Video News

Polish Woman Threatens to Bomb Thai VietJet Flight A Polish woman on Thai VietJet flight VZ 961 from Da Nang to Bangkok threatened to bomb the plane mid-air on September 26. The crew informed Suvarnabhumi ATC, leading to emergency protocols. The plane safely landed, and authorities separated passengers and baggage for inspection. The threat was false, but the woman, Ms. Myrcik, was detained for questioning. Thai VietJet praised the crew for their professional response. Under Thai law, making false bomb threats carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a 200,000 baht fine.

1.4 Tonnes of Cannabis Seized by Thai Customs Laem Chabang customs officials seized over 1.4 tonnes of cannabis, valued at 25 million baht, preventing it from being smuggled to the UK. The bust involved Thai police, the Seaport Interdiction Task Force, and the UK's Border Force. Two shipments, falsely declared as rubber mats and fabric gloves, were found to contain cannabis during inspections on September 11 and 16. The culprits face charges under Thai customs and medicinal cannabis laws. Despite cannabis being decriminalized in Thailand, exporting remains regulated, and it is still illegal in the UK.

Chinese National Insults Thai Women, Calls Them Prostitutes Two Thai women were insulted by a Chinese national during a trip to China, who called them prostitutes, sparking outrage on social media. One victim, Pinyada Nantakhamee, shared her experience tearfully on TikTok, revealing the hurtful remarks and how other Chinese people laughed. Netizens criticized the behaviour, offering support and suggesting that Pinyada should have confronted the man. American teacher David William also condemned the incident, calling it ignorance and encouraging Thai nationals to stand up against such stereotypes. Despite calls to share the offender's photo, Pinyada has not done so yet.

Glue-Sniffing Drifter Causes Chaos in Pattaya A glue-sniffing drifter named Prasit caused chaos in Pattaya’s Soi Nern Plub Wan on September 24, with hallucinations leading to bizarre behaviour. Locals detained the 44-year-old, who claimed ghosts were guiding him while clutching two cans of glue, which he insisted were “sacred honey.” Though suspected of prior thefts, no charges were pressed. Police confirmed his glue solvent abuse and possible mental health issues, arranging for his medical treatment and rehabilitation. Residents had previously seen him acting suspiciously near an abandoned building.

In today's Thailand video news, Alex covers major stories across Thailand and Southeast Asia on the Good Morning Thailand program. The stories range from a Polish woman threatening to bomb a Thai VietJet flight to Malaysia preparing for a new economic zone. Polish Woman Threatens to Bomb Thai VietJet Flight A Polish woman on Thai VietJet flight VZ 961 from Da Nang to Bangkok threatened to bomb the plane mid-flight on September 26. Emergency protocols were enacted, and the plane landed safely. The woman was detained for questioning, and the threat was found to be false. Thai Customs Seizes 1.4 Tonnes of Cannabis Over 1.4 tonnes of cannabis worth 25 million baht was seized by Laem Chabang customs, preventing it from being smuggled to the UK. The shipments were falsely declared, and the culprits now face charges. Glue-Sniffing Drifter Causes Chaos in Pattaya A glue-sniffing drifter disrupted Pattaya’s Soi Nern Plub Wan on September 24 with hallucinations, causing bizarre behaviour. Police detained the individual, who has been taken for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Chinese National Insults Thai Women Two Thai women were insulted by a Chinese man during their trip to China, who called them prostitutes, sparking outrage on social media. The incident, shared on TikTok, drew widespread criticism. Chiang Mai Flood Photo Goes Viral Again A 19-year-old photo of a woman pushing her motorcycle through Chiang Mai floodwaters has resurfaced and gone viral. The image highlights both nostalgia and ongoing flood concerns in the region. Russian Woman Rescued After 7 Hours at Sea A 32-year-old Russian woman was rescued after drifting at sea for seven hours off the coast of Sattahip. She had gone for a swim and unintentionally drifted far from shore but was safely returned. Indonesia Seeks to Join Trans-Pacific Trade Pact Indonesia has formally requested to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aiming to expand its export markets and increase economic growth. Remains of Vietnam War Pilot Identified After 50 Years The remains of U.S. Marine Capt. Ronald W. Forrester, a Vietnam War pilot missing since 1972, has been identified. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in October. Malaysia Prepares for SEZ with Singapore Malaysia plans to develop a special economic zone (SEZ) near Singapore, boosting trade and attracting investments. The country also aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. South Korea to Ban Dog Meat by 2027 South Korea plans to ban dog farming for food by 2027, offering financial incentives for farmers to shut down operations. The practice of eating dog meat has seen a significant decline in recent years.

