https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenVeilFri, 22 May 2026 22:31:49 +0000There are only 2 DLTs, 2nd one is Sichon. https://maps.app.goo.gl/n69szFdke1gQekvQ6?g_st=it Friend said there will be 2 vertical lines test + peripheral + reaction (brakes).Fri, 22 May 2026 22:31:19 +0000Weird definition you use, are you a bible basher? Gemini's definition is betterFri, 22 May 2026 22:30:40 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreign-tourist-poses-nude-on-phuket-beach-r1945/A foreign female tourist caused a stir after posing nude for photographs on rocks near a secluded beach in the Kalim area of Phuket. The incident, which was shared online on 22 May 2026, attracted attention from local residents, tourists and fishermen in the area. Get today's headlines by email According to a Facebook post by the Phuket Times page, the woman, described as tall and slim, removed her clothing and posed for photographs near rocky outcrops lined with coconut trees. She was accompanied by a friend who was taking the pictures while members of the public watched nearby. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Witnesses included local fishermen and tourists visiting the area at the time. Despite attracting considerable attention, the woman reportedly showed no concern about being observed while continuing the photoshoot. Additional images showed the same tourist standing nude on a tree branch extending over the rocks. The images quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread discussion online. Many social media users responded with humorous comments about the unusual scene. Some joked that fishermen nearby were too distracted to finish preparing their fishing lines, while others commented on the photographs themselves or warned jokingly about fishing hooks catching the model. Several comments also linked the distraction to fish refusing to bite. Amarin reported that the incident comes amid continued attention on tourist behaviour in Phuket, where local authorities and residents have previously raised concerns over conduct viewed as inappropriate in public areas. However, no official statement from police or local authorities had yet been reported. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 23 May 2026Fri, 22 May 2026 22:28:14 +0000A foreign female tourist caused a stir after posing nude for photographs on rocks near a secluded beach in the Kalim area of Phuket. The incident, which was shared online on 22 May 2026, attracted attention from local residents, tourists and fishermen in the area. Get today's headlines by email According to a Facebook post by the Phuket Times page, the woman, described as tall and slim, removed her clothing and posed for photographs near rocky outcrops lined with coconut trees. She was accompanied by a friend who was taking the pictures while members of the public watched nearby. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Witnesses included local fishermen and tourists visiting the area at the time. Despite attracting considerable attention, the woman reportedly showed no concern about being observed while continuing the photoshoot. Additional images showed the same tourist standing nude on a tree branch extending over the rocks. The images quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread discussion online. Many social media users responded with humorous comments about the unusual scene. Some joked that fishermen nearby were too distracted to finish preparing their fishing lines, while others commented on the photographs themselves or warned jokingly about fishing hooks catching the model. Several comments also linked the distraction to fish refusing to bite. Amarin reported that the incident comes amid continued attention on tourist behaviour in Phuket, where local authorities and residents have previously raised concerns over conduct viewed as inappropriate in public areas. However, no official statement from police or local authorities had yet been reported. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 22:28:14 +0000that's similar to tourists complaining about other tourists ruining a placeFri, 22 May 2026 22:27:35 +0000ok, sex work should be legalised, I don't see it any different to other services, and tax should be paid etc etc, some people use their minds others their bodies, their choice. Many guys with thai "wives" holier than thou won't agree i knowFri, 22 May 2026 22:25:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-panel-defends-cambodia-mou-scraping-to-asean-r1944/A Thai Senate committee has defended its recommendation to revoke the 2000 and 2001 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Cambodia during a briefing for ASEAN+3 diplomats in Bangkok on 22 May 2026. Senator Noppadon Inna told ambassadors and diplomatic representatives that the agreements no longer protected Thailand’s sovereignty, maritime interests, or national security amid unresolved border and maritime disputes. Get today's headlines by email The special briefing at Parliament was organised by the Senate Extraordinary Committee studying the advantages and disadvantages of cancelling the two agreements. Diplomats from ASEAN member states, China, Japan, and South Korea attended the session following increased international attention on the Thai-Cambodian border situation. Noppadon said the committee had unanimously agreed to recommend revoking both MOUs after months of field studies, consultations with military officials, and reviews of legal and historical documents. The committee gathered information from the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, Ministry of Defence, and