https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/srt-staff-test-positive-for-drugs-suspended-in-bangkok-r1920/Two State Railway of Thailand (SRT) employees have tested positive for illegal drug use and have been immediately suspended from all duties following the Asok-Din Daeng train-bus crash in Bangkok. The action forms part of a wider safety review and intensified screening programme introduced after the incident raised concerns about operational risk within rail services. The affected staff have been removed from duties pending medical confirmation and internal investigations. Get today's headlines by email According to an SRT source, the latest cases were identified during pre-duty drug screening of operational personnel responsible for train movement and safety-critical roles. The testing programme was introduced after the crash at the Asok-Din Daeng level crossing, with the aim of strengthening safeguards for passengers and the public. The first round of testing on May 19 covered 157 employees and returned no positive results. A second round conducted on May 20 tested 141 staff members, resulting in two positive findings for illegal substances. The SRT confirmed that both individuals were immediately suspended from safety duties and referred for confirmatory medical testing and disciplinary procedures. The incident driver involved in the crash had also previously tested positive for drug use, prompting further scrutiny of operational staff. Anan Phonimdang, acting governor of the SRT, said the organisation would maintain strict, proactive drug testing across all operational staff nationwide, stressing there would be no exemptions where public safety is concerned. He said the crash had triggered a full review of safety protocols, particularly regarding substance use monitoring and prevention among employees in safety-sensitive positions. The SRT stated that those who require treatment or rehabilitation would be processed through official public health channels while internal fact-finding and disciplinary inquiries continue. The findings have reinforced concerns over workforce safety standards in critical transport roles. The Nation reported that the SRT is preparing to expand its “Drug-Free Organisation” initiative across all departments linked to operational safety. The programme aims to enforce stricter workplace standards, reduce operational risk and ensure greater accountability among staff. Ongoing screening is expected to continue nationwide as part of long-term reforms designed to restore confidence in rail safety and prevent further incidents linked to impairment. Picture courtesy of The Nation Related stories Bus-hit-by-train-near-Rama-9-bursts-into-flames Train-driver-fails-drug-test-after-Bangkok-crash Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 22 May 2026Thu, 21 May 2026 21:29:30 +0000Two State Railway of Thailand (SRT) employees have tested positive for illegal drug use and have been immediately suspended from all duties following the Asok-Din Daeng train-bus crash in Bangkok. The action forms part of a wider safety review and intensified screening programme introduced after the incident raised concerns about operational risk within rail services. The affected staff have been removed from duties pending medical confirmation and internal investigations. Get today's headlines by email According to an SRT source, the latest cases were identified during pre-duty drug screening of operational personnel responsible for train movement and safety-critical roles. The testing programme was introduced after the crash at the Asok-Din Daeng level crossing, with the aim of strengthening safeguards for passengers and the public. The first round of testing on May 19 covered 157 employees and returned no positive results. A second round conducted on May 20 tested 141 staff members, resulting in two positive findings for illegal substances. The SRT confirmed that both individuals were immediately suspended from safety duties and referred for confirmatory medical testing and disciplinary procedures. The incident driver involved in the crash had also previously tested positive for drug use, prompting further scrutiny of operational staff. Anan Phonimdang, acting governor of the SRT, said the organisation would maintain strict, proactive drug testing across all operational staff nationwide, stressing there would be no exemptions where public safety is concerned. He said the crash had triggered a full review of safety protocols, particularly regarding substance use monitoring and prevention among employees in safety-sensitive positions. The SRT stated that those who require treatment or rehabilitation would be processed through official public health channels while internal fact-finding and disciplinary inquiries continue. The findings have reinforced concerns over workforce safety standards in critical transport roles. The Nation reported that the SRT is preparing to expand its “Drug-Free Organisation” initiative across all departments linked to operational safety. The programme aims to enforce stricter workplace standards, reduce operational risk and ensure greater accountability among staff. Ongoing screening is expected to continue nationwide as part of long-term reforms designed to restore confidence in rail safety and prevent further incidents linked to impairment. Picture courtesy of The Nation Related stories Bus-hit-by-train-near-Rama-9-bursts-into-flames Train-driver-fails-drug-test-after-Bangkok-crash Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 21:29:30 +0000"Hotline 1178". Dialing now, not to report anything, just checking if they know where the business relocated.Thu, 21 May 2026 21:21:49 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged the European Union to consider granting Ukraine an “associate membership” status while also reviving diplomatic efforts with Russia to help end the war, according to a letter obtained by The Associated Press. Get today's headlines by email The proposal comes as the EU debates whether it should take a more active role in negotiations with Moscow, amid stalled U.S.