https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/worldnews/venezuela-earthquake-death-toll-hits-1450-as-search-continues-r1321/Rescue teams from Venezuela and around the world continued searching for survivors on Sunday, four days after two powerful earthquakes devastated the northern state of La Guaira, as the death toll climbed to 1,450. Get today's headlines by email Thousands of people also remain missing, according to several databases being used by families trying to locate loved ones, while hopes of finding more survivors fade with each passing day. Search Continues Despite Dwindling OddsEmergency crews pressed on with rescue efforts despite the passing of the critical 48- to 72-hour window that aid agencies consider the best chance of finding people alive after a major disaster. Authorities said survival remains possible if those trapped have access to food and water. On Sunday morning, rescue workers from the United States and France pulled a man and his son from the ruins of a collapsed building. Covered in dust, the pair were carried on a black tarp to an ambulance and given intravenous fluids as crowds gathered to watch. The United Nations said more than 2,200 rescue workers from around the world had arrived by Saturday, with additional teams continuing to reach the disaster zone. Civilian volunteer Jason Mercano, who had been communicating with relatives trapped beneath the rubble through social media, said rescuers remained determined. "It's been incredibly hard work, but we're going strong," he said. "We've never given up hope." Criticism of Government ResponseThe disaster has sparked growing criticism of the Venezuelan government, with many residents saying rescue operations were initially led largely by civilians rather than state authorities. President Delcy Rodríguez's government said more than 14,000 military personnel and police officers were patrolling La Guaira, where access has been restricted and entry now requires special permits. Officials also reported that more than 770 buildings had collapsed or suffered damage in the earthquakes, roughly double the number previously reported on Friday. The earthquakes present a major challenge for Rodríguez, who assumed office in January following the U.S. capture and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela has struggled with prolonged economic difficulties for more than a decade, and many citizens continue to question the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents. Destruction and International AidScenes across La Guaira reflected the scale of the devastation. Families searched through the remains of collapsed buildings, calling out the names of missing relatives in the hope of hearing a response. As temperatures remained high, many residents wore face masks because of the smell of decomposing bodies. Elsewhere, recovery teams loaded victims onto trucks from a hospital parking area where bodies were being identified. Many rescuers worked with limited equipment, wearing motorcycle helmets instead of proper protective gear as they searched unstable piles of debris. Frustration also boiled over at one rescue site, where residents prevented an excavator from leaving after accusing government workers of taking photographs at the scene without helping with recovery efforts. The International Organization for Migration estimated that more than six million people could be affected by the disaster, including around two million residents of the capital, Caracas. Experts said the extensive damage was intensified because the two shallow earthquakes struck in quick succession. Smaller aftershocks have continued to shake Caracas and surrounding areas, including a magnitude 4.8 tremor on Saturday. International rescue teams and aid supplies continued arriving from countries including Mexico, the United States, Brazil, El Salvador and France. Hope Amid the TragedyDespite the widespread destruction, occasional rescues have kept hope alive for families waiting at disaster sites. Yonahí Regalado said she spent hours calling the names of her sister and one-year-old nephew until international rescue teams reached the area. "It doesn't matter who it is, whoever, whether it's family or somebody else. If there is anyone alive, let's get them out," she said. Small acts of compassion also emerged during the crisis. In one widely shared video, a Venezuelan rescuer comforted an elderly woman trapped beneath debris, reassuring her that he would remain beside her if the unstable structure collapsed. Meanwhile, Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, suffered significant damage. One runway has reopened while U.S. teams continue repair work to restore the airport's operations, according to Jeremy Lewin, a senior U.S. State Department official overseeing foreign assistance. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:23:20 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/how-scotland-escaped-europes-murder-capital-label-r1320/Scotland has transformed its approach to tackling violent crime, cutting homicide rates dramatically after shifting from a law enforcement-led strategy to one that treats violence as a public health issue. Get today's headlines by email In the early 2000s, Scotland was described by the United Nations as the most violent country in the developed world. Between 2003 and 2005, Glasgow recorded the highest murder rate of any city in Europe, while Scots were almost three times more likely to be assaulted than Americans. Knife crime, gang violence and organised crime were widespread, particularly in Glasgow's east end. Scotland Cut Violence by Treating It as a Public Health IssueFaced with persistently high levels of violence, police and government officials established the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) in 2005. Rather than focusing solely on arrests and prosecutions, the unit adopted a prevention-based strategy that sought to address the underlying causes of violent behaviour. Prevention replaces punishmentOne of the SVRU's best-known initiatives came in 2008, when 85 rival gang members gathered at Glasgow Sheriff Court for an unusual intervention. Instead of a criminal trial, they heard from victims' relatives, doctors and others affected by violence, who described its devastating personal consequences. Participants were offered confidential support to help them leave gang life behind. Similar sessions followed, attracting hundreds of young people, with almost 400 later seeking assistance. The programme formed part of a broader strategy that viewed violence as a preventable problem rather than an inevitable feature of society. Officials compared the approach to tackling infectious disease, combining early intervention, support for those most at risk and measures aimed at preventing violence before it occurred. Researchers identified key risk factors, including poverty, unemployment, unstable family environments and social deprivation. In response, the SVRU worked with schools, healthcare providers, social workers and community organisations to develop targeted programmes. Broad partnerships drive lasting changeMany initiatives focused on supporting vulnerable people before violence occurred. Dentists and hospital staff were trained to identify signs of violence and direct patients towards specialist services. Schools were encouraged to reduce pupil exclusions, while charities introduced education programmes and support workers to help victims of violence in emergency departments. The strategy also drew on successful initiatives from abroad, including programmes in Chicago and Cincinnati, but adapted them to Scotland's own circumstances rather than replicating them unchanged. The results were significant. Over the following decade, Glasgow's homicide rate fell by 56%, while Scotland's overall homicide rate declined by 38%. Violent crime across the country dropped by almost one-third between 2006 and 2015, and Scotland now records its lowest homicide levels in more than two decades. The country now sits around the middle of European rankings for murder rates, with fewer killings per head of population than Sweden, France, and England and Wales. New challenges remainDespite the progress, experts say further work is needed. A 2024 study found that reductions in serious violence have slowed, partly because of a shortage of safe spaces for young people. Officials also point to new challenges, including the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the influence of social media and continuing child poverty, with nearly one in four Scottish children growing up in poverty. The profile of violent offenders has also changed. Whereas teenagers and young adults once accounted for most murder suspects, people in their 30s and 40s now make up the largest group, suggesting different forms of intervention may be required. The Scottish model has attracted international attention. Since 2019, violence reduction units based on the Scottish approach have been established across 20 police force areas in England and Wales, with early assessments indicating reductions in the most serious forms of violence. While Scotland's experience has become an example for other countries, those behind the programme argue that lasting success depends on continued investment in prevention, collaboration across public services and adapting interventions to emerging social challenges. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:40:27 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/gop-fears-trump-is-losing-voters-on-the-economy-r1319/Republican lawmakers are expressing growing concern that President Donald Trump is increasingly out of step with both GOP candidates and voters on the economy, as inflation and rising living costs remain central issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Get today's headlines by email Several Republican senators have urged Trump to focus more closely on household finances and promote his administration's economic record. Instead, they say, the president has concentrated on foreign policy, internal party disputes and election-related legislation, raising fears that Republicans could struggle to retain voter support. Housing bill sparks frustrationTensions intensified after Trump declined to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, despite the measure passing Congress with overwhelming support. The president said he would not approve the legislation until Congress passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, a proposal that faces long odds of becoming law. The decision surprised Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republican lawmakers, who argued that delaying the housing bill undermines efforts to address affordability concerns during a difficult political period. Sen. John Cornyn said Republicans needed to remember that the midterm elections were approaching, while other lawmakers warned that abandoning widely supported legislation could further weaken the party's standing with independent voters. Concerns over economic messagingRepublican senators have also questioned Trump's public comments about the economy, saying they risk reinforcing voter concerns about rising prices. Sen. Thom Tillis said Americans wanted to know that leaders understood the financial pressures they faced and had a clear plan to address them. Recalling his own struggles with fuel costs decades ago, Tillis said voters would give policymakers time to solve economic problems if they believed their concerns were being acknowledged. He suggested the conflict involving Iran had diverted the president's attention from domestic economic issues but argued that the administration should communicate more clearly that tackling inflation and living costs remains a priority. Trump has also drawn criticism after saying he was not thinking about Americans' financial situations while working to negotiate an end to the Iran conflict. His allies argued the remarks were taken out of context and that he was referring to his focus on preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Nevertheless, some Republican senators privately expressed discomfort with the comments. Polls add to Republican concernsRepublican strategists say the economy remains the dominant issue for many voters, even as Trump prioritises national security and election-related measures. Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist, said the president's focus on Iran and the SAVE America Act was not aligned with the issues most important to many Americans, despite his belief that he was acting in their best interests. A Republican senator, speaking anonymously, said internal polling showed independent voters moving away from Republicans. The lawmaker said negative perceptions of Trump's handling of the economy had worsened following US military strikes against Iran, which were followed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, higher fuel prices and increased fertiliser costs. Recent public polling has also pointed to economic dissatisfaction. A Fox News survey found that 59% of registered voters felt pessimistic about the economy, while 44% said they were falling behind financially, both figures higher than a year earlier. A PBS/NPR/Marist poll found that 33% of Americans approved of Trump's handling of the economy, the lowest level recorded by Marist on that issue since it began tracking the measure in 2019. Pressure ahead of the midtermsConcerns about the political impact of the economy have also surfaced during private Republican meetings. According to a senior Republican aide, Sen. Tim Scott warned colleagues that polling had deteriorated for both the party and the president, arguing that the Justice Department's proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund would further damage Republican prospects. Veteran Republican strategist Vin Weber said voters would ultimately judge the administration based on economic conditions rather than messaging alone. While acknowledging that the president should show greater empathy toward voters' financial concerns, Weber argued that the overall state of the economy would remain the decisive factor in the election. He added that Democrats were likely to highlight Trump's comments about the economy but said the broader economic environment and the president's approval ratings would have a greater influence on the outcome of the midterm elections. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:27:23 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/pakistan-airstrikes-kill-dozens-in-afghanistan-r1318/Pakistan launched overnight airstrikes and a ground operation along its border with Afghanistan, with Afghan officials saying at least 36 civilians were killed and more than 160 injured, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two neighbours. Get today's headlines by email Afghanistan's Taliban government condemned the strikes, describing them as a "cowardly act of aggression" and an "act of brutality." Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban administration, said Pakistani forces first struck a house in Chamkani district of Paktia province, killing an elderly man and a child and injuring several members of the same family. Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Targeting Civilians He said a second strike hit the area after local residents gathered to help those affected, killing 28 villagers and wounding 158 others. In neighbouring Paktika province, another airstrike reportedly hit a home in Giyan district, killing six people, most of them women and children. Afghan officials also said a civilian house in Kunar province was struck, killing around 30 livestock but causing no human casualties. Pakistan Says Militants Were TargetedPakistan said its military action targeted militant hideouts and safe havens following a series of attacks inside the country. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security forces carried out a ground operation before launching airstrikes, killing 29 militants. He said the operation was a response to multiple attacks by armed groups operating against Pakistan. Militant violence has increased in Pakistan in recent years, with authorities blaming the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups for many of the attacks. Although separate organisations, the TTP maintains close ties with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers, who returned to power in 2021. The latest operation came after militants attacked the regional headquarters of Pakistan's paramilitary Rangers in Karachi, killing three soldiers. Pakistani security forces said they killed three attackers and captured a fourth suspect, whom they identified as an injured Afghan national. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction that split from the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the Karachi assault. Conflict Continues Despite Peace EffortsThe latest cross-border operation took place less than three weeks after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on what it described as militant positions inside Afghanistan. Those strikes ended roughly a month of relative calm following what Islamabad had previously referred to as an "open war" between the two countries. Relations have steadily deteriorated in recent months, with repeated military exchanges across the border. Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting since February, when Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes after earlier Pakistani air raids. Several rounds of negotiations have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire. China hosted talks between the two countries in April and later said both sides had agreed to avoid further escalation while seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:18:05 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/us-iran-agree-to-halt-strikes-in-strait-of-hormuz-r1317/The United States and Iran have agreed to "stand down" following several days of military exchanges that threatened a fragile ceasefire, according to media reports citing a US official. Get today's headlines by email The reported agreement follows a series of attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries accusing each other of breaching the truce reached earlier this month. Shipping Route to ReopenThe US official told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that vessels would once again be able to move through the Strait of Hormuz "freely". The official also said negotiations aimed at bringing the conflict to an end would continue. Iran has not publicly commented on reports that it has agreed to halt attacks in the strategic waterway. On 17 June, the US and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which called for the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts". Under the agreement, Iran also pledged to make its "best efforts" to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without charge for 60 days. Ceasefire Under PressureThe ceasefire came under renewed strain after an Iranian projectile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The US responded over the weekend with strikes on multiple targets in Iran. US Central Command (Centcom) said the operation was a direct response to Iran's "continued aggression" against commercial shipping. Iran then launched strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain on Saturday. The US said the attacks failed to reach their intended targets and caused no casualties or damage. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports. Tehran had effectively closed the waterway after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February. Lebanon Ceasefire Also TestedSeparately, the US helped broker a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Friday, with the aim of laying the foundations for a lasting peace. However, the agreement quickly came under pressure as fighting continued between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah's leader rejected the deal, accusing the Lebanese government of undermining the country's sovereignty. Two days after the agreement was signed, the Israeli military said it had destroyed a 200-metre-long tunnel in southern Lebanon that it said was used by Hezbollah and contained hundreds of weapons. A joint statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the US had been informed before the strike. Tehran has said an end to hostilities in Lebanon is necessary for any broader regional ceasefire to hold. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:03:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/horrific-scene-as-117-dead-dogs-found-at-shelter-r1316/Authorities in California have discovered the remains of at least 117 dogs buried at a self-described "no-kill" animal shelter, with investigators saying many of the animals appeared to have died from gunshot wounds. Get today's headlines by email The remains were uncovered during searches at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary, a 50-acre facility in Fortuna, northern California. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said investigators also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and other animal remains across the property. Investigation uncovers mass burial siteInvestigators searching the site on Thursday identified an area inside a barn where they believe dogs were likely killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered nearby, according to the sheriff's office. Sheriff William Honsal described the discovery as a "horrific scene" and said the investigation remains in its early stages. No criminal charges have been filed. The inquiry began in April after authorities received what they described as credible allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy involving the shelter. Using ground-penetrating radar, investigators located 117 intact canine remains buried in an open field in various stages of decomposition. Seventy of the remains were examined with portable X-ray equipment, which revealed bullet fragments in many cases. Authorities said gunshot wounds appeared to be the cause of death for numerous animals. Additional remains in more advanced stages of decomposition were also recovered. Court documents from an earlier search state that investigators were alerted by two animal advocates, including a neighbouring property owner who used trail cameras to monitor activity near an alleged burial site. The pair later entered the shelter property and uncovered dog remains, according to the affidavit. Shelter defends its practicesMiranda's Rescue receives animals transferred from shelters and accepted from private owners. The organisation also collects transfer fees and donations, saying the money helps cover food, veterinary treatment, medications, staffing and operating expenses. A request for comment was left for the shelter's founder, Shannon Miranda. In a statement published on the organisation's website on 18 June, Miranda said recent media reports and online commentary had presented "an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture" of the rescue's work. Miranda said the organisation's mission was to save as many animals as possible while balancing animal welfare with public safety. The statement maintained that the rescue does not euthanise animals simply to create space. However, Miranda said euthanasia may be carried out in rare circumstances, including when an animal is terminally ill or poses a serious and ongoing danger to people or other animals. Investigation remains ongoingSheriff Honsal said investigators still have extensive evidence to examine, including physical evidence, witness interviews and data collected during the searches. The sheriff said hundreds of dogs had been transferred or surrendered to Miranda's Rescue by private owners and animal shelters over the years. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with no charges filed so far. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:53:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/myanmar-man-abducted-by-indian-ex-employers-in-pattaya-r2533/A Myanmar national was attacked on 27 June 2025 at around 20:00 and allegedly abducted by his former Indian employers in Pattaya, Chonburi, before being taken to a hotel and assaulted again, according to CCTV footage and police reports. The case was reported to police on 29 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The victim, identified as Mr Rarm Kumar, 27, said the suspects arrived at a restaurant in Soi VC, South Pattaya, in a black MG sedan. He was sitting with friends when one man approached, touched his shoulder, and another exited the vehicle to slap, punch and restrain him before he was forced into the car despite bystander attempts to intervene. He said the men were Mr Amit Jain and Mr Amit Chaturvedi, his former employers, and that he had worked for them since October the previous year. He claims he was dismissed after refusing out-of-hours work and was later accused of theft, which he denies. He also stated that his passport and personal documents have been withheld since his employment ended last year, leaving him in a vulnerable position. Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง After the alleged assault at the restaurant, he was taken to a hotel near the Bali Hai area in South Pattaya, where he was assaulted again and accused of spreading false statements about the suspects. He was later released near a traffic junction in South Pattaya and sought help from a local community page administrator before filing a complaint at Pattaya City Police Station. He was also sent for a medical examination at Pattaya City Hospital. Police have collected CCTV footage and witness statements and are preparing to summon the suspects for questioning. Authorities are investigating allegations of assault, unlawful detention, and passport retention to determine whether criminal charges will be filed. The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing evidence and preparing to question the suspects as part of the inquiry into the alleged assault and detention. AQPAU8jdmGcDnEaKXAtugOFg0Sv_Rs9rawF5RVM9sbImBD1oioCMS8wp-AVtlNrv5wambuf9G1ttFGdNxu_opkljhRv6iRaCZVzefq6g8w.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:45:45 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/imphu-hill-resort-ordered-demolished-in-nakhon-ratchasima-r2532/Authorities have ordered the owner of Imphu Hill Resort in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima, to demolish buildings encroaching on Thap Lan National Park within 15 days, following the conclusion of a long-running court case. The enforcement action marks the latest move by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to crack down on illegal development in protected forest areas. Get today's headlines by email On 28 June, Thewin Meesap joined officials from Thap Lan National Park to post an official demolition order at the resort. The order requires the owner to remove all structures found to be illegally occupying national park land within the specified 15-day period, in line with instructions from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The ministry said the action follows government policy to strengthen enforcement against investors and resort owners who have encroached on conservation forests. Officials have been instructed to pursue legal action and fully enforce final court rulings, with no exceptions for offenders. Imphu Hill Resort is located in Thai Samakkhi subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The property covers around 20 rai and contains 39 structures. Authorities first took legal action against the resort in 2008, accusing it of encroaching on land within Thap Lan National Park. The case has now concluded through the legal process, clearing the way for officials to enforce the demolition order in accordance with the law. The ministry reiterated that it is committed to taking action against all illegal encroachment on protected forest land. Officials said the demolition order demonstrates that enforcement will continue once court proceedings have been completed and final judgments have been issued. The Daily News reported that further action will depend on whether the resort owner complies with the demolition order within the 15-day deadline. If the structures are not removed as required, authorities are expected to proceed with enforcement measures under the relevant legal provisions. Dailynews subscription Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:35:23 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-melbourne-airport-r2531/A 26-year-old Thai flight attendant has been arrested after Australian authorities discovered more than one kilogram of heroin concealed in her luggage at Melbourne Airport, with the drugs estimated to have a black market value of around AUD500,000. Get today's headlines by email According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the woman, who worked as cabin crew on an international flight, arrived at Melbourne Airport on 25 June 2026. Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) selected her luggage for a routine inspection. During an X-ray examination, border officials detected irregularities in 12 fabric bags inside her luggage. A detailed search revealed white powder hidden within the lining of the bags. Preliminary testing identified the substance as heroin weighing more than one kilogram. Authorities estimated the seized drugs had a street value of approximately AUD500,000. Following the discovery, ABF officers referred the case to the AFP, which arrested the suspect and seized the drugs as evidence. The woman has been charged with two serious offences: importing a border-controlled drug in a commercial quantity, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment, and possessing a border-controlled drug in a commercial quantity, which also carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment. The AFP said a court refused the woman bail on 26 June. She is due to appear again at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2026. Acting AFP Commander Simone Butcher said police would prosecute anyone who abused a position of trust to assist organised drug trafficking networks. She said the AFP would continue working closely with partner agencies to prevent illegal drugs entering Australia and protect communities from drug-related harm. ThaiRath reported that ABF Commander Clint Sims said organised crime groups continued to target trusted positions, including airline crew and staff, to smuggle drugs into Australia. He said anyone attempting to import illegal drugs, regardless of their occupation, would face prosecution, adding that the ABF would continue using intelligence and advanced detection technology to strengthen border security and disrupt drug trafficking networks. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:01:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/aussie-faces-murder-charges-in-pattaya-r2530/An Australian accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl in Pattaya has been described by neighbours as “abnormal” as further details emerged about the events leading up to the alleged killing. Get today's headlines by email Simon Peter Carman, 45, is being held in Pattaya Prison after the body of Tunchanok Donhomla, known as “Nong Cake”, was found naked inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. Thai police have charged him with murder, concealing a body, moving a body and offences relating to a minor. Carman denies killing the teenager and claims he acted in self-defence after allegedly being attacked with a knife. According to investigators, Carman and Tunchanok met on Pattaya Beach Road, an area known locally as Coconut Bar, during the early hours, before returning to his condominium. Police allege the pair had agreed on a payment of 1,000 baht, but an argument broke out after Carman allegedly offered only 500 baht. CCTV reportedly shows the pair entering the condominium together before later capturing Carman wheeling a black suitcase from the building, securing it to a motorbike and riding away. The suitcase was later found in long grass beside railway tracks around ten minutes from his condominium. Neighbours at the Rimhad Jomtien Condominium, where Carman had lived for about eight months, described him as a quiet resident who worked as a handyman and at a local bar. One resident told Australian media he “speaks slowly and looks at things for a long time” and appeared “a bit abnormal”, but said he was not known to be aggressive. Others said he usually kept to himself, spent time swimming, walking along the beach and carrying out maintenance work, and rarely brought visitors back to his room. Police arrested Carman at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly before he was due to board a flight to Perth. During recorded police interviews, he expressed sympathy to Tunchanok’s family, saying: “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control.” When asked directly if he had killed the teenager, he replied: “No.” He also claimed scratches and bruises on his body were caused by spiders at his condominium. Tunchanok’s parents travelled from Kalasin province to collect their daughter’s remains. Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, said he was deeply saddened, while her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, said she wanted the accused to receive the death penalty. The family said the teenager had only arrived in Pattaya days before her death and that it was her first visit to the city and had kept in touch daily until she disappeared. The Daily Mall reported that The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Australian national. Carman remains in custody while Thai authorities continue their investigation and prepare the case for court. If convicted of murder in Thailand, he could face the death penalty. Picture courtesy of Daily Mail Related story Australian-arrested-at-bangkok-airport-over-Pattaya-murder Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 29 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:23:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/three-foreigners-held-with-ecstasy-in-sa-kaeo-r2529/Three foreign nationals, two from Pakistan and one from India, have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after police seized 101,675 ecstasy pills allegedly destined for Bangkok. Get today's headlines by email The arrests followed a joint operation by several police units late on the night of 27 June and into 28 June at a PTT petrol station in Sa Kaeo district. Officers from Sa Kaeo Immigration Police, Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, the Provincial Investigation Division and Region 2 Investigation Division worked together to detain the suspects and recover the drugs. The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Pakistani national Badti Muhammad Aslan, 19-year-old Pakistani national Aali Liswan, and 45-year-old Indian national Pakgran Wit Sing. Police said they seized 101,675 pills of Category 1 narcotics in various colours, including light green, dark green, grey, orange and pink. According to investigators, the pills had been divided into five separate batches. These comprised 21,335 light green tablets, 25,107 orange and green tablets, 20,385 orange, green and grey tablets, 20,600 light and dark green tablets, and 14,248 pink, orange and light green tablets. Police said the tablets were marked with the letters “VL” on one side and the “Louis Vuitton” logo on the other. Police said the three men were found at the petrol station carrying suitcases while attempting to hire transport to Bangkok. Immigration officers became suspicious after checking their documents, which were reported to be invalid, and said one of the suspects attempted to flee before being detained. Kaoded reported that the suspects were taken to Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station, where a search uncovered the large quantity of ecstasy tablets. Authorities completed arrest procedures before transferring the case to investigators at Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station for legal proceedings. Picture courtesy of Kaoded Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:41:40 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/vietnamese-woman-slashed-in-silom-suspect-arrested-r2528/A homeless man accused of attacking a Vietnamese woman with a box cutter in Bangkok’s Silom district has been arrested within hours of the assault, with police saying he confessed to the crime. Get today's headlines by email The attack took place on 27 June at around 11.30am outside a 7-Eleven near Silom Soi 5. Police at Thung Maha Mek Police Station received a report from the shop manager that a large-built man had used a box cutter to slash a foreign woman, leaving her injured before fleeing the scene. Station superintendent Pol Col Phanom Chueathong, who was already on patrol, immediately ordered investigation and patrol officers to respond. Equipped with tactical equipment including restraint poles and tasers, officers launched a search using CCTV cameras linked across the Silom area. Police tracked the suspect as he fled through nearby alleys before locating and arresting him. Officers recovered the box cutter allegedly used in the attack from his possession. The injured woman was identified as 29-year-old Vietnamese national Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tram, who works for an advertising media company in Thailand. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Atsana, also known as Film, is from Khao Phra Ngam subdistrict in Lopburi province. Police said he was known for sleeping on pavements and road medians in the area and frequently moved between locations. The suspect was charged with causing bodily harm. Following his arrest, police said he confessed to the offence. Authorities stated that the motive was personal frustration and that he admitted targeting the victim because he disliked overweight women. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Police said residents and local workers had previously been reluctant to report the man because of his intimidating physical appearance. Officers said his arrest has helped ease public concern in the area. The operation was carried out under the policy of Metropolitan Police Division 5 commander Maj Gen Wittawat Chinkham, who has instructed police stations to maintain tactical training and respond rapidly to incidents. Officers said the successful arrest demonstrated the effective use of CCTV technology and coordinated police tactics. Thaitabloid reported that later the same day, Nguyen returned from hospital to Thung Maha Mek Police Station, where she formally identified the suspect and confirmed he was the attacker. She thanked officers for their swift response and said the arrest had eased her fears. She also said she wanted the suspect prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:28:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/putin-admits-ukraine-strikes-hit-russian-fuel-supplies-r1315/Russia is facing fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure, President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged, while insisting the situation remains under control. Get today's headlines by email In an interview published by the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin said attacks on Russian energy facilities had created "a certain shortage" of fuel, describing the impact as "obvious" but not severe. Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and logistics networks, saying the attacks are a response to Russia's continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Fuel supply challengesSpeaking about the attacks, Putin said strikes on critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, had disrupted supplies. "Right now we're observing a certain shortage, but it's not critical," he said. Putin added that Russia's immediate priorities were to strengthen air defences and maintain fuel supplies, especially to the Crimean Peninsula. On Friday, authorities in Russian-annexed Crimea declared a state of emergency over fuel shortages and power outages caused by Ukrainian attacks on logistics routes and oil facilities. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move rejected by most countries. Pledge to strengthen securityEarlier on Sunday, Putin addressed members of the ruling United Russia party, promising to reinforce national security as Ukraine steps up strikes inside Russian territory. He said the government recognised the problems created by the attacks but would ensure the country's security and protect its borders. Putin also said Russia would overcome the challenges posed by what he described as attacks on its territory and infrastructure. Ukraine targets refineriesPutin's remarks came after a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person in Russia's southern Krasnodar region and sparked a fire at an oil refinery, according to regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack formed part of operations aimed at reducing Russia's ability to continue the war. Writing on X, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces had struck the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, about 300 kilometres from the front line, as well as another refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl region, roughly 700 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. Last week, another Ukrainian strike triggered a major fire at a refinery south-east of Moscow, sending thick black smoke across parts of the capital's suburbs. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:15:03 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/hong-kong-beautician-admits-thailand-scam-lure-r2527/A Hong Kong beautician has pleaded guilty to fraud after admitting she lured two women to Thailand before they were trafficked to a Chinese-run scam compound in neighbouring Myanmar in December 2024. Get today's headlines by email Poon Sum-yi, 33, entered the guilty plea at the District Court on Friday. Prosecutors said she deceived the victims by offering free flights and accommodation, while promising they would be paid for transporting 48 million baht. Instead, the women were taken through Thailand and sold to a scam factory in Myanmar for US$54,000. The court heard that unemployed Peng Xinying and part-time model Liu Bingbing were originally invited by Poon to travel to either Japan or Canada. They accepted after she offered to cover all travel expenses. On 27 December 2024, Poon told the women she had booked flights to Thailand departing that evening and said they would return the following night. Less than three hours before departure, she met Peng in Mong Kok and deleted all of their text messages from the victim’s phone. After arriving in Bangkok at about 11pm, the pair entered a white vehicle believing they were heading to their hotel. By the following morning, they realised they were being driven north towards Chiang Mai. Poon, who had claimed she would take a later flight, never travelled to Thailand. The women were taken to the Thai-Myanmar border, where five armed men carrying knives and sticks confiscated their belongings before forcing them across a river. Six more armed men in military uniform then drove them to a Chinese-run scam compound, where they were told they had been sold. A mainland Chinese man known as “rabbit chief” demanded either a US$500,000 ransom or that the women help the syndicate defraud wealthy overseas Chinese of the same amount. The following month, after learning relatives were searching for them online, he agreed to release them for US$28,000 each, with the possibility of paying less if they remained at the compound longer. The victims contacted their families, who paid more than HK$585,000 in total to secure their release. Peng and Liu were freed on 8 January and returned to Hong Kong three days later. The Bangkokpost reported that the Judge Adriana Noelle Tse Ching adjourned sentencing until 29 September while awaiting a Court of Appeal ruling in a similar case. Poon, who has been denied bail since being charged in January last year, remains in custody. Fraud carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment, although penalties in the District Court are capped at seven years. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:04:25 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-lieutenant-colonel-arrested-over-drug-gang-leak-r2526/A Thai police lieutenant colonel has been arrested for allegedly leaking confidential government information to a drug trafficking network, with officers also discovering 75 methamphetamine pills in his workplace during a follow-up search. Get today's headlines by email The arrest was announced on June 28 by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 5, which carried out the operation alongside the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Provincial Police Regions 4 and 5, and provincial police in Chiang Rai and Loei. The operation formed part of the government’s “Destroy the Cancer” campaign targeting state officials accused of assisting drug trafficking networks. According to ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Suriya Singhakamol, the crackdown supports the government’s “Destroy Drugs” policy by taking decisive action against officials who help or support narcotics traffickers. The investigation stemmed from a major drug seizure on May 17-18 and May 20, 2025, when authorities arrested seven suspects in Phan district, Chiang Rai, and seized 529 kilograms of ketamine destined for shipment to a third country. Assets worth more than 4 million baht were initially frozen. Investigators later traced financial transactions linked to the network and concluded that members operated with clearly defined roles similar to an organised crime group. Evidence gathered led the court to issue arrest warrants for four additional suspects believed to be senior organisers and supporters. On August 10, 2025, immigration officers arrested the alleged transport coordinator known as “Jae Meow” while she was entering Thailand. She was described as having close links to the drug owners and financiers, and authorities seized assets worth 10 million baht during that operation. The investigation later led officers to arrest the police lieutenant colonel at his home in Wang Saphung district, Loei, on June 22, 2026. Authorities allege he passed confidential official information to the drug trafficking network and helped suspects evade prosecution. Investigators said the officer admitted all charges after being confronted with the evidence. Authorities seized assets worth more than 2 million baht, including cash, gold jewellery, land, a car and firearms. Khaosod reported that a subsequent search of his workplace uncovered 75 methamphetamine pills hidden inside a desk drawer. Officers have opened a separate criminal case against him for drug possession. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:54:15 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thaksin-casts-his-vote-in-bangkok-after-20-years-r2525/Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra cast his first vote in Thailand in around 20 years on Sunday 28 June 2026, marking a symbolic return to the ballot box during the Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) elections. His appearance, alongside former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and other members of the Shinawatra family, drew national attention and added political significance to what was otherwise a local election. Get today's headlines by email Thaksin voted at polling station No. 14 in Bang Phlat subdistrict, Bang Phlat district, near Charan Sanitwong 69. Speaking afterwards, he said he felt “excited, happy and proud to be Thai”, joking that he had not voted for so long that he was unsure of the process and was careful not to do anything that might breach the constitution. He described voting as a civic duty and encouraged people to exercise their democratic rights. Thaksin said those who chose not to vote could not later complain if elected representatives performed poorly, adding that voters always had the opportunity to choose new representatives at the end of a term. The former premier recalled that the last time he voted was while serving as prime minister before the 2006 military coup. Referring to the April 2006 general election, which was later ruled unconstitutional because of the ballot arrangement, he said it was the last election in which he voted before his lengthy absence from Thailand’s electoral process. Asked what qualities Bangkok’s next governor should possess, Thaksin said the capital required a capable and dedicated leader able to improve infrastructure and tackle persistent traffic problems despite budget limitations. He said a governor who lacked commitment could not simply “drift along”. Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra voted at polling station No. 15 at Kheha Thani 3 housing estate in Ram Inthra subdistrict, Khan Na Yao district. She was accompanied by her mother, Khunying Potjaman Damapong, her elder sister Pinthongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong, her husband Pitaka Suksawat and their two children. The family greeted supporters before voting in an orderly manner. The Nation reported that the visibility of both Thaksin and Paetongtarn turned the Bangkok election into a wider political moment, reflecting the Shinawatra family’s continuing prominence in Thai politics. Thaksin maintained that his appearance was simply to fulfil his duty as a citizen rather than to make a political statement. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:41:41 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-says-china-to-stay-neutral-r2524/Thailand has expressed confidence that China will maintain a neutral position amid ongoing tensions with Cambodia, following Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s visit to Beijing. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Saturday 27 June 2926, that Cambodia’s engagement with China was a normal part of bilateral relations and insisted Beijing had not taken sides in the dispute between the neighbouring countries. He said he believed China understood how it should position itself and would avoid any action that could worsen the conflict. “I believe China knows how it should position itself. Bilateral relations between China and Cambodia are normal, but China also knows it should avoid doing anything that could affect the conflict,” Sihasak said. The foreign minister also urged the public not to overreact to reports originating from Cambodia, warning that some information was being released to reinforce Cambodia’s own narrative. “Don’t be swayed by every report. Some of the news comes from Cambodia and is intended to favour its own position,” he said. Responding to reports that Cambodia was seeking to purchase ammunition from China, Sihasak said such defence cooperation had already been agreed previously and was not connected to the current dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. He added that China had long-standing interests in Cambodia, including military cooperation and facilities, but said these should not be interpreted as support for either side in the dispute. “China has interests in Cambodia, including existing cooperation such as military facilities, but that should not affect the Thailand-Cambodia situation or signal support for either side. I believe China understands this well,” he said. Khaosod reported that Sihasak also confirmed that the compulsory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would continue as planned. He said Thailand would assess any outcome according to whether it was fair and consistent with the country’s national interests. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:33:19 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/girl-3-rescued-from-washing-machine-in-phang-nga-r2523/A three-year-old girl was rescued after becoming trapped inside the spin-dryer drum of a washing machine for more than two hours at a home in Village 3, Kura subdistrict, Kuraburi district, Phang Nga province, on June 28. The child lost consciousness before emergency responders freed her and doctors later confirmed she was safe. Get today's headlines by email The incident happened after the girl climbed into the washing machine’s spin-dryer drum while playing at home. According to her grandmother, she crawled inside and was unable to climb back out. She is believed to have remained trapped for more than two hours before family members noticed her and called for help. Rescue workers from the Ranong Rescue Foundation, Kuraburi unit, arrived to find the child visibly exhausted inside the drum. As her condition deteriorated and she lost consciousness, the team decided to remove the entire spin-dryer assembly from the washing machine while leaving the girl inside to avoid causing further injury. She was rushed to Kuraburi Chai Pattana Hospital, where doctors and nurses immediately administered oxygen and monitored her condition closely. At the hospital, rescue personnel used specialised cutting and spreading equipment to carefully remove the plastic structure of the spin-dryer drum section by section while taking care not to injure the child. The team successfully freed the girl from the drum. Her family and the emergency responders expressed relief, and doctors confirmed that she was safe and remained under close medical observation. The incident has been highlighted as an important reminder for parents and carers to supervise young children closely, particularly around household appliances. Rescue workers noted that washing machines, refrigerators and other enclosed household items can pose serious risks if children become trapped inside them. Amarin reported that the girl’s condition will continue to be monitored by medical staff as she recovers. No further details about her injuries or any additional medical treatment were released. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:18:45 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/volunteer-shoots-three-migrants-dead-in-chachoengsao-r2522/Three Myanmar migrant workers were shot dead and another man was seriously injured following a confrontation with a village security volunteer in Chachoengsao province late on 27 June. Police said the shooting happened at around 11.30pm in Ban Nong Nam Dam, Koh Khanun subdistrict, Phanom Sarakham district. Get today's headlines by email Officers who responded to the scene found the bodies of three Myanmar nationals, each with multiple gunshot wounds. Their identities had not yet been confirmed. A Thai man, identified as Pichai Daphantha, suffered serious stab wounds to his left side and was taken to Phanom Sarakham Hospital before police arrived. Investigators recovered more than 16 spent shell casings, along with a handgun and a knife believed to have been used during the confrontation. Police forensic officers examined the scene while collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. The shooter, 24-year-old village security volunteer Theerapat Nopthao, told police that he and a friend had gone to warn several groups of migrant workers who were drinking alcohol and playing loud music near a residential area. He claimed an argument followed, during which his friend was struck with a bottle before falling to the ground and being stabbed. According to Theerapat, around 10 men armed with knives then ran towards him. He said he opened fire in self-defence. Police have not independently confirmed his account, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not yet announced whether any charges will be filed. Police said forensic evidence and witness statements would form part of the investigation as they work to establish the sequence of events and determine whether the use of force was legally justified. Khaosod reported that the case has drawn attention because it involves multiple fatalities and competing accounts of what happened before the shooting. The identities of the three deceased Myanmar nationals remain unconfirmed as police continue their inquiries. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:02:51 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/beer-wins-pattaya-mayoral-election-r2521/Poramese "Beer" Ngamphichet has won the Pattaya mayoral election by a commanding margin after unofficial results showed him securing more than 60% of the vote. The final unofficial count, completed at 10.19pm on 28 June 2026, covered all 113 polling stations and gave the We Love Pattaya candidate a lead of more than 8,600 votes over his nearest rival. Get today's headlines by email Poramese, candidate number 2, received 20,184 votes, representing 60.6% of ballots cast. Candidate number 1, Itthiwat Wattanasartsathorn, finished second with 11,566 votes (34.8%), followed by Sakchai Tanghor with 1,077 votes (3.2%), Suinee Charoensuk with 265 votes (0.8%), and Ittipol Niankup Singkhonkaew with 191 votes (0.6%). The election attracted 34,677 voters from a total electorate of 80,196, resulting in a turnout of 43.24%. Of the ballots cast, 33,283 were valid (95.98%), 589 were invalid (1.70%), and 805 voters chose not to support any candidate (2.32%). The result also delivered a clean sweep for the We Love Pattaya group in the Pattaya City Council elections. The group secured all 24 council seats across the city’s four electoral districts, giving it full control of the council alongside the mayoralty. The election marked the conclusion of Pattaya’s latest local vote, with the unofficial count completed on 28 June 2026. The outcome gives Poramese a decisive mandate, although the figures remain provisional until formally endorsed by Thailand’s