https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/teen-forced-into-nigeria-sex-work-files-complaint-r2274/A 17-year-old Thai girl has filed a criminal complaint against her own mother, grandmother, aunt and uncle for allegedly forcing her into prostitution in Nigeria to pay off a debt. The victim, identified only as ‘Ms A’, was accompanied by activist Ms Chanida Phalamat, known as ‘Ton Or Por Neung’, and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security when she met police at the Central Investigation Bureau on 10 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The teenager stated that her relatives pressured and coerced her into travelling abroad for sex work. Despite resisting and fleeing to her boyfriend’s home for safety, she was physically assaulted by the family members and forcibly taken to the airport for an immediate flight to Nigeria. For two months, the victim endured exploitation in Nigeria while secretly staying in contact with her boyfriend and his aunt. Eventually, she contacted the Thai embassy in Nigeria, whose officials intervened to secure her rescue and safe return. Ms Chanida said the victim’s aunt had previously been tricked into similar work before allegedly collaborating with the mother and other relatives to force the teenager to take her place. Manager Online reported that investigators from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (Bureau PCT) are now interviewing the victim, alongside a multi-disciplinary team, to build a case. Legal proceedings will be pursued against all five alleged co-offenders under Thai trafficking laws. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 12 June 2026Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:47:15 +0000A 17-year-old Thai girl has filed a criminal complaint against her own mother, grandmother, aunt and uncle for allegedly forcing her into prostitution in Nigeria to pay off a debt. The victim, identified only as ‘Ms A’, was accompanied by activist Ms Chanida Phalamat, known as ‘Ton Or Por Neung’, and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security when she met police at the Central Investigation Bureau on 10 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The teenager stated that her relatives pressured and coerced her into travelling abroad for sex work. Despite resisting and fleeing to her boyfriend’s home for safety, she was physically assaulted by the family members and forcibly taken to the airport for an immediate flight to Nigeria. For two months, the victim endured exploitation in Nigeria while secretly staying in contact with her boyfriend and his aunt. Eventually, she contacted the Thai embassy in Nigeria, whose officials intervened to secure her rescue and safe return. Ms Chanida said the victim’s aunt had previously been tricked into similar work before allegedly collaborating with the mother and other relatives to force the teenager to take her place. Manager Online reported that investigators from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (Bureau PCT) are now interviewing the victim, alongside a multi-disciplinary team, to build a case. Legal proceedings will be pursued against all five alleged co-offenders under Thai trafficking laws. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 12 June 2026 View full articleThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:47:15 +0000U.S. President Donald Trump said he had called off planned military strikes against Iran on Thursday, hours after threatening further attacks and suggesting the United States could seize the Iranian oil export hub of Kharg Island. Get today's headlines by email In a post on social media, Trump said planned strikes scheduled for later in the day had been cancelled after discussions with Iran reached the highest levels of the country's leadership and received approval. “Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump wrote. Speaking later in the Oval Office, Trump suggested an agreement to end the conflict was close, saying the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once a settlement was formally signed. He said he expected that to happen within days and indicated U.S. Vice-President JD Vance would attend a signing ceremony in Europe if one took place. “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters, without providing details. Trump also said discussions and final points had been approved by the United States, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, among others. He added that the U.S.-led naval blockade would remain in place until any agreement was finalized. Earlier Threats Against Kharg IslandEarlier on Thursday, Trump had threatened to intensify military action against Iran and take control of key energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Writing on Truth Social, he said the United States would eventually take control of Kharg Island and other oil facilities, comparing the move to U.S. actions involving Venezuela. The comments came as U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged attacks and Washington continued operations aimed at enforcing a blockade of Iran-linked shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials have previously indicated that any effort to control Kharg Island could require ground forces, although no such operation has been announced. Iran responded sharply to Trump's remarks. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security committee in Iran’s parliament, said the United States would face a stronger and more painful response if it made what he described as an “uncalculated” move. Shipping Tensions ContinueDespite Trump's suggestion that a settlement may be close, tensions at sea remained high. India said three of its sailors were killed late Wednesday when a U.S. strike hit a tanker off Oman during operations linked to the blockade. New Delhi summoned a U.S. diplomat and called for such attacks to stop. The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said an American aircraft carried out a precision strike on the engine room of the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello after its crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from U.S. forces. CENTCOM said the vessel was attempting to transport Iranian oil. According to India’s Foreign Ministry, 21 Indian crew members were rescued after the strike. The Omani navy responded to the vessel’s distress call. The deaths were the first reported since the blockade began on April 13. U.S. forces say they have disabled eight vessels and turned back more than 100 others during the operation. CENTCOM also reported disabling another tanker, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged M/T Jalveer, in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday after its crew allegedly failed to comply with instructions. A third India-linked tanker was stopped earlier in the week. “These attacks must cease,” Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Conflict's Wider ImpactThe conflict, which began on Feb. 28, has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and contributed to higher global oil prices. The fighting has also become a political challenge for the White House as rising fuel costs have weighed on public support for Trump. While Trump's latest comments raised expectations of a diplomatic breakthrough, details of any proposed agreement remain unclear and the naval blockade remains in force pending a formal settlement. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026 View full articleThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:45:50 +0000Sorry about all the royalsThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:39:01 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/dopa-raids-three-illegal-hotels-in-phuket-r2273/The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has raided three accommodation operators in Phuket accused of running hotel businesses without licences, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle illegal business activities and protect legitimate operators. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, targeting properties in the popular tourist areas of Karon and Rawai in Mueang Phuket district. Officials said the establishments were allegedly operating as hotels without obtaining licences required under the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). Those responsible at each site were arrested and evidence was seized for further legal action. The raids formed part of the Interior Ministry’s wider campaign to restore social order and suppress corruption, influential interests and unlawful business networks. The operation was carried out under the policy of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has emphasised the need to prevent corruption and crack down on illegal activities. According to DOPA, the investigation began after authorities received reports that a large number of accommodation businesses in Phuket were operating without licences. The department’s special operations team from the central office subsequently conducted investigations and surveillance across the province. Officials said their inquiries identified three establishments in Karon and Rawai that were openly accepting room bookings and providing accommodation services in the same manner as licensed hotels. Investigators determined that the businesses did not possess the required hotel operating licences. Following the collection of sufficient evidence, authorities carried out simultaneous inspections at all three locations. During the raids, officials said they found clear evidence that hotel operations were being conducted without permission. Booking documents, service records and other relevant materials were confiscated before the suspects were handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. Narucha Kosasivilize, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, said operating a hotel business without a licence violated the law and created significant problems. He stated that illegal accommodation operators undermine businesses that comply with regulations and pay taxes, while also creating safety risks because unlicensed premises may not meet state safety standards. Narucha added that illegal accommodation businesses can damage Thailand’s reputation and reduce long-term confidence in the country’s tourism industry. Authorities said maintaining standards is important for protecting visitors and supporting sustainable tourism growth. The Nation reported the The Department of Provincial Administration said it will continue strict inspections and enforcement operations against illegal hotels nationwide, particularly in major tourist destinations. Officials said similar investigations and raids are expected to continue as part of efforts to protect public interests and improve tourism standards. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 12 June 2026Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:38:53 +0000The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has raided three accommodation operators in Phuket accused of running hotel businesses without licences, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle illegal business activities and protect legitimate operators. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, targeting properties in the popular tourist areas of Karon and Rawai in Mueang Phuket district. Officials said the establishments were allegedly operating as hotels without obtaining licences required under the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). Those responsible at each site were arrested and evidence was seized for further legal action. The raids formed part of the Interior Ministry’s wider campaign to restore social order and suppress corruption, influential interests and unlawful business networks. The operation was carried out under the policy of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has emphasised the need to prevent corruption and crack down on illegal activities. According to DOPA, the investigation began after authorities received reports that a large number of accommodation businesses in Phuket were operating without licences. The department’s special operations team from the central office subsequently conducted investigations and surveillance across the province. Officials said their inquiries identified three establishments in Karon and Rawai that were openly accepting room bookings and providing accommodation services in the same manner as licensed hotels. Investigators determined that the businesses did not possess the required hotel operating licences. Following the collection of sufficient evidence, authorities carried out simultaneous inspections at all three locations. During the raids, officials said they found clear evidence that hotel operations were being conducted without permission. Booking documents, service records and other relevant materials were confiscated before the suspects were handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. Narucha Kosasivilize, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, said operating a hotel business without a licence violated the law and created significant problems. He stated that illegal accommodation operators undermine businesses that comply with regulations and pay taxes, while also creating safety risks because unlicensed premises may not meet state safety standards. Narucha added that illegal accommodation businesses can damage Thailand’s reputation and reduce long-term confidence in the country’s tourism industry. Authorities said maintaining standards is important for protecting visitors and supporting sustainable tourism growth. The Nation reported the The Department of Provincial Administration said it will continue strict inspections and enforcement operations against illegal hotels nationwide, particularly in major tourist destinations. Officials said similar investigations and raids are expected to continue as part of efforts to protect public interests and improve tourism standards. Pictures courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 12 June 2026 View full articleThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:38:53 +0000Buddha taught that clinging to the past causes regret, while fixating on the future brings anxiety and expectation. He emphasized anchoring the mind in the present moment, as it is the only time life can be lived, and the only realm where effective action can be takenThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:38:02 +0000Junior is age 16 to 20. In Canada it's highly competitive and there are some big, strong young men playing. A few of my friends played junior back in the day. The point is that a junior player hitting a ref could cause serious injuries whereas a 14 year old isn't as large and capable yet. I can't imagine assaulting a ref in any sport but there's a different social hierarchy in Asia and the entitlement runs deep.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:35:22 +0000I am not British, so I had to look up who she isThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:35:06 +0000British migrants have always refused to integrate into Irish society - hence they smash up Irish property for King and Cuontry.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:33:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreign-arrivals-rise-as-thailand-attracts-145-million-r2272/Thailand’s tourism sector continued to show resilience in the first half of 2026, with foreign visitors generating more than 700 billion baht in revenue. The government said international arrivals remained strong despite global economic pressures and rising travel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksameesangchan said that between 1 and 31 May 2026, Thailand welcomed 2.35 million foreign tourists. This represented growth of 3.54% compared with the same period last year. Tourism revenue for the month reached 108 billion baht, an increase of 12.77% year-on-year. The five largest source markets in May were Malaysia, China, India, Russia and Singapore. The figures reflect continued demand for travel to Thailand from key regional and international markets. From 1 January to 7 June 2026, foreign visitors generated cumulative tourism revenue of 701.358 billion baht. During the same period, Thailand recorded 14,515,978 international arrivals. The top five source markets were China with 2,386,714 visitors, followed by Malaysia with 1,839,151, India with 1,103,945, Russia with 964,670 and South Korea with 552,621. The government noted that growing tensions in the Middle East have increased air travel and transport costs significantly. As a result, travellers are increasingly expected to reduce long-haul journeys and exercise greater control over spending. Officials said that, alongside revenue from international tourism, the government is continuing to promote domestic and short-haul travel. The strategy focuses on destinations that are easy to reach while supporting changes in Thailand’s tourism industry to align with modern priorities, including sustainability, energy efficiency and experience-based travel. The Nation reported that authorities expect foreign arrivals to increase slightly as several tourism markets return to normal travel patterns. The latest figures are being closely monitored as the government seeks to maintain momentum in the sector amid changing global travel conditions. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 12 June 2026Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:29:47 +0000Thailand’s tourism sector continued to show resilience in the first half of 2026, with foreign visitors generating more than 700 billion baht in revenue. The government said international arrivals remained strong despite global economic pressures and rising travel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksameesangchan said that between 1 and 31 May 2026, Thailand welcomed 2.35 million foreign tourists. This represented growth of 3.54% compared with the same period last year. Tourism revenue for the month reached 108 billion baht, an increase of 12.77% year-on-year. The five largest source markets in May were Malaysia, China, India, Russia and Singapore. The figures reflect continued demand for travel to Thailand from key regional and international markets. From 1 January to 7 June 2026, foreign visitors generated cumulative tourism revenue of 701.358 billion baht. During the same period, Thailand recorded 14,515,978 international arrivals. The top five source markets were China with 2,386,714 visitors, followed by Malaysia with 1,839,151, India with 1,103,945, Russia with 964,670 and South Korea with 552,621. The government noted that growing tensions in the Middle East have increased air travel and transport costs significantly. As a result, travellers are increasingly expected to reduce long-haul journeys and exercise greater control over spending. Officials said that, alongside revenue from international tourism, the government is continuing to promote domestic and short-haul travel. The strategy focuses on destinations that are easy to reach while supporting changes in Thailand’s tourism industry to align with modern priorities, including sustainability, energy efficiency and experience-based travel. The Nation reported that authorities expect foreign arrivals to increase slightly as several tourism markets return to normal travel patterns. The latest figures are being closely monitored as the government seeks to maintain momentum in the sector amid changing global travel conditions. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 12 June 2026 View full articleThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:29:47 +0000I had a neighbor who had a good sized Siamese cat that had a route around their house as well as mine. Great cat, would often show me the trophy kills. The neighbors moved, took the cat and the rats moved in 👎.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:21:42 +0000Seen many new ones last few monthsThu, 11 Jun 2026 20:14:33 +0000My quoting has gone wrong apologies hence the formatting. The fact that President Zelensky is Jewish is the point, and where YOU happened to be born is irrelevant to the argument. Russia is not, and never has been, my enemy. Nor do I wish my country to spend its treasure, resources, and manpower on the assumption that it is. My concern is the welfare and interests of my own country, not the pursuit of endless foreign entanglements presented as moral crusades. You use "we" a lot I'm sure you could be of use to the Ukrainian resistance in some context flaming me here doesn’t count I'm afraid.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:06:08 +0000So much for respecting ethnic diversity.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:00:33 +0000The "Iran can't have a nuclear weapon" will always be the go to, no matter how stupid he looks with this war. Comes from the "witch hunt", "hoax", "fake news", "rigged elections" playbook.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:55:32 +0000Oh, sorry, I have been warned not to reply with a single emoticon.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:52:41 +0000And if you think Trump is trustworthy. Oh,never mind.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:47:48 +0000Bull. It's not complex at all in today's world. Russia is trying to control and take over an independent neighbor, who is doing all they can to get out of Russia's claws, and into European standards and join our EU and NATO. Ukraine is a sovereign country, Russia has no say in this. Russia invaded Ukraine on that reason, to take over the country, and their goal is obviously to restore the old Soviet Union. That is not acceptable in today's world. We shall be glad we, Europe, support Ukraine in this war, or else, who knows which country would be next up for grabs by Russia. Wake up. And stop your nonsense about nazis. Russia has more nazis than Ukraine today, that's a fact. I was born in Russia. Thank god you're not of any influence in Europe's politics in this war. We had no other choice than to stop Russian aggression towards European countries. Sweden and Finland saw what was coming, and they are today members of NATO, after applying because of Russian threats to their countries. There is no room for aggression in Europe today. Enough is enough, and I'm really glad that statement has been made to Russia. We are protecting ourselves, and Ukrainians are fighting our first line of defense. Everything else of your propaganda, is just noise. Germany is today our allies, just like Ukraine is.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:47:45 +0000She's come to mock the finger licking expats on frozen pensions. Don't forget to wave the Union Jack and kneel at the feet of your betters. If you're lucky they might urinate down your back and tell you it's raining.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:42:54 +0000I agree Iran is a better teamThu, 11 Jun 2026 19:41:14 +0000Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:35:44 +0000This thread is dumb. The airport was built on a swamp, thus Swampy as another poster has already posted. I think you are showing your low IQ number by your OP, and labeling the names as dumb due to the fact you cannot understand/accept why certain places are referred to by other names. Maybe just trolling aye?Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:35:37 +0000The New York Times, Times of Israel, President Zelensky’s own website, Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum, and, above all, the hand of historical truth. The Russo-Ukrainian war is a complex conflict in many ways a Slavic civil war between two peoples who share far more with one another than they do with the rest of the world. It should have been left well alone to settle its own differences. Sorry about that. I’ll stop here if I so choose, not because you tell me to, but because I don’t consider posting online a particularly good use of my time.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:32:44 +0000