https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenThey would call it archaic… and would probably be right.Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:33:53 +0000Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:33:14 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-arrest-lao-woman-over-fake-ais-sms-operation-in-bangkok-r2199/Thai cyber police have arrested a 27-year-old Lao woman accused of operating a mobile False Base Station from a vehicle in Bangkok to send fraudulent SMS messages impersonating AIS, one of Thailand’s largest mobile network providers. Authorities said the operation was designed to trick members of the public into revealing personal and financial information through fake websites. Get today's headlines by email The arrest followed a report on 1 June from AIS specialists, who informed investigators that customers had received SMS messages falsely claiming to be from the company. The messages invited recipients to claim prizes and included links directing users to websites that were not connected to AIS. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 4, working alongside AIS engineers and specialist analysis units, carried out a technical investigation. They detected unusual signals originating from a device believed to be a False Base Station operating near Soi Bang Kradi 28 in Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok. On 5 June, officers tracked the signal to a suspicious vehicle parked in the target area. A search of the vehicle uncovered telecommunications equipment being used as a fake mobile phone base station. Police arrested Ms Khonsawan Phrawiset, aged 27, a Lao national, and seized a large quantity of telecommunications and False Base Station equipment. Picture courtesy of Khaosod According to investigators, the suspect used the equipment to broadcast fraudulent mobile signals, causing nearby mobile phones to connect to the rogue station rather than a legitimate network. Once connected, the system sent fake SMS messages that appeared to come from a trusted mobile operator and contained links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal details, financial information and credit card data. Major General Kritatcha Bamrungratanyot, commander of Technology Crime Suppression Division 4, said criminal groups are increasingly adapting their methods by using False Base Station technology to send deceptive messages directly to mobile phones. He warned that such messages can appear to originate from trusted organisations or service providers, making them more convincing to potential victims. Khaosod reported that police have advised the public not to click on links contained in SMS messages from unknown sources and not to enter personal or financial information on websites that have not been verified. Members of the public can report suspicious activity or seek advice through the Cyber Police hotline 1441, which operates 24 hours a day. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 7 June 2026Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:32:16 +0000Thai cyber police have arrested a 27-year-old Lao woman accused of operating a mobile False Base Station from a vehicle in Bangkok to send fraudulent SMS messages impersonating AIS, one of Thailand’s largest mobile network providers. Authorities said the operation was designed to trick members of the public into revealing personal and financial information through fake websites. Get today's headlines by email The arrest followed a report on 1 June from AIS specialists, who informed investigators that customers had received SMS messages falsely claiming to be from the company. The messages invited recipients to claim prizes and included links directing users to websites that were not connected to AIS. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 4, working alongside AIS engineers and specialist analysis units, carried out a technical investigation. They detected unusual signals originating from a device believed to be a False Base Station operating near Soi Bang Kradi 28 in Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok. On 5 June, officers tracked the signal to a suspicious vehicle parked in the target area. A search of the vehicle uncovered telecommunications equipment being used as a fake mobile phone base station. Police arrested Ms Khonsawan Phrawiset, aged 27, a Lao national, and seized a large quantity of telecommunications and False Base Station equipment. Picture courtesy of Khaosod According to investigators, the suspect used the equipment to broadcast fraudulent mobile signals, causing nearby mobile phones to connect to the rogue station rather than a legitimate network. Once connected, the system sent fake SMS messages that appeared to come from a trusted mobile operator and contained links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal details, financial information and credit card data. Major General Kritatcha Bamrungratanyot, commander of Technology Crime Suppression Division 4, said criminal groups are increasingly adapting their methods by using False Base Station technology to send deceptive messages directly to mobile phones. He warned that such messages can appear to originate from trusted organisations or service providers, making them more convincing to potential victims. Khaosod reported that police have advised the public not to click on links contained in SMS messages from unknown sources and not to enter personal or financial information on websites that have not been verified. Members of the public can report suspicious activity or seek advice through the Cyber Police hotline 1441, which operates 24 hours a day. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 7 June 2026 View full articleSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:32:16 +0000Yes ! Absolutely I mean intersex people could be traumatized by these emojis on here !Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:32:12 +0000Sorry but in the George Floyd’s case all expert witnesses have mentioned that- Floyd had heart disease and full of Fentanyl. The cause of the death should have been classified as “undetermined” (Forensic pathologist Dr.David Fowler). cbc.ca/news/world/derek-chauvin-trial-david-fowler-1.5986892 … and the cops put handcuffs on the boy taking right away the side of the murderer with a large blade. The blade should have been seized by the police and place in a plastic bag before anybody could remove all traces of DNA. Instead they drove the murderer to his home…and the murderer’s mother got the weapon in her hands with more DNA on it???? What kind of police work is it?Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:26:32 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/funding-dispute-delays-thailand-airports-rail-project-r2198/Thailand’s 224.5-billion-baht high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports remains stalled as disagreements over financing and risk-sharing continue between the government and private concessionaire Asia Era One. Despite the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) clearing a draft contract amendment, key policy differences remain unresolved, delaying one of the flagship projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Get today's headlines by email Approved in March 2018 under the administration of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the 220-kilometre rail line is designed to connect three airports through nine stations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong. The project combines the existing Airport Rail Link with new high-speed rail infrastructure and is intended to improve transport links between airports, industrial estates and tourism destinations while supporting the expansion of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City. The public-private partnership (PPP) is being developed by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by CP Group. The consortium secured the concession in 2019 after requesting 117.2 billion baht in government investment support. Major shareholders include Charoen Pokphand Holding (87.15%), Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (5.14%), China Railway Construction Corporation (5.14%) and Italian-Thai Development (2.57%). Progress has been hampered by land handovers, investment promotion approvals, design coordination issues, disputes over land use, integration with the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, adjustments to the U-Tapao Aviation City plan, the Covid-19 pandemic, rising costs and tighter financing conditions. As a result, the formal Notice to Proceed was never fully activated and full-scale civil construction has yet to begin. Asia Era One argues that the pandemic fundamentally changed the assumptions underpinning the original agreement and has proposed revisions to improve the project’s financial viability. The consortium’s most significant proposal is a shift from the original payment structure to a “build-and-pay” model, under which government contributions would be paid progressively as construction milestones are completed. In return, the consortium would provide additional guarantees worth around 160 billion baht and commit to completing construction within five years of an amended agreement taking effect. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has opposed the proposal, stating that financing risk should remain with the private sector under the original 2019 PPP framework. The government has also expressed concern that changing the payment structure could increase state financial exposure and encourage similar requests from other private operators facing economic difficulties. The OAG reviewed the proposed amendments, raising 18 observations before approving the draft. It required the 160-billion-baht guarantees to be provided within 270 days of signing, with portions released progressively as milestones are achieved. While the review removed a significant legal hurdle, it did not resolve the dispute over payment terms. The Bangkokpost reported that the project’s future now depends on whether the government and Asia Era One can reach a compromise. Any revised agreement would require cabinet approval. If negotiations fail, Asia Era One may need to secure alternative financing under the existing contract, while further delays could affect related EEC developments and potentially expose the state to compensation claims, according to the State Audit Office. Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 7 June 2026Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:22:15 +0000Thailand’s 224.5-billion-baht high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports remains stalled as disagreements over financing and risk-sharing continue between the government and private concessionaire Asia Era One. Despite the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) clearing a draft contract amendment, key policy differences remain unresolved, delaying one of the flagship projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Get today's headlines by email Approved in March 2018 under the administration of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the 220-kilometre rail line is designed to connect three airports through nine stations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong. The project combines the existing Airport Rail Link with new high-speed rail infrastructure and is intended to improve transport links between airports, industrial estates and tourism destinations while supporting the expansion of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City. The public-private partnership (PPP) is being developed by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by