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Thai Women Survive Rape Attempt Due to Suspect’s Erectile Dysfunction Two Thai women survived a rape attempt in Ubon Ratchathani, allegedly due to the suspect’s erectile dysfunction. The 34-year-old suspect, Rungsan, attacked the women with a wooden stick, causing one to crash her motorcycle and sustain head injuries. After assaulting her, he attempted rape but fled when she pretended to be dead. The second victim managed to escape with minor injuries. Rungsan admitted to consuming methamphetamine and claimed he initially targeted their valuables but later attempted sexual assault. He now faces charges for sexual assault, physical assault, and drug use, with penalties ranging up to 10 years in prison and significant fines.

British Tourist Dies After Consuming Magic Mushrooms in Thailand A 25-year-old British tourist tragically died in Chiang Mai, Thailand, after consuming magic mushrooms purchased from a cannabis shop during a Christmas holiday with his girlfriend. Shortly after ingesting the hallucinogenic drug, he suffered a severe reaction, foaming at the mouth and collapsing. Despite medics' efforts, he was pronounced dead on December 20. Following the incident, police raided the store, The Glory Days, arresting the owner and three employees for illegally selling narcotics. Authorities discovered 7kg of magic mushrooms in a storage room. The British Embassy has informed the man’s family, and investigations continue.

Australian Tourist Threatened by Moto-Taxi Driver in Pattaya On Christmas Eve in Pattaya, a minor motorcycle collision escalated into a frightening encounter when a 60-year-old Australian tourist, Ivica, was allegedly threatened with a knife by a motorbike taxi driver. The incident began with a small accident, followed by an argument, and turned violent when the driver chased Ivica into an alley, brandishing a knife. Ivica filed a police report, and authorities have summoned both parties for questioning. Investigations are ongoing, with police urging visitors to stay cautious and report incidents promptly.

Belgian Man Attacked and Robbed by Teens in Pattaya on Christmas Day An 80-year-old Belgian man, Richard Ander M. Van Bogaert, was attacked and robbed by a teenage gang on Christmas Day near his residence in Pattaya, Thailand. The gang, wielding knives, stole his wallet containing 7,000 baht and fled the scene. Mr. Van Bogaert sustained severe head injuries but managed to return home, where his caretaker called the police. Authorities are investigating, reviewing CCTV footage, and setting up roadblocks to apprehend the six teenage suspects. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but police are determined to bring the culprits to justice.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and across Asia, covering topics from a teen gang attacking and robbing a Belgian man in Pattaya to heightened Thai border precautions following a cholera outbreak in Myanmar. 1. Teen Gang Attacks and Robs Belgian Man in Pattaya An 80-year-old Belgian man, Richard Ander M. Van Bogaert, was attacked and robbed by six teens near his Pattaya home on Christmas Day. The gang stole his wallet with 7,000 baht and fled. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to track the suspects. 2. Australian Tourist Threatened by Pattaya Moto-Taxi Driver A minor bike collision in Pattaya led to a terrifying altercation when a moto-taxi driver allegedly threatened an Australian tourist with a knife. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve. 3. British Tourist Dies After Consuming Magic Mushrooms A 25-year-old British tourist died in Chiang Mai after ingesting magic mushrooms from a cannabis shop. Police arrested the shop owner and employees for selling illegal substances. 4. Thai Women Escape Rape Due to Suspect’s Dysfunction Two women survived a rape attempt in Ubon Ratchathani after the suspect fled. He admitted to consuming methamphetamine and now faces multiple charges, including sexual assault and drug use. 5. Suvarnabhumi Airport Delights Travelers with Teddy Bears Suvarnabhumi Airport surprised passengers with teddy bears on baggage carousels during Christmas. Festivities include live music, decorations, and games through December 26. 6. Thai Woman Falls While Trying to Retrieve Phone A Thai woman suffered severe injuries after falling from a pedestrian bridge in Samut Prakan while retrieving her dropped phone. She is currently hospitalized. 7. Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes in Kazakhstan An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed during an emergency landing in Kazakhstan, killing four and injuring 32. Authorities suspect poor weather and a bird strike caused the crash. 8. Japan Coastguard Plane Collision Kills Five Miscommunication caused a Japan coastguard plane to collide with a JAL flight at Haneda Airport. All passengers on the JAL plane survived, but five coastguard crew members died. 9. Cambodian Businessman Jailed for Double Murder Cambodian tycoon Srey Sina was sentenced to 31 years for killing a couple during a property dispute. Public pressure ensured his conviction, with over $2 million in compensation awarded to the victims' families. 10. Cholera Outbreak in Myanmar Prompts Thai Border Precautions Thailand increased health surveillance along its border after a cholera outbreak in Myanmar's Myawaddy province infected 300 people. Officials set up checkpoints and emergency operations in Tak province.

