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Public Sex on Phuket Beach Sparks Outrage Among Locals A foreign couple was caught engaging in intimate behavior on Kata Beach in Phuket, leading to public criticism from locals and social media users. A photo of the couple was shared online, sparking debates about inappropriate tourist conduct and calls for authorities to address such incidents. Many expressed frustration over repeated acts of public indecency in the area. Despite the outcry, no legal action has been reported against the couple, and similar past incidents have often ended without charges.

Drunk Thai Man Fatally Stabs Intruder Using Meth In Ratchaburi, a drunk man, Ye, fatally stabbed a stranger, Noi, who intruded into his rented room and used methamphetamine. The incident unfolded after Noi’s intrusion angered Ye, leading to a confrontation. Noi called two friends, but Ye, in a rage, stabbed him, causing him to collapse and die on the road. Ye then reported the incident to a community leader and handed over the knife to police. Authorities found alcohol and drug-related items in Ye’s room and are investigating further after his arrest.

Yingluck Shinawatra Set to Face Legal Proceedings Upon Return Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to return to Thailand by Songkran 2025 to face legal proceedings without special privileges, according to ex-MP Worachai Hema. Yingluck, who fled in 2017 after being charged with negligence in a rice subsidy scheme, was criticized for facing unfair treatment following the 2014 coup, which allowed her assets to be seized before her trial concluded. Worachai emphasized Yingluck's right to return and called for unity and reconciliation, warning against politicizing her return.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering topics from the investigation of a Thai monastery using 41 corpses in meditation rituals to a Malaysian court's order to return seized Swatch watches. 1. Thai Monastery Investigated for Using 41 Corpses in Meditation Authorities in Phichit are investigating a monastery for using 41 corpses in meditation rituals, sparking controversy. 2. Yingluck Shinawatra to Face Trial on Return to Thailand Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra plans a 2025 return to Thailand to face legal proceedings after years in exile. 3. Thailand to Investigate 27,000 Firms in Thai Nominee Crackdown Thailand’s DBD to probe 27,000 companies in 2025 for nominee practices violating the Foreign Business Act. 4. Drunken Thai Man Kills Intruder in Ratchaburi A drunk man in Ratchaburi fatally stabbed an intruder using meth and later surrendered to authorities. 5. Public Indecency on Phuket Beach Sparks Outrage Public indecency on Kata Beach, Phuket, sparks local outrage but no legal action has been taken yet. 6. Motorcycle Taxis Cause Chaos at Pattaya Concert Motorcycle taxis caused massive traffic jams at a Pattaya hip-hop concert, drawing criticism for poor planning. 7. Khao San Road Tourism Declines Amid European Visitor Drop Khao San Road sees a drop in European tourist bookings, but hopes remain for a New Year’s Eve recovery. 8. Landslides and Flash Floods in Sumatra Leave 16 Dead, 6 Missing Landslides and floods in Sumatra have left 16 dead and six missing as rescue efforts continue. 9. Indonesia Rejects Apple’s $100 Million Investment Proposal Indonesia rejected Apple’s $100M investment for failing to meet local sourcing requirements, keeping a sales ban in place. 10. Cambodian Activists Freed After Logging Probe Cambodian activists were freed after probing illegal logging but face restrictions on future activities. 11. Malaysian Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch Watches A Malaysian court ordered the return of seized Swatch watches, though a ban on selling them remains active.

Thailand to Investigate 27,000 Companies for Thai Nominee Practices in 2025 In 2025, Thailand's Department of Business Development (DBD) plans to investigate 27,000 juristic persons as part of a crackdown on Thai nominee businesses used by foreign enterprises. Target sectors include tourism, real estate, hotels, logistics, and e-commerce. The DBD will analyze shareholding structures, voting rights, and financial records for compliance with the Foreign Business Act. An Intelligence Business Analytic System will enhance the detection of irregularities. This year, 26,019 entities were reviewed, with 64 facing charges and four suspected as nominees.

Thai Monastery Investigated for Using 41 Corpses in Meditation Authorities in Thailand are investigating Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn monastery in Phichit province after discovering 41 bodies allegedly used for meditation practices. The corpses were reportedly accompanied by donation certificates, but police are verifying their legitimacy to ensure no bodies were stolen. The monastery's head, Phra Ajarn Saifon Phandito, claims the bodies are part of a unique meditation technique. This follows a similar discovery of 12 bodies at a nearby monastery. The practice has sparked controversy, with local religious authorities questioning its appropriateness and investigating its prevalence across other monasteries.

