Health Ministry tightens cannabis farm inspections nationwide

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7 July 2026, 10:21

Health Ministry tightens cannabis farm inspections nationwide

BANGKOK — 7 July 2026, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has ordered stricter inspections of licensed cannabis cultivation sites nationwide, with provincial health offices instructed to work alongside local administrative officials and police. Growers found violating licence conditions could face immediate suspension or revocation of their licences.

Dr. Thewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), said on 7 July that the department will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, with provincial public health offices across the country to explain new measures for regulating cannabis cultivation sites.

He said the meeting will focus on two key objectives. The first is to strengthen oversight of cannabis farms nationwide by ensuring all licence holders strictly comply with the conditions set out in their licences and operate fully within the legal framework.

The second is to enhance coordination with security agencies by instructing provincial public health offices, as the lead authorities in their respective areas, to work closely with the Department of Provincial Administration and the Royal Thai Police to conduct joint inspections and intensify enforcement.

Dr. Peeracha Kukasemkit, director of the Medical Cannabis Division, said the new enforcement measures include three main areas.

First, authorities will conduct rigorous inspections of licensed cannabis cultivation sites to ensure compliance with the law.

Second, provincial public health offices will be given clear criteria allowing them to immediately suspend or revoke licences if violations of licence conditions are found.

Third, the department will expand the use of the MC-GIS geographic information system to verify information on licensed operators. The system will provide a shared database for provincial health offices, the Department of Provincial Administration and police, enabling more accurate inspections and law enforcement.

The ministry said the measures are intended to strengthen cooperation among all relevant agencies to ensure cannabis control is enforced effectively, in line with the law, and on a sustainable basis.

Taxi driver seeks justice after alleged assault by Myanmar passengers

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 19:12

A 61-year-old ride-hailing driver has sought justice after alleging he was severely beaten by five Myanmar passengers in a dispute over a 50-baht expressway toll, leaving him blind in one eye and unable to work.

The driver, identified only as Supachai, filed a complaint through the Sai Mai Tong Rod assistance centre in Bangkok, saying the case has made little progress nearly three months after the incident because police have yet to locate the suspects.

According to Supachai, the incident occurred on 12 April after he accepted a booking to pick up five Myanmar nationals – three men and two women – from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal and drive them to a hotel in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan.

During the journey, he asked the passengers whether they wished to use the expressway to avoid heavy traffic. He said they initially appeared reluctant but eventually agreed, prompting him to pay the 50-baht toll in advance.

When they arrived at the hotel, the ride-hailing app showed a fare of 720 baht. Supachai said he requested a total of 770 baht, including the toll, but the passengers refused to pay the additional 50 baht, accusing him of overcharging.

He alleged that a male passenger sitting in the front seat, who could speak Thai, attempted to photograph him. After he objected, an argument broke out and he was repeatedly punched in the face before losing consciousness. He said all five passengers fled without paying the fare.

Supachai said he later regained consciousness at Bang Phli Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a fractured right eye socket, head trauma and bleeding in the brain. Further examinations found severe damage to his right eye, which permanently lost vision. He said he continues to suffer headaches and dizziness and is no longer able to work as a driver. He has since been registered as a person with a disability.

He reported the incident to Bang Kaew Police Station after being discharged from hospital. However, he claimed investigators only obtained the suspects’ names and passport numbers, without collecting their addresses, workplaces or contact details, making it difficult to track them down. He said inquiries with immigration authorities and recruitment agencies have so far failed to locate the suspects.

Ekkapop Luangprasert, founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod page, said he would contact the superintendent of Bang Kaew Police Station to follow up on the investigation. He said the case should not be difficult to investigate, noting that CCTV cameras at the hotel where the assault allegedly occurred could help identify the suspects. He urged police to expedite the case and bring those responsible to justice.

DE warns of fake M-Flow website “mflowts.buzz”

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MC Marketing

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6 July 2026, 17:59

DE warns the public about a fake website claiming to accept M-Flow payments through “mflowts.buzz”, urging people to beware of scammers attempting to steal personal and credit card information.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.

