https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenThey happen. Sometimes Thais do it.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:17:20 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/netizens-react-to-deserted-koh-phi-phi-clip-in-krabi-r2455/A video showing a largely deserted Koh Phi Phi off Krabi has gone viral on social media on 23 June 2026, drawing widespread online reaction and renewed debate over tourism prices in the area. According to Naewna newspaper, many netizens pointed to high costs as a key factor discouraging visitors from the popular Thai destination. The footage, posted on TikTok by a user named Warinthonexworrac, showed an almost empty beach and dock, prompting surprise given the island’s usual popularity. Get today's headlines by email The clip was reportedly filmed the previous day and captured during the afternoon, which is typically the peak period when large numbers of day-trip boats arrive. Despite this, the video showed minimal activity, with very few tourists visible in what is normally a busy coastal hotspot. The TikToker expressed disappointment, noting he did not expect a major tourist destination in Thailand to appear so quiet, even in the low season. Following its circulation, the video triggered extensive discussion online. Many users analysed possible reasons for the apparent drop in visitors, with a large number highlighting rising prices on the island. Some commenters shared personal experiences, claiming that basic consumer goods can be significantly more expensive than elsewhere in Thailand, including soft drinks reportedly costing up to 100 baht per bottle. Others noted that seafood prices on the island, despite its coastal location, were higher than in northern parts of the country. Koh Phi Phi, located in the middle of the Andaman Sea around 42km from Krabi’s Mueang district, forms part of the Nopharat Thara Beach - Phi Phi Islands National Park. The group includes two main islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le, along with four smaller surrounding islands: Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai. Naewna reported that Phi Phi Le gained international recognition after being featured in the Hollywood film The Beach, with Maya Bay widely noted for its clear waters, limestone cliffs and white sand beach. The surrounding waters are also known for marine life, including leopard sharks, making snorkelling and diving popular activities alongside beach visits. video_619688062620270666-VZmeSMLK.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:16:12 +0000A video showing a largely deserted Koh Phi Phi off Krabi has gone viral on social media on 23 June 2026, drawing widespread online reaction and renewed debate over tourism prices in the area. According to Naewna newspaper, many netizens pointed to high costs as a key factor discouraging visitors from the popular Thai destination. The footage, posted on TikTok by a user named Warinthonexworrac, showed an almost empty beach and dock, prompting surprise given the island’s usual popularity. Get today's headlines by email The clip was reportedly filmed the previous day and captured during the afternoon, which is typically the peak period when large numbers of day-trip boats arrive. Despite this, the video showed minimal activity, with very few tourists visible in what is normally a busy coastal hotspot. The TikToker expressed disappointment, noting he did not expect a major tourist destination in Thailand to appear so quiet, even in the low season. Following its circulation, the video triggered extensive discussion online. Many users analysed possible reasons for the apparent drop in visitors, with a large number highlighting rising prices on the island. Some commenters shared personal experiences, claiming that basic consumer goods can be significantly more expensive than elsewhere in Thailand, including soft drinks reportedly costing up to 100 baht per bottle. Others noted that seafood prices on the island, despite its coastal location, were higher than in northern parts of the country. Koh Phi Phi, located in the middle of the Andaman Sea around 42km from Krabi’s Mueang district, forms part of the Nopharat Thara Beach - Phi Phi Islands National Park. The group includes two main islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le, along with four smaller surrounding islands: Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai. Naewna reported that Phi Phi Le gained international recognition after being featured in the Hollywood film The Beach, with Maya Bay widely noted for its clear waters, limestone cliffs and white sand beach. The surrounding waters are also known for marine life, including leopard sharks, making snorkelling and diving popular activities alongside beach visits. video_619688062620270666-VZmeSMLK.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:16:12 +0000Likely he would have put acid on the ex gf. He should be tied up and acid on 100% of him. What a scumbag.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:30 +0000never heard of an acid attack, yes idiots punch ups drunken nonsense but this is on another level...........Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:29 +0000Betrayal? By a politician? In a country where politicians change their allegiances more often than their underwear? There are suckers born every minute. And some of them obviously do inhale.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:00 +0000CrumpetTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:13:16 +0000So 10% of the local population needs a crutch as well? Thanks for sharing.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:10:48 +0000It’s a thread about women in politics, you just don’t like the comparison I made.