https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenWed, 20 May 2026 22:19:22 +0000Israel becomes worse and worse by the dayWed, 20 May 2026 22:18:58 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/brit-tourist-critical-after-pattaya-truck-fall-r1905/A British tourist is fighting for his life, after reportedly falling from a moving pickup truck and being run over in Pattaya. Ethan Lacey, 20, from Birmingham, who had taken two months off from his factory job to visit Thailand, is on life support at a hospital in Bangkok after suffering critical head injuries in the incident on May 16. Get today's headlines by email According to local reports, Ethan was travelling in the back of a pickup truck when he either fell or was thrown off during an argument, at a busy intersection in Pattaya. Local media reported that the truck’s rear wheel ran over his head, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Ethan’s family lost contact with him on May 15 while he was travelling across Thailand. Several days later, they discovered he was in intensive care after being alerted by a woman he was reportedly seeing in Thailand. His grandmother, Anthea Chatwin, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover mounting medical expenses and maintain his life support treatment. In an update shared on the fundraising page, she said doctors had told the family Ethan had a “30% chance of survival if kept on life support for 2 weeks”. Ms Chatwin also shared details of the financial burden facing the family. She wrote that hospital costs were expected to reach between GBP800 and GBP1000 per day while Ethan remains in intensive care. In an earlier update, Ms Chatwin explained how the family located Ethan. She wrote: “We located Ethan at 5:00am on the 19th May British time, via a girl he is seeing in Thailand, he is in the ICU.” She added that Ethan’s travel insurance had expired before the accident. The family is now seeking donations to help pay medical costs and eventually return him to the UK. Ethan’s mother, father and grandmother are understood to have travelled to Thailand to be at his bedside. At the time of reporting, more than GBP2,200 had been raised through the online appeal. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by tourists travelling in open-backed vehicles in Thailand, particularly in busy resort areas such as Pattaya. No further details about the circumstances of the crash or any police investigation have been released by authorities, who are still believed to still be searching for the pickup. The Mirror reported that Doctors are expected to continue monitoring Ethan’s condition over the coming days and weeks, while his family remains in Thailand, hoping for the best. Pictures courtesy of The Mirror Original story Foreigner-hurt-after-jumping-from-pickup-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Mirror 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 22:18:05 +0000A British tourist is fighting for his life, after reportedly falling from a moving pickup truck and being run over in Pattaya. Ethan Lacey, 20, from Birmingham, who had taken two months off from his factory job to visit Thailand, is on life support at a hospital in Bangkok after suffering critical head injuries in the incident on May 16. Get today's headlines by email According to local reports, Ethan was travelling in the back of a pickup truck when he either fell or was thrown off during an argument, at a busy intersection in Pattaya. Local media reported that the truck’s rear wheel ran over his head, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Ethan’s family lost contact with him on May 15 while he was travelling across Thailand. Several days later, they discovered he was in intensive care after being alerted by a woman he was reportedly seeing in Thailand. His grandmother, Anthea Chatwin, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover mounting medical expenses and maintain his life support treatment. In an update shared on the fundraising page, she said doctors had told the family Ethan had a “30% chance of survival if kept on life support for 2 weeks”. Ms Chatwin also shared details of the financial burden facing the family. She wrote that hospital costs were expected to reach between GBP800 and GBP1000 per day while Ethan remains in intensive care. In an earlier update, Ms Chatwin explained how the family located Ethan. She wrote: “We located Ethan at 5:00am on the 19th May British time, via a girl he is seeing in Thailand, he is in the ICU.” She added that Ethan’s travel insurance had expired before the accident. The family is now seeking donations to help pay medical costs and eventually return him to the UK. Ethan’s mother, father and grandmother are understood to have travelled to Thailand to be at his bedside. At the time of reporting, more than GBP2,200 had been raised through the online appeal. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by tourists travelling in open-backed vehicles in Thailand, particularly in busy resort areas such as Pattaya. No further details about the circumstances of the crash or any police investigation have been released by authorities, who are still believed to still be searching for the pickup. The Mirror reported that Doctors are expected to continue monitoring Ethan’s condition over the coming days and weeks, while his family remains in Thailand, hoping for the best. Pictures courtesy of The Mirror Original story Foreigner-hurt-after-jumping-from-pickup-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Mirror 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 22:18:05 +0000Border Force: “We’ve identified a vibrating object in your luggage.” Her: “Oh thank God… I thought it was the lighter.” 