Thailand News

Pattaya Police Save British Man From Sea

Pattaya

Pattaya Police Save British Man From Sea

Police officers in Pattaya helped save a British tourist from the sea after he allegedly attempted to harm himself late on the night of 29 June 2026, before calming the man and ensuring he returned safely to his accommodation.

Get today's headlines by email

At 11.10pm on 29 June 2026, duty investigation officers Lt. Thannathon Katanyu and Lt. Bowornsak Boonman of Pattaya City Police Station were carrying out their duties when a member of the public alerted them that a foreign tourist had entered the sea in dangerous circumstances. Believing there was no time to wait for patrol officers or rescue workers, the two officers immediately made their way about 500 metres from the police station to location on Pattaya Beach.

On arrival, they found a Thai man restraining one of the British tourists while the man’s travelling companion was arguing and shouting nearby. The officers spoke with them to calm the situation, as both appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
TravelGuides & Travelogues


Picture and video courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

Police established that the two men had travelled to Pattaya after returning from Koh Larn and had been drinking beer on the beach. They were due to fly back to Leeds, England, the following day. The men identified themselves to authorities, as Matthew O’Rourke, 32, and Matthew Sharp, 44, both British nationals travelling together.

Witness Kanthima Phuangcharoen, 18, said she saw one of the men remove his shirt, shouting he wanted to die and swim out to sea before beginning to struggle in the water. She alerted her friends, who stopped drinking beer and entered the sea to help. The man had swum about 30 metres from shore and rescuers had to swim out twice before successfully bringing him safely back to the beach.

Mr Sharp later told officers he had recently lost his daughter and a close friend, leaving him under severe emotional stress and causing him to contemplate taking his own life. Police separated the two men as they began arguing again, before taking Mr Sharp to Pattaya City Police Station, where he was given water and allowed to rest until he had calmed down. Officers then contacted a friend, who collected him and returned him safely to his accommodation.

AQOEaz4OCxcF7zLLorbocLyZ_9N79oHpjVDh87BMLWpRVm4Wxpol-EmN30jdsqlXOU00AaG5Loo1Xayk4kY_aoKmQH9upVXYXIcMoutqiQ.mp4

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 30 June 2026

• Community

• 13 comments
• 289 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Mother jailed for trafficking her 12-year-old daughter in Japan, reduced from 15 to 7.5 years after guilty plea.

Crime

Mother jailed for trafficking her 12-year-old daughter in Japan, reduced from 15 to 7.5 years after guilty plea.

A 30-year-old woman from Phetchabun province has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to taking her 12-year-old daughter to Japan for prostitution. The Criminal Court in Bangkok delivered the ruling on 29 June, reducing the original 15-year term by half due to her confession. The defendant was convicted on charges of human trafficking conspiracy and facilitating the prostitution of another person.

Get today's headlines by email

The court heard that the mother claimed she was taking her daughter on a holiday trip, but instead arranged for the child to work in a massage parlour offering sexual services in Tokyo. The defendant later travelled to Taiwan to engage in prostitution herself, where she was arrested. Meanwhile, the victim, now aged 13, managed to escape and sought assistance from the Tokyo Immigration Police, and is now under the care of the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women.


Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

The defendant had no prior criminal record, but a background investigation revealed she had previously worked in massage parlours abroad. These trips typically lasted 14 to 19 days and earned her between 50,000 and 80,000 baht per visit. The court found that her actions violated multiple laws, including the Criminal Code, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, and the Child Protection Act.

Manger Online reported that during the hearing, the defendant was visibly distressed and broke down in tears. Her parents, her seven-year-old daughter, her youngest son, and other relatives attended the courtroom to offer support.


Related story

Tokyo-child-exploitation-case-mother-arrested

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 30 June 2026

• 32 comments
• 1,160 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

US Identifies WWII Pilot Remains in Lampang

Chiang Mai

US Identifies WWII Pilot Remains in Lampang

The United States has confirmed the identification of the remains of a World War II fighter pilot who went missing after his aircraft was shot down over northern Thailand more than 80 years ago, bringing long-awaited closure to his family. The US Embassy in Thailand said that the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) identified the remains as those of 1st Lt Franklin McKinney. He disappeared when his P-51 Mustang crashed in Lampang Province on 11 November 1944 during an air battle. The identification ends decades of uncertainty over his fate.

Get today's headlines by email

According to the embassy, McKinney was one of 16 US fighter pilots who flew from southern China to strike Japanese military targets in northern Thailand during World War II. Their mission encountered five Royal Thai Air Force Ki-27 fighters that had taken off from Lampang Airport, leading to a dogfight later referred to as the “5 versus 16 Air Battle over Lampang”.

During the engagement, McKinney’s aircraft was shot down in mountainous terrain and he was listed as missing in action and presumed dead. The crash site was first identified in 2018, followed by several surveys. In March 2026, joint American and Thai teams located the remains after extensive historical research and field investigations. Excavation teams recovered aircraft wreckage and survival equipment believed to belong to the pilot, leading to the official identification.

The embassy said American and Thai teams worked closely with the Royal Thai Government, local authorities in Lampang, archaeologists, students from Thammasat University, and a UCLA partnership team. It described months of difficult work in remote terrain.

The embassy statement said, “After more than 80 years of uncertainty, 1st Lt McKinney is finally going home to his family,” and thanked Thai authorities and volunteers for their cooperation. Officials said the effort highlighted strong US-Thai collaboration in recovering wartime remains and providing closure to families of missing personnel.

Khaosod reported that the remains are expected to be returned to McKinney’s family following formal procedures. The DPAA said it will continue efforts to account for service members still missing from past conflicts, working with international partners in future recovery missions.


Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 30 June 2026

• Community

• 31 comments
• 298 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Government Speeds Up Phuket Tourism Clean-up

Phuket

Government Speeds Up Phuket Tourism Clean-up

Thailand’s Interior Ministry is stepping up efforts to clean up Phuket’s tourism sector by investigating companies suspected of using illegal Thai nominee shareholders for foreign owners. The campaign has already resulted in legal action against dozens of businesses while speeding up licensing for legitimate hotel operators.

