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Koh Pha Ngan Police Criticized Over Foreign Cannabis Theft A Koh Pha Ngan cannabis shop owner, Jariya Kamonrat, has accused local police of ignoring a theft involving two foreign customers. CCTV footage from Monkey’s Dispensary shows one suspect stealing a jar of cannabis worth over 6,000 baht while the other distracted Jariya. Despite reporting the theft with video evidence, police allegedly dismissed her case, saying they couldn't act without the suspects' names. Frustrated, Jariya turned to social media, offering a reward for information. The case has sparked criticism of police inaction and raised concerns about crime involving tourists in Thailand’s growing cannabis market.

Thailand Bets Big on Songkran Tourism Boost Thailand is set to host the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, investing 153 million baht to boost tourism. The event, held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from April 11-15, aims to attract 800,000 visitors and generate 3.2 billion baht in tourist spending. Approved by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the initiative highlights Thailand’s rich culture and New Year traditions, reinforcing its position as a top travel destination during the festive season.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as presented in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories cover a range of topics, from Thailand easing its alcohol ban for tourists on Buddhist holidays to the country's consideration of a border wall to combat scam gangs. 1. Thailand Eases Alcohol Ban for Tourists on Buddhist Holidays Thailand will allow alcohol sales in tourist zones, hotels, and airports on Buddhist holy days, except for five major ones. The new rules aim to balance tradition and tourism, with implementation expected before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. 2. Bangkok Tuk Tuk Race Ends in Crash A late-night tuk-tuk race in Bangkok ended in a crash on Ratchadaphisek Road, seriously injuring three people. Police are investigating, with locals calling for stricter traffic enforcement. 3. Koh Pha Ngan Police Criticized Over Cannabis Theft Case A Koh Pha Ngan dispensary owner claims police ignored a theft by foreign customers caught on CCTV. Frustrated, she turned to social media, sparking criticism of police inaction. 4. Thailand Bets on Songkran Tourism Boost Thailand is investing 153 million baht in the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 to attract 800,000 visitors and generate 3.2 billion baht in tourism revenue. 5. Malaysia’s Ex-PM Declares Wealth Amid Corruption Probe Former Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared his assets amid an investigation into government spending. Authorities have seized $40 million in cash and gold bars. 6. Jakarta Floods Displace Thousands Severe flooding in Jakarta has forced thousands to evacuate, with water levels reaching 3 meters. Authorities warn heavy rain may continue until March 11. 7. Thailand Considers Border Wall to Combat Scam Gangs Thailand is exploring a border wall with Cambodia to prevent illegal crossings linked to scam operations. The proposal follows a major crackdown on human trafficking and fraud.

British Tourist Knocked Unconscious by Pattaya Club Bouncer A 62-year-old British tourist was knocked unconscious by a security guard on Pattaya’s Walking Street after an altercation around 11:30 p.m. Video footage shows the tourist initiating the confrontation before the guard delivered a single punch, causing him to hit his head on the pavement. The guard then disappeared into the crowd. Despite local authorities’ efforts to improve tourism safety, violent incidents involving security staff persist. This follows multiple past assaults, raising concerns about club security practices and police handling of such cases in Pattaya.

The White Lotus Season 3 Sparks Travel Boom to Thailand The White Lotus Season 3, filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, has sparked a major tourism boom in Thailand. The hit HBO series, known for its opulent resorts and satirical take on wealth and power, has fueled a "set-jetting" trend—where travelers visit destinations featured in their favorite shows. Since the announcement of its Thailand location, flight searches to Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui have surged, with Koh Samui seeing a 30% increase. Hotel searches for the Four Seasons Resort jumped 65%, highlighting the show's real-world impact on travel.

