Suvarnabhumi Airport says crew member’s luggage cleared security screening before Australia heroin arrest

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29 June 2026, 14:15

BANGKOK — Suvarnabhumi Airport authorities have said that the baggage of a Thai airline crew member arrested in Australia over an alleged heroin smuggling case had passed standard security screening before departure.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, director of Suvarnabhumi Airport under Airports of Thailand (AOT), said on Monday that initial information showed the crew member departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport on 24 June aboard Thai Airways flight TG465 while performing duty as cabin crew.

The clarification came after Australian Federal Police reported the arrest of a 26-year-old Thai airline employee, alleging she was found with about 1 kilogram of heroin concealed in luggage upon arrival in Melbourne. The drugs were estimated to be worth around AUD 500,000.

According to Suvarnabhumi Airport’s review of past baggage records, the crew member’s luggage had undergone full X-ray screening procedures in line with aviation security standards and was cleared without any anomalies detected.

“The airport’s X-ray systems meet ICAO standards. For outbound international flights, security screening primarily focuses on detecting explosives to prevent any items that could pose a threat during flight,” Kittipong said.

He added that narcotics detection at airports worldwide is generally focused on inbound arrivals, typically using canine units, as X-ray systems are not designed to detect drugs.

“In this case, the X-ray system showed the baggage was clear, with no explosive materials detected, allowing it to pass outbound procedures,” he said.

Authorities in Australia have charged the crew member with importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug and possessing a controlled substance, following the alleged discovery of heroin concealed inside her luggage upon arrival in Melbourne.

Thai Airways investigates crew member arrested over heroin case in Melbourne

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29 June 2026, 13:38

BANGKOK — Thai Airways International has launched a disciplinary investigation into a female cabin crew member arrested in Australia over alleged heroin smuggling, with the airline saying she will be dismissed if the allegations are proven.

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri said on Monday that the airline had been informed by its Melbourne station manager on 24 June that an Australian authorities had detained the crew member while she was working on Flight TG465 to Melbourne.

According to the airline, the woman was detected by a sniffer dog during arrival screening.

The case follows an announcement by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which said a 26-year-old Thai airline employee had been charged after authorities allegedly discovered more than 1 kilogram of heroin concealed inside the lining of 12 tote bags she was carrying upon arrival at Melbourne Airport. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of AUD 500,000 (11,512,580 Thai baht).

Chai said Thai Airways had ordered the establishment of a disciplinary committee to investigate the employee in accordance with company procedures.

“If there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, the employee will be dismissed,” he said.

In a separate statement, Thai Airways said it was coordinating closely with authorities in both Thailand and Australia to establish the facts of the case and provide full cooperation with the legal process.

The airline stressed that it maintains strict regulations prohibiting pilots, cabin crew and all employees from possessing, importing, transporting or becoming involved with illegal drugs or other unlawful items.

Thai Airways said employees are regularly reminded to comply with both company regulations and the laws of countries served by the airline before every flight. It added that any violations would result in strict disciplinary action.

The airline said it understood the incident involved an individual employee and that the case remained subject to legal proceedings in Australia. It added that it was working with relevant authorities to ensure the employee received her basic legal rights while fully cooperating with investigators.

Thai Airways reaffirmed its commitment to conducting business transparently, complying with the laws of every country it serves and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities.

Two Malaysian tourists injured in bomb blast in Narathiwat

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29 June 2026, 13:17

NARATHIWAT — Two Malaysian tourists were injured after a bomb hidden in a road culvert exploded in Tak Bai district of the southern border province of Narathiwat on Monday, authorities said.

The explosion occurred at about 11:41 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.

The two injured tourists received emergency assistance and were taken to hospital. Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of their injuries.

Security forces secured the area, managed traffic and deployed explosive ordnance disposal and forensic officers to examine the blast site and gather evidence. Authorities are investigating the attack and working to identify those responsible.

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.

US identifies remains of WWII pilot missing in Thailand for more than 80 years

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29 June 2026, 13:02

The United States has officially identified the remains of a World War II pilot who went missing after his fighter aircraft was shot down over northern Thailand more than 80 years ago.

