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The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Asia, covering a range of topics, from the discovery of a British tourist's naked body off Patong Beach to Thai police pursuing the suspected killer of a Cambodian lawmaker. 1. British Tourist Mystery in Phuket A British tourist's naked body was found off Patong Beach, Phuket, after a mysterious encounter. Police suspect foul play. 2. Panic at Pattaya Pet Hospital Firefighters rescued six people trapped by a fire at Doctor Ja Animal Hospital in Pattaya. No injuries were reported. 3. Thai Border Police Seize Massive Drug Shipment Border police seized 240,000 meth pills and synthetic drugs in Nakhon Phanom, cracking down on cross-border smuggling. 4. Bangkok Smog Puts Politician's Father in ICU PM2.5 pollution hospitalizes a Thai politician’s father, highlighting Bangkok's worsening air quality crisis. 5. South Korean Game Show Scandal A Thai influencer exposed a game show for unpaid earnings, sparking outrage and legal scrutiny for international fraud. 6. Hero Rescues Abused Boy in Isaan A seven-year-old boy in Kalasin was rescued by a volunteer after living alone in squalor following severe abuse. 7. Unilever Faces Boycott in Indonesia Unilever faces declining sales amid a consumer boycott over environmental and labor concerns, boosting local brands. 8. Thai Police Hunt Cambodian Lawmaker's Suspected Killer Authorities pursue a fugitive suspect in the politically charged assassination of a Cambodian lawmaker in Thailand. 9. Malaysia to Lead in Energy and Chip-Making Malaysia targets $100 billion in investments to become a hub for renewables and semiconductors, attracting global giants. 10. Black Nazarene Devotion in the Philippines 400,000 devotees joined Manila's Black Nazarene procession, seeking blessings during this deeply rooted Catholic tradition.

Lisa of Blackpink Launches Thai Tea in the US Blackpink’s Lisa is taking Thai tea global with her new collaboration with luxury health brand Erewhon. The partnership introduces "Thai Up the World," a premium, health-conscious twist on the classic Thai iced tea. Crafted with unsweetened black tea, colostrum, organic dairy, maple syrup, and vanilla powder, the drink reimagines traditional flavors while offering health benefits. Priced at $11 (about 380 baht), it’s available at Erewhon stores in California. Proceeds support Best Friends Animal Society, aiding abandoned animals. Lisa’s influence continues to elevate Thai culture on the global stage, making Thai tea a potential worldwide sensation.

Hippo Mascot Promotes Thai Elections The Thai Election Commission (EC) has introduced an adorable mascot, Moo Deng, a famous pygmy hippo calf, to boost voter engagement for the upcoming provincial administrative organisation (PAO) elections on February 1. EC chairperson Ittiporn Boonprakong unveiled Moo Deng as a symbol of democracy during a ceremony, emphasizing the importance of voter participation. Alongside the mascot, the EC showcased updates to its Smart Vote app, providing voters with easy access to candidate profiles and promoting transparency. The EC hopes Moo Deng's charm and the app’s convenience will inspire more informed and enthusiastic voter turnout.

Krabi Snake Catcher Survives King Cobra Bite Sutee "Bung Cha" Naewhat, a renowned Krabi snake catcher, is receiving public support after being bitten by a king cobra while capturing a large snake on December 24. Despite the serious bite, Sutee’s calm reaction minimized venom spread, though he required surgery on his arm. Known for his 17 years of service and dedication to helping others, Sutee has over 300,000 supporters online. Snake bites are common in Thailand, with thousands of cases annually, but fatalities remain low due to accessible medical treatment and antivenom. The community hopes for Sutee’s full recovery.

British Tourists Survive Speedboat Crash in Thai Mangrove Forest A speedboat carrying British tourists crashed into a mangrove forest in southern Thailand on January 3, turning an island-hopping trip between Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta into a frightening ordeal. Shocking footage shows passengers clinging to their seats as the vessel veered off course and smashed into trees. Tourist Ellie Neary described the incident as terrifying, but fortunately, no serious injuries were reported despite the chaos.

