https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/anutin-orders-nationwide-nominee-land-crackdown-r2642/Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered police and other relevant agencies to inspect suspected nominee landholdings across Thailand following concerns over Chinese-linked capital acquiring large plots in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to develop illegal industrial estates. Get today's headlines by email Anutin said the government was expanding investigations into nominee networks involved in unlawful land ownership and warned that anyone found violating Thai land ownership laws would face legal action. He said the crackdown was intended to reinforce confidence that Thailand remained governed by the rule of law. The move follows growing concerns over foreign-linked nominee arrangements, particularly involving land acquisitions in the EEC. Anutin rejected claims that illegal industrial estates could already be operating in the region, stating that such developments require official approval, utility infrastructure and compliance with multiple legal requirements before they can proceed. He stressed that establishing an industrial estate was subject to strict legal procedures and could not be carried out informally or outside the law. Relevant agencies have therefore been instructed to investigate suspected violations and widen existing probes into nominee ownership networks. Anutin said the government had already taken action against nominee arrangements in Phuket and Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, where authorities recently raided suspected illegal sites and revoked unlawful land rights. He said these operations demonstrated the government’s commitment to enforcing land ownership laws nationwide. The prime minister said the enforcement campaign was designed to protect both the public and legitimate investors. He added that ordinary citizens earning an honest living should not be intimidated or placed at a disadvantage by illegal business practices and said he was closely monitoring the issue while ordering the strongest possible enforcement. Responding to questions about the role of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office and the government’s Fast Track policy for investment approvals, Anutin said every agency must operate within its own legal framework. He warned that overlapping authority or jurisdictional disputes should be avoided. He also said investment promotion should not be confined to the EEC, adding that the government wanted to encourage investment throughout Thailand in line with wider national economic policy. The Nation reported that Anutin said, “Under this administration, when we act, we act with full force. We have warned against challenging Thai law because it damages investor confidence. The country is governed by law, and those who break it will be punished.” Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:34:57 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/indian-duo-caught-with-zombie-vape-drug-at-suvarnabhumi-r2641/Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:25:20 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/school-van-hits-power-pole-in-pathum-thani-r2640/A newly registered school transport van crashed into a power pole in Pathum Thani on 6 July 2026, leaving 13 people with injuries after the vehicle mounted a footpath and brought down the pole. The crash happened near the Demonstration School of Rangsit University inside Muang Ake village, where the van came to rest after the impact. Get today's headlines by email Police from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station responded to the scene and found a white Toyota Commuter school van with red registration plate from Uthai Thani wedged against the fallen power pole. Emergency teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Hongsakul volunteers transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Those hurt included 12 male secondary school students from Wat Nawong School and the driver. Police said all 13 sustained minor injuries. According to one student, the van was carrying 17 students at the time of the crash. The student said passengers noticed the driver appeared drowsy before the vehicle reached the crash site. The student told investigators that a motorcycle and sidecar vehicle was parked beside the road, prompting the driver to swerve suddenly. The van then climbed onto the footpath and struck the power pole with force. After the collision, students reported seeing sparks, prompting everyone to open the doors and run from the vehicle in fear of a possible fire or electrical hazard. All passengers were able to leave the van. Police documented the scene and collected evidence as part of their investigation. Officers said the driver will be questioned in detail to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigators will also examine the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the student’s claim that the driver appeared drowsy before the incident. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. The findings of the investigation will determine whether any legal action will be taken against the driver. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:15:57 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/pattaya-baht-bus-driver-suspended-over-fare-r2639/A Pattaya baht bus driver has been suspended from service for seven days after admitting to charging two passengers 300 baht for a short journey that normally costs far less. The disciplinary action followed a complaint posted on social media, where the passengers said they felt they had been unfairly overcharged rather than simply making an expensive mistake. Get today's headlines by email The complaint, published on Facebook, described a journey on 5 July at about 11pm. The passengers said they had earlier travelled from Walking Street to the Runway Market area for the standard fare of 15 baht per person before attempting to return to Terminal 21 after heavy rain began. According to the post, they asked a waiting baht bus outside Runway Market whether it was going to Terminal 21. The driver replied that it was, and they stood at the rear of the already full vehicle for the journey. After arriving, the passengers asked how much they owed and said the driver demanded 300 baht. Believing he was joking, they initially offered two 20-baht notes before being told the fare was a fixed charter price rather than the normal shared service fare. The passengers said they did not have enough cash and offered to transfer the money electronically, but claimed the driver refused. They eventually paid the full 300 baht by scanning a payment code shown by another passenger. Although they said they were not seeking a refund, they explained that they felt disappointed after frequently visiting Pattaya without previous problems. They also contacted the Department of Land Transport but were told that a vehicle registration number would be needed to pursue the complaint, which they had been unable to record. Following the online criticism, reporters visited the Pattaya Baht Bus Cooperative and spoke with its chairman, Thongchai Sukkhochai. He said the cooperative immediately contacted the complainants and assured them that the matter would be handled strictly under both cooperative and transport regulations, adding that no protection would be given to anyone found at fault. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Thongchai confirmed that the driver had been summoned for questioning and had received an initial penalty requiring him to stop operating his vehicle for seven days, with the vehicle parked at the cooperative’s office and marked accordingly. He added that the driver’s disciplinary history would be reviewed before the case is referred to the Chon Buri Provincial Transport Office for further action. Matichon reported that the driver, identified only as Somphong, publicly apologised for his actions. He said he wished to apologise to the public, the two passengers and Pattaya, adding that he accepted responsibility for his mistake and was prepared to accept punishment from both the cooperative and the transport authorities. AQNX1UzYQwRsHhCSOW5usdnh-yWCRDP7HhmnAcN9_gcY5Yc-MxBJvU4MCqjb63poVWXjmTqZxaJf9QFHhTt1SB2UKxAM4cpDuuHvKUIDSQ.