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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.

Authorities Detain Chinese Activist Zhang Xin Yan in Bangkok

Thai authorities have detained activist Zhang Xin Yan in Bangkok on 9 May 2026, amid claims she may face deportation proceedings to China. She was reportedly held on immigration-related grounds, including alleged visa overstay and unauthorised work and is currently in the custody of the Immigration Bureau pending further legal process.

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According to reports, Zhang, aged 55, is a democracy activist linked to the Hong Kong Parliament group. She is wanted by Hong Kong police under national security allegations, with a reported reward of HK$200,000 offered for information leading to her arrest. Her Chinese passport was reportedly revoked, and she was later issued a refugee certificate by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Bangkok, valid for two years until 2 January next year.

She has been living in Thailand without recognised nationality status and has reportedly been involved in online media work, including hosting a YouTube interview channel. Thai authorities are said to be processing his case under domestic immigration law, as the country is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Human rights advocate Sunai Phasuk, adviser to Human Rights Watch Thailand, posted on X warning that any forced return could place Zhang at serious risk and may breach international obligations, including Thailand’s Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance laws. The Hong Kong Parliament group issued a statement describing the arrest as part of a wider pattern of transnational repression and urged Thai authorities not to deport her to mainland China, citing fears for her safety.

Chinese media reported that Hong Kong national security authorities are seeking her return as part of an ongoing case against multiple individuals accused under national security legislation. The reports also highlighted legal complexity, noting that Thailand has no extradition treaty with Hong Kong but does have a bilateral extradition agreement with China, which could affect proceedings.

Amarin reported that Zhang remains in immigration detention and is expected to be brought before court as authorities consider next steps, including possible deportation. Advocacy groups are calling for intervention from international bodies, including UNHCR, while legal uncertainty remains over her status as a recognised refugee document holder versus immigration violations under Thai law.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 10 May 2026
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Asos Co-Founder Dies After Pattaya Phone Row

Quentin Griffiths, the co-founder of online fashion retailer ASOS, died after falling 225ft from the balcony of his 17th-floor penthouse in Pattaya, Thailand, on February 9. Thai police concluded the 58-year-old took his own life, citing CCTV footage, a locked apartment door and no signs of a struggle.

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Griffiths was last seen entering the Elysium Residences building carrying a red briefcase after parking his McLaren supercar in the garage below. Security footage showed him greeting staff normally before taking the lift to his apartment.

A witness has now claimed she heard Griffiths involved in an angry phone argument shortly before his death. Kluay, who owns a sushi restaurant about 50 yards from the building, said she heard shouting and repeated use of the F-word around 8pm.

She said the argument lasted several minutes before silence fell for about five minutes. She then heard Griffiths scream as he fell from the balcony. Kluay later learned the man who died was Griffiths, whom she recognised as the driver of a sports car often seen in the area. She said he always appeared sad when he drove past her restaurant.

Police superintendent Colonel Anek Sathongyu said investigators found no evidence of foul play and have closed the case. Photographs from inside the apartment reportedly showed an open balcony door, a wicker chair positioned near the glass balustrade and a nearly empty bottle of red wine beside a sofa.

The officer said Griffiths had been drinking heavily due to pressure from ongoing legal and personal disputes. He added that police were not investigating the identity of the person involved in the alleged final phone call.

At the time of his death, Griffiths was appealing an 18-month prison sentence handed down in October after he was convicted of falsifying documents to remove his ex-wife, Thai businesswoman Ploy Kringsinthanakun, as a director of a property company. He had reportedly been due to meet her lawyers the following week to discuss a financial settlement of about GBP500,000.

Griffiths was also facing demands from a Chinese businessman linked to the unlawful sale of a villa. According to friends, the businessman was seeking the return of about GBP1 million.

Friends described Griffiths as stressed and drinking heavily in the weeks before his death, but said they were shocked by what happened. One acquaintance recalled meeting him in a Pattaya cafe five days earlier, describing him as distracted and appearing drunk.

Despite reports portraying Griffiths as isolated, friends said he remained closely involved with his two Thai children, aged 12 and 11. He had lived with them, their nanny and Ploy’s aunt in a rented house near Phoenix Country Club south of Pattaya.

He was also building an eight-bedroom villa nearby valued at about GBP6 million. Construction stopped after his death when his eldest UK son Joel Griffiths, reportedly ordered work halted due to a court order.

A Daily Mail reporter later encountered Ploy outside the unfinished property alongside relatives. She denied any involvement in Griffiths’ death and said she was continuing a legal fight to regain custody of their children. Ploy said she had only recently been allowed to hug the children during a court hearing attended by police and lawyers. She said she did not know where they were currently living.

Another mystery emerged after Griffiths’ death when nearly GBP3 million in Bitcoin disappeared from his cryptocurrency wallet in three separate transactions. Thai police are investigating the transfers after a complaint by Joel Griffiths.

Griffiths co-founded As Seen On Screen, later renamed Asos, in 2000. The company became a major global fashion retailer worth billions of pounds, with customers including the Princess of Wales, Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama.

The Daily Mall reported that after selling much of his Asos stake, Griffiths pursued several other ventures including ethical fashion, lingerie retail, pet accessories and grocery delivery businesses. Many later failed or collapsed.


Picture courtesy of Daily Mail

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 10 May 2026
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Taxi Driver Held With 2.2m Meth Pills in Chiang Rai

Police in Chiang Rai arrested a taxi driver after seizing 2.2 million methamphetamine pills hidden inside his vehicle on a secondary road in Pa Daet district. Officers said the suspect had avoided main highways in an apparent attempt to evade detection while transporting the drugs deeper into the country.

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The arrest took place on 8 May during a narcotics suppression operation led by officers from Pa Daet Police Station. The operation was overseen by Major General Manop Senakul, commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, along with senior officers including Colonel Ratthaphon Noichangkid, Deputy Commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, and Colonel Kulachat Sakdiyotinthada, superintendent of Pa Daet Police Station.



Police identified the suspect only as Apichat, 49, from Lat Lum Kaeo district in Pathum Thani province. Officers seized approximately 2,200,000 methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as “yaba”.

Investigators said authorities had received intelligence that a large quantity of narcotics would be transported through Pa Daet district using secondary roads rather than major routes. Officers then established checkpoints and mobile “frog-jump” interception points along the Pa Daet-Jun road to monitor suspicious vehicles.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

During the operation, police stopped a taxi that appeared to be attempting to blend in with regular traffic. A subsequent search uncovered nine sacks concealed inside the vehicle, each containing methamphetamine tablets.

