PHUKET: Phuket officials suspended the licences of eight cannabis shops and revoked the licences of two others after inspecting 10 businesses in the Bangla Rd and Patong areas as part of a crackdown on regulatory breaches.

A 19-year-old identified as Mr. A reported to journalists on August 3, 2025, that after hearing about the five-person homicide in Huai Yai subdistrict, he recalled a terrifying encounter with a man he identified as Thana (nicknamed "Pong") that likely occurred before the murders. The incident took place around midnight to 1 a.m. as Mr. A was riding his motorcycle home after visiting a friend. While passing through Soi Pliew, a road he uses regularly, he encountered a man dressed like a police officer standing in the middle of the street with a gun. The man ordered him to stop and asked where he was going; Mr. A replied he was heading home and was allowed to continue.

As he rode past, Mr. A noticed two women sitting oddly with their heads down in a wooded area beside the road, but he was too frightened by the armed man to pay attention and quickly left the scene. Mr. A insists that although he cannot recall the exact date and time, he is certain the incident occurred before the Russian siblings' murder case made headlines and before the family massacre became major news. He has called for the perpetrators and all involved parties to face the full force of the law, fearing they may commit similar crimes if released in the future.

Journalists who visited the scene with Mr. A found indentations in the grass that resembled traces of people sitting, though the evidence remains circumstantial.

Member of Parliament Vachrayapong Khoovichitsuwan of Saraburi from the Phum Jai Thai party posted on his personal Facebook: "Wearing shorts on your own legs while not bothering anyone else—I think that's better than those who wear government uniforms and then rob farmers' descendants to rig local exams." His post aligned with Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who as party leader also posted family vacation photos with the caption "Wearing shorts is fine...it's comfortable," along with the hashtag #JustKeepCool, in response to criticism directed at party elder Naewin Chidchob. Naewin faced online backlash after photos emerged showing him wearing shorts while attending a city shrine ceremony in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Government spokesman Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek announced updates on identity verification and welfare card benefit reviews on August 3. Of 9.5 million people who qualified, 6.3 million existing cardholders need no additional verification, while 3.1 million new cardholders must complete e-KYC identity verification. According to the Interior Ministry's August 2 data, about 2.1 million new cardholders (69%) have verified their identity, leaving approximately 980,000 people (31%) who have not yet completed the process. The government is actively tracking and promoting the procedure to prevent people from losing eligibility.

For those who failed initial qualification, the government opened an appeals process, with over 4.1 million (44%) applications already submitted. Approximately 5.2 million (56%) eligible people remain who can still appeal. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2026, accessible through government apps, the Pao Tang wallet app, project websites, five state banks, and 878 One Stop Service centers nationwide. Special assistance is available for elderly people, disabled persons, and vulnerable groups who find online services difficult.

Ms. Ratchada stated the government is committed to ensuring eligible citizens do not lose welfare benefits due to inconvenience or lack of information. She urged the remaining 980,000 new cardholders who have not completed identity verification and the 5.2 million people who have not submitted appeals to act promptly before the deadline to receive full welfare benefits.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand is inviting investors to purchase government Savings+ bonds through stock accounts for the first time via the Bond Connect system, with a total offering of 2 billion baht. The minimum investment is just 1,000 baht with no maximum limit. Two options are available: a 3-year bond with a fixed rate of 1.8% per year and a 10-year bond with a fixed rate of 2.8% per year, with interest paid quarterly. Allocation will use a "Small Lot First" method to ensure fair and equitable distribution.

To prepare, follow these three simple steps: find a participating distributor that suits your needs, review the booking details and open an account, then activate your securities account. Savings+ bonds are now open for purchase nationwide from 8:30 a.m. on August 3, 2026 until 3:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026 through 24 participating distributors including 6 commercial banks and 18 securities companies, available via digital channels, branches, and the Streaming application. Allocation will be completed on August 6, 2026. For more information, visit www.set.or.th/bond and www.setinvestnow.com/th/bondconnect-selling-agent.

Gold prices declined on August 3, 2026, according to the Gold Traders Association announcement. Ornamental gold fell 100 baht per gram from the previous day's close, now selling at 64,900 baht per gram. According to the latest data released by the Gold Traders Association at 9:01 a.m., gold bars are trading at 63,900 baht per gram for purchases and 64,100 baht per gram for sales in the first announcement. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the purchase price is 62,625.96 baht per gram and the selling price is 64,900 baht per gram. Global gold spot prices stand at 4,055.00 US dollars per ounce. Summary of today's gold prices on August 3, 2026: Gold bars buy at 63,900 baht per gram and sell at 64,100 baht per gram. Ornamental gold buys at 62,625.96 baht per gram and sells at 64,900 baht per gram. Gold traders predict prices may surge 1,000–2,000 baht per gram tomorrow and break through 80,000 baht. Trading associations advise on optimal buying times and discuss factors affecting gold price trends.