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:04:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/kirk-family-speaks-as-accused-killers-hearing-begins-r1380/The family of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk attended court on Monday as prosecutors began presenting evidence against the man accused of killing him during a preliminary hearing in Utah. Get today's headlines by email Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on 10 September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting sparked a two-day manhunt before authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 23. Family attends preliminary court proceedingsRobinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea, and prosecutors in Utah County are seeking the death penalty. The hearing is expected to continue through Friday. Family asks for privacyAhead of the proceedings, Kirk's family released a statement describing the continuing impact of his death. "Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," said the statement from his widow, Erika, his parents, Robert and Kathryn, and his sister, Mary. The family said every court appearance was "a painful reminder" of their loss and thanked supporters for their prayers and kindness since the shooting. "Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time," the statement said. "We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief." Kirk's widow and parents arrived at the courthouse separately on Monday. Prosecutors outline evidenceRobinson, dressed in a light-coloured suit, sat between his lawyers during the hearing. Prosecutors said four law enforcement officers were expected to testify on the opening day. Tyler Robinson, 23. Picture courtesy of Rick Egan/Pool via Reuters/File Photo Before the hearing, defence lawyers had unsuccessfully sought to exclude some evidence, prevent cameras from covering the proceedings and remove the death penalty as a possible sentence. Prosecutors revisited the events of 10 September, when Kirk was speaking under a tent as part of his American Comeback college campus tour, during which he invited audience members to debate him. According to testimony, a gunshot was heard at about 12:20 p.m. while Kirk was discussing gun violence, causing him to collapse. Investigator describes crime sceneOne of the first witnesses, investigator Bagley, testified that he had been positioned on a nearby building and believed from the sound that the shot had been fired from a rifle rather than a handgun. He described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with people shouting and fleeing, and said he was initially informed that law enforcement had detained a suspect. However, Bagley testified that evidence found later raised questions for him about whether the person first taken into custody was responsible. He told the court he discovered a screwdriver and marks in gravel on a rooftop that he believed were consistent with a sniper's firing position. He also said security camera footage showed an individual dropping from the roof and leaving the area. Bagley testified that the marks appeared to show where someone had been lying in a prone position with "markings of elbows, knees and feet" aligned with the line of sight toward the tent where Kirk had been speaking. Defence attorney Kathryn Nestor raised several objections during Bagley's testimony and is expected to question him, along with other witnesses, as the preliminary hearing continues. Charlie Kirk. Picture courtesy of Reuters Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:31 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreign-chambers-urge-thailand-to-curb-corruption-r2638/Thailand must strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve law enforcement and reform regulations to restore investor confidence and maintain its competitiveness, according to Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag. She said foreign investors closely assess a country’s anti-corruption record before making investment decisions, with concerns over transparency, regulatory uncertainty and inconsistent enforcement causing some existing and prospective investors to reconsider expanding or relocating operations in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Leirvag said Thailand continues to offer a strong business environment and remains an attractive destination for international companies. However, she warned that global businesses are required to follow international standards wherever they operate, leaving “no space for doing business in a different way”, adding that transparency and zero tolerance towards corruption are essential for long-term success. The JFCCT represents 31 foreign chambers of commerce and around 8,000 companies operating in Thailand. Speaking on The Next Move programme, Leirvag said foreign direct investors consider predictable regulations, consistent implementation and respect for the rule of law to be just as important as investment incentives when selecting a destination. Her comments come as Thailand remains near the bottom of global rankings in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), placing 116th out of 180 countries in the latest assessment. She said that despite government efforts to promote investment through incentives and industrial policies, weaker governance indicators send a negative signal to international investors. Leirvag also highlighted Thailand’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), describing it as an opportunity to improve governance and align the country with international standards. She said discussions at OECD headquarters in Paris earlier this year showed Thailand scored about 78% for regulatory design but only 11% for implementation, indicating that enforcement remains the country’s biggest weakness. She called for comprehensive regulatory reform, including updating outdated laws, removing unnecessary regulations and ensuring new legislation is practical for businesses. According to Leirvag, some regulations are introduced without sufficient consultation with the private sector, creating rules that are difficult or impossible to implement. The Nation reported that she said closer cooperation between government and businesses would help develop practical, transparent regulations while strengthening investor confidence. Following a recent luncheon with Prime Minister Antin Charnvirakul, the JFCCT urged the government to establish a dedicated team to review existing legislation, accelerate regulatory reform and work closely with the private sector. Leirvag added that enforcement agencies should receive adequate training and resources, while businesses should also be informed about new legal requirements to improve compliance. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:55:07 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/microsoft-cuts-4800-jobs-in-major-xbox-restructure-r1379/Microsoft has announced 4,800 job cuts, representing about 2.1% of its global workforce, with Xbox accounting for a significant share of the reductions as part of what the company describes as a major restructuring. Get today's headlines by email Company-wide layoffs announcedIn a memo to employees, executive vice president Amy Coleman said the technology company must focus on areas that best serve customers as it adapts to a rapidly changing industry. She said businesses cannot control changes within their sectors but can choose how they respond. More than 1,600 Xbox positions will be eliminated immediately, with a further 1,600 roles expected to be cut over the next year. Xbox begins major overhaulIn a separate message to staff, Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma described the changes as "the most significant restructure in Xbox history." She said the overhaul was intended to strengthen Xbox's long-term future rather than reduce its ambitions. "These changes are about a bigger future for Xbox, not a smaller one," Sharma wrote, adding that companies should not assume long-term success is guaranteed without adapting. As part of the restructuring, four Xbox game development studios — Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory and Undead Lab — will be spun off from the company. Sharma also acknowledged the impact on employees, saying the cuts were painful but arguing that Xbox required a broad reset across its content portfolio, platform and operations. Industry pressures continueColeman said the eliminated positions would not be directly replaced by artificial intelligence, although she noted that AI is changing how work is performed across the business. The announcement comes as the video game industry continues to face significant challenges following several years of widespread layoffs. In 2024, Xbox cut more than 2,000 jobs and closed four studios it had acquired before Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty. More recently, Microsoft announced plans to cut up to 9,000 jobs while continuing to increase its multibillion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence. Rising hardware costs have also led Microsoft and other technology companies to increase prices for gaming consoles and consumer devices, with growing demand for AI data centres contributing to supply pressures. Studios move to independent ownershipUnder the new structure, Minecraft developer Mojang and Candy Crush developer King will report directly to Sharma. Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst, said the changes represented a "major reset" for Xbox, adding that the company's challenge now is to define its identity as gaming increasingly spans consoles, PCs, cloud services and subscription platforms. Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis said the restructuring reflects Microsoft's intention to concentrate on its largest gaming franchises and audiences. He said the company had previously expanded its studio network to strengthen its Game Pass subscription service but had concluded that some development teams would be better positioned outside the Xbox organisation. He added that allowing the studios to become independent, rather than shutting them down, was a positive outcome despite the difficult circumstances. Double Fine and Compulsion Games will both return to independent ownership, taking their intellectual property with them. Double Fine, acquired by Microsoft in 2019, thanked Xbox for seven years of support and said the agreement preserved its history and culture while restoring ownership of its games. Compulsion said its immediate focus would be supporting employees through the transition and expressed confidence about its future. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:48:29 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/farage-denies-wrongdoing-over-undeclared-benefits-r1378/Nigel Farage has insisted he "has done no wrongdoing" after reports that he failed to declare benefits allegedly provided by a long-time ally before entering Parliament. Get today's headlines by email The Reform UK leader said he had "followed the rules" and accused the political establishment of mounting a campaign against him, adding that he was considering legal action against The Sunday Times, which published the claims. Farage rejects allegationsThe newspaper reported that George Cottrell funded security and social media staff who worked on Farage's online content in the year before he was elected as MP for Clacton. It also alleged that Farage used a property near Buckingham Palace rented by Cottrell. Calls for investigationThe allegations have prompted Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde to ask the parliamentary standards commissioner to investigate whether Farage complied with parliamentary disclosure rules. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Babarinde said Farage should be "straight with the British people" about who supports him financially. Under House of Commons rules, newly elected MPs must declare financial interests and registrable benefits received during the 12 months before their election. However, the guidance states that purely personal gifts or benefits do not have to be registered. Farage is already the subject of a separate parliamentary investigation over an unregistered £5 million gift from a billionaire Reform UK donor. He has argued that the gift did not require declaration because it was received before he entered Parliament and was not political in nature. His team has made a similar argument regarding the alleged non-cash support from Cottrell. Previous declarations and responseCottrell, 32, is a cryptocurrency entrepreneur and a long-standing Farage ally who volunteered for UKIP ahead of the Brexit referendum. In 2017, he pleaded guilty in the United States to a wire fraud offence and was jailed for eight months after admitting he attempted to defraud criminals on the dark web while posing as a money launderer. Farage has previously declared two benefits from Cottrell: a £9,253 trip to Belgium in April 2024 and a £15,276 donation covering a domestic flight in the United States later that year. No other support from Cottrell appears in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Lawyers acting for Cottrell said he "categorically disputes" the allegations and assertions made by The Sunday Times and is reviewing the matter with his legal representatives. Standards concerns and political impactLabour peer Baroness Harman, a former chair of the House of Commons Committee on Standards, defended the parliamentary disclosure system, saying it is designed to maintain public confidence in Parliament. She said Farage should focus on demonstrating compliance with the rules and cooperating with the investigation, rather than portraying it as an "establishment hit job". Harman added that if the commissioner concluded Farage had breached the rules, his conduct while under investigation could be considered when determining any penalty. Farage returned as Reform UK leader in June 2024 after previously stepping down in 2021, and was elected MP for Clacton the following month. Sophie Stowers, of polling company More in Common, said the allegations could resonate with undecided voters considering backing Reform UK because the party's appeal is based partly on presenting itself as an outsider challenging the political establishment. However, she added that many of the party's core supporters are more likely to view the reports as evidence that the establishment is targeting Farage. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:42:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/hamas-offers-gaza-governance-to-us-backed-body-r1377/Hamas has announced that it is prepared to hand over governing authority in Gaza after nearly two decades in power, inviting a US-backed interim administration to assume responsibility for running the Palestinian territory. Get today's headlines by email The move, announced on Monday, could mark a significant political shift, although it remains unclear whether it will strengthen the fragile ceasefire in Gaza or improve conditions in the territory, where a humanitarian crisis continues. Hamas Signals Political TransitionWhile Hamas said it was ready to transfer security responsibilities as part of a broader transition, it did not commit to disarming, a key demand made by Israel and the United States. The group has instead maintained that it will not surrender its weapons while Israel retains military control over large parts of Gaza and continues military operations inside the territory. Interim Authority Faces ObstaclesThe proposed successor, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), was established in January under a US-brokered ceasefire arrangement. However, Israel has prevented the committee from entering Gaza since its creation, raising doubts about when any transfer of power could take place. Mohammed al-Farra, who heads Hamas's administration in Gaza, announced his resignation from his government roles, saying preparations had been completed for the handover. He indicated that Hamas would immediately step aside from directing Gaza's political administration, while civil servants would continue performing their duties until the NCAG could assume control. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the organisation had decided to relinquish governance to remove what it described as Israeli justifications for continuing military operations in Gaza. Ali Shaath, the NCAG's chair, said the committee was ready to take on its responsibilities once the necessary conditions and resources were available. Disarmament Remains Sticking PointThe Board of Peace, established by US President Donald Trump as part of a ceasefire framework and responsible for overseeing the NCAG, responded cautiously, saying it had "taken note" of Hamas's announcement. The board said it would judge the proposal by actions rather than statements and reiterated that all weapons should ultimately come under the control of the interim administration, reflecting its principle of "one authority, one law and one weapon." In a report to the UN Security Council in May, Trump's envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, blamed Hamas for the stalled peace process. Hamas, however, argues that it cannot disarm while Israel controls more than 60% of Gaza, continues military strikes and supports Palestinian armed groups inside the territory. Analysts See Symbolic MoveAnalysts described Hamas's announcement as largely symbolic but potentially aimed at reviving a stalled political process that has delayed reconstruction and humanitarian assistance for Gaza's estimated 2.1 million residents. They also suggested the move was intended to challenge Israeli-backed plans to concentrate aid, reconstruction and governance within a limited area of Gaza under Israeli military control. The proposal has received support from the Trump administration under names including "humanitarian city", "alternative safe communities" and "New Rafah", although critics have strongly opposed the concept. Max Rodenbeck of the International Crisis Group said Hamas appeared willing to surrender political authority while stopping short of disarmament, arguing that the group was attempting to break the diplomatic deadlock and shift pressure onto international mediators. Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations said Hamas was trying to prevent the NCAG from becoming associated only with the proposed New Rafah project, warning that such an arrangement could undermine its legitimacy. Diplomats expect limited progress on Gaza's political future in the coming months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on maintaining his governing coalition ahead of elections expected by late October. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:33:07 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/uefa-condemns-fifa-over-balogun-red-card-reprieve-r1376/UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA's decision to lift the automatic suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, accusing world football's governing body of undermining the integrity of the game ahead of the USA's World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. Get today's headlines by email In a sharply worded statement, UEFA described the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable", arguing that FIFA had crossed "a red line" by suspending the enforcement of Balogun's mandatory one-match ban. UEFA says FIFA undermined tournament integrityThe decision means Balogun is eligible to face Belgium on Monday despite being sent off during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has appealed against Balogun's availability, although it remains unclear when FIFA's appeals process will conclude or whether the governing body will publicly explain its decision. Belgium launches appealUEFA said the automatic one-match suspension for a red card is a fundamental rule that does not require interpretation or approval by a disciplinary body. It argued that allowing an exception during an ongoing tournament risks damaging confidence in the competition, particularly after other players have already served suspensions under the same regulations. The RBFA also expressed its surprise at the ruling, with Belgium manager Rudi Garcia comparing the decision to an April Fools' Day joke. Questions over FIFA's decisionAccording to sources cited by The Guardian, U.S. President Donald Trump personally lobbied FIFA to overturn Balogun's suspension, making three phone calls to the organisation after the striker's dismissal. Belgium's federation said it had not received a detailed explanation for FIFA's decision before submitting its appeal. The governing body has so far referred only to Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows its judicial committee to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction. Under FIFA regulations, the appeal will be heard by a member of its appeals committee who is not affiliated with either UEFA or Concacaf to avoid any conflict of interest. The RBFA has also indicated it is considering legal action, alleging FIFA breached its own statutes. USA welcomes rulingUnited States head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA's decision and maintained that Balogun's dismissal by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic had been excessively harsh. Pochettino said the United States had already paid a significant price by playing with 10 men for around 30 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that he believed almost everyone considered the red card to have been unfair. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:54:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/wildfires-sweep-southern-europe-as-heat-fuels-evacuations-r1375/Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires continue to burn across southern Europe, with firefighters battling major blazes in France, Spain, Portugal and Greece after weeks of extreme heat. Get today's headlines by email More than 20,000 hectares of land have been scorched across the region, while officials have warned that rising temperatures and strong winds could worsen conditions in the coming days. Emergency crews remain on high alert as new fires continue to break out. France battles growing Pyrenees blazeOne of the largest fires is burning in the foothills of the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border, where around 700 firefighters are working to contain a blaze that has consumed about 5,000 hectares. More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from nearby communities. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said wildfire conditions had deteriorated again on Monday, adding that fires were now burning in five departments and that twice as much land had burned in France this year compared with the same period in 2025. Residents described the speed of the advancing flames as alarming. One villager said the fire came within 300 metres of homes and spread so rapidly that it caused panic. The wildfire also disrupted the Tour de France, with authorities banning spectators from attending the finish area of Monday's third stage through the Pyrenees. Officials said only riders and essential race vehicles would be allowed on the route. Spain and Portugal face difficult conditionsAcross the border in Spain, a wildfire has burned about 2,200 hectares, most of it within the protected Les Gavarres natural area in Catalonia. Fire officials said the blaze had been stabilised, although rising temperatures and numerous hotspots continued to pose challenges. They hope to extinguish the fire later this week. Further south, more than 500 residents were evacuated after another wildfire spread into the Sierra de Espadán National Park in Castellón province. In Portugal, more than 1,200 firefighters, supported by hundreds of vehicles and 15 aircraft, have been battling a major fire in the Vouzela area. The blaze has burned roughly 13,000 hectares since it began last week. Firefighting assistance has arrived from Spain and Italy, and Portuguese emergency officials said about 80% of the fire was under control by Monday despite ongoing dangerous hotspots. Interior Minister Luís Neves described current wildfire conditions as a "powder keg." Greece and Balkans also affectedWildfires have also spread elsewhere in southern Europe. In Greece, a forest fire near the northern city of Thessaloniki spread into two factories, including a recycling plant that produced toxic smoke. Authorities issued evacuation alerts for three suburbs and advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors with windows and doors closed. Another wildfire west of Athens prompted the deployment of 210 firefighters, supported by volunteers, specialist teams and 29 aircraft, to combat flames moving through pine forests near Mandra. Elsewhere, fires damaged forests, vineyards and scrubland on Croatia's island of Hvar and in the Albanian town of Tale. Heatwave raises wildfire riskThe fires follow unusually early and intense heatwaves in May and June that shattered temperature records across western Europe and left vegetation exceptionally dry. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group said the extreme temperatures recorded in June would have been "virtually impossible" without human-driven climate change. Temperatures are expected to climb again this week, with some areas forecast to reach 40C. Fire officials in France warned that the wildfire season was only beginning and urged the public to remain vigilant as emergency services prepare for a prolonged summer of heightened fire risk. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:40:34 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/trump-faces-nato-allies-at-high-stakes-summit-r1374/President Donald Trump is set to travel to Ankara, Turkey, for this week's NATO summit as the alliance faces renewed pressure over defence spending, the war in Ukraine and security in the Middle East. Get today's headlines by email The two-day summit, beginning on Tuesday at the Beştepe Presidential Compound, will be chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump is scheduled to return to the United States on Wednesday after holding a news conference and taking part in several bilateral meetings, including talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Defence Spending in FocusAhead of the gathering, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said the summit would assess how member states are progressing towards a target of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defence. He said Poland, the Nordic nations, the Baltic states and Germany were making significant progress, while other allies continued to fall behind. Whitaker also said the United States would review how European allies were expanding NATO's capabilities as Washington sought to shift more responsibility for continental defence to Europe. Trump Renews Criticism of NATOThe summit comes as Trump continues to question NATO's value and criticise European allies for what he says is an unequal sharing of defence responsibilities. In recent months, Trump has suggested the United States could reconsider its role in the alliance and has accused allies of failing to support Washington during its military campaign against Iran. Last week, he again argued that the United States spends disproportionately on European security without receiving equivalent benefits in return. While Trump has described NATO members as spending money "on NATO," alliance guidelines require countries to invest a percentage of their GDP in their own national defence budgets rather than contributing directly to NATO itself. Although the United States has the alliance's largest defence budget, several allies, including Poland and the Baltic states, spend a higher share of GDP on defence. Middle East and European SecurityU.S. officials said discussions are expected to include security in the Strait of Hormuz following the recent conflict involving Iran. Although several NATO countries have expressed willingness to contribute to maritime security operations, officials acknowledged that many lack the naval capabilities needed for a significant role. Senior administration officials also confirmed that the Pentagon is conducting a review of U.S. military deployments in Europe, with possible force adjustments aimed at encouraging European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defence. Officials said any decisions would be based on strategic considerations rather than political factors. Ukraine and Turkey on the AgendaUkraine is expected to remain a central issue at the summit. Trump is due to meet Zelenskyy on Wednesday, with U.S. officials saying the talks will focus on efforts to end the war with Russia. Officials said the front line has changed little in recent months despite limited advances by both Ukrainian and Russian forces. They expressed hope that Trump's meetings with Zelenskyy, followed by further contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, could help move negotiations forward. Trump's visit also reflects his close relationship with Erdogan. Before the summit, he suggested he could announce a significant initiative benefiting Turkey, potentially including progress on Ankara's long-standing interest in acquiring F-35 fighter jets. Turkey's participation in the programme remains restricted because of its purchase of Russian-made air defence systems. Meanwhile, Rutte has described the summit as the beginning of a new phase for NATO, with European allies taking greater responsibility for defence while maintaining strong U.S. involvement. He said member states are expected to begin implementing defence investment commitments made last year and announced plans for substantial new defence industry contracts. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:30:49 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/tattoo-artist-found-dead-on-jomtien-beach-r2637/A 46-year-old tattoo artist was found dead on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya on Monday, 6 July, with police investigating whether the death was linked to gambling debts, foul play or another cause. Officers are also searching for a man seen with the victim shortly before his death after CCTV footage showed him leaving on the victim’s motorcycle. Get today's headlines by email Police Lieutenant Colonel Kanoknan Suksee, an investigator at Pattaya Police Station’s Dongtan Curve substation, responded after members of the public reported a body on Jomtien Beach near Soi Jomtien 10 in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Forensic officers and rescue workers attended the scene. The deceased, identified only as Thai national, Mr Aod, 46, from Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket province, worked as a tattoo artist. He was found lying on his back on the sand without a shirt, wearing black jeans. Investigators recovered a broken Buddhist amulet necklace near his right hand, his mobile phone, a pair of sandals placed about two metres apart approximately five metres away, and his red T-shirt nearby. All items were retained as evidence. A close friend, 46-year-old Saman, told police he believed the death was a murder rather than the result of illness or suicide. He said Mr Aod had visited him on 5 July, saying he owed 2,500 baht from gambling, believed to involve cockfighting and could not repay the debt on time. According to Saman, Mr Aod told him: “If I have no money to give them, I’ll just let them kill me.” Saman said he gave his friend 100 baht before later learning of his death. He also claimed he saw a heavy-set man riding away from the scene on the victim’s white Honda Click motorcycle. CCTV reviewed by reporters showed a heavy-set, shirtless man arriving at 4.34am on the victim’s white Honda Click before walking onto the beach with Mr Aod. At 4.48am, the victim was seen collapsing and convulsing on the sand while the other man stood nearby without attempting to help or contact emergency services. At about 5.23am, Mr Aod appeared to stop moving and was believed to have died. The man then walked back from the beach, rode the victim’s motorcycle to speak with a group of ladyboys about 20 metres away, and finally left the area at 6.27am on the same motorcycle. Naewna reported that police have not ruled out any line of inquiry, including murder, disputes linked to illegal activities or poisoning. The body has been sent to the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine for a detailed post-mortem examination, while investigators are working to identify and question the heavy-set man, the last known person seen with the victim. Picture courtesy of Naewna Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:52:05 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-cuts-property-fees-for-homebuyers-r2636/Thailand