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Phuket’s tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers Phuket’s upcoming tourism tax, set for early next year, will not apply to foreigners residing or working in Thailand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) clarified that the tax's specifics are yet to be finalized and have not been presented to the Cabinet, meaning potential changes could occur. The tax will primarily target short-term tourists, with exemptions for those holding non-immigrant or immigrant visas or valid work permits. MoTS advises keeping informed about any updates to the policy as it develops.

Thailand Raises Retirement Age to 65 in All Sectors Thailand's Labour Ministry is increasing the retirement age to 65 for both private and government sectors, citing improved life expectancy and aligning with global standards. The ministry plans to amend the Social Security Act to include migrant workers and self-employed individuals, like taxi drivers and delivery riders, in the social security system. Contributions from employers, employees, and the government will increase by a total of 6.25%. Additionally, the ministry aims to convert variable medical costs into fixed expenses by involving insurance companies. Investment strategies will shift, aiming for a 5% return by 2025 to extend fund viability amidst an ageing population.

Thai baht may weaken if Trump wins US election Analysts predict the Thai baht could weaken further if Donald Trump wins the US presidency, possibly dropping below 34.50 against the dollar. The baht recently fell to 33.84 due to capital outflows, as stronger US bond yields and the dollar's performance impact regional currencies. Rising US Treasury yields and election uncertainties are driving investors towards safer assets like the dollar and gold. While Kasikorn Research forecasts US rate cuts, Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee is expected to hold domestic rates steady, reflecting local economic conditions. Investors anticipate market recovery post-election.

Bangkok’s air quality worsens as PM2.5 levels rise Bangkok is facing rising PM2.5 pollution levels this weekend, worsened by cool weather and poor air circulation, with the highest concentration recorded in Nong Khaem district at 51.1µg/m³. PM2.5 levels ranged from 19.5µg/m³ to 53.8µg/m³ this morning. While a tropical cyclone in the South China Sea may bring rain next week to reduce pollution, current conditions keep air quality concerns high. Residents are advised to take precautions. Meanwhile, cooler temperatures are affecting the northern regions, and rain in Bangkok could provide temporary relief.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia, as covered in Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex. Highlights include stories such as Phuket’s Tourism Tax Won’t Affect Foreign Residents or Workers and Cambodian Journalist Freed After Apology Video. Phuket’s Tourism Tax Won’t Affect Foreign Residents or Workers Phuket’s tourism tax, expected early next year, will exempt foreign residents and workers, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The tax, targeting short-term tourists, is still pending final approval. The ministry advises staying updated on policy changes. Thai Baht May Weaken if Trump Wins US Election Analysts warn the Thai baht could dip below 34.50 against the dollar if Trump wins the US presidency, as rising US Treasury yields and economic uncertainty prompt capital outflows. Market recovery is expected post-election. Bangkok’s Air Quality Worsens as PM2.5 Levels Rise Bangkok's PM2.5 pollution levels surged this weekend, especially in Nong Khaem district, due to cool weather and poor air circulation. While rain next week may reduce pollution, current conditions raise health concerns. Thailand Raises Retirement Age to 65 in All Sectors Thailand’s Labour Ministry is increasing the retirement age to 65 across sectors to reflect improved life expectancy. New amendments will expand social security, benefiting migrant and self-employed workers. Heroic Driver Stops Gunman in Phatthalung In Phatthalung, a driver named Phrom intervened to stop a gunman targeting passing vehicles. After ramming the motorcycle, the suspect fled. Police are now preparing an arrest warrant for attempted murder. Tourists and Officials Save Injured Turtle Kamkaew Tourists and officials rescued an injured turtle, Kamkaew, at Mae Khaeng Luang Waterfall. Taken for treatment, Kamkaew’s injuries are not life-threatening, and recovery efforts are underway until its return to the wild. Backlash in Malaysia Over Chinese Flags at Cultural Event Malaysia’s Communications Minister urged the public to avoid racially charged comments following a cultural event displaying Chinese flags. The incident, under police investigation, has stirred social media responses. Deadly Flooding and Landslides Hit the Philippines Tropical Storm Trami has left 85 dead and 41 missing in the Philippines due to severe flooding. Rescue efforts continue as isolated areas are reached, with over 5 million people affected and many in emergency shelters. Cambodian Journalist Freed After Apology Video Journalist Mech Dara has been released on bail following an apology video aired by a pro-government outlet. Detained earlier for alleged “incitement,” Dara’s arrest raised concerns from human rights groups and the U.S. Indonesia Stages Its First Deaf Musical, ‘Songs of Silence’ Jakarta’s Fantasi Tuli (Deaf Fantasy) staged Indonesia’s first musical featuring deaf performers, "Songs of Silence." With dialogue screens and sign language, the production promotes equality and awareness for the deaf community.

California Doctor Sues Thai Restaurant Over Spicy Dish Burns A California neurologist, Harjasleen Walia, is suing a Thai restaurant after claiming she suffered permanent injuries from eating a spicy dish, Dragon Balls, at Coup de Thai in Los Gatos. Walia alleges that despite requesting a milder version, the dish caused severe burns to her throat, nose, and vocal cords due to the intense heat of bird’s eye chili. She is seeking over $35,000 in damages, accusing the restaurant of negligence for not testing the spice level. The restaurant denies responsibility, stating the dish cannot be made less spicy. The trial is set for August 2025.

The transcription below covers a range of news stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Topics include Thailand’s plan to implement a 300-baht tourism tax for air travelers and the recent UK asylum granted to Singapore’s founding father’s son amid a family feud. Thailand to Implement 300-Baht Tourism Tax for Air Travelers Thailand plans to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for air travelers, starting within six months. Foreign visitors will pay via an app or website, with 60 baht covering accident insurance. Revenue will support tourism safety, with expansion to other travel types under consideration. Drunk Motorcyclist Crashes into Pattaya Repair Shop A drunk motorcyclist crashed into a Pattaya repair shop on October 24, sustaining serious injuries. Local police are investigating to determine liability for damages caused in the early morning accident. Blacksmith’s Violent Attack Unsettles Thai Village In Nakhon Si Thammarat, a blacksmith poisoned dogs and attacked a father and son, leaving one critically injured. The suspect remains at large amid ongoing tensions from a long-standing feud. Scandal Surrounds Police Chief’s Wife Over Alleged Affair and Theft The wife of a former Thai Deputy Police Commissioner turned herself in after accusations of theft and infidelity. Legal proceedings are underway, with high public interest in the ongoing scandal. Foreigner Causes Disturbance at Chiang Mai Market Over Smoking Ban A foreign man sparked tension at a Chiang Mai market by ignoring a no-smoking rule, leading to a confrontation with a vendor. The incident has raised online discussions about cultural respect. California Doctor Sues Thai Restaurant Over Spicy Dish A California doctor is suing a Thai restaurant, claiming a dish’s spice level caused severe burns. She seeks $35,000 in damages, while the restaurant denies fault, stating the dish cannot be made less spicy. Indonesia Expels Chinese Ship from National Waters Indonesia forced a Chinese vessel to leave its Exclusive Economic Zone, citing disruption of a seismic survey. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over the South China Sea. South Korea and Poland Condemn North Korean Troops in Russia South Korean and Polish presidents criticized North Korea's support of Russia in Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized security cooperation and Poland's purchase of South Korean K2 tanks. Former Malaysian Leader Apologizes for 1MDB Scandal but Claims Innocence Najib Razak, former Malaysian Prime Minister, apologized for the 1MDB scandal but denied personal involvement. He remains in prison, with another trial pending. Singapore Founder’s Son Gains UK Asylum Amid Feud Lee Hsien Yang, son of Singapore's founder, was granted asylum in the UK, claiming persecution by the Singaporean government. The family dispute continues, with Singapore denying claims of oppression.

Foreigner Wreaks Havoc at Chiang Mai Market After Smoking Ban Warning A foreign man caused chaos at Chiang Mai's Chang Phuak market on October 23 after being asked to stop smoking near a dessert stall. Despite clear no-smoking signs, the man lit a cigarette near a gas stove, prompting the vendor to politely request he put it out for safety reasons. Infuriated, he threw a lit cigarette at the vendor and damaged the stall. The situation escalated until the vendor threw water at the man to extinguish the cigarette. The man's friend later apologized, ending the confrontation. The incident sparked online debates about cultural respect and local regulations.

Police Chief’s Wife Faces Scandal Over Alleged Affair and Theft Sirinatda "Kubkip" Hakparn, wife of former Deputy Police Commissioner Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, turned herself in after being accused of an affair and theft of 5.7 million baht. The allegations were made by a woman named Thanattha, who claimed Sirinatda had an affair with her husband and used a spare key to steal valuables, including cash and gold, from her condo in Bangkok. Sirinatda denied the accusations, stating her lawyer would handle the case. DNA tests on cash bags are pending. Big Joke did not accompany his wife or comment publicly.

Blacksmith Causes Chaos in Thai Village with Violent Attack A Thai village in Nakhon Si Thammarat was thrown into chaos when a local blacksmith, Adirek, poisoned three dogs and violently attacked a father and son. The incident, driven by a feud, left 48-year-old Suthat with a stab wound to his arm and his son, Thanyagon, critically injured with a chest wound. Earlier, Adirek had poisoned their dogs, leaving only one alive. Adirek then returned, attacking the family with a wooden stick and knife. The altercation stems from a four-month-long dispute. Adirek, known for becoming violent when drunk, remains at large as police search for him.

Drunk Motorcyclist Crashes into Pattaya Repair Shop A drunk motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a repair shop in Pattaya early on October 24, resulting in serious injuries. The accident occurred on Pattaya Central Road near Soi 8/1. Pattaya police, along with the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation and a medical team, responded to the scene around 1:30 a.m. The man, who had no identification, appeared heavily intoxicated and suffered a large head wound. He was treated on-site before being transported to a local hospital. Police are investigating to determine legal liability for the damages.

Thailand to Introduce 300-Baht Tourism Tax for Air Travelers Thailand is set to implement a 300-baht tourism tax for air travelers, potentially starting in the next six months. The tax will be paid via a dedicated website or app, similar to South Korea's K-ETA system. This initiative, spearheaded by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, aims to charge foreign visitors 300 baht, with 60 baht covering a 30-day insurance premium for accidents. The government is refining details for cabinet approval in January 2024. The tax could later expand to overland and sea travelers, with revenue supporting tourism safety measures.

Andaman International Airport set to open by 2030 The Andaman International Airport in Phang Nga is set to open by 2030, with the project progressing well, according to the House Committee for Transportation. Located in Khok Kloi and Lo Yung sub-districts, the airport will span over 7,300 rai, feature two runways, and accommodate 43 flights per hour, serving 22.5 million passengers annually. Initially planned for a forest area, the project was relocated due to conservation concerns. A 20-million-baht contract was signed for a feasibility study, covering economic and environmental factors. The airport aims to alleviate pressure on Phuket Airport, which is nearing capacity.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. These include a tragic drowning in Phuket and the encouraging progress in the comeback of Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia. Intoxicated woman flips car in Pattaya, claims 'heartache' caused accident A 29-year-old woman in Pattaya flipped her car after driving under the influence. She told police her "heart hurt" but could not recall how the accident happened. Earlier, police had escorted her to safety due to her intoxicated state. Tragic drownings in Phuket claim the lives of a boy and a British tourist A five-year-old Chinese boy and a 43-year-old British tourist died in two separate drowning incidents in Phuket on October 22. Both were pronounced dead after being pulled from the water and rushed to hospital. Bangkok drug gang suspect flees after shooting at police A drug gang suspect remains at large after firing five shots at police during a Bangkok chase. His accomplice was arrested with a large drug stash, but the fugitive, considered armed and dangerous, is still on the run. Police rush to arrest Tak Bai massacre suspects before deadline Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. Some suspects have fled the country, but police are pushing for arrests. Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple at Kata Beach A Thai man was arrested for stealing a gold iPhone, cash, and a ring from a Russian couple at Kata Beach. Police recovered most of the stolen items, and the man, along with an accomplice, is facing legal action. Andaman International Airport set to open by 2030 The Andaman International Airport in Phang Nga is progressing well and is expected to open by 2030. It will ease congestion at Phuket Airport and serve 22.5 million passengers annually. Surfer dies after being impaled by swordfish in Indonesia A 36-year-old Italian surfer, Giulia Manfrini, died in Indonesia after being impaled by a swordfish while surfing. The tragic accident has shocked the surfing community, and tributes have been paid to her passion for life. Malaysia charges 22 members of Islamic group for organized crime Twenty-two members of the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings group, linked to the banned Al Arqam sect, were charged with organized crime in Malaysia. The charges follow a raid that rescued over 500 children from suspected abuse. Tropical Storm Trami brings floods and fatalities in the Philippines Tropical Storm Trami has caused seven deaths and forced 30,000 evacuations in the Philippines, with heavy flooding hitting the Bicol region. The storm is expected to make landfall on Luzon by Thursday. Siamese crocodile comeback in Cambodia sees progress Conservation efforts in Cambodia have led to a comeback for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile. Breeding programs and habitat protection in the Cardamom Mountains are showing promising results.

Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple at Kata Beach A Thai man, Surachai, was arrested for stealing from a Russian couple at Kata Beach, Phuket, on October 18. The couple had left their belongings unattended while enjoying the beach when Surachai took their items and fled on a motorcycle. The stolen goods included a gold iPhone 13 Pro Max, cash, credit cards, and a gold ring. Police tracked Surachai to a rented room in Chalong, where he confessed to the crime. Most of the stolen items were recovered, though some cash had already been spent. The phone was traced to a local shop after being sold. Both Surachai and an accomplice, Tom, are now facing legal proceedings.

Tragic drownings in Phuket claim lives of a boy and a British tourist Two tragic drowning incidents occurred in Phuket on October 22, resulting in the deaths of a five-year-old Chinese boy and a 43-year-old British tourist. Karon Police confirmed that the young boy, Zhang Zhiqjanna, lost consciousness while swimming with his mother at a hotel pool near Karon Beach. Despite immediate CPR and hospital transport, the boy could not be revived. In a separate incident, a British tourist was pulled from the waters at Karon Beach around 4 pm by a bystander. Despite hospital efforts, he too was pronounced dead. Police are working with both embassies and withholding further details pending family notification.

Police rush to arrest Tak Bai massacre suspects before deadline National police chief Kitrat Phanphet has issued an urgent directive to arrest all suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. The massacre, which resulted in over 80 deaths in Narathiwat province, has led to the identification of 14 suspects. Seven, including high-ranking military officials, face charges in Narathiwat, while another eight were indicted in Pattani. Police are intensifying efforts, conducting searches and coordinating with Interpol. Some suspects have fled the country, and discussions about extending the statute of limitations are ongoing, though police remain focused on arrests within the legal timeframe.

Intoxicated woman flips car in Pattaya, claims 'heartache' caused accident A 29-year-old woman named Panthip, heavily intoxicated, flipped her car on a Pattaya overpass early this morning. When questioned by police, she said, "It hurts in my heart," and was confused about how the accident happened. Earlier in the evening, officers had escorted her to safety due to her drunken state, but she later drove and crashed. Rescue volunteers provided first aid, and police are now pursuing legal action after testing her blood alcohol content. The accident caused significant damage to her vehicle, but she only suffered minor injuries.

Bangkok drug gang suspect flees after shooting at police A Bangkok drug gang suspect is at large after firing five shots at police during a chase on October 22. The incident occurred in Saimai, Bangkok, where police apprehended 37-year-old Wuttisak Tanchareon, who was found with 160,000 methamphetamine pills and 1 kilogram of crystal meth in his car. The second suspect, described as a small, bald man wearing a black shirt and shorts, escaped. Police are using drones in their manhunt, proceeding cautiously due to the fugitive being armed. Meanwhile, a related drug bust in Phatthalung resulted in the arrest of another dealer with 20,000 meth pills.

Bangkok Governor Supports Congestion Charge to Ease Traffic Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt supports the Transport Ministry’s plan to introduce a congestion charge for vehicles entering the city’s busiest areas to reduce traffic and encourage public transport use. The revenue will help fund a 20-baht flat fare for electric trains. However, Chadchart stresses that improvements to public transport infrastructure, including buses and pedestrian pathways, must come first. Inspired by models in London and Singapore, the congestion charge aims to reduce traffic and promote sustainable transport solutions.

Grilled Chicken Vendor Arrested for Gold Shop Robbery Police arrested 41-year-old grilled chicken vendor Tawatchai Aromyim for robbing a gold shop in Nonthaburi, stealing two gold necklaces worth 87,000 baht. On October 19, Tawatchai visited the shop, tricked the worker, and fled with the necklaces on his motorcycle. He was arrested 40 minutes later at his home, where the stolen items were recovered. Tawatchai admitted to committing the theft to pay off his debts. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine under Section 336 of the Criminal Laws.

Three Suspects Sought for Dumping Woman’s Body Near Cassava Farm Police in Uthai Thani are searching for two women and a man suspected of dumping the body of an unidentified woman near a cassava farm. The body, found on October 20, showed signs of strangulation, with the victim’s hands and legs tied and concealed under a pink blanket. Witnesses saw a suspicious white van at the scene, and police are reviewing CCTV footage. Authorities are urging families with missing relatives to help identify the victim, as the body undergoes an autopsy.

Police Hunt Suspects in Assault and Robbery of Delivery Rider Police are searching for two Thai men who allegedly staged a road accident in Nonthaburi and robbed 64-year-old food delivery rider Chaiyaporn Poonmode. The suspects demanded 5,000 baht in compensation, stole 1,500 baht, and assaulted him when he refused to pay. Chaiyaporn suffered a fractured bone near his eye and is at risk of blindness. Police are using CCTV footage to track the suspects. Chaiyaporn’s family is calling for justice as he recovers from his injuries.

Family Rejects Settlement in Drunk Porsche Driver Case A family in Chiang Mai is seeking justice after 22-year-old Mr. Irfan Musa was severely injured by a drunk Porsche driver who offered a B200,000 settlement. Musa’s father, Mr. Suding Musa, believes the charges—reckless driving and drunk driving—are too lenient and is demanding attempted murder charges, which police have refused. The July 2024 accident left Musa with severe injuries, and his future as a physiotherapist in doubt. The driver’s lawyer proposed the settlement, but Musa’s family rejected it, vowing to fight for harsher penalties in court. Public concern over police handling of the case is growing.

Newin Rejects Thaksin’s Casino Plan Amid Social Concerns Newin Chidchob has rejected Thaksin Shinawatra's proposal to legalise casinos in Thailand, citing concerns over debt and addiction. Thaksin, the father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, proposed casinos as part of entertainment complexes in tourist hubs like Bangkok and Phuket to boost the economy. Despite Newin's opposition to casinos, he remains open to supporting entertainment projects that exclude gambling. This disagreement between the influential political figures is notable, especially as investigations into Thaksin's influence over his daughter's government are ongoing. The outcome could impact Thailand’s political and economic future.