CP Group. The consortium secured the concession in 2019 after requesting 117.2 billion baht in government investment support. Major shareholders include Charoen Pokphand Holding (87.15%), Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (5.14%), China Railway Construction Corporation (5.14%) and Italian-Thai Development (2.57%). Progress has been hampered by land handovers, investment promotion approvals, design coordination issues, disputes over land use, integration with the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, adjustments to the U-Tapao Aviation City plan, the Covid-19 pandemic, rising costs and tighter financing conditions. As a result, the formal Notice to Proceed was never fully activated and full-scale civil construction has yet to begin. Asia Era One argues that the pandemic fundamentally changed the assumptions underpinning the original agreement and has proposed revisions to improve the project’s financial viability. The consortium’s most significant proposal is a shift from the original payment structure to a “build-and-pay” model, under which government contributions would be paid progressively as construction milestones are completed. In return, the consortium would provide additional guarantees worth around 160 billion baht and commit to completing construction within five years of an amended agreement taking effect. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has opposed the proposal, stating that financing risk should remain with the private sector under the original 2019 PPP framework. The government has also expressed concern that changing the payment structure could increase state financial exposure and encourage similar requests from other private operators facing economic difficulties. The OAG reviewed the proposed amendments, raising 18 observations before approving the draft. It required the 160-billion-baht guarantees to be provided within 270 days of signing, with portions released progressively as milestones are achieved. While the review removed a significant legal hurdle, it did not resolve the dispute over payment terms. The Bangkokpost reported that the project’s future now depends on whether the government and Asia Era One can reach a compromise. Any revised agreement would require cabinet approval. If negotiations fail, Asia Era One may need to secure alternative financing under the existing contract, while further delays could affect related EEC developments and potentially expose the state to compensation claims, according to the State Audit Office. Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 7 June 2026 View full articleSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:22:15 +0000Sikh POWs in Singapore being used as target practice by the Japanese. They refused to switch sides.Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:15:11 +0000Sorry but in the George Floyd’s case all expert witnesses have mentioned that- Floyd had heart disease and full of Fentanyl. The cause of the death should have been classified as “undetermined” (Forensic pathologist Dr.David Fowler). cbc.ca/news/world/derek-chauvin-trial-david-fowler-1.5986892Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:11:36 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/woman-dies-after-centipede-bite-in-si-racha-r2197/A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired. Get today's headlines by email On 4 June 2026, rescue volunteers from the Pure Yiang Tai Foundation in Si Racha were alerted to a death at a rented room in Soi Alliance-Mab Hin Soi 6, Moo 6, Bo Win subdistrict, Si Racha district. Police from Bo Win Police Station attended the scene and found the body of Mrs Uthai, 42, a traditional Thai massage therapist who had previously worked in a factory. She was found lying on her back with rigid legs and darkened lips. Investigators reported no signs of assault or theft. Her boyfriend, Mr Wutthinan, 27, a security guard, said he was working a night shift when he learned that she had been bitten by a centipede at the massage shop where she worked. He collected her and took her to a private hospital because she believed she still had social security coverage from her former factory job. According to Mr Wutthinan, hospital staff checked her details and found that her social security entitlement had expired. He said staff asked how they wished to proceed, explaining that treatment at the private hospital would incur significant costs. He said he could not afford the fees and intended to use Thailand’s 30-baht healthcare scheme at a state hospital. As it was late at night, the couple instead bought antihistamine and pain relief medication from a convenience store before returning home. Mr Wutthinan later returned to work and last spoke with her by telephone shortly before 5am. When she failed to answer further calls later that morning, he asked her sister to check on her and was subsequently informed that she had died. Pictures courtesy of Amarin He said Mrs Uthai had a history of high blood pressure and allergic reactions to venomous animals, having previously required hospital treatment after a similar incident. He questioned whether the private hospital had provided sufficient advice and said the family would discuss possible next steps. The hospital stated that the patient arrived between 1am and 2am complaining of foot pain and swelling after a centipede bite. Staff said she was alert and able to communicate normally. After checking her social security status, they found that her entitlement had ended and informed the couple of two nearby state hospitals when asked for recommendations. The hospital said the patient and her partner then chose to leave. Amarin reported that authorities have sent the body for further examination to determine the exact cause of death. Family members later confirmed they did not wish to pursue legal action and said the initial death reported listed the cause of death as “unknown”. They planned to return her body to her home village of Ban Wang Ta Thao in Na Yang Klak subdistrict, Thep Sathit district, Chaiyaphum province, for funeral rites. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 7 June 2026Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:10:27 +0000A 42-year-old former factory worker died after being bitten by a centipede in Si Racha, Chon Buri, with her partner claiming they could not afford treatment after discovering her social security coverage had expired. Get today's headlines by email On 4 June 2026, rescue volunteers from the Pure Yiang Tai Foundation in Si Racha were alerted to a death at a rented room in Soi Alliance-Mab Hin Soi 6, Moo 6, Bo Win subdistrict, Si Racha district. Police from Bo Win Police Station attended the scene and found the body of Mrs Uthai, 42, a traditional Thai massage therapist who had previously worked in a factory. She was found lying on her back with rigid legs and darkened lips. Investigators reported no signs of assault or theft. Her boyfriend, Mr Wutthinan, 27, a security guard, said he was working a night shift when he learned that she had been bitten by a centipede at the massage shop where she worked. He collected her and took her to a private hospital because she believed she still had social security coverage from her former factory job. According to Mr Wutthinan, hospital staff checked her details and found that her social security entitlement had expired. He said staff asked how they wished to proceed, explaining that treatment at the private hospital would incur significant costs. He said he could not afford the fees and intended to use Thailand’s 30-baht healthcare scheme at a state hospital. As it was late at night, the couple instead bought antihistamine and pain relief medication from a convenience store before returning home. Mr Wutthinan later returned to work and last spoke with her by telephone shortly before 5am. When she failed to answer further calls later that morning, he asked her sister to check on her and was subsequently informed that she had died. Pictures courtesy of Amarin He said Mrs Uthai had a history of high blood pressure and allergic reactions to venomous animals, having previously required hospital treatment after a similar incident. He questioned whether the private hospital had provided sufficient advice and said the family would discuss possible next steps. The hospital stated that the patient arrived between 1am and 2am complaining of foot pain and swelling after a centipede bite. Staff said she was alert and able to communicate normally. After checking her social security status, they found that her entitlement had ended and informed the couple of two nearby state hospitals when asked for recommendations. The hospital said the patient and her partner then chose to leave. Amarin reported that authorities have sent the body for further examination to determine the exact cause of death. Family members later confirmed they did not wish to pursue legal action and said the initial death reported listed the cause of death as “unknown”. They planned to return her body to her home village of Ban Wang Ta Thao in Na Yang Klak subdistrict, Thep Sathit district, Chaiyaphum province, for funeral rites. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 7 June 2026 View full articleSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:10:27 +0000if pensioner lives in Thailand unfrozen would it be a crime No — it is absolutely not a crime for a UK pensioner living in Thailand to receive an unfrozen (uprated) UK State Pension if the law allowed it. The issue is not criminal law. It is simply that the UK does not uprate pensions in Thailand because there is no reciprocal agreement. Let me explain clearly so you feel reassured. ✅ 1. It is NOT a crimeThere is no criminal offence for: living in Thailand receiving a UK unfrozen State Pension receiving uprating if the UK ever allowed it You cannot be prosecuted, fined, or punished. This is purely a policy decision, not a legal or criminal matter ,to receive unfrozen in ThailandSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:08:49 +0000UPDATE 6 Illegal Foreign Workers Found in Chinese Restaurant RaidsSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:02:28 +0000It's busted...........for now.!Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:02:25 +0000SummonsSat, 06 Jun 2026 21:01:10 +0000Kind of like on WhatsApp or Signal, where you can choose your emoji's gender and color tone.Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:00:30 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/6-illegal-foreign-workers-found-in-chinese-restaurant-raids-r2196/Immigration Bureau officers, working alongside the Department of Employment and the Department of Business Development, inspected several Chinese restaurants in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on 5 June 2026 following online claims that some businesses were accepting only Chinese yuan and refusing Thai baht. The operation resulted in the discovery of six foreign nationals accused of immigration and employment-related offences. Get today's headlines by email The inspection began at around 1pm when investigators from Immigration Division 1 coordinated with officials from the Department of Employment and the Department of Business Development. The action followed social media posts by a Chinese influencer alleging that certain Chinese restaurants accepted only yuan as payment. Authorities identified the restaurant named Xin Xin Lanzhou Noodle, located on Pracharat Bamphen Road in the Huai Khwang police district, as one of the businesses mentioned. Officials also inspected four other nearby restaurants as part of the operation. During the checks, officers