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Thailand Considers Lifting Alcohol Sales Ban: To support restaurants struggling amid economic challenges, Thailand is considering lifting its afternoon alcohol sales ban, which has been in place for 52 years. The Restaurant Business Club has also proposed tax reductions and financial support for small businesses. This sector, which generated 420 billion baht in 2019, has faced slow growth and increased closures recently. The government’s response to these proposals could provide crucial relief.

The transcription below provides the stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries covered in the Good Morning Thailand, hosted by Alex and Jay. The news stories range from China's BYD inaugurating its first plant in Thailand to a Gas leak at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur airport. 1. BYD Inaugurates First Plant in Thailand: Chinese automaker BYD has opened its first electric vehicle (EV) plant in Rayong, Thailand. The facility, constructed in 16 months, can produce 150,000 vehicles annually, including models like the BYD Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, and Sealion 6. This expansion is part of BYD’s strategy to grow in Southeast Asia amid rising tariffs on Chinese EVs in the U.S. and Europe. The plant supports Thailand’s goal of having 30% of vehicles be electric by 2030 and is expected to create 10,000 jobs. 2. Thailand Considers Lifting Alcohol Sales Ban: To support restaurants struggling amid economic challenges, Thailand is considering lifting its afternoon alcohol sales ban, which has been in place for 52 years. The Restaurant Business Club has also proposed tax reductions and financial support for small businesses. This sector, which generated 420 billion baht in 2019, has faced slow growth and increased closures recently. The government’s response to these proposals could provide crucial relief. 3. Foreign Teacher Accused of Assault in Thailand: A foreign teacher in Phitsanulok, Thailand, has been accused of sexually assaulting at least five schoolgirls, including an 11-year-old. The assaults allegedly began when the girls were eight. Despite initial reports by the victims, the school dismissed the issue as a misunderstanding. The teacher denies the allegations, claiming the touching was accidental. The accuser, Kai, is seeking a thorough investigation and justice for the victims. 4. Thai Mascot Assaulted by Foreigner: Nantawat Palawat, a mascot performer in Bangkok, was assaulted by a foreigner while working. The attacker squeezed Nantawat's hand and punched his costume, causing him to lose consciousness and sustain minor injuries. Nantawat is seeking public assistance to identify the attacker and has shared his plea on Facebook, expressing his disappointment and desire for justice. 5. OnlyFans Star Arrested for Involving Minors in Explicit Videos: Patipat, a transgender OnlyFans content creator in Thailand, was arrested for involving minors in explicit videos. The arrest followed an investigation into child pornography. Patipat confessed to starting his accounts six months ago and earning about 100,000 baht monthly. He faces charges of human trafficking, producing and distributing child pornography, importing obscene content for commercial purposes, and child abduction. 6. Three-Year-Old Girl Rescued from Busy Road: In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, a three-year-old girl was saved by a bystander, Pradit Ketpradit, after she ran into a busy road while her mother was buying noodles. Pradit sustained minor injuries while rescuing the child. The mother expressed her deep gratitude for preventing a potential tragedy. 7. Gas Leak at Kuala Lumpur Airport Affects Staff: A gas leak at the Southern Support Zone Sepang Aircraft Engineering facility at Kuala Lumpur International Airport affected about 20 staff members. The leaked chemical, methyl mercaptan, caused dizziness among the affected personnel, who were then sent for medical treatment. Airport operations were not disrupted, and there was no wider risk to public safety. 8. Ransomware Group Apologizes to Indonesia, Shares Decryption Keys: The ransomware group Brain Cipher has apologized for an attack on Indonesia’s Temporary National Data Center and shared decryption keys. The attack affected over 230 public agencies' data, and the government refused to pay the ransom. The group claimed the attack was a penetration test. Indonesia has yet to confirm the effectiveness of the decryption keys.

Thai Singer Battles Termites During Stage Performance: Thai singer Witthaya Siwakrothok continued his performance in Buriram despite being swarmed by flying termites. The viral video of his resilience garnered significant online support.

Thai Election Commission Delays Senate Results Amid Fraud Allegations: The Election Commission delayed announcing 200 senatorial election winners due to fraud complaints. The investigation is thorough, with no new timeline provided, intensifying scrutiny on the EC.

PM Srettha Launches "X-ray" Operations to Combat Drug Abuse: PM Srettha Thavisin initiated nationwide "X-ray" operations to combat drug abuse and trafficking. The crackdown involves mandatory urine tests, new rehab facilities, and career training for rehabilitated individuals. Authorities have arrested 184,411 suspects and seized assets worth 6.34 billion baht.

