https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenIf you currently live in Thailand or even if you plan on moving to Thailand but are considering other options in case you need to leave Thailand for whatever reason, what are your current SPECIFIC leading locations for a Plan B backup to Thailand? By SPECIFIC I mean more than just saying a country. Where exactly in the country? For example don't say Mexico, say Queretaro Mexico instead. ALSO -- why are these options high on your list? To explain that, talk about the personal priorities that you have for what you want in an expat destination country. Personally, I have not identified even one place in the world that checks all of my boxes. If such a place existed, it would become a Plan A. This is NOT about options in your home country. That's a different topic.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:01:22 +0000150 million baht in the bank, but couldn't afford the 1,900 baht visa extension fee. Enjoy the flight back to Moscow, Igor.✈️❄️Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:01:21 +0000Topic closed as it does not meet forum guidelines. General approach and policy. We maintain a strict policy of accepting links or content only from mainstream and recognized media sources to ensure that information posted by members is both verifiable and trustworthy. We strive to remain impartial, prioritizing content that meets these standards and removing content that, in our opinion, does not. Consequently, we do not accept content from social media platforms unless it originates from a credible, professional, and qualified source. This approach is essential for upholding the integrity and credibility of the information shared within our community."Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:07 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/russian-fugitive-held-at-phuket-villa-r2306/A Russian national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice has been arrested at a villa in Phuket after immigration investigators tracked his whereabouts. The suspect, identified only as Igor, is accused by Russian authorities of involvement in document forgery and fraud offences that allegedly caused losses exceeding 150 million baht. Get today's headlines by email The arrest followed a crackdown ordered by senior officers of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau targeting foreign nationals who use Thailand as a refuge while evading prosecution abroad. Investigators from Immigration Division 6 and Phuket Immigration acted on intelligence indicating that a Russian citizen linked to serious financial crimes had entered and was residing in Phuket. Under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and senior immigration commanders, officers coordinated with Russian police and the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police. Their enquiries confirmed that Igor was the subject of Interpol Red Notice No. A-6580/4-2026, issued on 27 April 2026, for offences relating to fraud and document forgery. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly worked with accomplices in early 2025 to forge documents connected to the manufacture of goods that were never produced. Authorities allege the scheme fraudulently obtained more than 70 million baht from a company. A separate case dating back to 2024 allegedly involved forged procurement and transport documents used to obtain more than 80 million baht from another company. Combined losses from the two alleged fraud schemes exceed 150 million baht. Immigration officers conducted surveillance and located Igor at a villa in Phuket. At approximately 11.00am on 13 June 2026, officers observed him leaving the property and moved in to arrest him. Checks of Thailand’s Biometrics system showed that Igor entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport immigration on 7 March 2026. He was initially granted permission to stay on a tourist visa until 5 May 2026 and later received an extension from Phuket Immigration until 4 June 2026. Authorities found that his permission to remain in Thailand had expired nine days before his arrest. He was therefore charged with remaining in the Kingdom after his permitted stay had ended. Thaitabloid reported that the suspect has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings in Thailand. Once those proceedings are completed, immigration authorities said he will be deported to Russia in accordance with immigration procedures. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:54:33 +0000A Russian national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice has been arrested at a villa in Phuket after immigration investigators tracked his whereabouts. The suspect, identified only as Igor, is accused by Russian authorities of involvement in document forgery and fraud offences that allegedly caused losses exceeding 150 million baht. Get today's headlines by email The arrest followed a crackdown ordered by senior officers of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau targeting foreign nationals who use Thailand as a refuge while evading prosecution abroad. Investigators from Immigration Division 6 and Phuket Immigration acted on intelligence indicating that a Russian citizen linked to serious financial crimes had entered and was residing in Phuket. Under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and senior immigration commanders, officers coordinated with Russian police and the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police. Their enquiries confirmed that Igor was the subject of Interpol Red Notice No. A-6580/4-2026, issued on 27 April 2026, for offences relating to fraud and document forgery. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly worked with accomplices in early 2025 to forge documents connected to the manufacture of goods that were never produced. Authorities allege the scheme fraudulently obtained more than 70 million baht from a company. A separate case dating back to 2024 allegedly involved forged procurement and transport documents used to obtain more than 80 million baht from another company. Combined losses from the two alleged fraud schemes exceed 150 million baht. Immigration officers conducted surveillance and located Igor at a villa in Phuket. At approximately 11.00am on 13 June 2026, officers observed him leaving the property and moved in to arrest him. Checks of Thailand’s Biometrics system showed that Igor entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport immigration on 7 March 2026. He was initially granted permission to stay on a tourist visa until 5 May 2026 and later received an extension from Phuket Immigration until 4 June 2026. Authorities found that his permission to remain in Thailand had expired nine days before his arrest. He was therefore charged with remaining in the Kingdom after his permitted stay had ended. Thaitabloid reported that the suspect has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings in Thailand. Once those proceedings are completed, immigration authorities said he will be deported to Russia in accordance with immigration procedures. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 20:54:33 +0000Good for the Indians.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:52:56 +0000Heartbreaking news. This sounds like a classic case of Shallow Water Blackout, which can happen to even strong swimmers during breath-holding games. A tragic reminder for parents and kids about the hidden dangers of these underwater challenges. RIP to both girls.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:50:17 +0000Sachs in the video does NOT say what save the frogs claimed. He posted this garbage without viewing it. There is also a transcript.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:50:16 +0000As long as Thailand allows 40kg of check-in baggage for all the buy-one-get-one-free shirts from Pratunam, a 2,000-baht visa fee won't stop them 🛍️✈️Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:47:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/two-girls-die-in-pattaya-pool-during-breath-holding-game-r2305/Two 14-year-old girls died after drowning in a residential swimming pool in Pattaya, Chonburi, on the evening of 13 June 2026. Rescue teams and police were called to the pool at a housing estate in Soi Boon Samphan (Khao Noi), Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, after reports that two teenagers had been found unconscious underwater. Get today's headlines by email When rescuers arrived villagers had already pulled the girls, from the pool and were attempting CPR. Both girls had no pulse, were unresponsive and had blood coming from their noses. Emergency personnel continued resuscitation efforts for more than 30 minutes, but neither could be saved. The pool is part of the village’s communal facilities and ranges in depth from 70cm to 3 metres. Investigators found two mobile phones and a glass of water at the poolside. One of the phones was reportedly still recording, capturing footage of the girls playing in the water and competing in underwater breath-holding dives before the tragedy. A witness identified only as Leo said he had come to the pool intending to swim when he noticed two people lying motionless on the bottom. At first, some believed they were diving, but after they failed to surface, concerns were raised and help was summoned. Villagers rushed into the water and brought both girls to the edge of the pool before rescue workers arrived. The mother of one of the victims said she had dropped her daughter at the village at around 4pm to visit a close friend. She told reporters that she had warned her daughter not to enter the pool because of safety concerns. Later, when she could not reach her daughter by phone, she called again and a rescuer answered with the news that her daughter had drowned. The girl’s mother collapsed at the scene and required medical assistance. Other relatives were also reported to have fainted from shock and grief. Pictures courtesy of Kaoded CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed the girls swimming and repeatedly diving in the middle of the pool at 5.36pm. Later, one appeared to get into difficulty underwater while the other attempted to help. Both then disappeared beneath the surface. It was not until 5.46pm that a resident approached the pool and raised the alarm. Kaoded reported that Pol Lt. Burapa Jaiharn, deputy investigator at Nong Prue Police Station, led the examination of the scene. Authorities said further investigation is under way. The bodies have been released to their families. AQP5_4NlYKn1Zfq1B2Id_SUeW9Z7Txa7JkDOFtDYsAaU42P4MBRHAngqt-q5Q5IcyX_Dh-ANXVxkPuttzXyQyLLwcsx3JIsov2J3YpvpbA.