Festive Car Decorations Lead to Legal Consequences in Bangkok A 29-year-old ride-sharing driver in Bangkok adorned his car with reindeer antlers, a red nose, and Christmas lights to attract passengers during the holiday season. The decorations gained viral attention, amassing over 12 million views on TikTok. However, authorities cited him for violating Thailand's Motor Vehicle Act of 1979, which prohibits unauthorized vehicle modifications. He was fined 1,500 baht for altering the vehicle's lighting system and using non-compliant equipment. Police emphasized that such modifications can distract other drivers and compromise road safety.

Thailand’s Happiness Challenges in 2024 A recent NIDA poll highlights that 2024 has tested Thailand's resilience, with economic woes, political instability, and cybercrime as leading stressors. While 39.92% of respondents felt “fairly happy,” over 40% expressed dissatisfaction, citing rising living costs, debt, and instability. Economic struggles topped concerns, with over half flagging declining incomes and quality of life. Cybersecurity and political turmoil followed closely, while corruption, traffic, and global tensions added to the discontent. Interestingly, Thailand still ranks among the top 50 countries in the World Happiness Report, with under-30s showcasing higher levels of joy.

Hong Kong Tourist Restrained After Rampage Near Phuket Airport A 35-year-old Hong Kong tourist, Poon Keith Ka Chun, was restrained by Thai taxi drivers near Phuket International Airport after exhibiting violent behavior on December 23. Images shared by Phuket Times showed the man tied up and subdued by taxi drivers, who were waiting for passengers. Poon had arrived on December 17 and reported a missing passport and mental health struggles to Sakhu Police. Authorities arranged free accommodation for him while awaiting a temporary passport. However, his mental condition worsened, leading to the incident. The man was taken to a hospital for treatment, and no legal action was pursued.

Thai Government Tackles Festive Road Safety Thailand’s “Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely” campaign aims to reduce road accidents during New Year celebrations, focusing on sobriety checkpoints, public service announcements, and increased police patrols. However, critics highlight significant challenges: Thailand’s social drinking culture, inconsistent law enforcement, and limited public transport outside Bangkok. Many revellers face high taxi costs or lack alternatives, while peer pressure and overconfidence in driving abilities worsen the problem. Public scepticism about government initiatives adds another layer of difficulty. Experts emphasize the need for stricter enforcement, better transport infrastructure, and cultural change to ensure safer roads.

Bangkok Reduces Speed Limit to Improve Road Safety Bangkok has lowered the speed limit on most city roads from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, effective immediately, as part of a campaign to reduce road accidents. Exceptions include 13 major roads like Vibhavadi-Rangsit and Bangna Trat, which retain the higher limit. Royal area roads have an even lower limit of 50 km/h, with restrictions on honking and loud noises. Motorists exceeding the limit face fines of 200-1,000 baht under the Land Transport Act. Authorities clarified that speeding is the top cause of accidents, and this measure aligns Bangkok with global city standards. Speed cameras will monitor compliance, aiming to enhance road safety and reduce crashes.

