https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailanden^ Fair correction. The tote bags being found at his apartment is different. I’m still interested in the allegation of the three previous deliveries—that seems the more significant part of the case if it’s proven.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:47:59 +0000Post breaking forum rules removed. @JerryM discuss the topic and stop trying to be the news team editor. Rule 17.News articles are collected from recognised sources and may be consolidated or rewritten with AI assistance. Respectful discussion of the article content is welcome. Disrespectful comments about the articles, the use of AI, or the news team (e.g. “clickbait,” “slow news day,” mocking grammar, or AI taunts) are not permitted. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may resultSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:47:51 +0000They didn't search HER apartment. They searched Mr Uthai’s apartment in Ayutthaya.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:46:48 +0000Very interesting post. That monster will be free in max 7 years and don't forget the royal amnesty. But let us face the facts, the family of the poor girl gets a huge financial compensation. So let us call this a win win situation for both or not? So pathetic. But now the reality, this guy hasn't a penny, I suppose based on his background his family neither. Whatever crowd fund me operation organised, I doubt who ever would finance it.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:45:03 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-us-navies-begin-carat-2026-drills-in-sattahip-r2632/The Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy will conduct the CARAT 2026 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) joint exercise from 6 to 16 July 2026 across Sattahip in Chonburi, Rayong province, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. The exercise aims to enhance joint maritime operational readiness and strengthen regional maritime security cooperation against evolving threats. Thailanguage courses Get today's headlines by email The opening ceremony will take place on 6 July 2026 at 10:00 at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip, Chonburi. The Thai side will be chaired by Vice Admiral Songsarit Chatsanguan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, while Rear Admiral Kyle Gant, Deputy Commander of the US Seventh Fleet, will co-chair for the United States. The exercise is the largest bilateral naval drill between Thailand and the United States and has been conducted continuously since 1995. The Royal Thai Navy has assigned Frigate Squadron 2, Royal Thai Fleet, as the main coordinating unit, led by Rear Admiral Anurak Promngam as exercise director. Thai assets include the frigates HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Bangpakong, a Type 4 helicopter, and a Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance and target designation. The United States will deploy USCGC Emlen Tunnell and USCGC Charles Moulthrope, along with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. US Marine personnel and a Seventh Fleet band will also participate in supporting roles. The exercise is divided into three main phases. The first phase runs from 6 to 11 July and focuses on in-port training, including subject matter expert exchanges covering cyber operations, explosive ordnance disposal, maritime domain awareness, counter-unmanned aerial systems, boarding operations, diving, medical support, and mine countermeasures. Sports and community engagement activities are also included. The second phase, from 12 to 14 July, will take place at sea and focus on tactical operations such as maritime awareness building, boarding and inspection of suspect vessels, tactical communications, target plotting, live weapons firing, naval manoeuvres, and search and rescue operations. Thaitabloid reported that on 15 July, participating forces will hold a final evaluation meeting and closing ceremony, followed by the departure of US naval vessels. Officials say the exercise underscores continued defence cooperation and improves readiness for complex maritime security challenges in the region. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:41:47 +0000The Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy will conduct the CARAT 2026 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) joint exercise from 6 to 16 July 2026 across Sattahip in Chonburi, Rayong province, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. The exercise aims to enhance joint maritime operational readiness and strengthen regional maritime security cooperation against evolving threats. Thailanguage courses Get today's headlines by email The opening ceremony will take place on 6 July 2026 at 10:00 at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip, Chonburi. The Thai side will be chaired by Vice Admiral Songsarit Chatsanguan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, while Rear Admiral Kyle Gant, Deputy Commander of the US Seventh Fleet, will co-chair for the United States. The exercise is the largest bilateral naval drill between Thailand and the United States and has been conducted continuously since 1995. The Royal Thai Navy has assigned Frigate Squadron 2, Royal Thai Fleet, as the main coordinating unit, led by Rear Admiral Anurak Promngam as exercise director. Thai assets include the frigates HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Bangpakong, a Type 4 helicopter, and a Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance and target designation. The United States will deploy USCGC Emlen Tunnell and USCGC Charles Moulthrope, along with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. US Marine personnel and a Seventh Fleet band will also participate in supporting roles. The exercise is divided into three main phases. The first phase runs from 6 to 11 July and focuses on in-port training, including subject matter expert exchanges covering cyber operations, explosive ordnance disposal, maritime domain awareness, counter-unmanned aerial systems, boarding operations, diving, medical support, and mine countermeasures. Sports and community engagement activities are also included. The second phase, from 12 to 14 July, will take place at sea and focus on tactical operations such as maritime awareness building, boarding and inspection of suspect vessels, tactical communications, target plotting, live weapons firing, naval manoeuvres, and search and rescue operations. Thaitabloid reported that on 15 July, participating forces will hold a final evaluation meeting and closing ceremony, followed by the departure of US naval vessels. Officials say the exercise underscores continued defence cooperation and improves readiness for complex maritime security challenges in the region. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 6 July 2026 View full articleSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:41:47 +0000So the old ‘I’ll just chuck it in my socks’ strategy isn’t fooling the X-ray machine after all? 😂Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:41:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-warns-cannabis-smugglers-face-jail-abroad-r2631/Thai authorities have again warned travellers not to attempt to smuggle cannabis overseas, saying offenders risk lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines and confiscation of the drugs. The warning issued on 4 July 2026, follows a growing number of cases in recent months in which passengers were arrested after allegedly concealing cannabis while travelling to countries where it remains illegal. Get today's headlines by email Dr Thewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the department has seen frequent reports of travellers being caught carrying cannabis on international flights. He stressed that transporting cannabis into countries where it is prohibited is regarded as a serious criminal offence. Officials said modern airport security systems combine high-resolution computerised X-ray technology with the expertise of customs officers, making it increasingly difficult to hide cannabis in luggage. The equipment is designed to detect abnormalities, including dense organic materials and controlled herbs such as cannabis. Authorities added that X-ray machines used at cargo inspection points are also capable of detecting cannabis regardless of the form in which it is transported. As a result, attempts to smuggle the drug carry a high risk of detection and full legal prosecution. Dr Peeracha Kookasemkit, director of the Medical Cannabis Division, said anyone attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand without completing customs procedures, or trying to evade inspection, faces severe penalties under the law. Offenders may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined four times the value of the goods including duties, or receive both a prison sentence and a financial penalty. Any seized cannabis will also be confiscated. The Customs Department has further strengthened enforcement by introducing revised penalty criteria. Since June 17, 2026, fines have been set at 30,000 baht per kilogramme of cannabis seized, with all confiscated cannabis becoming state property. Thai officials noted that while cannabis in Thailand is regulated under specific laws for medical and health-related use, many countries continue to classify it as a serious illegal narcotic, with serious legal consequences. Travellers are therefore urged to check and comply with the laws of their destination before departure. Țhe Nation reported that authorities said following the regulations of overseas destinations is essential to avoid severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and significant financial penalties, whether the offences result from ignorance of local laws or deliberate attempts to smuggle cannabis. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:34:52 +0000Thai authorities have again warned travellers not to attempt to smuggle cannabis overseas, saying offenders risk lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines and confiscation of the drugs. The warning issued on 4 July 2026, follows a growing number of cases in recent months in which passengers were arrested after allegedly concealing cannabis while travelling to countries where it remains illegal. Get today's headlines by email Dr Thewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the department has seen frequent reports of travellers being caught carrying cannabis on international flights. He stressed that transporting cannabis into countries where it is prohibited is regarded as a serious criminal offence. Officials said modern airport security systems combine high-resolution computerised X-ray technology with the expertise of customs officers, making it increasingly