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https://youtube.com/shorts/-Nk2-mGOsT8?feature=share British, Romanian, Dutch Nationals Arrested in Second Samui Airport Cannabis Bust Authorities at Samui International Airport have arrested four foreign nationals—two British, one Romanian, and one Dutch—attempting to smuggle 110 kg of cannabis buds in suitcases bound for Hong Kong, the UK, and Germany. This follows another bust just a day prior, where five other foreigners were caught with 144 kg of cannabis at the same airport. Officials suspect an organized smuggling network, as both groups claimed they were offered free trips to Thailand in exchange for transporting luggage. With nine suspects now in custody and 254 kg of cannabis seized in 48 hours, police are intensifying their investigation into the operation’s masterminds.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, as presented on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex and Jay. The coverage includes topics ranging from a drug bust at Samui Airport to Vietnam's airport expansion. 1. Samui Airport Drug Bust: Thai authorities arrested four foreigners smuggling 110 kg of cannabis, linking them to a larger trafficking network. 2. Chiang Mai Air Pollution Crisis: Chiang Mai now has the world’s worst air quality due to regional fires, with PM2.5 levels reaching hazardous levels. 3. Kim Soo-Hyun Controversy: The actor’s 2014 badminton scandal in Thailand resurfaces amid dating allegations, sparking online debate. 4. Illegal Gambling Den Raid: Thai police arrested 19 people in Suthisan for running an illegal hi-lo dice game in a rented room. 5. EU Condemns Uyghur Deportations: The European Parliament urges Thailand to halt forced Uyghur returns and ensure transparency in its policies. 6. E-Cigarette Crackdown in Thailand: Police arrested a major e-cigarette distributor linked to a Chinese financier, seizing 30,000 devices. 7. Phnom Penh Warehouse Fire: A massive fire destroyed a fabric warehouse in Cambodia’s capital; authorities are investigating the cause. 8. Indonesia’s Sinking Coast: Java’s coastline is rapidly sinking; the government plans a 700km sea wall, but experts doubt its feasibility. 9. Philippines Prepares for ICC Arrests: The PNP is ready to assist in future ICC arrest warrants linked to Duterte’s drug war. 10. Vietnam’s Airport Expansion: Ho Chi Minh City’s new Terminal T3 will handle 80% of domestic flights, easing congestion at Tan Son Nhat.

Hailstorms Devastate Northeast Thailand, Hundreds of Homes Damaged A powerful hailstorm struck Surin, Yasothon, and Nong Bua Lamphu on March 12, damaging hundreds of homes and leaving villages in disarray. Golf ball-sized hail and strong winds ripped off roofs, destroyed rice barns, and flattened animal shelters in what locals call the worst storm in years. Surin saw 36 households affected, while Yasothon’s Kham Khuean Kaeo district reported damage to 174 homes. Nong Bua Lamphu suffered the most, with 300 houses and two temples impacted. Seven electricity poles were also knocked down, causing blackouts.

Tourist and Ladyboys Clash in Phuket’s Bangla Road A late-night altercation on Phuket’s Bangla Road turned violent as a dispute over an unpaid meal escalated into a brawl between a tourist and a group of ladyboys. The fight, which took place in the early hours of March 12, saw the tourist knocked to the ground as tensions spiraled. Video footage captured the chaotic scene before Patong police arrived to break up the fight, preventing further violence. While no serious injuries or legal actions have been reported yet, the incident has reignited concerns over safety in Phuket’s bustling nightlife hub.

Another Tourist Brawl in Pattaya Raises Concerns Over Rising Violence A violent altercation between foreign tourists in Jomtien, near Dong Tan Beach, has reignited concerns about unruly behavior damaging Pattaya’s reputation. The fight, which broke out on March 12, saw two groups clash before local authorities intervened, detaining two individuals while others fled the scene. Frustrated locals are increasingly voicing their concerns, noting that such incidents are becoming frequent and casting a shadow over Pattaya’s tourism image. Social media discussions highlight growing fears that the city is becoming unsafe due to disruptive visitors.

Foreign Smugglers Caught at Koh Samui Airport with 144kg of Cannabis Thai authorities intercepted a smuggling operation at Koh Samui Airport, arresting five foreign suspects attempting to traffic 144kg of cannabis to London and Singapore. The group was caught at the X-ray checkpoint with seven suitcases filled with vacuum-sealed cannabis flower buds. Two suspects were set to take 85.34kg to London, while two others each carried 35.8kg, receiving £2,000 for the job. Another, bound for Singapore, was carrying 22.8kg for a 6,000 ringgit fee. The cannabis was allegedly provided by a Thai accomplice, whom police are still tracking.

