https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/tourist-police-expand-foreign-networks-in-chiang-mai-r2312/Tourist police in Thailand have expanded international cooperation efforts to tackle nominee ownership structures and illegal activities involving foreign nationals in the tourism sector, aiming to strengthen tourist safety and confidence. Get today's headlines by email The initiative follows a coordination meeting held in Chiang Mai on 12 June 2026, following earlier work in Pattaya, Chon Buri, on 18 May 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from consulates of nine countries, including the United States, China, Japan, India, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Canada, Germany, and Israel (via Pai, Mae Hong Son), alongside volunteer foreign networks from 10 countries. The discussions focused on information sharing and coordinated responses to tourism-related crime. The session was held at the Tourist Police Division 1 meeting facility in Chiang Mai and aligned with national efforts under the Royal Thai Police to enhance coordinated enforcement and tourism security. Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police, Pol Maj Gen Phongsayam Meekanthong, said transnational crime has become increasingly complex including scam networks, drug related offences, nominee business arrangements, overstay cases and illegal entry. He also highlighted issues affecting tourists such as cannabis misuse, overcharging by some operators, exploitation by interpreter groups, driving without valid licences, non-compliance with Thai law by some foreign visitors and theft. He stressed that no single agency can address these challenges alone and that stronger international cooperation, including embassies, consulates and foreign volunteer networks, is essential. The meeting also reviewed tourist statistics and local crime trends in Chiang Mai to improve risk assessment and prevention measures. Thaitabloid reported that future operations will focus on proactive enforcement, enhanced intelligence sharing and the development of rapid communication channels between Thai authorities and international partners. The aim is to improve safety standards, support government tourism policy and maintain Thailand reputation as a secure and high quality destination and long-term visitor trust globally. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitablod 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:54:23 +0000Tourist police in Thailand have expanded international cooperation efforts to tackle nominee ownership structures and illegal activities involving foreign nationals in the tourism sector, aiming to strengthen tourist safety and confidence. Get today's headlines by email The initiative follows a coordination meeting held in Chiang Mai on 12 June 2026, following earlier work in Pattaya, Chon Buri, on 18 May 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from consulates of nine countries, including the United States, China, Japan, India, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Canada, Germany, and Israel (via Pai, Mae Hong Son), alongside volunteer foreign networks from 10 countries. The discussions focused on information sharing and coordinated responses to tourism-related crime. The session was held at the Tourist Police Division 1 meeting facility in Chiang Mai and aligned with national efforts under the Royal Thai Police to enhance coordinated enforcement and tourism security. Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police, Pol Maj Gen Phongsayam Meekanthong, said transnational crime has become increasingly complex including scam networks, drug related offences, nominee business arrangements, overstay cases and illegal entry. He also highlighted issues affecting tourists such as cannabis misuse, overcharging by some operators, exploitation by interpreter groups, driving without valid licences, non-compliance with Thai law by some foreign visitors and theft. He stressed that no single agency can address these challenges alone and that stronger international cooperation, including embassies, consulates and foreign volunteer networks, is essential. The meeting also reviewed tourist statistics and local crime trends in Chiang Mai to improve risk assessment and prevention measures. Thaitabloid reported that future operations will focus on proactive enforcement, enhanced intelligence sharing and the development of rapid communication channels between Thai authorities and international partners. The aim is to improve safety standards, support government tourism policy and maintain Thailand reputation as a secure and high quality destination and long-term visitor trust globally. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitablod 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 21:54:23 +0000Eastern Europe. Novi Sad, Serbia, looks awesome.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:53:00 +0000What I did was, park the emotional nonsense, engage the brain and look at what the law says. It’s not difficult to check claims made against actual facts.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:52:29 +0000Flame post removed @BilllyGOAT discuss the topic not the poster.