https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailanden92% of billionaires are miserable according to Robbins.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:56:57 +0000You offer no proof of god.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:53:07 +0000I'm not mistaking anything, as I know the written word can be different than what God wanted it to be, as they were humans writing it. Believing all is wrong is ludicrous. That any is right shows there's a God. Like I've said many times before, this topic is "Do you believe in anything and why", so I stated my beliefs. You can disagree but aren't going to convince me or other believes otherwise about our belief in God.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:48:28 +0000Troll post removed @Rockyroad this is the news section, if you can’t discuss the topic without your constant need to attempt to bait other posters, then don’t post.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:48:00 +0000Better to transfer to your thai bank account then on to the gf, gik, mia noiTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:46:50 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-marine-police-seize-chinese-tour-boat-in-phuket-r2458/Thai marine police in Phuket have seized a Chinese-operated charter fishing tour boat carrying tourists in the Andaman Sea after discovering undeclared satellite internet equipment and multiple licensing breaches, officials reported on 23 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place after the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Marine Police in Phuket received intelligence that a tour vessel was conducting fishing trips for Chinese tourists in possible violation of Thai maritime and tourism laws. On 22 June 2026, officers patrolling the area located the vessel at around 18:40 near Laem Dinsor in Wichit, Mueang Phuket district. The boat was carrying two Chinese tourists on a private charter fishing trip and was operated by a man identified only as Krit. Officers found Starlink satellite internet equipment on board, including a receiver, power supply unit and signal distribution devices. The operator was unable to provide import, ownership or installation documents for the equipment, prompting officers to seize it for further inspection. Checks also revealed the vessel’s licence and crew qualifications did not comply with legal requirements under Thailand’s Navigation in Thai Waters Act. Authorities additionally found no licensed tour guide accompanying the tourists, in breach of tourism regulations requiring guides to be present on organised trips. Police have filed charges relating to improper use of a licensed vessel and violations of maritime regulations. The case has been forwarded to the Department of Tourism for further legal action regarding the absence of a guide and possible breaches of tour operator conditions. Investigators are also examining the business structure behind the operation after suspicions emerged that Thai nominees may have been used to mask foreign ownership, a practice that could breach Thai law. Officers said the probe will extend to financial flows and corporate arrangements linked to the tour operator. The Daily News reported that authorities confirmed that the seized Starlink equipment will undergo verification to determine its legal status and origin. Further enforcement action may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:43:39 +0000Thai marine police in Phuket have seized a Chinese-operated charter fishing tour boat carrying tourists in the Andaman Sea after discovering undeclared satellite internet equipment and multiple licensing breaches, officials reported on 23 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place after the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Marine Police in Phuket received intelligence that a tour vessel was conducting fishing trips for Chinese tourists in possible violation of Thai maritime and tourism laws. On 22 June 2026, officers patrolling the area located the vessel at around 18:40 near Laem Dinsor in Wichit, Mueang Phuket district. The boat was carrying two Chinese tourists on a private charter fishing trip and was operated by a man identified only as Krit. Officers found Starlink satellite internet equipment on board, including a receiver, power supply unit and signal distribution devices. The operator was unable to provide import, ownership or installation documents for the equipment, prompting officers to seize it for further inspection. Checks also revealed the vessel’s licence and crew qualifications did not comply with legal requirements under Thailand’s Navigation in Thai Waters Act. Authorities additionally found no licensed tour guide accompanying the tourists, in breach of tourism regulations requiring guides to be present on organised trips. Police have filed charges relating to improper use of a licensed vessel and violations of maritime regulations. The case has been forwarded to the Department of Tourism for further legal action regarding the absence of a guide and possible breaches of tour operator conditions. Investigators are also examining the business structure behind the operation after suspicions emerged that Thai nominees may have been used to mask foreign ownership, a practice that