The US Embassy in Thailand announced on Sunday that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) had identified the remains as those of 1st Lt. Franklin McKinney, whose P-51 Mustang crashed in Lampang Province during a wartime air battle on 11 November 1944.

“After more than 80 years of uncertainty, 1st Lt. McKinney is finally going home to his family,” the embassy said in a statement.

McKinney was among 16 US fighter pilots who flew from southern China to attack 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 an aerial engagement later known as the “5 versus 16 Air Battle over Lampang.”

During the battle, McKinney’s P-51 was shot down in the mountains of Lampang. He was listed as missing in action and presumed dead.

The embassy said American and Thai teams located the remains in March 2026 after years of historical research, field investigations and close cooperation between the DPAA, the Royal Thai Government and local experts.

The crash site had first been identified in late 2018, followed by several surveys. In March this year, excavation teams recovered aircraft wreckage and survival equipment believed to have belonged to the missing pilot, leading to the official identification.

The US Embassy thanked the Royal Thai Government, local authorities in Lampang, archaeologists and students from Thammasat University, as well as the UCLA partnership team, for their role in the recovery effort.

According to the embassy, Thai and American volunteers spent months working in difficult terrain to recover the remains, helping bring long-awaited closure to McKinney’s family.

“America is grateful to our Thai allies,” the embassy said.

Thai airline worker charged over alleged heroin smuggling at Melbourne airport

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Khaosod English

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29 June 2026, 12:29

Australian authorities have charged a 26-year-old Thai airline employee after allegedly discovering more than 1 kilogram of heroin concealed in her luggage at Melbourne Airport.

According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the woman arrived on an international flight on 25 June while performing work duties as an airline employee. Her baggage was selected for screening by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.

During an X-ray examination of the woman’s 12 tote bags, ABF officers detected anomalies. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered a white powder hidden within the lining of the bags. Preliminary testing indicated the substance was heroin.

Authorities said the heroin had an estimated street value of AUD 500,000 (11,512,580 Thai baht).

The ABF referred the matter to the AFP, which seized the bags and arrested the woman.

She has been charged with importing and possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug under Australia’s Criminal Code. Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.

The woman appeared before a court on 26 June and was remanded in custody. She is due to reappear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 September.

AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said the agency would continue to target people who exploited positions of trust to facilitate drug trafficking.

“The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,” Butcher said.

“We work closely with our partner agencies to protect the community from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

ABF Commander Clint Sims said organised crime groups continued to target trusted insiders, including airline crew, in attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia.

“Anyone attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia, regardless of rank or position, will be targeted and face the full force of the law,” Sims said.

He added that ABF officers use intelligence-led targeting and a range of detection capabilities to identify attempts to breach Australia’s border controls, and would continue to disrupt criminal activity involving trusted insiders.

Three PT petrol stations hit in one night in Thai south

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29 June 2026, 12:28

Three PT petrol stations hit in one night in Thai south

YALA — 29 June 2026, suspected insurgents targeted three PT petrol stations across Thailand’s southern border provinces late on 28 June, including sites in Yala, Pattani’s Sai Buri district and Yaring district.

At 23:08 on Sunday, the Yala City Police Station radio center received reports of a loud explosion-like sound in the area on Road 15 in Sateng Nok subdistrict of Yala’s Muang district. Following the alert, Kongsakul Jantrarat, Governor of Yala Province; Wimutti Amnatmani, District Chief of Mueang Yala; and Pol. Col. Chulachai Saengkul, Deputy Commander of Yala Provincial Police, along with Pol. Col. Chatchai Sakdee, Superintendent of Yala City Police Station; and Pol. Col. Pornchai Kuameng, Superintendent of the Provincial Police’s Special Operations Unit rushed to the scene. Firefighters and rescue workers were also deployed to the site.

