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Thailand News

All the latest news stories from Thailand are written in English. Fresh news and stories from around the kingdom brought to you daily.

Thailand Ranks Eighth Worldwide for Healthcare in 2026

Thailand has been ranked eighth in the world for the best healthcare systems in 2026, making it the highest-ranked country in ASEAN, according to the government. The announcement highlights the country’s healthcare quality, accessibility and affordability, with officials saying the result reflects effective management and broad access to medical services.

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Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalee Laksameesangchan announced the ranking on 3 July 2026. The result comes from a survey by Numbeo, described as the world’s largest cost of living database and a global crowdsourced platform that collects user-reported information on quality of life, including living costs, housing price indicators, perceived crime rates, healthcare quality, transport quality and other key statistics.

According to the survey, Taiwan ranked first with a score of 87.1, followed by South Korea on 82.9 and the Netherlands on 81.1. Japan ranked fourth with 80.1, Austria fifth with 78.9, Ecuador sixth with 77.7, Finland seventh with 77.6, Thailand eighth with 77.5, while Denmark and Spain shared ninth and tenth places respectively with scores of 77.2.

The government said Thailand’s healthcare system stands out for providing quality services at affordable prices, supported by efficient administration and widespread access to treatment. Officials pointed to the National Health Security Scheme, commonly known as the 30-baht universal healthcare programme, as a key factor in ensuring people can receive treatment across the country.

The spokesperson said the scheme is supported by both high-standard public and private hospitals and aims to provide comprehensive and equal access to healthcare. Thai citizens are entitled to free medical treatment covering everything from common illnesses to chronic diseases and high-cost conditions, using only their national identification card to access services.

ThaiRath reported that the government also said the survey reinforces Thailand’s reputation as a leading destination for medical tourism. Officials said the country’s combination of accessible healthcare, quality medical facilities and broad treatment coverage continues to attract international visitors seeking medical care.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 4 July 2026
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Police Detain 4 Chinese Nationals on Bus in Chumphon

Thai police in Chumphon have detained four Chinese nationals found travelling on a long-distance public bus without passports or valid immigration documents. The group was intercepted on the Bangkok to Sungai Kolok route during a highway checkpoint operation, leading to immediate questioning and transfer for legal proceedings.

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Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working with Highway Police Division 2, stopped the passenger coach at the Tha Sae service area in Tha Sae district after receiving intelligence from an informant. The tip suggested that a group of Chinese men suspected of irregular entry was travelling south towards the border region.

During inspection, the four men were found to hold valid bus tickets but were unable to produce passports or any documents confirming legal entry into Thailand. The individuals were identified as Niu Ming, 36, Ji Po, 18, Wang Yi, 18, and Jai Chan Po, 25, all Chinese nationals.

Police confirmed the group was charged with being foreign nationals entering and remaining in the Kingdom of Thailand without permission. They were taken into custody at the checkpoint and later transferred to Tha Sae Police Station for further legal processing.

According to investigators, the operation was carried out under the direction of senior officers within the Central Investigation Bureau and Highway Police Command. The coordinated stop formed part of wider efforts to detect irregular migration along key transport routes in southern Thailand.

Initial inquiries suggested possible links between the detained individuals and an online scam network operating in the region, although authorities stressed that no additional charges relating to organised crime have yet been filed. Investigators are currently examining potential connections to facilitators who may have assisted in their entry and southbound travel.

Police said the case remains under active investigation, with further questioning underway to establish how the group entered Thailand without documentation and whether they were being moved as part of a wider trafficking or criminal network.

Amarin reported that authorities added that follow-up action will focus on tracing any individuals or groups involved in transporting or harbouring the suspects, as well as mapping potential cross-border links.


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 4 July 2026
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Tourists Apologise After Using Pattaya Offering as Prop

Two foreign tourists have apologised after unknowingly using a coconut left as a spiritual offering as a photo prop on Pattaya Beach. A video of the incident, filmed by a local resident, has since gone viral on social media after highlighting a cultural misunderstanding rather than an act of deliberate disrespect.

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The incident emerged after a Facebook user shared a 45-second video showing the pair picking up a coconut that had been placed beneath a small tree along Pattaya South Beach before posing for photographs with it. The footage attracted widespread attention online, prompting discussion about local customs and respect for cultural traditions.

Reporters visited the location on July 2, and found that local residents regularly leave coconuts, sweets and red soft drinks beneath the tree as offerings to local guardian spirits. The spot is also well known as a popular location for both Thai and foreign tourists to take photographs.



According to Khaosod, the tourists were unaware that the coconut had been left as an offering and had no intention of causing offence. They simply used it as a photography prop while visiting the beach.

Wannachai, the 35-year-old man who recorded the video, said he had earlier noticed a group of four to five foreign tourists resting beneath the tree. After seeing one of them pick up the coconut and carry it onto the beach for photographs, he decided to record what was happening on his mobile phone.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

When the tourists returned, Wannachai used a translation application to explain that the coconut had been left as a spiritual offering. He said the visitors appeared surprised after learning the significance of the object.

The tourists apologised and said they had been unaware of the local custom. They also asked for forgiveness in Russian before returning the coconut to its original place beneath the tree.

Khaosod reported that the incident has drawn attention to the importance of understanding local traditions at popular tourist destinations. While the video attracted significant interest online, the exchange ended amicably after the misunderstanding was explained.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaigov 4 July 2026
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Thai Woman Reports Indian Boyfriend Over Visa Overstay

A 28-year-old Indian man has been arrested in Nonthaburi after a 34-year-old Thai civil servant accused him of deceiving her into supporting him financially for almost three years following their meeting on a dating app. Immigration officers also found that he had overstayed his permission to stay by 1,201 days.

