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Men Armed with Swords and Bats Storm Udon Thani Children’s Centre Two men armed with swords and baseball bats stormed the Ban Don Charoen Children’s Development Centre in Udon Thani on October 2, causing panic among teachers and children. CCTV footage captured the men attacking each other before chasing a man identified as Tum, who had fled into the centre for refuge. While no children or staff were harmed, the attackers damaged Tum’s motorcycle before fleeing. Police are investigating the incident, using the CCTV footage to track down the attackers. The motive remains unclear, though police suspect Tum was targeted by known enemies, reported KhaoSod.

Phuket Tour Boat Blaze Injures Captain, Sparks Investigation A fire broke out on the Flamingo Lady 2 tour catamaran in Phuket, injuring the captain and sparking an investigation. The blaze occurred around 10:35 am on October 3, after the boat had dropped off 22 tourists and was returning to Ao Po Pier. The right engine overheated, igniting oil vapours and setting the vessel on fire. Captain Charoon Rungsamut, injured while trying to control the flames, was hospitalised. Fortunately, no passengers were on board. Authorities are now examining the cause of the malfunction and the vessel's safety measures, reported Phuket News.

Bus Company Under Fire for Concealing Illegal Gas Cylinders After Deadly Accident The company behind a bus fire that killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani is now under scrutiny for attempting to hide illegal gas modifications. Days after the tragedy, authorities discovered five other buses in the fleet being stripped of unauthorised gas cylinders at a garage in Nakhon Ratchasima. The fatal accident involved an ageing bus with excessive, uncertified gas cylinders, which likely contributed to the fire. The Department of Land Transport has suspended the company's license, as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

The transcription below features stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia as presented in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories cover a range of topics, from a bus company under fire for concealing illegal gas cylinders after a deadly accident to a North Korean defector caught trying to return on a stolen bus. Bus Company Under Fire for Concealing Illegal Gas Cylinders After Deadly Accident A bus company is under investigation after a fire killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani. Authorities discovered illegal gas modifications on other buses in the fleet, leading to the company's license suspension. Phuket Tour Boat Blaze Injures Captain, Sparks Investigation A fire on the Flamingo Lady 2 catamaran in Phuket injured the captain after dropping off 22 tourists. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, suspected to be an overheated engine. Men Armed with Swords and Bats Storm Udon Thani Children’s Centre Two men with weapons stormed a children’s centre in Udon Thani, chasing a man who sought refuge there. No children were harmed, and police are using CCTV footage to investigate the incident. Chiang Rai Hit by Fresh Flooding Amid New Warnings Heavy rains caused flooding in Chiang Rai, with the Sai River overflowing and residents being evacuated. Further rain and potential floods are expected due to incoming monsoon systems. Foul-Smelling Trail of Feces Found in Thai Parliament A trail of faeces found in Thailand’s Parliament caused a stir, affecting nearby areas. Authorities are investigating the source of the incident. Thai Visa Agencies Offer Support for Digital Nomad Visa Applicants Visa agencies in Thailand are assisting digital nomads with the new Destination Thailand Visa, helping applicants navigate inconsistent embassy requirements. Chinese Scam Hubs Revived in Myanmar Amid China’s Shift in Policy Chinese scam operations have resurfaced in Myanmar, exploiting China’s focus on supporting Myanmar’s regime. These scams have caused significant financial losses and are under international scrutiny. Cambodian Maid Deported from Malaysia for Social Media Criticism of Cambodia A Cambodian maid was deported from Malaysia after criticising her government on social media. She now faces incitement charges in Cambodia, raising concerns among human rights groups. Singaporean Ex-Minister Sentenced for Corruption and Abuse of Power Former Singaporean minister Subramaniam Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for accepting gifts and obstructing justice, marking Singapore’s first political trial in decades. North Korean Defector Caught Trying to Return on Stolen Bus A North Korean defector was detained after attempting to return to North Korea on a stolen bus, crashing into a barricade near the Unification Bridge in South Korea.

