https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenYou are saying "if I renew my passport now". There's one aspect of your plans that hasn't been mentioned yet. If you don't renew the passport while you are back there in the UK, you'll be OK to arrive in Thailand "in late August", as you say. No problem there. But without getting new passport while you're in the UK, your planned trip to Vietnam is not gonna happen, as you'd have less than six months' validity on that passport, and I don't think you'd be able to acquire a new Irish passport in Bangkok in any timely fashion to enable a September trip to Vietnam. So it should not be "if I renew my passport now" issue, but a case of starting the process of getting a new passport pronto. You've got a little less than two months, that should give plenty of time to get it done.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:14:56 +0000As many of you know I was nearly viciously assaulted last year by a ladyboy up near that Supansi condo up in thappraya road directly outside that Gold painted building Lucky I was able to push him back after he tried to hug meWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:08:45 +0000Lightning proof helmets.....kinda impressive considering their cost......great marketing opportunity for Index brand...Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:06:59 +0000The Sikhs are lovely people and I was ashamed to see Maoris in New Zealand protesting and fighting them on the streets last week in NZWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:06:40 +0000At 5am on Walking Street, accepting a hug from a stranger and only losing 10,000 baht might actually count as getting off lightly.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:06:26 +0000StallionWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:04:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/korean-tourist-robbed-by-ladyboys-in-pattaya-r2158/A Korean tourist has reported being robbed by two ladyboys on Pattaya’s Walking Street after a designer bag containing cash and personal belongings was allegedly stolen during the early hours of 3 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The complaint was brought to the attention of reporters at 9.30pm on 3 June 2026 by a concerned citizen who requested anonymity. The individual reported that a group of ladyboys had targeted a foreign tourist on Walking Street in Pattaya, Chonburi, during the early hours of the same day. The victim later filed a formal complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station. The concerned citizen also provided video footage of the alleged theft, showing the suspects approaching and surrounding the tourist before allegedly stealing property. The footage was shared as a warning to visitors and with a request for authorities to take stronger action against pickpocket gangs operating in the area. Reporters visited the scene on Walking Street and found that the area is used as an operational point by Pattaya Tourist Police, who provide assistance to visitors from 8pm until 4am daily. After the end of operations, officers gradually leave the area and traffic is permitted to resume along the route leading to Bali Hai Pier. It is believed the suspects may have chosen this period to act because it falls immediately after tourist assistance points close and police presence is gone. The area remains busy with tourists at that time, while security coverage may not be as intensive as during normal operating hours. Police records confirm that the incident occurred at approximately 5am on 3 June 2026 outside an entertainment venue on Walking Street. The victim was identified as 38-year-old Korean tourist Dong Chan Shin. According to the police report, the tourist was walking along the popular entertainment district when one ladyboy approached, initiated conversation, offered an embrace and made physical contact. A second ladyboy, believed to be part of the same group, then moved in to distract the tourist, allowing the suspects to allegedly steal a Gucci bag. The bag reportedly contained 10,000 baht in cash, an identity card and a room key. The suspects then fled the scene. Investigators from Pattaya City Police Station have acknowledged the complaint and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Officers are gathering evidence and working to identify and locate those responsible in order to pursue legal action as quickly as possible. AQMKPnCLxG3lDYv-dksxAfIlkJvF4V-6IxI-D_2rIsScQeUKEVly8c504ZeSDCFP9nbFrOM-3KBm94KDhnol6a7vtQxHqr1iWqvO0GuECw.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 4 June 2026Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:02:34 +0000A Korean tourist has reported being robbed by two ladyboys on Pattaya’s Walking Street after a designer bag containing cash and personal belongings was allegedly stolen during the early hours of 3 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The complaint was brought to the attention of reporters at 9.30pm on 3 June 2026 by a concerned citizen who requested anonymity. The individual reported that a group of ladyboys had targeted a foreign tourist on Walking Street in Pattaya, Chonburi, during the early hours of the same day. The victim later filed a formal complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station. The concerned citizen also provided video footage of the alleged theft, showing the suspects approaching and surrounding the tourist before allegedly stealing property. The footage was shared as a warning to visitors