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Bangkok Among the Top 30 Most Dangerous Cities for Tourists: Bangkok has been named the 30th most dangerous city for tourists, according to a recent Forbes Advisor article. With a risk score of 53.34, Bangkok's highest risk areas are crime and health security. The top five most dangerous cities are Caracas, Karachi, Yangon, Lagos, and Manila. Singapore was deemed the safest, followed by Tokyo, Toronto, Sydney, and Zurich. In Southeast Asia, Bangkok ranks as the second safest city after Singapore.

Teen Attacked by Neighbour After Unfriending on Facebook: A 14-year-old girl in Thailand was assaulted by a neighbour after unfriending them on Facebook. The neighbour, previously aggressive over kratom juice sales, attacked the girl at her home. The family sought help from activist Kan Chom Phalang and reported the incident to Bang Phli Police Station. Legal actions are underway, with police promising full cooperation.

Syphilis Cases Triple Among Thai Teens, Fivefold Increase in Pregnant Women: The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand reported a sharp rise in syphilis cases, tripling among teenagers and increasing fivefold among pregnant women. DDC spokesperson Weerawat Manosutthi emphasized the risk of contracting HIV and the importance of using condoms, regular blood tests, and early prenatal care to prevent transmission.

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Amid Monsoon and Storm Warnings: The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain over the next ten days due to a strong monsoon and an approaching tropical storm. Rainfall will persist in monsoon-affected areas like Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Chanthaburi, and Trat, with an increase expected from July 28 to August 1. Residents should stay updated with TMD forecasts and exercise caution.

The transcription below covers various news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, featured in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from another twist in Thailand's cannabis laws to an oil tanker that fled a collision site being detained in Malaysia. Thailand Flip-Flops on Cannabis Laws Again: Thailand's cannabis laws face another twist as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pushes for legislation to legalize marijuana for medical use, contradicting recent re-criminalization proposals. Initially decriminalized in June 2022, marijuana saw a surge in recreational use. Anutin’s party now supports regulation strictly for health and economic benefits. New regulations may take effect from January 2025, banning unlicensed possession and sale of high-THC cannabis parts. Chinese Man Dies After Falling Off Baht Bus in Pattaya: A Chinese man, Chi Fai Lam, died after falling from a baht bus in Pattaya. The driver, Thongchai Thonglueng, denied awareness of the incident despite witnesses shouting for him to stop. Security footage showed Thongchai speeding away after the man fell. Locals condemned Thongchai's behaviour, and he was later questioned by police. The investigation continues. Police Misinterpret Stroke as Drunk Leading to Man’s Death: Krit, a Thai man, died from a stroke after police mistakenly accused him of drunk driving, delaying his treatment. Despite showing stroke symptoms and his girlfriend Manao's warnings, police detained Krit for nearly two hours without medical assistance. He was eventually taken to the hospital, but it was too late. Manao and the non-profit organization Saimai Survive blame police negligence and seek accountability. Teen Attacked by Neighbor After Unfriending on Facebook: A 14-year-old girl in Thailand was assaulted by a neighbour after unfriending them on Facebook. The neighbour, previously aggressive over kratom juice sales, attacked the girl at her home. The family sought help from activist Kan Chom Phalang and reported the incident to Bang Phli Police Station. Legal actions are underway, with police promising full cooperation. Syphilis Cases Triple Among Thai Teens, Fivefold Increase in Pregnant Women: The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand reported a sharp rise in syphilis cases, tripling among teenagers and increasing fivefold among pregnant women. DDC spokesperson Weerawat Manosutthi emphasized the risk of contracting HIV and the importance of using condoms, regular blood tests, and early prenatal care to prevent transmission. Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Amid Monsoon and Storm Warnings: The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain over the next ten days due to a strong monsoon and an approaching tropical storm. Rainfall will persist in monsoon-affected areas like Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Chanthaburi, and Trat, with an increase expected from July 28 to August 1. Residents should stay updated with TMD forecasts and exercise caution. 14 Indians Duped into Becoming Cybercriminals in Cambodia Rescued: Fourteen Indians were rescued from cybercrime operations in Cambodia, facilitated by leads from the Indian embassy. The embassy has aided in the rescue and repatriation of over 650 Indian citizens trapped in job scams. The recent victims are being cared for by an NGO in coordination with Cambodia's Ministry of Social Affairs. The embassy continues to work closely with Cambodian authorities to expedite their return to India. Oil Tanker That Fled Collision Site Detained in Malaysia: The supertanker Ceres I, which fled the scene of a collision with the Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile, was detained by Malaysian authorities. The Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I turned off its tracking system after the accident and was found in Malaysian waters. The collision resulted in minor oil spill traces. Investigations are ongoing, and all crew members are safe.

