US tourist arrested after Patong jet ski altercation

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8 July 2026, 18:09

BANGKOK — 8 July 2026, Patong police arrested a 25-year-old American man at Suvarnabhumi Airport after he allegedly assaulted a jet ski attendant in Phuket and attempted to leave Thailand.

The suspect, identified as Williamson, was taken into custody while preparing to board an international flight. He was later transferred back to Patong Police Station for legal proceedings.

The arrest followed an incident on 7 July, when the victim, Nattawut Dech-iam, who works as a jet ski attendant, rented out two jet skis to the American tourist.

After the watercraft were returned, the attendant allegedly discovered that both jet skis had been damaged. He approached the tourist to seek compensation, but the man reportedly refused to pay and walked away toward Bangla Road.

The attendant followed him to Soi Sea Dragon, where the suspect allegedly punched and assaulted him, causing injuries, before fleeing the scene.

Video of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread public attention.

At 15:30 on 8 July, investigators from Patong Police Station tracked the suspect to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where he was arrested before he could depart the country.

Police said CCTV footage shows the victim following the American tourist to demand compensation before the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation in Soi Sea Dragon, Patong.

The suspect has been returned to Phuket to face legal action.

Thai teen guitarist-singer makes waves, earning Four Yeses on America’s Got Talent

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8 July 2026, 16:33

Thai teen guitarist-singer makes waves, earning Four Yeses on America's Got Talent

Thai youngster “Nene Royal” from Phuket advanced to the next round of America’s Got Talent after earning a unanimous “Four Yeses” from all four judges with her performance of the iconic hit “Zombie” by The Cranberries.

The 15-year-old artist told the judges before her audition that the next day would mark her 16th birthday. She also revealed that her biggest dream was to become “a superstar touring the world.” Although she admitted feeling nervous, describing it as the biggest stage of her life, she stepped out with confidence, while her father watched from the side of the stage to cheer her on.

As soon as the opening chords of Zombie began, Nene captivated the entire auditorium with her powerful vocals and impressive guitar performance. She delivered an emotional rendition that earned a standing ovation from the audience, while the judges appeared visibly impressed throughout the audition.

Following the performance, the judges praised her talent and commended her vocal ability, guitar skills and stage presence, saying they were remarkably sophisticated for someone her age. They described her as “a real rock star” with the potential to go far in the competition.

All four judges then unanimously voted “Yes,” prompting the host to announce, “You have Four Yeses!”, securing Nene a place in the next round with a clean sweep of approval.

Nene Royal is an emerging young artist from Phuket known for her singing, guitar playing and acting. She began her musical journey by teaching herself to play the guitar through online videos. Through years of developing her skills, she built a large following on social media, where she now has more than three million followers across platforms.

From a young girl who started playing music purely out of passion, Nene has now stepped onto a world-class stage. Her successful audition marks another international achievement for a young Thai performer, earning Four Yeses on America’s Got Talent and moving one step closer to her dream of becoming a global music artist.

Activists rally outside Chinese embassy over river pollution

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8 July 2026, 16:33

Activists rally outside Chinese embassy over river pollution

BANGKOK — 8 July 2026, activists gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok to submit demands urging China to help address cross-border pollution and calling for an investigation into police use of force during a protest outside the Chinese Consulate-

The demonstration was organized by the NGO Coordinating Committee (NGO-COD), together with civil society networks. Protest leaders poured water, which they said had been collected from affected areas, onto a map of Thailand and Myanmar in a symbolic act highlighting environmental impacts in the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong river basins.

Lertsak Kamkongsak, chairman of NGO-COD, read a statement urging the Chinese government to prioritize efforts to resolve cross-border pollution. The statement cited reports of contaminants detected in water sources and called for an investigation into the responsibility of businesses linked to mining projects in Myanmar’s Shan State.

He said cross-border investment should go hand in hand with environmental protection and corporate responsibility toward affected communities.

Toward the end of the rally, some participants wore masks depicting Wisarut Srichan, an activist who was injured during the Chiang Mai protest, to demand accountability and a transparent investigation into allegations of excessive force by police during the Chiang Mai protest. Protest leaders also called for a fact-finding inquiry through mechanisms of the House of Representatives.

S 287637543 0 — Protesting sign: “Black list the grey Chinese for Burmese mine, cross border pollution, State Audit Office building collapsed, onstruction crane collapses, Eastern toxic waste, and Potash mining in the Dan Khun Thot.”

