Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a press conference at Government House on July 3 regarding the ongoing investigation into cheating in local government employee examinations. Anutin stated that new evidence has emerged following the July 2 announcement of test score discrepancies, indicating fraudulent activity occurred. He emphasized that no further appointments should be made pending investigation results, and that already-hired individuals must await the inquiry's outcome. The government will examine answer sheets from 15,000 candidates, with appointments revoked for anyone found to have irregularities.

Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongsa has declared that non-medical cannabis cannot be exported from Thailand, addressing Indonesia's national drug agency (BNN) announcement of a major cannabis smuggling network bust. The BNN confirmed the cannabis shipment originated from Thailand, resulting in 12 arrests. Anutin stressed that exporting non-medical cannabis products is already impossible under current law.

Regarding reports of cannabis being smuggled in luggage, Anutin noted that any drugs entering any country must be seized and prosecuted, with offenders facing penalties under that country's laws. Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia impose severe drug trafficking penalties that may include execution, clearly stated in entry documents.

Anuthin emphasized that Thailand has prevention and prosecution measures in place for drug trafficking. He disclosed that today's three-hour national drug prevention and suppression committee meeting produced numerous new measures. Regarding the Public Health Ministry's proposed cannabis legislation, Anutin instructed the committee to base policy decisions on facts and data, not political interests.

Anutin criticized inconsistent policy positions, saying officials should not praise cannabis legality when convenient but condemn it when inconvenient. He asserted that policies must be driven by official data and operate within legal and constitutional frameworks. As the committee's new chairman, Anutin stated he will evaluate all dimensions before deciding whether to continue or halt the cannabis policy.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Immigration authorities in Phuket have revoked the visa of a 33-year-old British man after he was arrested for assaulting a local tuk-tuk driver, citing his actions as a threat to public safety. Pol. Col. Jaroenpong Khantilo, spokesperson for Immigration Division 6 told the Phuket Express that the incident occurred in the early hours […] Visa Revoked after British Man Arrested After Assaulting Tuk-Tuk Driver in Patong-VIDEO -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

A group of more than 10 teenagers on motorcycles raided the home of a first-year technical college student in the Taling Chan area on July 2, shouting "Are you a police informant?" while brandishing swords before fleeing. The incident occurred in a housing estate in Sao Thong Hin subdistrict, Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi province at 5 p.m. Police Lieutenant Colonel Siraphop Anusiri, commander of Bang Yai Police Station, ordered an investigation that led to the arrest of all suspects, identified as youths aged 16-20.

One suspect, 18-year-old "A" (alias), claimed that on July 1 while eating with his girlfriend at Index Market in Bang Yai, the victim approached them suspiciously, apparently calling friends. He and his girlfriend hurried to catch a songthaew to Bua Thong market, but the victim pursued them on a motorcycle and pulled a knife, threatening him to get out of the vehicle. He refused and the victim rode away.

The next day after school, he and approximately 10 friends rode to confront the victim, intending to demand an apology. Two of his companions brought long knives for intimidation purposes only, without intention to harm, since the victim was still a first-year student. He shouted into the house asking "Was it you who tried to stab me and my girlfriend?" and questioned "Are you a police informant?" before riding away, stating there would be no further conflict if the victim didn't cause problems.

After mediation, both parties apologized to each other and shook hands. Parents from both sides accepted the resolution, documenting the incident as evidence before departing.

On July 3, more than 50 residents from Ban Rong Chiang Raeng village in Phu Sang district, Phayao province, gathered outside a school with placards demanding the transfer of one teacher. They stated they cannot accept his behavior, which they claim is the root cause of internal school conflict, creating divisions among teachers, parents, and students.

Residents reported that years of ongoing conflict have led multiple teachers to seek transfers and several parents to move their children to other schools, resulting in a clear decline in student enrollment. They called on relevant authorities to address the problem urgently.

Representatives alleged the teacher engages in fault-finding behavior toward colleagues, creates conflicts, lacks teaching effectiveness, and makes accusations against others, preventing teamwork. One teacher reported feeling constantly monitored and photographed during lessons, creating pressure and preventing full performance of duties.

The teacher in question clarified that similar situations occurred at his previous school. He maintained that during his 7-8 years at this school, he investigated the lunch program after noting concerns about food quality unsuitable for students and procurement issues he felt warranted review. He stated he was simply performing his duty but was portrayed as fault-finding. He affirmed he is ready to transfer immediately if it would resolve the situation and ease community concerns.

Nikom Kiratiwanakul, deputy director of the Phayao Primary Education Area Office 2, and school principal Noprudthi Tovaas visited the site to hear complaints and monitor the situation personally.

Nikom stated the education office would thoroughly investigate the facts from both residents' complaints and the teacher's explanation to ensure fairness. The teacher was instructed to submit a transfer request and temporarily leave the school premises to reduce tension and prevent further escalation while the investigation continues.