https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenDonald Trump cast a long shadow over the Nato summit in Ankara, where alliance leaders are attempting to project unity while accelerating efforts to strengthen Europe's defences. Get today's headlines by email Turkey gave the US president a high-profile welcome, with a ceremonial reception led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders arrived together after Erdogan greeted Trump at the airport, while a military band played the US national anthem and Turkish fighter jets staged a flypast. Although the summit is focused on Nato's security priorities, Trump quickly drew attention with remarks that threatened to distract from the alliance's agenda. Trump dominates summit openingShortly after arriving, he repeated his view that the United States should take control of Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory that forms part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a Nato member. Trump acknowledged that his previous comments on the issue had strained relations within the alliance. Denmark has previously warned that any attempt by the US to seize Greenland by force would effectively end Nato. Disagreements over IranTrump also revisited disagreements over the US military campaign against Iran earlier this year, expressing frustration that Nato allies did not join the conflict, which Washington launched without consulting the alliance. He criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer despite Britain's decision to allow US forces to use British airbases for strikes on Iranian missile sites. Speaking about Starmer, Trump said: "He said no we'll help after the war is over. I said I don't want that kind of help. We didn't need any help at all. In a way I was testing people, I was testing to see whether or not they'd be there because I've long said that we help them but I'm not sure that they'd be there for us." The British delegation has sought to highlight defence cooperation with European partners during the summit. However, Starmer has arrived in Ankara facing criticism that the UK's Defence Investment Plan falls well short of the funding levels outlined in last year's Strategic Defence Review. Europe focuses on defenceAway from the political tensions, Nato members have concentrated on expanding Europe's military capabilities and strengthening defence industrial cooperation. The alliance announced major contracts for a new fleet of Airbus transport aircraft, while Sweden's GlobeEye aircraft will replace Nato's ageing AWACS airborne early warning fleet. Delegates have also discussed joint missile development programmes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to speed up the development of European air defence systems, warning that Russia's continued missile attacks on Ukraine highlight the need for stronger protection. In recent days, Russian ballistic missile strikes have hit residential areas in Kyiv, killing dozens of civilians, while Ukrainian air defence units have reported critical shortages of interceptor missiles. "Europe needs its own effective anti-ballistic system and missiles," Zelensky said. "And this work is already under way and I urge you and all of our partners to give it the attention it deserves. And this cannot wait until 2030 or beyond, Europe needs affordable mass-produced anti-ballistic systems as soon as possible." Preparing for future threatsNato leaders say they want the war in Ukraine to end, but many also fear that any ceasefire could allow Russia to rebuild its military rapidly. With the United States steadily reducing its defence commitments in Europe, alliance members are accelerating plans to strengthen their own capabilities, particularly in air defence, amid concerns that Russia could be capable of threatening Nato territory within four years. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 July 2026 View full articleTue, 07 Jul 2026 20:45:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/pm-warns-cannabis-industry-may-close-in-thailand-r2653/Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, promoting it as a medical crop with significant economic potential. Four years later, however, lawmakers are still debating cannabis control legislation, while recreational dispensaries have expanded and falling prices have pushed some growers towards illegal export markets. Speaking to reporters, Anutin said the government must reassess its approach if cannabis continues to be smuggled abroad despite stricter enforcement. “No matter how strict our measures are, if people can still smuggle drugs out, we need to go back and reassess our approach,” he said. He added that Thailand must prevent other countries from blaming it as “the weak link” and said he was prepared to “shut down” the industry if necessary. His comments follow several high-profile seizures. On 2 July, German customs announced they had dismantled a smuggling route transporting Thai cannabis to Europe by sea, seizing two shipments totalling 1.2 tonnes with an estimated street value of more than US$13 million. Investigators said the cannabis had been hidden inside containers of building materials and linked the operation to a German-Polish criminal group. The same day, Indonesian authorities revealed they had seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds from Thailand in East Java. The shipment was allegedly intended for cannabis vape products destined for Jakarta and Bali. Twelve suspects, including several Thai nationals, were arrested. Authorities have also reported increasing numbers of British