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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Thailand news</title><link>https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/</link><description>National and regional news from all around Thailand</description><language>en</language><item><title>Foreigner Linked to Suitcase Body Probe in Pattaya</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397567-foreigner-linked-to-suitcase-body-probe-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=20571060]]></link><description>seems they are on the right track, well done Pattaya police</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:00:38 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Worker Falls From Chiang Rai Hospital Building Site</title><link>https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/worker-falls-from-chiang-rai-hospital-building-site-r2494/</link><description>A 63-year-old construction worker from Nakhon Nayok has died after falling from a 14-storey hospital construction project at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital in Chiang Rai. The man was found trapped on scaffolding between the fourth and fifth floors after the fall and was initially taken to intensive care before later dying from his injuries.  Get today's headlines by email   Police at Muang Chiang Rai Police Station received reports of the incident on the afternoon of 26 June 2026. Officers were notified that a worker had fallen from the upper levels of a major construction site for the hospital&#x2019;s new international cardiovascular and vascular health services centre. Emergency responders and rescue teams from the Siam Chiang Rai Foundation were dispatched to the scene alongside provincial officials.  The worker, identified as a 63-year-old male from Muang district, Nakhon Nayok province, reportedly fell from the upper structure of the 14-storey building while scaffolding was being installed along the side of the project. He landed on an already completed section of scaffolding between floors four and five, where he was found unconscious by rescue personnel.  He was urgently transported to the hospital&#x2019;s intensive care unit immediately after the rescue. However, medical staff confirmed that he later died due to the severity of injuries sustained from the fall, which shocked fellow workers on site.  The hospital director, Dr Somsak Apayapiboon, confirmed the incident and said the patient had been admitted to ICU following the incident. Senior provincial officials, including Chiang Rai Governor Choochip Phongchai and Nangs Jittraat Mheetongthanakorn, chair of the advisory committee to the Minister of Public Health, attended the scene. Authorities coordinated with the victim&#x2019;s relatives, who are based in central Thailand, to arrange next steps and ensure entitlement to any compensation and welfare support.  The construction project, located beside Ruam Chit Thawai Kham Road, is valued at 766,080,000 baht. It is scheduled to run from September 2023 until September 2026. The 14-storey structure, comparable in height to the hospital&#x2019;s emergency building, is a prominent feature in Chiang Rai city and remains under active construction with significant machinery, materials, and workforce on site. Manager Online reported that an investigation into the cause of the incident is to be carried out by authorities.   Picture courtesy of MGR  Join the discussion?   Already a member?    Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 27 June 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_06/IMG_5767.jpeg.2c1a7f21a3d5014151a8be757641545d.jpeg" length="141853" type="image/jpeg"/><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:56:42 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Worker Falls From Chiang Rai Hospital Building Site</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397569-worker-falls-from-chiang-rai-hospital-building-site/?do=findComment&comment=20571059]]></link><description>A 63-year-old construction worker from Nakhon Nayok has died after falling from a 14-storey hospital construction project at Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital in Chiang Rai. The man was found trapped on scaffolding between the fourth and fifth floors after the fall and was initially taken to intensive care before later dying from his injuries.  Get today's headlines by email   Police at Muang Chiang Rai Police Station received reports of the incident on the afternoon of 26 June 2026. Officers were notified that a worker had fallen from the upper levels of a major construction site for the hospital&#x2019;s new international cardiovascular and vascular health services centre. Emergency responders and rescue teams from the Siam Chiang Rai Foundation were dispatched to the scene alongside provincial officials.  The worker, identified as a 63-year-old male from Muang district, Nakhon Nayok province, reportedly fell from the upper structure of the 14-storey building while scaffolding was being installed along the side of the project. He landed on an already completed section of scaffolding between floors four and five, where he was found unconscious by rescue personnel.  