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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.

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.

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.

Pygmy Killer Whales Rescued in Phuket Mangrove Forest: Five pygmy killer whales were rescued from a mangrove forest in Phuket, though one did not survive. The whales were given medical attention and released into deeper waters.

Foreign Fortune-Teller Harasses Thai Women for Money: A foreign fortune-teller has been harassing Thai women for money around Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in Nonthaburi. Social media reports describe similar experiences.

Police Seize 45,000 Bottles in Counterfeit Cough Syrup Raid: Authorities raided a counterfeit cough syrup factory in Samut Sakhon, seizing 45,000 bottles. The factory produced fake syrup, which was popular among youths for intoxication.

Tourist Injured in Chumphon Resort Balcony Collapse: A tourist was seriously injured in a balcony collapse at a Chumphon resort, which was found to be operating without a license. The local police response was criticised.

Thailand Moves Closer to Legalising Casinos to Boost Tourism: Thailand is advancing plans to legalize casinos, aiming to boost tourism and foreign investment. The proposal includes 30-year licenses and designated locations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The ceiling at Chiang Mai Airport collapsed, injuring children: A section of the ceiling at Chiang Mai Airport collapsed, injuring two children. The incident was due to moisture from air conditioning ducts exacerbated by rainfall. Unlicensed Beauty Doctor Arrested in Bangkok Hotel Raid: An unlicensed beauty doctor was arrested in Bangkok, caught administering fillers and Botox in hotel rooms. She faces charges for practising medicine without a license. Tourist Injured in Chumphon Resort Balcony Collapse: A tourist was seriously injured in a balcony collapse at a Chumphon resort, which was found to be operating without a license. The local police response was criticised. Police Seize 45,000 Bottles in Counterfeit Cough Syrup Raid: Authorities raided a counterfeit cough syrup factory in Samut Sakhon, seizing 45,000 bottles. The factory produced fake syrup, which was popular among youths for intoxication. Foreign Fortune-Teller Harasses Thai Women for Money: A foreign fortune-teller has been harassing Thai women for money around Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in Nonthaburi. Social media reports describe similar experiences. Pygmy Killer Whales Rescued in Phuket Mangrove Forest: Five pygmy killer whales were rescued from a mangrove forest in Phuket, though one did not survive. The whales were given medical attention and released into deeper waters. Singapore Hangs Man for Trafficking 36g of Heroin Singapore executed a man for trafficking 36 grams of heroin, highlighting its strict drug laws despite international criticism. Indonesia Bans DuckDuckGo Over Pornography and Gambling Concerns: Indonesia banned DuckDuckGo, citing concerns over pornography and gambling content. The move aligns with the country's strict online content regulations.

The ceiling at Chiang Mai Airport collapsed, injuring children: A section of the ceiling at Chiang Mai Airport collapsed, injuring two children. The incident was due to moisture from air conditioning ducts exacerbated by rainfall.

Thailand Moves Closer to Legalising Casinos to Boost Tourism: Thailand is advancing plans to legalize casinos, aiming to boost tourism and foreign investment. The proposal includes 30-year licenses and designated locations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Unlicensed Beauty Doctor Arrested in Bangkok Hotel Raid: An unlicensed beauty doctor was arrested in Bangkok, caught administering fillers and Botox in hotel rooms. She faces charges for practising medicine without a license.

Chinese-Owned Factory Fined 1.8 Billion Baht for Water Contamination: The Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined THH Moly Processing Company, a Chinese-owned factory, 1.8 billion baht for contaminating the Jone Reservoir in Chachoengsao, Thailand. In 2019, 2 million cubic meters of reservoir water were found tainted with toxic substances, making it unusable for local consumption and agriculture. An investigation linked the factory to the pollution. The Pollution Control Department sued the company in 2022, and the court ordered the compensation to be divided among four government departments. Efforts are underway to expedite the reservoir's recovery to benefit over a thousand local households.

Thai Man Regrets Career Choice as Peers Earn Higher Salaries: A 28-year-old Thai man expressed regret on social media over his career choice of a government job with an 18,000 baht salary, compared to his university peers in the private sector earning up to 100,000 baht. He shared his frustrations about the financial disparity and uncertainty of switching sectors. Netizens offered support, emphasizing the differences in job security and benefits between sectors, advising him to focus on self-improvement and gradual progress. Suggestions included further education or training to enhance qualifications, potentially leading to better opportunities within the public or private sector.

Thai Thieves Arrested for Stealing Cannabis Plants: Police arrested four Thai individuals for stealing cannabis plants from a farm in Nakhon Phanom to start their own cannabis business. The farm owner reported the theft of plants valued at 30,000 to 40,000 baht, along with other cannabis species, fertilizer, and tools. The suspects, aged 26, 18, and two 16-year-olds, were identified through security footage and apprehended at a house in Mueang Nakhon Phanom district. Police discovered a small cannabis plot, 30 plants, and equipment worth over 500,000 baht. The suspects admitted to stealing from multiple farms to pursue their dream of running a cannabis farm. They face charges of night-time theft, with penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment and fines of 20,000-100,000 baht.