Get today's headlines by email

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee said 159 companies believed to be operating through nominee arrangements have been referred to a review committee. Legal action has been taken against 39 companies, while 34 have been ordered to divest their holdings.

The investigation is set to expand further, with around 200 additional companies expected to be submitted to the committee for scrutiny. Polapee said an update on the operation is expected this week, with a joint press conference alongside the Department of Lands planned for July 2 or 3. He and Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit are also expected to return to Phuket in about two weeks.

Alongside enforcement, authorities have accelerated the approval process for legitimate hotel businesses. Phuket previously issued around 40 hotel operating certificates each year, but following changes to procedures after the latest inspection visit, officials granted approximately 45 licences within just 10 days.

According to Polapee, the faster licensing process is designed to help hotels and other tourism businesses operate legally while removing illegal levies that have affected honest operators. The changes are intended to allow compliant businesses to trade without fear of unlawful interference.

The campaign forms part of an urgent policy directed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The ministry’s stated priorities are to “alleviate hardship, promote well-being, protect public peace, eradicate drugs and defeat gangsters.”

The Nation reported that the crackdown targets nominee arrangements, where Thai nationals hold shares on behalf of foreign owners in breach of Thai law. Authorities have also linked the operation to broader efforts to prevent and combat transnational crime affecting the tourism industry.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 30 June 2026

• Tourism

• 1 comment
• 200 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Lorry Hits Rider & Kills Elderly Man in Kamphaeng Phet

Central Thailand

Lorry Hits Rider & Kills Elderly Man in Kamphaeng Phet

A 70-year-old man was killed after an 18-wheel lorry collided with his motorised tricycle and ran over him at a three-way junction in front of a BAAC branch in Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand, on 29 June 2026. The victim, identified as Thongsuk, died at the scene after being struck and crushed by the heavy vehicle.

Get today's headlines by email

Khlong Khlung police said the crash occurred at a busy three-way junction outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Khlong Khlung branch in Village 2, Tambon Khlong Khlung. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed the victim riding his modified, unregistered tricycle out of a motorcycle repair shop in the area after it had been serviced.



He then attempted to accelerate across traffic lanes. At the same time, a Hino 18-wheel lorry registered in Nakhon Sawan was travelling straight along the main road at normal speed and was unable to brake in time. The lorry struck the tricycle, causing an impact that threw Thongsuk onto the roadway and he rolled under and was run over by the wheels.



The lorry driver, identified as 33-year-old Phayom from Village 2, Wang Khaem, Khlong Khlung district, was taken into custody at Khlong Khlung police station for questioning and legal processing. Officers carried out alcohol breath testing and drug screening as part of standard procedure and gathered witness statements and CCTV evidence for the case file.


Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Naewna reported that police confirmed that formal charges would be considered once all forensic and investigative evidence had been reviewed. Authorities arranged for rescue workers to transport the body to Khlong Khlung Hospital for a full post-mortem examination before releasing it to relatives for religious funeral rites.

Caution video shows collision

ScreenRecording_06-29-2026 15-26-22_1.mp4

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 30 June 2026

• Accident

• 3 comments
• 238 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Why Only Bangkok Elects Its Governor

Bangkok

Why Only Bangkok Elects Its Governor

Bangkok remains the only province in Thailand where residents directly elect their governor, highlighting the capital’s unique administrative status and the country’s highly centralised system of government. While Bangkok voters regularly head to the polls to choose their leader, governors in the other 76 provinces are appointed by the Ministry of Interior as senior civil servants responsible for implementing national policy.

Get today's headlines by email

Thailand’s centralised structure dates back to reforms introduced by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during the 1890s, when semi-independent local rulers were replaced with centrally appointed officials. That system remains largely unchanged today, with provincial governors routinely transferred between provinces to prevent them from establishing entrenched local power bases. Their role is to represent the central government rather than the people living in the province.

Bangkok became the exception in 1972 when the former provinces of Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were merged into the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, creating a special administrative area that combines provincial and municipal responsibilities. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act introduced direct elections for the city’s governor, with the first vote taking place in 1975. Lawmakers argued that Bangkok’s size, complexity and national importance required a more accountable leadership capable of responding to issues such as urbanisation, transport and flooding.

Successive governments have declined to extend the same electoral model to the rest of the country, preferring to retain provincial governors as Interior Ministry appointees. According to academic Thanet Charoenmuang, who campaigned for an elected governor in Chiang Mai during the early 1990s, officials rejected the proposal over concerns that greater local autonomy, particularly in border provinces, could encourage national fragmentation.

Although Bangkok is the only province with an elected governor, it is not the only area where residents directly elect a local executive. Pattaya, which has special administrative status within Chonburi province, also elects its mayor. Across Thailand, voters also elect chairpersons and councillors to Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAOs), which manage selected local services and budgets but do not replace the authority of the appointed provincial governor.

Bangkok’s own right to elect its governor has not always remained in place. Elections were suspended during periods of military rule from 1977 to 1985 and again from 2014 to 2022, when the post was filled by ministerial appointment. The city’s democratic process resumed with the Bangkok governor election held in May 2022.

The Thaiger reported that calls to introduce elected governors nationwide continue to surface, with supporters arguing the change would strengthen local democracy and improve administrative efficiency. However, five decades after Bangkok’s first governor election, no government has introduced nationwide reform, leaving the capital as Thailand’s sole province where the governor is chosen at the ballot box.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 30 June 2026

• Politics

• 1 comment
• 171 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Malaysian Tourists Injured In Narathiwat Bomb Blast

Southern Thailand

Malaysian Tourists Injured In Narathiwat Bomb Blast

Two Malaysian tourists were injured when a bomb hidden inside a road culvert exploded in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat, on Monday 29 June 2026, at 11:40, authorities said.

Get today's headlines by email

The two injured tourists received emergency assistance at the scene and were taken to hospital. Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of their injuries. The blast took place in Tak Bai district, where the device detonated on a public road.