the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. The panel also inspected seven Thai-Cambodian border provinces and received briefings from the First and Second Army Areas regarding past armed clashes and border tensions. Noppadon argued that differing interpretations of historical reference maps, including the disputed 1:200,000-scale map linked to the Franco-Siamese boundary delimitation process, had fuelled ongoing friction between the two countries. He accused Cambodia of repeatedly violating agreements, ignoring Thai diplomatic protests, and carrying out provocative actions along the border. As examples, he cited Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo Province and Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani Province. According to Noppadon, Cambodian refugees crossed into Thailand at Ban Nong Chan during Cambodia’s civil war in 1979, where humanitarian aid was provided by Thailand, the UNHCR, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Thai Red Cross. He claimed that some Cambodian nationals later refused to return after the conflict ended and continued occupying areas claimed by Thailand, contributing to later armed skirmishes. At Chong An Ma, he said Thailand had relaxed border controls to support local trade, but alleged that Cambodian villagers later established permanent settlements inside disputed territory. He also claimed similar disputes had occurred in several other border locations. Noppadon argued that the 2000 MOU may conflict with Thailand’s constitution because the Cabinet acknowledged, rather than formally approved, the agreement in 1999. He also said the inclusion of the 1:200,000-scale map should have required parliamentary approval because it affected territorial boundaries. The senator further stated that border demarcation efforts under the 2000 MOU had made little progress in nearly 26 years and remained in the first stage of a five-phase process. He added that two military clashes in 2025 had changed conditions along the border and said both countries should instead follow the Joint Statement issued during the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on 27 December 2025. Khoasod reported that regarding the 2001 maritime MOU, Noppadon said Cambodia’s continental shelf claims violated Thailand’s sovereignty and criticised a reported Cambodian proposal in December 2022 seeking a 50:50 division of petroleum resources in overlapping Gulf of Thailand claims. He also alleged that Cambodia continued asserting claims over Koh Kood, further damaging trust between the two sides. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 23 May 2026Fri, 22 May 2026 22:17:27 +0000A Thai Senate committee has defended its recommendation to revoke the 2000 and 2001 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Cambodia during a briefing for ASEAN+3 diplomats in Bangkok on 22 May 2026. Senator Noppadon Inna told ambassadors and diplomatic representatives that the agreements no longer protected Thailand’s sovereignty, maritime interests, or national security amid unresolved border and maritime disputes. Get today's headlines by email The special briefing at Parliament was organised by the Senate Extraordinary Committee studying the advantages and disadvantages of cancelling the two agreements. Diplomats from ASEAN member states, China, Japan, and South Korea attended the session following increased international attention on the Thai-Cambodian border situation. Noppadon said the committee had unanimously agreed to recommend revoking both MOUs after months of field studies, consultations with military officials, and reviews of legal and historical documents. The committee gathered information from the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, Ministry of Defence, and the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs. The panel also inspected seven Thai-Cambodian border provinces and received briefings from the First and Second Army Areas regarding past armed clashes and border tensions. Noppadon argued that differing interpretations of historical reference maps, including the disputed 1:200,000-scale map linked to the Franco-Siamese boundary delimitation process, had fuelled ongoing friction between the two countries. He accused Cambodia of repeatedly violating agreements, ignoring Thai diplomatic protests, and carrying out provocative actions along the border. As examples, he cited Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo Province and Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani Province. According to Noppadon, Cambodian refugees crossed into Thailand at Ban Nong Chan during Cambodia’s civil war in 1979, where humanitarian aid was provided by Thailand, the UNHCR, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Thai Red Cross. He claimed that some Cambodian nationals later refused to return after the conflict ended and continued occupying areas claimed by Thailand, contributing to later armed skirmishes. At Chong An Ma, he said Thailand had relaxed border controls to support local trade, but alleged that Cambodian villagers later established permanent settlements inside disputed territory. He also claimed similar disputes had occurred in several other border locations. Noppadon argued that the 2000 MOU may conflict with Thailand’s constitution because the Cabinet acknowledged, rather than formally approved, the agreement in 1999. He also said the inclusion of the 1:200,000-scale map should have required parliamentary approval because it affected territorial boundaries. The senator further stated that border demarcation efforts under the 2000 MOU had made little progress in nearly 26 years and remained in the first stage of a five-phase process. He added that two military clashes in 2025 had changed conditions along the border and said both countries should instead follow the Joint Statement issued during the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on 27 December 2025. Khoasod reported that regarding the 2001 maritime MOU, Noppadon said Cambodia’s continental shelf claims violated Thailand’s sovereignty and criticised a reported Cambodian proposal in December 2022 seeking a 50:50 division of petroleum resources in overlapping Gulf of Thailand claims. He also alleged that Cambodia continued asserting claims over Koh Kood, further damaging trust between the two sides. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 22:17:27 +0000OutfitFri, 22 May 2026 22:03:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-drug-tests-at-parliament-find-morphine-cases-r1943/Two security officers at Thailand’s parliament complex tested positive for morphine during routine drug screening, prompting further checks by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Officials stressed the cases were not linked to methamphetamine use, despite early reports describing the tests as “purple urine” results commonly associated with illegal drugs. Get today's headlines by email The announcement was made on May 22, 2026, by Jess Anukulphokharat, director of the Security Office at the parliament building. The screenings covered parliament police officers, security staff and transport personnel under a policy introduced by Parliament President Sophon Saram. Initial reports suggested one officer had tested positive for narcotics, but ONCB officials later clarified that morphine was the only substance detected. According to Jess, two individuals were found to have morphine in their systems. One officer provided medical documentation confirming the prescribed use of morphine-based pain relief medication. The second officer did not have supporting documents but was reported to suffer from underlying health conditions and regularly take several forms of medication. Officials have now submitted the medications used by the second officer to the ONCB for further examination. Parliament’s medical office has also been consulted to determine what additional action may be required and whether more detailed testing should take place. Authorities said the two parliament officers involved in the latest case are continuing to work normally while the investigation continues. Jess stated there had been no order for suspension or compulsory rehabilitation because officials had not yet reached a final conclusion on the source of the morphine. Amarin reported that he reiterated that the findings did not indicate methamphetamine use and stressed that ONCB investigators were focusing solely on identifying how morphine entered the officers’ systems. Further laboratory analysis and medical reviews are expected before a final determination is made. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 23 May 2026Fri, 22 May 2026 22:01:16 +0000Two security officers at Thailand’s parliament complex tested positive for morphine during routine drug screening, prompting further checks by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Officials stressed the cases were not linked to methamphetamine use, despite early reports describing the tests as “purple urine” results commonly associated with illegal drugs. Get today's headlines by email The announcement was made on May 22, 2026, by Jess Anukulphokharat, director of the Security Office at the parliament building. The screenings covered parliament police officers, security staff and transport personnel under a policy introduced by Parliament President Sophon Saram. Initial reports suggested one officer had tested positive for narcotics, but ONCB officials later clarified that morphine was the only substance detected. According to Jess, two individuals were found to have morphine in their systems. One officer provided medical documentation confirming the prescribed use of morphine-based pain relief medication. The second officer did not have supporting documents but was reported to suffer from underlying health conditions and regularly take several forms of medication. Officials have now submitted the medications used by the second officer to the ONCB for further examination. Parliament’s medical office has also been consulted to determine what additional action may be required and whether more detailed testing should take place. Authorities said the two parliament officers involved in the latest case are continuing to work normally while the investigation continues. Jess stated there had been no order for suspension or compulsory rehabilitation because officials had not yet reached a final conclusion on the source of the morphine. Amarin reported that he reiterated that the findings did not indicate methamphetamine use and stressed that ONCB investigators were focusing solely on identifying how morphine entered the officers’ systems. Further laboratory analysis and medical reviews are expected before a final determination is made. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 22:01:16 +0000Of course you are better than that type of Brit. Looking down on other people is arrogance and snobbery at it’s worst.Guessing you are a Brit too,pathetic .Fri, 22 May 2026 21:52:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-prepares-ebola-testing-labs-r1942/Thailand’s Department of Medical Sciences has prepared Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories to diagnose Ebola virus infections, following heightened global concern over outbreaks in Africa. The move comes after the World Health Organization declared outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Get today's headlines by email On 22 May 2026, Dr Sarawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, said Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat had instructed all agencies under the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen disease surveillance, prevention and control measures. Authorities were also ordered to prepare for emergency public health situations in order to reassure the public. The Department of Medical Sciences was tasked with reviewing laboratory readiness, diagnostic procedures and biosafety systems to support the handling of dangerous pathogens. This included assessing BSL-3 laboratory facilities, biosafety systems, personal protective equipment (PPE) and transport systems for high-risk samples. Officials also strengthened genomic and molecular surveillance capabilities and prepared diagnostic test kits. Laboratory networks nationwide were coordinated to ensure suspected Ebola cases could be confirmed rapidly and accurately. Dr Sarawut said the Department’s Public Health Science Research Institute had continuously prepared for outbreaks of severe infectious diseases. Measures included operational guidelines and confirmed testing methods for suspected cases using Real-time RT PCR, an internationally recognised standard capable of detecting viral genetic material with high sensitivity and specificity. The department stated that test results could be delivered within eight hours after samples arrive at the laboratory. All testing is conducted within BSL-3 laboratories designed for handling highly dangerous infectious agents. According to the department, the facilities include specialised airflow systems to prevent pathogens escaping into the environment. Laboratory staff have undergone biosafety training and are prepared to respond to outbreak situations while maintaining safety for workers and the public. Authorities have also reviewed and rehearsed emergency laboratory response plans for dangerous communicable diseases. This includes procedures covering biosafety, transport of high-risk specimens and coordination with laboratory networks across Thailand. ThaiRath reported that the ministry said the measures are intended to ensure Thailand can respond quickly, safely and effectively to any potential public health emergency linked to Ebola or other dangerous infectious diseases. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 23 May 2026Fri, 22 May 2026 21:46:08 +0000Thailand’s Department of Medical Sciences has prepared Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories to diagnose Ebola virus infections, following heightened global concern over outbreaks in Africa. The move comes after the World Health Organization declared outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Get today's headlines by email On 22 May 2026, Dr Sarawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, said Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat had instructed all agencies under the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen disease surveillance, prevention and control measures. Authorities were also ordered to prepare for emergency public health situations in order to reassure the public. The Department of Medical Sciences was tasked with reviewing laboratory readiness, diagnostic procedures and biosafety systems to support the handling of dangerous pathogens. This included assessing BSL-3 laboratory facilities, biosafety systems, personal protective equipment (PPE) and transport systems for high-risk samples. Officials also strengthened genomic and molecular surveillance capabilities and prepared diagnostic test kits. Laboratory networks nationwide were coordinated to ensure suspected Ebola cases could be confirmed rapidly and accurately. Dr Sarawut said the Department’s Public Health Science Research Institute had continuously prepared for outbreaks of severe infectious diseases. Measures included operational guidelines and confirmed testing methods for suspected cases using Real-time RT PCR, an internationally recognised standard capable of detecting viral genetic material with high sensitivity and specificity. The department stated that test results could be delivered within eight hours after samples arrive at the laboratory. All testing is conducted within BSL-3 laboratories designed for handling highly dangerous infectious agents. According to the department, the facilities include specialised airflow systems to prevent pathogens escaping into the environment. Laboratory staff have undergone biosafety training and are prepared to respond to outbreak situations while maintaining safety for workers and the public. Authorities have also reviewed and rehearsed emergency laboratory response plans for dangerous communicable diseases. This includes procedures covering biosafety, transport of high-risk specimens and coordination with laboratory networks across Thailand. ThaiRath reported that the ministry said the measures are intended to ensure Thailand can respond quickly, safely and effectively to any potential public health emergency linked to Ebola or other dangerous infectious diseases. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 21:46:08 +0000BrideFri, 22 May 2026 21:43:28 +0000ChildFri, 22 May 2026 21:36:41 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/ambulance-crash-kills-medic-in-uttaradit-r1941/A woman was killed when a pickup truck crashed into a tree in Uttaradit, while a second fatality occurred when an ambulance responding to the scene overturned on a rain-slicked road. Get today's headlines by email Police and rescue workers were called to the area outside the forestry office in Ban Pang Kluea, Nam Pat district, Uttaradit province, on May 22. Heavy rain had been falling continuously, creating dangerous driving conditions. A Toyota pickup truck driver reportedly lost control and slammed into a large roadside tree with significant force. The vehicle was severely damaged in the crash. A 57-year-old woman, named as Am Wongchaibut, died at the scene. Two other people were injured in the collision and were due to receive emergency assistance. While rushing to help the injured victims, an ambulance from Nam Pat Hospital also crashed. Officials said the vehicle driver lost control and veered off the road because the surface was extremely slippery following the heavy rain. An emergency medical technician identified as “Khun June”, who was travelling in the ambulance, suffered serious injuries in the incident. Despite efforts to save her, she later died from her injuries. The double tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief among hospital staff, rescue workers and local residents. The death of the frontline emergency worker was described as a significant loss for the local medical community. Police officers led by Pol Lt Col Chawanan Sila, deputy investigation inspector at Nam Pat Police Station, attended both crash scenes alongside volunteers from Nam Pat rescue services. Authorities examined the wreckage and gathered evidence as part of the investigation into the incidents. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of either crash, though severe weather and slippery roads are believed to have been major contributing factors. Road safety concerns are frequently heightened during periods of heavy rainfall in Thailand, particularly in rural areas where visibility and road grip can quickly deteriorate. The Daily News reported that emergency response crews also face increased risks when travelling urgently to crash scenes during adverse weather conditions. Investigations into both incidents are continuing and authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the ambulance crash as part of standard procedures. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 23 May 2026Fri, 22 May 2026 21:36:18 +0000A woman was killed when a pickup truck crashed into a tree in Uttaradit, while a second fatality occurred when an ambulance responding to the scene overturned on a rain-slicked road. Get today's headlines by email Police and rescue workers were called to the area outside the forestry office in Ban Pang Kluea, Nam Pat district, Uttaradit province, on May 22. Heavy rain had been falling continuously, creating dangerous driving conditions. A Toyota pickup truck driver reportedly lost control and slammed into a large roadside tree with significant force. The vehicle was severely damaged in the crash. A 57-year-old woman, named as Am Wongchaibut, died at the scene. Two other people were injured in the collision and were due to receive emergency assistance. While rushing to help the injured victims, an ambulance from Nam Pat Hospital also crashed. Officials said the vehicle driver lost control and veered off the road because the surface was extremely slippery following the heavy rain. An emergency medical technician identified as “Khun June”, who was travelling in the ambulance, suffered serious injuries in the incident. Despite efforts to save her, she later died from her injuries. The double tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief among hospital staff, rescue workers and local residents. The death of the frontline emergency worker was described as a significant loss for the local medical community. Police officers led by Pol Lt Col Chawanan Sila, deputy investigation inspector at Nam Pat Police Station, attended both crash scenes alongside volunteers from Nam Pat rescue services. Authorities examined the wreckage and gathered evidence as part of the investigation into the incidents. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of either crash, though severe weather and slippery roads are believed to have been major contributing factors. Road safety concerns are frequently heightened during periods of heavy rainfall in Thailand, particularly in rural areas where visibility and road grip can quickly deteriorate. The Daily News reported that emergency response crews also face increased risks when travelling urgently to crash scenes during adverse weather conditions. Investigations into both incidents are continuing and authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the ambulance crash as part of standard procedures. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 21:36:18 +0000Alberta will hold a referendum in October on whether the province should remain part of Canada, in a move that marks the most serious challenge to Canadian unity in decades. Get today's headlines by email Premier Danielle Smith announced on Thursday that voters will decide whether Alberta should stay within Canada or begin the constitutional process that could eventually lead to a binding vote on independence. The referendum is scheduled for 19 October and follows months of mounting pressure from separatist groups in the oil-rich western province. A citizen-led petition supporting separation reportedly collected more than 300,000 signatures earlier this year, while another petition backing Alberta remaining in Canada drew more than 400,000. Polls, however, continue to indicate that most Albertans oppose leaving the country. Referendum question announcedIn a televised address, Smith said voters would be asked: “Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?” Smith