The suspect was taken into custody along with the seized drugs and transferred to investigators for further questioning. Police said the investigation would continue in an effort to identify other individuals connected to the trafficking operation and determine the wider distribution network.

Daily News reported that authorities have not released further details regarding the origin or intended destination of the drugs. The suspect is to face legal proceedings under Thailand’s narcotics laws.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 10 May 2026
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Navy Officer Questioned Over Rifle Sales in Chon Buri

Police in Chon Buri, are questioning a shooting range instructor and a Royal Thai Navy petty officer over allegations they supplied rifles to a Chinese buyer, as part of an ongoing investigation into an arms cache linked to military-grade explosives discovered in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district.

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The alleged sales price was around 200,000 baht per rifle, according to investigators, who are examining whether repeated transactions took place over time. Officers are now expanding inquiries into a wider suspected arms trafficking network operating in the region, with potential cross-border implications.

Authorities said the case stems from the arrest of a Chinese national found with military-grade weapons and C4 explosive materials in the Huai Yai area of Chon Buri province, prompting broader scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. Following that arrest, investigators traced possible supply routes for the firearms through seized evidence and communications analysis, leading them to two Thai military-linked suspects identified as Mr Kachen, a shooting range instructor and Petty Officer Methee of the Royal Thai Navy. Both men have been taken in for further questioning at Na Jomtien Police Station.

The investigation also found that another of the firearms purchased by the Chinese suspect originally belonged to a deputy inspector of Sai Mai Police Station. It was later pawned to a colleague while the officer was serving in the Metropolitan Police Investigation Division 2 in 2011, then resold to officers at Tao Poon Police Station, later transferred again to an administrative officer within the MPB, and finally sold to a deputy inspector at Huai Khwang Police Station who has since been dismissed from service and imprisoned for over three years in a corruption case involving e-cigarettes.

That firearm changed hands through four different owners in total. Ms. Praw, the suspect’s former girlfriend and the ex-partner of the police officer involved, allegedly helped facilitate the purchase after the Chinese suspect expressed interest in acquiring a gun, with the transaction price set at 100,000 baht. Metropolitan Police Division 2 and MPB Administration Division have now ordered a fact-finding committee to investigate all officers involved further.

Police investigators are examining financial transactions, communications records and connections between all parties to determine whether an organised arms smuggling network is operating in the area. The Royal Thai Police have emphasised a professional investigation approach while expanding evidence gathering. The investigation remains ongoing.

Naewna reported that they are continuing interrogations and analysis of seized evidence to establish the full scope of the alleged arms distribution network and identify additional suspects if present. Further legal action will depend on forensic and financial findings. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether further arrests will be made.


Picture courtesy of Naewna

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 10 May 2026
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MRTA Pushes Four New Rail Lines in Bangkok

Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is pushing ahead with four new rail projects in Bangkok while accelerating tram developments in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, with all three provincial tram systems targeted to open by 2032.

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MRTA governor Kajpajorn Udomthamphakdee said the agency remains committed to the 22.1-kilometre Brown Line between Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum). The project is currently undergoing construction redesigns at two locations, including an overlap with an Expressway Authority of Thailand project near Hua Mum Market and adjustments around Kaset intersection.

The revised design process is expected to take around six months because the overall project details, feasibility study and investment model must all be reviewed. MRTA had originally planned to submit the project to the cabinet by late 2025, but delays caused by redesigns and coordination with related agencies forced the process to be postponed. The latest timeline expects the project to be submitted to the MRTA board by the end of 2026 before progressing further.

The second project is the 19.7-kilometre Silver Line light rail transit route between Bang Na and Suvarnabhumi Airport. MRTA is reviewing designs to allow direct links into the airport while also preparing a new environmental impact assessment because the previous study is more than five years old. The study is expected to begin within two to three months and take about one year to complete.

MRTA is also reviewing the first phase of the Grey Line monorail between Watcharaphon and Thong Lo, covering 16.3 kilometres. The project is being updated to reflect current conditions and is expected to be submitted to the MRTA board in 2027.

A fourth project, the Blue Line monorail between Din Daeng and Sathorn, covering 6.7 kilometres, is expected to begin studies after 2029 according to priorities under the M-MAP2 transport plan.

Outside Bangkok, MRTA is continuing work on tram systems in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. In Phuket, the Ministry of Transport has instructed the Department of Highways to complete upgrades to Highway 4027 before tram construction begins in order to reduce traffic disruption. The Phuket tram project is expected to be submitted to cabinet in late 2026 or early 2027, with operations planned for 2032.

Chiang Mai’s tram extension towards Royal Park Rajapruek has completed its study phase and two rounds of public hearings. The system is also expected to open in 2032.

Khaosod reported that in Nakhon Ratchasima, the tram route has been changed from the original Green Line to an Orange Line following requests from local residents, altering the planned route by around 30 to 40 percent. MRTA said both the Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima projects are likely to progress before the Phuket tram system.


Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 10 May 2026
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Anutin Confirms Koh Kood Stays Thai

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has insisted that Koh Kood remains part of Thailand following the government’s decision to cancel the 2001 memorandum of understanding known as MOU 44, which concerned overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.

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Posting on his personal Facebook account while attending the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, Anutin said he met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the request of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to help ease tensions between the two countries ahead of the regional gathering.

During the meeting, Anutin said he directly informed Hun Manet that Thailand had formally decided to cancel MOU 44. According to the Thai premier, Cambodia formally acknowledged the decision during the talks.

Anutin said the Cambodian prime minister expressed disappointment over Thailand’s move and informed him that Cambodia would pursue the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding future maritime benefit negotiations.

The Thai prime minister described the development as beneficial for both countries, saying future discussions would now proceed under the same legal framework and principles after Cambodia ratified UNCLOS earlier in 2026.

He added that the face-to-face meeting accelerated communication between the two governments. Without the meeting, Thailand may have needed to send formal diplomatic notification through official channels, a process he said could have taken several months.

Anutin also sought to reassure the Thai public over sovereignty concerns linked to Koh Kood. “Once there is no MOU 44, there will no longer be any maritime line crossing Koh Kood that could create doubt or concern,” he said, adding: “Koh Kood belongs to Thailand.”

The issue has generated significant debate online, with Anutin accusing some social media users of spreading misinformation designed to create division and hatred. He said the government would continue handling the matter carefully and transparently while prioritising Thailand’s interests under international law and mutually accepted principles.

On broader bilateral relations, Anutin said Thailand and Cambodia agreed to continue border negotiations through existing mechanisms including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC). Both countries also agreed to increase meetings between senior officials.

The prime minister added that police from both countries would strengthen cooperation against call-centre gangs and online scam networks, with tougher legal action expected against criminal groups operating across borders.