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:49 +0000Two 14-year-old girls died after drowning in a residential swimming pool in Pattaya, Chonburi, on the evening of 13 June 2026. Rescue teams and police were called to the pool at a housing estate in Soi Boon Samphan (Khao Noi), Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, after reports that two teenagers had been found unconscious underwater. Get today's headlines by email When rescuers arrived villagers had already pulled the girls, from the pool and were attempting CPR. Both girls had no pulse, were unresponsive and had blood coming from their noses. Emergency personnel continued resuscitation efforts for more than 30 minutes, but neither could be saved. The pool is part of the village’s communal facilities and ranges in depth from 70cm to 3 metres. Investigators found two mobile phones and a glass of water at the poolside. One of the phones was reportedly still recording, capturing footage of the girls playing in the water and competing in underwater breath-holding dives before the tragedy. A witness identified only as Leo said he had come to the pool intending to swim when he noticed two people lying motionless on the bottom. At first, some believed they were diving, but after they failed to surface, concerns were raised and help was summoned. Villagers rushed into the water and brought both girls to the edge of the pool before rescue workers arrived. The mother of one of the victims said she had dropped her daughter at the village at around 4pm to visit a close friend. She told reporters that she had warned her daughter not to enter the pool because of safety concerns. Later, when she could not reach her daughter by phone, she called again and a rescuer answered with the news that her daughter had drowned. The girl’s mother collapsed at the scene and required medical assistance. Other relatives were also reported to have fainted from shock and grief. Pictures courtesy of Kaoded CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed the girls swimming and repeatedly diving in the middle of the pool at 5.36pm. Later, one appeared to get into difficulty underwater while the other attempted to help. Both then disappeared beneath the surface. It was not until 5.46pm that a resident approached the pool and raised the alarm. Kaoded reported that Pol Lt. Burapa Jaiharn, deputy investigator at Nong Prue Police Station, led the examination of the scene. Authorities said further investigation is under way. The bodies have been released to their families. AQP5_4NlYKn1Zfq1B2Id_SUeW9Z7Txa7JkDOFtDYsAaU42P4MBRHAngqt-q5Q5IcyX_Dh-ANXVxkPuttzXyQyLLwcsx3JIsov2J3YpvpbA.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:49 +0000Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:42:58 +0000A couple of weeks ago I unpacked after an extended trip to Hong Kong. Some things got put away immediately. Some things sat around for a while. A few days ago I finally got motivated and found proper places for everything new I brought back. Or so I thought. One of the small purchases I returned with was a ziplock bag containing several packs of lozenges that I quite like and cannot find in Thailand. So I put them somewhere safe because they were one of those things that had taken a bit of effort to acquire. You can already see where this is going. The problem is that I am usually pretty organised with this sort of thing. I do not have lots of storage for small items in my flat. There are only about three places where things like that would realistically end up. I do not have endless drawers, closets, storage containers, or mysterious black holes where objects disappear for decades. So when I went looking for the lozenges earlier today and could not find them, things started getting serious. At that point it was no longer about the lozenges. It became a question of memory. Had I really forgotten that quickly where I put them? Had I accidentally thrown them away? Or had they somehow entered a parallel dimension occupied entirely by missing toenail clippers, emergency condoms, lip balm jars, and single house keys? After checking all the obvious places, thrice, I even started checking the impossible places. Cupboards. Shelves. Travel bags. Places I knew with absolute certainty that I had not put them. Two hours later I was standing on chairs with a flashlight conducting what can only be described as a forensic investigation. Nothing. This is the point where the real concern starts. Because once you accept that something can completely disappear inside your own abode, you begin wondering what happens next time when it is something far more important than a bag of lozenges. Anyway, I know nobody is going to believe this. After over two hours of searching I was mentally exhausted and decided it was a good time to have a little puff and calm down. Within about five minutes I was standing there staring into space when suddenly my brain rebooted. I remembered exactly where I had put them. Not approximately. Not vaguely. Exactly. I walked straight to the location, an old little floor cabinet behind a piece of furniture that I use to keep a few things that I do not like to leave out in the open. And there they were. So apparently the lesson here is that my memory is either failing completely or occasionally requires herbal technical support. Getting older really does require a sense of humour. And not just sometimes.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:41:03 +0000SpaceX can become a success story. As soon as he drops the Mars hocus pocus. Elon is a businessmen but knows nothing about phisycs. Just calculating how much it would cost to keep one single human alive on Mars is mindboggeling. This Mars BS could turn SpaceX into a veritable financial "black hole", nullifiying all other financial positive results.