Regenerative Tourism Spotlight: Anurak Lodge in southern Thailand won a Regenerative Tourism award at the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia, highlighting its “Rainforest Rising” work to replace commercial palm oil with wildlife-friendly native species near Khao Sok. Cross-Border Travel & Trade: Thailand’s cabinet approved a new permanent Sadao border checkpoint with Malaysia (from July 11), with longer daily operating hours and road upgrades to ease congestion—aimed at boosting logistics, tourism, and investment. Thai-UK Anti-Cannabis Push: Thailand and the UK stepped up cooperation to curb illegal cannabis smuggling, including stricter Thai Customs penalties (forfeiture plus fines per kilogram) and expanded intelligence sharing after rising courier arrests. Politics & Reconciliation: Jakrapob Penkair was sworn in as a Pheu Thai list-MP, pledging to use parliament for reconciliation and development, including support for an amnesty debate. Culture & Art: A new private museum dedicated to the late Thai poet-painter Tang Chang is opening a fuller view of his vast body of work, reframing his legacy for today. Public Safety Watch: Police are investigating the death of American fitness influencer Connor Murphy, reported as an apparent drowning after erratic behavior near a lake in Samut Prakan. Queer Culture Abroad: San Francisco’s Oasis nightclub survival story drew attention in a live panel on how community care helped preserve an iconic queer nightlife venue.