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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Thailand news</title><link>https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/</link><description>National and regional news from all around Thailand</description><language>en</language><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516809]]></link><description>Pea</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:28:39 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>TAT Drives Workation for Domestic Tourism Growth</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395047-tat-drives-workation-for-domestic-tourism-growth/?do=findComment&comment=20516808]]></link><description>"Workation" is that like a Busman's Holiday?  busman's holiday1. a holiday where you do something similar to your usual work instead of&#x2026;</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:28:26 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Swiss Man Wrecks Hua Hin Rental, Owner Warns Others</title><link>https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/swiss-man-wrecks-hua-hin-rental-owner-warns-others-r1914/</link><description>A woman in Hua Hin has alerted fellow property owners and local women after her rental house was severely damaged by a Swiss tenant, who continued to invite women to the property post-lease. The homeowner's Facebook post, featuring photos and details, swiftly caught online attention. She reports the tenant left the house in disarray, with damaged items including a stabbed mattress and electrical appliances in the swimming pool.  Get today's headlines by email   The property, rented by the Swiss national after leaving another nearby house, was found with excessive damage within a mere six months. Surprising discoveries included over 100 condoms and extensive mess in the kitchen and bathroom. Online, many speculated that the damage was intentional, though the homeowner revealed no prior conflict with the tenant, suggesting possible mental health issues as a motive.    Due to the incident going viral, the homeowner was contacted by Channel 8 for further coverage. They are reportedly coordinating with Hua Hin Police Station to help the owner claim compensation. In addition to alerting landlords, the homeowner advised local women to be cautious, as the tenant allegedly continued to arrange meetings with them at the property.  As of now, there has been no public response from the accused tenant, nor have the police announced any legal proceedings.  Join the discussion?   Already a member?     Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xB7; The Thaiger &#xB7; 21 May 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_05/Thaiger-Cover-Picture-2026-05-21T174624_510.jpg.7c7d1c7e253e3fdd0e8c8fedda2ad288.jpg" length="156384" type="image/jpeg"/><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:28:14 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Swiss Man Wrecks Hua Hin Rental, Owner Warns Others</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395058-swiss-man-wrecks-hua-hin-rental-owner-warns-others/?do=findComment&comment=20516807]]></link><description>A woman in Hua Hin has alerted fellow property owners and local women after her rental house was severely damaged by a Swiss tenant, who continued to invite women to the property post-lease. The homeowner's Facebook post, featuring photos and details, swiftly caught online attention. She reports the tenant left the house in disarray, with damaged items including a stabbed mattress and electrical appliances in the swimming pool.  Get today's headlines by email   The property, rented by the Swiss national after leaving another nearby house, was found with excessive damage within a mere six months. Surprising discoveries included over 100 condoms and extensive mess in the kitchen and bathroom. Online, many speculated that the damage was intentional, though the homeowner revealed no prior conflict with the tenant, suggesting possible mental health issues as a motive.    Due to the incident going viral, the homeowner was contacted by Channel 8 for further coverage. They are reportedly coordinating with Hua Hin Police Station to help the owner claim compensation. In addition to alerting landlords, the homeowner advised local women to be cautious, as the tenant allegedly continued to arrange meetings with them at the property.  As of now, there has been no public response from the accused tenant, nor have the police announced any legal proceedings.  Join the discussion?   Already a member?     Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xB7; The Thaiger &#xB7; 21 May 2026 

 
View full article</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:28:14 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Losses  - The Truth Will Out</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395057-us-losses-the-truth-will-out/?do=findComment&comment=20516806]]></link><description>Tired of all the winning yet?  Epic Failure.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:26:56 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>U.S. Losses  - The Truth Will Out</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395057-us-losses-the-truth-will-out/?do=findComment&comment=20516805]]></link><description>The number of U.S. aircraft lost in the illegal Israel/US war of aggression is now revealed to be at least 42 at a cost of $29 Billion.  