Thailand's Meteorological Department issued its sixth warning on July 11, 2024, regarding strong winds affecting the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern Thailand's western coast, western central regions, and the east through July 15. From July 11-15, the southwest monsoon will intensify across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, producing waves of 2-4 meters in the upper Andaman Sea, exceeding 4 meters in thunderstorm zones. The upper Gulf and lower Andaman will see 2-3 meter waves, with heights over 3 meters during storms. Fishermen are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats should remain ashore. Heavy rainfall is expected in Ranong, Phangnga, Chachoengsao, Trat, and Kanchanaburi provinces during July 11-14, posing risks of flash floods and mountain runoff, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas. Typhoon Bavi, located over the Pacific east of Taiwan, is expected to make landfall in China's Fujian Province on July 11-12 and will not directly impact Thailand, but will strengthen the southwest monsoon affecting the country. The public is urged to monitor weather forecasts, plan activities carefully, and check conditions before traveling. The Meteorological Department will issue its next warning on July 11 at 5:00 p.m. Updates are available at tmd.go.th, 0-2399-4012-13, and 1182 24/7.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts increased rainfall across Thailand over the next 24 hours, with heavy showers in the northern, upper northeastern, and eastern regions due to a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and strengthening southwest monsoon winds. Northern Thailand including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Tak provinces will see thunderstorms affecting 60 percent of the area with heavy rain in some locations, with temperatures ranging from 22-32°C. The northeastern region, including Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom, will experience similar conditions with temperatures of 23-34°C. Central Thailand, particularly Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi, will see thunderstorms affecting 60 percent of areas with highs of 33-36°C. The eastern region, including Chanthaburi and Trat, will have heavy rain in some areas with waves of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. Southern Thailand's east coast will see thunderstorms in 30 percent of the area, primarily affecting Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. The department warns of potential flash flooding and forest runoff, particularly in foothill and low-lying areas. Wave heights in the Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2-4 meters in the upper region and 2-3 meters in the lower region and upper Gulf of Thailand, with higher waves during thunderstorms. Small boats are advised to avoid sailing until July 15. Typhoon Bavi, currently in the Pacific Ocean northeast of Taiwan, is expected to make landfall on China's east coast on July 11-12 and will not affect Thailand.

Bruno Fernandes, Portugal's playmaker, remains disappointed by the team's premature exit from the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Portugal fell to Spain 0-1 in the Round of 16 knockout stage, and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes subsequently posted on Instagram: "Heartbroken, frustrated, and disappointed." "This is a group of players that made me have high expectations—not just because of their quality, but because of the amazing team we built together over many years." "Thank you to every player, the coaching staff, and everyone who supported and helped us throughout the World Cup." "To all Portuguese people, thank you so much for your support and belief in us."

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defended young backup Senne Lemmens after a costly error contributed to Belgium's World Cup elimination and announced plans to take a one-year break from international duty.

Belgium's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the quarterfinals following a 1-2 defeat to Spain on July 10. During the match, Courtois suffered an injury in the 71st minute and was replaced by Lemmens. In the 88th minute, Lemmens failed to save a long-range shot before Miguel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain.

After the match, Courtois defended Lemmens: "First of all, I sympathize with Senne. Being a goalkeeper is the most unforgiving position in football. You might make ten brilliant decisions, but people will remember only your one mistake."

"However, this is the knockout stage of the World Cup, and the margins are incredibly thin. Unfortunately, those moments can decide the entire competition," Courtois continued. "When you represent Belgium at this level, every action matters."

"I believe Senne will learn from this mistake and come back stronger. He has the talent to do so. But when you're competing for the greatest trophy in football, whether with Belgium or at club level, these moments define your career."

Regarding his international future, Courtois stated: "I want to take a one-year break from playing for Belgium, then return for the Euro qualifiers and Euro 2028. I don't know if Belgium will agree to this."

The Colombian Football Federation has condemned individuals who sent death threats to striker Haminton Campaz and his family following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Colombia drew 0-0 with Switzerland in 120 minutes before losing 3-4 on penalties. During extra time, Campaz had a clear chance in the penalty area facing the goalkeeper but shot wide in a shocking miss.

Following the match, Campaz and his family received death threats from fans. The forward, who plays for Rosario Central in Argentina's league, posted on Instagram calling for people to show respect and prevent football passion from breeding hatred and fear.

The Colombian Football Federation released a statement declaring: "No athlete or national team member deserves to be threatened simply for representing their country. Football must be a space for unity, respect, and hope—not a place for hatred, threats, or violence. We call on all Colombians to stand together and ensure that what happens on the field of play does not transform into threats or attacks on those dedicated to representing our nation."

The statement also recalled the 1994 World Cup tragedy when defender Andrés Escobar, who scored an own goal against the United States, was shot and killed by gunmen just days after Colombia's elimination and his return home.

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

Phuket — Deputy Interior Minister Polpeer Suwanchawee (MoI-2) visited Phuket today to oversee progress on the government’s “Phuket Model,” a coordinated campaign to reclaim encroached land within Sirinat National Park. Joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Lands, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and […] Deputy Interior Minister Leads Effort to Reclaim Sirinat National Park Land -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.