The explosion occurred near the Sapom three-way intersection on the inbound road to Tak Bai district in Ban Phrai Wan, Phrai Wan subdistrict. According to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, unidentified attackers planted the bomb inside a road culvert before it detonated.

Security forces secured the area, managed traffic, and deployed explosive ordnance disposal and forensic officers to examine the blast site and gather evidence. Emergency responders quickly moved injured tourists to hospital for treatment.



Authorities are investigating the attack and working to identify those responsible. The investigation remains ongoing across multiple agencies. The bombing affected public safety and property, while also dealing a blow to confidence in tourism and the local economy in the area.

ISOC Region 4 Forward Command urged residents to report suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals through its 1341 hotline or local security units as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released any information on the perpetrators’ identities.

Khaosod reported that security forces continue to maintain heightened vigilance in the area during the investigation. Further updates are expected as inquiries progress.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 30 June 2026

• Crime

• 1 comment
• 160 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Chinese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chinese Fraud Suspect Arrested in Chiang Mai

A Chinese woman wanted by authorities in China over an alleged multi-billion-baht investment fraud has been arrested in Chiang Mai by officers from the Immigration Bureau.

Get today's headlines by email

The suspect, identified only as Ms Zheng, 33, was detained on 28 June after investigators located her at a condominium on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Highway. She is the subject of a Chinese arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice linked to an alleged illegal investment scheme that reportedly caused losses exceeding 4.243 billion yuan.

The arrest followed an investigation led by senior Immigration Bureau officers under the direction of Lieutenant General Phanumat Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. Officers from Investigation Division 1 of the Immigration Bureau, working with Investigation Division 5 and Chiang Mai Immigration, tracked the suspect to her residence before serving an order revoking her permission to remain in Thailand.

Chinese authorities allege that on 10 February 2025, the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, filed fraud charges against Ms Zheng, the general manager of Shenzhen Juhang Cloud Storage Technology Co., Ltd. She is accused of working with the company’s legal representative, Bai Chaoshun, to promote an investment scheme involving cloud storage servers.



According to investigators, the company offered contracts for the purchase of cloud storage servers together with service agreements and related contracts, presenting the scheme as a legitimate investment. Investors were promised monthly returns ranging from 4.75% to 5%, allegedly persuading thousands of people across China to invest.

Chinese police claim the scheme raised funds illegally, resulting in losses of more than 4.243 billion yuan and affecting over 4,500 victims. Following her arrest, Ms Zheng was transferred to Investigation Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau, where she will remain in custody pending deportation proceedings.

Thaitabloid reported that The Immigration Bureau said members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity can report it to their local immigration office or by calling the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.


Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 30 June 2026

• Crime

• 0 comments
• 145 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Teen Jet Ski Worker Dies at Jomtien Beach

Pattaya

Teen Jet Ski Worker Dies at Jomtien Beach

An 18-year-old jet ski worker has died after falling into the sea while delivering a jet ski to a customer at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Chon Buri, on 29 June 2026 at 09:30 authorities said. Lifeguards and rescue teams were deployed to search the waters, recovered the victim from the sea, and attempted CPR before a hospital doctor confirmed his death.

Get today's headlines by email

The incident had prompted a temporary restriction of the immediate search area along the beach. Emergency teams maintained presence until the scene was fully cleared.

The victim, identified as Mr Chatchai, 18, was working as a boat crew member for a jet ski operator. According to colleagues, he had taken a jet ski out to deliver it to a customer when he disappeared from view.



Moments later, staff noticed the jet ski floating unattended offshore and raised the alarm, prompting a coordinated search effort. No witnesses directly observed the moment of the incident . He was working for a local jet ski rental service at the time.

Police at Pattaya City Police Station attended the scene and began an initial investigation, documenting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities said the cause of death has not yet been established and remains under investigation.

Possible factors under consideration include falling from the jet ski, losing consciousness in the water, or underlying health issues, pending a full forensic post-mortem examination. Officers secured the area while evidence was collected.

Further inquiries will continue once medical examination results are available, with police expected to review operational safety procedures linked to jet ski services in the area. The findings will determine whether any additional safety measures or regulatory actions are required.

Amarin reported that authorities will continue to review safety compliance in jet ski operations at popular tourist beaches. Results of the post-mortem will guide further reporting on the incident.


Picture courtesy of Amarin

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 30 June 2026

• Accident

• 18 comments
• 347 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Thailand Tourism Lags Despite 15 Million Visitors

Tourism

Thailand Tourism Lags Despite 15 Million Visitors

Thailand’s tourism industry has yet to return to last year’s performance despite welcoming more than 15 million foreign visitors so far in 2026, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Between January 1 and June 20, the country recorded 15,447,571 international arrivals, generating more than 745.39 billion baht in tourism revenue. However, visitor numbers were down 2.78% compared with the same period in 2025.

Get today's headlines by email

Figures released by the ministry’s Economics Tourism and Sports Division showed that China remained Thailand’s largest source market with 2,538,498 visitors. Malaysia followed with 1,992,324 arrivals, ahead of India with 1,188,190, Russia with 996,840 and South Korea with 576,404.

Despite the year-on-year decline, international arrivals increased during the week of June 14 to 20. Thailand welcomed 508,133 foreign visitors during the seven-day period, an increase of 21,464 people, or 4.41%, compared with the previous week. Daily arrivals averaged 72,590 visitors.

The ministry said the weekly increase was driven by the Dragon Boat Festival holiday in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. China remained the largest source market during the week with 83,796 visitors, while arrivals from Malaysia also rose due to a midweek public holiday.

Taiwan recorded the strongest weekly growth, with arrivals increasing by 18.23%, making it the fifth-largest source market for the week. According to TravelNews, short-haul markets grew by 3.37% compared with the previous week, while long-haul markets increased by 7.40%.

However, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports expects international arrivals to ease in the coming week as holiday travel in several key source markets comes to an end. The ministry also noted that the Indian market continues to face challenges because of reduced flight availability.

