https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenI've asked multiple people when this question came up in the past, and we just don't know. The ED PLUS is still rather new, and this situation has not been talked about much. Traditionally, you would get a letter from your school that states when you finished studying, and use that to cancel your extension. But with ED plus, you ALREADY finished cancelling. Most schools will not provide any additional documentation because there's nothing to provide. You finished studying a while ago, there's nothing for them to report. You can TRY asking immigration if they want/require you to cancel your ED plus extension, but so far I've not seen anyone talk about if they ended up doing this or not. Normally the way a "grace" period works is that your documentation from the school has a date, and you can go in 1-2 weeks before that date to do the cancellation, and they will stamp you back in until the date on the letter. Otherwise the cancellation is effective the date you attend immigration, there is no 7 days to leave.Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:03:33 +0000Yes. You get your extension based on your income letter, and that gives you permission to stay for the following year. In order to qualify based on income the following year, you must show that you have 800,000 in your Thai bank account for 2 full months at the time you are applying for the extension. Moving forward you will have specific requirements related to that extension. The bank account must remain at 800,000 for 3 months after you receive your extension, and can never drop below 400,000. It would then need to be brought back up to 800,000 a full 2 months before applying for each subsequent extension, and remain at 800,000 for 3 months after receiving it. They will retroactively check that you continued to meet the previous year's requirements by looking at your 12 month bank statement at each extension.Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:00:49 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/ghanaian-man-to-be-deported-after-complaints-in-phuket-r2601/A 37-year-old Ghanaian national has been detained for deportation after Phuket immigration authorities revoked his permission to remain in Thailand following repeated public complaints about his behaviour. Officials said the action forms part of a wider effort to protect public order and maintain Phuket’s reputation as a tourist destination. Get today's headlines by email The Phuket Immigration Office, working with Chalong Police Station, confirmed that the man’s visa was revoked after residents reported repeated incidents involving intoxication, harassment and sleeping at temples. Authorities identified him only as Mr. Boakye. According to immigration officials, Mr. Boakye first entered Thailand in 2024 to work as a language teacher in Bangkok. In 2026, he moved to Patong, Phuket, where he continued teaching before losing his job following repeated problems linked to alcohol use. Officials said the loss of employment left him without a source of income or permanent accommodation. He subsequently sought shelter at a local church before later staying at Wat Chalong. Authorities stated that while staying at the temple, Mr. Boakye’s conduct included intoxication, intimidating local residents and causing disturbances involving tourists. Investigators concluded that his behaviour posed a threat to public safety. Following a review of the case, Phuket Immigration applied to revoke his permission to remain in Thailand under Section 54 of the Immigration Act (1979). The request was approved, and he has now been taken into custody pending deportation to Ghana. Immigration officials said the enforcement action reflects a broader policy of taking action against foreign nationals whose behaviour is considered harmful to public order and damaging to Phuket’s tourism image. The operation was carried out in cooperation with Chalong Police Station. Mr. Boakye remains in immigration custody while arrangements are made for his removal from Thailand. Authorities have not announced any additional charges in connection with the case. Pictures courtesy of The Phuket Express Related story Ghanaian-man-found-living-at-Phuket-temple Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Phuketexpress 4 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:58:48 +0000A 37-year-old Ghanaian national has been detained for deportation after Phuket immigration authorities revoked his permission to remain in Thailand following repeated public complaints about his behaviour. Officials said the action forms part of a wider effort to protect public order and maintain Phuket’s reputation as a tourist destination. Get today's headlines by email The Phuket Immigration Office, working with Chalong Police Station, confirmed that the man’s visa was revoked after residents reported repeated incidents involving intoxication, harassment and sleeping at temples. Authorities identified him only as Mr. Boakye. According to immigration officials, Mr. Boakye first entered Thailand in 2024 to work as a language teacher in Bangkok. In 2026, he moved to Patong, Phuket, where he continued teaching before losing his job following repeated problems linked to alcohol use. Officials said the loss of employment left him without a source of income or permanent accommodation. He subsequently sought shelter at a local church before later staying at Wat Chalong. Authorities stated that while staying at the temple, Mr. Boakye’s conduct included intoxication, intimidating local residents and causing disturbances involving tourists. Investigators concluded that his behaviour posed a threat to public safety. Following a review of the case, Phuket Immigration applied to revoke his permission to remain in Thailand under Section 