On July 7, Health Minister Patthana Promptpadet confirmed that the Palang Pracharath party's cannabis policy focuses exclusively on medical use. A draft bill controlling cannabis and hemp cultivation is under public consultation but missed consideration in the current parliamentary session. The new law will impose strict penalties for violations and mark the first time cannabis cultivation will be legally regulated, with previous laws only controlling sales, distribution, and extraction.

Promptpadet noted that while Thailand no longer classifies cannabis as a narcotic, many destination countries still do, so exporters must check receiving countries' laws. Officials are coordinating with customs and airport authorities to prevent smuggling, having switched to electronic licenses to reduce fraud.

Regarding registered retailers, Promptpadet reported that of 18,000 shops registered in 2568, approximately 6,000 licenses expired by end-2568, with about 1,500 renewals. Licenses are granted for three-year periods, with roughly 6,000 expiring annually in 2569 and 2570. The Health Ministry is deploying thousands of additional inspectors from police and local authorities.

Promptpadet emphasized that registered shops must upgrade to medical facilities with resident physicians to ensure cannabis is dispensed only to eligible patients. Unauthorized and recreational shops face immediate arrest. The ministry has created a GPS-mapped database of all legitimate registered shops with license expiration dates for enforcement purposes.

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

Phuket — Provincial officials in Phuket have received a petition from legal representatives of landowners affected by the ongoing dispute over five residential properties in Ban Kho En, Mai Khao inn Thalang. Governor Chotnarin Kedsom and Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa accepted the petition from attorney Israres Busayarat, who is acting on behalf of mainland landowners. The […] Phuket Authorities Review Land Dispute Over Five Coastal Residences -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

A Nonthaburi provincial court has acquitted Mr. Zhao Chuanbo (41) and Mr. Huang Jianping (39) of all charges in a high-profile cross-border case involving the alleged embezzlement and money laundering of over 5 billion baht through luxury hotel purchases in Bangkok's Silom district.

The case began on April 3, 2025, when a former police officer filed a complaint on behalf of Yin Qianying ("Alu"), a Chinese-Cambodian national who was detained at Bangkok's special prison awaiting extradition to China. The officer accused Zhao Chuanbo, who was listed in Interpol's database, of conspiring to embezzle all of Alu's assets, including money allegedly brought from China that was laundered through the acquisition of luxury hotels and other properties valued at approximately 5 billion baht.

Police from multiple agencies coordinated to arrest both men at Suvarnabhumi Airport on May 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Authorities opposed bail due to the high value of damages and the international nature of the case.

While the case initially appeared to involve embezzlement and Chinese money laundering schemes, the defendants were represented by attorney Anant Pilandhanaditok ("Attorney Uan"), head of the legal team at Kralow News. After examining evidence presented in court, the Nonthaburi provincial court determined that the prosecution could not prove its case against either defendant. The court issued a full acquittal, clearing both Mr. Zhao Chuanbo and Mr. Huang Jianping of all allegations and closing the high-profile inheritance and hotel dispute case.

A 42-year-old former political candidate has denied premeditation in a shooting that killed two people and seriously injured two others in Wiangkaen District, Chiang Rai Province. The suspect, identified as Krichakorn, opened fire on his wife's family in Muang Yai Subdistrict on July 6th. Two victims—Supannee, 55, the wife's sister, and Rueangsakdi, 56, a relative—died from gunshot wounds. Two others, including the suspect's wife Sunida, 52, and stepson Siraksa, 29, a special-needs child, sustained serious injuries before police apprehended the suspect in Wiangchiang Rung District.

On July 7th, authorities reported the suspect denies planning the attack, so he was not brought for questioning. Only forensic officers and Wiangkaen Police conducted additional evidence collection while neighbors and relatives helped clean the house to prepare for funeral arrangements.

The 72-year-old stepfather of Supannee and Sunida recounted that Krichakorn had been drinking heavily and attempted to call his wife. When Sunida was bathing, he hit her head with his phone until it shattered. After taking her to the hospital, she declined to file a complaint, thinking nothing serious would happen. Upon returning home, Krichakorn returned with a firearm and opened fire. Rueangsakdi attempted to calm him down, but Krichakorn fired at him immediately. Supannee died trying to protect her sister, struck by a stray bullet.

