https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-tourist-claims-pattaya-ladyboy-extortion-trap-r2063/A Chinese tourist has claimed he was the victim of an alleged extortion plot involving a group of ladyboys at a hotel in Pattaya, Chon Buri, after earlier reports suggested he had attacked one of them with broken glass. The man insisted he did not slash anyone during the altercation, which reportedly left one ladyboy with severe facial injuries requiring 31 stitches. Get today's headlines by email The incident allegedly took place, after the tourist travelled to Thailand with friends and visited entertainment venues in Pattaya. According to the man, several women approached him and exchanged WeChat contacts before one individual arranged to meet him at his hotel room for 1,000 baht. The tourist said he had repeatedly asked whether the individual was a biological woman or a ladyboy before agreeing to the meeting. He claimed the person confirmed she was a woman and sent a photograph of an identity card, leading him to believe the claim was genuine. According to his account, events escalated shortly after the person arrived at the hotel room. He alleged the individual remained on the phone throughout the encounter before opening the door around 10 minutes later, allowing two more people to enter the room and demand more than 6,000 baht from him. The Chinese man claimed the group blocked his exit, damaged property inside the room and threw objects at him. He said he picked up a piece of broken glass only to defend himself and denied using it to attack anyone, stating he kept it behind his back throughout the confrontation. He further alleged that video clips circulating online had been selectively edited, giving the impression he initiated the violence. He questioned why no hotel staff intervened despite the disturbance lasting almost 30 minutes, adding that CCTV footage from the hotel should show the full sequence of events. The tourist also stated that he repeatedly tried to contact Thai police following the incident. He claimed calls made to the Tourist Police hotline 1155 went unanswered, while attempts to contact emergency line 191 failed because of language barriers preventing communication in Chinese. He said he retained call records and chat conversations as evidence and had already shared them with both journalists and investigators. The man also reported that his iPhone, valued at about 3,000 yuan, went missing during the incident, while another Redmi phone was damaged and he suffered injuries to his hand requiring stitches. Komchadluek reported that police are continuing to investigate the case and are expected to examine evidence provided by both parties, including CCTV footage, call logs and online chat records. The tourist has suggested the group may be linked to a wider extortion operation targeting visitors after allegedly discovering similar accusations on social media. Related story Chinese-man-attacks-ladyboy-in-Pattaya-hotel Picture courtesy of Komchadluek Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:33:48 +0000A Chinese tourist has claimed he was the victim of an alleged extortion plot involving a group of ladyboys at a hotel in Pattaya, Chon Buri, after earlier reports suggested he had attacked one of them with broken glass. The man insisted he did not slash anyone during the altercation, which reportedly left one ladyboy with severe facial injuries requiring 31 stitches. Get today's headlines by email The incident allegedly took place, after the tourist travelled to Thailand with friends and visited entertainment venues in Pattaya. According to the man, several women approached him and exchanged WeChat contacts before one individual arranged to meet him at his hotel room for 1,000 baht. The tourist said he had repeatedly asked whether the individual was a biological woman or a ladyboy before agreeing to the meeting. He claimed the person confirmed she was a woman and sent a photograph of an identity card, leading him to believe the claim was genuine. According to his account, events escalated shortly after the person arrived at the hotel room. He alleged the individual remained on the phone throughout the encounter before opening the door around 10 minutes later, allowing two more people to enter the room and demand more than 6,000 baht from him. The Chinese man claimed the group blocked his exit, damaged property inside the room and threw objects at him. He said he picked up a piece of broken glass only to defend himself and denied using it to attack anyone, stating he kept it behind his back throughout the confrontation. He further alleged that video clips circulating online had been selectively edited, giving the impression he initiated the violence. He questioned why no hotel staff intervened despite the disturbance lasting almost 30 minutes, adding that CCTV footage from the hotel should show the full sequence of events. The tourist also stated that he repeatedly tried to contact Thai police following the incident. He claimed calls made to the Tourist Police hotline 1155 went unanswered, while attempts to contact emergency line 191 failed because of language barriers preventing communication in Chinese. He said he retained call records and chat conversations as evidence and had already