On 4 July 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 110,387 messages and identified 8,217 messages requiring verification. The largest number of reports came from Social Listening channels, accounting for 8,210 messages, followed by seven reports received through LINE. A total of 19 issues were investigated, with verification results received from relevant agencies for nine cases.

Among the seven stories that attracted the greatest public attention, one was confirmed as true, five were identified as fake news, and one was classified as misleading information. These included:

Fake News: Thailand escorted foreign media into O’Smach, violating Cambodia’s sovereignty.
Fake News: M-Flow payments can be made through the website **mflowts.buzz**.
True News: Benefits under the **Thais Help Thais Plus** scheme can be used to pay railway fares from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
Fake News: BAAC is accepting applications for 50,000-baht loans with 60-month repayment through the TikTok account **psileofiwxm**.
Fake News: Cambodia deployed Chinese tanks to remove barbed wire along 100 kilometers of the Thai border.
Fake News: The Royal Gazette has declared martial law due to threats from Cambodia, giving the military authority over civilians.
Misleading Information: Phase 1 of the Pran Buri Reservoir Road Improvement Project in Prachuap Khiri Khan, worth more than 39 million baht, was damaged because it was handed over 60 days ahead of schedule.

One of the most notable fake stories claimed that M-Flow service payments could be made through the website **mflowts.buzz**. The DE Ministry coordinated with the Department of Highways under the Ministry of Transport and confirmed that the claim is false.

The website is a fraudulent site created by scammers. It uses a name similar to the official M-Flow website to deceive users into making payments and providing personal or credit card information.

The public is advised to use only official M-Flow channels:

* Official website: **[www.mflowthai.com](http://www.mflowthai.com)**

* Mobile application: **M-Flow**

* LINE Official Account: **@mflowthai**

The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. Sharing unverified information may lead to misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.

The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.

People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline **1111 ext. 87**, available 24 hours a day.

Thai travel influencer sparks outrage in Japan after rolling on protected mountain flowers

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 17:54

A Thai travel influencer living in Japan has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after posting photos and videos showing her lying and rolling on protected alpine plants during a trip to Mount Komagatake (Akita).

The influencer, who has more than 100,000 followers, shared the content from the popular hiking destination in Akita Prefecture. It quickly spread across Japanese social media, where users accused her of damaging fragile vegetation inside a national park.

One viral post claimed the woman had picked alpine plants before lying on top of them, writing: “A troublesome foreigner from Thailand picked alpine plants at Akita Komagatake and even proudly showed herself lying on the vegetation, destroying nature in a national park.”

The post also noted that such acts are prohibited under Japan’s Natural Parks Act and that park rangers regularly patrol the area to protect its delicate ecosystem.

The backlash escalated as hundreds of Japanese users condemned the influencer’s behaviour. Some said they were saddened to see mountain areas becoming increasingly vulnerable to irresponsible tourism.

“The mountains have suddenly become much less safe,” one user wrote. “Even if you warn people, they don’t listen. Increasing the number of rangers won’t solve the problem. I want Japan to return to the peaceful country it used to be.”

Others were even harsher.

“Never come back!” one comment read. “People posting the Alps on Instagram or YouTube—don’t they care that foreigners end up ruining these places?”

Another user called the influencer “an embarrassment” and said she should return to her home country, adding that “people who destroy nature are not welcome, regardless of nationality.”

Some comments went further, with one user calling for her deportation, saying the photos alone should be enough evidence for police and immigration authorities to act.

GOLFTEC & Woraluk Property Transform Thailand’s Golf Scene

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Mc Marketing

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6 July 2026, 17:42

GOLFTEC, the world’s leading golf academy from the United States with over 30 years of history, has partnered with Woraluk Property Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s leading property developers, as a joint venture partner to officially launch GOLFTEC Bangkok — its first branch in Thailand — at W District, Phra Khanong. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in elevating the standard of golf instruction in Thailand, as the country becomes GOLFTEC’s latest market in Asia, following Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. For the first time, Thai golfers will have access to OPTIMOTION™, GOLFTEC’s proprietary AI technology, and PGA-certified coaching from a brand with more than 260 locations worldwide and over 20 million lessons delivered globally.

