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Phuket – The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has launched a coordinated investigation following reports that a group of Chinese tourists illegally shot a parrotfish while diving near Kata Beach. The incident, widely circulated on social media, has sparked public concern over marine conservation and prompted authorities to enforce stricter measures. Our previous […] UPDATE: Authorities Investigate after Chinese Tourists Spearfish Parrotfish at Phuket Beach -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On May 11, 2026, Deputy Inspector Suanchai Siita, deputy investigation chief of Kantharawichai Police Station, along with investigation officers, arrested 28-year-old Sitthikorn following a robbery and theft spree across multiple areas in Maha Sarakham Province. Sitthikorn confessed that around 1:30 AM on May 10, he stole a motorcycle in front of Expo Market in Tha Khon Yang subdistrict. He then went on a robbing spree, starting at a pork hot pot restaurant in Tha Khon Yang around 2:00 AM, stealing one shoulder bag. At 2:50 AM, he robbed a convenience store in the same area, taking approximately 600 baht. At 4:50 AM, he burglarized a Mini Big C convenience store in Tha Khon Yang, stealing about 1,000 baht before fleeing. The following day, he robbed a convenience store in Thap Ma village, Na Thong subdistrict, Chiang Yuen district under Ku Thong Police Station's jurisdiction, obtaining approximately 6,000 baht. Officers noted that the suspect would ride through areas looking for opportunities and strike when timing seemed right. While fleeing, the stolen motorcycle was involved in an accident, colliding with a truck in Khao Suan Kwang district, Khon Kaen Province, causing injuries. He was hospitalized at Khao Suan Kwang Hospital. Local police found him suspicious and detained him for investigation. After questioning, they identified him as the perpetrator of robberies in Maha Sarakham Province and coordinated with Kantharawichai Police Station to proceed with charges. Sitthikorn had been released from prison on May 5 following convictions for drug trafficking and theft, but quickly returned to committing similar crimes.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister signed Government Order No. 139/2569 on May 11, 2026, establishing a special government committee to resolve southern border province issues. The committee structure includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Seehasak Puangketkaew as chairman, Defense Minister General Atul Bunyatharmchai as first vice chairman, National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangsahod as second vice chairman, and advisor Wanmohammadnor Mata. The committee's responsibilities include: implementing strategies and action plans to address southern border issues; coordinating between the cabinet and central government agencies with local authorities; providing recommendations on integration and monitoring of operations in accordance with national strategies and government policies; reporting problems and proposing solutions to the National Security Council or Prime Minister; establishing subcommittees or working groups as needed; and undertaking other tasks as assigned by the Prime Minister.

A pharmacy in Mae Ramat District of Tak Province has been found illegally selling tramadol (Tramadol), commonly called "green-yellow pills," which teenagers mix with cough syrup to abuse as a drug. District Officer Parinyaa Sairot received a report from the district deputy and authorized an undercover operation at the pharmacy located in downtown Mae Ramat on Highway 105. After confirming suspicious activity, officials from the administrative division, police, ranger unit, and public health department conducted a raid. During the search, authorities discovered 77 packs of tramadol totaling 770 tablets and 136 bottles of cough syrup hidden on the third floor. The 19-year-old Thai male employee managing the shop was questioned but claimed he was only responsible for supervising the pharmacy. The medications were seized and the investigation is ongoing.

The Yodthawitit music ensemble from Kasetart University Demonstration School's Research and Educational Development Center has gained national and international recognition once again through the Yamaha Thailand International Music Competition 2026.

The competition, held on May 2-3, 2026 at the MACM music hall at Mahidol University's Faculty of Music, was conducted under a royal patronage trophy. Organized through a collaboration between Siam Yamaha Company Limited, Mahidol University's Faculty of Music, and Thai Wind Composers, the competition provided a platform for Thai youth to demonstrate their musical abilities.

Yodthawitit sent 5 teams competing in 2 categories and achieved excellent results:

Gold Medals: - Siam Resonance Saxophone (Small Wind Ensemble Scholastic Division) - KUS Woodwind Ensemble (Small Wind Ensemble Scholastic Division)

Silver Medals: - KUS Drumline (Standstill Drumline Scholastic Division) - KUS Holzblas (Small Wind Ensemble Scholastic Division) - Millettia Brass (Small Wind Ensemble Premier Division)

This was the ensemble's first participation in this competition, and they achieved remarkable success. The primary objective was to develop musical performance skills in small ensembles, which require stronger listening abilities, individual talent, and courage than traditional large ensemble competitions. Since each instrument line typically has only one player rather than multiple performers as in large ensembles, the challenge was particularly significant.

The competition featured numerous renowned school ensembles, especially in the Premier Division, making it highly competitive. This success demonstrates the students' intensive musical training, coupled with their dedication, discipline, and teamwork—the core values that Yodthawitit has cultivated over many years.