Tge truth of other losses will out.   https://news.usni.org/2026/05/20/report-to-congress-on-u-s-aircraft-combat-losses-in-operation-epic-fury</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:25:25 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516804]]></link><description>Nuts</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:23:17 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>UK net migration plunges after visa crackdown</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395056-uk-net-migration-plunges-after-visa-crackdown/?do=findComment&comment=20516803]]></link><description>Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood   Net migration to the UK has nearly halved in a dramatic reversal that ministers are already claiming as proof tougher immigration rules are working. New figures from the Office for National Statistics show net migration fell to 171,000 in the year to December 2025 &#x2014; down 48 per cent from 331,000 a year earlier and far below the post-pandemic peak of 944,000 recorded in 2023. The sharp decline has been driven largely by a collapse in overseas recruitment and tighter restrictions on visas for workers and students.  Work Visa Curbs Hit Hard The biggest drop came in work-related migration, with the number of people arriving in Britain for jobs falling by 47 per cent in 2025. A succession of measures introduced under the Conservatives and maintained by Labour tightened access to skilled worker visas, raised salary thresholds and blocked care workers and many overseas students from bringing family members to Britain. Excluding the Covid years, net migration is now at its lowest level since 2012 &#x2014; a political milestone after years of fierce public debate over border control and pressure on public services.  Labour Claims &#x2018;Real Progress&#x2019; Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed the figures, saying net migration had fallen by 82 per cent over three years. &#x201C;We will always welcome those who contribute to this country,&#x201D; she said, while insisting the government must continue restoring &#x201C;order and control&#x201D; to the immigration system. But the numbers immediately reignited pressure from the Conservatives, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp arguing immigration remained &#x201C;far too high&#x201D; and demanding a legally binding annual cap.  Citizenship Surge Reveals New Reality Even as arrivals slow, Britain&#x2019;s foreign-born population continues to grow. Analysis from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford found foreign-born residents now make up 19 per cent of the UK population, up by 2.4 million since the last census. At the same time, applications for British citizenship have hit record levels, topping 300,000 in the year to March 2026. Separate Home Office data also showed asylum claims fell by 12 per cent, while the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels dropped by more than a third &#x2014; another key target for ministers under pressure to show the system is finally tightening.  Net migration to UK slashed by nearly half after work visa cuts</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_05/OIP-3241262450.jpg.0a35ae48670dc9135d9dbeddd9a04028.jpg" length="16760" type="image/jpeg"/><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:21:30 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>EU Approves Extended Schengen Visas for Thais</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394769-eu-approves-extended-schengen-visas-for-thais/?do=findComment&comment=20516802]]></link><description>Here is a funny true story... There was once this talking donkey who would reply "so as you can see..." and everyone would laugh at his ignorance. The end.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:21:14 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>How to prove you exited Thailand so you are not tax resident?</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394978-how-to-prove-you-exited-thailand-so-you-are-not-tax-resident/?do=findComment&comment=20516801]]></link><description>Thanks a lot for all the answers. So, first of all, I will tell them I need a stamp when I leave.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:20:40 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Project Sledgehammer: The Boom is Coming Down on Iran</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394397-project-sledgehammer-the-boom-is-coming-down-on-iran/?do=findComment&comment=20516800]]></link><description>He sounds drunk...</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:20:37 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Cabinet Cuts Visa-Free Stay Back to 30 Days</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394856-cabinet-cuts-visa-free-stay-back-to-30-days/?do=findComment&comment=20516799]]></link><description>it is a good thing, that visitors who behave like monkeys in the wild west be limited to 30 days in the country instead of 60! 30 days less opportunities to cause problems!  but to get these monkey tourists under control, this is not enough and more drastic measures are needed ...</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:20:10 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Sidelocks and keffiyeh</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395050-sidelocks-and-keffiyeh/?do=findComment&comment=20516798]]></link><description>Troll.t topic on steroids. Very sleazy anti dishonest anti ZIonist propaganda. Those loony tunes Jews pictured who want to kill Israel as you clearly do are a very tiny minority. Shame on you. Never mind. You clearly have no shame.