Video News

Snake Handler Saves Satun Family from Giant King Cobras A prominent snake handler, Bang Ya Bongla King, rescued a family in Satun province after two giant king cobras built a nest and laid 29 eggs near their rubber plantation. The snakes, measuring 4 metres and 3 metres, had halted the family's rubber-tapping activities since March. Assisted by rescue volunteers, Bang Ya successfully relocated the snakes and their eggs, allowing the family to safely return to work. The incident sparked community excitement and relief, highlighting the complex relationship between local livelihoods and wildlife. Similar cobra relocations previously occurred in Songkhla, emphasising ongoing challenges with wildlife coexistence.

Phuket Fire Destroys Motorbikes, Damages Burger King Sign An early morning electrical fire in Phuket caused chaos today as flames engulfed two motorbikes and damaged the signage of a Burger King on Kata Road, Karon. Believed to have started from an electrical short circuit on a power pole around 5.35am, the blaze quickly spread, destroying two bikes and damaging two more. Although no injuries were reported, the incident reignited safety concerns about Phuket’s overcrowded utility poles tangled with cables. Emergency responders swiftly extinguished the fire, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and extent of the damage.

Bangkok Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 23, 71 Missing A tragic building collapse in Bangkok's Chatuchak district has claimed 23 lives, with 71 people still missing two weeks after a powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar triggered the disaster. Rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions. Heartbreakingly, one father has stood vigil for 13 consecutive nights, awaiting news of his 17-year-old daughter, whose first day of work coincided with the tragedy. Volunteers provide basic amenities to families near the site as the incident highlights the devastating human toll of disasters.

Thai Youths Warned Against Racy Songkran Selfies and Alcohol Pics Thai authorities have issued a firm warning to young people ahead of the Songkran water festival, cautioning against posting inappropriate selfies and alcohol-related images online. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Pruksanusak emphasised that posting revealing or suggestive photos, alcohol promotion, or immoral content could lead to severe penalties, including jail terms and substantial fines. Authorities stress the importance of celebrating respectfully, reflecting traditional Thai values, and caution that one inappropriate upload could result in serious legal consequences. The warning highlights the fine line between festive fun and legal violations during Thailand’s popular celebrations.

Chinese Couple Arrested for Explicit Public Photo Shoot in Pattaya Pattaya police have arrested a Chinese tourist couple after they were caught filming an explicit photoshoot on a public pavement in broad daylight. Mr Jiang, 67, and Miss Ping, 35, were reported by community security volunteers and quickly detained by Tourist Police. Jiang, a photographer, admitted staging nude shoots at various global tourist spots and claimed ignorance of Thai law, apologising for causing offence. The couple now faces legal proceedings, highlighting the need for tourists to respect local laws and customs when abroad.

The following transcription features top news stories from across Thailand, as covered on Good Morning Thailand with hosts Alex and Jay. From the tragic Bangkok building collapse to the arrest of a Russian YouTuber in the Philippines, the stories highlight key developments making headlines in the region. 1. Bangkok Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises 23 dead and 71 still missing after a building collapse in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, triggered by an 8.2-magnitude quake near Myanmar. Rescue efforts continue as families hold vigil, including a father waiting 13 nights for news of his daughter. 2. Phuket Fire Damages Burger King Sign An early morning blaze in Phuket destroyed two motorbikes and damaged a Burger King sign on Kata Road. The fire, caused by an electrical short, reignited concerns over tangled utility poles. 3. Thai Youths Warned Over Songkran Selfies Authorities warn young Thais against posting racy selfies and alcohol-related content during Songkran. Offenders could face fines or jail time for violating morality and alcohol promotion laws. 4. Snake Handler Rescues Family from Giant Cobras A famous snake handler in Satun removed two massive king cobras and 29 eggs from a family’s rubber plantation. The rescue brought relief and excitement to the community. 5. Chinese Couple Arrested for Nude Photos in Pattaya A Chinese tourist couple was arrested in Pattaya for filming a public nude photoshoot. Police say the act violated Thai decency laws. The couple now faces legal action. 6. Chiang Mai Plans Record-Breaking Dance Event Over 20,000 performers will gather in Chiang Mai on April 19 to attempt the world’s largest traditional fingernail dance, celebrating the city’s 729th anniversary and promoting its cultural heritage. 7. Australian Girl Dies in Singapore School Fire A 10-year-old Australian girl has died in a fire at a Singapore cooking school. Over 20 others were injured. Investigations point to safety violations in the building. 8. US-Vietnam Trade Talks Begin as Tariffs Paused The US and Vietnam are starting trade talks after the US paused major tariffs. Vietnam also signed two aviation deals worth $860 million to strengthen ties and reduce trade imbalance. 9. Russian YouTuber Arrested in Philippines Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, a Russian prank YouTuber, was arrested in the Philippines for harassment and theft during livestreams. Authorities plan to prosecute him locally to uphold respect for their laws.