difficult to hide cannabis in luggage. The equipment is designed to detect abnormalities, including dense organic materials and controlled herbs such as cannabis. Authorities added that X-ray machines used at cargo inspection points are also capable of detecting cannabis regardless of the form in which it is transported. As a result, attempts to smuggle the drug carry a high risk of detection and full legal prosecution. Dr Peeracha Kookasemkit, director of the Medical Cannabis Division, said anyone attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand without completing customs procedures, or trying to evade inspection, faces severe penalties under the law. Offenders may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined four times the value of the goods including duties, or receive both a prison sentence and a financial penalty. Any seized cannabis will also be confiscated. The Customs Department has further strengthened enforcement by introducing revised penalty criteria. Since June 17, 2026, fines have been set at 30,000 baht per kilogramme of cannabis seized, with all confiscated cannabis becoming state property. Thai officials noted that while cannabis in Thailand is regulated under specific laws for medical and health-related use, many countries continue to classify it as a serious illegal narcotic, with serious legal consequences. Travellers are therefore urged to check and comply with the laws of their destination before departure. Țhe Nation reported that authorities said following the regulations of overseas destinations is essential to avoid severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and significant financial penalties, whether the offences result from ignorance of local laws or deliberate attempts to smuggle cannabis. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 6 July 2026 View full articleSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:34:52 +0000Looks like this wasn’t her first elephant in the room… 🐘👀Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:29:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/anutin-newin-clash-over-interior-ministry-posts-r2630/A reported conflict of interest has emerged between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and de facto Bhumjaithai leader Newin Chidchob over senior bureaucratic transfers at the Interior Ministry ahead of the annual reshuffle due to take effect in October. According to an unnamed partisan source, the disagreement centres on whether Interior Ministry Undersecretary Ansit Sampantharat should remain in his current post or be replaced by Provincial Administration Department Director-General Narucha Kosacivilize. Get today's headlines by email The source claimed Anutin, who also serves as interior minister and leads the Bhumjaithai Party, wants Ansit to remain as undersecretary of one of the cabinet’s key ministries. Newin, however, is reportedly seeking to have Narucha promoted to the role instead. According to the source, Newin wishes to reward Narucha, who previously served as governor of Buriram, Newin’s home province and Bhumjaithai’s strongest political base. Narucha is also due to retire next year as director-general of the Provincial Administration Department, making this year’s reshuffle a key opportunity for promotion. The reported disagreement comes despite Ansit having previously been regarded as personally loyal to former interior minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who is closely associated with de facto Pheu Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Narucha, meanwhile, had earlier faced accusations of failing to remain politically neutral before the previous general election after allegedly sending a Line message to a subordinate in Phuket stating, “Do Help the Blue,” a reference widely understood to support Newin’s political camp. The reported tensions also follow recent transfers ordered by Anutin, in his capacity as interior minister, involving two deputy governors in Phuket. The moves were said to have frustrated Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, a Bhumjaithai member who had overseen the party’s election campaign in southern constituencies and was believed to have close ties to both officials. Meanwhile, Newin’s son and Bhumjaithai secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, has publicly played down suggestions of any conflict between his father and the prime minister. Chaichanok himself had previously differed with Anutin on a number of political issues. The ThaiNewsRoom reported that Chaichanok remains one of the ministers appointed under Bhumjaithai’s quota in the coalition government and currently serves as digital economy and society minister. The annual Interior Ministry reshuffle is scheduled to take effect in October and is expected to determine whether Ansit remains in his post or Narucha secures the promotion reportedly backed by Newin. Picture courtesy of TNR Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:27:30 +0000A reported conflict of interest has emerged between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and de facto Bhumjaithai leader Newin Chidchob over senior bureaucratic transfers at the Interior Ministry ahead of the annual reshuffle due to take effect in October. According to an unnamed partisan source, the disagreement centres on whether Interior Ministry Undersecretary Ansit Sampantharat should remain in his current post or be replaced