https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenTue, 23 Jun 2026 04:48:49 +0000Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:48:24 +0000In the headlines today, Thailand records fewest births in 75 years, continuing the troubling trend of population decline, in Chiang Mai, a railway tunnel collapse has had fatal consequences, in ASEAN News, three students have been killed in Philippines school shooting, in Phuket, an Australian motorist has been detained after striking a police checkpoint, in cannabis news Thailand is setting tougher punishments for businesses caught breaking rules, and a little later the government has announced a 12-year plan to turn Thailand into a high-income economy. Thailand Records Fewest Births in 75 Years as Population Decline ContinuesThailand registered only 416,574 births in 2025, its lowest annual total since 1950, while deaths reached 559,684. Thailand’s fertility rate has fallen to roughly one child per woman, placing it among countries with the world’s lowest birth rates. The government is preparing measures involving fertility treatment, family-friendly workplaces and childcare support as concerns grow over future labour shortages and pressure on the welfare system. Two Workers Killed in Chiang Rai Railway Tunnel CollapseTwo construction workers died and two others were injured when part of the Doi Luang railway tunnel collapsed in Chiang Rai. The accident occurred on June 20 during work on the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track railway project. Officials said the tunnel’s main structure remains stable, although construction was suspended while investigators conduct a detailed safety assessment. Three Students Killed in Rare Philippines School ShootingThree students were killed and several others were injured when two teenage pupils opened fire at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City. Initial questioning indicated that the pair may have acted over a personal grudge connected to alleged bullying. Education officials are providing medical and psychological assistance as authorities review security at the school and determine how the minors will be handled under juvenile law. Australian Motorist Detained After Striking Phuket Police CheckpointAn Australian man was arrested after allegedly crashing into a police checkpoint in Phuket and injuring an officer before leaving the area. The impact sent the sign towards an officer standing behind it, causing injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Investigators launched a search and later intercepted the vehicle in Patong, where the driver was taken into custody. Thailand Sets Tougher Punishments for Cannabis Businesses Breaking RulesThailand’s Public Health Ministry has introduced clearer and stronger penalties for cannabis businesses that violate regulations. Shops committing administrative or product-related offences may have their licences suspended for 30 days, while selling without a valid medical prescription can result in a 90-day suspension. Officials have increased nationwide inspections as the government moves to restrict cannabis sales primarily to medical and health-related purposes. Surat Thani Officer Suspended After Gunfire at Political Party OfficeA police captain was arrested after allegedly firing several shots at a sign outside a Bhumjaithai Party office in Surat Thani. The officer reportedly claimed that the MP had threatened one of his relatives, but the relative denied experiencing any threat or workplace conflict. Provincial police suspended him from duty and revoked his firearm licence while the investigation and consideration of criminal charges continue. Nearly One Billion Baht in Assets Examined in Southern Nominee-Business SweepAuthorities are investigating companies in Phuket and Krabi suspected of using Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership of businesses and land. In Phuket, inspections identified several companies connected to land and other assets valued at more than 231 million baht. One Thai shareholder reportedly admitted holding shares on behalf of an Israeli investor, while accountants were also accused of assisting some of the arrangements. Information involving hundreds of suspicious companies across four southern provinces will be submitted to a special police task force for additional action. Thailand Launches 12-Year Drive to Become a High-Income EconomyThe Thai government has set a goal of achieving high-income country status within the next 12 years through a strategy developed with the private sector. The plan prioritises agriculture and food, future transportation, artificial intelligence, digital electronics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, trade and the creative economy. A programme called Reinvent Thailand will focus on investment, services, workforce development and improving the efficiency of government agencies.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:47:04 +0000That does sounds like a pretty sweet deal 😜Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:46:08 +0000there are EV 4x4 pick ups abvailable with decent range, your 400-500km range can be easily done by the Riddara RD6 or Eccon with only one 20 minutes stop to charge, check them out, they look decent for light 4x4, heavy 4x4 they will overheat the motor. RD6 63 kWh RWD : 899,000 Baht RD6 73 kWh RWD : 999,000 Baht RD6 73 kWh 4WD : 1,149,000 Baht RD6 86 kWh 2WD : 1,159,000 Baht (NEW) RD6 86 kWh 4WD : 1,299,000 Baht RD6 86 kWh 4WD with Sunroof : 1,335,000 Baht (NEW)Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:45:17 +0000In future, any Aussie getting into trouble here should give their name as Bruce Vegemite to keep the race watchers happy. Though, I can just imagine the negative comments should they actually have a true Australian name, such as Jiemba Goolagong.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:45:10 +0000You are assuming the girls knew what was going on. Reports would tend to indicate other wise. Drugs, alcohol and threats were used.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:44:41 +0000And remember, you cannot work on your wife’s land either. Do not cut the grass, paint, collect vegetables for dinner, or pick fruit. You must stay on the balcony only, and never ever walk out into the fields. Soon we will need a work permit to water the flowers too.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:44:04 +0000Don’t wallow in your negativity and look at the countries that are able to successful balance the influence of political and economic elites with the needs of everyday citizens. Nations that are able to achieve equilibrium through highly regulated wealth distribution, transparent governance, inclusivity and bottom-up citizen participation. Quite a few in Europe and Asia.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:43:50 +0000The US President and VP, as well as anyone involved are spouting propaganda which will later be shown to be falsehoods. They trend toward hyperbole unfortunately.