Myanmar approves death penalty for violent online scam operators

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29 July 2026, 12:13

0-feat — In this photo released by Myanmar President Office, Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, center, arrives at the 79th anniversary of Martyrs' Day to mark the assassination of the country's independence heroes at Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (Myanmar President Office via AP)

NAYPYIDAW — Myanmar’s military-backed parliament has approved a law allowing the death penalty for people who detain or violently force victims to work in online scam centres.

Union Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe announced during a live television broadcast on Tuesday that lawmakers had passed the Anti-Online Scam Bill following a joint session of the upper and lower houses in Naypyidaw.

MP Aye Chan said the final version retained provisions allowing capital punishment for those who detain victims or use violence to force them to carry out online fraud. Lawmakers made few changes to the draft during discussions between the two chambers.

The draft published in May prescribed prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life, as well as the death penalty, for anyone who uses violence, torture, unlawful detention or cruel treatment to compel another person to commit online scams.

The death penalty must be imposed when such abuse results in a victim’s death, according to the legislation.

People convicted of operating online scam centres or carrying out cryptocurrency-related fraud may also face life imprisonment.

The legislation is the first passed by Myanmar’s new military-backed government, led by President Min Aung Hlaing, as the country faces the rapid expansion of scam compounds during its continuing civil war.

Myanmar has become a major base for Southeast Asia’s online fraud industry, including romance and cryptocurrency investment scams targeting victims around the world.

Although some workers enter the compounds voluntarily, many foreign nationals who have been repatriated say they were lured by fraudulent job offers or trafficked before being detained and forced to carry out scams.

The International Organization for Migration said trafficking into Asian scam centres is rising sharply, with victims from more than 80 countries subjected to threats, violence, sexual abuse and other forms of coercion.

Min Aung Hlaing has pledged to crack down on the industry amid mounting pressure from countries including China and the United States. However, rights groups and analysts have questioned the effectiveness of previous operations, with thousands of people reportedly still trapped in scam compounds near Myanmar’s border with Thailand.

China has also imposed severe punishments on criminal groups connected to Myanmar’s scam industry. In January, Chinese authorities executed 11 members of a crime syndicate linked to compounds in northern Myanmar after they were convicted of offences including fraud, unlawful detention and murder.

Japan quake death toll rises to 13 as rescuers search collapsed mall

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29 July 2026, 11:08

KUMAMOTO, Japan — 29 July 2026, The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southern Japan has risen to 13 as rescuers continue searching for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings, including a badly damaged Aeon shopping centre.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the southwestern island of Kyushu on Tuesday afternoon, damaging buildings, roads and bridges and disrupting electricity and transport services across the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the death toll on Wednesday morning.

“Even now, there are people waiting to be rescued, and it is a race against time,”

Takaichi said. “We will mobilise all available resources to save and assist as many people as possible.”

Firefighters, police and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel worked throughout the night, focusing on locations where people were believed to be trapped or had been heard calling for help.

Eight people were pulled from the rubble of the partially collapsed AEON Mall Kumamoto in Kashima town early Wednesday.

3 web 4 — This aerial image shows rescue workers continue searching at the damaged AEON Mall after an earthquake in Kashima, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (Kyodo News via AP)

Two women in their 20s were confirmed dead, while another person was found in cardiopulmonary arrest. Five others were injured, although their conditions were not considered life-threatening.

About 20 to 30 mall employees were reported missing on Tuesday, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Part of the mall was destroyed by an explosion about an hour after shoppers and employees were evacuated following the initial earthquake. Images showed an exterior wall torn away, exposing the steel structure and scattering debris across the car park.

AEON said the cause of the explosion remained unknown. Authorities are investigating whether it may have been caused by a gas leak.

Seven people were also reported missing after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro. Four others at the facility were seriously injured.

Hospitals across the region were treating dozens of patients. One hospital stopped accepting new patients after receiving 86 injured people, while another was unable to operate because of a power outage.

The earthquake left more than 36,000 homes without electricity and caused severe damage to major roads. Rail services, including Kyushu Shinkansen bullet trains, were suspended, while the runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was closed, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights.

About 260,000 people were advised to evacuate as aftershocks continued across Kyushu.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents in the worst-affected areas to remain alert for another strong earthquake over the coming week, as well as possible landslides.

2 web 5 — This aerial image shows a crack on the ground, a day after an earthquake, in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Naoki Hiraoka/Kyodo News via AP)

Authorities also warned evacuees about the risk of heatstroke, with temperatures in Kumamoto expected to reach about 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities had been detected at nuclear power plants in the region.

