https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-tourist-claims-pattaya-ladyboy-extortion-trap-r2063/A Chinese tourist has claimed he was the victim of an alleged extortion plot involving a group of ladyboys at a hotel in Pattaya, Chon Buri, after earlier reports suggested he had attacked one of them with broken glass. The man insisted he did not slash anyone during the altercation, which reportedly left one ladyboy with severe facial injuries requiring 31 stitches. Get today's headlines by email The incident allegedly took place, after the tourist travelled to Thailand with friends and visited entertainment venues in Pattaya. According to the man, several women approached him and exchanged WeChat contacts before one individual arranged to meet him at his hotel room for 1,000 baht. The tourist said he had repeatedly asked whether the individual was a biological woman or a ladyboy before agreeing to the meeting. He claimed the person confirmed she was a woman and sent a photograph of an identity card, leading him to believe the claim was genuine. According to his account, events escalated shortly after the person arrived at the hotel room. He alleged the individual remained on the phone throughout the encounter before opening the door around 10 minutes later, allowing two more people to enter the room and demand more than 6,000 baht from him. The Chinese man claimed the group blocked his exit, damaged property inside the room and threw objects at him. He said he picked up a piece of broken glass only to defend himself and denied using it to attack anyone, stating he kept it behind his back throughout the confrontation. He further alleged that video clips circulating online had been selectively edited, giving the impression he initiated the violence. He questioned why no hotel staff intervened despite the disturbance lasting almost 30 minutes, adding that CCTV footage from the hotel should show the full sequence of events. The tourist also stated that he repeatedly tried to contact Thai police following the incident. He claimed calls made to the Tourist Police hotline 1155 went unanswered, while attempts to contact emergency line 191 failed because of language barriers preventing communication in Chinese. He said he retained call records and chat conversations as evidence and had already shared them with both journalists and investigators. The man also reported that his iPhone, valued at about 3,000 yuan, went missing during the incident, while another Redmi phone was damaged and he suffered injuries to his hand requiring stitches. Komchadluek reported that police are continuing to investigate the case and are expected to examine evidence provided by both parties, including CCTV footage, call logs and online chat records. The tourist has suggested the group may be linked to a wider extortion operation targeting visitors after allegedly discovering similar accusations on social media. Related story Chinese-man-attacks-ladyboy-in-Pattaya-hotel Picture courtesy of Komchadluek Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:33:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/vietnamese-workers-arrested-in-bangkok-cannabis-raid-r2062/Police and food and drug officials raided a second warehouse in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district on 28 May 2026, arresting seven Vietnamese nationals accused of illegally producing cannabis extracts and operating without permits. Officers seized equipment and 15.874 kilogrammes of hashish during the operation. Get today's headlines by email The raid followed complaints from local residents who reported that several migrant workers were living inside the warehouse and suspected illegal activity was taking place. Investigators from Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 9 and the Food and Drug Administration monitored the property in Bang Bon 4 Soi 6, Bang Bon Nuea, and observed vehicles entering and leaving while suspicious bags and boxes were transported in and out. Police later obtained a court-approved search warrant and entered the premises. Inside, officers discovered the warehouse had been converted into a large indoor cannabis cultivation site equipped with ventilation systems and numerous air-conditioning units. Authorities arrested seven Vietnamese suspects identified as Mr. Nguyen Doan Trinh, 31, Mr. Tran Ngoc Phong, 52, Mr. Ho Ngoc Bang, 47, Mr. Nguyen Huu Son, 45, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Sang, 32, Mr. Viet Huy Luong, 38, and Mr. Binh Duong Dang, 46. Investigators said they found no licences relating to cannabis cultivation, processing or distribution. Officers also seized two Lanphan freeze dryers, a hydraulic rosin press, a heat press, a powder filtering machine, a cement and paint mixing machine, plastic mixing tanks, weighing equipment, hydraulic pressing equipment and several freezers. Senior officers involved in the operation included Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, Maj Gen Phanlop Aremlau and Maj Gen Samart Promchart. Officers from Bang Bon Police Station and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board also took part in the raid. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Police said the suspects face charges of jointly producing a Category 5 narcotic substance, namely cannabis extract, without authorisation. Authorities also filed charges related to employing foreign workers without valid work permits. Khaosod reported that the seven suspects were transferred to investigators at Bang Bon Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are expected to continue examining the operation and any possible wider network connected to the warehouse. Related story Cannabis-operation-busted-in-bangkok-four-Vietnamese-arrested Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:22:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-malaysian-police-bust-iptv-group-r2061/Thai economic crime police, working with Interpol and Warner Bros., have arrested a suspect linked to the cross-border pirate streaming network MyIPTV4K during raids in Chiang Mai. Authorities said the operation targeted alleged copyright infringement involving films and entertainment content distributed without permission, while related raids in Malaysia led to the arrest of a husband-and-wife team connected to the network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai and led by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), alongside Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property and representatives from Warner Bros. Entertainment. Officers arrested Akkharawat, at a house in Mae Hia, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, before searching a company office in Suthep, Mueang district. Police seized 19 accounting documents, four records linked to payments for cloud computing platforms, 22 email-related documents, one credit card copy, three mobile phones, one notebook computer and one desktop computer. The suspect was charged with jointly infringing copyright for commercial purposes through reproducing, adapting and publicly distributing films without authorisation. Investigators said the case followed Thailand’s participation in “Operation Awan Merah” at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The operation focused on the MyIPTV4K platform and formed part of the Interpol Stop Online Piracy programme, known as I-SOP. The international effort involved the Royal Malaysia Police, South Korea’s National Police Agency, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the United States Homeland Security Investigations agency. Authorities said they jointly analysed digital and financial evidence before obtaining a warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court and launching simultaneous raids in Thailand and Malaysia. Police said Akkharawat denied all charges. Officers also stated that background checks showed he had previously faced a copyright infringement case in 2018. In Malaysia, officers searched three locations in Selangor and seized digital devices including computers, laptops and mobile phones allegedly used to manage the application. Authorities there charged Long Chin Hwang and his wife, Hu Siew Liew, directors of Alula Marketing Sdn Bhd, which provides web design, graphics, automation systems and electronic products. The Malaysian suspects denied accusations linked to operating and selling access to the MyIPTV4K application through the “Unimax Pro” e-commerce account. Thai police said websites offering pirated films can also expose users to online fraud, with customers paying membership fees but receiving limited access. The Daily News reported that Lt Gen Nattasak said such piracy operations damage copyright owners, the entertainment industry and the country’s investment image by reducing incentives for creators and artists to produce new work. Authorities in both countries are continuing legal proceedings and examining seized digital evidence for further links to international cybercrime networks. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:08:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/israeli-thai-firms-face-koh-phangan-probe-r2060/Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. Get today's headlines by email Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Investigators found that Koh Phangan has 3,188 Thai-registered companies with foreign shareholders holding up to 49 per cent stakes, out of 4,761 registered legal entities in the district. Israeli nationals account for the largest group of foreign shareholders, linked to 720 companies or 22 per cent of the total, far ahead of French shareholders at 13 per cent. Authorities also discovered that several firms were registered by Israeli nationals who had already obtained Thai citizenship in 2017. One company founded in 2020 listed activities including hotels, accommodation services, a tourist service centre for Israeli visitors, and restaurants. The founder of the company was also reported to have played a significant role in a Chabad centre on Koh Samui. Following the widening nominee business investigation, officials began conducting detailed reviews into company structures, shareholder records and financial statements dating back to the formation of each business. A source within a tax collection agency said several firms showed irregularities involving asset figures, investment capital, losses and balance sheet reporting. Some companies reportedly failed to submit balance sheets entirely. Officials are now questioning whether some transactions were structured to create the appearance of legitimate investment activity in Thailand in order to obtain Thai citizenship. Under Thai regulations, foreign nationals who invest in business activities in Thailand may qualify for citizenship through legal procedures. Authorities are also concerned that once citizenship is granted, individuals may gain the same rights as Thai citizens, including land ownership and wider business opportunities, potentially encouraging other Israeli nationals to pursue similar pathways to permanent settlement. Businesses linked to Israeli-Thai nationals reportedly include property trading, property leasing and management, financial support services, management consultancy, kosher food businesses, education services, scientific testing operations on Khao San Road and tourism companies. Officials estimate that more than 40 companies connected to the network now operate across tourist destinations including Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. The Daily News reported that the investigation is expected to continue as authorities coordinate with security agencies and financial regulators to determine whether any criminal or fraudulent conduct occurred. Picture courtesy of Daily News of ongoing investigations Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:57:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/taylor-swift-vienna-concert-plotter-jailed-for-15-years-r1072/An Austrian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of planning a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during the singer’s Eras Tour in August 2024. Get today's headlines by email The 21-year-old defendant, identified only as Beran A under Austrian privacy laws, was also found guilty of several other terrorism-related offences. Prosecutors said he had become radicalised online and pledged allegiance to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). The case centred on a planned attack targeting one of Swift’s three sold-out concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. Authorities arrested Beran A shortly before the first show was due to begin after receiving intelligence from the CIA. The threat prompted organisers to cancel all three concerts immediately, affecting nearly 200,000 fans and drawing an emotional response from the singer. CIA tip-off stopped attackAccording to prosecutors, Beran A attempted to obtain illegal weapons, including a machine gun and a hand grenade, though he failed to secure them. Court-appointed psychiatrist Peter Hoffmann told the trial there was no evidence of mental illness and said there was “no psychiatric explanation” for the man’s radicalisation. The trial took place in the city of Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna. Beran A appeared alongside another 21-year-old defendant, Arda K from Slovakia, who prosecutors said was connected to an Islamic State cell. Although Arda K was not accused of participating in the concert attack plot, he was convicted on related terrorism charges and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Swift said tour “dodged a massacre”Before the verdict was delivered, Beran A apologised in court. Jurors then spent several hours considering the case before returning guilty verdicts. Following the cancelled concerts last year, Taylor Swift said the incident had left her with “a new sense of fear” and described feeling “a tremendous amount of guilt” over the disruption caused to fans. In comments posted on Instagram after the arrests, the singer thanked authorities for preventing what could have become a mass-casualty attack. “I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she wrote. A documentary about the Eras Tour later revealed that Swift learned about the alleged bomb plot while travelling to Austria. Concert cancellations shocked fansThe Vienna cancellations came during the European leg of Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour and caused widespread disappointment among fans who had travelled from across Europe for the performances. Swift later said the tour had narrowly avoided what she called a “massacre situation”, highlighting the seriousness of the threat uncovered by investigators. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:51:00 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/couple-killed-in-police-pickup-crash-in-nonthaburi-r2059/Two people died after their motorcycle clipped a police pickup truck and plunged from an elevated bridge in Nonthaburi late on the night of 27 May 2026. The crash happened at around 11.30pm on the Sali Khok flyover on the outbound Chaeng Watthana-Chaiyaphruek route in Bang Phlap subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Get today's headlines by email Police and forensic officers from the Institute of Forensic Science were called to investigate the scene following reports of two fatalities. Officers found a police pickup truck belonging to Chaiyaphruek Police Station stopped on the bridge with its left side mirror broken. About 10 metres away, a red Honda PCX motorcycle registered in Bangkok was lying on its side against the roadside barrier. The rider and passenger had been thrown from the bridge, which is more than 10 metres high, and were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were later identified as 31-year-old Surasak from Nakhon Sawan and 33-year-old Nantaporn from Uthai Thani. Police confirmed the pair were husband and wife. According to Pol Lt Col Chaiphong Chomphusarn, the duty investigation officer at Chaiyaphruek Police Station, officers had earlier been responding to another crash nearby involving a motorcycle that rear-ended a car, leaving one person seriously injured. The police pickup had been travelling in the middle lane and slowing down to move into the left lane to park while attending the earlier incident. At that moment, the victims’ motorcycle reportedly attempted to undertake on the left side and collided heavily with the pickup truck’s