could breach Thai law. Officers said the probe will extend to financial flows and corporate arrangements linked to the tour operator. The Daily News reported that authorities confirmed that the seized Starlink equipment will undergo verification to determine its legal status and origin. Further enforcement action may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:43:39 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/family-seeks-additional-funds-to-bring-british-crash-victim-home-r2457/A fundraising campaign is continuing to help bring a young Birmingham man back to the UK from Thailand after he suffered life-threatening injuries in a road crash. Ethan Lacey, 20, from Castle Vale, Birmingham, has spent five weeks fighting for his life with severe brain injuries, and his family is seeking to raise GBP50,000 to cover the costs of returning him home for specialist medical treatment. Get today's headlines by email The father-of-one had travelled to Pattaya to visit his cousin during a planned four-week trip. It is believed he fell from a moving pick-up truck before being struck by the vehicle or another vehicle. Following the incident, his family discovered he was being treated in intensive care, where they were informed that life support would need to be turned off. Ethan’s father, Kevin Lacey, travelled to Thailand to be with his son and has spoken of the difficulties the family faces while trying to understand his condition. “With communication here it’s very hard to know exactly what’s going on,” he said. “So that’s why we’re desperate to get him home for the medical treatment he really needs.” The family later learned that Ethan had extended his stay in Thailand shortly before the incident. However, they said he had forgotten to renew his travel insurance, leaving them responsible for significant medical and repatriation costs. Friends, relatives and members of the local community have rallied behind the fundraising effort. A recent fundraising event was held to support the campaign, with volunteers collecting donations across the area. Family friend Lucy Regan, who helped organise the fundraiser, praised the community response. “Everyone has come together to help,” she said. “It’s been absolutely outstanding.” Supporter Nicola Campbell said volunteers had been working hard to raise funds. “We’ve been around the streets, we’ve been everywhere that we can with buckets collecting as much money as we can,” she said. “And we haven’t let anyone go past us without tapping them for some change.” Her daughter, Nelly-May, also voiced support for Ethan’s return, saying: “He should have the same chance to see his family like everyone else.” The BBC reported that the fundraising campaign continues as the family works to reach its GBP50,000 target. Supporters hope enough money can be raised to allow Ethan to return to the UK, where he can receive the ongoing medical treatment his family believes he needs. Picture of Lucy Regan courtesy of BBC Related stories UK-family-appeals-to-bring-crash-victim-home-from-Thailand Brit-taken-off-life-support-after-Pattaya-truck-fall Brit-tourist-critical-after-Pattaya-truck-fall Foreigner-hurt-after-jumping-from-pickup-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now BBC 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:34:02 +0000A fundraising campaign is continuing to help bring a young Birmingham man back to the UK from Thailand after he suffered life-threatening injuries in a road crash. Ethan Lacey, 20, from Castle Vale, Birmingham, has spent five weeks fighting for his life with severe brain injuries, and his family is seeking to raise GBP50,000 to cover the costs of returning him home for specialist medical treatment. Get today's headlines by email The father-of-one had travelled to Pattaya to visit his cousin during a planned four-week trip. It is believed he fell from a moving pick-up truck before being struck by the vehicle or another vehicle. Following the incident, his family discovered he was being treated in intensive care, where they were informed that life support would need to be turned off. Ethan’s father, Kevin Lacey, travelled to Thailand to be with his son and has spoken of the difficulties the family faces while trying to understand his condition. “With communication here it’s very hard to know exactly what’s going on,” he said. “So that’s why we’re desperate to get him home for the medical treatment he really needs.” The family later learned that Ethan had extended his stay in Thailand shortly before the incident. However, they said he had forgotten to renew his travel insurance, leaving them responsible for significant medical and repatriation costs. Friends, relatives and members of the local community have rallied behind the fundraising effort. A recent fundraising event was held to support the campaign, with volunteers collecting donations across the area. Family friend Lucy Regan, who helped organise the fundraiser, praised the community response. “Everyone has come together to help,” she said. “It’s been absolutely outstanding.” Supporter Nicola Campbell said volunteers had been working hard to raise funds. “We’ve been around the streets, we’ve been everywhere that we can with buckets collecting as much money as we can,” she said. “And we haven’t let anyone go past us without