The transcription below features news stories 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 Thailand's happiness challenges to Vietnam's controversial internet law and its impact on free speech. 1. Thailand Faces Happiness Challenges A NIDA poll shows rising costs, debt, and instability are dampening happiness for many Thais in 2024. 2. Road Safety Campaigns Target New Year Festivities Thailand launches the "Don’t Drink and Drive" campaign to curb New Year road accidents amid cultural and enforcement challenges. 3. Hong Kong Tourist Restrained in Phuket Incident A Hong Kong man was subdued at Phuket Airport after violent behavior linked to mental health issues. No charges were filed. 4. Military Overhaul Approved in Thailand The Defence Council plans to downsize forces by 5% and halve senior roles by 2028, emphasizing disaster readiness. 5. Festive Car Decorations Result in Fine A Bangkok driver’s Christmas-themed car modifications went viral but earned him a 1,500 baht fine for safety violations. 6. Bangkok Lowers Speed Limits for Safety Bangkok reduces most road speed limits to 60 km/h, aiming to cut accidents. Major roads retain an 80 km/h limit. 7. North Korea Aids Russia in Ukraine War North Korea sends troops and weapons, including suicide drones, to Russia, escalating regional security concerns. 8. Malaysia Pursues Football Hooligans Police hunt 30 suspects involved in a brawl after Malaysia's AFF Cup loss, using CCTV to identify offenders. 9. Philippines Defends U.S. Missile Deployment The Philippines backs U.S. Typhon missiles despite China's protests, citing sovereignty and national security. 10. Vietnam’s Internet Law Stirs Censorship Concerns Vietnam’s Decree 147 enforces strict social media rules, sparking fears of stifled dissent and increased censorship.

Thailand to Train 7,000 Massage Therapists to Address Industry Shortage Thailand's Public Health Ministry is set to train 7,000 massage therapists to address a workforce gap in the 200-billion-baht massage industry. The initiative aims to integrate Thai traditional massage as a complementary treatment for conditions like office syndrome, herniated discs, and paralysis. With a shortage of 70,000 practitioners, this move could add billions to the economy, as professional masseurs earn about 20,000 baht monthly, and therapists up to 176,000 baht. The program also supports related businesses like herbal product manufacturers, boosting Thailand's reputation as a global health hub and strengthening its health economy.

Thai Woman Found Dead in Jomtien Apartment; Foreign Partner Stayed with Body for 3 Days Police are investigating the mysterious death of 45-year-old Duangta Khampongsom in Jomtien, Chonburi. Her decomposing body was discovered after complaints of a foul odor, and her 77-year-old Irish partner, Bearach Beataidh, admitted to staying with the corpse for three days, claiming he didn’t realize she had passed. Bearach stated she had been assaulted before arriving at the apartment and later appeared to sleep but never woke up. Authorities are skeptical of his account, as he continued living in the room despite the smell. The case is under investigation, with a forensic autopsy pending to determine the cause of death.

Thai Mother Mistakes Grab Driver for Daughter's Boyfriend, Attempts Assault A Grab driver, Tanapon “Benz” Chumwong, shared dashcam footage of a misunderstanding where a passenger’s mother mistook him for her daughter’s boyfriend and tried to assault him. The incident occurred after Benz dropped off a female passenger and made a U-turn near her home. The mother confronted him aggressively, shouting and attempting to reach into his vehicle, despite his calm explanations. Benz eventually left, leaving the woman yelling behind him. The video, shared on Facebook, drew praise for Benz’s composure, with commenters urging him to file a complaint to prevent future incidents. Benz has not confirmed if he will pursue legal action.

Surat-Bangkok Flight's Alcohol Runs Dry Amid Festivities Passengers aboard Air India Express’s inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight made headlines after finishing the entire onboard alcohol supply worth ฿70,000 mid-flight. The 4-hour journey turned into a festive celebration, with passengers enjoying drinks, snacks, and camaraderie, sharing the lively atmosphere on social media. Despite running out of alcohol, the laughter and shared stories made the trip unforgettable. The event highlights the unpredictability and communal joy of travel, leaving a lasting impression on the airline's new route.

Indian Passengers Turn Thai AirAsia Flight into Party Zone A viral video captured Indian passengers on a Thai AirAsia flight disregarding air hostesses' requests, standing in aisles, chatting loudly, and snacking, sparking online backlash. Shared by content creator Ankit Kumar, the footage amassed millions of views, with comments expressing embarrassment over the behavior, calling it a "tarnish" on India's image. The incident reignited debates on civic sense and public etiquette, with many criticizing a lack of accountability and cultural awareness. This isn’t an isolated case, as similar complaints about disruptive behavior on flights have surfaced, sparking calls for better decorum during travel.