54 of the Immigration Act (1979). The request was approved, and he has now been taken into custody pending deportation to Ghana. Immigration officials said the enforcement action reflects a broader policy of taking action against foreign nationals whose behaviour is considered harmful to public order and damaging to Phuket’s tourism image. The operation was carried out in cooperation with Chalong Police Station. Mr. Boakye remains in immigration custody while arrangements are made for his removal from Thailand. Authorities have not announced any additional charges in connection with the case. Pictures courtesy of The Phuket Express Related story Ghanaian-man-found-living-at-Phuket-temple Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Phuketexpress 4 July 2026 View full articleFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:58:48 +0000BazarFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:53:00 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/lao-court-jails-thai-businessman-for-life-r2600/A court in Laos has sentenced a Thai businessman and nine former senior Laos state officials to life imprisonment in four major corruption and bribery cases, marking one of the country’s most significant anti-corruption rulings. Get today's headlines by email The verdicts were announced during a press conference on 1 July 2026 by Lindaemon Sidaphon, acting head of the Vientiane Capital People’s Court. The four cases involved a total of 17 defendants, including two women, comprising former senior government officials and business figures. The convictions covered offences including corruption, bribery, abuse of office, document forgery and fraud involving state assets. The first case concerned corruption at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former ministry official Sukhunkham Kaewmano was convicted of corruption and document forgery. The court sentenced her to life imprisonment, imposed a fine and ordered her to repay US$6.5 million to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The second case involved bribery among former senior officials from the State Inspection Organisation, the Bank of the Lao PDR, the Party Inspection Department and other agencies. Eight defendants were charged with accepting and paying bribes, abusing their positions and acting as intermediaries. Former department heads Sithone Suliyawong and Od Phomsiangdy were each sentenced to life imprisonment. Three other defendants received 12-year prison terms, while two were jailed for two years. Thongphet Duangngern also received a life sentence under the fourth case. The court ordered the confiscation of cash amounting to several hundred thousand US dollars, luxury Mercedes-Benz and Audi vehicles, and land. The third case centred on fraud involving the Agricultural Promotion Bank. Four defendants, including former state officials and businesspeople, were convicted of defrauding state assets, corruption, bribery and document forgery. Viengsouk Simmakone and Bounlom Phongchalern were sentenced to life imprisonment. Businessman Duangta Hanuvong received a 10-year prison sentence, while Khamphaeng Vichidvongsa was jailed for two years after receiving a reduced sentence for helping to repay part of the losses. The defendants were also ordered to jointly pay a fine equal to 1% of total damages of 14.3 billion kip, plus an additional fine worth twice the value of the bribes involved. The fourth case concerned corruption linked to a state electricity dam project operated by Electricite du Laos (EDL). Thai businessman Apichat Wannakul and four former senior EDL executives - Thongphet, Phonvisai, Saisanid and Khambon - were convicted of defrauding state assets, abuse of office and bribery. All five received life sentences. Apichat was ordered to pay US$24.8 million in compensation to EDL. The court also ordered the seizure of 10 bank accounts, 11 land plots and vehicles belonging to the Thai businessman and his wife. If those assets prove insufficient, property belonging to the four former EDL officials will also be sold. More than US$1 million in bribe money was confiscated by the state. Manager Online reported that the rulings conclude proceedings in the four cases before the Vientiane Capital People’s Court. The sentences include imprisonment, financial penalties, compensation orders and extensive asset seizures. Picture courtesy of Manager Online Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 4 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:49:39 +0000A court in Laos has sentenced a Thai businessman and nine former senior Laos state officials to life imprisonment in four major corruption and bribery cases, marking one of the country’s most significant anti-corruption rulings. Get today's headlines by email The verdicts were announced during a press conference on 1 July 2026 by Lindaemon Sidaphon, acting head of the Vientiane Capital People’s Court. The four cases involved a total of 17 defendants, including two women, comprising former senior government officials and business figures. The convictions covered offences including corruption, bribery, abuse of office, document forgery and fraud involving state assets. The first case concerned corruption at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Former ministry official Sukhunkham Kaewmano was convicted of corruption and document forgery. The court sentenced her to life imprisonment, imposed a fine and ordered her to repay US$6.5 million to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The second case involved bribery among former senior officials from the State Inspection Organisation, the Bank of the Lao PDR, the Party Inspection Department and other agencies. Eight defendants were charged with accepting and paying bribes, abusing their positions and acting as intermediaries. Former