds of dogs had been transferred or surrendered to Miranda's Rescue by private owners and animal shelters over the years. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with no charges filed so far. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:53:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/myanmar-man-abducted-by-indian-ex-employers-in-pattaya-r2533/A Myanmar national was attacked on 27 June 2025 at around 20:00 and allegedly abducted by his former Indian employers in Pattaya, Chonburi, before being taken to a hotel and assaulted again, according to CCTV footage and police reports. The case was reported to police on 29 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The victim, identified as Mr Rarm Kumar, 27, said the suspects arrived at a restaurant in Soi VC, South Pattaya, in a black MG sedan. He was sitting with friends when one man approached, touched his shoulder, and another exited the vehicle to slap, punch and restrain him before he was forced into the car despite bystander attempts to intervene. He said the men were Mr Amit Jain and Mr Amit Chaturvedi, his former employers, and that he had worked for them since October the previous year. He claims he was dismissed after refusing out-of-hours work and was later accused of theft, which he denies. He also stated that his passport and personal documents have been withheld since his employment ended last year, leaving him in a vulnerable position. Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง After the alleged assault at the restaurant, he was taken to a hotel near the Bali Hai area in South Pattaya, where he was assaulted again and accused of spreading false statements about the suspects. He was later released near a traffic junction in South Pattaya and sought help from a local community page administrator before filing a complaint at Pattaya City Police Station. He was also sent for a medical examination at Pattaya City Hospital. Police have collected CCTV footage and witness statements and are preparing to summon the suspects for questioning. Authorities are investigating allegations of assault, unlawful detention, and passport retention to determine whether criminal charges will be filed. The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing evidence and preparing to question the suspects as part of the inquiry into the alleged assault and detention. AQPAU8jdmGcDnEaKXAtugOFg0Sv_Rs9rawF5RVM9sbImBD1oioCMS8wp-AVtlNrv5wambuf9G1ttFGdNxu_opkljhRv6iRaCZVzefq6g8w.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:45:45 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/imphu-hill-resort-ordered-demolished-in-nakhon-ratchasima-r2532/Authorities have ordered the owner of Imphu Hill Resort in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima, to demolish buildings encroaching on Thap Lan National Park within 15 days, following the conclusion of a long-running court case. The enforcement action marks the latest move by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to crack down on illegal development in protected forest areas. Get today's headlines by email On 28 June, Thewin Meesap joined officials from Thap Lan National Park to post an official demolition order at the resort. The order requires the owner to remove all structures found to be illegally occupying national park land within the specified 15-day period, in line with instructions from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The ministry said the action follows government policy to strengthen enforcement against investors and resort owners who have encroached on conservation forests. Officials have been instructed to pursue legal action and fully enforce final court rulings, with no exceptions for offenders. Imphu Hill Resort is located in Thai Samakkhi subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The property covers around 20 rai and contains 39 structures. Authorities first took legal action against the resort in 2008, accusing it of encroaching on land within Thap Lan National Park. The case has now concluded through the legal process, clearing the way for officials to enforce the demolition order in accordance with the law. The ministry reiterated that it is committed to taking action against all illegal encroachment on protected forest land. Officials said the demolition order demonstrates that enforcement will continue once court proceedings have been completed and final judgments have been issued. The Daily News reported that further action will depend on whether the resort owner complies with the demolition order within the 15-day deadline. If the structures are not removed as required, authorities are expected to proceed with enforcement measures under the relevant legal provisions. Dailynews subscription Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:35:23 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-melbourne-airport-r2531/A 26-year-old Thai flight attendant has been arrested after Australian authorities discovered more than one kilogram of heroin concealed in her luggage at Melbourne Airport, with the drugs estimated to have a black market value of around AUD500,000. Get today's headlines by email According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the woman, who worked as cabin crew on an international flight, arrived at Melbourne Airport on 25 June 2026. Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) selected her luggage for a routine inspection. During an X-ray examination, border officials detected irregularities in 12 fabric bags inside her luggage. A detailed search revealed white powder hidden within the lining of the bags. Preliminary testing identified the substance as heroin weighing more than one kilogram. Authorities estimated the seized drugs had a street value of approximately AUD500,000. Following the discovery, ABF officers referred the case to the AFP, which arrested the suspect and seized the drugs as evidence. The woman has been charged with two serious offences: importing a border-controlled drug in a commercial quantity, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment, and possessing a border-controlled drug in a commercial quantity, which also carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment. The AFP said a court refused the woman bail on 26 June. She is due to appear again at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2026. Acting AFP Commander Simone Butcher said police would prosecute anyone who abused a position of trust to assist organised drug trafficking networks. She said the AFP would continue working closely with partner agencies to prevent illegal drugs entering Australia and protect communities from drug-related harm. ThaiRath reported that ABF Commander Clint Sims said organised crime groups continued to target trusted positions, including airline crew and staff, to smuggle drugs into Australia. He said anyone attempting to import illegal drugs, regardless of their occupation, would face prosecution, adding that the ABF would continue using intelligence and advanced detection technology to strengthen border security and disrupt drug trafficking networks. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:01:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/aussie-faces-murder-charges-in-pattaya-r2530/An Australian accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl in Pattaya has been described by neighbours as “abnormal” as further details emerged about the events leading up to the alleged killing. Get today's headlines by email Simon Peter Carman, 45, is being held in Pattaya Prison after the body of Tunchanok Donhomla, known as “Nong Cake”, was found naked inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. Thai police have charged him with murder, concealing a body, moving a body and offences relating to a minor. Carman denies killing the teenager and claims he acted in self-defence after allegedly being attacked with a knife. According to investigators, Carman and Tunchanok met on Pattaya Beach Road, an area known locally as Coconut Bar, during the early hours, before returning to his condominium. Police allege the pair had agreed on a payment of 1,000 baht, but an argument broke out after Carman allegedly offered only 500 baht. CCTV reportedly shows the pair entering the condominium together before later capturing Carman wheeling a black suitcase from the building, securing it to a motorbike and riding away. The suitcase was later found in long grass beside railway tracks around ten minutes from his condominium. Neighbours at the Rimhad Jomtien Condominium, where Carman had lived for about eight months, described him as a quiet resident who worked as a handyman and at a local bar. One resident told Australian media he “speaks slowly and looks at things for a long time” and appeared “a bit abnormal”, but said he was not known to be aggressive. Others said he usually kept to himself, spent time swimming, walking along the beach and carrying out maintenance work, and rarely brought visitors back to his room. Police arrested Carman at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly before he was due to board a flight to Perth. During recorded police interviews, he expressed sympathy to Tunchanok’s family, saying: “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control.” When asked directly if he had killed the teenager, he replied: “No.” He also claimed scratches and bruises on his body were caused by spiders at his condominium. Tunchanok’s parents travelled from Kalasin province to collect their daughter’s remains. Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, said he was deeply saddened, while her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, said she wanted the accused to receive the death penalty. The family said the teenager had only arrived in Pattaya days before her death and that it was her first visit to the city and had kept in touch daily until she disappeared. The Daily Mall reported that The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Australian national. Carman remains in custody while Thai authorities continue their investigation and prepare the case for court. If convicted of murder in Thailand, he could face the death penalty. Picture courtesy of Daily Mail Related story Australian-arrested-at-bangkok-airport-over-Pattaya-murder Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:23:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/three-foreigners-held-with-ecstasy-in-sa-kaeo-r2529/Three foreign nationals, two from Pakistan and one from India, have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after police seized 101,675 ecstasy pills allegedly destined for Bangkok. Get today's headlines by email The arrests followed a joint operation by several police units late on the night of 27 June and into 28 June at a PTT petrol station in Sa Kaeo district. Officers from Sa Kaeo Immigration Police, Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, the Provincial Investigation Division and Region 2 Investigation Division worked together to detain the suspects and recover the drugs. The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Pakistani national Badti Muhammad Aslan, 19-year-old Pakistani national Aali Liswan, and 45-year-old Indian national Pakgran Wit Sing. Police said they seized 101,675 pills of Category 1 narcotics in various colours, including light green, dark green, grey, orange and pink. According to investigators, the pills had been divided into five separate batches. These comprised 21,335 light green tablets, 25,107 orange and green tablets, 20,385 orange, green and grey tablets, 20,600 light and dark green tablets, and 14,248 pink, orange and light green tablets. Police said the tablets were marked with the letters “VL” on one side and the “Louis Vuitton” logo on the other. Police said the three men were found at the petrol station carrying suitcases while attempting to hire transport to Bangkok. Immigration officers became suspicious after checking their documents, which were reported to be invalid, and said one of the suspects attempted to flee before being detained. Kaoded reported that the suspects were taken to Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station, where a search uncovered the large quantity of ecstasy tablets. Authorities completed arrest procedures before transferring the case to investigators at Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station for legal proceedings. Picture courtesy of Kaoded Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:41:40 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/vietnamese-woman-slashed-in-silom-suspect-arrested-r2528/A homeless man accused of attacking a Vietnamese woman with a box cutter in Bangkok’s Silom district has been arrested within hours of the assault, with police saying he confessed to the crime. Get today's headlines by email The attack took place on 27 June at around 11.30am outside a 7-Eleven near Silom Soi 5. Police at Thung Maha Mek Police Station received a report from the shop manager that a large-built man had used a box cutter to slash a foreign woman, leaving her injured before fleeing the scene. Station superintendent Pol Col Phanom Chueathong, who was already on patrol, immediately ordered investigation and patrol officers to respond. Equipped with tactical equipment including restraint poles and tasers, officers launched a search using CCTV cameras linked across the Silom area. Police tracked the suspect as he fled through nearby alleys before locating and arresting him. Officers recovered the box cutter allegedly used in the attack from his possession. The injured woman was identified as 29-year-old Vietnamese national Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tram, who works for an advertising media company in Thailand. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Atsana, also known as Film, is from Khao Phra Ngam subdistrict in Lopburi province. Police said he was known for sleeping on pavements and road medians in the area and frequently moved between locations. The suspect was charged with causing bodily harm. Following his arrest, police said he confessed to the offence. Authorities stated that the motive was personal frustration and that he admitted targeting the victim because he disliked overweight women. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Police said residents and local workers had previously been reluctant to report the man because of his intimidating physical appearance. Officers said his arrest has helped ease public concern in the area. The operation was carried out under the policy of Metropolitan Police Division 5 commander Maj Gen Wittawat Chinkham, who has instructed police stations to maintain tactical training and respond rapidly to incidents. Officers said the successful arrest demonstrated the effective use of CCTV technology and coordinated police tactics. Thaitabloid reported that later the same day, Nguyen returned from hospital to Thung Maha Mek Police Station, where she formally identified the suspect and confirmed he was the attacker. She thanked officers for their swift response and said the arrest had eased her fears. She also said she wanted the suspect prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:28:54 +0000