The Thaiger reported that although China and Malaysia continue to support Thailand’s tourism sector, officials said overall visitor numbers remain below those recorded during the same period last year. The ministry said attracting more international tourists during the second half of 2026 will be important to support the continued recovery of the tourism industry.


Picture courtesy of The Thaiger

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now TheThaiger 30 June 2026

• 1 comment
• 210 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Myanmar Man Abducted by Indian Ex-Employers in Pattaya

Pattaya

Myanmar Man Abducted by Indian Ex-Employers in Pattaya

A Myanmar national was attacked on 27 June 2025 at around 20:00 and allegedly abducted by his former Indian employers in Pattaya, Chonburi, before being taken to a hotel and assaulted again, according to CCTV footage and police reports. The case was reported to police on 29 June 2026.

Get today's headlines by email

The victim, identified as Mr Rarm Kumar, 27, said the suspects arrived at a restaurant in Soi VC, South Pattaya, in a black MG sedan. He was sitting with friends when one man approached, touched his shoulder, and another exited the vehicle to slap, punch and restrain him before he was forced into the car despite bystander attempts to intervene.

He said the men were Mr Amit Jain and Mr Amit Chaturvedi, his former employers, and that he had worked for them since October the previous year. He claims he was dismissed after refusing out-of-hours work and was later accused of theft, which he denies. He also stated that his passport and personal documents have been withheld since his employment ended last year, leaving him in a vulnerable position.


Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

After the alleged assault at the restaurant, he was taken to a hotel near the Bali Hai area in South Pattaya, where he was assaulted again and accused of spreading false statements about the suspects. He was later released near a traffic junction in South Pattaya and sought help from a local community page administrator before filing a complaint at Pattaya City Police Station.

He was also sent for a medical examination at Pattaya City Hospital. Police have collected CCTV footage and witness statements and are preparing to summon the suspects for questioning. Authorities are investigating allegations of assault, unlawful detention, and passport retention to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing evidence and preparing to question the suspects as part of the inquiry into the alleged assault and detention.

AQPAU8jdmGcDnEaKXAtugOFg0Sv_Rs9rawF5RVM9sbImBD1oioCMS8wp-AVtlNrv5wambuf9G1ttFGdNxu_opkljhRv6iRaCZVzefq6g8w.mp4

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 29 June 2026

• Crime

• 3 comments
• 569 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Imphu Hill Resort Ordered Demolished in Nakhon Ratchasima

Isaan

Imphu Hill Resort Ordered Demolished in Nakhon Ratchasima

Authorities have ordered the owner of Imphu Hill Resort in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima, to demolish buildings encroaching on Thap Lan National Park within 15 days, following the conclusion of a long-running court case. The enforcement action marks the latest move by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to crack down on illegal development in protected forest areas.

Get today's headlines by email

On 28 June, Thewin Meesap joined officials from Thap Lan National Park to post an official demolition order at the resort. The order requires the owner to remove all structures found to be illegally occupying national park land within the specified 15-day period, in line with instructions from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

The ministry said the action follows government policy to strengthen enforcement against investors and resort owners who have encroached on conservation forests. Officials have been instructed to pursue legal action and fully enforce final court rulings, with no exceptions for offenders.

Imphu Hill Resort is located in Thai Samakkhi subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The property covers around 20 rai and contains 39 structures.



Authorities first took legal action against the resort in 2008, accusing it of encroaching on land within Thap Lan National Park. The case has now concluded through the legal process, clearing the way for officials to enforce the demolition order in accordance with the law.

The ministry reiterated that it is committed to taking action against all illegal encroachment on protected forest land. Officials said the demolition order demonstrates that enforcement will continue once court proceedings have been completed and final judgments have been issued.

The Daily News reported that further action will depend on whether the resort owner complies with the demolition order within the 15-day deadline. If the structures are not removed as required, authorities are expected to proceed with enforcement measures under the relevant legal provisions. Dailynews subscription


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 29 June 2026

• Crime

• 3 comments
• 212 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Thai Flight Attendant Held Over Heroin at Melbourne Airport

Crime

Thai Flight Attendant Held Over Heroin at Melbourne Airport

A 26-year-old Thai flight attendant has been arrested after Australian authorities discovered more than one kilogram of heroin concealed in her luggage at Melbourne Airport, with the drugs estimated to have a black market value of around AUD500,000.

Get today's headlines by email

According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the woman, who worked as cabin crew on an international flight, arrived at Melbourne Airport on 25 June 2026. Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) selected her luggage for a routine inspection.

During an X-ray examination, border officials detected irregularities in 12 fabric bags inside her luggage. A detailed search revealed white powder hidden within the lining of the bags.

Preliminary testing identified the substance as heroin weighing more than one kilogram. Authorities estimated the seized drugs had a street value of approximately AUD500,000. Following the discovery, ABF officers referred the case to the AFP, which arrested the suspect and seized the drugs as evidence.

The woman has been charged with two serious offences: importing a border-controlled drug in a commercial quantity, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment, and possessing a border-controlled drug in a commercial quantity, which also carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.

The AFP said a court refused the woman bail on 26 June. She is due to appear again at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 September 2026.

Acting AFP Commander Simone Butcher said police would prosecute anyone who abused a position of trust to assist organised drug trafficking networks. She said the AFP would continue working closely with partner agencies to prevent illegal drugs entering Australia and protect communities from drug-related harm.

ThaiRath reported that ABF Commander Clint Sims said organised crime groups continued to target trusted positions, including airline crew and staff, to smuggle drugs into Australia. He said anyone attempting to import illegal drugs, regardless of their occupation, would face prosecution, adding that the ABF would continue using intelligence and advanced detection technology to strengthen border security and disrupt drug trafficking networks.


Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 29 June 2026

• 171 comments
• 319 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Aussie Faces Murder Charges in Pattaya

Pattaya

Aussie Faces Murder Charges in Pattaya

An Australian accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl in Pattaya has been described by neighbours as “abnormal” as further details emerged about the events leading up to the alleged killing.

