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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.

Viral Optimus Prime Creator Clashes with Bangkok Bar Over Donations A Thai creator of a viral Optimus Prime figure, “Seng”, clashed with a Bangkok bar, Hypnotized, over a donation dispute. The bar gained attention after posting viral videos of offerings to the figure, sparking public worship and city intervention. Seng, who builds figures from spare engine parts, launched a donation campaign for two new creations. When Hypnotized declined to contribute, Seng erupted in anger, cursing staff and wishing misfortune upon them. He later defended his reaction, claiming other businesses had donated without issue. The bar’s owner has since apologized, but tensions remain.

Thailand Lifts Decades-Old Student Hairstyle Restrictions Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has annulled a decades-old rule restricting student hairstyles, marking a victory for personal freedoms in education. The regulation, imposed in 1975 under a military order, mandated short hair for boys and restricted girls from growing their hair past their ears. The court ruled it unconstitutional and misaligned with student welfare. The decision follows a 2020 petition by students challenging the rule. Schools now have autonomy over hairstyle policies, though concerns remain about resistance from traditionalist educators. This ruling signals a broader shift in Thailand’s approach to personal freedoms in education.

World Record-Holding Thai Couple Splits After Decade-Long Romance Thai couple Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, who set the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss in 2013 with a 58-hour, 35-minute smooch, have now separated after more than a decade together. Ekkachai confirmed the split, saying he is proud of their achievement and cherishes the memories. Their record-breaking kiss, held at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Pattaya, was a grueling endurance test, with rules requiring them to remain locked in a kiss even during bathroom breaks. Guinness retired the category in 2013 due to health risks, making them the final holders of the title, even if their love story has now ended.

Phuket Taxi Driver Confronts Russian Tourists Over Unpaid Fare A Thai taxi driver in Phuket chased after a Russian couple who allegedly fled without paying their fare upon arrival. Despite catching up with them, the couple still refused to pay, with the Russian woman even waving dismissively at the driver. A video of the altercation went viral, drawing criticism from Thai netizens, some of whom shared similar experiences of fare dodging by Russian tourists. Others speculated that the driver might have overcharged or that a dispute occurred before payment was refused. The media has not confirmed whether the driver eventually received his fare.

Pattaya Knife Attack Over Cigarette Smoke Leaves Cambodian Man Injured A late-night altercation in Pattaya turned violent when a Chinese restaurant worker allegedly attacked a 24-year-old Cambodian man, Hin, with a knife, seriously injuring him. The dispute reportedly began when Hin blew cigarette smoke in the suspect’s face despite warnings. Enraged, the attacker slashed him in the left shoulder, leaving him critically wounded. Police arrested the suspect, who remained at the scene and brazenly admitted to the attack, flashing a peace sign to reporters. He is now in custody at Pattaya City Police Station, facing serious assault charges. The incident highlights concerns over alcohol-fueled violence in Pattaya’s nightlife.

Thai Police Arrest Nigerian Duo Linked to Cocaine Smuggling Thai immigration police arrested two Nigerian nationals, Mr. Ihejimba Bright Chimezie and Mr. Azubuike Chidiebere David, in a Bangkok condominium for allegedly being linked to an international cocaine smuggling operation. The arrests followed the detention of a Thai woman in Japan, who attempted to smuggle 700 grams of cocaine by ingesting 59 packets. Authorities suspect the Nigerians were involved in drug trafficking, as investigations connected them to the woman's activities. The duo was also charged with overstaying their visas. Thai police, in collaboration with Japan's Immigration Bureau and the Narcotics Control Board, are continuing legal proceedings and further investigations.

The transcription below covers news stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia, ranging from the arrest of two Nigerians linked to a cocaine smuggling operation in Thailand to Indonesia’s use of cloud seeding to combat severe flooding in Jakarta. 1. Thai Police Arrest Nigerian Duo for Cocaine Smuggling Thai police arrested two Nigerian men in Bangkok for alleged links to an international cocaine smuggling ring. Their arrest follows the detention of a Thai woman in Japan, caught with 700 grams of cocaine. Both men were also charged with visa overstays. 2. Pattaya Knife Attack Over Cigarette Smoke A Chinese restaurant worker in Pattaya allegedly stabbed a Cambodian man after a dispute over cigarette smoke. The suspect, who remained at the scene and made a peace sign to reporters, has been arrested and faces serious assault charges. 3. Phuket Taxi Driver Confronts Russian Tourists Over Unpaid Fare A Phuket taxi driver chased down a Russian couple who allegedly fled without paying. A viral video of the altercation sparked online debate, with some blaming the tourists and others questioning the fare. 4. World Record-Holding Thai Couple Splits Thai couple Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat, who set the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss in 2013, have separated after more than a decade together. Their record remains unbeaten, as Guinness retired the category due to health concerns. 5. Chinese Nationals Arrested for Cambodian Teen’s Murder Cambodian police arrested two Chinese men for the murder of an 18-year-old casino worker found buried in Phnom Penh. A third suspect remains at large, while the arrested pair have been sent to court. 6. Indonesia Uses Cloud Seeding to Combat Jakarta Flooding Indonesian authorities are using cloud seeding to reduce rainfall after severe Jakarta floods left one dead and displaced 2,200 people. Floodwaters submerged over 1,000 homes, and officials warn bad weather may persist until March 11.

Thailand Eases Booze Ban for Tourists on Buddhist Holy Days Thailand will maintain its alcohol ban on five major Buddhist holy days but introduce exceptions to support tourism. The Alcoholic Beverage Board approved sales in international airports, tourist zones, hotels, and event venues. The new regulations are expected before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. Deputy PM Prasert Chantararuangthong emphasized balancing tradition and tourism while ensuring public safety. The board is also reviewing online alcohol sales. Public feedback will be collected before the proposal goes to the Prime Minister for final approval and publication in the Royal Gazette.

Bangkok Tuk-Tuk Race Ends in Crash, Three Injured A late-night tuk-tuk race in Bangkok ended in a violent crash on Ratchadaphisek Road, leaving three people seriously injured. One driver, 28-year-old Pichit, sustained a severe head injury, while the other driver and his passenger suffered broken legs. Witnesses reported the tuk-tuks were racing and collided when one made a risky lane change, causing it to flip. Police are investigating and awaiting blood alcohol test results. The incident raises concerns about reckless driving, with locals calling for stricter traffic enforcement to prevent similar accidents.