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Phuket Vegetarian Festival Set to Bring Excitement in October: The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is set to take place from October 3 to 11, promising a lively celebration of culture and tradition. Governor Sophon Suwannarat confirmed the dates during a meeting with local officials, emphasizing the festival’s importance in preserving Phuket’s cultural heritage and fostering community spirit. Key events include a procession to honor His Majesty the King, a ceremony for chanting blessings to King Vajiralongkorn, and a nine-day pilgrimage to nine shrines. Get ready for a fun-filled veggie feast!

The transcription below provides various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Jay. The news ranges from the upcoming Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October to a Thai taekwondo star winning a second Olympic gold. 1. Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October: The Phuket Vegetarian Festival will be held from October 3 to 11, celebrating culture and tradition. Governor Sophon Suwannarat highlighted its importance in preserving heritage and fostering community spirit. Key events include a procession for the King, a blessing ceremony, and a nine-day shrine pilgrimage. 2. Ex-MFP MPs to Launch New Party: After the Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP), former MPs formed the Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party (TKCV). Led by economist Sirikanya Tansakul, 142 MPs seek a new political home. The party will be officially announced tomorrow in Bangkok. 3. Belgian Man Rescued from Car: Belgian Roger Bert Decker was trapped in his car for two hours at a Kamphaengphet petrol station due to a dead battery. A store worker noticed and called for help. Rescuers broke the window to free him. The Tourist Police arranged transportation to Chon Buri as his car was repaired. 4. Buffalo Causes Chaos at Chon Buri Beach: An escaped buffalo caused panic at Nang Ram Beach, Chon Buri, charging at tourists. Locals quickly captured the animal, preventing injuries. Authorities are investigating the escape. 5. Thai Taekwondo Star Wins Second Olympic Gold: Panipak Wongpattanakit won her second Olympic gold in women's flyweight taekwondo at the Paris Olympics, defeating China’s Guo Qing. Despite injuries, Panipak made history as the first Thai to win two Olympic golds and invited others to train at her gym. 6. Discovery of Smaller 'Hobbits' in Indonesia: A study suggests that Homo floresiensis, the "hobbit" species, was even shorter than previously thought. Found on Indonesia's Flores island, these ancient humans, about 2.4 inches shorter than known hobbits, lived 700,000 years ago. Researchers continue to debate their evolution and origins.

Escaped Buffalo Causes Chaos at Chon Buri Beach: An escaped buffalo caused panic at Nang Ram Beach in Chon Buri, charging at tourists. The powerful animal raced toward a family picnic, prompting everyone to flee. Locals quickly captured the buffalo before anyone was harmed, and it was safely returned to its owner. Authorities are investigating how the buffalo escaped.

Belgian Man Rescued After Being Trapped in Car Due to Dead Battery: A Belgian man, Roger Bert Decker, was trapped in his car for over two hours at a petrol station in Kamphaengphet after the vehicle's battery died. A convenience store worker noticed Decker struggling to open his car door and called for rescue assistance. Despite multiple attempts to unlock the door, the efforts failed, and Decker began to struggle with breathing. Rescuers eventually broke the car window to free him. The Tourist Police arranged transportation for Decker to continue his journey to Chon Buri, as his car required repairs.

Former Move Forward MPs to Launch New Party After Dissolution: Former Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs are launching a new political party after the MFP was disbanded by the Constitutional Court for attempting to amend the lese majeste law. Sirikanya Tansakul, a key economist and list MP, is leading the charge for the new Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party (TKCV), with 142 MPs seeking a new political home. Tensions are high as candidates vie for the role of secretary-general, but fears of future political bans loom. The official party announcement is set for tomorrow in Bangkok, with public registration starting on Saturday.

Thai Taekwondo Star Panipak Wongpattanakit Wins Second Olympic Gold: Thailand celebrated as taekwondo star Panipak Wongpattanakit won her second Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the women's flyweight division at the Paris Olympics. Panipak, who plans to retire after the Games, defeated China’s Guo Qing with a score of 6-3, 2-3, 6-2, securing her place in history as the first Thai athlete to win two Olympic golds. Despite battling injuries, Panipak’s determination led her to victory. She marked her win by waving the Thai flag and confirming her retirement, inviting others to train with her at her gym in Thailand.