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:48:20 +0000Tickles me that you need to deflect from what is obviously state sponsored extrajudicial killings. Clearly Hegseth and everyone else in the chain of command have a lot more faith in Trump giving them a pocket pardon than I have in winning the lottery, and I don’t buy lottery tickets.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:46:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/singapore-fines-thai-photographer-over-drone-flight-r2311/Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:44:46 +0000Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:44:46 +0000You’re mistaking Trump for America. Full blown cult stuff.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:43:06 +0000Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:41:42 +0000He gave a 'no comment' interview thinking he was a criminal mastermind, only to get absolutely destroyed by a one-in-a-million DNA match. Brilliant work by the forensics team.🧬📉Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:40:07 +0000Yes, very suspicious. It's quite obvious that the White House is covering up the truth state of his health.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:38:25 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/highway-police-chase-chinese-scam-gang-across-narathiwat-r2310/Highway police in Narathiwat arrested four people, including three Chinese nationals, after a high-speed pursuit lasting more than 30 kilometres on 13 June 2026. Investigators believe the group may have been attempting to cross the border illegally into a neighbouring country and could be linked to a call centre scam network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was supervised by Pol Maj Gen Pornsak Laorujiralai, commander of the Highway Police Division, with officers from Highway Police Sub-Division 5, Division 7 conducting crime prevention patrols in the area. Officers spotted a grey Toyota passenger car registered in Surat Thani travelling through Ban Luboyoh, Moo 7, Chuap subdistrict, Cho Airong district, Narathiwat, and considered it suspicious. Police signalled for the vehicle to stop for inspection, but the driver accelerated and broke through a police checkpoint. Officers pursued the car for more than 30 kilometres before the driver lost control and crashed off the road. Five occupants then fled into nearby woodland. Police requested additional support to seal off the area and managed to arrest the driver, identified as 48-year-old Thai national Kori, along with three Chinese nationals: Mr Zhao Bao, 40, Mr Wang Bing Feng, 34, and Mr Tu Hong Fei, 26. Another Thai national escaped into the darkness and remains at large. Initial investigations found the Chinese nationals were behaving suspiciously and were believed to be travelling towards the border. Police said the circumstances suggested they may have been attempting to leave Thailand illegally and could have links to a call centre scam operation. Further checks revealed that one of the Chinese suspects was wanted by authorities in the People’s Republic of China on allegations related to organising gambling activities. During questioning, Kori told police he had been hired to transport the three Chinese nationals from the border area and claimed he did not know the purpose of their journey. The Chinese nationals told investigators they had entered Thailand illegally and were travelling towards the southern border, with other individuals arranging their travel. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Police charged Kori with concealing or otherwise assisting foreign nationals to evade arrest. The three Chinese nationals were charged with being foreign nationals present in the Kingdom without permission. Thaitabloid reported that all suspects were handed over to investigators at Cho Airong Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the Thai suspect who escaped and are investigating any possible links to wider criminal networks. AQPdoTK6kihCeyYz6Hd6ER4_frGfHEU1SxJS1cUv-6bk_ngQsz7Y7NA6JXIR3PIHIxF5cEKiorDccBZYSMuVwPbSxwvUE09Prm1_1G-mEg.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:37:30 +0000Highway police in Narathiwat arrested four people, including three Chinese nationals, after a high-speed pursuit lasting more than 30 kilometres on 13 June 2026. Investigators believe the group may have been attempting to cross the border illegally into a neighbouring country and could be linked to a call centre scam network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was supervised by Pol Maj Gen Pornsak Laorujiralai, commander of the Highway Police Division, with officers from Highway Police Sub-Division 5, Division 7 conducting crime prevention patrols in the area. Officers spotted a grey Toyota passenger car registered in Surat Thani travelling through Ban Luboyoh, Moo 7, Chuap subdistrict, Cho Airong district, Narathiwat, and considered it suspicious. Police signalled for the vehicle to stop for inspection, but the driver accelerated and broke through a police checkpoint. Officers pursued the car for more than 30 kilometres before the driver lost control and crashed off the road. Five occupants then fled into nearby woodland. Police requested additional support to seal