https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenI don't think reducing Visa exempt from 60 to 30 days for many is the full story. I wonder if a few countries will be reduced to 15 days or even require Visas (VOA maybe).Wed, 20 May 2026 22:40:00 +000015% stays longer, so 85% are nor me al tourists. Rules are made mostly for the majority. Those 15% can apply for a visa and thebproblemis solved. Besides last year we could read that many tourists were making problems jn Pai. You should think that shorter visa stays would be welcomed hereWed, 20 May 2026 22:38:38 +0000TimeWed, 20 May 2026 22:37:51 +0000It's well past time when the leaderships of the USA and Israel should've been replaced,Wed, 20 May 2026 22:35:06 +0000Off topic racist troll post removed @Rams86Wed, 20 May 2026 22:34:46 +0000I'm grateful that Biden has maintained a commitment to free speech on social media throughout his administration. He truly stands as a champion for the right to express ourselves openly.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:32:53 +0000Donald Trump would suggest that this is fake news and that K2938 has no talent and very poor ratings. Sorry K I know who has no talent and very poor ratings, just check the latest polls.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:32:08 +0000They can also play the same game as the girls and run away at the first sign of trouble. Emotional deprivation does not exist at LOS Take care of body to stay fit. And enjoy the incredible selection of beautiful short time companions, with no strings attached and no hassle. Personally, I've saved so much on my pension that I'm going to buy my own place here in Pattaya soon, even though I left my house in West to my ex-wife and children.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:28:06 +0000UPDATE Brit Tourist Critical After Pattaya Truck FallWed, 20 May 2026 22:26:42 +0000I believe that some female immigration officials have constant menopause problems on a daily basis. If in doubt use an agent.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:23:46 +0000i recall that was turning the corning of 3rd road into Soi Land Office. Maybe the family need to stump up the moneyWed, 20 May 2026 22:23:01 +0000Wed, 20 May 2026 22:19:22 +0000Israel becomes worse and worse by the dayWed, 20 May 2026 22:18:58 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/brit-tourist-critical-after-pattaya-truck-fall-r1905/A British tourist is fighting for his life, after reportedly falling from a moving pickup truck and being run over in Pattaya. Ethan Lacey, 20, from Birmingham, who had taken two months off from his factory job to visit Thailand, is on life support at a hospital in Bangkok after suffering critical head injuries in the incident on May 16. Get today's headlines by email According to local reports, Ethan was travelling in the back of a pickup truck when he either fell or was thrown off during an argument, at a busy intersection in Pattaya. Local media reported that the truck’s rear wheel ran over his head, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Ethan’s family lost contact with him on May 15 while he was travelling across Thailand. Several days later, they discovered he was in intensive care after being alerted by a woman he was reportedly seeing in Thailand. His grandmother, Anthea Chatwin, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover mounting medical expenses and maintain his life support treatment. In an update shared on the fundraising page, she said doctors had told the family Ethan had a “30% chance of survival if kept on life support for 2 weeks”. Ms Chatwin also shared details of the financial burden facing the family. She wrote that hospital costs were expected to reach between GBP800 and GBP1000 per day while Ethan remains in intensive care. In an earlier update, Ms Chatwin explained how the family located Ethan. She wrote: “We located Ethan at 5:00am on the 19th May British time, via a girl he is seeing in Thailand, he is in the ICU.” She added that Ethan’s travel insurance had expired before the accident. The family is now seeking donations to help pay medical costs and eventually return him to the UK. Ethan’s mother, father and grandmother are understood to have travelled to Thailand to be at his bedside. At the time of reporting, more than GBP2,200 had been raised through the online appeal. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by tourists travelling in open-backed vehicles in Thailand, particularly in busy resort areas such as Pattaya. No further details about the circumstances of the crash or any police investigation have been released by authorities, who are still believed to still be searching for the pickup. The Mirror reported that Doctors are expected to continue monitoring Ethan’s condition over the coming days and weeks, while his family remains in Thailand, hoping for the best. Pictures courtesy of The Mirror Original story Foreigner-hurt-after-jumping-from-pickup-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Mirror 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 22:18:05 +0000A British tourist is fighting for his life, after reportedly falling from a moving pickup truck and being run over in Pattaya. Ethan Lacey, 20, from Birmingham, who had taken two months off from his factory job to visit Thailand, is on life support at a hospital in Bangkok after suffering critical head injuries in the incident on May 16. Get today's headlines by email According to local reports, Ethan was travelling in