Anutin stressed that the meeting did not include discussions on reopening border checkpoints or wider cooperation initiatives. Instead, both sides agreed that preserving peace and avoiding military confrontation remained the top priority.

The Nation reported that he also urged the public to remain confident in the government’s handling of the dispute, saying he had been directly involved in the issue since serving as deputy prime minister and interior minister before returning for a second term as premier.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 10 May 2026
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Senators Push Phuket-Krabi Tourism Plan

A Senate committee has proposed that the government develop Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi as a single Asean economic, tourism and transport centre, instead of allowing the three provinces to progress separately. The proposal was announced on May 8 during a fact-finding visit by the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee to Phuket and Phang Nga.

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Senator Chavapon Watthanavekin, vice chairman of the committee, said the group’s visit had the aim to collect information and prepare recommendations for the Senate and government on how the three Andaman provinces can be jointly developed.

Chavapon said Phuket and Phang Nga have strong potential to attract quality investors and tourists if infrastructure and natural resources are managed systematically. He added that the provinces are key gateways to Thailand and Asean on the Andaman coast and that targeted investment could create multiplier effects for both the economy and local communities.

Senator Chib Chitniyom, the committee’s vice chairman, proposed raising tourism standards in the Andaman region to a world-class level. He pointed to helicopter and yacht tourism at Hainan Island in China as examples of attracting high-end visitors.



Chib also cited Vietnam as a successful tourism model. He highlighted Ha Long Bay for its internationally recognised boat tours and Ninh Binh province, known as “Inland Ha Long Bay”, where local boatmen row using their feet to create a distinctive tourist experience.

He added that tourism products in the Andaman provinces must be diverse, adaptable and competitive. Chib referenced Sapa in Vietnam, where cable cars connect mountain areas and provide access to terraced rice fields, Hmong communities and Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 metres.

“Our Andaman Sea is equally beautiful, but the question is, do we dare to design experiences that will draw tourists to us?” Chib said. He added that Thailand must rethink premium tourism and create experiences that regional competitors cannot match.

The senator proposed combining Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket into a single tourism cluster with coordinated resource management and unified marketing. He said the goal should be sustainable long-term development that benefits local residents rather than short-term growth focused only on visitor numbers.

Assoc. Prof. Lae Dilokwittayarat, another committee member, questioned whether the region’s education system can produce workers with the skills needed by the tourism industry. He said Thailand currently produces similar graduates nationwide without considering regional labour demands, creating shortages in tourist areas such as the Andaman provinces.

The ThaiNewsRoom reported that the committee said findings from the field trip will be compiled into policy recommendations for submission to the Senate and the government.


Pictures courtesy of TNR

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 10 May 2026
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Corrections Dept Defends Thaksin Parole

The Department of Corrections confirmed on 9 May, it will not halt the parole release of former prime minister and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, despite a petition submitted by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) to Justice Minister Rutthaphon Naowarat.

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The department said Thaksin’s scheduled parole on Monday, May 11, complies fully with existing parole laws and regulations. Officials stressed that the decision followed standard legal procedures applied to inmates nationwide and was not designed to favour any specific individual.

The clarification came after NSPRT submitted a letter requesting authorities suspend the parole process. The group argued that Thaksin had allegedly benefited from an unlawful sentencing process and questioned whether disciplinary violations during his incarceration should disqualify him from early release.

In response, the Department of Corrections said the petition relied on incorrect legal interpretations and distorted the Supreme Court ruling connected to Thaksin’s case. Officials stated that the parole review subcommittee found no evidence that Thaksin committed disciplinary or criminal offences while in custody.

The department added that the subcommittee determined Thaksin met all required qualifications under the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017), the Ministerial Regulation on the Benefits of Convicted Prisoners B.E. 2562 (2019), and its amendments under Regulation No. 2 B.E. 2564 (2021).

Authorities also reiterated that the parole consideration process was based strictly on factual evidence and relevant laws. According to the department, the same standards are applied to all inmates throughout Thailand.

The case has continued to attract public and political attention because of Thaksin’s long-standing influence within Thai politics and his close ties to the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Critics have questioned whether high-profile prisoners receive preferential treatment, while officials insist the process remains impartial and legally compliant.

The ThaiNewsRoom reported that the department’s statement is likely to intensify debate surrounding Thailand’s justice system and the handling of politically significant figures. However, no indication has been given that the parole process will be delayed or reconsidered. Unless new legal action emerges before Monday, Thaksin’s parole release is expected to proceed as scheduled on May 11.


Picture courtesy of TNR

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thainewsroom 10 May 2026
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DOPA Orders Checks on Two Chinese Nationals

Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has ordered an urgent investigation into the civil registration records of two individuals, including a Chinese national and a Thai citizen, following concerns over possible irregularities in their identity documentation. The directive comes amid a wider probe into suspected fraud involving national ID cards and residency records.

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The move follows reports involving Mr Mingchen Sun, a Chinese national who was recently involved in a car accident in Chon Buri province. Police later discovered a large cache of military-style weapons, explosives, body armour and ammunition at both his vehicle and residence. He has been arrested by authorities as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

In a separate but related development, officials are also examining the records of Mr Chengzhao Wu, a Thai national holding a blue identification card. He is listed as having acquired Thai citizenship through a name registration process in Bang Khae district, Bangkok. Authorities have flagged his documentation for review amid concerns about potential misuse of the civil registration system.

DOPA Director-General Naruetha Kosa-sivilai has instructed Deputy Director-General Witthaya Sirinukon, head of the department’s anti-registration security task force (DOPA N.I.C.E.), to urgently verify the authenticity of both individuals’ registration histories. The review will focus on whether proper legal procedures were followed in issuing identity documents and citizenship status.

Officials have also been told to investigate any links between the two cases and broader networks suspected of exploiting Thailand’s registration system. The department stated that if fraud is confirmed, all responsible parties, including both the individuals involved and any government officials implicated, will face criminal prosecution.

Amarin reported that authorities have further ordered that any falsified or illegally obtained records be revoked and removed from the national civil registry without delay. The investigation is being treated as a matter of national security due to the potential misuse of identity systems. DOPA has confirmed it will report findings as the inquiry progresses and will take further legal action


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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China Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok Condo

Immigration Bureau Division 3 officers have arrested alleged Chinese financial crime figure Mr. Chen Tao at a condominium in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng area as part of a major crackdown on transnational crime. Chinese authorities accuse him of concealing and disguising assets obtained through criminal activity linked to the Lanzhou Bank fraud case, with reported losses of around 3.222 billion yuan.