Public Outcry in Chiang Mai After G-String Dancer Performs on Raft A viral video showing a G-string-clad coyote dancer performing provocatively on a public raft along Chiang Mai's Ping River has sparked public outrage. The dancer was filmed near families and children during a community day out, prompting criticism over the act’s appropriateness in a family-friendly setting. Authorities claim the event had official approval, but raft operators denied hiring the dancer. An online disclaimer promised more modest attire in the future. With investigations underway, many argue the incident crosses a line, especially in a space meant for wholesome tourism. It marks the first such performance on the rafts, raising concerns nationwide.

Drunk Passenger Urinates on Co-Flyer During Delhi-Bangkok Air India Flight A 24-year-old Indian man, Tushar Masand, allegedly urinated on a Japanese businessman during an Air India flight from Delhi to Bangkok. Masand, reportedly intoxicated after consuming two glasses of single malt, relieved himself on the co-flyer seated next to him. Air India confirmed "unruly behaviour" but didn’t specify the act in their official statement. Masand has been banned from flying with Air India for 30 days, pending review by an independent committee. The affected passenger declined further assistance upon landing. Authorities have been notified, and India's Civil Aviation Ministry has promised action if any wrongdoing is confirmed. Similar incidents have occurred on Air India flights in recent years.

Drunk Foreigner Causes Chaos and Chases Local Man in Phuket A drunken foreigner sparked chaos near Phuket's Rang Hill on April 4 by wandering into homes and shouting incoherently, then chasing a Thai man who tried to calm him. The victim escaped unscathed, with video evidence later shared online showing the man’s erratic behaviour, including shadowboxing and lewd gestures. The incident has drawn criticism of local police for their absence and reignited debate over Thailand's free-visa policy, which some blame for a rise in foreign misconduct. Tensions were already high after a separate April 6 assault involving another foreigner and Thai motorists, prompting calls for stricter law enforcement.

Ex-Israeli Commando Arrested for Illegal Guiding on Koh Phangan A 45-year-old former Israeli commando, identified as David, was arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally working as a tour guide without a licence. Thai Tourism Police caught him leading foreign children on tours to sites like Wat Maduea Wan and Wang Sai Waterfall. He had been advertising his services via a WhatsApp group called “Nature Trips with Uncle,” charging up to 8,000 baht weekly. Authorities charged him with working without authorisation and launched broader efforts to curb illegal foreign activity ahead of Songkran, aiming to protect local jobs and maintain Thailand’s image as a safe, law-abiding destination.

Earthquake in Bangkok Leaves Dozens of Buildings Closed After Safety Checks Following a recent earthquake, Bangkok officials assessed 7,649 buildings over 12 days, deeming 7,200 safe, 389 moderately damaged, and 60 structurally unsafe and closed. Inspections, led by the Department of Public Works, covered public facilities, high-rise structures, and residential buildings. Authorities issued a directive on March 31 mandating checks on large private properties, with 2,470 reports submitted out of 11,000 identified buildings. In Bangkok’s neighbourhoods, nearly all of 18,837 damage reports have been resolved. Nationwide, 7,049 buildings across 76 provinces were checked, with 58 closed. A 24-hour hotline is available for advice, and buildings are classified using a colour-coded damage status system.

