Unwitting Couriers Risk Jail for Carrying Contraband. Common deception tactics include: asking you to carry sealed bags or luggage while claiming they contain gifts or personal items; hiding illegal goods mixed in with everyday items like presents, clothing, shoes, children's toys, or souvenirs; exploiting trust through friends, acquaintances, or social media with persuasive language that makes the courier feel obligated. Strictly prohibited items that carry severe penalties under Thai law include drugs, e-cigarettes, obscene materials, endangered wildlife, and protected species. Restricted items requiring import-export permits include animals, food, cosmetics, medications, communications equipment, and plant varieties. Be cautious even with good intentions.

The Royal Thai Police have committed to combating, preventing and suppressing all forms of technology-based crime by establishing the Anti-Cyber Scam Center (ACSC) under the Technology Crime and Information Security Suppression Center of the Royal Thai Police as the primary coordination and operational mechanism. Since the ACSC was established, statistics show a reduction in cases and damages from online threats, with dangerous phone numbers and websites blocked and assets seized exceeding 24,000 million baht.

On July 18, 2025, the CIB coordinated a multi-location operation targeting the drug trafficking and illegal lending network operated by Komjak, alias "Doe Pa Phayom." Officers raided three locations in Phatthalung province, resulting in the arrest of two key network members: Pirun, or "Om," age 39, charged with unlicensed possession of a licensed firearm and ammunition, and operating an unauthorized personal lending business; and Kabin, or "Moss," age 27, charged with harboring smuggled goods.

The investigation grew from a series of incidents throughout 2024-2025 in which gunmen fired on homes across Phatthalung. Investigators determined the shootings were linked to debt collection for drug sales and intimidation campaigns orchestrated by Komjak, who is currently evading arrest across the border but continues to direct drug trafficking operations into Phatthalung and nearby provinces through network members.

At the first location in Khao Chiak subdistrict, police arrested Pirun and seized a 9mm firearm registered under another person's name, 13 rounds of ammunition, 300,000 baht in cash, unlicensed lending account books, 12 loan contracts, a mobile phone, and related items.

At the second location in Kuha Sawan subdistrict, officers arrested Kabin and found 4,263,520 baht hidden in the house. Kabin admitted the money was connected to drug trafficking and was being held on Komjak's orders. Police also discovered 40 electronic cigarettes and 30 packages of tax-evaded foreign cigarettes, prompting additional customs charges.

The third location, a residence in Ko Tao subdistrict in Pa Phayom, belonged to a 34-year-old woman with network ties. Although no major evidence was found there, investigators determined she had previously held network cash, and her financial records are under further examination.

Testing of the seized cash with methamphetamine detection solution yielded positive results, confirming drug contamination on the bills and corroborating the suspect's admission that the money came from drug trafficking. All cash and items will undergo forensic examination before prosecution. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and arrest Komjak and other remaining network members.

Phon Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce Federation, has outlined a second-half 2026 action plan featuring 10 major forums to create opportunities for Thai business and drive economic growth via the "Reinvent Thailand" approach.

Phon stated that major events should not be treated as standalone occasions but as catalysts for concrete trade, investment, network building, and advancement of Thailand's standing in the global economic arena. Viewed as a coherent strategy, Thailand's approach moves from hosting regional forums where it leads, into bilateral partnerships with economic giants China and the US, then strengthens domestic foundations, elevates participation in global energy and financial platforms, and circles back to expand benefits to local business networks across the country. The 10 key forums include:

1. Thailand hosted the third APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting from July 6–9, 2026, a major platform for business leaders from 21 APEC economies. As host, Thailand positioned itself to voice private-sector concerns directly to APEC leaders and shaped regional economic direction going forward.

2. The Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026, scheduled for July 22–25, 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, marks the second edition under the theme "Investing for the Future, Growing Together." The event will span over 20,000 square meters with more than 670 booths and some 270 leading companies, serving as a comprehensive platform for technology, innovation, trade, investment, and economic opportunity between Thailand and China. For Thailand, it channels Chinese investment in technology and robotics directly into Thai manufacturing supply chains and enables Thai entrepreneurs to match with Chinese partners instantly through B2B Matching activities.

3. The Thailand–U.S. Trade & Investment Summit 2026: "Building on a Longstanding Partnership" on August 17, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, co-hosted by AMCHAM Thailand, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This forum will bring together government and private-sector leaders from both nations to explore fresh trade and investment opportunities amid rapid global economic shifts, covering commerce, tourism, agriculture and food, digital economy, sustainability, digital infrastructure, health and wellness, and creative economy. It aims to deepen bilateral economic ties, attract new investment, and integrate Thai enterprises into global economic and technology supply chains.

4. The Sampha-Navathong Award and Ethics Excellence Award ceremony for 2026, scheduled for August 26, 2026 at the Thai Chamber of Commerce University, honoring government agencies that improve performance, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery.

Iranian state media cited sources claiming that a Thai-flagged vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz after ignoring warnings and attempting to transit without permission from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The incident occurs amid an escalating seven-day confrontation between the United States and Iran. However, Iranian media did not disclose the ship's name, ownership, cargo, destination, or crew nationality, and there has been no immediate confirmation from Thai authorities, maritime organizations, or shipping companies. It remains unclear whether the vessel sustained damage or if crew members were injured.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that two oil tankers caught fire and exploded after attempting to transit a minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz, despite multiple warnings that the route was unsafe and completely closed due to U.S. military operations. The Guard Corps also claimed to have intercepted four oil tankers attempting to pass through the strait with U.S. military support, ordering them to remain stationary during joint missile and drone operations, and warning ship owners to comply with Iranian military directives rather than rely on U.S. protection. No details were provided regarding the names, interception locations, registration, or condition of the four vessels.

U.S. Central Command posted on social media that the latest operations began at 19:00 GMT on Friday, July 17, with new U.S. air strikes aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities. Iranian authorities stated that earlier U.S. strikes damaged civilian infrastructure in the southern region, including bridges, airports, power plants, and railway stations.