He was urgently transported to the hospital&#x2019;s intensive care unit immediately after the rescue. However, medical staff confirmed that he later died due to the severity of injuries sustained from the fall, which shocked fellow workers on site.  The hospital director, Dr Somsak Apayapiboon, confirmed the incident and said the patient had been admitted to ICU following the incident. Senior provincial officials, including Chiang Rai Governor Choochip Phongchai and Nangs Jittraat Mheetongthanakorn, chair of the advisory committee to the Minister of Public Health, attended the scene. Authorities coordinated with the victim&#x2019;s relatives, who are based in central Thailand, to arrange next steps and ensure entitlement to any compensation and welfare support.  The construction project, located beside Ruam Chit Thawai Kham Road, is valued at 766,080,000 baht. It is scheduled to run from September 2023 until September 2026. The 14-storey structure, comparable in height to the hospital&#x2019;s emergency building, is a prominent feature in Chiang Rai city and remains under active construction with significant machinery, materials, and workforce on site. Manager Online reported that an investigation into the cause of the incident is to be carried out by authorities.   Picture courtesy of MGR  Join the discussion?   Already a member?    Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 27 June 2026 

 
View full article</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:56:42 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Maxwell Challenges Conviction After Epstein Files Release</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397484-maxwell-challenges-conviction-after-epstein-files-release/?do=findComment&comment=20571058]]></link><description>The age of consent is the legally defined minimum age at which a person is considered competent to agree to sexual activity. Anyone younger than this age cannot legally consent, meaning any sexual contact with them is treated as a crime (such as statutory rape), even if the minor agreed to it</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:52:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Trying to locate a band?</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397568-trying-to-locate-a-band/?do=findComment&comment=20571057]]></link><description>Hi All,   Way back in the day, circa 2009-2011 ish, there was a bar on 2nd Road called Tattoo Bar. It went out of business eventually, and the band that played there moved on to other locales. I&#x2019;d like to find out if anyone knows where that band is playing nowadays?</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:49:34 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Maxwell Challenges Conviction After Epstein Files Release</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397484-maxwell-challenges-conviction-after-epstein-files-release/?do=findComment&comment=20571056]]></link><description>Yep, just like our cult leader.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:46:17 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20571055]]></link><description>Rappel</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:45:13 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Foreigner Linked to Suitcase Body Probe in Pattaya</title><link>https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreigner-linked-to-suitcase-body-probe-in-pattaya-r2493/</link><description>Police in Pattaya, Chon Buri, are investigating a foreign man in connection with the discovery of a body concealed inside a large suitcase abandoned near the railway line behind Pattaya Floating Market. The victim is believed to be a 17-year-old girl who had previously been reported missing, although formal identification is still pending.  Get today's headlines by email   Officers opened the suitcase after it was found abandoned and discovered the body folded inside. During an initial examination, investigators identified a tattoo consistent with that of the missing teenager. Police said the victim&#x2019;s identity will only be confirmed following forensic identification and a post-mortem examination.    The discovery brings an apparent end to the family&#x2019;s search for the missing girl. The case has attracted widespread public attention as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and identify those responsible.    The investigation is being directed by Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, who assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Khatchamat, deputy superintendent of investigations, to lead the inquiry. Officers are also working closely with Pol. Col. Nattaphon Phongsuksakul, superintendent of Nong Prue Police Station, supported by Pol. Lt. Col. Wirat Thetthong and Pol. Maj. Kamron Rodma.  Police have sealed off the scene while forensic specialists gathered evidence. Investigators are reviewing local CCTV footage, examining forensic evidence and questioning witnesses as part of efforts to determine the movements of a foreign man linked to the investigation and establish whether he was involved in the case.   