found six foreign nationals suspected of offences involving illegal entry into Thailand and violations of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment. At Xin Xin Lanzhou Noodle, officers arrested one foreign national for illegal entry and another for an offence under the foreign worker employment regulations. Officials said the Department of Business Development is continuing to examine matters relating to the company’s registration. No further findings regarding the business registration process have yet been announced. Major General Prasat Khemaprasit, commander of Immigration Division 1, said officers moved quickly after learning of the allegations through social media. He stated that authorities had immediately planned and carried out inspections. He added that enforcement operations in the Huai Khwang area are conducted regularly in cooperation with relevant agencies. Members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of breaking the law are encouraged to contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178. Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, together with Deputy Commissioners Major General Pratchaya Prasansuk and Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, have instructed all units under their command to strengthen investigations, inspections and enforcement efforts targeting offences committed by foreign nationals. The Manager Online reported that the Department of Business Development’s review of the restaurant’s registration remains ongoing, while immigration and labour authorities continue their wider enforcement campaign in the area. Pictures courtesy of MGR Related story Chinese-diner-questions-Yuan-only-restaurant-in-Bangkok Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 7 June 2026Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:56:59 +0000Immigration Bureau officers, working alongside the Department of Employment and the Department of Business Development, inspected several Chinese restaurants in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on 5 June 2026 following online claims that some businesses were accepting only Chinese yuan and refusing Thai baht. The operation resulted in the discovery of six foreign nationals accused of immigration and employment-related offences. Get today's headlines by email The inspection began at around 1pm when investigators from Immigration Division 1 coordinated with officials from the Department of Employment and the Department of Business Development. The action followed social media posts by a Chinese influencer alleging that certain Chinese restaurants accepted only yuan as payment. Authorities identified the restaurant named Xin Xin Lanzhou Noodle, located on Pracharat Bamphen Road in the Huai Khwang police district, as one of the businesses mentioned. Officials also inspected four other nearby restaurants as part of the operation. During the checks, officers found six foreign nationals suspected of offences involving illegal entry into Thailand and violations of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment. At Xin Xin Lanzhou Noodle, officers arrested one foreign national for illegal entry and another for an offence under the foreign worker employment regulations. Officials said the Department of Business Development is continuing to examine matters relating to the company’s registration. No further findings regarding the business registration process have yet been announced. Major General Prasat Khemaprasit, commander of Immigration Division 1, said officers moved quickly after learning of the allegations through social media. He stated that authorities had immediately planned and carried out inspections. He added that enforcement operations in the Huai Khwang area are conducted regularly in cooperation with relevant agencies. Members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of breaking the law are encouraged to contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178. Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, together with Deputy Commissioners Major General Pratchaya Prasansuk and Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, have instructed all units under their command to strengthen investigations, inspections and enforcement efforts targeting offences committed by foreign nationals. The Manager Online reported that the Department of Business Development’s review of the restaurant’s registration remains ongoing, while immigration and labour authorities continue their wider enforcement campaign in the area. Pictures courtesy of MGR Related story Chinese-diner-questions-Yuan-only-restaurant-in-Bangkok Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 7 June 2026 View full articleSat, 06 Jun 2026 20:56:59 +0000Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:55:01 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/revenue-dept-may-seek-thaksin-bankruptcy-over-tax-debt-r2195/Thailand’s Revenue Department is intensifying efforts to collect more than 17.6 billion baht in tax from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after the Supreme Court ruled that the department’s tax assessment was lawful. The ruling makes the tax debt immediately enforceable and opens the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings if the full amount cannot be recovered. Get today's headlines by email Somsak Anantawat, strategic tax collection adviser for the energy business group and acting director-general of the Revenue Department, said the case became final under Supreme Court judgment No 6890/2568, which was read on November 17, 2025. The court confirmed that the assessment issued by tax officials was lawful, leaving Thaksin liable for a total of 17,629,585,191 baht, including tax, penalties and surcharges. According to Somsak, the Revenue Department continued pursuing the outstanding tax