S 287637549 0 — Protest sign: “We want clean water, but what we got is blood stain! Stop hurting the people. Hurting us won’t cover the polluted water! Peaceful protest is a right not a crime!”

The demonstration ended peacefully. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy announced it would close for half a day.

Shirtless man injures two police officers with iron bar in Saraburi

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8 July 2026, 16:11

SARABURI — 8 July 2026, Police in Saraburi have arrested a 42-year-old man accused of attacking two officers with an iron bar after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

The incident took place on the night of 6 July outside Jikko Saraburi, a rice porridge restaurant on Phichai Road, along the irrigation canal route toward Sao Hai district, in Pak Phriao subdistrict, Mueang Saraburi district.

Facebook user “Madame Mam” posted a clip showing a police patrol vehicle from Mueang Saraburi Police Station arriving at the roadside. The video shows a shirtless man wearing shorts running across the road, apparently to retrieve an object, before returning toward two patrol officers.

A bystander attempted to help, but the man allegedly struck one officer, causing him to fall, then chased and attacked another officer, forcing him to retreat and call for backup. Before additional officers arrived, the suspect fled into the darkness.

Mueang Saraburi Police later issued a public alert on their Facebook page asking residents to report sightings of the suspect, identified as Mr. Bee Sae Ho, 42. Police said he was about 160 centimetres tall, of medium build, often walked shirtless while wearing shorts, and was known to stay around the municipal area.

Police also sought a court warrant for his arrest.

On the evening of 7 July, members of the public sent messages to the Mueang Saraburi Police Facebook page saying they had seen a man matching the suspect’s description walking in Nong Saeng district, Saraburi province.

Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and found a shirtless man wearing long sweatpants with a piece of clothing over his head. Police later confirmed he was the same man wanted in connection with the attack.

Officers tracked him to a roadside pavilion in Nong Saeng district and arrested him at around 23:00 on 7 July. Police said the suspect gave inconsistent answers during questioning and was taken to Mueang Saraburi Police Station for further investigation.

A urine test found no trace of narcotics, police said.

He has been charged with assaulting officials while they were performing their duties, resisting or obstructing officials by force while armed or using a weapon, and damaging property.

Pol. Col. Sakchai Kraweeradechachai, superintendent of Mueang Saraburi Police Station, said two officers were injured in the attack. Pol. Lt. Boonchaliao suffered a split lip after being hit with an iron bar and required five stitches, while Pol. Sgt. Major Poramet sustained facial injuries. Both were treated by doctors and allowed to recover at home.

Sakchai said the suspect had previously been detained by police several times after causing disturbances in Mueang Saraburi, but had not previously shown the same level of aggression toward officers or the public.

He said the suspect was known to walk around shirtless and wearing shorts. Police said it was not yet clear whether the suspect had a mental health condition, adding that specialists would need to assess him.

The suspect remains in police custody pending legal proceedings.

Russian arrested with 17kg of cannabis at Phuket airport

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8 July 2026, 15:40

Russian arrested with 17kg of cannabis at Phuket airport

PHUKET — 8 July 2026, A 30-year-old Russian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after authorities seized more than 17 kilograms of cannabis flower and resin concealed in his luggage as he prepared to leave Thailand.

The arrest took place at around 10:00 in the international departures terminal at Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao subdistrict, Thalang district.

Customs officers from Phuket Airport inspected two blue BP WORLD suitcases belonging to Chalabari, a 30-year-old Russian national.

A search uncovered 35 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis flower weighing a combined 11.4 kilograms, along with 12 packages of cannabis resin weighing 6.2 kilograms, hidden inside the two suitcases. The luggage was seized as evidence.

During initial questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of both the luggage and the seized items.

Authorities charged him with attempting to illegally export goods from the Kingdom without completing customs procedures. He was handed over, along with the seized evidence, to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings.

The operation was conducted jointly by officers from Sakhu Police Station and Phuket Airport Customs under the supervision of senior police and customs officials. The suspect was formally transferred to investigators for further legal action.

Can Thai iced tea cause gallstones? Viral post highlights unclear health claim

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8 July 2026, 15:18

BANGKOK — 8 July 2026, A Thai woman has gone viral after sharing her experience of undergoing three separate surgeries for nearly 50 gallstones, which she believes were linked to drinking Thai iced tea every day for about a decade.