Viral Story of Multilingual Homeless Woman in Thailand Gains Attention A homeless woman with multilingual skills has gone viral in Thailand after her story was shared by entrepreneur Apisit Khongsin. While delivering food in Nakhon Sawan, Apisit met Manatsanun, who impressed him with her fluency in multiple languages, including English and Finnish. It was revealed that she had studied abroad and worked in foreign countries before returning to Thailand due to health issues, including depression. Despite efforts by her family to reconnect, Manatsanun prefers her current lifestyle. Apisit has hired her as a brand ambassador, hoping to offer financial stability and help her find better living conditions.

Electricity Bills Waived in Flood-Hit Northern Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced the waiving of electricity bills for residents in flood-affected areas of northern and northeastern Thailand this month. Additionally, in October, bills will be reduced by 30% as part of a broader relief package. The Finance Ministry is also providing a debt moratorium for small-scale farmers. To improve disaster response, the government is enhancing the Thang Rath app for emergency alerts and developing the Cell Broadcast Service for quicker warnings. These measures aim to ease the burden on communities and improve access to critical information during natural disasters.

Thai Influencer Detained for Promoting Online Gambling Thai influencer Thanakrit, known as Bally, was detained for promoting online gambling through his Facebook page, which has over 410,000 followers. Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers discovered that Bally was posting comedic clips containing links to gambling websites, earning 2,500 baht per post. Bally admitted to being hired by gambling site owners to create and post these videos. The CIB charged him under the Gambling Act of 1935 for promoting unauthorized gambling, following an investigation by the Technology Crime Suppression Division.

Thai Woman Alleges STD After Relationship With Indian Businessman A 24-year-old Thai woman, Miss B, has accused an Indian man posing as an Arab businessman of luring her into a relationship and leaving her with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). After meeting through her nail salon, the pair had unprotected sex, after which the man disappeared and blocked all contact. Miss B later discovered that the man had deceived many women and LGBTQ individuals, with around 100 victims in Samut Prakan and nearby provinces. Experiencing severe symptoms, she plans to seek medical help, while authorities continue their search for the alleged conman.

Russian Man Fined for Reckless Driving on Koh Samui A Russian man, Aleksandr Sharygo, was fined 5,000 baht for dangerous driving on Koh Samui, drawing mixed reactions from locals. A Thai woman shared a video in a Facebook group showing Sharygo's reckless driving, which included speeding and parking illegally. Police quickly located his yellow luxury car and fined him for failing to report a colour change and unpaid vehicle tax. Sharygo apologised for his actions, while some netizens praised the police's response, others felt the punishment was too lenient and called for harsher penalties.

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, A Historic Milestone in Southeast Asia Thailand has made history as the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage. King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed the law, which will take effect in 120 days, with the first marriages expected in January 2025. The new law grants same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance rights. This milestone follows years of LGBTQ activism and advocacy. Despite ongoing societal challenges, public support for marriage equality is strong, marking a major step forward for LGBTQ rights in the region.

The transcript below covers stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia, as featured in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The topics range from Thailand's upcoming same-sex marriage law, set to take effect in early 2024, to Vietnam’s president meeting with U.S. corporations to boost the country's tech sector. Thailand Legalises Same-Sex Marriage, A Historic Milestone in Southeast Asia Thailand has made history as the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage, with the new law taking effect in early 2024. Russian Man Fined for Reckless Driving on Koh Samui A Russian man has been fined 5,000 baht for dangerous driving on Koh Samui, sparking mixed reactions from locals. Thai Woman Alleges STD After Relationship With Indian Businessman A Thai woman has accused an Indian businessman of deceiving her into a relationship and leaving her with an STD. Thai Influencer Detained for Promoting Online Gambling Influencer Thanakrit "Bally" was detained for promoting gambling websites via his social media accounts. Electricity Bills Waived in Flood-Hit Northern Thailand The government will waive electricity bills for flood-hit northern Thailand residents and offer a 30% discount in October. Viral Story of Multilingual Homeless Woman in Thailand Gains Attention A multilingual homeless woman has gone viral, gaining widespread attention for her fluency and inspiring a local entrepreneur. Cambodia's New Canal Raises Concerns Over Mekong River Impact Cambodia’s $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal project has raised environmental concerns over potential disruption to the Mekong River. Indian Police Face Investigation Over Alleged Assault on Woman An investigation has been launched after a woman accused Indian police of physical and sexual assault in Odisha. Japan Faces Rice Shortage Amid Weather Issues and Tourism Surge Japan is experiencing a significant rice shortage due to poor weather and increased tourist demand, pushing prices higher. Vietnam’s President Meets U.S. Corporations to Boost Tech Sector Vietnam’s President To Lam met with top U.S. firms to discuss expanding Vietnam’s tech and semiconductor industries.

McDonald’s Thailand Invites Texas Chicken Employees to Apply for Jobs Amid Chain Closure McDonald’s Thailand is inviting employees from Texas Chicken, which is closing at the end of September, to apply for jobs at its 230 branches nationwide. In a Facebook post on September 23, McDonald’s expressed support for Texas Chicken staff, highlighting their skills and encouraging them to join the McDonald’s team. The company is offering various opportunities to help those affected by the closure transition into new roles. This gesture aims to ease concerns about job security for Texas Chicken employees.

Thailand to Introduce Electronic Travel Authorisation for Visa-Free Visitors by 2025 Thailand will soon require travellers from 93 visa-exempt countries, including Singapore, to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entry. The ETA, expected to launch between December 2024 and June 2025, will be free and aimed at enhancing border security and preventing illegal immigration. While travellers from Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia are exempt, all others must apply online for single-entry stays of up to 60 days, with an optional 30-day extension. The ETA will streamline immigration with automated gates, but further details are still being finalised.

British Man Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle £1 Million Worth of Cannabis from Thailand Nathaniel Benson, a 44-year-old from Leeds, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on September 18 for allegedly attempting to smuggle £1 million worth of cannabis from Bangkok, Thailand. Border Force officers found over 100 kilograms of cannabis in five suitcases, including one checked under a child’s name. Benson has been charged with importing Class B drugs and is set to appear in court on October 24. A woman travelling with him was released on bail. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned against drug smuggling, as cannabis seizures have surged this year.

Thai Woman Seeks Compensation After Alleged Snake Bite in Bangkok Cinema A Thai woman, Kornphaphiporn Poka-imsin, is seeking justice after claiming she was bitten by a snake in a Bangkok cinema on July 31. She incurred 25,000 baht in medical expenses but received only 6,990 baht in compensation, as the cinema insists it was a rat, not a snake, involved. Despite her hospital stay and tetanus injection, the snake species couldn’t be identified, and no antivenom was given. Kornphaphiporn has turned to the public for support, arguing that the cinema should ensure a safe environment and take full responsibility.

Drunken Belgian Man Causes Chaos at Thai Police Station, Defecates and Dances in Underwear A 23-year-old Belgian man, Van Mullem Wout, caused chaos at the Pak Kret Police Station on September 24 after being detained for running on a Bangkok expressway. Under the influence of alcohol, Wout defecated on the station floor, stripped to his underwear, and mocked officers by dancing. After collapsing from exhaustion, he was apprehended again near a local school and placed in a holding cell. Immigration authorities were contacted to handle the case.

Pit Bull Fatally Mauls 67-Year-Old Woman in Pathum Thani In Pathum Thani, a 67-year-old woman, Daeng Thamtanta, was fatally attacked by a Pit Bull named Poikae while cycling near her home. Despite efforts by emergency responders, she died at the scene due to severe bite wounds. Poikae had a history of aggression, previously biting family members and others in the neighbourhood. The dog’s owner, Mrs. Kiatkanok, admitted she could no longer manage the animal and wanted to surrender it to an animal protection group. Authorities are investigating the incident.