British Man in Critical Condition After Russian Roulette Incident in Pattaya A British man named Michael is in critical condition after allegedly shooting himself in the forehead during a game of Russian roulette in Pattaya on April 8. The incident occurred at a condominium, where police found drug paraphernalia, used nitrous oxide balloons, and a .38 calibre revolver. Michael had reportedly used cannabis and laughing gas before suggesting the game. His Lithuanian roommate, Mr. J, claimed he declined to participate and later heard the gunshot. Emergency responders performed CPR before rushing Michael to the hospital. Police are investigating the firearm’s origin and conducting forensic tests to determine the full sequence of events.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as covered in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex and Jay. Highlights include a British man critically injured in a Russian roulette incident in Pattaya and a volcanic eruption in the Philippines that sent ash 2.5 miles into the sky. 1. British Man Critical After Russian Roulette Incident in Pattaya A British man is in critical condition after allegedly shooting himself during a game of Russian roulette in Pattaya. Drugs and a revolver were found at the scene. Police are investigating. 2. Drunken Foreigner Causes Panic in Phuket A foreigner sparked chaos near Rang Hill, Phuket, by trespassing, shouting incoherently, and chasing a Thai man. The incident raised criticism of Thailand’s visa policy and lax enforcement. 3. Bangkok Closes 60 Buildings After Quake Safety Checks After a recent earthquake, Bangkok officials inspected over 7,000 buildings, shutting down 60 deemed unsafe. Damage assessments continue across Thailand. 4. Ex-Israeli Commando Arrested for Illegal Tour Guiding A former Israeli soldier was arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally guiding children on nature tours. Authorities are cracking down on unlicensed foreign workers ahead of Songkran. 5. Public Outrage Over G-String Dancer on Chiang Mai Raft A viral video of a dancer in a G-string performing on a family raft in Chiang Mai has caused national outrage. Officials are investigating and promise stricter oversight. 6. Drunk Passenger Urinates on Co-Flyer During Air India Flight An intoxicated Indian man urinated on a fellow passenger during a flight from Delhi to Bangkok. He’s been banned from flying with Air India for 30 days pending investigation. 7. Cambodian General Removed Over TikTok Scandal A Cambodian brigadier general was dismissed after a TikTok video showed him behaving inappropriately. The act was deemed damaging to the military’s image. 8. Indonesia to Host 1,000 Injured and Orphaned Palestinians Indonesia will temporarily shelter 1,000 injured and orphaned Palestinians from Gaza. The move is part of a humanitarian initiative coordinated with Middle Eastern nations. 9. Xi Jinping to Visit Malaysia Amid Trade Tensions Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Malaysia from April 15–17 as regional economies face rising US tariffs. The visit aims to strengthen China-Malaysia relations. 10. Philippine Volcano Erupts, Sends Ash 2.5 Miles High Kanlaon Volcano erupted on Tuesday, launching ash into the sky and prompting school closures. No injuries were reported due to prior evacuations.

Pattaya Leads Songkran Tourism as Other Cities Struggle While many Thai tourist spots face low hotel bookings this Songkran, Pattaya is booming. Despite nationwide concerns—such as sluggish Chinese tourism and the recent earthquake—Pattaya is expecting up to 500,000 visitors daily, with 4-star hotels nearly full. Events like Wan Lai Pattaya are drawing huge crowds, helping generate billions of baht. In contrast, Chiang Mai and Bangkok are seeing steep booking declines, down 67% and 31% respectively. Meanwhile, Phuket and Hat Yai also show strong numbers, thanks in part to Malaysian tourists. Pattaya’s cultural focus and vibrant festivities have made it the standout destination.

Chiang Mai Eatery Draws Backlash for “Skinny Discount” Promotion Chiang Mai Breakfast World has sparked global controversy with its “skinny discount” promotion, offering up to 20% off meals for diners who can squeeze through narrow metal bars. The viral challenge, shared by travel bloggers Amina and Alex, has drawn millions of views and ignited criticism for promoting body-shaming and unhealthy ideals. While some defend it as light-hearted fun, others deem it fatphobic and discriminatory. Despite the backlash, the restaurant maintains high TripAdvisor ratings. The incident echoes similar past stunts in Asia, fuelling a wider debate on body image and marketing ethics.