Get today's headlines by email

Simon Peter Carman, 45, is being held in Pattaya Prison after the body of Tunchanok Donhomla, known as “Nong Cake”, was found naked inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. Thai police have charged him with murder, concealing a body, moving a body and offences relating to a minor. Carman denies killing the teenager and claims he acted in self-defence after allegedly being attacked with a knife.

According to investigators, Carman and Tunchanok met on Pattaya Beach Road, an area known locally as Coconut Bar, during the early hours, before returning to his condominium. Police allege the pair had agreed on a payment of 1,000 baht, but an argument broke out after Carman allegedly offered only 500 baht. CCTV reportedly shows the pair entering the condominium together before later capturing Carman wheeling a black suitcase from the building, securing it to a motorbike and riding away. The suitcase was later found in long grass beside railway tracks around ten minutes from his condominium.

Neighbours at the Rimhad Jomtien Condominium, where Carman had lived for about eight months, described him as a quiet resident who worked as a handyman and at a local bar. One resident told Australian media he “speaks slowly and looks at things for a long time” and appeared “a bit abnormal”, but said he was not known to be aggressive. Others said he usually kept to himself, spent time swimming, walking along the beach and carrying out maintenance work, and rarely brought visitors back to his room.

Police arrested Carman at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport shortly before he was due to board a flight to Perth. During recorded police interviews, he expressed sympathy to Tunchanok’s family, saying: “I feel bad for what happened to your daughter. It was out of my control.” When asked directly if he had killed the teenager, he replied: “No.” He also claimed scratches and bruises on his body were caused by spiders at his condominium.



Tunchanok’s parents travelled from Kalasin province to collect their daughter’s remains. Her father, Thongchai Donhomla, said he was deeply saddened, while her stepmother, Oradee Bussarakum, said she wanted the accused to receive the death penalty. The family said the teenager had only arrived in Pattaya days before her death and that it was her first visit to the city and had kept in touch daily until she disappeared.

The Daily Mall reported that The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Australian national. Carman remains in custody while Thai authorities continue their investigation and prepare the case for court. If convicted of murder in Thailand, he could face the death penalty.


Picture courtesy of Daily Mail

Related story

Australian-arrested-at-bangkok-airport-over-Pattaya-murder

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 29 June 2026

• Latest Update

• 247 comments
• 2,191 views

Georgealbert

June 29Jun 29

Three Foreigners Held with Ecstasy in Sa Kaeo

Eastern Thailand

Three Foreigners Held with Ecstasy in Sa Kaeo

Three foreign nationals, two from Pakistan and one from India, have been arrested in Sa Kaeo province after police seized 101,675 ecstasy pills allegedly destined for Bangkok.

Get today's headlines by email

The arrests followed a joint operation by several police units late on the night of 27 June and into 28 June at a PTT petrol station in Sa Kaeo district. Officers from Sa Kaeo Immigration Police, Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, the Provincial Investigation Division and Region 2 Investigation Division worked together to detain the suspects and recover the drugs.

The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Pakistani national Badti Muhammad Aslan, 19-year-old Pakistani national Aali Liswan, and 45-year-old Indian national Pakgran Wit Sing. Police said they seized 101,675 pills of Category 1 narcotics in various colours, including light green, dark green, grey, orange and pink.



According to investigators, the pills had been divided into five separate batches. These comprised 21,335 light green tablets, 25,107 orange and green tablets, 20,385 orange, green and grey tablets, 20,600 light and dark green tablets, and 14,248 pink, orange and light green tablets. Police said the tablets were marked with the letters “VL” on one side and the “Louis Vuitton” logo on the other.

Police said the three men were found at the petrol station carrying suitcases while attempting to hire transport to Bangkok. Immigration officers became suspicious after checking their documents, which were reported to be invalid, and said one of the suspects attempted to flee before being detained.

Kaoded reported that the suspects were taken to Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station, where a search uncovered the large quantity of ecstasy tablets. Authorities completed arrest procedures before transferring the case to investigators at Muang Sa Kaeo Police Station for legal proceedings.


Picture courtesy of Kaoded

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 29 June 2026

• Crime

• 1 comment
• 217 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Vietnamese Woman Slashed in Silom, Suspect Arrested

Bangkok

Vietnamese Woman Slashed in Silom, Suspect Arrested

A homeless man accused of attacking a Vietnamese woman with a box cutter in Bangkok’s Silom district has been arrested within hours of the assault, with police saying he confessed to the crime.

Get today's headlines by email

The attack took place on 27 June at around 11.30am outside a 7-Eleven near Silom Soi 5. Police at Thung Maha Mek Police Station received a report from the shop manager that a large-built man had used a box cutter to slash a foreign woman, leaving her injured before fleeing the scene.

Station superintendent Pol Col Phanom Chueathong, who was already on patrol, immediately ordered investigation and patrol officers to respond. Equipped with tactical equipment including restraint poles and tasers, officers launched a search using CCTV cameras linked across the Silom area.



Police tracked the suspect as he fled through nearby alleys before locating and arresting him. Officers recovered the box cutter allegedly used in the attack from his possession.

The injured woman was identified as 29-year-old Vietnamese national Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tram, who works for an advertising media company in Thailand. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Atsana, also known as Film, is from Khao Phra Ngam subdistrict in Lopburi province. Police said he was known for sleeping on pavements and road medians in the area and frequently moved between locations.

The suspect was charged with causing bodily harm. Following his arrest, police said he confessed to the offence. Authorities stated that the motive was personal frustration and that he admitted targeting the victim because he disliked overweight women.


Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

Police said residents and local workers had previously been reluctant to report the man because of his intimidating physical appearance. Officers said his arrest has helped ease public concern in the area.

The operation was carried out under the policy of Metropolitan Police Division 5 commander Maj Gen Wittawat Chinkham, who has instructed police stations to maintain tactical training and respond rapidly to incidents. Officers said the successful arrest demonstrated the effective use of CCTV technology and coordinated police tactics.

Thaitabloid reported that later the same day, Nguyen returned from hospital to Thung Maha Mek Police Station, where she formally identified the suspect and confirmed he was the attacker. She thanked officers for their swift response and said the arrest had eased her fears. She also said she wanted the suspect prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.


Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 29 June 2026

• Crime

• 8 comments
• 224 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Hong Kong Beautician Admits Thailand Scam Lure

Crime

Hong Kong Beautician Admits Thailand Scam Lure

A Hong Kong beautician has pleaded guilty to fraud after admitting she lured two women to Thailand before they were trafficked to a Chinese-run scam compound in neighbouring Myanmar in December 2024.

Get today's headlines by email

Poon Sum-yi, 33, entered the guilty plea at the District Court on Friday. Prosecutors said she deceived the victims by offering free flights and accommodation, while promising they would be paid for transporting 48 million baht. Instead, the women were taken through Thailand and sold to a scam factory in Myanmar for US$54,000.

The court heard that unemployed Peng Xinying and part-time model Liu Bingbing were originally invited by Poon to travel to either Japan or Canada. They accepted after she offered to cover all travel expenses.

On 27 December 2024, Poon told the women she had booked flights to Thailand departing that evening and said they would return the following night. Less than three hours before departure, she met Peng in Mong Kok and deleted all of their text messages from the victim’s phone.

After arriving in Bangkok at about 11pm, the pair entered a white vehicle believing they were heading to their hotel. By the following morning, they realised they were being driven north towards Chiang Mai. Poon, who had claimed she would take a later flight, never travelled to Thailand.

The women were taken to the Thai-Myanmar border, where five armed men carrying knives and sticks confiscated their belongings before forcing them across a river. Six more armed men in military uniform then drove them to a Chinese-run scam compound, where they were told they had been sold.

A mainland Chinese man known as “rabbit chief” demanded either a US$500,000 ransom or that the women help the syndicate defraud wealthy overseas Chinese of the same amount. The following month, after learning relatives were searching for them online, he agreed to release them for US$28,000 each, with the possibility of paying less if they remained at the compound longer.

The victims contacted their families, who paid more than HK$585,000 in total to secure their release. Peng and Liu were freed on 8 January and returned to Hong Kong three days later.

The Bangkokpost reported that the Judge Adriana Noelle Tse Ching adjourned sentencing until 29 September while awaiting a Court of Appeal ruling in a similar case. Poon, who has been denied bail since being charged in January last year, remains in custody. Fraud carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment, although penalties in the District Court are capped at seven years.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 29 June 2026

• 0 comments
• 228 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Police Lieutenant Colonel Arrested Over Drug Gang Leak

Isaan

Police Lieutenant Colonel Arrested Over Drug Gang Leak

A Thai police lieutenant colonel has been arrested for allegedly leaking confidential government information to a drug trafficking network, with officers also discovering 75 methamphetamine pills in his workplace during a follow-up search.

Get today's headlines by email

The arrest was announced on June 28 by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 5, which carried out the operation alongside the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Provincial Police Regions 4 and 5, and provincial police in Chiang Rai and Loei. The operation formed part of the government’s “Destroy the Cancer” campaign targeting state officials accused of assisting drug trafficking networks.

According to ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Suriya Singhakamol, the crackdown supports the government’s “Destroy Drugs” policy by taking decisive action against officials who help or support narcotics traffickers.

The investigation stemmed from a major drug seizure on May 17-18 and May 20, 2025, when authorities arrested seven suspects in Phan district, Chiang Rai, and seized 529 kilograms of ketamine destined for shipment to a third country. Assets worth more than 4 million baht were initially frozen.

Investigators later traced financial transactions linked to the network and concluded that members operated with clearly defined roles similar to an organised crime group. Evidence gathered led the court to issue arrest warrants for four additional suspects believed to be senior organisers and supporters.

On August 10, 2025, immigration officers arrested the alleged transport coordinator known as “Jae Meow” while she was entering Thailand. She was described as having close links to the drug owners and financiers, and authorities seized assets worth 10 million baht during that operation.

The investigation later led officers to arrest the police lieutenant colonel at his home in Wang Saphung district, Loei, on June 22, 2026. Authorities allege he passed confidential official information to the drug trafficking network and helped suspects evade prosecution.

Investigators said the officer admitted all charges after being confronted with the evidence. Authorities seized assets worth more than 2 million baht, including cash, gold jewellery, land, a car and firearms.

Khaosod reported that a subsequent search of his workplace uncovered 75 methamphetamine pills hidden inside a desk drawer. Officers have opened a separate criminal case against him for drug possession.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026

• Crime

• 8 comments
• 399 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Thaksin Casts His Vote in Bangkok After 20 Years

Bangkok

Thaksin Casts His Vote in Bangkok After 20 Years

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra cast his first vote in Thailand in around 20 years on Sunday 28 June 2026, marking a symbolic return to the ballot box during the Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) elections. His appearance, alongside former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and other members of the Shinawatra family, drew national attention and added political significance to what was otherwise a local election.

Get today's headlines by email

Thaksin voted at polling station No. 14 in Bang Phlat subdistrict, Bang Phlat district, near Charan Sanitwong 69. Speaking afterwards, he said he felt “excited, happy and proud to be Thai”, joking that he had not voted for so long that he was unsure of the process and was careful not to do anything that might breach the constitution.

He described voting as a civic duty and encouraged people to exercise their democratic rights. Thaksin said those who chose not to vote could not later complain if elected representatives performed poorly, adding that voters always had the opportunity to choose new representatives at the end of a term.

The former premier recalled that the last time he voted was while serving as prime minister before the 2006 military coup. Referring to the April 2006 general election, which was later ruled unconstitutional because of the ballot arrangement, he said it was the last election in which he voted before his lengthy absence from Thailand’s electoral process.

Asked what qualities Bangkok’s next governor should possess, Thaksin said the capital required a capable and dedicated leader able to improve infrastructure and tackle persistent traffic problems despite budget limitations. He said a governor who lacked commitment could not simply “drift along”.