The transcription below covers stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia presented on the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay. The news stories range from the wealth decline of Thailand's richest due to political uncertainty to the discovery of the world's oldest figurative cave art in Indonesia. 1. Thailand's Richest Face Wealth Decline Amid Political Uncertainty Thailand’s 50 richest individuals saw their combined wealth drop by 12% to $153 billion in 2024 due to political uncertainty and a weaker baht. Red Bull co-owners Chalerm Yoovidhya & family became the new No. 1, increasing their wealth to $36 billion. The Chearavanont brothers fell to No. 2 with $29 billion. The top five saw declines, including significant losses for Somphote Ahunai and Aloke Lohia. Four beverage tycoons gained wealth, while the minimum net worth to make the list decreased to $550 million. 2. Thai Teacher Banned for Livestreaming Inappropriate Content A primary school teacher in Lopburi was banned for life after livestreaming inappropriate content during class. The incident, shared on the Bigo Live app, led to her termination and was deemed dishonourable by the Teachers’ Council of Thailand. 3. Senior Thai Judge Transferred Amid Molestation Accusation A senior Thai judge was urgently transferred following accusations of molesting a female court officer on a train. The transfer ensures an impartial investigation and underscores the judiciary's commitment to integrity. 4. PM Srettha Launches "X-ray" Operations to Combat Drug Abuse PM Srettha Thavisin initiated nationwide "X-ray" operations to combat drug abuse and trafficking. The crackdown involves mandatory urine tests, new rehab facilities, and career training for rehabilitated individuals. Authorities have arrested 184,411 suspects and seized assets worth 6.34 billion baht. 5. Thai Election Commission Delays Senate Results Amid Fraud Allegations The Election Commission delayed announcing 200 senatorial election winners due to fraud complaints. The investigation is thorough, with no new timeline provided, intensifying scrutiny on the EC. 6. Thai Singer Battles Termites During Stage Performance Thai singer Witthaya Siwakrothok continued his performance in Buriram despite being swarmed by flying termites. The viral video of his resilience garnered significant online support. 7. Japanese Hairdresser Sentenced to Caning and Jail for Rape in Singapore Japanese hairdresser Ikko Kita was sentenced to 17.5 years in jail and 20 strokes of the cane for raping a university student in Singapore. This case highlights Singapore's use of caning as a controversial punishment. 8. World's Oldest Figurative Cave Art Discovered in Indonesia Scientists discovered the world's oldest figurative cave art in Indonesia, dating back 51,200 years. The painting of a wild pig and human-like figures suggests an early human capacity for abstract thought and storytelling.

Thai Teacher Banned for Live Streaming Inappropriate Content: A primary school teacher in Lopburi was banned for life after livestreaming inappropriate content during class. The incident, shared on the Bigo Live app, led to her termination and was deemed dishonourable by the Teachers’ Council of Thailand.

Senior Thai Judge Transferred Amid Molestation Accusation: A senior Thai judge was urgently transferred following accusations of molesting a female court officer on a train. The transfer ensures an impartial investigation and underscores the judiciary's commitment to integrity.

Thailand's Richest Face Wealth Decline Amid Political Uncertainty: Thailand’s 50 richest individuals saw their combined wealth drop by 12% to $153 billion in 2024 due to political uncertainty and a weaker baht. Red Bull co-owners Chalerm Yoovidhya & family became the new No. 1, increasing their wealth to $36 billion. The Chearavanont brothers fell to No. 2 with $29 billion. The top five saw declines, including significant losses for Somphote Ahunai and Aloke Lohia. Four beverage tycoons gained wealth, while the minimum net worth to make the list decreased to $550 million.

Thailand to host major Pride events in Koh Samui and Bangkok: Thailand concluded Pride Month celebrations with colourful events in Samui, Bangkok, and Phuket, aimed at promoting equality and diversity. Despite weather challenges, the festivities brought together local and international communities in a spirit of unity.

Police apologise after drug chase causes distress to family: A dramatic police pursuit in Pang resulted in a distressing incident for a local family when a suspect crashed into their home. Officers fired a shot during the chase, causing alarm among residents. The suspect escaped, leaving the family shaken. Authorities have issued an apology to the affected family and continue their investigation into the incident.

Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Flights and Floods Phuket: Thailand faces severe disruptions as heavy rainfall batters Phuket, leading to chaos across the island. Starting yesterday morning, continuous downpours forced Phuket International Airport to divert ten inbound flights to alternative airports due to poor visibility. The torrential rain also caused flooding throughout the tourist province, impacting local communities and making several roads impassable with water, landslides, and fallen trees. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued weather warnings for 35 provinces, including Bangkok, advising residents to brace for further heavy rainfall and potential hazards. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, flooding remains a significant concern.