6,000 Motorcyclists Cause Chaos in Phetchabun A motorbike trip involving over 6,000 riders in Phetchabun, dubbed the No Bathing Trip, boosted the local economy while raising safety concerns. Participants explored attractions like Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho but faced criticism for reckless driving and noise disturbances. Multiple accidents occurred, including collisions with a van, tractor, and local motorbikes, injuring riders, a 9-year-old boy, and even a monk collecting alms. Authorities, including Governor Saranyu Meethongkum, acknowledged the economic benefits but emphasised the need for traffic law compliance to protect residents and participants.

Thai Police Pursue 'Foreign Gang' in Viral Video Thai police have launched a nationwide manhunt after a viral video allegedly shows a 'foreign gang' openly flouting the law. National Police Chief Kittirat Panphet ordered swift action on November 22 to identify and apprehend the individuals if the incident occurred in Thailand. The video has sparked public concern about foreign crime syndicates and law enforcement’s ability to respond. Immigration officers are under scrutiny, with warnings against corruption or negligence. Police chiefs in areas failing to enforce laws face disciplinary action.

Police Bust Tiger Trafficking Ring in Nonthaburi Authorities raided a residence in Nonthaburi on November 23, uncovering a tiger trafficking operation. Acting on a tip-off, wildlife protection agencies and police found three tiger skins valued at 430,000 baht. The suspect, 59-year-old Suthirak, claimed the items belonged to someone else but lacked permits. Charged under the Wildlife Preservation Act, Suthirak faces up to 10 years in prison and a 1,000,000-baht fine for illegal possession and attempted trade of protected wildlife.

French Tourist Missing After Boat Capsizes in Surat Thani A long-tail boat carrying 13 people capsized in Surat Thani’s Cheow Lan Dam on November 23 due to a sudden storm, leaving 83-year-old French tourist Rene Mary Corre missing. The group of 10 French tourists, guided by a local tour company, encountered clear weather initially, but strong winds and rain struck abruptly near the Three Friends Mountain, capsising the boat. All passengers wore life jackets, and nearby boats rescued 12 individuals, with four sustaining minor injuries. Search efforts using GPS tracking found the missing tourist’s belongings but were halted at 18:00 due to rough conditions, set to resume the next day.

Chaos at Don Mueang Airport as Bomb Threat Sparks Panic On November 21, a Singaporean man caused chaos at Don Mueang Airport by falsely claiming a bomb was aboard an AirAsia flight. Authorities halted the plane, evacuated 162 passengers and crew, and conducted a thorough search, finding no threats. The suspect, Mr. Ho Wai Chong, was arrested the next day in the terminal, confessing the hoax was due to family stress. Mr. Ho, who overstayed his visa, faces charges under Thailand’s Aviation Offenses Act, with potential penalties of 5–15 years in prison and fines up to 600,000 baht. He will be deported and blacklisted.

British Tourist Attacked in Pattaya: Police Investigate A British tourist was violently assaulted in Pattaya’s South area on Third Road, suffering a broken nose, bruised eye socket, and facial injuries. Witnesses reported seeing a white pickup truck drop off the injured man, with a Thai male leaving the vehicle. The tourist, intoxicated and unable to recount the incident clearly, may have been travelling via a ride-hailing service like Bolt. Police are analysing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrator and uncover the motive. The investigation is ongoing, with legal action pending the identification of the suspect.

The transcription below covers news stories from Thailand and across Asia, ranging from the bomb hoax that caused chaos at Don Mueang Airport to Taiwan's victory in the Premier12 Baseball Gold. 1. Bomb Hoax Causes Chaos at Don Mueang Airport: A Singaporean man falsely claimed a bomb on an AirAsia flight, leading to an evacuation and his arrest for aviation offences. 2. French Tourist Missing in Surat Thani Boat Accident: An elderly French tourist remains missing after a storm capsized a long-tail boat on Cheow Lan Dam. 3. British Tourist Assaulted in Pattaya: Police investigate an attack on a British man found injured on Third Road, reportedly involving a pickup truck. 4. Tiger Trafficking Ring Busted in Nonthaburi: Police uncovered illegal tiger skins worth 430,000 baht in a wildlife trafficking raid. 5. Viral Video Spurs Manhunt for ‘Foreign Gang’: Thai police launch a nationwide search after a video allegedly shows foreigners breaking the law. 6. 6,000 Motorcyclists Cause Chaos in Phetchabun: A large motorbike trip boosts tourism but raises safety concerns with multiple accidents reported. 7. Methanol Poisoning Kills Six Tourists in Laos: Contaminated alcohol is under investigation after six foreign tourists died in Vang Vieng. 8. Cambodian Clinic Owners Charged for Patient Death: A couple running an unlicensed clinic face charges after dumping a patient’s body and abandoning a child. 9. Bali Nine Members to Be Transferred to Australia: Indonesia will repatriate the remaining Bali Nine drug smugglers in a prisoner exchange deal. 10. Philippine VP Duterte Threatens President Marcos: A political rift deepens as Duterte claims she instructed an assassin to target the president. 11. Taiwan Wins Premier12 Baseball Gold: Taiwan beats Japan 4-0 in a historic victory, marking Japan’s first loss in a major international tournament since 2019.