off the area and managed to arrest the driver, identified as 48-year-old Thai national Kori, along with three Chinese nationals: Mr Zhao Bao, 40, Mr Wang Bing Feng, 34, and Mr Tu Hong Fei, 26. Another Thai national escaped into the darkness and remains at large. Initial investigations found the Chinese nationals were behaving suspiciously and were believed to be travelling towards the border. Police said the circumstances suggested they may have been attempting to leave Thailand illegally and could have links to a call centre scam operation. Further checks revealed that one of the Chinese suspects was wanted by authorities in the People’s Republic of China on allegations related to organising gambling activities. During questioning, Kori told police he had been hired to transport the three Chinese nationals from the border area and claimed he did not know the purpose of their journey. The Chinese nationals told investigators they had entered Thailand illegally and were travelling towards the southern border, with other individuals arranging their travel. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Police charged Kori with concealing or otherwise assisting foreign nationals to evade arrest. The three Chinese nationals were charged with being foreign nationals present in the Kingdom without permission. Thaitabloid reported that all suspects were handed over to investigators at Cho Airong Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the Thai suspect who escaped and are investigating any possible links to wider criminal networks. AQPdoTK6kihCeyYz6Hd6ER4_frGfHEU1SxJS1cUv-6bk_ngQsz7Y7NA6JXIR3PIHIxF5cEKiorDccBZYSMuVwPbSxwvUE09Prm1_1G-mEg.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 21:37:30 +0000I've made it clear many times I don't want to leave, Talking about Plan Bs. Again. snipers and pests GO AWAY. If you don't have anything to say related to the actual topic, then don't post.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:34:58 +0000My list changes a lot over time but I do have two that are high on my current list. Neither comes close to checking all my boxes. Iloilo City, Philippines -- Qualify for visa -- SRRV is permanent residence -- Middle level budget, could afford a decent condo in a convenient area -- Above average hospitals for the Philippines, similar problem as Thailand as far as costs for serious stuff -- No problem without a car -- Weather hot, not ideal -- It's a culinary culture city for Filipino food, but international options more llmited than I want -- Safety good -- Homophobia level acceptable David, Panama -- Qualify for visa -- Permanent residence from visa -- Middle level budget, rents low for Panama, not really a condo place, morelike a house -- Best hospitals outside Panama City, different schemes to get affordable health care without private insurance -- Without a car possible, but challenging, a spread out more rural feel city -- Weather very hot, cools a bit in rainy season -- Panamanian food OK, international options limited -- Safety good -- Homophobia level just barely acceptable As you can see NEITHER of these are dream places based on my list. I think if I had a high budget, I would find places closer to my ideal. Or could live decently back in the US as a plan B. For example Panama City is much better than David for many things on my list, but a decent apartment in an interesting safe neighborhood would be like 1500 USD a month. A decent house in David is about 400 USD. Yeah the same type of Panama City place would be like 4000 in Miami, so that's attractive to people on a higher budget.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:32:29 +0000It's rife in Bangkok malls and central tourists areas. Why not just add the VAT onto the menu price shown? What other area of retail does this in Thailand - none really. It's just a sneaky after charge isn't it. The Americanisation of the service charge is also disgusting. I tip for good service not just have it added on automatically without choice.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:30:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-suitcase-dispute-leads-to-34-year-jail-term-for-london-rapist-r2309/A man who kidnapped, tortured and raped a young woman after a dispute linked to a suitcase from Thailand has been jailed for 34 years in the UK and will be deported after completing his sentence. Get today's headlines by email Gagandeep Singh, 34, of Wandsworth, south London, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday 12 June 2026, after previously being found guilty in February of two counts of rape, false imprisonment, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and kidnap. He received a 28-year prison sentence followed by a six-year extended licence period. The case stemmed from events in June 2024 when the victim, a 24-year-old woman, became suspicious after being asked to carry a suitcase containing unknown items from Thailand back to the UK. After refusing, she arrived at Birmingham Airport and was allegedly forced into a car by masked men before being driven to London. The court heard that she was taken to a house in Hanwell, west London, where she was subjected to a prolonged ordeal. The victim said she was