Pictures courtesy of &#xE09;&#xE25;&#xE32;&#xE21; &#xE19;&#xE34;&#xE27;&#xE2A;&#xE4C;  Investigators are examining CCTV footage which reportedly shows a foreign man transporting the suitcase on the back of a motorcycle before abandoning it near the railway line. Police are comparing the suitcase recovered at the scene with images of a foreign man seen wheeling a similar suitcase out of a condominium in the Jomtien area to establish whether the evidence is linked.  Authorities have stressed that forensic examinations and evidence collection remain ongoing. No formal confirmation of the victim&#x2019;s identity has yet been issued, as the police investigation continues.  AQOr9IpiDrFjeGNhMNqtbIW5X5KvUwFmigU5P7lrU0h6Kh5bHhYngCA1LUV3bix3oC8ToZ-91fw3e4AwTbY47sutD__RnHNM95GkldjNLg.mp4  Join the discussion?   Already a member?    Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xE09;&#xE25;&#xE32;&#xE21; &#xE19;&#xE34;&#xE27;&#xE2A;&#xE4C; 27 June 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_06/IMG_5779.png.d3223fc76492eb31f15bd6575f85f821.png" length="7142283" type="image/png"/><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:44:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Foreigner Linked to Suitcase Body Probe in Pattaya</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397567-foreigner-linked-to-suitcase-body-probe-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=20571054]]></link><description>Police in Pattaya, Chon Buri, are investigating a foreign man in connection with the discovery of a body concealed inside a large suitcase abandoned near the railway line behind Pattaya Floating Market. The victim is believed to be a 17-year-old girl who had previously been reported missing, although formal identification is still pending.  Get today's headlines by email   Officers opened the suitcase after it was found abandoned and discovered the body folded inside. During an initial examination, investigators identified a tattoo consistent with that of the missing teenager. Police said the victim&#x2019;s identity will only be confirmed following forensic identification and a post-mortem examination.    The discovery brings an apparent end to the family&#x2019;s search for the missing girl. The case has attracted widespread public attention as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and identify those responsible.    The investigation is being directed by Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, who assigned Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Khatchamat, deputy superintendent of investigations, to lead the inquiry. Officers are also working closely with Pol. Col. Nattaphon Phongsuksakul, superintendent of Nong Prue Police Station, supported by Pol. Lt. Col. Wirat Thetthong and Pol. Maj. Kamron Rodma.  Police have sealed off the scene while forensic specialists gathered evidence. Investigators are reviewing local CCTV footage, examining forensic evidence and questioning witnesses as part of efforts to determine the movements of a foreign man linked to the investigation and establish whether he was involved in the case.   Pictures courtesy of &#xE09;&#xE25;&#xE32;&#xE21; &#xE19;&#xE34;&#xE27;&#xE2A;&#xE4C;  Investigators are examining CCTV footage which reportedly shows a foreign man transporting the suitcase on the back of a motorcycle before abandoning it near the railway line. Police are comparing the suitcase recovered at the scene with images of a foreign man seen wheeling a similar suitcase out of a condominium in the Jomtien area to establish whether the evidence is linked.  Authorities have stressed that forensic examinations and evidence collection remain ongoing. No formal confirmation of the victim&#x2019;s identity has yet been issued, as the police investigation continues.  AQOr9IpiDrFjeGNhMNqtbIW5X5KvUwFmigU5P7lrU0h6Kh5bHhYngCA1LUV3bix3oC8ToZ-91fw3e4AwTbY47sutD__RnHNM95GkldjNLg.mp4  Join the discussion?   Already a member?    Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xE09;&#xE25;&#xE32;&#xE21; &#xE19;&#xE34;&#xE27;&#xE2A;&#xE4C; 27 June 2026 

 
View full article</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:44:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>What Happened to dogs Control in Jomtien?</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397526-what-happened-to-dogs-control-in-jomtien/?do=findComment&comment=20571053]]></link><description>Sorry to hear, sounds like you got the short straw in life.   I'm the luckiest guy on the planet.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:41:02 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>What Happened to dogs Control in Jomtien?</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397526-what-happened-to-dogs-control-in-jomtien/?do=findComment&comment=20571052]]></link><description>I'd say the guy walking his dogs would prefer to be with his dogs all year round than a once of Christmas event.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:39:32 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Thailand Targets 33.2m Tourists in 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397566-thailand-targets-332m-tourists-in-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20571051]]></link><description>Safety?  Thailand can start by making sidewalks and street crossings safe.