left wing mirror. The impact caused the motorcycle rider to lose control and strike the bridge barrier, throwing both over the edge. Police said heavy rain was falling at the time of the crash, which may have affected road conditions and visibility. Investigators stated that all circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined carefully and any charges would be handled fairly and in accordance with legal procedures. Naewna reported that the bodies of the two victims were transferred by Poh Teck Tung Foundation rescuers to the Institute of Forensic Science for detailed post-mortem examinations. Authorities are also coordinating with relatives to inform them of the deaths and arrange further proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:48:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-scam-boss-arrested-in-bangkok-probe-r2058/Thai police have arrested a Chinese national accused of directing a large online fraud and money-laundering network after investigators linked him to a gang using mule accounts to launder criminal proceeds through gold purchases in Bangkok. Get today's headlines by email The Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC), operating under Pol Gen Thana Chuwong, deputy national police chief and director of the police anti-online scam centre, and Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, assistant national police chief and deputy director, announced the arrest on 28 May 2026. Officers said the suspect, identified only as Mr Xu, acted as a senior coordinator within a wider scammer network. The investigation began after officers from Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station arrested nine Thai nationals on 25 May 2026 for alleged drug use at a hotel in Bangkok’s Chinatown district. Police later discovered links between the suspects and a “mule stable” network responsible for obtaining bank accounts used for facial scans and financial transactions connected to money laundering through gold purchases. Investigators found the group operated under instructions from a Chinese boss who controlled mule accounts used to move criminal funds. Police said some suspects had initially served as mule account holders before becoming supervisors responsible for controlling other accounts. Further investigation identified Mr Xu as an operational commander within the scam network. Officers obtained Criminal Court arrest warrant No. 657/2569, dated 28 May 2026, accusing him of membership of a criminal association, recruiting people into a criminal gang, and arranging, advertising or facilitating the buying, selling, renting or lending of bank accounts and electronic accounts for criminal purposes. Police arrested Mr Xu late on 28 May along Phlapphla Chai Road in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok. He was taken into custody for legal proceedings. Investigators also found mule accounts linked to the network matched account IDs connected to numerous fraud complaints filed by victims. Police said the gang allegedly used several methods to deceive victims, including fake Facebook prize promotions offering free green tea before luring targets into chat groups and persuading them to transfer investment funds. Authorities said suspects also impersonated police officers to frighten victims into transferring money or handing over assets for supposed inspections. Other schemes included fake overseas job offers requiring advance payments, fraudulent online income opportunities, and scams involving impersonation of state agencies such as electricity authorities offering meter deposit refunds before tricking victims into downloading applications that allowed criminals to control financial transactions. Thaitabloid reported that police are continuing to expand the investigation, trace financial routes and identify links to additional online fraud cases. Authorities said efforts are under way to arrest all remaining members of the network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:39:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/iranians-fear-us-will-leave-regime-intact-r1071/As uncertainty continues over efforts to secure a lasting agreement between the United States and Iran after 90 days of conflict, some Iranians who fled the country say they fear the Islamic Republic is emerging more repressive rather than weakened. Get today's headlines by email Karvan, 22, and his younger brother Kavian left Iran on May 13 after months in hiding following their involvement in anti-government demonstrations. The brothers are now sheltering in Iraq’s Kurdistan region after abandoning their studies, relatives and friends. “Our lives were in danger. If we had stayed, we would have faced jail and execution,” Karvan told CBS News. Kavian said conditions deteriorated after a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was announced earlier this year. “During the war, the situation was chaotic, but after the ceasefire the regime became even more extreme against the people,” he said. Protests and repressionThe brothers participated in the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, which erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody. Both men are members of Iran’s Kurdish minority and come from the country’s western Kurdish region, where tensions with Iran’s ruling authorities have long persisted. They also joined demonstrations that spread across Iran earlier this year before security forces suppressed the unrest. President Donald Trump said 32,000 people were killed in the crackdown, though the figure has not been independently verified. Rights groups say tens of thousands were detained and multiple executions have taken place. Karvan said witnessing the demonstrations gave the brothers a sense of responsibility. “We felt the tension, and we saw how people were arrested and injured,” he said. “It gave us a feeling of purpose to participate in the demonstrations and make our voices heard.” Kavian described confrontations between protesters and security forces, including the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures. Life after the ceasefireAlthough indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran have continued since the April 8 ceasefire announcement, the brothers said the truce did little to improve daily life for ordinary Iranians. “We felt that the regime started going after people again,” Karvan said. He alleged that authorities accused protesters of being Israeli spies and detained people for photographing bombed sites. The brothers said security measures in Kurdish regions have intensified, with more checkpoints and frequent inspections of phones and identification documents. Rights groups have also warned of a rise in arrests and executions. Zhila Mostajer, an investigator with the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, said people risk severe punishment for speaking out against the government. “Under such a brutal regime it is possible to be detained, tortured and even get executed just for raising your voice,” she told CBS News. According to Hengaw, around 40,000 people were detained during protests earlier this year. While many have since been released, the organization says 31 detainees have received death sentences and 15 have already been executed. No plans to returnKarvan said leaving Iran was painful but necessary. “It was very hard for us, but we chose to take the risk because we are safer here,” he said. The brothers said they do not intend to return while the Islamic Republic remains in power. They also expressed frustration that international attention often focuses more on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional tensions than on the treatment of its citizens. “They always talk about how uranium is a danger if it is in the regime’s hands,” Karvan said. “If you truly knew how they treat their people, you would never let them enrich uranium.” Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:32:27 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-navy-signs-airbus-deal-for-new-maritime-aircraft-r2057/The Royal Thai Navy has signed an agreement to procure two new transport aircraft to strengthen its maritime air operations capability and support a wider range of naval missions. The agreement was signed on 27 May 2026 between Admiral Phairot Fuengchan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and Airbus Defence and Space. Get today's headlines by email According to Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesperson, the procurement includes two Airbus C295 aircraft together with support systems and additional equipment. The acquisition was approved through official procedures and is intended to enhance the Navy’s “maritime air dimension” capability amid increasingly complex and rapidly changing maritime security challenges. The Airbus C295 is a military transport aircraft widely used internationally, with more than 300 aircraft in service across 37 countries. The aircraft is already operated by the Royal Thai Army, allowing for greater interoperability between branches of the armed forces in areas including training, maintenance, logistics support and long-term aviation personnel development. The Navy stated that the aircraft will improve maritime patrol and surveillance operations through modern detection systems and advanced onboard equipment. The enhanced capability is expected to improve maritime situational awareness across key strategic areas and strengthen the protection of Thailand’s maritime sovereignty and national interests. The C295 also offers short take-off and landing capability, allowing operations from shorter runways and in remote or border areas. The aircraft can support tactical missions including troop and equipment transport, airborne delivery operations, maritime search and rescue missions during both day and night, and medical evacuation flights during emergencies. Rear Admiral Parach said the procurement represented more than simply increasing aircraft numbers. He described the move as an effort to improve joint operational capability between naval and air forces so they can better respond to future maritime threats, humanitarian missions and public assistance operations. The Navy also stated that the procurement had been carried out within an appropriate budget framework and would provide long-term value for national missions and Thailand’s maritime interests. The deal forms part of broader efforts to modernise military capabilities and strengthen operational readiness. The Daily News reported that further details regarding delivery schedules, operational deployment and training programmes are expected to be announced at a later stage. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews News 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:29:07 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/eu-fines-temu-232-million-over-unsafe-products-r1070/European Union regulators have fined Temu €200 million ($232 million) after an investigation found the online retailer failed to adequately protect consumers from illegal and unsafe products sold on its platform. Get today's headlines by email The penalty, announced on Thursday, follows an EU probe that uncovered widespread risks linked to items including hazardous toys and non-compliant electronic devices. The fine was issued under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), legislation designed to force major online platforms to better police harmful content and dangerous goods. It marks the second major penalty imposed under the DSA since the rules came into force three years ago. Last year, the EU fined X roughly $120 million. Safety concerns uncoveredThe European Commission said Temu failed to properly identify and assess the risks posed by illegal goods available on its marketplace, leaving European consumers exposed to unsafe products. As part of the investigation, regulators conducted a “mystery shopping” exercise that uncovered numerous items that breached EU safety standards. Officials said many electronic chargers failed basic safety tests, while a high number of baby toys posed serious dangers. According to investigators, some toys contained chemicals above permitted safety limits, while others included detachable parts that could create choking or suffocation hazards for children. EU officials described Temu’s shortcomings in risk assessment as a particularly serious violation of the DSA. European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said risk assessments required under the law must be thorough and evidence-based. She said Temu’s assessment underestimated the dangers linked to illegal products and failed to provide regulators or consumers with a clear picture of the scale of the risks involved. Temu rejects rulingTemu said it disagreed with the decision and called the fine “disproportionate.” The company said the findings were linked to the European Commission’s first DSA review of the platform in 2024 and argued they did not reflect the current state of its systems. In a statement, Temu said it had cooperated with regulators throughout the investigation and had since strengthened its risk assessment procedures, platform governance and consumer protection measures. The platform has become popular globally by offering low-cost products ranging from clothing to household goods shipped directly from sellers in China. Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, said it currently has around 92 million users across the EU. PDD Holdings also owns the Chinese shopping platform Pinduoduo. Further action possibleThe European Commission has ordered Temu to submit an action plan by the end of August outlining how it will address the issues identified during the investigation. Failure to comply could expose the company to additional penalties, including recurring daily, weekly or monthly fines. The case is among the EU’s most prominent efforts to enforce stricter digital regulations on major online platforms, as Brussels increases pressure on tech companies to improve consumer safety standards and oversight of products sold online. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:21:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-workers-arrested-in-chon-buri-raid-r2056/Police in Chon Buri have arrested eight Chinese nationals for allegedly working without permits in an industrial estate area spanning Ban Bueng and Nong Yai districts. Officers said the suspects were detained during a joint operation led by Ban Bueng Police Station and the Tourist Police Investigation Division. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Pol Col Krit Masuk, superintendent of Ban Bueng Police Station. The raid was carried out by officers led by Pol Lt Col Somdet Ketwattha, deputy superintendent of investigations at Ban Bueng Police Station, Pol Capt Nattachai Iangphayung, deputy inspector of prevention and suppression, and Sgt Maj Phalakon Sinrai, alongside Tourist Police investigators led by Pol Lt Col Kritporn Saengsura. The eight suspects were identified as Mr Jiahong Wang, Mr Dongdong Ding, Mr Xiaoqi Li, Mr Dong Wang, Mr Jiadong Li, Mr Jianming Wang, Mr Sizhuang Yang and Mr Yanhua Ding, all Chinese nationals. Police said the first suspect was charged with working in Thailand without a valid work permit. Suspects two to eight were charged with working without permission while temporarily staying in the kingdom, as well as working without valid work permits. All eight suspects were handed over to investigators at Ban Bueng Police Station for further legal action. Officers said the investigation would now expand to identify and arrest people accused of providing shelter and protection to the workers. Authorities said they had received information from local residents alleging that undocumented Chinese migrant workers operating in the industrial estate area had been protected by influential figures. The claims reportedly involved a retired former local administrator accused of offering protection to the workers. The arrests form part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal foreign labour in Chon Buri province. Police have not yet released further details on additional suspects or possible charges against those accused of providing assistance. Picture courtesy of Chonburi News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Chonburi News 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:18:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/buttigieg-leads-early-2028-democratic-presidential-poll-r1069/Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the leading contender in a new poll of potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election, as the party looks ahead following its 2024 defeat. Get today's headlines by email An Emerson College Polling survey released on Thursday placed Buttigieg at 18% support among likely Democratic primary voters. Gavin Newsom followed closely with 16%. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received 11% support, while Josh Shapiro and former Vice President Kamala Harris each drew 10%. Another 9% backed Andy Beshear, while 18% of respondents said they remained undecided. Poll shiftsThe survey indicated modest gains in recent months for Buttigieg, Ocasio-Cortez and Beshear. Support for Newsom and Harris declined slightly over the same period. Buttigieg has recently fuelled speculation about a possible White House campaign. Speaking at a National Action Network conference last month, he gave a light-hearted response when civil rights leader Al Sharpton asked whether he planned to run again. Sharpton referred to a widely publicised lunch the pair had shared during Buttigieg’s previous presidential campaign and asked whether he should reserve another table at Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem. “You save me a seat, I’ll be there,” Buttigieg replied, without confirming any future bid. Potential contendersNewsom, who cannot seek another term as California governor because of term limits, has long been viewed as a possible Democratic front-runner for 2028. He has raised his national profile through frequent clashes with President Donald Trump on major political issues. Harris has also left open the possibility of another presidential campaign, saying earlier this year that she “might” run again after serving as the Democratic nominee in 2024. Ocasio-Cortez, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions that her political ambitions were focused solely on elected office when asked about 2028 speculation earlier this month. “They assume that my ambition is a title or a seat, and my ambition is way bigger than that,” she said. “My ambition is to change this country.” Polling detailsThe Emerson College Polling survey was conducted between 24 and 25 May and questioned 1,000 likely voters nationwide. The poll reported a credibility interval, similar to a margin of error, of three percentage points. Among the subgroup of 432 likely Democratic primary voters, the credibility interval was 4.7 percentage points. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:15:56 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/starmer-rejects-blair-criticism-over-labour-direction-r1068/Sir Keir Starmer has defended his government’s policy record after former Labour prime minister Tony Blair accused Labour of lacking a “coherent plan” for the country. Get today's headlines by email In a lengthy essay critical of the government’s direction, Blair argued that measures such as higher employers’ National Insurance contributions, stronger workers’ rights legislation and the planned phase-out of the oil and gas industry had damaged business confidence and weakened economic growth. Starmer rejected the criticism, saying his administration had made the correct choices given the economic conditions it inherited after taking office in 2024. Speaking to broadcasters, the prime minister said he agreed that Labour should debate “policy and ideas”, but insisted the circumstances facing his government were very different from those Blair encountered when he came to power in 1997. Policy dispute deepensBlair, who won three consecutive general elections as Labour leader, said the party’s difficulties were rooted not in communication problems or Starmer’s personality but in the absence of a clear governing strategy. Writing in a 5,600-word essay — his most substantial critique of the current Labour government so far — Blair said Labour was operating from the “wrong political position” to secure a second term in office. He backed some government policies, including infrastructure investment, planning reform and efforts to improve trade relations with Europe. However, he argued that other commitments should be reconsidered because of current economic pressures. Among his recommendations were scaling back parts of the net-zero agenda that prioritised clean energy over cheaper energy, continuing welfare reforms and removing barriers to business growth. Starmer responded with a lengthy rebuttal on Substack, arguing that his government inherited the most difficult economic situation since 1979. He admitted Labour had made mistakes, including its now-reversed decision to restrict winter fuel payments. He also acknowledged businesses had been heavily affected by increased National Insurance contributions. Despite this, Starmer said Labour had made the “big political choices right”. Government points to economic progressThe prime minister cited falling migration, reductions in NHS waiting lists and lower knife crime levels as evidence that government policies were delivering results. He also argued that the UK economy was outperforming comparable countries despite continuing global instability, including the impact of wars in Ukraine and Iran on living costs. Labour’s popularity, however, has fallen sharply since its landslide election victory in 2024. The government has faced criticism over several policy reversals, including changes to winter fuel payments and disability benefit reforms. Business groups have also argued that tax increases and workers’ rights reforms have discouraged hiring and limited economic growth. Leadership pressure mountsBlair’s intervention comes at a difficult time for Starmer, following poor local election results and ministerial resignations that have fuelled speculation about his future as Labour leader. Attention is now turning to an upcoming by-election in Makerfield, where Labour faces a strong challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK after the party performed well in May’s council elections. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is Labour’s candidate and is widely expected to seek the party leadership if successful. Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned earlier this month in protest over Starmer’s leadership, has also indicated he would stand in any future leadership contest. Both Burnham and Streeting criticised Blair’s essay, saying it underestimated the role inequality has played in shaping Britain’s political and economic problems. Asked whether he would remain leader if pressure intensified over the summer, Starmer said he would not “walk away”. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:09:37 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-lao-teams-plan-mine-extrication-in-xaisomboun-r2055/Rescue teams in Laos are preparing the next phase of a complex cave rescue operation after five Lao men were found alive inside a flooded mine cave system in Xaisomboun province, while the search continues for two others still missing. Get today's headlines by email The seven villagers reportedly entered the mine on 19 May to search for gold before heavy rain and flooding trapped them underground. Divers reached five of the men on Wednesday after more than a week inside the mine, finding them alive within the flooded system. Thai rescue volunteer Kengkard Bongkawong, who is leading a Thai rescue team assisting Lao authorities, said plans for the next mission stage were almost complete. He wrote in a Facebook update that rescuers were preparing both to extract the five survivors safely and continue searching for the remaining two missing men. Kengkard stressed that the operation remained highly dangerous and technically challenging. He described narrow crawl spaces extending for hundreds of metres, flooded passages and concerns over maintaining sufficient air inside the mine during the extraction process and made an appeal for additional compressed air cylinders. “The job is not finished. The next step is finding a way to bring all five people safely out of the cave, which is not easy at all. Safety must come first and mistakes cannot happen,” he wrote. Thai rescue personnel and specialist cave divers have joined Lao rescue teams in the