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The transcription below provides an overview of the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries, hosted by Alex. The varied stories range from Thailand Deputy Police Chief, Big Joke, dismissed over alleged gambling ties to former Philippine president Duterte plans to run for senate. 1. **Thai TikTok Star Accused of Coercing Women into Illegal Abortions**: A Thai TikTok star, Dong, is accused of coercing women into unprotected sex, illegal abortions, and refusing responsibility. An 18-year-old victim, AE, revealed Dong’s pattern of pressuring women into abortions, some resulting in suicide. AE, coerced into an illegal abortion, suffered severe complications. Multiple victims shared similar experiences, leading AE to expose Dong and report him for statutory rape. Dong’s mother accused AE of defamation. 2. **Big Joke Gets the Boot**: Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate 'Big Joke' Hakparn was dismissed by the Police Commission following accusations of money laundering linked to the BNK Master online gambling network. Surachate, who plans to fight for reinstatement, has threatened legal action against key figures if not reinstated. This decision came after a two-hour discussion by the Police Commission. 3. **Teens Surrender After Brutal Attack on Bomb-Throwing 15-Year-Old**: A group of teenagers surrendered to police in Bua Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, after a brutal attack on a bomb-throwing 15-year-old. The victim suffered severe injuries. The conflict began when the victim threw a homemade bomb at the group, which failed to detonate. The incident has raised concerns about youth violence and the role of social media in escalating conflicts. 4. **Stray Dogs Kill 70 Fighting Cocks at Thai Farm**: Stray dogs killed 70 fighting cocks at a cockfighting farm in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, resulting in a 60,000 baht loss. The farm owner, Nonthawat Konsungnoen, discovered the attack and urged the former owner of the dogs to take responsibility. Nonthawat plans to distribute the surviving chickens to villagers. 5. **Arrest Warrant Issued for Political Activist Parit Chiwarak**: An arrest warrant was issued for political activist Parit Chiwarak, also known as Penguin, after he failed to appear for a ruling in a lese majeste case. Parit faces around 24 charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act. The court rescheduled his ruling to July 31. 6. **Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation Raided for Using State Electricity**: Police and PEA officials raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, causing monthly losses of 10 million baht. The raid found over 700 mining rigs, with 59 seized as evidence. The operation, run by Minor Union Company, showed irregular electricity usage. The company faces charges for electricity theft and misuse of public resources. 7. **$100M Assets Linked to 1MDB to be Returned to Malaysia**: The US Justice Department reached an agreement with fugitive financier Jho Low to return over $100 million allegedly embezzled from Malaysia's 1MDB fund. This includes the liquidation of artworks and a luxury flat, supplementing the $1.4 billion already recovered with US assistance. 8. **Former Philippine President Duterte Plans to Run for Senate**: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte plans to run for the Senate in next year's mid-term elections, as announced by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. Despite previously declaring his retirement, Duterte has reconsidered. His two sons also plan to run in the elections, with Sara aiming to return as Davao City mayor.

Thai TikTok Star Accused of Coercing Women into Illegal Abortions: A Thai TikTok star, Dong, is accused of coercing women into unprotected sex, illegal abortions, and refusing responsibility. An 18-year-old victim, AE, revealed Dong’s pattern of pressuring women into abortions, some resulting in suicide. AE, coerced into an illegal abortion, suffered severe complications. Multiple victims shared similar experiences, leading AE to expose Dong and report him for statutory rape. Dong’s mother accused AE of defamation.

Teens Surrender After Brutal Attack on Bomb-Throwing 15-Year-Old: A group of teenagers surrendered to police in Bua Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, after a brutal attack on a bomb-throwing 15-year-old. The victim suffered severe injuries. The conflict began when the victim threw a homemade bomb at the group, which failed to detonate. The incident has raised concerns about youth violence and the role of social media in escalating conflicts.

Big Joke Gets the Boot: Deputy Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate 'Big Joke' Hakparn was dismissed by the Police Commission following accusations of money laundering linked to the BNK Master online gambling network. Surachate, who plans to fight for reinstatement, has threatened legal action against key figures if not reinstated. This decision came after a two-hour discussion by the Police Commission.

Thailand Imports Shrimp from Ecuador Amid Local Production Crisis: Thailand is importing shrimp from Ecuador due to a local production drop from 600,000 to 200,000 tonnes annually. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has tasked the Department of Fisheries with investigating the causes and reporting back at the next Cabinet meeting. The importation has lowered local shrimp prices, affecting Thai farmers financially.

Thai Women Arrested in Taiwan for Illegal Prostitution: Taiwanese police arrested eight Thai women and a Thai transwoman in Taipei for illegal prostitution. This follows the arrest of 24 Thai women in May. The detainees were recruited by a transnational sex trafficking gang and will be deported with a life ban on re-entry to Taiwan. The hotel owner faces related charges.