punched, beaten, stripped, whipped, burned and raped twice by Singh over more than a day before being released. Following her release, she was threatened and warned not to tell anyone what had happened. Traumatised by the attack, she initially disclosed only part of her ordeal to her mother, who contacted police. It took a further six weeks before the victim felt able to provide a full statement. A key breakthrough came when the victim’s clothing from the day of the kidnapping was preserved by her mother and later examined for forensic evidence. DNA testing produced a one-in-a-million positive match for Singh, who was already being held on remand for an unrelated offence. Detective Constable Seetara Abdul of the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit praised the victim’s courage, describing the violence she endured as “unimaginable”. She said officers worked at the victim’s pace to build trust and secure evidence against “an extremely dangerous individual”. In a statement, the victim said she had been reluctant to approach police because she feared putting herself and others at risk. She credited her mother for preserving evidence and encouraging her to seek justice, adding that survivors of abuse should not carry shame for crimes committed against them. The Daily Mail reported that Singh answered “no comment” during police interviews, but prosecutors relied on DNA evidence and the victim’s testimony to secure convictions. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 18 years and, after completing his sentence and extended licence period, will be deported from the UK with no right of re-entry. Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:30:22 +0000A man who kidnapped, tortured and raped a young woman after a dispute linked to a suitcase from Thailand has been jailed for 34 years in the UK and will be deported after completing his sentence. Get today's headlines by email Gagandeep Singh, 34, of Wandsworth, south London, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday 12 June 2026, after previously being found guilty in February of two counts of rape, false imprisonment, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and kidnap. He received a 28-year prison sentence followed by a six-year extended licence period. The case stemmed from events in June 2024 when the victim, a 24-year-old woman, became suspicious after being asked to carry a suitcase containing unknown items from Thailand back to the UK. After refusing, she arrived at Birmingham Airport and was allegedly forced into a car by masked men before being driven to London. The court heard that she was taken to a house in Hanwell, west London, where she was subjected to a prolonged ordeal. The victim said she was punched, beaten, stripped, whipped, burned and raped twice by Singh over more than a day before being released. Following her release, she was threatened and warned not to tell anyone what had happened. Traumatised by the attack, she initially disclosed only part of her ordeal to her mother, who contacted police. It took a further six weeks before the victim felt able to provide a full statement. A key breakthrough came when the victim’s clothing from the day of the kidnapping was preserved by her mother and later examined for forensic evidence. DNA testing produced a one-in-a-million positive match for Singh, who was already being held on remand for an unrelated offence. Detective Constable Seetara Abdul of the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit praised the victim’s courage, describing the violence she endured as “unimaginable”. She said officers worked at the victim’s pace to build trust and secure evidence against “an extremely dangerous individual”. In a statement, the victim said she had been reluctant to approach police because she feared putting herself and others at risk. She credited her mother for preserving evidence and encouraging her to seek justice, adding that survivors of abuse should not carry shame for crimes committed against them. The Daily Mail reported that Singh answered “no comment” during police interviews, but prosecutors relied on DNA evidence and the victim’s testimony to secure convictions. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 18 years and, after completing his sentence and extended licence period, will be deported from the UK with no right of re-entry. Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 21:30:22 +0000You just seem always banging on about it, Fredwordy is the same always moaning about Thailand, never leavesSat, 13 Jun 2026 21:26:26 +0000Snipers and pests not welcome.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:22:28 +0000So it sounds like your criteria rates a smooth transition from living in Thailand highly.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:22:08 +0000Why are you desperate to leave? someone looking for you?Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:21:28 +0000Snipers and pests not welcome. There has not been another topic framed in the way this one has been framed.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:20:37 +0000Sometimes you are thinking of other things, it happens sometimes, if it happened every day, yes worrySat, 13 Jun 2026 21:20:33 +0000