https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenI'm not focusing here on places that would work better with my criteria list if I don't qualify for the visa. Buenos Aires Argentina for example.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:58:24 +0000Troll post removed @ikke1959Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:57:54 +0000yes, you haters sure are. america thinks that the blm org is a racist scam and fems have issues. you, having never even been to the usa wouldnt be able to judge regardless.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:57:17 +0000No reason not to believe you. Boquette and Vulcan too snall town and isolated for me. I think there are some low rise condos in David -- maybe they would have good security. The retirement visa is really good. Of my current top 2 list, Ilollo City seems better, but downsides health care as I mentioned.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:54:54 +0000FieldSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:52:24 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/nigerian-gang-held-in-bangkok-drug-smuggling-case-r2318/Thai police have arrested two Nigerian men and a Thai woman in connection with a transnational drug trafficking operation that allegedly used online romance scams to recruit couriers. Officers seized heroin and cocaine with an estimated value of more than 25 million baht during coordinated arrests on 13 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The operation was led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) following an ongoing investigation into an international narcotics network. Police identified a pattern in which suspects allegedly created fake profiles on dating applications and social media platforms, including Facebook, using images of attractive foreign men claiming to be businessmen, engineers or military personnel. Investigators said the suspects developed romantic relationships with Thai women before moving conversations to WhatsApp to avoid detection. Once trust had been established, victims were allegedly persuaded to transport items across borders in exchange for payment. Police said 23-year-old Lalita became involved after meeting a Nigerian man using the name “Mc General” on Facebook in mid-2025. According to investigators, she was persuaded to travel to a neighbouring country to collect packages and transport them into Thailand, receiving between 40,000 and 50,000 baht per trip. Authorities alleged that Lalita had smuggled drugs into Thailand on three occasions. The network reportedly used natural border crossings in Nong Khai province, with couriers travelling by long-tail boat before being transported through a series of vehicles and accommodation locations to avoid law enforcement scrutiny. The investigation intensified after officers learned that Lalita had returned to Thailand carrying a suitcase containing narcotics and checked into a hotel in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok. Police monitored deliveries made to two Nigerian men and arrested all three suspects during the operation. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Those arrested were identified as 39-year-old Nigerian national Emeka, 45-year-old Nigerian national Anayo, and Lalita. Emeka was detained near a toll plaza on Motorway 9 in Samut Prakan, while Anayo was arrested in Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24 in Bangkok. Lalita was arrested at a hotel in the Ramkhamhaeng area. During questioning, Lalita reportedly admitted transporting heroin and cocaine from a neighbouring country and said she had done so three times. Anayo allegedly admitted ownership of the cocaine and said it was being prepared for distribution. Emeka denied the allegations. Amarin reported that police said investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the network and trace the wider distribution chain. The CIB has also issued a public warning urging people to be cautious of online relationships that develop unusually quickly, warning that victims can be manipulated into becoming couriers for criminal organisations. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:48:27 +0000Thai police have arrested two Nigerian men and a Thai woman in connection with a transnational drug trafficking operation that allegedly used online romance scams to recruit couriers. Officers seized heroin and cocaine with an estimated value of more than 25 million baht during coordinated arrests on 13 June 2026. Get today's headlines by email The operation was led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) following an ongoing investigation into an international narcotics network. Police identified a pattern in which suspects allegedly created fake profiles on dating applications and social media platforms, including Facebook, using images of attractive foreign men claiming to be businessmen, engineers or military personnel. Investigators said the suspects developed romantic relationships with Thai women before moving conversations to WhatsApp to avoid detection. Once trust had been established, victims were allegedly persuaded to transport items across borders in exchange for payment. Police said 23-year-old Lalita