Police Misinterpret Stroke as Drunk Leading to Man’s Death: Krit, a Thai man, died from a stroke after police mistakenly accused him of drunk driving, delaying his treatment. Despite showing stroke symptoms and his girlfriend Manao's warnings, police detained Krit for nearly two hours without medical assistance. He was eventually taken to the hospital, but it was too late. Manao and the non-profit organization Saimai Survive blame police negligence and seek accountability.

Chinese Man Dies After Falling Off Baht Bus in Pattaya: A Chinese man, Chi Fai Lam, died after falling from a baht bus in Pattaya. The driver, Thongchai Thonglueng, denied awareness of the incident despite witnesses shouting for him to stop. Security footage showed Thongchai speeding away after the man fell. Locals condemned Thongchai's behaviour, and he was later questioned by police. The investigation continues.

Thailand Flip-Flops on Cannabis Laws Again: Thailand's cannabis laws face another twist as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pushes for legislation to legalize marijuana for medical use, contradicting recent re-criminalization proposals. Initially decriminalized in June 2022, marijuana saw a surge in recreational use. Anutin’s party now supports regulation strictly for health and economic benefits. New regulations may take effect from January 2025, banning unlicensed possession and sale of high-THC cannabis parts.

King Donates Land for New Sustainable Zoo in Pathum Thani: His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has donated a 300-rai plot in Pathum Thani for a new, sustainable zoo to replace Bangkok’s Dusit Zoo. The zoo will open in phases starting in 2025 and aims to support local communities and wildlife conservation.

Bangkok Plans 130 New Parks and Doubles Tree Planting Goal: Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced plans to add 130 new parks and double Bangkok's tree-planting goal to two million by 2026. This initiative aims to create accessible green spaces and make Bangkok more livable.

Srettha Thavisin Named Thailand’s Favorite Politician: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been named Thailand's favourite politician in a recent LINE TODAY survey, receiving 40.13% of the votes. This indicates strong public support for his leadership.

This transcription provides various stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The news stories range from a stabbing incident in Krabi, Thailand, to a deal aimed at defusing tensions in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines. Drunk American Stabs Australian to Death in Ao Nang An American man, Randall Owen Johnson, 43, fatally stabbed Australian Liam Michael Ross, 35, after a drunken argument near Nopparat Thara Beach in Ao Nang, Thailand. The incident happened around 2 a.m. on July 22, 2024. Johnson was arrested at the scene and taken to Ao Nang Police Station for further investigation. Concerns Over Bangkok Billboard Offering Foreign Passports Move Forward Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn raised concerns about a billboard in Bangkok’s Din Daeng area offering foreign passports for sale to Chinese nationals. Although the billboard has been removed, Wiroj warned it could attract transnational criminals to Thailand. Senate Factions Prepare for Leadership Elections Senate factions are gearing up for the election of the Senate Speaker and deputies on July 23. The New Breed, Blue group, and an independent faction have nominated their candidates, aiming to shape the future of the Senate and push for constitutional reforms. Srettha Thavisin Named Thailand’s Favorite Politician Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been named Thailand's favourite politician in a recent LINE TODAY survey, receiving 40.13% of the votes. This indicates strong public support for his leadership. King Donates Land for New Sustainable Zoo in Pathum Thani His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has donated a 300-rai plot in Pathum Thani for a new, sustainable zoo to replace Bangkok’s Dusit Zoo. The zoo will open in phases starting in 2025 and aims to support local communities and wildlife conservation. Bangkok Plans 130 New Parks and Doubles Tree Planting Goal Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced plans to add 130 new parks and double Bangkok's tree-planting goal to two million by 2026. This initiative aims to create accessible green spaces and make Bangkok more livable. Indonesia Seeks Russian Oil for First Time in Years Indonesian refiner Pertamina is seeking to purchase Russian oil for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. Pertamina's decision will depend on adherence to the price cap regulation. Vietnam to Hold State Funeral for Late Communist Party Leader Vietnam will hold a state funeral for the late Communist Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong on July 26, with two days of national mourning. Trong, who died at 80, led Vietnam for 13 years and promoted economic growth and anti-corruption measures. China and Philippines Reach Deal to Defuse South China Sea Tensions China and the Philippines have reached a temporary agreement to ease tensions around the Sierra Madre in the South China Sea. The deal aims to de-escalate standoffs and manage maritime differences while the Philippines continues to assert its territorial rights.