and with a request for authorities to take stronger action against pickpocket gangs operating in the area. Reporters visited the scene on Walking Street and found that the area is used as an operational point by Pattaya Tourist Police, who provide assistance to visitors from 8pm until 4am daily. After the end of operations, officers gradually leave the area and traffic is permitted to resume along the route leading to Bali Hai Pier. It is believed the suspects may have chosen this period to act because it falls immediately after tourist assistance points close and police presence is gone. The area remains busy with tourists at that time, while security coverage may not be as intensive as during normal operating hours. Police records confirm that the incident occurred at approximately 5am on 3 June 2026 outside an entertainment venue on Walking Street. The victim was identified as 38-year-old Korean tourist Dong Chan Shin. According to the police report, the tourist was walking along the popular entertainment district when one ladyboy approached, initiated conversation, offered an embrace and made physical contact. A second ladyboy, believed to be part of the same group, then moved in to distract the tourist, allowing the suspects to allegedly steal a Gucci bag. The bag reportedly contained 10,000 baht in cash, an identity card and a room key. The suspects then fled the scene. Investigators from Pattaya City Police Station have acknowledged the complaint and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Officers are gathering evidence and working to identify and locate those responsible in order to pursue legal action as quickly as possible. AQMKPnCLxG3lDYv-dksxAfIlkJvF4V-6IxI-D_2rIsScQeUKEVly8c504ZeSDCFP9nbFrOM-3KBm94KDhnol6a7vtQxHqr1iWqvO0GuECw.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 22:02:34 +0000Impressive Thai language skills I gotta say ..............and an interesting topic...........................Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:57:06 +0000Thailand can try to argue this all it likes, but the simple fact is they unilaterally tore up the 2001 MoU (the very agreement that stopped either side from touching the offshore resources). Now that Cambodia has gone to UNCLOS to restore that freeze, Thailand is suddenly crying foul. Sihasak pointing to the Timor‑Leste–Australia case says it all. That’s the precedent where the bigger state didn’t get the outcome it wanted. No wonder Thailand is nervous, compulsory conciliation limits the room for quiet manoeuvring before the exploitation begins. Thailand ended the MoU, likely expecting more freedom to move on those protected resources, and Cambodia responded with the one mechanism that puts everything back under rules instead of politics. This has never been about “trust”. It’s about who gets control over the resources in the disputed marine boundary area. The rhetoric is just nationalistic chest-beating.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:49:37 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-workers-gain-equal-rights-under-new-japan-deal-r2157/Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) that will allow Thai workers to take part in Japan’s new Employment for Skill Development (ESD) programme, a scheme designed to improve skills, strengthen worker protection and provide fairer labour rights. The agreement was endorsed on June 2 and authorises the permanent secretary for labour and the director-general of the Department of Employment to sign the deal. Get today's headlines by email The ESD system is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027, as part of Japan’s broader effort to reform the way it recruits foreign workers. The programme is intended to address labour shortages across key sectors while offering foreign workers a clearer route to developing professional skills and accessing higher-skilled employment opportunities. Under the framework, Thai workers sent to Japan will be able to build occupational skills through three years of work experience. The Thai government said the programme would help participants achieve skills equivalent to Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker No 1 level, providing a pathway to more advanced employment while gaining practical workplace experience. A key element of the agreement is improved worker protection. Thai employees participating in the programme will receive labour and workplace safety protections under Japanese law on the same basis as Japanese workers, including safeguards against discrimination and unfair treatment. The scheme is also expected to provide greater flexibility than previous arrangements by allowing workers to request transfers or change employers under specified conditions. The new ESD model will replace Japan’s Technical Intern Training Programme, which has faced criticism in the past. Japan has increasingly relied on foreign labour to offset workforce shortages linked to demographic decline, prompting reforms aimed at improving rights protection and creating a more direct route to skilled-worker status. The demand for foreign labour continues to grow. Japan’s foreign workforce reached 2.57 million in 2025, surpassing 2.5 million for the first time. The ESD programme is expected to cover up to 426,200 workers during its first two years. Labour shortages have also affected the food-service sector, where approvals under the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 programme were suspended after the sector approached its 50,000-worker limit. The Nation reported that the MOC will remain in force for five years and will automatically renew for further five-year periods. Deputy government spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had confirmed the agreement is not considered a treaty under Section 178 of the Constitution, allowing it to proceed without parliamentary treaty approval. The government said the agreement would expand overseas employment opportunities for Thai workers, improve welfare and protection standards, and allow participants to return to Thailand with valuable skills that can contribute to national development. Thai authorities and the Thai embassy in Japan are also expected to work together to support workers and their families when returning home at the end of the programme. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 4 June 2026Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:46:10 +0000Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) that will allow Thai workers to take part in Japan’s new Employment for Skill Development (ESD) programme, a scheme designed to improve skills, strengthen worker protection and provide fairer labour rights. The agreement was endorsed on June 2 and authorises the permanent secretary for labour and the director-general of the Department of Employment to sign the deal. Get today's headlines by email The ESD system is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027, as part of Japan’s broader effort to reform the way it recruits foreign workers. The programme is intended to address labour shortages across key sectors while offering foreign workers a clearer route to developing professional skills and accessing higher-skilled employment opportunities. Under the framework, Thai workers sent to Japan will be able to build occupational skills through three years of work experience. The Thai government said the programme would help participants achieve skills equivalent to Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker No 1 level, providing a pathway to more advanced employment while gaining practical workplace experience. A key element of the agreement is improved worker protection. Thai employees participating in the programme will receive labour and workplace safety protections under Japanese law on the same basis as Japanese workers, including safeguards against discrimination and unfair treatment. The scheme is also expected to provide greater flexibility than previous arrangements by allowing workers to request transfers or change employers under specified conditions. The new ESD model will replace Japan’s Technical Intern Training Programme, which has faced criticism in the past. Japan has increasingly relied on foreign labour to offset workforce shortages linked to demographic decline, prompting reforms aimed at improving rights protection and creating a more direct route to skilled-worker status. The demand for foreign labour continues to grow. Japan’s foreign workforce reached 2.57 million in 2025, surpassing 2.5 million for the first time. The ESD programme is expected to cover up to 426,200 workers during its first two years. Labour shortages have also affected the food-service sector, where approvals under the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 programme were suspended after the sector approached its 50,000-worker limit. The Nation reported that the MOC will remain in force for five years and will automatically renew for further five-year periods. Deputy government spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had confirmed the agreement is not considered a treaty under Section 178 of the Constitution, allowing it to proceed without parliamentary treaty approval. The government said the agreement would expand overseas employment opportunities for Thai workers, improve welfare and protection standards, and allow participants to return to Thailand with valuable skills that can contribute to national development. Thai authorities and the Thai embassy in Japan are also expected to work together to support workers and their families when returning home at the end of the programme. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 21:46:10 +0000Carl; You are sick in the head. You wrote a book about an alleged suicide. What for? the likes? The book revenue? No, I don't want your filthy tome. There was nothing beautiful about the death of my very good friend Jim during Easter 1993. He removed potassium cyanide from the laboratory where we worked, took it home, and alone in his room, took it with a bottle of tequila. His house mate was away at the time, and got back 2 weeks later. It was a warm Easter. Jim was a big guy, and gases must have built up...... My sister has attempted suicide in the past. The marks on her arms are a reminder. Within hours of death, the body starts to change. The lips draw back, the skin starts to darken. Putrification starts quite quickly, at least with my father. When he passed away, my mother insisted that he be kept at home, open coffin, until the funeral. Despite use of airconditioning units, after about 4 days, the smell was noticeable, a smell you never forget. He didn't look like my father anymore. He was there for 2 weeks. I view Kenneth Law as a murderer by proxy. You view him as a hero. That's a measure how depraved you are. He is implicated in social media sites where young women were essentially encouraged, radicalised, groomed to take their own lives by incel men, presumably acting out a sick misogynistic sexual fantasy. Aimee