shared them with both journalists and investigators. The man also reported that his iPhone, valued at about 3,000 yuan, went missing during the incident, while another Redmi phone was damaged and he suffered injuries to his hand requiring stitches. Komchadluek reported that police are continuing to investigate the case and are expected to examine evidence provided by both parties, including CCTV footage, call logs and online chat records. The tourist has suggested the group may be linked to a wider extortion operation targeting visitors after allegedly discovering similar accusations on social media. Related story Chinese-man-attacks-ladyboy-in-Pattaya-hotel Picture courtesy of Komchadluek Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 22:33:48 +0000StreetThu, 28 May 2026 22:27:47 +0000Got it. Ignorance and cowardice on top of irrational obsessions. Carry on. For those who are interested https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/05/taiwan-the-small-superpowerThu, 28 May 2026 22:24:21 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/vietnamese-workers-arrested-in-bangkok-cannabis-raid-r2062/Police and food and drug officials raided a second warehouse in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district on 28 May 2026, arresting seven Vietnamese nationals accused of illegally producing cannabis extracts and operating without permits. Officers seized equipment and 15.874 kilogrammes of hashish during the operation. Get today's headlines by email The raid followed complaints from local residents who reported that several migrant workers were living inside the warehouse and suspected illegal activity was taking place. Investigators from Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 9 and the Food and Drug Administration monitored the property in Bang Bon 4 Soi 6, Bang Bon Nuea, and observed vehicles entering and leaving while suspicious bags and boxes were transported in and out. Police later obtained a court-approved search warrant and entered the premises. Inside, officers discovered the warehouse had been converted into a large indoor cannabis cultivation site equipped with ventilation systems and numerous air-conditioning units. Authorities arrested seven Vietnamese suspects identified as Mr. Nguyen Doan Trinh, 31, Mr. Tran Ngoc Phong, 52, Mr. Ho Ngoc Bang, 47, Mr. Nguyen Huu Son, 45, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Sang, 32, Mr. Viet Huy Luong, 38, and Mr. Binh Duong Dang, 46. Investigators said they found no licences relating to cannabis cultivation, processing or distribution. Officers also seized two Lanphan freeze dryers, a hydraulic rosin press, a heat press, a powder filtering machine, a cement and paint mixing machine, plastic mixing tanks, weighing equipment, hydraulic pressing equipment and several freezers. Senior officers involved in the operation included Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, Maj Gen Phanlop Aremlau and Maj Gen Samart Promchart. Officers from Bang Bon Police Station and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board also took part in the raid. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Police said the suspects face charges of jointly producing a Category 5 narcotic substance, namely cannabis extract, without authorisation. Authorities also filed charges related to employing foreign workers without valid work permits. Khaosod reported that the seven suspects were transferred to investigators at Bang Bon Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are expected to continue examining the operation and any possible wider network connected to the warehouse. Related story Cannabis-operation-busted-in-bangkok-four-Vietnamese-arrested Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:22:48 +0000Police and food and drug officials raided a second warehouse in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district on 28 May 2026, arresting seven Vietnamese nationals accused of illegally producing cannabis extracts and operating without permits. Officers seized equipment and 15.874 kilogrammes of hashish during the operation. Get today's headlines by email The raid followed complaints from local residents who reported that several migrant workers were living inside the warehouse and suspected illegal activity was taking place. Investigators from Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 9 and the Food and Drug Administration monitored the property in Bang Bon 4 Soi 6, Bang Bon Nuea, and observed vehicles entering and leaving while suspicious bags and boxes were transported in and out. Police later obtained a court-approved search warrant and entered the premises. Inside, officers discovered the warehouse had been converted into a large indoor cannabis cultivation site equipped with ventilation systems and numerous air-conditioning units. Authorities arrested seven Vietnamese suspects identified as Mr. Nguyen Doan Trinh, 31, Mr. Tran Ngoc Phong, 52, Mr. Ho Ngoc Bang, 47, Mr. Nguyen Huu Son, 45, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Sang, 32, Mr. Viet Huy Luong, 38, and Mr. Binh Duong Dang, 46. Investigators said they found no licences relating to cannabis cultivation, processing or distribution. Officers also seized two Lanphan freeze dryers, a hydraulic rosin press, a heat press, a powder filtering machine, a cement and paint mixing machine, plastic mixing tanks, weighing equipment, hydraulic pressing equipment and several freezers. Senior officers involved in the operation included Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, Maj Gen Phanlop Aremlau and Maj Gen Samart Promchart. Officers from Bang Bon Police Station and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board also took part in the raid. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Police said the suspects face charges of jointly producing a Category 5 narcotic substance, namely cannabis extract, without authorisation. Authorities also filed charges related to employing foreign workers without valid work permits. Khaosod reported that the seven suspects were transferred to investigators at Bang Bon Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are expected to continue examining the operation and any possible wider network connected to the warehouse. Related story Cannabis-operation-busted-in-bangkok-four-Vietnamese-arrested Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 22:22:48 +0000Apparently 99% of terrorists are Muslim. Therefore, if like you say they are perceived as violent terrorist cult, beheading the unwary and kidnapping sex slaves you might want to protect yourself against these type.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:22:22 +0000Thu, 28 May 2026 22:18:27 +0000They damaged the investment image of the country...Malaysia ? Is that even possible after 1MDB ?Thu, 28 May 2026 22:17:44 +0000It warms my heart to see the forum becomes more philosophical 🙏☝️Thu, 28 May 2026 22:16:33 +0000Farang women like Thailand. 30,000 temples to visit and good shopping.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:14:44 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-malaysian-police-bust-iptv-group-r2061/Thai economic crime police, working with Interpol and Warner Bros., have arrested a suspect linked to the cross-border pirate streaming network MyIPTV4K during raids in Chiang Mai. Authorities said the operation targeted alleged copyright infringement involving films and entertainment content distributed without permission, while related raids in Malaysia led to the arrest of a husband-and-wife team connected to the network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai and led by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), alongside Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property and representatives from Warner Bros. Entertainment. Officers arrested Akkharawat, at a house in Mae Hia, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, before searching a company office in Suthep, Mueang district. Police seized 19 accounting documents, four records linked to payments for cloud computing platforms, 22 email-related documents, one credit card copy, three mobile phones, one notebook computer and one desktop computer. The suspect was charged with jointly infringing copyright for commercial purposes through reproducing, adapting and publicly distributing films without authorisation. Investigators said the case followed Thailand’s participation in “Operation Awan Merah” at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The operation focused on the MyIPTV4K platform and formed part of the Interpol Stop Online Piracy programme, known as I-SOP. The international effort involved the Royal Malaysia Police, South Korea’s National Police Agency, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the United States Homeland Security Investigations agency. Authorities said they jointly analysed digital and financial evidence before obtaining a warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court and launching simultaneous raids in Thailand and Malaysia. Police said Akkharawat denied all charges. Officers also stated that background checks showed he had previously faced a copyright infringement case in 2018. In Malaysia, officers searched three locations in Selangor and seized digital devices including computers, laptops and mobile phones allegedly used to manage the application. Authorities there charged Long Chin Hwang and his wife, Hu Siew Liew, directors of Alula Marketing Sdn Bhd, which provides web design, graphics, automation systems and electronic products. The Malaysian suspects denied accusations linked to operating and selling access to the MyIPTV4K application through the “Unimax Pro” e-commerce account. Thai police said websites offering pirated films can also expose users to online fraud, with customers paying membership fees but receiving limited access. The Daily News reported that Lt Gen Nattasak said such piracy operations damage copyright owners, the entertainment industry and the country’s investment image by reducing incentives for creators and artists to produce new work. Authorities in both countries are continuing legal proceedings and examining seized digital evidence for further links to international cybercrime networks. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 22:08:11 +0000Thai economic crime police, working with Interpol and Warner Bros., have arrested a suspect linked to the cross-border pirate streaming network MyIPTV4K during raids in Chiang Mai. Authorities said the operation targeted alleged copyright infringement involving films and entertainment content distributed without permission, while related raids in Malaysia led to the arrest of a husband-and-wife team connected to the network. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai and led by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), alongside Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property and representatives from Warner Bros. Entertainment. Officers arrested Akkharawat, at a house in Mae Hia, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, before searching a company office in Suthep, Mueang district. Police seized 19 accounting documents, four records linked to payments for cloud computing platforms, 22 email-related documents, one credit card copy, three mobile phones, one notebook computer and one desktop computer. The suspect was charged with jointly infringing copyright for commercial purposes through reproducing, adapting and publicly distributing films without authorisation. Investigators said the case followed Thailand’s participation in “Operation Awan Merah” at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The operation focused on the MyIPTV4K platform and formed part of the Interpol Stop Online Piracy programme, known as I-SOP. The international effort involved the Royal Malaysia Police, South Korea’s National Police Agency, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the United States Homeland Security Investigations agency. Authorities said they jointly analysed digital and financial evidence before obtaining a warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court and launching simultaneous raids in Thailand and Malaysia. Police said Akkharawat denied all charges. Officers also stated that background checks showed he had previously faced a copyright infringement case in 2018. In Malaysia, officers searched three locations in Selangor and seized digital devices including computers, laptops and mobile phones allegedly used to manage the application. Authorities there charged Long Chin Hwang and his wife, Hu Siew Liew, directors of Alula Marketing Sdn Bhd, which provides web design, graphics, automation systems and electronic products. The Malaysian suspects denied accusations linked to operating and selling access to the MyIPTV4K application through the “Unimax Pro” e-commerce account. Thai police said websites offering pirated films can also expose users to online fraud, with customers paying membership fees but receiving limited access. The Daily News reported that Lt Gen Nattasak said such piracy operations damage copyright owners, the entertainment industry and the country’s investment image by reducing incentives for creators and artists to produce new work. Authorities in both countries are continuing legal proceedings and examining seized digital evidence for further links to international cybercrime networks. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 22:08:11 +0000Forest Gump was asked what two days start with a T.... His answer? Today and TomorrowThu, 28 May 2026 22:08:01 +0000What a jerk!Thu, 28 May 2026 22:07:25 +0000You really have to admire the bravery of these rescuers who are prepared to risk their own lives in a difficult attempt to save others. We can only hope they are successful, and that everyone comes out alive and unharmed.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:05:49 +0000Explains why some decisions they made recently were so .....odd !Thu, 28 May 2026 22:03:59 +0000Actually it is quite easy, especially compared to eBay in the UK. He must accept delivery from the delivery driver, but then request to return it to Lazada online. In the circumstances they should allow this. Then you can use the original packaging and labeling to send it back, either dropping it off at the courier shop or requesting that it be picked up from your home. You will get a refund to the source it was paid from, or a credit into your Lazada wallet or whatever it is called. Haha yeah mate I know 😅 Was only taking the p*ss with the “Thailand’s economy collapsing” line 😂Thu, 28 May 2026 22:03:23 +0000What was its historical name? Bet you use the name Palestine LOL America hater.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:02:23 +0000That i don’t know but i would guess you would pay 7.9 on a Spark charger using the Rever app.Thu, 28 May 2026 22:02:03 +0000SesemeThu, 28 May 2026 22:01:11 +0000Interesting that these Infallible scientists forget to mention that this year is an El Niño year... 