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The operation followed orders from Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, who directed officers to intensify inspections of target areas nationwide to prevent Thailand being used as a refuge for international criminals. The campaign, described as “toppling the money-laundering giant”, was led by Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3, alongside senior officers Pol Col Decho Sosuwannakul, Pol Col Chinawut Tangwonglert and Pol Col Suthipong Phutthiphong.

Investigators under Pol Col Suriya Puangsombat traced Mr. Chen Tao after authorities from the People’s Republic of China requested assistance in locating and arresting him. The suspect was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Lanzhou Public Security Bureau for allegedly helping to hide and transfer illicit assets connected to a large-scale banking fraud involving Lanzhou Bank.

According to investigators, Mr. Chen Tao entered Thailand on 11 November 2025 using a PE visa. Officers said he repeatedly changed and concealed his real place of residence by registering multiple addresses to avoid detection.

Immigration investigators led by Pol Lt Col Ratthakrai Prayoonsorn and Pol Lt Col Derinew Mingmuang eventually located and arrested him on 8 May 2026 at a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok. Authorities then revoked his permission to remain in Thailand, stating that he now qualified as a prohibited foreign national whose behaviour posed a threat to society under immigration law.

Police said the suspect had arranged for another person to rent the condominium unit in an attempt to conceal his identity. During the arrest, officers also discovered a second passport belonging to Mr. Chen Tao from Vanuatu, passport number RV0202458, which investigators believe may have been used to disguise his identity after Chinese authorities had already cancelled his Chinese passport.

Thaitabloid reported that authorities described Mr. Chen Tao as a core member and operational leader directing activities both inside and outside China. The Immigration Bureau said it would continue pursuing transnational criminal networks and would not allow Thailand to become a hiding place for international offenders.


Picture courtesy of thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 10 May 2026
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BoT Hope to Cut Some Thai Bank Fees by July

The Bank of Thailand is expected to introduce standardised banking fees in July 2026 as part of efforts to reduce financial costs for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The central bank said the reforms are aimed at easing financial burdens on retail customers and businesses while reflecting lower operating costs in the digital banking era.

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Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn said a month-long public consultation on the fee reforms will end on May 10, followed by an official announcement. He said the rollout could begin as early as July or be introduced gradually on a case-by-case basis.

The central bank plans to standardise and reduce 10 to 15 key retail and SME banking fees. Proposed changes include lowering credit card cash withdrawal fees, currently between 2% and 2.5%, and capping account maintenance charges.

Other fees expected to be covered include interprovincial transfer charges, ATM card fees and bank statement fees. For SMEs, front-end fees for new credit lines are expected to be capped at 2.5% for loans of up to 250,000 baht.

Mr Vitai also highlighted weak loan growth in Thailand’s banking sector, saying economic uncertainty and conflicts in the Middle East were affecting the economy. Rising global energy prices linked to the conflict have increased production costs for businesses and weakened household purchasing power through higher living expenses and falling incomes.

The government and the Bank of Thailand have responded with measures aimed at supporting borrower liquidity and encouraging lending. These include a soft loan programme through the Government Savings Bank, along with the SME Credit Boost and SME Secured Plus schemes.

According to Wipawin Promboon, the SME Credit Boost programme reduces credit risks for financial institutions that extend new loans to businesses, particularly SMEs. The initiative is also intended to help firms cope with higher energy costs and encourage investment in energy transition projects to reduce long-term expenses.

Ms Wipawin said the SME Secured Plus scheme gives banks greater flexibility in valuing collateral by considering borrowers’ cash flows alongside pledged assets on a temporary basis. The measure is expected to improve access to credit for SMEs with collateral.

The Bangkokpost reported that the Bank of Thailand said banks facing regulatory or operational constraints in providing additional financial assistance may consult the central bank to develop suitable support measures. Officials said any assistance would need to balance support for debtors with maintaining financial system stability.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 10 May 2026
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Officials Inspect Resorts on Koh Phangan

Thai authorities have raided four resorts in Koh Phangan’s Sri Thanu area as part of a crackdown on illegal hotel operations and suspected foreign nominee business arrangements linked to Israeli groups staying on the island. Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, immigration police and Koh Phangan police carried out coordinated inspections on 9 May, leading to charges against three businesses for allegedly operating hotels without licences.

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The operation targeted properties in Ban Ao Sri Thanu, Moo 8, an area officials said is home to a significant foreign population. Authorities said the inspections followed intelligence suggesting some businesses may have been operating without the permits required under Thai law.



The first target was Zama Resort at 81/5 Moo 8, operated by Honos Management Co Ltd. Investigators found the business had 23 rooms and shareholders from both Thailand and overseas. Officials filed initial charges relating to operating a hotel without a licence.

The second site, Sritanu Residences Resort at 66/1 Moo 8, was operated by Mudita Koh Phangan Co Ltd and also had Thai and foreign shareholders. Authorities said the business had closed shortly before officers arrived to conduct the inspection and no-one was present at the site.

The third property, Haad Chao Phao Resort at 48/3 Moo 8, operated by Phangan Haad Chao Phao Resort Co Ltd, was found to have eight guest rooms. Police detained some individuals linked to the business over alleged violations of the Hotel Act, while checks on foreign workers were also carried out.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

The fourth location, Samma Karuna Beach and Wellness Resort at 84/13 Moo 8, operated by Samma Karuna Co Ltd, had 12 rooms available for guests. Officials inspected company records and individuals connected to the operation before filing preliminary charges over alleged unlicensed hotel activities.

Authorities said three of the four businesses were found to be operating in breach of the Hotel Act BE 2547. Officers have now seized accounting documents, shareholder records and financial information for further examination as investigators look into possible nominee arrangements involving foreign nationals.

Although some properties were registered under other nationalities, investigators said they had identified Israeli groups using villas and business structures in the area. Officials are also examining whether Thai nationals were being used as proxies to conceal foreign ownership or control of land and tourism businesses on Koh Phangan.

The Daily News reported that the operation was led by officials including Singkham Khamyod from the Department of Provincial Administration, Koh Phangan district chief Paisit Thongjem, Koh Phangan police chief Pol Col Apichat Jansamret and Surat Thani immigration officers. Authorities said the investigation would continue with expanded scrutiny into land ownership, business operations and financial links across the island.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 10 May 2026
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Anutin Hails ASEAN Summit in Philippines

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed the successful conclusion of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, Philippines. The summit, held from 7 to 9 May 2026, focused on regional cooperation, stability, trade, energy security, and diplomatic dialogue.

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On 9 May 2026 in the Philippines, Anutin held bilateral talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. at the Business Center of the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel in Cebu City. The Thai premier thanked the Philippines for hosting the summit and praised the smooth organisation of the event, describing the outcomes as concrete and constructive.