Walton was not in pain. She was not suffering an incurable disease. She was 21 years old, and neurodivergent, vulnerable to suggestions by blokes like you who suggest suicide can be beautiful. By all means go and top yourself. What's holding you back? Why do you feel the need to brag about it? https://www.channel4.com/news/exclusive-incel-culture-drove-21-year-old-to-death-say-family You stated that the death of 36-year-old Sumit Deeluang and 27-year-old Nati Aefu was beuatiful. You have no idea what happened. The police guessed, but it might as well have been murder suicide. They had no known illnesses. It was a tragedy, not something your sort should celebrate. Jim had no illness. He had just wrapped up his PhD, published posthumously. He left no note. He mother was an invalid. His father dead. The Inquest ruled Death by Misadventure, I suspect to spare Jim's mother, as she was of the Roman persuasion. But Jim wasn't experimenting. He knew exactly what he was doing. He left his best mate traumatised. Kenneth Law plead guilty after Crown Prosecutors dropped the 1st Degree Murder Charges. He facilitated the untimely deaths of 79 British people. The UK CPS, at the moment, has decided not to seek extradition. He should hang. He sought out, targeted and preyed on people with mental illness. Law selected and targeted vulnerable individuals, actively seeking them out on pro-suicide internet forums. Posing under aliases, he engaged with users experiencing mental health crises and steered them toward his websites to buy lethal substances and asphyxiation kits. His Canadian victims did not include the elderly, ranged in age from 16 to 36. He is a serial killer. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/national/26151640.court-hears-harrowing-details-deaths-poison-sellers-victims/ Some of Law's victims. I've selected the very young victims, including the 14 year old kid very deliberately. You're at the end of your life. They were at the end. My sister is very thankful someone got to her on time. Hannah Boggett, 20, died in hospital on July 15 2021, four days after ingesting a poison sold to her by Law Henry Tucker, 14, was found dead in his bedroom by his parents on October 27 2021 Thomas Parfett, 22, was found dead in a hotel by staff on October 28 2021 Callum Thurlow-Lewis, 20, was found dead on his bed by his grandmother on November 21 2021 Alex O’Donoghue, 21, was found dead in his student room on February 24 2022 by officers from Warwick University’s Community Safety Team, who had been alerted by his partner. Neha Raju, 23, was found dead on her bed on April 10 2022 by paramedics who had been called to her student accommodation Daniel Tucker, 24, died in hospital on April 22 2022. He had been discharged from hospital earlier that day after being admitted under section 2 of the Mental Health Act. Megan Davidson, a 21-year-old maths student at Lancaster University, was found ill in her room on May 16 2022 by friends to whom she had sent a message saying she had taken “the pill”, was scared and wanted help. She died in hospital the same day. Yeanu Mistry, 22, was found dead by staff at a Premier Inn in Milton, Oxfordshire, on May 21 2022 Samuel Whitaker, a 19-year-old Warwick University student, was found collapsed outside his halls of residence on June 6 2022 by members of the public who began CPR until an ambulance arrived. He died in hospital later that day Sebastian-Vasile Morar, 24, was found dead at his home on June 13 2022 by his landlord, who was conducting a welfare check. Chirag Patel, 26, was found dead by staff in a Premier Inn room in Wembley, north-west London, on July 5 2022 Axel Ford, 17, was found unresponsive on July 23 2022, by staff at the assisted living accommodation where Ford had gone to live after release from a secure mental health facility. Abdul Adams, 24, was found dead on his bed by his mother on August 19 2022 Faith Ike-Elechi, 21, died shortly after arriving in hospital in the early hours of August 23 2022. Her brother had found her in distress earlier that morning after he heard “screaming” coming from her bedroom A man referred to as H.A., 18, was found dead in the bathroom of his home by his mother and two sisters on August 31 2022 Ben Gosbee, 21, was found dead at his home on September 11 2022 by his mother, who had entered his bedroom to give him some clean laundry Aimee Louise Elif Walton, 21, was found dead on October 14 2022 in a hotel room. Riley Coates, 20, was found dead in his student room on October 17 2022 by university staff who had been told by his mother that she had not heard from him in 10 days. Viorel Cotlau, 24, was found dead in a bathroom at his home by his mother on January 9 2023. Joshua Warner, a 21-year-old Portsmouth University student, was found by fellow students in their halls of residence on January 31 2023. Zeta Oguwuike, an 18-year-old first year medical student at Leicester University, was found dead at her accommodation by staff on February 8 2023, after her parents and brother contacted the university and police said they had not heard from her in three days. Emilija Kaczmarska, 23, died in hospital on the evening of April 6 2023 after she called a mental health crisis team to tell them she was going to ingest poison Maddy Forsyth, 22, was found dead on April 17 2023, in the bedroom of an apartment in York which she had rented for the weekend Gulaid Elmi, 19, was found dead in the kitchen of his home by his mother on April 19 2023Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:45:33 +0000Good neighbourhood, Huai Khwang. Lots of excellent Chinese restaurants and well behaved Chinese package tourists. I support this brave man in getting to the bottom of this cunningness.