the back of a pickup truck when he either fell or was thrown off during an argument, at a busy intersection in Pattaya. Local media reported that the truck’s rear wheel ran over his head, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. Ethan’s family lost contact with him on May 15 while he was travelling across Thailand. Several days later, they discovered he was in intensive care after being alerted by a woman he was reportedly seeing in Thailand. His grandmother, Anthea Chatwin, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help cover mounting medical expenses and maintain his life support treatment. In an update shared on the fundraising page, she said doctors had told the family Ethan had a “30% chance of survival if kept on life support for 2 weeks”. Ms Chatwin also shared details of the financial burden facing the family. She wrote that hospital costs were expected to reach between GBP800 and GBP1000 per day while Ethan remains in intensive care. In an earlier update, Ms Chatwin explained how the family located Ethan. She wrote: “We located Ethan at 5:00am on the 19th May British time, via a girl he is seeing in Thailand, he is in the ICU.” She added that Ethan’s travel insurance had expired before the accident. The family is now seeking donations to help pay medical costs and eventually return him to the UK. Ethan’s mother, father and grandmother are understood to have travelled to Thailand to be at his bedside. At the time of reporting, more than GBP2,200 had been raised through the online appeal. The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by tourists travelling in open-backed vehicles in Thailand, particularly in busy resort areas such as Pattaya. No further details about the circumstances of the crash or any police investigation have been released by authorities, who are still believed to still be searching for the pickup. The Mirror reported that Doctors are expected to continue monitoring Ethan’s condition over the coming days and weeks, while his family remains in Thailand, hoping for the best. Pictures courtesy of The Mirror Original story Foreigner-hurt-after-jumping-from-pickup-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Mirror 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 22:18:05 +0000Border Force: “We’ve identified a vibrating object in your luggage.” Her: “Oh thank God… I thought it was the lighter.” 😂Wed, 20 May 2026 22:16:21 +0000tbh, tired of this "xs scam or not"...ofCOZ it is SAFE...more than 5 regulatoryu licenses, strong fund priotection + insruance...what else needed for them to be considered safe?...xs is legitWed, 20 May 2026 22:14:41 +0000Israel’s far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked widespread international condemnation after releasing a video showing detained Gaza flotilla activists being taunted following their interception. The activists were detained after Israeli forces stopped dozens of aid vessels attempting to reach Gaza amid the ongoing blockade. According to organisers, at least 87 detainees have now begun a hunger strike in protest at their treatment in custody. The footage has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s handling of humanitarian missions and the conditions faced by those detained at sea. Israeli officials have distanced themselves from Ben-Gvir’s actions while defending the legality of the flotilla interception. International reactions have been swift, with several governments condemning the video and calling for respect for international law. The incident comes amid mounting global pressure over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:10:48 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/samui-revokes-four-tour-firm-licences-r1904/Authorities in Koh Samui have revoked the licences of four tour companies after investigators found alleged nominee arrangements involving Thai nationals and foreign operators. Officials said the firms breached legal requirements governing ownership and management structures for tourism businesses in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Pathakorn Kaewmorakot, registrar for tourism businesses and tour guides for Southern Region 1, said he signed the revocation orders following inspections carried out with Koh Samui Tourist Police and the Surat Thani Tourism and Sports Office. Officers inspected 12 tour operators in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province, after suspecting some businesses were using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign control. Investigators found four operators allegedly conducting tourism businesses under foreign management. Officials said the companies failed to comply with laws requiring the majority of directors in tour businesses to be Thai nationals. One of the companies reportedly operated a jet ski tourism business and had an Israeli national as its sole company director. Authorities said the remaining three companies were not operating from their registered premises during inspections, raising suspicions that the licence applications may have used other business locations. Officials also found that some companies altered their board structures after obtaining licences, resulting in a loss of qualifications under the Tourism Business and Guide Act 2008, Section 17 (1). The law requires more than half of company directors to hold Thai nationality. Following the licence revocations, authorities will place seven company directors on a blacklist for five years. The group includes three Thai nationals and