https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-man-crashes-suv-into-queue-in-pattaya-r2620/A Chinese national was taken into custody after an SUV crashed into several vehicles waiting at a red light in Pattaya late on 4 July 2026, leaving multiple vehicles damaged and several people with minor injuries. Police said the driver allegedly refused to take a breath alcohol test after the collision at the South Pattaya intersection on Sukhumvit Road, heading towards Sattahip. Get today's headlines by email The crash was reported at about 11.30pm on 4 July 2026, prompting officers from Pattaya City Police Station and rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Foundation to attend the scene. Authorities found a GWM Tank 500 SUV with red registration plate, showing front-end damage. The SUV had struck a Toyota Yaris Ativ, registration from Chon Buri, causing damage to its rear. The impact pushed the car into two motorcycles waiting ahead, damaging both bikes and leaving several people with minor injuries, who received initial treatment from rescue workers. Police said the Chinese driver appeared to be intoxicated and was unable to communicate clearly. While journalists were recording the aftermath, another Chinese man travelling with the driver confronted reporters, attempted to prevent filming, and recorded the journalists on his mobile phone while behaving in a manner police considered likely to provoke a confrontation. Officers intervened and escorted both men to Pattaya City Police Station to prevent the situation from escalating. Toyota driver Thawatchai, 37, told police he had been waiting at the traffic lights when the SUV approached at speed and slammed into the rear of his vehicle. He said the force of the collision pushed his car into the two motorcycles in front, causing further damage and injuries. Thawatchai also claimed the driver and passenger appeared intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol, and initially tried to drive away from the scene. He said he prevented the vehicle from leaving by switching off its engine, after which the driver allegedly offered him money in an attempt to settle the matter without police involvement, but he refused. At Pattaya City Police Station, investigating officers took the Chinese driver into an interview room for alcohol testing. Police said the driver refused to undergo the breath test correctly and was subsequently placed in a holding cell over night while legal proceedings continue. Pictures courtesy of SiamChon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:57:52 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/south-korean-scam-boss-arrested-in-pattaya-r2619/Immigration police have arrested a 45-year-old South Korean man, identified only as Mr Kim, in Pattaya, Chonburi, where he is accused of operating cross-border scam and illegal online gambling networks using Thailand as a base. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place on 4 July 2026 at around 15:00, when officers from Immigration Bureau Region 3, led by Pol Maj Gen Songprot Sirisukha, acting on international intelligence and an Interpol arrest warrant, located Mr Kim hiding in a massage shop in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district. He is wanted in connection with call centre scam operations and multiple online gambling websites, including Shinsegae, LIGHT, Gangnam, Bang At Kan, and BLUE, which allegedly provided betting services such as baccarat and slots to users in South Korea. Investigators said Mr Kim had been using Thailand as a command base to manage the networks remotely. Authorities believe he had been hiding in Pattaya for some time and frequently visited a local massage shop, which officers used as the location to carry out surveillance before moving in to arrest him. After being detained, officers informed him of the warrant and revoked his temporary permission to stay in the kingdom. Police then escorted Mr Kim to search a nearby residence, where they discovered multiple computers and systems believed to be used for managing the gambling operations. The equipment reportedly contained back-office platforms showing agent and user accounts such as mid777, mia777, and akka1111, along with detailed betting data including total bets, win-loss margins, and overall turnover generated through the networks. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Authorities estimate that each gambling website under his control generated turnover of more than 125 million baht per year. The seized computers and digital evidence have been taken for further forensic examination to expand the investigation and identify wider network links. Khaosod reported that officials confirmed that Mr Kim will face further legal proceedings under Thai immigration and criminal law, with authorities preparing for deportation and coordinated international follow-up with foreign law enforcement agencies. AQPbg5jnr-kcCwaLFFmPqaeGCA7lMdD4fosmwrABxvPXZOUd6IHXWC79jQ14MHJbyR1GmriI920JOj89jLZY5q-30a5mGnRDyZ5YMe0rOA.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:25:24 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chiang-rai-woman-held-over-heroin-parcel-to-taiwan-r2618/A woman from Chiang Rai has been arrested after officers discovered 2.1kg of heroin concealed inside packets of Thai tea and instant coffee that were due to be shipped to Taiwan, in what authorities believe may be linked to an existing cross-border drug trafficking network. Get today's headlines by email The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said the arrest took place at about 12pm on 3 July 2026 after officers inspected a private parcel delivery company in Bangkok that had been under surveillance following intelligence about suspected drug shipments destined for Taiwan. During the operation, officers identified a woman behaving suspiciously while attempting to send an overseas parcel. After identifying themselves, officials searched the package and found the concealment method matched one used in an earlier heroin seizure in Bangkok’s Rang Nam area. The search uncovered Class 1 narcotics, identified as heroin, hidden inside three large packets of instant coffee and one packet of Thai tea. The total weight of the drugs was approximately 2,100g. The woman was arrested and the drugs seized for legal proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Amarin According to investigators, the suspect told officers she is from Chiang Rai and had travelled to Bangkok after collecting the tea and coffee packets containing the concealed heroin in Chiang Rai. She allegedly said she had been paid 10,000 baht in cash to deliver the parcel for shipment to Taiwan. ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol said the concealment method closely resembled a previous heroin case involving coffee packets, leading investigators to believe the latest seizure could involve the same network or a connected organisation. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential links. He said the case demonstrated that drug trafficking networks continue attempting to use Thailand as a transit route by concealing narcotics inside consumer goods and exploiting international parcel delivery services. He added that intelligence gathering, investigations and surveillance had enabled authorities to intercept such shipments on an ongoing basis. The ONCB said investigators are now working with relevant agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for organising, financing and directing the operation, along with any other members of the network. Pol Lt Col Suriya said the arrest was carried out under government policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which identifies drug suppression as a national priority, alongside policies introduced by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapol Naowarat to strengthen cooperation between agencies and target traffickers at every stage of the supply chain. Amarin reported that he also warned the public not to accept parcels for international shipment without knowing their origin or checking their contents carefully, saying people could become unwitting tools of drug trafficking networks and still face prosecution even if they claimed they were unaware of the contents. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:13:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/immigration-busts-fake-passport-ring-in-bangkok-r2617/Thai immigration police have dismantled two linked transnational operations involving forged passports and identity misuse, following coordinated arrests across Bangkok, Songkhla, and border areas. The cases, announced on 3 July 2026, involve multiple suspects from Sri Lanka, Canada, and Malaysia, and highlight Thailand’s role as a transit hub for illegal travel to Europe and Central Asia. Get today's headlines by email In the first case, officers from Immigration Division 2 at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested Sri Lankan national Mr Kaaviniyan on 31 May 2026 after he attempted to travel to the United Kingdom using a fake Canadian passport in the name of Mr Akiem. Investigators found that the real Mr Akiem, a Canadian national, had allegedly cooperated with the network by allowing his identity to be used and by checking in with an airline to generate a boarding pass for the suspect. Further investigation linked the case to a wider criminal network operating between Sri Lanka, Canada, and the UK, using Thailand as a transit and facilitation point. Police identified three main groups: a Sri Lankan husband-and-wife pair, Mr Sivakumar and Ms Rukanya, who acted as masterminds and were later arrested in Sadao, Songkhla, while attempting to flee to Malaysia. A second group involving Mr Dilaxshan, Rukanya’s brother, who escorted clients into Thailand before escaping to Malaysia; and a third group described as identity “mules”, including Mr Akiem and Mr Sayanthan, both Canadian nationals who entered Thailand on 29 May 2026 and allegedly facilitated boarding pass issuance before fleeing. Arrest warrants have been issued for remaining suspects, including those who escaped abroad. A second case involved a Sri Lankan family travelling under falsified documentation. Ms Anusha and her two sons, aged 14 and 5, entered Thailand on 28 May 2026 using Sri Lankan passports before travelling to Malaysia on 3 June. On 12 June, they attempted to transit through Suvarnabhumi Airport to Kazakhstan using Malaysian passports, accompanied by a Malaysian facilitator, Ms Liviya, who falsely claimed to be the mother of the children. Airline staff raised suspicions and denied boarding, prompting the group to alter travel plans. On 17 June 2026, the group attempted to travel again from Yangon via Don Mueang Airport to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Immigration officers intercepted and arrested Ms Anusha and Ms Liviya after verifying that Malaysian passports had been used improperly. The two children were processed under Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism for victim screening. Authorities later concluded they were not trafficking victims and initiated repatriation procedures to Sri Lanka. Officials from Immigration Bureau Division 2 stated that the cases demonstrate a shift towards highly structured cross-border criminal networks that divide roles between recruiters, facilitators, and identity providers. Authorities emphasised that Thailand’s airports are being exploited as transit hubs for onward travel to third countries, requiring tighter intelligence sharing between agencies and international partners. Deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart said the bureau is intensifying efforts against forged document networks, while Pol Col Phongthorn Phongrattanathun, spokesperson for Division 2, noted that even single passport forgery cases can expose entire transnational organisations operating across multiple countries. Matichon reported that Immigration authorities confirmed that prosecutions include charges of joint possession and use of forged passports and involvement in transnational organised crime under relevant criminal provisions. Related story Sri-Lankan-man-held-over-fake-Canadian-passport-at-Suvarnabhumi Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:03:17 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-arrest-ex-official-in-rohingya-id-fraud-probe-r2616/Thai police have launched a major operation against an alleged registration fraud network accused of issuing “number 0” identity cards to Rohingya migrants in Surat Thani province, with 17 arrest warrants issued including one for a former district official. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on 4 July after Police General Kitrat Phanphet ordered a joint task force led by Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy National Police Chief, and Police Lieutenant General Noppasin Poolsawat. Officers from Provincial Police Region 8, Surat Thani investigators, immigration police, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Special Investigation and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission took part in raids targeting the alleged network. Investigators said the warrants cover a former Don Sak district officer, a former district employee, three householders accused of endorsing registrations, and 12 Rohingya migrants allegedly involved in the scheme. Six of the suspects remain at large. The suspects face allegations including misconduct by public officials, creating or certifying false registration documents, and unlawfully adding names to house registration records and other civil registration documents. Police said the investigation began after complaints were filed earlier in 2026 alleging that Rohingya migrants had obtained identity cards for persons without registration status at the Don Sak district office. The Department of Provincial Administration’s DOPA N.I.C.E. task force examined the records and found that former district officer Phairat had allegedly processed registration records and issued number 0 identity cards to as many as 240 people between 2021 and 2023. Authorities said the network operated through two groups. Brokers allegedly recruited householders to register foreign nationals at addresses in exchange for payments of 1,000-2,000 baht per person, while also collecting large sums from applicants seeking number 0 identity cards, with estimates of at least 15 million baht. Police said the second group consisted of corrupt officials who allegedly facilitated the issuing of the cards. Investigators warned that once a migrant receives a number 0 card, police cannot prosecute that person for illegal entry because the card identifies the holder as someone awaiting nationality verification. Police General Samran said investigators had also found evidence that some Rohingya groups had formed organised communities with their own leaders and that there were allegations of intimidation, extortion and firearms offences within those groups. He said the case may be linked to human trafficking networks. Daily News reported that authorities said the investigation will now be expanded beyond southern Thailand to examine registration fraud networks nationwide. The Anti-Money Laundering Office will also investigate financial transactions connected to the suspects and seek asset seizures under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:51:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/mother-withdraws-lawsuit-in-singha-family-dispute-r2615/A land ownership dispute involving Mr. Siranudh “Psi” Scott and his mother, Ms. Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi of the Singha beer family, has moved towards resolution after she withdrew her lawsuit following advice from the court to reopen communication and repair their relationship. The case centred on Thailand’s “ungrateful child” law, which allows parents to reclaim assets previously given to children whose behaviour is deemed unappreciative. Get today's headlines by email According to PPTVHD36, the lawsuit was withdrawn after two previous rounds of court-ordered mediation on June 10 and June 16. Although both parties attended the mediation process, Psi, 29, whose father is Scottish, and his mother did not meet face to face because the court held separate sessions. Chiranuj said the court encouraged both mother and son to resume communication, describing the family relationship as the best path to resolving the dispute. She said this advice matched her own intentions, prompting her to withdraw the lawsuit so they could discuss the matter and seek a solution with love and goodwill towards one another. She also said she had never ignored the dispute and had listened to the views of all parties involved. However, she deliberately avoided commenting publicly because she regarded it as a sensitive family matter and did not want to cause distress or negatively affect members of the Bhirombhakdi family or the Boonrawd Brewery Group, neither of which she said was involved in the dispute. Addressing the separate conflict between Psi and his older brother, Sunit “Pi” Scott, who is in his 30s, Chiranuj said she loved both of her sons equally and that her feelings had never changed. She added that if her children chose to establish the facts through the judicial process, she would respect that decision and hoped the truth would emerge so justice could be served for both of them. The family dispute intensified after Psi posted an emotional video in May alleging that Sunit repeatedly abused him when he was a teenager. Sunit later denied the allegations in an online video, but Boonrawd, Singha’s parent company, subsequently removed him from his executive role. Speaking to AFP, Psi said, “I felt I needed to speak out, otherwise I would have been dead inside.” In a second interview, he alleged the abuse took place from the ages of nine to 13 whenever his brother returned home from boarding school during the summer. Psi said he first informed other family members about the alleged abuse around three years ago and accepted financial compensation at the time to remain silent. However, after his mother filed the lawsuit earlier this year, he decided to speak publicly and said he now plans to pursue legal action. “I’ve been in a family, in a system, in an institution that’s kept my voice silent,” he said. Related story Singha-heir-sued-by-mother-in-Thai-court-case Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:42:29 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/man-36-found-dead-after-condo-fall-in-bangkok-r2614/A 36-year-old Thai man was found dead after falling from a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok on Saturday morning, police said. The incident was reported at 08.30 on 4 July 2026 at a condo in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 3/1, Suan Luang district. Emergency responders attended the scene but the man was confirmed dead at the location. Get today's headlines by email Police from Hua Mak Police Station, led by investigating officer Pol Lt Saharat Luangsirithanasin, arrived at the scene to examine the body of victim, identified only as Mr A, aged 36. He was found lying face down in a pool of blood at the base of the building, with injuries consistent with a fall from height. A woman who was cleaning near the condominium said they heard a loud impact and went to check the area, where they discovered the man and immediately alerted condominium staff. Staff then contacted police and emergency services, who secured the area and began initial inquiries. The victim’s mother told police that her son had been suffering from depression. Authorities coordinated with forensic doctors and police forensic officers to inspect the scene. Officers documented evidence at the location, reviewed CCTV and gathered statements from witnesses and family members to assist with the investigation into the circumstances of the fall. Matichon reported that he body has been sent for autopsy to establish the cause of death conclusively. Police said investigations are ongoing, including reviewing evidence from the condominium building and witness statements. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. Picture courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:31:44 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/illegal-tour-operator-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-r2613/Police arrested an alleged illegal tour operator after around 150 pilgrims were reportedly left stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport before a planned Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, with estimated losses exceeding 4 million baht. Get today's headlines by email The case followed complaints from travellers who had booked a pilgrimage package with a company based in Narathiwat province. Each person reportedly paid 25,000 baht for an 11-day, 10-night Umrah trip scheduled to take place between 3 and 13 July 2026. The operation was ordered by Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksiira Phueak-am and carried out by officers from the Tourist Police Investigation Division and Division 3. The investigation was led by Pol Col Man Rotthong, Pol Col Monporn Likhitmanon, Pol Lt Col Piyaphong Bukhunthot and Pol Lt Col Seksan Thiraruangrat, working alongside officials from the Department of Tourism. According to police, 49-year-old Thai national, Mohammed Hasueran Mamu arranged the travel programme and instructed customers to meet at Gate 8 on the fourth floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 July 2026. When the group arrived, airline staff informed them that no flight bookings had been made. Realising they had allegedly been deceived, the travellers sought assistance from Tourist Police officers, who helped them file complaints at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station. Investigators later found that Mohammed Hasueran had been operating a tour business without registering it. Police said the company advertised pilgrimage and tour packages at prices significantly below normal market rates, attracting customers before the planned trip failed to proceed. During questioning, police said the suspect admitted the offence, explaining that financial difficulties had left him without sufficient funds to carry out the tour programme as promised. He was charged with operating a tour business without a licence from the registrar, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 baht. He was handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for legal proceedings. Amarin reported that Tourist Police urged members of the public planning overseas travel to verify that tour companies are properly registered with the Department of Tourism before making payments. Anyone requiring assistance or wishing to check a company’s registration can contact the Tourist Police hotline 1155 or use the Thailand Tourist Police application, which operates 24 hours a day. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:24:25 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/scb-predicts-baht-recovery-r2612/Thailand’s recent weakening of the baht is expected to prove temporary, with the currency forecast to regain strength against the US dollar in the second half of 2026, according to Siam Commercial Bank Financial Markets (SCB FM). Get today's headlines by email SCB FM senior financial markets strategist Wachirawat Banchuen said the baht’s recent fall against the US dollar, briefly approaching 33.5, was driven by short-term capital outflows rather than any fundamental deterioration in Thailand’s economy. He said foreign selling in the Thai stock market was the main factor behind the depreciation, but the currency stabilised once those outflows eased. Mr Wachirawat stressed that the baht has not weakened significantly compared with other regional currencies and remains relatively stable. He also said the latest depreciation should not be compared with the 1997 Asian financial crisis, describing the recent movement as a one-off event rather than the start of a prolonged decline. In the near term, SCB FM expects the baht to trade between 33 and 33.50 against the US dollar. The bank said downward pressure remains due to the widening interest rate gap between Thailand and the United States, with the Bank of Thailand expected to keep rates unchanged to support the country’s fragile economy while the US Federal Reserve is also expected to maintain relatively high interest rates because of persistent inflationary pressures. Thailand’s external position has also weighed on the currency after the country recorded a trade deficit of around US$10 billion in May, followed by another deficit of roughly US$5 billion last month. Despite these headwinds, Mr Wachirawat believes market expectations for wider interest rate differences between Thailand and the US are overly aggressive. He said both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Thailand are likely to leave policy rates unchanged for the rest of the year as inflationary pressures begin to ease. As a result, the US dollar is expected to lose momentum, reducing pressure on the baht. Mr Wachirawat also said Thailand’s external position should improve as the trade deficit narrows and the current account gradually returns to neutral. Based on these factors, SCB FM forecasts the baht will strengthen to between 32.5 and 33 against the US dollar by the end of 2026. The Bangkokpost reported that strategist advised exporters to hedge around 60% of expected foreign currency receipts through spot transactions while using options to retain flexibility during continued market volatility. Importers, meanwhile, were advised not to rush into buying US dollars at current exchange rates, instead hedging only around 20% of their foreign currency needs before increasing purchases once the baht strengthens later in the year. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:16:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/man-arrested-in-phitsanulok-over-australian-heroin-case-r2611/Thai police have arrested a man identified as Uthai Khanaphiwat in Phitsanulok in connection with the delivery of a parcel containing heroin to the Thai flight attendant known as Mina. The arrest took place at the old municipal bus terminal in Phitsanulok at 22:30 on 3 July, as investigators continued a widening narcotics investigation linked to an alleged international drug trafficking operation. Get today's headlines by email At 20:00 on 4 July, officers at the Metropolitan Police Bureau formally charged 47-year-old Uthai Khanaphiwat and Atirat Suphian with jointly possessing Category 1 narcotics (heroin) with intent to sell without authorisation for commercial purposes. They were also charged with jointly exporting Category 1 narcotics from Thailand, with police alleging the offences posed a threat to public safety and national security. The investigation stems from events on 22 June, when Uthai allegedly delivered a parcel containing heroin to the condominium of flight attendant Mina in Bangkok’s Bang Na district. Police said a 59-year-old driver, Atirat, who transported the suspect to the location, identified Uthai, who was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, as the man who carried the parcel into the building. Investigators said that testimony helped support surveillance operations which led to Uthai’s arrest in Phitsanulok. Police have also confirmed that senior officers carried out a search of a suspected hideout linked to the case in Ayutthaya. At 15:00 on 4 July, a coordinated operation involving Pol Gen Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and head of the Narcotics Suppression Centre, Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Punsawat, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee and Pol Maj Gen Somboon Tienkhao, together with forensic officers, began further searches and evidence collection at locations connected to the investigation. Matichon reported that police said the operation is aimed at identifying additional evidence linked to the drug network and confirming the accused’s role in the alleged distribution chain. Investigators are also attempting to establish the others involved in organising the shipment and to trace the origin and intended destination of the heroin. Picture courtesy of Matichon Related stories Driver-held-over-flight-attendants-parcel-delivery Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:08:57 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/tourist-police-hold-trauma-care-training-with-british-embassy-r2610/Thailand’s Tourist Police have joined forces with the British Embassy in Thailand and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) to strengthen emergency response skills through specialist trauma care training for frontline officers. Get today's headlines by email The training took place at the National Institute for Emergency Medicine and was inspected by Tourist Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Saksiira Phueak-am and NIEM Secretary-General Dr Pichet Nongchang. The programme forms part of a partnership between the Tourist Police Bureau, the British Embassy in Thailand and NIEM to improve officers’ knowledge and practical skills in treating injured people during emergency situations. The initiative aims to enhance the ability of personnel to provide immediate assistance at accident scenes and other emergencies. By strengthening frontline capabilities, the organisers hope to improve the safety of both members of the public and the millions of tourists who visit Thailand each year. The course was delivered with support from emergency medicine specialists from the North West Ambulance Service in the United Kingdom. The experts shared their experience in trauma care and provided guidance on best practice for managing seriously injured patients in emergency conditions. The programme also focused on improving coordination between police officers, emergency medical services and rescue teams. Participants exchanged ideas on integrated operational procedures based on UK emergency response practices, with the goal of creating a more efficient and systematic approach to handling critical incidents. Officials said the collaboration is intended to raise operational standards and strengthen Thailand’s emergency response capability. The knowledge gained during the training is expected to contribute to better coordinated rescue operations and more effective assistance for casualties during emergencies. Daily News reported that the partnership reflects continued cooperation between Thai authorities and international organisations in developing emergency medical and public safety expertise. Organisers did not announce further details of future training sessions but indicated that the initiative supports ongoing efforts to improve emergency preparedness and operational standards across the country. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:57:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/recycling-waste-floods-homes-in-chon-buri-r2609/A large quantity of recycling waste flooded a housing estate in the Bo Win area of Si Racha district, Chon Buri, on Saturday 4 July 2026, after a wall separating the community from a nearby recycling plant collapsed during continuous heavy rain. The breach allowed floodwater and large amounts of foam debris to surge into residential streets, affecting homes in the Boonraksa Ville 2 estate. Get today's headlines by email The incident happened in the late morning as torrential rain battered the area. Images from the scene showed streets covered in foam waste after the rear wall between the housing estate and the recycling facility gave way under pressure from the accumulated debris. Arthit Inprasit, president of the homeowners’ association, said the land behind the estate is privately owned and leased on a long-term basis to foreign operators running a recycling business for old refrigerators and freezers. According to Mr Arthit, valuable components are removed during the recycling process, leaving behind large quantities of foam waste. He said the heavy rainfall swept the discarded foam into a large mass, which pressed against the estate’s rear wall until it collapsed. The resulting breach allowed both floodwater and recycling debris to enter the residential area, causing disruption for residents. Officials from Bo Win municipality and Si Racha district responded by clearing the foam waste and opening drainage channels to help reduce flooding. Authorities were also preparing to inspect the area and assess the extent of the damage caused by the collapse and flooding. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Khaosod reported that residents are calling for an investigation into the recycling operation. They want authorities to determine whether appropriate waste management measures are in place and whether the business is complying with relevant legal requirements. The incident has highlighted concerns about the management of industrial recycling waste located close to residential communities, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. No injuries or additional damage beyond the flooding and debris were reported in the available information. Authorities are expected to complete damage assessments and continue clearing the affected area. Any further action regarding the recycling operation will depend on the findings of the official investigation and any subsequent enforcement measures. AQMRVTJLOmGZGkc3a3LznxitYZmw5pkE0VoOn_lqtLJaZJApIC75EaOSutRcHnQcMWe-A4qfLvzUaaSvSnct8LptHO6OjXE-Wm1D3uRmAQ.mp4 AQM9tayVsFw7393E3puChMkgifT7aPVzh2FrvUqax3_NJGS15JCf5Zy5kaGk9PaA_ai-iKzAmCnK8QN348hCQI7UFZT9dGzzRmAqwyzxWg.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:49:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-made-ev-train-joins-srt-tourism-fleet-r2608/The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has received its first Thai-made luxury-class EV passenger train prototype, marking a significant milestone for the country’s rail industry and plans to expand domestic manufacturing. The handover ceremony took place on Friday, July 3, with the prototype set to undergo comprehensive safety testing before entering service on tourism routes. Get today's headlines by email The prototype was officially handed over in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat. He said the project supports the government’s policy of turning Thai research into economic value through practical applications. The luxury-class EV passenger train was designed and built entirely in Thailand by Thai researchers and engineers. Yodchanan said the project demonstrated successful collaboration between research institutes and more than 30 private-sector companies, highlighting the country’s growing engineering capabilities. He added that the domestically produced train costs around 30% less than comparable imported models, showing that Thai-made rail products can compete on both quality and price. Looking ahead, he said Thailand’s planned investment in rail infrastructure over the next 20 years is expected to create demand for more than 2,000 passenger carriages. According to Yodchanan, developing a domestic rail manufacturing ecosystem is essential to reducing reliance on imported trains. He said greater local production would encourage manufacturing growth, create jobs, open new career opportunities, support advanced technology transfer and help ensure government spending remains within the Thai economy. SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng welcomed the delivery of the prototype, noting that its high proportion of locally sourced components would help reduce procurement costs. He said the railway operator will now carry out full safety testing before deploying the train on tourism routes covering distances of around 200 to 500 kilometres. The prototype was developed through cooperation with Joint Venture Sinogen-Pin Petch Co Ltd. It features 25 luxury-class seats, a structure that is 22% lighter than conventional designs and a maximum operating speed of 120 kilometres per hour. The train has already completed more than 10,000 kilometres of operational testing. It also contains domestically manufactured components accounting for 44.1% of the total build and has generated seven additional intellectual property works. The Nation reported that the project is expected to become an important step towards strengthening Thailand’s domestic rail industry through locally developed innovation and technology. Following successful safety certification, the SRT plans to introduce the train on selected tourism routes. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:40:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/hong-kong-customs-seize-cannabis-from-thai-flights-r2607/Hong Kong customs officers arrested four airline passengers in a single day after allegedly discovering more than 33 kilograms of suspected cannabis flower in luggage arriving from Thailand. The seizures took place at Hong Kong International Airport and involved two Thai women, one Chinese man and one Hong Kong woman. Get today's headlines by email The first case occurred on Wednesday 1 July 2026, when customs officers intercepted two Thai women, aged 22 and 29, who had travelled from Bangkok. Officers found about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis flower, with an estimated market value of HK$1.8 million, inside checked baggage belonging to the 29-year-old passenger. Both women were arrested. The arrests follow a series of recent international cannabis trafficking cases linked to Thailand. Related reports have included the seizure of nearly 1.2 tonnes of cannabis in Poland and Germany, and Indonesian authorities announcing the seizure of 3.37 tonnes of cannabis flower allegedly imported from Thailand. Customs officers also uncovered two further suspected drug smuggling cases at Hong Kong International Airport on the same day. Together, those cases resulted in the seizure of about 23 kilograms of suspected cannabis flower with an estimated market value of HK$4 million. In the first of those cases, a 38-year-old Chinese man arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok after transiting through Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday morning, 3 July 2026. During customs clearance, officers found about 13 kilograms of suspected cannabis flower inside his checked luggage, leading to his arrest. The second case involved a 33-year-old Hong Kong woman who arrived from Phuket on Friday afternoon, 3 July 2026. Customs officers allegedly discovered about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis flower concealed in her checked baggage before arresting her. Investigations into both cases remain ongoing. Hong Kong Customs said it would continue strengthening enforcement against cross-border drug trafficking through intelligence analysis and risk assessment. The department also urged members of the public not to take part in drug smuggling in exchange for financial rewards and warned travellers not to carry controlled items for other people or transport goods of unknown origin. Amarin reported that the agency said it would continue targeting passengers arriving from high-risk locations as part of its efforts to combat international drug trafficking. Under Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment upon conviction. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:34:14 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-targets-33-tourism-firms-in-nominee-crackdown-r2606/Thailand is stepping up its crackdown on foreign-operated tourism businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as illegal nominees, with authorities identifying 33 high-risk firms across five key tourism provinces. The government is also expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology to detect suspicious business structures, while four tour operators have already lost their licences following investigations. Get today's headlines by email The Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Commerce Ministry, is working with the Department of Tourism to tighten enforcement against nominee arrangements that allow foreigners to illegally operate tourism-related businesses. According to DBD Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, both agencies have reviewed existing procedures to better address increasingly sophisticated methods used to conceal nominee operations. The review focuses on three main areas. First, authorities will strengthen scrutiny of company registrations, particularly where Thai nationals appear as directors of an unusually large number of companies. Officials also propose assessing applicants’ educational background, occupation, financial status, income records and personal income tax payments over the previous three years. The Department of Tourism may also introduce interviews before granting tour business licences, with the same checks applying when directors or shareholders change. Secondly, the agencies will link the Department of Tourism’s tour business licence database with the DBD’s company registration system through a real-time online platform. The system will include automatic alerts to help authorities quickly identify changes in company ownership or management that may indicate nominee activity. Thirdly, authorities will establish a database of shops and businesses linked to tour operators. This information will be shared with the Revenue Department and the Anti-Money Laundering Office to help identify businesses suspected of tax evasion, money laundering or foreign groups using Thai nominees to monopolise tourism-related activities. The latest measures build on an existing memorandum of understanding signed by the DBD, the Department of Tourism, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Department of Special Investigation, the Tourist Police Bureau and the Immigration Bureau. The agencies have also established a joint operations centre to receive complaints, exchange intelligence, conduct inspections and prosecute offenders. Between January and June 2026, joint inspections were carried out in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chon Buri, Krabi and Bangkok. Authorities identified 33 businesses considered at risk of operating through nominee structures. Four tour operators were found to have changed directors or shareholders in ways that meant they no longer met the qualifications required under the Tourism Business and Guide Act. As a result, the registrar revoked their tour business licences. Information relating to the remaining 29 operators has been passed to the relevant agencies for further investigation, with officials pledging strict legal action where offences are confirmed. The Nation reported that Poonpong said tackling nominee businesses requires cooperation across all sectors, noting that operators are using increasingly sophisticated methods to avoid detection during inspections. He said combining technology with closer monitoring and information sharing would make enforcement more effective. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:26:03 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/trump-says-his-children-manage-his-investments-r1365/President Donald Trump said his children manage his investments and that he has no direct involvement in his business affairs, responding to questions about potential conflicts of interest after financial disclosures showed he earned more than $2 billion during his first year back in office. Get today's headlines by email Trump denies involvement in personal business decisionsSpeaking in an interview with CNBC on Thursday, Trump was asked about concerns surrounding his investments after disclosures indicated he made about $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures in 2025. Trump said he was not involved in those business activities and claimed he had no knowledge of the investments. "I could know about it. I didn't," he said. "There's nothing illegal, there's nothing wrong with it." Conflict of interest questionsThe discussion followed a reference by CNBC host Joe Kernen to federal ethics rules that prohibit most executive branch employees from taking part in government matters that could affect their financial interests or those of close associates. Those restrictions, however, do not apply to the president or vice president. Unlike several previous presidents, Trump has not divested his business holdings or placed his assets in a blind trust. His financial arrangements have prompted continuing criticism from Democrats, who argue they create potential conflicts between his public duties and private business interests. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that Trump had made more than $2 billion during his first year in office, accusing Republicans of enriching themselves while Americans faced rising living costs. Says Eric Trump oversees portfolioAsked whether he was concerned that Democrats could investigate his investments if they regain control of Congress, Trump said he has no role in managing his businesses. "I don't do anything having to do with my business. My kids run it," he said. Trump identified his son Eric as the person overseeing his investment portfolio and said they do not discuss financial matters. He added that his money is managed by large investment firms and said he does not know the individuals responsible for handling those investments. Defends crypto and family businessWhen questioned about profits from his cryptocurrency businesses, Trump instead emphasized the importance of the United States remaining competitive in the digital asset industry. He said the country needed to lead in cryptocurrency development or risk falling behind China, adding that he had been involved with crypto before returning to office. Trump also said he sympathized with his children, arguing that almost any business decision they make attracts scrutiny because of his position as president. He said he encourages them to avoid activities that could create the appearance of conflicts but acknowledged they still have businesses and personal lives. The president said his business background was one of the reasons voters elected him, but insisted financial gain is no longer his priority. He said serving as president is a "much bigger purpose" than making money. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 11:39:19 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/fox-news-reporter-faces-daily-fine-after-supreme-court-ruling-r1364/The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to block an $800-a-day fine imposed on former Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge after she refused to identify confidential sources linked to stories about a Chinese American scientist investigated by the FBI but never charged. Get today's headlines by email The court on Thursday rejected Herridge’s emergency request to halt the fine while she continued challenging the order. Chief Justice John Roberts had temporarily paused the penalty while the justices considered the appeal. Justice Brett Kavanaugh was the only justice noted as supporting a stay. Journalist Must Face Daily Penalty Over Source DisputeHerridge has been held in civil contempt as part of a lawsuit filed by scientist Yanping Chen, who is seeking to identify the government official or officials responsible for leaking information from an FBI investigation into her. Privacy Act LawsuitHerridge wrote a series of reports for Fox News in 2017 examining Chen’s alleged ties to the Chinese military and questioning whether a Virginia-based professional school she founded was being used to obtain information about U.S. service members. Chen’s lawyers say the reports relied on confidential material leaked from an FBI investigation, including excerpts from an interview summary, personal photographs, immigration records and information from an internal FBI presentation. Although the FBI investigated Chen for six years, she was never charged. In 2018, she sued the FBI and the Justice Department, alleging the leaks violated the Privacy Act by disclosing her personal information without consent. Chen said the publicity surrounding the reports severely damaged her personal and professional life, leading to hate mail and death threats. Court Orders Source DisclosureU.