https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenHe had his wallet and credit cards stolen. I’m sorry, that’s not life threatening. Where is his passport, suitcase and return flight ticket? How has he maintained such a high level of personal grooming? Why hasn’t he gone to the police? Isn’t that the first thing one thinks of when something is stolen? Maybe he has mental issues. But somehow he managed to book a holiday in Thailand and travel here seemingly by himself. The story as written suggests that he is incapable of the simplest of tasks.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:20:19 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:19:26 +0000Okey-dokey hokey-pokeySat, 23 May 2026 03:19:13 +0000It seems that NATO is more confident when the USA has military bases in Europe. However, I believe NATO should learn to exist without those bases. If Russia were to invade Hawaii or Alaska, to make them Oblast 47 and 48, Europe may consider supporting their defense but should consider how they have been trash talked and whether it is worth it.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:18:43 +0000which would imply without or against 'Niptions'.......!Sat, 23 May 2026 03:18:36 +0000Trump Poised For Iran Strike As Tehran Shuts Airspace Iran has dramatically closed a huge stretch of its western airspace amid mounting fears that President Donald Trump could be preparing a major new military strike against the Islamic Republic. The move came after Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority issued an urgent notice to airmen on Friday, shutting down large sections of the country’s skies until Monday. Only a limited number of airports are reportedly still operating, and even those are restricted to daytime flights. The sudden closure has triggered intense speculation that Tehran is bracing for imminent American action after weeks of rising tensions, oil market chaos and repeated military threats from Washington. Trump Cancels Weekend PlansFueling the fears further, Trump abruptly canceled plans to spend the weekend at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey and instead returned to the White House. The president offered only a cryptic explanation, saying “circumstances pertaining to Government” required him to remain in Washington during an “important period of time.” The decision immediately sparked speculation that military action against Iran could be close. Sources cited by CBS News claimed the Trump administration is actively preparing for a possible new wave of strikes against Iranian targets, although no final order had reportedly been given as of Friday afternoon. Iran Braces For EscalationTehran’s airspace shutdown appears designed to protect military operations and reduce civilian aviation risks in the event of incoming attacks. The closures affect western Iran — a strategically vital region containing key military infrastructure, missile sites and access routes connected to the Persian Gulf and Iraq. Iranian authorities also warned all airlines they must receive special permission before entering or crossing Iranian airspace. The move follows weeks of escalating brinkmanship after Trump threatened overwhelming force unless Iran accepted a US-backed deal over its nuclear programme and regional military activity. Trump Sends Mixed SignalsTrump has repeatedly shifted between threatening massive military action and suggesting diplomacy remains possible. Earlier this week he stunned observers by pausing a planned strike after pressure from Gulf allies including Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Mohammed bin Salman. But the president also warned the US military remains ready to launch a “full, large-scale assault” on short notice if Iran fails to give the “right answers.” Speaking publicly, Trump insisted: “We’re all ready to go.” Nuclear Questions RemainConfusion also continues over Iran’s uranium stockpile. Trump recently claimed Iran no longer has “nuclear potential,” while refusing to explain whether key facilities or enriched uranium reserves had actually been destroyed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has likewise refused to rule out further military action, saying only that the administration has “options.” Meanwhile, oil markets remain deeply nervous as traders fear any major strike could ignite a wider regional war and further disrupt shipping through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. SOURCESat, 23 May 2026 03:18:22 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:17:50 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:16:52 +0000Their country, their rules. How hard is it for a Thai to get a visa for your country?Sat, 23 May 2026 03:16:42 +0000Porn is filmed actual sex activity, not simple nudity. Yes she broke nudity statutes, but not making pornography.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:16:40 +0000Meanwhile a Thai can get a Digital Nomad visa in Europe for right away like a year, with barely 1200 euro a month income and barely a year history while westerners need to show 15,000 USD in funds at once + monthly income proof and other collections of paperwork. I guess the red lights of Europe will see a lot of Thai girls in the next years.