Anutin said discussions among ASEAN members reflected a shared commitment to cooperation and regional success. He also commended the Philippines for initiating trilateral talks, which allowed open dialogue and helped build mutual understanding on key issues. According to the Thai side, the Philippine government played an important role in fostering trust and cooperation during the summit.

The talks also covered cooperation on food security, trade, investment and energy, with all sides agreeing on the need to strengthen regional stability and security. Thailand additionally proposed advancing the ASEAN Power Grid, making use of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Mechanism and promoting renewable energy investment to ensure long-term energy stability across the region.

Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek later summarised the summit discussions, stressing that Thailand had used the ASEAN platform to promote peace, dialogue and adherence to international rules. She said the government remained committed to protecting Thailand’s sovereignty and national interests.

On the first day of the summit, Anutin took part in trilateral talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Marcos to discuss the Thailand-Cambodia situation. Thai officials stated that the delegation approached the talks constructively and in a forward-looking manner, while maintaining a peaceful stance and safeguarding national sovereignty.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to assign their foreign ministers to jointly develop practical confidence-building measures aimed at restoring trust and strengthening bilateral relations, and that Thailand continued to operate strictly within legal frameworks and international rules.

The summit also approved the “Cebu Protocol” to amend the ASEAN Charter in preparation for Timor-Leste’s membership. ASEAN leaders further endorsed declarations on maritime cooperation, disaster management, climate change youth empowerment, and responses to Middle East developments.

ThaiRath reported that Anutin also held separate talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Discussions focused on expanding trade, strengthening regional energy cooperation, accelerating cross-border infrastructure projects and promoting peace efforts in Thailand’s southern border provinces.


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Police Expand Probe Into Suspected Pattaya Terror Plot

Thai police have widened their investigation into a suspected terror plot after the arrest of a 31-year-old Chinese national in Chonburi, where officers seized military-grade weapons, explosives and tactical equipment from a rented house in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district.

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The suspect, identified as Mingchen Sun, was arrested after crashing his car in the Na Jomtien area of Sattahip district on 8 May 2026. Police searching the vehicle allegedly found a handgun and ammunition magazines, leading officers to raid his rented property where they uncovered assault rifles, grenades, detonators, C4 explosives and other military-style equipment.

At 22.30 on 8 May, Chonburi Provincial Police commander Major General Phongphan Wongmanit travelled to the property to oversee the investigation. He instructed Na Jomtien police investigators to document every seized item in detail and coordinate with forensic officers from Police Forensic Science Division 2 in Chonburi to gather further evidence.

Major General Phongphan said National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet had ordered investigators to examine the case from every angle, particularly issues linked to national security and public safety. He declined to disclose further operational details, saying doing so could affect the investigation.



Authorities are now investigating whether the stockpile of explosives and weapons was linked to preparations for an attack, while also tracing the source of the military hardware. Police said the suspect’s claim that he suffered from depression would be reviewed by psychiatrists as part of the inquiry.

Several agencies have joined the investigation, including Provincial Police Region 2, Chonburi provincial police, immigration police, EOD bomb disposal teams, security agencies and representatives from the Chinese embassy.

Investigators found the suspect had rented the property for 38,000 baht per month and had lived there for around two years. Records showed he had travelled in and out of Thailand several times since 2020, most recently entering the country on 27 January 2026 using a re-entry visa linked to a long-stay visa.


Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

Police also said the suspect possessed passports from both China and Cambodia, a pink identification card for individuals without official registration status, and was listed on a Bangkok house registration document. Authorities are verifying the authenticity of all documents.

Seized items included a Glock 26 pistol, M16 rifles, more than 700 rounds of ammunition, almost 7.3kg of C4 explosives, Russian POMZ2 anti-personnel mines, BA/WA grenades, a Korean K75 grenade, a Myanmar M6/01 grenade, electric detonators, remote-control trigger devices, bulletproof vests, gas masks and four 20-litre containers of petrol.

Residents in the housing estate told reporters they were shocked by the discovery, describing the suspect as polite and friendly. Several said they feared the entire neighbourhood could have been devastated if the explosives had detonated.

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Phuket AI Cameras Catch Two Overstayers

Tourist police in Phuket have intensified checks on foreigners breaking immigration laws, leading to the arrest of two men who had overstayed in Thailand for more than two years. Officers used an AI facial recognition system linked to a central immigration database to identify the suspects in real time.

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The two men, Ousmane Kon and Clinton Ekechukwu, were detained after the AI Camera system flagged them as immigration offenders. Authorities said the Nigerian national had overstayed his visa by 877 days, while the Cote d’Ivoire citizen had remained illegally in the country for 739 days.

Police confirmed that both men were charged with illegal stay in Thailand. After processing, they will be handed over to the relevant police authorities before deportation proceedings are carried out.

The operation forms part of a wider crackdown on visa overstayers and foreign nationals violating Thai law in major tourist destinations. Phuket, one of Thailand’s busiest tourism hubs, has seen increased use of technology by authorities to monitor and track suspects.

According to officials, the AI Camera system is directly connected to a central government database. The technology allows officers to identify wanted individuals and immigration violators instantly through facial recognition scans in public areas.

Authorities believe the use of AI systems will improve the efficiency of law enforcement operations and strengthen security in tourist areas. The system is also intended to support immigration control efforts as Thailand continues to receive large numbers of international visitors.

The arrests highlight Thailand’s growing reliance on surveillance technology in policing and immigration enforcement. Rights groups and privacy advocates in several countries have previously raised concerns over facial recognition technology, although Thai authorities maintain the systems are necessary for public safety and crime prevention. Thai authorities said both men will remain in custody while legal and deportation procedures continue.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Phuketinsta 9 May 2026
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Brit Backpacker Hurt in Crash Faces Large Bill

A British backpacker travelling in Thailand has appealed for help after she was seriously injured in a motorbike crash and left with mounting medical bills when her travel insurance was found to be invalid.

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Chloe Foster, 26, from Medway, Kent, was attending a full moon party on Koh Pha-Ngan last Friday, 1 May, when she met a 20-year-old British tourist who offered her a lift on his motorbike. Speaking from her hospital bed, Foster said the rider was travelling “pretty fast” before the bike suddenly “did a whole 360”, throwing her from the vehicle and knocking her unconscious.

Foster said she later learned the man had fled the scene after the crash, leaving her alone on the roadside until another person found her and arranged medical help. She described waking up in hospital in Thailand as one of the “scariest moments” of her life.

