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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.

Tree Falls on Thai Bus, Injuring 11, Including British Teens A bus carrying tourists to Kanchanaburi's Erawan Waterfall was struck by a falling tree cut down by an illegal logger, injuring 11 people, including three British teens. The bus narrowly avoided plunging down a hillside as the driver brought it to a halt. Passengers suffered injuries from shattered glass and branches, with one Canadian tourist in intensive care. Authorities suspect deliberate logging, arresting a local man after finding tree-cutting tools in his truck. Officials pledged to cover medical costs and launched a full investigation, emphasizing the need for stricter anti-logging measures.

Russian Tourist Stabbed in Pattaya Over Misunderstood Joke A 39-year-old Russian tourist, Denis Rumiantsev, was stabbed in the leg outside a convenience store on Jomtien Second Road, Pattaya, after a joke he made was misunderstood. The incident occurred early on January 4 after Rumiantsev had been drinking and attempted to joke with another group, who reacted violently. Emergency services treated his heavy bleeding before transporting him to a hospital. Police are investigating the incident, reviewing CCTV footage, and waiting for Rumiantsev to file a formal complaint.

Spanish Tourist Gored to Death While Bathing Elephant Blanca Ojanguren García, a 22-year-old Spanish tourist, was fatally attacked by an elephant at Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in Thailand. While bathing the animal, it unexpectedly sank its tusk into her, causing fatal injuries. Experts attribute the elephant's stress to unnatural interactions with tourists outside its ecosystem. Thailand has over 4,000 domesticated elephants, often used in tourism, facing isolation and harsh training. García, a law student from Spain studying abroad in Taiwan, visited the sanctuary with her boyfriend. The incident raises ongoing concerns about ethical elephant tourism.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and other Asian countries as presented on the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. Highlights include topics such as a Spanish tourist killed by an elephant in Thailand and Malaysia intensifying patrols to locate migrant boats. 1. Spanish Tourist Killed by Elephant in Thailand A 22-year-old Spanish tourist was fatally attacked by an elephant at Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre while bathing the animal. Experts cite stress from unnatural tourist interactions as the cause. 2. Russian Tourist Stabbed After Joke Turns Violent A Russian tourist was stabbed in Pattaya after a misunderstood joke. Police are reviewing CCTV and awaiting the victim’s complaint. 3. Outrage Over Tourists’ Misconduct on Phuket Tuk-Tuk Foreign tourists sparked outrage for inappropriate behavior on a Phuket tuk-tuk. Locals urge respect for cultural norms to protect the island's reputation. 4. Foreigners Attack Phuket Taxi Driver Over Fare Dispute Two foreign tourists assaulted a Phuket taxi driver over a fare issue. Despite public backlash, the driver declined to press charges. 5. Falling Tree Injures Tourists on Bus in Kanchanaburi A falling tree, cut illegally, struck a tourist bus near Erawan Waterfall, injuring 11, including British teens. Authorities are investigating. 6. Thai PM Declares 13 Billion Baht in Assets Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed over 13 billion baht in assets, including luxury items, properties, and extensive investments. 7. British and South African Nationals Found Dead in Vietnam A British woman and a South African man were found dead in a Vietnam villa. Investigations are underway to determine the cause. 8. Malaysia Boosts Patrols for Migrant Boats Malaysia increased patrols to locate Myanmar migrant boats after 196 were detained near Langkawi. Coordination with Thailand continues. 9. Food Restrictions on Singapore Domestic Workers Raise Alarm Reports of food deprivation among domestic workers in Singapore highlight gaps in legal protections. Advocates call for clearer laws. 10. Protests in South Korea Over President Yoon’s Arrest Warrant Protesters clashed in Seoul as President Yoon faces an arrest warrant for declaring martial law. The warrant is set to expire soon.

Russian Tourists Injured in Pattaya Bus Crash A bus carrying 37 Russian tourists to Pattaya crashed into a stationary Toyota Fortuner SUV at the Pong toll booth on January 2, injuring 27 passengers. Witnesses reported the bus veered unexpectedly, causing severe damage to both vehicles. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured to Pattaya hospitals, with several suffering broken bones but no life-threatening injuries. The remaining 10 passengers were safely transported to their hotel. Authorities suspect excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers as possible causes, pending further investigation.

Pattaya Bus Driver Rams SUV in Parking Dispute A parking dispute in Pattaya turned violent when a tour bus driver intentionally rammed a Bolt SUV after an argument with its driver, Mr. O. The altercation, captured on video, occurred on December 30 outside a North Pattaya hotel. The bus driver, frustrated over the SUV blocking his way, escalated the situation despite Mr. O moving his car to make room. Witnesses say the bus driver attempted a physical confrontation before ramming the SUV in a fit of rage. While the tour company agreed to cover vehicle damages, they refused to compensate Mr. O for lost income, with the driver dismissively stating he had no money.

American Base jumpers in Face Legal Backlash Three American daredevils are facing backlash after a viral TikTok video showed them base-jumping off the roof of Bangkok’s Emsphere mall. The stunt, which occurred on October 3, involved trespassing and a dramatic escape to Benjasiri Park on motorcycles. Identified as experienced base jumpers, Arman Kremer, Mateo Leo Massoni, and Blake Smith used an elaborate infiltration plan to access the rooftop. The mall has filed trespassing charges, and police have labeled the act reckless. In response, Emsphere has tightened security with rooftop cameras and 24-hour guards. Although the jumpers have left Thailand, legal action remains underway.

South Korean Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase A South Korean man was arrested near Pattaya after a dramatic 100-kilometer high-speed chase ended in a fiery crash on Highway 36. The suspect, aged 35-40, flipped his pickup truck, which caught fire after colliding with a guardrail. Police extinguished the flames and discovered a bag of cash inside the vehicle. The chase began when the suspect attacked a woman on the motorway and fled, damaging multiple cars and evading authorities. The pursuit ended when a tire burst, causing the truck to overturn. Despite attempting to flee on foot, the suspect was apprehended and faces legal action under Thai law.

MP Questions Chinese Police Training Program An MP from the People’s Party, Sasinan Thamnithinan, has questioned the Royal Thai Police (RTP) about a training programme for Chinese volunteer police, focusing on its legality, the 38,000-baht fee, and the issuance of identification cards with the national emblem. Conducted in collaboration with Siam University, the three-day training aimed to teach Chinese students about Thai law, but concerns arose over fee allocation and the use of official police insignia. The RTP clarified that their officers only served as lecturers and denied involvement in financial arrangements or the distribution of emblem-bearing items. However, Sasinan challenged the jurisdiction of the officers involved and questioned whether the programme exceeded its stated purpose.