The transcription below provides the news stories covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from a drunken Belgian man causing chaos at a Thai police station to a former Singapore Transport Minister pleading guilty to graft charges. Drunken Belgian Man Causes Chaos at Thai Police Station A 23-year-old Belgian man, Van Mullem Wout, caused chaos at Pak Kret Police Station, defecating on the floor and dancing in his underwear after being detained for running on a Bangkok expressway. He was later apprehended after collapsing from exhaustion. Pit Bull Fatally Mauls 67-Year-Old Woman in Pathum Thani A 67-year-old woman, Daeng Thamtanta, was fatally attacked by a Pit Bull while cycling near her home. The dog, with a history of aggression, had previously bitten others. Authorities are investigating. Thai Woman Seeks Compensation After Alleged Snake Bite in Cinema A Thai woman, Kornphaphiporn Poka-imsin, claims she was bitten by a snake in a Bangkok cinema and is seeking compensation. The cinema, however, insists it was a rat, not a snake, involved. British Man Arrested for Smuggling £1 Million Worth of Cannabis Nathaniel Benson, a 44-year-old from Leeds, was arrested at Heathrow Airport after Border Force officers found £1 million worth of cannabis in his luggage, smuggled from Thailand. Thailand to Introduce Electronic Travel Authorisation by 2025 Thailand is set to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt visitors by 2025 to enhance border security. The ETA will apply to travellers from 93 countries. McDonald’s Thailand Invites Texas Chicken Employees to Apply for Jobs Following Texas Chicken’s closure, McDonald’s Thailand is inviting affected employees to apply for roles at its 230 branches nationwide, offering various opportunities to ease the transition. South Korean Man Wanted for Pattaya Murder Arrested in Vietnam Kim HyeonggWon, wanted for a brutal murder in Pattaya, was captured in Vietnam after months on the run. He has been extradited to South Korea to face charges. Over 500 Children Rescued in Malaysia in Expanding GISB Abuse Case Malaysian police have rescued over 500 children in an ongoing investigation into Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) for alleged child abuse. Over 150 suspects have been arrested. Taiwanese Woman Arrested and Extradited for Murder in the Philippines Chen Yu-hsuan, a Taiwanese woman involved in two murders in the Philippines, was arrested in South Korea and extradited to China, following international coordination. Former Singapore Transport Minister Pleads Guilty to Graft Charges Former Singapore Transport Minister S. Iswaran has pleaded guilty to accepting gifts and obstructing justice. He faces up to two years in prison for receiving gifts and seven years for obstruction.

Khao Kheow Zoo Earns 12 Million Baht Thanks to Baby Hippo Moo Deng's Fame Khao Kheow Open Zoo has earned over 12 million baht from a surge in visitors drawn by the live stream of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo. The zoo saw a 50% increase in visitors from September 1 to 19, with 81,786 people visiting in that period. With over one million expected visitors by the fiscal year’s end, the zoo anticipates 200 million baht in total revenue. Moo Deng's live streams attract global attention, especially from countries like Japan and China, and the zoo has also capitalized on her fame by selling T-shirts featuring the baby hippo.

Missing Baby Found Safe in Nakhon Sawan After Abduction A missing nine-month-old baby girl named Fern was found safe in Nakhon Sawan after being abducted by Pang, a 24-year-old woman with a disability, from Dee Dee Land Market in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Fern's mother, Sananthika, quickly sought help through social media. A tip led police to a rented house where they found Pang with Fern. Pang admitted to taking the baby due to a personal dispute with her husband, intending to return her after a short stay. Both Pang and a friend she was visiting are now under investigation.

Woman Survives Fall from Building Near Robinson Mall Chantaburi A woman fell from a building near Robinson Mall in Chantaburi on September 21 at around 05:00. She landed on spiked metal railings, severely pinning her leg, though none of the spikes pierced her. Rescue workers and medical staff from Phra Pokklao Hospital worked to stabilise her before cutting through the fence to free her. She sustained cuts, bruises, and a possible broken leg and was transported to the hospital. The cause of the fall is under investigation, and further details about the incident have not been released.

Severe Rainfall in 60 Thai Provinces Hits 80% of Bangkok Heavy rainfall is set to hit 60 Thai provinces, with 80% of Bangkok expected to be affected. The Thai Meteorological Department warns of potential flash floods and forest run-off due to ongoing storms, especially in the lower north, upper central, and upper northeast regions. Strong monsoon conditions and a low-pressure cell near China are driving the intense weather. Rough seas in the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand are also forecast, with waves up to 3 meters. Residents and sailors are urged to remain cautious, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas, and avoid offshore navigation.

Former Arsenal Player Arrested for £600K Cannabis Smuggling from Thailand Former Arsenal player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested for attempting to smuggle cannabis worth £600,000 from Thailand through a British airport. The 33-year-old footballer, currently playing for Greenock Morton, was apprehended at his home in Glasgow and taken for questioning by the National Crime Agency. The arrest followed the discovery of 60 kilograms of cannabis in suitcases at Stansted Airport. Emmanuel-Thomas now faces charges of importing class B drugs, which could result in a 14-year prison sentence. This incident highlights strict UK drug laws despite leniency in countries like Thailand.

Thai Baht’s Biggest Surge Since 1998 Hurts Tourism and Exports The Thai baht has surged to its highest level since the 1998 Asian financial crisis, posing risks to Thailand's tourism and export sectors. The baht’s appreciation, partly due to a weakening US dollar, is making Thai products less competitive and reducing foreign tourists' spending power. Thai officials have urged the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to manage the currency's volatility. The strong baht has increased production costs and imports, adding pressure to exports. The BOT plans to stabilise the currency, with further discussion expected at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on October 16.