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The transcription below covers key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as featured on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex and Jay. The news ranges from a former Arsenal player arrested for smuggling £600K worth of cannabis to the release of a New Zealand pilot after 19 months in captivity. 1. Former Arsenal Player Arrested for £600K Cannabis Smuggling Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, ex-Arsenal player, was arrested for smuggling £600K worth of cannabis from Thailand. He faces up to 14 years in prison. 2. Thai Baht Surge Hurts Tourism and Exports The Thai baht has reached its highest level since 1998, negatively affecting tourism and export competitiveness. Officials are seeking solutions. 3. Severe Rainfall Expected in 60 Thai Provinces Heavy rains are set to hit 60 Thai provinces, including 80% of Bangkok, with potential flash floods and rough seas. 4. Woman Survives Fall Near Robinson Mall Chantaburi A woman survived a fall from a building near Robinson Mall, Chantaburi. She was hospitalized with leg injuries after being freed from railings. 5. Missing Baby Found Safe in Nakhon Sawan A nine-month-old baby abducted from Ayutthaya was found safe in Nakhon Sawan. The abductor admitted to taking the child due to personal issues. 6. Khao Kheow Zoo Earns Millions from Baby Hippo Fame Khao Kheow Zoo earned 12 million baht from a visitor surge after live streams of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo, went viral. 7. Cambodia Exits Development Pact Amid Protests Cambodia withdrew from a regional pact after protests over land concessions. 66 protesters were arrested, with critics accusing the government of selling out. 8. US Soldier Sentenced After Fleeing to North Korea US soldier Travis King was sentenced to a year in prison for desertion after fleeing to North Korea. He blamed dissatisfaction with the Army for his actions. 9. Heavy Rains and Landslides Hit Japan, One Dead Torrential rain in Japan's Ishikawa region caused floods and landslides, leaving one person dead and seven missing. Thousands evacuated as rivers overflowed. 10. New Zealand Pilot Freed After 19 Months in Captivity New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens was freed after 19 months of captivity in Indonesia's Papua. He was abducted by separatists but is now safe.

Bangkok hosts Car Free Day to promote pedestrian-friendly spaces Bangkok is gearing up for Car Free Day this weekend, transforming Banthat Thong Road into a vehicle-free zone for tourists to enjoy. The event, "Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life," coincides with World Car Free Day on September 22. The initiative promotes the First Mile-Last Mile project, encouraging public transport over personal cars. From 4 pm to midnight on Saturday and Sunday, the road will be open to foot traffic only, featuring street performances and activities. If successful, the area could become a permanent pedestrian zone.

Governor Chadchart leads footpath renovation project on Lat Phrao Road Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is overseeing a 20-kilometre renovation of Lat Phrao Road's deteriorating footpaths, which have suffered years of neglect due to construction projects like the Yellow Line MRT and underground power line installations. The governor aims to create safer, more accessible sidewalks using Universal Design principles. While the project causes temporary disruption, Chadchart assures residents the improvements, expected by early 2025, will enhance the city's walkability. He emphasised the need for careful construction management and safety measures to minimise public inconvenience during the overhaul.

New Bangkok street vending rules limit stalls to low-income Thais Bangkok’s new regulations restrict street vending to low-income Thais, excluding migrant workers from the sector. To qualify, vendors must hold government welfare cards, be repaying National Housing Authority properties, and earn less than 300,000 baht annually after expenses. The rules aim to support low-income citizens and improve public spaces, requiring vendors to maintain clear pedestrian walkways and adhere to public health standards. Stalls are limited in size and must follow safety guidelines. While some applaud the move, others criticize it, raising concerns about the future of Bangkok’s street vending culture.

Russian and Turkish nationals arrested for illegal work on Koh Phangan Two foreign nationals, a Russian and a Turkish citizen, were arrested on Koh Phangan for working illegally in IT and interior installation services. On September 18, 2024, Thai authorities cracked down on foreign workers performing jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Alexander, a 34-year-old Russian, was caught installing CCTV systems and other electronics without proper authorisation. He revealed that while his official job was in marketing, his technical work earned him extra income. Meanwhile, Chaitai, a 45-year-old Turkish national, was arrested for performing interior installations without a work permit. Both face legal action.

Thai PM faces pressure over Thaksin’s hospital stay controversy Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces growing pressure over allegations that her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, faked a critical illness to avoid jail time, staying in a private hospital ward. A petition submitted on September 18 demands full disclosure, including CCTV footage, which could incriminate Thaksin or expose Paetongtarn to charges of neglecting her duties. Thaksin was sentenced to eight years, later reduced to one via royal pardon, but has yet to serve time. The National Anti-Corruption Commission is seeking evidence, while Paetongtarn's political future hangs in the balance.

Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, evicting foreign tenants Thai authorities shut down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to illegal construction, evicting foreign tenants. The crackdown involved municipal, military, and ombudsman officials, targeting villas built without permits. Three of the closed villas were occupied by foreigners, including a Frenchman paying 20,000 baht monthly, unaware of the legal issues. All tenants cooperated and left quickly. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to address 46 illegal properties developed by three companies. Authorities confirmed the villas were constructed without proper building permits.

The transcription below provides the news stories covered in Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from Thai authorities shutting down illegal villas on Koh Samui to the Singapore Grand Prix 2024 storylines. 1. Thai authorities shut down illegal villas on Koh Samui Authorities have shut down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui due to illegal construction. Foreign tenants, unaware of the legal issues, were evicted as part of a larger crackdown on unpermitted properties. 2. Thai PM faces scrutiny over Thaksin's hospital stay Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under pressure amid allegations her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, faked illness to avoid prison time. A petition demands full disclosure, while the National Anti-Corruption Commission investigates. 3. Foreign nationals arrested for illegal work on Koh Phangan A Russian and a Turkish national were arrested on Koh Phangan for working illegally. Authorities are cracking down on foreign workers in sectors reserved for Thais. 4. New street vending rules in Bangkok Bangkok’s new regulations limit street vending to low-income Thais. The move aims to improve public spaces and support local citizens, but concerns about the future of the street vending culture persist. 5. Governor Chadchart renovates Lat Phrao footpaths Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is leading a 20-kilometer renovation of Lat Phrao Road's footpaths to enhance accessibility and safety, with improvements expected by early 2025. 6. Bangkok hosts Car Free Day This weekend, Bangkok will host Car Free Day on Banthat Thong Road, promoting pedestrian-friendly spaces and public transport, with street performances and activities planned. 7. 10-year-old Japanese boy fatally stabbed in China A Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in Shenzhen, China. Authorities are investigating the motive, amid speculation of anti-Japanese sentiment. 8. Vietnamese tycoon faces additional fraud charges Truong My Lan, sentenced to death for a $12.5 billion fraud, faces further charges related to illegal bond issuance and laundering in Vietnam’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign. 9. UK and Indonesia sign critical minerals partnership The UK and Indonesia have signed an MOU to develop a strategic partnership on critical minerals, aiming to boost sustainable supply chains and reduce Chinese influence. 10. Singapore Grand Prix 2024 storylines The Singapore Grand Prix promises intense competition as McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull battle for dominance, with challenging race conditions testing drivers’ endurance.

Music News: Green Day is coming to Bangkok and Pattaya Beach will host Free Chon Buri Music Festival Green Day has announced their first show in 15 years in Thailand. The band will be performing at the Impact Arena on February 12, 2025. The band was slated to come back in 2020, but due to obvious reasons were unable to fulfill that obligation. Also, The Chon Buri International Music Festival is set to take over Pattaya Beach from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 22, offering free beachfront performances from 5 pm to 11 pm. The event will feature a star-studded lineup across various music genres, complemented by dazzling fireworks. In addition to the music, a bustling food market will serve fresh seafood and street food from Chon Buri. The festival offers locals and visitors a chance to enjoy music, food, and culture in a stunning seaside setting, promising an unforgettable weekend.

Thai Woman Criticized for Lying on Baggage Conveyor at Krabi Airport A video of a Thai woman lying on a baggage conveyor belt at Krabi Airport has gone viral, sparking widespread social media criticism. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), the clip shows the woman casually resting on the conveyor, drawing backlash for violating airport rules, which prohibit sitting on the belt. Many netizens condemned her behavior as inappropriate, dangerous, and disruptive, calling for stricter enforcement of regulations and potential legal action. Authorities are being urged to investigate the incident.

Hospital Maid Survives Python Attack in Samut Prakan In Samut Prakan on September 17, 2024, a 64-year-old hospital maid, Ms. Arom, was attacked by a 4-meter-long python while washing dishes outside her home. After being bitten on the thigh, the snake coiled around her, trapping her for over two hours. Despite her attempts to free herself, she couldn’t escape and began screaming for help. A passerby alerted the police, and rescue workers arrived, freeing her after 30 minutes. Ms. Arom was rushed to the hospital with bite wounds but survived the terrifying ordeal, thanks to the quick response of authorities.