The transcription below features the stories covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. These stories range from the driver involved in a deadly bus fire facing four charges to the brewing political battle ahead of the 2025 Philippine midterm election. 1. Bus Fire Charges: The driver involved in a deadly bus fire on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, killing 23 people, now faces four charges, including reckless driving. The driver fled but later surrendered. Investigations are ongoing. 2. Sex Work Regulation Debate in Thaiger: The Thai government is planning to regulate sex work, sparking public debate. Advocates push for decriminalization, while critics worry about exploitation. 3. Baht Stabilization: The Bank of Thailand has intervened to stabilize the baht’s exchange rate. Though the stronger baht affects exports, tourism remains steady. 4. Google Investment: Google is investing 36 billion baht in Thailand to enhance cloud infrastructure and AI services. The move aims to create jobs and boost Thailand’s economy. 5. AIS 5G Package: AIS has launched a 5G movie package for youths, offering cinema perks and streaming data for 299 baht per month. 6. Food Tourism Ranking: Thailand ranks third in Asia for food-loving tourists, with Pad Thai and Khao Soi being popular dishes. 7. South Korean Parade: South Korea revived its military parade, unveiling the Hyunmoo-5 missile in a show of force aimed at deterring North Korea. 8. WWII Bomb in Japan: An unexploded WWII bomb detonated at Miyazaki Airport in Japan, cancelling over 80 flights. No injuries were reported. 9. Oracle Investment: Oracle is investing $6.5 billion to establish a cloud region in Malaysia, marking one of the country’s largest tech investments. 10. Philippines Election Rivalry: The 2025 Philippine midterm election sees a political battle brewing between President Marcos and former President Duterte.

Thailand ranks third in Asia for food-loving tourists Thailand ranked third in Asia's top foodie destinations, according to Agoda's survey of over 4,000 users. South Korea topped the list, followed by Taiwan, with Thailand securing its spot for dishes like Pad Thai, which is popular among tourists unfamiliar with spicy food. Other Thai culinary highlights include Khao Soi in the north and Khanom Jeen in the south. South Korea's kimchi, BBQ, and fried chicken led the rankings, while Japan and Malaysia followed with sushi and Nasi Lemak, respectively. Thailand also emerged as the top destination for South Korean food lovers.

AIS launches 5G movie package for young movie lovers at 299 baht monthly AIS has launched the AIS ZEED 5G Movie Lover package for youths aged 7-24, offering a free cinema ticket per month, a second ticket for 50 baht, and 10GB of high-speed 5G internet for streaming content on platforms like Viu, WeTV, iQiYi, and AIS PLAY. Priced at 299 baht per month, this package aims to enhance the digital entertainment experience for young customers. The collaboration with Major Cineplex and leading streaming platforms emphasises AIS's commitment to catering to the lifestyle of teens through seamless access to movies and digital content.

Google commits 36 billion baht to enhance Thai cloud and AI services Google has announced a 36 billion baht investment to expand cloud infrastructure and data centres in Bangkok and Chon Buri, aiming to meet rising demand for cloud services and support Thailand's role in the AI economy. This initiative will enhance Google’s cloud services and AI tools while promoting digital skills for all Thais through the "Leave No Thai Behind" mission. The investment is expected to create 14,000 jobs and boost Thailand’s economy by 140 billion baht by 2029. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed the move, which aligns with Thailand's Cloud First Policy.

Bank of Thailand intervenes to stabilise baht’s exchange rate The Bank of Thailand is actively intervening to stabilise the baht, aligning its exchange rate with regional currencies. The central bank's international reserves have risen, benefiting from these interventions and the dollar’s depreciation. While the baht's strengthening impacts export revenues, it is expected to have minimal negative effects on the tourism sector, with key visitor markets also experiencing currency appreciation. In August, 3 million tourists visited Thailand, and spending remained stable despite a slight dip in visitor numbers from China and Malaysia.

Thailand plans to regulate sex work, igniting public debate Thailand's government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has proposed a plan to regulate sex work and bring underground industries into the formal economy, sparking public debate. Advocates like Surang Janyam from SWING argue for decriminalizing sex work to provide legal protections and allow workers to pay taxes. Supporters, including brothel owners and businesses in Pattaya, back the idea, while critics worry about child exploitation. Meanwhile, sex workers protested outside Parliament, demanding equal rights and faster progress on protective legislation for their industry.

Four charges filed against driver in deadly bus fire on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road The driver of a bus that caught fire on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, killing 23 people, faces four charges, including reckless driving and failure to assist. After the crash, the driver fled in panic but later surrendered to police. The accident involved a collision after a suspected tyre or suspension failure. Investigations are ongoing, including an inspection of the bus. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra criticised suspending school field trips, instead calling for better maintenance of public transport. Transport authorities have ordered checks on over 13,000 CNG buses.