Yingluck Shinawatra Faces Jail if She Returns to Thailand Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, exiled since her 2017 conviction over a corruption-linked rice scheme, faces the possibility of jail if she returns to Thailand. Yingluck’s five-year sentence disqualifies her from a new alternative detention program aimed at reducing prison overcrowding, which only applies to sentences of up to four years. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong emphasized the program’s impartiality, dismissing rumors it was tailored for Yingluck. The initiative focuses on aligning with international corrections standards and reducing reoffending rates but still requires procedural refinements before full implementation. Yingluck's case highlights ongoing legal and political tensions in Thailand.

Thai Hostages Held by Hamas Remain Unaccounted Amid Ongoing Crisis Six Thai nationals remain hostages of Hamas in Gaza, with their fate uncertain amid ongoing Middle East tensions. While reports hint at potential hostage exchanges, it’s unclear if these Thais are among 34 listed for a possible swap. Captured during the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, 23 Thai hostages have since been released, and two are confirmed dead. The Israeli government awaits Hamas confirmation on the status of the remaining six, as families and the international community anxiously push for their safe return. Humanitarian groups urge transparency and humane treatment amidst the chaos.

The transcription below presents news stories from Thailand and Asia, covering topics such as Thai hostages held by Hamas and the ongoing rescue efforts for survivors of the Tibet earthquake. 1. Thai Hostages Held by Hamas Remain Unaccounted Six Thai nationals remain hostages in Gaza, as families and international groups urge for their safe return. 2. Yingluck Shinawatra Faces Jail if She Returns Exiled former PM Yingluck Shinawatra risks jail in Thailand, barred from a detention program meant to reduce reoffending. 3. British Tourists Survive Speedboat Crash in Mangrove A speedboat carrying British tourists crashed into a Thai mangrove forest, causing chaos but no serious injuries. 4. Krabi Snake Catcher Survives King Cobra Bite Renowned Krabi snake catcher Sutee Naewhat recovers after surviving a king cobra bite, receiving widespread support. 5. Hippo Mascot Promotes Thai Elections Thailand’s Election Commission introduces Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo mascot, to inspire voter turnout for February polls. 6. Lisa of Blackpink Launches Thai Tea in the US Lisa’s new Thai iced tea, "Thai Up the World," debuts in California, promoting Thai culture and supporting animal welfare. 7. Rescuers Race to Find Tibet Quake Survivors Over 126 dead and thousands displaced after a 6.8 quake in Tibet. Rescuers face freezing conditions to save lives. 8. Mochi Choking Incidents Claim Two Lives in Japan Two elderly men in Tokyo died choking on mochi during New Year’s celebrations, despite annual safety warnings. 9. Indonesia Blocks iPhone 16 Sales Indonesia bans iPhone 16 sales, citing Apple’s failure to meet local production rules, pushing for greater investment. 10. South Korean President Faces Arrest Warrant Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces arrest over a martial law declaration, fueling political turmoil.

Transgender Woman Assaulted by Foreigner on Pattaya Beach A transgender woman, "A," reported being assaulted by a foreign man on Pattaya Beach. The man allegedly insulted, mocked, and later punched her before fleeing on a motorbike. The incident, witnessed by tourists and captured on video, occurred after the man made derogatory remarks and attempted to pay others to attack her. Despite injuries, A provided CCTV evidence and witness accounts to the police, urging swift action. Highlighting similar unreported incidents, she stressed the importance of protecting Thailand’s image and ensuring safety for both locals and tourists. Authorities are investigating.

Missing Dog Reward Turns Scandal with 100-Year Cheque Validity A search for a missing dog, Thong Dee, in Pathum Thani turned controversial when the promised reward cheque was found to be valid only in 2125. Thong Dee’s owner, Kluay, initially offered 20,000 baht for the dog's safe return after he went missing on New Year’s Eve. Wisa, a local woman, found and cared for the dog before returning him, but Kluay claimed another person had found the dog first and issued a cheque for only 20,000 baht to the restaurant worker where the dog had been spotted. The cheque's validity date sparked outrage, and Kluay has yet to address the issue.