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The arrest took place on 3 July at a condominium in Wat Chalo, Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi. Police identified the suspect as Mr Gurvinder Singh, who was charged with remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired. Immigration records showed that his permission expired on 19 March 2023.

The investigation began after the woman, identified only as Ms Dao, 34, reported the matter to Nonthaburi Immigration. She told officers she met Mr Singh around three years ago through a dating application while he was living in Singapore.

According to Ms Dao, Mr Singh claimed to come from a wealthy, high-caste Indian family and said he had studied in several countries, including Canada, Russia and Cyprus. He also told her he was studying tourism in Singapore while working part-time, leading her to believe he was financially secure.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

After several months of online conversations, Mr Singh travelled from Singapore to Thailand and moved into Ms Dao’s condominium in Nonthaburi. She alleged that once he arrived, he refused to find work, gradually stopped helping with household chores, became short-tempered and relied entirely on her income to cover all living expenses throughout the nearly three years they lived together.

Feeling she was being taken advantage of, Ms Dao asked immigration officers to check Mr Singh’s legal status in Thailand. She also warned others using dating applications to carefully verify people they meet online and avoid trusting strangers too quickly, adding that she has since deleted the app.

Mr Singh told officers he came to Thailand after completing his studies in Singapore because he did not want to return to India. He said Ms Dao had invited him to Thailand and later warned him not to seek employment because he might be arrested by police, which he claimed was why he stayed at home. He said he initially lived on savings brought from Singapore until the money ran out.

Mr Singh also said his mother owns a trucking business and several rental properties in India but had cut ties with him and refused to provide financial support. He maintained that he still loved Ms Dao and insisted he had never assaulted her.

Daily News reported that after questioning, officers from Nonthaburi Immigration transferred Mr Singh to Bang Kruai Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities said he will be deported from Thailand after the legal process is completed.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 4 July 2026
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Aussie Murder Suspect Faces Thai Compensation Talks

Australian truck driver Simon Carman, 45, could receive a substantially reduced prison sentence if he is convicted of murdering Thai teenager Tunchanok Donhomla, 17, in Pattaya and reaches a compensation agreement with her family under Thai law. Carman is being held at Pattaya Remand Prison after being charged with murder following the discovery of the teenager’s body, concealed in a suitcase left in long grass near railway tracks.

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Carman, from Perth’s southern suburbs, was arrested at Bangkok’s main international airport, while police alleged he was preparing to leave Thailand on a flight to Australia. He denies murdering Tunchanok, known as Cake, and claims he acted in self-defence. Police have said their investigation remains ongoing.

According to police sources cited by the Daily Mail, discussions over financial compensation for the victim’s parents, Thongchai Donhomla and Oradee Bussarakum, are expected to form part of the legal process. The sources stressed that compensation does not prevent prosecution, but may be considered by the court alongside a guilty plea and expressions of remorse when deciding any sentence.

One police source said the family could be asked what level of compensation they would accept, with negotiations continuing until an agreement is reached. The source gave one million baht, about AU$43,000, as an example figure, noting it represents around eight years’ wages for someone earning the provincial minimum wage per day.



The same source claimed that a guilty plea could reduce a sentence by 50 per cent, while a compensation agreement accepted by the victim’s family could carry significant weight during sentencing. They suggested that, in such circumstances, a convicted offender could potentially be released after as little as seven years. Under Thai law, however, compensation alone does not guarantee a reduced sentence, with the final decision resting with the court.

Prison officials told the Daily Mail that Carman has shown no visible emotion since his arrest and has not received visits from family, friends or members of the local expatriate community. He has been transferred to the hospital wing of Pattaya Remand Prison and is being housed separately from the main prison population for safety reasons.

The Daily Mall reported that authorities said Carman can be held at Pattaya Remand Prison for up to 84 days while detectives continue gathering evidence. Police have stated that he is cooperating with the investigation.


Pictures courtesy of Daily Mail

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 4 July 2026
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Indonesia Agency Seizes 3.37t of Cannabis From Thailand

Indonesian authorities have seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds in East Java, in a major cross-border drug operation linked to shipments originating from Thailand. The haul was discovered during an operation conducted by Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency, which said the drugs were intended for distribution across major cities including Jakarta and Bali.

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According to spokesman Suyudi Ario Seto, the cannabis buds were intercepted this week, with officials confirming they had been smuggled into the country concealed in suitcases and rubber goods packaging. Authorities said the narcotics were likely destined for use in the production of cannabis-infused e-cigarette liquids, a growing concern for law enforcement in the region.

The agency stated that the seizure forms part of a wider investigation carried out between 29 June and 1 July. During this period, officers expanded operations across multiple locations in Indonesia as they tracked a suspected transnational trafficking network believed to have only recently been established.

Officials confirmed that 12 individuals have been detained in connection with the case. The group is reported to include foreign nationals, and investigators are continuing to assess the structure and international links of the network, including its supply chain connections to Thailand.

Authorities highlighted that Indonesia maintains some of the strictest drug laws in the region. The case has drawn attention to the country’s long-standing enforcement stance, including the 2015 executions of two Australian members of the so-called “Bali Nine” group for heroin smuggling offences.

Amarin reported that officials have not yet disclosed the identities of those arrested or detailed any formal charges, but confirmed that investigations are ongoing across several cities. Further raids and arrests have not been ruled out as authorities attempt to dismantle the wider trafficking operation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 4 July 2026
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Chonburi Raids Target Pattaya Villa Nominee Network

Chonburi authorities launched coordinated raids across six locations in Pattaya on 3 July 2026 as part of an investigation into suspected foreign nominee businesses, uncovering an unlicensed luxury pool villa operation and seizing 20 cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Four Chinese nationals found renting one of the villas were detained for questioning as officers expanded their investigation into the source of the gas and possible legal violations.