Thailand Ranked in Top 50 in 2024 Happiness Report: Thailand is ranked 45th out of 143 countries in the World Happiness Report 2024, making it the second happiest country in Asia after Taiwan. The report evaluates happiness based on GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption perceptions. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's policies are noted for their appeal to the youth, despite local challenges.

The transcription below covers a variety of news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia as reported on Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex. The topics range from Thailand's plans to send farm workers to Israel, to Vietnam's partnership with the US following Putin's visit. 1. **Thailand Resumes Sending Farm Workers to Israel Amid Local Production Crisis**: Thailand will resume sending agricultural workers to Israel after an eight-month hiatus due to the Hamas attacks in October. Approximately 30,000 Thai workers were in Israel before the conflict, with 39 killed and 32 taken hostage. Six Thais remain captive. The Thai government has coordinated with Israel to ensure worker safety. The first group of about 100 workers will depart from Bangkok on Tuesday, with more to follow in early July. 2. **Julian Assange Passes Through Thailand on Path to Freedom**: Julian Assange continues his legal battle against extradition to the U.S. for publishing classified documents. Assange, currently held in London's Belmarsh Prison, faces deteriorating health. His wife, Stella, emphasizes the life-or-death stakes of his extradition. Thailand is mentioned as a potential stopover due to its strategic location. UK courts are deliberating on his appeal against extradition. 3. **Thai Woman Escapes Arrest with Boyfriend’s Help, Later Caught**: Naranya Areepong, arrested for theft in Sattahip, escaped police custody with her boyfriend, Arthit Wattanasuk. They were later apprehended in Rayong province with the help of Naranya's father. Arthit claimed he acted to prevent their daughter from growing up without her mother. Both face pending charges. 4. **Thai Women Arrested in Taiwan for Illegal Prostitution**: Taiwanese police arrested eight Thai women and a Thai transwoman in Taipei for illegal prostitution. This follows the arrest of 24 Thai women in May. The detainees were recruited by a transnational sex trafficking gang and will be deported with a life ban on re-entry to Taiwan. The hotel owner faces related charges. 5. **Thailand Imports Shrimp from Ecuador Amid Local Production Crisis**: Thailand is importing shrimp from Ecuador due to a local production drop from 600,000 to 200,000 tonnes annually. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has tasked the Department of Fisheries with investigating the causes and reporting back at the next Cabinet meeting. The importation has lowered local shrimp prices, affecting Thai farmers financially. 6. **Thailand Ranked in Top 50 in 2024 Happiness Report**: Thailand is ranked 45th out of 143 countries in the World Happiness Report 2024, making it the second happiest country in Asia after Taiwan. The report evaluates happiness based on GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption perceptions. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's policies are noted for their appeal to the youth, despite local challenges. 7. **Vietnam Reaffirms 'Strategic Partnership' With US After Putin Visit**: Vietnam reaffirmed its "strategic partnership" with the U.S. a day after Russian President Putin's visit. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son praised the upgraded ties and the first Vietnam-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Dialogue in Washington, D.C., in March. Despite growing U.S. ties, Vietnam maintains close relations with Russia. 8. **Malaysia and Thailand Pursue BRICS Membership**: Malaysia and Thailand are taking steps to join the BRICS economic bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Thai government view BRICS membership as a way to boost their economies and enhance international cooperation. Both countries seek to amplify their roles on the global stage among emerging economies.

Thai Woman Escapes Arrest with Boyfriend’s Help, Later Caught: Naranya Areepong, arrested for theft in Sattahip, escaped police custody with her boyfriend, Arthit Wattanasuk. They were later apprehended in Rayong province with the help of Naranya's father. Arthit claimed he acted to prevent their daughter from growing up without her mother. Both face pending charges.

Julian Assange Passes Through Thailand on Path to Freedom: Julian Assange continues his legal battle against extradition to the U.S. for publishing classified documents. Assange, currently held in London's Belmarsh Prison, faces deteriorating health. His wife, Stella, emphasizes the life-or-death stakes of his extradition. Thailand is mentioned as a potential stopover due to its strategic location. UK courts are deliberating on his appeal against extradition.

Thailand Resumes Sending Farm Workers to Israel Amid Local Production Crisis: Thailand will resume sending agricultural workers to Israel after an eight-month hiatus due to the Hamas attacks in October. Approximately 30,000 Thai workers were in Israel before the conflict, with 39 killed and 32 taken hostage. Six Thais remain captive. The Thai government has coordinated with Israel to ensure worker safety. The first group of about 100 workers will depart from Bangkok on Tuesday, with more to follow in early July.

Actress Ning Panita Sued for Defamation: Actress Ning Panita faces a 1 million baht defamation lawsuit filed by Zan Wisaphat Manomaiyarat. The preliminary hearing is set for July 25. The lawsuit claims Ning made false accusations damaging Zan's reputation.

