Cannabis advocates protest proposed recriminalisation over economic fears

[Video News]

 

In Thailand, cannabis advocates are protesting potential recriminalization, fearing economic fallout for small businesses, while the government simultaneously retreats from a controversial casino bill amid political upheaval. The country is also reeling from a sharp drop in Chinese tourists, viral concerns over road safety, and heated conversations around marketing ethics, all while launching new efforts—like Phuket’s night market—to revive local economies. Across the region, authorities are cracking down on cross-border crime networks and corruption, as seen in the exposure of a secret Thai-Cambodian tunnel and a chilling cockfighting scandal in the Philippines. Meanwhile, environmental threats like Indonesia’s volcanic eruption and economic support measures in Singapore reflect broader efforts to maintain stability and support vulnerable populations.

 

Over 1.5 million Singaporeans to receive cash payouts of us to $670 in August

More than 1.5 million Singaporean adults with 2024 assessable incomes up to S$39,000 and owning no more than one property will receive GST Voucher cash payouts of up to S$850 (US $670) in August, with the amount based on their home's annual value. Additionally, approximately 690,000 eligible seniors will receive MediSave top-ups ranging from S$150 to S$450, with payments automatically disbursed from early August. 

 

Eruption of Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano sends ash 11 miles high

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki on Flores Island erupted twice on July 7, sending towering ash columns up to 18 km into the sky, triggering pyroclastic flows and lahars that swept down its slopes. The ongoing eruption—under the highest alert level with a 7 km exclusion zone—has disrupted air travel, canceling or delaying at least 24 international and several domestic flights, though no casualties have been reported.

 

15 police officers detained over alleged killings of cockfighting fans in the Philippines

Fifteen police officers in the Philippines have been detained for their alleged involvement in the abductions and suspected murders of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between April 2021 and January 2022, who were accused of cheating and possibly killed before being dumped—some in Lake Taal—according to whistleblower “Totoy” and confirmed by investigators. A key suspect, a gambling tycoon, and possibly an actress are facing criminal complaints, and authorities have sought Japanese technology to help recover remains from the lake. 

 

Secret Tunnel at Thai-Cambodian Border Exposed in Crackdown on Call Centre Gangs

Authorities in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district uncovered a now-blocked clandestine tunnel hidden behind a department store, which was being used to smuggle scam and gambling workers across the Thai–Cambodian border as part of a call-centre gang operation. Officials have ramped up countermeasures—installing barbed wire, enhancing CCTV coverage, coordinating patrols with Cambodian forces, and encouraging villagers to report suspicious activity—to dismantle these criminal networks.

 

Phuket's got night fever as new market hits the spot

Phuket Town’s new Plern Pao Night Market, covering over 15 rai near Surin Circle, opened on July 5 and features 256 themed stalls offering street food, crafts, live music, art, chill-out zones, and parking—bringing a vibrant new night-time hub for locals and tourists. Initiated by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation and city municipality, the market aims to revive the grassroots economy and highlight the island’s cultural and culinary heritage from 4 pm to 10 pm daily (closed Sundays). 

 

Pattaya Restaurant Owners Defends Sexy Attire as Marketing Strategy Amid Hygiene Backlash

A Pattaya restaurant owner, Napak-on “Prece” Jiraratchataphak of Kai Yok Krok, has stood by her use of revealing outfits in cooking videos as a marketing tactic aimed at drawing attention during a slow economy, stressing the clips are scripted promos rather than real kitchen practice. She emphasized that actual food preparation is handled by staff who wear aprons, hairnets, and clean uniforms, assuring customers that hygiene and safety remain top priorities.

 

Family of 7 on motorcycle sparks safety outrage in Phuket

A Phuket family caused online outrage after being photographed riding a single motorcycle with seven passengers—five children clinging to the vehicle, their feet dangerously close to the road—while also violating laws by entering a tunnel without helmets. Many netizens expressed sympathy over their likely financial constraints, but others criticized the severe legal and safety risks posed to the children and other road users. 

 

Thailand struggles to revive Chinese tourism as arrivals drop 34%

Thailand has seen a sharp 34% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals during the first half of 2025, with only around 2.27 million visitors—causing China to fall to second-largest source behind Malaysia (2.30M), and dragging overall foreign arrivals down by about 4.7% to roughly 16.69 million. In response, Thailand's government and tourism industry are rolling out a 3.96‑billion‑baht stimulus, subsidized charter flights, and targeted campaigns like "Thailand Summer Blast" and a Sino‑roadshow, aiming to revive Chinese demand and hit a revised 5–6 million Chinese visitors for the full year. 

 

Thailand to withdraw casino bill as ruling bloc hit by crisis

Thailand’s government will formally withdraw the controversial “Entertainment Complex” bill—which would have legalized casinos—from parliament on July 9, citing escalating public opposition and a weakening coalition following the Bhumjaithai Party’s departure and the suspension of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The move, intended to calm widespread concern over gambling, money laundering, and political instability, shifts legislative focus toward amnesty and reconciliation bills instead. 

 

Cannabis Advocates Warn of Economic Damage from Policy Shift

Cannabis industry advocates in Thailand are warning that recent policy rollbacks—such as tighter regulations, restrictions on legal products, and plans to recriminalize recreational use—could devastate an estimated 10,000–18,000 businesses, displace farmers and workers, and spark the resurgence of black markets and corruption. They argue that such reversals threaten public health, tourism, and the economy, urging the government to refine regulation rather than reverse legalization that has already become a major cash crop and wellness-tourism draw.