Bangkok to Celebrate Historic Day as 300 Same-Sex Couples Wed On January 23, as Thailand’s Marriage Equality Law takes effect, around 300 same-sex couples are expected to marry in Bangkok. Preparations include special activities at district offices, such as Bang Rak, nicknamed "Love Hamlet," which will host many couples. Online pre-registration has eased the process, with over 100 couples already signed up, including 67 opting for Siam Paragon. The new law replaces terms like "husband" and "wife" with "spouse," reflecting progress in gender equality. Foreign-Thai couples can also register, though recognition depends on the foreign partner's home country. This landmark law makes Thailand the third Asian territory to legalize same-sex marriage, highlighting advancements in equal rights and social acceptance.

Three-Year-Old Rescued from Locked Car in Uthai Thani A three-year-old boy, nicknamed All New, was rescued after being trapped inside a locked car for nearly 50 minutes at Lan Sak market in Uthai Thani. The child accidentally locked himself in while his mother, a grilled chicken vendor, was working nearby. Police and a locksmith worked together to unlock the car, freeing the distressed and overheated boy. His mother expressed deep gratitude to the responders and urged parents to never leave children unattended in vehicles.

Chinese Actor Missing at Thailand-Myanmar Border Found Chinese actor Wang Xing, missing at the Thailand-Myanmar border, has been found safe, according to the Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai. Wang, also known as Xing Xing, reportedly traveled to Thailand for a casting opportunity but lost contact after signaling for help in Mae Sot on Friday. Thai authorities and Chinese consulates coordinated to locate him, and he returned from Myanmar to Mae Sot on Tuesday. Wang's girlfriend, Jia Jia, raised alarm on social media, prompting widespread attention. Chinese and Thai officials have expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts ensuring Wang's safety.

British Holidaymaker Dies in Thailand Motorbike Crash, Family Pays Tribute Corey Beavis, a 28-year-old from South Wales, tragically died in a motorbike crash in Phuket, Thailand, on January 4. Riding without a helmet, Corey lost his life in the accident. His twin brother, Liam, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Corey his "best friend" and vowing to honor his memory. The family is raising £35,000 for his repatriation, with over £10,000 donated in 24 hours. Described as a vibrant and loving individual, Corey left a lasting impression on those around him. The UK Foreign Office is supporting the grieving family.

The transcription below highlights news stories from Thailand and across Asia, covering topics such as the safe return of Chinese actor Wang Xing after his disappearance near the border and the assassination of a French-Cambodian politician in Bangkok. 1. Chinese Actor Found at Thailand-Myanmar Border Chinese actor Wang Xing, missing near the Thailand-Myanmar border, has been found safe. Thai and Chinese authorities coordinated his return after a social media appeal by his girlfriend drew attention. 2. Transgender Woman Assaulted on Pattaya Beach A transgender woman reported being mocked, insulted, and punched by a foreigner on Pattaya Beach. Police are investigating after the victim provided video and witness evidence. 3. Child Rescued from Locked Car in Uthai Thani A three-year-old boy was rescued after being trapped in a locked car for nearly 50 minutes. Police and a locksmith worked quickly to free the child, who was unharmed. 4. British Tourist Dies in Phuket Motorbike Crash Corey Beavis, 28, tragically died in a motorbike crash in Phuket. His family is raising funds for repatriation as the UK Foreign Office assists. 5. Bangkok to Host 300 Same-Sex Weddings As Thailand’s Marriage Equality Law takes effect, 300 same-sex couples will wed in Bangkok on January 23, marking a historic milestone for equal rights. 6. Dog Reward Turns Scandal in Pathum Thani A missing dog reward caused controversy when the issued cheque was valid only in 2125. Outrage has mounted, with the dog owner yet to respond. 7. Malaysia and Singapore Launch Johor SEZ Malaysia and Singapore unveiled a special economic zone in Johor, aiming to boost investments, create 20,000 jobs, and enhance cross-border connectivity. 8. Indonesia Joins BRICS Bloc Indonesia has officially joined BRICS, aligning with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to reform global governance and promote South-South cooperation. 9. Ex-French-Cambodian MP Assassinated in Bangkok Former opposition MP Lim Kimya was shot dead in Bangkok. Authorities are investigating the politically sensitive case as international scrutiny grows. 10. Taiwan Launches Digital Nomad Visa Taiwan introduced a digital nomad visa for foreign remote workers, offering a six-month stay to boost tourism and economic growth.