Senate Factions Prepare for Leadership Elections: Senate factions are gearing up for the election of the Senate Speaker and deputies on July 23. The New Breed, Blue group, and an independent faction have nominated their candidates, aiming to shape the future of the Senate and push for constitutional reforms.

Concerns Over Bangkok Billboard Offering Foreign Passports: Move Forward Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn raised concerns about a billboard in Bangkok’s Din Daeng area offering foreign passports for sale to Chinese nationals. Although the billboard has been removed, Wiroj warned it could attract transnational criminals to Thailand.

Drunk American Stabs Australian to Death in Ao Nang: An American man, Randall Owen Johnson, 43, fatally stabbed Australian Liam Michael Ross, 35, after a drunken argument near Nopparat Thara Beach in Ao Nang, Thailand. The incident happened around 2 a.m. on July 22, 2024. Johnson was arrested at the scene and taken to Ao Nang Police Station for further investigation.

Peta Protests Against Coconut-Picking Monkeys: Peta Asia protested at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, urging Thai authorities to stop using pig-tailed macaques for coconut picking. Protesters, dressed as "monkeys" in prison uniforms, highlighted the abuse and forced labour of these animals in Thailand's coconut industry. Peta Asia's senior VP, Jason Baker, emphasized that macaques are mistreated despite legal bans and past promises. Peta demands stricter enforcement to end macaque mistreatment.

Former MP Faces Charges for Missing House Session for Movie: Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for breaching ethics by missing a House meeting to watch a film. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted to charge Mongkolkit for his absence on December 15, 2021, when he took students to see "4Kings," a film about school rivalries. If convicted, he could face a lifetime political ban. Mongkolkit plans to defend himself in court and file a petition against the NACC for procedural failures.

'The White Lotus' Boosts Koh Samui Tourism: Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism, with international accommodation searches up 26% and domestic searches up 8% in June compared to last year. This increase is linked to HBO's series "The White Lotus," which filmed its third season on the island. Agoda data shows Koh Samui attracting diverse travellers, especially from Israel, India, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia. The 2025 release of "The White Lotus" starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Lisa from BLACKPINK is expected to further boost tourism.

The transcription below provides the news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from the surrender of a Myanmar couple for the murder of an Iranian man and his Thai wife to the discovery of 106 rare Siamese crocodile eggs in Cambodia. Myanmar Couple Surrenders for Murder of Iranian Man and Thai Wife Kyaw Myint Oo (23) and Ei December (19) from Myanmar surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, over the murders of Iranian restaurateur Mojtaba Ghanbariazad (64) and his Thai wife, Thanaporn Poonprakhon (49). The couple, suspected of targeting the victims for valuables, entered Thailand via border passes. The victims were found strangled and bound in their South Pattaya home. The suspects fled on the victims' motorcycle, later abandoning it in Bangkok. They surrendered for illegal immigration and were sent to Mae Sot district. Thai police are coordinating with Myanmar authorities for further action. Deputy PM Anutin Opposes Cannabis Reclassification Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opposes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's plan to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. Despite the ONCB's recent agreement to the reclassification, Anutin argues that more information is needed before proceeding. He emphasizes the need for mutual support within the coalition government but maintains distinct policy stances. Anutin will support reclassification only if evidence shows cannabis harms society and offers no health benefits. MFP Leader Confident Party Won't Be Dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon is confident the party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court on August 7, despite MP Rangsiman Rome's concerns. The Election Commission accused MFP of trying to overthrow the monarchy by pledging to amend the lese majeste law. Chaithawat remains optimistic, citing extensive written defences submitted to the court and plans to address the media on August 8. Peta Protests Against Coconut-Picking Monkeys Peta Asia protested at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, urging Thai authorities to stop using pig-tailed macaques for coconut picking. Protesters, dressed as "monkeys" in prison uniforms, highlighted the abuse and forced labour of these animals in Thailand's coconut industry. Peta Asia's senior VP, Jason Baker, emphasized that macaques are mistreated despite legal bans and past promises. Peta demands stricter enforcement to end macaque mistreatment. Former MP Faces Charges for Missing House Session for Movie Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for breaching ethics by missing a House meeting to watch a film. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted to charge Mongkolkit for his absence on December 15, 2021, when he took students to see "4Kings," a film about school rivalries. If convicted, he could face a lifetime political ban. Mongkolkit plans to defend himself in court and file a petition against the NACC for procedural failures. 'The White Lotus' Boosts Koh Samui Tourism Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism, with international accommodation searches up 26% and domestic searches up 8% in June compared to last year. This increase is linked to HBO's series "The White Lotus," which filmed its third season on the island. Agoda data shows Koh Samui attracting diverse travellers, especially from Israel, India, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia. The 2025 release of "The White Lotus" starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Lisa from BLACKPINK is expected to further boost tourism. Vietnam's President Takes Over Party Duties Amid Health Speculations Vietnam's President To Lam has temporarily taken over the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is focusing on health treatment. The Politburo has tasked Lam with overseeing the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. Lam, a top candidate to replace Trong when his term ends in 2026, promises to continue the anti-corruption campaign. The Politburo's statement urged confidence in the party's leadership, and Vietnam's stock market rose 0.5% after the announcement. Cambodia Discovers 106 Rare Siamese Crocodile Eggs Conservationists in Cambodia discovered 106 eggs of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Cardamom National Park, marking the largest such find in 20 years. Sixty eggs hatched successfully between June 27 and 30. This significant finding underscores the area’s importance as a key habitat for the species' recovery. The Ministry of Environment is focusing on conservation and habitat restoration, offering renewed hope for the species’ survival.