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covered in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from the Thai government's "Digital Wallet" scheme facing initial hurdles to Myanmar's military regime extending the state of emergency. 1. Thailand's $14 Billion Handout Scheme Faces Initial Hurdles Thailand's $14 billion handout scheme faced early issues as millions rushed to register, crashing the system. By early afternoon, 10.5 million had applied, but many struggled with access and passcode issues. The government aims to stimulate the economy with a 10,000 baht ($282) "digital wallet" for most citizens, despite funding delays and criticism. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged initial problems but remains optimistic about the scheme, which aims to boost economic growth by 1.2-1.8 percentage points next year. 2. Dutch Teenager Falls to Death from Cliff in Krabi An 18-year-old Dutch teenager, Tim Bakker, fell to his death from the Ngon Nak Nature Trail viewpoint in Krabi, Thailand. While trekking with his parents, Bakker stayed behind at Nak Waterfall. When his parents returned, they couldn't find him. Rangers located his body beneath the cliff using phone signals and drones. It's believed Bakker slipped while enjoying the view. 3. Japanese Man Arrested for Attempted Rape of Drunk Thai Woman A Japanese man, Nichimura, was arrested for attempting to rape a drunk Thai woman at Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok on July 28. The victim, intoxicated and waiting for her boyfriend, was approached by Nichimura, who inappropriately touched her and tried to carry her away in a taxi. The boyfriend intervened via phone, leading to her being left on RCA Road. Nichimura admitted to inappropriate actions while drunk. He was charged with sexual assault and detaining another person, granted bail at 50,000 baht, and had his passport seized pending prosecution. 4. Thai Man Regrets Career Choice as Peers Earn Higher Salaries A 28-year-old Thai man expressed regret on social media over his government job with an 18,000 baht salary, compared to his university peers in the private sector earning up to 100,000 baht. He shared frustrations about the financial disparity and uncertainty of switching sectors. Netizens offered support, advising him to focus on self-improvement and gradual progress, suggesting further education or training for better opportunities. 5. Chinese-Owned Factory Fined 1.8 Billion Baht for Water Contamination The Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined THH Moly Processing Company, a Chinese-owned factory, 1.8 billion baht for contaminating the Jone Reservoir in Chachoengsao, Thailand. In 2019, 2 million cubic meters of reservoir water were found tainted with toxic substances. The Pollution Control Department sued the company in 2022, and the court ordered the compensation to be divided among four government departments. 6. Thai Thieves Arrested for Stealing Cannabis Plants Police arrested four Thai individuals for stealing cannabis plants from a farm in Nakhon Phanom to start their own cannabis business. The farm owner reported the theft of plants valued at 30,000 to 40,000 baht. The suspects, aged 26, 18, and two 16-year-olds, were identified through security footage and apprehended. They face charges of night-time theft, with penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment and fines of 20,000-100,000 baht. 7. Indonesia Legalizes First-Trimester Abortions for Rape Victims Indonesia now allows first-trimester abortions for rape victims and in medical emergencies. President Joko Widodo signed Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, extending the legal abortion window in rape cases from six to 14 weeks. The law also introduces tobacco and e-cigarette sales restrictions, primary healthcare integration, and measures to control unhealthy food consumption. 8. Myanmar’s Military Regime Extends State of Emergency Amid Civil War Myanmar's military regime extended the state of emergency by six months to prepare for elections. The regime now controls less than half the country, facing resistance from ethnic militias and opposition forces. The U.S. criticized the extension, urging the regime to end violence and engage with all stakeholders for a democratic future.

Japanese Man Arrested for Attempted Rape of Drunk Thai Woman: A Japanese man, Nichimura, was arrested for attempting to rape a drunk Thai woman at Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok on July 28. The victim, intoxicated and waiting for her boyfriend, was approached by Nichimura, who inappropriately touched her and tried to carry her away in a taxi. The boyfriend intervened via phone, leading to her being left on RCA Road. Nichimura admitted to inappropriate actions while drunk. He was charged with sexual assault and detaining another person, granted bail at 50,000 baht, and had his passport seized pending prosecution.

Dutch Teenager Falls to Death from Cliff in Krabi: An 18-year-old Dutch teenager, Tim Bakker, fell to his death from the Ngon Nak Nature Trail viewpoint in Krabi, Thailand. On July 31, while trekking with his parents, Bakker felt exhausted and stayed behind at Nak Waterfall. When his parents returned, they couldn't find him. Rangers searched overnight and resumed on August 1, eventually locating his body beneath the cliff using phone signals and drones. It's believed Bakker slipped while enjoying the view. Ngon Nak Mountain is a popular tourist spot known for its scenic views and tranquil forest atmosphere.