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US Lecturer Wins Appeal to Remove Monitoring Bracelet Dr Paul Chambers, a US academic charged under Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, has been allowed to remove his electronic monitoring bracelet following a successful appeal. Although his bail conditions remain in place, including travel restrictions, the move marks a partial relief in a case he denies involvement in. Chambers was originally denied bail and fitted with the device in early April.

Opposition Calls for Probe into Chinese Student Visa Abuse Thailand’s People’s Party has demanded a formal investigation into reports of Chinese nationals exploiting student visas to work illegally. The deputy party leader alleges some universities offer sham courses taught entirely in Chinese, facilitating tax-evasive schemes. The Higher Education Ministry has received a petition and is under increasing pressure to intervene.

Shirtless Tourist Sparks Outrage at Thai Restaurant A Chinese tourist caused public outrage in Prachin Buri after dancing shirtless, coughing up phlegm, and throwing money over fellow diners. Captured on video, the incident drew widespread criticism online for its disrespectfulness. Though police issued a warning, no arrest was made, reigniting debate over leniency toward unruly tourist behaviour in Thailand.

Drunk Thai Hospital Director Injures TV Crew in Car Crash The director of Nong Bua Daeng Hospital crashed into two television photographers in Chaiyaphum while allegedly intoxicated, leaving them seriously injured. CCTV footage shows he did not brake before hitting the men on the pavement. With a blood alcohol level of 119mg, the director faces legal action as police review evidence and the victims recover in hospital.

Thailand Pledges to End Dual Pricing for Foreign Tourists Thailand’s tourism minister has vowed to scrap dual pricing practices following growing complaints from foreign visitors. Sparked by a viral article, concerns about scams and safety are prompting faster reporting systems and app usage. Despite a slight dip in arrivals, tourism revenue rose, and officials aim to ensure fair treatment and boost confidence in the sector.

Polish Couple Fined for Public Nudity on Koh Phangan A Polish couple were fined and detained after being caught naked and embracing on a road in Koh Phangan. The woman received a 5,000 baht fine, while the man was sent for psychiatric assessment. Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb public nudity on the island, particularly at known hotspots like Zen and Secret Beach, urging tourists to respect Thai cultural norms.

Polish Couple Fined for Nude Cuddle on Koh Phangan A Polish couple were fined after being found embracing naked on a road in Koh Phangan. The woman paid 5,000 baht, while the man was sent for psychiatric evaluation. Police are cracking down on public nudity across the island’s beaches. Drunk Thai Hospital Director Injures TV Crew in Crash A hospital director in Chaiyaphum, driving under the influence, crashed into two TV crew members outside a restaurant. Both victims suffered serious injuries. CCTV footage and a failed alcohol test have led police to pursue legal action. US Lecturer Allowed to Remove Monitoring Bracelet in Thailand American academic Dr Paul Chambers won a court appeal to remove his electronic monitoring bracelet. He still faces lèse-majesté charges and must follow other bail terms. The case continues under Thailand’s strict royal defamation laws. Shirtless Tourist Sparks Outrage in Thai Restaurant A Chinese tourist caused outrage in Prachin Buri by dancing shirtless, coughing up phlegm, and throwing money over diners. The drunken incident was caught on camera and widely shared online. Police issued a warning but made no arrest. Thailand Vows to Scrap Dual Pricing for Foreign Tourists Thailand’s tourism minister has vowed to end dual pricing after growing complaints from foreign tourists. Authorities are improving tourist support tools and tackling scams. Though arrivals dipped, tourism revenue still increased this year. Thai Opposition Demands Probe into Chinese Student Visa Abuse The opposition claims some Thai universities are enabling Chinese nationals to work illegally via fake study programmes. These “zero-dollar” operations are tied to tax evasion and shady business practices. The Higher Education Ministry is reviewing the allegations. Cambodia Hails Its Own Press Freedom as “Very Good” Cambodia’s Ministry of Information claims press freedom is “very good” based on a survey of nearly 500 journalists. Most respondents felt safe and independent in their work. However, critics question the survey’s credibility as it was state-led. South Korea’s Finance Minister Becomes Interim National Leader Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as interim president and prime minister after Han Duck-soo’s resignation. He now faces political unrest, economic concerns, and diplomatic challenges. South Korea prepares for elections in June. Vietnam Celebrates 50 Years Since War’s End and Reunification Vietnam marked 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War with parades and tributes in Ho Chi Minh City. Leaders praised the reunification as a triumph of justice and faith. The event comes amid tensions over new US tariffs on Vietnamese exports. Papua Commemorates 62 Years of Integration with Indonesia Papua celebrated its 62nd year of integration with Indonesia through parades and community events. Officials stressed unity and inclusive development. The date marks the UN-supervised handover of West Papua from Dutch to Indonesian control in 1963.

Government Plans Airport Upgrades to Boost Regional Tourism Thailand will invest nearly 166 million baht in 2025 to upgrade airports in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan as part of efforts to promote secondary city tourism. The initiative, aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s vision, includes enhancing facilities, increasing flights, and improving transport links. Mukdahan’s airport remains in the environmental review phase. The long-term plan, extending to 2029, also includes air traffic system upgrades and legalised drone agriculture projects to support local economies.