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:09:44 +0000this sick #### needs to be removed from society this is attempted murder, I hope the innocent lady recovers but that is unlikely - very sad grrrrrrTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:08:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-cabinet-approves-common-rail-ticketing-in-bangkok-r2454/The Thai cabinet has approved a common ticketing scheme for Bangkok electric rail services, setting fares between 17 and 45 baht per trip depending on distance. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a deputy prime minister, said on Tuesday 23 June 2026, the system aims to reduce cost of living and integrate fares across all mass-transit rail lines. Passengers will pay once on entry and can transfer between services under a single journey fare. It is also intended to simplify journeys by removing the need for multiple ticket purchases when changing lines. Get today's headlines by email The policy is designed to unify Bangkok’s fragmented rail network and simplify payment across multiple operators. Officials plan to introduce a central clearing house to manage fare collection and distribution between different rail companies. The system will support a single-entry fare model across the network. It is intended to serve as a central settlement mechanism between rail operators. Mr Phiphat said ministry officials will hold discussions on establishing the clearing house mechanism, which will ensure seamless payment across operators. The fare structure will allow unlimited transfers within a journey while maintaining a capped cost of 45 baht. The initiative is expected to ease commuting expenses for passengers using the city’s electric rail system. The approach is expected to streamline fare processing across the network. The Bangkokpost reported that the government is targeting a launch date of 1 January 2027 for the scheme. Officials aim to have the clearing house mechanism in place ahead of the rollout to support integrated ticketing. Further technical and operational discussions will determine implementation across all lines. Preparations will focus on ensuring systems are ready for nationwide integration within the Bangkok rail network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:08:09 +0000The Thai cabinet has approved a common ticketing scheme for Bangkok electric rail services, setting fares between 17 and 45 baht per trip depending on distance. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a deputy prime minister, said on Tuesday 23 June 2026, the system aims to reduce cost of living and integrate fares across all mass-transit rail lines. Passengers will pay once on entry and can transfer between services under a single journey fare. It is also intended to simplify journeys by removing the need for multiple ticket purchases when changing lines. Get today's headlines by email The policy is designed to unify Bangkok’s fragmented rail network and simplify payment across multiple operators. Officials plan to introduce a central clearing house to manage fare collection and distribution between different rail companies. The system will support a single-entry fare model across the network. It is intended to serve as a central settlement mechanism between rail operators. Mr Phiphat said ministry officials will hold discussions on establishing the clearing house mechanism, which will ensure seamless payment across operators. The fare structure will allow unlimited transfers within a journey while maintaining a capped cost of 45 baht. The initiative is expected to ease commuting expenses for passengers using the city’s electric rail system. The approach is expected to streamline fare processing across the network. The Bangkokpost reported that the government is targeting a launch date of 1 January 2027 for the scheme. Officials aim to have the clearing house mechanism in place ahead of the rollout to support integrated ticketing. Further technical and operational discussions will determine implementation across all lines. Preparations will focus on ensuring systems are ready for nationwide integration within the Bangkok rail network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:08:09 +0000France has recorded 40 drowning deaths since last Thursday as an intense heatwave grips much of Europe, pushing temperatures to record levels and prompting warnings over the dangers of swimming in unsupervised waterways. Get today's headlines by email French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the fatalities were linked to the extreme heat, as many people sought relief in rivers, canals and other open-water locations. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari warned that swimming in unsupervised areas during a heatwave posed serious risks, urging the public to take greater care. Record Heat Across FranceFrance experienced its hottest June day on record on Tuesday, with a national average temperature of 29.8C. The country also registered its warmest June night, with temperatures averaging 21.6C. More than half of France was placed under the highest-level red heat alert. Weather agency Météo-France said the warning would be expanded from 54 to 58 metropolitan departments. Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl who drowned in the River Seine after entering the water with her family despite being unable to swim. A young professional footballer remained in critical condition after being rescued from the River Rhône near Lyon, where swimming is prohibited. Authorities also linked two child deaths in the southern city of Carpentras to the heat after children aged two and four were found inside a family car. Spain and Italy Face Extreme ConditionsSpain remained under severe heat warnings, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40C across several regions and potentially reach 44C near Córdoba. On Monday, 101 of the country's 828 weather stations recorded temperatures of at least 40C, while Andújar reached 45C. According to Spain's weather agency Aemet, heatwaves in June have become increasingly common. Ten June heatwaves were recorded between 2000 and 2025, compared with only two during the previous 25 years. Meteorologist Rubén del Campo said there was growing evidence that severe heat episodes were occurring earlier in the summer than in previous decades. Italy issued red heat alerts for 15 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin and Venice. The government reintroduced emergency labour protections, allowing outdoor workers to avoid the hottest parts of the day and enabling affected companies to access state-backed furlough support. Drownings Reported in GermanyGermany also reported several drowning incidents as temperatures climbed. The German Lifesaving Association, the DLRG, said six fatal swimming accidents occurred between Friday and Sunday. The organisation noted that men were particularly prone to overestimating their swimming abilities. Three bodies were recovered from the Rhine near Biblis after three men previously reported missing disappeared in separate incidents. Forecasters expect temperatures in western and south-western Germany to approach 40C by the end of the week. Transport, Tourism and Energy AffectedThe heatwave has disrupted daily life across Europe. In the Paris region, regional president Valérie Pécresse urged residents to work from home where possible, warning that rail infrastructure could struggle under temperatures above 50C. The Eiffel Tower closed early on Tuesday because of the heat, while the Louvre Museum shortened opening hours, citing concerns that its historic buildings were not adequately adapted to rising temperatures. In southwest France, the Golfech Nuclear Power Plant was temporarily shut down after water temperatures in the River Garonne approached legal limits for reactor cooling. Climate Concerns GrowWeather services expect temperatures to ease in Spain from Wednesday, but the heat is forecast to intensify further north, with Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands expected to see peak conditions later in the week. Belgium activated the alert phase of its national ozone and heat plan for only the second time, while the Dutch weather service issued a Code Orange warning for several regions. Scientists say Europe is warming roughly twice as fast as the global average. The trend has been linked to more frequent and intense heatwaves, growing pressure on water resources and increasingly severe wildfire seasons across the continent. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:04:52 +0000How about a nice big glass of acid poured over his head and genitals to remind him of what a dick he is.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:03:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/dbd-probes-chinese-food-delivery-apps-in-bangkok-pattaya-r2453/Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is investigating three food delivery app operators serving Chinese-speaking customers in Bangkok and Pattaya after concerns were raised over foreign ownership and nominee shareholding structures. One company has been identified as foreign-owned and operating without the required permission, while two others are under further scrutiny. Get today's headlines by email DBD director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn said all three companies were legally registered in Thailand, with registration dates of September 27 2020, September 1 2021, and August 3 2023. Initial checks found that one operator is foreign-owned, with foreign shareholders holding more than 50% of shares, and has not obtained approval to operate under the Foreign Business Act. The two remaining firms are classified as Thai companies, as foreign ownership is below 50%, but their investment structures are being examined to determine whether Thai shareholdings are genuine. The investigation is focused on compliance with Thailand’s Foreign Business Act, which classifies a Thai-registered company as foreign if at least half of its shares are held by non-Thais. Officials also noted that businesses in List Three categories require prior permission for foreign operation. Poonpong said the use of Chinese language in services is not in itself evidence of wrongdoing and is only one factor in assessing potential breaches. Authorities are also reviewing whether Thai shareholders are acting as nominees for foreign investors, which could constitute illegal structuring under Thai law. The probe has expanded beyond the three app operators to include more than 25 related companies, particularly hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in areas such as Huai Khwang, Sutthisan, Ratchada, Rama IX, and Pattaya. The platforms under scrutiny include GOKOO, E-GetS, and Feixiang, which reportedly serve Chinese-speaking communities and have expanded beyond food delivery into travel, accommodation, beauty services, transport, language training, medical services, and visa-related assistance. The scrutiny follows increased visibility of riders from these lesser-known platforms operating in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chonburi. Poonpong said officials have already mobilised staff from six divisions over the past eight months to address nominee business risks, noting that around 95,000 companies formed over the past 20 to 30 years remain under review nationwide. He added that enforcement is now focused on preventing new nominee cases while gradually inspecting older registrations. Penalties for nominee-related offences under the Foreign Business Act include up to three years in prison, fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million baht, or both. Courts may also order the cessation of assisting arrangements, shareholding structures, or joint business operations linked to the offence. The Nation reported that officials also raised emerging concerns about naturalised Thai nationals holding majority shares on behalf of foreign investors, although such cases are not yet widespread. Authorities said continued cooperation between agencies will be required to fully address nominee business risks across sectors. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:02:22 +0000Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) is investigating three food delivery app operators serving Chinese-speaking customers in Bangkok and Pattaya after concerns were raised over foreign ownership and nominee shareholding structures. One company has been identified as foreign-owned and operating without the required permission, while two others are under further scrutiny. Get today's headlines by email DBD director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn said all three companies were legally registered in Thailand, with registration dates of September 27 2020, September 1 2021, and August 3 2023. Initial checks found that one operator is foreign-owned, with foreign shareholders holding more than 50% of shares, and has not obtained approval to operate under the Foreign Business Act. The two remaining firms are classified as Thai companies, as foreign ownership is below 50%, but their investment structures are being examined to determine whether Thai shareholdings are genuine. The investigation is focused on compliance with Thailand’s Foreign Business Act, which classifies a Thai-registered company as foreign if at least half of its shares are held by non-Thais. Officials also noted that businesses in List Three categories require prior permission for foreign operation. Poonpong said the use of Chinese language in services is not in itself evidence of wrongdoing and is only one factor in assessing potential breaches. Authorities are also reviewing whether Thai shareholders are acting as nominees for foreign investors, which could constitute illegal structuring under Thai law. The probe has expanded beyond the three app operators to include more than 25 related companies, particularly hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in areas such as Huai Khwang, Sutthisan, Ratchada, Rama IX, and Pattaya. The platforms under scrutiny include GOKOO, E-GetS, and Feixiang, which reportedly serve Chinese-speaking communities and have expanded beyond food delivery into travel, accommodation, beauty services, transport, language training, medical services, and visa-related assistance. The scrutiny follows increased visibility of riders from these lesser-known platforms operating in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chonburi. Poonpong said officials have already mobilised staff from six divisions over the past eight months to address nominee business risks, noting that around 95,000 companies formed over the past 20 to 30 years remain under review nationwide. He added that enforcement is now focused on preventing new nominee cases while gradually inspecting older registrations. Penalties for nominee-related offences under the Foreign Business Act include up to three years in prison, fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million baht, or both. Courts may also order the cessation of assisting arrangements, shareholding structures, or joint business operations linked to the offence. The Nation reported that officials also raised emerging concerns about naturalised Thai nationals holding majority shares on behalf of foreign investors, although such cases are not yet widespread. Authorities said continued cooperation between agencies will be required to fully address nominee business risks across sectors. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:02:22 +0000A 50–48 vote is hardly a repudiation of Trump’s behaviour. While it could possibly show there’s finally some pushback on war‑powers overreach, it also shows that nearly half the Senate is still prepared to let the circus roll on. Four Republicans crossing the aisle is notable (as is the Democrat who opposed it), yet it’s only a weak signal rather than a decisive shift. While the resolution itself carries no legal force, I think it does reflect a broader discomfort in the US about unchecked presidential authority, especially in military matters.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:02:18 +0000This is an example where the police/immigration should have taken a more pro-active role in dealing with foreigners. The suspect had been repeatedly disturbing the tenants, entering the building, the tenants had even handed photos of him to the police. That should have been enough to pick him up and deport him, blacklisted for 10 years. Sorted.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:59:50 +0000zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz I agree he's Danish and Scottish. Wonder how that happened? 