Bangkok Struggles with Hazardous Air Quality from PM2.5 Pollution Bangkok and 66 Thai provinces are grappling with hazardous air quality as PM2.5 levels surged to unsafe highs on Monday. Sing Buri recorded the worst pollution at 85.6µg/m³, far exceeding the government’s safe limit of 37.5µg/m³. In Bangkok, all 50 districts reported unsafe levels, with Bangkok Yai reaching a staggering 102.3µg/m³. Authorities are under pressure to address the worsening air pollution, emphasizing the need for sustainable measures to safeguard public health.

Thaksin’s Racist Remarks Ignite Controversy in Thailand Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faced backlash over remarks made during an election campaign in Chiang Rai, where he controversially compared African women’s features to Thai women, suggesting the former earn substantial incomes despite "bad features." The comments, deemed racist by many, sparked widespread condemnation, including from Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, who urged Thaksin to apologize for violating human rights principles. The controversy has not only tarnished Thaksin’s reputation but also risks undermining the electoral prospects of the Pheu Thai-backed candidate he supported. The incident reignites scrutiny of Thaksin’s lingering influence in Thai politics.

Parents and Children Escape Elephant Panic During Ritual in Thailand A cultural ritual involving children passing under an elephant’s belly for good fortune nearly turned tragic when the animal panicked, as seen in a viral CCTV video shared on Facebook. The elephant kicked its handler carrying a child, narrowly avoiding a fatal accident. The post, dated January 6th, highlighted the dangers of such practices, urging caution while respecting beliefs. Social media reactions strongly criticized the risks, emphasizing safety over tradition. Fortunately, the handler calmed the elephant in time, preventing any injuries.

Thailand Expands E-Visa Program to Nine African Nations Thailand has launched an e-visa program for nine African nations as of January 1, aiming to boost tourism by simplifying the application process. This digital system replaces physical applications and ensures faster processing, typically within five working days. The approved countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Chad, among others. Applicants must submit proof of residence, travel plans, and return flight details online via the Royal Thai Embassy’s website. The initiative builds on Thailand’s growing ties with Africa through policies like the Thai-Africa Initiative, encouraging tourism beyond major hubs like Bangkok and Phuket.

Drunken Tourist Attacks Phuket Bikers Over Massage Ride Refusal A drunken tourist in Phuket attacked three motorcycle taxi riders after they refused to give him a ride to a massage parlor, citing that they were fully booked. Video footage showed the foreigner shouting and assaulting the riders, injuring one by strangling and hitting the others during the altercation. The man eventually left the scene, and the riders reported the incident to Karon Police. The tourist was fined only 500 baht and paid 5,000 baht in compensation, which the victims deemed insufficient. Many netizens criticized perceived leniency towards foreigners, with claims of bias from local police. Drug use, rather than alcohol, was suspected.

Chinese Actor Disappears Near Thai-Myanmar Border Chinese actor Wang Xing, known as Xingxing, disappeared after being lured to Thailand under the pretense of a film shoot, raising fears of human trafficking. Xingxing traveled from Shanghai to the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mae Sot, an area infamous for illegal activities, after responding to a casting call on WeChat. Communication with his girlfriend, Jiajia, ceased shortly after his arrival. She has since sought help from Chinese and Thai authorities, including the Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Thailand. As investigations continue, the case underscores the dangers of digital scams targeting vulnerable individuals in creative industries.