“Thailand has always been a market we care deeply about. The growing golf market, the calibre of local golfers, and the lifestyle-driven atmosphere of W District all align perfectly with GOLFTEC’s vision as a premium golf institution committed to delivering measurable, data-driven results for players at every single level,” said Abhinav Gorawara, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of GOLFTEC Asia.

At the heart of what sets GOLFTEC apart is OPTIMOTION™ — its proprietary technology exclusive to GOLFTEC. It is a 3D Motion Capture system that combines high-speed HD cameras with artificial intelligence to analyse a golfer’s swing in real time, capturing more than 4,000 data points per swing, with no wires or sensors required on the body. The system creates a digital skeletal model to precisely measure shoulder tilt, hip rotation, and weight transfer, enabling coaches to identify and correct flaws with pinpoint accuracy from the very first session — breaking through long-standing limitations and helping Thai golfers improve their game faster and more effectively than ever before.

“Playing better golf should never be left to guesswork — it must be driven by data that delivers real, measurable results. That is why every one of our coaches undergoes rigorous training to harness world-class technology and data, pinpointing every flaw and upgrading each player’s swing for immediate, tangible improvement,” said Anurag Mathur, Co-Owner and Managing Partner of GOLFTEC Asia.

The W District branch spans 234 square metres with five private practice bays, including a dedicated bay for left-handed golfers. Services offered include One-on-One lessons with PGA-certified coaches trained through GOLFTEC University, data-driven swing evaluation and analysis, indoor bay practice with instant visual feedback, on-course lessons with a professional, and club fitting via the TECFIT® system in partnership with leading global brands — Titleist, Callaway, Ping, and Mizuno. All session data and coaching recommendations are accessible at any time through GOLFTEC’s personal mobile application.

Alongside the branch opening, GOLFTEC Bangkok has also launched the Founder’s Club — a founding membership tier limited to the first 100 members only. Members receive a range of long-term privileges including a lifetime loyalty discount, facility access benefits, golf travel packages across Asia through GOLFASIAN, and entry to exclusive networking events. The launch of the Founder’s Club reflects GOLFTEC’s commitment to building a lasting, high-quality golf community in Thailand.

GOLFTEC Bangkok is designed to serve golfers of all levels — from those looking to take their game seriously, dedicated amateur players, the expatriate community familiar with international standards, to beginners who want to build the right foundation from day one. The choice of W District in the Sukhumvit–Phra Khanong area, adjacent to BTS Phra Khanong station and well-connected by both rail and road, reflects the brand’s intention to reach Bangkok’s premium urban audience in the most accessible location possible.

“Over 30 years, GOLFTEC has helped more than 1.8 million golfers around the world play better and improve faster. On average, our students drop 7 strokes from their scores, and those who go through a GOLFTEC fitting gain more than 21 yards on average. These are the results we are bringing to every Thai golfer who walks through our doors,” added Brienne Mahon, Head of GOLFTEC Asia.

Those interested in booking a swing evaluation or learning more can visit www.golftec.co.th, follow @golftec_bangkok on Instagram, call 02-109-9836, or contact the branch via LINE Official Account @golftecbkk.

Two hurts as protesters clash with police at China consulate

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 16:55

CHIANG MAI — 6 July 2026, tensions erupt in Chiang Mai after two protesters were injured after a clash with police outside the Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai during a demonstration over alleged toxic contamination linked to mining operations affecting Thailand.

About 50 members of the People’s Network to Protect the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong Rivers gathered outside the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China to submit a petition calling for action over chemical contamination in natural waterways.

The group alleges the pollution originates from upstream mining operations in Myanmar involving Chinese investors.

During the gathering outside the consulate, a scuffle broke out between demonstrators and police assigned to secure the area, leaving two protesters injured. However, the situation did not escalate, and no further violence was reported.

Because the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai was closed, representatives of the protesters submitted their petition to officials from the Chiang Mai provincial administration and a representative of the Chinese consulate.