"Remembering the 2004 Phuket Tsunami: A Tragic Turning Point" The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated Phuket on December 26, leaving indelible scars on survivors and reshaping Thailand's disaster preparedness. Triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake, the tsunami caused widespread loss of life and destruction. In its aftermath, Thailand developed robust early warning systems and memorial sites, like the Wall of Remembrance and Ban Nam Khem Memorial Park, to honor victims and educate future generations. Annual ceremonies continue to pay tribute to the lives lost.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex and Jay. Highlights include the Surat-Bangkok flight running out of alcohol mid-air and Japan surpassing Thailand in tourist arrivals. Surat-Bangkok Flight Runs Out of Alcohol Passengers aboard Air India Express’s inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight drank ฿70,000 worth of alcohol, creating a festive atmosphere. Viral Video Sparks In-Flight Etiquette Debate Indian passengers on a Thai AirAsia flight disrupted service, prompting backlash and reigniting discussions on travel decorum. Mysterious Death in Jomtien A Thai woman was found dead in her apartment. Her Irish partner stayed with her body for three days, claiming ignorance of her death. 2004 Phuket Tsunami Remembered Thailand commemorates the 2004 tsunami with memorials and enhanced disaster preparedness measures to honour victims. Grab Driver Mistaken for Boyfriend A mother mistook a Grab driver for her daughter’s boyfriend, sparking a heated confrontation caught on dashcam and shared online. Thailand to Train Massage Therapists Thailand plans to train 7,000 massage therapists to address a workforce shortage and boost its ฿200-billion health industry. Singapore Post CEO Fired Singapore Post fired its CEO for mishandling a whistleblower report, leading to a major stock drop and ongoing reforms. Ho Chi Minh City Launches Metro Line After a 12-year delay, Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line opens, easing traffic congestion and boosting public transit. 1MDB Files $1 Billion Fraud Lawsuit Malaysia’s 1MDB fund sues Amicorp Group, alleging its role in $7 billion of fraudulent transactions as part of a global recovery effort. Japan Tops Tourist Destinations Japan surpasses Thailand in tourist arrivals, driven by its strong infrastructure, weak yen, and diverse travel offerings.

Thai Taxi Driver Assaulted by Foreigner in Pattaya, Calls for Justice A Thai taxi driver, Mr. Chiwun Chimphlee, was assaulted by a foreigner in Pattaya on December 18 while assisting at a cannabis shop. The attack, captured on CCTV, left Mr. Chiwun with severe facial injuries, including a ruptured blood vessel and cuts. Despite filing a police report and providing evidence, no arrest has been made, frustrating the victim. Mr. Chiwun turned to the media, urging authorities to act, citing concerns about public safety. The case highlights the need for stronger legal enforcement to protect Thai citizens from tourist-related violence. Police investigations are ongoing.

Three-Vehicle Collision in Nong Bua Lamphu Leaves 8 Injured, 2 Critical A three-vehicle collision at an unmarked intersection in Nong Bua Lamphu left eight people injured, including two in critical condition. The accident, captured on CCTV, showed vehicles arriving simultaneously at the "judgment crossing," a nickname for its lack of traffic signals. The impact was so severe that some occupants were ejected, with one requiring CPR before being hospitalized. Local authorities are investigating and considering safety measures to prevent similar incidents at the hazardous intersection.

78-Year-Old 'Elvis of Thailand' Reveals Duct Tape Beauty Hack Somsak, the "Elvis of Thailand," a 78-year-old from Chon Buri, revealed his unconventional beauty secret: using duct tape to lift his face. In a viral TikTok video shared by his granddaughter, Somsak demonstrated the method he's used for two years, despite occasional skin discomfort. He combines this with dietary supplements, skincare, and regular exercise. His granddaughter warned viewers not to copy the technique due to potential skin risks. Inspired by duct tape's adhesive strength while fixing his car, Somsak also takes pride in his singing and beauty pageant awards, enjoying the admiration from netizens for his youthful look.