MFP Leader Confident Party Won't Be Dissolved: Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon is confident the party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court on August 7, despite MP Rangsiman Rome's concerns. The Election Commission accused MFP of trying to overthrow the monarchy by pledging to amend the lese majeste law. Chaithawat remains optimistic, citing extensive written defences submitted to the court and plans to address the media on August 8.

Deputy PM Anutin Opposes Cannabis Reclassification: Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opposes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's plan to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. Despite the ONCB's recent agreement to the reclassification, Anutin argues that more information is needed before proceeding. He emphasizes the need for mutual support within the coalition government but maintains distinct policy stances. Anutin will support reclassification only if evidence shows cannabis harms society and offers no health benefits.

Myanmar Couple Surrenders for Murder of Iranian Man and Thai Wife: Kyaw Myint Oo (23) and Ei December (19) from Myanmar surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, over the murders of Iranian restaurateur Mojtaba Ghanbariazad (64) and his Thai wife, Thanaporn Poonprakhon (49). The couple, suspected of targeting the victims for valuables, entered Thailand via border passes. The victims were found strangled and bound in their South Pattaya home. The suspects fled on the victims' motorcycle, later abandoning it in Bangkok. They surrendered for illegal immigration and were sent to Mae Sot district. Thai police are coordinating with Myanmar authorities for further action.

Burglar in Udon Thani Steals TV and Fan, Uses Drugs, and Sniffs Underwear: In Udon Thani, a burglar broke into a house, stealing a TV and a fan, using drugs, and sniffing the owner's underwear. The house, managed by a relative named Oi, was found ransacked with drug paraphernalia and scattered underwear. Police are searching for the suspect. In a related case, a 36-year-old Cypriot man, Nicholas, was arrested for stalking and breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s condominium in Nakhon Pathom. He was detained in Bangkok on burglary and property damage charges.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-oyVscT2jLs?feature=share Thailand Explores Python Meat as an Alternative Protein Source: In Uttaradit, Thailand, thousands of pythons are raised for their skins, and scientists believe their meat could be a viable alternative protein source. Pythons have a better feed-to-meat ratio than traditional livestock. Despite the potential, python meat has not gained international popularity. Emilio Malucchi, a python farmer, struggles to create a market for it, though he consumes the meat himself. Challenges include strict processing standards and animal welfare concerns, but researchers advocate for its potential to address global food insecurity.

Nat Thaipun Wins MasterChef Australia 2024: Nat Thaipun won MasterChef Australia 2024, securing a $250,000 prize. Known for her risk-taking and unique culinary style, Nat impressed judges throughout the competition. Raised by Thai parents in Victoria, Nat blends her cultural heritage into her cooking. Her win includes opportunities to work with top chefs, including Jamie Oliver in London. Currently working at Hugh Allen's Vue de Monde, Nat aims to revolutionize kitchen environments and thrive under pressure.