by Provincial Administration Department Director-General Narucha Kosacivilize. Get today's headlines by email The source claimed Anutin, who also serves as interior minister and leads the Bhumjaithai Party, wants Ansit to remain as undersecretary of one of the cabinet’s key ministries. Newin, however, is reportedly seeking to have Narucha promoted to the role instead. According to the source, Newin wishes to reward Narucha, who previously served as governor of Buriram, Newin’s home province and Bhumjaithai’s strongest political base. Narucha is also due to retire next year as director-general of the Provincial Administration Department, making this year’s reshuffle a key opportunity for promotion. The reported disagreement comes despite Ansit having previously been regarded as personally loyal to former interior minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who is closely associated with de facto Pheu Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Narucha, meanwhile, had earlier faced accusations of failing to remain politically neutral before the previous general election after allegedly sending a Line message to a subordinate in Phuket stating, “Do Help the Blue,” a reference widely understood to support Newin’s political camp. The reported tensions also follow recent transfers ordered by Anutin, in his capacity as interior minister, involving two deputy governors in Phuket. The moves were said to have frustrated Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, a Bhumjaithai member who had overseen the party’s election campaign in southern constituencies and was believed to have close ties to both officials. Meanwhile, Newin’s son and Bhumjaithai secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, has publicly played down suggestions of any conflict between his father and the prime minister. Chaichanok himself had previously differed with Anutin on a number of political issues. The ThaiNewsRoom reported that Chaichanok remains one of the ministers appointed under Bhumjaithai’s quota in the coalition government and currently serves as digital economy and society minister. The annual Interior Ministry reshuffle is scheduled to take effect in October and is expected to determine whether Ansit remains in his post or Narucha secures the promotion reportedly backed by Newin. Picture courtesy of TNR Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 6 July 2026 View full articleSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:27:30 +0000BeverageSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:22:17 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/whale-sharks-spotted-at-two-koh-tao-dive-sites-r2629/Tourists were treated to the rare sight of whale sharks appearing simultaneously at two popular dive sites around Koh Tao in Surat Thani province on 5 July 2026. The whale sharks, each estimated to be 3-4 metres long, were seen swimming among schools of fish at Chumphon Pinnacle, northwest of the island, and Sail Rock, southeast of Koh Tao. Get today's headlines by email Divers were able to record photographs and video of the whale sharks as they moved calmly through the water, creating memorable encounters for both Thai and international visitors. The sightings occurred on opposite sides of the island, highlighting one of Koh Tao’s most celebrated marine attractions. Ramluek Assawachin, president of the Koh Tao Tourism Business Association, said June to September is the period when whale sharks are most frequently seen around the island. During these months, sightings are regularly reported at several dive sites, including Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Hin Khao, Kong Tung Ku, HTMS Pairin and other well-known underwater locations. She said there are days when whale sharks are spotted at more than one dive site, with sightings at two locations almost simultaneously occurring on several occasions. According to Ramluek, this is the time of year that divers from Thailand and overseas eagerly anticipate because encounters with whale sharks can occur almost daily. Ramluek said the continued presence of whale sharks is an important indicator of the health of Koh Tao’s marine ecosystem, reflecting abundant food sources and rich biodiversity. She added that the regular sightings also demonstrate the results of ongoing cooperation between government agencies, private organisations, dive operators and local communities to conserve and restore marine resources. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod She said Koh Tao continues to be recognised as one of the world’s leading diving destinations. Regular whale shark sightings during the season not only provide memorable experiences for visitors but also reinforce the island’s reputation as a marine tourism destination that combines tourism with sustainable conservation. Khaosod reported that local dive operators are continuing to encourage divers to follow responsible wildlife viewing practices. Visitors are being asked not to touch or chase whale sharks, not to feed them, and to maintain an appropriate distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour and to help preserve Koh Tao’s marine environment. AQOt03z6QbBCC9wcERzP0SYn2seoaPnA-tnBeKHFTGKW2QsABSj8CbvdBkx8SOWe4MVnI9Mk99RdJtFJuFQFI1eesUl08cDcDIxPURr96w.