https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around Thailandenhttps://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-arrest-ex-offical-in-rohingya-id-fraud-probe-r2616/Thai police have launched a major operation against an alleged registration fraud network accused of issuing “number 0” identity cards to Rohingya migrants in Surat Thani province, with 17 arrest warrants issued including one for a former district official. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on 4 July after Police General Kitrat Phanphet ordered a joint task force led by Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy National Police Chief, and Police Lieutenant General Noppasin Poolsawat. Officers from Provincial Police Region 8, Surat Thani investigators, immigration police, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Special Investigation and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission took part in raids targeting the alleged network. Investigators said the warrants cover a former Don Sak district officer, a former district employee, three householders accused of endorsing registrations, and 12 Rohingya migrants allegedly involved in the scheme. Six of the suspects remain at large. The suspects face allegations including misconduct by public officials, creating or certifying false registration documents, and unlawfully adding names to house registration records and other civil registration documents. Police said the investigation began after complaints were filed earlier in 2026 alleging that Rohingya migrants had obtained identity cards for persons without registration status at the Don Sak district office. The Department of Provincial Administration’s DOPA N.I.C.E. task force examined the records and found that former district officer Phairat had allegedly processed registration records and issued number 0 identity cards to as many as 240 people between 2021 and 2023. Authorities said the network operated through two groups. Brokers allegedly recruited householders to register foreign nationals at addresses in exchange for payments of 1,000-2,000 baht per person, while also collecting large sums from applicants seeking number 0 identity cards, with estimates of at least 15 million baht. Police said the second group consisted of corrupt officials who allegedly facilitated the issuing of the cards. Investigators warned that once a migrant receives a number 0 card, police cannot prosecute that person for illegal entry because the card identifies the holder as someone awaiting nationality verification. Police General Samran said investigators had also found evidence that some Rohingya groups had formed organised communities with their own leaders and that there were allegations of intimidation, extortion and firearms offences within those groups. He said the case may be linked to human trafficking networks. Daily News reported that authorities said the investigation will now be expanded beyond southern Thailand to examine registration fraud networks nationwide. The Anti-Money Laundering Office will also investigate financial transactions connected to the suspects and seek asset seizures under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:51:04 +0000Thai police have launched a major operation against an alleged registration fraud network accused of issuing “number 0” identity cards to Rohingya migrants in Surat Thani province, with 17 arrest warrants issued including one for a former district official. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on 4 July after Police General Kitrat Phanphet ordered a joint task force led by Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy National Police Chief, and Police Lieutenant General Noppasin Poolsawat. Officers from Provincial Police Region 8, Surat Thani investigators, immigration police, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Special Investigation and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission took part in raids targeting the alleged network. Investigators said the warrants cover a former Don Sak district officer, a former district employee, three householders accused of endorsing registrations, and 12 Rohingya migrants allegedly involved in the scheme. Six of the suspects remain at large. The suspects face allegations including misconduct by public officials, creating or certifying false registration documents, and unlawfully adding names to house registration records and other civil registration documents. Police said the investigation began after complaints were filed earlier in 2026 alleging that Rohingya migrants had obtained identity cards for persons without registration status at the Don Sak district office. The Department of Provincial Administration’s DOPA N.I.C.E. task force examined the records and found that former district officer Phairat had allegedly processed registration records and issued number 0 identity cards to as many as 240 people between 2021 and 2023. Authorities said the network operated through two groups. Brokers allegedly recruited householders to register foreign nationals at addresses in exchange for payments of 1,000-2,000 baht per person, while also collecting large sums from applicants seeking number 0 identity cards, with estimates of at least 15 million baht. Police said the second group consisted of corrupt officials who allegedly facilitated the issuing of the cards. Investigators warned that once a migrant receives a number 0 card, police cannot prosecute that person for illegal entry because the card identifies the holder as someone awaiting nationality verification. Police General Samran said investigators had also found evidence that some Rohingya groups had formed organised communities with their own leaders and that there were allegations of intimidation, extortion and firearms offences within those groups. He said the case may be linked to human trafficking networks. Daily News reported that authorities said the investigation will now be expanded beyond southern Thailand to examine registration fraud networks nationwide. The Anti-Money Laundering Office will also investigate financial transactions connected to the suspects and seek asset seizures under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:51:04 +0000you didnt ask a question, you spewed your usual nonsense based on fake assumptionsSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:50:53 +0000Careful mate… click on it once and your recommendations are going to get very interesting. 