55555555Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:55:05 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/teacher-supervisor-charged-after-soldier-killed-in-buriram-crash-r2452/An educational supervisor has been charged after a pickup truck collided with a motorcycle outside an army camp in Buriram, killing a 36-year-old soldier known locally as “Sergeant Khem”. The crash occurred at about 9.30pm on 22 June 2026 on the Buriram-Pakham Chai road outside the 23rd Infantry Battalion, 4th Company camp in Samet subdistrict, Mueang Buriram district. Get today's headlines by email Police and rescue workers responded to reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle. At the scene, officers found a damaged black Honda motorcycle registered in Surin province and the body of Staff Sergeant Naphatsakorn Sommutthiram, known as Sergeant Khem, lying near the central reservation. Investigators also recovered a detached registration plate, number BTH 5127 Buriram, close to the crash site. Authorities later located a black Toyota Vigo pickup truck bearing the same registration number. The vehicle had sustained front-end damage and was found after apparently being unable to continue travelling, as the driver attempted to leave the scene. CCTV footage from two locations showed Sergeant Khem riding his motorcycle out of the army camp and attempting to cross the four-lane road. A pickup truck was then seen approaching at speed and striking the motorcycle, throwing the soldier from his vehicle. A local resident, 43-year-old Wipharat Phengphansi, who witnessed the aftermath, said the collision happened directly outside her home. She said Sergeant Khem was well known in the area as a friendly soldier who regularly greeted local residents and had served in combat operations on the Cambodian border on two occasions. Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath She said many people felt saddened by his death, noting that he had returned safely from both deployments only to lose his life in a road crash. According to local residents, Sergeant Khem had been planning to marry his girlfriend in the near future. The driver later surrendered to police and was identified only as Tasawin, a special expert educational supervisor attached to the Buriram Secondary Educational Service Area Office. He told police he had not intended to flee but had driven away because he was shocked by the incident. He said he returned after regaining his composure. ThaiRath reported that police conducted an alcohol test and reported that the result was negative, indicating he had not consumed alcohol before the crash. Investigators have initially charged him with causing death by dangerous or negligent driving and with failing to stop and provide assistance after a collision. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:53:39 +0000An educational supervisor has been charged after a pickup truck collided with a motorcycle outside an army camp in Buriram, killing a 36-year-old soldier known locally as “Sergeant Khem”. The crash occurred at about 9.30pm on 22 June 2026 on the Buriram-Pakham Chai road outside the 23rd Infantry Battalion, 4th Company camp in Samet subdistrict, Mueang Buriram district. Get today's headlines by email Police and rescue workers responded to reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle. At the scene, officers found a damaged black Honda motorcycle registered in Surin province and the body of Staff Sergeant Naphatsakorn Sommutthiram, known as Sergeant Khem, lying near the central reservation. Investigators also recovered a detached registration plate, number BTH 5127 Buriram, close to the crash site. Authorities later located a black Toyota Vigo pickup truck bearing the same registration number. The vehicle had sustained front-end damage and was found after apparently being unable to continue travelling, as the driver attempted to leave the scene. CCTV footage from two locations showed Sergeant Khem riding his motorcycle out of the army camp and attempting to cross the four-lane road. A pickup truck was then seen approaching at speed and striking the motorcycle, throwing the soldier from his vehicle. A local resident, 43-year-old Wipharat Phengphansi, who witnessed the aftermath, said the collision happened directly outside her home. She said Sergeant Khem was well known in the area as a friendly soldier who regularly greeted local residents and had served in combat operations on the Cambodian border on two occasions. Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath She said many people felt saddened by his death, noting that he had returned safely from both deployments only to lose his life in a road crash. According to local residents, Sergeant Khem had been planning to marry his girlfriend in the near future. The driver later surrendered to police and was identified only as Tasawin, a special expert educational supervisor attached to the Buriram Secondary Educational Service Area Office. He told police he had not intended to flee but had driven away because he was shocked by the incident. He said he returned after regaining his composure. ThaiRath reported that police conducted an alcohol test and reported that the result was negative, indicating he had not consumed alcohol before the crash. Investigators have initially charged him with causing death by dangerous or negligent driving and with failing to stop and provide assistance after a collision. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 20:53:39 +0000Poor Thailand 😕 The guy is probably staying at Nirun condos So many nasty, foreigners here now.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:53:25 +0000Daily stories of farang trash in Patts. I rest my case.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:50:44 +0000It sounds like he took as an insult that you told him he was too old to be training. His decision to show you that he wasn’t seems to have been successful. You have now learnt to keep your guard up. A lassie is a girl in Scottish parlance. Nothing to do with the tv dog.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:47:49 +0000A despicable and cowardly act that deserves a severe custodial sentence. One has to wonder what would have happened had this individual found the woman he was searching for. We can only hope that Ms Wirawan makes a speedy recovery from this vile attack!Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:44:27 +0000