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:16:37 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:16:13 +0000CircusSat, 23 May 2026 03:15:59 +0000I'm a hockey fan and was watching NHL finals the other year. I was suprised to see Edmonton Oilers home games full of fans wearing the Oilers' jersey but placing their hands over their hearts and singing the US national anthem. There are many Americans living in both Edmonton and Calgary because that's where Canada's oil patch is located, and maybe they can afford the season's tickets - still it was unusual to see. But it's also an indicator of the influence America has on Alberta in general.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:15:38 +0000Thailand has in the past made temporary changes to boost tourism. I can remember in the early 2000s the tourist visa being free at times. I think they made a mistake messing with the visa waiver, as the thread highlights.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:15:32 +0000And then there is contra............Sat, 23 May 2026 03:15:11 +0000The Thai government says so. Now you have your reason. They do not owe you more than that.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:15:01 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:14:54 +0000For context, I had a conversation with my wife a while back who, as far as I am concerned, is "honest". This was at a time when obtaining a married visa for me appeared to be "too difficult" for her. She wanted me to pay a bribe to an immigration officer as advised by an acquaintance. She said that she understands my reluctance to do this as I like to do everything "by the book". Also, for context, I got the visa without any problems and without bribes. While your average westerner will gather information to be able to navigate through the visa maze, my wife, her family and friends, including my Chinese and Korean acquaintances from yesteryear, believed that there is nothing wrong paying a public servant some money to fast track something. As an example, when working in Korea, I asked my Korean colleague about Korean road rules. When he said that he didn't know, I asked him how he got his driver's license? He told me that his uncle got it for him. I am sure that some will defend this as perfectly acceptable. I don't because my colleague doesn't know how to drive. It's not really his or a legitimate driver's license as far as I am concerned. Back to Thailand. When I refused to consider paying a bribe, my wife asked me: "Do you really want to waste all day at immigration?". When I asked whether she thought that it was fair that poor people had to wait while I get preferential treatment, she turned away and the conversation ended. Although I got my visa 100% the legal way, Thais - and Asians generally - believe that it's OK to ignore laws, rules and regulations to further their own goals. They generally like to interpret the law to suit their limited understanding of it and due to laziness and selfishness - there is no other explanation. I don't really care why this is so - it's bad behaviour, it's selfish and counterproductive to an equal society. That's how it is right now. For example, when I stopped at a pedestrian crossing in Bangkok to let pedestrians cross, people shouted abuse at me, honked their horns, and even pedestrians looked at me as if I was an idiot - including my then travel partner who asked me why I stopped and urged me to keep driving. Should I have ploughed through the pedestrians instead just to demonstrate that I understand and accept Thai society and their lack of understanding of Thai road rules? Last week, a guy let R-22 Freon gas vent into the atmosphere after dismantling an old air-con although it's illegal to do so. When I told him that the other 6 air-cons must be vented properly, everyone walked away. My new septic tank's overflow goes straight onto the public road. Although this has been banned for over 10 years, and anyone can read up on it, no one bothers. Instead, they claim that I and all the authorities are wrong and, and as always, they simply walk away. This immature and unruly behaviour is counterproductive to attaining a better society. Anyone who lacks the ability to process and accept valid criticism is a liability to society. My two Thai children and my ex-wife refuse to be associated with Thailand because of this prevailing attitude. I've come to terms with it - kind of. I try and let the bad habits not upset me. The important thing is that I, my immediate family and friends are able to think critically and accept better ways of doing things.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:13:53 +0000I guess they have to send all the Russian generals being wounded on the front lines to hospital somewhere. Ordinary soldiers can use the local facilities, lol.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:13:33 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:13:20 +0000con usually denotes 'with' not sure about the Niptions..............Sat, 23 May 2026 03:12:25 +0000Remember to tell the wife how great she looks when she's having a bad day. Er.....Sat, 23 May 2026 03:12:07 +0000Sat, 23 May 2026 03:11:46 +0000Those thumb downs are mine. There's something seriously wrong with you people. Only one intelligent reply, that's sad, as is AN anymore.Sat, 23 May 2026 03:11:38 +0000