department heads Sithone Suliyawong and Od Phomsiangdy were each sentenced to life imprisonment. Three other defendants received 12-year prison terms, while two were jailed for two years. Thongphet Duangngern also received a life sentence under the fourth case. The court ordered the confiscation of cash amounting to several hundred thousand US dollars, luxury Mercedes-Benz and Audi vehicles, and land. The third case centred on fraud involving the Agricultural Promotion Bank. Four defendants, including former state officials and businesspeople, were convicted of defrauding state assets, corruption, bribery and document forgery. Viengsouk Simmakone and Bounlom Phongchalern were sentenced to life imprisonment. Businessman Duangta Hanuvong received a 10-year prison sentence, while Khamphaeng Vichidvongsa was jailed for two years after receiving a reduced sentence for helping to repay part of the losses. The defendants were also ordered to jointly pay a fine equal to 1% of total damages of 14.3 billion kip, plus an additional fine worth twice the value of the bribes involved. The fourth case concerned corruption linked to a state electricity dam project operated by Electricite du Laos (EDL). Thai businessman Apichat Wannakul and four former senior EDL executives - Thongphet, Phonvisai, Saisanid and Khambon - were convicted of defrauding state assets, abuse of office and bribery. All five received life sentences. Apichat was ordered to pay US$24.8 million in compensation to EDL. The court also ordered the seizure of 10 bank accounts, 11 land plots and vehicles belonging to the Thai businessman and his wife. If those assets prove insufficient, property belonging to the four former EDL officials will also be sold. More than US$1 million in bribe money was confiscated by the state. Manager Online reported that the rulings conclude proceedings in the four cases before the Vientiane Capital People’s Court. The sentences include imprisonment, financial penalties, compensation orders and extensive asset seizures. Picture courtesy of Manager Online Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 4 July 2026 View full articleFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:49:39 +0000"... Under the new policy, all flight crew, pilots, airline staff and other personnel will be subject to the same security screening standards as passengers, with no exceptions..." Ah, it's as if Shakespeare saw this coming! While he obviously never wrote about modern airport security, he perfectly captured this exact concept where rules apply equally to everyone, from the highest-ranking officials down to the rest of us: "The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept. Those many had not dared to do that evil, if the first man that did the edict infringe had answered for his deed: now 'tis awake,Takes note of what is done, and, like a prophet, looks in a glass, that shows what future evils...are now to have no successive degrees, but, ere they live, to end" Measure for Measure (Act 2, Scene 2)Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:49:10 +0000It said love thy neighbour as thyself - not bomb the hell out of him but his was crucified for that.Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:46:25 +0000Someone was not taking care of Mama and the sick buffalo very well....Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:45:25 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-ranks-eighth-worldwide-for-healthcare-in-2026-r2599/Thailand has been ranked eighth in the world for the best healthcare systems in 2026, making it the highest-ranked country in ASEAN, according to the government. The announcement highlights the country’s healthcare quality, accessibility and affordability, with officials saying the result reflects effective management and broad access to medical services. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalee Laksameesangchan announced the ranking on 3 July 2026. The result comes from a survey by Numbeo, described as the world’s largest cost of living database and a global crowdsourced platform that collects user-reported information on quality of life, including living costs, housing price indicators, perceived crime rates, healthcare quality, transport quality and other key statistics. According to the survey, Taiwan ranked first with a score of 87.1, followed by South Korea on 82.9 and the Netherlands on 81.1. Japan ranked fourth with 80.1, Austria fifth with 78.9, Ecuador sixth with 77.7, Finland seventh with 77.6, Thailand eighth with 77.5, while Denmark and Spain shared ninth and tenth places respectively with scores of 77.2. The government said Thailand’s healthcare system stands out for providing quality services at affordable prices, supported by efficient administration and widespread access to treatment. Officials pointed to the National Health Security Scheme, commonly known as the 30-baht universal healthcare programme, as a key factor in ensuring people can receive treatment across the country. The spokesperson said the scheme is supported by both high-standard public and private hospitals and aims to provide comprehensive and equal access to healthcare. Thai citizens are entitled to free medical treatment covering everything from common illnesses to chronic diseases and high-cost conditions, using only their national identification card to access services. ThaiRath reported that the government also said the survey reinforces Thailand’s reputation as a leading destination for medical tourism. Officials said the country’s combination of accessible healthcare, quality medical facilities and broad treatment coverage continues to attract international visitors seeking medical care. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 4 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:42:07 +0000Thailand has been ranked eighth in the world for the best healthcare systems in 2026, making it the highest-ranked country in ASEAN, according to the government. The announcement highlights the country’s healthcare quality, accessibility and affordability, with officials saying the result reflects effective management and broad access to medical services. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalee Laksameesangchan announced the ranking on 3 July 2026. The result comes from a survey by Numbeo, described as the world’s largest cost of living database and a global crowdsourced platform that collects user-reported information on quality of life, including living costs, housing price indicators, perceived crime rates, healthcare quality, transport quality and other key statistics. According to the survey, Taiwan ranked first with a score of 87.1, followed by South Korea on 82.9 and the Netherlands on 81.1. Japan ranked fourth with 80.1, Austria fifth with 78.9, Ecuador sixth with 77.7, Finland seventh with 77.6, Thailand eighth with 77.5, while Denmark and Spain shared ninth and tenth places respectively with scores of 77.2. The government said Thailand’s healthcare system stands out for providing quality services at affordable prices, supported by efficient administration and widespread access to treatment. Officials pointed to the National Health Security Scheme, commonly known as the 30-baht universal healthcare programme, as a key factor in ensuring people can receive treatment across the country. The spokesperson said the scheme is supported by both high-standard public and private hospitals and aims to provide comprehensive and equal access to healthcare. Thai citizens are entitled to free medical treatment covering everything from common illnesses to chronic diseases and high-cost conditions, using only their national identification card to access services. ThaiRath reported that the government also said the survey reinforces Thailand’s reputation as a leading destination for medical tourism. Officials said the country’s combination of accessible healthcare, quality medical facilities and broad treatment coverage continues to attract international visitors seeking medical care. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 4 July 2026 View full articleFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:42:07 +0000I see a new Go Fund Me starting soon....Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:41:48 +0000at a minimum.. Alligator Alcatraz ...!!!Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:36:42 +0000Post breaking forum guidelines removed. @Artisi Low-Value Posts Reminder. Posts that add no written contribution harm the forum and reduce its value for readers and search engines. This includes: 2–3 word replies Emoji-only posts Memes or GIFs with no explanation or context. Screenshots with no supporting text Embedded social media posts with no comment or opinion Youtube videos with no explanation or comment If your post does not explain, add context, or express a view in your own words, it has no value here. What happens next Any such content will be removed without notice Repeat posting of this type may lead to further moderation actionFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:36:41 +0000Where would he get the funds to compensate ? Win the Thai lottery ?Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:35:11 +0000MartFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:33:34 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-detain-4-chinese-nationals-on-bus-in-chumphon-r2598/Thai police in Chumphon have detained four Chinese nationals found travelling on a long-distance public bus without passports or valid immigration documents. The group was intercepted on the Bangkok to Sungai Kolok route during a highway checkpoint operation, leading to immediate questioning and transfer for legal proceedings. Get today's headlines by email Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working with Highway Police Division 2, stopped the passenger coach at the Tha Sae service area in Tha Sae district after receiving intelligence from an informant. The tip suggested that a group of Chinese men suspected of irregular entry was travelling south towards the border region. During inspection, the four men were found to hold valid bus tickets but were unable to produce passports or any documents confirming legal entry into Thailand. The individuals were identified as Niu Ming, 36, Ji Po, 18, Wang Yi, 18, and Jai Chan Po, 25, all Chinese nationals. Police confirmed the group was charged with being foreign nationals entering and remaining in the Kingdom of Thailand without permission. They were taken into custody at the checkpoint and later transferred to Tha Sae Police Station for further legal processing. According to investigators, the operation was carried out under the direction of senior officers within the Central Investigation Bureau and Highway Police Command. The coordinated stop formed part of wider efforts to detect irregular migration along key transport routes in southern Thailand. Initial inquiries suggested possible links between the detained individuals and an online scam network operating in the region, although authorities stressed that no additional charges relating to organised crime have yet been filed. Investigators are currently examining potential connections to facilitators who may have assisted in their entry and southbound travel. Police said the case remains under active investigation, with further questioning underway to establish how the group entered Thailand without documentation and whether they were being moved as part of a wider trafficking or criminal network. Amarin reported that authorities added that follow-up action will focus on tracing any individuals or groups involved in transporting or harbouring the suspects, as well as mapping potential cross-border links. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 4 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:33:02 +0000Thai police in Chumphon have detained four Chinese nationals found travelling on a long-distance public bus without passports or valid immigration documents. The group was intercepted on the Bangkok to Sungai Kolok route during a highway checkpoint operation, leading to immediate questioning and transfer for legal proceedings. Get today's headlines by email Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working with Highway Police Division 2, stopped the passenger coach at the Tha Sae service area in Tha Sae district after receiving intelligence from an informant. The tip suggested that a group of Chinese men suspected of irregular entry was travelling south towards the border region. During inspection, the four men were found to hold valid bus tickets but were unable to produce passports or any documents confirming legal entry into Thailand. The individuals were identified as Niu Ming, 36, Ji Po, 18, Wang Yi, 18, and Jai Chan Po, 25, all Chinese nationals. Police confirmed the group was charged with being foreign nationals entering and remaining in the Kingdom of Thailand without permission. They were taken into custody at the checkpoint and later transferred to Tha Sae Police Station for further legal processing. According to investigators, the operation was carried out under the direction of senior officers within the Central Investigation Bureau and Highway Police Command. The coordinated stop formed part of wider efforts to detect irregular migration along key transport routes in southern Thailand. Initial inquiries suggested possible links between the detained individuals and an online scam network operating in the region, although authorities stressed that no additional charges relating to organised crime have yet been filed. Investigators are currently examining potential connections to facilitators who may have assisted in their entry and southbound travel. Police said the case remains under active investigation, with further questioning underway to establish how the group entered Thailand without documentation and whether they were being moved as part of a wider trafficking or criminal network. Amarin reported that authorities added that follow-up action will focus on tracing any individuals or groups involved in transporting or harbouring the suspects, as well as mapping potential cross-border links. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 4 July 2026 View full articleFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:33:02 +0000Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:45 +0000It is reported Carman entered Thailand on a tourist visa which he then extended which means he had to show 20K baht.Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:44 +0000QuickieFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:36 +0000Good job on stopping these dangerous narcotics from entering Indonesia... But But...there is a shop called '' The Green Weed Man'' Selling this dangerous narcotic one block from my condo....Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:20 +0000NaughtyFri, 03 Jul 2026 21:26:58 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/tourists-apologise-after-using-pattaya-offering-as-prop-r2597/Two foreign tourists have apologised after unknowingly using a coconut left as a spiritual offering as a photo prop on Pattaya Beach. A video of the incident, filmed by a local resident, has since gone viral on social media after highlighting a cultural misunderstanding rather than an act of deliberate disrespect. Get today's headlines by email The incident emerged after a Facebook user shared a 45-second video showing the pair picking up a coconut that had been placed beneath a small tree along Pattaya South Beach before posing for photographs with it. The footage attracted widespread attention online, prompting discussion about local customs and respect for cultural traditions. Reporters visited the location on July 2, and found that local residents regularly leave coconuts, sweets and red soft drinks beneath the tree as offerings to local guardian spirits. The spot is also well known as a popular location for both Thai and foreign tourists to take photographs. According to Khaosod, the tourists were unaware that the coconut had been left as an offering and had no intention of causing offence. They simply used it as a photography prop while visiting the beach. Wannachai, the 35-year-old man who recorded the video, said he had earlier noticed a group of four to five foreign tourists resting beneath the tree. After seeing one of them pick up the coconut and carry it onto the beach for photographs, he decided to record what was happening on his mobile phone. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod When the tourists returned, Wannachai used a translation application to explain that the coconut had been left as a spiritual offering. He said the visitors appeared surprised after learning the significance of the object. The tourists apologised and said they had been unaware of the local custom. They also asked for forgiveness in Russian before returning the coconut to its original place beneath the tree. Khaosod reported that the incident has drawn attention to the importance of understanding local traditions at popular tourist destinations. While the video attracted significant interest online, the exchange ended amicably after the misunderstanding was explained. AQObPiNqfOhVTC9I1llqJ0-UTZhyiRlUy1fXaee4FfEUx-s23xoKlI6KhOvlJc3n0SydZ2TtnH53lJ_wHggBfR5BkR748uEgucnHwj-4sA.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaigov 4 July 2026Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:21:01 +0000