Hyundai to Invest $28 Million in Thai EV and Battery Facility: Hyundai Motor Company will invest 1 billion baht ($28 million) to establish an electric vehicle (EV) and battery assembly facility in Thailand, starting production in 2026. This investment leverages Thailand's strong supply chain and supports Hyundai's strategy to tap into the booming EV sector, with Thailand accounting for 55% of Southeast Asia's EV sales in Q1 2024.

Royal Cremation Ceremony for Thai PM Srettha’s Mother: Chodchoi Thavisin, mother of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was honoured at a royal cremation ceremony on August 6. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn appointed General Surayud Chulanont to represent him. Notable attendees included General Prayut Chan-o-cha and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Chodchoi, who passed away on July 21 at age 95, had a distinguished career in interior design and diplomatic service.

Thai Parliament Rejects Legalisation of Pornography and Sex Toys: Thailand's Parliament rejected the MFP's proposal to legalise professions related to pornography and sex toys, citing concerns over explicit advertising and conflicts with Muslim principles. MFP MP Taopiphop Limjittakorn sought to revise Section 287 of the Criminal Law, arguing the ban violates rights and freedoms. The proposal was rejected by 284 to 145 votes.

The transcription below presents diverse stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asian countries in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from Thailand's Move Forward Party being dissolved by the Constitutional Court to Meta apologizing for removing Malaysian PM Anwar's posts in error. 1. Thailand's Move Forward Party Dissolved by Constitutional Court: The Constitutional Court of Thailand has dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) for attempting to reform the lese majeste law (Section 112), banning 11 executives, including leaders Pita Limjaroenrat and Chaithawat Tulathon, from politics for 10 years. MFP's 142 MPs must join new parties within 60 days to retain their status. Amnesty International condemned the decision, and MFP vowed to continue its mission with a message of resilience. 2. PM Srettha Denies Bribery Allegations Amid MFP Turmoil: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin denies knowledge of alleged bribe attempts to sway MFP MPs amid the party's dissolution by the Constitutional Court. Rumours suggest rival factions offered 30 million baht to MFP MPs, with MFP MP Jirat Thongsuwan alleging a high-ranking minister made these offers. PM Srettha urges those with evidence to come forward. 3. 4.8 Million Baht Seized from Former Thai Deputy Commissioner: The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized 4.8 million baht from former Deputy Commissioner Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn and his wife, suspecting gambling proceeds funded the policy. Big Joke and four officers were removed over alleged gambling links, with AMLO disclosing asset seizures totalling 109 million baht from the gambling ring. Appeals can be made within 90 days. 4. Thai Parliament Rejects Legalisation of Pornography and Sex Toys: Thailand's Parliament rejected the MFP's proposal to legalise professions related to pornography and sex toys, citing concerns over explicit advertising and conflicts with Muslim principles. MFP MP Taopiphop Limjittakorn sought to revise Section 287 of the Criminal Law, arguing the ban violates rights and freedoms. The proposal was rejected by 284 to 145 votes. 5. Hyundai to Invest $28 Million in Thai EV and Battery Facility: Hyundai Motor Company will invest 1 billion baht ($28 million) to establish an electric vehicle (EV) and battery assembly facility in Thailand, starting production in 2026. This investment leverages Thailand's strong supply chain and supports Hyundai's strategy to tap into the booming EV sector, with Thailand accounting for 55% of Southeast Asia's EV sales in Q1 2024. 6. Royal Cremation Ceremony for Thai PM Srettha’s Mother: Chodchoi Thavisin, mother of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was honoured at a royal cremation ceremony on August 6. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn appointed General Surayud Chulanont to represent him. Notable attendees included General Prayut Chan-o-cha and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Chodchoi, who passed away on July 21 at age 95, had a distinguished career in interior design and diplomatic service. 7. Cambodia Breaks Ground on China-Funded Canal Amid Controversy: Cambodia has begun constructing a $1.7 billion, 180-kilometer canal funded by China to link Phnom Penh to the sea, despite environmental and diplomatic concerns. The canal aims to lower shipping costs and reduce reliance on Vietnamese ports but raises fears about the Mekong River and strains relations with Vietnam. Cambodia emphasises national control and partnership with Chinese companies, with China’s significant influence continuing through extensive investments. 8. Meta Apologises for Removing Malaysian PM Anwar's Posts in Error: Meta Platforms apologised for mistakenly removing posts by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing condolences to a Hamas official. Meta attributed the removal to an "operational error" and restored the content. This marks the second time Meta mistakenly took down Anwar's posts, prompting criticism from the Malaysian government over the handling of pro-Palestinian content.