😂Wed, 20 May 2026 22:16:21 +0000tbh, tired of this "xs scam or not"...ofCOZ it is SAFE...more than 5 regulatoryu licenses, strong fund priotection + insruance...what else needed for them to be considered safe?...xs is legitWed, 20 May 2026 22:14:41 +0000Israel’s far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked widespread international condemnation after releasing a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists being taunted following their interception. The activists were detained after Israeli forces stopped dozens of aid vessels attempting to reach Gaza amid the ongoing blockade. According to organisers, at least 87 detainees have now begun a hunger strike in protest at their treatment in custody. The footage has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s handling of humanitarian missions and the conditions faced by those detained at sea. Israeli officials have distanced themselves from Ben-Gvir’s actions while defending the legality of the flotilla interception. International reactions have been swift, with several governments condemning the video and calling for respect for international law. The incident comes amid mounting global pressure over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:10:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/samui-revokes-four-tour-firm-licences-r1904/Authorities in Koh Samui have revoked the licences of four tour companies after investigators found alleged nominee arrangements involving Thai nationals and foreign operators. Officials said the firms breached legal requirements governing ownership and management structures for tourism businesses in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Pathakorn Kaewmorakot, registrar for tourism businesses and tour guides for Southern Region 1, said he signed the revocation orders following inspections carried out with Koh Samui Tourist Police and the Surat Thani Tourism and Sports Office. Officers inspected 12 tour operators in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province, after suspecting some businesses were using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign control. Investigators found four operators allegedly conducting tourism businesses under foreign management. Officials said the companies failed to comply with laws requiring the majority of directors in tour businesses to be Thai nationals. One of the companies reportedly operated a jet ski tourism business and had an Israeli national as its sole company director. Authorities said the remaining three companies were not operating from their registered premises during inspections, raising suspicions that the licence applications may have used other business locations. Officials also found that some companies altered their board structures after obtaining licences, resulting in a loss of qualifications under the Tourism Business and Guide Act 2008, Section 17 (1). The law requires more than half of company directors to hold Thai nationality. Following the licence revocations, authorities will place seven company directors on a blacklist for five years. The group includes three Thai nationals and four foreign nationals from Israel, France, Belgium and Italy. Those listed will be barred from applying for tourism business licences during the restriction period. Authorities will also forward details of the four companies to the Surat Thani Provincial Commerce Office for further legal action linked to the alleged use of Thai nominees in company registration structures. Pathakorn said Surat Thani province currently has 1,082 licensed tourism companies. Of those, 476 are based in Koh Samui, 84 in Koh Phangan and 144 on Koh Tao, while the remainder operate in Muang, Takua Pa and Phanom districts. The province also has 1,009 licensed tour guides. Officials said inspection operations have been conducted regularly in cooperation with related agencies, with licence revocations continuing where breaches are found. Daily News reported that Pathakorn added that future applications from companies that later lose their licences will also be referred to provincial commerce officials for checks under other relevant laws. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 22:06:46 +0000Authorities in Koh Samui have revoked the licences of four tour companies after investigators found alleged nominee arrangements involving Thai nationals and foreign operators. Officials said the firms breached legal requirements governing ownership and management structures for tourism businesses in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Pathakorn Kaewmorakot, registrar for tourism businesses and tour guides for Southern Region 1, said he signed the revocation orders following inspections carried out with Koh Samui Tourist Police and the Surat Thani Tourism and Sports Office. Officers inspected 12 tour operators in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province, after suspecting some businesses were using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign control. Investigators found four operators allegedly conducting tourism businesses under foreign management. Officials said the companies failed to comply with laws requiring the majority of directors in tour businesses to be Thai nationals. One of the companies reportedly operated a jet ski tourism business and had an Israeli national as