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:45:05 +0000Good reason to always wear your helmet. I reckon he'd be a gonner without it.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:44:50 +0000At least 21 people have died and dozens more were injured after a fire swept through a multi-storey building in south Delhi, according to police in the Indian capital. Get today's headlines by email Several of those killed were foreign nationals, including people from South Asian, African and Central Asian countries who had travelled to India for medical treatment or were accompanying relatives receiving care, local media reported. The blaze broke out at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast in the Malviya Nagar area. The property is believed to have catered primarily to patients and family members visiting a nearby private hospital. More than 40 people were rescued and taken to hospital. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were inside the building when the fire started, and the cause remains under investigation. One of Delhi's Deadliest FiresThe incident is among the deadliest fires in the Indian capital in recent years. Fire officer AK Malik said crews brought the blaze under control quickly before conducting a full search of the building. "The fire was brought under control quite early on - it was contained very quickly. We have now cleared the building and opened it up for the police," he said. Delhi minister Ashish Sood said officials were investigating whether the property had the required permissions to operate as a bed-and-breakfast facility. He added that anyone found responsible for violations would face criminal action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims' families and announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,088) for the families of those killed and 50,000 rupees for those injured. Witness AccountsVideos shared on social media showed flames engulfing the building as crowds gathered outside. Television footage later showed the structure heavily damaged while emergency teams searched for victims. Witnesses told BBC Hindi that many people were found unconscious inside the building. Some were discovered beneath beds in hotel rooms, while others were found collapsed in washrooms. Wasim, a local resident who helped during the rescue effort, said he found the bodies of a couple embracing inside a washroom. Another witness said several unconscious victims were given CPR, with some successfully revived. A shopkeeper whose business faces the building said he laid quilts on the ground to help cushion people attempting to jump from upper floors. According to witnesses, several people survived after leaping from the building. Victims Yet to Be IdentifiedAuthorities have not released a complete list of those killed or formally identified the victims. Local lawmaker Satish Upadhyay said a number of people from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries were staying in the building while seeking medical treatment in Delhi. By early evening, search and rescue operations were nearing completion, although ambulances remained on standby as crews continued clearing debris. Safety ConcernsFires remain a recurring problem across India, where enforcement of building safety regulations is often criticised as inadequate. Previous investigations into major fires have highlighted issues including poor inspections, faulty electrical systems and buildings operating beyond their approved use. Incidents at factories, hospitals, coaching centres and entertainment venues have repeatedly exposed gaps between safety regulations and their enforcement. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 21:42:05 +0000No such thing as "bad luck." I think there's more to this story.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:41:17 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-diner-questions-yuan-only-restaurant-in-bangkok-r2156/A Chinese resident in Thailand has sparked debate online after claiming a Chinese restaurant in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district refused to accept Thai baht and would only accept payment in Chinese yuan. The allegation, shared in a TikTok video posted on 3 June 2026 by user JaideeBing and Bao, has raised questions about whether the restaurant’s payment practices comply with Thai regulations. Get today's headlines by email In the post, the Chinese national, who said he has lived in Thailand for many years, questioned whether a restaurant operating in Thailand could legally function without a Thai bank account. He wrote that the business accepted only cash and WeChat Pay, prompting him to ask whether such an arrangement was permitted. According to the video, the man had recently eaten at a noodle restaurant in Huai Khwang and attempted to pay using local payment methods. He said restaurant staff informed him that they did not accept Thai QR-code payments and did not have a Thai bank account. The customer claimed staff then asked whether he had another currency available. He eventually paid in Chinese yuan and said he was charged the equivalent of 375 baht for a bill that had originally totalled 325 baht, resulting in an additional cost of 50 baht. Picture courtesy of Khaosod In the video, he expressed confusion about the policy, asking: “This restaurant