😂Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:46:07 +0000To borrow a phrase, ‘well he would say that wouldn’t he’.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:43:06 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/mother-withdraws-lawsuit-in-singha-family-dispute-r2615/A land ownership dispute involving Mr. Siranudh “Psi” Scott and his mother, Ms. Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi of the Singha beer family, has moved towards resolution after she withdrew her lawsuit following advice from the court to reopen communication and repair their relationship. The case centred on Thailand’s “ungrateful child” law, which allows parents to reclaim assets previously given to children whose behaviour is deemed unappreciative. Get today's headlines by email According to PPTVHD36, the lawsuit was withdrawn after two previous rounds of court-ordered mediation on June 10 and June 16. Although both parties attended the mediation process, Psi, 29, whose father is Scottish, and his mother did not meet face to face because the court held separate sessions. Chiranuj said the court encouraged both mother and son to resume communication, describing the family relationship as the best path to resolving the dispute. She said this advice matched her own intentions, prompting her to withdraw the lawsuit so they could discuss the matter and seek a solution with love and goodwill towards one another. She also said she had never ignored the dispute and had listened to the views of all parties involved. However, she deliberately avoided commenting publicly because she regarded it as a sensitive family matter and did not want to cause distress or negatively affect members of the Bhirombhakdi family or the Boonrawd Brewery Group, neither of which she said was involved in the dispute. Addressing the separate conflict between Psi and his older brother, Sunit “Pi” Scott, who is in his 30s, Chiranuj said she loved both of her sons equally and that her feelings had never changed. She added that if her children chose to establish the facts through the judicial process, she would respect that decision and hoped the truth would emerge so justice could be served for both of them. The family dispute intensified after Psi posted an emotional video in May alleging that Sunit repeatedly abused him when he was a teenager. Sunit later denied the allegations in an online video, but Boonrawd, Singha’s parent company, subsequently removed him from his executive role. Speaking to AFP, Psi said, “I felt I needed to speak out, otherwise I would have been dead inside.” In a second interview, he alleged the abuse took place from the ages of nine to 13 whenever his brother returned home from boarding school during the summer. Psi said he first informed other family members about the alleged abuse around three years ago and accepted financial compensation at the time to remain silent. However, after his mother filed the lawsuit earlier this year, he decided to speak publicly and said he now plans to pursue legal action. “I’ve been in a family, in a system, in an institution that’s kept my voice silent,” he said. Related story Singha-heir-sued-by-mother-in-Thai-court-case Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:42:29 +0000A land ownership dispute involving Mr. Siranudh “Psi” Scott and his mother, Ms. Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi of the Singha beer family, has moved towards resolution after she withdrew her lawsuit following advice from the court to reopen communication and repair their relationship. The case centred on Thailand’s “ungrateful child” law, which allows parents to reclaim assets previously given to children whose behaviour is deemed unappreciative. Get today's headlines by email According to PPTVHD36, the lawsuit was withdrawn after two previous rounds of court-ordered mediation on June 10 and June 16. Although both parties attended the mediation process, Psi, 29, whose father is Scottish, and his mother did not meet face to face because the court held separate sessions. Chiranuj said the court encouraged both mother and son to resume communication, describing the family relationship as the best path to resolving the dispute. She said this advice matched her own intentions, prompting her to withdraw the lawsuit so they could discuss the matter and seek a solution with love and goodwill towards one another. She also said she had never ignored the dispute and had listened to the views of all parties involved. However, she deliberately avoided commenting publicly because she regarded it as a sensitive family matter and did not want to cause distress or negatively affect members of the Bhirombhakdi family or the Boonrawd Brewery Group, neither of which she said was involved in the dispute. Addressing the separate conflict between Psi and his older brother, Sunit “Pi” Scott, who is in his 30s, Chiranuj said she loved both of her sons equally and that her feelings had never changed. She added that if her children chose to establish the facts through the judicial process, she would respect