Thai Boxer Faces Charges for Promoting Gambling Sites Thai boxer "Sutthiwat," with 440,000 Facebook followers, was caught promoting gambling websites for 1,500 baht per post. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) led the bust on September 17, after finding Sutthiwat using his page to advertise gambling links. He confessed and now faces charges under Thailand's Gambling Act of 1935. Authorities emphasized their ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal gambling promotions online, warning social media influencers to use their platforms responsibly or face serious consequences. Public cooperation is encouraged in the fight against illegal gambling.

Tourists Urinate on Pattaya Beach, Spark Outrage A video showing male tourists urinating on Pattaya Beach has sparked outrage on Thai social media. The clip, posted with the caption "Swimmers swim, and urinators urinate," went viral in a Pattaya Facebook group, drawing criticism from locals. Many questioned why the tourists didn’t use available restrooms and expressed concerns that such reckless behaviour could damage Pattaya’s reputation as a family-friendly destination. Local journalists confirmed the incident took place on Pattaya Beach late at night or early morning on September 17th, likely after the tourists had been drinking.

Tourists Caught in Intimate Acts on Phuket Tuk-Tuk Two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate acts on a tuk-tuk near Patong Beach, Phuket, during a traffic jam caused by heavy rain. A 40-second video of the incident, filmed by a driver following the tuk-tuk, was shared on social media, showing the couples displaying little concern for onlookers. The clip quickly went viral, sparking online outrage, with many criticising the behaviour and expressing concern over the lack of respect shown by tourists in the area.

The transcription below covers stories from Thailand and Southeast Asian countries featured in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from tourists caught in intimate acts on a Phuket tuk-tuk to a supercar parade at Cambodia's Angkor Wat that stunned tourists. 1. Tourists Caught in Intimate Acts on Phuket Tuk-Tuk Two foreign couples were caught engaging in intimate acts on a tuk-tuk near Patong Beach, Phuket. A viral video sparked outrage, highlighting the lack of respect shown by the tourists. 2. Tourists Urinate on Pattaya Beach, Spark Outrage Male tourists were filmed urinating on Pattaya Beach, triggering social media backlash. Locals expressed concerns over the potential harm to Pattaya's family-friendly reputation. 3. Thai Boxer Faces Charges for Promoting Gambling Sites Thai boxer Sutthiwat faces charges for promoting gambling websites on social media. Authorities urged influencers to use their platforms responsibly to avoid penalties. 4. Hospital Maid Survives Python Attack in Samut Prakan A 64-year-old maid in Samut Prakan survived a 4-meter python attack while washing dishes outside her home. Rescue teams freed her after a two-hour ordeal. 5. Thai Woman Criticized for Lying on Baggage Conveyor at Krabi Airport A video of a Thai woman lying on a baggage conveyor at Krabi Airport went viral, sparking widespread criticism and calls for stricter airport rules. 6. Music News: Green Day is Coming to Bangkok, and Pattaya Beach Hosts Free Chon Buri Music Festival Green Day will perform in Bangkok for the first time in 15 years on February 12, 2025. Pattaya Beach will also host the Chon Buri Music Festival from September 20-22, with free performances and fireworks. 7. Bali Cracks Down on Unruly Tourists to Preserve Culture Bali authorities are cracking down on unruly tourists, deporting over 150 visitors this year to protect the island's culture and promote responsible tourism. 8. Malaysian Businessman Charged in Child Abuse Scandal Linked to Islamic Firm A Malaysian businessman faces criminal charges for intimidating a witness linked to a child abuse scandal involving a prominent Islamic conglomerate. 9. Bangladeshi Man Dies on Cathay Pacific Flight to Hong Kong A 47-year-old Bangladeshi man died mid-flight aboard a Cathay Pacific flight from Dhaka to Hong Kong, marking the third in-flight death this month. 10. Supercars Parade at Cambodia's Angkor Wat Stuns Tourists Luxury supercars, including Ferraris and Lamborghinis, paraded at Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Although it didn’t set a record, the display captivated tourists.

Thailand's New Visa Rules: Simplifying Travel or Adding Red Tape? Thailand’s newly introduced visa regulations have sparked mixed reactions. While some see the new rules as a game-changer for simplifying long-term stays, others argue that it adds more bureaucratic hurdles. We take a closer look at how these changes could impact tourism and expat communities in the country.

Police Raid Jomtien Bar for Illegal Laughing Gas Sales Authorities in Jomtien have cracked down on a bar selling illegal laughing gas balloons. The raid led to several arrests and the seizure of nitrous oxide tanks, highlighting concerns over the growing use of the gas in party hotspots. Police are urging businesses to comply with legal regulations and prioritize public safety.

