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Phuket – Phuket officials have intensified their crackdown on illicit trade, arresting ten Thai and Myanamr suspects and confiscating cannabis, e-cigarettes, and untaxed cigarettes valued at over 200,000 baht. Officials told th Phuket Express. Acting on complaints, the team raided Bangla Road in Patong, where unlicensed sales of cannabis and contraband tobacco products were reported. […] Ten People Arrested with Illegal Cannabis and Contraband Worth 200,000 Baht  -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On July 28, 2025, customs officers at Phuket International Airport jointly arrested four foreign tourists after finding cannabis flowers and processed cannabis concealed in their luggage as they prepared to leave the country. The arrest took place at the international departure hall of Phuket International Airport in Tambon Mai Khao, Mueang Thalang District, Phuket Province, under the direction of Nucha Jiradisit, Phuket Airport Customs Chief, Ms. Thanaomchit Bureeruk, Customs Control Division Director, and Ms. Charoenporn Jaengwansuk, Investigation and Suppression Division Chief. Customs officer Rawin Kanakakorn made the arrests.

The four suspects are Sean Cassidy Buzzi, 19, Swiss national; Shaina Myriam Khadija El Gharib, 18, French national; Marcus Frimpong, 18, Swiss national; and Alassane Justin Luciano Ahmada Djae, 26, French national. Officials seized approximately 33.6 kilograms of cannabis flowers and processed cannabis hidden in the suspects' luggage intended for illegal export.

During questioning, all suspects admitted ownership of the luggage and drugs. They were charged with attempting to export goods without customs clearance. The suspects and seized items were handed over to Saku Police Station for legal proceedings under the supervision of Pol. Col. Slan Satnakul, Saku Police Station Commander, with Pol. Lt. Kittisak Sommat as the investigating officer.

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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.

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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.