Police arrested a 50-year-old man on July 16, 2025, for involvement in transnational organized crime following the discovery of crystal methamphetamine hidden in tamarind paste jars. Officers from Bang Yee Khun Police Station inspected a package left under a building in Bangkokno'i after an international courier worker reported suspicious contents. Inside six jars of tamarind paste, authorities found approximately 2.059 kilograms of white crystalline substance packaged in transparent plastic bags. Officials seized the drugs as evidence and launched an expanded investigation.

On the same day at 10:00 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Thiradech Thamsuther, overseeing narcotics operations, coordinated with multiple police units to arrest Sompong, age 50, at his residence in Sai Noi Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, Nonthaburi Province. Under questioning, the suspect admitted to having a Vietnamese girlfriend named Mali, whom he had been dating for over a year. He claimed he provided her with two bank accounts for her convenience because she is a foreigner. His girlfriend is currently in Vietnam and reportedly plans to return next month. Police believe she may have hired the courier to deliver the drugs, and they are continuing to expand their investigation.

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Phuket– Officials in Wichit carried out late-night inspections of four entertainment venues to reinforce compliance with fire safety and legal standards. At 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday night (July 15th), the Wichit Police alongside district officers, municipal enforcement staff, and volunteer defense units. The team inspected entertainment venues in the area. No violations of law were […] Wichit Officials Tighten Fire Safety Checks on Entertainment Venues -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Phuket – The Phuket Regional Marine Office has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal jet ski operations, seizing 23 vessels and issuing fines of up to 10,000 baht each. The enforcement drive follows directives from Deputy Transport Minister Sornphet Boonyamanee, who recently visited the province and urged officials to tighten oversight of maritime tourism services. […] Authorities Fine 23 Illegal Jet Ski Operators up to 10,000 Baht in Phuket Sweep -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Phuket – A late-night fire broke out inside an abandoned building in Chalong, prompting a swift response from local officials and emergency crews. The blaze, which ignited around 9:40 p.m., was extinguished within 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties. Mayor Samran Jindaphon of Chalong Municipality, accompanied by municipal council members, disaster prevention […] Blaze at Abandoned Building in Chalong Quickly Contained -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

A 43-year-old woman from Udon Thani reported being tailgated and cut off by a red-plated Mercedes-Benz driver on Highway 2 on July 16. While driving a cargo truck heading to Khon Kaen, she switched to the right lane to overtake due to rough road conditions, traveling at approximately 100 kilometers per hour. The Mercedes-Benz then sped up behind her, tailgating aggressively, before swerving left and cutting in front of her vehicle at close range, then braking suddenly. When both vehicles stopped, the Mercedes driver lowered his window, put the car in reverse to ram the victim's truck, and immediately fled without stopping to discuss the incident.

The victim, shocked and frightened by the dangerous maneuver, stated she did not pursue the driver because her dashcam had recorded clear footage of the incident. She submitted the video to media and police, hoping authorities would track down the driver for investigation and legal proceedings. She expressed concern that such reckless behavior endangers all road users and called on the Mercedes driver to take responsibility, pay for repairs, and compensate her for the trauma caused by the incident.

Police have received the complaint and are currently investigating evidence and tracking the vehicle's driver for questioning and further legal action.

The allegation sparked significant online attention on July 16, 2026, when prominent rescue worker and influencer Pond Chakrakeyset responded to claims that he misappropriated 81.9 million baht from 246 million baht in donated funds. Pond stated, "246 million—oh my god—I'll disclose everything, but the person who leaked this evidence needs to come forward." The Facebook page "Community Radio, You Won't Escape the Series" alleged that Pond withdrew funds in 30,000-baht installments over 1,433 transactions, with the highest single daily withdrawal reaching 1 million baht. Pond further emphasized that someone must be held accountable and said he would meet to discuss the matter tomorrow.