😐Thu, 28 May 2026 21:58:14 +0000And…?Thu, 28 May 2026 21:57:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/israeli-thai-firms-face-koh-phangan-probe-r2060/Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. Get today's headlines by email Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Investigators found that Koh Phangan has 3,188 Thai-registered companies with foreign shareholders holding up to 49 per cent stakes, out of 4,761 registered legal entities in the district. Israeli nationals account for the largest group of foreign shareholders, linked to 720 companies or 22 per cent of the total, far ahead of French shareholders at 13 per cent. Authorities also discovered that several firms were registered by Israeli nationals who had already obtained Thai citizenship in 2017. One company founded in 2020 listed activities including hotels, accommodation services, a tourist service centre for Israeli visitors, and restaurants. The founder of the company was also reported to have played a significant role in a Chabad centre on Koh Samui. Following the widening nominee business investigation, officials began conducting detailed reviews into company structures, shareholder records and financial statements dating back to the formation of each business. A source within a tax collection agency said several firms showed irregularities involving asset figures, investment capital, losses and balance sheet reporting. Some companies reportedly failed to submit balance sheets entirely. Officials are now questioning whether some transactions were structured to create the appearance of legitimate investment activity in Thailand in order to obtain Thai citizenship. Under Thai regulations, foreign nationals who invest in business activities in Thailand may qualify for citizenship through legal procedures. Authorities are also concerned that once citizenship is granted, individuals may gain the same rights as Thai citizens, including land ownership and wider business opportunities, potentially encouraging other Israeli nationals to pursue similar pathways to permanent settlement. Businesses linked to Israeli-Thai nationals reportedly include property trading, property leasing and management, financial support services, management consultancy, kosher food businesses, education services, scientific testing operations on Khao San Road and tourism companies. Officials estimate that more than 40 companies connected to the network now operate across tourist destinations including Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. The Daily News reported that the investigation is expected to continue as authorities coordinate with security agencies and financial regulators to determine whether any criminal or fraudulent conduct occurred. Picture courtesy of Daily News of ongoing investigations Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026Thu, 28 May 2026 21:57:04 +0000Thai authorities are preparing to investigate the business records of Israeli nationals who obtained Thai citizenship after concerns emerged over alleged nominee business activities on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. Get today's headlines by email Officials are examining whether some companies used financial transactions to disguise investment figures in order to qualify for Thai citizenship under the Nationality Act 1965. The scrutiny follows an ongoing government crackdown on foreign nominee businesses operating in tourist areas. Investigators found that Koh Phangan has 3,188 Thai-registered companies with foreign shareholders holding up to 49 per cent stakes, out of 4,761 registered legal entities in the district. Israeli nationals account for the largest group of foreign shareholders, linked to 720 companies or 22 per cent of the total, far ahead of French shareholders at 13 per cent. Authorities also discovered that several firms were registered by Israeli nationals who had already obtained Thai citizenship in 2017. One company founded in 2020 listed activities including hotels, accommodation services, a tourist service centre for Israeli visitors, and restaurants. The founder of the company was also reported to have played a significant role in a Chabad centre on Koh Samui. Following the widening nominee business investigation, officials began conducting detailed reviews into company structures, shareholder records and financial statements dating back to the formation of each business. A source within a tax collection agency said several firms showed irregularities involving asset figures, investment capital, losses and balance sheet reporting. Some companies reportedly failed to submit balance sheets entirely. Officials are now questioning whether some transactions were structured to create the appearance of legitimate investment activity in Thailand in order to obtain Thai citizenship. Under Thai regulations, foreign nationals who invest in business activities in Thailand may qualify for citizenship through legal procedures. Authorities are also concerned that once citizenship is granted, individuals may gain the same rights as Thai citizens, including land ownership and wider business opportunities, potentially encouraging other Israeli nationals to pursue similar pathways to permanent settlement. Businesses linked to Israeli-Thai nationals reportedly include property trading, property leasing and management, financial support services, management consultancy, kosher food businesses, education services, scientific testing operations on Khao San Road and tourism companies. Officials estimate that more than 40 companies connected to the network now operate across tourist destinations including Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. The Daily News reported that the investigation is expected to continue as authorities coordinate with security agencies and financial regulators to determine whether any criminal or fraudulent conduct occurred. Picture courtesy of Daily News of ongoing investigations Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 May 2026 View full articleThu, 28 May 2026 21:57:04 +0000