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Thailand in Talks to Extend MotoGP and Host Future Formula 1 Race Thailand is set to negotiate a five-year MotoGP contract extension with Dorna Sports while also exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula One (F1) race. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong emphasized the government’s commitment, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s support. Talks will focus on reducing licensing fees and securing private sector sponsorships. The Chang International Circuit remains Thailand’s sole FIM-certified track for MotoGP. Hosting a race generates an estimated 5-6 billion baht, reinforcing Thailand’s push to establish itself as a global motorsport hub. Negotiations are expected within one to two months.

29 Tourists Rescued After Speedboat Begins Leaking Off Krabi A speedboat carrying 29 tourists from Koh Lipe to Phuket began leaking off Krabi’s coast near Koh Poda Nok due to rough seas. The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park patrol boat and another vessel, Nanthicha 333, swiftly rescued all passengers. Unable to reach Koh Phi Phi, the tourists were temporarily taken to Maya Bay before continuing their journey. The incident highlights the importance of strict safety measures in Thailand’s popular maritime routes to ensure tourist safety.

German Man Arrested in Thailand for Running Dark Web Child Porn Network Thai police, in collaboration with US Homeland Security, arrested a 54-year-old German national, Steffen, in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, for allegedly running a child pornography network on the dark web. Authorities seized electronic devices containing 140,000 illicit files and financial records showing earnings of 3.5 million baht from cryptocurrency payments. Steffen admitted to managing two dark web sites with over 10,000 subscribers. He faces charges under Thai law and possible extradition for further prosecution. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities tracking other suspects and users connected to the operation.

Thai MP Faces Investigation for Vaping in Parliament Thai People’s Party MP Charoenyuth Chaturapornprasit is under investigation after being caught smoking an e-cigarette inside Parliament. A viral social media post criticized his actions, prompting his party to launch an internal review. The case will likely be examined by the House Ethics Committee, as Thailand continues its crackdown on e-cigarettes. Meanwhile, a House special committee is set to present vaping regulations on March 13, potentially shaping future policies. While some see the scrutiny as politically motivated, party leaders stress the need for an objective review of the incident.

Foreign Tourists Fined for Public Cannabis Use in Pai Pai police arrested four foreign tourists—German, British, French, and Dutch—on March 9, 2025, for smoking cannabis on Walking Street in Mae Hong Son. The crackdown, led by Major General Songkrit Onarchaikrai, responded to complaints from locals and tourists about public cannabis and cigarette use. The arrested individuals were fined for causing a public nuisance, as authorities continue efforts to enforce regulations and educate visitors on local laws. The operation aims to maintain order and improve the overall experience for tourists in Pai.

Swiss Tourist Arrested in Phuket for Drug Use After Viral Video A Swiss tourist, Sascha, was arrested in Phuket after a viral video showed him allegedly using illegal drugs in public. The footage, filmed in a motorbike parking area along the Kamala-Patong road, caught the attention of Thai authorities, leading to his swift arrest. Sascha admitted to the offense, and police are now investigating the source of the drugs. Meanwhile, another Swiss national, Rolf Weber, faces possible deportation in Prachuap Khiri Khan after multiple incidents of his dog attacking beachgoers. These cases serve as stark reminders for tourists to respect Thai laws and cultural norms to avoid severe legal consequences.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, as presented on the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The coverage includes a range of topics, from the arrest of a Swiss tourist in Phuket for drug use to the imprisonment of an Indonesian TikToker for blasphemy over a Jesus joke. 1. Swiss Tourist Arrested in Phuket for Drug Use A Swiss tourist was arrested in Phuket after a viral video showed him allegedly using illegal drugs in public. 2. Foreign Tourists Fined for Public Cannabis Use in Pai Four tourists were fined in Pai, Mae Hong Son, for smoking cannabis in public, following a police crackdown on drug use. 3. Thai MP Investigated for Vaping in Parliament A Thai MP faces an ethics probe after being caught vaping inside Parliament, sparking debate over vaping regulations. 4. German Man Arrested for Running Dark Web Child Porn Network Thai police, with US Homeland Security, arrested a German national for running a child pornography network in Chon Buri. 5. 29 Tourists Rescued from Leaking Speedboat Off Krabi A speedboat carrying 29 tourists from Koh Lipe to Phuket began leaking, prompting a swift rescue near Koh Poda Nok. 6. Thailand in Talks to Extend MotoGP and Host Formula 1 Thailand is negotiating a five-year MotoGP extension and exploring plans to host a Formula 1 race to boost tourism. 7. Cambodian Woman Murdered, Ex-Husband Dies by Suicide A Cambodian woman was killed by her ex-husband, who later took his own life after fleeing to Banteay Meanchey Province. 8. New Evidence in Malaysia’s Zayn Rayyan Murder Case Malaysian police are reviewing new evidence after a TikTok video surfaced, showing the victim shortly before his death. 9.Indonesian TikToker Jailed for Blasphemy Over Jesus Joke A Muslim transgender TikToker in Indonesia was sentenced to prison for blasphemy after making a joke about Jesus.

Wild Elephant Tosses Man From Pickup in Hua Hin A dramatic elephant encounter on Hua Hin’s Pala-U Road went viral after the massive animal used its trunk to eject a man from the back of a pickup truck. The passenger, 46-year-old Chaiwat Harnwichian, suffered minor rib pain but avoided serious injuries. The incident, caught on camera, has sparked warnings for drivers in the area, where wild elephants are common but usually non-aggressive. Officials are now being urged to implement safety measures along this route. The video serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in Thailand.

Chinese Tourists Accused of Dining and Dashing in Chon Buri Restaurant owners in Chon Buri are reporting a rise in Chinese tourists dining and dashing. The latest incident saw four Chinese men leave without paying a 1,205-baht bill on March 2. After the owner shared the incident online, more businesses came forward with similar complaints, some lacking CCTV evidence to take legal action. A hotpot buffet owner reported another case on March 8, where diners crumpled the bill and exited through the back. Police are now investigating the suspects’ residence, believed to be a condominium housing many Chinese nationals, as concerns grow over repeated scams targeting local restaurants.

Indian Men Caught Smuggling 22kg of Cannabis at Bangkok Airport Two Indian men, Kamarudheen and Shibin, were arrested at Don Mueang Airport for attempting to smuggle 22kg of cannabis disguised as snack bags. The duo was caught at the check-in counter before boarding a flight to India. X-ray scans revealed the hidden cannabis, and they failed to provide the required export permits. Charged under the Customs Act, they were taken to Don Mueang Police Station for legal proceedings. The case highlights concerns about illegal cannabis exports, with Thai business owners emphasizing that smuggling undermines Thailand’s regulated cannabis industry.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-ob34NvGdyI?feature=share Russian “Mafia” Busted for Extorting Tourists on Koh Pha Ngan A 27-year-old Russian man, Vladislav Klenov, was arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for allegedly extorting tourists while posing as a "mafia" figure. He dressed in fake police gear, carried a mock firearm, and claimed ties to high-ranking Thai officials. Police raided his shop in Ban Tai, uncovering an air rifle, handcuffs, and a counterfeit police vest. Klenov, who sold cannabis, was also charged with working without a permit and drug use. Authorities urge any victims to come forward, reinforcing Thailand’s zero-tolerance stance on crime against tourists.

Buddhist Monk Arrested for Decade-Old Robbery Case A 59-year-old Buddhist monk, Chalad, was arrested at a temple in Ayutthaya for his role in a 2010 robbery worth over 2 million baht. Previously granted bail, he had been on the run for years, moving between provinces before becoming a monk. Police tracked him down and arrested him under a 2015 warrant. Chalad admitted to acting as the getaway driver and lookout during the crime. He has been sent to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court to face legal proceedings.

British Couple’s Thailand Dream Turns Into Legal Nightmare A British couple’s dream retirement in Thailand has turned into a legal nightmare. Des and Mary Byrne, aged 77 and 69, were brutally attacked in a land dispute in December 2023. The assailants, reportedly trained in Thai boxing, confessed and agreed to pay compensation. However, in a shocking twist, the Byrnes were later arrested on counter-charges of causing “superficial injuries and mental anguish” to their attackers. Now, as their court date approaches on March 12, they fear imprisonment. The couple has sold their Hua Hin villa to cover legal fees, while their family urges the UK government to intervene, calling it a grave miscarriage of justice.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering topics from a British couple’s legal ordeal in Thailand to Malaysia’s travel advisory for southern Thailand. Hosted by Alex and Jay, these stories are part of the Good Morning Thailand program. 1. British Couple’s Thai Dream Turns into Legal Nightmare A British couple, Des and Mary Byrne, were brutally attacked in a land dispute but later arrested on counter-charges. With their court date set for March 12, they fear imprisonment despite their attackers confessing. Their family urges UK government intervention. 2. Buddhist Monk Arrested for Decade-Old Robbery Police arrested a 59-year-old monk, Chalad, in Ayutthaya for a 2010 robbery worth over 2 million baht. On the run for years, he had been living in temples under a 2015 warrant. He now faces legal proceedings. 3. Fake Russian Mafia Busted for Extorting Tourists A Russian man posing as a "mafia" figure was arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for extorting tourists. Found with a fake police vest and weapons, he also faces drug-related charges. Authorities urge victims to come forward. 4. Indian Men Caught Smuggling 22kg of Cannabis at Bangkok Airport Two Indian nationals were arrested at Don Mueang Airport for attempting to smuggle 22kg of cannabis disguised as snacks. They failed to provide export permits and now face charges under the Customs Act. 5. Chinese Tourists Accused of Dining and Dashing in Chon Buri Restaurants in Chon Buri report a surge in Chinese tourists skipping out on bills. A recent case on March 2 saw four men leave without paying, prompting police to investigate similar incidents. 6. Wild Elephant Tosses Man from Pickup in Hua Hin A viral video captured a wild elephant using its trunk to throw a man from a moving pickup on Pala-U Road. The passenger suffered minor injuries, raising safety concerns in elephant-prone areas. 7. Cambodian Deputy Governor Arrested in $400K Corruption Bust Cambodian officials arrested Kampong Speu Deputy Governor Tith Vuthy for defrauding a Chinese investor in a mining scam. He and two accomplices have been sentenced to detention. 8. Malaysia Warns Against Travel to Southern Thailand Malaysia advises against non-essential travel to Thailand’s Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces due to security threats, including a recent bomb attack. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant.

