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Phuket— Entertainment venue operators in Phuket have formally petitioned the provincial government to expand zoning areas for nightlife businesses, arguing that current restrictions no longer reflect the island’s booming tourism sector. At a meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Hall, Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa received the proposal from Sulaymart Kaewngamdee, president of the Phuket Entertainment […] Phuket Entertainment Operators Push for Expanded Zoning -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

A 43-year-old woman developed acute abdominal pain just 24 hours after eating grilled fish, and endoscopy revealed more than 140 Anisakis simplex larvae embedded in her stomach. The patient experienced abdominal pain, nausea, low blood pressure, and a rash across her entire body following consumption of grilled spotted golden trevally. Doctors performing upper endoscopy found over 140 Anisakis simplex larvae in her stomach. After removal of the parasites via endoscopy, the patient's condition improved rapidly with no recurrence during a six-month follow-up period.

Anisakiasis is a marine food-borne parasitic disease caused by consuming fish, squid, or other seafood containing stage 3 larvae (L3) of Anisakis species that are either undercooked or eaten raw. Humans are accidental hosts, and while the larvae cannot mature into adult parasites in the human body, they can penetrate the stomach or intestinal lining, causing acute symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and potentially severe allergic reactions.

Although such heavy infections as seen in this patient are rare, the worldwide increase in raw seafood consumption has led to recognition of this disease as an emerging infection that medical professionals should consider, particularly in patients with acute abdominal pain following consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jetsada Dondaobunphan, a biology instructor at Chulalongkorn University and science communicator, Anisakis is a roundworm parasite commonly found in wild-caught ocean fish. Consuming it does not cause reproduction within the body but can cause abdominal pain; however, if fish is properly cooked, the parasite dies completely and poses no risk.

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Phuket— Authorities raid an illegal gambling den where they have Arrested 10 Suspects in Phuket. The Phuket Provincial Administration Officer told the Phuket Express. They conducted a raid following public complaints about ongoing illegal gambling. The gambling ring had reportedly been shifting locations to evade detection, with the latest site discovered in Kathu. Upon arrival, […] Authorities Raid Illegal Gambling Den, Arrest 10 Suspects in Phuket -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On July 23, 2025, at Parliament, Rangsimanth Rom, a Pheu Thai party list MP and chair of the House Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights Committee, spoke about the appointment of General Samran Nuelamae as the 16th National Police Chief for a seven-year term.

Rangsimanth said his main concern was why this particular candidate was chosen. Under the law, selection must be based on knowledge, ability, and seniority. Therefore, he stressed that whoever becomes National Police Chief must demonstrate transparency. He did not fault the nominee personally but called on the Prime Minister and the outgoing Police Chief to explain to society what criteria were used and what facts justified the decision.

Secondly, Rangsimanth asked what society should expect from General Samran over the next seven years and how he would transform the police organization. The committee is currently discussing police and justice reform, focusing on what changes citizens might see or whether the appointment would simply perpetuate old problems.

"If corruption among officers continues, if gray-market problems persist, then these seven years will be wasted," Rangsimanth said. "We hope the new Police Chief will seize this opportunity to make the police organization truly capable of enforcing the law effectively, without bias and without fear of powerful figures."

Rayong clothing shop seeks responsibility from customer defecating in fitting roomLegacyA clothing shop in Rayong filed a police report after a customer defecated inside a fitting room before leaving the premises, calling on the woman to accept responsibility or face legal action. The incident took place at a clothing shop on Sukhumvit Road in the Ban Chang district of Rayong on July 21. The owner said the woman has until the end of next week to come forward before legal proceedings are pursued using CCTV footage as evidence. Speaking to Channel 7, 49 year old shop assistant Joom said the customer arrived at the store at about 3.20pm in a dark blue sedan. She was wearing a black T-shirt and white trousers. According to Joom, the customer entered the shop and loudly asked to use a toilet. The staff member said she believed the woman appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, although this has not been confirmed. Photo via Channel 3 Joom said she directed the customer to the shop’s bathroom, but the woman instead picked up a pair of shorts from a display rack and entered a fitting room. After the customer left, staff noticed a strong odour coming from the fitting room. Joom said she entered the room and found human faeces on the floor along with the woman’s trousers. She then photographed the registration plate of the customer’s vehicle before contacting the shop owner. According to Joom, staff cleaned the fitting room themselves. She said the experience was distressing and encouraged customers facing emergencies to inform staff, adding that employees are willing to assist when needed. Photo via Channel 3 The shop owner said she later gave Joom 500 baht as a gesture of appreciation after the incident. The owner reported the matter to police and said she hopes the customer will come forward voluntarily before legal action becomes necessary. The incident follows a similar case previously reported in Phuket, where a restaurant owner said a foreign woman defecated outside the premises, leaving staff to clean the area. The owner also called for more public toilets to help prevent similar incidents. Another case was reported in Saraburi, where CCTV footage captured a man defecating beside a road despite a petrol station with public toilets being located about 100 metres away. Photo via Channel 3

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Human rights networks submitted a letter to Thailand's Legal Affairs Committee on July 23, requesting that the government halt plans to deport three Chinese refugees who have already received UNHCR status cards. Puthanee Kangkan, director of Fortify Rights, expressed concern that the Thai government may push the three individuals back to China or Hong Kong, where they face risks of execution or continued detention. Under Thailand's Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Prevention Act, the country is legally prohibited from returning individuals to countries where they may face torture, cruel treatment, or inhumane punishment.

The principle of non-refoulement is a fundamental international law protection that all countries must uphold, and Thailand is a signatory to multiple international human rights treaties that protect refugee status. Thai authorities should urgently release the three from immigration detention and permit them to resettle in a third country. Committee chairman Rangsiman Rome acknowledged the concern, noting that if the facts prove valid, such action would contradict Thailand's domestic law. He stated the committee will investigate the matter and question all relevant parties before proceeding further.