Society · July 2026

Thailand on July 26 continued its crackdown on illegal hotels and nominee businesses, with raids on the country's largest island and a widening investigation following a confrontation at a Chabad House in Phuket. The actions come amid broader efforts to regulate tourism-related enterprises. Italian students who sparked outrage over bad behaviour on a Bangkok train apologised following fines, after their embassy had previously apologised (ongoing coverage). A monsoon trough is bringing storms to 70% of Thailand's North and Northeast, according to the Nation Thailand. British experts are continuing to uncover mysteries of Vietnam's 'Kingdom of Caves'. Elephants killed a village chief in Indonesia, raising debate about walls to separate humans and wildlife. Vietnam recovered nearly 1,500 soldiers' remains in four months, including more than 100 under a Ho Chi Minh City park. Australia hiked student visa fees while exempting ASEAN countries, as reported by The Straits Times.