Three Sentenced to Death for Murder and Dismemberment of German Businessman in Pattaya Three individuals involved in the brutal murder and dismemberment of German property mogul Hans Peter Ralter Mack in Pattaya have been sentenced. Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann and Petra Christl Grundgreif confessed, reducing their sentences to life imprisonment, while Shahruik Karim Uddin received the death penalty after denying his involvement. The crime, involving abduction, dismemberment, and a theft of over 3.3 million baht, shocked international audiences. Another accomplice, Enrico, was sentenced to six years for facilitating financial transactions linked to the crime. Police recovered 1.25 million baht, returning it to Mack’s family.

Phuket to Host Thailand's First Legal Same-Sex Marriages in January Phuket will host Thailand's first legal same-sex marriages on January 22, 2025, at Jungceylon shopping mall, Patong. This historic event, "DOPA Day One: Equality Rings in 878 Districts," celebrates inclusivity under the theme "Embracing Equality: Love Wins." It follows the Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act (No. 24) 2024, enabling legal same-sex unions. The ceremony includes symbolic marriage registrations and press activities. Couples can register from January 6-15 through the Phuket Provincial or Kathu District Office. This milestone highlights Phuket’s commitment to equality and diversity in Thailand.

Shirtless Tourist Swallows Traffic Ticket in Pattaya Police Standoff A shirtless foreign tourist in Pattaya was stopped by police for riding a motorcycle without a helmet. When asked for his driving license, he refused and was issued a traffic ticket. In a surprising act, he swallowed the ticket and drank water to wash it down. After initial resistance, he eventually accompanied the officers to the police station for prosecution.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and across Asia, hosted by Alex and Jay on the Good Morning Thailand program. Highlights include the sentencing in the murder case of a German businessman in Pattaya and Malaysia's renewed search for Flight MH370. 1. Three Sentenced for German Businessman’s Murder in Pattaya A Pattaya court sentenced Shahruik Karim Uddin to death for the murder of German property mogul Hans Peter Ralter Mack. Two accomplices received life sentences after confessing, while another was jailed for six years for financial involvement. Police returned 1.25 million baht to Mack’s family. 2. Three-Vehicle Crash in Nong Bua Lamphu Injures Eight A collision at an unmarked intersection in Nong Bua Lamphu left eight injured, with two critically hurt. CCTV footage showed vehicles colliding at the hazardous “judgment crossing.” Authorities are investigating and may introduce safety measures. 3. Phuket to Host Thailand’s First Legal Same-Sex Marriages Phuket will host Thailand’s first legal same-sex marriage on January 22, 2025, at Jungceylon Mall in Patong. This historic event follows a recent legal amendment and promotes equality and diversity in the country. 4. Thai Taxi Driver Assaulted in Pattaya Seeks Justice Thai taxi driver Chiwun Chimphlee was attacked by a foreigner in Pattaya, leaving him with severe facial injuries. Frustrated by police inaction, he urged authorities to act, citing public safety concerns. 5. Shirtless Tourist Swallows Traffic Ticket in Pattaya A shirtless tourist in Pattaya caused a scene by swallowing a traffic ticket after being fined for not wearing a helmet. He eventually complied with the police and was taken to the station. 6. 78-Year-Old ‘Elvis of Thailand’ Reveals Beauty Hack Somsak, the “Elvis of Thailand,” revealed his unique beauty secret: using duct tape for a youthful look. His TikTok video went viral, but viewers were warned against trying the risky method. 7. Malaysia Resumes Search for Flight MH370 Malaysia has renewed efforts to locate Flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board. The search follows proposals from Ocean Infinity, raising hopes for closure for the victims’ families. 8. Frenchman on Indonesia’s Death Row Seeks Repatriation Serge Atlaoui, a Frenchman on death row in Indonesia, is requesting to serve his sentence in France due to declining health. Talks between the two governments are ongoing. 9. Cambodia Grants Japan Access to China-Linked Naval Base Cambodia will allow Japan to visit the China-linked Ream Naval Base to ease concerns over Beijing’s influence. The move signals efforts to balance regional partnerships. 10. Protests Erupt in Seoul Over President’s Impeachment Rival protests broke out in Seoul after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Young protesters demanded his resignation, while conservatives opposed the decision. The Constitutional Court is deliberating his fate.