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:43:28 +0000People who assimilate into the society and work etc., no I have no problem with them. The freeloaders are the ones I have an issue with including the British free loaders.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:42:33 +0000I’m glad I don’t live in your town. I prefer French towns, with pissoirs on every other corner. You don’t see tourists p!sing in the fountains there, nor are they required to buy food just to urinate! Charging tourists anything more than a 3-4 Baht fee is absurd. Fortunately, Thailand doesn’t agree with your idea either, and IS putting up more public toilets. It’s a win for tourism.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:42:29 +0000I'm happy for you. But you're in a statistical minority. Here's a little more fodder for the discussion, from a concurrent thread. Being the cynical sort, I'm wondering if they're just getting their ducks in a row to start the confiscating as soon as it passes and gets "Gazetted":Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:42:16 +0000If I might jump in - hoping the Chery iCar Super V23 is made available in Thailand end of year or early next as it definitely moves my heart!Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:42:09 +0000Collecting numbers is fine but do the numbers also give the reason why they went on fire?Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:40:37 +0000They will most likely be sold cheap, I website below market value because I think market value of all villas in Phuket is about to drop enormously.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:39:26 +0000Mike I see you are counting my post. I like that you have that kind of time on your hands. FYI, my blood pressure is just fine but I am sure you do not care about mine or any others per your comment. Later Low So.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:39:20 +0000Most probably, he was born and raised in Oz. It amazes me that people today get their knickers in a twist about a 'Disturbing' remark, guessing a person's lineage. The immediate scream of racism is heard. Do the Poms in Oz get upset about their title? .Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:38:47 +0000Personally I think Labour are going to regret this just as the Tory's have whether they admit it or not. All talk is as if Burnham has already got the job to me that stinks like is some sort of massive stitch up. Now Starmer has resigned there should be a contest with more than one candidate. My choice would be Former Royal Marine (SBS) Colonel Al Carns DSO OBE MC If anyone want to know a bit more about him https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Carns He is just the sort of man we need to knock the country (and Trump) into shape. Anyone crying for a General Election might just as well piss themselves it just aint going to happen.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:38:15 +0000The guy just didn't look right. Hes got to have some form of disorder.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:37:35 +0000The question to be answered is: Is SpaceX worth THREE TRILLION, this year... It has already hit over three trillion earlier this month.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:37:07 +0000Party ended for this guy.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:36:12 +0000No. Firstly you could start a rental contract for new place prior to actually moving in and can't imagine immigration interested. They want a tm30 and the lease is a bonus.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:34:14 +0000For me, there are a few reasons why I wouldn't personally choose Vietnam over Thailand. The retirement visa situation in Thailand is much more straightforward, whereas Vietnam still doesn't have a clear, long-term retirement visa option. That's a significant factor if you're planning to settle permanently. I also think people sometimes paint Vietnam with too broad a brush. I actually found the people in places like Can Tho and Phu Quoc to be genuinely warm and welcoming. They do tend to be a little more reserved at first, but after you've spoken with them a few times they really open up, and honestly, I think that's perfectly normal. Every culture has its own way of building trust. They certainly know how to party when they get going. That said, I still find Thai people easier to connect with on a day-to-day basis. They generally have a lighter sense of humour, are quick to smile, and I enjoy their relaxed outlook. I know plenty of foreigners complain about Thailand, but my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I genuinely enjoy being around Thai people, although it can get a tad boring up in the sticks, but nothing is perfect. Likewise, I also feel that Thailand is a more comfortable environment for mixed couples. I have a couple of friends in business in Vietnam in mixed relationships, but they are married, with children and living happily. They have complained that their parents-in-law are pushy for success and material trappings, but that's true of Thailand as well. I've never felt out of place here, whereas Vietnam struck me as a little more conservative in that respect. Politically, Thailand certainly has its frustrations, and I haven't always agreed with the direction the government has taken. Even so, I wouldn't particularly want to live somewhere where I'd be dealing with a one-party communist system and the bureaucracy that comes with it. There is a lot of corruption in Vietnam, but I bet if there was an unavoidable sticky situation, I'd rather take my chances in Thailand. Healthcare is another big plus for Thailand. I've had consistently excellent experiences here. The quality has been outstanding, the costs are remarkably reasonable, and in many respects I'd put it ahead of what I've experienced in the UK. Vietnam certainly has some huge advantages. The food is fantastic, the beer is arguably the best in Southeast Asia, wine is much more reasonably priced, seafood is exceptional, and the country's geography is incredibly diverse, from mountains to stunning beaches with crystal-clear water. It's also a gorgeous country with a lot to explore. The reality for me, though, is that I've been settled in rural Thailand for nearly 30 years. My partner is Thai, we've built our life together here, we own our home, have cars, and our roots are firmly planted. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate Vietnam for what it offers because I absolutely do, but moving countries at this stage would mean giving up a life that has taken decades to build. If someone chose Vietnam, I'd easily understand why. It's a great country with plenty going for it. For me personally, when I weigh up visas, healthcare, lifestyle, the people, and the fact that this has been my home for three decades, Thailand still comes out on top. I will still thoroughly enjoy holidays in the region, but I am happy to return to Isaarn and home.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:34:02 +0000So... again its the fault of Thailand and the aussie is squeaky clean? Some laundries clean dirty cloths so well!Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:33:08 +0000