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:15:26 +0000Tourists were treated to the rare sight of whale sharks appearing simultaneously at two popular dive sites around Koh Tao in Surat Thani province on 5 July 2026. The whale sharks, each estimated to be 3-4 metres long, were seen swimming among schools of fish at Chumphon Pinnacle, northwest of the island, and Sail Rock, southeast of Koh Tao. Get today's headlines by email Divers were able to record photographs and video of the whale sharks as they moved calmly through the water, creating memorable encounters for both Thai and international visitors. The sightings occurred on opposite sides of the island, highlighting one of Koh Tao’s most celebrated marine attractions. Ramluek Assawachin, president of the Koh Tao Tourism Business Association, said June to September is the period when whale sharks are most frequently seen around the island. During these months, sightings are regularly reported at several dive sites, including Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Hin Khao, Kong Tung Ku, HTMS Pairin and other well-known underwater locations. She said there are days when whale sharks are spotted at more than one dive site, with sightings at two locations almost simultaneously occurring on several occasions. According to Ramluek, this is the time of year that divers from Thailand and overseas eagerly anticipate because encounters with whale sharks can occur almost daily. Ramluek said the continued presence of whale sharks is an important indicator of the health of Koh Tao’s marine ecosystem, reflecting abundant food sources and rich biodiversity. She added that the regular sightings also demonstrate the results of ongoing cooperation between government agencies, private organisations, dive operators and local communities to conserve and restore marine resources. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod She said Koh Tao continues to be recognised as one of the world’s leading diving destinations. Regular whale shark sightings during the season not only provide memorable experiences for visitors but also reinforce the island’s reputation as a marine tourism destination that combines tourism with sustainable conservation. Khaosod reported that local dive operators are continuing to encourage divers to follow responsible wildlife viewing practices. Visitors are being asked not to touch or chase whale sharks, not to feed them, and to maintain an appropriate distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour and to help preserve Koh Tao’s marine environment. AQOt03z6QbBCC9wcERzP0SYn2seoaPnA-tnBeKHFTGKW2QsABSj8CbvdBkx8SOWe4MVnI9Mk99RdJtFJuFQFI1eesUl08cDcDIxPURr96w.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 6 July 2026 View full articleSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:15:26 +0000KosherSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:05:32 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/israeli-romanian-held-in-koh-pha-ngan-childcare-raid-r2628/Police arrested an Israeli man and a Romanian woman after searching an unlicensed childcare centre on Koh Pha Ngan on July 4, following a tip-off that foreign nationals were allegedly operating the business illegally. Officers found 42 foreign children at the Little Panda childcare centre during the inspection. Get today's headlines by email The operation formed part of an ongoing crackdown on foreigners allegedly running businesses unlawfully in Surat Thani province. Immigration officers, district officials and Koh Pha Ngan police carried out the search after receiving information from a member of the public. Inside the centre, officers found children aged between two and six taking part in classroom and outdoor activities under the supervision of Thai and foreign staff. The centre charged 45,000 baht per four-month term and was equipped with classrooms, teaching materials, furniture, meals and an outdoor activity area. Police said 39-year-old Singkhamorn Wongsasawan identified himself as a childcare employee and assisted officers during the inspection. Authorities counted three Thai nationals, three foreign nationals and 10 Myanmar nationals working at the premises as childcare assistants, gardeners and cleaners. During the inspection, 55-year-old Israeli national Ziv Radomsky identified himself as the owner of the business. Police said he entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 7 on a Non-Immigrant Visa O valid until September 4 but was unable to produce either a work permit or a licence to operate a childcare centre. Investigators alleged Radomsky managed the childcare centre through Sunshine Shop Co., Ltd., with three other company directors handling company documents, bank accounts, tuition fees, communications with parents and company finances. Officers also examined the documents of 13 foreign workers. Police said 12 had valid documentation, while 25-year-old Romanian national Meda Andreea Capilna was allegedly working outside the conditions of her work permit. Capilna had entered Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Visa B valid until May 28, 2027, with a work permit as a marketing manager. Investigators alleged she was instead working as a childcare supervisor and coordinating learning activities. During questioning, she said she had worked at Little Panda since about November 2024, received a monthly salary of 33,000 baht from Radomsky and had not notified authorities of a change in employer or job description. Radomsky also told investigators the childcare centre had been operating since 2024 without an operating licence. He said the business was preparing documents to apply for one and confirmed he managed the company, signed documents, communicated with parents and oversaw its finances despite not holding a work permit. Daily News reported that police arrested Radomsky and Capilna before charging them with jointly establishing or operating a childcare centre without a licence, working as foreign nationals without work permits, and failing to notify authorities of the employment of a foreign worker within the legally required period. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:05:16 +0000Police arrested an Israeli man and a Romanian woman after searching an unlicensed childcare centre on Koh Pha Ngan on July 4, following a tip-off that foreign nationals were allegedly operating the business illegally. Officers found 42 foreign children at the Little Panda childcare centre during the inspection. Get today's headlines by email The operation formed part of an ongoing crackdown on foreigners allegedly running businesses unlawfully in Surat Thani province. Immigration officers, district officials and Koh Pha Ngan police carried out the search after receiving information from a member of the public. Inside the centre, officers found children aged between two and six taking part in classroom and outdoor activities under the supervision of Thai and foreign staff. The centre charged 45,000 baht per four-month term and was equipped with classrooms, teaching materials, furniture, meals and an outdoor activity area. Police said 39-year-old Singkhamorn Wongsasawan identified himself as a childcare employee and assisted officers during the inspection. Authorities counted three Thai nationals, three foreign nationals and 10 Myanmar nationals working at the premises as childcare assistants, gardeners and cleaners. During the inspection, 55-year-old Israeli national Ziv Radomsky identified himself as the owner of the business. Police said he entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport on June 7 on a Non-Immigrant Visa O valid until September 4 but was unable to produce either a work permit or a licence to operate a childcare centre. Investigators alleged Radomsky managed the childcare centre through Sunshine Shop Co., Ltd., with three other company directors handling company documents, bank accounts, tuition fees, communications with parents and company finances. Officers also examined the documents of 13 foreign workers. Police said 12 had valid documentation, while 25-year-old Romanian national Meda Andreea Capilna was allegedly working outside the conditions of her work permit. Capilna had entered Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Visa B valid until May 28, 2027, with a work permit as a marketing manager. Investigators alleged she was instead working as a childcare supervisor and coordinating learning activities. During questioning, she said she had worked at Little Panda since about November 2024, received a monthly salary of 33,000 baht from Radomsky and had not notified authorities of a change in employer or job description. Radomsky also told investigators the childcare centre had been operating since 2024 without an operating licence. He said the business was preparing documents to apply for one and confirmed he managed the company, signed documents, communicated with parents and oversaw its finances despite not holding a work permit. Daily News reported that police arrested Radomsky and Capilna before charging them with jointly establishing or operating a childcare centre without a licence, working as foreign nationals without work permits, and failing to notify authorities of the employment of a foreign worker within the legally required period. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 6 July 2026 View full articleSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:05:16 +0000Seems there is a certain president of a major country paying to have serious criminal acts and side-tracked, so nothing new.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:01:25 +0000GuaranteedSun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:46 +0000CertainlySun, 05 Jul 2026 20:56:17 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/myanmar-heroin-linked-to-thai-airways-hostesss-arrest-r2627/Police say heroin smuggled to Australia by a 26-year-old Thai Airways air hostess was produced by a syndicate in Myanmar before being trafficked through Laos and into northern Thailand. Investigators believe the drugs were later transported across Thailand for overseas distribution, with the latest case leading to fresh arrests and an expanding cross-border investigation. Get today's headlines by email The development follows the arrest of the flight attendant, identified only as Ms Mina, at Melbourne Airport on June 25 after she allegedly carried heroin concealed inside elephant tote bags. Thai police have since focused on tracing the supply chain and identifying those responsible for moving the drugs through the country. Deputy chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), Pol Maj Gen Somboon Thiankhao, said on Sunday that investigators believe the heroin originated in Myanmar before entering Thailand via Chiang Kham district in Phayao province, which borders Laos. He said traffickers used the Laos route to avoid stricter inspections along the direct Thai-Myanmar border. Pol Maj Gen Somboon said Chiang Kham has become a closely monitored transit point