PM Srettha Denies Bribery Allegations Amid MFP Turmoil: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin denies knowledge of alleged bribe attempts to sway MFP MPs amid the party's dissolution by the Constitutional Court. Rumours suggest rival factions offered 30 million baht to MFP MPs, with MFP MP Jirat Thongsuwan alleging a high-ranking minister made these offers. PM Srettha urges those with evidence to come forward.

Thailand's Move Forward Party Dissolved by Constitutional Court: The Constitutional Court of Thailand has dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) for attempting to reform the lese majeste law (Section 112), banning 11 executives, including leaders Pita Limjaroenrat and Chaithawat Tulathon, from politics for 10 years. MFP's 142 MPs must join new parties within 60 days to retain their status. Amnesty International condemned the decision, and MFP vowed to continue its mission with a message of resilience.

4.8 Million Baht Seized from Former Thai Deputy Commissioner: The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized 4.8 million baht from former Deputy Commissioner Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn and his wife, suspecting gambling proceeds funded the policy. Big Joke and four officers were removed over alleged gambling links, with AMLO disclosing asset seizures totalling 109 million baht from the gambling ring. Appeals can be made within 90 days.

Repeat Offender Arrested for Third Temple Donation Box Theft in Bangkok: Sutjai, a 51-year-old man, was arrested for his third temple donation box theft at Wat Chinwararam in Pathum Thani. CCTV footage identified Sutjai, who confessed to stealing 5,000 baht due to financial desperation. Police stress the importance of community vigilance and improved temple security.

Thai Food Stall Owner Receives Shocking 50 Million Baht Electricity Bill: Sombat, a food stall owner in Chachoengsao, received a 50 million baht electricity bill, suspected to be a scam. The bill, though seemingly legitimate, differed in format. Locals believe it is counterfeit and urge caution. The Provincial Electricity Authority has yet to comment.

Monk Donates Entire 18 Million Baht Lottery Win in Nakhon Phanom: Phra Khru Phanom Prechakon, a monk in Nakhon Phanom, won an 18 million baht lottery jackpot and donated it all to the needy and local temples. The winnings were distributed within a week, and special amulets were created to fund rice for monks and student monks.