operation, including a veteran diver involved in the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand. Rescue workers have identified floodwater, debris, tight passages and limited air supply as the main obstacles facing the mission. Reuters reported that Thai volunteers had confirmed five survivors had been found. A Lao organisation separately claimed that all seven men had been located safely, although that report had not been independently verified. The latest update from the Thai rescue team continued to list two men as missing. Kengkard said the rescue teams were consulting experts from several fields and adapting their methods according to conditions inside the mine. He warned against overconfidence and said the mission required careful cooperation between specialists. “This mission is extremely difficult. No one can be arrogant or think only their own knowledge matters. We must continue listening to specialists and adapt the correct procedures to the actual situation on site,” he wrote. Khaosod reported that rescuers are now focused on bringing the five survivors safely out of the mine while continuing efforts to locate the remaining two men, whose condition remains unknown. “As the rescue team, we always hope they are safe. Families must not lose hope either,” Kengkard added. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Related stories Thai-divers-find-five-in-collapsed-laos-gold-mine Thai-diver-experts-assist-Laos-cave-rescue Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:09:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/netanyahu-orders-push-for-70-of-gaza-r1067/Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he ordered the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70% of the territory, a move that could further undermine a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. Get today's headlines by email Speaking at a conference in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently controlled about 60% of Gaza and that he had directed the army to increase that share. “We are currently squeezing Hamas,” he said. “We now control 60% of the territory in the strip. You know, we were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to … 70%.” Ceasefire under pressureUnder a US-backed ceasefire agreement reached in October, Israeli forces withdrew to a demarcation line that left Israel in direct control of around 53% of Gaza, while the remaining territory stayed under Hamas administration pending further negotiations. Since then, Israeli troops have steadily expanded their presence westward into areas previously outside their control. Israel has also widened what it describes as a buffer or “no man’s land”, where soldiers can restrict movement and open fire on perceived threats. The expansion has raised concerns among humanitarian agencies and analysts, who say it would breach both the ceasefire arrangement and a UN Security Council resolution endorsing it. The peace framework proposed by US President Donald Trump stated that no Palestinians would be forced to leave Gaza and that residents who chose to depart would be free to return later. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said this week that the government hoped large numbers of Palestinians would leave Gaza through what he called “voluntary migration”. Human rights groups have accused Israel of attempting to make conditions in the territory unlivable in order to force displacement. Humanitarian concerns growAid officials and analysts warned that further territorial expansion could worsen conditions for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times during the war. Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations said the proposal would effectively nullify the existing ceasefire framework. He said the remaining areas available to civilians were already severely overcrowded, with displaced families living in makeshift shelters across much of western Gaza. Israeli forces have continued military operations during the ceasefire period, including airstrikes and shootings near the demarcation line. More than 900 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the truce began eight months ago. A recent UN briefing seen by the Guardian described daily tank advances near Jabalia in northern Gaza and reported increased military activity east of Khan Younis in the south. Militias accused of forcing evacuationsIsraeli-backed armed groups have also become increasingly active near the ceasefire line, according to residents and researchers. One militia linked to Gaza figure Ashraf al-Mansi has reportedly advanced westward around Jabalia while urging residents to leave their homes. Wael Nayef Abu al-Ajeen, a resident east of Deir al-Balah, said armed men entered his area earlier this month and ordered families to evacuate by nightfall. Researchers from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project said militias had been involved in killings, arrests and intimidation of civilians in areas near the Israeli-controlled zone. Uncertainty over negotiationsThe future of ceasefire negotiations remains unclear. A UN Security Council resolution in November assigned oversight of the truce to a US-backed Board of Peace led in Gaza by diplomat Nickolay Mladenov. His recent report drew criticism for focusing blame on Hamas while critics said it did not sufficiently address Israeli actions. Israeli analyst Gershon Baskin said he believed negotiations with Hamas had effectively collapsed. He said the United States could now shift toward a plan focused on reconstruction inside Israeli-controlled areas while screening Palestinians seeking access for links to Hamas or other armed groups. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:02:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-seize-200kg-of-ice-in-chaiyaphum-r2054/Police, soldiers and Border Patrol Police in Chaiyaphum have seized more than 200 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, and arrested one suspect linked to a transnational drug trafficking network. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on 28 May 2026 after officers from the Chaiyaphum Provincial Police narcotics suppression unit received reports that drugs were being smuggled from a neighbouring country across the Mekong River into northeastern Thailand. Authorities said the shipment was destined for Bangkok, surrounding provinces and eastern Thailand. Led by Pol Lt Col Komsan Narampong, deputy superintendent of investigations, officers worked with military personnel and Border Patrol Police to gather intelligence on a Lao trafficking network believed to be using routes through Khon Kaen and Kaeng Khro district in Chaiyaphum as part of a wider transport operation. Police later coordinated with officers from Kaeng Khro Police Station to set up surveillance points along Highway 201 between Phu Khiao and Kaeng Khro, as well as roads leading into Chaiyaphum town. The operation began on the evening of 27 May. At around midnight, officers spotted a white Mitsubishi SUV entering Chong Sam Mo subdistrict in Kaeng Khro district, around six kilometres before the town centre. Officers stopped and searched the vehicle. A middle-aged man was found driving alone. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered two large suitcases containing 191 packages of ice with a combined weight of 200.50 kilogrammes. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of more than 50 million baht. The suspect reportedly confessed to being hired to transport the drugs to central Thailand. Authorities also seized assets worth around 1.093 million baht under narcotics legislation, including the vehicle, a gold necklace, a Buddha amulet in a gold casing and other valuables. Later that morning, Chaiyaphum governor Anan Nakniyom and Pol Maj Gen Sujarit Panlek, commander of Chaiyaphum Provincial Police, held a press conference outside Kaeng Khro Police Station displaying the seized drugs, vehicle and confiscated assets. Officials described the group as a major storage and distribution network trusted by traffickers from neighbouring countries to move narcotics into Bangkok, surrounding provinces and eastern Thailand. Investigators also said financial trail evidence and information on additional suspects had been uncovered. Khaosod reported that authorities believe the drugs are smuggled into Thailand from a neighbouring country before being transported onwards to other provinces and a third country. Police said further investigations would focus on expanding the case, tracking financial transactions and arresting other members of the network. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 20:57:06 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/trump-allies-push-plan-for-250-bill-with-his-face-r1066/The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing for the possible creation of a new $250 banknote that could feature his portrait, if Congress approves legislation allowing the move. Get today's headlines by email Current US law prohibits living people from appearing on American currency. However, Republican lawmakers allied with Trump have introduced a bill that would create an exception and authorise a commemorative $250 note tied to the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. A spokesperson for the Treasury Department told the BBC that the agency was carrying out “appropriate planning and due diligence” in response to the proposal. Treasury Begins PreparationsAccording to the Treasury Department, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has already been asked to begin preparing possible designs for the commemorative note, although no artwork has been released publicly. The Washington Post first reported the department’s planning efforts. The Treasury spokesperson said the BEP was “moving proactively” in case the legislation becomes law, adding that the note would recognise “the 250th Anniversary of our great nation”. Trump’s signature is already expected to appear on some US paper currency as part of the upcoming semiquincentennial commemorations. The legislation was introduced last year by Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina. It would still require approval from both chambers of Congress before any new note could be produced. Speaking at a White House briefing on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the matter ultimately rested with Congress, though the Treasury was preparing in case lawmakers approved the proposal. Bessent also defended the idea, saying he did not see “anything untoward” about featuring the sitting president on a commemorative note linked to the nation’s anniversary. Legal and Political QuestionsThe proposal could face another legal hurdle because federal law currently specifies which denominations the Treasury is allowed to issue, and $250 notes are not included among them. Democratic Senator Mark Warner criticised the plan, arguing it showed misplaced priorities at a time when Americans were facing rising living costs. Warner said the administration appeared more focused on promoting Trump’s image than addressing issues such as housing, fuel and healthcare costs. He added that families would not need a $250 note “just to fill up their gas tanks” if more effort was spent lowering prices. Larger Bills No Longer CirculateThe largest denomination currently printed in the US is the $100 bill, which features founding father Benjamin Franklin. The United States previously issued larger notes, including $500, $1,000 and $10,000 bills, but they were discontinued in 1969. Although they remain legal tender, they are rarely seen outside private collections. Producing new currency designs is typically a lengthy process involving several agencies, including the Federal Reserve and the US Secret Service. Designs are usually kept secret until shortly before release to reduce counterfeiting risks and avoid public confusion. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing says note designs are normally made public six to eight months before launch for education and preparation purposes. It remains unclear whether a new $250 bill could be produced in time for the US anniversary celebrations on 4 July. Wider Push to Promote Trump BrandingSince returning to office last year, Trump and his allies have pursued several efforts to place his name and image on national institutions and symbols. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was renamed to include Trump’s name, while his portrait is set to appear on US passports. The presidential aircraft Air Force One is also being repainted using colours preferred by Trump. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 20:49:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thanathorn-cleared-in-thai-section-112-case-r2053/Thailand’s Criminal Court has acquitted Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit in a lese-majeste case linked to a Facebook Live broadcast criticising the government’s Covid-19 vaccine procurement policy. The ruling removes the threat of criminal penalties under Section 112 and the Computer Crime Act against the Progressive Movement chairman. Get today's headlines by email The court delivered its verdict at Courtroom 814 of the Criminal Court at 9am on 28 May 2026. Prosecutors had accused Thanathorn of defaming or insulting the monarchy during a livestream on 18 January 2021 titled “Royal Vaccines: Who Gains and Who Loses”. The broadcast criticised the Prayut Chan-o-cha government’s handling of Covid-19 vaccine supplies and referred to Siam Bioscience and vaccine procurement arrangements. Thanathorn denied all charges and fought the case while on bail. Arriving at court before the ruling, he smiled, raised a clenched fist and told reporters he remained “in good spirits” before entering the building. Supporters gathered outside the Criminal Court to encourage Thanathorn during the hearing. Among those attending was former Move Forward Party list MP Amarat Chokepamitkul. In its judgment, the court ruled that the livestream referred to then-prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and his administration’s management of Covid-19 vaccines, rather than constituting criticism or insult directed at the monarchy. The court also found that references to Siam Bioscience were factual and did not amount to defamation. The ruling stated that Thanathorn’s comments questioned whether the prime minister could handle vaccine management effectively, adding that the public would suffer if the administration failed in its duties. Judges concluded that his actions did not amount to defamation, insult or threats against the monarchy under Section 112, nor did they violate the Computer Crime Act. The case stemmed from heightened scrutiny of public discussion surrounding vaccine procurement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Authorities argued that the livestream distorted information and could lead the public to misunderstand issues connected to the monarchy and Siam Bioscience. ThaiRath reported that the aacquittal is likely to draw attention because Section 112 cases remain politically sensitive in Thailand. No immediate indication was given on whether prosecutors would appeal the verdict. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 20:44:19 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/us-iran-reach-tentative-ceasefire-extension-deal-r1065/Negotiators from the United States and Iran have agreed on the framework of a proposal that would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days and open talks on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, according to US officials. Get today's headlines by email The proposed agreement has not yet been approved by President Donald Trump or Iran’s leadership, the officials told the BBC. However, reports from Tehran suggested the arrangement was not yet settled. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency cited a source close to the negotiations who said the proposal had neither been finalised nor formally confirmed. Ceasefire remains fragileThe developments come after several days of renewed tensions between the two countries, which have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted a US military base in the region following overnight American strikes on Iranian targets. On Wednesday, Iranian state media published what it described as elements of an unofficial 14-point memorandum of understanding. The reported draft included provisions for lifting Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdrawing US forces from areas near Iran, and restoring non-military shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under joint Iranian and Omani management. The White House rejected the reported document, calling it a “complete fabrication”. Shipping and sanctions at centre of talksThe Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in the negotiations. Around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass through the waterway, and recent disruptions have affected international energy markets. Reports suggest the proposed deal would allow unrestricted commercial passage through the strait, while Iran would have 30 days to remove naval mines from the channel. The agreement could also include US sanctions waivers enabling Iran to resume oil exports, alongside the lifting of the American naval blockade. Progress uncertain despite optimismBoth governments had indicated last week that progress was being made towards an agreement, fuelling expectations of a breakthrough announcement. Since the ceasefire began on 8 April, Trump has repeatedly said the two sides were nearing a deal. Yet previous rounds of diplomacy have failed to produce lasting agreements. Negotiations held in Islamabad days after the ceasefire took effect ended without a substantive outcome. Senior US officials, including Trump himself, have continued to warn that military action remains an option if talks collapse. Last week, Trump said he had come within an hour of authorising new strikes on Iran before deciding against it following appeals from US allies. Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump said discussions were moving forward but described the Iranian proposal as “not there yet”. Questions remain over whether Trump will ultimately approve the latest framework agreement. Nuclear programme still unresolvedAny extension of the ceasefire would allow negotiators to move to more complex issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, including the future of its remaining stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Trump has previously suggested the uranium could either be removed by the US or diluted in Iran or a third country. The news website Axios, which first reported the tentative agreement, said Trump had been briefed on the proposal but had not yet approved it and planned to consider it for several days. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to confirm reports of an agreement during a White House briefing. “It’s always a mistake to get out ahead of the president,” he said, adding that any final decision would rest with Trump. Asked whether a future peace settlement could include reconstruction assistance for Iran, Bessent replied: “We’ve got to get to the deal before we get to the other side.” Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 20:38:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/lampang-officials-fall-ill-from-eating-local-insects-r2052/Several officials at Ban Huad Subdistrict Office in Lampang, Thailand, experienced stomach pain, diarrhoea, and dizziness after consuming insects collected from a tree outside the office. The incident, which prompted a public warning, led to several individuals requiring hospital treatment. On May 27, a rescuer posted the warning online, highlighting symptoms such as nausea and numbness among the affected. Get today's headlines by email The insects in question were identified as Pear Hoy Yak, or giant scale insects. Typically found on tree bark, these insects are notable for their white shell-like coating. One official, Porramate Boonma, reported finding the insects on a monkey pod tree at the office. Initially, one official consumed the insects with no ill effects, leading others to gather, deep-fry, and share them, mistakenly trusting their safety. Out of those who ate the insects, 12 reported immediate symptoms, while Porramate, who consumed less than 10, remained unaffected. Three officials required hospital care for further evaluation. Locals in the area are known to eat insects regularly, and past consumption had not resulted in similar adverse effects. Porramate speculated that the insects could have ingested sap from the monkey pod tree, possibly possessing laxative effects. However, this theory has not been confirmed medically. Social media conjecture included the possibility of confusion with another edible insect species. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 28 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 10:32:07 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/ex-wife-charged-in-ratchaburi-shooting-of-ex-footballer-r2051/A 41-year-old woman named Poonyanuch has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting her ex-husband, Pornchai Atchinda, in Ratchaburi. The incident took place in the car park of the Pho Hak Subdistrict Municipality office when Pornchai, a municipal officer and former Thai League footballer, was shot in the right palm and shoulder. Evidence collected at the scene included bullet casings and bloodstained items. Get today's headlines by email Pornchai was immediately taken to Sawang Ratchaburi rescue workers before being transferred to Ban Phaeo Hospital in Samut Sakhon. Despite his injuries, he remained conscious and communicative, though he is currently undergoing surgery. The suspect reportedly fled the scene in a Toyota and was not located until she turned herself in at Pho Hak Police Station. Poonyanuch, the alleged shooter, had been involved in a legal dispute with Pornchai over their divorce and child support for their two children. Witnesses reported that the pair had an argument before the shooting occurred. She declined to provide details about her motive during police questioning and has been charged with carrying a firearm and attempted murder. The police mentioned that Poonyanuch was suffering from depression and was under stress while caring for her children. The court has yet to decide on her bail, as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, Pornchai, aside from his municipal duties, was known for his previous career as an Air Force United striker, having been a top scorer in the Thai League Division 1. Looking forward, authorities will continue to investigate Poonyanuch's motives and her mental health circumstance could influence the case outcomes. Additionally, Pornchai's condition and subsequent surgery results may further impact legal proceedings. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 28 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 10:24:07 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/nacc-official-in-nonthaburi-crash-not-deputy-spokesperson-r2050/A crash in Nonthaburi involving an official and a fatality led to clarifications from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) about the individual's role in the agency. The NACC stated that Jarong, who was driving the pickup involved in the crash, serves as the director of the Bureau of Investigation and Special Affairs, not as a deputy spokesperson. This crash on May 27 resulted in the death of 43-year-old food delivery driver Sornnarin. Get today's headlines by email Jarong was found with a blood alcohol level of 189 milligrammes per cent and is currently subject to legal proceedings at Bang Si Mueang Police Station. Following this incident, the NACC offered condolences to the victim's family, stressing that a full investigation would be conducted and disciplinary measures applied as per the law. The agency emphasized that no special treatment would be given in the legal process. In a similar incident in Tak province, Deputy District Chief Pimnara Punnakiattikorn was involved in a crash leading to two fatalities and one severe injury. The affected victims, Thai teenagers, were riding a motorcycle when the incident occurred. Post-crash, Pimnara’s blood alcohol content was found to be 136 milligrammes per cent, sparking local demands for justice. The NACC assured cooperation with relevant bodies to ensure transparent and fair investigations. Both cases exemplify the ongoing issues of drunk driving and underscore the necessity of accountability in public service roles. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 28 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 10:16:13 +0000