The transcription below features stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The topics range from a tragic school bus fire to a Cambodian journalist facing incitement charges. Thailand mourns tragic school bus fire claiming multiple young lives A school bus fire in Pathum Thani tragically claimed over 20 lives, with the government providing aid to victims' families. British tourist charged after fatal punch kills friend in Pattaya A 58-year-old Australian man died after a British friend punched him during an argument outside a Pattaya hotel. Bad weather impacts expected influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand Bad weather and flight costs may reduce the expected surge in Chinese tourists during the National Day holiday. Drunk Australian tourist subdued by Phuket police at airport A rowdy Australian tourist was detained at Phuket Airport after causing a scene when denied more alcohol at a bar. A bill liberalizing alcohol rules in Thailand is set to be voted on Thailand's Parliament will vote on the "progressive liquor bill," potentially reshaping the alcohol industry. TSPCA clashes with PETA over treatment of beloved pygmy hippo TSPCA defends Khao Kheow Zoo against PETA's abuse claims, ensuring that care for the pygmy hippo meets global standards. Malaysia plans cloud policy and AI regulations amid tech boom Malaysia announced a national cloud policy and AI regulations to promote innovation and enhance data security. Malaysian couple mysteriously vanishes after Bangkok layover A young Malaysian couple disappeared after a layover in Bangkok, with their families appealing for help. Singapore tightens scrutiny as Chinese wealth pours in via family offices Singapore is increasing regulations on family offices to ensure wealth, especially from China, is free from financial crimes. Cambodian journalist charged with incitement after exposing trafficking Investigative journalist Mech Dara faces charges after exposing human trafficking, sparking concerns over press freedom.

Thailand mourns tragic school bus fire claiming multiple young lives A tragic school bus fire in Pathum Thani claimed the lives of over 20 students and teachers, with bodies found near the back of the bus. The incident occurred while 38 students and 6 teachers were en route to a learning centre. The fire was likely caused by a tyre explosion and contact with a barrier, causing panic as the bus filled with smoke. While some escaped, others were trapped. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed deep sorrow and visited the victims. The government covers medical expenses and compensates families.

British tourist charged after fatal punch kills friend in Pattaya A 58-year-old Australian man tragically died after a British friend, 29, delivered a fatal punch during a drunken argument outside a Pattaya hotel on September 27. The punch caused the Australian to hit his head on the pavement. Despite efforts from medics, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Pattaya police have video footage and witness testimony confirming the incident. The British suspect denies the charges and awaits legal proceedings, while authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine if the victim was also intoxicated. The motive for the altercation remains unclear.

Bad weather impacts expected influx of Chinese tourists to Thailand Thailand’s expected influx of Chinese tourists during the Chinese National Day holiday is likely to fall short due to bad weather, fluctuating flight prices, and changing travel behaviours. Thai hotel operators had hoped for a surge in visitors from October 1-7, but adjustments and delays by Chinese tour companies have affected travel plans. While the number of Free Individual Travellers (FIT) is increasing, natural disasters remain a key concern. Despite no cancellations, postponed or adjusted plans are impacting the expected tourist arrivals. Hotel operators are adapting to accommodate these changes.

TSPCA clashes with PETA over treatment of beloved pygmy hippo The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) has defended Khao Kheow Open Zoo against PETA’s claims of animal abuse regarding the zoo’s popular pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. PETA criticized the zoo for keeping Moo Deng in captivity, advocating for her relocation to a wildlife sanctuary. However, TSPCA countered that PETA's information was outdated and incomplete, emphasising that the zoo adheres to international care standards. While some Thais expressed support for the zoo, TSPCA called for respectful dialogue and reassured that Moo Deng's care meets global standards.

Drunk Australian tourist subdued by Phuket police at airport An intoxicated Australian tourist caused a commotion at Phuket International Airport on September 22 after being refused more alcohol at a bar. The situation escalated as he harassed other passengers, prompting armed police to intervene. Dramatic footage shows officers tackling and subduing the rowdy tourist, who was eventually handcuffed and detained in an airport cell to sober up. The incident caused the man to miss his flight and rebook another. Phuket Airport officials confirmed the tourist was detained until he regained composure, bringing an embarrassing end to his trip.

A bill liberalising alcohol rules in Thailand is set to be voted on Thailand's Parliament is set to vote today on the controversial "progressive liquor bill," proposed by the opposition People's Party. The bill, a key election promise from the former Future Forward Party, seeks to liberalise Thailand's alcohol market, allowing individuals to brew liquor or beer for personal use. The bill faces opposition from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and coalition partners, citing public health concerns. Supporters argue it would break the oligopoly controlling the market and benefit grassroots producers. Today's vote will decide if the bill advances, potentially reshaping Thailand's alcohol industry.

Thai Airways Expands Partnership with Gulf Air, Adds Six Destinations Thai Airways (THAI) has expanded its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations: Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, and Manchester. The partnership, which previously focused on routes between Bangkok and Manama or Abu Dhabi, aims to boost THAI's revenue by connecting passengers through Bahrain. Gulf Air will also bring passengers to Bangkok for further travel within Thailand and to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Melbourne. THAI is submitting its restructuring plan to resume trading on the Thai stock market as it exits business rehabilitation.