Russian Man Found Dead in Phuket Amid Possible Drug Link Investigation A 41-year-old Russian man was found dead in a residence in Koh Kaew, Phuket, on March 2. His girlfriend discovered his body around 6pm, with police alerted two hours later. No signs of assault were found, but a syringe, white powder, a teaspoon, and a lighter were near the body. Authorities suspect possible drug involvement and are analyzing the substance to determine its role in his death. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Scottish Expat Dies in Lopburi Quad Bike Crash, Raising Road Safety Concerns A 62-year-old Scottish expat tragically died in a quad bike accident on a Lopburi motorway flyover in the early hours of March 1. The retired oil rig worker, a well-known Rotary Club member, lost control, skidded, and crashed into a concrete barrier, falling 30 feet to his death. Authorities discovered skid marks and wreckage at the scene. His passing has reignited concerns over Thailand’s high road fatality rate, with calls for stronger safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent further tragedies.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia, as presented in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. Topics range from the tragic death of a Scottish expat in a quad bike crash in Lopburi, raising road safety concerns, to Indonesia experiencing its first deflation in 24 years due to government subsidies. 1. Scottish Expat Dies in Lopburi Quad Bike Crash, Raising Road Safety Concerns A 62-year-old Scottish expat died in a quad bike accident on a Lopburi motorway flyover, falling 30 feet to his death. His tragic passing has reignited concerns over Thailand’s high road fatality rate, prompting calls for stricter traffic safety measures. 2. Russian Man Found Dead in Phuket, Possible Drug Link A 41-year-old Russian man was found dead in a Phuket residence, with drug-related items near his body. Authorities are investigating possible drug involvement as they analyze the substance found at the scene. 3. British Tourist Knocked Unconscious by Pattaya Club Bouncer A 62-year-old British tourist was knocked unconscious by a Pattaya club bouncer after an altercation on Walking Street. The incident raises ongoing concerns over club security and law enforcement in the city. 4. The White Lotus Season 3 Sparks Thailand Travel Boom The hit HBO series The White Lotus has fueled a surge in tourism to Thailand, with Koh Samui seeing a 30% rise in flight searches and Four Seasons Resort bookings spiking 65%. 5. Philippines Investigates Donations from Suspected Chinese Spies The Philippines is probing donations from four Chinese nationals accused of espionage, aiming to prevent foreign interference amid rising tensions over security and territorial disputes. 6. Indonesia Records First Deflation in 24 Years Indonesia saw its first deflation in over two decades, driven by government subsidies on electricity and food. Inflation is expected to rise again in March as subsidies expire.

Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Makeup Teachers Thailand is cracking down on illegal foreign workers in reserved professions, particularly unauthorized makeup teachers. In a recent operation in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon area, officials found two Chinese nationals illegally working as makeup teachers at a Thai costume rental shop. They were detained and handed over to police. Employers face fines of up to 200,000 baht and possible hiring bans for repeat violations. The Department of Employment urges the public to report illegal foreign labor through official hotlines, reinforcing efforts to protect Thai workers’ rights and ensure fair employment practices.

Japanese Man Arrested with Ecstasy in Bangkok Mall A 31-year-old Japanese man, Masato Omichi, was arrested by Thonglor police in a Bangkok shopping center on March 1 for allegedly possessing ecstasy. Acting on a tip-off, officers found him behaving suspiciously near a restroom and discovered four ecstasy tablets in his bag. Omichi admitted to buying the drugs from an unknown dealer to experiment but was detained before use. A urine test showed no other drugs in his system. He has been charged with illegal possession of a Category 1 narcotic and is now in police custody for further legal action.

Phuket Tightens Immigration Controls Amid Crime Wave Phuket has tightened immigration enforcement in response to rising drug-related crimes and illegal employment among foreigners. In 2023, 998 foreigners were deported, with 194 losing their visas. Authorities are now working with consulates to screen arrivals more strictly, ensuring they have no warrants, blacklists, or insufficient funds. Foreigners are under increased scrutiny for unauthorized work, particularly as tour guides, with violators facing arrest, deportation, and possible lifetime bans. In January, Phuket saw 800,000 foreign tourists and detained four internationally wanted criminals.