four foreign nationals from Israel, France, Belgium and Italy. Those listed will be barred from applying for tourism business licences during the restriction period. Authorities will also forward details of the four companies to the Surat Thani Provincial Commerce Office for further legal action linked to the alleged use of Thai nominees in company registration structures. Pathakorn said Surat Thani province currently has 1,082 licensed tourism companies. Of those, 476 are based in Koh Samui, 84 in Koh Phangan and 144 on Koh Tao, while the remainder operate in Muang, Takua Pa and Phanom districts. The province also has 1,009 licensed tour guides. Officials said inspection operations have been conducted regularly in cooperation with related agencies, with licence revocations continuing where breaches are found. Daily News reported that Pathakorn added that future applications from companies that later lose their licences will also be referred to provincial commerce officials for checks under other relevant laws. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 22:06:46 +0000Authorities in Koh Samui have revoked the licences of four tour companies after investigators found alleged nominee arrangements involving Thai nationals and foreign operators. Officials said the firms breached legal requirements governing ownership and management structures for tourism businesses in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Pathakorn Kaewmorakot, registrar for tourism businesses and tour guides for Southern Region 1, said he signed the revocation orders following inspections carried out with Koh Samui Tourist Police and the Surat Thani Tourism and Sports Office. Officers inspected 12 tour operators in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province, after suspecting some businesses were using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign control. Investigators found four operators allegedly conducting tourism businesses under foreign management. Officials said the companies failed to comply with laws requiring the majority of directors in tour businesses to be Thai nationals. One of the companies reportedly operated a jet ski tourism business and had an Israeli national as its sole company director. Authorities said the remaining three companies were not operating from their registered premises during inspections, raising suspicions that the licence applications may have used other business locations. Officials also found that some companies altered their board structures after obtaining licences, resulting in a loss of qualifications under the Tourism Business and Guide Act 2008, Section 17 (1). The law requires more than half of company directors to hold Thai nationality. Following the licence revocations, authorities will place seven company directors on a blacklist for five years. The group includes three Thai nationals and four foreign nationals from Israel, France, Belgium and Italy. Those listed will be barred from applying for tourism business licences during the restriction period. Authorities will also forward details of the four companies to the Surat Thani Provincial Commerce Office for further legal action linked to the alleged use of Thai nominees in company registration structures. Pathakorn said Surat Thani province currently has 1,082 licensed tourism companies. Of those, 476 are based in Koh Samui, 84 in Koh Phangan and 144 on Koh Tao, while the remainder operate in Muang, Takua Pa and Phanom districts. The province also has 1,009 licensed tour guides. Officials said inspection operations have been conducted regularly in cooperation with related agencies, with licence revocations continuing where breaches are found. Daily News reported that Pathakorn added that future applications from companies that later lose their licences will also be referred to provincial commerce officials for checks under other relevant laws. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 22:06:46 +0000Those people who arrived from southern China over hundreds of years prior to the influx as a result of the Chinese civil war do not speak Mandarin as a first language. They , speak a version of Hokkien known as Taiwanese.Wed, 20 May 2026 22:02:19 +0000I often think some guys have left it too late to retire, but they are brainwashed back home that you have to keep working to 67+, plus they have wife, children, grandchildren roots/anchorsWed, 20 May 2026 22:01:18 +0000Farcical! People like Kirk were allowed to stir division nonstop under the claim of “free speech”, but the moment someone pushed back they're arrested and Jailed! It looks less like justice and more like selective enforcement depending on who is speaking about what! The key issue from this story is who defines unacceptable speech? As we have seen so blatantly under Trump, is that once governments gain the power to decide what counts as “hate” or “harmful” speech, that power is inevitably applied selectively and politically. The settlement to Mr. Bushart seems a fitting outcome!Wed, 20 May 2026 21:53:40 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-charge-fifth-officer-in-sa-kaeo-chinese-kidnap-case-r1903/Thai police have charged a fifth officer linked to the alleged abduction and extortion of five Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo province, as authorities move to suspend the officers involved from service pending further investigation. Get today's headlines by email The latest development came on 20 May after Capt Prayoon, attached to Khlong Hat Police