Protesters Storm Thai Finance Ministry Over Casino Bill Protesters stormed Thailand’s Finance Ministry, demanding the government scrap its casino legalization bill. Led by three activist groups, they accused Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat of favoring Thai gamblers over tourists. Their main grievance is the removal of a financial safeguard requiring Thai patrons to have a 50 million baht bank balance. Protesters also renewed calls for the seizure of 46 billion baht from former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. With tensions high and no compromise reached, demonstrations are set to continue.

Swiss National Faces Visa Revocation Over Repeated Dog Attacks A Swiss national in Prachuap Khiri Khan faces possible visa revocation after multiple incidents where his dog attacked tourists on the beach. Despite previous warnings and local regulations, Matthias repeatedly let his dog roam unleashed, leading to injuries. Authorities are gathering evidence, with a court hearing set for March 11. A public hearing is also planned to address community concerns. The district chief will propose his visa cancellation to the provincial governor and immigration officials.

Hungarian Man Arrested for Stealing 1.5 Million Baht in Nonthaburi A 57-year-old Hungarian man, Altal Bara, was arrested in Pattaya for allegedly breaking into a businessman’s car in a Nonthaburi mall parking lot and stealing 1.5 million baht. The March 3 incident was caught on CCTV, leading police to track him down. He was found sunbathing at a hotel, with cash, a stolen motorcycle, and a signal-jamming device. Authorities believe he re-entered Thailand illegally. He is now in police custody for legal proceedings.

Italian Man Fined for Public Indecency in Pattaya An elderly Italian man, 68-year-old Carlo, was fined 3,000 baht for public indecency after allegedly performing an obscene act at Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Beach. A female journalist, who witnessed the incident, recorded evidence and alerted police. Authorities swiftly identified and arrested the suspect, who reacted angrily to the press. Carlo denied the allegations, claiming a medical condition caused his actions. Despite his defense, police proceeded with legal action.

Illegal Wildlife Seized in Songkhla Luxury Home Raid Authorities raided a luxury home in Songkhla’s Mueang district, seizing illegal wildlife, including a white lion, a liger, and two large elephant tusks. Led by the Department of National Parks, the operation followed reports of unauthorized possession of dangerous wildlife. The owner, Gomate, was absent during the raid, and officials confiscated the animals and ivory as evidence. He will be summoned for questioning, facing potential charges for illegal wildlife possession.