Danish Tourist Declines Hospital Treatment After Stabbing in Pattaya A 22-year-old Danish tourist, Daniel, was stabbed in Pattaya on February 28 but declined hospital treatment and refused to cooperate with police. The attack occurred on Chalerm Phrakiet Road, with Daniel suffering stab wounds to his arm and head. Despite significant bleeding, he refused to disclose details or press charges. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, though the lack of cooperation may hinder the investigation.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as presented in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex and Jay. The coverage includes topics such as a Danish tourist refusing hospital treatment after a stabbing in Pattaya and Vietnam seeking Japan’s assistance in launching its first radar satellite. Danish Tourist Declines Hospital Treatment After Stabbing in Pattaya A 22-year-old Danish tourist was stabbed on February 28 in Pattaya but refused hospital treatment and police assistance. Despite heavy bleeding, he declined to press charges or share details. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, though his lack of cooperation hinders the investigation. Phuket Tightens Immigration Controls Amid Crime Wave Phuket is cracking down on illegal employment and drug-related crimes. In 2023, officials deported 998 foreigners and revoked 194 visas. Authorities now work with consulates to screen new arrivals for warrants, blacklists, or insufficient funds. The crackdown targets unauthorized foreign tour guides, with violators facing arrest, deportation, and lifetime bans. In January, Phuket saw 800,000 foreign tourists and detained four internationally wanted criminals. Japanese Man Arrested with Ecstasy in Bangkok Mall Thai police arrested a 31-year-old Japanese man in a Bangkok shopping centre on March 1 for possessing four ecstasy tablets. Acting on a tip-off, officers found him behaving suspiciously near a restroom. He admitted to buying the drugs to experiment but was detained before use. A urine test showed no other substances. He now faces drug possession charges. Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Makeup Teachers Authorities are targeting foreign workers in restricted professions, specifically unlicensed makeup teachers. In Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon area, officials detained two Chinese nationals who were illegally working as makeup instructors. They face legal action, while their employer risks fines of up to 200,000 baht and potential hiring bans. The Department of Employment urges the public to report illegal foreign labour. Cambodia Deports 119 Thai Call Center Workers Cambodia deported 119 Thais involved in a Poipet-based scam call centre after raids on February 22-23. Thai police received them at the Aranyaprathet border. Authorities confirmed they entered Cambodia illegally for online fraud but were not tricked or held captive. The operation is part of a broader cybercrime crackdown involving Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Vietnam Seeks Japan’s Help in Launching First Radar Satellite Vietnam urges Japan to fast-track the launch of LOTUSat-1, its first home-built radar satellite, set for 2025. Developed with Japan’s Official Development Assistance, the satellite will enhance disaster prevention, climate monitoring, and resource management. Weighing 600kg, LOTUSat-1 uses advanced radar to capture images day and night, even in cloudy conditions.

Two Thai Wives Team Up to Catch Police Husband in Alleged Affair A Thai police officer was caught in an alleged affair after his two wives teamed up, tracked his car with GPS, and confronted him at a restaurant in Lop Buri. A viral video shows the officer with a younger woman when his first wife approaches and bluntly asks, “Are you very horny?” The confrontation escalates as the officer threatens to slap his wives, who challenge him back. The officer later claimed the woman was just a friend, but netizens were skeptical. While adultery

Thai Man Seeks Foreign Motorcyclist in Phuket Hit-and-Run A Thai man is seeking the identity of a foreign motorcyclist involved in a hit-and-run in Phuket on February 26. The accident occurred outside Phuket Palace Condominium in Patong as the victim made a U-turn. CCTV footage shows the foreigner, riding a grey Yamaha TMAX, hitting the victim’s motorcycle before fleeing. The man has asked the public for dashcam footage to help identify the rider. Thai netizens doubt justice will be served, citing past cases where foreign motorists escaped accountability, including a recent incident where a foreigner fled Thailand after a hit-and-run.

Foreign Tourists Criticized for Giving Monks a Ride in Pattaya A viral video showing two foreign tourists giving a motorcycle ride to Buddhist monks in Pattaya has led to some debate over its appropriateness. Originally posted on TikTok and later shared on Facebook, the footage shows the monks receiving a lift, tying sacred wristbands, and offering blessings. While some see it as a harmless cultural exchange, critics argue it could damage Buddhism’s image. The video’s caption joked about Pattaya’s anything-goes nature, but concerns remain over whether the act disrespects religious customs. The monks’ temple affiliation is still unknown.