A neighbor girl reported that Sunida initially came asking for help after being assaulted, then they went to the hospital. Upon returning, she saw adults standing and talking but did not enter the room where the shooting occurred, fearing she might have become another victim.

Nil, 76, the mother of Rueangsakdi, tearfully revealed she knew nothing of family conflicts. During the shooting, she was sleeping and heard three gunshots, mistaking them for her son hitting a table. Police later informed her that her son had been killed. He had simply brought bamboo shoots to give to family members for cooking when he happened to walk in at the moment Krichakorn was shooting inside the house and was struck by a stray bullet.

Nil concluded by saying she had one question: "Why did he kill my son? What did my son do?" She forgave the perpetrator but left the matter of punishment to police.

Meanwhile, the suspect's employer arrived for questioning at Wiangkaen Police Station at 4 p.m. Further investigation revealed the perpetrator is a former ranger who exercised his rights to purchase and use the firearm. He was also a former parliamentary candidate under the Prachaniyom Party.

Central Pattana has unveiled plans for an 11-billion-baht mixed-use development in the heart of Bangkok's Siam Square, featuring Thailand's first 25hours Hotel, as part of efforts to strengthen the district's position as a global destination for youth, creativity and lifestyle.

The project, named 'CenTRal cENtrAL', is being developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate (Thailand) at the Pathumwan intersection. It will combine retail, office and hospitality facilities, along with public spaces designed to support creative communities and cultural activities.

The retail complex will house more than 300 local and international brands across multiple lifestyle zones, targeting Gen Z consumers, tourists and office workers. The development will also include more than 3,400 square metres of public space under the company's "CenTRal Future Makers" concept, aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurs, artists and creators.

Among its highlights are the Social Theatre, a flexible venue for performances and community events, and the Skyline Theatre, a rooftop green space intended for outdoor activities and gatherings. The project will also feature pop-up retail spaces for emerging brands and startups.

A key attraction will be the arrival of 25hours Hotel, marking the German lifestyle brand's debut in Thailand. The hotel chain currently operates in just 13 cities worldwide and is known for its design-led, locally inspired properties.

Construction will be completed in phases. The retail component is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027, followed by office space later that year, while the 25hours Hotel is expected to welcome guests in early 2029.

Central Pattana said the development is intended to reinforce Siam Square's reputation as a Global Youth Culture Destination, while attracting international visitors, global brands and investment to one of Bangkok's busiest commercial districts. The company added that the project reflects its long-term strategy of creating mixed-use destinations that combine commerce, culture and community in central urban locations.

The arrest of a Thai Airways flight attendant from Payao caught by Australian police with heroin has cast the province in a negative light. When investigators tracked a drug courier who received packages from Payao and arrested another gang member from the same province, online speculation linked the incidents to prominent Payao residents. Police held a meeting warning against spreading false social media posts that defame the province, with warnings of prosecution against those who spread misinformation.

Such warnings sparked further criticism. Both sides deserve scrutiny: social media should not weaponize the flight attendant case to attack the entire province, while police should not overreach in pursuing social media users.

Payao Provincial Police Commander Maj. Gen. Pongsawat Chaibun recently announced a coordinated drug suppression operation, taking a more constructive approach. He convened officers from five hotels in the Chiang Kham area—where heroin was delivered to the flight attendant—to tighten transport inspections of vehicles, trucks, and private cargo shipments.

Investigators confirmed the drug supplier entered the area, received narcotics at a specific location, then departed by passenger bus. The provincial police commander pledged to intercept drug trafficking routes to prevent future damage to Payao.

Over the past 10 months, police have arrested over 1,000 drug suspects and seized 14 million methamphetamine pills, 600.63 kilograms of crystal meth, 66.02 kilograms of heroin, and 237.66 grams of ketamine. Asset seizures exceeded 475 million baht.

These enforcement results show sustained drug suppression in Payao, presenting the province more positively. A safe, drug-free image attracts tourism and investment far better than pursuing social media critics. However, social media users should also exercise responsibility and avoid exploiting incidents to attack individuals or damage an entire province's reputation.