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra voted at polling station No. 15 at Kheha Thani 3 housing estate in Ram Inthra subdistrict, Khan Na Yao district. She was accompanied by her mother, Khunying Potjaman Damapong, her elder sister Pinthongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong, her husband Pitaka Suksawat and their two children. The family greeted supporters before voting in an orderly manner.

The Nation reported that the visibility of both Thaksin and Paetongtarn turned the Bangkok election into a wider political moment, reflecting the Shinawatra family’s continuing prominence in Thai politics. Thaksin maintained that his appearance was simply to fulfil his duty as a citizen rather than to make a political statement.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 29 June 2026

• Politics

• 3 comments
• 272 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Thailand Says China to Stay Neutral

Politics

Thailand Says China to Stay Neutral

Thailand has expressed confidence that China will maintain a neutral position amid ongoing tensions with Cambodia, following Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s visit to Beijing.

Get today's headlines by email

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Saturday 27 June 2926, that Cambodia’s engagement with China was a normal part of bilateral relations and insisted Beijing had not taken sides in the dispute between the neighbouring countries.

He said he believed China understood how it should position itself and would avoid any action that could worsen the conflict.

“I believe China knows how it should position itself. Bilateral relations between China and Cambodia are normal, but China also knows it should avoid doing anything that could affect the conflict,” Sihasak said.

The foreign minister also urged the public not to overreact to reports originating from Cambodia, warning that some information was being released to reinforce Cambodia’s own narrative.

“Don’t be swayed by every report. Some of the news comes from Cambodia and is intended to favour its own position,” he said.

Responding to reports that Cambodia was seeking to purchase ammunition from China, Sihasak said such defence cooperation had already been agreed previously and was not connected to the current dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

He added that China had long-standing interests in Cambodia, including military cooperation and facilities, but said these should not be interpreted as support for either side in the dispute.

“China has interests in Cambodia, including existing cooperation such as military facilities, but that should not affect the Thailand-Cambodia situation or signal support for either side. I believe China understands this well,” he said.

Khaosod reported that Sihasak also confirmed that the compulsory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would continue as planned. He said Thailand would assess any outcome according to whether it was fair and consistent with the country’s national interests.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026

• Thai - Cambodia Conflict

• 4 comments
• 194 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Girl, 3, Rescued From Washing Machine in Phang Nga

Southern Thailand

Girl, 3, Rescued From Washing Machine in Phang Nga

A three-year-old girl was rescued after becoming trapped inside the spin-dryer drum of a washing machine for more than two hours at a home in Village 3, Kura subdistrict, Kuraburi district, Phang Nga province, on June 28. The child lost consciousness before emergency responders freed her and doctors later confirmed she was safe.

Get today's headlines by email

The incident happened after the girl climbed into the washing machine’s spin-dryer drum while playing at home. According to her grandmother, she crawled inside and was unable to climb back out. She is believed to have remained trapped for more than two hours before family members noticed her and called for help.

Rescue workers from the Ranong Rescue Foundation, Kuraburi unit, arrived to find the child visibly exhausted inside the drum. As her condition deteriorated and she lost consciousness, the team decided to remove the entire spin-dryer assembly from the washing machine while leaving the girl inside to avoid causing further injury.



She was rushed to Kuraburi Chai Pattana Hospital, where doctors and nurses immediately administered oxygen and monitored her condition closely. At the hospital, rescue personnel used specialised cutting and spreading equipment to carefully remove the plastic structure of the spin-dryer drum section by section while taking care not to injure the child.

The team successfully freed the girl from the drum. Her family and the emergency responders expressed relief, and doctors confirmed that she was safe and remained under close medical observation.

The incident has been highlighted as an important reminder for parents and carers to supervise young children closely, particularly around household appliances. Rescue workers noted that washing machines, refrigerators and other enclosed household items can pose serious risks if children become trapped inside them.

Amarin reported that the girl’s condition will continue to be monitored by medical staff as she recovers. No further details about her injuries or any additional medical treatment were released.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 29 June 2026

• Rescue

• 27 comments
• 225 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Volunteer Shoots Three Migrants Dead in Chachoengsao

Central Thailand

Volunteer Shoots Three Migrants Dead in Chachoengsao

Three Myanmar migrant workers were shot dead and another man was seriously injured following a confrontation with a village security volunteer in Chachoengsao province late on 27 June. Police said the shooting happened at around 11.30pm in Ban Nong Nam Dam, Koh Khanun subdistrict, Phanom Sarakham district.

Get today's headlines by email

Officers who responded to the scene found the bodies of three Myanmar nationals, each with multiple gunshot wounds. Their identities had not yet been confirmed. A Thai man, identified as Pichai Daphantha, suffered serious stab wounds to his left side and was taken to Phanom Sarakham Hospital before police arrived.

Investigators recovered more than 16 spent shell casings, along with a handgun and a knife believed to have been used during the confrontation. Police forensic officers examined the scene while collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

The shooter, 24-year-old village security volunteer Theerapat Nopthao, told police that he and a friend had gone to warn several groups of migrant workers who were drinking alcohol and playing loud music near a residential area. He claimed an argument followed, during which his friend was struck with a bottle before falling to the ground and being stabbed.

According to Theerapat, around 10 men armed with knives then ran towards him. He said he opened fire in self-defence. Police have not independently confirmed his account, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Authorities have not yet announced whether any charges will be filed. Police said forensic evidence and witness statements would form part of the investigation as they work to establish the sequence of events and determine whether the use of force was legally justified.

Khaosod reported that the case has drawn attention because it involves multiple fatalities and competing accounts of what happened before the shooting. The identities of the three deceased Myanmar nationals remain unconfirmed as police continue their inquiries.


Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026

• Crime

• 12 comments
• 270 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

“Beer” Wins Pattaya Mayoral Election

Pattaya

“Beer” Wins Pattaya Mayoral Election

Poramese "Beer" Ngamphichet has won the Pattaya mayoral election by a commanding margin after unofficial results showed him securing more than 60% of the vote. The final unofficial count, completed at 10.19pm on 28 June 2026, covered all 113 polling stations and gave the We Love Pattaya candidate a lead of more than 8,600 votes over his nearest rival.