After submitting the petition, demonstrators observed a moment of silence as a symbolic gesture to honour those affected by the alleged contamination and the violence that had occurred before dispersing peacefully.

Meanwhile, the network reaffirmed its demands, calling on the Chinese government and relevant authorities to investigate and address toxic contamination affecting the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong rivers, saying the pollution has harmed the environment and the livelihoods of communities in northern Thailand.

Pattaya pickup truck taxi driver suspended over 300-baht fare

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 16:14

Pattaya pickup truck taxi driver suspended over 300-baht fare

PATTAYA — 6 July 2026, A pickup truck taxi driver in Pattaya has been suspended for seven days after allegedly charging two Thai tourists 300 baht for a shared ride—normally 15 baht for most trips—even though the vehicle was already carrying several other passengers. The tourists said they were shocked by the fare and initially thought the driver was joking.

The Pattaya Transportation Cooperative took disciplinary action after one of the passengers shared the incident on Facebook, alleging they were charged an excessive fare for a trip from Runway Market Pattaya to Terminal 21 at about 23:00 on Sunday, despite the vehicle already being full of passengers.

According to the post, the driver claimed the requested destination required a charter fare. The passenger said they were not seeking a refund or upset about the money itself, but were deeply disappointed by the experience. As frequent visitors to Pattaya who had always encountered friendly locals, they said it was the first time they had felt taken advantage of.

Following the complaint, Thongchai Sukhochai, president of the Pattaya Transportation Cooperative Limited, said the cooperative immediately contacted the passengers to apologise and assure them that strict disciplinary action would be taken in coordination with the Department of Land Transport. He stressed that the cooperative would not protect drivers found to have violated the rules.

Thongchai said the driver was summoned for questioning and initially suspended for seven days, during which the vehicle must remain parked at the cooperative’s office with a notice explaining the disciplinary action. The cooperative will also review the driver’s disciplinary history before referring the case to the Chon Buri Provincial Land Transport Office for further consideration.

The driver apologised to the two passengers and the public.

“It was raining heavily that night, and I am sorry for everything I did that harmed Pattaya’s reputation,” he said. “I apologise to the public and to the two passengers. I accept the punishment imposed by the cooperative and the transport authorities, and I want the opportunity to make amends.”

Two fake beauty doctors arrested in Bangkok raids

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 14:32

Two fake beauty doctors arrested in Bangkok raids

BANGKOK — 6 July 2026, Consumer Protection Police arrested two unlicensed beauty practitioners during raids on two houses in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, where they allegedly offered Botox and filler injections without medical licenses while promoting discounted cosmetic treatments online.

The raids were carried out by officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), working with the Department of Health Service Support under the Ministry of Public Health.

Authorities searched two properties, one in Bueng Kum district, Bangkok, and another in Samrong Nuea, Mueang district, Samut Prakan, after receiving information that both homes had been converted into makeshift cosmetic clinics.

Police arrested two women, aged 31 and 25, who allegedly posed as doctors and offered Botox, dermal filler and skin-enhancing injections despite having no medical licences. Officers also seized a large quantity of medical supplies and unregistered injectable products.

The 31-year-old suspect admitted she had completed vocational education and worked at beauty clinics for six to seven years before opening her own illegal cosmetic service about two years ago.

She told investigators she advertised on Facebook, offering promotional packages ranging from 790 baht to 4,990 baht. She said she treated two to five customers a day, earning about 100,000 to 120,000 baht per month, and purchased injectable products through online platforms.

The second suspect, aged 25, admitted she was not a doctor and had only completed high school. She said she relied on experience gained while working at beauty clinics before starting her own business, initially serving friends before expanding through word-of-mouth referrals.

She charged between 1,000 and 5,000 baht per treatment and told police she had operated for about two years, earning around 30,000 baht per month.

Both suspects were charged under the Hospital Act B.E. 2541 (1998) with allowing unlicensed persons to practise medicine at a medical facility. They were handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Owner seeks probe as disabled cat remains missing for seventh day

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 13:54

Owner seeks probe as disabled cat remains missing for seventh day

BANGKOK — 6 July 2026, the owner of a disabled cat that disappeared while travelling on a train from Yala to Bangkok has formally asked the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to investigate the incident as the search entered its seventh day.