Election Commission. SiamChon reported that The Election Commission is expected to review and formally certify the election results before they take legal effect. Until then, the announced figures remain unofficial despite the completion of the vote count. Picture courtesy of SiamChon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:53:46 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/us-iran-strikes-escalate-jeopardising-fragile-truce-r1314/The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has come under renewed strain after both sides exchanged fresh military strikes, raising fears that recent diplomatic progress could collapse. Get today's headlines by email Iran launched drones and missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday following new US strikes on military facilities in southern Iran. Tehran warned it could suspend negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, while US President Donald Trump threatened overwhelming military action if talks failed. Writing on social media, Trump said the United States could soon abandon negotiations and "militarily finish the job", adding that, if forced to do so, "the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist." Attacks Spread Across Gulf RegionKuwait said its air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles and reported no casualties or damage. Bahrain said an Iranian strike damaged a residential building near its international airport, although no deaths were reported. Qatar said one of its citizens was killed and another injured by shrapnel while aboard a boat that had gone missing the previous day. Authorities did not specify where the incident occurred or whether it was directly linked to the Iranian attacks. Strait of Hormuz Dispute Drives TensionsThe latest escalation centres on competing plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes, without Iran maintaining direct control. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through the waterway. The US military said its latest strikes targeted Iranian surveillance systems, communications infrastructure, air defence positions, drone storage facilities and mine-laying sites. US Central Command said the operation was a response to continued Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. Washington has promoted a southern shipping corridor along Oman's coastline, while Tehran insists vessels should instead transit through northern waters under Iranian oversight, where it ultimately hopes to impose transit fees. Hundreds of commercial vessels have remained stranded since the strait was closed after fighting began. Although some ships have resumed using the route in recent weeks, helping oil prices fall closer to pre-war levels, attacks on commercial shipping have continued. The US accused Iran of attacking the Panama-flagged oil tanker Kiku on Saturday while it was using the southern corridor. A Singapore-flagged container ship was also reportedly hit by an Iranian drone last week while following the same route. Diplomacy Faces Mounting PressureIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's claim that only Iran should oversee navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a visit to Iraq. He warned that any attempt to establish alternative arrangements would complicate efforts to reopen the waterway and further increase regional tensions. Araghchi also called for a regional security framework involving Gulf states but excluding the United States. Qatar and Pakistan have been mediating negotiations between Washington and Tehran after helping bring both sides together in Switzerland earlier this month. However, major disagreements remain over the future of the strait, sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear programme. Under an interim memorandum signed earlier this month, both countries have 60 days to negotiate a permanent agreement. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for Sunday's attacks and warned that any ceasefire violations would halt the diplomatic process. It also threatened US military bases across the region. Fighting Continues in LebanonThe renewed violence has also spread beyond the Gulf, threatening efforts to stabilise neighbouring Lebanon. Israel said one of its soldiers was killed during an encounter with a Hezbollah fighter in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media also reported fresh Israeli strikes near the towns of Deir Seryan and Taybeh. The clashes came just two days after Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement intended to reduce hostilities, including the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and their replacement by the Lebanese army. The continued fighting further complicates efforts to secure a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran, with Iran maintaining that any broader peace depends on a sustained ceasefire in Lebanon. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:51:51 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/un-urges-southeast-asia-to-end-drug-criminalisation-r2520/A United Nations-backed call to end the criminalisation of drug use has urged Southeast Asian governments, including Thailand, to abandon punitive drug policies, arguing that decades of enforcement have failed to reduce drug markets while causing widespread social and human rights harm. Get today's headlines by email The appeal follows the release of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) regional report earlier this month, which found record levels of drug seizures across Southeast and East Asia, particularly of methamphetamine and ketamine. Despite increased enforcement, retail drug prices have fallen in Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia, suggesting synthetic drugs are more widely available than ever. The findings were reinforced by the UNODC World Drug Report 2026, published earlier this week ahead of World Drug Day on 27 June. The article argues that governments have focused heavily on law enforcement and harsher penalties in the belief that punishment would deter drug trafficking. Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia continue to have death sentences for drug trafficking. Although the Philippines abolished the death penalty, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign resulted in 8,663 officially reported extrajudicial killings, while the UN human rights office estimates the true figure could exceed 20,000. Duterte now faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court. Across the region, more than half of prisoners in many countries are incarcerated for drug offences. Thailand has the world’s second-highest rate of female imprisonment, with more than 60% of female inmates jailed for drug-related crimes. Indonesia, followed closely by the Philippines, has experienced the world’s fastest growth in female incarceration, again largely driven by drug offences. The report also criticises compulsory drug treatment programmes, noting that many are operated by police or military authorities and have been identified by international and national human rights bodies as sites of torture, forced labour and other abuses. It argues that criminalising drug use creates stigma that discourages people from seeking help. The report author says ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a “drug-free” region during the summit in the Philippines in May without acknowledging the costs or the lack of progress over more than two decades. Instead, policymakers are urged to adopt evidence-based approaches that prioritise health, welfare and human rights. The Bangkokpost reports that the report highlights growing international support for reforms including harm reduction, decriminalisation and responsible regulation of drugs. More than 30 countries have already decriminalised drug use, while Thailand has done so for cannabis and kratom. The report concludes that Southeast Asian governments should move beyond limited reforms and end the criminalisation of drug use, possession for personal use and related activities in line with recommendations from UN drug, health and human rights authorities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 29 June 2026Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:42:36 +0000