The transcription below provides the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from A man from Kuwait who caused a severe accident in Pattaya to a Vietnamese Tycoon Sentenced to 21 Years for Fraud. 1. Kuwaiti Man Causes Severe Accident in Pattaya: A Kuwaiti man riding a motorcycle against traffic collided with another motorcycle carrying four Thai women on Pattaya Sai Sarm Road on August 6, causing serious injuries to three Thai women and the Kuwaiti man, Abdelaziz. The fourth Thai woman had minor injuries. Police are investigating and awaiting Abdelaziz's recovery for questioning. 2. Canadian Tourist Brutally Attacked on Pattaya’s Soi 6: A 65-year-old Canadian tourist, Mark Robert Westendorf, was brutally attacked on Pattaya's Soi 6 by men posing as bouncers, leaving him in critical condition. The altercation began after an argument. Security guard Patipan Sohaeng, identified as the attacker, claimed the incident escalated when Westendorf tried to break into a car. 3. Jealous Thai Man Allegedly Kills Wife with Bomb in Mae Hong Son: In Mae Hong Son, a Thai man, Yon, is accused of killing his wife, Luen, by stuffing a ping pong bomb in her mouth out of jealousy. Yon denies the allegations, claiming an intruder was responsible. Police are investigating, and Luen's body has been sent for an autopsy. 4. Thai Food Stall Owner Receives Shocking 50 Million Baht Electricity Bill: Sombat, a food stall owner in Chachoengsao, received a 50 million baht electricity bill, suspected to be a scam. The bill, though seemingly legitimate, differed in format. Locals believe it is counterfeit and urge caution. The Provincial Electricity Authority has yet to comment. 5. Repeat Offender Arrested for Third Temple Donation Box Theft in Bangkok: Sutjai, a 51-year-old man, was arrested for his third temple donation box theft at Wat Chinwararam in Pathum Thani. CCTV footage identified Sutjai, who confessed to stealing 5,000 baht due to financial desperation. Police stress the importance of community vigilance and improved temple security. 6. Monk Donates Entire 18 Million Baht Lottery Win in Nakhon Phanom: Phra Khru Phanom Prechakon, a monk in Nakhon Phanom, won an 18 million baht lottery jackpot and donated it all to the needy and local temples. The winnings were distributed within a week, and special amulets were created to fund rice for monks and student monks. 7. Philippines and Vietnam to Hold First Joint Coast Guard Exercise: The Philippines and Vietnam will hold their first joint Coast Guard exercise in Manila Bay on August 9, focusing on search and rescue and fire prevention. Despite competing claims in the South China Sea, this initiative aims to enhance maritime collaboration and reduce tensions. 8. Vietnamese Tycoon Sentenced to 21 Years for Fraud: Vietnamese tycoon Trinh Van Quyet was sentenced to 21 years for fraud, involving inflating his company’s value before its IPO and defrauding investors of $144 million. This is part of Vietnam's "Blazing Furnace" anti-corruption campaign. Quyet's appeal remains uncertain.

Kuwaiti Man Causes Severe Accident in Pattaya: A Kuwaiti man riding a motorcycle against traffic collided with another motorcycle carrying four Thai women on Pattaya Sai Sarm Road on August 6, causing serious injuries to three Thai women and the Kuwaiti man, Abdelaziz. The fourth Thai woman had minor injuries. Police are investigating and awaiting Abdelaziz's recovery for questioning.

Jealous Thai Man Allegedly Kills Wife with Bomb in Mae Hong Son: In Mae Hong Son, a Thai man, Yon, is accused of killing his wife, Luen, by stuffing a ping pong bomb in her mouth out of jealousy. Yon denies the allegations, claiming an intruder was responsible. Police are investigating, and Luen's body has been sent for an autopsy.

Canadian Tourist Brutally Attacked on Pattaya’s Soi 6: A 65-year-old Canadian tourist, Mark Robert Westendorf, was brutally attacked on Pattaya's Soi 6 by men posing as bouncers, leaving him in critical condition. The altercation began after an argument. Security guard Patipan Sohaeng, identified as the attacker, claimed the incident escalated when Westendorf tried to break into a car.

Thai Man Threatened with M16 Rifle After Road Incident: Kiattiphum, a 23-year-old Thai man, sought help from Saimai Survive after being threatened with an M16 rifle by an influential man in Phang Nga. Following a road incident involving the man’s son, the father attacked Kiattiphum with a knife and later threatened him with a rifle. Despite police advice to drop the case, Kiattiphum plans to seek justice through higher authorities.

Thai Father and Children Survive Murder-Suicide Attempt: Somyot, a Thai father, and his two children survived a murder-suicide attempt involving pesticide-laced soft drinks. Somyot, driven by jealousy over his wife’s job in Malaysia, sent threatening photos to her. Police, alerted by the wife's sister-in-law, rescued them from their Pathum Thani apartment. All three are safe in the hospital, with pending charges against Somyot.

