Thailand launches first pageant for butch lesbian women: The Tom Thailand

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15 June 2026, 18:38

BANGKOK — 15 June 2026, Thailand is set to host its first-ever pageant for “toms” — Thai masculine-presenting lesbian women — with the launch of The Tom Thailand 2026, a national competition aimed at spotlighting confidence, character, and personal style within the community.

The pageant is being positioned not as a celebrity showcase but as a platform for everyday toms from across the country to step forward and be seen on a national stage. Organisers say entrants will be judged not only on appearance but on the quality of their thinking, conduct, and way of life.

Three high-profile figures have been named as Masters for the competition: Anant Semathong, known as Mae Uan Return; Winit Bunchaisri; and Thachai Prathumwan, the singer better known as Keng. A coaching team including Patitthaya Khwantrakun, Sumonrat, and Piyawan Chuentako will work with contestants during the competition.

Pageant director Wilailak Sirisakhon, known as Nan, called on toms nationwide to join. “We invite toms from across the country who have confidence, talent, and are ready to inspire others to be part of a stage that will elevate the identity and potential of Thai toms to a national level,” she said. “No matter which province you come from or what your style is — if you have a dream and are ready to shine, this stage is for you.”

Lek Bunnada Thippibal, founder and rights holder of the competition, said the project grew from a belief that everyone deserves the chance to show what they are capable of, and that the pageant aims to push a new generation to step proudly into the public eye.
Registration details are expected to be announced shortly.

Thai Commerce Ministry hosts 13 envoys in Chanthaburi to promote “Fruit Tourism”

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15 June 2026, 18:00

Thai Commerce Ministry hosts 13 envoys in Chanthaburi to promote “Fruit Tourism”

CHANTHABURI — 15 June 2026, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce led diplomats from 13 countries to visit high-quality fruit production sites, taste fresh fruits straight from the trees, and experience the charm of local communities in Chanthaburi on 13-14 June, promoting and seeking to attract foreigners to “Fruit Tourism.”

Chantapat Panjamanon, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department organized an event to raise awareness of Thailand’s fruit potential under the project “Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits 2026,” aimed at boosting confidence in the quality and production standards of Thai fruit while creating new consumption opportunities among foreign tourists.

Moreover, as 2026 sees a bumper crop of Thai fruit entering the market, the Department of Internal Trade is pursuing proactive Thai fruit consumption strategies alongside creating new marketing opportunities. This aligns with the policy of Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, to support the high-quality yields of Thai farmers. The strategy targets both the domestic market and foreign tourists, who serve as a vital driving force in expanding the consumption of Thai fruits in the future.

This diplomatic visit to Chanthaburi province sought to showcase Thai fruits as high-potential national products, boasting unique local identities, rich flavors, and seasonal diversity, while aiming to raise awareness of Thai fruit in key markets, including the European Union, Japan, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Middle East, and emerging high-potential markets in other regions.

The diplomatic delegation from the 13 nations included ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Guatemala, Cuba, Venezuela, and Kenya, as well as representatives from the embassies of Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Led by an advisor to the deputy prime minister, the envoys toured sites and observed the entire Thai fruit production supply chain from farm to final destination. This included cultivation, maintenance, harvesting, sorting, packaging, and transportation. The visit aimed to showcase the readiness of Thailand’s agricultural sector and provide foreign representatives with a firsthand look at actual production processes on the ground.

Additionally, the diplomatic delegation personally sampled fresh fruit and tasted processed products, including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, fried durian, durian paste, and mangosteen preserves. This firsthand experience allowed them to directly appreciate the taste and quality of Thai fruits, thereby expanding trade opportunities for both fresh produce and processed goods into new markets, particularly across the Middle East, the CIS region, Latin America, and Africa.

Chantapat said the Department of Internal Trade also emphasizes promoting the concept of “Fruit Tourism” through “Fruit Diplomacy,” positioning Thai fruit as a part of the visitor experience in Thailand. Chanthaburi clearly reflects Thailand’s identity as a land of tropical fruits, with durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and a wide variety of seasonal produce. At the same time, the province features community-based tourism and “Must-See Markets” (Talat Tong Chom), an initiative promoted by the Department of Internal Trade to link local fruits, regional cuisine, community products, and tourism. This synergy helps generate income for farmers, local entrepreneurs, and communities alike.

“This event is not merely about inviting diplomats to taste fruit, but about demonstrating Thailand’s strengths in fruit diversity, production standards, and the charm of local communities,” he continued. “We hope Thai fruit will become one of the must-try experiences when tourists visit Thailand, while simultaneously driving the country toward becoming a sustainable global destination for tropical fruits.”