for illicit drugs. He added that recent raids in the district, which resulted in the seizure of millions of methamphetamine pills, reinforced investigators’ assessment that the area is being used to move narcotics destined largely for overseas markets. Police arrested suspect Uthai Khanapiwat in Phitsanulok on Friday after alleging he had fled following Ms Mina’s arrest. During questioning, he admitted delivering the parcel containing the elephant tote bags to Ms Mina at her condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Na district on June 22 after collecting it, along with other parcels, in Chiang Kham on June 20. According to investigators, Mr Uthai also admitted making three similar deliveries previously. However, Pol Maj Gen Somboon said officers became suspicious of parts of his statement after discovering he had quickly changed his mobile phone and attempted to dispose of other drugs in his possession following the Melbourne arrest. Police said the parcels from Phayao had been stored at Mr Uthai’s apartment in Ayutthaya. On June 22, he allegedly hired Atircah Supian to drive him to Ms Mina’s condominium to deliver the parcel intended for her. A search of the apartment found traces of heroin inside tote bags. Investigators also recovered other discarded bags after Mr Uthai and his friend led officers to a roadside location in Ayutthaya where they said the bags had been dumped previously in an attempt to destroy evidence, according to Pol Lt Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police. Bangkokpost reported that authorities said the investigation into the trafficking network remains ongoing in both Thailand and Australia as officers continue efforts to identify other members of the alleged smuggling operation. Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost Related stories Man-arrested-in-Phitsanulok-over-Australian-heroin-case Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 6 July 2026Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:54:07 +0000Police say heroin smuggled to Australia by a 26-year-old Thai Airways air hostess was produced by a syndicate in Myanmar before being trafficked through Laos and into northern Thailand. Investigators believe the drugs were later transported across Thailand for overseas distribution, with the latest case leading to fresh arrests and an expanding cross-border investigation. Get today's headlines by email The development follows the arrest of the flight attendant, identified only as Ms Mina, at Melbourne Airport on June 25 after she allegedly carried heroin concealed inside elephant tote bags. Thai police have since focused on tracing the supply chain and identifying those responsible for moving the drugs through the country. Deputy chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), Pol Maj Gen Somboon Thiankhao, said on Sunday that investigators believe the heroin originated in Myanmar before entering Thailand via Chiang Kham district in Phayao province, which borders Laos. He said traffickers used the Laos route to avoid stricter inspections along the direct Thai-Myanmar border. Pol Maj Gen Somboon said Chiang Kham has become a closely monitored transit point for illicit drugs. He added that recent raids in the district, which resulted in the seizure of millions of methamphetamine pills, reinforced investigators’ assessment that the area is being used to move narcotics destined largely for overseas markets. Police arrested suspect Uthai Khanapiwat in Phitsanulok on Friday after alleging he had fled following Ms Mina’s arrest. During questioning, he admitted delivering the parcel containing the elephant tote bags to Ms Mina at her condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Na district on June 22 after collecting it, along with other parcels, in Chiang Kham on June 20. According to investigators, Mr Uthai also admitted making three similar deliveries previously. However, Pol Maj Gen Somboon said officers became suspicious of parts of his statement after discovering he had quickly changed his mobile phone and attempted to dispose of other drugs in his possession following the Melbourne arrest. Police said the parcels from Phayao had been stored at Mr Uthai’s apartment in Ayutthaya. On June 22, he allegedly hired Atircah Supian to drive him to Ms Mina’s condominium to deliver the parcel intended for her. A search of the apartment found traces of heroin inside tote bags. Investigators also recovered other discarded bags after Mr Uthai and his friend led officers to a roadside location in Ayutthaya where they said the bags had been dumped previously in an attempt to destroy evidence, according to Pol Lt Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police. Bangkokpost reported that authorities said the investigation into the trafficking network remains ongoing in both Thailand and Australia as officers continue efforts to identify other members of the alleged smuggling operation. Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost Related stories Man-arrested-in-Phitsanulok-over-Australian-heroin-case Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 6 July 2026 View full articleSun, 05 Jul 2026 20:54:07 +0000Hospital bill, building damage and probably passport taken until issue is "resolved "Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:50:40 +0000Some SNL stuff This is why r98bvMSmotrWpKyi.mp4Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:41:39 +0000