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TSPCA clashes with PETA over treatment of beloved pygmy hippo The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) has defended Khao Kheow Open Zoo against PETA’s claims of animal abuse regarding the zoo’s popular pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. PETA criticized the zoo for keeping Moo Deng in captivity, advocating for her relocation to a wildlife sanctuary. However, TSPCA countered that PETA's information was outdated and incomplete, emphasising that the zoo adheres to international care standards. While some Thais expressed support for the zoo, TSPCA called for respectful dialogue and reassured that Moo Deng's care meets global standards.

Drunk Australian tourist subdued by Phuket police at airport An intoxicated Australian tourist caused a commotion at Phuket International Airport on September 22 after being refused more alcohol at a bar. The situation escalated as he harassed other passengers, prompting armed police to intervene. Dramatic footage shows officers tackling and subduing the rowdy tourist, who was eventually handcuffed and detained in an airport cell to sober up. The incident caused the man to miss his flight and rebook another. Phuket Airport officials confirmed the tourist was detained until he regained composure, bringing an embarrassing end to his trip.

A bill liberalising alcohol rules in Thailand is set to be voted on Thailand's Parliament is set to vote today on the controversial "progressive liquor bill," proposed by the opposition People's Party. The bill, a key election promise from the former Future Forward Party, seeks to liberalise Thailand's alcohol market, allowing individuals to brew liquor or beer for personal use. The bill faces opposition from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and coalition partners, citing public health concerns. Supporters argue it would break the oligopoly controlling the market and benefit grassroots producers. Today's vote will decide if the bill advances, potentially reshaping Thailand's alcohol industry.

Thai Airways Expands Partnership with Gulf Air, Adds Six Destinations Thai Airways (THAI) has expanded its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations: Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, and Manchester. The partnership, which previously focused on routes between Bangkok and Manama or Abu Dhabi, aims to boost THAI's revenue by connecting passengers through Bahrain. Gulf Air will also bring passengers to Bangkok for further travel within Thailand and to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Melbourne. THAI is submitting its restructuring plan to resume trading on the Thai stock market as it exits business rehabilitation.

Thailand’s Sago Beetles Are Set for Global Export Thailand's sago beetles, or lan beetles, are set to go global as edible insect trends gain traction. Farmed in southern Thailand, these beetles are rich in healthy fats and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional snacks. Sago beetle larvae are easy to farm, making them a profitable export, with adult beetles selling for 200-250 baht per kilogram. With approval from the Thai FDA, countries like Italy, the UK, Germany, and Australia are welcoming them. The beetles can even be canned for export, promising a nutritious and eco-friendly food option worldwide.

Chon Buri Cemetery Transformed Into a Unique Cafe Experience Wat Nong Khayad's cemetery in Chon Buri has been transformed into a bustling cafe and community space, attracting tourists from all over. Visitors can enjoy free coffee, ice cream, and noodles, with a donation box available to support the temple's supplies. Local benefactors, like renowned noodle seller Jae Jim and bakery owners, contribute to this initiative, offering food to visitors. The cemetery, once considered eerie, now boasts a welcoming atmosphere with picturesque spots and rest areas. The unique project has garnered praise for promoting community spirit and offering a relaxing, one-of-a-kind tourist experience.

Thai Actress Criticizes Police for Inaction After Brother's Assault Thai actress Chalida “Mint” Wijitvongthong criticized police for their inaction after a Russian man assaulted her brother, Rachan “Moss” Wijitvongthong, outside a Bangkok hotel on September 25. The altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a foreigner with hearing loss at her brother’s restaurant. CCTV footage shows Moss being brutally attacked despite his pleas for the Russian to stop. Police took 40 minutes to arrive, and arrested the attacker but released him without testing for alcohol or drugs. They later urged the family to drop the case, sparking outrage on social media.

Foreign Men Vandalize Phuket Restaurant, Shattering Windows Two foreign men vandalized Birds Cafe Restaurant in Phuket early on September 30, shattering windows in two separate incidents within an hour. The first occurred around 2:18 am, with a man breaking the glass and fleeing on a motorbike. A second man arrived at 2:58 am and smashed more windows before fleeing. The incidents caused panic among staff and locals, prompting a police investigation. The motivation remains unclear, but a possible connection between the vandals is suspected. The restaurant is closed for repairs as security concerns rise in the community.

Proposal for Foreign Land Leases in Thailand Requires Legal Revisions A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land in Thailand for up to 99 years may require major legal revisions, including amendments to the Treasury Department's 30-year lease cap. The proposal, first introduced by Thaksin Shinawatra, suggests landowners transfer their land title to the Treasury Department in exchange for full payment, while foreigners lease the land for 99 years. The proposal faces constitutional challenges and public consultation requirements. Opposition remains due to concerns about "selling the country," but long-term leases could alleviate ownership concerns. No official action has been taken yet.