Several major manufacturers temporarily halted operations after the earthquake. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Sony and Fujifilm evacuated workers from facilities in the area.

em3 — This aerial image shows a chimney collapsed at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, following an earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Naoki Hiraoka/Kyodo News via AP)

TSMC said its Kumamoto plant had not suffered damage and was gradually resuming production. Tokyo Electron suspended work at two local plants, while Honda temporarily stopped production at its motorcycle factory.

The earthquake’s epicentre was about 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto city, which has a population of approximately 700,000.

Kumamoto was also struck by a series of major earthquakes in April 2016 that killed hundreds of people, injured thousands and damaged buildings across the prefecture, including the historic Kumamoto Castle.

em2 — This aerial image shows a partially collapsed bridge after the earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (Kyodo News via AP)

Thai travel YouTuber Hlun Solo still missing in Georgia, brother urges public to avoid rumours

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29 July 2026, 09:48

The family of Thai travel YouTuber “Hlun Solo” said on Wednesday that he has still not been found after losing contact with relatives during a trip to Georgia.

Hlun travelled to Georgia to film travel content and last spoke with his brother on July 13. His family has been unable to reach him since and has appealed for help from relevant authorities.

In an update posted on the Facebook account Klose Mos on July 29, Hlun’s brother asked the public to share only information confirmed by the family or people directly involved in the search.

He urged people not to spread rumours, unverified claims or information without a clear source, warning that false reports could create confusion, disrupt the work of officials and cause further distress to the family.

Anyone with useful information was asked to contact the family or notify authorities directly.

“Thank you for every message of support and for helping us bring him home safely,” the post said.

Responding to a comment asking whether Hlun had been found, his brother said the family had not received any confirmation from authorities or other parties that he had been located.

Thai residents in Georgia have also joined efforts to help search for the YouTuber, who has now been missing for more than two weeks.

Anyone with useful information can contact his brother through his Facebook account Klose Mos or notify the relevant Thai consular authorities.

Wat Phra Mahathat: 1,500 years of heritage

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28 July 2026, 15:19

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Standing at the heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat for more than 1,500 years, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan represents more than a place of worship. It is a living record of religious exchange, maritime connections and cultural traditions that shaped Southeast Asia.

The temple was recently recognized as Thailand’s ninth UNESCO World Heritage site and the first in the southern region, marking international recognition of its outstanding cultural significance.

Located on the Malay Peninsula, between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Wat Phra Mahathat developed in an area once connected by major maritime trade routes. These networks brought not only goods and merchants, but also religious beliefs, artistic styles and architectural influences from across Asia.

Over centuries, the temple absorbed influences from Brahmanism, Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism, with cultural connections stretching from northeastern India and Sri Lanka to central Java and Mon communities in southern Myanmar.

These diverse influences were transformed into a unique architectural and spiritual identity that later spread throughout Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.

At the center of the temple stands the Phra Borom That Chedi, a towering stupa believed by devotees to enshrine relics of the Buddha. According to local tradition, the site was originally an ancient sand dune known as “Hat Sai Kaeo,” where Buddhist relics were discovered before a major religious monument was built there.

Beyond its architecture, UNESCO recognized the temple as a living cultural site where traditions continue to be practiced today.

Among them is the annual Hae Pha Khuen That festival, where devotees bring long pieces of cloth to wrap around the stupa as an act of devotion. The temple is also connected to Nora, a traditional performing art form from southern Thailand that reflects centuries of local beliefs and storytelling.

The recognition of Wat Phra Mahathat is not only about preserving an ancient monument, but also protecting the living heritage surrounding it — including rituals, local knowledge and cultural practices passed down through generations.

The journey toward World Heritage status began in 2009 and took 17 years of preparation, reflecting the temple’s importance not only to Nakhon Si Thammarat, but also to the wider history of Southeast Asia.

Today, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan stands as a symbol of how cultures, religions and communities have connected across the region for centuries.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s son urges world to demand proof of her safety

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28 July 2026, 13:48

Myanmar Suu Kyi — FILE - A supporter shows a portrait of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest marking the two-year anniversary of the military takeover that ousted her government outside the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 1, 2023. A legal official in Myanmar say the country's highest court has agreed to hear appeals from the lawyers of the country’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi concerning her convictions for corruption, election fraud and the country’s official secrets act. Suu Kyi, 77, who was detained on Feb. 1, 2021 when the military seized power from her elected government, is serving prison sentences totaling 33 years after being convicted in a series of politically driven prosecutions brought by the military. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

BANGKOK — Kim Aris, the son of Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has urged the international community to demand evidence of his mother’s condition and avoid actions that could legitimize Myanmar’s military government.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA), Aris criticized reports suggesting that his mother had been moved from prison to house arrest, saying authorities had provided no proof of the claim.

