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.

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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.

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Phuket – Phuket— Customs officers at Phuket International Airport intercepted two French and two Swiss nationals attempting to smuggle more than 33 kilograms of cannabis out of Thailand, with an estimated street value of 2.6 million baht. Officers told the Phuket Express. The suspects — identified as Mr. Sean , 19, and Mr. Marcus, 18, […] Four Young French and Swiss Nationals Arrested at Phuket Airport with 30 Kilograms of Cannabis -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On July 28, 2026, at 5:50 p.m., His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen proceeded by royal motorcade to the birthday commemoration ceremony held at the ubosoth of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The ceremony was attended by members of the royal family.

Upon arrival, His Majesty ascended the steps of the ubosoth and received blessings from the monastic clergy. He then lit the great auspicious candles placed on the Dhamma Stone, followed by candles for the Buddha images Yodfa Chulalok and Loet Lanilamai. Her Majesty the Queen lit incense and candles before the Dhamma Stone. Monks chanted the Buddhist prayers for the ceremony.

His Majesty lit additional candles at the monk's rostrum while the monks chanted, then descended to offer royal gifts to the elderly attendees. The King then proceeded to the Amornintaravinijchaya Throne Hall, where he received the respects of those gathered. A royal announcement was read establishing new ecclesiastical rank. The King presented ceremonial items to the newly appointed monks, and the clergy chanted auspicious chants.

The ceremony continued with the lighting of grand auspicious candles at the nine-tiered white umbrella throne. Incense and candles were offered to the Buddha images, and the King took the five precepts with instruction from Somdej Phra Theerayanumon. Seventy-five monks chanted Buddhist prayers for the birthday celebration, with His Majesty lighting candles as the chanting reached key passages.