The transcription below features news from Thailand and across Asia, as presented on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories cover a wide range of topics, from an elephant panic during a ritual in Thailand to Vietnam's impressive 7.09% economic growth in 2024. 1. Elephant Panic During Ritual Nearly Turns Tragic A cultural ritual in Thailand, involving children passing under an elephant for good fortune, almost ended in disaster when the elephant panicked. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked debate over safety and tradition. 2. Drunken Tourist Assaults Phuket Riders Over Massage Ride A tourist in Phuket attacked three motorcycle taxi riders who refused him a ride to a massage parlour. Despite causing injuries, he was fined only 500 baht, raising public criticism. 3. Chinese Actor Vanishes Near Thai-Myanmar Border Chinese actor Wang Xing disappeared after being lured to Mae Sot for a fake film shoot, sparking fears of human trafficking. Authorities are investigating. 4. Thaksin’s Remarks Spark Racism Controversy Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra faces backlash over racist comments during a campaign, drawing criticism for undermining human rights principles. 5. Thailand Expands E-Visa Program to Africa Thailand launched an e-visa program for nine African nations, simplifying travel for tourists and strengthening ties under the Thai-Africa Initiative. 6. Bangkok Faces Hazardous PM2.5 Pollution Levels Bangkok and 66 provinces reported dangerous PM2.5 levels, with Bangkok Yai reaching 102.3µg/m³. Authorities face mounting pressure for solutions. 7. Malaysia’s Ex-PM Najib Wins House Detention Appeal Malaysia's ex-PM Najib Razak secured a court ruling to reconsider house detention claims linked to a royal document, reigniting political debate. 8. Vietnam's Economy Surges with 7.09% Growth in 2024 Vietnam’s GDP reached $476.3 billion in 2024, driven by strong exports and investment, despite challenges in the banking and real estate sectors. 9. Indonesia’s $28 Billion Free Meal Program Launches Indonesia’s President Prabowo launched a free meal initiative targeting 83 million people by 2029, focusing on malnutrition and economic growth. 10. Motorcycle-Sized Tuna Sells for $1.3 Million in Tokyo A 608-pound bluefin tuna fetched $1.3 million at Tokyo's New Year auction, continuing a tradition but raising concerns over overfishing.

Foreign Tourists Assault Phuket Taxi Driver Over Fare Dispute A viral video captured two foreign men attacking a Thai taxi driver in Phuket outside a supermarket on December 3, allegedly over a fare dispute. The men, who had booked the service via the Bolt app, traveled from Patong to Thalang for a fare of 570 baht but only had 200 baht in cash. After requesting a stop for currency exchange, the driver asked for an additional 200 baht for the detour, sparking an argument and subsequent physical assault. Despite public outrage and calls for legal action, the driver declined to press charges, prompting mixed reactions from Thai netizens about the incident's handling.

Foreign Tourists Criticized for Inappropriate Behavior on Phuket Tuk-Tuk A video of foreign tourists engaging in intimate behavior on a tuk-tuk in Phuket on January 3 sparked outrage online. Shared by a Facebook user, the 37-second clip shows the tourists ignoring the driver’s repeated warnings to stop while en route to their accommodation. The incident, which occurred near Patong Beach, drew mixed reactions, with some netizens joking and others expressing frustration over disrespectful behavior. Locals have voiced concerns about the recurring issue of inappropriate tourist conduct, urging visitors to respect Phuket’s cultural values to protect its reputation.

PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Declares Over 13 Billion Baht in Assets Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 38, disclosed assets exceeding 13 billion baht and liabilities of 4.4 billion baht, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Her holdings include 217 handbags, 23 luxury vehicles, gold, jewelry, and properties in Thailand, Japan, and London. Her income, primarily from dividends, totals over 265 million baht annually, while expenses reach 57 million baht. Notable liabilities include loans from family members. The declaration highlights her significant wealth and luxurious lifestyle, featuring investments across 32 companies and extensive landholdings.