The site of the blast was a PT petrol station on Road 15 in Sateng Nok subdistrict, Mueang Yala district, Yala province. The force of the explosion sent flames and thick smoke into the air. Fire crews from the Yala City Municipality, alongside rescue teams from the Chao Mae Thapthim Yala Foundation, the Mae Ko Niao Yala Foundation, and other relevant agencies rushed to bring the situation under control, secure the surrounding area to ensure public safety and manage traffic flow.

Meanwhile, authorities worked quickly to contain the blaze, inspect the scene, and collect evidence to determine the cause of the incident. Authorities said there were no reports of deaths or injuries. Officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage, and the cause of the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed.

Witnesses at the scene told investigators that about six men dressed in black arrived at the petrol station on two motorcycles before the blast. The group allegedly fired one or two shots into the air to create panic before ordering staff and members of the public to leave the premises. The group then entered the inner area of the petrol station, and moments later, a powerful explosion rang out, followed by a fierce blaze. Police sealed off the area to allow the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers and Police Forensic Science Center 10 (PFSC 10) to conduct a thorough and detailed investigation.

Reporters also stated that two other PT petrol stations across the southern border provinces were also struck by explosions the same night — the PT Pawa branch, in Sai Buri district, where one person was reportedly injured, and at the PT Piya branch, in Yaring district.

Authorities are currently inspecting the sites and gathering further details as investigations continue.

‘Do F*ing Nothing’: Lumphini Park event invites people to sit still

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29 June 2026, 11:40

'Do F***ing Nothing': Lumphini Park event invites people to sit still

Commons & Bonfire, a community collective and event organiser, will host an event titled “Do F***ing Nothing” this Saturday from 17:00 to 18:00 at Lumphini Park.

The event offers participants a chance to pause from the hustle and bustle of daily life by spending 30 minutes sitting in silence without engaging in any activity. The session will be followed by an optional 30-minute discussion circle for those interested in sharing their experiences.

The event has attracted widespread attention on social media after organisers invited anyone wanting to rest their minds, step away from screens, escape the pressure to be constantly productive, or even “be a burden on the country’s GDP for one hour” to join. The session will be free from mobile phones, books, notebooks and other distractions.

Following overwhelming interest, Commons & Bonfire said it had expected some public interest but had not anticipated such a large response. Organisers said they were both excited and concerned about the turnout, and released participation guidelines to ensure the public space could be shared safely and respectfully.

Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to find a comfortable place to sit. At 17:00, they should set a 30-minute countdown timer and spend that time simply “being with stillness.”

Participants are asked not to use mobile phones, read books, listen to music, write notes or chat during the session. They may sit quietly, daydream, meditate or even lie down if they wish. Anyone who feels uneasy is free to leave at any time without feeling pressured to stay or prove anything.

After the 30-minute session concludes, participants may choose to remain seated, leave the park or socialise with fellow attendees. Organisers suggest forming small groups of three to five people to discuss two questions: “Why did you come to sit still?” and “What happened while you were doing nothing?” Those who prefer not to take part in the discussion are welcome to leave immediately.

To accommodate the large number of expected attendees, organisers have designated two meeting points within Lumphini Park: one beside the park’s water monitor lizard statue and another on the lawn near the Chinese pavilion. Participants are also asked to spread out if either area becomes overcrowded to avoid disturbing other park users.

Organisers stressed that the event requires no registration and is free of charge. There will be no guest speakers, ice-breaking activities, networking sessions, exercises, learning outcomes, or opening and closing ceremonies. Participants can simply begin the activity together at 17:00.

Attendees are also asked to follow Lumphini Park’s regulations by not smoking, littering or consuming alcohol, and to avoid disrupting other park users. Those who wish to take photos or create social media content are advised not to photograph other people’s faces without their consent.

Commons & Bonfire warned that participants may encounter hot weather, possible rain, music from aerobics sessions, large crowds and even the park’s resident monitor lizards. Organisers encouraged participants to take care of themselves, look out for one another, and move to another location or seek assistance if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

For those unable to travel to Lumphini Park, Commons & Bonfire said the concept belongs to no one. Anyone who wishes to host a “Do F***ing Nothing” gathering elsewhere, or at another date and time, is free to replicate the idea. While organisers are willing to help facilitate meeting points through a Line OpenChat group, no permission is required.