The owner, accompanied by animal welfare group The Hope Thailand, submitted a complaint to the SRT on Saturday, requesting an official inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of her disabled cat, as well as updates on the ongoing search along the railway tracks in Chumphon province.

According to the complaint and posts shared on social media, Si Som disappeared while travelling on Train No. 170 from Yala to Bangkok on 29 June.

HMYmV3lbIAAONp1 0 — The missing cat, Si Som.

The owner said she had originally intended to book seats in a fan-cooled carriage, where the cat could remain with her throughout the journey. However, she was told the carriage was fully booked and was instead assigned seats in an air-conditioned carriage, where pets are not permitted. Railway staff instructed her to place the cat in the train’s luggage compartment.

She said she requested permission to keep the disabled cat with her because of its condition, but the request was denied. She also declined to stay overnight in the luggage compartment because only male staff were present.

According to the owner, railway staff told her the luggage compartment door could not be fully closed and that the cat would be returned to her at about 06:30 the following morning. However, she questioned inconsistencies in the accounts given by railway staff. According to the complaint, one shift said the cat was last seen near Lamae station, while another said it was discovered missing at about 03:00 as the train approached Lang Suan station. She has asked the railway to review the timeline and determine exactly what happened.

HMYmVQMaoAAsEL8 0 — The train’s luggage ticket of the cat container.

The complaint also centres on the condition of the pet carrier, which was found with both zippers fully open. The owner said she believes this was highly unusual and argued that the disabled cat could not have opened the carrier by itself.

The owner also urged the railway to review its procedures for safeguarding checked baggage, noting that passengers pay a luggage handling fee. She called on the SRT to accept responsibility and establish clear measures to assist passengers in similar situations.

The complaint further requested a thorough inspection of Train No. 170, including the possible deployment of sniffer dogs to assist in the search. The owner also said a police report had been filed to formally document the case and facilitate any necessary legal proceedings.

owner ticket — The owner’s train ticket.

Later on Monday, the owner and volunteers planned to travel to Chumphon province to search the approximately 31-kilometre stretch of railway between Lamae and Lang Suan stations, where Si Som is believed to have disappeared.

Search teams prepared more than 500 leaflets and banners, offered a reward for information, coordinated with local animal welfare volunteers to conduct foot patrols along the tracks, and planned to deploy scent-tracking dogs and drones as part of the search operation.

Si Som, a female cat paralysed in both hind legs, has been cared for by the owner since she was a kitten. According to the owner, more than 80,000 baht has been spent on her treatment and rehabilitation. When she disappeared, Si Som was wearing a red shirt bearing the letters “KFC”, a custom-made diaper and blue-and-white striped trousers.

The owner and volunteers said they are continuing to follow up on reports of possible sightings from several locations while urging anyone with information about Si Som’s whereabouts to come forward.

Thailand’s iconic Chud Thai on display in Korea

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Khaosod English

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6 July 2026, 12:51

A special exhibition highlighting Thailand’s traditional national dress, Chud Thai, has opened at the National Museum of Korea, offering visitors a chance to explore the elegance of Thai fashion alongside the launch of the museum’s Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art exhibition.

According to the museum, the display features a collection of Chud Thai costumes that showcase the harmony between Thailand’s traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics. The exhibition aims to introduce Korean visitors to the cultural significance and artistic beauty of Thai attire, which has become one of the country’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

The museum noted that Thailand’s modern national dress was revitalised in the 1960s under the patronage of Queen Sirikit. The redesigned costumes have since come to represent Thai identity on the international stage and are frequently worn at official ceremonies and cultural events.

The Chud Thai exhibition is being held in the Grand Hall of the National Museum of Korea’s permanent exhibition building from 22 June to 16 July, coinciding with the special exhibition Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art. Visitors are invited to experience the blend of traditional Thai elegance and modern design through the colourful display of royal-inspired attire.

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