https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreign-woman-strips-naked-causes-disturbance-in-phuket-r2251/A foreign woman was taken into police custody after stripping naked and causing a disturbance near Surin Beach in Phuket on 9 June 2026. The incident drew widespread attention after a video was shared on Facebook, showing the woman unclothed and behaving aggressively in a public area. Get today's headlines by email The footage was posted with the message: “Haaa, she’s naked now. They’ve grabbed her now. Grabbed her now. Wow. #FreeVisa”. The clip quickly circulated online and generated significant discussion on social media. The incident took place near Surin Beach on Srisoonthorn Road in Cherng Talay, Thalang district, Phuket. According to the video and witness accounts, the foreign tourist was completely unclothed and appeared to be either intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and in a distressed state. She was seen walking on the road, shouting loudly, before entering a nearby massage shop where she caused further disruption and attacked a woman. Staff at the shop and a foreign man attempted to cover her with a towel, but the woman reportedly removed it and continued behaving aggressively. Picture courtesy of Daily News Witnesses said the woman’s actions alarmed local residents, business operators and tourists in the area. The individual who shared the video stated that she had been travelling alone and appeared intoxicated. According to witness accounts, the woman moved around businesses near Surin Beach causing disturbances, attempting to assault people, grabbing one person by the hair, striking vehicles and chasing members of the public. Concerned residents subsequently contacted authorities for assistance. Officers from Cherng Talay Police Station and relevant agencies attended the scene following reports of the disturbance. Authorities approached the situation with caution before successfully bringing the woman under control. She was then taken to Cherng Talay Police Station to calm down while officers began inquiries into the cause of her apparent distressed or erratic behaviour. Police are also considering what legal action may be appropriate under Thai law. The Daily News reported that the investigation remains ongoing and further details have not yet been released by authorities on the woman’s name or nationality. AQOvh3ZOyqWWSsaF-rcWSPSXUGhyEtPq5CuuuWCDJdGfcU48f8onpaKJnuN4eiHUEdUIYSLzf8vKj1YRL9Dv0kRtX1eDYng6N6dHWGn97A.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:19:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/house-sends-70-billion-ice-funding-bill-to-trump-r1169/House Republicans on Tuesday approved a $70 billion immigration enforcement package, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump after months of internal party disputes and tense negotiations on Capitol Hill. Get today's headlines by email The measure, one of the administration’s top legislative priorities, will provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), through the remainder of Trump’s second term. The House passed the bill by a narrow 214-212 margin along party lines. Independent Representative Kevin Kiley of California joined Democrats in voting against the measure. GOP Divisions Nearly Derail BillThe legislation faced several obstacles before reaching final passage. Disagreements emerged between Republican leaders over strategy, while Senate Republicans threatened to block the package because of concerns over a proposed Justice Department settlement fund backed by Trump. Critics argued the fund could be used to benefit the president’s political allies. Although Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the initiative would not proceed, some Senate Republicans continued pushing for language to prohibit it. In the Senate, several Republicans initially delayed the bill over those concerns before ultimately supporting it. Only Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the measure. House Hardliners Seek Immigration VoteThe bill also encountered resistance in the House during its final stages. More than a dozen conservative Republicans temporarily withheld support for a procedural vote as they sought commitments from party leaders to consider a separate immigration crackdown proposal. According to people familiar with the discussions, the group delayed House action while pressing for a vote on the stricter immigration measure. It remains unclear whether leadership agreed to their demands, and the proposal would likely face significant opposition if brought to the House floor. Despite those tensions, Republican lawmakers ultimately united behind the funding package. “This bill breaks the Democrats’ stranglehold over ICE and CBP funding,” Representative Tom McClintock of California said during floor debate. Democrats Criticize Lack of OversightDemocrats strongly opposed the legislation, arguing it provides billions of dollars for immigration enforcement without imposing new reforms or oversight requirements on ICE. The agency has faced scrutiny following fatal shootings involving federal agents that contributed to Democrats blocking previous funding efforts. Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington said Republicans were approving the funding package with “no guardrails,” while Representative Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky argued the money could be better spent elsewhere. “With $70 billion, we could end homelessness in America,” McGarvey said. “Just about anything would be better than giving it to ICE.” White House Security Funding RemovedOne notable administration request was dropped during negotiations. Trump had sought roughly $1 billion for White House security improvements, including about $200 million connected to his proposed East Wing ballroom project. Senate Republicans raised concerns about the request, and parliamentary rulings also complicated its inclusion. The final legislation excludes the White House funding provisions. The bill’s passage highlights both the challenges and the limits of Republican majorities in Congress. Despite repeated threats of defections and disputes over key provisions, GOP lawmakers ultimately delivered a package that closely matches Trump’s original immigration funding demands. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:06:06 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/finnish-court-jails-polarica-ex-ceo-in-thai-trafficking-case-r2250/A Finnish court has sentenced the former chief executive of wild berry company Polarica to two years and six months in prison after finding him guilty of 78 counts of human trafficking involving Thai berry pickers. The ruling concerns the exploitation of Thai workers who travelled to Finland in 2022 to collect wild berries under conditions the court determined amounted to forced labour. Get today's headlines by email The Lapland District Court delivered its verdict on 9 June, sentencing Jukka Kristo, the former CEO of Polarica, for human trafficking offences linked to the recruitment and employment of Thai workers. The court found that the workers had been misled about their expected earnings and actual working conditions before travelling to Finland. Thai coordinator Kallayakorn “Durian” Phongphit was also convicted on 78 counts of human trafficking and sentenced to nine months in prison. The court reduced her sentence because she had already received a three-year prison term last year in a separate human trafficking case involving another wild berry company. Finnish public media has described the case as the largest human trafficking case in the country’s history. Dozens of Thai workers were identified as victims. During the trial, the court heard that the workers were recruited from Thailand and encouraged to travel to Finland to pick naturally growing wild berries. Upon arrival, they became responsible for travel expenses, accommodation costs and other charges, leaving many in debt from the outset. Although the workers reportedly laboured long hours with little or no time off, the court found that they retained very little income after deductions. It also determined that some accommodation provided was overcrowded and of poor quality, while charges for lodging were unreasonably high. Most of the workers had only primary school education and spoke only Thai, limiting their access to information and assistance. The court concluded that their financial dependence and lack of alternatives left them with little choice but to continue working, resulting in conditions that constituted forced labour under Finnish law. The court also imposed a five-year business ban on Kristo and stripped him of his military rank. Kristo, Phongphit and Polarica were ordered to jointly pay approximately EUR500,000 in compensation to the victims for financial losses and emotional suffering, as well as roughly EUR400,000 in legal costs. Polarica was additionally fined EUR150,000. Both defendants continue to deny the allegations and may appeal the ruling. Prosecutors have also indicated they will appeal, seeking a five-year prison sentence as originally requested. ThaiRath reported that Finnish authorities are continuing broader scrutiny of the wild berry industry, which relies heavily on foreign workers, particularly from Thailand. The case follows a separate investigation in late May which found that several berry companies, including Polarica, may have cooperated in fixing berry purchase prices between 2013 and 2023, potentially suppressing workers’ earnings. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:57:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/air-canada-pilot-charged-after-16-years-without-license-r1168/A former Air Canada pilot has been charged after allegedly operating hundreds of commercial flights over a 16-year period without holding the required license to serve as an airline captain. Get today's headlines by email Canadian police said Geoffrey Wall, 59, of Barrie, Ontario, is accused of flying more than 900 domestic and international flights between 2009 and 2025 without the necessary airline transport pilot license. More Than 900 FlightsAccording to Peel Regional Police, Wall worked as an airline captain despite allegedly lacking the certification required to command large commercial passenger aircraft. Air Canada said Wall held a valid commercial pilot license but did not possess the airline transport pilot license needed for promotion to captain. The airline stated that he was removed from active duty after the issue was discovered and that the matter was voluntarily reported to Transport Canada, the country's aviation regulator. Wall is no longer employed by the carrier. Investigation Began After Documentation ReviewPolice said irregularities were uncovered during a review of pilot documentation. Transport Canada subsequently contacted investigators earlier this year. The airline also confirmed that Wall had been fined by the regulator for not holding the correct license required for a captain's position. In addition to the licensing allegations, police said Wall is accused of filing a false report claiming that pilot documentation had been stolen. Air Canada Says Safety Was Not AffectedAir Canada said an internal audit found no other cases of pilots operating outside licensing requirements. The carrier maintained that passenger safety was not compromised because all pilots are required to complete recurrent training every six months and undergo an annual flight check conducted by a certified Transport Canada check pilot. The airline said proper licensing remains a critical component of aviation safety and that it is treating the matter seriously. Air Canada declined further comment, citing privacy laws and the ongoing criminal investigation. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:53:15 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/hunter-biden-charms-followers-with-social-media-return-r1167/Hunter Biden has returned to the public spotlight with a highly active presence on social media platform X, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers through a mix of blunt political commentary, self-deprecating humor and reflections on addiction recovery. Get today's headlines by email The son of former President Joe Biden launched his X account on May 19 with the message: “I’m Hunter Biden. You’ve never actually heard from me.” His arrival followed appearances on podcasts hosted by Candace Owens and journalist Andrew Callaghan. Since then, Biden has posted frequently on topics ranging from addiction recovery and cryptocurrency to criticism of the Trump administration. His account has gained significant traction, reflecting the growing popularity of direct and often unfiltered political commentary online. Recovery and Self-Deprecating HumorA central theme of Biden’s posts has been his recovery from addiction. He has shared messages aimed at people facing similar struggles, telling followers that recovery becomes “quieter” over time and saying that thousands of people have contacted him to discuss their own experiences. Biden has also embraced jokes about controversies that surrounded him during his father’s presidency. Referring to the bag of cocaine discovered at the White House in 2023, he joked that it was not his because he “would have never forgotten” it. In another exchange, he corrected users who suggested cocaine use, noting that his past addiction involved crack rather than cocaine. A Figure of Political ControversyBiden spent much of his father’s presidency at the center of Republican criticism. His work for a Ukrainian energy company became a focus of investigations and political attacks that contributed to President Donald Trump’s first impeachment in 2019. He was later scrutinized by congressional Republicans investigating the Biden family’s business dealings and faced federal criminal cases involving gun charges and tax violations. Before leaving office, President Biden granted his son a full pardon covering those convictions. Biden has also used X to revisit past controversies, arguing that the story surrounding his laptop involved hacked cloud accounts and stolen devices rather than simply a single computer. Winning Support Across Political LinesSome Democratic figures have praised Biden’s openness about addiction and recovery. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described him as a compelling advocate who helps reduce stigma around addiction through public vulnerability. His online presence has also attracted unexpected praise from some conservatives. Political commentator Ian Miles Cheong wrote that Biden appeared more relatable and human than many people had assumed based on previous media coverage. Embracing Online TrollingDespite occasionally calling for a less hostile political culture, Biden has frequently engaged in online trolling. He has mocked critics, attacked political opponents and adopted some of the combative social media style associated with Trump-era politics. Among his most notable posts were insults directed at White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and jokes about AI-generated campaign images depicting a hypothetical 2028 presidential run. Observers say part of Biden’s appeal stems from the fact that he is not viewed as a political candidate. Democratic strategist Cooper Teboe argued that users perceive him as a private citizen speaking freely rather than someone carefully crafting a public image for elected office. As his following continues to grow, Biden has embraced the attention, joking that he is broke and asking followers how people make money on X. Whether the surge in popularity proves lasting remains unclear, but his unexpected return has made him one of the platform’s most talked-about political personalities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:43:08 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/ukrainian-suspect-arrested-at-samui-airport-r2249/A 30-year-old Ukrainian national wanted in connection with an alleged nominee shareholding scheme on Koh Phangan has been arrested at Samui International Airport after returning to Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Immigration officers in Surat Thani, working with Koh Phangan Police and the Central Investigation Bureau, arrested Anatolii Plushev on 8 June 2026 after he arrived on a flight into Samui. He was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Koh Samui Provincial Court, warrant number 121/2569, dated 21 May 2026. The arrest stems from the Royal Thai Police operation “Crackdown on Foreign Nominees on Koh Phangan”, launched on 13 and 23 May 2026. The operation targeted businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to enable foreign ownership of land and business interests in violation of Thai law. Investigators gathered evidence leading to arrest warrants for 45 individuals linked to the alleged scheme. Authorities have so far arrested 26 suspects, while 19 remain at large and are being pursued. According to investigators, Plushev was allegedly involved in submitting false documents to land officials in order to obtain land ownership through a company established using Thai nominee shareholders. He was identified as a shareholder in Rubicon Co., Ltd. Authorities said the suspect left Thailand before the court approved the arrest warrant. After learning that he intended to return to the country through Samui International Airport, officers monitored his arrival and arrested him immediately upon entry. During questioning, Plushev confirmed he was the individual named in the warrant. He reportedly told investigators that he became a shareholder alongside his father and helped establish Rubicon Co., Ltd. to acquire land. The suspect was transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings. The case forms part of a wider government and police effort to combat nominee business structures, illegal land ownership, unlawful business operations and practices that authorities say can affect employment opportunities for Thai citizens in key tourist destinations. The Daily News reported that further investigations are continuing as police seek to locate and arrest the remaining 19 suspects connected to the case. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:34:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/white-house-urges-uk-to-avoid-under-16-social-media-ban-r1166/The White House has urged the UK government not to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, arguing that such measures could place an unfair burden on major US technology companies. Get today's headlines by email In a submission to a UK government consultation on online safety, the Trump administration opposed what it described as broad government restrictions and rigid regulatory approaches aimed at tackling online harms faced by young people. The submission, published by the US embassy in London, questioned the effectiveness of age-verification measures for users aged 13 to 16. It argued that technologies designed to distinguish adults from minors are not easily adaptable to lower age thresholds. US Favors Parental ControlsInstead of outright restrictions, the White House called for stronger parental oversight tools. It said parents should be given greater control over privacy settings, account management and safety features, while platforms should be required to provide healthier online environments for younger users. The intervention highlights continuing disagreements between Washington and London over online regulation. The UK's Online Safety Act has faced criticism from some US politicians and officials who argue it could restrict free speech. US Vice President JD Vance has previously said that free expression in Britain is "in retreat", while a senior Republican lawmaker has referred to the legislation as the UK's "online censorship law". UK Considering New RestrictionsUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil plans next week targeting what the government considers harmful social media applications. The proposals are expected to include additional safeguards for children, potentially including restrictions on communication with strangers through gaming platforms. Limits on the use of AI chatbots by minors are also being considered. The government has not specified which applications could fall under a ban. However, some educational services may be exempt, with reports suggesting that YouTube Kids could be excluded from any restrictions. The debate follows similar action in Australia, where under-16s are barred from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Concerns Over Impact on US FirmsThe White House also expressed concern that regulatory approaches adopted by the UK and the European Union could disproportionately affect American technology companies. In its submission, the US government said it was concerned about rules that create heavier compliance obligations for US firms or that apply differently to comparable online services. A UK government spokesperson said ministers intend to act quickly once the consultation concludes but stressed that any measures must be practical, enforceable and effective in protecting children online. Legal Challenges LoomOfficials are also understood to be aware of the possibility of legal challenges to any new measures. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is already pursuing a judicial review related to the Online Safety Act. The company is challenging aspects of the fee and enforcement regime being implemented by the UK's media regulator. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:29:13 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thaksin-to-leave-for-dubai-after-royal-pardon-r2248/Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to depart for Dubai on Friday after now being fully released from parole following his royal pardon. His return date has not been disclosed and it remains unclear how long he intends to stay in the United Arab Emirates. Get today's headlines by email The Department of Corrections confirmed on 9 June that Thaksin’s release was now fully completed and had been carried out in accordance with the Royal Decree on Pardons 2026. Officials stated that he had complied with all parole conditions since being released from Klong Prem Central Prison on 11 May 2026. Under the decree, which was issued on 3 June 2026, Thaksin qualified for a pardon as a parolee aged over 60 with less than three years of his remaining prison sentence outstanding. Following a review by the relevant authorities, his EM device was removed and he now been issued with an official certificate of release, confirming that he had completed his sentence and was no longer subject to any criminal penalties or supervision. Thaksin had originally been serving a one-year prison sentence after receiving a previous royal reduction of an eight-year term. Following his return to Thailand in 2023 after nearly two decades in self-imposed exile, he spent six months at Police Hospital before being released on parole. He later returned to prison for a further period before being released again last month. The Department of Corrections stressed that the decision was made under the same legal criteria applied to all eligible parolees under the Royal Decree. Officials said the process followed all legal requirements and was conducted in a transparent manner. Speculation continues over whether Thaksin’s sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who has remained overseas since leaving Thailand nine years ago, may meet him during his stay in Dubai. Thaksin remains an influential figure within the Pheu Thai Party. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from the premiership by court order last year over an ethics-related case linked to a leaked telephone conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Following this year’s election, his nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat joined the Bhumjaithai-led coalition government as deputy prime minister and higher education, science, research and innovation minister. ThaiNewsRoom reported that future developments are likely to focus on the duration of Thaksin’s stay abroad and any political implications arising from his activities while overseas. Picture courtesy of TNR Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:23:22 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/sudanese-refugee-held-after-horrific-belfast-knife-attack-r1165/A Sudanese man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a knife attack in north Belfast that left another man seriously injured, police said. Get today's headlines by email The suspect, who is in his 30s, remains in custody after the incident, which occurred at about 22:30 BST on Monday. Officers said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the attack. Police recovered what they believe to be a kitchen knife from the scene. The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries including slash wounds to his face and back as well as damage to an eye. He remains in hospital in a serious condition. Authorities praised members of the public who intervened before officers arrived, saying their actions helped save the victim’s life. Video shared online appeared to show local residents confronting the suspect, including one person carrying a hurling stick. Suspect’s Immigration StatusThe UK Home Office said the suspect entered the country in 2023 and was granted refugee status the same year. He currently has leave to remain in the UK until 2028. According to the Home Office, the man said he entered the UK through the Common Travel Area. Police initially stated that the suspect was Somali but later corrected the information, confirming he is Sudanese. Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said investigators believe the man travelled from Sudan to Paris before flying to Dublin and then taking a bus to Belfast, where he claimed asylum on 10 February 2023. Boutcher said there was no record of the suspect on national security databases and that he was not previously known to the PSNI. Police Appeal for CalmAssistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police had consulted counter-terrorism partners but currently had no evidence indicating the attack was terrorism-related. He stressed that inquiries remain at an early stage. Police also urged the public not to speculate about the case or share inaccurate information online regarding the victim’s condition. With calls for protests circulating on social media, Henderson appealed for calm and said an increased police presence would be deployed across Northern Ireland in the coming days. He added that other UK police forces had offered support if required. Some businesses announced early closures following the incident, while public transport operator Translink said services were expected to run normally. The Belfast Health Trust and the Driver and Vehicle Agency also outlined contingency measures in response to potential disruption. Witnesses Describe ShockA local resident who contacted emergency services described being deeply shaken by the attack. She said she heard screams outside her home and helped relay information to police through a delivery driver’s phone. The woman said several people attempted to intervene as the incident unfolded and described the scene as unlike anything she had witnessed before. She added that the attack had left her fearful about safety in her neighbourhood. Political Leaders Condemn AttackNorthern Ireland’s five main political parties issued a joint statement condemning what they described as a horrific act of violence. They expressed support for the victim, those who witnessed the attack and members of the public who stepped in to help. Political leaders urged people not to share graphic footage and called for patience while police continue their investigation. Several politicians, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, called for further information about the suspect’s background and immigration status. Community organisations also condemned the attack and appealed for unity, warning against allowing the incident to divide local communities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:16:32 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/trump-says-iran-shot-down-apache-helicopter-vows-response-r1164/President Donald Trump has accused Iran of shooting down a US military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz and said Washington would respond to the incident, raising fresh concerns about tensions despite a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Get today's headlines by email The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that two crew members aboard the downed Apache helicopter were rescued and were unharmed. “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.” US officials have not announced what form any response might take. However, military action could threaten efforts to preserve the ceasefire that followed recent exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran. Iran has not immediately commented on Trump’s accusation. One US official told CBS News that it remained unclear whether the aircraft was intentionally targeted. Iranian media appeared to acknowledge the incident but stopped short of claiming responsibility. The semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that Iran had not taken responsibility for the helicopter’s loss. Rising Regional TensionsThe incident comes as Israeli forces continued strikes across southern Lebanon. Tehran has warned that further Israeli military action in the area could prompt renewed retaliatory attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said foreign military forces operating near Iran faced ongoing risks from accidents, miscalculations or being caught in crossfire. “To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave,” he wrote on X. Shortly before Trump’s comments, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s lead negotiator in talks with Washington, issued a warning on social media. “We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we'll switch to what we speak best,” he wrote, adding: “You ride the horse you saddled!” Ceasefire Under PressureIsrael and Iran halted direct attacks after exchanging fire over the weekend, the first such confrontation since a truce reached in April. Trump had urged both countries to “immediately stop ‘shooting’”, saying further hostilities could undermine negotiations aimed at ending the wider regional conflict. He also expressed optimism about ongoing talks with Tehran, telling reporters that a deal could be reached within “two or three days” and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward. The helicopter incident, however, may complicate those diplomatic efforts, particularly if Washington concludes that Iran was directly responsible. Rescue OperationCentcom said the rescue took place at 19:33 EDT (23:33 GMT) on Monday. According to the military, the operation was led by US Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from US Air Force and Navy units, including the US Fifth Fleet’s Task Force 59. A Centcom spokesperson said the pilots were recovered by an unmanned surface vessel operated by Task Force 59, a Bahrain-based unit established in 2024 to integrate unmanned systems into maritime security operations. The drone transported the crew to another location at sea, where they were subsequently lifted aboard a helicopter and taken to safety. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:54:17 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/krabi-seaplane-pilot-scheme-set-for-phuket-route-r2247/The Thai government has announced plans to introduce seaplane services in the Andaman region as part of a wider strategy to develop Thailand into a regional aviation hub and attract higher-spending tourists. Get today's headlines by email On 9 June 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Pherdsriwattana said the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is moving forward with efforts to strengthen the country’s transport and tourism sectors. The initiative aims to position Thailand as an Aviation Hub while supporting quality tourism and generating greater economic value in destinations across the country. The announcement follows a visit by Deputy Transport Minister Pattarapong Pattarasit to Krabi International Airport, where he met with government agencies and private-sector representatives to discuss the introduction of seaplane services. The proposed service is intended to improve connections between key Andaman tourism destinations and provide a faster and more convenient travel option for international visitors. Pattarapong said the Ministry of Transport aims to develop Krabi International Airport as an “Airport for Regional Development”. The concept focuses on seamless links between the airport and nearby islands and marine tourism destinations, supporting future growth in the tourism industry. He said seaplanes would become part of the transport infrastructure designed to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. To advance the project, the ministry is establishing a Strategic Integration Committee for Seaplane Operations. The committee will bring together government agencies, aviation specialists and private-sector stakeholders to develop operational guidelines under aviation safety standards. Pattarapong has been appointed chairman of the committee by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. According to the government, seaplane operations could support not only high-value and high-spending tourists but also related industries including aviation, tourism, hotels, restaurants, service businesses, emergency medical services and maritime security operations. Officials believe the project could create jobs and generate additional income for local communities. Pattarapong confirmed that Krabi will serve as Thailand’s first pilot province for seaplane services. Trial flights on the Krabi-Phuket route are expected to begin during 2026, marking what the government describes as an important step in developing a new form of air transport for the country and a model for other coastal tourism areas. Amarin reported that Lalida said the government is focused on creating an integrated transport system linking travel, tourism and economic development. She said the Andaman seaplane project is intended to enhance the visitor experience, increase local economic value and strengthen Thailand’s position as a global tourism destination. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:49:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/lao-man-killed-by-falling-lift-in-pattaya-hotel-r2246/A 32-year-old Lao national was killed after a lift car fell on him inside an abandoned hotel in Pattaya, Chonburi, on 9 June 2026. Emergency services, forensic officers and police were called to the former four-star hotel on Soi Yume, after receiving a report that a person had been trapped beneath a falling lift. Get today's headlines by email The abandoned hotel, which has more than 300 rooms, has remained vacant since closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators found the lift car at ground-floor level inside a five-storey section of the building. Beneath it was the body of the victim, identified from documents found in a black shoulder bag as Mr Kanthawisak Wongphuthon, 32, from Laos. Police said the victim’s right wrist was visible beneath the lift, while his head was submerged in standing water at the bottom of the lift shaft. His neck and lower body had been crushed beneath the lift car. Rescue workers used heavy lifting equipment to raise the lift, which weighed at least 500 kilograms, and it took more than two hours to recover the body. A preliminary examination found that the victim had suffered a broken neck and severe crushing injuries. Officers from Pattaya City Police Station, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Itthikon Saikrathok, and forensic investigators from Chonburi Crime Scene Investigation Unit 2 examined the scene. Rescuers said an anonymous caller had reported the incident to the Sawang Boriboon Foundation emergency centre. However, when operators attempted to call back, the person did not answer. Upon arrival, no one was present at the scene and volunteers only discovered the victim after searching the lift shaft. Local residents told police that the deceased had been living inside the abandoned hotel with a friend described as a dark-skinned man with closely cropped hair. The friend was not found at the scene and has since disappeared. Police are attempting to locate him for questioning as a potential witness. The hotel caretaker said the property has been left derelict for years and is frequently occupied by squatters and homeless people. He stated that items had repeatedly been stolen from the building and that the lift had never been removed despite the hotel’s closure. Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the incident. A preliminary theory suggests the victim may have entered the flooded pit beneath the lift, possibly to bathe and inadvertently disturbed the ageing mechanism. Amarin reported that police noted that the lift cables remained intact, although the equipment was in a severely deteriorated condition. Police and forensic officers are continuing their investigation and will examine all evidence before determining the cause of the fatal incident. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:39:50 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-owned-steel-mills-face-scrutiny-in-thailand-r2245/A Thai reporter has alleged that Chinese-backed investors are using local companies as fronts to operate steel plants in Thailand, while producing substandard steel and bypassing environmental regulations. The claims focus on steelmaker Sin Ke Yuan and at least 10 steel plants previously ordered to suspend operations over concerns including product quality, production methods and regulatory compliance. Get today's headlines by email On 8 June, reporter and news presenter Montri Udompong published allegations regarding Chinese investment in Thailand’s steel and heavy industry sectors. He claimed some factories had resumed operations after authorities determined that corrective measures had been completed and that their steel products met required standards. According to Montri, one key concern is that several steel plants were not operating in accordance with their approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documents. He alleged that some facilities registered as induction furnace (IF) plants with steel refining furnaces, but inspections found no such refining equipment installed. He also claimed that some factories declared the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) technology in official documentation but were actually operating induction furnace systems. Other alleged violations included the installation of unauthorised equipment, removal of approved equipment and factory expansions carried out without prior approval. Montri further alleged that some steel plants had effectively been taken over by Chinese investors while retaining the names and licences of Thai-owned businesses. He claimed these operations employed Chinese supervisors and, in some cases, Chinese nationals working on tourist visas. The allegations come amid wider scrutiny of Sin Ke Yuan, which has been discussed extensively on social media following reports that SKY-branded steel produced by the company was used in the collapsed State Audit Office building. Montri stated that while the steel was present in the project, it was not identified as the cause of the collapse. However, he argued that any failure to meet Thai Industrial Standards Institute requirements remained a separate regulatory issue. He also questioned whether officials at various levels of government could have been unaware of the alleged violations, citing processes involving factory licensing, public consultations, machinery installation approvals, industrial standards certification and investment promotion. Montri said any officials found to have improperly performed or neglected their duties could face scrutiny under Section 157 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, while allegations involving improper benefits could potentially relate to Section 149. Manager Online reported that authorities are expected to face continued pressure to investigate Sin Ke Yuan and other steel and industrial facilities linked to foreign investment. Montri argued that public monitoring and social pressure would remain important as questions continue over environmental compliance, industrial standards and regulatory enforcement across multiple sectors. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:26:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/ranong-police-and-us-step-up-border-nuclear-detection-r2244/Police in Ranong have joined US officials and multiple Thai security agencies in efforts to strengthen the detection and prevention of nuclear and radioactive material smuggling along the Thai-Myanmar border. Get today's headlines by email On 8 June, Major General Thanawat Watthanakun, Commander of Ranong Provincial Police, led a consultation meeting under the NSDD (Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence) Thailand ISLE (Implementation and Sustainment Local Execution) Survey project. He was joined by deputy commanders Pol Col Seksan Kaewsawang, Pol Col Monthian Baethong, Pol Col Sutthi Nitiakkharaphong and Pol Col Sombat Chumphon, alongside representatives from customs, provincial administration, maritime security agencies, military units, immigration, forensic police, Border Patrol Police, Marine Police, Special Branch, investigation units and local police stations. The meeting focused on preventing and detecting the illegal transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. Participants discussed global security threats posed by radioactive and nuclear materials that fall outside regulatory control, known as MORC (Material Out of Regulatory Control) The Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) programme is operated by the US National Nuclear Security Administration under the US Department of Energy. Its objective is to help partner countries install systems capable of detecting and intercepting illicit nuclear material that could potentially be used in weapons or so-called “dirty bombs”. The ISLE Survey is a site assessment process designed to identify vulnerabilities, determine the most suitable radiation detection equipment for specific locations and assess training requirements for personnel. Information gathered during the survey will be used to develop permanent protection systems. Officials said the selection of Ranong for the survey reflects its strategic role as a frontline province. The area is viewed as an important point for intercepting potential threats before they can move further into other parts of Thailand. The discussions also highlighted cooperation between Thai and US authorities, as well as coordination among local law enforcement, military and border security agencies operating in the province. Thaitabloid reported that future planning will be based on the survey findings, which are expected to guide the installation of detection systems and the development of long-term measures to strengthen border security against nuclear and radioactive material smuggling. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:19:22 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-migrants-van-crash-kills-rider-during-mae-sot-chase-r2243/A motorcycle delivery rider was killed during a police pursuit in Mae Sot, Tak province, on 9 June 2026 after a pickup truck carrying four Chinese nationals attempted to evade officers and drove against traffic. Get today's headlines by email The incident occurred on the Mae Sot-Rim Moei Road near the Phattharawit intersection in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict. According to police, the pickup truck, registration from Tak, was being driven by Sakchai Trakulpriyaphong, an ethnic Hmong man from Phop Phra district, who was transporting four Chinese nationals. Police said the driver became alarmed after spotting officers and suddenly turned around before driving the wrong way along the road in an attempt to escape. During the pursuit, the pickup collided with a motorcycle ridden by acting Wisanu Thongprathueang, 35, a delivery rider travelling in the correct direction near a private school. Wisanu was killed instantly at the scene. Police said the driver did not stop following the collision and instead continued fleeing towards Mae Sot municipality. As the chase continued, the suspect allegedly attempted to release the four Chinese passengers along the roadside in an effort to help them evade capture. Officers from Mae Sot Police Station pursued the vehicle and eventually fired at its tyres to prevent further danger to the public. The pursuit ended about seven kilometres from the crash site when the pickup left the road. Police reported that all four tyres had been punctured and that the vehicle had sustained eight bullet impacts to the bonnet. Officers arrested Sakchai at the scene and launched a search for the four Chinese nationals. Three men were later apprehended, while one person remains at large.. Picture courtesy of Daily News Pol Col Rang Daodung, superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station, said the suspect was a Thai national of Hmong ethnicity and was believed to have been transporting illegal migrants for payment. He said the driver panicked when confronted by police and drove against traffic, causing the fatal collision. Daily News reported that the superintendent added that officers considered the use of tyre-deflation gunfire necessary to prevent further harm to members of the public. The suspect and those arrested have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings, while the search for the remaining fugitive continues. Caution video shows fatal collisionScreenRecording_06-09-2026 15-38-27_1.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:07:52 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-education-system-fails-poor-pupils-experts-warn-r2242/Thailand’s education system is failing to provide genuinely free and equitable schooling, with experts warning that current policies are deepening inequality and limiting opportunities for disadvantaged children. Get today's headlines by email Speaking at a Nation Visionary Club roundtable on Monday 8 June 2026, education specialists and student representatives said poor families continue to face significant education costs despite nearly 20 years of free education policies. They argued that children from low-income households not only pay more than they can afford but also receive a lower quality of education than wealthier students. Dr Kraiyos Patrawart, managing director of the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), said data collected over nearly two decades shows Thailand’s education system is not truly free. He noted that the Covid-19 pandemic increased the number of economically disadvantaged students, with figures falling briefly before rising again in the post-pandemic period. According to Dr Kraiyos, households in the poorest tenth of the population still spend about 10,000 baht annually on their children’s education. Families in the wealthiest tenth spend around seven and a half times more. He described this as a “two-dimensional inequality”, where poorer families face financial burdens while receiving lower-quality education. The disparity is also reflected in learning outcomes. While Thailand regularly produces world-class students who win gold and silver medals in international academic Olympiads, Dr Kraiyos said roughly two-thirds of the population remains below the OECD baseline standard for learning proficiency. Parit Wacharasindhu of the People’s Party said Thailand would fail if quality education could only be accessed through international schools. He argued that public education is currently neither sufficiently high in quality nor genuinely free, despite substantial government spending on the sector. A major concern raised during the discussion was the Ministry of Education’s per-pupil funding model. Under the system, schools receive funding based on student numbers, leaving many rural schools with insufficient budgets to cover basic operating costs. In some cases, primary schools covering six year levels have fewer than six teachers, requiring one teacher to teach multiple year groups at the same time. Student representative Krai Satarak of Chulalongkorn University said the problem is compounded by a national curriculum that often ignores local needs. Drawing on fieldwork in Nan province, he described students leaving school to help on family greenhouse farms despite possessing valuable agricultural knowledge. He argued that the curriculum prioritises abstract subjects over practical skills relevant to local economies. The Nation reported that Dr Kraiyos urged Thai society to reconsider the purpose of education in a future shaped by artificial intelligence, artificial general intelligence, brain-computer interfaces and quantum computing. He called for debate on future curricula, the role of the National Education Act and whether memorisation-based learning should continue to dominate classrooms. The roundtable concluded that structural reforms are needed within the next decade. Participants called for needs-based funding, greater autonomy for schools and reform of the National Education Act, warning that the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced schools will widen further as technology advances. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 10 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:54:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/ukraine-strikes-deepen-fuel-crisis-in-occupied-crimea-r1163/Ukraine's escalating drone campaign against Russian-occupied territories is disrupting Moscow's military supply network and worsening fuel shortages across occupied Crimea, according to officials, analysts and local reports. Get today's headlines by email The shortages have been linked to repeated Ukrainian strikes on transport routes connecting southern Russia to Crimea through the occupied city of Mariupol. Analysts describe the route as a critical artery for Russian military logistics in southern Ukraine. Supply Routes Under PressureClément Molin of the French think tank Atum Mundi said Ukraine had conducted around 300 drone strikes on trucks since early May, including about 30 fuel tankers, with attacks intensifying in recent weeks. Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said military cargo traffic along the route fell by 71% between late May and early June. Fuel Shortages Hit Residents and TouristsThe disruption has had visible effects across Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014 and uses as a key military base for operations against Ukraine. Residents and tourists have reported long queues at petrol stations, with some people waiting up to 10 hours to obtain fuel. Many stations have limited purchases to 20 litres per customer through prepaid vouchers, while some have run out of fuel entirely. Tourists who travelled to Crimea before the shortages began have also struggled to secure enough fuel for return journeys. In response, Moscow-appointed authorities established a dedicated hotline to assist stranded visitors. Fuel scarcity has driven up petrol and diesel prices across the peninsula. On 5 June, Crimea's Russian-installed leader, Sergei Aksyonov, acknowledged that authorities could not fully meet fuel demand and warned that hundreds of buses would remain idle because of shortages. Russia Acknowledges Supply ProblemsRussia's Energy Ministry publicly recognised fuel supply difficulties on 8 June, citing an increase in Ukrainian attacks on fuel and energy infrastructure in southern regions. The ministry said a permanent headquarters had been created to coordinate efforts to address the situation. Alternative supply routes remain limited. Maritime transport has become increasingly risky after Ukrainian attacks damaged several ferries serving Crimea. Traffic on the Kerch Bridge linking Crimea to