became involved after meeting a Nigerian man using the name “Mc General” on Facebook in mid-2025. According to investigators, she was persuaded to travel to a neighbouring country to collect packages and transport them into Thailand, receiving between 40,000 and 50,000 baht per trip. Authorities alleged that Lalita had smuggled drugs into Thailand on three occasions. The network reportedly used natural border crossings in Nong Khai province, with couriers travelling by long-tail boat before being transported through a series of vehicles and accommodation locations to avoid law enforcement scrutiny. The investigation intensified after officers learned that Lalita had returned to Thailand carrying a suitcase containing narcotics and checked into a hotel in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok. Police monitored deliveries made to two Nigerian men and arrested all three suspects during the operation. Pictures courtesy of Amarin Those arrested were identified as 39-year-old Nigerian national Emeka, 45-year-old Nigerian national Anayo, and Lalita. Emeka was detained near a toll plaza on Motorway 9 in Samut Prakan, while Anayo was arrested in Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24 in Bangkok. Lalita was arrested at a hotel in the Ramkhamhaeng area. During questioning, Lalita reportedly admitted transporting heroin and cocaine from a neighbouring country and said she had done so three times. Anayo allegedly admitted ownership of the cocaine and said it was being prepared for distribution. Emeka denied the allegations. Amarin reported that police said investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the network and trace the wider distribution chain. The CIB has also issued a public warning urging people to be cautious of online relationships that develop unusually quickly, warning that victims can be manipulated into becoming couriers for criminal organisations. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:48:27 +0000+1 to Portugal. Of course as a European, I would not need to worry about visas. Portugal is surely the most laid-back in Southern Europe, you have great nature, an exciting array of food, and it is far less touristy in some spots still (compared to Spain). Somebody mentioned the Balkans, Serbia? First, a country where the writing is cyrillic is an automatic no-go, why would I put myself in this hassle? Secondly, in many places in this region, there is frequent strife between the different ethnicities (I have friends from both Bosnia and Serbia, which can be "tricky") while living costs are shooting up as well. Nice nature though, so of course maybe worth a holiday, but not more. Middle and South America countries... as the current foreign policy of their big neighbour in the north goes, I would not want to stay there. As an American, even less so, as the local people might react adversial if this form of politics goes on uninterrupted. My 'Plan B', if I ever would seriously need one, would keep me in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, maybe, there must be a million places to explore to fill the rest of my lifetime. Malaysia, if I look for a place with stability to live, from which to travel.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:43:20 +0000Can't even get a bank account.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:40:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chinese-investor-arrested-in-bangkok-property-nominee-probe-r2317/Police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) carried out coordinated raids at five locations in Bangkok on 13 June, dismantling an alleged Chinese nominee business network accused of circumventing Thai ownership laws to acquire high-value property. Officers arrested a Chinese national identified as Mr Hao, 35, and seized documents, cash, luxury assets and electronic devices linked to the investigation. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanat and led by Pol Maj Gen Thatsaphum Jaruprat, commander of the ECD, together with officers from Division 4. Investigators alleged that the network used Thai nominees to hold shares and act as directors in companies established to purchase upmarket homes and condominiums worth hundreds of millions of baht. At the first two locations, officers searched Naravee Holding Co Ltd and Holding Good (Thailand) Co Ltd at neighbouring properties in the Narasiri Krungthep Kreetha development in Bangkok. A Chinese national identified as Mr Siming, described as the manager of the properties, was found at the scene. Police seized a red-plate Toyota Alphard van, cash in Thai currency of more than 1.4 million baht, foreign currency in eight denominations and digital asset storage devices. A third raid at Liang People Thai Trading Co Ltd in Saphan Sung district resulted in the seizure of land and building tax records, invoices, data storage devices and files containing land title deeds and property sale agreements. At a fourth location, TA Law Firm Co Ltd in Supalai Grand Tower on Rama III Road, officers seized documents relating to company registrations. The fifth raid targeted a residence in The City Rama 9-Krungthep Kreetha development, where Mr Hao was arrested. Police seized numerous