tapping them for some change.” Her daughter, Nelly-May, also voiced support for Ethan’s return, saying: “He should have the same chance to see his family like everyone else.” The BBC reported that the fundraising campaign continues as the family works to reach its GBP50,000 target. Supporters hope enough money can be raised to allow Ethan to return to the UK, where he can receive the ongoing medical treatment his family believes he needs. Picture of Lucy Regan courtesy of BBC Related stories UK-family-appeals-to-bring-crash-victim-home-from-Thailand Brit-taken-off-life-support-after-Pattaya-truck-fall Brit-tourist-critical-after-Pattaya-truck-fall Foreigner-hurt-after-jumping-from-pickup-in-Pattaya Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now BBC 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:34:02 +0000They have decided to destroy Reform. Good due diligence has begun and not before time. We don't do Trump and never will. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/23/defected-reform-tories-biggest-mistake-robbie-lammas/ “[Reform] told me to lie. For example, I’d publicly committed to a policy and had not been able to follow through with it, and a senior Reform figure told me to ‘just lie’ about why,” he says. “The culture was toxic, grievance-driven and unprofessional. Add that to the racism, the ethnonationalist speeches at formal branch meetings and the conspiracy theories… It was kind of crazy.” That Lammas can say this just months after sharing a now-deleted social media post that claimed “the spirit in Reform is inspiring” is fascinating. “I know,” he sighs. “I just need to be true to myself now.”Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:33:16 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-envoy-challenges-grey-chinese-label-in-thailand-r2456/China’s ambassador to Thailand has expressed concern over the use of the term “grey Chinese”, saying it unfairly stereotypes Chinese people and has led some in China to view Thailand as unfriendly. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul revealed the discussion before a Cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok on 23 June. Get today's headlines by email Surasak said he recently met with the Chinese ambassador, who raised the issue directly. According to the minister, the ambassador said that if Chinese tourists break the law, authorities should state that clearly, but should avoid using the term “grey Chinese” because China sees it as unfriendly. The minister said the ambassador acknowledged that some Chinese nationals in Thailand have committed offences. However, he stressed that many Chinese visitors travel to Thailand and make significant contributions to the economy through tourism spending. Surasak said the ambassador’s position was that there are both good and bad people within any nationality and that applying a label to an entire group amounts to branding or discriminating against a whole country. He quoted the ambassador as saying that wrongdoing by some individuals should not define all Chinese people. The minister emphasised that Thailand would continue to enforce its laws equally, regardless of nationality. He said that anyone found breaking the law would face legal action through the proper procedures. During the briefing, Surasak was also asked about reports that Chinese nationals were operating delivery service companies that catered exclusively to Chinese customers. He said such activities would already be illegal under Thai law. The minister stated that authorities would take action against any unlawful operations. He said a crackdown would certainly take place if violations were confirmed. Surasak added that successful enforcement would require cooperation between several government agencies. He specifically mentioned the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Transport as key organisations that would need to work together. He warned that enforcement efforts would not succeed without coordination among the relevant authorities. The comments come amid continuing scrutiny of business activities involving foreign nationals and concerns over compliance with Thai regulations. Khaosod reported that the government is expected to continue investigating reports of illegal business operations while maintaining law enforcement measures against offenders. At the same time, officials appear mindful of diplomatic sensitivities surrounding language used to describe foreign nationals involved in criminal or illegal activities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:22:51 +0000China’s ambassador to Thailand has expressed concern over the use of the term “grey Chinese”, saying it unfairly stereotypes Chinese people and has led some in China to view Thailand as unfriendly. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul revealed the discussion before a Cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok on 23 June. Get today's headlines by email Surasak said he recently met with the Chinese ambassador, who raised the issue directly. According to the minister, the ambassador said that if Chinese tourists break the law, authorities should state that clearly, but should avoid using the term “grey Chinese” because China sees it as unfriendly. The minister said the ambassador acknowledged that some Chinese nationals in Thailand have committed offences. However, he stressed that many Chinese visitors travel to Thailand and make significant contributions to the economy through tourism spending. Surasak said the ambassador’s position was that there are both good and bad people within any nationality and that applying a label to an entire group amounts to branding or discriminating against a whole country. He quoted the ambassador as saying that wrongdoing by some individuals should not define all Chinese people. The minister emphasised that Thailand would continue to enforce its laws equally, regardless of nationality. He said that anyone found breaking the law would face legal action through the proper procedures. During the briefing, Surasak was also asked about reports that Chinese nationals were operating delivery service companies that catered exclusively to Chinese customers. He said such activities would already be illegal under Thai law. The minister stated that authorities would take action against any unlawful operations. He said a crackdown would certainly take place if violations were confirmed. Surasak added that successful enforcement would require cooperation between several government agencies. He specifically mentioned the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Transport as key organisations that would need to work together. He warned that enforcement efforts would not succeed without coordination among the relevant authorities. The comments come amid continuing scrutiny of business activities involving foreign nationals and concerns over compliance with Thai regulations. Khaosod reported that the government is expected to continue investigating reports of illegal business operations while maintaining law enforcement measures against offenders. At the same time, officials appear mindful of diplomatic sensitivities surrounding language used to describe foreign nationals involved in criminal or illegal activities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:22:51 +0000That's one of the dumpy condos that Boy George likes to lurk around, isn't it? There has to be dozens of trash condos in Pattaya filled with slummy residents, what makes that one such a focal point?Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:22:50 +0000Been there twice. Was pricey. Had farang tools staying in hotel very noisy. A 1400 baht room there costs 500 baht elsewhere.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:22:39 +0000They happen. Sometimes Thais do it.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:17:20 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/netizens-react-to-deserted-koh-phi-phi-clip-in-krabi-r2455/A video showing a largely deserted Koh Phi Phi off Krabi has gone viral on social media on 23 June 2026, drawing widespread online reaction and renewed debate over tourism prices in the area. According to Naewna newspaper, many netizens pointed to high costs as a key factor discouraging visitors from the popular Thai destination. The footage, posted on TikTok by a user named Warinthonexworrac, showed an almost empty beach and dock, prompting surprise given the island’s usual popularity. Get today's headlines by email The clip was reportedly filmed the previous day and captured during the afternoon, which is typically the peak period when large numbers of day-trip boats arrive. Despite this, the video showed minimal activity, with very few tourists visible in what is normally a busy coastal hotspot. The TikToker expressed disappointment, noting he did not expect a major tourist destination in Thailand to appear so quiet, even in the low season. Following its circulation, the video triggered extensive discussion online. Many users analysed possible reasons for the apparent drop in visitors, with a large number highlighting rising prices on the island. Some commenters shared personal experiences, claiming that basic consumer goods can be significantly more expensive than elsewhere in Thailand, including soft drinks reportedly costing up to 100 baht per bottle. Others noted that seafood prices on the island, despite its coastal location, were higher than in northern parts of the country. Koh Phi Phi, located in the middle of the Andaman Sea around 42km from Krabi’s Mueang district, forms part of the Nopharat Thara Beach - Phi Phi Islands National Park. The group includes two main islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le, along with four smaller surrounding islands: Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai. Naewna reported that Phi Phi Le gained international recognition after being featured in the Hollywood film The Beach, with Maya Bay widely noted for its clear waters, limestone cliffs and white sand beach. The surrounding waters are also known for marine life, including leopard sharks, making snorkelling and diving popular activities alongside beach visits. video_619688062620270666-VZmeSMLK.