A Nigerian man carrying crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy was arrested as he was allegedly making a delivery to customers in the Patong area of Phuket.

26-year-old David Ejiogo was arrested on Nanai Road by police who had received a tip-off an African man would be delivering drugs to customers on Tuesday.

When searched he found found to be carrying crystal meth, six packs of cocaine and four of powdered ecstasy.

Mr Ejiogo admitted to the arresting officers he had more drugs back in his room. A search uncovered more cocaine and ecstasy.

He was remanded in custody on charges of possession of illicit drugs with intent to supply.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced some easing restrictions for low-risk businesses that can reopen on from Friday..

The Communicable Disease Committee rubber stamped the BMA proposal to ease restrictions on 13 businesses and recreational activities starting tomorrow.

However, all must strictly observe social distancing and other COVID-19 prevention measures.

The 13 business and recreational activities are:

1. Gaming centers
2. Internet cafes
3. Daycare centers for the elderly
4. Sport stadiums/fields except boxing stadiums and horse racing tracks
5. Banquet halls but no more than 300 people are allowed otherwise special permission is required
6. Amulet shops
7. Tattoo and beauty parlours
8. Gyms, fitness clubs and other public areas for exercise, except personal training and classes
9. Traditional Thai massage and spa facilities
10. Gyms and boxing camps, no competitions permitted
11. Bowling and skating rinks, no competitions permitted
12. Dancing schools, no competitions permitted
13. Martial arts schools, no competitions permitted

Pubs, clubs & schools will remain closed.

There also no easing of 9pm closing / no alcohol for restaurants.

The body of a 53-year-old American man has been found in a Krabi hotel where he’d been staying as a long-term resident, according to local media.

Hotel staff called police and medics on Wednesday morning after the discovery was made when they went to collect rent and were overcome by a foul smell coming from inside the room. Upon entering they found the body laid naked on the floor.

It was believed the deceased, identified as Mr James Thomas, had been dead for around three days.

Staff told police he had checked into the hotel last March with his Malaysian girlfriend after becoming stranded in Thailand due to the Covid-19 situation.

He was last seen at the beginning of the week working on his laptop in the hotel lobby. His girlfriend had long ago checked out and Mr Thomas had been living in his room alone.

No foul play is suspected with the forensic examiner’s preliminary report stating natural causes as the most likely cause of death.

The body was sent to Surat Thani Hospital for autopsy and the relevant authorities notified.