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The operation began at 9.30am under the direction of Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong, alongside Deputy Provincial Clerk Khwanruen Srichan, Bang Lamung District Chief Anusak Piriyom, military, police, immigration, land office, revenue and commerce officials. Officers simultaneously searched six locations in Pattaya after investigators gathered evidence suggesting foreign investors were operating businesses through suspected Thai nominees.

One of the main targets was a housing estate in Soi Bongkot, South Pattaya, where investigators executed a search warrant at a company believed to be linked to Chinese investors. The development contained 21 high-end houses, each with a private swimming pool, which were being rented out daily as pool villas despite lacking a hotel licence. Authorities also found the properties had been approved only for residential use rather than commercial accommodation.



Investigators seized booking records, company registration documents and financial accounts to examine money trails and identify the true beneficiaries of the business. Officials said legal action would follow if evidence showed Thai nationals had been used as nominees to hold shares or property on behalf of foreign investors.

During the inspection, Governor Narit discovered cylinders of nitrous oxide placed beside a glass wall on the balcony of one villa occupied by four Chinese nationals. A detailed search recovered 20 laughing gas cylinders, some of which had already been emptied. The cylinders were seized and the four occupants were taken to Chonburi Immigration for further questioning after initially telling investigators they had purchased the gas through WeChat for personal use.

Governor Narit said preliminary findings also suggested some Thai shareholders listed in suspected companies held shares worth between 70 and 80 million baht despite occupations that appeared inconsistent with such investments. Those cases will be examined further, and the Ministry of Commerce will file complaints where offences are identified.

The governor also revealed that authorities are investigating around 349 companies across Chonburi suspected of illegally holding land through foreign-controlled entities. If violations are confirmed, owners may be ordered to dispose of the land, with properties potentially auctioned if they fail to comply within 180 days.

He warned Thai nationals against acting as nominees for foreign investors, saying such offences carry prison terms and fines, while providing false information to assist foreign ownership could also result in criminal charges. He added that the province supports legitimate foreign investment but will take firm action against businesses operating without licences or allowing premises to be used for illegal activities.


Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 4 July 2026
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Thailand Tightens Airport Security Nationwide

Thailand will introduce tougher airport security measures based on a Zero Trust approach after a Thai airline cabin crew member was detained in Australia over alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The government said the case should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a catalyst to strengthen aviation security across the entire air travel system.

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Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on 3 July 2026 that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had closely followed the case and ordered a review of existing airport screening procedures. Deputy Transport Minister Phattharaphong Phatprasit reported that aviation and security agencies had agreed on new measures following a meeting involving the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Customs, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Airports of Thailand (AOT), and Thai Airways International.

Under the new policy, all flight crew, pilots, airline staff and other personnel will be subject to the same security screening standards as passengers, with no exceptions. Authorities will also increase the use of K9 detection dogs on both arriving and departing flights, particularly on higher-risk routes and at higher-risk times.

For destinations or routes requiring enhanced security, passengers, crew and baggage will undergo an additional screening process at departure gates before boarding. Background checks and drug screening for staff working in passenger terminals, cargo facilities, warehouses and restricted airport areas will also be strengthened.

The government will further expand intelligence sharing between the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Justice, police, Customs, the ONCB and other security agencies. Officials said the aim is to move beyond relying solely on physical inspections by using intelligence and risk analysis to identify potential threats.

In the longer term, authorities plan to strengthen airport screening and monitoring through wider use of advance passenger information, biometric systems, linked databases and additional training for security staff to recognise evolving smuggling methods. Officials believe these measures will improve detection capabilities and strengthen deterrence.

Ratchada said the government remains fully committed to tackling drug trafficking through border interdiction, dismantling criminal networks and closing vulnerabilities within Thailand’s transport system. Following the recent case, she said the government was determined to ensure Thailand is not used as a transit route for illegal drugs while maintaining confidence among the public and international partners.

The government statement reported that between 1 April and 10 June 2026, authorities recorded 59,609 drug-related arrests involving 61,685 suspects, seizing 272.79 million methamphetamine tablets, 17,729.83 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 276.77 kilograms of heroin and 2,639.32 kilograms of ketamine.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaigov 4 July 2026
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Thailand Revives Riviera Coastal Road Plan

Thailand’s Transport Ministry is reviving the long-delayed Thailand Riviera coastal road project, with funding for the remaining sections included in the draft Budget Expenditure Act for the 2027 fiscal year. The tourism-focused infrastructure scheme, first approved in 2006, is intended to improve travel along the Gulf of Thailand coast, although only its first phase has been completed after more than 15 years of construction.
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The ministry plans to commission an 18 million baht consultancy contract to carry out a feasibility study and prepare a conceptual design for the Chumphon-Surat Thani-Nakhon Si Thammarat-Songkhla section. A further 21 million baht has been proposed for the survey and detailed design of the Sichon-Tha Sala section in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The Southern Coastal Road Project, widely known as the Thailand Riviera, was launched during the administration of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after the Cabinet approved the tourism development project for the upper southern coast on 7 February 2006. At the time, the scheme covered Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong with a total budget of 32.54 billion baht, following a proposal by then deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop.

The Department of Rural Roads carried out construction and improvement works between fiscal years 2009 and 2025. However, only Phase 1, a 515-kilometre route linking Samut Sakhon, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, has been completed.

The full Thailand Riviera project is planned to extend for 950 kilometres across the Gulf coast, linking Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. The remaining phases include a 150-kilometre stretch from Chumphon to Songkhla, a 200-kilometre section from Songkhla to Narathiwat, and an 85-kilometre route connecting Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.
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The Nation reported that if approved under the 2027 budget, the new studies and design work will mark the next stage in advancing the remaining phases of the coastal road. The government also continues to pursue a separate Thailand Riviera route along the Andaman coast, covering Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun over 600 kilometres, with that project currently undergoing a preliminary feasibility study.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 July 2026
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Russian Woman Dies After Phuket Condo Fall

A 31 year old Russian woman died after falling from the eighth floor of a condominium in Kathu district, Phuket, on July 2. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

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Officers from Kathu Police Station were called to the condominium in Kathu subdistrict at about 1.35pm after receiving reports that a foreign woman had fallen from the building. Rescue workers and a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital also attended the scene.

Police found the woman’s body beside the condominium building. Her 31 year old Russian husband, who was at the scene with their one year old son, told officers the couple had argued before she left their eighth-floor room.



According to the husband, he was later informed that she had fallen from the building. Police have not confirmed the circumstances leading to the fall and said their investigation remains ongoing.

Initial police inquiries found that the couple had argued over financial problems and overstaying their permission to remain in Thailand. Investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the case to establish exactly what happened.



Khaosod reported that authorities have also contacted the Russian Embassy to assist with the necessary legal procedures. No further details have been released while the investigation continues, with police reviewing CCTV and questioning witnesses.

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 Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026
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Driver Held Over Flight Attendant’s Parcel Delivery

Police have detained the driver who allegedly transported the parcel linked to Thai Airways flight attendant Mina, who was arrested in Australia in a heroin trafficking investigation. The 59-year-old man from Ayutthaya admitted driving the package to Mina’s condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Na district on June 22, but claimed he had simply been hired by a foreign-looking man to provide transport.

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The investigation forms part of a wider probe ordered by National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet. Senior officers from the Royal Thai Police, the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau have been tasked with tracing everyone connected to the case after the flight attendant was arrested overseas with illegal drugs.

Investigators said CCTV footage showed a man wearing a long-sleeved jacket and a hood concealing his head delivering the parcel to Mina’s condominium. The suspect arrived in a Toyota car, which police later traced to the 59-year-old driver.

Police discovered the driver has a criminal record dating back to 1997, when he was arrested while transporting 10,000 methamphetamine tablets from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. He was originally sentenced to life imprisonment before serving a reduced 20-year prison term.

During questioning at the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Narcotics Suppression Operations Centre, the driver admitted taking the parcel to Mina’s condominium on June 22. He told investigators he had been hired by a foreign-looking man, who travelled with him in the vehicle, and said they had also delivered another parcel to a woman in the Soi Suea Yai area before visiting Mina’s condominium for the first time.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom said officers later located the Toyota at a garage in Ayutthaya, where it was awaiting a windscreen replacement. The vehicle has been seized and transferred to the Metropolitan Police Bureau for forensic examination as investigators continue gathering evidence.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj Gen Thiradet Thamsuthee said financial investigations confirmed Mina received a total of 3,400 baht for carrying the package. The payment was split into a 1,700-baht deposit and a further 1,700 baht transferred on the day she was due to depart on her flight.

Komchadluek reported that police said further details of the investigation cannot yet be disclosed because they could affect efforts to identify other members of the suspected trafficking network. Forensic officers will examine the seized vehicle while investigators continue questioning the driver to establish the identities of all those involved.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 3 July 2026
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Thai Police Arrest Couple in Melbourne Heroin Probe

Thai police have arrested a husband and wife in Loei province as part of an expanding investigation into an alleged transnational drug network linked to a Thai Airways flight attendant arrested in Australia. The case centres on the seizure of approximately 1 kilogram of heroin allegedly concealed in the flight attendant’s luggage at Melbourne Airport.

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The arrests are directly connected to the investigation involving the Thai Airways crew member, identified in Thai reports as Mina, who was detained by Australian police at Melbourne Airport. Following her arrest, Thai authorities broadened their inquiry to identify the person who had allegedly sent the parcel linked to the case.

Police investigators in Loei worked alongside the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and other police units to trace those suspected of involvement. At about 1pm on Thursday, July 2, investigators from Chiang Khan Police Station visited a house in That subdistrict of Chiang Khan district after learning that Athit, 43, and his wife, Thatsaphon, 42, were linked to an address in Pak Tom subdistrict.

The couple were not found at the property. Officers later discovered they had been hired to tap rubber in Erawan district, prompting ONCB officers and Loei provincial police investigators to continue their search.

Athit was eventually located at Wat Tham Pha Mak Ho in Sri Songkhram subdistrict of Wang Saphung district, where he was working on a temple roof. He was taken to Erawan Police Station for questioning.

During the initial inquiry, police said Athit admitted being paid to send parcels to Bangkok on six occasions for a Lao national. Investigators stated that three parcels had been sent through a parcel service in Chiang Khan, with two dispatched from Ban That in That subdistrict and one from Erawan district.

Police said Athit allegedly received 8,000 baht for each delivery. The most recent parcel was reportedly sent on June 28, 2026.

Officers later detained Thatsaphon, a Lao national and Athit’s wife, after locating a black Mitsubishi Triton pickup with Loei registration parked in a rubber plantation in the Pha Nang-Pha Koeng area of Pha In Plaeng subdistrict in Erawan district. She was taken to Erawan Police Station for questioning.

The Nation reported that during the preliminary inquiry, Thatsaphon denied any involvement in or knowledge of the alleged drug operation. Thai authorities have not announced any further arrests, and the investigation into the suspected transnational narcotics network remains ongoing.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 July 2026
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Cambodian Man Sets Five Myanmar Workers Ablaze in Bangkok

Five Myanmar migrant workers suffered serious injuries after they were set on fire by a Cambodian man in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district in the early hours of 3 July, according to emergency responders. The attack took place inside Soi Punnawithi 12 in Bang Chak, prompting a major emergency response and the victims’ transfer to several hospitals.

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Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were called to the scene after receiving reports that several Myanmar workers had been attacked and set alight. On arrival, they found five people with severe burn injuries, comprising three men and two women, all identified as Myanmar nationals.

Emergency personnel provided immediate assistance before transporting the injured victims to multiple hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Authorities have not released details of their conditions beyond describing the injuries as serious.

Police identified the suspected attacker as a Cambodian man. Officers are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack. At this stage, investigators have not disclosed what led to the alleged assault or whether the suspect has been formally charged. Further details are expected once police complete initial interviews and gather evidence from the scene.

The incident has drawn a large emergency response due to the number of casualties and the severity of the injuries. Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation assisted alongside police in managing the aftermath and ensuring the victims received urgent medical care.

Daily News reported the investigation is ongoing, with officers working to establish the circumstances that preceded the attack and determine the suspect’s alleged motive. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as inquiries continue.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 3 July 2026

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Kalasin School Offers 5,500-Baht Teacher Salary

A primary school in Kalasin province has drawn widespread criticism after advertising a temporary English teaching position with a monthly salary of just 5,500 baht. Ban Non Yang School in Kuchinarai district, under the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 3, published the recruitment notice on 1 July 2026.

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The school is seeking one temporary employee to work as an assistant teacher and English teacher. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in English, while the advertised salary is fixed at 5,500 baht per month.

Applications are being accepted in person at the school’s personnel office from 1 to 7 July 2026, between 09:00 and 15:00. The school said applications would be accepted throughout the period, including weekends and public holidays.

The recruitment notice quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread debate over the level of pay being offered. Many users questioned whether the salary would be enough to support even a basic standard of living.

Commenters calculated that the monthly salary equates to around 275 baht per day based on a 20-day working month. Several argued that this is lower than the earnings of many daily labourers, while others said food delivery riders working only a few hours each day could earn more.

Some social media users also questioned whether the advertised wage complies with Thailand’s labour laws. The discussion has renewed attention on the pay and employment conditions of temporary teachers in the country’s public education system.

The advertisement has also reignited wider debate over funding for public education and the reliance on temporary teaching positions with relatively low salaries. While criticism has focused on the advertised pay, the recruitment notice itself remains open to applicants under the published conditions.

Khaosod reported that there has been no response from the school or the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 about the announcement. Applications will continue until 7 July 2026, after which the school is expected to proceed with its recruitment process for the temporary position.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026
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Vietnam Drug Suspects Arrested in Bangkok

Five Vietnamese nationals wanted in connection with a drug trafficking case in Vietnam have been arrested in Bangkok after officers from Thailand’s Immigration Bureau tracked them to two apartments in the Sukhumvit area.

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The arrests followed a request from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, made through its representatives in Thailand, seeking the deportation of three suspects, including Mr Tran, who is wanted on charges of illegally distributing narcotics in Vietnam. Thai immigration authorities had previously revoked Mr Tran’s visa and ordered investigators from Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division to locate him.

On 1 July 2026, senior Immigration Bureau officers, including Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, received a report that Mr Tran was staying at apartments in the Sukhumvit area. Investigators obtained a search warrant from the South Bangkok Criminal Court and searched two rooms.

Officers spent around one hour and 30 minutes knocking and waiting, on the first apartment door before it was opened. During that time, they reported hearing repeated toilet flushing. Inside, they found Mr Tran, Miss Thi, Miss Thi, and Mr Huy. Police seized 2.14 grams of ketamine contained in a zip-lock bag, drug-taking equipment and other items, totalling eight exhibits.



Investigators also found residue believed to be methamphetamine inside the toilet. Testing of the toilet water confirmed the presence of methamphetamine. During a search of the second apartment, officers found another Miss Thi along with drug paraphernalia.

Urine tests conducted on all five suspects returned positive results for methamphetamine. While officers were carrying out the operation, building management alerted them that items had been thrown from the building. Police recovered a stainless steel container and seven resealable bags, six of which contained methamphetamine tablets. The items were seized as evidence while investigators work to identify their owner and source.

Suspects one to three were charged with jointly possessing a Category 2 narcotic (ketamine) without permission and using a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine). The fourth suspect faces the same charges, together with remaining in Thailand after permission to stay had expired. The fifth suspect was charged with using methamphetamine.

All five were handed over to investigators at Lumpini Police Station for legal proceedings. Following any court rulings in Thailand, authorities said those wanted by Vietnam would be deported to face the outstanding drug trafficking charges there.

Thaitabloid reported that The Immigration Bureau urged members of the public to report foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity to local immigration offices or via the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.


Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 3 July 2026
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Thai Court Jails Four Doctors in Surrogacy Case

Bangkok Criminal Court has sentenced four obstetricians to prison terms ranging from 10 years 6 months to 15 years in a major surrogacy and commercial egg trafficking case, following a ruling delivered on 2 July 2026. The court found the defendants guilty of involvement in an international criminal network operating surrogacy arrangements for commercial gain.

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According to the case details, the network was linked to Chinese investor Zhao Ran and was uncovered after police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division arrested suspects in February 2020. The operation involved recruiting Thai women to act as surrogate mothers or egg donors, with payments of around 400,000 to 450,000 baht per person.

Procedures such as embryo implantation were carried out in Laos or Cambodia, after which the women returned to Thailand for antenatal care at private hospitals and were housed by the Chinese-backed group in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok before travelling to China for delivery.

The court said obstetricians in the case were aware that surrogacy for commercial purposes and egg trading were illegal and breached medical ethics, yet facilitated the process by treating human bodies as commodities for profit. It also found that agents and doctors operated at different levels of the organisation, with serious impacts on children born through the arrangements, who were deprived of traditional family upbringing and faced long-term emotional harm. The court applied sentence reductions of one quarter due to partially useful testimony but stressed the gravity of the offences.

Amarin reported that the sentences varied among the defendants, with doctor 1 receiving 15 years, doctor 2 13 years, doctor 3 10 years 6 months, and doctor 4 13 years 6 months. Other defendants received terms between 4 years 6 months and 13 years 6 months, while two defendants were acquitted. In a related ruling, Zhao Ran and his associates were previously sentenced to 50 years imprisonment. Further legal proceedings may continue as the convicted parties retain the right to appeal.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026
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Thai Drug Agency Seizes Heroin Bound for Australia

Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized heroin concealed inside silk clothing, local handicrafts, coffee packets and winter jackets that was destined for Australia and Taiwan. The drugs were hidden in international parcels intercepted during an operation involving the ONCB and partner agencies, with investigators linking the network back to the Golden Triangle.

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Speaking at the ONCB headquarters on 2 July 2026, ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol said the latest seizures followed an earlier operation on 30 June. Officers intercepted two parcels in Bangkok containing heroin hidden inside local products and bound for Australia.

Investigators traced the latest parcels to Loei province, where they found they had been dispatched on 1 July. ONCB officers immediately inspected a parcel delivery shop in Loei and discovered that three more packages with similar characteristics to those that had already been distributed to two locations in Bangkok.

At the first location in Bang Kapi district, officers seized two parcels containing 6.23kg of heroin hidden inside silk clothing. The packages were destined for Taiwan.



At the second location on Rang Nam Road in Ratchathewi district, officers seized one parcel containing 9.98kg of heroin concealed inside coffee packets and winter jackets. That shipment was destined for Australia.

Further investigation found that the suspected organiser of the Australian-bound shipments is a Thai national wanted under an arrest warrant issued in Tak province for fraud. According to investigators, the suspect directed the operation from Australia.

Officers expanded the investigation by raiding three locations in Loei and Nakhon Phanom linked to the parcel shipments and bank accounts used to receive transport payments. A suspect involved in dispatching the parcels told investigators that he and his Lao wife had delivered the packages on two occasions after collecting them from a Lao man. Payment for the work was transferred into his wife’s bank account. Authorities are also looking at possible connections with the Thai Airways hostess arrested in Australia.

Pol Lt Col Suriya said Thailand’s border with the Golden Triangle, a major production area for methamphetamine, crystal meth, heroin and ketamine, together with the country’s extensive transport links by road, air, sea and international postal services, makes close cooperation between domestic and international agencies essential in disrupting drug trafficking networks.

Khaosod reported that he said authorities will continue investigating the wider trafficking network and pursue legal action against everyone connected to the operation. Members of the public with information about drug offences are encouraged to contact the ONCB hotline on 1386, with officials stating that all reports will remain strictly confidential.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026
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Man Rescued From Water Tank In Khon Kaen

A heavily intoxicated man was rescued in Khon Kaen, Thailand, after climbing into a water tank and falling asleep inside. Police were alerted at 11:30am on 2 July 2026, after residents reported a man inside the tank in an alley off Phimphasut Road in Khon Kaen municipality.

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When officers and rescue workers arrived, they found the unidentified man standing upright and asleep, wedged in the tank with only his head above the rim and unresponsive despite repeated attempts to wake him.

Rescuers drained the water from the tank and the man fell to the bottom still asleep. They then carefully tipped it onto its side to pull the man out safely. After regaining consciousness, the man walked to the road and rode away on his motorcycle. There is no report explaining why no officers stopped him, despite being clearly intoxicated.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A local resident, Montakarn Buathong, 44, said workers behind her home discovered the man inside the tank and initially feared he had died because he was motionless. She said he later told rescuers as he walk to his motorcycle that he had been drinking heavily before parking his motorcycle near the alley, climbing over a fence, opening the tank lid and getting inside to sleep.

Khaosod reported that residents said the man was fortunate to survive, noting that if he had lost his balance and fallen into the water inside the tank, he could have drowned.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 3 July 2026
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Ex-Son-in-Law Admits Triple Murder in Nakhon Sawan

Police in Nakhon Sawan have uncovered the bodies of three family members buried in a cassava field in Phaisali district after an investigation into their disappearance. Officers have arrested the victims’ former son-in-law in Chon Buri, and he has reportedly confessed to killing his former father-in-law, mother-in-law and ex-wife.

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The case began after the three victims disappeared from their home in Ban Mai Waree Yen, Village 8, Phaisali subdistrict, Phaisali district, Nakhon Sawan. Investigators found evidence suggesting an intruder had entered the property and cut the home’s CCTV system before the family vanished.

The family’s pickup truck was last seen in Khlong Ha, Pathum Thani province, providing investigators with an important lead during the search. As enquiries continued, officers from Phaisali Police Station searched a cassava field owned by the victims.

Police discovered freshly disturbed ground covered with leaves, prompting them to call forensic officers from the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Police forensic unit. The investigation led to the recovery of the three bodies buried at the site.

Police later detained the prime suspect, identified as the victims’ former son-in-law, in Chon Buri province. According to initial reports, he admitted carrying out the killings.

The suspect reportedly told investigators the motive stemmed from family conflicts and disputes over the victims’ property and assets. No further details regarding the alleged dispute have been released.

Major General Narewit Sukonthawit, commander of the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Police, travelled to the scene and is personally overseeing the investigation and witness interviews.

ThaiRath reported that the investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering evidence and conducting further questioning. Authorities have not yet released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the killings.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 3 July 2026
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Uzbek Men Held With Cannabis at Phuket Airport

Two Uzbek nationals have been arrested at Phuket International Airport after customs officers discovered large quantities of cannabis in their luggage as they prepared to leave Thailand.

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The arrests were made on 1 July 2026 during baggage inspections carried out by customs officials at Phuket International Airport in cooperation with other agencies. Officers said both men were attempting to take cannabis products out of the country without completing the required customs procedures.