Pakistani Tourist Scammed in $900 Pattaya Beach Heist A Pakistani tourist was tricked out of $900 in a brazen scam while visiting Pattaya Beach. The tourist fell victim to a group that claimed to offer massage services but instead stole his money. Authorities are investigating the incident and warning tourists to remain vigilant while enjoying the popular beach destination.

The transcription below features stories from across Thailand, covered on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Jay. The topics range from Thailand’s new visa rules to a police raid on a Jomtien bar for selling laughing gas. 1. Pakistani Tourist Scammed at Pattaya Beach: A Pakistani tourist was swindled out of $900 by a group pretending to offer massage services. Authorities are investigating the incident and urging caution for visitors. 2. Thailand’s New Visa Rules Stir Debate: New visa regulations in Thailand are receiving mixed reactions. While some welcome the changes for simplifying long-term stays, others see it as adding more red tape. 3. Thai Man Dies After Harassment from Illegal Chicken Farm: A man in Nakhon Ratchasima died after ongoing harassment from an illegal chicken farm near his home, raising public concern. Authorities are now under pressure to act. 4. Police Raid Jomtien Bar for Laughing Gas Sales: A bar in Jomtien was raided for selling illegal laughing gas balloons. Several arrests were made, and police are urging businesses to follow the law for public safety.

Hospital mix-up swaps newborns—father demands 200,000 baht in compensation A hospital in Thailand is facing serious backlash after a shocking mix-up saw two newborn babies mistakenly swapped at birth. The father of one of the babies is demanding 200,000 baht in compensation, claiming emotional distress and negligence on the hospital's part. Hospital officials have apologized for the error and are conducting a full review of their procedures to prevent future incidents. This incident has ignited a conversation about medical standards and patient safety across the country.

Haunted bed for sale in Bangkok goes viral with eerie tales In a bizarre turn of events, a second-hand bed for sale in Bangkok has gone viral after the seller claimed it was haunted. According to the ad, mysterious occurrences such as ghostly apparitions and strange sounds have been linked to the bed, causing it to capture the public's imagination. While some see it as a marketing gimmick, others are genuinely intrigued by the supernatural claims. The eerie listing has sparked a social media frenzy, as users share their thoughts on the haunted furniture and the unexplained events surrounding it.

Employee's tragic death at Samut Prakan Industrial Estate sparks outrage A tragic incident at an industrial estate in Samut Prakan has left a community in shock and sparked widespread anger. An employee lost his life after reportedly being forced to work in unsafe conditions. The incident has drawn attention to labour practices and safety standards, with many demanding action and accountability from the company involved. Authorities are now investigating the cause of death, with activists calling for stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations.

Baby hippo sensation 'Moo Deng' draws record crowds at Thai zoo A baby hippo named 'Moo Deng' has become an overnight sensation, attracting an impressive 12,000 visitors daily to a Thai zoo. The adorable newborn has stolen the hearts of both locals and tourists, with families flocking to catch a glimpse of the little star. The zoo has embraced Moo Deng’s popularity, organizing special events and photo opportunities to accommodate the influx of visitors. It seems the baby hippo is well on its way to becoming Thailand's latest animal icon.

The transcription below provides stories from across Thailand as covered in Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Jay. The stories range from the tragic death of an employee sparking outrage to a baby hippo named 'Moo Deng' becoming a star at a Thai zoo. 1. Employee's Death Sparks Outrage at Samut Prakan Industrial Estate A tragic workplace incident in Samut Prakan has led to widespread anger after an employee died under reportedly unsafe conditions. The public is demanding stricter safety regulations and accountability from the company as authorities investigate the cause of death. 2. Haunted Bed for Sale in Bangkok Goes Viral A second-hand bed for sale in Bangkok has gone viral after the seller claimed it was haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and strange sounds. The eerie listing has captured public interest, sparking a social media frenzy. 3. Hospital Mix-up Swaps Newborns, Father Demands Compensation A hospital in Thailand faces backlash after a newborn swap error left a family distraught. The father is seeking 200,000 baht in compensation, while the hospital apologizes and reviews its protocols to prevent future mistakes. 4. Baby Hippo 'Moo Deng' Becomes a Star at Thai Zoo A baby hippo named "Moo Deng" attracts over 12,000 visitors daily to a Thai zoo. The adorable hippo has become a national sensation, drawing crowds eager to see the little star.

Villagers Flock to Sacred Tree Spirit for Lottery Blessings In a more mystical tale, villagers in Thailand are flocking to a sacred tree believed to house a spirit that grants lottery blessings. People from surrounding areas have gathered to pay respects, hoping for lucky numbers ahead of the next lottery draw. This age-old tradition continues to attract those seeking fortune through spiritual means.