Tropical storm batters Phuket, leaves one dead

Today we’ll be talking about landmines being laid along the Thai/Cambodian border, the death toll rising amid the tropical storm ravaging Phuket, and a little later Trump-shaped ecstasy pills hitting the market in Bangkok.

Rising Costs Threaten Thailand's Once-Thriving Restaurant Scene 

Thailand’s restaurant sector is being squeezed by ballooning costs—rising rents (≈20 % above pre‑pandemic), minimum wage hikes to 400 baht/day, 35 % surges in raw material prices, and steep delivery platform fees—that are squeezing profit margins and forcing closures. Meanwhile, weak domestic and tourist spending, along with intense competition and shifting consumer behavior, means that many operators are struggling to adapt and survive in this new landscape.

Tropical Storm Ravages Phuket: Death Toll Rises Amid Warnings

Phuket was hit by a powerful tropical storm on July 21, which tragically resulted in one death and one injury when a large tree fell on Koh Hey, while heavy rains and 2–4 m waves disrupted all three districts and caused significant damage. Though downgraded to a tropical depression, unstable weather—including rough seas, flood and landslide risks—persists through at least July 24, prompting authorities to declare disaster zones, mobilize emergency crews, and advise boats and residents to stay grounded and vigilant. 

Bangkok Delivery Rider Caught with Trump-Impressed Ecstasy

On July 21, Bangkok police stopped a 35‑year‑old delivery rider named Ekarin on Lat Phrao Road and discovered he was carrying 59 ecstasy tablets embossed with the likeness of former US President Donald Trump. A subsequent urine test confirmed methamphetamine use, and Ekarin now faces multiple charges, including possession of a Category 1 narcotic, driving under the influence, and personal drug consumption. 

Cambodia 'laying mines'

Thailand has formally accused Cambodia of planting newly manufactured PMN‑2 anti‑personnel landmines inside Thai territory near Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani province, following a July 16 incident that injured three Thai soldiers, one of whom lost a foot — mines inconsistent with Thai military inventories suggest deliberate placement. In response, Thailand has lodged a written protest under the Ottawa Convention, warned of possible military action, and called on ASEAN and international partners to condemn Cambodia’s actions, while Phnom Penh has rejected the allegations and demanded a fact-based inquiry.

Bangkok rolls out 5 new EV shuttle routes to beat traffic 

Bangkok’s Metropolitan Administration has launched five new EV shuttle routes under the “BMA Feeder” scheme starting August 1, 2025, to improve first‑ and last‑mile access to BTS, MRT, and ARL lines and help curb traffic and air pollution. The newly added routes connect key areas including Din Daeng to BTS Sanam Pao, MRT Bang Khun Non to Taling Chan Floating Markets (weekends/holidays), Samsen Road to Tang Hua Seng on weekdays, Keha Rom Klao community to ARL Lat Krabang, and Chatuchak’s Children’s Discovery Museum to BTS Mo Chit. 

Cwm-back kid: Welshman flies home after coma drama in Thailand

29‑year‑old Ashton Jones, a father of two from Cwmbran, Wales, vanished during a night out in Bangkok in early June 2025 and was later found unconscious at Chon Buri Hospital—he had emergency brain surgery, remains on life support, and reportedly suffered a violent assault while separated from friends. Despite awakening from a coma and briefly communicating that he “just wants to go home,” the family faces mounting medical bills—no travel insurance and a £50,000 fundraising goal—as they work with repatriation services and the UK Foreign Office for his safe return. 

Phuket woman runs from Grab rider after fake cash promise 

A Phuket-based Grab passenger reported that after booking a fixed-price ride, the Grab rider later insisted on additional cash payment. Feeling pressured and tricked, the woman fled before getting in, amid concerns that such tactics are part of ongoing overcharging scams in Phuket’s ride-hailing scene.

Thai caretaker denies killing bedridden patient despite grim search history 

A 64-year-old caretaker, Nittaya, is under suspicion for allegedly murdering and robbing her bedridden 53-year-old charge, Sriprai, whose body was found July 17 with signs of head trauma and missing cash—though Nittaya denies involvement. Investigators uncovered troubling internet searches on cyanide, electric shock, and sleeping pill suicide methods on her phone and discovered bloodstains on her motorcycle, while Nittaya insists the searches were for her own suicidal thoughts and that her phone simply ran out of battery.