Station in Sa Kaeo, surrendered to investigators at Wang Sombun Police Station. Officers formally charged him with unlawful detention, abuse of authority, extortion and misconduct in office. Police said the case stemmed from a raid on 17 May at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, where immigration police and local investigators rescued five Chinese nationals allegedly being held against their will. Investigators said the victims had been handcuffed and attempts made to force them to pay 300,000 baht each, in exchange for their release. According to investigators, two of the Chinese nationals transferred cryptocurrency deposits of US$2,000 each, after allegedly fearing physical harm. Police said mobile phone transfer records were recovered as evidence. Authorities previously arrested four police officers and one civilian during the operation. The suspects were identified as Sgt Maj Paphawin, attached to the Highway Police Bureau, Sgt Maj Wutthikorn and Sgt Maj Somchai from Khlong Hat Police Station, Sgt Maj Pichet from Ban Paeng Police Station in Chanthaburi, and civilian suspect Nattanan. Police also seized four semi-automatic handguns, 24 rounds of ammunition and two Toyota pickup trucks during the raid. All five suspects were remanded in custody by Sa Kaeo Provincial Court on 19 May. Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, deputy inspector-general and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had ordered firm criminal and disciplinary action against all officers involved. Authorities described the allegations as serious misconduct and a breach of police ethics. Police had already proposed suspending the four arrested officers from duty to ensure a transparent investigation and maintain public confidence. Investigators are also examining whether the operation was linked to a wider organised network or transnational criminal activity. Authorities added that preliminary findings suggested the five Chinese nationals had entered Thailand illegally and frequently crossed the Thai-Cambodian border. Investigators are now exploring possible links to online scam networks and other cross-border criminal groups. Daily News reported that police stressed that all officers must operate strictly within the law and said Thailand would not be allowed to become a base or transit route for transnational criminal organisations. Picture courtesy of Daily News Related story Police-held-over-extortion-of-chinese-in-Sa-Kaeo Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026Wed, 20 May 2026 21:53:04 +0000Thai police have charged a fifth officer linked to the alleged abduction and extortion of five Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo province, as authorities move to suspend the officers involved from service pending further investigation. Get today's headlines by email The latest development came on 20 May after Capt Prayoon, attached to Khlong Hat Police Station in Sa Kaeo, surrendered to investigators at Wang Sombun Police Station. Officers formally charged him with unlawful detention, abuse of authority, extortion and misconduct in office. Police said the case stemmed from a raid on 17 May at a house in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, where immigration police and local investigators rescued five Chinese nationals allegedly being held against their will. Investigators said the victims had been handcuffed and attempts made to force them to pay 300,000 baht each, in exchange for their release. According to investigators, two of the Chinese nationals transferred cryptocurrency deposits of US$2,000 each, after allegedly fearing physical harm. Police said mobile phone transfer records were recovered as evidence. Authorities previously arrested four police officers and one civilian during the operation. The suspects were identified as Sgt Maj Paphawin, attached to the Highway Police Bureau, Sgt Maj Wutthikorn and Sgt Maj Somchai from Khlong Hat Police Station, Sgt Maj Pichet from Ban Paeng Police Station in Chanthaburi, and civilian suspect Nattanan. Police also seized four semi-automatic handguns, 24 rounds of ammunition and two Toyota pickup trucks during the raid. All five suspects were remanded in custody by Sa Kaeo Provincial Court on 19 May. Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, deputy inspector-general and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had ordered firm criminal and disciplinary action against all officers involved. Authorities described the allegations as serious misconduct and a breach of police ethics. Police had already proposed suspending the four arrested officers from duty to ensure a transparent investigation and maintain public confidence. Investigators are also examining whether the operation was linked to a wider organised network or transnational criminal activity. Authorities added that preliminary findings suggested the five Chinese nationals had entered Thailand illegally and frequently crossed the Thai-Cambodian border. Investigators are now exploring possible links to online scam networks and other cross-border criminal groups. Daily News reported that police stressed that all officers must operate strictly within the law and said Thailand would not be allowed to become a base or transit route for transnational criminal organisations. Picture courtesy of Daily News Related story Police-held-over-extortion-of-chinese-in-Sa-Kaeo Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 21 May 2026 View full articleWed, 20 May 2026 21:53:04 +0000