-brokered talks and Washington’s growing focus on the conflict involving Iran. Associate membership proposalUnder Merz’s plan, Ukraine would be allowed to participate in EU meetings without voting rights. Kyiv would also gain non-voting representation within the European Commission and the European Parliament. Merz argued that the arrangement would go beyond the current EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and should not be viewed as a diluted form of membership. He also suggested introducing a “snap-back mechanism” that could suspend the arrangement if Ukraine failed to maintain democratic standards. Last month, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen said formal accession talks with Ukraine should begin “without delay.” Merz also backed the opening of those negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed signs of progress this week, saying Kyiv had fulfilled all necessary conditions for advancement in the accession process. Obstacles to EU accessionCountries seeking EU membership must align their laws with the bloc’s standards across 35 policy chapters, covering areas from judicial reform to agriculture and fisheries. Every stage of the process requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Hungary has so far blocked the start of negotiations with Ukraine, although that position could shift following the formation of a new government in Budapest earlier this month. Some EU officials are expected to resist Merz’s proposal, arguing that membership should remain strictly merit-based and only be granted once all conditions are fully met. However, the German leader said the associate membership model could also apply to other countries seeking EU entry, particularly states in the Western Balkans. EU leaders are due to discuss enlargement issues at a summit next month. Renewed debate over Russia talksMerz said closer EU integration for Ukraine could support efforts to reach a negotiated settlement with Russia, describing such diplomacy as vital for European security. Ukraine views EU membership as an important long-term security guarantee after the war. Kyiv still considers NATO membership its strongest possible safeguard, but the Trump administration has ruled out that option for now, while some allies remain reluctant to admit a country still engaged in active conflict. As U.S.-led mediation efforts struggle to make progress, European officials have increasingly discussed whether the EU should launch its own parallel diplomatic initiative with Russia. Earlier this month, Costa said Europe would eventually need direct talks with Moscow to address broader security concerns, while stressing that such efforts should not undermine American negotiations. Speculation has since grown over who could represent Europe in potential talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Names mentioned in European media include former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi. Putin has reportedly suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible interlocutor, though the idea has received little support in Germany due to Schröder’s longstanding ties to Russia’s energy sector and his relationship with Putin. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed the suggestion, saying it would be unwise to let Putin effectively choose Europe’s negotiator. Zelenskyy has also called for a stronger European presence in any peace process, saying Europe must have “a strong voice and presence” in negotiations. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 21:19:35 +0000Does anybody know? What is the best electric pressure-cooker one can buy in Thailand from local retailers? Specifically, is there one that is better than this model: My thinking is that YOU know of a better one. If so, then what is it? Here is an image of the Tefal Turbo..... But, certainly there must be a better one....right? If you know, then please add your two cents. IF Bt.4300, then is there any electric pressure cooker which is better....for the money? I have not used a pressure cooker in over 50 years. Years ago, we used a pressure cooker that had that swivel thing on top which would steam and whistle and rotate. Have things changed much? So.....What is the best pressure cooker for......about.....Baht 4500 or less...... Do tell, please. Thanks.Thu, 21 May 2026 21:18:50 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/immigration-police-raid-chinese-spa-brothel-in-rayong-r1919/Immigration Police Region 3, have dismantled a suspected Chinese-run spa operating as a brothel in Rayong province, arresting eight foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on 20 May 2026. The operation, carried out under national police directives targeting transnational crime, illegal employment, and cross-border criminal networks, forms part of a wider crackdown on foreign-run illegal businesses in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Authorities said the action is aimed at protecting public order and maintaining confidence among residents and tourists. Police acted after receiving intelligence that the “Ku Yiu Lin Spa for Health”, located at 202 Moo 4, Map Yang Phon, Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, was presenting itself as a legitimate wellness spa while allegedly offering illicit sexual services to Chinese clients. Officers from the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau Region 3 conducted an undercover sting operation, during which services were offered in the form of body-to-body massage with the option of sexual intercourse for 4,500 baht per 50 minutes. During the operation, officers found two Vietnamese women preparing to provide services in a room on the upper floor of the premises. A search of the two commercial units revealed more than 10 converted rooms across the second and third floors, each fitted with beds and related equipment. Condoms and lubricant were also seized as evidence. Eight foreign nationals were subsequently arrested, with only one suspect identified, as Ms. Yunping, along with others involved in the operation of the business. The suspects face multiple charges under the Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act 1996, the Immigration Act 1979, and the Working of Foreigners Management Emergency Decree 2017 and its amendments. Charges include illegal employment, procurement or facilitation of prostitution, involvement in prostitution premises, and harbouring undocumented migrants. Authorities also confirmed that National Referral Mechanism screening was carried out to assess potential human trafficking. Investigators concluded that none of the individuals identified during the operation were victims of trafficking. Thaitabloid reported that immigration authorities stated they will continue intensified nationwide enforcement against foreign-run illegal businesses and organised cross-border crime networks. Officials reiterated that such operations are intended to uphold law enforcement standards, protect public order, and prevent Thailand from being used as a base for illicit activity. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178 to support ongoing enforcement efforts. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 22 May 2026Thu, 21 May 2026 21:16:18 +0000Immigration Police Region 3, have dismantled a suspected Chinese-run spa operating as a brothel in Rayong province, arresting eight foreign nationals during a coordinated raid on 20 May 2026. The operation, carried out under national police directives targeting transnational crime, illegal employment, and cross-border criminal networks, forms part of a wider crackdown on foreign-run illegal businesses in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Authorities said the action is aimed at protecting public order and maintaining confidence among residents and tourists. Police acted after receiving intelligence that the “Ku Yiu Lin Spa for Health”, located at 202 Moo 4, Map Yang Phon, Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, was presenting itself as a legitimate wellness spa while allegedly offering illicit sexual services to Chinese clients. Officers from the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau Region 3 conducted an undercover sting operation, during which services were offered in the form of body-to-body massage with the option of sexual intercourse for 4,500 baht per 50 minutes. During the operation, officers found two Vietnamese women preparing to provide services in a room on the upper floor of the premises. A search of the two commercial units revealed more than 10 converted rooms across the second and third floors, each fitted with beds and related equipment. Condoms and lubricant were also seized as evidence. Eight foreign nationals were subsequently arrested, with only one suspect identified, as Ms. Yunping, along with others involved in the operation of the business. The suspects face multiple charges under the Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act 1996, the Immigration Act 1979, and the Working of Foreigners Management Emergency Decree 2017 and its amendments. Charges include illegal employment, procurement or facilitation of prostitution, involvement in prostitution premises, and harbouring undocumented migrants. Authorities also confirmed that National Referral Mechanism screening was carried out to assess potential human trafficking. Investigators concluded that none of the individuals identified during the operation were victims of trafficking. Thaitabloid reported that immigration authorities stated they will continue intensified nationwide enforcement against foreign-run illegal businesses and organised cross-border crime networks. Officials reiterated that such operations are intended to uphold law enforcement standards, protect public order, and prevent Thailand from being used as a base for illicit activity. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178 to support ongoing enforcement efforts. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 21:16:18 +0000BathroomThu, 21 May 2026 21:14:12 +0000The US Supreme Court has narrowly spared an Alabama death row inmate from execution, leaving in place a lower court ruling that found he is intellectually disabled and therefore protected from capital punishment under the Constitution. Get today's headlines by email In a 5-4 decision on Thursday, the justices dismissed an appeal from Alabama officials seeking to reinstate the death sentence of Joseph Clifton Smith, who was convicted of first-degree murder in a 1997 robbery killing. The court did not provide a full explanation for its ruling. Dispute over IQ scoresThe case centred on whether Smith met the legal standard for intellectual disability, which the Supreme Court ruled more than two decades ago bars the execution of people convicted of capital crimes under the Eighth Amendment’s ban on “cruel and unusual” punishment. Smith had taken five IQ tests over nearly 40 years, recording scores of 75 in 1979, 74 in 1982, 72 in 1998, 78 in 2014 and 74 in 2017. Alabama argued that only scores of 70 or below should qualify someone as intellectually disabled and said Smith’s results did not meet that threshold. State lawyers maintained that the Constitution did not prevent his execution for the murder of Durk Van Dam. Medical groups, however, have long advised courts to assess intellectual disability using a broader evaluation that includes practical and social functioning, rather than relying solely on IQ test scores. They also note that such tests include margins of error, meaning Smith’s 72 score could effectively fall below 70. Two lower federal courts concluded that Smith’s intellectual functioning, combined with school records and behavioural history, showed he was intellectually disabled. Court documents said Smith had been classified at school as “Educable Mentally Retarded” in seventh grade and consistently performed below his expected grade level before later dropping out. He also alleged he suffered physical and verbal abuse during childhood. Split among the justicesJustice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote separately to say the court was not in a position to establish a broader legal standard for weighing multiple IQ scores. She said courts should continue to assess such cases individually, guided by precedent and medical expertise. “If a conflict among the states or lower courts emerges and a case properly presents the issue, it may be appropriate for this court to weigh in with more specific guidance,” Sotomayor wrote. Four conservative justices dissented from the decision. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts, criticised the majority for declining to clarify the law. “The court shies away from its obligation to provide workable rules for capital cases,” Alito wrote. Thomas separately argued that the constitutional ban on executing intellectually disabled offenders should be reconsidered. Broader death penalty debateThe ruling leaves unresolved how courts should interpret differing IQ test results in death penalty cases, an issue that continues to divide states and lower courts. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, as many as 20% of the roughly 2,100 people on death row in the United States may have some degree of intellectual disability. Smith’s death sentence will now remain blocked, and he is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 21:10:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/pm-orders-full-disclosure-of-government-public-data-r1918/Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all state agencies to fully disclose public information and remove unnecessary secrecy as part of a nationwide anti-corruption campaign with the private sector. He made the announcement at Government House, after chairing the first integrated public-private meeting on corruption prevention and suppression. He said transparency and accountability are essential to restoring public trust and strengthening Thailand’s international credibility. Get today's headlines by email The meeting brought together senior ministers, anti-corruption campaigners, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), alongside delegates from 35 state agencies. Mr Anutin said the government convened the talks after receiving feedback from the private sector about concerns over transparency and corruption in public administration. He instructed ministries and departments to review operations to ensure transparency, legal compliance and full auditability, and to adopt modern technology to reduce corruption risks and improve public access to information. Mr Anutin said he had previously been on the side requesting information and often faced partial disclosure or exemptions. He said he had now instructed officials to disclose everything, adding that where legal barriers exist, laws should be amended. He warned that corruption cannot be addressed if agencies continue to selectively release information. He also said evidence of wrongdoing involving civil servants or ministers should be submitted to investigative bodies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and anti-money laundering authorities. He added: “A thief always leaves traces.” He also criticised the methodology of the Corruption Perceptions Index, saying it relies too heavily on perception rather than verified legal findings. Business leaders welcomed the government’s response, with Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, praising the swift action and noting the focus was on structural reform rather than targeting individuals. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ordered departments to identify corruption risks, particularly in procurement and licensing systems. Bangkokpost reported that state agencies are expected to implement full disclosure requirements and review legal frameworks where necessary, while increasing use of technology to improve transparency. Investigations into alleged corruption cases, are expected to continue as authorities assess evidence and enforcement procedures across ministries. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 22 May 2026Thu, 21 May 2026 21:06:39 +0000Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all state agencies to fully disclose public information and remove unnecessary secrecy as part of a nationwide anti-corruption campaign with the private sector. He made the announcement at Government House, after chairing the first integrated public-private meeting on corruption prevention and suppression. He said transparency and accountability are essential to restoring public trust and strengthening Thailand’s international credibility. Get today's headlines by email The meeting brought together senior ministers, anti-corruption campaigners, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), alongside delegates from 35 state agencies. Mr Anutin said the government convened the talks after receiving feedback from the private sector about concerns over transparency and corruption in public administration. He instructed ministries and departments to review operations to ensure transparency, legal compliance and full auditability, and to adopt modern technology to reduce corruption risks and improve public access to information. Mr Anutin said he had previously been on the side requesting information and often faced partial disclosure or exemptions. He said he had now instructed officials to disclose everything, adding that where legal barriers exist, laws should be amended. He warned that corruption cannot be addressed if agencies continue to selectively release information. He also said evidence of wrongdoing involving civil servants or ministers should be submitted to investigative bodies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and anti-money laundering authorities. He added: “A thief always leaves traces.” He also criticised the methodology of the Corruption Perceptions Index, saying it relies too heavily on perception rather than verified legal findings. Business leaders welcomed the government’s response, with Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, praising the swift action and noting the focus was on structural reform rather than targeting individuals. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ordered departments to identify corruption risks, particularly in procurement and licensing systems. Bangkokpost reported that state agencies are expected to implement full disclosure requirements and review legal frameworks where necessary, while increasing use of technology to improve transparency. Investigations into alleged corruption cases, are expected to continue as authorities assess evidence and enforcement procedures across ministries. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 21:06:39 +0000Iran has restarted parts of its drone production network during the six-week ceasefire that began in April, according to US intelligence assessments cited by multiple sources familiar with the findings. The assessments suggest Tehran is rebuilding sections of its military-industrial base more quickly than US officials had initially expected after sustained US and Israeli strikes. Get today's headlines by email Several sources told CNN that Iran is already restoring damaged weapons production capabilities, including missile launchers, launch sites and manufacturing systems tied to drones and ballistic missiles. US intelligence estimates reportedly indicate Iran could fully restore its drone attack capability within six months. One US official said Iranian efforts had surpassed previous expectations for how quickly the country could recover from the damage caused during the conflict. Drone production resumesUS intelligence believes Iran resumed some drone manufacturing activity during the ceasefire period that followed weeks of fighting earlier this year. Drones are viewed as a continuing threat to both Israel and Gulf states because they can supplement Iran’s weakened missile arsenal if hostilities resume. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that the US could restart military operations if negotiations with Tehran fail. He said earlier this week that he had come close to authorising renewed strikes. According to sources familiar with the intelligence, Iran’s rapid recovery has been helped by several factors, including external support and the limited effectiveness of some strikes against critical infrastructure. One source said Russia and China had contributed to Iran’s ability to rebuild. Two sources said China had continued supplying components that could be used in missile production during the conflict, although those deliveries may have slowed because of a US blockade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently alleged that China was providing Iran with missile-manufacturing components. China rejected the accusation, with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun saying the claims were unfounded. Missile and drone capabilities remainRecent intelligence assessments indicate Iran still retains significant ballistic missile, drone and air defence capabilities despite the damage caused by US-Israeli operations. CNN previously reported that roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers were believed to have survived the strikes. More recent assessments reportedly place that figure closer to two-thirds, partly because the ceasefire allowed Iran time to recover launchers buried beneath rubble. The intelligence also suggests around half of Iran’s drone capability remains intact, with thousands of drones still available. Sources said a large proportion of Iran’s coastal defence cruise missiles also survived because US air operations largely avoided coastal military infrastructure. Those systems are considered central to Iran’s ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Pentagon claims questionedUS Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper told lawmakers this week that “Operation Epic Fury” had destroyed 90% of Iran’s defence industrial base and severely weakened its missile and drone forces. Cooper said the operation had damaged Iran’s military capacity to such an extent that it would take years to recover. However, intelligence assessments reviewed by CNN appear to contradict that timeline. Two sources familiar with the findings said the damage was more likely to delay Iran’s recovery by months rather than years. Some parts of Iran’s military-industrial infrastructure remain operational, according to the intelligence, potentially accelerating reconstruction efforts for key weapons systems. A spokesperson for US Central Command declined to comment on intelligence matters. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the US military retained the capability to carry out further operations whenever ordered by the president. The intelligence assessments overall suggest the conflict significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities but did not eliminate them. Officials believe Tehran is now attempting to limit the long-term impact of the strikes through a rapid rebuilding campaign. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 20:58:05 +0000You should apologize for hating your own countryThu, 21 May 2026 20:55:15 +0000Yes, something is wrong. UK needs you. Return at once to those rain-soaked British shores, mount your trusty Tesco trolley, and gallantly defend Her Majesty’s honor with the fearsome power of a strongly worded letter to The Times.Thu, 21 May 2026 20:54:11 +0000Single-sex spaces such as toilets and changing rooms should be used according to biological sex, new guidance from Britain’s equality watchdog has confirmed. Get today's headlines by email The updated code of practice, produced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and approved by ministers, states that a transgender woman should not use female toilets or changing facilities because she is biologically male. Instead, the guidance says transgender people should be offered alternative facilities, including gender-neutral or third spaces where possible. The guidance follows last year’s landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, which found that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act is based on biological sex. New rules for public servicesThe code of practice outlines how businesses, associations and public services should organise facilities ranging from gyms and shopping centres to hospitals and restaurants. It also states that denying transgender people access to all facilities would likely be disproportionate and could amount to discrimination. The guidance recommends that gender-neutral toilets and changing rooms should include self-contained lockable cubicles with floor-to-ceiling walls and wash basins. The EHRC said organisations could also choose to allow transgender people to use disabled toilets. Where premises only have separate male and female toilets, the guidance says they could instead be redesignated as unisex facilities. The code, which runs to more than 300 pages, has now been placed before parliament. MPs and peers have 40 days to object before it becomes statutory guidance. The EHRC first submitted the draft guidance to the government in September 2025. Ministers initially said the issue would be handled “thoroughly and carefully” before releasing the document eight months later. Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said the government’s aim was to ensure people could live free from discrimination and harassment. “Our focus has always been making sure organisations have clear, accessible guidance on how to implement the law,” she said. Debate over impact on trans peopleEHRC chair Mary-Ann Stephenson said she hoped the public would approach the code “with an open mind”. “I think we do need to broaden out the debates, and we need to start from a point of saying, how do we make sure that everyone has access to the services they need,” she said. At the Watershed arts cinema in Bristol, chief executive Clare Reddington said delays to the guidance had caused confusion and misinformation. The venue, which has gender-neutral toilets alongside separate male and female facilities, won a Loo of the Year award in 2024. Reddington described the impact on transgender people as “toxic” and said many had been waiting for clarity on what the guidance would mean for “their ability to live a full public life”. “I would say that designing toilets for everyone is great for business,” she added. Clare Reddington Campaign groups dividedGender-critical campaign group Sex Matters welcomed the guidance. Its co-founder Maya Forstater said organisations could no longer claim they were waiting for official clarification before changing policies. “The new guidance is long and detailed, but at its heart is a simple principle: ‘sex’ means what it says – male and female,” she said. However, transgender rights group TransActual said the guidance reduced protections for transgender people and the wider LGBT community. The group said it would continue campaigning for equal access to public life and would publish a fuller response after reviewing the code in detail. Employment lawyer Joanne Moseley of Irwin Mitchell said businesses were increasingly seeking legal advice on how to respond to the changes. She said clear signage and the availability of gender-neutral facilities would be important, but warned that organisations could still face discrimination claims even before the guidance formally comes into force. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 20:48:47 +0000Do yourself a favour an F O. Bring it boy if you wanna start name calling. I can't make threats on here.Thu, 21 May 2026 20:43:15 +0000Did you know that ripe tomatoes, not fried green, can relieve both constipation as well as writer's block?Thu, 21 May 2026 20:42:41 +0000From Broadcast News (movie) 1987: Paul Moore: It must be nice to always believe you know better, to always think you're the smartest person in the room. Jane Craig: No. It's awful.Thu, 21 May 2026 20:40:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/four-injured-in-pattaya-hotel-fire-r1917/Four people were injured after a serious fire broke out at the J A Plus Hotel, on Pattaya 3rd Road, in North Pattaya on the evening of 21 May 2026, forcing the evacuation of over a hundred guests, most of them foreign tourists. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hour before bringing it under control, with authorities confirming that all guests were safely evacuated. Get today's headlines by email The Pattaya Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center received reports of the fire at 9:35 p.m. Officials, including Banglamung District Chief Anusak Phirayomrorn, local administrative officers, Pattaya City Police, volunteer rescuers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan and multiple fire engines, rushed to the hotel. Emergency crews arriving at the scene found flames spreading intensely across the rooftop area of the hotel. Thick smoke and flames could be seen rising above the building as firefighters deployed fire truck mounted water cannon monitors and internal hose-lines, rescue teams, in breathing apparatus entered the property to search for trapped guests and staff. The hotel was almost fully booked at the time of the fire, with 178 occupied rooms, mostly by foreign tourists. Rescue workers carried out room-to-room searches while guests evacuated in chaotic scenes from the building. Four people were injured during the incident. Two Thai women and one Indonesian boy suffered smoke inhalation, while a Thai man sustained burns to more than 20 per cent of his body after reportedly running through flames to escape. All four received treatment at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals. Hotel staff told authorities that a worker on the upper floors first spotted the fire and attempted to extinguish it using a portable fire extinguisher. However, the flames spread rapidly, prompting an immediate call to emergency services. Pictures courtesy of Daily News According to officials, the fire originated at a rooftop restaurant on the hotel’s top floor, which was not being used by guests at the time. Banglamung District Chief Anusak confirmed that no fatalities were reported and four people were injured. The Daily News reported that the hotel later arranged alternative accommodation for affected guests following the evacuation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire and will examine the extent of the damage once the site is declared safe and forensic officers have completed their investigation. AQNTX3Io7N9_ye5BcFzyxbi9DbxyQHQSz53ZSI86xSY5_B3iaVP4P5jkBwoZA3mZ7PzZHSHatGnSOGVrZGd4xVc11CxuwHywgYyUQ1_kxA.mp4 AQN7ekKmT-uCQP3ti0iydlqY5jLYSxZ99dFq4pCo_1kiQrG-RqgUP3kaUPvBEgZOI9d1_3DWQL78ad0oWzTTDt5KYhmVPQBJTcxoBceb9Q.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 22 May 2026Thu, 21 May 2026 20:35:29 +0000Four people were injured after a serious fire broke out at the J A Plus Hotel, on Pattaya 3rd Road, in North Pattaya on the evening of 21 May 2026, forcing the evacuation of over a hundred guests, most of them foreign tourists. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hour before bringing it under control, with authorities confirming that all guests were safely evacuated. Get today's headlines by email The Pattaya Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center received reports of the fire at 9:35 p.m. Officials, including Banglamung District Chief Anusak Phirayomrorn, local administrative officers, Pattaya City Police, volunteer rescuers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan and multiple fire engines, rushed to the hotel. Emergency crews arriving at the scene found flames spreading intensely across the rooftop area of the hotel. Thick smoke and flames could be seen rising above the building as firefighters deployed fire truck mounted water cannon monitors and internal hose-lines, rescue teams, in breathing apparatus entered the property to search for trapped guests and staff. The hotel was almost fully booked at the time of the fire, with 178 occupied rooms, mostly by foreign tourists. Rescue workers carried out room-to-room searches while guests evacuated in chaotic scenes from the building. Four people were injured during the incident. Two Thai women and one Indonesian boy suffered smoke inhalation, while a Thai man sustained burns to more than 20 per cent of his body after reportedly running through flames to escape. All four received treatment at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals. Hotel staff told authorities that a worker on the upper floors first spotted the fire and attempted to extinguish it using a portable fire extinguisher. However, the flames spread rapidly, prompting an immediate call to emergency services. Pictures courtesy of Daily News According to officials, the fire originated at a rooftop restaurant on the hotel’s top floor, which was not being used by guests at the time. Banglamung District Chief Anusak confirmed that no fatalities were reported and four people were injured. The Daily News reported that the hotel later arranged alternative accommodation for affected guests following the evacuation. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the fire and will examine the extent of the damage once the site is declared safe and forensic officers have completed their investigation. AQNTX3Io7N9_ye5BcFzyxbi9DbxyQHQSz53ZSI86xSY5_B3iaVP4P5jkBwoZA3mZ7PzZHSHatGnSOGVrZGd4xVc11CxuwHywgYyUQ1_kxA.mp4 AQN7ekKmT-uCQP3ti0iydlqY5jLYSxZ99dFq4pCo_1kiQrG-RqgUP3kaUPvBEgZOI9d1_3DWQL78ad0oWzTTDt5KYhmVPQBJTcxoBceb9Q.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 20:35:29 +0000Sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhoea and syphilis reached record levels across Europe in 2024, according to new figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Get today's headlines by email The agency said both infections had climbed to their highest levels in more than a decade, warning that gaps in testing, prevention and awareness were contributing to the rise. Gonorrhoea cases surged to 106,331 across participating European countries last year, marking a 303% increase since 2015. Syphilis cases also more than doubled over the same period, reaching 45,557. Health officials warned that untreated infections can lead to serious long-term health problems, including infertility, chronic pain and damage to the heart or nervous system. Sharp rise in infectionsBruno Ciancio, head of the ECDC’s Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit, said the increase in congenital syphilis cases was especially concerning. Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection passes from a pregnant person to a newborn baby and can lead to lifelong complications. The ECDC said congenital syphilis cases nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024. Ciancio urged people to take simple preventive measures, including using condoms with new or multiple partners and getting tested if symptoms appear. Symptoms of gonorrhoea can include pain, unusual discharge and inflammation of the genitals, although some people may show no symptoms at all. Syphilis symptoms may include sores around the mouth or genitals, rashes on the hands, hair loss and flu-like illness. The symptoms can appear and disappear over time, making the infection difficult to detect in its early stages. Spain reports highest totalsAmong participating European countries, Spain recorded the highest number of confirmed cases for both infections in 2024. The country reported 37,169 gonorrhoea cases and 11,556 syphilis infections. The ECDC said men who have sex with men continued to be the group most disproportionately affected, showing the steepest long-term increases in both diseases. However, the agency also noted significant rises in syphilis cases among heterosexual women of reproductive age. While gonorrhoea and syphilis rose sharply, chlamydia remained the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection overall. A total of 213,443 chlamydia cases were recorded in 2024, although this represented a 6% decline compared with 2015. UK figures remain separateThe UK has not contributed data to the ECDC study since leaving the European Union, but British health authorities publish separate annual statistics for United Kingdom. According to figures released by the UK Health Security Agency in December, England recorded 71,802 gonorrhoea cases and 9,535 syphilis cases in 2024. There were also 168,889 chlamydia diagnoses during the same period. The UK introduced a gonorrhoea vaccination programme in 2025 after cases in England hit a record 85,000 in 2023. The NHS advises that both gonorrhoea and syphilis can be prevented through consistent condom use and treated effectively with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 20:34:24 +0000From Court ruling May 18: 2. Defendant’s pretrial motions shall be filed by May 26, 2026. 3. The Government’s response to any pretrial motions shall be filed by June 9, 2026.Thu, 21 May 2026 20:31:33 +0000The US indictment of former Cuban president Raúl Castro has intensified speculation over Washington’s next steps towards Havana, as the Trump administration increases pressure on the island’s Communist government. Get today's headlines by email Castro, 94, has been charged with murder over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft by Cuban fighter jets, an incident that killed four people. The move comes amid severe economic hardship in Cuba, where fuel shortages, blackouts and food scarcity have deepened public frustration. President Donald Trump has said he does not believe “escalation” will be necessary, but senior US officials have continued to warn against the presence of a hostile government close to US territory. Analysts say three broad scenarios could emerge as tensions rise between Washington and Havana. Capture of Raúl CastroOne possibility is a direct US operation targeting Castro himself. The indictment immediately prompted comparisons with recent US action in Venezuela, where American forces captured President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year and transferred him to New York to face criminal charges. Observers have also pointed to the 1989 US invasion of Panama, which led to the arrest of former ruler Manuel Noriega. Several Republican lawmakers have publicly suggested similar action could be taken against Castro. Florida Senator Rick Scott said Washington should not rule out such a mission. Security analysts say an operation to detain Castro would likely be possible from a military standpoint, despite the extensive protection surrounding him. However, they warn that the political consequences could be far more complicated. Experts also question how much impact Castro’s removal would have on Cuba’s current leadership. Since stepping down as