only accepts yuan. I’m confused. Can they really do this?” He also urged businesses operating in Thailand to comply with Thai laws and tax regulations. The man added that he was not unfamiliar with local practices, saying: “They may think I’m new to Thailand, but I’ve been here a long time. Half of me is Thai already.” The video quickly attracted attention across social media, with many users questioning whether businesses in Thailand can legally refuse to accept Thai currency or operate without a Thai payment system. The discussion has focused on payment regulations, taxation and whether foreign-owned businesses should be required to use local banking services. No response from the restaurant had been reported as of 3 June 2026. Relevant authorities had also not issued any immediate statement regarding the allegations. Khaosod reported that the case is likely to draw further scrutiny as questions continue over the legality of payment practices used by some businesses catering primarily to foreign customers. Any official response from regulators or the restaurant could help clarify the rules governing accepted payment methods in Thailand. video_616883308836159489-gvYKu7E1.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 June 2026Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:39:04 +0000A Chinese resident in Thailand has sparked debate online after claiming a Chinese restaurant in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district refused to accept Thai baht and would only accept payment in Chinese yuan. The allegation, shared in a TikTok video posted on 3 June 2026 by user JaideeBing and Bao, has raised questions about whether the restaurant’s payment practices comply with Thai regulations. Get today's headlines by email In the post, the Chinese national, who said he has lived in Thailand for many years, questioned whether a restaurant operating in Thailand could legally function without a Thai bank account. He wrote that the business accepted only cash and WeChat Pay, prompting him to ask whether such an arrangement was permitted. According to the video, the man had recently eaten at a noodle restaurant in Huai Khwang and attempted to pay using local payment methods. He said restaurant staff informed him that they did not accept Thai QR-code payments and did not have a Thai bank account. The customer claimed staff then asked whether he had another currency available. He eventually paid in Chinese yuan and said he was charged the equivalent of 375 baht for a bill that had originally totalled 325 baht, resulting in an additional cost of 50 baht. Picture courtesy of Khaosod In the video, he expressed confusion about the policy, asking: “This restaurant only accepts yuan. I’m confused. Can they really do this?” He also urged businesses operating in Thailand to comply with Thai laws and tax regulations. The man added that he was not unfamiliar with local practices, saying: “They may think I’m new to Thailand, but I’ve been here a long time. Half of me is Thai already.” The video quickly attracted attention across social media, with many users questioning whether businesses in Thailand can legally refuse to accept Thai currency or operate without a Thai payment system. The discussion has focused on payment regulations, taxation and whether foreign-owned businesses should be required to use local banking services. No response from the restaurant had been reported as of 3 June 2026. Relevant authorities had also not issued any immediate statement regarding the allegations. Khaosod reported that the case is likely to draw further scrutiny as questions continue over the legality of payment practices used by some businesses catering primarily to foreign customers. Any official response from regulators or the restaurant could help clarify the rules governing accepted payment methods in Thailand. video_616883308836159489-gvYKu7E1.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 21:39:04 +0000Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:38:02 +0000Pulte and Trump see the Intelligence job as part-time time since he is not willing to give up the job for which he has received Senate confirmation for one for likely which he never could.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:32:21 +0000The House of Representatives has approved a resolution aimed at forcing President Donald Trump to end U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, delivering a political victory to Democrats and a small group of Republicans who argue the war lacks proper congressional authorization. Get today's headlines by email The measure passed on Wednesday by a vote of 215-208. Four Republicans — Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson — joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. Bipartisan vote in HouseAlthough the vote does not immediately alter U.S. military policy, it places the House formally on record against a conflict that has lasted for more than three months and has contributed to economic uncertainty worldwide. Democrats described the outcome as a significant step in challenging the administration’s handling of the war. Representative Jared Huffman said Congress was moving closer to declaring the conflict unlawful without explicit approval from lawmakers. Senate action still pendingThe resolution now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers have been considering similar efforts to limit the administration’s war powers. Previous attempts by critics of the conflict to advance war powers measures