Landslide Blocks Khun Tan Rail Line, Services Resume

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15 June 2026, 17:38

Landslide Blocks Khun Tan Rail Line, Services Resume

LAMPHUN — 14 June 2026, Heavy rain triggered a landslide near the northern entrance of Khun Tan Tunnel, blocking railway traffic between Khun Tan and Mae Tan Noi stations, railway officials said.

Khun Tan Station reported at 17.10 hrs that soil had slid onto the tracks near the tunnel entrance within the station area, obstructing train operations.

Railway authorities ordered an emergency closure of the section at 17.18 hrs and coordinated with civil engineering crews to clear the debris. Initial estimates suggested repairs would take around three hours.

The line was fully reopened at 19.40 hrs, allowing train services through the Khun Tan area to resume as normal.

Officials said the situation has now returned to normal, with train operations running smoothly. Despite it being a weekday, tourists continued to visit Khun Tan to enjoy the lush scenery following recent rainfall.

However, authorities warned that the area remains under the influence of the monsoon season, and weather conditions could change rapidly. Travelers are advised to monitor weather forecasts and local updates before traveling.

Passengers seeking information on train services can contact the State Railway of Thailand hotline at 1690, available 24 hours a day.

Indian tourists were asked to leave Songkhla resort

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15 June 2026, 17:14

SONGKHLA — A seaside caravan resort in Songkhla has claimed that a group of Indian tourists repeatedly demanded free services, verbally abused staff and refused to follow property rules before being asked to leave and receiving a full refund.

The allegations were made in a Facebook post by Caravan Camping at Sakom Songkhla, a beachfront accommodation provider in Thepha district.

The resort described the incident as its worst experience in five years of operation.

According to the post, the tourists requested to check in at 08:00 without paying an additional early check-in fee and sought to increase occupancy beyond the permitted number of guests without extra charges.

The resort said the group booked three tents designed to accommodate two guests each, for a total of six people, but allegedly attempted to accommodate nine people without paying additional fees.

The business also claimed the tourists repeatedly requested complimentary services and refused to comply with accommodation regulations.

According to the resort owner, staff members who explained the property’s rules were met with rude language and verbal abuse. The post alleged that female employees, including housekeeping staff, were subjected to intimidation and insults, with one staff member left in tears.

The resort further claimed that the group brought a large quantity of alcoholic beverages onto the premises despite a prohibition on outside alcohol.

To resolve the dispute, the resort said it decided to issue a full refund and asked the guests to leave the property.

However, the owner alleged that the matter continued after the refund was processed, claiming that some members of the group sought reimbursement exceeding the amount they had originally paid.

The resort said it was ultimately required to provide booking and payment records from the accommodation platform to verify the original transaction amount and demonstrate that the full amount paid had been refunded.

The owner said the post was intended as a warning to other hotel and resort operators, urging them to retain booking records, payment receipts and communications with guests to protect themselves in the event of future disputes.

The tourists involved have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Foreign tourist wields metal pipe, ends up bloodied by Thai Krabi-Krabong skills

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15 June 2026, 16:27

Foreign tourist wields metal pipe, ends up bloodied by Thai Krabi-Krabong skills

PHUKET — 15 June 2026, an outrageous foreign tourist allegedly chased and assaulted a Thai boxing instructor with an aluminium pipe and was later wounded by traditional Krabi-Krabong arts, a Thai weapon-based martial art.

The altercation between a foreigner and a Thai boxing instructor occurred in Soi Ta-iad, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket. The incident has drawn a massive wave of comments from netizens, such as:”This kind of terrible behavior from tourists who disrespect the people and the place… he totally got what he deserved.”
• “You should open a sword-fighting school alongside the boxing gym now. That looks fun.”
• “The art of Krabi-Krabong finally put to good use.”
• “And they said we’d never use what we learned in Krabi-Krabong class.”
• “Covered in blood and he still hasn’t learned his lesson”

On Monday, reporters stated that Waikun, a 50-year-old Muay Thai instructor involved in the altercation, recounted the event. He explained that prior to the incident, he was parked while waiting for his sister in the area when he spotted two motorcycles ridden by foreign tourists driving towards him while taking up much of the roadway.

He warned the riders about road safety and manners, leading to an argument. During the dispute, a large-built foreign man allegedly punched him several times in the face and left eye, causing injuries. Waikun said he attempted to defend himself as the situation became increasingly tense.

