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Bangkok A fire ripped through the “Rong Beer Na Lad Prao” bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue near Soi Lad Phrao 1 on Lad Phrao Road in Chatuchak district late on July 12th, 2026, killing at least 27 people and injuring 63 others, according to Thai authorities and media reports. The blaze, which broke out around […] Update: 27 Dead, Over 60 People Confirmed Injured at Bangkok Bar Fire, Officials Investigate and Discuss Discoveries So Far -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On July 13, Chatchon Detchdetcho, a Democratic Party MP responsible for the southern region, addressed Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammaphand regarding relief measures for fruit farmers as the south enters harvest season. He questioned whether the government has a proactive strategy to handle oversupply of produce, rather than reacting after problems emerge, which leaves farmers with reduced income and mounting debt.

Chatchon urged the Commerce Ministry to coordinate with transport companies, including Thailand Post and private carriers, and to provide packaging support for farmers as the fruit season approaches. He also criticized past government efforts, suggesting the minister lacks genuine understanding of agricultural issues. He cited previous failures, such as when the government set unrealistic targets for promoting frozen durian sales at 100 baht per fruit while market prices were around 100 baht per kilogram, and inadequate responses to shrimp and coconut price crises.

When asked if his remarks signaled a motion of no-confidence against Supachee, Chatchon stated he wanted to first assess her actual performance. He noted that despite her claims of focusing on work rather than social media, she has a large following. He also suggested that another party colleague, Chulee Noomkaew, might raise similar concerns about the minister's absence from media attention.

PHUKET: Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has ordered inspections of every licensed cannabis shop in Phuket after authorities found a single Cherng Talay outlet allegedly continuing to operate despite its licence being suspended.

A special operations team from Nakhon Ratchasima Province conducted an undercover investigation and raid on an entertainment venue in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima District after receiving public complaints about illegal operations. Officers found the establishment operating without proper licenses, serving alcohol beyond legal hours, and allowing minors under 20 to patronize the venue. The venue manager was arrested and charged with four offenses: operating an establishment without authorization, selling alcohol without a permit, selling alcohol to minors, and facilitating inappropriate conduct by youth. During the operation, officers identified 13 minors on the premises, contacted their guardians, and conducted 77 drug tests with no positive results. The manager was handed over to police for further legal proceedings, and the case also involves violations of a 2015 National Council for Peace and Order directive.

Teachers in Ratchaburi have filed a formal complaint requesting investigation into their school principal over allegations of late work attendance, irregular school fund disbursement, and inappropriate behavior toward female staff, with his office isolated by curtains and dark stickers.

On July 13, 2025, the Ratchaburi Primary Education District 2 office disclosed that in early 2025, teachers at a Ratchaburi school submitted a joint complaint requesting investigation into their principal. The allegations include poor timekeeping—arriving late and leaving early—lack of engagement in duties, remaining in an air-conditioned office playing with his phone, and showing no concern for teacher responsibilities.

Teachers also accused the principal of non-transparent procurement practices, including a case where old roof tiles from building repairs were removed and sold, with proceeds not returning to the school. Educational equipment purchases were made at stores outside the province, preventing teachers from selecting appropriate materials and inflating costs. School funds were retained personally for months, with irregular cooperative store fund handling and improper charity donations.

Additionally, complaints alleged inappropriate conduct toward female staff. The principal renovated his office, installing full curtains and opaque stickers on the door, making female teachers feel uncomfortable when called to meet with him. He reportedly calls female teachers outside school hours late into the night for document signing, and has even called them to meet outside school, requiring them to sit in his car. Some teachers' husbands have already lodged separate complaints with the district office.

When contacted, teachers reported that months after filing complaints, there has been no meaningful progress. No serious investigation committee has been formed—only a preliminary fact-finding team from the district has conducted cursory interviews without gathering substantial evidence, and mediation has been attempted instead. Teachers are calling on Ratchaburi Primary Education District 2 to handle the matter justly.

A tragic fire at a beer bar in Bangkok's Ladprao neighborhood has claimed 27 lives, with Tick Chanajai, a young singer performing at the venue, among the narrow survivors. Tick was on stage when the fire erupted; he had stepped down to use the restroom and managed to escape through a back exit near the bathroom. According to Facebook posts from Chakrachai Phoksombat, Tick is safe but has lost his phone and belongings in the blaze and is in severe emotional distress. In a survivor's clip, Tick can be heard apologizing, saying "I'm sorry." Two members of his band, Thot Sak Kan, are still unaccounted for and missing as of now.