The first suspect was identified as Mr Jalilboyevich Bunyodboy Juraboev, 26, a citizen of Uzbekistan. During an inspection in the Baggage Inspection Room (BIR) on the first floor of the international departures terminal, officials selected two of his four suitcases for further examination.

Inside the luggage, officers found 30 vacuum-sealed packages containing dried cannabis flower with a total gross weight of 9.8 kilograms. They also discovered 14 processed cannabis bars with a combined gross weight of 1.03 kilograms.



The second suspect, Mr Mukhiddinovich Nursayid Mukhiddinov, also 26 and also a citizen of Uzbekistan, was stopped separately after his luggage was examined in the Baggage Inspection Room.

Authorities said they found 30 packages of dried cannabis flower weighing a total of 9.8 kilograms, eight bags of cannabis resin with a combined gross weight of 4.1 kilograms, and additional processed cannabis products consisting of one package, five bars and nine blocks with a total gross weight of 2 kilograms.

Officials invited both passengers, identified as the owners of the luggage, to witness the searches. According to authorities, the men acknowledged ownership of the suitcases and consented to the inspections, which confirmed the suspicious items previously detected by X-ray screening.

Both suspects have been charged with attempting to export goods from Thailand without completing customs formalities under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017). They also face offences under Thailand’s narcotics legislation and the Ministry of Public Health regulations governing controlled herbs, including cannabis.

Amarin reported that following the arrests, the two men and all seized items were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings. The case is being supervised by Pol Col Salan Santisatsanakul, chief of Sakhu Police Station, with investigating officers continuing the case in accordance with Thai law.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026
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Thai Visa-Free List Updated for 35 Destinations

The Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its 2026 list of countries and territories offering visa-free entry to holders of ordinary Thai passports. The revised list includes 35 destinations where Thai travellers can enter without applying for a visa, subject to each country’s entry conditions.

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The permitted length of stay varies widely depending on the destination, ranging from 14 days to as long as 365 days. Some countries also offer visa-free entry only on a temporary basis, while others apply specific conditions to the exemption.

The updated guidance reminds travellers that visa-free arrangements are determined by the destination country and may change without notice. As a result, travellers are advised to confirm the latest entry requirements before every trip.

The Department of Consular Affairs recommends checking with the embassy of the destination country in Thailand or contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date information before departure. This is particularly important for destinations where visa exemptions are temporary or subject to additional conditions.

While the updated list provides greater clarity for Thai passport holders planning overseas travel in 2026, travellers remain responsible for ensuring they meet all entry requirements set by the country they intend to visit. These may include limits on the length of stay, permitted purposes of travel, or other immigration conditions.

The department stressed that visa-free entry does not guarantee admission, as final approval is granted by immigration authorities in the destination country. Travellers should therefore verify all requirements before travelling to avoid unexpected changes that could affect their plans.

Summary of 35 countries and territories that Thais can visit visa-free in 2026

Georgia: 365 days
Argentina: 90 days
Brazil: 90 days
Chile: 90 days
Ecuador: 90 days
Haiti: 90 days
Panama: 90 days
Peru: 90 days
Republic of Korea: 90 days
Cambodia: 60 days
Samoa: 60 days
China: 30 days
Hong Kong: 30 days
Indonesia: 30 days
Kazakhstan: 30 days
Kyrgyz Republic: 30 days
Laos: 30 days
Macau: 30 days
Mongolia: 30 days
Malaysia: 30 days
Maldives: 30 days
Philippines: 30 days
Russia: 30 days
Seychelles: 30 days
Singapore: 30 days
South Africa: 30 days
Tajikistan: 30 days
Timor-Leste: 30 days
Türkiye: 30 days
Vietnam: 30 days
Japan: 15 days, under a temporary measure from Tuesday (July 1, 2025) to Saturday (August 1, 2026)
Brunei: 14 days
Myanmar: 14 days, for travel through international airports only
Oman: 14 days
Taiwan: 14 days, under a temporary measure from Friday (August 1, 2025) to Friday (July 31, 2026)


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 3 July 2026
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French Fugitive Arrested in Phuket

A 29-year-old French national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice has been arrested in Phuket and is being prepared for extradition to Luxembourg, Thai police announced.

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The arrest took place on 2 July 2026 during a joint operation involving officers from the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division, the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division and Phuket Immigration. The operation was carried out under the direction of senior police officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Lertchai Jampathong, commander of the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division.

The suspect, identified as Mr Chirrane Yanis, a French citizen, was detained outside a hotel in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket. Authorities said he was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

According to police, Mr Yanis is wanted on multiple serious charges. These include membership of a criminal organisation, money laundering involving assets or proceeds derived from criminal activity, kidnapping, unlawful detention, hostage-taking, armed robbery committed by two or more offenders, as well as extortion and blackmail.

Following his arrest, officers transferred the suspect to Phuket Immigration for further legal procedures. Thai authorities said preparations are under way to extradite him to Luxembourg, where he is wanted to face the allegations.

The operation was led by officers including Acting Pol. Lt. Col. Theerachai Hasso, inspector attached to the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division, and Pol. Lt. Apirat Yanarat, deputy inspector from Investigation Division 1 of the same command. The arrest formed part of cooperation between regional police investigators and immigration authorities in locating internationally wanted fugitives.

The case highlights continued cooperation between Thai law enforcement agencies and international policing partners in executing Interpol Red Notices and processing extradition requests involving suspects accused of transnational organised crime.

Amarin reported that as the extradition process moves forward, the suspect will remain in the custody of Thai immigration authorities while the legal procedures required for his transfer to Luxembourg are completed.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026
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Police Seize Heroin Hidden in Cushions in Phrae

Police in Phrae have uncovered a heroin smuggling operation after nearly 5.8 kilogrammes of the drug was found concealed inside seat cushions destined for overseas shipment. The discovery has prompted renewed warnings for parcel forwarding businesses and members of the public to carefully inspect goods before agreeing to transport them.

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The case was disclosed by officers from Den Chai Police Station in Phrae, who revealed details of the seizure following an investigation that began on 15 May 2026. Investigators were alerted by an international parcel forwarding company after staff became suspicious of a shipment of 20 seat cushions that had been delivered for export.

The parcel company reported that each cushion weighed more than one kilogramme, making the total shipment unusually heavy. After opening the cushions, staff discovered white powder embedded in the fibre filling, with the substance falling out when the material was shaken. Police later confirmed the concealed drug was approximately 5,762 grammes of heroin, which was seized as evidence.



Investigators established that the shipment originated in Nakhon Phanom and had been arranged through a social media parcel forwarding service. The sender allegedly used a fake Thai identity card when dispatching the goods. The parcel company cooperated fully with police by providing communication records, payment information and shipment details to assist the investigation.

Den Chai Police warned that people accepting parcels for delivery, particularly those using online “carry” or forwarding services, should be alert to unusually high fees, sealed packages, excessive weight or requests made without clear information about the sender. Officers also advised against allowing others to use personal bank accounts or identities for shipping transactions and urged anyone who discovers suspicious items not to move or open them further before contacting police. Information relating to suspected drug offences can be reported to Den Chai Police Station or by calling the emergency number 191 at any time.

Police said the investigation identified that the suspect had used forged identification documents, but officers were able to obtain arrest warrants for two suspects.

Manager Online reported that authorities continue to investigate the wider trafficking operation and are working to identify any additional individuals connected to the smuggling network. Police have reiterated their appeal for parcel operators and the public to remain vigilant to prevent similar attempts to export illegal drugs.


Pictures courtesy of Manager Online

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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 3 July 2026
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Briton Found Dead, Stabbed at Pattaya Home

A 33-year-old British man was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside a house in Pattaya on the morning of 2 July 2026, while his 20-year-old British girlfriend was taken into police custody for questioning. Officers said they believe she was involved in the incident, although she denied killing him and claimed she could not remember what happened.

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Police were called at 10.30am to a single-storey house on Pornprapanimit Road (Soi Siam Country Club) in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Investigators found the body of Thomas David Powell in the shower area of the bathroom, with a pillow supporting his neck and a towel covering his body. He had suffered two stab wounds to his back and ribs, three to the front of his torso and one to his left hand. A knife found in the sink appeared to have been washed clean, leading investigators to suspect an attempt had been made to remove fingerprints and other evidence.

Inside the property, officers found Isabel Violet Carreras, 20, also a British national and the victim’s girlfriend. Police described her as appearing dazed, confused and giving inconsistent answers, at times crying and appearing detached from her surroundings. The house showed signs of a struggle, with bloodstains in several rooms and belongings scattered throughout. Investigators also found cannabis-smoking equipment, and officers reported a strong smell of cannabis inside the property.



Police said the couple had been together for about two years and planned to build a future together in Thailand. The woman told investigators they had gone to look at engagement rings before returning home and smoking cannabis together. She claimed she could not remember the events that followed and said the couple regularly used cannabis together.

Video recorded as officers entered the property showed police asking the woman, “You kill him?” She replied, “Why kill him?” and later answered, “No.” In the same footage, she claimed the victim had been under severe stress, taken about eight tablets and that the pair had been playing with knives. She alleged he accidentally cut his face and hand before saying, “Hope I don’t wake up in the morning,” and, “If I stab myself in the neck, everything will be over,” before claiming he injured himself despite her attempts to stop him.

Police said they did not believe her account because of inconsistencies between her statement, the pattern of the victim’s injuries and physical evidence at the scene. Investigators also cited CCTV footage which reportedly showed the victim running from the house while crying out in pain. Officers said only the couple were inside the house at the time of the incident.

As rescue workers removed Powell’s body, the couple’s dog, which had been confined in a cage outside, watched as its owner was taken away. The woman was allowed to say goodbye to the dog before being escorted away by police.

The body has been sent for a full post-mortem examination while forensic officers continue collecting evidence. Police are conducting further interviews and said charges will be filed once all available evidence has been reviewed.


Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 2 July 2026
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Six Monks Killed by 11-Year-Old Driver in Mukdahan Crash

An 11-year-old boy stole his parents’ pickup truck before crashing into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in Mukdahan province on 2 July, leaving six monks dead and many others injured.

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Police from Muang Mukdahan Police Station responded at approximately 11:00 to the crash on a road near Ban Na Wiang Kae in Na Si Nuan subdistrict, Muang district, Mukdahan. A bronze-gold pickup truck bearing registration from Mukdahan struck a group of monks who were walking on a religious pilgrimage.

Five monks died at the scene, while seven others suffered serious injuries and a further 20 sustained minor injuries. Emergency responders transported the injured to Mukdahan Hospital and nearby hospitals, where one of the seriously injured monks later died, bringing the total death toll to six.



According to investigators, the boy’s grandmother, 72-year-old Thong Yoon, said her grandson, identified only as “A” to protect his identity, is an 11-year-old child with special needs. She said he had taken the pickup truck from the family home earlier that morning without permission, and she did not know where he intended to go.



The grandmother told police that she alerted officers after discovering the vehicle had been taken. Authorities attempted to intercept the pickup after reports that the boy had driven through the Na Kham Noi checkpoint while heading towards Mukdahan city.


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The vehicle later crashed into the group of monks at Ban Na Wiang Kae, causing multiple fatalities and injuries. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision.

Authorities said they will question all those connected with the case before deciding on any legal action. The investigation is continuing to establish the full sequence of events and determine the appropriate legal procedures.

Caution video shows aftermath of crash

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 2 July 2026
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