Thailand’s Sago Beetles Are Set for Global Export Thailand's sago beetles, or lan beetles, are set to go global as edible insect trends gain traction. Farmed in southern Thailand, these beetles are rich in healthy fats and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional snacks. Sago beetle larvae are easy to farm, making them a profitable export, with adult beetles selling for 200-250 baht per kilogram. With approval from the Thai FDA, countries like Italy, the UK, Germany, and Australia are welcoming them. The beetles can even be canned for export, promising a nutritious and eco-friendly food option worldwide.

Chon Buri Cemetery Transformed Into a Unique Cafe Experience Wat Nong Khayad's cemetery in Chon Buri has been transformed into a bustling cafe and community space, attracting tourists from all over. Visitors can enjoy free coffee, ice cream, and noodles, with a donation box available to support the temple's supplies. Local benefactors, like renowned noodle seller Jae Jim and bakery owners, contribute to this initiative, offering food to visitors. The cemetery, once considered eerie, now boasts a welcoming atmosphere with picturesque spots and rest areas. The unique project has garnered praise for promoting community spirit and offering a relaxing, one-of-a-kind tourist experience.

Thai Actress Criticizes Police for Inaction After Brother's Assault Thai actress Chalida “Mint” Wijitvongthong criticized police for their inaction after a Russian man assaulted her brother, Rachan “Moss” Wijitvongthong, outside a Bangkok hotel on September 25. The altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a foreigner with hearing loss at her brother’s restaurant. CCTV footage shows Moss being brutally attacked despite his pleas for the Russian to stop. Police took 40 minutes to arrive, and arrested the attacker but released him without testing for alcohol or drugs. They later urged the family to drop the case, sparking outrage on social media.

Foreign Men Vandalize Phuket Restaurant, Shattering Windows Two foreign men vandalized Birds Cafe Restaurant in Phuket early on September 30, shattering windows in two separate incidents within an hour. The first occurred around 2:18 am, with a man breaking the glass and fleeing on a motorbike. A second man arrived at 2:58 am and smashed more windows before fleeing. The incidents caused panic among staff and locals, prompting a police investigation. The motivation remains unclear, but a possible connection between the vandals is suspected. The restaurant is closed for repairs as security concerns rise in the community.

Proposal for Foreign Land Leases in Thailand Requires Legal Revisions A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land in Thailand for up to 99 years may require major legal revisions, including amendments to the Treasury Department's 30-year lease cap. The proposal, first introduced by Thaksin Shinawatra, suggests landowners transfer their land title to the Treasury Department in exchange for full payment, while foreigners lease the land for 99 years. The proposal faces constitutional challenges and public consultation requirements. Opposition remains due to concerns about "selling the country," but long-term leases could alleviate ownership concerns. No official action has been taken yet.

The transcription below includes news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, featured on the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The topics range from proposals for legal revisions on foreign land leases in Thailand to calls for legalizing divorce in the Philippines, amidst the high costs of annulments. 1. Proposal for Foreign Land Leases in Thailand Requires Legal Revisions A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land for up to 99 years in Thailand may face legal challenges, requiring amendments to existing laws. Public consultations and concerns over "selling the country" remain unresolved. 2. Foreign Men Vandalise Phuket Restaurant Two foreign men shattered windows at Birds Cafe in Phuket in separate incidents within an hour, causing panic. The restaurant is closed for repairs as police investigate. 3. Thai Actress Criticises Police After Brother's Assault Thai actress Mint Wijitvongthong criticized police for their delayed response and leniency after her brother was assaulted by a Russian man in Bangkok. 4. Thai Airways Expands Partnership with Gulf Air Thai Airways has expanded its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations to boost revenue and connect passengers to more global cities. 5. Thailand’s Sago Beetles Set for Global Export Thailand's sago beetles are being exported globally as the edible insect trend grows, with approval from the Thai FDA and interest from European countries. 6. Chon Buri Cemetery Transformed Into a Unique Cafe A Chon Buri cemetery has been converted into a community cafe, offering free refreshments to visitors. The project promotes community spirit and attracts tourists. 7. Vietnam Offers Amnesty to Foreign Prisoners Vietnam granted amnesty to 20 foreign prisoners, including two U.S. citizens, as part of a National Day pardon for over 3,760 inmates. 8. Japan's New Prime Minister Calls Snap Election Japan’s incoming Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced a snap election for October to gain public support for his new administration and address key issues. 9. South Korean Officials Sentenced for Halloween Crush Three South Korean police officers were sentenced for negligence in the 2022 Itaewon Halloween crush, which killed nearly 160 people. Other officials were acquitted. 10. Calls for Legalising Divorce in the Philippines Calls to legalize divorce in the Philippines grow as expensive annulments remain the only option to end marriages, prompting a proposed Absolute Divorce Bill.