The backpacker suffered multiple injuries, including a broken foot, a fractured cheek and a bloodshot eye. She also said the facial injury had left half of her face “paralysed”. After the crash, Foster discovered that her travel insurance policy would not cover her treatment costs.



Although she had taken out insurance before travelling, she said the policy became invalid because she had exceeded the 31-day maximum limit allowed for a single trip under the terms and conditions. In a statement shared through a GoFundMe page set up to cover her medical expenses, Foster said: “I was left alone and unconscious on the side of the road after a hit-and-run in Thailand.”

She added: “I was a passenger on a motorbike when it crashed. The driver got up and left me there, without calling for help. I don’t remember any of it, but I know I was lying there alone, unconscious, until someone found me and thankfully got me to the hospital.”

Foster said she now faces medical costs already exceeding GBP4,000, with bills continuing to rise as further treatment is required. She said she felt “scared, vulnerable and honestly a bit lost” while recovering alone far from home.

The incident has also prompted Foster to warn other travellers to carefully check the terms of their insurance policies before travelling abroad. She urged holidaymakers to read the “fine print” closely and to be cautious about accepting rides from people they do not know, especially if alcohol may be involved.

The Daily Mall reported the case highlights the financial risks travellers can face overseas when insurance policies contain restrictions linked to trip length or activities such as riding on motorbikes. Authorities have not released further details about the crash or whether any investigation is under way into the actions of the rider who allegedly left the scene.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 9 May 2026
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Immigration Police Arrest 13 Pakistanis in Bangkok

Thai immigration police arrested 13 Pakistani nationals for overstaying their permission to stay, during a raid on an apartment building in Bangkok’s Thung Khru district, following public complaints about undocumented migrants in the area.

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The operation was carried out on 8 May 2026 after information circulated on social media on 4 May alleging that groups of foreign nationals had been living illegally in Pracha Uthit Sois 69, 75 and 79 in Thung Khru. CCTV images from a local discount store in Soi Pracha Uthit 69 also showed suspicious behaviour linked to an alleged theft, prompting concern among residents.



The raid was conducted under the direction of senior Immigration Bureau officers including Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Prasat Khemmaprasit, commander of Immigration Division 1. Investigation officers traced individuals appearing in the CCTV footage to an apartment in Soi Pracha Uthit 69 Yaek 12.

Upon arriving at the property, officers met a caretaker identified only as Mr A, who cooperated with the inspection. Police found 13 foreign nationals inside the premises, including two individuals matching the CCTV images previously circulated online.

Checks on their passports confirmed all 13 were Pakistani nationals who had been granted temporary permission to stay in Thailand, but their permission had expired. Immigration officers charged all 13 with overstaying. Police said the complainant in the alleged theft case chose not to pursue legal action after compensation had been paid and the matter was considered settled.

Authorities also fined the accommodation operator for failing to report foreign guests within 24 hours as required under Section 38 of Thailand’s Immigration Act 1979. The law requires landlords, property owners and hotel managers to notify immigration authorities when foreign nationals stay at their premises.

All 13 suspects were informed of the charges and transferred to Thung Khru Police Station for further legal proceedings. The Immigration Bureau said it would continue inspections and crackdowns on immigration violations and urged landlords and accommodation providers to comply with reporting requirements under Thai law. Officials warned that failure to report foreign residents could result in legal penalties.

The Daily News reported that uthorities also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious or illegal activity involving foreign nationals through the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178. The bureau said it would continue monitoring groups considered a threat to public safety or involved in criminal activity in Thailand.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 9 May 2026
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Chinese Red Notice Arrest at Chiang Mai Mall

A Chinese national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice was arrested at a shopping mall in Chiang Mai after overstaying his permission to stay by 72 days, Thai tourist police said.

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Mr. Wang Lin, 47, was detained on 8 May 2026 at Big C Don Chan in Tha Sala subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai. Officers discovered he had remained in Thailand after his 90 day visa expired on 25 February 2026.

The operation was carried out under orders from Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pueak-am, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, Pol Maj Gen Olar Eiamprapas, commander of Tourist Police Division 2, and Pol Col Phitsanu Triamdee, superintendent of Division 2. Authorities had instructed officers to intensify a crackdown on foreign nationals violating Thai law between 7 and 11 May 2026.

Pol Lt Col Nithipat Bunmak, inspector of Tourist Police Station 1 under Division 2, led the arrest alongside Pol Lt Pricha Kantha and Chiang Mai tourist police officers. Wang was stopped while inside the shopping centre and officers checked his travel documents.

Investigators found he was travelling on passport number EC1887252 and had entered Thailand legally before overstaying his permitted period by more than two months. He was charged under Thailand’s Immigration Act BE 2522 with remaining in the kingdom after permission to stay had expired.

Further checks uncovered that Wang was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued by authorities in the People’s Republic of China. The notice relates to allegations of bribing a non-state official. Thai authorities said the discovery came during additional background checks following his arrest for immigration violations. Police did not disclose further details about the alleged bribery case in China.

The suspect was transferred to investigators at Mae Ping Police Station for legal proceedings. Thai police are also coordinating with relevant agencies regarding the international arrest notice and any further action linked to the Chinese request.

The Daily News reported that the case forms part of Thailand’s ongoing campaign against foreign nationals involved in crime, visa violations, and transnational offences. Tourist police and immigration officers have stepped up inspections in major tourist destinations across the country in recent months.

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Baby Swap Carer Jailed at Pattaya Appeal

The Appeal Court Region 2 has upheld a five-year prison sentence for a child carer accused of swapping a five-month-old baby in Pattaya, Chon Buri, with the child’s biological mother still searching for her missing daughter.

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The ruling was delivered on 8 May 2026 at Pattaya Provincial Court. Wichuda, also known as Som, aged 32, arrived at court with her lawyer and relatives to hear the appeal verdict in the child abduction case.

The court upheld the lower court’s ruling, sentencing her to 10 years in prison. However, because she confessed, the sentence was reduced by half to five years. Her lawyer later submitted the same bail guarantee of 25,000 baht while seeking temporary release pending further legal proceedings, although it was not immediately known whether bail would be granted.

The case dates back to allegations that Joy, a 24-year-old mother, entrusted her newborn daughter to Wichuda shortly after birth. The child was allegedly taken away and replaced with another infant when the baby was only five months old.

The case was brought to police attention by Paweena Hongsakul of the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, together with Chon Buri social development official Janchira Thaibandit. They accompanied Joy to Bang Lamung Police Station to seek assistance in locating her biological daughter, who remains missing.

Joy told reporters after the ruling that she was satisfied with the court’s decision and grateful that Wichuda had been punished. She said she remained upset because the accused had not revealed the truth about what happened to her daughter.