Nude Tourist in Phuket Reignites Visa-Free Debate A foreign tourist was filmed walking completely nude down a road in Phuket on 29 April, apparently intoxicated and striking poses. The footage quickly went viral and ignited public outrage, with many linking such behaviour to relaxed immigration rules. While some viewers reacted with humour, others raised concerns about public decency and Thailand’s international image. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the man will face legal consequences.

‘Family Holiday’ Revealed as Drug Trafficking Operation Police in Chumphon arrested four individuals, including a minor, on 28 April after discovering 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine concealed in parcel boxes inside two vehicles pretending to be on a family trip. The suspects admitted to transporting drugs from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Songkhla for 100,000 baht per trip. The minor claimed she was unaware of the smuggling. All now face serious drug trafficking charges, with the juvenile processed under separate legal procedures.

Belgian Tourist Goes on Rampage in Pattaya Shops A 25-year-old Belgian tourist named Mr Mustafa went viral after vandalising two convenience stores in Pattaya—smashing wine bottles and pouring soda on himself during an early morning outburst on 27 April. After initially being fined, he reoffended days later by threatening staff at another location. Police detained him and sent him to hospital for psychiatric evaluation. The incidents have sparked renewed public concern about misbehaving foreign tourists and visa-free entry policies.

Taxi Blocks Ambulance, Causing Patient’s Death in Phuket A 62-year-old man suffering from heart disease died after a taxi allegedly blocked an ambulance en route to Patong Hospital, despite activated sirens and emergency care being administered inside. The incident occurred on 27 April, after the patient collapsed in a durian orchard. CCTV footage is being reviewed and the taxi driver may face legal charges for obstructing an emergency vehicle. The tragedy has prompted police to advocate for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement of laws protecting emergency services.

Thai Locals Applauded for Assisting Seizing Tourist A foreign woman suffered a seizure on a Bangkok street on 28 April, prompting quick and compassionate aid from local Thais. Captured in a viral TikTok video, the incident showed passersby providing first aid and comfort until emergency services arrived. The woman, accompanied by her partner, was later stabilised. The video drew widespread praise and served as a reminder of proper seizure response—turning the person on their side and calling emergency services, rather than placing anything in their mouth.

Ambulance Blocked, Patient Dies in Phuket A 62-year-old man suffering from heart disease died after a taxi obstructed an ambulance in Patong, Phuket. Despite using sirens, the emergency vehicle was delayed en route to hospital. The driver faces charges, as police urge stronger awareness. Drug Convoy Posing as Family Trip Busted Police in Chumphon arrested four suspects, including a minor, for transporting 100kg of crystal methamphetamine. The group disguised the operation as a family road trip. Drugs were found in parcel boxes after a tip-off. Belgian Tourist Wrecks Stores in Pattaya A Belgian tourist caused chaos in two Pattaya convenience stores, smashing bottles and disturbing staff. After paying damages, he reoffended days later and was taken to hospital. The incidents stirred debate on tourist behaviour. Naked Tourist Sparks Visa Policy Debate A nude foreign man walking through Phuket went viral and drew criticism from locals and online users. The incident fuelled debate over visa-free entry policies and rising cases of disrespectful behaviour by tourists. Locals Help Seizing Tourist in Bangkok A foreign woman suffered a seizure on a Bangkok street and was aided by compassionate locals. A noodle vendor’s TikTok video captured people fanning her and calling emergency services. She was later hospitalised safely. Thailand to Upgrade Northeast Airports The government plans to invest nearly 166 million baht to improve regional airports in the northeast. Upgrades in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan aim to boost tourism and support local economies. Indonesia’s Free Meal Scheme Criticised Over 170 schoolchildren in Indonesia fell ill from contaminated meals under a government nutrition scheme. The outbreak raised serious safety concerns, with critics blaming poor hygiene and rushed implementation. Ex-Vietnam Minister Jailed in Solar Scandal Vietnam sentenced a former deputy minister to six years in jail for accepting bribes linked to solar pricing. The corrupt deal caused over US$40 million in state losses. Eleven other officials also received penalties. Philippines Poll: Marcos Drops, Duterte Rises President Marcos Jr. saw a drop in approval ratings, while Vice President Sara Duterte gained public trust. Despite the decline, Marcos remains slightly more trusted. Other key officials held steady in recent surveys. BYD Builds EV Plant in Cambodia China’s BYD has broken ground on a $32 million EV plant in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville SEZ. Set to open in late 2025, it will assemble 10,000 vehicles annually. EV adoption in Cambodia is rapidly growing.

Thailand Cracks Down on Mobile Banking Fraud Thailand’s Digital Economy Ministry has ordered the verification of 700,000 mobile numbers registered to foreigners in an effort to crack down on cybercrime. Phone numbers must match the names on banking accounts by 30 April, or users risk having their services suspended from June. Banks are contacting affected customers directly, while unaffected users can continue banking as usual. The move reflects Thailand’s growing efforts to combat tech-related fraud.