throughout the appeals process and court proceedings. Measures already taken include issuing payment notices, examining all categories of assets, preparing for possible seizure and attachment of assets, expanding asset-tracing efforts in Thailand and abroad, and coordinating with relevant agencies to enforce payment. The dispute originated from a personal income tax assessment notice, known as Por Ngor Dor 12, issued on March 28, 2017. Thaksin sought to have the assessment revoked through the Central Tax Court, which ruled on July 18, 2022, that the Revenue Department had failed to issue a summons under Section 19 of the Revenue Code in his capacity as principal. The Specialised Appeal Court’s tax division upheld that ruling on June 2, 2023. However, the Supreme Court later overturned both lower court decisions and ruled in favour of the Revenue Department. According to the judgment summary, the Supreme Court found that Thaksin had concealed his ownership of shares in Shin Corporation Plc by having other individuals, including Panthongtae Shinawatra and Pinthongtha Shinawatra, hold shares on his behalf. The court found that the arrangement lacked tax morality, conflicted with the purpose of tax law, prevented proper tax collection and had no economic purpose beyond securing other benefits, including income tax advantages. The court also concluded that the transaction was carried out for a seriously unlawful purpose and found no grounds to waive or reduce penalties and surcharges. As a result, the Revenue Department was confirmed as having authority to collect the full assessed amount under the March 28, 2017 assessment notice. The Nation reported that if enforcement measures fail to recover the entire debt, the department will consider filing a bankruptcy case against Thaksin. A news report cited Forbes’ 2025 wealth ranking, which estimated Thaksin’s net worth at US$2.1 billion, or about 72 billion baht, placing him 15th in Thailand and 1,688th globally. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 June 2026Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:45:44 +0000Thailand’s Revenue Department is intensifying efforts to collect more than 17.6 billion baht in tax from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after the Supreme Court ruled that the department’s tax assessment was lawful. The ruling makes the tax debt immediately enforceable and opens the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings if the full amount cannot be recovered. Get today's headlines by email Somsak Anantawat, strategic tax collection adviser for the energy business group and acting director-general of the Revenue Department, said the case became final under Supreme Court judgment No 6890/2568, which was read on November 17, 2025. The court confirmed that the assessment issued by tax officials was lawful, leaving Thaksin liable for a total of 17,629,585,191 baht, including tax, penalties and surcharges. According to Somsak, the Revenue Department continued pursuing the outstanding tax throughout the appeals process and court proceedings. Measures already taken include issuing payment notices, examining all categories of assets, preparing for possible seizure and attachment of assets, expanding asset-tracing efforts in Thailand and abroad, and coordinating with relevant agencies to enforce payment. The dispute originated from a personal income tax assessment notice, known as Por Ngor Dor 12, issued on March 28, 2017. Thaksin sought to have the assessment revoked through the Central Tax Court, which ruled on July 18, 2022, that the Revenue Department had failed to issue a summons under Section 19 of the Revenue Code in his capacity as principal. The Specialised Appeal Court’s tax division upheld that ruling on June 2, 2023. However, the Supreme Court later overturned both lower court decisions and ruled in favour of the Revenue Department. According to the judgment summary, the Supreme Court found that Thaksin had concealed his ownership of shares in Shin Corporation Plc by having other individuals, including Panthongtae Shinawatra and Pinthongtha Shinawatra, hold shares on his behalf. The court found that the arrangement lacked tax morality, conflicted with the purpose of tax law, prevented proper tax collection and had no economic purpose beyond securing other benefits, including income tax advantages. The court also concluded that the transaction was carried out for a seriously unlawful purpose and found no grounds to waive or reduce penalties and surcharges. As a result, the Revenue Department was confirmed as having authority to collect the full assessed amount under the March 28, 2017 assessment notice. The Nation reported that if enforcement measures fail to recover the entire debt, the department will consider filing a bankruptcy case against Thaksin. A news report cited Forbes’ 2025 wealth ranking, which estimated Thaksin’s net worth at US$2.1 billion, or about 72 billion baht, placing him 15th in Thailand and 1,688th globally. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 June 2026 View full articleSat, 06 Jun 2026 20:45:44 +0000This topic has been up for two and a half weeks and so far no one has posted any evidence of a "No Israeli tourists" sign currently hanging in any business in Thailand. The topic has gotten 3,900 views and 60 replies/ Is it now fair to say the myth of "many" such signs indicating a dislike of Iseali tourists has been busted? Or are there still some members of AN who cling to it?Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:43:54 +0000I have voted we get rid of all the negative emojis And I have suggested we use "Gender neutral face " emojis instead of a male looking one . We also need to introduce rainbow flag maybe as a positive emojiSat, 06 Jun 2026 20:40:40 +0000L Absolutely!!! Thankyou for your serviceSat, 06 Jun 2026 20:37:39 +0000