A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media. PLUS World Cup Watch, every day.

bangkokpost.com A police investigation has targetted two suspects involved in a12-million-baht robbery outside the Bangkok headquarters of the Krung Thai Bank on Friday. They are believed to be foreigners and professional thieves who worked for a foreign robbery gang, police said. The sedan has a Phatthalung licence plate and belongs to a car rental company in Phuket. An investigation unit will travel to Phuket to talk to the owner.

phuketwan update Robinson and Tops in Phuket City have for the first time started charging for plastic bags, says Phuket environmental advocate Nick Anthony. The department store and supermarket charged one baht per bag in support of Environment Day. ''Shoppers were pleasantly surprised and supported the initiative,'' Mr Anthony said, quoting an Australian tourist named Lainey as being ''surprised and impressed.'' He says the campaign to have all Phuket supermarkets charge two baht per plastic bag is continuing, although Tesco Lotus has yet to agree to join.

nationmultimedia.com In Phuket, residents observed World Environment Day with the theme of 'Many Species One Planet One Future'. They participated in a bicycle rally, planted 43,000 trees and collected garbage.

ukpa A Swiss man faces possible caning in Singapore for allegedly spray-painting a subway car, a case that will test the city-state's reputation for severe punishment for vandalism. Prosecutors say a British citizen who is still at large was also involved. Vandalism in Singapore carries a fine of up to 2000 Singapore dollars or up to three years in jail, in addition to three to eight strokes of a cane.

sify.com A Malaysian local council president has been arrested for allegedly demanding sexual favors from a woman in return for approving a permit to run a shop. The man, who is in his 40s, was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on June 1 after the woman lodged a police report. Sources revealed that the official had forced the woman to undergo an abortion a couple of weeks ago and paid for the procedure.

phuketwan update Juvic Pagunsan from the Philippines won the Mercedes-Benz Masters Thailand with a runaway seven-stroke victory at Laguna Phuket while Thai teen prodigy Pinsawat Pariwat finished tied fifth. Starting the day with a four-stoke lead, Pagunsan closed with a five-under-par 65. Thai Udorn Duangdecha claimed outright second after shooting a 68 while Lam Chih Bing from Singapore was third.

telegraph.co.uk On a recent stopover in Dubai, I witnessed a passenger having to make a choice that could be faced by a growing number of travellers: to throw away medication he needed or risk being jailed if caught in possession of it. His flight to Thailand with Emirates Airlines had been delayed, so instead of passing through Dubai airport in transit he now faced a 36-hour stopover, and as a result would be subject to the customs legislation applicable to anyone visiting the United Arab Emirates.

smh.com.au According to the United Nations, Jakarta will this year become the sixth-biggest metropolis in the world, a "mega-city" of more than 15 million people. Its roads are choked with an estimated 2.5 million cars. There are few navigable footpaths and civic life is concentrated on shopping malls and hotel lobbies, fortified with armed guards and security barriers.



guardian.co.uk The USA's Edson Buddle staked his claim for a starting spot against England with two goals in a friendly victory over Australia in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. Buddle, who plays up front for LA Galaxy and is the leading goalscorer in the MLS so far this season, struck twice in the first half of an open and entertaining final warm-up before the USA begin their World Cup campaign against England on June 12.

bleacherreport.com Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia Make no bones about it, England are overwhelming favorites to progress from Group C and it is no exaggeration to say that not one player from any of their opponents squads would be good enough to make the Three Lions final 23.



Until June 13 Phuket International Film Festival, Coliseum Cineplex, Phuket City.
Until June13 Prison Products Fair, each evening at Saphan Hin park, Phuket City. On-stage entertainment, food stalls, refreshments, furniture for purchase.
June 13 Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Fun runs, too.
June 25 to 27 Second Kathu Culture Road Fair, recalling the region's history
July 21-25 Phuket Six Senses Race Week, Evason, Rawai
July 4 US Phuket Navy League Independence Day free family picnic at the Headstart International Learning Center directly across from Makro (near Central Festival) in Phuket City from 10am-7pm.
October 1-3 Asian Hospitality and Travel Show, Central Festival Phuket Convention and Exhibition Center, Phuket City
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta
2011
January 6-9 PIMEX boat show, Royal Phuket Marina
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi