https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:44:05 +0000A Russian artist who openly criticized President Vladimir Putin has been shot dead in eastern Poland, prompting a murder investigation and the detention of two Belarusian nationals. Get today's headlines by email Polish prosecutors said Robert Kuzovkov, 44, who worked under the artistic name Semyon Skrepetsky, was killed on Monday morning in the town of Biała Podlaska, around 40km from the Belarusian border. Fatal Shooting Near Belarusian ConsulateAccording to prosecutors, Kuzovkov was attacked in a car park about 600 metres from the Belarusian consulate. Marcin Kozak, a spokesman for the district prosecutor's office in Lublin, said an unidentified gunman approached the artist and fired two shots. After the victim fell to the ground, the attacker allegedly moved closer and fired three additional rounds before fleeing. Kuzovkov died at the scene. Authorities said he suffered gunshot wounds to the head, chest and back. Investigators recovered five shell casings and a Geco 9mm Luger bullet. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday. Two Belarusians DetainedPolice have detained two Belarusian citizens, aged 33 and 37, near the Belarusian consulate. Prosecutors said their involvement, if any, remains under investigation. No motive has been officially established. Kuzovkov had been granted asylum in Poland after leaving Russia in 2021, saying he feared criminal prosecution in his home country. He settled in Biała Podlaska, a town of fewer than 60,000 residents. Known for Political CaricaturesUsing the name Semyon Skrepetsky, Kuzovkov became known for satirical drawings targeting political figures including Putin, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. His work portrayed Putin in the arms of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, depicted Lukashenko as Adolf Hitler, and mocked Kadyrov and his son Adam. He also produced cartoons criticizing Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny as well as ordinary Ukrainians. His cartoons were distributed through Telegram and his YouTube channel, while his home address in Poland was publicly available online. Friends Recall Security FearsBelarusian artist Vladislav Bokhan, who knew Kuzovkov, said he learned of the shooting through Polish radio reports and quickly feared his friend might be the victim because of the small size of the town where he lived. Video posted on social media the evening before the killing showed Kuzovkov attending a Russia Day protest outside the Russian embassy in Berlin. He was carrying artwork depicting Putin and Stalin and dragging a Russian flag behind him. A friend, Bulat Subkhankulov, said he had repeatedly warned Kuzovkov about the risks associated with his activism and public criticism. Subkhankulov said he believed the artist had become increasingly fearless despite concerns for his safety, adding that warnings about potential consequences ultimately had little effect. Kuzovkov is survived by his wife and five children, who remain in Poland. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 June 2026 View full articleTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:42:15 +0000thats truth. by the way, your avatar is racist and dehumanizing, just like the filthy rhetoric of your ilk and the philosophy you all adhere tooTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:40:50 +0000Put the pen down, hands on your head, and move away from the trough.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:40:20 +0000Because some may be allowed to remain "connected" due to influence, money and the criminal network. That's organised crime and other countries also have had issues with this to varying degrees.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:37:59 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/anutin-defends-phuket-governor-transfer-r2352/Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended the transfer of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsittithavorn, saying the move is intended to improve administrative efficiency and help resolve longstanding conflicts that have hampered efforts to tackle influential figures and alleged criminal networks on the island. Get today's headlines by email The Cabinet approved Nirat’s appointment as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry on 16 June 2026. Chotinrin Kerdsom, currently a deputy permanent secretary, was appointed as the new Phuket governor. Before the weekly Cabinet meeting at Government House, Anutin held a private discussion with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party amid reports that several officials had been criticised over their handling of influential local figures in Phuket. The scrutiny followed a policy meeting at the Interior Ministry on 15 June, where Anutin reportedly rebuked officials for failing to address local power networks. The criticism was followed by transfer orders affecting five deputy governors in southern provinces. On the evening of 15 June, the ministry also ordered the transfer of two Phuket deputy governors who had reportedly been involved in disputes. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Anutin said the transfer had been proposed by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat and was focused on improving work efficiency. He described the move as a promotion for Nirat, noting that the Phuket governor was a senior official with a strong professional record. Anutin said Phuket continued to face unresolved issues despite government intervention. He referred to public accusations and circulating video clips, adding that officials could not work effectively when conflicts persisted. He also cited concerns over alleged beach land encroachments, restrictions on public access to coastal areas and intimidation by mafia-style groups. Questioned about whether the reshuffle was connected to influential figures on the island, Anutin said further details should be sought from the permanent secretary. He added that if problems remained unresolved while officials insisted everything was normal, questions would inevitably be raised. Arsit later said the transfers were designed to ease tensions linked to allegations involving grey capital networks and influential figures seeking benefits in Phuket. He stressed that the changes were made solely to improve administration and ensure smoother operations. Using an analogy, Arsit said unresolved disputes among officials had become an obstacle to progress, comparing them to “sand in your shoe” that needed to be removed before moving forward. He rejected claims that the transfers were linked to personal interests or benefits. Investigations launched under the previous Phuket governor will continue, with reports to be submitted to the Interior Ministry. Arsit also said disciplinary and administrative investigations involving transferred officials would proceed regardless of their new postings. Khaosod the newly appointed governor is expected to review conditions on the ground and oversee efforts to address Phuket’s administrative and law enforcement challenges. Officials say the objective is to reduce tensions, improve cooperation and accelerate the resolution of longstanding problems on the island. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 June 2026Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:37:04 +0000Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended the transfer of Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsittithavorn, saying the move is intended to improve administrative efficiency and help resolve longstanding conflicts that have hampered efforts to tackle influential figures and alleged criminal networks on the island. Get today's headlines by email The Cabinet approved Nirat’s appointment as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry on 16 June 2026. Chotinrin Kerdsom, currently a deputy permanent secretary, was appointed as the new Phuket governor. Before the weekly Cabinet meeting at Government House, Anutin held a private discussion with ministers from the Bhumjaithai Party amid reports that several officials had been criticised over their handling of influential local figures in Phuket. The scrutiny followed a policy meeting at the Interior Ministry on 15 June, where Anutin reportedly rebuked officials for failing to address local power networks. The criticism was followed by transfer orders affecting five deputy governors in southern provinces. On the evening of 15 June, the ministry also ordered the transfer of two Phuket deputy governors who had reportedly been involved in disputes. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Anutin said the transfer had been proposed by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat and was focused on improving work efficiency. He described the move as a promotion for Nirat, noting that the Phuket governor was a senior official with a strong professional record. Anutin said Phuket continued to face unresolved issues despite government intervention. He referred to public accusations and circulating video clips, adding that officials could not work effectively when conflicts persisted. He also cited concerns over alleged beach land encroachments, restrictions on public access to coastal areas and intimidation by mafia-style groups. Questioned about whether the reshuffle was connected to influential figures on the island, Anutin said further details should be sought from the permanent secretary. He added that if problems remained unresolved while officials insisted everything was normal, questions would inevitably be raised. Arsit later said the transfers were designed to ease tensions linked to allegations involving grey capital networks and influential figures seeking benefits in Phuket. He stressed that the changes were made solely to improve administration and ensure smoother operations. Using an analogy, Arsit said unresolved disputes among officials had become an obstacle to progress, comparing them to “sand in your shoe” that needed to be removed before moving forward. He rejected claims that the transfers were linked to personal interests or benefits. Investigations launched under the previous Phuket governor will continue, with reports to be submitted to the Interior Ministry. Arsit also said disciplinary and administrative investigations involving transferred officials would proceed regardless of their new postings. Khaosod the newly appointed governor is expected to review conditions on the ground and oversee efforts to address Phuket’s administrative and law enforcement challenges. Officials say the objective is to reduce tensions, improve cooperation and accelerate the resolution of longstanding problems on the island. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 June 2026 View full articleTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:37:04 +0000It looks tacky.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:37:02 +0000The EU is preparing to deliver a sternly worded letter to Russia in response to this attack.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:35:56 +0000best thing to have. it makes you avoid trouble.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:35:03 +0000Recent US intelligence assessments conclude that Iran can effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz whenever it chooses, giving Tehran a powerful tool to disrupt global trade and energy markets after the recent conflict, according to sources familiar with the findings. Get today's headlines by email The assessments suggest Iran demonstrated its ability to block access to the strategic waterway during the war and could repeat the tactic in future crises, even if a framework agreement expected to be signed on Friday succeeds in reopening the route and launching new nuclear negotiations. Iran's Strait Leverage Raises New US ConcernsOne source familiar with the intelligence findings said the conflict had fundamentally changed Iran's calculations, describing control of the strait as a strategic asset with far-reaching economic consequences. Military Capabilities Remain IntactUS officials believe Iran retains a substantial portion of its military arsenal, including missiles, drones, launch systems and hundreds of fast attack boats capable of harassing shipping or deploying naval mines. According to sources, intelligence agencies have also observed Iran rebuilding parts of its military-industrial base faster than expected and restarting drone production. The assessments further conclude that Iran learned it could use strikes against Gulf energy infrastructure as an effective asymmetric weapon, adding another source of leverage beyond direct military confrontation. Although discussions have taken place about possible allied efforts to help secure the waterway after it reopens, officials remain uncertain about how such arrangements would operate. Agreement Tied to Reopening the WaterwayA senior US official told CNN that Iran will receive no benefits from the framework agreement unless it keeps the strait open and complies with other commitments. The official said the United States would ease its blockade in proportion to Iran's restoration of maritime traffic. Another source familiar with the negotiations said Iran's disruption of shipping had strained relations with China and Gulf states, highlighting the economic costs Tehran faces when interfering with global energy flows. Even if the agreement is implemented, shipping experts and industry officials expect uncertainty to limit traffic through the chokepoint for weeks or months. Concerns Over Wider Regional DisruptionUS intelligence officials are also examining the possibility that Iran could seek to pressure global markets through another key trade route, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Sources said Tehran has considered using the Houthis in Yemen to disrupt traffic through the Red Sea gateway if negotiations with Washington collapse. Closing both Bab-el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz would have severe consequences for global trade and energy supplies. While officials noted the Houthis have so far refrained from broad attacks on Western shipping, expanding operations beyond Israeli-linked vessels would represent a major escalation. Questions Over US StrategyThe assessments have renewed scrutiny of President Donald Trump's decision to launch military operations against Iran. Sources said the administration underestimated Tehran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz, partly because officials believed such a move would inflict greater harm on Iran than on the United States. US officials also expected China to use its influence to discourage Tehran from taking that step. Instead, intelligence agencies now believe Iran was emboldened by its ability to disrupt shipping and target regional energy infrastructure without exhausting significant military resources. Some officials assess that Tehran is now more likely to consider closing the strait in future confrontations, particularly after demonstrating both the intent and capability to do so. Trump said this week that the strait is already partially reopened and should be fully open by Friday when Washington and Tehran are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding. However, questions remain about how any agreement would prevent Iran from using the same tactic again in the future. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 June 2026 View full articleTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:34:05 +0000Russian political opponent murdered in Poland: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyrzd5g6k2oTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:31:09 +0000Godless bastards .Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:31:09 +0000It's poking fun at the Democrats, who often say things like that.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:31:04 +0000That's a serious wound. However, the Thai guy was out of line.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:29:30 +0000StrangerTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:28:39 +0000That's sarcasm, right?Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:27:45 +0000Fully agree. Hmm. I wonder what the inspiration for this thread was.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:26:29 +0000Ok, and I thought that offenders up for deportation was put in IDC? I don´t get how it would be possible to continue criminal offenses from there in an effective way.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:26:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/indonesian-fishermen-rescued-off-satun-after-9-days-adrift-r2351/Four Indonesian fishermen who survived more than a week adrift at sea after their boat’s engine failed and they fashioned a makeshift sail from burlap sacks have been rescued off Satun, Thai authorities said on 16 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The men were among a six-member crew aboard the fishing vessel Teratai, which suffered engine failure on 5 June while operating in waters near the Malacca Strait. The disabled vessel drifted for approximately nine days before reaching waters off Satun province, where Thai authorities located and rescued the remaining four crew members. According to officials, the fishermen attempted to return towards Indonesia by sewing together burlap sacks to create a makeshift sail. However, strong southwest monsoon winds pushed the vessel northwards instead, carrying it into waters near Satun. The case came to light after local fishermen reported seeing several men in the sea calling for help around 13 nautical miles from Koh Adang, within the vicinity of the Tarutao National Park area. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC), together with security agencies, later located the vessel and brought the survivors ashore to Koh Rawi. The four men were provided with food, drinking water, clothing and medical examinations on humanitarian grounds. Initial questioning confirmed they were Indonesian nationals from North Sumatra who had set out on a fishing trip before experiencing mechanical failure. Officials said the crew survived on limited supplies as conditions deteriorated. At one stage, some crew members entered the sea and approached passing Thai fishing boats to request food and water. Thai fishermen reportedly supplied provisions but did not take the men aboard because of rough sea conditions and concerns they could be illegal migrants or pirates. Information later shared through regional authorities confirmed the vessel matched reports of a missing Indonesian fishing boat from Langkat Regency in North Sumatra. During the ordeal, two crew members became separated from the vessel and were previously rescued from the sea by a Malaysian boat. They were subsequently returned to Indonesia. The remaining four crew members continued drifting aboard the disabled vessel until their rescue by Thai authorities. Khaosod reported that Satun Governor Kanit Kongchuay said authorities had instructed the men and their vessel to remain in a safe location until sea conditions improve. “We have instructed Thai-MECC and security agencies to provide food, drinking water and clean clothing in accordance with humanitarian principles,” he said. “Once weather conditions improve and their health has recovered, authorities will conduct further interviews. If no irregularities are found, they will be transferred to Satun Immigration Police for processing under immigration laws.” Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 June 2026Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:25:19 +0000Four Indonesian fishermen who survived more than a week adrift at sea after their boat’s engine failed and they fashioned a makeshift sail from burlap sacks have been rescued off Satun, Thai authorities said on 16 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The men were among a six-member crew aboard the fishing vessel Teratai, which suffered engine failure on 5 June while operating in waters near the Malacca Strait. The disabled vessel drifted for approximately nine days before reaching waters off Satun province, where Thai authorities located and rescued the remaining four crew members. According to officials, the fishermen attempted to return towards Indonesia by sewing together burlap sacks to create a makeshift sail. However, strong southwest monsoon winds pushed the vessel northwards instead, carrying it into waters near Satun. The case came to light after local fishermen reported seeing several men in the sea calling for help around 13 nautical miles from Koh Adang, within the vicinity of the Tarutao National Park area. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC), together with security agencies, later located the vessel and brought the survivors ashore to Koh Rawi. The four men were provided with food, drinking water, clothing and medical examinations on humanitarian grounds. Initial questioning confirmed they were Indonesian nationals from North Sumatra who had set out on a fishing trip before experiencing mechanical failure. Officials said the crew survived on limited supplies as conditions deteriorated. At one stage, some crew members entered the sea and approached passing Thai fishing boats to request food and water. Thai fishermen reportedly supplied provisions but did not take the men aboard because of rough sea conditions and concerns they could be illegal migrants or pirates. Information later shared through regional authorities confirmed the vessel matched reports of a missing Indonesian fishing boat from Langkat Regency in North Sumatra. During the ordeal, two crew members became separated from the vessel and were previously rescued from the sea by a Malaysian boat. They were subsequently returned to Indonesia. The remaining four crew members continued drifting aboard the disabled vessel until their rescue by Thai authorities. Khaosod reported that Satun Governor Kanit Kongchuay said authorities had instructed the men and their vessel to remain in a safe location until sea conditions improve. “We have instructed Thai-MECC and security agencies to provide food, drinking water and clean clothing in accordance with humanitarian principles,” he said. “Once weather conditions improve and their health has recovered, authorities will conduct further interviews. If no irregularities are found, they will be transferred to Satun Immigration Police for processing under immigration laws.” Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 June 2026 View full articleTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:25:19 +0000Nearly half of Americans now identify as political independents rather than members of either major party, according to a new CNN poll, marking the highest level of partisan independence recorded by the network in more than a decade. Get today's headlines by email The survey found that 47% of Americans consider themselves independents, an increase of roughly 10 percentage points since the period following President Donald Trump's first term. The figure is close to the previous high of 48% recorded in CNN polling during 2015. Shift Away From Party LabelsDemocrats and Republicans divide the rest of the population almost evenly. The poll found that 27% of Americans identify as Democrats and 26% as Republicans. Many independents, however, still lean toward one of the two major parties. When those partisan leanings are taken into account, 39% align more closely with Democrats, 37% with Republicans, and 25% say they do not lean toward either side. Even when respondents who initially expressed no preference were asked to choose a side, the electorate remained closely divided, underscoring the narrow political balance in the United States. CNN's polling shows neither party has maintained a significant advantage in overall identification since 2021, when Democrats held a six-point lead. Since then, the gap between the two parties has remained at about one percentage point each year. Registered Voters Show GOP DeclineAmong registered voters, Democrats now hold a slight edge. The poll found that 31% identify as Democrats, compared with 28% who identify as Republicans, while 41% say they belong to neither party. That represents a notable change from 2024, when 34% of registered voters identified as Republicans, 31% as Democrats and 35% as independents. The findings suggest Republicans have lost some ground among voters since last year's election cycle, potentially adding to concerns for the party ahead of the midterm elections as Trump's approval ratings have weakened. Younger Voters Driving IndependenceSeveral demographic groups have moved away from Republican identification since 2024, including younger voters, men and White voters without college degrees. Among voters under 45, only 17% now identify as Republicans, down from 26% in 2024. Democratic identification among that group has remained largely unchanged at 33%, while half now say they do not belong to either party. Similar trends were observed among men, particularly younger men, and among White voters without college degrees, with many shifting toward independent status rather than switching directly to the Democratic Party. Independents Less Engaged PoliticallyThe poll also highlights key differences between independents and partisan voters. Independents tend to be younger, with 63% under the age of 50, compared with 52% of Democrats and 38% of Republicans. They are also more likely than Republicans to live in urban areas, though less likely than Democrats to do so. Income levels among independents are generally lower, with nearly half reporting annual household earnings below $50,000. Politically, independents appear less engaged than partisans. Only 67% are registered to vote, compared with more than 80% of Democrats and Republicans. Just one-quarter say they regularly seek out political news. Poll MethodologyThe CNN poll was conducted by SSRS between May 7 and May 31 among 2,480 adults nationwide using online and telephone interviews. Participants were selected through address-based sampling and random cellphone number sampling. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 June 2026 View full articleTue, 16 Jun 2026 21:23:47 +0000Democrats should consider softening their rhetoric and avoid inflaming the public.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:23:16 +0000How do immigration officers do that?Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:23:01 +0000Plenty of monkeys to blast into space and do experiments on. A good choice all the way around.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:22:28 +0000