Russian Man Arrested for Illegal Motorbike Lessons: Roman Lazarev, a 29-year-old Russian man, was arrested in Phuket for illegally offering motorbike driving lessons. He charged a Russian woman 2,000 baht for three days of lessons. Lazarev faces charges for working without a permit.

Brothers Arrested for Facebook Donation Scam: Weerapong (19) and Peeraphat (22) were arrested in Thailand for running a Facebook scam soliciting fake hospital donations. They face charges under the Computer Crime Act and admitted to using the funds for personal luxuries and heroin.

The transcription below provides an overview of the stories covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The news stories range from a British pedophile's 30-year escape in Thailand leading to new charges, to espresso price hikes caused by drought in Vietnam. 1. **British Pedophile Arrested After 30 Years in Thailand Faces New Charges**: Richard Burrows, an 80-year-old British pedophile, was arrested at Heathrow Airport after evading capture in Thailand for nearly 30 years. He now faces 30 new sex-related charges dating back to 1969. Burrows, a former Scoutmaster, is due in court on August 2. 2. **Drunk Russian Women Assault Thai Woman in Phuket**: Two drunk Russian women crashed into a Thai woman's car in Phuket and assaulted her when she tried to stop them from fleeing. The incident occurred on June 23. The Thai woman reported the incident to the police. 3. **Brothers Arrested for Facebook Donation Scam**: Weerapong (19) and Peeraphat (22) were arrested in Thailand for running a Facebook scam soliciting fake hospital donations. They face charges under the Computer Crime Act and admitted to using the funds for personal luxuries and heroin. 4. **Burmese Man Shoots and Blinds Thai Girl**: In Surin, a Burmese man named Suthee shot and blinded an 11-year-old Thai girl with a slingshot after she reported his sexual assault. Despite charges, Suthee and the girl's grandmother were released. The girl's vision recovery remains uncertain. 5. **Russian Man Arrested for Illegal Motorbike Lessons**: Roman Lazarev, a 29-year-old Russian man, was arrested in Phuket for illegally offering motorbike driving lessons. He charged a Russian woman 2,000 baht for three days of lessons. Lazarev faces charges for working without a permit. 6. **Actress Ning Panita Sued for Defamation**: Actress Ning Panita faces a 1 million baht defamation lawsuit filed by Zan Wisaphat Manomaiyarat. The preliminary hearing is set for July 25. The lawsuit claims Ning made false accusations damaging Zan's reputation. 7. **Vietnam Coffee Farmers Innovate Amid Drought**: Vietnamese coffee farmers are innovating amid the worst drought in nearly a decade, potentially leading to higher espresso prices. Techniques like soil covering are helping, but concerns over future weather disruptions remain. 8. **Indonesia Refuses to Pay Ransom After Cyberattack**: Indonesia's national data center was attacked by hackers demanding an $8 million ransom, which the government refuses to pay. The cyberattack has disrupted services for over 200 agencies. Efforts to restore full functionality are ongoing.

Drunk Russian Women Assault Thai Woman in Phuket: Two drunk Russian women crashed into a Thai woman's car in Phuket and assaulted her when she tried to stop them from fleeing. The incident occurred on June 23. The Thai woman reported the incident to the police.

Burmese Man Shoots and Blinds Thai Girl: In Surin, a Burmese man named Suthee shot and blinded an 11-year-old Thai girl with a slingshot after she reported his sexual assault. Despite charges, Suthee and the girl's grandmother were released. The girl's vision recovery remains uncertain.

British Pedophile Arrested After 30 Years in Thailand Faces New Charges: Richard Burrows, an 80-year-old British pedophile, was arrested at Heathrow Airport after evading capture in Thailand for nearly 30 years. He now faces 30 new sex-related charges dating back to 1969. Burrows, a former Scoutmaster, is due in court on August 2.

Cobra in New Motorcycle Sparks Three-Hour Rescue in Ayutthaya: In Ayutthaya, a spitting cobra caused a three-hour rescue mission after slithering into a new motorcycle. The owner, Vanatchaphon Chailinfa, believes the snake might bring good luck. Emergency services were called, and after initial difficulties locating the snake, the rescue team found the baby cobra under the handlebars. Using a stick, they successfully captured and released the snake. Vanatchaphon plans to use the license plate number as a lucky charm for the lottery.

Thailand Approves 3.75-Trillion-Baht Budget for 2025 Fiscal Year: Thailand’s House of Representatives has approved a 3.75-Trillion-baht budget for the 2025 fiscal year with 311 votes in favour, 175 against, and two abstentions. A special 72-member House committee will scrutinize the bill within 30 days. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized efficient spending for economic growth. The budget includes 2.88 trillion baht in tax revenue and an 865 billion baht loan to cover the deficit, with significant allocations for investment and a digital wallet handout.