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:38:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/indian-tourists-unlikely-to-be-deterred-by-thailand-visa-shift-r2304/Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival (VoA) scheme for Indian tourists is unlikely to significantly affect travel demand to Thailand, according to an Indian travel agent, who said affordability remains the key factor for visitors from India. Get today's headlines by email The Thai cabinet has decided to end the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries, including India. Under the new arrangement, Indian travellers will be granted access through a visa-on-arrival service, similar to the system used before 2024. Amit Gilani, owner of TravelButler in Mumbai, which specialises in outbound groups and independent traveller bookings, said the change should not discourage most Indian visitors. He noted that the VoA fee of 2,000 baht remains affordable for Indian tourists, while travellers also have the option of applying for an e-visa costing 1,000 baht. Mr Gilani said the policy adjustment could help Thailand screen visitors who may seek to abuse tourist visas by overstaying or working illegally in the country. He welcomed the move, saying: “This is a good move by Thailand. Hopefully this won’t tarnish India’s name any further.” The Tourism and Sports Ministry is also planning to propose to the National Visa Policy Committee that Indian visitors receive a 15-day visa exemption, reflecting India’s status as one of Thailand’s top five tourism source markets. Mr Gilani said a 15-day exemption would be adequate for most Indian travellers, including those booking wellness retreats, as visitors typically stay for no more than two weeks. TravelButler currently promotes 12 to 15-day wellness packages focused on mental and physical wellbeing, which are becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists. Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok remain the most popular destinations for Indian travellers due to the availability of direct flights from numerous Indian cities. However, interest is growing in destinations such as Koh Chang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai, supported by promotional efforts and familiarisation trips organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director of the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific region at TAT, said the agency is targeting 2.55 million Indian arrivals in 2026, provided the visa exemption scheme remains in place. More than 2.48 million Indian tourists visited Thailand in 2025. As of 7 June 2026, Thailand had welcomed 1.1 million Indian arrivals, making India the country’s third-largest inbound market. The Bangkokpost reported that Mrs Patsee said the target could be revised downward if the VoA system is implemented. Based on discussions with Indian travel agents, she said the change is expected to affect mass tour groups more than luxury or independent travellers. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:37:28 +0000Replacing visa-free entry with a visa-on-arrival (VoA) scheme for Indian tourists is unlikely to significantly affect travel demand to Thailand, according to an Indian travel agent, who said affordability remains the key factor for visitors from India. Get today's headlines by email The Thai cabinet has decided to end the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries, including India. Under the new arrangement, Indian travellers will be granted access through a visa-on-arrival service, similar to the system used before 2024. Amit Gilani, owner of TravelButler in Mumbai, which specialises in outbound groups and independent traveller bookings, said the change should not discourage most Indian visitors. He noted that the VoA fee of 2,000 baht remains affordable for Indian tourists, while travellers also have the option of applying for an e-visa costing 1,000 baht. Mr Gilani said the policy adjustment could help Thailand screen visitors who may seek to abuse tourist visas by overstaying or working illegally in the country. He welcomed the move, saying: “This is a good move by Thailand. Hopefully this won’t tarnish India’s name any further.” The Tourism and Sports Ministry is also planning to propose to the National Visa Policy Committee that Indian visitors receive a 15-day visa exemption, reflecting India’s status as one of Thailand’s top five tourism source markets. Mr Gilani said a 15-day exemption would be adequate for most Indian travellers, including those booking wellness retreats, as visitors typically stay for no more than two weeks. TravelButler currently promotes 12 to 15-day wellness packages focused on mental and physical wellbeing, which are becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists. Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok remain the most popular destinations for Indian travellers due to the availability of direct flights from numerous Indian cities. However, interest is growing in destinations such as Koh Chang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai, supported by promotional efforts and familiarisation trips organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsee Permvongsenee, executive director of the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific region at TAT, said the agency is targeting 2.55 million Indian arrivals in 2026, provided the visa exemption scheme remains in place. More than 2.48 million Indian tourists visited Thailand in 2025. As of 7 June 2026, Thailand had welcomed 1.1 million Indian arrivals, making India the country’s third-largest inbound market. The Bangkokpost reported that Mrs Patsee said the target could be revised downward if the VoA system is implemented. Based on discussions with Indian travel agents, she said the change is expected to affect mass tour groups more than luxury or independent travellers. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 20:37:28 +0000https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_China https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/asia-and-the-pacific/east-asia/china/report-china/ https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/624521_CHINA-2024-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdf There is three to be going on with. It is an Empire, it used to have an Emperor. It has taken on Tibet since it was an Empire. In my book it is an Empire. Quote "Is it any different to many “Christian “ countries that don’t want Muslim immigrants from troubled areas! China ensures their troubled areas are well controlled, which is what a lot of the western demonstrations are about!" Christian countries having nothing to do with the subjugation of minority groups in China. What don't you understand? "Yep, ok with that. Seems that the Chinese exercised the current USA doctrine of might is right, although Tibet was hardly a separate country in and of itself." I fail to see how US doctrine since 2025 applies to what China did in 1950. Somebody have a secret time machine? errrrr why was Tibet not a separate country? "Yep. Ok with that. In fact I think it’s better than colonial British rule." Why not ask the people of Hong Kong what they think. Oh you can't, the democracy supporters are all in hiding from the Chinese police. You raise the US and Cuba. Not sure what that has to do with Taiwan. Point of interest, I think you will find Taiwan was discovered by Europeans before China discovered it. If anybody "owns" Taiwan it is the indigenous people. Now since you keep raising US comparisons feel free to argue that point. "China has claims in the South China Sea, as do other countries." Well those counties that have territorial waters use established International law. China builds an artificial island, which I believe is sinking back under the sea. But I also believe the nations with territorial water are also doing island building. "Personally I don’t have a problem with China exercising what it believes to be legitimate claims versus, say, those of Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei etc. I can’t see that it makes the world a worse place. Unless you think Vietnam is less communist that China, or Philippines less corrupt than China?" What a strange statement. I think if Norway tried to establish all of the North Sea down to the coast of Kent and Calais serious questions would be asked. Your rant about US human rights abuses is not relevant. You do seem to have a bit of a hatred of the US.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:29:31 +0000Multiple posts removed for derogatory content.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:12:49 +0000That was cheap. if you would go out to eat where I live you can expect to spend at least $ 150. for two people. Food is extremely expensive right now. You can expect to spend around $ 500. in groceries per week. Add the cost of fuel and insurance, and it is easy to understand why so many people are living in their cars. The commercial real estate market is collapsing. Many houses are for sale but no buyers. I have seen so many restaurants come and go. A local Thai restaurant that was in business for over 30 years just closed. Their landlord double their lease at time of renew.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:03:01 +0000An anti-racism rally in Glasgow has been disrupted by a masked group following violence in the city earlier this week. Thousands of campaigners who marched along Buchanan Street in the city centre were met by several dozen far-right demonstrators who clashed with police. The black-clad group - including at least one performing a Nazi-style salute - scuffled with officers as campaigners shouted "off our streets". https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yzerz5124o Sorry Jimmy, the mask doesn't hide your identity. Biometrics will identify you by your eyes, to be confirmed by dental records as you're showing off your gnashers. Sadly though many folks in the UK cannot find or afford a dentist these days.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:02:26 +0000Apparently, I'm far right. far right extremists.mp4Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:58:32 +0000I would like to give my 2 cents worth. 27% of the populating are not Swiss. World record. Never has such an invasion taken place in recent history where never a single shot has been fired. In larger cities, non Swiss consist of over 50% of the population. Looking at this I wonder on a daily basis: In what country do I live exactly? The doors have been open for everybody. Not to forget, the "welfare system" is generous. This news has even spread into the remotest corners of Africa. Not to worry. Once more this will be turned down by the voters. As usual when it comes to this matter, the ghost of "no future economic growth/possible economic suizide" has once more been introduced into the political discussion. As usual. Historically highly interesting. Never before has a country been "taken over" by invadors, not having needed to fire a single shot to achieve this goal.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:54:06 +0000Come on man, the UK drives on the left. The greatest rock guitarist ever, Jimi Hendrix was left handed. Paul McCartney is left handed. If you're a true Brit you've got to be left wing ( not leftie, what a childish term). Are you a rightie? ( sounds like baby talk).Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:53:20 +0000Thousands gather for anti-racism rally in Belfast after disorderThe "Together Against Hate" rally started at about 13:00 at Belfast City Hall. The protest was organised by the group United Against Racism. The group has said up to 20,000 people attended. The event in Belfast started with the crowd chanting: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here. Who is Belfast? We are Belfast." Sympathy was also extended to the victim of last week's knife attack in north Belfast before Speaker Ivanka Antova, the chair of United Against Racism Belfast turned to the trouble over the past few days. "The whole world watched Belfast in horror," she said. "There is nothing legitimate about racist pogroms, and racism has no place in our city." https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20ygdde4djoSat, 13 Jun 2026 19:48:11 +0000We all know thatSat, 13 Jun 2026 19:45:38 +0000