that decision and hoped the truth would emerge so justice could be served for both of them. The family dispute intensified after Psi posted an emotional video in May alleging that Sunit repeatedly abused him when he was a teenager. Sunit later denied the allegations in an online video, but Boonrawd, Singha’s parent company, subsequently removed him from his executive role. Speaking to AFP, Psi said, “I felt I needed to speak out, otherwise I would have been dead inside.” In a second interview, he alleged the abuse took place from the ages of nine to 13 whenever his brother returned home from boarding school during the summer. Psi said he first informed other family members about the alleged abuse around three years ago and accepted financial compensation at the time to remain silent. However, after his mother filed the lawsuit earlier this year, he decided to speak publicly and said he now plans to pursue legal action. “I’ve been in a family, in a system, in an institution that’s kept my voice silent,” he said. Related story Singha-heir-sued-by-mother-in-Thai-court-case Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:42:29 +0000With every new arrest, it’s looking less and less like the flight attendant was simply an unwitting mule.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:42:14 +0000Fully agree your last point.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:42:08 +0000I’ll believe it when the ATM starts smiling at me.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:37:55 +0000Forgive me. I overestimated you, I thought you might actually want to discuss the topic of the thread you’re posting under. You can perhaps demonstrate your grip of economics by answering the question I asked.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:36:16 +0000The only thing departing on time was everyone’s 25,000 baht.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:35:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/man-36-found-dead-after-condo-fall-in-bangkok-r2614/A 36-year-old Thai man was found dead after falling from a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok on Saturday morning, police said. The incident was reported at 08.30 on 4 July 2026 at a condo in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 3/1, Suan Luang district. Emergency responders attended the scene but the man was confirmed dead at the location. Get today's headlines by email Police from Hua Mak Police Station, led by investigating officer Pol Lt Saharat Luangsirithanasin, arrived at the scene to examine the body of victim, identified only as Mr A, aged 36. He was found lying face down in a pool of blood at the base of the building, with injuries consistent with a fall from height. A woman who was cleaning near the condominium said they heard a loud impact and went to check the area, where they discovered the man and immediately alerted condominium staff. Staff then contacted police and emergency services, who secured the area and began initial inquiries. The victim’s mother told police that her son had been suffering from depression. Authorities coordinated with forensic doctors and police forensic officers to inspect the scene. Officers documented evidence at the location, reviewed CCTV and gathered statements from witnesses and family members to assist with the investigation into the circumstances of the fall. Matichon reported that he body has been sent for autopsy to establish the cause of death conclusively. Police said investigations are ongoing, including reviewing evidence from the condominium building and witness statements. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. Picture courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:31:44 +0000A 36-year-old Thai man was found dead after falling from a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok on Saturday morning, police said. The incident was reported at 08.30 on 4 July 2026 at a condo in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 3/1, Suan Luang district. Emergency responders attended the scene but the man was confirmed dead at the location. Get today's headlines by email Police from Hua Mak Police Station, led by investigating officer Pol Lt Saharat Luangsirithanasin, arrived at the scene to examine the body of victim, identified only as Mr A, aged 36. He was found lying face down in a pool of blood at the base of the building, with injuries consistent with a fall from height. A woman who was cleaning near the condominium said they heard a loud impact and went to check the area, where they discovered the man and immediately alerted condominium staff. Staff then contacted police and emergency services, who secured the area and began initial inquiries. The victim’s mother told police that her son had been suffering from depression. Authorities coordinated with forensic doctors and police forensic officers to inspect the scene. Officers documented evidence at the location, reviewed CCTV and gathered statements from witnesses and family members to assist with the investigation into the circumstances of the fall. Matichon reported that he body has been sent for autopsy to establish the cause of death conclusively. Police said investigations are ongoing, including reviewing evidence from the condominium building and witness statements. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. Picture courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:31:44 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/illegal-tour-operator-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-r2613/Police arrested an alleged illegal tour operator after around 150 pilgrims were reportedly left stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport before a planned Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, with estimated losses exceeding 4 million baht. Get today's headlines by email The case followed complaints from travellers who had booked a pilgrimage package with a company based in Narathiwat province. Each person reportedly paid 25,000 baht for an 11-day, 10-night Umrah trip scheduled to take place between 3 and 13 July 2026. The operation was ordered by Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksiira Phueak-am and carried out by officers from the Tourist Police Investigation Division and Division 3. The investigation was led by Pol Col Man Rotthong, Pol Col Monporn Likhitmanon, Pol Lt Col Piyaphong Bukhunthot and Pol Lt Col Seksan Thiraruangrat, working alongside officials from the Department of Tourism. According to police, 49-year-old Thai national, Mohammed Hasueran Mamu arranged the travel programme and instructed customers to meet at Gate 8 on the fourth floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 July 2026. When the group arrived, airline staff informed them that no flight bookings had been made. Realising they had allegedly been deceived, the travellers sought assistance from Tourist Police officers, who helped them file complaints at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station. Investigators later found that Mohammed Hasueran had been operating a tour business without registering it. Police said the company advertised pilgrimage and tour packages at prices significantly below normal market rates, attracting customers before the planned trip failed to proceed. During questioning, police said the suspect admitted the offence, explaining that financial difficulties had left him without sufficient funds to carry out the tour programme as promised. He was charged with operating a tour business without a licence from the registrar, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 baht. He was handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for legal proceedings. Amarin reported that Tourist Police urged members of the public planning overseas travel to verify that tour companies are properly registered with the Department of Tourism before making payments. Anyone requiring assistance or wishing to check a company’s registration can contact the Tourist Police hotline 1155 or use the Thailand Tourist Police application, which operates 24 hours a day. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:24:25 +0000Police arrested an alleged illegal tour operator after around 150 pilgrims were reportedly left stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport before a planned Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, with estimated losses exceeding 4 million baht. Get today's headlines by email The case followed complaints from travellers who had booked a pilgrimage package with a company based in Narathiwat province. Each person reportedly paid 25,000 baht for an 11-day, 10-night Umrah trip scheduled to take place between 3 and 13 July 2026. The operation was ordered by Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Saksiira Phueak-am and carried out by officers from the Tourist Police Investigation Division and Division 3. The investigation was led by Pol Col Man Rotthong, Pol Col Monporn Likhitmanon, Pol Lt Col Piyaphong Bukhunthot and Pol Lt Col Seksan Thiraruangrat, working alongside officials from the Department of Tourism. According to police, 49-year-old Thai national, Mohammed Hasueran Mamu arranged the travel programme and instructed customers to meet at Gate 8 on the fourth floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 July 2026. When the group arrived, airline staff informed them that no flight bookings had been made. Realising they had allegedly been deceived, the travellers sought assistance from Tourist Police officers, who helped them file complaints at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station. Investigators later found that Mohammed Hasueran had been operating a tour business without registering it. Police said the company advertised pilgrimage and tour packages at prices significantly below normal market rates, attracting customers before the planned trip failed to proceed. During questioning, police said the suspect admitted the offence, explaining that financial difficulties had left him without sufficient funds to carry out the tour programme as promised. He was charged with operating a tour business without a licence from the registrar, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to 500,000 baht. He was handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for legal proceedings. Amarin reported that Tourist Police urged members of the public planning overseas travel to verify that tour companies are properly registered with the Department of Tourism before making payments. Anyone requiring assistance or wishing to check a company’s registration can contact the Tourist Police hotline 1155 or use the Thailand Tourist Police application, which operates 24 hours a day. Picture courtesy of Amarin Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:24:25 +0000got it. you know nothing of economics. thanks for confirmingSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:18:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/scb-predicts-baht-recovery-r2612/Thailand’s recent weakening of the baht is expected to prove temporary, with the currency forecast to regain strength against the US dollar in the second half of 2026, according to Siam Commercial Bank Financial Markets (SCB FM). Get today's headlines by email SCB FM senior financial markets strategist Wachirawat Banchuen said the baht’s recent fall against the US dollar, briefly approaching 33.5, was driven by short-term capital outflows rather than any fundamental deterioration in Thailand’s economy. He said foreign