British Retirees Avoid Thai Jail After Violent Land Dispute Des and Mary Byrne, a British couple, narrowly avoided jail in Thailand, receiving a 9,000 baht (£200) fine instead. Their troubles began in 2020 when a land dispute with neighbors in Hua Hin turned violent. The 77-year-old retired engineer and his 69-year-old wife were brutally attacked but were shockingly prosecuted alongside their assailants. Despite CCTV evidence, the Byrnes faced charges while their attackers paid compensation. A campaign involving British officials helped secure a lenient sentence, allowing them to reclaim their passports and return to the UK. Though they had to sell their villa to cover legal fees, they are relieved to leave the ordeal behind, ready for a fresh start.

British TikTok Star Jailed in Thailand Over Visa and Benefit Fraud British TikTok influencer Ellis Matthews (@mumontheruninasia) has been jailed in Thailand for overstaying her visa. The 32-year-old, who moved to Thailand four years ago, gained attention for sharing her luxury lifestyle, allegedly funded by UK benefits. Her advice on claiming benefits while living abroad led to a police raid at her Pattaya home. Ellis reportedly received £2,300 monthly for mental health issues, but Thailand isn't typically an approved location for UK benefits. Her arrest has sparked skepticism, with past legal troubles resurfacing. A fundraising effort to help her has seen little support. Meanwhile, her three-year-old son remains in Thailand while her older children are in the UK.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, as covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. Stories range from a British TikTok star jailed in Thailand to the discovery of an ancient Buddha statue at Angkor Complex. British TikTok Star Jailed in Thailand British influencer Ellis Matthews has been jailed for overstaying her visa. She allegedly funded her luxury lifestyle with UK benefits, receiving £2,300 monthly. A police raid at her Pattaya home led to her arrest, sparking scrutiny over past legal troubles. British Retirees Fined Over Thai Land Dispute Des and Mary Byrne avoided Thai jail after a violent land dispute, receiving a £200 fine. Despite CCTV evidence, they were prosecuted alongside their attackers. A campaign helped them secure a lenient sentence, allowing them to return to the UK. Foreign Smugglers Caught at Koh Samui Airport Thai police arrested five foreigners smuggling 144kg of cannabis to London and Singapore. The suspects were caught with seven suitcases of vacuum-sealed cannabis at an X-ray checkpoint. Authorities are tracking a Thai supplier. Pattaya Tourist Brawl Sparks Safety Concerns A violent clash between tourists in Jomtien on 12 March has raised concerns over rising crime in Pattaya. Police detained two suspects, but others fled. Locals worry frequent tourist violence is harming the city’s reputation. Phuket Nightlife Brawl Over Unpaid Meal A dispute on Bangla Road escalated into a fight between a tourist and a group of ladyboys. Video footage captured the chaos before police intervened. While no legal action has been taken, the incident has renewed safety concerns. Severe Hailstorm Hits Northeast Thailand A powerful hailstorm damaged hundreds of homes in Surin, Yasothon, and Nong Bua Lamphu. Golf ball-sized hail and strong winds destroyed roofs, rice barns, and animal shelters, causing widespread blackouts. Duterte Extradited to The Hague for ICC Charges Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and extradited to The Hague. He resisted arrest for 12 hours before being taken into custody. His daughter condemned the move, while human rights groups called it a victory for justice. Ancient Buddha Statue Found at Angkor Complex Archaeologists in Cambodia discovered a Buddha statue torso at Ta Prohm temple, matching a head found in 1927. The find allows for near-complete restoration, strengthening efforts to preserve Angkor’s historical treasures.

Phuket Hit-and-Run: Police Hunt Knife-Wielding Foreigners Authorities in Phuket are searching for three foreign suspects involved in a hit-and-run outside Patong Hospital. After colliding with a Thai motorcyclist using a pickup truck, they allegedly brandished a knife before fleeing. A 33-second video of the incident went viral, sparking public outrage. Despite police assurances of an active investigation, online frustration is growing, with concerns that the suspects may have already fled Thailand. Social media users are skeptical about swift justice, while authorities urge vigilance and seek public assistance in locating the individuals.

Inside the Prison Cell Where Thai Police Chief 'Joe Ferrari' Died On March 11, reporters toured the prison cell where former Police Colonel Thitisan "Joe Ferrari" Utthanaphon was found dead on March 7. Authorities ruled his death as self-inflicted asphyxiation, but his family has requested a second autopsy. Media were shown cell number 50 at Khlong Prem Central Prison, where his personal belongings, including blankets and toiletries, remained untouched. Adjacent to his cell, an LGBTQ inmate was relocated before the tour. Officials allowed access to dispel speculation, clarifying that Chief Joe had requested the move to the 5th block following a prior incident.