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:20:08 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516797]]></link><description>Brazil</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:19:39 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516796]]></link><description>Portuguese</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:18:58 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>1,500 Counterfeit Shoes Seized in Ho Chi Minh City</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395055-1500-counterfeit-shoes-seized-in-ho-chi-minh-city/?do=findComment&comment=20516795]]></link><description>Photo courtesy of VN Express  Police in Ho Chi Minh City have detained Nguyen Tran Viet Hoang, the owner of the K.W Sneaker chain, for industrial property infringement. Nearly 1,500 counterfeit sneakers, including brands like Nike and Adidas, were seized, valued at over VND3.3 billion (US$125,000). Hoang admitted to selling fake footwear since February 2023, exploiting cheaper wholesale prices and high resale margins to generate illicit profits totaling over VND1 billion ($38,000).  Get today's headlines by email   The raid was part of a 45-day enforcement operation initiated by Vietnamese authorities. On May 5, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung instructed an increase in IP enforcement by at least 20% during the period from May 7 to 30. This initiative addresses counterfeiting across various platforms, involving both physical marketplaces and online sales.  Experts emphasize the importance of the crackdown as counterfeit goods harm legitimate business and consumer trust. Authorities are warning consumers about the risks of buying suspiciously cheap products and assure that those caught trading fakes will face severe legal consequences.  Looking forward, Vietnamese authorities are expected to intensify efforts against counterfeit operations. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any questionable activities to prevent further infringements.  Join the discussion?     Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xB7; VN Express &#xB7; 21 May 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_03/Createaccount.orange.png.6e6cf6a1bf2f3f4e78706af13b86b1a2.png" length="2410" type="image/png"/><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:18:44 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516794]]></link><description>Man-o&#x2019;-war</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:18:09 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Is quality of life worse in developed countries than in SE Asia?</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394977-is-quality-of-life-worse-in-developed-countries-than-in-se-asia/?do=findComment&comment=20516793]]></link><description>Not the same   When you are old the damage is done.  You can be a hot 65 but you're still 65  Most are not hot 65</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:17:28 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516792]]></link><description>Jellyfish</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:16:58 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>HCMC Launches High-Rise Project at Thu Thiem Station</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395054-hcmc-launches-high-rise-project-at-thu-thiem-station/?do=findComment&comment=20516791]]></link><description>Photo courtesy of VN Express  Ho Chi Minh City has announced a design competition for the high-rise complex atop the future Thu Thiem station, a key transit hub integrating Vietnam's high-speed railway with a new rail line to Long Thanh airport. Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong revealed the plan on May 20, during a site visit in the eastern Thu Duc area. The visit was also attended by Deputy Construction Minister Bui Xuan Dung.  Get today's headlines by email   The station will cover 17.2 hectares, combining three rail lines: the projected North-South high-speed railway, the Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem metro, and the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway. It is positioned as both a southern terminus for the Hanoi-HCMC bullet train and an eastern gateway for the city. Thu Thiem, located across the Saigon River from the historic center, is earmarked as HCMC&#x2019;s new financial district.  Construction of the underground Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem line began on April 29. The $1.4 billion project, under Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment, is set for completion in late 2030. The line will include six underground stations and connect to HCMC&#x2019;s metro network.  The design competition aims to select a structure that combines modern functionality and landscape integration, making Thu Thiem an iconic station. This approach aligns with global practices observed in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where high-rises above rail hubs serve as prominent urban landmarks.  HCMC is also exploring transit-oriented development (TOD) models for other stations, like Binh Trung and Long Truong. Additionally, officials reviewed rail links for Long Thanh airport, scheduled to begin operations in late 2026, aiming to eventually handle 100 million passengers per year.  Join the discussion?     Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xB7; VN Express &#xB7; 21 May 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_03/Createaccount.orange.png.6e6cf6a1bf2f3f4e78706af13b86b1a2.png" length="2410" type="image/png"/><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:15:04 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Project Sledgehammer: The Boom is Coming Down on Iran</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394397-project-sledgehammer-the-boom-is-coming-down-on-iran/?do=findComment&comment=20516790]]></link><description>So it seems that the Iranians are making good use of all the TACOs and "extra special final warnings". Who knew a defeated country with a defeated military could not only close the SOH, but restart it's military production capabilities.  