Bangkok Airways Adds French Jets to Meet Tourist Demand Facing a record surge in tourism, Bangkok Airways has leased two Airbus aircraft from French airline Amelia to bolster its operations during the peak season. Starting December 1, the A319-100 and A320-200 will serve routes from Bangkok to Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, with flights running daily or multiple times a day. The additional planes, accommodating 144 and 178 passengers, will remain in service until March 2025. This move addresses the airline's capacity shortfall as it works to restore pre-pandemic levels, with plans for a fleet upgrade by 2028.

12 Corpses Found in Kamphaeng Phet Cult Raid Police raided a cult site in Kamphaeng Phet on November 20, uncovering 12 corpses allegedly used in rituals by the Sirichan Forest Monastery. Led by monk Saifon, the cult reportedly performed practices claiming to develop supernatural abilities like clairvoyance and fearlessness. Some corpses were buried, while others were in coffins, with cult members presenting documents claiming legal consent from families. Police are verifying these claims, with DNA testing underway to confirm identities. If irregularities are found, legal action will follow.

Narathiwat Bomb Scare Forces Emergency School Closure Four homemade bombs hidden in rubbish bags exploded early on November 21 along Road 4136 in Narathiwat's Kokkian subdistrict, prompting the closure of Ban Hutaetuao School and a large-scale police investigation. The devices, planted 500 meters apart, caused minor ground damage but no injuries or property harm. Witnesses reported four men on motorcycles placing the bombs before fleeing. Authorities linked the explosives to digital wristwatch timers and secured the area. Investigations are ongoing, with police intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Thai Couple Seeks Justice After Motorcycle Collision with Russian Driver in Phuket A Thai couple is pursuing legal action after a Russian man allegedly crashed his SUV into their motorcycle in Thalang, Phuket, on November 17. The accident left the woman with visible injuries and both victims unable to work due to their condition. The Russian driver, accused of speeding out of an alley, denied responsibility and refused to pay compensation, daring the couple to take the matter to court. A police-arranged meeting failed to resolve the dispute, prompting the couple to share their story on social media to seek advice and expose the incident.

Indian Man Arrested for Firing Blank Gun in Pattaya On November 20, chaos erupted in Pattaya's Soi Kopai neighborhood when a 36-year-old Indian man, Sunil, fired a blank gun into the air while intoxicated, causing panic. Responding to the late-night incident, police seized the unmodified firearm and 22 rounds of ammunition. Sunil claimed he fired the gun on a dare, unaware of the legal consequences. He was arrested and taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further questioning.

Egyptian Tourist Arrested for Sexual Assault in Bangkok Condo Lift On November 20, 2024, Makkasan Police arrested a 36-year-old Egyptian man, Mr. Sameh, for sexually assaulting a 25-year-old woman in a luxury condominium lift near Rama 9. The incident occurred on November 16 when the victim, Ms. B, was followed into her building by the suspect, who groped her before fleeing. Through CCTV footage, police identified and apprehended Mr. Sameh at his residence. He confessed to the crime during questioning and remains in custody while legal proceedings continue.