Thai Man Faces Jail After Dropping Yaba Pill in Front of Officials A 58-year-old man in Nan province accidentally dropped a bag containing six Yaba (methamphetamine) tablets in front of officials while retrieving his ID card, leading to his arrest. Under Thai law, possession of over five tablets carries a jail term of up to two years and a fine of 40,000 baht. Initially, authorities planned to send him to rehab after he tested positive for drugs, as no tablets were found. However, the accidental drop led to immediate legal action. Coincidentally, a wanted drug dealer with 80 Yaba tablets was arrested outside his home the same day.

Foreign Tourist Dines and Dashes in Krabi A foreign tourist in Krabi sparked outrage after dining at Into the Forest restaurant on March 9 and leaving without paying. CCTV footage shows the tall, tattooed man ordering a ribeye steak and a drink (700 baht total) before pretending to order cake and vanishing. Restaurant staff realized the deception when he quickly exited and drove off in a rented sedan with a Phuket license plate. The case has been reported to Krabi Immigration Police, and locals are on high alert, warning businesses to be cautious. Authorities are currently investigating.

Couple Arrested in Pattaya Car Theft Scam A couple in Pattaya was arrested for an elaborate car theft scheme involving rented vehicles. They allegedly disabled GPS trackers and sold the cars on the black market, with victims in Chon Buri, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, and Kanchanaburi. On March 9, police arrested 48-year-old Thanakrit and 29-year-old Kanyakhorn after stopping a stolen car with mismatched plates. Investigations revealed they smuggled vehicles into Myanmar and Cambodia. Police are now tracking more victims as the crackdown on rental car fraud continues.

Off-Duty Nurse Saves Passenger on Bangkok BTS An off-duty nurse was praised for assisting a fainting passenger on a Bangkok BTS train while on her way to work. A viral TikTok video posted on March 11 shows her and a BTS security officer providing first aid and ensuring the passenger’s safety. Social media users applauded the nurse’s dedication, with many sharing similar experiences of kindness from BTS staff. The original poster also thanked an unidentified woman who helped but wasn’t captured in the video.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as presented on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex. The coverage range from a Phuket hit-and-run involving foreign suspects to Cambodia’s prime minister defending the Angkor Sangkranta event. 1. Phuket Hit-and-Run: Police Hunt Foreign Suspects Phuket police are searching for three foreign suspects involved in a hit-and-run near Patong Hospital. They allegedly hit a motorcyclist, brandished a knife, and fled. A viral video has sparked public outrage, while concerns grow that they may have left Thailand. 2. Inside the Prison Cell Where ‘Joe Ferrari’ Died Reporters toured the Khlong Prem prison cell where former police chief Thitisan "Joe Ferrari" Utthanaphon was found dead. Authorities ruled it suicide, but his family has requested a second autopsy. Officials insist he requested the move to the 5th block. 3. Thai Man Faces Jail After Dropping Yaba in Front of Officials A 58-year-old man in Nan province was arrested after accidentally dropping six Yaba tablets while retrieving his ID. Possession of over five pills carries a two-year jail sentence. Coincidentally, police arrested a wanted drug dealer outside his home the same day. 4. Foreign Tourist Dines and Dashes in Krabi A foreign tourist in Krabi dined at a restaurant, ordered steak and a drink, then fled without paying. CCTV footage shows him pretending to order dessert before escaping in a rented car. Krabi police are investigating and warning local businesses. 5. Couple Arrested in Pattaya Car Theft Scam Pattaya police arrested a couple for stealing rental cars, disabling GPS trackers, and selling them. Officers linked them to thefts across multiple provinces, with some vehicles smuggled into Myanmar and Cambodia. The crackdown on car rental fraud continues. 6. Off-Duty Nurse Saves Passenger on Bangkok BTS A Bangkok BTS passenger fainted, prompting an off-duty nurse to assist alongside security staff. A viral TikTok video captured the moment, earning widespread praise. Many shared similar stories of kindness from BTS staff. 7. Duterte Arrested, Faces ICC Charges Over Drug Killings Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and sent to The Hague to face ICC charges for his deadly drug war. Human rights groups praised the move, while supporters call it illegal. The ICC will now assess whether the case goes to trial. 8. Wall Panel Collapses at Malaysian LRT Station, No Injuries A wall panel at Malaysia’s Masjid Jamek LRT station collapsed during heavy rain. No injuries were reported, and train services remain unaffected. Rapid Rail is investigating and has deployed police to manage passenger flow. 9. Cambodian PM Defends Angkor Sangkranta Event Cambodian PM Hun Manet defended the Angkor Sangkranta festival against criticism, arguing it boosts tourism and benefits locals. Opponents claim it distracts from economic struggles, but supporters believe it will help the region’s economy.

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.