“Half of the international community have been under the wrong idea for the last five years. They have thought that she’s been under house arrest. Actually, she’s been in prison all of this time,” Aris told RFA.

He said Myanmar’s military had repeatedly spread claims about changes to Suu Kyi’s detention status, while the international community accepted the statements without verification.

Aris called on world leaders to follow the example of French President Emmanuel Macron by publicly demanding proof that his mother is alive and calling for the restoration of her basic rights.

“All I can ask for is that the international community and the world leaders follow President Macron of France’s example and make their position very clear and call out for proof that my mother is alive and for her to have her basic human rights restored,” he said.

Suu Kyi, 80, has been detained since Myanmar’s military seized power in a February 2021 coup that removed her elected government. She has been convicted on multiple charges brought by the military authorities, which her supporters and international observers have described as politically motivated.

Aris said the charges against his mother were false and called for her immediate release.

“She’s been sentenced to however many years it is, I don’t know, 25 or 30 years in prison and these charges against her are completely false. In the first place, she should never have been in prison,” he told RFA.

His remarks come as regional efforts continue over how to engage with Myanmar’s military government, with critics warning that greater diplomatic recognition could undermine calls for accountability and human rights.

Police remind public of 48-hour alcohol sales ban

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28 July 2026, 11:54

BANGKOK — Thai police have reminded businesses nationwide that the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited for 48 hours during Asalha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day, with violators facing up to six months in jail, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.

The Royal Thai Police announced the reminder on Monday as authorities prepare for the upcoming long holiday period, which includes the King’s Birthday on 28 July, Asalha Bucha Day on 29 July and Buddhist Lent Day on 30 July.

National police spokesperson Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan said Police Chief Gen. Kitrat Phanphet has instructed all police units nationwide to step up crime prevention measures and road safety operations during the extended holiday.

Under the ban, the wholesale and retail sale of all alcoholic beverages will be prohibited for 48 hours, from 00:01 on 29 July until midnight on 30 July.

The restriction applies to convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants selling alcohol, entertainment venues and other retailers, except for locations exempted by law.

The exempted venues include:

International airport passenger terminals serving international flights.
Licensed entertainment venues operating under Thailand’s Entertainment Places Act.
Entertainment-style establishments located in designated tourist zones approved by the Public Health Ministry.
Hotels licensed under the Hotel Act.
Venues hosting major national or international events designated by the Public Health Ministry.

Police warned that anyone found violating the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act faces a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.

Authorities also said police have integrated crime prevention and traffic safety plans to reduce road accidents during the long holiday period.

Thai FM orders probe into Chinese fan incident

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28 July 2026, 10:11

BANGKOK — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has ordered a fact-finding investigation after the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok called on Thai authorities to examine an incident in which a Chinese national was allegedly subjected to excessive force by a security guard at a book event.

Speaking on Tuesday, Sihasak said authorities would first establish the facts before taking any further action.

“We have ordered an investigation to determine exactly what happened. Incidents like this can occur,” he said.

His remarks came a day after the Chinese Embassy urged Thai authorities to promptly investigate the case, which stemmed from an altercation at the International Novel Festival 2026 in Bangkok.

When asked about the large number of Thai social media users criticizing the Chinese Embassy’s Facebook page following its statement, Sihasak said the embassy had the right to issue a public explanation.

“We understand people’s feelings, but it is better to establish the facts and ensure fairness for all parties,” he said.

Asked whether Thailand would coordinate with the Chinese Embassy over the matter, Sihasak said discussions should wait until the investigation is complete.

“Let’s establish the facts first. Once the investigation is finished, we can discuss the matter. We must ensure fairness for all sides,” he said.

The controversy stems from an altercation during the International Novel Festival 2026, where a Chinese attendee was forcibly removed from a reserved seating area by an event security staff member. The incident sparked heated debate online in Thailand and China.

Organizer GMMTV later acknowledged that excessive force had been used by an outsourced security worker, apologized for the incident, and suspended the staff member pending the outcome of an investigation. The company also denied online claims that it had filed legal action against the Chinese attendee.

