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Phuket, July 27, 2026 — Provincial authorities in Phuket have launched an integrated inspection of retail outlets in the city, uncovering a store selling imported Arab products without proper documentation. Officials ordered the seizure of goods and pledged further legal action. On Monday (July 26th) authorities inspected a minimart located on Ranong Road in Phuket […] Phuket Authorities Uncover Arab Goods Store Lacking Legal Documents -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, July 20th to Sunday, July 26th. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication. 1. In a major escalation of Thailand’s nationwide campaign […] Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Nominee Crackdown Continues, and More -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Residents of Prachuap Khiri Khan province are on high alert after wildlife volunteers reported an emergency involving Sid Dor Honak, a large male elephant nicknamed "Lord Saiplor" from Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Chachoengsao. The aggressive animal crossed forest borders spanning five provinces and entered Prachuap in search of food. Volunteer Chatri Wongseree and sanctuary staff conducted a drone survey after residents reported spotting a large elephant grazing in a sugar cane plantation in Moo 7, Lat Thakian subdistrict, Kabinburi district. Drone footage confirmed it was indeed Sid Dor Honak, hiding in a vast sugar cane forest of over 1,000 acres adjacent to Highway 359, an area rich with cassava, corn, and water sources ideal for concealment and foraging. In a sudden incident, while workers were spraying fertilizer on the cane plants, the elephant became agitated and charged at the group without warning, forcing workers and villagers to accelerate their motorcycles and flee in all directions. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed. Officials and volunteers have established strict surveillance around the sugar cane plantation, expecting the elephant to move again in the evening, and are preparing a major operation to drive it back the following day. Sid Dor Honak is known for his aggressive nature and lack of fear toward humans, with a documented history of attacking and killing villagers and officials in sugar cane fields across multiple incidents.

A deputy chief of the Bang Nam Priao electrical department in Chachoengsao has died while responding to a power outage on July 27, 2025. At 4 p.m., regional electrical staff were dispatched to investigate and repair a power system failure after residents reported an outage. While working near a utility pole on Highway 3200 in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province, an accident occurred that resulted in the death of Kamran, 44, a deputy department chief. He had held the position for only one month before the incident.

Kamran had just been promoted and was responding with his repair team when the fatal accident occurred. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and investigate the exact cause of the incident. Vorawut, a colleague, described Kamran as a conscientious, responsible worker who was dedicated to his duties. His recent promotion had been a source of pride for him and his colleagues. Vorawut expressed that no one expected to lose such a valued team member, and staff remain devastated by the tragedy.

General Anucha Boonsawat, Defense Minister, presided over the special royal cremation ceremony for volunteer ranger Wimol Dab Thong on July 27, 2026, at Pra Sat Thara Ram Temple in Surin Province's Sangkha District. Wimol, a member of the 45th Special Task Force Rangers, died while performing security duties in Thailand's southern border region. The ceremony was marked by solemn tributes and deep respect.

Senior commanders, provincial officials, fellow soldiers, family members, and local residents attended to pay final respects to the fallen soldier. The Defense Minister presented the national flag to drape the coffin, honor certificates, and medals recognizing the soldier's sacrifice to his family, along with initial financial assistance to his heirs.

General Anucha stated that nothing causes greater pain than losing a comrade, and extended his condolences to the deceased's family. He pledged that the government would ensure full rights and benefits for all servicemen and their families. The government has committed to maintaining all Hero's Gold Card privileges and associated benefits for the parents of fallen soldiers, reflecting the government's and military's dedication to caring for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Dindaeng District Office explained the collapse of a four-story building during demolition work for the Orange Line electric train project, and is accelerating safety inspections and relief efforts for affected residents. On July 27, authorities from the Dindaeng District Office and relevant agencies inspected the collapsed structure in Pracha Songkhro Soi 28, Dindaeng District, Bangkok, which was being demolished as part of the Bangkok Mass Transit System's Orange Line construction project. Officials are conducting urgent safety assessments and preparing assistance plans for affected residents, while the cause and damage assessment remain under investigation. Residents captured video footage showing the four-story building collapsing during demolition work, sending dust and concrete debris across the surrounding area and forcing nearby residents to flee in fear. After the incident, officials from the Dindaeng District Office's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Bureau and the Bangkok Mass Transit System immediately inspected the area and surveyed the collapsed structure to assess safety risks to nearby residents. Ms. Chutamad, a nearby resident affected by the collapse, revealed that she had received no prior notice of the demolition work but observed workers setting up metal sheet barriers and moving heavy machinery into the area starting the previous day. Demolition began at 8:00 a.m., and during the work she felt strong vibrations and grew concerned for safety, prompting neighbors to evacuate elderly residents and patients to the community sports field in advance. The building collapsed in the afternoon, causing partial damage to her home, and she remains worried about residential safety and is calling on officials to accelerate inspections and provide assistance. Panisorat Nethara, the Dindaeng District Chief, stated that the collapsed building was an old structure being demolished for the Orange Line project in an area containing foundation pilings. Initial surveys found no injuries or deaths. The district office has mobilized personnel from engineering, public utilities, and disaster mitigation departments in coordination with the Bangkok Mass Transit System to assess structural integrity and ensure no further collapse risk. Utility officials are also investigating for damage to infrastructure that could endanger nearby residents. If evacuation becomes necessary, the transit authority will prepare relief and assistance plans with support from the district office for affected residents. The Bangkok Mass Transit System reported that the collapse site is an area being demolished to prepare foundation pilings for the Orange Line between Bang Khun Thian and Minburi.