A relative of the accused, identified as Bee, Wichuda’s brother-in-law, said he did not believe she would have sold the child. He described her as kind-hearted, fond of children and a mother of four herself.

Bee said Wichuda had previously told him she had “lost the child” and sought his advice after the incident. He added that he had accompanied her to court and police meetings throughout the case and believed she had no intention of making the child disappear.

The Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women is expected to continue coordinating with Bang Lamung police in efforts to locate the missing girl and reunite her with her mother.

Amarin reported that Joy publicly thanked the courts, police, the Paweena foundation team, and journalists for helping pursue the case. She also appealed to the media to continue helping search for her missing daughter.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 9 May 2026
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Kanchanaburi Rail Bid Eyes UNESCO Listing

Kanchanaburi could see a major tourism and economic boost as support grows for the Thailand-Myanmar “Death Railway” to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A recent public survey found that 1,986 out of 2,000 respondents backed the proposal to register the historic railway, which stretches 415 kilometres and is linked to the deaths of more than 150,000 people during World War II.

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An economic analysis titled “Economic Impact of Promoting the Death Railway to World Heritage Status” estimated that Kanchanaburi could generate more than 3 billion baht annually in additional tourism revenue if the bid succeeds. The report also projected 500-800 direct long-term jobs and another 2,000-3,000 indirect jobs, while foreign tourist arrivals could rise by 7-10%, creating an overall annual economic impact of 5-8 billion baht.



At present, many visitors spend only a short time at the Bridge over the River Kwai before leaving the province, limiting local spending. United Nations data shows World Heritage sites typically attract 17-24% more visitors than standard tourist destinations, particularly overnight tourists who contribute more to local economies.

Thailand has already seen similar effects from previous World Heritage listings. Following the designation of the ancient town of Si Thep in 2023, visitor numbers rose rapidly and local infrastructure required upgrades. In the first half of 2025, Ayutthaya welcomed more than 5.3 million tourists, while Sukhothai generated more than 3 billion baht in annual tourism revenue, with services accounting for over 53% of the provincial economy.

Analysts said World Heritage status for the Death Railway could create opportunities across hotels, restaurants, tour operators, local guides, conservation projects and educational programmes. International examples, including the Okefenokee area in the United States, suggest World Heritage recognition can significantly increase visitor numbers and create around 750 permanent jobs.

The report also noted Kanchanaburi’s location, around 130 kilometres from Bangkok, and its transport connections make it well placed to become a regional centre for historical and peace tourism in Southeast Asia. Tourism representatives said the province remained undervalued and predicted foreign tourist numbers could rise by more than 30% within three years of registration, while hotel occupancy rates could climb from below 30% to above 60%.

The growing global trend of “dark tourism”, focused on sites linked to war and tragedy, has increased attention on locations such as Auschwitz in Poland and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan. Supporters believe World Heritage status could transform the Death Railway from a wartime landmark into an international centre for peace and humanitarian education, while also boosting international cooperation, exhibitions and academic events.

SiamRath reported that economists from Thai universities added that every 1 baht invested in cultural heritage conservation could generate economic returns of around 3-5 baht in the long term. The proposal is now expected to continue through the heritage nomination process, with supporters arguing it would preserve the memory of those who died while supporting sustainable economic growth in Kanchanaburi.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamRath 9 May 2026
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Chon Buri Raid Nets 42 Illegal Foreign Workers

Labour officials and tourist police in Chon Buri have arrested 42 foreign workers during a raid on a construction site in Khao Khansong, Si Racha district. The operation targeted workers accused of working without permits and overstaying their visas.

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The raid took place on 7 May and involved officers from the Chon Buri Provincial Labour Office and the Tourist Police Bureau. The operation was conducted under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-am, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, along with Pol Col Man Rotthong and Pol Lt Col Piyapong Raksa from the bureau’s investigation division.

Authorities inspected a construction site in Moo 7, Khao Khansong subdistrict, where they detained a total of 42 foreign nationals. Among those arrested were 27 Chinese nationals accused of working in construction while holding only temporary permission to stay in Thailand. Officers said the group had no valid work permits, in violation of the Immigration Act 1979 and regulations under the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers Employment 2017 and its 2018 amendment.

A further Chinese national was charged with the same offences and additionally accused of overstaying his permission to remain in Thailand by two days. Officials stated that he had continued working on the construction site despite his permission having expired.

Police also arrested 14 Myanmar nationals. They were accused of illegally entering and residing in Thailand without permission, as well as working without permits or outside the conditions allowed under Thai labour laws.

All 42 suspects were transferred to Bo Win Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities did not release details about the construction company involved or whether employers would face additional penalties.

The Chon Buri Provincial Labour Office and the Tourist Police Bureau said the crackdown formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal foreign labour and immigration offences in the province. Officials urged members of the public to report suspected cases involving undocumented migrant workers or other immigration violations to the relevant authorities.

The Daily News reported that the operation comes amid continued nationwide enforcement campaigns targeting illegal employment, overstaying foreign nationals and cross-border labour trafficking. Thai authorities have increased inspections in industrial and construction sectors where undocumented labour is frequently discovered.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 9 May 2026
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Man Arrested Over Chinese Migrant Smuggling in Chiang Rai

Immigration police in northern Thailand have arrested a 49-year-old Thai man accused of helping Chinese nationals enter the country illegally and evade arrest in Chiang Rai province. The arrest took place at about 3pm on 7 May 2026 after officers from Chiang Rai Immigration Police traced the suspect to a house under construction in Ban San Sai Pu Yi, Soi 26, Pong Pha subdistrict, Mae Sai district.

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The operation was ordered by Pol Maj Gen Sarawut Khon Yai, commander of Immigration Division 5, along with senior officers from Chiang Rai Immigration Police. Authorities identified the suspect only as Mr Chai, aged 49, from Pong Pha, Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. He was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Phayao Provincial Court on charges of concealing or assisting foreign nationals who had entered the kingdom illegally in order to help them avoid arrest.



Police said the case stems from an earlier operation on 6 March 2026 when Chiang Rai immigration officers arrested the suspect in connection with a group of 11 Chinese nationals accused of entering Thailand illegally. The group was handed over to Mae Sai Police Station for legal proceedings.

At the time of the earlier arrest, Mr Chai was charged with jointly concealing or assisting illegal migrants to evade capture. He had reportedly been released on bail while awaiting further legal action before officers moved to arrest him again under the court warrant.

The arrest was carried out under the direction of Pol Col Ekkarak Bussababodin, deputy commander of Immigration Division 5, Pol Col Surasak Thianthong, superintendent of Chiang Rai Immigration Police, Pol Lt Col Passalaporn Sukrasorn, deputy superintendent, and Pol Lt Col Wichai Panna, inspector of Chiang Rai Immigration Police.