corporate registration documents, property sale agreements, land title deeds, bank books, company seals, 32 key cards linked to Life Asoke-Rama 9 condominium units and four electronic devices. Investigators believe Mr Hao headed the network and used a Thai law firm to arrange nominee shareholders and directors to conceal foreign control of multiple companies. During questioning, Mr Hao reportedly admitted funding the establishment of TA Law Firm Co Ltd and using two Thai women as nominee shareholders because he trusted them. He said he financed luxury home purchases for Chinese associates and received sales commissions of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 per cent. However, the suspects denied allegations relating to offences under Thailand’s foreign worker management legislation. Thaitabloid reported that authorities have transferred the suspects and seized evidence to ECD investigators for further examination. Police said the investigation will continue to identify and prosecute additional Thai and foreign individuals allegedly involved in the network. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:38:38 +0000Police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) carried out coordinated raids at five locations in Bangkok on 13 June, dismantling an alleged Chinese nominee business network accused of circumventing Thai ownership laws to acquire high-value property. Officers arrested a Chinese national identified as Mr Hao, 35, and seized documents, cash, luxury assets and electronic devices linked to the investigation. Get today's headlines by email The operation was ordered by Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanat and led by Pol Maj Gen Thatsaphum Jaruprat, commander of the ECD, together with officers from Division 4. Investigators alleged that the network used Thai nominees to hold shares and act as directors in companies established to purchase upmarket homes and condominiums worth hundreds of millions of baht. At the first two locations, officers searched Naravee Holding Co Ltd and Holding Good (Thailand) Co Ltd at neighbouring properties in the Narasiri Krungthep Kreetha development in Bangkok. A Chinese national identified as Mr Siming, described as the manager of the properties, was found at the scene. Police seized a red-plate Toyota Alphard van, cash in Thai currency of more than 1.4 million baht, foreign currency in eight denominations and digital asset storage devices. A third raid at Liang People Thai Trading Co Ltd in Saphan Sung district resulted in the seizure of land and building tax records, invoices, data storage devices and files containing land title deeds and property sale agreements. At a fourth location, TA Law Firm Co Ltd in Supalai Grand Tower on Rama III Road, officers seized documents relating to company registrations. The fifth raid targeted a residence in The City Rama 9-Krungthep Kreetha development, where Mr Hao was arrested. Police seized numerous corporate registration documents, property sale agreements, land title deeds, bank books, company seals, 32 key cards linked to Life Asoke-Rama 9 condominium units and four electronic devices. Investigators believe Mr Hao headed the network and used a Thai law firm to arrange nominee shareholders and directors to conceal foreign control of multiple companies. During questioning, Mr Hao reportedly admitted funding the establishment of TA Law Firm Co Ltd and using two Thai women as nominee shareholders because he trusted them. He said he financed luxury home purchases for Chinese associates and received sales commissions of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 per cent. However, the suspects denied allegations relating to offences under Thailand’s foreign worker management legislation. Thaitabloid reported that authorities have transferred the suspects and seized evidence to ECD investigators for further examination. Police said the investigation will continue to identify and prosecute additional Thai and foreign individuals allegedly involved in the network. Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:38:38 +0000Panama City: You might now know about the cheaply refined gas they use. It ruins everything in your house/condo it was absolutely horrible.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:36:44 +0000LeftSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:32:19 +0000UPDATE Australian Runner Killed in Koh Samui Motorcycle CrashSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:32:15 +0000Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:31:15 +0000I had 2 high school friends from Belgrade (we are talking friends from late 80s eatly 90s) visit me in Bangkok just before I left. They both seemed genuinely happy living there, lots of friends, don't want to live anywhere else. Unfortunately I left just before I got drafted and still have some resentment towards the country. Aside from already speaking the language, I was looking into private healthcare costs and it is shockingly more affordable than Thailand. The women tho are another story. They usually don't like messing with foreigners especially Americans. It's considered "blam"..... something like cringe or embarrassment. It has always been like this, I don't know why.