The transcription below includes news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, featured on the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The topics range from proposals for legal revisions on foreign land leases in Thailand to calls for legalizing divorce in the Philippines, amidst the high costs of annulments. 1. Proposal for Foreign Land Leases in Thailand Requires Legal Revisions A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land for up to 99 years in Thailand may face legal challenges, requiring amendments to existing laws. Public consultations and concerns over "selling the country" remain unresolved. 2. Foreign Men Vandalise Phuket Restaurant Two foreign men shattered windows at Birds Cafe in Phuket in separate incidents within an hour, causing panic. The restaurant is closed for repairs as police investigate. 3. Thai Actress Criticises Police After Brother's Assault Thai actress Mint Wijitvongthong criticized police for their delayed response and leniency after her brother was assaulted by a Russian man in Bangkok. 4. Thai Airways Expands Partnership with Gulf Air Thai Airways has expanded its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations to boost revenue and connect passengers to more global cities. 5. Thailand’s Sago Beetles Set for Global Export Thailand's sago beetles are being exported globally as the edible insect trend grows, with approval from the Thai FDA and interest from European countries. 6. Chon Buri Cemetery Transformed Into a Unique Cafe A Chon Buri cemetery has been converted into a community cafe, offering free refreshments to visitors. The project promotes community spirit and attracts tourists. 7. Vietnam Offers Amnesty to Foreign Prisoners Vietnam granted amnesty to 20 foreign prisoners, including two U.S. citizens, as part of a National Day pardon for over 3,760 inmates. 8. Japan's New Prime Minister Calls Snap Election Japan’s incoming Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced a snap election for October to gain public support for his new administration and address key issues. 9. South Korean Officials Sentenced for Halloween Crush Three South Korean police officers were sentenced for negligence in the 2022 Itaewon Halloween crush, which killed nearly 160 people. Other officials were acquitted. 10. Calls for Legalising Divorce in the Philippines Calls to legalize divorce in the Philippines grow as expensive annulments remain the only option to end marriages, prompting a proposed Absolute Divorce Bill.

Thailand’s Business Ease Ranking Drops in Asia-Pacific Thailand’s ranking for business ease in the Asia-Pacific region has dropped from 9th place in 2022 to 12th in 2023, according to a survey by the Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA). The survey assessed market development, operating environment, and regulatory framework across 13 economies, with Singapore ranking first. Thailand’s decline reflects challenges in competitiveness and cost efficiency, though it maintained strengths in payment infrastructure and regulatory flexibility. With only 40% of businesses planning to expand in the region, Thailand faces increasing difficulties for future business growth.

7-Eleven Introduces PromptPay QR Code Payments Nationwide 7-Eleven has introduced PromptPay QR code payments across 480 branches in Thailand, making cashless transactions easier. Customers can now use their mobile banking apps to scan and pay, eliminating the need for cash. The service was officially announced on September 27, 2024, through the Consumer Facebook page, generating excitement among users. Traditional payment methods, including cash, TrueMoney Wallet, credit cards, and All Points, remain available. Although some users believe the service is nationwide, customer service clarified that PromptPay is currently only available at select branches.

Uncertainty Surrounds Tax Obligations for Thai Elite Visa Holders Speculation has arisen that holders of Thailand’s Elite Visa might be exempt from new tax rules requiring taxation of overseas income sent to Thailand. A webinar attendee suggested Elite Visa holders may not need a tax number, similar to Long Term Residence (LTR) visa holders. However, a group moderator clarified that the information came from a PowerPoint, not an official Thai Revenue Department (TRD) document. The TRD’s new tax rule applies to most tax residents but excludes LTR visa holders. Official clarification is expected before the 2024 tax year begins.

Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Hit 38 Thai Provinces The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and strong winds hitting 38 provinces today due to a weakening southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Northeastern provinces are particularly at risk, and sailors are advised to avoid rough conditions at sea. Thunderstorms and rain are expected across northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southern Thailand. Temperatures will drop by 1-3 degrees Celsius in the northeast after October 3, due to a cold air mass from China. Residents are urged to take precautions during this period of unstable weather.

Bang Khen Police Stop Illegal Street Race Police in Bang Khen intercepted a group of motorcyclists racing on Ram Inthra Road, organised via Facebook. The riders were performing dangerous stunts, including wheelies when police arrived around 2 am. Although many fled, officers apprehended 22-year-old Adisak and his unregistered Honda Lead motorcycle. Adisak admitted to arranging the race to showcase riding skills with friends. Police have seized the motorcycle and are proceeding with legal actions against him.