its sole company director. Authorities said the remaining three companies were not operating from their registered premises during inspections, raising suspicions that the licence applications may have used other business locations. Officials also found that some companies altered their board structures after obtaining licences, resulting in a loss of qualifications under the Tourism Business and Guide Act 2008, Section 17 (1). The law requires more than half of company directors to hold Thai nationality. Following the licence revocations, authorities will place seven company directors on a blacklist for five years. The group includes three Thai nationals and four foreign nationals from Israel, France, Belgium and Italy. Those listed will be barred from applying for tourism business licences during the restriction period. Authorities will also forward details of the four companies to the Surat Thani Provincial Commerce Office for further legal action linked to the alleged use of Thai nominees in company registration structures. Pathakorn said Surat Thani province currently has 1,082 licensed tourism companies. Of those, 476 are based in Koh Samui, 84 in Koh Phangan and 144 on Koh Tao, while the remainder operate in Muang, Takua Pa and Phanom districts. The province also has 1,009 licensed tour guides. Officials said inspection operations have been conducted regularly in cooperation with related agencies, with licence revocations continuing where breaches are found. Daily News reported that Pathakorn added that future applications from companies that later lose their licences will also be referred to provincial commerce officials for checks under other relevant laws. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 22:06:46 +0000Those people who arrived from southern China over hundreds of years prior to the influx as a result of the Chinese civil war do not speak Mandarin as a first language. They , speak a version of Hokkien known as Taiwanese.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:02:19 +0000I often think some guys have left it too late to retire, but they are brainwashed back home that you have to keep working to 67+, plus they have wife, children, grandchildren roots/anchorsWed, 20 May 2026 22:01:18 +0000Farcical! People like Kirk were allowed to stir division nonstop under the claim of “free speech”, but the moment someone pushed back they're arrested and Jailed! It looks less like justice and more like selective enforcement depending on who is speaking about what! The key issue from this story is who defines unacceptable speech? As we have seen so blatantly under Trump, is that once governments gain the power to decide what counts as “hate” or “harmful” speech, that power is inevitably applied selectively and politically. The settlement to Mr. Bushart seems a fitting outcome!Wed, 20 May 2026 21:53:40 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-charge-fifth-officer-in-sa-kaeo-chinese-kidnap-case-r1903/Thai police have charged a fifth officer linked to the alleged abduction and extortion of five Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo province, as authorities move to suspend the officers involved from service pending further investigation. Get today's headlines by email The latest development came on 20 May after Capt Prayoon, attached to Khlong Hat Police Station in Sa Kaeo, surrendered to investigators at Wang Sombun Police Station. Officers formally charged him with unlawful detention, abuse of authority, extortion and misconduct in office. Police said the case stemmed from a raid on 17 May at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, where immigration police and local investigators rescued five Chinese nationals allegedly being held against their will. Investigators said the victims had been handcuffed and attempts made to force them to pay 300,000 baht each, in exchange for their release. According to investigators, two of the Chinese nationals transferred cryptocurrency deposits of US$2,000 each, after allegedly fearing physical harm. Police said mobile phone transfer records were recovered as evidence. Authorities previously arrested four police officers and one civilian during the operation. The suspects were identified as Sgt Maj Paphawin, attached to the Highway Police Bureau, Sgt Maj Wutthikorn and Sgt Maj Somchai from Khlong Hat Police Station, Sgt Maj Pichet from Ban Paeng Police Station in Chanthaburi, and civilian suspect Nattanan. Police also seized four semi-automatic handguns, 24 rounds of ammunition and two Toyota pickup trucks during the raid. All five suspects were remanded in custody by Sa Kaeo Provincial Court on 19 May. Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, deputy inspector-general and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had ordered firm criminal and disciplinary action against all officers involved. Authorities described the allegations as serious misconduct and a breach of police ethics. Police had already proposed suspending the four arrested officers from duty to ensure a transparent investigation and maintain public confidence. Investigators are also examining whether the operation was linked to a wider organised network or transnational criminal activity. Authorities added that preliminary findings suggested the five Chinese nationals had entered Thailand illegally and frequently crossed the Thai-Cambodian border. Investigators are now exploring possible links to online scam networks and other cross-border criminal groups. Daily News reported that police stressed