selling in the Thai stock market was the main factor behind the depreciation, but the currency stabilised once those outflows eased. Mr Wachirawat stressed that the baht has not weakened significantly compared with other regional currencies and remains relatively stable. He also said the latest depreciation should not be compared with the 1997 Asian financial crisis, describing the recent movement as a one-off event rather than the start of a prolonged decline. In the near term, SCB FM expects the baht to trade between 33 and 33.50 against the US dollar. The bank said downward pressure remains due to the widening interest rate gap between Thailand and the United States, with the Bank of Thailand expected to keep rates unchanged to support the country’s fragile economy while the US Federal Reserve is also expected to maintain relatively high interest rates because of persistent inflationary pressures. Thailand’s external position has also weighed on the currency after the country recorded a trade deficit of around US$10 billion in May, followed by another deficit of roughly US$5 billion last month. Despite these headwinds, Mr Wachirawat believes market expectations for wider interest rate differences between Thailand and the US are overly aggressive. He said both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Thailand are likely to leave policy rates unchanged for the rest of the year as inflationary pressures begin to ease. As a result, the US dollar is expected to lose momentum, reducing pressure on the baht. Mr Wachirawat also said Thailand’s external position should improve as the trade deficit narrows and the current account gradually returns to neutral. Based on these factors, SCB FM forecasts the baht will strengthen to between 32.5 and 33 against the US dollar by the end of 2026. The Bangkokpost reported that strategist advised exporters to hedge around 60% of expected foreign currency receipts through spot transactions while using options to retain flexibility during continued market volatility. Importers, meanwhile, were advised not to rush into buying US dollars at current exchange rates, instead hedging only around 20% of their foreign currency needs before increasing purchases once the baht strengthens later in the year. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:16:10 +0000Thailand’s recent weakening of the baht is expected to prove temporary, with the currency forecast to regain strength against the US dollar in the second half of 2026, according to Siam Commercial Bank Financial Markets (SCB FM). Get today's headlines by email SCB FM senior financial markets strategist Wachirawat Banchuen said the baht’s recent fall against the US dollar, briefly approaching 33.5, was driven by short-term capital outflows rather than any fundamental deterioration in Thailand’s economy. He said foreign selling in the Thai stock market was the main factor behind the depreciation, but the currency stabilised once those outflows eased. Mr Wachirawat stressed that the baht has not weakened significantly compared with other regional currencies and remains relatively stable. He also said the latest depreciation should not be compared with the 1997 Asian financial crisis, describing the recent movement as a one-off event rather than the start of a prolonged decline. In the near term, SCB FM expects the baht to trade between 33 and 33.50 against the US dollar. The bank said downward pressure remains due to the widening interest rate gap between Thailand and the United States, with the Bank of Thailand expected to keep rates unchanged to support the country’s fragile economy while the US Federal Reserve is also expected to maintain relatively high interest rates because of persistent inflationary pressures. Thailand’s external position has also weighed on the currency after the country recorded a trade deficit of around US$10 billion in May, followed by another deficit of roughly US$5 billion last month. Despite these headwinds, Mr Wachirawat believes market expectations for wider interest rate differences between Thailand and the US are overly aggressive. He said both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Thailand are likely to leave policy rates unchanged for the rest of the year as inflationary pressures begin to ease. As a result, the US dollar is expected to lose momentum, reducing pressure on the baht. Mr Wachirawat also said Thailand’s external position should improve as the trade deficit narrows and the current account gradually returns to neutral. Based on these factors, SCB FM forecasts the baht will strengthen to between 32.5 and 33 against the US dollar by the end of 2026. The Bangkokpost reported that strategist advised exporters to hedge around 60% of expected foreign currency receipts through spot transactions while using options to retain flexibility during continued market volatility. Importers, meanwhile, were advised not to rush into buying US dollars at current exchange rates, instead hedging only around 20% of their foreign currency needs before increasing purchases once the baht strengthens later in the year. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:16:10 +0000All find the vast majority of their work from providing services to working and middle class customers. Who’s going to pay for their services when their customers don’t have jobs?Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:15:34 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/man-arrested-in-phitsanulok-over-australian-heroin-case-r2611/Thai police have arrested a man identified as Uthai Khanaphiwat in Phitsanulok in connection with the delivery of a parcel containing heroin to the Thai flight attendant known as Mina. The arrest took place at the old municipal bus terminal in Phitsanulok at 22:30 on 3 July, as investigators continued a widening narcotics investigation linked to an alleged international drug trafficking operation. Get today's headlines by email At 20:00 on 4 July, officers at the Metropolitan Police Bureau formally charged 47-year-old Uthai Khanaphiwat and Atirat Suphian with jointly possessing Category 1 narcotics (heroin) with intent to sell without authorisation for commercial purposes. They were also charged with jointly exporting Category 1 narcotics from Thailand, with police alleging the offences posed a threat to public safety and national security. The investigation stems from events on 22 June, when Uthai allegedly delivered a parcel containing heroin to the condominium of flight attendant Mina in Bangkok’s Bang Na district. Police said a 59-year-old driver, Atirat, who transported the suspect to the location, identified Uthai, who was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, as the man who carried the parcel into the building. Investigators said that testimony helped support surveillance operations which led to Uthai’s arrest in Phitsanulok. Police have also confirmed that senior officers carried out a search of a suspected hideout linked to the case in Ayutthaya. At 15:00 on 4 July, a coordinated operation involving Pol Gen Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and head of the Narcotics Suppression Centre, Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Punsawat, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee and Pol Maj Gen Somboon Tienkhao, together with forensic officers, began further searches and evidence collection at locations connected to the investigation. Matichon reported that police said the operation is aimed at identifying additional evidence linked to the drug network and confirming the accused’s role in the alleged distribution chain. Investigators are also attempting to establish the others involved in organising the shipment and to trace the origin and intended destination of the heroin. Picture courtesy of Matichon Related stories Driver-held-over-flight-attendants-parcel-delivery Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:08:57 +0000Thai police have arrested a man identified as Uthai Khanaphiwat in Phitsanulok in connection with the delivery of a parcel containing heroin to the Thai flight attendant known as Mina. The arrest took place at the old municipal bus terminal in Phitsanulok at 22:30 on 3 July, as investigators continued a widening narcotics investigation linked to an alleged international drug trafficking operation. Get today's headlines by email At 20:00 on 4 July, officers at the Metropolitan Police Bureau formally charged 47-year-old Uthai Khanaphiwat and Atirat Suphian with jointly possessing Category 1 narcotics (heroin) with intent to sell without authorisation for commercial purposes. They were also charged with jointly exporting Category 1 narcotics from Thailand, with police alleging the offences posed a threat to public safety and national security. The investigation stems from events on 22 June, when Uthai allegedly delivered a parcel containing heroin to the condominium of flight attendant Mina in Bangkok’s Bang Na district. Police said a 59-year-old driver, Atirat, who transported the suspect to the location, identified Uthai, who was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, as the man who carried the parcel into the building. Investigators said that testimony helped support surveillance operations which led to Uthai’s arrest in Phitsanulok. Police have also confirmed that senior officers carried out a search of a suspected hideout linked to the case in Ayutthaya. At 15:00 on 4 July, a coordinated operation involving Pol Gen Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and head of the Narcotics Suppression Centre, Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Punsawat, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee and Pol Maj Gen Somboon Tienkhao, together with forensic officers, began further searches and evidence collection at locations connected to the investigation. Matichon reported that police said the operation is aimed at identifying additional evidence linked to the drug network and confirming the accused’s role in the alleged distribution chain. Investigators are also attempting to establish the others involved in organising the shipment and to trace the origin and intended destination of the heroin. Picture courtesy of Matichon Related stories Driver-held-over-flight-attendants-parcel-delivery Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 21:08:57 +0000He won't be making any offer anyway. He's been living in an industrial warehouse in Australia. So basically homeless. Existing on disability welfare with a bit of casual work on the side and living very cheap in Thailand. He has no money.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:05:32 +0000Take the TM30 from your landlord to immigration, and they should certify it. A work permit gets around a lot of this.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:01:59 +0000The context of the quote : Context: The Israeli cabinet was debating rules of engagement for a ceasefire buffer zone known as the "yellow line". The Deputy Chief of Staff stated that while the military shoots adult suspects, troops hold their fire when encountering "a child with a donkey" and arrest them instead. The Remarks: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushed for a harsher approach, asking, "Why not shoot a child riding a donkey?" and insisting Israel "stop being merciful". In response to this, Government-Knesset liaison minister Dudi Amsalem mockingly interjected, asking, "Who should we shoot first - the child or the donkey?"Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:49 +0000