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:39:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Thailand Targets 33.2m Tourists in 2026</title><link>https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-targets-332m-tourists-in-2026-r2492/</link><description>Thailand is aiming to welcome more than 33.2 million foreign tourists by the end of 2026 as it shifts its focus towards attracting higher-value visitors rather than simply increasing arrival numbers.  Get today's headlines by email   The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is pursuing a &#x201C;Value over Volume&#x201D; strategy designed to position Thailand as a &#x201C;Quality Destination&#x201D;, placing greater emphasis on tourism revenue, service standards, safety and sustainability. Officials believe the approach will strengthen the sector despite continued global economic uncertainty and intense international competition.  Between January and May 2026, Thailand recorded 14.03 million foreign tourist arrivals. Although slightly below the figures for the same period in previous years, the country has maintained more than 14 million visitors during the first five months for the third consecutive year, with 14.76 million recorded in 2024, 14.36 million in 2025 and 14.03 million in 2026.  Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Natthriya Thaweevong said the figures demonstrate continued confidence among international travellers and reinforce Thailand&#x2019;s position as one of the world&#x2019;s leading tourism destinations.  She said the government&#x2019;s strategy is intended to generate greater economic value, spread tourism income to local communities, improve service standards, enhance safety and promote sustainable tourism across the country.  Thailand&#x2019;s quality tourism ambitions have also received international recognition. Koh Samui was recently named &#x201C;Best Island 2026&#x201D; in the Asia-Pacific region at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, based on votes from readers of the global travel magazine.  The ministry regards Koh Samui as a model for developing premium tourism experiences while protecting natural resources, preserving local communities and maintaining high service standards. Alongside Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya, the island remains one of Thailand&#x2019;s leading destinations for overseas visitors.  From the beginning of the year until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Koh Samui welcomed more than 1,006,112 foreign tourists, generating more than THB25,531.85 million in revenue. The island proved especially popular with visitors from Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, France and China.  Natthriya said Thailand&#x2019;s success should not be measured solely by visitor numbers but by the quality of tourists, the revenue they generate and the benefits delivered to businesses and communities nationwide.  The Nation reported that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will work with public and private sector partners during the second half of 2026 to stage more international events, festivals and activities. It will also promote health tourism, sports tourism, community-based tourism and cultural tourism to create higher-value visitor experiences and improve Thailand&#x2019;s competitiveness.  Supported by these initiatives, the ministry remains confident Thailand will exceed 33.2 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 2026, generating significant economic revenue while supporting balanced, high-quality and sustainable long-term growth.   Picture courtesy of The Nation  Join the discussion?   Already a member?    Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 27 June 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_06/IMG_5726.png.fc16b42b73d181466e9f49d5b8e86b2a.png" length="3176466" type="image/png"/><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:27:28 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Thailand Targets 33.2m Tourists in 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397566-thailand-targets-332m-tourists-in-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20571050]]></link><description>Thailand is aiming to welcome more than 33.2 million foreign tourists by the end of 2026 as it shifts its focus towards attracting higher-value visitors rather than simply increasing arrival numbers.  Get today's headlines by email   The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is pursuing a &#x201C;Value over Volume&#x201D; strategy designed to position Thailand as a &#x201C;Quality Destination&#x201D;, placing greater emphasis on tourism revenue, service standards, safety and sustainability. Officials believe the approach will strengthen the sector despite continued global economic uncertainty and intense international competition.  Between January and May 2026, Thailand recorded 14.03 million foreign tourist arrivals. Although slightly below the figures for the same period in previous years, the country has maintained more than 14 million visitors during the first five months for the third consecutive year, with 14.76 million recorded in 2024, 14.36 million in 2025 and 14.03 million in 2026.  Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Natthriya Thaweevong said the figures demonstrate continued confidence among international travellers and reinforce Thailand&#x2019;s position as one of the world&#x2019;s leading tourism destinations.  