After the initial clash, he went back to retrieve a weapon (a sword) from inside his house to defend himself, saying he feared he would be assaulted again and insisting that he had no intention of attacking the other party first.

The foreign man later rode a motorcycle back to the scene carrying an object resembling a long metal pipe, triggering another confrontation. During the ensuing scuffle, the tip of his weapon struck the other party’s arm, causing minor injuries.

During the incident, several relatives and local residents were nearby, raising concerns that others could have been hurt had the dispute escalated further. Police later intervened and brought the situation under control.

Following the incident, officers took both parties in for legal proceedings and seized the weapons used in the altercation. The foreign man was transported to a hospital for treatment.

As for Waikun’s injuries, he sustained trauma to his left eye socket. Medical examinations found that he had suffered a fractured left eye socket, blurred vision, and pain around his left eye and jaw. He currently remains under ongoing medical observation and treatment.

He had filed a daily police report as evidence and handed over mobile phone video footage recorded by witnesses at the scene to officers to assist with the investigation.

At this time, no details have been released by the foreign party, and it remains unclear whether any counter-complaints have been filed. Officers are currently gathering evidence from all parties before determining further legal action.

Prominent Cambodian opposition politician seeks Supreme Court reversal of incitement conviction

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Associated Press

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15 June 2026, 15:50

Cambodia Politics — A security guard in civil uniform, right, guides Rong Chhun, a prominent Cambodian opposition politician, center, as he leaves a Supreme Court hearing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A prominent Cambodian opposition politician emerged Monday from his Supreme Court appeal to a crowd of cheering supporters, telling them he was anxious for judges to overturn his incitement conviction so that he could get back into politics.

Rong Chhun, a top adviser to the Nation Power Party, was found guilty last year of inciting social unrest after he met villagers displaced by government construction projects. His conviction was seen as one of many legal moves taken by the government of Prime Minister Hun Manet to stifle criticism.

The 56-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison and barred from running for office and from voting. At his trial he had argued his innocence, saying all he had done was post photos of himself with the villagers and comments on Facebook.

He emerged from the morning hearing to a crowd of some 300 supporters chanting “Drop the charges, release Rong Chhun!” and holding signs with slogans calling for his freedom.

AP26166187458514 — Supporters of Rong Chhun, a prominent Cambodian opposition politician, shout slogans outside the Supreme Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

He told them that with tensions between Cambodia and neighboring Thailand, a struggling economy and other issues facing the country, he wants to promote “national reconciliation and national unity” for Cambodia’s 17 million people.

“I hope the court will grant me freedom and justice so that I can continue to practice politics in the future,” he said.

Roads leading to the court were blocked by several dozen police officers at barricades, and Rong Chhun walked to the hearing accompanied by his supports, including local and international human rights advocates.

“We are not worried about going to prison,” he said. “We are willing to sacrifice everything and we are determined to use the resources our parents gave us to invest so that Cambodia can achieve true freedom and democracy.”

Incitement allegations are frequently used by authorities in Cambodia against opponents.

Rong Chhun was already sentenced to two years on incitement charges in 2021, based on accusations he spread false information about Cambodia’s border with Vietnam after meeting with farmers in the area. He was released later the same year by an appeals court.

AP26166187034149 — Rong Chhun, a prominent Cambodian opposition politician, gestures to his supporters after a Supreme Court hearing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodia’s government insists it promotes the rule of law under an electoral democracy, but political parties seen as mounting strong challenges to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party have been dissolved by the courts or had their leaders jailed or harassed.

Under almost four decades of autocratic former Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia was widely criticized for human rights abuses that included suppression of freedom of speech and association. He was succeeded in August 2023 by his American-educated son, Hun Manet, but there have been few signs of political liberalization.

On Monday, Tim Ratha drove several hours from Siem Reap province in the north to the capital, saying she wanted to show her support for Rong Chhun.

“He has devoted everything to us, he had no wife, no children,” the 55-year-old vegetable vendor told The Associated Press.

The Supreme Court’s verdict is due June 19.

Eldest son of Norway’s crown princess sentenced to 4 years in prison for rape

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Associated Press

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15 June 2026, 14:58

Norway Royals — FILE - Norway's Marius Borg Hoiby and Crown Princess Mette-Marit in Oslo, June 16, 2022. (Lise Aserud/NTB Scanpix via AP, File)

Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was sentenced to four years in prison Monday after being convicted of rape.