mainland Russia has also been affected by previous attacks and security concerns. Craig Kennedy, an expert on Russia's oil industry and an associate at Harvard University's Davis Center, said transporting fuel by road through occupied territory now presents significant risks because vehicles remain vulnerable along the route. Military Impact and Expanding CampaignSome Russian military commentators argue the disruptions are affecting both civilian life and military operations. Pro-Kremlin military analysis channel Rybar said fuel shortages impacting civilians are also reducing supplies available to Russian forces in southern Ukraine. Ukraine has additionally targeted infrastructure in northern Crimea. Strikes on 6-7 June and again on 8-9 June damaged a bridge at Chonhar, a key crossing used by both military and civilian traffic, forcing authorities to suspend movement across it. The logistical strain has been compounded by Ukraine's long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries and storage facilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky said nearly 40% of Russia's primary oil-refining capacity was disabled in May as a result of such strikes. According to Kennedy, Ukraine's campaign is increasingly shifting from large refineries to local fuel distribution networks, creating concentrated pressure on specific regions, particularly Crimea. Wider Effects Across Occupied TerritoriesDrone operations have also targeted occupied parts of the Luhansk and Kherson regions. Ukrainian commander Yevhen Karas said disrupting Russian logistics remains a central objective, with fuel depots, storage facilities and military infrastructure among priority targets. Russia has meanwhile accused Ukraine of causing civilian casualties in several attacks in occupied territories, including incidents involving public transport. Karas did not comment on specific cases but said civilian vehicles were not deliberately targeted, while acknowledging that mistakes can occur in an active combat zone. Authorities in occupied Luhansk have restricted bus services on key routes leading toward Mariupol and Crimea, citing security concerns. The combined impact of Ukraine's strikes on fuel infrastructure and transport routes has increased pressure on Russian military logistics while also bringing the effects of the war more directly to residents of occupied territories. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:39:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/israel-strikes-lebanon-despite-irans-warning-to-stop-attacks-r1162/Israeli forces killed at least eight people in air strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Tuesday, shortly after issuing a displacement order that expanded to include parts of the city previously spared from evacuation notices. Get today's headlines by email The attack hit a densely populated residential area in the coastal city, according to Lebanon’s civil defence agency. The latest evacuation order covered Tyre’s Christian quarter, an area that had largely been excluded from earlier directives. Israel said Hezbollah fighters were operating in the area. Escalating attacks in southern LebanonThe strike was the latest in a series of attacks on Tyre. A day earlier, an Israeli strike near a Red Cross centre killed five people and wounded eight others, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Among the injured were four paramedics, while the bombardment also reportedly damaged a UNESCO-listed heritage site. The renewed violence follows an exchange of fire between Israel and Iran, marking the most serious escalation since a ceasefire between the two countries took effect on April 8. The latest tensions were triggered by an Israeli strike on Beirut on Sunday. Despite the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon, arguing that its campaign against Hezbollah is separate from the conflict involving Iran. Hezbollah reports attacks on Israeli forcesHezbollah said it carried out 16 operations against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, including near the strategically important Beaufort Castle. The group claimed it destroyed two Israeli military bulldozers near Yohmor al-Shaqif and struck several Israeli troop positions. It also said it intercepted an Israeli drone over the Iqlim al-Tuffah area. Lebanon became directly involved in the wider regional conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, citing continued Israeli attacks and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran warns of stronger responseIran warned on Monday that any continued aggression, including attacks in southern Lebanon, could provoke a far harsher response. The warning accompanied Tehran’s announcement that it would halt strikes on Israel following the recent exchange of fire. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz dismissed the threat, saying operations against Hezbollah would continue and warning that attacks on northern Israel would trigger strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. He also rejected any attempt by Iran to link developments in Lebanon to the broader confrontation between Tehran and Israel. Humanitarian crisis deepensLebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Israel has carried out nearly 3,500 air strikes, more than 400 demolitions and six large-scale village razing operations since April 16. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the death toll from Israel’s offensive since March 2 has risen to 3,637, with 11,188 people wounded. More than one million people have been displaced, representing roughly one-fifth of Lebanon’s population. Salam’s office said government shelters in Beirut, Sidon and other regions have reached full capacity. The International Rescue Committee warned that humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly, with 94 percent of displaced people struggling to meet basic needs. Many residents returning to southern Lebanon have found their homes, and in some cases entire villages, destroyed. Aid groups say a lasting ceasefire is needed to address mounting humanitarian needs and support recovery efforts. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:25:08 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/couples-risqu%C3%A9-tuk-tuk-fun-draws-criticism-r2241/Two foreign tourist couples have drawn criticism after being filmed engaging in suggestive behaviour aboard a moving tuk-tuk in Phuket, prompting concerns about the province’s image. Get today's headlines by email On 9 June 2026, the Phuket Times Facebook page published a post claiming that two foreign couples were seen “playing around” on a tuk-tuk, with actions including spanking, straddling and provocative movements while travelling through Phuket. According to the post, the group also took turns filming each other to create social media content. The page later shared additional images in the comments section. The images appeared to show a female tourist straddling a male companion while making physical contact and displaying behaviour many online viewers considered inappropriate for a public setting. The footage and images quickly attracted attention on social media, where many users criticised the tourists’ conduct. Commenters argued that the behaviour was unsuitable in a public place and could damage Phuket’s reputation as a tourist destination. Public reaction was largely focused on calls for stronger enforcement. Comments included claims that existing fines were too low to act as a deterrent, while others questioned why the tuk-tuk driver had not taken the tourists directly to a police station. Some users also called for substantial penalties and travel bans for those involved. The incident follows ongoing public debate in Thailand about the conduct of some visitors at popular tourist destinations. Online discussion centred on whether authorities should take firmer action against behaviour viewed as disrespectful or disruptive in public areas. As of now, there has been no official confirmation that authorities have identified the individuals shown in the footage or taken any legal action. No formal statement has been issued by the relevant agencies regarding an investigation into the incident. Daily News reported that officials are expected to determine whether the matter warrants further review. Until then, the status of any potential enforcement action remains unclear. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 9 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:10:03 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-linked-fraud-ring-leaders-arrested-in-nonthaburi-r2240/Thai cybercrime police have arrested two alleged leaders of a fraud network accused of luring victims into fake online investment schemes linked to counterfeit luxury brand sales. The suspects, identified as Pakin “Lai”, 43, and Tipawan “Meena”, 33, were arrested in Nonthaburi province under Criminal Court warrants issued on 4 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The arrests were made following an investigation by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) after victims reported being deceived through a Facebook page called “Clearance Sale Genuine Brand Bags”. The scheme caused financial losses after victims were persuaded to transfer increasing amounts of money under the guise of building credibility for an online shop. According to police, victims were first invited via a Facebook link to join a group on the LINE messaging application, which was presented as an online trading community. Participants were encouraged to complete activities by transferring money in return for promised rewards. In the early stages, victims reportedly received genuine returns, creating trust in the operation. However, they were later persuaded to transfer larger sums with promises of higher profits before eventually being unable to withdraw any funds, leading them to realise they had been defrauded. Investigators traced financial transactions linked to the scheme and previously arrested a suspect identified as Niwat, who allegedly withdrew cash from mule accounts and recruited account holders through Facebook. Police said he arranged bank account openings and cash withdrawals in exchange for payments of around 5,000 baht per transaction. Authorities seized mobile phones, ATM cards and vehicle-related documents during the earlier arrest. The investigation later expanded and identified additional members of the network. Police allege that Pakin and Tipawan acted as operational leaders, directing the recruitment of mule accounts and ordering cash withdrawals. They are also accused of serving as intermediaries between the network and a Chinese man believed to be a key organiser and the primary beneficiary of the operation. Police further revealed that Pakin has previous criminal convictions for assault and offences under immigration law. Both suspects have denied all allegations during questioning. Matichon reported that the suspects have been transferred to investigators from Division 3 of the TCSD for legal proceedings. Authorities said efforts are continuing to identify and arrest other members of the network, particularly the Chinese suspect believed to be directing the fraud operation from behind the scenes. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 9 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:52:47 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-junior-ice-hockey-player-punches-thai-referee-r2239/A 14-year-old Chinese ice hockey player was disqualified after allegedly punching a Thai referee during the Bangkok Fly Ice Hockey Tournament 2026 at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena (TIIHA) on Rama 9 Road, Bangkok, late on Friday night. The incident occurred at around 23:00 during an Under-14 Division B match between Anesthetist and A/B Hockey and has prompted strong reaction within the local ice hockey community. Get today's headlines by email The player accused of assaulting the referee was identified as Venom Liu, a 14-year-old forward from Chengdu, China, born on 16 January 2012. The referee, known as “Coach Ang”, was Sgt. Teerasak Rattanachot, a former member of Thailand’s men’s national ice hockey team who was officiating the match. According to a parent from the Young Ducks Under-12 team who witnessed the incident, the confrontation began near the end of the game when player number 77 committed a foul and disagreed with the referee’s decision. The parent said the player initially chest-bumped the referee, leading to his ejection from the match under tournament rules. As the player left the ice, he allegedly pushed the referee again before taking an opportunity to punch him. The witness stated that the referee’s decision had been correct and suggested the player may have been frustrated because his team was scoring very few points and trailing heavily. The parent also noted that the 14-year-old was his team’s key player and the only one scoring points. Tournament organisers responded by imposing sanctions on the team. Nuchanart Ponglerkdee, known as “Coach Phung” and Tournament Organiser of the Bangkok Fly Ice Hockey Tournament 2026, confirmed that the Anesthetist team had been disqualified from its two remaining tournament matches and had since returned to China. The witness said that physical assaults on referees are virtually unheard of in the sport, despite the physical nature of ice hockey. He added that players normally respect officials, accept penalties and serve time in the penalty box, even when they disagree with decisions. The parent also criticised the behaviour of an adult who allegedly entered the playing area and pointed a finger in the referee’s face during the match. He said organisers should take greater steps to prevent parents from entering the rink and described the incident as something that should never occur in any sport. Khaosod reported that officials have not announced any further disciplinary measures. However, the incident has highlighted concerns about player conduct, emotional control and sideline behaviour at youth sporting events. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 9 June 2026Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:44:33 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/uk-officials-thank-thai-police-over-cannabis-smuggling-blacklist-r2238/British diplomatic and Home Office officials have thanked Thailand’s Royal Thai Police for strengthening enforcement measures and blacklisting foreign nationals involved in attempts to smuggle cannabis flower buds from Thailand to the United Kingdom and Europe. Get today's headlines by email On 8 June, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, assigned Deputy Commissioner-General Pol Gen Niran Leumsri to welcome and hold official talks with Mr David Thomas, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Thailand, Mr Sam Bullimore, Deputy Director of Border Intelligence at the UK Home Office, and embassy officials at Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Bangkok. The British delegation expressed appreciation for Thai authorities’ efforts to enforce the law and place British nationals involved in cannabis flower smuggling on Thailand’s blacklist. The measure is intended to help prevent criminal activity and stop the illegal movement of cannabis into the United Kingdom. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in law enforcement and integrating offender databases for wider security purposes. Pol Gen Niran explained that the initiative stemmed from his role as the Royal Thai Police representative on the Customs Act Settlement Committee under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), chaired by the Director-General of the Customs Department. During committee work, authorities identified foreign nationals involved in illegal cross-border movements of gold, Thai currency and foreign currency, as well as cannabis exports destined for Europe. He said customs cases can be settled through fines, which results in criminal proceedings being terminated without a formal criminal investigation. As a result, offender records were previously retained only by the Customs Department, leaving the Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau without access to the information. Some offenders were therefore able to repeatedly return to Thailand and reoffend, with some entering and leaving the country more than 50 times. To address the issue, the Royal Thai Police and Customs Department established closer cooperation, linked the databases and shared customs offender records with the Immigration Bureau. This led to 86 foreign nationals being placed on Thailand’s blacklist. Among them were 35 British nationals who had attempted to export cannabis with the United Kingdom as their destination. Authorities have also increased screening and enforcement measures at departure points. Between January and May 2026, Thai police intercepted 135 passengers attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand illegally. Of those cases, 68 involved travel to the United Kingdom, while 51 involved British nationals. Matichon reported that officials said the measures contribute to wider security efforts and have improved the effectiveness of preventing illegal cannabis exports, particularly shipments destined for the United Kingdom. Picture courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 9 June 2026Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:32:05 +0000