has reduced property transfer and mortgage registration fees to 0.01 percent for eligible home purchases, in a move aimed at supporting homebuyers and stimulating the economy. The measure applies to houses, land sold with residential buildings and condominiums where the sale price, official valuation and mortgage amount do not exceed THB 7 million. It took effect on July 1, 2026, and will remain in force until June 30, 2027. Get today's headlines by email The reduced fees are available only to individual buyers who are Thai nationals. For houses, including detached, semi-detached and terraced homes, as well as commercial buildings sold with land, the mortgage registration fee is reduced only when the mortgage is registered at the same time as the property transfer. The changes were published in the Royal Gazette on July 1, 2026, through two Ministry of Interior announcements. The announcements followed a Cabinet decision made on June 30, 2026, approving the temporary fee reductions. According to the Ministry of Interior, the policy is intended to ease the financial burden on people purchasing their own homes while also supporting property transactions for the benefit of the national economy. The same conditions apply to condominium purchases in officially registered condominium buildings. To qualify, both the property’s sale price and its official valuation must not exceed THB 7 million. The mortgage amount must also be no more than THB 7 million, and buyers must meet the nationality requirement. For both residential properties and condominiums, the reduced mortgage registration fee applies only if the mortgage is registered simultaneously with the transfer of ownership. The latest measure extends government efforts to support Thailand’s property sector as the housing market continues to face economic pressures. By lowering transaction costs, the government aims to encourage more eligible buyers to complete home purchases during the one-year period. The Nation reported that the reduced fees are already in effect following publication in the Royal Gazette. Eligible buyers completing property transfers and mortgage registrations before June 30, 2027, can benefit from the lower charges provided they satisfy all qualifying conditions. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:42:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/myanmar-driver-held-with-drugs-at-mae-sai-border-r2635/Thai authorities have seized a cross-border drug shipment after stopping a three-wheeled vehicle at the Mae Sai Border Customs Checkpoint No. 1 in Chiang Rai province on 5 July 2026. Officers discovered more than 100 kilogrammes of ketamine and around 600,000 methamphetamine tablets hidden inside a load that had been declared as empty plastic baskets. Get today's headlines by email The operation involved officials from Mae Sai Customs Checkpoint No. 1, Customs Suppression Region 3, the Mae Sai Customs Suppression Unit, Chiang Rai Immigration Police, the Pha Muang Task Force and officers from Mae Sai Police Station. The vehicle, which carried registration from Shan State in Myanmar, was entering Thailand when it was selected for inspection. The driver was identified as 42-year-old Tun Teng Oo, a Myanmar national. Following the discovery, officers detained the suspect along with the vehicle and all seized drugs before transferring them to Mae Sai Customs Checkpoint No. 2 for a detailed inspection and inventory. Authorities have initially charged the suspect with importing goods into Thailand without completing customs procedures, as well as illegally bringing Category 1 and Category 2 narcotics into the kingdom. He was later handed over, together with the evidence, to investigators at Mae Sai Police Station for legal proceedings. The seizure represents one of the larger drug interceptions at the border and highlights continued efforts by Thai authorities to disrupt cross-border narcotics trafficking. Multiple agencies worked together in the operation, reflecting ongoing cooperation to monitor and intercept illegal shipments entering the country. Khaosod reported that investigators are continuing to question the suspect as part of efforts to identify others involved. Officials said the investigation will be expanded to trace accomplices and dismantle the wider cross-border drug trafficking network believed to be linked to the shipment. Picture ps courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:34:24 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/pizza-express-probe-found-no-trace-of-andrew-visit-r1373/Pizza Express carried out an internal review into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had visited its Woking restaurant, following claims he made during his widely publicised 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, the programme has revealed. Get today's headlines by email Pizza Express Review RevisitedAccording to Newsnight, the restaurant chain investigated the claim after it attracted global attention but found no evidence confirming or disproving that he had been at the Surrey branch. The programme also said it found no record of customers or staff recalling his presence at the restaurant in March 2001. Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond to the BBC's request for comment. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The Woking ClaimIn his 2019 Newsnight interview, Mountbatten-Windsor said he had taken his daughter, Princess Beatrice, to a children's party at Pizza Express in Woking on 10 March 2001. He said the visit took place in the late afternoon before he returned home for the evening. He made the claim while rejecting allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who said she had been forced to have sex with him that day after dining with him, visiting a London nightclub and going to the Belgravia home of Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre alleged the encounter occurred when she was 17. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied her allegations. Newsnight also disclosed previously unaired footage from the 2019 interview in which Mountbatten-Windsor said his staff had checked his diary and other records to establish his whereabouts on the day in question. He also said Sarah Ferguson was in the United States at the time and that he was caring for Princess Beatrice while her mother was away. Company InvestigationFollowing the interview, Pizza Express management examined whether any records from 2001 could verify the visit. The company searched for historical documents and attempted to contact former staff and managers connected with the Woking branch. The restaurant's manager from 2001 had already left the company and could not be interviewed, according to Newsnight. After completing its review, Pizza Express concluded it had found nothing to confirm that Mountbatten-Windsor had visited the restaurant, but also nothing to indicate that he had not. Newsnight said its own reporting likewise uncovered no evidence from customers or employees placing him at the restaurant on the evening in question. Police Response QuestionedAs part of its investigation, Newsnight submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Metropolitan Police asking whether royal protection officers had accompanied Mountbatten-Windsor to Woking on the day in question. The Met refused to confirm or deny whether it held such information, citing national security and other exemptions. The force said acknowledging whether records existed could reveal details about protection arrangements for individuals other than the King and the prime minister. The response was criticised by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who questioned whether withholding information about protection arrangements from 25 years ago served a legitimate security purpose. He called on the Metropolitan Police to make an exception and disclose the information. Virginia Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41. Mountbatten-Windsor lost his military titles and royal patronages in 2022. He was stripped of the title "prince" last year and has faced continuing scrutiny over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:40:51 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/russian-strikes-kill-11-in-fresh-attack-on-kyiv-r1372/At least 11 people have been killed and 46 injured after Russia launched a second major strike on Kyiv within a week, according to the Ukrainian capital's military administration. Get today's headlines by email Kyiv military administrator Timur Tkachenko said five children were among the injured. Emergency officials also reported that three more people were killed elsewhere in the Kyiv region. Rescue Efforts Continue After Overnight AssaultRescue operations were continuing at more than 20 locations across the city on Monday, Tkachenko said on Telegram. Residential high-rise buildings were struck in two districts, with emergency crews searching for people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. Residential Buildings DamagedMayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian ballistic missiles hit several locations across Kyiv, sparking fires in apartment buildings. Warehouses and a garage workshop were also damaged. By Monday morning, widespread destruction was visible across the capital. Three large apartment blocks had partially collapsed, reportedly after being struck by debris from intercepted drones or missiles. Helicopters were seen transporting water from the river to help firefighters tackle blazes across the city. Residents spent another night sheltering underground as air raid sirens sounded and explosions echoed across Kyiv. Attack Comes Before NATO SummitThe latest strikes came on the eve of a NATO summit in Turkey, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. Hours before the attack, Zelensky warned that Ukrainian intelligence indicated Russia was preparing another "massive strike" on Kyiv following Thursday night's assault, which killed 30 people. That earlier barrage prompted tens of thousands of residents to seek refuge in Kyiv's metro stations. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilian areas, while Moscow said it had struck military and energy facilities in response to recent Ukrainian attacks on power infrastructure inside Russia. Calls for More Air Defence SupportOvernight, attacks also affected Russian-occupied Crimea, where authorities reported temporary power outages in Sevastopol following Ukrainian strikes. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on targets in the peninsula as it seeks to increase pressure on the Kremlin to enter peace negotiations. Russia has continued its campaign of missile and drone strikes against Kyiv. Ahead of the NATO summit, Zelensky urged Ukraine's allies to accelerate deliveries of long-range missiles and strengthen the country's air defences. In a post on X, he said delays in supplying air defence missiles cost lives and encouraged Russia to continue the war. Zelensky has also renewed his request for the United States to grant Ukraine licences to manufacture Patriot air defence missiles. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:34:12 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-surrogacy-suspects-held-in-pattaya-r2634/Two Chinese nationals wanted by authorities in China over an alleged illegal surrogacy operation have been arrested at a hotel in Pattaya and are being held for deportation. Get today's headlines by email Thailand’s Immigration Bureau said the arrests followed a request from the Chinese Consulate’s police office in Kunming. The suspects, identified only as Mr Y, 43, and Ms M, 34, both Chinese nationals, had their Thai visas revoked after they were confirmed to be wanted under arrest warrants issued by Chinese authorities. The operation was ordered by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak and senior immigration officials. Officers from Immigration Division 1 worked with the Crime Suppression Division to locate and detain the pair after intelligence showed they were staying at a hotel in Pattaya. According to Chinese authorities, the suspects are accused of operating an unlicensed medical business linked to illegal surrogacy. Investigators allege that between March and May 2026, Mr Y acted as the head of a network managing premises used for an unlawful surrogacy operation, while working alongside Ms M through Hangzhou Shengbao Medical and Health Technology Co., Ltd. Chinese investigators claim the company secretly operated an unlicensed medical facility providing embryo transfer procedures and illegal surrogacy services for profit. Authorities said the operation attracted a large number of Chinese clients and involved multiple individuals, with substantial sums of money circulating through the network. The investigation also alleges the group became involved in a serious dispute with one client during an embryo transfer procedure. Chinese authorities said the circumstances may be linked to additional criminal offences, with the wider investigation continuing. Picture courtesy of SiamNews After confirming that both suspects had travelled to Thailand, the Immigration Bureau revoked their visas. Immigration investigators and Crime Suppression Division officers then tracked the pair to a Pattaya hotel, where they were taken into custody without incident. SiamNews reported that both suspects have been transferred to an immigration detention facility, where they will remain pending deportation to China to face legal proceedings. The Immigration Bureau urged members of the public to report foreign nationals suspected of involvement in criminal activity. Information can be provided to local immigration offices or through the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178. AQOJkbNGUTE3c1MjKLc-SaoSfAIOs9s4D3cnsEajpymOde3mchDXXhWnqqT9RvowQNXK87gMQXEkYxQFB8z-xr7-wSL24kZqznff2EPRig.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Siamnews 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:16:51 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/kamikaze-drone-crashes-near-tak-border-r2633/A suspected kamikaze drone crashed into a cornfield in Phop Phra district, Tak province, around 200 metres from the Thai-Myanmar border, prompting authorities to seal off the area and launch an investigation. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Get today's headlines by email At about 4pm on 4 July 2026, Pol Col Anusorn Dangkong, superintendent of Phop Phra Police Station, said officers were alerted by the station’s radio centre after a kamikaze drone was discovered in a cornfield in Ban Waley, Moo 2, Waley subdistrict, Phop Phra district. Police coordinated with Rajamanu Task Force personnel, the Tak Provincial EOD unit and local administrative officials before travelling to the scene. Investigators found an unmanned aerial vehicle believed to be a kamikaze drone of unknown origin that had crossed from Myanmar before crashing on the Thai side in an agricultural area at Ban Waley Tai, Moo 2, Waley subdistrict, approximately 200 metres from the border. Authorities cordoned off the site while carrying out a detailed examination. Investigators found the drone’s explosive payload had already detonated after the aircraft struck the ground nose first. The blast affected an area with a radius of around five metres, leaving a crater approximately 10 centimetres deep. Corn plants surrounding the impact site were flattened, but no people were injured. Officials collected bomb fragments, photographed the scene and prepared an initial site map as part of the investigation. The drone’s origin and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Authorities also issued a public warning advising residents living near the border to avoid approaching any suspicious objects or military equipment they may encounter. Members of the public were urged to notify officials immediately if such items are found. ThaiRath reported that the Rajamanu Task Force has stepped up patrols along the Thai-Myanmar border to monitor the situation and reinforce security measures aimed at ensuring the safety of people living in the area. Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:58:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-us-navies-begin-carat-2026-drills-in-sattahip-r2632/The Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy will conduct the CARAT 2026 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) joint exercise from 6 to 16 July 2026 across Sattahip in Chonburi, Rayong province, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. The exercise aims to enhance joint maritime operational readiness and strengthen regional maritime security cooperation against evolving threats. Thailanguage courses Get today's headlines by email The opening ceremony will take place on 6 July 2026 at 10:00 at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip, Chonburi. The Thai side will be chaired by Vice Admiral Songsarit Chatsanguan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, while Rear Admiral Kyle Gant, Deputy Commander of the US Seventh Fleet, will co-chair for the United States. The exercise is the largest bilateral naval drill between Thailand and the United States and has been conducted continuously since 1995. The Royal Thai Navy has assigned Frigate Squadron 2, Royal Thai Fleet, as the main coordinating unit, led by Rear Admiral Anurak Promngam as exercise director. Thai assets include the frigates HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Bangpakong, a Type 4 helicopter, and a Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance and target designation. The United States will deploy USCGC Emlen Tunnell and USCGC Charles Moulthrope, along with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. US Marine personnel and a Seventh Fleet band will also participate in supporting roles. The exercise is divided into three main phases. The first phase runs from 6 to 11 July and focuses on in-port training, including subject matter expert exchanges covering cyber operations, explosive ordnance disposal, maritime domain awareness, counter-unmanned aerial systems, boarding operations, diving, medical support, and mine countermeasures. Sports and community engagement activities are also included. The second phase, from 12 to 14 July, will take place at sea and focus on tactical operations such as maritime awareness building, boarding and inspection of suspect vessels, tactical communications, target plotting, live weapons firing, naval manoeuvres, and search and rescue operations. Thaitabloid reported that on 15 July, participating forces will hold a final evaluation meeting and closing ceremony, followed by the departure of US naval vessels. Officials say the exercise underscores continued defence cooperation and improves readiness for complex maritime security challenges in the region. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:41:47 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-warns-cannabis-smugglers-face-jail-abroad-r2631/Thai authorities have again warned travellers not to attempt to smuggle cannabis overseas, saying offenders risk lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines and confiscation of the drugs. The warning issued on 4 July 2026, follows a growing number of cases in recent months in which passengers were arrested after allegedly concealing cannabis while travelling to countries where it remains illegal. Get today's headlines by email Dr Thewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the department has seen frequent reports of travellers being caught carrying cannabis on international flights. He stressed that transporting cannabis into countries where it is prohibited is regarded as a serious criminal offence. Officials said modern airport security systems combine high-resolution computerised X-ray technology with the expertise of customs officers, making it increasingly difficult to hide cannabis in luggage. The equipment is designed to detect abnormalities, including dense organic materials and controlled herbs such as cannabis. Authorities added that X-ray machines used at cargo inspection points are also capable of detecting cannabis regardless of the form in which it is transported. As a result, attempts to smuggle the drug carry a high risk of detection and full legal prosecution. Dr Peeracha Kookasemkit, director of the Medical Cannabis Division, said anyone attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand without completing customs procedures, or trying to evade inspection, faces severe penalties under the law. Offenders may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined four times the value of the goods including duties, or receive both a prison sentence and a financial penalty. Any seized cannabis will also be confiscated. The Customs Department has further strengthened enforcement by introducing revised penalty criteria. Since June 17, 2026, fines have been set at 30,000 baht per kilogramme of cannabis seized, with all confiscated cannabis becoming state property. Thai officials noted that while cannabis in Thailand is regulated under specific laws for medical and health-related use, many countries continue to classify it as a serious illegal narcotic, with serious legal consequences. Travellers are therefore urged to check and comply with the laws of their destination before departure. Țhe Nation reported that authorities said following the regulations of overseas destinations is essential to avoid severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and significant financial penalties, whether the offences result from ignorance of local laws or deliberate attempts to smuggle cannabis. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:34:52 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/anutin-newin-clash-over-interior-ministry-posts-r2630/A reported conflict of interest has emerged between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and de facto Bhumjaithai leader Newin Chidchob over senior bureaucratic transfers at the Interior Ministry ahead of the annual reshuffle due to take effect in October. According to an unnamed partisan source, the disagreement centres on whether Interior Ministry Undersecretary Ansit Sampantharat should remain in his current post or be replaced by Provincial Administration Department Director-General Narucha Kosacivilize. Get today's headlines by email The source claimed Anutin, who also serves as interior minister and leads the Bhumjaithai Party, wants Ansit to remain as undersecretary of one of the cabinet’s key ministries. Newin, however, is reportedly seeking to have Narucha promoted to the role instead. According to the source, Newin wishes to reward Narucha, who previously served as governor of Buriram, Newin’s home province and Bhumjaithai’s strongest political base. Narucha is also due to retire next year as director-general of the Provincial Administration Department, making this year’s reshuffle a key opportunity for promotion. The reported disagreement comes despite Ansit having previously been regarded as personally loyal to former interior minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who is closely associated with de facto Pheu Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Narucha, meanwhile, had earlier faced accusations of failing to remain politically neutral before the previous general election after allegedly sending a Line message to a subordinate in Phuket stating, “Do Help the Blue,” a reference widely understood to support Newin’s political camp. The reported tensions also follow recent transfers ordered by Anutin, in his capacity as interior minister, involving two deputy governors in Phuket. The moves were said to have frustrated Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, a Bhumjaithai member who had overseen the party’s election campaign in southern constituencies and was believed to have close ties to both officials. Meanwhile, Newin’s son and Bhumjaithai secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, has publicly played down suggestions of any conflict between his father and the prime minister. Chaichanok himself had previously differed with Anutin on a number of political issues. The ThaiNewsRoom reported that Chaichanok remains one of the ministers appointed under Bhumjaithai’s quota in the coalition government and currently serves as digital economy and society minister. The annual Interior Ministry reshuffle is scheduled to take effect in October and is expected to determine whether Ansit remains in his post or Narucha secures the promotion reportedly backed by Newin. Picture courtesy of TNR Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:27:30 +0000