He was found guilty of two of the four rape charges he was facing and acquitted of the other two.

He was also convicted of assault and abuse in close relationships. In addition to the prison sentence, Høiby was ordered to pay compensation to the victims.

Høiby, 29, had been charged with sexually assaulting four women who were asleep or otherwise unable to resist between 2018 and 2024.

He faced a total of 40 criminal charges including some for lesser offenses, such as assault, drug-related crimes and violations of a restraining order.

Høiby had denied the rape allegations but admitted to several of the lesser offenses.

Prosecutors had asked Oslo District Court to sentence him to seven years and seven months in prison, while defense lawyers had argued that he should be acquitted of the rape allegations and receive no more than 18 months for offenses he had admitted to.

The sentence is not final and Høiby can appeal.

Høiby was not present in court on Monday because of health reasons. He watched the reading of the verdict via a video link from prison.

The six-week trial concluded in March after testimony from multiple accusers and presentation of evidence, including messages, images and videos from Høiby’s cellphone.

The case has generated intense international attention because of Høiby’s connection to the royal family. Although he holds no royal title and has no official duties, he’s the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the heir to Norway’s throne, and he grew up in the household with the future king.

Interest has intensified in recent days as Mette-Marit’s health has deteriorated. The crown princess, who has pulmonary fibrosis and is awaiting a lung transplant, has been at the center of legal arguments over whether her son should be granted temporary release from custody before the verdict. Appeals courts ruled that Høiby should remain detained while awaiting judgment.

The trial has also unfolded amid renewed scrutiny of the royal family following disclosures about Mette-Marit’s past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased sex offender. She has publicly apologized for the association and said she exercised poor judgment in maintaining contact with him. She isn’t accused of any wrongdoing.

Starmer says Britain will ban under-16s from using a range of social media apps

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Associated Press

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15 June 2026, 14:34

LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain will ban under-16s from using a range of social media apps.

Starmer says he will fight back if technology companies resist. He says he is “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children.”

The move makes the U.K. part of a growing global movement to tighten online safety for children. Australia, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have introduced legislation or announced age-based restrictions or requirements for children’s access to social media.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a social media ban for young teenagers Monday, designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.

Britain would join a growing global movement to tighten online safety for children. Australia, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia have introduced legislation or announced age-based restrictions or requirements for children’s access to social media. France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are among others studying or developing similar approaches.

“How we keep kids safe online is one of the biggest debates of our time,” Starmer said in a statement released Sunday. “This is a choice about whose side we’re on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn’t working.”

Starmer, who is under pressure to step down from members of his own party over what they see as poor leadership, said he would be announcing a “world-leading” action to protect children. He suggested it be more prohibitive than the Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16.

The Sunday Times reported that the U.K. would also restrict chatbots, features on some gaming apps and place a curfew aimed at preventing older teens from late-night scrolling.

The under-16 ban would apply to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Twitch, Kick and Reddit, the Times reported.

The decision follows a public comment period in which the government got 116,000 responses from parents, the tech industry and children. The number of responses was second only to one seeking input about equal marriage in 2012.

The vast majority of respondents wanted an under-16 ban, including youths, said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who added that a ban should be part of other measures.

“I don’t think banning social media on its own is the silver bullet solution, but I do think Australia has shown very clearly that it has a significant role to play,” Nandy told BBC on Sunday.

The ban could further inflame tensions with the U.S., which has warned that regulations should be narrow and not violate free speech protections, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in London. It said it was also concerned that regulations would place greater burdens on American technology companies.

Jon Crowcroft, a communications systems professor at University of Cambridge, said people supporting social bans are well-meaning but probably misguided, and changes could prevent children from accessing sites they need.

“There is a real risk this will drive some users to worse sites and policing devices is close to impossible technically,” Crowcroft said. “Policing platforms is far easier, if only regulators would bother.”

Factory bus slams into school transport, injuring 24 students

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15 June 2026, 13:51

PRACHINBURI — 15 June 2026, Twenty-four students were injured after a factory coach bus collided with the rear of a school transport truck in Si Maha Phot district on Monday morning.

The accident occurred at around 07:00 near The Spring housing estate on Road 3079 in Tha Tum subdistrict, as students were travelling to school on the first day of the new academic term.

Police said a six-wheel school transport vehicle carrying students from both Si Maha Phot School and Wat Mai Krong Thong Secondary School was leaving the housing estate when it was struck from behind by a shuttle bus transporting employees of Canon.