Phuket Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign-Owned Businesses Phuket Immigration has arrested 11 foreigners in a crackdown on illegal nominee businesses, targeting 15 suspected enterprises. Led by Police Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying, the operation exposed foreign nationals using Thai nominees to run prohibited businesses. Four Chinese nationals were detained for visa overstays, illegal entry, and operating restricted businesses—one overstayed by 1,317 days. Seven Myanmar nationals were arrested for working without valid permits. Authorities, following orders from top police officials, are tightening controls to prevent foreign-owned nominee businesses from undermining Thai enterprises and urge the public to report suspicious activities.

Thailand Faces Global Backlash for Secret Uyghur Deportation Thailand secretly deported 40 Uyghur detainees to China after holding them for nearly 11 years, sparking global outrage. The transfer, conducted on February 27 under strict secrecy, saw the detainees flown to Xinjiang, where human rights groups fear they face torture or imprisonment. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the move as a betrayal of international protections against forced repatriation. The decision strains Thailand’s global standing, with concerns over diplomatic fallout, especially with the U.S. and Turkey. It also raises questions about Thailand’s refugee policies, as the detainees lacked access to proper asylum screening.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-erpGAfIAPM?feature=share Thailand Park Ranger Calls Out Italian Tourists for Damaging Coral Reefs A Thai park ranger, Sai, called out two Italian tourists for snorkeling in a restricted coral reef area despite warnings. He posted a video on social media, frustrated by their disregard for Thai laws, questioning if money makes foreigners feel above the rules. The tourists ignored officials' orders and had to be pulled onto a boat. One angrily shouted, "Last time in f*cking Thailand!" before being taken to shore. Sai criticized their entitlement and blamed Thailand’s free-visa policy for enabling such behavior. It’s unclear if they were fined, but some online commenters urged legal action against their travel agency.

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Asia, as covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. Topics range from Italian tourists criticized for damaging Thai coral reefs to South Korea's first birthrate increase in nine years. Italian Tourists Criticised for Damaging Thai Coral Reefs A Thai park ranger called out two Italian tourists for snorkelling in a restricted coral reef area despite warnings. The tourists ignored officials and had to be pulled onto a boat. One angrily declared, "Last time in f*cking Thailand!" The ranger blamed the country’s free-visa policy for enabling such behaviour. It remains unclear if they were fined. Thailand Faces Global Outrage Over Uyghur Deportation Thailand secretly deported 40 Uyghur detainees to China after holding them for nearly 11 years, sparking global criticism. Human rights groups fear they face torture in Xinjiang. The move strains Thailand’s diplomatic ties, especially with the U.S. and Turkey, raising concerns about its refugee policies. Phuket Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Businesses Phuket Immigration arrested 11 foreigners in a crackdown on illegal nominee businesses. Among them, four Chinese nationals were detained for visa overstays and illegal business operations. Authorities warn against foreign nationals using Thai nominees to run restricted businesses and urge the public to report violations. Foreign Tourists Spark Debate Over Giving Monks a Ride A viral video of foreign tourists giving Buddhist monks a motorcycle ride in Pattaya has stirred debate. While some see it as a cultural exchange, critics argue it disrespects religious customs. The monks’ temple affiliation remains unknown. Thai Man Seeks Foreign Motorcyclist in Phuket Hit-and-Run A Thai man is searching for a foreign motorcyclist who hit his motorcycle in Phuket and fled the scene. CCTV footage captured the foreigner on a grey Yamaha TMAX. Netizens doubt justice will be served, citing past cases where foreign motorists escaped accountability. Two Thai Wives Catch Police Husband in Alleged Affair A Thai police officer was confronted by his two wives after they tracked his location and caught him dining with a younger woman. A viral video shows the wives confronting him, with one sarcastically asking, “Are you very horny?” The officer claimed the woman was just a friend, but netizens remain skeptical. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen Tests Positive for COVID-19 Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen missed a key legislative session after testing positive for COVID-19. His absence led to the cancellation of meetings, including an audience with the King. This is his second COVID case, the first occurring in 2022. Two Men Publicly Caned for Homosexuality in Indonesia’s Aceh Two college students in Aceh province were publicly caned after being convicted of having gay sex under Shariah law. They received 82 and 77 strokes after remission. Human rights groups condemn the practice, but Indonesia’s central government has no authority to overturn Aceh’s laws. Thousands Freed from Myanmar Scam Centers, Now Stranded Over 7,000 workers freed from Myanmar’s scam compounds remain stranded in makeshift camps due to slow repatriation efforts. Many were tricked into forced online fraud. Thailand recently cut power to the compounds, prompting mass releases, but logistical challenges delayed their return home. South Korea Records First Birthrate Increase in Nine Years South Korea’s birthrate rose slightly in 2024, reaching 0.75 from 0.72 in 2023, driven by post-pandemic marriages and stronger government incentives. New policies include childbirth bonuses and extended parental leave. However, affordability challenges persist, and the country aims to reach a fertility rate of 1.0 by 2030.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-zCtjvoqJW4?feature=share Brave Dogs Kill Snake in Thai Garden Two Jack Russell Terriers in Phetchabun defended their home by killing a large snake that slithered into their garden on February 25. Their owner shared a viral video of the encounter, revealing that the dogs, named 1 and 3, have eliminated over 10 snakes in the past two years. Fortunately, this snake was non-venomous, but the property has seen 13 snake intrusions, all leading to the same fate for the trespassers. Online commenters praised the dogs’ bravery, with many amazed at their hunting instincts.

