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.

S Cola is revving up excitement once again by sponsoring the Bangsaen Grand Prix 2026, Asia's premier international street circuit racing championship, now in its seventh year. The beverage brand is sending leading Thai drivers from AAS Motorsport to compete in the Supercar GT4 category, featuring renowned racers Boom Kantathee Kusiri and Micky Kamick Kanasoot, both champions of the Thailand Super Series 2025, along with drivers Poo Dechathon Phooakravorti and Om Thanaphat Sutthiswang.

At the recent Thailand Super Series 2026 event in May, Boom and Poo competing under car number 91 secured first place in race two and second place in race four. Micky and Om, driving car number 9, achieved third place in race two and third position in race four, demonstrating strong performance on the international circuit.

Beyond the track, S Cola created an immersive experience for motorsport fans attending the Bangsaen street circuit event in Chachoengsao province (July 4-5, 2026). The brand distributed samples of its new "est Shoot Salty Lemonade" flavor—a crisp blend of tangy lemon and salt with low sugar and B-complex vitamins. The highlight included exclusive Meet & Greet sessions at the S Cola booth where fans met AAS Motorsport drivers, received autographed merchandise, and gained access to exclusive grid walk passes. For S Cola, being awesome extends beyond the racetrack into every moment of life.

SAIC Motor-CP and MG Sales (Thailand), the manufacturer and distributor of MG vehicles in Thailand, have started delivering the new MG Urban electric vehicle to its first batch of customers following its official launch and overwhelmingly positive reception from Thai consumers. The model's standout features include smart, easy-to-use functions designed specifically for Thai users. In a remarkably short timeframe, the MG Urban has achieved over 3,000 pre-orders, reflecting strong customer confidence in MG's new electric vehicle offering across design, technology, value, and performance that suits everyday driving needs.

This success underscores MG's commitment to introducing modern automotive innovations and expanding access to quality electric vehicle experiences for Thailand's growing consumer base. The MG Urban was developed under the "LIFE EASY" concept to enhance urban living with convenience, agility, and greater peace of mind. Features include intelligent technologies such as Smart Parking Assist and Remote Auto Parking, plus Level 2 ADAS driving assistance systems. The vehicle offers a maximum range of 530 kilometers per charge under NEDC standards.

The spacious cabin combines intelligent connectivity technology suited to modern lifestyles, while five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP and ANCAP provide additional confidence. The vehicle also includes an EV Lifetime Warranty covering the high-voltage battery, motor drive unit, and motor control unit with no mileage or ownership limitations.

Ta Shen Shen, Managing Director of SAIC Motor-CP, stated that the MG Urban launch demonstrates Thai customers' continued confidence in the MG brand. "We are grateful to our Thai customers and media partners for the excellent response, enabling us to secure over 3,000 pre-orders in a short period. This success reflects MG's strategy of bringing global innovations to develop vehicles that understand and meet the lifestyle needs of Thai consumers through meticulous design combined with advanced technology and safety standards," he said.

In response to the exceptional demand, MG has accelerated production capacity and is managing all operations fully to meet increased customer demand and expedite deliveries across all variants. Interested buyers can test drive the new MG Urban at MG dealerships nationwide and participate in roadshow events across various provinces, with additional special offers available at https://www.facebook.com/MGcarsThailand

On July 8, 2024, Dr. Montheian Kunasawat, director of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, stated that the international standard method for diagnosing liver fluke disease is stool examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of adult parasites in the bile ducts. The positive cases detected at Mahasarakham University were identified through preliminary screening using OV-ATK rapid tests during student activities, with no symptomatic students found so far. However, confirmatory testing using standard methods is needed to verify the diagnosis.

Dr. Montheian reported that from January 1 to July 7, 2024, the digital disease surveillance system recorded 2,656 confirmed cases, with the highest infection rates among those aged 50-59, 60 and above, and 15-19 years old. No deaths have been reported.

"This incident serves as another reminder for people to be aware of liver fluke disease, which spreads through consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish," Dr. Montheian said. "If left untreated for 10-20 years, chronic infection can lead to bile duct cancer."