Cambodian worker arrested after allegedly tossing drugs while fleeing police in Rayong

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27 July 2026, 18:51

RAYONG — A 28-year-old Cambodian worker was arrested after allegedly throwing illegal drugs onto the roadside and attempting to flee police on a motorcycle in Rayong province, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 17:30 on 27 July 2026 on Road 3648 in Tha Kwian subdistrict, Klaeng district, as patrol officers were on their way to investigate a traffic accident.

Police said the suspect was riding a motorcycle with his younger brother, a Cambodian juvenile, as a passenger. After noticing patrol officers following behind, he allegedly became startled, pulled an object from his trouser pocket and threw it onto the roadside before speeding away.

Officers, who found his behavior suspicious, gave chase and stopped the motorcycle a short distance later.

A search of the suspect uncovered a quantity of crystal meth, commonly known as “ice,” concealed in his right trouser pocket. Police also recovered the discarded item, which they said contained illegal drugs.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to using crystal meth earlier that morning. He told investigators he was riding back to their workplace in Wang Chan district with his younger brother when he saw the police and panicked, fearing arrest because he was carrying drugs.

Police said the suspect admitted he tried to dispose of the drugs and flee to avoid being caught.

The two Cambodian brothers were taken to Klaeng Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities said the 28-year-old suspect will face drug-related charges, while the juvenile will be processed in accordance with the law.

Italian school denies link to BTS noise incident, threatens legal action over false claims

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27 July 2026, 15:53

An Italian high school has denied claims that its students were involved in a recent BTS Skytrain incident in Bangkok, saying the individuals shown in viral videos are not affiliated with the school and warning that it may take legal action against those spreading false information.

The controversy began after a group of Italian teenagers visiting Thailand for an educational trip were accused of making loud noises and disturbing passengers on a BTS train. The situation escalated after a Thai passenger confronted the group, leading to criticism online over the teenagers’ alleged behavior.

The issue was later resolved after the students and the Italian Embassy in Thailand issued apologies.

However, the Liceo Scientifico Statale “Albert Einstein” in Cerignola, Italy, said it had been wrongly identified online as the school attended by the teenagers involved.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the school said none of the individuals involved in the incident or seen in viral videos were enrolled at, studying at, or connected to the institution.

The school also said the incident was not part of any educational trip, study program or project organized, approved or supported by the school.

The school emphasized that respect for other cultures, civic responsibility and global citizenship are among its core values.

It said linking the school to the incident had caused “serious damage” to its reputation and that of its students and families.

The school warned people against continuing to spread “false, unverified and damaging information” and said it had assigned legal representatives to collect evidence of defamatory content online.

It added that it reserves the right to pursue civil and criminal legal action against those responsible for creating or sharing such content.

GMMTV apologizes after fan clash at International Novel Festival sparks online dispute

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27 July 2026, 15:39

BANGKOK — A fan altercation during the International Novel Festival 2026 has sparked a wider online dispute between Thai and Chinese fan communities after entertainment company GMMTV apologized over an incident involving an event staff member and a Chinese attendee.

According to accounts circulating online, the dispute began over a seating issue after a Chinese fan allegedly entered a reserved area. The situation later escalated during attempts to remove her from the area, leading to a physical confrontation involving event staff.

ให้โอกาส ถ้าดูแล้วยังไม่เห็นอีก ก็เข้าใจเลยว่าคงเห็นแต่เงินจริงๆ#แบนgmmtv https://t.co/CDXr3N5knP pic.twitter.com/rd6w1QcU9T

— ‎ ֯ ꒰ ͡ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ʟɪᴍ ˚⋆ (@hafsky07) July 26, 2026

In a statement released after an initial investigation, GMMTV said the staff member involved used excessive force during parts of the incident and that the company does not support violence in any form.

Although the staff member was an outsourced worker hired for the event, GMMTV said it accepted responsibility for properly supervising event personnel. The staff member has been suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.

GMMTV also denied online claims that it had taken legal action against the Chinese attendee, saying no such action had been filed.

The company said the incident was an individual dispute and did not reflect its policy toward any nationality. It added that GMMTV does not condone discrimination based on race or nationality.

The statement has since drawn criticism from some Thai fans, who accused the company of failing to adequately defend the Thai staff member involved and questioned whether the response was balanced. Some fans have expressed support for the Thai side of the dispute, with discussions spreading across social media platforms.

The controversy has also gained attention among fan communities in other Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, as online debate continues over accountability, nationality and treatment of fans at international entertainment events.

GMMTV said it would review its event management procedures and strengthen supervision measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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