She said the government&#x2019;s strategy is intended to generate greater economic value, spread tourism income to local communities, improve service standards, enhance safety and promote sustainable tourism across the country.  Thailand&#x2019;s quality tourism ambitions have also received international recognition. Koh Samui was recently named &#x201C;Best Island 2026&#x201D; in the Asia-Pacific region at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, based on votes from readers of the global travel magazine.  The ministry regards Koh Samui as a model for developing premium tourism experiences while protecting natural resources, preserving local communities and maintaining high service standards. Alongside Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya, the island remains one of Thailand&#x2019;s leading destinations for overseas visitors.  From the beginning of the year until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Koh Samui welcomed more than 1,006,112 foreign tourists, generating more than THB25,531.85 million in revenue. The island proved especially popular with visitors from Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, France and China.  Natthriya said Thailand&#x2019;s success should not be measured solely by visitor numbers but by the quality of tourists, the revenue they generate and the benefits delivered to businesses and communities nationwide.  The Nation reported that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will work with public and private sector partners during the second half of 2026 to stage more international events, festivals and activities. It will also promote health tourism, sports tourism, community-based tourism and cultural tourism to create higher-value visitor experiences and improve Thailand&#x2019;s competitiveness.  Supported by these initiatives, the ministry remains confident Thailand will exceed 33.2 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 2026, generating significant economic revenue while supporting balanced, high-quality and sustainable long-term growth.   Picture courtesy of The Nation  Join the discussion?   Already a member?    Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 27 June 2026 

 
View full article</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:27:28 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trump's  incompetency & idiocy]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1392146-trumps-incompetency-idiocy/?do=findComment&comment=20571049]]></link><description>let's just hope that as iran makes an even bigger fool of trump that he doesn't decide to launch a few nukes into the middle east to prove what a big tough guy captain bonespurs is when his panties get all twisted....will anyone in military stand up to him to stop him when he has already eliminated the best and brightest generals and replaced them with boot lickers...obviously the republican senators and house are spineless boot lickers who refuse to cross the tantrum king.  trump may decide to go out in a blaze of nuclear weapons and take a few hundred million people with him....the man is off his rocker.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:27:26 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Israel, Lebanon Agree Initial Troop Withdrawal Deal</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397565-israel-lebanon-agree-initial-troop-withdrawal-deal/?do=findComment&comment=20571048]]></link><description>Israel will withdraw from two locations in southern Lebanon under a new agreement reached after four days of negotiations in Washington, marking what officials described as an initial step toward broader talks between the neighboring countries.  Get today's headlines by email   The agreement, brokered by the United States and signed by representatives of Israel and Lebanon, provides for the transfer of the two sites to the Lebanese Armed Forces as part of a pilot arrangement linked to the existing ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the withdrawals involve one area north of the Litani River and another south of it. He described the move as the removal of Israeli troops from positions the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) "does not need," while stressing that Israel would continue to maintain a military presence in other occupied parts of southern Lebanon. Pilot withdrawal under US-backed dealThe agreement emerged during a fifth round of US-hosted talks aimed at encouraging wider cooperation between Israel and Lebanon, two countries that have never established diplomatic relations. A senior Israeli official said the trilateral agreement between Israel, Lebanon and the United States would create the conditions for a "future agreement" as efforts continue toward a broader peace arrangement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that significant challenges remain but described the signing as an important milestone. "Today is the beginning of the beginning," Rubio said during the signing ceremony. He added that while difficult negotiations lie ahead, the United States was honored to help facilitate the process. Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, called the agreement the "first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity." Lebanon welcomes agreementUnder the arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces will deploy to the two locations vacated by Israeli troops. The pilot programme forms part of the latest ceasefire agreement between the two countries. The announcement follows earlier indications that Israel was considering limited withdrawals from occupied territory in southern Lebanon as a goodwill gesture during negotiations. On Thursday, the IDF said it would temporarily reduce its troop levels in Lebanon but did not mention relinquishing territory. A day earlier, Israel's defence minister had stated that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon even if the United States requested their withdrawal. Netanyahu links deal to HezbollahNetanyahu portrayed the agreement as beneficial for Israel, saying it allows Israeli forces to remain in much of the territory they currently occupy until Hezbollah is disarmed. He also described the agreement as a setback for Iran, accusing Tehran of attempting to pressure Israel into withdrawing from southern Lebanon through force. Following the signing, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun thanked the Trump administration for hosting the negotiations. He said the agreement would allow Lebanese citizens to return to "their fully liberated land" under the exclusive sovereignty of the Lebanese state, in an apparent reference to Hezbollah's influence, which is backed by Iran. Hezbollah, however, strongly rejected the talks. Hassan Fadallah, a member of the group's parliamentary bloc, condemned direct negotiations with Israel and urged the Lebanese government to reverse its decisions. Speaking to the pro-Hezbollah Al-Mayadeen television channel, he said anyone who "shakes hands with the enemy is a criminal like them." Rubio said both Lebanese and Israeli citizens had endured decades of conflict and deserved to live in peace and security, while cautioning that achieving lasting progress would require considerable further work.   Join the discussion?   Already a member?     Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026 

 
View full article</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:27:02 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>The Reflecting Pool Debacle: Metaphor of Trump's Administration</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397304-the-reflecting-pool-debacle-metaphor-of-trumps-administration/?do=findComment&comment=20571047]]></link><description>Now they're PUTTING UP FENCING AROUND THE POOL?!?!?  Yes, Virginia, I AM sick of all the "winning."</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:23:45 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>'You've got legs!' Fury over Tube stairway standoff</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397558-youve-got-legs-fury-over-tube-stairway-standoff/?do=findComment&comment=20571046]]></link><description>Continuing the theme of anti social behaviour in the UK  Heatwave Chaos as Parliament Hill Lido Closes Again Over Bad Behaviour  One of London's most popular outdoor swimming spots has been forced to cancel evening sessions for a second time this summer after repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour, despite soaring temperatures driving thousands to seek relief from the heat. Managers at Parliament Hill Lido say the decision was taken to protect staff and swimmers after what they described as persistent "inappropriate behaviour" by a minority of visitors.  Safety Concerns Override Heatwave Demand The Hampstead Heath lido closed after Thursday afternoon's session and will also remain shut for Friday evening, with normal morning sessions expected to resume the following day. In a message to users, management said the closures followed "careful consideration" and were necessary to ensure the health and safety of the swimming community. A spokesperson later said the move was prompted by "poor behaviour on too many evenings recently".  Summer Trouble Escalates The latest shutdown follows a string of incidents during this year's warm weather. An "unacceptable" fight over the second May Bank Holiday led to two arrests and forced the lido to close for much of the weekend. A separate disturbance days later resulted in temporary restrictions preventing anyone under 16 from entering unless accompanied by an adult. Extra security patrols introduced last week have failed to prevent further problems.  Users Left Frustrated The Parliament Hill Lido Users Group apologised to swimmers who had planned evening visits, saying the closures were unavoidable. The group said safety had to come first, acknowledging that many regular users would be disappointed but insisting the decision was made to protect both customers and staff.  Pressure Spreads Across Hampstead Heath The City of London Corporation is also tightening enforcement elsewhere on the Heath as crowds flock to green spaces during the heatwave. Officials are stepping up patrols around the lido, Model Boating Pond and nearby areas after visitors were filmed entering protected wildlife ponds where swimming is prohibited. Authorities have also renewed warnings that fires and barbecues remain banned because of the heightened wildfire risk. As temperatures continue to climb, officials are urging visitors to enjoy the Heath responsibly, warning that the actions of a small minority are putting public facilities and fragile natural spaces under increasing pressure.  