that all officers must operate strictly within the law and said Thailand would not be allowed to become a base or transit route for transnational criminal organisations. Picture courtesy of Daily News Related story Police-held-over-extortion-of-chinese-in-Sa-Kaeo Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 21:53:04 +0000Thai police have charged a fifth officer linked to the alleged abduction and extortion of five Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo province, as authorities move to suspend the officers involved from service pending further investigation. Get today's headlines by email The latest development came on 20 May after Capt Prayoon, attached to Khlong Hat Police Station in Sa Kaeo, surrendered to investigators at Wang Sombun Police Station. Officers formally charged him with unlawful detention, abuse of authority, extortion and misconduct in office. Police said the case stemmed from a raid on 17 May at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, where immigration police and local investigators rescued five Chinese nationals allegedly being held against their will. Investigators said the victims had been handcuffed and attempts made to force them to pay 300,000 baht each, in exchange for their release. According to investigators, two of the Chinese nationals transferred cryptocurrency deposits of US$2,000 each, after allegedly fearing physical harm. Police said mobile phone transfer records were recovered as evidence. Authorities previously arrested four police officers and one civilian during the operation. The suspects were identified as Sgt Maj Paphawin, attached to the Highway Police Bureau, Sgt Maj Wutthikorn and Sgt Maj Somchai from Khlong Hat Police Station, Sgt Maj Pichet from Ban Paeng Police Station in Chanthaburi, and civilian suspect Nattanan. Police also seized four semi-automatic handguns, 24 rounds of ammunition and two Toyota pickup trucks during the raid. All five suspects were remanded in custody by Sa Kaeo Provincial Court on 19 May. Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, deputy inspector-general and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had ordered firm criminal and disciplinary action against all officers involved. Authorities described the allegations as serious misconduct and a breach of police ethics. Police had already proposed suspending the four arrested officers from duty to ensure a transparent investigation and maintain public confidence. Investigators are also examining whether the operation was linked to a wider organised network or transnational criminal activity. Authorities added that preliminary findings suggested the five Chinese nationals had entered Thailand illegally and frequently crossed the Thai-Cambodian border. Investigators are now exploring possible links to online scam networks and other cross-border criminal groups. Daily News reported that police stressed that all officers must operate strictly within the law and said Thailand would not be allowed to become a base or transit route for transnational criminal organisations. Picture courtesy of Daily News Related story Police-held-over-extortion-of-chinese-in-Sa-Kaeo Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 21:53:04 +0000They arrive knackered with not many good years left if any. They find a gf online which is more like a nurse /maid. They don't see much if anything of Thailand or it's neighbors. Don't enjoy Thailand - all farang Basically, Thailand becomes merely a retirement home. My guess is this lot dies adjust well, doesn't die here. It's 5 10 and back home Their diks prolly don't work and largely rotund people. Women...forget it. They don't lastWed, 20 May 2026 21:50:44 +0000MealWed, 20 May 2026 21:47:11 +0000You're right It's 3.8% per recent post article Which means its probably 4.5%Wed, 20 May 2026 21:46:06 +0000I think people should earn the max they can in farangland then retire abroad to a country where you can have a much better quality of life, this will also add to the housing stock available to the young back home who are always moaning they can't buyWed, 20 May 2026 21:45:29 +0000Oh my lol....oh my lol . .a man of your perceived academic qualifications and life experience has no idea what that means ?? Oh my ...your not as life experienced as you make out ! Oh my lol. Funniest thing I have ever read , the old men who has no idea about northern Ireland historyWed, 20 May 2026 21:39:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/phuket-officials-moved-over-patong-corruption-claims-r1902/Five senior Phuket provincial officials have been transferred pending an investigation linked to allegations of extortion and bribery involving entertainment venues in Patong. The Department of Provincial Administration issued the order on 20 May 2026 after complaints from business operators and nightlife workers in Bangla Road, Patong, accused state officials of demanding illegal payments and obstructing licensing procedures. Get today's headlines by email The order, signed by Department of Provincial Administration director-general Narucha Khosasitwilai, stated that the transfers were necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent interference with evidence. The reassignment period runs from 25 May to 24 June 2026 under Section 32 of the State Administration Act 1991 and its amendments. The five officials affected are Phuket deputy governor Rungreung Thimabut, Phuket City district chief Siwat Rawangkul, Thalang district chief Wilailak Rueangphon, Kathu district chief Akkharaphon Sutthirak