nationals arrested after attempting to fly home carrying cannabis in their luggage. Investigators say organised crime groups have recruited couriers through Telegram chat app, offering free holidays to Thailand in exchange for transporting drugs. The UK Embassy in Thailand last week repeated its warning that travellers should never carry cannabis or packages for others, noting that those caught leaving Thailand with cannabis face fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram seized, with prison sentences possible if fines cannot be paid. Hong Kong customs also arrested two travellers arriving from Thailand last week carrying suspected cannabis buds weighing 13kg and 10kg respectively. Thailand has already tightened domestic regulations by requiring cannabis dispensaries to hold licences and buyers to present medical certificates. Hundreds of dispensaries have reportedly closed, although recreational use remains widespread and the proposed Cannabis Bill is still progressing through parliament. Some growers say the expected financial benefits never materialised. One former grower, identified only as Noi, said collapsing prices and criminal involvement had driven legitimate producers out of the market. She said cannabis prices had fallen from more than 10,000 baht per kilogram to around half that level and argued that the drug should be made illegal again. ScMP reported that the government’s next steps are likely to depend on whether tighter controls and the proposed legislation can reduce illegal exports while preserving the legal medical cannabis sector. Pictures courtesy of SCMP Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now SCMP 8 July 2026Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:44:21 +0000Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that the country’s cannabis industry could be shut down if authorities conclude it is causing more harm than benefit, following a series of major international cannabis smuggling cases linked to Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, promoting it as a medical crop with significant economic potential. Four years later, however, lawmakers are still debating cannabis control legislation, while recreational dispensaries have expanded and falling prices have pushed some growers towards illegal export markets. Speaking to reporters, Anutin said the government must reassess its approach if cannabis continues to be smuggled abroad despite stricter enforcement. “No matter how strict our measures are, if people can still smuggle drugs out, we need to go back and reassess our approach,” he said. He added that Thailand must prevent other countries from blaming it as “the weak link” and said he was prepared to “shut down” the industry if necessary. His comments follow several high-profile seizures. On 2 July, German customs announced they had dismantled a smuggling route transporting Thai cannabis to Europe by sea, seizing two shipments totalling 1.2 tonnes with an estimated street value of more than US$13 million. Investigators said the cannabis had been hidden inside containers of building materials and linked the operation to a German-Polish criminal group. The same day, Indonesian authorities revealed they had seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds from Thailand in East Java. The shipment was allegedly intended for cannabis vape products destined for Jakarta and Bali. Twelve suspects, including several Thai nationals, were arrested. Authorities have also reported increasing numbers of British nationals arrested after attempting to fly home carrying cannabis in their luggage. Investigators say organised crime groups have recruited couriers through Telegram chat app, offering free holidays to Thailand in exchange for transporting drugs. The UK Embassy in Thailand last week repeated its warning that travellers should never carry cannabis or packages for others, noting that those caught leaving Thailand with cannabis face fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram seized, with prison sentences possible if fines cannot be paid. Hong Kong customs also arrested two travellers arriving from Thailand last week carrying suspected cannabis buds weighing 13kg and 10kg respectively. Thailand has already tightened domestic regulations by requiring cannabis dispensaries to hold licences and buyers to present medical certificates. Hundreds of dispensaries have reportedly closed, although recreational use remains widespread and the proposed Cannabis Bill is still progressing through parliament. Some growers say the expected financial benefits never materialised. One former grower, identified only as Noi, said collapsing prices and criminal involvement had driven legitimate producers out of the market. She said cannabis prices had fallen from more than 10,000 baht per kilogram to around half that level and argued that the drug should be made illegal again. ScMP reported that the government’s next steps are likely to depend on whether tighter controls and the proposed legislation can reduce illegal exports while preserving the legal medical cannabis sector. Pictures courtesy of SCMP Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now SCMP 8 July 2026 View full articleTue, 07 Jul 2026 20:44:21 +0000Yale researchers have identified distinct immune system irregularities in individuals experiencing Post-Vaccination Syndrome (PVS) following COVID-19 immunization. Key biological findings and symptoms of this rare, debilitating condition include: [1, 2, 3] Persistent Spike Protein: Elevated levels of circulating vaccine spike protein were