In a Facebook post, the woman shared a health warning about her daily habit of drinking Thai iced tea after it led to abdominal pain, prompting her to seek hospital treatment. Accompanying photographs of gallstones removed during treatment, she wrote: “The result of drinking #ThaiIcedTea every day: 19 gallstones.

She later followed up in the comments to answer questions from netizens, explaining that she typically drank one glass of Thai iced tea each day, sometimes two, while consuming very little plain water. She said she had maintained the habit for around 10 years before developing abdominal pain beneath the right side of her ribcage, prompting her to seek medical attention.

Doctors diagnosed her with gallstones and scheduled three surgeries. She said the first procedure was not photographed, while the images she shared online were taken after the second surgery. She added that doctors estimated she had nearly 50 gallstones in total and that a third operation was scheduled three months later.

Although the woman believes her long-term Thai iced tea habit contributed to her condition, doctors generally say gallstones develop from multiple risk factors, including genetics, diet, obesity, age, rapid weight loss and certain medical conditions. There is no conclusive evidence that drinking Thai iced tea alone directly causes gallstones, though excessive consumption of sugary beverages may contribute to overall health risks.

Police hunt foreign tourist after alleged Patong jet ski assault

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8 July 2026, 13:55

Police hunt foreign tourist after alleged Patong jet ski assault

PHUKET — 8 July 2026, Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet ski operator at Patong Beach after allegedly refusing to pay for damage caused in a jet ski collision.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at Patong Beach in Kathu district after the tourist allegedly crashed a rented jet ski into another watercraft, causing damage. According to the operator, the tourist refused to pay for the repairs, walked away from the beach and later allegedly attacked the caretaker during a dispute.

The jet ski operator said he initially tried to resolve the matter amicably, explaining that there was clear evidence showing the tourist had damaged the jet ski. However, the tourist allegedly refused to compensate for the damage and walked toward Bangla Road.

The operator said he followed the tourist to ask why he would not accept responsibility, prompting a heated argument. He alleged the tourist then lifted him and slammed him to the ground before repeatedly punching him in the face and fleeing the scene.

Doctors later found the victim had sustained multiple injuries, including facial swelling, extensive bruising and a fractured cheekbone. He said he did not fight back because he wanted the matter to be handled through legal channels.

The victim later filed a complaint with investigators at Patong Police Station, telling officers that a family of three foreign tourists—a man, a woman and a child—had rented two jet skis before one of the watercrafts was damaged in the collision.

According to his statement, the family walked toward Bangla Road after refusing to pay for the damage. When he followed them, the man allegedly assaulted him before fleeing toward Jungceylon Shopping Centre.

Pol. Col. Korakrit Khankhruea, superintendent of Patong Police Station, said investigators had been ordered to review CCTV footage and gather evidence to identify and locate the suspect.

He said police would pursue legal action while ensuring fairness to all parties involved.

The victim is seeking compensation for both the damaged jet ski and his injuries, and called on authorities to take firm action against tourists who break the law to help maintain confidence among tourism operators and workers in Phuket.

Bangkok backs EV charging push to reach net zero by 2050

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8 July 2026, 13:40

Bangkok backs EV charging push to reach net zero by 2050

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has joined forces with the private sector to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as part of its drive to achieve carbon neutrality (net zero) by 2050.

On 8 July 2026, at Zeekr House Charoen Nakhon in Thon Buri district, Deputy Bangkok Governor’s Office Permanent Secretary Lertlak Leelarueangsang attended a press conference and co-chaired the opening ceremony of a new EV charging station. She also delivered a keynote address titled “Sustainable Mobility for Carbon-Free Future.” Executives from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), TPM Group, Zeekr Thailand, and representatives from government agencies and private companies also attended the event.

Lertlak said the BMA has made sustainable urban development and climate action key priorities through the implementation of its Climate Change Master Plan. The city has also introduced major initiatives, including the Bangkok Energy Action Plan and the Waste and Wastewater Action Plan, aimed at delivering tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Bangkok is targeting Net Zero emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 49% by 2030, equivalent to around 10.15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The strategy focuses on four key sectors: energy, transportation, waste and wastewater management, and green urban development.

She said the transport sector offers one of the greatest opportunities for emissions reduction, accounting for up to 39% of the city’s overall reduction target. Promoting electric vehicles is therefore a key measure to reduce air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve residents’ quality of life.