Jitsusupha, and Phuket provincial disaster prevention chief Danai Suksakul. Each has been ordered to report to separate divisions within the Department of Provincial Administration in advisory or support roles during the investigation period. The move follows mounting pressure from entertainment venue operators and staff in Patong, who publicly gathered to oppose what they described as extortion and unlawful demands for benefits from state officials. They also called on authorities to address long-standing problems surrounding entertainment venue licensing and to ensure fair treatment for businesses operating in the area. Officials said the complaints had damaged the image of both the Interior Ministry and the Department of Provincial Administration, while also affecting public confidence in government agencies. The department stated that a swift and impartial fact-finding process was needed to restore trust and minimise disruption in Phuket. The developments also coincide with a recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Phuket on 10 May. During the visit, he monitored efforts to resolve alleged encroachment by influential groups on public land at Freedom Beach and called for more systematic action against local influence networks. Observers say the transfers signal growing scrutiny of provincial administration and local enforcement practices in Phuket, particularly in tourism and nightlife zones where complaints over unofficial payments and licensing disputes have surfaced repeatedly in recent years. Amarin reported that authorities have not announced when the investigation will conclude, but the reassigned officials are expected to remain under departmental supervision until at least 24 June. Further disciplinary or legal action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 21:38:46 +0000Five senior Phuket provincial officials have been transferred pending an investigation linked to allegations of extortion and bribery involving entertainment venues in Patong. The Department of Provincial Administration issued the order on 20 May 2026 after complaints from business operators and nightlife workers in Bangla Road, Patong, accused state officials of demanding illegal payments and obstructing licensing procedures. Get today's headlines by email The order, signed by Department of Provincial Administration director-general Narucha Khosasitwilai, stated that the transfers were necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and prevent interference with evidence. The reassignment period runs from 25 May to 24 June 2026 under Section 32 of the State Administration Act 1991 and its amendments. The five officials affected are Phuket deputy governor Rungreung Thimabut, Phuket City district chief Siwat Rawangkul, Thalang district chief Wilailak Rueangphon, Kathu district chief Akkharaphon Sutthirak Jitsusupha, and Phuket provincial disaster prevention chief Danai Suksakul. Each has been ordered to report to separate divisions within the Department of Provincial Administration in advisory or support roles during the investigation period. The move follows mounting pressure from entertainment venue operators and staff in Patong, who publicly gathered to oppose what they described as extortion and unlawful demands for benefits from state officials. They also called on authorities to address long-standing problems surrounding entertainment venue licensing and to ensure fair treatment for businesses operating in the area. Officials said the complaints had damaged the image of both the Interior Ministry and the Department of Provincial Administration, while also affecting public confidence in government agencies. The department stated that a swift and impartial fact-finding process was needed to restore trust and minimise disruption in Phuket. The developments also coincide with a recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Phuket on 10 May. During the visit, he monitored efforts to resolve alleged encroachment by influential groups on public land at Freedom Beach and called for more systematic action against local influence networks. Observers say the transfers signal growing scrutiny of provincial administration and local enforcement practices in Phuket, particularly in tourism and nightlife zones where complaints over unofficial payments and licensing disputes have surfaced repeatedly in recent years. Amarin reported that authorities have not announced when the investigation will conclude, but the reassigned officials are expected to remain under departmental supervision until at least 24 June. Further disciplinary or legal action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 21:38:46 +0000You don't follow news at all evidently Mariam Adelson Paul Singer John Paulson Ruined Kentucky recent race with dirty money. New York Jews probably never stepped foot in KY Injected 25M for Israeli first interest. Massie voted against all foreign aid across the board regardless Israel first has ousted a number of candidates and is the most corrupting influence congress has ever seenWed, 20 May 2026 21:36:59 +0000Let's be fair she has farang fatigue, i also get it being in Jomtien immigration officeWed, 20 May 2026 21:36:46 +0000UPDATE Thai Union Demands Reform After Bangkok CrashWed, 20 May 2026 21:32:41 +0000Oh my ..... Oh my.. jealously never fades as you get older, one would think you become wiser but not so I have seen jealous old men even their 70's at the most ridiculous things Oh my ....oh lordy Lol.... people never changeWed, 20 May 2026 21:30:23 +0000