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Herridge to answer questions about her confidential sources during a deposition, ruling that Chen’s need to identify the leaker outweighed the reporter’s interest in protecting source confidentiality. Herridge refused to answer those questions under oath, prompting the judge to hold her in civil contempt. The daily fine was set to take effect after a federal appeals court upheld the order. Chen’s attorneys argue they have exhausted other avenues to identify the source and that establishing the leaker’s identity is essential to proving their Privacy Act claims. Attorney Andrew Phillips said the Supreme Court’s decision should help move the case toward a conclusion, arguing that Chen is entitled to learn who unlawfully disclosed her private information. Press Freedom ConcernsThe ruling has drawn criticism from media advocates, who warn that compelling journalists to reveal confidential sources could discourage whistleblowers from providing information that exposes government misconduct. Fox News Media said it was disappointed by the decision, describing the protection of confidential sources and the integrity of the news-gathering process as fundamental to a free press. The company said it would review its legal options. Bruce Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said forcing journalists to pay substantial fines while defending First Amendment protections could have a chilling effect on the flow of information to the public. Herridge, who previously worked for Fox News and CBS News before becoming an independent journalist, did not immediately comment. Her attorneys also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:07:55 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/burnham-says-no-to-early-general-election-r1363/Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister later this month, saying he intends to govern under Labour's 2024 election manifesto until the next scheduled vote. Get today's headlines by email Speaking during an online Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Burnham was asked directly whether he would seek an early election. He responded: "No. As I said in my speech on Monday, I'm going to work to the 2024 manifesto." Burnham Pledges to Govern Until Scheduled ElectionBurnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, is currently the only candidate seeking to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and could become prime minister on 20 July. Labour won a landslide majority at the general election on 4 July 2024, meaning the next election must be held by August 2029, although a prime minister has the power to call one earlier. Opposition Leaders Challenge BurnhamThousands of Reddit users submitted questions during Burnham's online session, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of avoiding difficult scrutiny. Badenoch urged Burnham to hold a full press conference, saying that if he was about to become prime minister he should answer tougher questions. She also renewed calls for him either to explain how he would fund the government's defence spending plans or seek a fresh electoral mandate. Burnham replied that it was a "fair challenge" but noted he had recently answered questions from 74,000 members of the public during the Makerfield by-election campaign. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also called for an early general election following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation last month. Policy Commitments ReaffirmedDuring the Reddit session, Burnham reaffirmed several policy positions. He said he would seek to negotiate returns agreements for failed asylum seekers, including with Taliban-run Afghanistan. He also pledged to retain the state pension triple lock, saying Labour's manifesto commitment should remain in place despite ongoing debate over the policy. On relations with Europe, Burnham said he wanted to continue strengthening ties with the European Union and pursue a more ambitious trade agreement. While he previously said he hoped Britain would rejoin the EU within his lifetime, he has also promised not to reopen the Brexit debate. Burnham also repeated his support for electoral reform, saying he would try to persuade Labour to include a commitment to proportional representation in its next election manifesto. Fiscal Rules and Defence SpendingBurnham has promised to maintain key commitments from Labour's 2024 manifesto, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules and pledges not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance. In an interview with LBC, he said there was limited scope for tax changes, suggesting higher business rates for warehouses could help fund tax cuts for pubs and some high street businesses. If he becomes prime minister, one of his first major challenges will be funding increased defence spending. Sir Keir Starmer recently announced plans for an additional £15 billion in defence investment without fully explaining how it would be financed. As a result, Burnham's incoming chancellor would need to identify at least £4.7 billion in savings from other government departments ahead of the autumn Budget. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:29:34 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/russia-turns-to-students-to-reinforce-drone-units-in-ukraine-r1362/Russia is increasingly recruiting university, technical college and vocational school students to help replenish military ranks as the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year. The campaign, launched earlier this year, encourages young people to sign one-year military contracts to serve in the country's expanding drone forces, which are promoted as a technologically advanced and comparatively safer branch of the armed forces. Get today's headlines by email Student recruitment expands as war enters fifth yearThe initiative has focused particularly on students facing academic difficulties or considering taking a break from their studies. Recruiters have highlighted generous financial incentives, technical training and the opportunity to return to education after completing service. However, the deaths of several young recruits have raised questions about the reality of those promises. Families describe unexpected frontline deploymentsAmong the first known student recruits killed was 23-year-old Valery Averin, who had been studying at the Buryat Republican Technical School of Construction. Raised in an orphanage before entering foster care at the age of 11, Averin told his foster mother, Oksana Afanayeva, that he had completed training as a drone operator and reassured her that he would be safe. He initially claimed he was leaving to work for Russian online retailer Wildberries before revealing he had signed a military contract. In early April, he said he was being sent to an area without phone coverage. Days later, on 8 April, he was killed in a mortar strike near Russian-occupied Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. Afanayeva said he had received three months of drone training but was instead sent into a frontal assault despite having no previous military service. Eighteen-year-old Vladislav Gorbunov, a railway construction student from the Bryansk region, died on 6 April after initially serving in an infantry assault unit before being transferred to a drone operators' unit. Another recruit, Rakhim Abdullin, enrolled at Kumertau Mining College to train as a welder before leaving his studies. Shortly after turning 18, he signed a contract hoping to become a drone operator because he believed the role would be safer. His mother, Elena, said he soon discovered drone operators were positioned close to frontline assault troops. He was killed by 13 March. Heavy losses and growing recruitmentThe three students are among 230,407 Russian military deaths verified by the BBC through analysis of cemeteries, official registers, war memorials and obituaries. Military analysts estimate publicly confirmed deaths represent only 45% to 55% of the total, suggesting the actual number of Russian military fatalities could range between 417,000 and 509,500. The UK's intelligence agency GCHQ estimated in May that Russian military deaths were approaching 500,000. Ukraine has also suffered heavy losses. President Volodymyr Zelensky most recently acknowledged 55,000 military deaths in February 2026, while noting many personnel remain missing. Other independent estimates suggest the total could be significantly higher. Drone forces promoted despite battlefield risksRussia's Defence Ministry has made drone warfare a recruitment priority as unmanned systems have become central to combat operations. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said in late 2025 that the new unmanned systems troops would mainly recruit people under 35 because younger volunteers were considered more adaptable to emerging technologies. By late February, BBC Russian found recruitment campaigns at at least 95 universities and colleges, while student publication Groza later identified almost 270 institutions promoting the contracts. Students are promised substantial financial rewards, specialist training and educational benefits, with some in Moscow offered potential first-year earnings of at least five million roubles. Some universities have also advertised postgraduate advantages, subsidised study places and improved accommodation. Lawyers and rights advocates, however, warn that one-year contracts may not be honoured because military agreements have effectively remained open-ended since Russia's partial mobilisation decree in September 2022. Drone operators have also become prime battlefield targets. Analysis by BBC Russian, Mediazona and volunteers has confirmed at least 920 Russian drone operators have been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with the true number likely to be considerably higher. The investigation also found reports of pressure on students to enlist, including recruitment efforts targeting those facing expulsion or academic leave. Some institutions have reportedly been assigned enlistment quotas, although at least one university denied those claims. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:19:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/starmer-says-family-drove-decision-to-resign-r1361/Sir Keir Starmer has said his decision to step down as prime minister was an "intensely personal" one made with his family, while warning that his likely successor, Andy Burnham, will face the same international pressures that dominated his own time in office. Get today's headlines by email In his first interview since announcing his resignation, Starmer rejected suggestions that a future prime minister could devote significantly more attention to domestic issues. He argued that global instability and challenges at home are closely connected and cannot be separated. Family Discussions Behind ResignationStarmer resigned within days of Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election, despite previously insisting he intended to remain in office and contest any leadership challenge. He told the BBC that the final decision came after spending a weekend at Chequers with his wife, Victoria, and their teenage children. Describing the choice as "really, really tough", Starmer said he consulted colleagues, advisers, trade unions and parliamentary allies before concluding that the decision ultimately rested with his family. He said accepting that his political career was over was an intensely personal moment and one he wanted to share privately with his wife. Warning for Andy BurnhamAlthough Starmer referred several times to "whoever my successor is", he acknowledged Burnham is widely expected to replace him. Responding to criticism that he spent too much time on international affairs during his premiership, Starmer said no prime minister could realistically reduce their diplomatic commitments. He said the world remains more dangerous and volatile than at any point during most of his lifetime, adding that the next prime minister would face the same international conflicts alongside continuing domestic challenges. Supporters of Burnham have expressed hope that he would place greater emphasis on issues such as the cost of living and public services. Reflecting on His LegacyStarmer said he had never held any personal animosity towards Burnham and pledged to do everything possible to support the next Labour government. He also confirmed he intends to remain an MP until at least the next general election but said he would avoid publicly advising his successor. Looking back on his leadership, Starmer said rebuilding Labour after becoming leader was central to his legacy. He described the party as politically, financially and morally bankrupt when he took over, saying restoring it had been "hard and bloody work". He argued that Labour's electoral success under his leadership should be considered alongside Clement Attlee's 1945 victory and Tony Blair's 1997 landslide, adding that he had helped save the party. However, Starmer acknowledged he ultimately lost the support of Labour MPs, who no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:12:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce-marry-at-madison-square-garden-r1360/Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:00:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/pattaya-hotels-face-steep-occupancy-drop-this-low-season-r2605/Pattaya’s tourism sector is experiencing a particularly weak low season, with tourist numbers falling in Pattaya and Chon Buri, leaving many hotels unable to reach break-even occupancy levels. Many properties are reporting occupancy rates of just 15 to 20%, below the estimated break-even threshold of 40 to 50%. Get today's headlines by email The downturn follows the April to May school holiday period, when family travel would normally help sustain demand into the early low season. However, this year the decline has been more pronounced, with reduced meetings, seminars and government-related travel contributing significantly to weaker performance. Industry representatives say the meetings and seminars segment has traditionally been an important source of business during this period. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the Chon Buri Tourism Federation, said the market has contracted more sharply than usual this year, noting that government work-from-home policies have been interpreted by some agencies as limiting off-site meetings under budget guidelines. This has reduced demand from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), a key driver for hotels in the low season. Short-haul tourism has also been affected as some low-cost and commercial airlines have reduced or cancelled flights. Higher fuel costs and insufficient booking demand have been cited as contributing factors, resulting in fewer visitors travelling to Pattaya and Chon Buri. Reduced air connectivity has further weighed on hotel occupancy levels across the region. Data from the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter and the Chon Buri Tourism Federation indicate arrivals have fallen by around 20 to 30%, with many hotels now operating below financial viability levels. The industry is facing significant pressure as operating costs remain high despite weaker demand, according to sector representatives. The Thaiger reported that this year’s slowdown contrasts with last year, when Pattaya tourism operators expressed confidence in year-round demand supported by upgraded attractions and efforts to extend the season. Current conditions highlight continued sensitivity to travel demand, flight availability and business travel policy decisions, with operators closely monitoring future booking trends. Picture courtesy of The Thaiger Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 4 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:43:07 +0000