were blocked by Republican allies of the president. Momentum shifted last month when the Senate moved forward with its own proposal after Senator Bill Cassidy changed his position and voted in favor of advancing the measure. A final Senate vote has not yet been scheduled. In the House, Wednesday’s vote marked the fourth attempt to pass legislation seeking an end to the conflict. Earlier efforts attracted some Republican backing but fell short because of opposition from party leaders. Most Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, have argued that the military action does not constitute a war requiring congressional approval. Party leaders have also maintained that restricting the president’s authority during the conflict could benefit Iran’s government and undermine U.S. security interests. Economic concerns shape debateSupport for the administration’s position has weakened as public concerns about the conflict have grown. While Republican voters largely continue to back the war, independent voters have become increasingly skeptical as fighting has continued. The shift comes as lawmakers prepare for November’s midterm elections. Economic pressures have played a major role in that change. Disruptions to global trade linked to the conflict have contributed to higher prices for fuel and some consumer goods. Democrats have repeatedly argued that the war has undermined Trump’s campaign promises to avoid new overseas conflicts and reduce costs for American families. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the conflict had increased costs for consumers and called for an immediate end to the military campaign. Dispute over presidential authoritySeveral Republicans supporting the resolution have pointed to the 1973 War Powers Act, which allows presidents to conduct military operations without congressional approval for a limited period. Critics argue that the legal window for the current operation expired in early May and that Congress should now decide whether military action continues. The House measure, introduced by Representative Greg Meeks, directs the president to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress issues a declaration of war or specifically authorizes military action. Because it is a concurrent resolution, the measure requires approval from both chambers of Congress but does not go to the White House for the president’s signature. The administration has dismissed the proposal as unconstitutional and argues that active hostilities ended after Trump ordered a ceasefire on April 7. The White House has maintained that there are currently no hostilities requiring the withdrawal of U.S. forces and has opposed the resolution on both legal and practical grounds. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 21:28:23 +0000Can't be a Canadian. Canadians don't do things like that.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:25:11 +0000California prosecutors have filed a murder charge against a man accused of fatally beating a 69-year-old homeowner known locally for displaying American flags and pro-Trump memorabilia outside his residence. Get today's headlines by email The charge against Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, was upgraded after the victim, Kerry George Sheron, died from injuries sustained during an assault outside his home in Escondido on 20 May. Butler, a former Navy information systems technician, had initially been charged with attempted murder and pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on 22 May. Following Sheron’s death on 24 May, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office amended the case to include a murder charge. Victim Died Four Days After AssaultAccording to prosecutors, Butler allegedly punched Sheron, causing him to fall, and then struck him several more times while he was on the ground. Sheron was taken to hospital in critical condition after the attack and died four days later. Family members described him as a strong supporter of Donald Trump and said the assault was “brutal and unprovoked.” In announcing the upgraded charge, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said the attack had left Sheron’s family and community grieving and pledged to pursue justice in the case. Investigation ContinuesAuthorities have not identified a motive for the assault. However, the Escondido Police Department said investigators are examining whether the incident may have had a political element. The attack occurred at about 2:14 p.m. local time on 20 May, when officers responded to reports of an assault at Sheron’s home. Police said they found Sheron suffering from severe injuries. A bystander who intervened was also hurt. Investigators said the suspect had fled before officers arrived. Police later located Butler in the neighborhood after witnesses provided a description. Potential Life SentenceButler remains in custody at the San Diego County Jail without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the murder charge on Friday after a previous court hearing was canceled. Prosecutors said Butler faces a potential sentence of 28 years to life in prison if convicted. Military records provided by the Navy show Butler enlisted in December 2011, served as an information systems technician, and was discharged in January 2023. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 June 2026 View full articleWed, 03 Jun 2026 21:20:54 +0000A politician exploits a tragedy? No way.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:14:49 +0000