Deadly Explosion in Pattani Kills Three, Investigation Ongoing A nighttime explosion in Pattani’s Sai Buri district killed three officials and injured another on March 8 at 11:20 pm. The blast, near a pavilion in the Hu Tae Kor Lae neighborhood, followed an earlier attack on rangers. Authorities delayed a full investigation until daylight due to concerns about additional explosives. Security forces have cordoned off the area and urged residents to report any suspicious activity. An investigation is underway.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Asia, as covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from an Italian man fined for public indecency in Pattaya to Duterte dismissing ICC arrest concerns. 1. Italian Man Fined for Public Indecency in Pattaya A 68-year-old Italian man, Carlo, was fined 3,000 baht for public indecency at Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Beach. A journalist recorded the incident and alerted police, leading to his swift arrest. Carlo denied the allegations, citing a medical condition, but authorities proceeded with legal action. 2. Deadly Explosion in Pattani Kills Three An explosion in Pattani’s Sai Buri district killed three officials and injured another late on March 8. Authorities delayed the investigation until daylight due to concerns over additional explosives. Security forces have sealed off the area, and an investigation is ongoing. 3. Illegal Wildlife Seized in Songkhla Luxury Home Raid Officials raided a luxury home in Songkhla, confiscating illegal wildlife, including a white lion, a liger, and two elephant tusks. The owner, Gomate, was absent and will be summoned for questioning. He faces possible charges for illegal wildlife possession. 4. Swiss National Faces Visa Revocation Over Dog Attacks A Swiss man in Prachuap Khiri Khan risks his visa being canceled after his dog repeatedly attacked tourists on the beach. Despite prior warnings, he failed to leash the animal. Authorities have gathered evidence, and a court hearing is set for March 11. A public hearing is also planned. 5. Hungarian Man Arrested for Stealing 1.5 Million Baht A 57-year-old Hungarian man was arrested in Pattaya for stealing 1.5 million baht from a businessman’s car in Nonthaburi. CCTV footage led to his capture while sunbathing at a hotel. He was found with cash, a stolen motorcycle, and a signal-jamming device. 6. Protesters Storm Thai Finance Ministry Over Casino Bill Protesters stormed Thailand’s Finance Ministry, demanding the government scrap its casino bill. They opposed a policy change that would remove a financial safeguard for Thai gamblers. Tensions remain high as the demonstrations continue. 7. Cambodian Raid Nets 258 Foreigners in Illegal Online Operation Cambodian authorities arrested 258 foreigners in a crackdown on an illegal online operation in Mondulkiri. Among those detained were 247 Chinese and others from Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Fourteen suspects face further investigation, while the rest will be processed by immigration. 8. Duterte Dismisses ICC Arrest Concerns Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte brushed off concerns about a possible ICC arrest warrant while in Hong Kong. The ICC is investigating extrajudicial killings during his drug war from 2016 to 2022. Duterte insists he is ready for jail if necessary, while his return to Manila remains uncertain.

Foreign Tourist Found Dead on Kata Beach in Phuket A foreign female tourist, around 50 years old, was found dead under a beach umbrella on Kata Beach in Phuket on Wednesday afternoon. Lifeguards and police arrived at the scene near the Karon Municipality Office after a vendor noticed she had been motionless for a long time. The woman was lying face down with red rashes on her back and legs, but no signs of struggle or assault were found. A preliminary medical check suggested she had been deceased for some time. Authorities are working to determine her identity and cause of death.

MP Exposes Illegal Condo Rentals and Prostitution in Nana An MP has raised concerns about illegal daily condo rentals in Bangkok’s Nana area, alleging that a condominium is being used for prostitution and short-term stays, disturbing permanent residents. Complaints include foreign nationals hosting loud parties, drug use, and security risks. MP Phanthira Nwamjerm has urged amendments to the Condominium Act to give owners more control and called for stricter enforcement of rental laws, including Airbnb regulation and tax compliance. He also warned that allowing foreigners to own up to 75% of condos could marginalize Thai residents. Authorities are urged to conduct random inspections to curb illegal activities.

Thai Court Blocks Thaksin’s Travel Request Amid Legal Battles Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra was denied permission to leave Thailand for an ASEAN meeting in Indonesia, as the Criminal Court ruled his ongoing legal issues under the lèse majesté law and Computer Crime Act provided insufficient justification for his departure. Thaksin, accompanied by his lawyer, made his request in court on March 6 but was rejected later that afternoon. Since returning from 15 years in exile, his legal troubles have fueled speculation about his political strategy. With this ruling, he remains in Thailand under government scrutiny, unable to attend the March 7 ASEAN meeting.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Asia, as presented on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex and Jay. The coverage includes topics ranging from a tourist found dead on Kata Beach to Vietnam's growing tourism industry, which still lags behind Thailand. Tourist Found Dead on Kata Beach A foreign woman was found dead under a beach umbrella on Kata Beach, Phuket. Authorities are investigating the cause. Illegal Rentals & Prostitution in Nana An MP exposes illegal condo rentals in Bangkok’s Nana area, linking them to prostitution, loud parties, and security risks. Thai Court Blocks Thaksin’s Travel Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra was denied travel for an ASEAN meeting due to ongoing legal battles under Thai law. Thailand Ends Student Hairstyle Rules A court ruling overturns Thailand’s decades-old student hairstyle restrictions, marking a shift toward personal freedoms. Optimus Prime Creator vs. Bangkok Bar A viral artist clashed with a Bangkok bar over donations for his new projects, sparking public controversy. Hong Kong Court Overturns Activists' Convictions Three pro-democracy activists won appeals due to unfair trials, though broader political repression remains a concern. Vietnam Tourism Grows but Trails Thailand Vietnam saw a 30% rise in foreign visitors but still lags behind Thailand’s tourism boom, prompting policy reviews.