PHUKET: Four foreign nationals have been arrested at Phuket International Airport after customs officers allegedly found more than 33 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers and processed cannabis concealed in their luggage as they prepared to leave Thailand.

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in the northeast, east, and south, with heavy rain in the north, central region, Bangkok and its surrounding areas from now until 6 a.m. tomorrow. The public is warned to be alert to dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water that could cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in hilly areas near waterways and low-lying zones. Sea conditions in the upper Andaman are fairly rough with waves 2-3 meters high, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Fishermen are urged to navigate carefully and avoid areas with thunderstorms; small boats in the upper Andaman should refrain from venturing offshore. The northeast region is affected 80 percent of the area with heavy to very heavy rain in areas including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Myanmar's parliament has approved a law imposing capital punishment for those who confine or forcibly coerce victims into working at online fraud centers, known locally as scam hubs. Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe announced the passage of the anti-online fraud legislation during a joint parliamentary session in Naypyidaw on July 28, with lawmakers confirming that capital punishment is included in the final bill.

The draft law released in May stipulates prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, as well as capital punishment for "violence, torture, unlawful arrest, detention, or cruel treatment of individuals to force them into online fraud operations." Scam-related offenses resulting in death carry automatic death sentences.

The law also prescribes life imprisonment for those operating online scam centers or convicted of cryptocurrency fraud offenses. Under pressure from countries including the United States and China, Myanmar's military-led government under President Min Aung Hlaing has pledged to crack down on these illegal operations and cooperate with neighboring countries to combat online fraud crimes.

Observers note that Myanmar law enforcement raids and arrests have largely displaced scam operations rather than eliminating them entirely. Crackdowns on major scam hubs such as KK Park in Myawaddy, Kayin State, and Shwego in Shan State—which served as headquarters for international call center gangs and human trafficking networks—have reportedly pushed operators to relocate to Cambodia near the Thai border.

The Royal Thai Mint, in collaboration with Siam Paragon shopping center and freelance artist Sakul Intakul, has opened the "Sirikasapanesilp" exhibition to honor the late Queen Sirikit by displaying commemorative and memorial coins alongside contemporary fine art that connects history, shared memory, and high-quality artistic craftsmanship. The exhibition runs through August 12, 2026, at Art Jewel on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon, with the opening ceremony on July 28, 2026, attended by Royal Thai Mint Director Akkarat Sandhyanont and other officials.

The exhibition features four main components: a display of over 40 commemorative coins and medals related to Queen Sirikit, divided into three themed zones covering her relationship with the late King, birthday celebrations, and royal projects; a contemporary fine art collection titled "From Flowers to Jewels: The Amulet Brooch 'Siri of the Thai Heart'" by artist Sakul Intakul that reimagines coins as jewelry sculpture; a retail booth where visitors can purchase Royal Thai Mint coin products as souvenirs or gifts; and live demonstrations of the coin-making process held on July 28 and August 12 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.

The Royal Thai Mint invites the public, students, collectors, and international visitors to participate in honoring Queen Sirikit and experience Thai artistic and cultural heritage through the exhibition, which offers free admission.

Fa Prathan Thongkoat, a 30-year-old fitness trainer and bodybuilder, was killed instantly when a white Honda City ran a red light and struck his motorcycle at the Nong Samrong bypass intersection in Muang District, Udon Thani, at approximately 11:58 p.m. on July 26. CCTV footage shows that Fa Prathan was proceeding normally through the intersection on a green light when the sedan suddenly swerved from the right and hit him with force. His father, Kamphan, 50, expressed deep concern that the case may not receive fair treatment, as he learned the driver is a woman who appeared intoxicated and is the daughter of a police officer.

Fa Prathan was the family's only son and had recently graduated and built a career as a fitness trainer and competitive bodybuilder. He was planning to marry his fiancée, a nurse at Udon Thani Central Hospital, later this year. Just before the accident, he had called his mother to say he was heading home for dinner. Kamphan stated that his son had sent an omen the day before—his right eye had twitched continuously—which he now believes was a premonition of the tragedy.

Kamphan has appealed to the media to ensure the case is handled transparently and urged authorities to expedite the investigation, including alcohol testing and a full forensic examination. He said the driver's family has already contacted him about compensation, but he has asked to complete the funeral rites first before discussing settlements. Kamphan emphasized that he seeks only justice for his deceased son and confirmed he will pursue the case through all legal channels to ensure it proceeds fairly and according to the evidence.

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

Phuket  – Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Russian national accused of orchestrating a sophisticated theft of more than 600,000 baht in foreign currency from a prominent shopping mall in Phuket last week. Our previous story:  Police in Phuket are hunting for a daring thief who staged a late-night robbery inside a […] UPDATE: Russian Suspect Wanted in Phuket Mall Heist, Escaped with 600,000 Baht -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.