Thailand's New Visa Rules Sparks Mixed Reactions: Thailand's new visa rules, including the five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, have received mixed reactions. The DTV permits up to 180-day stays, extendable to one year, with proof of 500,000 baht in assets. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, with entry stamps extended to 60 days. The new Non-ED Plus visa allows foreign students to stay for one year post-graduation. Despite no pre-screening for 97 countries, security measures remain strict.

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from Thailand's new visa rules, including a five-year Destination Thailand Visa for digital nomads, to Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo winning double Olympic gold. Thailand's New Visa Rules: Mixed Reactions Thailand's new visa rules, including the five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, have received mixed reactions. The DTV permits up to 180-day stays, extendable to one year, with proof of 500,000 baht in assets. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, with entry stamps extended to 60 days. The new Non-ED Plus visa allows foreign students to stay for one year post-graduation. Despite no pre-screening for 97 countries, security measures remain strict. Blacklisted Vietnamese Men Arrested for Illegal Entry in Thailand Three blacklisted Vietnamese men were arrested for illegal entry at the Nong Khai border. Phan Dinh Sy, who advertised illegal transport services, and two others, Phan Van and Tran Van Am, were detained at Nong Khai Bus Terminal. Sy faces charges under Section 64 of the Immigration Act, while Van and Am face charges under Section 81, with potential fines and imprisonment. Thai Father and Children Survive Murder-Suicide Attempt Somyot, a Thai father, and his two children survived a murder-suicide attempt involving pesticide-laced soft drinks. Somyot, driven by jealousy over his wife’s job in Malaysia, sent threatening photos to her. Police, alerted by the wife's sister-in-law, rescued them from their Pathum Thani apartment. All three are safe in the hospital, with pending charges against Somyot. Justice Minister Focuses on Rehabilitation in Phuket Prison Visit Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong visited Phuket Provincial Prison to promote rehabilitation. He observed inmates working on the Bang Yai Canal, provided ID services, supported a dental care initiative, and addressed debt mediation. The visit also included promoting sports with donated Muay Thai equipment and touring the prison library. Thai Man Threatened with M16 Rifle After Road Incident Kiattiphum, a 23-year-old Thai man, sought help from Saimai Survive after being threatened with an M16 rifle by an influential man in Phang Nga. Following a road incident involving the man’s son, the father attacked Kiattiphum with a knife and later threatened him with a rifle. Despite police advice to drop the case, Kiattiphum plans to seek justice through higher authorities. Runaway Crocodile Captured in Phuket A saltwater crocodile that evaded capture for six days in Phuket was finally caught. First spotted at a golf course in Pa Khlok, Thalang District, the crocodile was captured on August 5 and taken to a research centre. The community, initially alarmed, expressed relief. Authorities will investigate the crocodile’s origin. Rebels in Indonesia's Papua Kill New Zealand Helicopter Pilot Separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia, killed a New Zealand helicopter pilot in the Alama district. The incident involved the same group holding New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens since February 2023. New Zealand's foreign ministry is seeking information, while the rebel group has not confirmed the killing but reportedly agreed to free Mehrtens. Indonesian authorities remain sceptical. Filipino Gymnast Carlos Yulo Wins Double Olympic Gold Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo won two Olympic gold medals in two days, becoming the second Filipino to achieve this. His victories in the men’s floor exercise and vault earned him a condo, cash rewards, and lifetime ramen supplies. Celebrated as a national hero, Yulo’s achievements have dominated Philippine social media, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praising him. Various organizations have pledged significant rewards, highlighting Yulo’s impact on Philippine sports.

Runaway Crocodile Captured in Phuket: A saltwater crocodile that evaded capture for six days in Phuket was finally caught. First spotted at a golf course in Pa Khlok, Thalang District, the crocodile was captured on August 5 and taken to a research centre. The community, initially alarmed, expressed relief. Authorities will investigate the crocodile’s origin.