Midnight Mambas have successfully won the JB League 2026 JV championship for players aged 10-11 after narrowly defeating Electric Eagles 2-1 in the finals series. The championship series was filled with excitement and suspense as both teams competed evenly, splitting victories in the first two games and forcing a decisive game three. Midnight Mambas ultimately prevailed in the decider, winning 66-42 to claim the season's trophy amid joy from teammates and families.

Beyond the championship match, the event featured special activities including the JBD Exhibition Match where Team Swish defeated Team St. Arena Center 60-46, followed by the JB League All-Star 2026 match in which Team Sukhumvit narrowly edged Team Thonburi 45-43, and a 3-point contest that drew roaring applause and entertained spectators.

Individual awards were presented to standout players throughout the season: MVP was Arti Theerkon Chumchit (Electric Eagles), Finals MVP was Tachi Nopnarin Chaijrun (Midnight Mambas), Top Scorer was Chae Chae Surakup (Rhino Chargers), Most Assists went to Phumijai Kittanat Duangmag (Shadow Sharks), Defensive Player of the Year was Kinkin Kittikun Chaturacherjkun (Shadow Sharks), Sportsmanship Award went to Tross Napchon Boriborn (Golden Raptors), and the 3-point Contest winner was Hommi Theertor Krueathiva (Black Panthers).

The atmosphere throughout the competition was filled with smiles, determination, and athlete spirit from all the young players, as well as enthusiastic cheering from families and fans along the sidelines, reflecting JB League 2026's success as a quality platform that develops potential and creates valuable experiences for young basketball athletes.

RATCHABURI — A private hospital in Ratchaburi has dismissed a senior physician after a 30-year-old man died of a heart attack hours after allegedly being diagnosed with a panic attack and denied an electrocardiogram (ECG) requested by his family.

The case drew widespread public attention after the victim's wife, teacher and influencer Benyaporn Phanphet, known online as "Kru Sai," shared her story on social media, claiming her husband's death could have been prevented had he received appropriate treatment.

According to Benyaporn, her husband sought treatment at San Camillo Hospital in Ban Pong district after experiencing severe pain radiating from his arm to his chest, accompanied by excessive sweating. He was reportedly referred between several departments before an orthopedic doctor suspected a heart condition and referred him to a general practitioner.

She alleged that despite the family's repeated requests for an ECG, the physician declined, saying the symptoms were more likely caused by stress or a panic attack. The family also offered to pay for additional tests or transfer him to another hospital but said their requests were refused.

After returning home, the man collapsed later that evening and died.

An autopsy later found that he had severe coronary artery disease involving two blocked arteries.

The family has filed a formal complaint, seeking an investigation into the medical treatment.

In its first statement issued on Saturday, the hospital suspended the physician, a doctor in his 70s who had worked at the hospital for more than a decade, pending an internal investigation and external reviews by the Medical Council of Thailand and independent experts.

On Sunday, the hospital issued a second statement announcing that the doctor had been dismissed with immediate effect.

The hospital said its internal fact-finding found that the physician had communicated with the patient and relatives using inappropriate and impolite language, violating hospital regulations requiring staff to treat patients respectfully. The conduct was also found to be inconsistent with the Medical Council's code of professional ethics.

The dismissal took effect on 19 July.

The hospital said it would continue to cooperate with ongoing investigations and provide assistance to the bereaved family, while expressing its deepest condolences and accepting public criticism and recommendations.

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

Patong – Thai immigration police have arrested a Belgian national wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice for attempted murder and organized crime, ending his brief hideout in Phuket. Immigration Officers told the Phuket Express. They detained the suspect — identified only as Mr. Reid (alias) — outside his condominium in Patong. The arrest followed a […] Alleged Belgian Gang Boss Wanted for Murder Nabbed in in Patong -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

A Facebook user named Feunglatda Kongeard posted CCTV footage from a hotel kitchen showing a female chef in uniform striking a young woman's back and attempting to hit her face.

The poster stated that the victim, referred to as "A" (a pseudonym), is a 20-year-old student who was sent by her educational institution for a work-study placement at a hotel in Phuket. However, she was subjected to daily physical abuse by the hotel's kitchen staff. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Patong Police Station.

The student did not initially report the abuse to her family because she feared losing her placement opportunity and being unable to complete her studies, so she endured the daily mistreatment including beatings, head slaps, and being struck with kitchen utensils. Recently, a coworker brought her to Patong Hospital for treatment and helped her file a report with Patong Police Station.

The poster questioned why a student undergoing a work-study placement should be subjected to such severe treatment. The post has sparked widespread online criticism, with many viewing the chef's actions as excessively violent. Some commenters argued that while mistakes warrant correction, physical punishment is unacceptable and pointed out that the victim has parents and family who would protect her.

Unless a last-minute reversal occurs, Prime Minister Anuthon Chanthawirotkul will convene the police civil service committee on Wednesday, July 22, to appoint a new police chief set to take office on October 1.

Four deputy police commanders meet the criteria to compete for the position: General Nirandorn Luemsri, General Thatchai Pitaneelabut, General Samran Nualma, and General Itthiphol Ajchariyapradist.

As the selection process neared its conclusion, the race reportedly narrowed to General Nirandorn, the most senior candidate, and General Samran, who possesses strong investigative credentials and backing from multiple quarters. However, as the final decision approached, General Samran emerged as the sole frontrunner.

The selection criteria require consideration of both seniority and expertise—not seniority alone, but a blend of experience and competence. Military and police circles have begun discussing what qualifies a police leader, increasingly moving away from the traditional emphasis on criminal investigation expertise, which has long been the hallmark of policing.

Investigation and suppression of crime remain the heart of police work and should be a defining strength. This aspect particularly strengthens General Samran's candidacy. He has advanced through diverse assignments—from hotel management to investigation, suppression operations, inspection, traffic, and security work—culminating in extensive anti-drug operations. He stands an excellent chance of selection and appears to have already "secured the position."

The government's choice of the new police chief must also consider political backing. During this blue-government administration, an era of conservative political dominance, General Samran's selection aligns well, as he has long enjoyed the trust of this political faction.

The Phum Jai Thai-led government's decision on the new police chief selection should be straightforward. At Wednesday's committee meeting, there is no need to speculate whom Prime Minister Anuthon will propose for consideration.

General Samran meets all requirements, having progressed through every level of police work with recent achievements in major cases, including arrests of drug syndicates, cross-border gangs, the Thao Thip gang linked to Chinese triads, nominee business networks, and white-collar criminal groups. As commonly stated, the police organization needs a complete leader, especially one with genuine expertise in investigation and suppression. This makes General Samran an ideal choice.

Wednesday's decision should come as no surprise: General Samran Nualma's appointment appears certain.

Vong Tawaun