said she personally supports Alberta staying within Canada. “That is how I would vote on separation in a provincial referendum,” she said, adding that her government and caucus also back remaining in the federation. At the same time, the premier criticised a recent court ruling that halted a petition seeking a separation referendum. An Alberta judge dismissed the petition process after Indigenous First Nations groups argued they had not been properly consulted, which they said violated their rights. Smith said the decision unfairly blocked the voices of Albertans who supported the initiative. “As Premier, I will not have a legal mistake by a single judge silence the voices of hundreds of thousands of Albertans,” she said. She argued that delaying the issue would only intensify divisions and prolong debate over Alberta’s future. Long-standing grievances with OttawaSupport for greater autonomy — and in some cases outright independence — has grown in Alberta over concerns that the federal government in Ottawa does not adequately represent the province’s interests. Many Albertans believe federal environmental and climate policies have harmed the province’s oil and gas sector, a major driver of the local economy. There is also a long-standing perception that Alberta contributes more to the national economy through its resource wealth than it receives in return from the federal government. Smith echoed some of those frustrations in her address, accusing Ottawa of moving toward a more centralised political system and interfering in provincial jurisdiction. “I categorically reject Ottawa’s attempts to do so,” she said. While separatist movements have historically remained on the political margins in Alberta, calls for greater provincial powers have become more prominent over the past year. Legal hurdles remainEven if voters support the proposal in October, Alberta would still face a lengthy and uncertain path toward separation. Canada established legal rules for any province seeking independence after two referendums in Quebec, including a narrow 1995 vote in which 50.58% backed remaining in Canada. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney said any separation effort would need to comply with the federal Clarity Act, introduced after the Quebec referendums. Under the law, any future independence vote would require a clear referendum question and a “clear majority” in favour of separation, with oversight from Canada’s House of Commons. If those conditions were met, Alberta and the federal government would then enter negotiations over the terms of separation. Carney has recently worked with Smith on energy and infrastructure issues, including plans for a possible new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast. Federal ministers and opposition politicians also stressed support for national unity following Thursday’s announcement. Dominic LeBlanc said the federal government believes Alberta’s interests are best served within a united Canada, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he would continue campaigning to keep the country united. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 21:33:14 +0000Judge dismisses criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia The judge called it a vindictive prosecution. Updated: 05/22/2026 05:25 PM EDT A federal judge has thrown out the Trump administration’s criminal, immigrant-smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, ruling that the prosecution was “vindictive” retaliation against the Salvadoran immigrant for winning a high-profile challenge to his deportation from the U.S. Crenshaw said there was significant proof, including statements from now-acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, indicating that the investigation into a 2022 traffic stop of Abrego in Tennessee was re-opened last year in response to a federal judge in Maryland ruling that Abrego’s deportation was illegal and authorities needed to facilitate his return to the U.S. “Another activist judge has placed politics above public safety,” a DOJ spokesperson said in a statement. “The judge’s order is wrong and dangerous, and we will appeal.” https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/22/judge-dismisses-criminal-case-against-kilmar-abrego-garcia-00934244Fri, 22 May 2026 21:30:55 +0000I'm just trying to understand what you just said, are you saying that you're totally in opposition to any level of dissent or disagreement with government policy?Fri, 22 May 2026 21:27:32 +0000The founder of a community group in Greater Manchester has called on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to apologise after an unannounced visit by him and his campaign team to a cafe supporting young adults with additional needs. Get today's headlines by email The dispute arose during campaigning in Makerfield, where Farage and members of the Reform UK team stopped at a cafe operated by Hamlet Wigan CIC for tea and to use the toilets. At the time, the venue was hosting a celebration for trainees who had completed their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. Around a dozen young people attended the event, alongside Andy Burnham, who has long supported the organisation. Concerns Over VisitGemma Crompton, director of the Hamlet, later wrote to Farage describing the visit as “intimidating and overwhelming” for trainees, staff and families. She said the arrival of a large group, including security staff and media crews, created distress at what had been intended as a private celebration event. Crompton said the organisation welcomed visitors from all political backgrounds but objected to the way the visit