Officials said the suspect was transferred to Mae Chai Police Station in Phayao province for further legal proceedings. No additional details about the wider smuggling network or the status of the 11 Chinese nationals were released.

Kaoded reported that the case highlights continued efforts by Thai immigration authorities to crack down on cross-border people-smuggling operations in northern border provinces, particularly around Mae Sai, which borders Myanmar.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 9 May 2026
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Thai-US Hunt Call Scam Gangs Across SE Asia

Thailand and the United States have agreed to deepen cooperation against transnational call centre gangs, human trafficking and forced labour networks operating across Southeast Asia. Thai police also revealed new evidence linked to the “O'Smach” network, including detention rooms, operating theatres and medical equipment, raising suspicions of possible organ trafficking.

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On 8 May 2026 at 10.30am, Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Deputy National Police Chief and director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre at the Royal Thai Police, joined Hataya Kussakul, Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the Ministry of Labour to announce the outcome of talks with the US government. The delegation visited the United States between 21 and 25 April to strengthen cooperation against transnational call centre gangs, human trafficking and forced labour.



Hataya said Thailand had met US agencies responsible for monitoring and assessing global human trafficking. Thailand has remained on the Tier 2 watchlist for four consecutive years and presented its progress on tackling trafficking, protecting labour rights and addressing forced labour issues.

She said the US praised Thailand’s integrated approach involving prevention, enforcement and policymaking. The US was particularly focused on arrest statistics, new laws, improved victim protection mechanisms and efforts to train officials in line with international standards.

US authorities also expressed concern over online trafficking and scam operations in Southeast Asia after American victims suffered losses exceeding US$10 billion. The US confirmed its commitment to working with Thailand on investigations, arrests and asset seizures linked to the networks.

Pol Gen Thatchai said the US had shown strong interest in call centre gangs operating in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, which target victims in more than 40 countries worldwide. Thailand also received praise for establishing a centre to monitor and assist victims of call centre scams, with the US considering a similar model.

Thai authorities shared intelligence on the “O'Smach” network, described as one of the region’s largest scam compounds involving more than 10,000 people. Investigators found detention facilities, forced labour sites and torture rooms, alongside operating theatres, X-ray machines and gynaecological equipment, leading to suspicions of links to organ trafficking.

Authorities said foreign nationals were still being lured into Thailand before being transferred to neighbouring countries to work for scam gangs. Many initially travelled voluntarily but were later subjected to forced labour and abuse.

Brazil’s embassy previously reported that at least 30 Brazilians had been deceived into working in Cambodia. Victims from Taiwan and Japan were also identified in similar cases, prompting Thailand to intensify efforts to prevent the country from being used as a transit point for organised crime.

The Thaitabloid reported that the Royal Thai Police is now preparing to expand cybercrime suppression through the SHIELD system, which will connect data-sharing networks across 18 countries and three major international organisations, including the FBI and Interpol.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 9 May 2026
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Si Racha Building Collapse Injures Two Workers

Two construction workers suffered critical injuries after a building structure collapsed at a factory site in Laem Chabang, Chon Buri, on 8 May. The incident happened at around 3.30pm inside Fujitex Auto Interior Co Ltd, located in Nong Kham subdistrict, Si Racha district, prompting an emergency response from police and rescue teams.

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Police lieutenant Panachai Wannasri, deputy investigator at Nong Kham Police Station, said officers were alerted after a roof and frame structure under construction collapsed onto workers. Rescue workers from Sawang Prateep Si Racha Foundation rushed to the scene alongside emergency medical teams from Laem Chabang Hospital and Vibharam Laem Chabang Hospital.



Two unidentified male workers were found unconscious and covered in blood within the construction area. Rescue personnel provided first aid before urgently transferring both men to nearby hospitals as their conditions were described as critical.

Initial investigations found the collapse occurred while workers were carrying out construction work on a roof extension. The roof structure reportedly subsided before crashing down onto the two injured workers.


Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Authorities said two vehicles were also damaged in the collapse, although no deaths were reported, with reports from the scene stating strong winds may have caused the steel structure to collapse. Two additional workers reportedly escaped injury after jumping clear in the moments the structure fell.

Officials from Si Racha district, Chao Phraya Surasak municipality, the Si Racha public health office and rescue foundations coordinated the emergency response. The injured workers were transported to Laem Chabang Hospital and Vibharam Laem Chabang Hospital for treatment.

Matichon reported that police and related agencies carried out inspections at the site to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Structural experts are expected to examine the damaged construction area later, as part of the ongoing investigation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 9 May 2026
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Thaksin Parole Protest Petition Filed in Bangkok

Protesters petitioned Thailand’s Ministry of Justice to suspend the parole review process for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arguing that authorities had misinterpreted the law and ignored findings by the Supreme Court relating to his stay at the Police General Hospital while serving a prison sentence. The protest took place on Thursday 7 May, at the ministry’s Chaeng Watthana headquarters ahead of Thaksin’s scheduled parole release on May 11.

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The demonstration was led by the People-Student Network for Reform of Thailand (KPT), headed by activist Pichit Chaimongkol. The group submitted a formal letter calling on the justice minister to review and suspend decisions made by three parole committees that approved Thaksin’s release under electronic monitoring conditions. Ministry official Kittiwit Khongboonrak received the petition on behalf of the minister.

Mr Pichit said the Department of Corrections had wrongly cited Sections 92 and 93 of the Criminal Code, which deal with repeat offences within five years, when explaining Thaksin’s eligibility for parole. He argued that the key issue was whether Thaksin committed disciplinary or criminal violations during his detention after returning to Thailand in August 2024.

The Department of Corrections recently defended its handling of the case, insisting that the parole process complied with legal procedures and that the Supreme Court’s ruling did not affect Thaksin’s eligibility. Authorities stated that the former premier, whose sentence had been reduced to one year by royal pardon, still qualified for parole as a medium-class prisoner.

KPT claimed the department had distorted findings by the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office, which ruled that Thaksin’s transfer for treatment outside prison was unlawful and that his medical condition was not critical. The group warned that officials involved in the process could face accusations of malfeasance under Section 157 of the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, members of the Shinawatra family, including former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visited Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Thursday ahead of his planned release. Red-shirt supporters also gathered outside to show support for the former premier.

The Bangkokpost reported that parole decision remains under scrutiny as legal and political pressure continues to build before the scheduled May 11 release date. Authorities have not indicated whether the ministry will reconsider the parole committee decisions following the petition.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 9 May 2026
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