US President Donald Trump confirmed he contacted FIFA to request a review of the red card suspension given to American striker Folarin Balogan, as previously reported. However, Trump insisted he did not order FIFA to take any action.

Balogan received a red card in the Round of 32 World Cup 2026 match where the US defeated Bosnia 2-0, after a VAR review deemed his collision with Tarik Muharemovic a dangerous play. Typically, the 25-year-old striker would face a match ban.

However, FIFA subsequently suspended the ban and converted it to a one-year suspended sentence instead, allowing Balogan to return for the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6. This decision sparked heavy criticism that FIFA violated its own rules. Reports indicated Trump had contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request reconsideration of Balogan's punishment before the penalty was modified.

Most recently, Trump said: "I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul. I thought it was just a moment when two athletes collided and got tangled. I don't know how it was a red card, but I didn't tell them what to do. I think a match ban would have left a big mark, but I couldn't order them to do anything. I don't believe Infantino made the decision alone—it was likely a committee that decided. And it turned out to be the right decision."

A man stole premium-grade cannabis from a cannabis retail shop and escaped in a blue pickup truck while the shop owner was briefly away on an errand. Security footage from the cannabis shop near Mae Rampung Beach in Taphang subdistrict, Muang district, Rayong province, captured the suspect as a mustachioed man in his 40s, approximately 170 centimeters tall, wearing a blue crew-neck t-shirt, black trousers, and no shoes. He entered the shop from the rear during a moment when no one was present and grabbed a 1-kilogram bundle of TRICHO JORDAN premium-grade cannabis flowers, valued at approximately 10,000 baht, from a display shelf. He then quickly ran to a blue four-door pickup truck parked in front of the shop and sped away.

Ittharit, the 46-year-old shop owner, reported that he was away on a brief errand when the theft occurred. When he returned, he discovered the premium-grade cannabis was missing and immediately reviewed the security footage to identify the perpetrator's behavior.

Ittharit has filed a report with investigating officers at Muang Rayong Police Station, providing the security camera footage and requesting that authorities pursue the suspect for legal proceedings as quickly as possible.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket— The Royal Forest Department has issued a strict deadline for the removal of unauthorized structures at Freedom Beach, ordering occupants to dismantle 22 buildings and facilities within the protected forest area by August 5, 2026. The Royal Forest Department told the Phuket Express. The enforcement action, carried out under Section 25 of the Forest […] Phuket Authorities Order Removal of 22 Structures from Freedom Beach Forest Reserve -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Good news for cancer patients: Thailand's health insurance board has approved innovative Thai-manufactured cancer medications for inclusion in the National Health Security Scheme, commonly known as the 30-baht Gold Card. On July 6, Health Minister Pattana Prommapatt, chairman of the National Health Security Board, announced the board's approval to support the use of cancer medications from Thailand's Innovation List, produced by Chulabhorn Royal Academy and Chulabhorn Research Institute, under the national health insurance system. This initiative aims to expand access to high-efficacy cancer treatments equitably and affordably.

Pattana stressed the decision's importance to Thailand's healthcare system, as cancer remains a major health challenge for Thai citizens. High-efficacy cancer drugs, particularly targeted therapies and biological medications, remain expensive, and Thailand has relied heavily on imports. Developing domestic production capacity is a critical step in strengthening Thailand's health system, improving patient care, managing budgets, and ensuring long-term drug security.

The cancer drug development stems from the vision of Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, who recognized the importance of ensuring equitable access to high-quality, affordable cancer treatment while building Thailand's pharmaceutical research and production capabilities. This aligns with the national health insurance system's goal of providing essential healthcare services to all citizens without exclusion.

Pattana explained that the approved cancer medications include small-molecule targeted therapies produced by Chulabhorn Royal Academy, such as Imcranib (containing imatinib) and Gefcranib (containing gefitinib), developed in the royal medicine factory. Chulabhorn Research Institute has developed biosimilar medications including Herdara (containing trastuzumab), established at the biological research and development center.

The board also approved a three-year advance procurement plan between Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Chulabhorn Research Institute, and the National Health Security Office. This enables continuous production planning, price control, efficient budget management, and full-capacity purchasing support aligned with system needs.

On July 6, 2569, Thai Customs Police arrested a South Korean national, identified as Kim, who was wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice for smuggling Class 1 narcotics (methamphetamine or "ice") into South Korea. The suspect and associates had traveled to Thailand to source drugs, hiding approximately 1.31 kilograms of methamphetamine in layers of plastic and cardboard concealed in underwear to evade inspection. An accomplice attempted to smuggle the drugs back to South Korea by air but was arrested and prosecuted. Kim, knowing he faced charges in South Korea, fled back to Thailand and was placed under a Red Notice tracking him internationally.

Thai authorities conducted deep investigation and discovered the suspect was hiding at a luxury condominium in the Seri Thai area of Bueng Kum, Bangkok. Officers conducted surveillance until they located Kim and verified his identity through passport inspection, confirming he matched the Red Notice and that his legal stay in Thailand had expired as of May 30, 2569 (Overstay).

Initial charges include unlawful presence in Thailand as an alien with expired authorization. The suspect has been handed to investigators in the Investigation Division of the Customs Police for prosecution under Thai law. Authorities are preparing to coordinate his extradition to South Korea to face legal consequences and are expanding efforts to dismantle the remaining international drug trafficking network.

A landmark construction project on Rama II Road is nearing completion. The M82 motorway stretching 25 kilometers from Bang Khun Thian to Ban Phaew will open for free service in August, with the Department of Highways currently 98% finished on the work. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn announced this as a priority policy to be completed this year, relieving long-standing congestion on Rama II Road and facilitating smoother travel to southern Thailand.

Two major construction projects are currently underway: the Rama III-Dao Khanong Western Ring Road expressway and the M82 motorway. Department of Highways Director-General Piypong Jiwattanakul revealed that M82 will begin operations between August 21-28, with full service expected within weeks. The 25-kilometer elevated six-lane motorway will be built down the center of Rama II Road, starting from the Bang Khun Thian interchange and ending in Ban Phaew, Samut Sakhon Province. The remaining 2% of construction will be completed before opening.

The motorway will operate toll-free for approximately two years until the O&M system installation is finished. The 1,037-million-baht O&M system installation is currently under private sector proposal evaluation through a PPP contract, with signing expected by late 2026. The system should be operational by 2027-2028, with toll collection beginning in 2029 using the M-Flow system, matching M82's technology for seamless connectivity. The project includes six toll plazas at Panthai Narassingha, Mahachai 1-2, Samut Sakhon 1-2, and Ban Phaew.

Construction was divided into two phases: Phase 1 (Bang Khun Thian-Ekamai) cost 10.5 billion baht across three contracts, while Phase 2 (Ekamai-Ban Phaew) cost 18.759 billion baht across ten contracts, funded by motorway toll revenues. The parallel Rama III-Dao Khanong Western Ring Road project spans 18.7 kilometers with a 31.244-billion-baht budget, currently 94.83% complete, targeting trial operation by end-2026 and full toll collection by mid-2027.