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:16:12 +0000A video showing a largely deserted Koh Phi Phi off Krabi has gone viral on social media on 23 June 2026, drawing widespread online reaction and renewed debate over tourism prices in the area. According to Naewna newspaper, many netizens pointed to high costs as a key factor discouraging visitors from the popular Thai destination. The footage, posted on TikTok by a user named Warinthonexworrac, showed an almost empty beach and dock, prompting surprise given the island’s usual popularity. Get today's headlines by email The clip was reportedly filmed the previous day and captured during the afternoon, which is typically the peak period when large numbers of day-trip boats arrive. Despite this, the video showed minimal activity, with very few tourists visible in what is normally a busy coastal hotspot. The TikToker expressed disappointment, noting he did not expect a major tourist destination in Thailand to appear so quiet, even in the low season. Following its circulation, the video triggered extensive discussion online. Many users analysed possible reasons for the apparent drop in visitors, with a large number highlighting rising prices on the island. Some commenters shared personal experiences, claiming that basic consumer goods can be significantly more expensive than elsewhere in Thailand, including soft drinks reportedly costing up to 100 baht per bottle. Others noted that seafood prices on the island, despite its coastal location, were higher than in northern parts of the country. Koh Phi Phi, located in the middle of the Andaman Sea around 42km from Krabi’s Mueang district, forms part of the Nopharat Thara Beach - Phi Phi Islands National Park. The group includes two main islands, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le, along with four smaller surrounding islands: Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai. Naewna reported that Phi Phi Le gained international recognition after being featured in the Hollywood film The Beach, with Maya Bay widely noted for its clear waters, limestone cliffs and white sand beach. The surrounding waters are also known for marine life, including leopard sharks, making snorkelling and diving popular activities alongside beach visits. video_619688062620270666-VZmeSMLK.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 24 June 2026 View full articleTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:16:12 +0000Likely he would have put acid on the ex gf. He should be tied up and acid on 100% of him. What a scumbag.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:30 +0000never heard of an acid attack, yes idiots punch ups drunken nonsense but this is on another level...........Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:29 +0000Betrayal? By a politician? In a country where politicians change their allegiances more often than their underwear? There are suckers born every minute. And some of them obviously do inhale.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:14:00 +0000CrumpetTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:13:16 +0000So 10% of the local population needs a crutch as well? Thanks for sharing.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:10:48 +0000It’s a thread about women in politics, you just don’t like the comparison I made.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:09:44 +0000this sick #### needs to be removed from society this is attempted murder, I hope the innocent lady recovers but that is unlikely - very sad grrrrrrTue, 23 Jun 2026 21:08:54 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-cabinet-approves-common-rail-ticketing-in-bangkok-r2454/The Thai cabinet has approved a common ticketing scheme for Bangkok electric rail services, setting fares between 17 and 45 baht per trip depending on distance. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a deputy prime minister, said on Tuesday 23 June 2026, the system aims to reduce cost of living and integrate fares across all mass-transit rail lines. Passengers will pay once on entry and can transfer between services under a single journey fare. It is also intended to simplify journeys by removing the need for multiple ticket purchases when changing lines. Get today's headlines by email The policy is designed to unify Bangkok’s fragmented rail network and simplify payment across multiple operators. Officials plan to introduce a central clearing house to manage fare collection and distribution between different rail companies. The system will support a single-entry fare model across the network. It is intended to serve as a central settlement mechanism between rail operators. Mr Phiphat said ministry officials will hold discussions on establishing the clearing house mechanism, which will ensure seamless payment across operators. The fare structure will allow unlimited transfers within a journey while maintaining a capped cost of 45 baht. The initiative is expected to ease commuting expenses for passengers using the city’s electric rail system. The approach is expected to streamline fare processing across the network. The Bangkokpost reported that the government is targeting a launch date of 1 January 2027 for the scheme. Officials aim to have the clearing house mechanism in place ahead of the rollout to support integrated ticketing. Further technical and operational discussions will determine implementation across all lines. Preparations will focus on ensuring systems are ready for nationwide integration within the Bangkok rail network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 24 June 2026Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:08:09 +0000