president in 2018, he has largely been viewed as a symbolic revolutionary figure rather than a central decision-maker. Negotiated leadership changeAnother possible outcome is a negotiated political transition involving elements of Cuba’s existing leadership. Trump has repeatedly hinted that some Cuban officials are seeking US assistance as economic conditions worsen on the island. In a post on Truth Social earlier this month, he said Cuba was “asking for help”. Shortly afterwards, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Cuban officials including Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, and Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said Washington preferred a “negotiated agreement” with Havana rather than a violent confrontation. Analysts say the administration may be looking for reforms that stop short of dismantling the Cuban state entirely. Possible US demands could include economic liberalisation, increased foreign investment and reduced Russian or Chinese influence on the island. However, experts note that Cuba lacks a clear alternative figure capable of taking over leadership in the way Venezuelan officials emerged during that country’s crisis. Cuba’s political system is also viewed as more centralised and tightly controlled. Economic collapse and migrationA third scenario is that Cuba’s worsening economic crisis could place further strain on the government and trigger wider instability. The island has faced prolonged power cuts, fuel shortages and shortages of basic goods as economic conditions deteriorate. Trump recently described Cuba as “falling apart” and suggested authorities were struggling to maintain control. Even so, specialists on Cuba argue that the country’s security structures remain intact despite the economic turmoil. They say there is an important distinction between the weakness of the economy and the continued functioning of the state. Analysts also warn that any broader collapse could lead to a major migration crisis, with large numbers of Cubans attempting to leave the island. Florida would likely be the main destination because of its proximity to Cuba, although some migrants could also head towards Mexico. Experts say the worsening shortages of food and healthcare would normally be expected to drive even larger numbers of people to flee. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 20:25:48 +0000Russia and China have criticised the United States after federal prosecutors charged former Cuban president Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 downing of two aircraft operated by a Cuban-American dissident group. Get today's headlines by email The case has intensified tensions between Washington and Havana as US President Donald Trump continues to increase pressure on Cuba’s communist government through sanctions and diplomatic threats. Moscow and Beijing denounce indictmentChina’s foreign ministry accused the US of using its legal system and sanctions as tools of coercion against Cuba, one of Beijing’s long-standing allies. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Washington should stop “threatening force at every turn” and abandon efforts to pressure Havana “under any pretext”. Russia also condemned the move. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media that US actions against Cuba “cannot be condoned”, describing the pressure campaign as methods that “border on violence”. He said such measures should never be used against current or former heads of state. Charges linked to 1996 plane shootdownUS prosecutors announced the indictment on Wednesday, accusing Castro and five others of involvement in the destruction of two planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. The aircraft were travelling between Cuba and Florida in 1996 when they were shot down, killing four people, including three US citizens. At the time, Castro was serving as head of Cuba’s armed forces. He stepped down as president in 2018 after nearly a decade in office following the rule of his brother, Fidel Castro. US officials say the offences carry possible penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death. The incident has remained a major source of dispute between Cuba and the United States for decades, particularly among Cuban exiles living in Florida. Cuba’s current president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, rejected the charges, calling them “a political manoeuvre” lacking any legal basis. Trump increases pressure on HavanaThe indictment comes amid a broader escalation in US pressure on Cuba under the Trump administration. Washington has imposed new sanctions targeting Cuba’s energy, defence, financial and security sectors. The US has also tightened restrictions on oil shipments to the island, worsening fuel shortages, blackouts and food supply problems. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Cuba’s government could collapse under growing pressure. Since the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, he has publicly stated that Cuba was “ready to fall”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to say whether the administration planned to bring Castro to the United States for trial. Speaking in Florida, Rubio said Castro had “openly admits and brags about” ordering the planes to be shot down. Asked about possible US-backed regime change in Cuba, he said Washington preferred a negotiated solution but added the president could act if national security was threatened. Rubio also issued a message in Spanish to Cubans, portraying US actions as an opportunity for political change and greater freedoms similar to those enjoyed by Cuban-Americans. Oil shortages deepen crisisCuban and US officials have reportedly held talks for several months aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. However, Washington has continued to increase pressure while Cuba faces worsening economic conditions. A recent Russian oil shipment that reached the island earlier this year has already been exhausted. Before Maduro’s removal from power in Venezuela, his government was believed to supply Cuba with around 35,000 barrels of oil per day, helping Havana withstand years of Western sanctions. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 May 2026 View full articleThu, 21 May 2026 20:13:49 +0000To be fair, “25 minutes south of Roi Et” does sound a little less mystical than “hidden timeless paradise” 😂Thu, 21 May 2026 20:11:31 +0000