was handled. In her letter, she requested a formal apology and assurances that similar incidents involving organisations supporting vulnerable people would not happen again. She also accused members of the visiting group of filming and taking photographs without permission, despite requests for media activity to stop once staff became aware of it. Political RowReform UK MP Lee Anderson said the stop had been spontaneous and non-political, describing it as a quick visit for “a cuppa” and to use the toilet facilities. Anderson questioned why the complaint had been made, saying Crompton had spoken with the group during the visit, posed for photographs and thanked them before they left. The incident also led to criticism of Burnham after reports suggested he reacted sharply when approached by a journalist accompanying Farage’s team. According to reports, Burnham said campaigners should not enter a venue like the Hamlet unannounced. Burnham has previously supported the organisation, including attending the opening of its new buildings in 2023. Crompton stressed, however, that the Duke of Edinburgh celebration “was not intended to be a political event or a platform for campaigning”. Video ResponseFollowing Anderson’s comments, Crompton posted a video online while visiting Buckingham Palace with trainees attending the Duke of Edinburgh celebrations. In the video, she contrasted Burnham’s attendance with the Reform visit, saying the mayor had arrived alone and without media crews. She alleged that a group of at least 15 people connected to Reform UK entered the cafe and immediately began filming and taking photographs. Crompton said no consent had been given for the cafe to be used in a political context. Burnham later backed the organisation’s criticism, saying those involved should “hold their hands up and apologise”. Reform UK denied the visit had been political. In a statement responding to Crompton’s letter, the party said the stop had been made “in good faith and without political motivation”. The party also disputed claims that wider filming or photography had taken place, although it acknowledged that staff members had taken selfies with Farage and Reform candidate Robert Kenyon. Reform said some young adults at the cafe had spoken with Farage and shaken his hand. The statement added that the tone of Crompton’s letter gave the impression it had been politically influenced. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 May 2026 View full articleFri, 22 May 2026 21:24:28 +0000Five shots, or whatever the contradictory official reports are claiming this time! This should be handled by local border commanders over a coffee, not escalated into a diplomatic crisis.Fri, 22 May 2026 21:23:22 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/russia-seeks-thai-visa-flexibility-r1940/Russia has urged Thailand to apply flexibility to its revised visa rules, particularly for foreigners needing extended medical treatment. Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin said he hoped Thai authorities would consider special arrangements in such cases after the cabinet approved reducing visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for visitors from 93 countries, including Russia. Get today's headlines by email The policy change was approved by the Thai cabinet on Tuesday, according to the government’s public relations department. The revision has prompted concerns among some foreign visitors about how the shorter visa-free period could affect long-term stays in Thailand. Speaking to Thai media at the Russian embassy on Wednesday ahead of Russia’s National Day on 12 June, Mr Tomikhin said Russian nationals had not been significantly affected by the new rules. He explained this was mainly because Thailand and Russia already have a bilateral agreement allowing Russian citizens to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. The ambassador said there had been no complaints from the Russian community in Thailand so far. However, he acknowledged that difficulties could arise in special circumstances, particularly for visitors undergoing prolonged medical treatment. “I hope there might be some flexible instruments for certain circumstances like this because life is much more difficult than only rules,” he said. He added that he hoped to discuss the matter further with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Mr Tomikhin also stressed that foreigners should comply with Thai regulations, describing the revised visa policy as a standard rule applied equally to all nationalities. His comments came as Thailand reviews immigration measures aimed at managing tourism and long-stay visitors more closely. Separately, the ambassador said Russia was prepared to increase fertiliser exports to Thailand as countries affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict seek alternative suppliers. He noted that Russia remains one of the world’s leading fertiliser exporters. According to Mr Tomikhin, Thailand imported around 600,000 tonnes of Russian fertiliser last year, valued at US$300 million, or about 9.78 billion baht. He said Russia was open to negotiating further supply agreements through designated companies, with pricing expected to be the main issue in future talks. The Bangkokpost reported that the ambassador also expressed hope for further discussions with Thailand’s Energy Ministry on possible areas of cooperation. Further talks between Russian and Thai officials are expected in the coming months as both countries continue discussions on visa arrangements and trade cooperation. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 23 May 2026Fri, 22 May 2026 21:21:03 +0000