Parliament Hill Lido forced to close yet again today after more 'inappropriate behaviour'</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_06/OIP-3601477619.jpg.784ccd438529892f87e90afaefbb59ff.jpg" length="47274" type="image/jpeg"/><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:22:35 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Police Arrest Two Indians Over 200kg Ice Haul in Bangkok</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397441-police-arrest-two-indians-over-200kg-ice-haul-in-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=20571045]]></link><description>Post breaking forum rules removed.  @greeneking rule 17.News articles are collected from recognised sources and may be consolidated or rewritten with AI assistance. Respectful discussion of the article content is welcome. Disrespectful comments about the articles, the use of AI, or the news team (e.g. &#x201C;clickbait,&#x201D; &#x201C;slow news day,&#x201D; mocking grammar, or AI taunts) are not permitted. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result. If you see an error in an article, please use the report function.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:19:41 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Mystery highway shutdown sparks questions near Putin&#x2019;s Valdai estate</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397564-mystery-highway-shutdown-sparks-questions-near-putins-valdai-estate/?do=findComment&comment=20571044]]></link><description>Mystery roadblock shuts down highway near Putin's estate  A major highway in western Russia was abruptly brought to a standstill on Friday, leaving motorists stranded for hours near the area of President Vladimir Putin's official residence and fuelling speculation over heightened security concerns. Authorities offered no public explanation for the disruption, with traffic police reportedly refusing to tell drivers why the busy route had been sealed off.  90km Stretch Grinds to a Halt Eyewitnesses said the M11 motorway in Russia's Tver region was blocked near the village of Kolomno, creating long queues of stationary vehicles. Online traffic data suggested the disruption was far from localised. Google Maps indicated that around 90 kilometres of the highway had been affected, with the closure appearing shortly before 11am local time and expected to last for several hours. Russian navigation platforms showed a slightly different picture, stopping short of listing the road as officially closed but confirming severe congestion around Kolomno and Okulovka.  Location Raises Eyebrows The affected stretch of motorway runs close to Putin's official residence in Valdai, a location associated with some of the Kremlin leader's most secure facilities. No official statement linked the road closure to the president or to any specific security operation. Nevertheless, the proximity to the Valdai estate quickly prompted speculation online as drivers searched for answers.  Security Fears Continue to Grow The unexplained disruption follows a series of unusual security measures reported in the same region earlier this month. Observers previously noted that protective nets had been installed over truck parking areas across the Valdai district. Analysts suggested the barriers could be designed to prevent drones from being launched from parked lorries, reflecting growing concern over long-range attacks inside Russian territory.  Questions Without Answers Russia has faced an increasing number of drone strikes targeting military, industrial and transport infrastructure far from the front line, prompting tighter security around strategically important sites. Whether Friday's highway shutdown was linked to those threats remains unclear. With officials remaining silent, the sudden closure has only deepened questions over security near one of Russia's most closely guarded presidential residences.  Mystery roadblock shuts down highway near Putin's estate</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_06/AA224rZe.webp.a462ced9be322ccb6524e21db5cfb88b.webp" length="30060" type="image/webp"/><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:04:10 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Shirtless tourists face &#xA3;129 France holiday fine</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397563-shirtless-tourists-face-%C2%A3129-france-holiday-fine/?do=findComment&comment=20571043]]></link><description>So France is banning bare chests to stop the smell, and banning takeaway alcohol to save the hospitals... basically, they just outlawed the entire British summer holiday.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:03:15 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Europe Heatwave Drives Drowning Deaths and Disruption</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397363-europe-heatwave-drives-drowning-deaths-and-disruption/?do=findComment&comment=20571042]]></link><description>That's understandable.   Which is why I have a Tacoma.