detected in some PVS patients months or even years post-vaccination, a signature linked to immune dysregulation. [1, 2] Immune Cell Abnormalities: Studies found reduced circulating memory and effector CD4 helper T-cells and an increase in cytotoxic CD8 T-cells compared to healthy controls. [1] EBV Reactivation: Higher rates of recent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation were observed in PVS subjects. [1] Primary Symptoms: Patients frequently report burning sensations, peripheral neuropathy, numbness, exercise intolerance, brain fog, and severe fatigue. [1, 2, 3] The research was conducted utilizing data from the Yale LISTEN Study to help define the clinical profile of this condition, though researchers stress that vaccine-related chronic illnesses remain incredibly rare and that the vaccines themselves have prevented millions of COVID-19 deaths. [1] For detailed clinical descriptions and ongoing research, you can review the comprehensive findings published in the YaleNews Release or read the descriptive analysis in PubMed Central (PMC).Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:43:52 +0000Has anyone heard of or experienced Post Vaccine Syndrome me/cfs from COVID vaccine . I am desperately trying to get help for this debilitating condition here in Bangkok . Any help would me much appreciated thank you .Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:39:28 +0000Nigel Farage has announced he will resign as MP for Clacton and contest the resulting by-election, saying voters should decide his future as he faces mounting scrutiny over financial support he has received. Get today's headlines by email The Reform UK leader said the "people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions" and insisted he had done nothing wrong. His decision comes while he is under investigation by Parliament's standards commissioner over a £5 million gift received before he entered Parliament. Opposition parties have also called for further scrutiny after reports that he failed to declare additional support allegedly provided by another political ally. Farage seeks fresh mandate amid scrutinyFarage accused the parliamentary standards process of being used as a political weapon and said he wanted to be judged by voters rather than the media. In a video statement released by Reform UK, he said the by-election would allow constituents to "stick two fingers up at the entire establishment". Major parties refuse to contest voteLabour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Restore Britain have all said they will not field candidates in the by-election, effectively boycotting the contest. A Labour spokesperson said the party would not "indulge" Farage by taking part in what it described as "this circus". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the move as a "gimmick", arguing Farage was attempting to distract attention from the allegations surrounding his finances. She said the Conservatives would instead contest any "real by-election" that might result from the standards investigation. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the government to delay Farage's resignation until the standards commissioner completed the investigation. He added that if the by-election proceeds, other parties should continue refusing to participate in what he described as Farage's "vanity project". Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe also ruled out standing a candidate, although he said his party would contest any future by-election triggered by the outcome of the standards investigation. The Green Party said the decision on whether to stand would be made by its local Clacton branch. Investigations and financial supportFarage's resignation will suspend the standards commissioner's investigation into the £5 million gift until he returns to Parliament, should he win the by-election. The inquiry began in May after questions were raised over his failure to declare the donation from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency investor and one of Reform UK's largest financial backers. Harborne has donated £15 million to the party since the beginning of last year. Farage has said the £5 million was an unconditional gift intended to help fund his personal security. His team has also argued that non-cash support reportedly provided by longtime associate George Cottrell, including funding staff for security and social media work and access to accommodation near Buckingham Palace, did not require registration. The allegations emerged after a Sunday Times report examined Farage's links to Cottrell, who served eight months in a US prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in 2017. Farage said he had spent the weekend considering his future after media coverage involving his family and Cottrell. Rules and next stepsParliament requires newly elected MPs to declare gifts or benefits connected with their parliamentary or political activities that were received in the 12 months before their election, although purely personal gifts are exempt. Farage insisted he had complied with the law. If the standards investigation eventually concludes that Farage should be suspended, a recall petition could be triggered. If at least 10% of eligible voters sign the petition, another by-election would be held. Farage won the Clacton seat at the 2024 general election with a majority of 8,405 over the Conservatives after seven previous unsuccessful attempts to enter Parliament. His resignation will take effect only after he accepts a Crown appointment, the formal mechanism used to disqualify MPs from the House of Commons. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 July 2026 View full articleTue, 07 Jul 2026 20:38:51 +0000More deflection from the sneaky creepy dude. You aren't protecting anyone as I already know the truth. You aren't man enough to tell the truth. Always changing the subject, deflecting or playing the victim. Tell why you posted the pic.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:18:23 +0000An old cliché fits perfectly here: Don't hold your breath!Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:18:03 +0000so which countries have paid out reparations to another country? - Have the US?, how about some European countries?Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:09:56 +0000Everything is in your head, your mind, and your imagination. Switzerland–Colombia is on now. Take a break.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:57:06 +0000It used to be The Kardashians. Now this?Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:56:05 +0000What a great debate thank you very much to everyone participating I really enjoyed that I want to thank the op for starting this thread and many regulars with their invaluable contributions see you again next timeTue, 07 Jul 2026 19:52:19 +0000So you ran away rather than admitting to the truth of why you posted that photograph. That is a spineless coward. You can run but you cannot hide. Maybe not everyone understands what is going on here. But you and I know. To me, you are just of a low standard and that is the truth. A hypocrite of the highest order. Pretending that you are standing above, but really down below, sneaking around.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:42:56 +0000A prominent Gaza doctor detained by Israel without charge for more than 18 months has allegedly been so badly beaten that his lawyer says he could barely recognise him. The disturbing claims have intensified pressure on Israeli authorities as the country's Supreme Court weighs a petition seeking his release. Lawyer Nasser Odeh told the BBC he fears for the life of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya after visiting him last Thursday at the Rakefet interrogation facility. Odeh said his client appeared severely injured and repeatedly lost consciousness during their meeting. "I had difficulty recognising his features," Odeh said. He described bruises covering Abu Safiya's face, eyes, neck and ears, saying signs of beatings and torture were clearly visible and that the doctor was exhausted, struggling to breathe and in a poor physical, psychological and mental state. According to Odeh, Abu Safiya told him: "I'm living in hell. The mind can't imagine what I go through every day. I think someone has decided to kill me." The lawyer said Abu Safiya claimed he had been assaulted by more than five prison guards using their hands, batons and hammers after an appeal against his detention was heard at Israel's Supreme Court in Jerusalem last month. Odeh also said his client told him he had received no medical treatment following the alleged attack. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) rejected the allegations in a statement to the BBC, describing the account as false and without factual basis. It said all prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, receive medical care based on Ministry of Health guidelines and denied allegations of abuse, torture, starvation or the denial of medical treatment. The IPS said it could not provide information about Abu Safiya's detention status, location or medical condition because of privacy and security considerations. Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the government to respond by Tuesday to a petition seeking the release of Abu Safiya and 13 other Palestinian doctors from Gaza who are being held without charge. Abu Safiya was the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, where he treated patients and led the facility while the area was under what the United Nations described as a "near total siege" by Israeli forces. He was detained in December 2024 after Israeli forces ordered patients and medical staff to evacuate the hospital. The Israeli military said at the time that Kamal Adwan Hospital was a "Hamas terrorist stronghold," while the World Health Organization called for attacks on hospitals in Gaza to stop. Images from the scene showed Abu Safiya, wearing his white doctor's coat, walking through rubble toward an Israeli armoured vehicle before being taken away for interrogation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told the BBC that Abu Safiya was arrested on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities and of holding a rank within Hamas. He held the rank of colonel in the health department of Gaza's Hamas-run interior ministry, an agency responsible for providing medical treatment to security personnel, police officers and their families. However, medical colleagues and international aid organisations that worked with Abu Safiya deny he co-operated with or worked for Hamas. He remains detained under Israel's Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows the military to hold people from Gaza suspected of posing a security threat for an unspecified period without filing charges. The case comes amid growing scrutiny of conditions inside Israeli detention facilities. The United Nations Committee against Torture said in November 2025 that it was deeply concerned by reports suggesting "a de facto state policy of organised and widespread torture and ill treatment" of Palestinian detainees. During the same month, Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) said at least 94 Palestinian prisoners and detainees had died in Israeli custody in less than two years. Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for action in Abu Safiya's case. Amnesty International described the allegations surrounding his detention as "truly horrifying," while PHRI said he should immediately be transferred, receive urgent medical treatment and be brought before a judge. PHRI also filed the petition now before Israel's Supreme Court seeking the release of Abu Safiya and 13 other detained Palestinian doctors from Gaza. On Monday, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention adopted an opinion describing Abu Safiya's detention as arbitrary and called for his immediate release. The independent experts also said his case was one of several that may point to a widespread or systematic practice of arbitrary detention in Israel. The BBC has contacted the Israel Prison Service for comment on the UN working group's findings. Despite his fears, Odeh said he has not given up hope. He said Abu Safiya belongs back in the hospital treating patients, not behind prison walls. But one final remark from his client continues to haunt him. According to Odeh, Abu Safiya quietly said: "Thank you Nasser, but I think it will be the last time we will meet." https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c07yy3pgrlmoTue, 07 Jul 2026 19:30:16 +0000That's over $2000 Australian dollars , expensive party It's only 2 or 3 days salary working on an offshore drilling rig. When on holidays I throw money aroundTue, 07 Jul 2026 19:24:03 +0000It just happens to be very young women...Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:18:02 +0000Why are you on this thread if you are not willing to discuss how much you pay? Do you have any decency left? Let's see if you have any honesty, decency and integrity left. Explain to everyone why you posted the picture of the roses and cherries. You are a dishonest person, without integrity.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:13:40 +0000First of all, this is an imported brand, and there are locally made generic equivalents. Secondly, it always costs more to buy medications at a private pharmacy. Often substantially more. Try at a large pharmacy such as Fascinos and ask for one of these locally made brands: Alzime Ceptia Donecept Dopezil He may be required to show proof of prescription as this is a category "S" drug, prescription only, but it can be sold at pharmacies with grade one pharmacists always on duty.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:12:02 +0000That's the point, isn't it? The way that you treat children, not your equals OK, another annoying comment, I'm not here to educate, use Google translate if English is not your first language. OK, for those non English speaking members or those who are here to antagonize, here's the meaningTue, 07 Jul 2026 19:09:57 +0000actually, maybe the poles and finns deserve a break.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:05:11 +0000How low are you willing to go, Isme? That is the question. It is all about how low you are willing to go, and what you personally gain from going this low. Not one normal decent man is willing to get that dirty. Some of us still have some decency left.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:04:58 +0000Ukraine has accused Russian forces of adopting a chilling new battlefield tactic by dumping anthrax-infected animal carcasses near key water sources, raising fears of long-term environmental contamination and fresh risks to civilians. The claims, reported by the Daily Express and based on Ukrainian intelligence, have not been independently verified. Russia has not publicly responded to the allegations. Alleged Plot to Leave Land Uninhabitable According to Ukrainian officials, infected livestock carcasses are allegedly being placed close to reservoirs and other vital water supplies in territory affected by the fighting. Experts warn that anthrax spores can survive in water and soil for extended periods, potentially contaminating affected areas long after combat has moved on. If confirmed, the tactic would pose a serious threat to both civilian populations and military personnel. A Deadly Disease With Lasting Consequences Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. According to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, skin exposure can cause distinctive black-centred lesions and is often treatable with prompt antibiotics. The greatest danger comes from inhaling airborne spores. Inhalational anthrax is a severe illness with a high fatality rate if left untreated, making it one of the most feared biological threats. Fear as Powerful as the Infection Former UN weapons inspector Jerry Smith said the psychological impact of anthrax could be as significant as its physical effects. He argued that fear of invisible contamination can spread panic far beyond the immediate area, describing the malicious use of anthrax as effectively "salting the earth" by making communities afraid to return even after the fighting ends. Putin's toxic new anthrax tactic revealed: Kills in about 90 percent of casesTue, 07 Jul 2026 19:04:47 +0000That's the point, isn't it? The way that you treat children, not your equals.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:04:12 +0000I agree, they profited off the backs of the poor nations.Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:04:03 +0000europe needs to pay reparations to the worldTue, 07 Jul 2026 19:02:42 +0000