On July 3, 2025, police under the command of Chiang Rai Provincial Police Commander Pol. Lt. Col. Manop Senakul and Deputy Commander Pol. Maj. Passakorn Thawachchiang-kul conducted an interdiction operation against drug traffickers smuggling methamphetamine from the Chiang Rai border area in Chiang Saen District through Wieng Chiang Rung District. Officers spotted two pickup trucks heading toward an evasion route and attempted to intercept them, but the suspects opened fire. Police returned fire in self-defense, resulting in a gunfight lasting over five minutes. One male suspect was shot and wounded, while another fled. Police took the injured suspect into custody and transported him to hospital.

A search of the black four-door Toyota Vigo truck revealed 14 sacks of ice weighing approximately 500 kilograms hidden inside.

In a separate operation in Mae Jan District, Mae Jan Police Station officers conducted a raid on a residence in Moo 19, Sri Kham Subdistrict following reports of drug activity. They discovered a cardboard box outside containing 10 kilograms of ice, along with a .22 caliber firearm and ammunition. The homeowner's 38-year-old son, who owned the items, had fled before police arrived. Officers are pursuing further arrest efforts.

On July 3, 2569, authorities in Nakhon Pathom announced the dismantling of a major drug trafficking network and the capture of gang leader Suphapisit Jirichit, alias "James Wat Lao Tao." The operation yielded over 22,000 methamphetamine tablets, 38 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and a firearm.

The investigation began on July 2 at 8 p.m. when police arrested Somjet (Dum) Bunnya-aphichat, 50, while preparing to deliver methamphetamine to customers in Tak Kong Subdistrict, Muang Nakhon Pathom. Initial searches found 2,021 methamphetamine tablets and 92 grams of crystal methamphetamine on his person, along with a positive drug urine test.

During interrogation, Somjet confessed that his drugs came from Suphapisit, also known as "James Wat Lao Tao," who distributed to teenagers and retail customers from his home in Don Tum District, Nakhon Pathom.

Integrated task force officers surrounded and raided the residence, finding Suphapisit asleep inside. The search of the home uncovered 69 methamphetamine tablets, 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a digital scale, and two mobile phones.

In a Honda CRV parked outside, officers discovered two large suitcases—one black and one red. The black suitcase contained crystal methamphetamine in 19 one-kilogram packages branded "GUANYINWANG" (total 19kg). The red suitcase held 20 packages of the same brand totaling 19.4kg, bringing the total crystal methamphetamine seized to 38.4 kilograms. Additionally, 10 bundles of methamphetamine tablets totaling 20,200 pills were found.

A search of a Nissan March sedan revealed a Glock 26 automatic handgun (9mm), 10 rounds of ammunition, and a holster.

Suphapisit faces charges for drug distribution and possession with intent to sell Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine) for commercial purposes, drug use, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Police indicated the investigation would expand to higher-level suppliers, with provincial authorities ordering the pursuit of additional suspects.

Singer Ning Patthama is addressing multiple controversies at once as she prepares for her debut solo concert, "NING PATTHAMA FIRST FAN CON STAGE ONE." She recently left the hospital after collapsing during intense rehearsals and has now opened up about accusations linking her to Pek Sananchai and surrounding drama.

Regarding the Chiang Mai incident, Ning maintains she did not travel there with Pek. She clarifies that they met at the Warm Up venue, where she traveled with her Patthama Band musicians on May 9, 2568, on flight VG103 with ten passengers total, including herself and nine musicians. She was on standby one hour before performing when the venue owner informed her that two artists, including Pek, would be joining. She agreed without issue. Ning learned of Pek's arrival only after going on standby—they had made no prior arrangements to meet that day.

When asked if events occurred before the December 26 interview, Ning confirmed they did. She states that between May and November, she never traveled privately or worked in any capacity involving Pek hiring her. The only Chiang Mai encounter was at the Warm Up venue.

Regarding airport photos, Ning clarifies those were taken at Buriram Airport, not Chiang Mai. Pek apparently recommended her for a job at a venue in Buriram province. Ning traveled with her personal manager, with tickets booked by the host. They did not travel together on the outbound flight, but the return had limited options, making it necessary to return together. However, Pek did not interact with her during work or afterwards.

Ning was not shocked by the photos, as they were in public spaces, not hidden hotel rooms. She emphasized she was clear about her statements, noting people now mock her for "swearing" she didn't go, but that was exactly what she swore to—she never traveled privately with Pek, though she doesn't know who he traveled with.

When asked about multiple trips, Ning recalls Buriram, Phitsanulok, Southern Thailand (likely Hat Yai), and America. The America trip was work-related: she was hired to perform in three places—Los Angeles twice and Las Vegas once. During breaks, she toured with her manager, visiting Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Sphere theater in Las Vegas, and various shopping malls. However, she never privately toured with Pek outside of work encounters and shared meals with multiple partners.

Regarding job opportunities, Pek has been the one finding work for her.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a press conference at Government House on July 3 regarding the ongoing investigation into cheating in local government employee examinations. Anutin stated that new evidence has emerged following the July 2 announcement of test score discrepancies, indicating fraudulent activity occurred. He emphasized that no further appointments should be made pending investigation results, and that already-hired individuals must await the inquiry's outcome. The government will examine answer sheets from 15,000 candidates, with appointments revoked for anyone found to have irregularities.

Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongsa has declared that non-medical cannabis cannot be exported from Thailand, addressing Indonesia's national drug agency (BNN) announcement of a major cannabis smuggling network bust. The BNN confirmed the cannabis shipment originated from Thailand, resulting in 12 arrests. Anutin stressed that exporting non-medical cannabis products is already impossible under current law.

Regarding reports of cannabis being smuggled in luggage, Anutin noted that any drugs entering any country must be seized and prosecuted, with offenders facing penalties under that country's laws. Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia impose severe drug trafficking penalties that may include execution, clearly stated in entry documents.

Anuthin emphasized that Thailand has prevention and prosecution measures in place for drug trafficking. He disclosed that today's three-hour national drug prevention and suppression committee meeting produced numerous new measures. Regarding the Public Health Ministry's proposed cannabis legislation, Anutin instructed the committee to base policy decisions on facts and data, not political interests.

Anutin criticized inconsistent policy positions, saying officials should not praise cannabis legality when convenient but condemn it when inconvenient. He asserted that policies must be driven by official data and operate within legal and constitutional frameworks. As the committee's new chairman, Anutin stated he will evaluate all dimensions before deciding whether to continue or halt the cannabis policy.

On July 3, 2025, Pattaya residents from all sectors—businesspeople, entrepreneurs, local politicians, public figures, baht bus operators, and numerous civil society networks—gathered at the Blue Zone event space in Bali Hai to demonstrate their support for the "SAVE PATTAYA" campaign. The collective action aimed to defend the city's reputation and image after critical coverage in a television program that organizers said could harm Pattaya's standing as an international tourist destination.

During the event, participants voiced their position and called on independent academics and related media figures to apologize to Pattaya residents, taking responsibility for statements and content deemed damaging to the city's image. Local leaders delivered speeches asserting that "Pattaya is not a lawless town and has no mafia," noting the city's electoral history has been peaceful. Organizers urged society to recognize the facts and avoid generalizing the city's image based on potentially misleading information or opinions.

Throughout the event, Pattaya police provided support to ensure the peaceful and lawful expression of public views while maintaining safety.