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:02:12 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trump's  incompetency & idiocy]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1392146-trumps-incompetency-idiocy/?do=findComment&comment=20571041]]></link><description>Trump Trapped in &#x2018;Flattery Bubble&#x2019;, Biographers WarnPresident Donald Trump is becoming increasingly isolated from political reality, according to two journalists who have closely chronicled his rise, arguing that a steady diet of praise and limited exposure to criticism is shaping decision-making at the highest levels of the White House. Speaking in a television interview, New York Times reporters Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman said Trump's inner circle has created an environment where bad news rarely reaches the president, raising questions about how accurately he gauges public opinion.  A President Shielded From Criticism Swan argued that Trump's information flow has narrowed significantly compared with his first term. Rather than encountering a broad range of views, he said the president now relies heavily on cable news, newspapers and conversations with allies who largely reinforce his existing beliefs. According to Swan, aides are often reluctant to deliver unwelcome news, fearing the political cost of challenging the president directly. The result, he suggested, is an increasingly insulated decision-making process.  Loyalty Over Doubt Haberman said those surrounding Trump remain deeply committed to him, even if not all are ideological supporters. She argued many within his orbit now identify more closely with Trump than with the traditional Republican establishment. She also said legal battles during recent years strengthened that loyalty, with advisers believing Trump's political survival was tied to their own futures. That shared sense of jeopardy, she argued, helped cement a culture of unwavering support.  Success Breeds Confidence &#x2014; and Risk The authors suggested Trump's repeated political comebacks have reinforced confidence among advisers that he can overcome almost any setback. Haberman said associates frequently describe him as "the luckiest man in the world," pointing to a series of unexpected reversals of fortune throughout his career. Critics argue that such confidence can make honest internal debate more difficult, particularly when major policy decisions are at stake.  A Debate That Shows No Sign of Fading The interview has reignited discussion about how presidents receive advice and whether leaders benefit from hearing dissenting views alongside supportive voices. Supporters argue Trump remains decisive because he trusts his instincts and loyal advisers. Critics contend that any administration risks becoming detached from public sentiment when uncomfortable truths struggle to reach the Oval Office.  Trump is rotting away in an ignorant bubble of 'flattery': biographers</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:56:39 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Shirtless tourists face &#xA3;129 France holiday fine</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1397563-shirtless-tourists-face-%C2%A3129-france-holiday-fine/?do=findComment&comment=20571040]]></link><description>It's illegal in Thailand too....is the law ever enforced here...?......what are the consequences here...?</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:49:02 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dissolving Illusions > Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1396966-dissolving-illusions-disease-vaccines-and-the-forgotten-history/?do=findComment&comment=20571039]]></link><description>From Gemini. You're welcome. Is the following statement true and honest?  Stop Measles vaccine for school children in Western Samoa ( a US protected territory,) and so far 88 Kids have died from Measles.  Result from the Gemini AI tool:  The statement is mostly false and highly misleading because it confuses two different territories, misstates how the vaccine halt occurred, and distorts the timeline of the tragedy. While a severe measles outbreak did occur in the region, the claims regarding political status, the reason for stopping the vaccine, and the sequence of events are factually incorrect. Fact-Checking the Claims "Western Samoa (a US protected territory)" &#x2014; FALSE The territory mentioned is Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa), which is a fully independent sovereign nation. It is not a U.S. territory. The statement confuses it with American Samoa, which is an unincorporated U.S. territory. Notably, American Samoa maintained high vaccination rates and suffered zero deaths during this period. "Stop Measles vaccine... and so far 88 Kids have died" &#x2014; FALSE TIMELINE The statement inaccurately links the vaccine halt as a direct precursor to 88 deaths. In reality, the tragic 2019 outbreak resulted in 83 total deaths (mostly children under 5). The temporary halt of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine occurred more than a year before the outbreak even began.</description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:47:30 +0000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
