Phuket bars permitted to serve alcohol on Buddhist holidays following policy clarification

[Video News]

Tensions are flaring across Southeast Asia and beyond, with new U.S. tariffs on Thai and Cambodian goods reigniting global trade battles, a leading Thai human rights lawyer sentenced to 29 years sparking international concern, and major crackdowns on crime and policy shifts sweeping the region. From animal welfare reforms and storm disasters to shifting diplomatic dynamics.

 

Philippines summons Chinese envoy over sanctions against former senator 

The Philippines has summoned China’s ambassador to Manila after Beijing imposed sanctions barring former senator Francis Tolentino from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing his “egregious conduct” seen as damaging to bilateral ties. Manila condemned the move as contrary to norms of mutual respect, asserting that penalizing elected officials for defending national interests—like Tolentino’s push for maritime-zone legislation and probing alleged Chinese espionage—undermines diplomatic dialogue. 

 

Wife of Vietnam's biggest forex scam mastermind arrested in Thailand

A Vietnamese national, Ngo Thi Theu—wife of notorious forex scam mastermind Lê Khắc Ngọ (“Mr. Hunter”)—was arrested in Bangkok through coordinated efforts between Hanoi police and Interpol while preparing to flee to Turkey. She’s now in custody and awaiting extradition to Vietnam amid investigations into a sprawling fraudulent forex and cryptocurrency investment network accused of fleecing over 2,600 victims and laundering roughly US$300 million through 44 call centres staffed by around 1,000 people.

 

Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

Taiwan’s west coast was hit early on July 7, 2025, by Typhoon Danas, bringing record winds of around 220 km/h and torrential rains, killing two people and seriously injuring over 600, with more than 700 trees felled and widespread power outages affecting over 710,000 homes. The storm caused major infrastructure damage—including downed electric poles and disrupted transport—before weakening and heading toward eastern China, prompting large-scale evacuation efforts and emergency responses.

 

US to impose 36% tariff on Cambodian exports starting August 1

The United States will impose a 36% tariff on all Cambodian exports to the U.S., effective August 1, 2025—a reduction from the initially proposed 49% rate—mirroring broader U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs affecting numerous Southeast Asian economies. The Cambodian government, led by negotiators like Sun Chanthol, is actively pursuing further trade talks to secure a lower rate before the deadline, amid growing concerns that the tariff may jeopardize garment sector jobs and prompt manufacturers to shift production to lower‑tariff countries.

 

Thailand's blind elephant becomes loving sanctuary grandma

Jokia, a formerly isolated and blind elephant rescued from Thailand’s brutal logging industry, has found a renewed purpose as she bonds with Moloh Loh and her calf Lek Lek at the Save Elephant Foundation—transforming from reclusive to nurturing “grandma” figure. The heartwarming trio now spend their days inseparably roaming, feeding, and supporting each other, illustrating how trust and companionship can heal deep trauma.

 

Monkey business banned: Thai coconuts go cruelty-free

Thailand’s coconut industry has officially banned the longstanding and controversial practice of using monkeys to harvest coconuts, following a landmark MOU signed on March 27 between the Thai Coconut Industry Group and Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand that commits to ending all monkey labor and funding their long-term care. The move addresses global backlash and potential economic losses—estimated at around 2 billion baht annually—and includes investments in mechanical harvesting, dwarf tree varieties, and a traceability system to certify cruelty-free coconut exports. 

 

Phuket Bars Permitted to Serve Alcohol on Buddhist Holidays Following Policy Clarification

Phuket authorities have confirmed that bars and entertainment venues can legally serve alcohol on major Buddhist holidays, including Asarnha Bucha Day. The clarification, issued by Provincial Police Chief Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, follows earlier confusion around alcohol bans. The decision aligns with a Royal Gazette order allowing sales in hotels, airports, and licensed venues, but regular businesses must still follow national alcohol laws. Officials stress that venues must ensure public safety and prevent underage access. The move is expected to support Phuket’s tourism sector while maintaining respect for religious observances.

 

Swedish Man & Thai Woman Arrested for Cocaine Possession & Distribution  in Phuket

A 41‑year‑old Swedish man and his 32‑year‑old Thai girlfriend were arrested on July 6 in Phuket—first detained outside a convenience store in Patong and later at their Rawai condominium—after police seized 15.37 grams of cocaine, 80 small zip‑lock bags, a digital scale, two iPhones, and a yellow MG5 sedan, suggesting intent to distribute. They now face charges for joint possession and trafficking of a Category 2 narcotic under Thailand’s Narcotics Act and are being held at Patong Police Station pending court proceedings. 

 

Thai human rights lawyer hit with 29 years for lese majeste 

Thailand’s prominent human rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, has just received an additional 2 years and 4 months in prison for royal defamation and sedition tied to a November 2020 protest speech, bringing his total cumulative sentence to 29 years and 1 month. Despite this being his 10th conviction under the strict lese‑majesté and sedition laws, all sentences are under appeal and his repeated bail applications have been denied. 

 

Trump Dishes Out 36% Tariffs in Shock Move Against Thailand

President Trump has slapped a hefty 36% reciprocal tariff on all Thai imports—just one piece of a broader strategy that also includes levies ranging from 25% up to 40% on more than a dozen countries, set to take effect on August. Bangkok officials, taken aback by the steep rate, are now scrambling to secure better terms through accelerated trade talks with Washington amid fears of economic fallout.