The transcription below provides an overview of the news stories covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from a tuk-tuk leader threatening a taxi driver in Patong, Phuket, to Netflix showcasing a new slate of Southeast Asian films and series. 1. **Tourists Flee as Tuk-Tuk Leader Threatens Taxi Driver in Patong**: In Patong, a tuk-tuk leader threatened a taxi driver for picking up tourists in a tuk-tuk-designated area. The frightened tourists quickly exited the taxi. The incident, captured on video, led to a police report, but no legal action has been taken yet. 2. **Student Electrocuted at Thai School**: In Trang Province, a student was electrocuted while turning off a water dispenser during a school sports day. Onlookers hesitated to help due to fear of electrocution. The student was eventually pulled away but was pronounced dead at the hospital. An electrical leak, possibly worsened by rain, is suspected. 3. **Police Arrest Two for Meth Smuggling in Avocados**: In Chiang Rai, police arrested two individuals for smuggling 1.5 million methamphetamine tablets hidden in avocado boxes. The operation was linked to a previous case involving pineapples. The suspects face charges of meth distribution. 4. **Thailand Approves 3.75-Trillion-Baht Budget for 2025**: Thailand’s House of Representatives approved a 3.75-Trillion-Baht budget for 2025. A special committee will review the bill. The budget includes significant allocations for investment and a digital wallet handout. 5. **Thailand Warns 43 Provinces of Flash Floods and Strong Winds**: Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department issued an alert for 43 provinces to prepare for flash floods and strong winds over the next three days. Local authorities are on standby, and residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions. 6. **Cobra in New Motorcycle Sparks Three-Hour Rescue**: In Ayutthaya, a spitting cobra caused a three-hour rescue mission after hiding in a new motorcycle. Emergency services eventually captured and released the snake. The owner, Vanatchaphon Chailinfa, views the incident as a potential good luck sign. 7. **Cambodian Artifacts Stolen from Temples Found in American Museums**: Stolen Cambodian artefacts have surfaced in American museums and private collections. British collector Douglas Latchford was a key figure in the looting. Cambodia is working to recover these treasures, with some museums already returning artefacts. 8. **Netflix Showcases Southeast Asian Films and Series**: Netflix is expanding its Southeast Asian content, announcing new films and series at a Jakarta showcase. Projects include Indonesia’s first zombie feature "Abadi Nan Jaya" and Thailand’s period sex comedy "Doctor Climax." Netflix continues to invest in local content in the region.

Student Electrocuted Turning Off Water Dispenser at Thai School: A tragic incident occurred in Kantang District, Trang Province, where a student was electrocuted while turning off a water dispenser during a school sports day. The event, captured on video, showed the student lying motionless as onlookers hesitated to assist due to fear of electrocution. Eventually, the student was pulled away using a cloth but was pronounced dead at the hospital. Initial suspicions suggest an electrical leak, worsened by rain, caused the fatal electrocution. The incident has sparked widespread grief and criticism over the delayed response.

Tourists Flee as Tuk-Tuk Leader Threatens Taxi Driver in Patong: A confrontation erupted in Patong when a local tuk-tuk leader threatened a metered taxi driver outside Jungceylon. The incident started when the taxi picked up two foreign tourists in a tuk-tuk-designated area. The tourists, fearing for their safety, quickly exited the taxi. The tuk-tuk leader continued threatening the driver, asserting that the area was restricted to tuk-tuks. The entire scene was captured on video. The taxi driver, Dam, expressed frustration and called for peaceful dispute resolution. A police report was filed, but no legal action has been taken yet.

Police Arrest Two in Chiang Rai Over Meth Smuggling in Avocados: Police in Chiang Rai arrested two individuals, Sunittra (28) and Watthana (29), for smuggling 1.5 million methamphetamine tablets hidden in avocado boxes. The operation began with a tip about drug parcels sent via a private delivery service in Mae Chan. Officers discovered ten boxes labelled as avocados, each containing meth tablets marked with a football club crest. The suspects are charged with meth distribution, and the investigation continues.

Friends Turn Foes in Bizarre Temple Brawl in East Pattaya: A bizarre brawl near Huai Yai Temple in East Pattaya left two friends critically injured. On June 18, a playful banter between 36-year-old Weerayut Chomthalak and 58-year-old Thongchai Tiendaeng escalated into violence. Weerayut, wielding a baseball bat, and Thongchai, armed with a knife, clashed, resulting in severe injuries. Eyewitnesses called emergency services, and Thongchai was detained by a bystander. He claimed he was provoked by Weerayut's drunken behavior, while Weerayut insisted his jesting unintentionally sparked the altercation. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to ensure justice for both men.