Bangkok (VNA) – Pattaya city of Thailand plans to deploy AI-powered police dro𓂃nes to hunt down criminals and visa overstayers amid growing concerns over public safety.
Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet said that under the plan, tourism police’s drones are linked to a centralised AI database so they can scan faces in crowds and pick out individuals with outstanding arrest warrants or expired visas.
The drones will be used during large-scale local events and in tourist hotspots to monitor activities and respond to suspicious behaviour in real time.
The plan reflects the city’s commitment to aligning safety strategies with the unique context of Pattaya as a major international tourist destination.
Mayor Ngampichet emphasised that the new system is expected to benefit both the public and government agencies while enhancing Pattaya’s image as a smart and secure city.
Authorities hope the move will reassure tourists and residents alike, reinforcing Pattaya’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place to visit./.
Announcing at the annual major tourism trade fair, known as Thailand Travel Mart Plus or TTM+, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Nithee Seeprae noted that the strategy will introduce a wide range of immersive tourism products to encourage longer stays and deeper cultural engagement.
Its goal is to upgrade hospitals in border provinces into specialised healthcare centres to improve access to medical treatment, reduce the need for patients to travel to major cities, and help lower mortality rates.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