The transcription below features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Topics range from the arrest of an Egyptian tourist for sexual assault in Bangkok to Indonesia’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 1. Egyptian Tourist Arrested for Sexual Assault in Bangkok Police arrested a 36-year-old Egyptian man, Mr. Sameh, for sexually assaulting a 25-year-old woman in a Bangkok condo lift on November 16. CCTV footage led to his capture at his residence. He confessed to the crime and remains in custody. 2. Indian Man Arrested for Firing Blank Gun in Pattaya A 36-year-old Indian man, Sunil, caused panic in Pattaya's Soi Kopai by firing a blank gun while intoxicated. Police seized the weapon and ammunition, arresting him for further questioning. 3. Thai Couple Seeks Justice After Phuket Crash A Thai couple injured in a Phuket motorcycle collision is suing a Russian SUV driver who allegedly caused the crash and refused compensation. A failed police mediation led them to expose the case online. 4. Narathiwat Bomb Scare Closes School Four homemade bombs exploded in Narathiwat on November 21, forcing Ban Hutaetuao School to close. Police linked the bombs to digital timers and are pursuing the suspects. 5. Cult Raid in Kamphaeng Phet Uncovers 12 Corpses Police raided Sirichan Forest Monastery in Kamphaeng Phet, finding 12 corpses allegedly used in rituals. Authorities are verifying claims of family consent as DNA testing continues. 6. Bangkok Airways Adds French Jets for Tourist Boom To meet rising tourist demand, Bangkok Airways leased two Airbus planes from Amelia. Starting December 1, the jets will serve routes to Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh until March 2025. 7. Malaysian Man Sentenced to Public Caning for Islamic Offense A Malaysian man will receive six strokes of the cane and a fine for his third ‘khalwat’ offense. Terengganu’s first public caning under amended Islamic laws is set for December 6. 8. Cambodia’s Canal Project Stalls Amid Chinese Funding Delays Cambodia’s $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal project faces delays as China’s funding remains uncertain. Officials struggle to secure new investments, leaving the project’s site abandoned. 9. Singapore’s ‘Sewage Beer’ Showcases Innovation at COP29 NEWBrew, a beer made from recycled wastewater, highlighted Singapore’s water recycling efforts at COP29. The eco-friendly brew, launched in 2018, aims to normalize sustainable water use. 10. Indonesia Targets Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Indonesia plans to hit net zero by 2050, retiring coal plants within 15 years and building 75 gigawatts of renewable energy. The move leverages abundant renewables and rainforests to lead in sustainability.

Fundraiser Supports British Teacher Injured in Thailand Crash A fundraising campaign has raised over £11,000 for Andy Davis, a 33-year-old British teacher injured in a severe crash in Krabi, Thailand. Davis, who lost a leg and suffered a shattered pelvis and torn bladder, faces medical costs exceeding £30,000 for treatment and transfer to Bangkok and the UK. Complications, including infections, have worsened his condition, potentially requiring further amputation. His parents have flown to Thailand as he struggles with consciousness and insurance arrangements. Known for his global teaching career, Davis has inspired many, with worldwide donations reflecting his positive impact. Support continues via a GoFundMe campaign.

White Spots on Thai Sausage Explained A photo of northern Thai sausage, sai ua, with mysterious white spots caused a stir on social media after a buyer questioned its safety. Experts, including a former vendor, clarified that the spots are part of the natural casing used during stuffing and are harmless. The lively discussion highlighted traditional food preparation quirks that may confuse unfamiliar consumers. Social media played a key role in educating and reassuring the public, emphasizing the importance of preserving culinary traditions and bridging gaps between modern and traditional practices.

Thai Health Minister Blocks 24-Hour Hotel Alcohol Sales Thai Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin rejected proposals for 24-hour alcohol sales in hotels and train stations due to safety and regulatory concerns. Alcohol sales on trains, including sleeper cars and dining areas, were denied pending further review. The Thai Hotels Association’s proposal for round-the-clock hotel alcohol sales was also declined, though in-room minibar consumption may be permitted with new guidelines. The minister emphasized stricter alcohol regulation, focusing on no-sale zones, age limits, and sobriety campaigns under the Alcohol Control Act.

Thai Woman Sentenced to Death for Cyanide Murders A Thai court sentenced Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, to death for murdering a friend with cyanide, part of a series of alleged killings of 14 acquaintances since 2015. Sararat, nicknamed "Am Cyanide," reportedly poisoned her victims, stole valuables, and had a gambling addiction. Her friend Siriporn Khanwong died after a trip with Sararat in 2023, leading to her arrest. Investigators uncovered traces of cyanide and missing possessions. Sararat pleaded not guilty, while her ex-husband and lawyer received jail terms for evidence tampering.

Petrol Prices in Thailand Rise Amid Global Oil Fluctuations Starting November 21 at 5 am, petrol and gasohol prices in Thailand will rise by 30 satangs per litre, with petrol reaching 44.24 baht per litre and Gasohol 95 at 35.95 baht. Diesel prices remain stable, with Diesel B7 at 32.94 baht per litre. The hike, driven by global oil market shifts and local policies, may raise transportation costs, potentially affecting goods and services prices. Commuters and businesses are urged to adjust budgets and consider alternatives like carpooling or public transport.