U-Tapao Airport Expansion Scaled Back Amid High-Speed Rail Delays The expansion of U-Tapao Airport is being significantly reduced as the long-delayed Bangkok-Rayong high-speed rail project remains stalled. Originally designed to accommodate 12 million passengers annually, the revised plan may cut capacity by up to 50%, handling only five million. U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA) chief Keeree Kanjanapas stated that while the Eastern Aviation City project will proceed, it will be on a smaller scale due to uncertainty surrounding government infrastructure plans. The 290-billion-baht project remains in limbo as key transport links face ongoing setbacks.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-Vqk0VgobOs?feature=share Car Repair Shop Owner Survives Truck Accident in Udon Thani A car repair shop owner in Udon Thani narrowly escaped a fatal accident while test-driving a customer’s truck on February 25. CCTV footage captured the moment the high-speed Isuzu pickup overturned multiple times due to slippery roads from light rain. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, extracting the injured man from the wreckage and transporting him to Wang Sam Mo Hospital. The incident highlights the dangers of wet road conditions and excessive speed.

Armed Man Confronts Woman Over Bathroom Noise in Uttaradit A woman in Uttaradit was left terrified after a gun-wielding man angrily banged on her door, accusing her of making too much noise while cleaning her bathroom. The shocking February 24 incident was caught on CCTV, showing the shirtless man holding a firearm and muttering profanities before storming upstairs. The woman, who had been cleaning for less than 10 minutes, was shaken and fears for her safety. The dormitory owner advised her to report the incident, and police are now investigating. The event has sparked public outrage, with calls for stricter security in residential buildings.

Funeral Turns Chaotic as Man Opens Fire, 1 Injured A funeral in Chanthaburi turned violent when a drunken man, 32-year-old Ekkarin, fired multiple gunshots, injuring 52-year-old Paiboon. The incident occurred on February 24 at Thung Phla Temple, with CCTV capturing the chaos. Police arrested Ekkarin at the scene and seized a .38 revolver, spent cartridges, and additional ammunition. His accomplice, Somchai Mahantawari, who drove him to the funeral, was also charged. Both face attempted murder and firearm-related offenses but have been released on bail. Witnesses say the suspects caused a disturbance before Ekkarin returned to fire into the crowd. Concerned residents are urging stricter police action to ensure public safety.