The BMA has continued to promote clean-energy transportation through initiatives such as the BMA Feeder electric bus service, which connects with mass transit routes, and electric passenger boats operating along Khlong Saen Saep. The city is also gradually replacing government vehicles with EVs to serve as a model for low-carbon public sector operations.

Lertlak said the launch of the charging station marked another milestone in public-private cooperation to strengthen EV infrastructure. The project is expected to improve convenience for EV users, boost consumer confidence, support the growth of Thailand’s electric vehicle industry and help transform Bangkok into a sustainable low-carbon city.

“The BMA is ready to work with government agencies, the private sector and the public to develop cleaner transport systems, improve energy efficiency, embrace future technologies and enhance people’s quality of life while advancing toward Bangkok’s Net Zero goal by 2050,” she said.

The newly opened ZEEKR Power TPM 960 Ultra Fast Charging station is located at the Bukkhalo intersection on Charoen Nakhon Road. Equipped with 960-kilowatt charging capacity, the company said it is the most powerful EV charging station in Thailand. A live demonstration featuring the ZEEKR 7X showcased the station’s ultra-fast charging capability.

TPM Automotive Group currently operates two EV showrooms: one on Charoen Nakhon Road, which sells ZEEKR vehicles, and another on Kanchanaphisek Road. The company plans to open three additional branches by 2026 to support the growing EV market and Thailand’s transition to clean energy.

Belgian woman held at Phuket airport with 31.7kg of cannabis

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8 July 2026, 12:19

Belgian woman held at Phuket airport with 31.7kg of cannabis

PHUKET — 7 July 2026, Authorities at Phuket International Airport arrested a 21-year-old Belgian tourist after allegedly discovering about 31.7 kilograms of cannabis packed inside two suitcases she was preparing to check in for an international flight.

Officers at the airport’s international departures terminal identified two suspicious suitcases, one green-and-white and the other black, during baggage screening.

A search uncovered 12 vacuum-sealed packages containing 28.3 kilograms of cannabis flower, along with eight packages of processed cannabis weighing 3.4 kilograms, bringing the total seizure to approximately 31.7 kilograms.

The woman initially admitted that both suitcases and their contents belonged to her, authorities said.

She was charged with attempting to export goods without customs clearance under the Customs Act 2017, as well as offences under Thailand’s Narcotics Code, the Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act 1999, the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), and other relevant laws.

The suspect and the seized cannabis were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings.

Pol. Col. Salan Santisatsanakul, superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, said the arrest was the result of coordinated operations between customs and security agencies to strengthen passenger and baggage screening at Phuket International Airport and prevent the illegal export of cannabis and other prohibited goods.

He said authorities would continue to strictly enforce the law against anyone attempting to smuggle controlled substances out of the country.

Bangkok enters global top 10 for luxury living costs for the first time

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8 July 2026, 11:49

BANGKOK — 7 July 2026, Bangkok has entered the world’s top 10 most expensive cities for luxury living for the first time, according to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 published by Swiss private bank Julius Baer.

The Thai capital climbed from 11th place in 2025 to 10th this year, marking its first appearance in the top 10 since Julius Baer introduced the index in 2020.

The ranking is based on the prices of 20 categories of premium goods and services across 25 cities worldwide, reflecting the cost of maintaining a high-end lifestyle for high-net-worth individuals.

Julius Baer said the Asia-Pacific region remains a global wealth hub, with five cities in the top 10: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney and Bangkok. Bangkok’s rise reflects growth in the luxury goods market and spending among affluent consumers in the region.

Singapore retained the top spot as the world’s most expensive city for luxury living for a fourth consecutive year, driven by property and vehicle costs, as well as the strength of the Singapore dollar.

Zurich climbed to second place, while Monaco entered the top three for the first time. Hong Kong and London ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

The report also found that the global cost of luxury living rose by an average of 10.2% in US dollar terms in 2026. Key factors included stronger currencies in several countries and higher material prices, particularly gold, which pushed up the cost of luxury items such as jewellery and watches.

Top 10 cities for luxury living costs in 2026 according:

Singapore
Zurich, Switzerland
Monaco
Hong Kong
London, United Kingdom
Shanghai, China
Paris, France
Sydney, Australia
Milan, Italy
Bangkok, Thailand

Top 10 cities for luxury living costs in 2026 according:

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