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:29:20 +0000Panama is not a place I recommend and yes, like Mexico it's too close to the U.S. so it's basically ruined. As I mentioned the weather there is just awful. Not worth the price. The only real beautiful place in up in Volcano/Boqette. If you live in David 100% your house will get robbed.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:29:12 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/australian-runner-killed-in-koh-samui-motorcycle-crash-r2316/Australian rising athletics star Jemma Stapleton, 25, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, after losing control of her bike on a rain-soaked road and sliding into oncoming traffic. The fatal collision occurred on the afternoon of 10 June on Thawirat Phakdi Road near the Lamai Zigzag Curve, a steep and winding section of road known for its challenging conditions. Get today's headlines by email CCTV footage released on 13 June captured the moments leading up to the crash. According to investigators, Stapleton’s motorcycle lost traction on the wet surface before sliding across the centre line into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Her body struck one of the vehicles with significant force before sliding along the road. The motorcycle also continued to slide before coming to rest near another vehicle. At the time of the crash, heavy rain had been falling continuously, leaving the road surface wet and slippery, with water flowing across parts of the carriageway. Medical personnel from Koh Samui Hospital attended the scene and carried out a preliminary examination. They found severe head injuries and multiple bruises across Stapleton’s body. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police investigations established that Stapleton had been riding ahead of her family, who were travelling behind her on several motorcycles. Family members present included her father, mother, twin brother, younger brother and his girlfriend. The family later informed authorities that they had no concerns regarding the circumstances of her death. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Officers from Bo Phut Police Station have gathered evidence from the crash scene, reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed the victim’s family, witnesses and the drivers of the three vehicles involved. Authorities said they will continue examining all evidence before issuing a detailed conclusion on the cause of the incident . Matichon reported that Stapleton’s death has caused deep sadness among her family, teammates and the Australian athletics community. She was regarded as a promising athlete with a bright future and had previously achieved notable results in national-level competitions in Australia. Caution video shows the crashScreenRecording_06-13-2026 19-14-24_1.mp4 Related story Australian-runner-dies-while-on-holiday-in-Koh-Samui Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:28:25 +0000Australian rising athletics star Jemma Stapleton, 25, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, after losing control of her bike on a rain-soaked road and sliding into oncoming traffic. The fatal collision occurred on the afternoon of 10 June on Thawirat Phakdi Road near the Lamai Zigzag Curve, a steep and winding section of road known for its challenging conditions. Get today's headlines by email CCTV footage released on 13 June captured the moments leading up to the crash. According to investigators, Stapleton’s motorcycle lost traction on the wet surface before sliding across the centre line into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Her body struck one of the vehicles with significant force before sliding along the road. The motorcycle also continued to slide before coming to rest near another vehicle. At the time of the crash, heavy rain had been falling continuously, leaving the road surface wet and slippery, with water flowing across parts of the carriageway. Medical personnel from Koh Samui Hospital attended the scene and carried out a preliminary examination. They found severe head injuries and multiple bruises across Stapleton’s body. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police investigations established that Stapleton had been riding ahead of her family, who were travelling behind her on several motorcycles. Family members present included her father, mother, twin brother, younger brother and his girlfriend. The family later informed authorities that they had no concerns regarding the circumstances of her death. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Officers from Bo Phut Police Station have gathered evidence from the crash scene, reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed the victim’s family, witnesses and the drivers of the three vehicles involved. Authorities said they will continue examining all evidence before issuing a detailed conclusion on the cause of the incident . Matichon reported that Stapleton’s death has caused deep sadness among her family, teammates and the Australian athletics community. She was regarded as a promising athlete with a bright future and had previously achieved notable results in national-level competitions in Australia. Caution video shows the crashScreenRecording_06-13-2026 19-14-24_1.mp4 Related story Australian-runner-dies-while-on-holiday-in-Koh-Samui Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 14 June 2026 View full articleSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:28:25 +0000Living in Thailand is starting to be a pain for me..but it has so many pros, especially the visa and cost of living. The loud motorbikes are driving me out, what a constant almost 24 hour nuisance!!! I'm having skin problems due to Pattaya Air Pollution. Face/Neck get very red and itchy I'm still trying to solve this. Someone told me it could be the Pattaya micro-climate mixture of salt air/extreme vehicle pollution. Laos sounds interesting, something I have to look into. I'm now thinking: Dec-Feb: Cheap Thailand Mar-May: Southern Spain June-Aug: Cheap Thailand Sep-Nov: Back to Europe or Middle East/Central AsiaSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:26:12 +0000The riposte to that is that its perfectly normal for an average 79 year old with a BMI of 29.7 to have medical issues. The problem with that do you really want a 79 year old with the typical health of a 79 year old as President. If you have a President of that age, you will likely want one in extraordinary health for his age, merely because of the odds of him dying or suffering a serious health emergency at a critical juncture.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:23:49 +0000Yeah I can see living in Panama City with enough money in a luxury high rise condo with sea view, run aircon all the time, and drive or Uber everywhere. Yeah many expats move to Boquette for the scenery and cool weather, Not for me and also it's getting more expensive "ruined" by too many expats. Panama City with it's migration history has a big Chinese food scene. There are even lots of Jews there.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:22:41 +0000Looking back, my snoring started years ago, as I crossed the threshold of 85 kg, and as you say, it is a vicious cycle. Currently I am trying hard to get back to that weight and under. So there is indeed the hope, that with reduction of visceral fat sending constant inflammation signals and the brain's neurons getting oxygen-starved which in turn increases inflammation leading to more fat buildup can be broken by simply loosing enough weight.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:22:03 +0000Correction -- Braga being in Northern Potugal does get coldish in winter.Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:18:28 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-police-present-anti-scam-model-at-fbi-event-in-thailand-r2315/Thailand has hosted the 26th FBI NAA Asia Pacific Chapter Retraining Conference, bringing together global law enforcement leaders to tackle cross-border cybercrime and scam networks. The forum highlights coordinated efforts to strengthen regional security amid rising digital fraud threats. Get today's headlines by email Authorities from Thailand and partner nations including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States are expanding cooperation, alongside private sector partners such as Meta, which provides real-time data analysis and evidence support to track criminal networks. The discussions focus on transnational scam centres, online fraud and rapidly evolving cyber threats. Officials said real-time intelligence sharing has already improved arrests and disruption of scam networks across regional operations. Pol Lt Gen Achan Kraithong, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and conference media lead, described cybercrime networks as industrial-scale organisations operating across borders. He said Thailand is a frontline base for such networks, with more than 1.3 million cases recorded over the past four years, causing nearly 100 billion baht in losses and more than 600 people reportedly taking their own lives after financial ruin. He also warned of ransomware attacks, AI-driven deepfakes and drone-related criminal activity increasing in sophistication. Three operational strategies were outlined: targeting leadership and financial backers rather than only low-level operatives; strengthening international coordination with agencies such as the FBI, Interpol and Meta for real-time disruption; and separating victims of trafficking from offenders during enforcement operations to ensure humanitarian protection. Daily News reported that officials warned that future criminal networks are likely to decentralise into smaller buildings and community-based locations to avoid detection, while exploiting legal gaps to move digital assets rapidly across borders. They stressed that faster cross-border information sharing, harmonised legal frameworks and stronger public awareness are essential to counter evolving threats. They emphasised that cooperation with private technology firms will remain central to detecting and preventing large-scale fraud. Picture courtesy of Daily News Related stories FBI-praises-thailand-in-Bangkok-crime-talks FBI-conference-unites-26-nations-in-Bangkok Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 14 June 2026Sat, 13 Jun 2026 22:17:40 +0000