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

Phukeะ- Phuket City Police investigators have arrested a 33‑year‑old local man accused of breaking into a foreign resident’s home and stealing more than 15 items, later admitting he sold the property to fund drug use. The Phuket City Police told the Phuket Express that officers detained the suspect, identified only as Damrongsak, at a rented […] Police Arrest Local Man for Burglary of Foreign Resident’s Home -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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

Patong — Police in Patong have detained a foreign man after repeated reports of disruptive behavior in public, with witnesses describing him as appearing intoxicated and lacking self‑control. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that at approximately 11:10 a.m.,they responded to complaints near a tour booth on Thaweewong Road. The man, whose name and […] Foreigner Detained in Patong for Public Intoxication -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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

Phuket – Authorities in Thalang have intensified enforcement against narcotics and illegal weapons, arresting three suspects in separate cases as part of a nationwide campaign to restore social order under the Ministry of Interior’s directive. District officials Wisut Romintorn and Chaiporn Yangjeen, both serving as narcotics suppression officers told the Phuket Express that this week […] Three Suspects Arrested in Thalang Crack Down on Drugs and Firearms -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to pursue peace and rebuild mutual trust following trilateral talks hosted by Philippine President Bongbong Marcos in Cebu on Thursday evening.

The meeting, held at the Shangri-La Mactan ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, was initiated by the Philippines in its role as ASEAN chair to discuss the Thai-Cambodian situation.

Speaking after the talks, Anutin thanked Marcos for facilitating what he described as an important meeting. He said discussions with Hun Manet were constructive, forward-looking and candid, while reaffirming both sides' commitment to dialogue and peace.

Anutin said Thailand and Cambodia share close ties in many areas and stressed that conflict only brings loss and suffering to all parties.

"It is time for both countries to look forward and open a new chapter in relations," he said, adding that rebuilding ties would require sincerity, honesty and a shared commitment to overcoming challenges together.

Thailand and Cambodia also agreed to assign their foreign ministers to jointly develop practical confidence-building measures, starting with areas where both sides share common ground and can take immediate action.

The Thai premier said the measures would help gradually restore trust and strengthen bilateral relations.

He added that both countries should increase direct communication at all levels to reduce misunderstandings and expand cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.

On land and maritime boundary issues, Anutin said Thailand proposed approaches for future discussions based on good neighbourly relations.

He described the meeting as an important step toward creating an atmosphere conducive to peace and regional cooperation, while reaffirming Thailand's readiness to work constructively with all parties based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The Thai Health Foundation, collaborating with running federations, associations, and network partners, is preparing to host the 25th 'Mindful Walking-Running Visakha Buddha Worship Day—Five Precepts Observance, Reduce and Abandon Bad Behavior 2569' simultaneously across 70 locations nationwide on May 31, 2569. The campaign aims to spark behavioral change among Thai citizens toward reducing sedentary living and practicing mindful movement, under the powerful yet simple principle: 'A strong body requires movement; a resilient mind requires calm.' Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of the Thai Health Foundation, revealed that the activity integrates 'active living' with 'mindfulness in physical activity,' using Visakha Bucha Day as a unifying moment for people nationwide to practice self-care through mindful walking and running. The event emphasizes participation and accessibility across all age groups rather than competition. The program targets at least 30,000 nationwide participants and aims to create 'new runners' representing at least 10 percent of participants, welcoming those with no prior exercise habits or inconsistent physical activity to start in a friendly and safe manner. The initiative addresses both physical and mental dimensions, particularly cultivating 'intrinsic motivation' to help people apply mindfulness principles to daily work, life, and health management. Dr. Pairoj highlighted that Thai society's major challenge is 'sedentary behavior'—insufficient physical activity—a primary risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. WHO data indicates adults should engage in moderate physical activity for 150–300 minutes weekly, yet 28.9 percent of Thais aged 18 and over fall below this threshold. The activity reflects the Foundation's commitment to building 'health-conscious lifestyles' rather than short-term campaigns, using symbolic events as catalysts for sustained behavioral change. 'This activity isn't just about getting people out to run once and finishing; we aim for long-term behavioral change, helping people understand that physical movement is achievable daily in forms suited to their needs, eventually becoming part of their lives,' Dr. Pairoj stated. Prasad Jirchaisokul, Chairman of the Thai Running Association for Health Foundation, emphasized the event's hallmark feature: 'accessible design' meeting safety standards, open to all—children, adults, seniors, and those newly beginning health management—without restriction to professional runners. The flexible format accommodates walking, running, or combined meditation practice.

At 10:30 AM on May 7, 2025, Chatpraorn Niyom, Governor of Chachoengsao Province, ordered Pornthep Ajarbanditgul, Deputy Governor of Chachoengsao, to lead a coordinated team including local administrative officials, military personnel, the Provincial Buddhism Office, and volunteer rangers to inspect two prominent temples in Panom Sarakham District following complaints that they had become gathering spots for youth engaging in drug use from both the district and surrounding areas.

During the first temple inspection, which housed 14 monks, officials requested urine tests from all residents. One monk, Phra Kitti, who had been ordained for 8 years and exhibited suspicious behavior, tested positive for drug use. He confessed but requested permission to extend his ordination by one year before arrest, a request authorities denied. A subsequent search of his quarters revealed shocking conditions resembling a trash heap, with empty plastic bottles and rotting rice bags creating foul odors throughout.

Inside his room, authorities discovered kratom water containers, methamphetamine paraphernalia scattered across the floor, a pot for boiling kratom water in front of his quarters, and four bottles of kratom water—two in a refrigerator and two in a foam cooler. Officials seized the evidence and escorted Phra Kitti for defrocking proceedings. A 29-year-old man named Manas, found sitting nearby, also tested positive for methamphetamine and admitted to drug use.

At the second temple, authorities intercepted a suspect attempting to flee on a black sidecar motorcycle (Bangkok plate วฉก 551). A search of his black shoulder bag revealed 11 methamphetamine pills in a clear plastic bag. The suspect, identified as Sommassit, 26, admitted to selling methamphetamine to monks at the temple. Subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of two additional monks from the temple who had purchased and used methamphetamine. All suspects were referred for prosecution.