'Iran rebuilding military industrial base faster than expected, already producing drones, according to US intel' https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/21/politics/iran-military-rebuild  "Four sources told CNN that US intelligence indicates Iran&#x2019;s military is reconstituting much faster than initially estimated. The rebuilding of military capabilities, including replacing missile sites, launchers and production capacity for key weapons systems destroyed during the current conflict, means that Iran remains a significant threat to regional allies should President Donald Trump restart the bombing campaign, according to the four sources familiar with the intelligence. It also calls into question claims about the extent to which US-Israeli strikes have degraded Iran&#x2019;s military in the long term."</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_05/image.png.39cda706111e6058c21e61b68e0beda8.png" length="378127" type="image/png"/><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:14:40 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Word Association - 2026</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1383425-word-association-2026/?do=findComment&comment=20516789]]></link><description>Box</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:14:09 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Thailand Eyes Higher Tourist Tax for Foreign Visitors</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1394989-thailand-eyes-higher-tourist-tax-for-foreign-visitors/?do=findComment&comment=20516788]]></link><description>Yes, clarity. If I could enter Thailand for 400 baht knowing I would have private hospital insurance I would be happy. And many improvements to the tourist infrastructure such as clear and safe paths and access to clean toilets.....I would be very happy indeed. Is this the kind of thing they mean?</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:13:40 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Helmetless Boy Speeds on E-Bike in Vietnam</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1395053-helmetless-boy-speeds-on-e-bike-in-vietnam/?do=findComment&comment=20516786]]></link><description>Photo courtesy of VN Express  A recent incident captured in Hung Yen Province highlights the growing issue of modified electric bikes in Vietnam. A dashcam video showed an electric bike, driven by a young helmet-less rider, overtaking a car at an estimated speed of 90-100 kph, far exceeding the legal speed limit for such vehicles. These bikes are reportedly being modified to transform public roads into high-speed tracks, raising safety concerns and calls for regulatory action.  Get today's headlines by email   According to Vietnam's traffic laws, the maximum speed for electric bikes is 50 kph, and they must not have more than 4 kW of motor output. However, the video incident clearly indicates an illegal modification that exceeded these limits. Typically, unmodified electric bikes in Vietnam have speeds ranging from 45-60 kph, with advanced models reaching up to 90 kph only after modifications.  Electric bike modification commonly involves upgrading electronic controllers, installing higher-voltage batteries, and removing speed limiters, all easily performed with widely available online resources. Services offering such modifications proliferate on social media, and components can be bought on e-commerce platforms, enabling even non-experts to enhance bike performance significantly.  Electric bikes inherently possess simpler structures than gasoline motorcycles, making them easier to upgrade. While gasoline bikes require intricate mechanical changes, electric bikes primarily involve adjustments to electrical systems. Despite their simplicity, experts warn that excessive modifications risk destabilizing bikes, endangering riders, and complicating traffic management.  Calls for stronger oversight have intensified, with suggestions for tighter controls on modification shops. Under Decree 168, illegal modifications can result in fines and obligatory restorations; however, enforcement varies. During a National Assembly Standing Committee session, Hoang Duy Chinh highlighted the danger of modified bikes among students, urging government action to impose stricter regulations and inspections, particularly in underserved areas.  Looking forward, Vietnam aims to scrutinize and regulate modification workshops more closely. Enhanced technical standards may be introduced to prevent performance-altering modifications that compromise safety, while educational campaigns could inform parents and young riders about the risks.  Join the discussion?     Adapted by ASEAN Now &#xB7; VN Express &#xB7; 21 May 2026</description><enclosure url="https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2026_03/Createaccount.orange.png.6e6cf6a1bf2f3f4e78706af13b86b1a2.png" length="2410" type="image/png"/><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:11:34 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Thai girl was totally shameless</title><link><![CDATA[https://aseannow.com/topic/1377174-thai-girl-was-totally-shameless/?do=findComment&comment=20516785]]></link><description>Personally, I think he was equally responsible for the kind of responses that he received. If he wishes to blame anyone, he should look to himself. There certainly was not just ONE person holding him to account for what he wrote. It's a board where people express their true opinions. Some thought he was just lying. He insulted the wives of a few. He was quite nasty about the guy on Phuket. So, if he stopped posting due to one person, that person has to be himself &#x1F60A;  Outside of the thread discussion, I'm happy to hear they are making a go of it in real life. Best he keeps it off the board if he doesn't want to read other people's opinions about it.</description><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:11:00 +0000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