Dr. Direk Khampaen, deputy director of the Department of Disease Control, explained that liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) is a flatworm transmitted by eating uncooked freshwater fish such as raw fish cakes, raw fish salads, raw fermented fish, or raw fish sauce. Once in the body, the parasite can survive in the bile ducts for 20-30 years, causing chronic inflammation and increasing cancer risk.

"Myths that squeezing lime juice, fermentation, or drinking alcohol can kill the parasite are false," Dr. Direk said. "The disease does not spread person-to-person. The only effective prevention is eating fully cooked food and thoroughly cooked fermented fish, avoiding raw or undercooked freshwater fish dishes."

The Department of Disease Control will implement phase 2 of its liver fluke elimination and bile duct cancer prevention plan (2024-2030) using a One-Health approach, coordinating with relevant agencies on food safety, sanitation, and health literacy, while conducting field investigations, screening, treatment, and monitoring according to standards. For more information, call the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

Thailand's women's volleyball team made a valiant effort but could not overcome the dominant United States squad, falling 0-3 in sets during their opening match of VNL 2026 Week 3 in Osaka, Japan on July 8, 2025.

The women's Nations League 2026 (VNL 2026) Week 3 tournament runs July 8-12 in Osaka, with Thailand grouped alongside the USA, host nation Japan, Brazil, and Turkey.

Thailand's world-ranked 21st team faced the USA's 4th-ranked squad at Asu Arena Osaka. Historically, the two teams have met seven times in Nations League play, with Thailand never recording a victory and never scoring a single set against the Americans. Most recently in Nations League 2025 on July 10, Thailand lost to the USA 1-3 in sets.

After eight matches played, Thailand holds a 2-6 record with 9 points, sitting 14th in the standings, while the USA remains undefeated with a 7-1 record and 20 points, firmly at the top.

Coach Anucha "Ott" Kiatpongsa fielded Thailand's starting lineup including Taddao Nuekchaeng, Sasipha Janthawisut, Nutthanicha Jaiasen, Pimpichaya Korakram, Atchraporn Kongyod, and Kaewkalaya Komunthala, with Piyaneush Paennoi as libero.

Despite Thailand's full effort, they could not withstand the American team's strength, losing 0-3 with set scores of 21-25, 18-25, and 20-25. The USA picked up 3 additional points to reach 23 points total while maintaining their league lead. Thailand remains at 9 points in 14th place.

Thailand's next match will be against host nation Japan on July 9 at 5:30 p.m.

A TikTok user @soxx2111 posted a warning on July 8th after discovering their dog had a severe allergic reaction characterized by full-body hives, intense itching, and swollen eyes. Abdominal X-rays eventually revealed the culprit: a Bluetooth earpiece. The dog showed symptoms starting early morning on July 1st with constant scratching and visible hives, prompting an immediate veterinary visit. By 11 a.m., the dog improved—eating normally, sleeping, with hives subsiding after antihistamine medication every 8 hours. However, the symptoms returned in the evening with itching and reddish eye swelling accompanied by tearing. Veterinarians increased anti-inflammatory medication and prescribed eye drops. The condition continued to fluctuate, with hives reappearing the next morning but subsiding after injections. Veterinarians suspected remaining allergen triggers could be toxins, chemicals, foreign objects, or environmental factors, and provided symptomatic treatment. Further examination revealed red spots on the abdomen where the dog lay, abdominal cramps, and normal appetite. Additional gastrointestinal X-rays discovered a metallic foreign object resembling a safety pin, approximately 1 centimeter, lodged in the intestines. The dog may have ingested heavy metal toxins from the object, triggering the allergic response. One intestinal section was filled with gas, suggesting possible blockage or abnormal intestinal constriction preventing food passage. Veterinarians determined the cause: poisoning from heavy metals in a Bluetooth earpiece the dog had stolen from a chair, chewed on, and swallowed pieces of. Despite believing all fragments had been removed, toxins continued triggering severe allergic reactions over three days before detection.