Ultimately, organisers said their goal is for “sitting quietly” to become a simple activity that anyone can initiate on their own.

Commons & Bonfire is a community collective and event organiser dedicated to creating spaces for people to meet, learn and experiment with new forms of social interaction. “Do F***ing Nothing” reflects the idea of encouraging people to take a break from the relentless pace of life, let go of the pressure to constantly achieve or produce, and reconnect with themselves.

Officer dies after being found shot at police housing

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29 June 2026, 11:04

Officer dies after being found shot at police housing

CHUMPHON — 29 June 2026, A police lieutenant died after being found with a gunshot wound at police housing behind Pathio Police Station in Chumphon province early morning, with investigators working to determine the cause.

Police at Pathio Police Station were notified of the incident at 03:46 and rushed to the scene with emergency responders and an advanced life support (ALS) team from Pathio Hospital.

The injured officer, identified only as Pol. Lt. A (pseudonym), 58, served as an investigation unit commander at a police station. He was found with a 9mm gunshot wound to the right side of his head, with the bullet exiting the left side.

Rescue workers and medical personnel provided first aid before rushing him to Pathio Hospital. Despite efforts to save his life, he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators are collecting evidence and questioning witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Police said preliminary information indicated the officer had an underlying medical condition. However, authorities have not determined whether his health was connected to the incident, and the exact cause remains under investigation.

Chadchart wins second term as Bangkok governor in landslide

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28 June 2026, 20:17

BANGKOK — Independent candidate Chadchart Sittipunt secured a second term as Bangkok governor after taking a commanding lead in the unofficial vote count following Sunday’s election.

More than 4.42 million people were eligible to vote in the gubernatorial election, with Bangkok authorities aiming to raise voter turnout above the 60.73% recorded in the 2022 election. As counting progressed after polls closed, Chadchart quickly pulled ahead of his rivals, making his re-election all but certain based on the unofficial results.

Speaking after his victory became clear, Chadchart thanked both supporters and those who voted for other candidates.

“Thank you for every vote, whether you voted for me or not. The governor must serve everyone equally,” he said. “Winning is not a time for celebration because a heavy responsibility lies ahead.”

He also urged newly elected Bangkok Metropolitan Council members to work with integrity, saying they should serve the public honestly while respecting both residents and civil servants.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and the party’s Bangkok governor candidate, Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, conceded defeat after the outcome became apparent and congratulated Chadchart on his victory.

Natthaphong thanked Bangkok voters for participating in the election, while Chaiwat expressed gratitude to those who supported him and the People’s Party candidates for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, wishing Chadchart success in his second term.

The result marks another electoral setback for the People’s Party, Thailand’s main opposition party, following its defeat in the general election in February 2026.

King and Queen arrive in France for state visit marking 170 years of diplomatic ties

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28 June 2026, 19:32

PARIS — Their Majesties the King and Queen arrived in France on 28 June for a state visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, marking the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France. The visit, which runs until 2 July, aims to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Representatives of the French president welcomed Their Majesties upon arrival. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya and the Thai ambassador to France were also present to receive the royal couple.

On 29 June, Their Majesties will attend an official welcome ceremony at Les Invalides, where they will be received by President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. They will then hold talks at the Élysée Palace, followed by a state banquet hosted by the French president and first lady in the evening.

The programme also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in honour of the Unknown Soldier, a visit to Paris City Hall to learn about the city’s “Paris for Sustainability” initiative, and a cruise on the Seine River to hear about efforts to preserve its ecosystem. Their Majesties will also visit the exhibition La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, held at the invitation of Princess Sirivannavari.

On the final day of the visit, Their Majesties will travel to Toulouse to visit Airbus facilities, where they will receive briefings on the latest developments in aviation technology, observe the assembly of the A350 aircraft, and visit a pilot training centre, including a flight simulator.

The visit is the third official state visit to France by a Thai monarch. It also marks 340 years since the first recorded contact between Siam and France and coincides with the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

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