Get today's headlines by email

Poramese, candidate number 2, received 20,184 votes, representing 60.6% of ballots cast. Candidate number 1, Itthiwat Wattanasartsathorn, finished second with 11,566 votes (34.8%), followed by Sakchai Tanghor with 1,077 votes (3.2%), Suinee Charoensuk with 265 votes (0.8%), and Ittipol Niankup Singkhonkaew with 191 votes (0.6%).

The election attracted 34,677 voters from a total electorate of 80,196, resulting in a turnout of 43.24%. Of the ballots cast, 33,283 were valid (95.98%), 589 were invalid (1.70%), and 805 voters chose not to support any candidate (2.32%).

The result also delivered a clean sweep for the We Love Pattaya group in the Pattaya City Council elections. The group secured all 24 council seats across the city’s four electoral districts, giving it full control of the council alongside the mayoralty.

The election marked the conclusion of Pattaya’s latest local vote, with the unofficial count completed on 28 June 2026. The outcome gives Poramese a decisive mandate, although the figures remain provisional until formally endorsed by Thailand’s Election Commission.

SiamChon reported that The Election Commission is expected to review and formally certify the election results before they take legal effect. Until then, the announced figures remain unofficial despite the completion of the vote count.


Picture courtesy of SiamChon

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 29 June 2026

• Politics

• 0 comments
• 266 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

UN Urges Southeast Asia to End Drug Criminalisation

Crime

UN Urges Southeast Asia to End Drug Criminalisation

A United Nations-backed call to end the criminalisation of drug use has urged Southeast Asian governments, including Thailand, to abandon punitive drug policies, arguing that decades of enforcement have failed to reduce drug markets while causing widespread social and human rights harm.

Get today's headlines by email

The appeal follows the release of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) regional report earlier this month, which found record levels of drug seizures across Southeast and East Asia, particularly of methamphetamine and ketamine. Despite increased enforcement, retail drug prices have fallen in Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia, suggesting synthetic drugs are more widely available than ever. The findings were reinforced by the UNODC World Drug Report 2026, published earlier this week ahead of World Drug Day on 27 June.

The article argues that governments have focused heavily on law enforcement and harsher penalties in the belief that punishment would deter drug trafficking. Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia continue to have death sentences for drug trafficking. Although the Philippines abolished the death penalty, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign resulted in 8,663 officially reported extrajudicial killings, while the UN human rights office estimates the true figure could exceed 20,000. Duterte now faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.

Across the region, more than half of prisoners in many countries are incarcerated for drug offences. Thailand has the world’s second-highest rate of female imprisonment, with more than 60% of female inmates jailed for drug-related crimes. Indonesia, followed closely by the Philippines, has experienced the world’s fastest growth in female incarceration, again largely driven by drug offences.

The report also criticises compulsory drug treatment programmes, noting that many are operated by police or military authorities and have been identified by international and national human rights bodies as sites of torture, forced labour and other abuses. It argues that criminalising drug use creates stigma that discourages people from seeking help.

The report author says ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a “drug-free” region during the summit in the Philippines in May without acknowledging the costs or the lack of progress over more than two decades. Instead, policymakers are urged to adopt evidence-based approaches that prioritise health, welfare and human rights.

The Bangkokpost reports that the report highlights growing international support for reforms including harm reduction, decriminalisation and responsible regulation of drugs. More than 30 countries have already decriminalised drug use, while Thailand has done so for cannabis and kratom. The report concludes that Southeast Asian governments should move beyond limited reforms and end the criminalisation of drug use, possession for personal use and related activities in line with recommendations from UN drug, health and human rights authorities.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 29 June 2026

• Analysis

• 33 comments
• 189 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28

Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term

Bangkok

Chadchart Wins Second Bangkok Term

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has declared victory in the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results showed the independent incumbent heading for a landslide second term. With 89.86% of ballots counted on Sunday night, Chadchart had received around 1.444 million votes, compared with 288,171 for his nearest rival, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasuk. The result, pending official certification by the Election Commission, gives him another four years to continue his administration of the capital.

Get today's headlines by email

Chadchart said the outcome was “not a victory, but a command from the people”, stressing that the result brought greater responsibility rather than celebration. He thanked Bangkok residents for exercising their democratic rights and pledged to serve all citizens regardless of how they voted. He also noted that his vote share had increased from around 51% in the 2022 election to about 64% in the current unofficial count, reflecting broader public support for his policies.

His first priority after official endorsement will be to convert more than 260 campaign policies into a strategic plan, with an urgent programme for the first 100 days. Chadchart said his administration would tackle the city’s most difficult problems first, including flooding, traffic and other long-term urban challenges, while maintaining a strong focus on transparency and anti-corruption.

Chadchart also confirmed he had received a congratulatory phone call from People’s Party candidate Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, who shared policy ideas on early childhood development centres and flood prevention. The governor said he was willing to work with all political groups and would consider useful proposals from any source, adding that “everyone is an ally” after the election.

A civil engineer by training, Chadchart first gained prominence as a transport specialist before serving as deputy transport minister and later transport minister under former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He later stood as an independent candidate and won the 2022 Bangkok governor election with 1,386,215 votes, campaigning on the slogan “Bangkok, a liveable city for all”.

During his first term, Chadchart focused on data-driven urban management, introducing improved flood monitoring systems, district-level problem tracking and technology-based public services. His administration also expanded social policies, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration receiving the UNDP Gender Equality Seal Gold in 2026, becoming the first public institution in Asia and the Pacific to achieve the certification.

The Nation reported that if confirmed by the Election Commission, Chadchart’s second term will begin with higher public expectations as voters judge the progress of his first four years in office. His administration will face continued pressure to deliver lasting improvements in traffic, drainage, public transport, waste management, green spaces, public health and safety while working with national agencies and the Bangkok Metropolitan Council. Chadchart said his long-term goal is to make Bangkok a globally competitive city through cooperation between residents, officials and all sectors.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 29 June 2026

• Politics

• 1 comment
• 231 views

Georgealbert

June 28Jun 28