Witness Suphakarn Jaireo, a student at Si Maha Phot School, said the school vehicle had been collecting students from kindergarten through upper secondary levels before heading towards schools in the district centre.

“As the vehicle was turning out from the estate entrance, the factory bus travelling on the main road crashed into the rear of the student vehicle,” she said.

4 web 3 — The apparent point of impact seen on the side of the school truck

The impact caused significant damage to the school vehicle and threw several students from their seats. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as injured children cried out following the collision.

Emergency responders from the Sawang Bamphen Dhammasathan Rescue Foundation, along with traffic police and local officials, rushed to the scene and transported the injured students to nearby hospitals.

Si Maha Phot District Chief Juthamas Buaphuean visited injured students at hospitals later in the day. Authorities reported a total of 24 injuries, including five patients classified as yellow-level injuries and 19 classified as green-level injuries.

The injured were distributed among several hospitals:

• Si Maha Phot Hospital: 10 patients (one yellow-level, nine green-level)

• Chularat 304 International Hospital: Eight patients (two yellow-level, six green-level). Six were discharged while two remained under observation.

• Kasemrad Prachinburi Hospital: Four patients, all with minor injuries and later discharged.

• Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital: Two patients with yellow-level injuries.

Authorities said no students suffered life-threatening injuries and there were no fatalities. Most sustained minor abrasions, bruises and shock.

Pol. Col. Sophon Pramanee, superintendent of Si Maha Phot Police Station, said investigators were gathering evidence to determine the cause of the crash and would proceed with legal action as appropriate.

Colour	Meaning	Typical Condition
Red	Immediate / critical	Life-threatening injuries requiring urgent intervention
Yellow	Urgent but not immediately life-threatening	Moderate injuries that require hospital treatment and observation
Green	Minor injuries (“walking wounded”)	Cuts, bruises, minor fractures, mild symptoms
Black	Deceased or injuries incompatible with survival	Fatalities or patients beyond rescue

Chinese fruit seller goes viral for feeding Thai durians to sheep

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Khaosod English

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15 June 2026, 13:50

Chinese fruit seller goes viral for feeding Thai durians to sheep

XINGTAI, China — 15 June 2026, A fruit vendor in northern China has gone viral after posting videos of his flock of sheep eagerly jostling to eat imported Thai durians with great appetite, with the owner claiming the unusual diet for over 2 years has improved the quality of the mutton, leaving netizens utterly envious.

The fruit vendor, identified only by his surname Zhao, runs a fruit business in Xingtai, Hebei province, China. He revealed that he regularly imports Grade A durians from Thailand, ordering around 150 to 200 boxes at a time. Some of the fruit, however, is damaged during transportation or storage, including those with cracked shells, insufficient ripeness, or poor quality that cannot be sold.

Thai durians are regarded as a premium imported fruit in China and command relatively high prices. Zhao said the Grade A durians he purchases cost around 26 yuan (US$3.84) per jin (500 grams), or about 52 yuan (US$7.68) per kilogram at wholesale level, with retail prices often rising higher depending on the variety and season.

Rather than throwing it away to waste, Zhao has been feeding the unsellable durians to his flock of more than 30 sheep at home. The animals mainly eat grass and wheat plants, with fruit serving as a dietary supplement. In addition to durian, the sheep are also given watermelons, bananas, and other fruits.

Zhao said he has been feeding durian to the sheep two or three times a week for the past two years, and the practice has produced unexpected results. After a prolonged period of raising the sheep on a combination of grass and fruit, the quality of the mutton has visibly and significantly improved.

According to Zhao, the lamb appears to have become more tender, with a slight sweet aroma and a less pronounced mutton smell. While he cannot confirm whether the changes are directly linked to the durian diet, family members and others who have tasted the meat agree that it tastes better than ordinary lamb.

Furthermore, most of the sheep are raised for his own family consumption, although Zhao occasionally sells the meat to neighbours and customers who are interested for 50 yuan (US$7.38) per jin (500 grams).

The videos sparked widespread reactions on Chinese social media, with users flooding comments with reactions such as, “This is the first time I’ve envied a sheep,” “I’ve never eaten so much durian in my life,” “These sheep are living better than people,” and “This is truly the dream life for durian lovers.” Meanwhile, some netizens praised the practice as a good example of reducing food waste.

Zhao also said he had never considered selling damaged fruit to consumers, insisting that maintaining honesty with customers was more important than recovering losses. Instead, he decided to put the otherwise wasted Thai durians to use by feeding them to his animals.

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