The transcription below provides the news from across Thailand covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Jay. The stories range from Thailand's biggest pride event to Phuket floods. 1. Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Flights and Floods Phuket: Thailand faces severe disruptions as heavy rainfall batters Phuket, leading to chaos across the island. Starting yesterday morning, continuous downpours forced Phuket International Airport to divert ten inbound flights to alternative airports due to poor visibility. The torrential rain also caused flooding throughout the tourist province, impacting local communities and making several roads impassable with water, landslides, and fallen trees. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued weather warnings for 35 provinces, including Bangkok, advising residents to brace for further heavy rainfall and potential hazards. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, flooding remains a significant concern. 2. Pattaya club chaos: Manager stabbed by bartender: Pattaya experienced a disturbing incident when a bartender stabbed a club manager following a dispute with a colleague. The manager intervened in the altercation, sustaining severe injuries. The suspect, a recent hire at the club, fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. 3. Thailand to host major Pride events in Koh Samui and Bangkok: Thailand concluded Pride Month celebrations with colourful events in Samui, Bangkok, and Phuket, aimed at promoting equality and diversity. Despite weather challenges, the festivities brought together local and international communities in a spirit of unity. 4. Police apologise after drug chase causes distress to family: A dramatic police pursuit in Pang resulted in a distressing incident for a local family when a suspect crashed into their home. Officers fired a shot during the chase, causing alarm among residents. The suspect escaped, leaving the family shaken. Authorities have issued an apology to the affected family and continue their investigation into the incident.

Thai Film 'How To Make Millions' Dominates Box Offices: Pat Boonnitipat’s debut film, "How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies," has become a box office sensation, grossing 1 billion baht globally since its April premiere. The film, inspired by the director's relationship with his grandmother, has resonated emotionally with audiences and achieved significant success across Southeast Asia.

Thai Woman's 90 Million Baht Lottery Win Under Scrutiny: A Thai woman's claim of winning 90 million baht in the lottery is under investigation due to doubts about its authenticity and her legal troubles. Neighbours question her financial status and the condition of her mortgaged house. Authorities are investigating the claim for potential fraud, and the Government Lottery Office will verify the win.

Child Rescued from Locked Car in Chon Buri; Parents Warned: In Chon Buri, emergency responders rescued a two-year-old child locked inside a car at a petrol station. The child's parents, unaware that their electric vehicle would lock automatically, had briefly left to use the restroom. Authorities warn against leaving children alone in cars, emphasizing the potential dangers of such situations.

The transcription below presents various news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, as featured in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex. The stories cover a range of topics, from the arrest of illegal immigrants in Samut Prakan to a US report accusing Cambodian officials of complicity in human trafficking for online scams. 1. **Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Samut Prakan Feud Raid**: Police in Samut Prakan have detained 50 illegal Cambodian and Burmese immigrants after a violent feud led to a raid on a condominium. The crackdown, involving over 50 officers, was initiated following an attack by 20 Cambodian workers on Myanmar teenagers, severely injuring one. Led by Police Major General Wichit Boonchinwutikul, the operation resulted in the arrest of two Cambodian suspects, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining attackers. 2. **Former Deputy Commerce Minister Receives Death Sentence for Murder**: The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for Banyin Tangpakorn, a former Deputy Commerce Minister, convicted of murdering construction tycoon Chuwong Saetang. Chuwong's 2015 death, initially deemed accidental, was later revealed to be a staged car crash by Banyin. The Supreme Court's decision reaffirms the severity of his crime, which has drawn significant public attention. 3. **UN Report: Thai Banks Aid Myanmar Junta's Campaign**: A UN report has revealed that Thai banks play a crucial role in funding Myanmar's military junta, enabling its violent crackdown on pro-democracy activists and ethnic minorities. Despite US and EU sanctions, the junta has relied on Thai financial institutions, notably Siam Commercial Bank, for military procurement transactions. The report highlights severe human rights violations, urging international banks to cease such transactions. 4. **Child Rescued from Locked Car in Chon Buri; Parents Warned**: In Chon Buri, emergency responders rescued a two-year-old child locked inside a car at a petrol station. The child's parents, unaware that their electric vehicle would lock automatically, had briefly left to use the restroom. Authorities warn against leaving children alone in cars, emphasizing the potential dangers of such situations. 5. **Thai Woman's 90 Million Baht Lottery Win Under Scrutiny**: A Thai woman's claim of winning 90 million baht in the lottery is under investigation due to doubts about its authenticity and her legal troubles. Neighbours question her financial status and the condition of her mortgaged house. Authorities are investigating the claim for potential fraud, and the Government Lottery Office will verify the win. 6. **Thai Film 'How To Make Millions' Dominates Box Offices**: Pat Boonnitipat’s debut film, "How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies," has become a box office sensation, grossing 1 billion baht globally since its April premiere. The film, inspired by the director's relationship with his grandmother, has resonated emotionally with audiences and achieved significant success across Southeast Asia. 7. **Bali Raid Leads to Detention of 103 Foreigners Suspected of Cybercrime**: Indonesian authorities detained 103 foreign nationals in Bali, suspecting visa misuse and involvement in cybercrime. The detainees, including Taiwanese, Chinese, and Malaysians, were found with electronic devices suggesting cybercrime activities. Authorities are investigating possible links to international syndicates and plan further operations to maintain order in Bali. 8. **US Report: Cambodian Officials Complicit in Human Trafficking for Online Scams**: A US State Department report has accused Cambodian officials of complicity in human trafficking for online scams, placing Cambodia at the lowest Tier 3 rating for anti-trafficking efforts. The report highlights large-scale scam operations run by Chinese syndicates using forced labour, generating significant illicit revenue. Cambodian authorities have acknowledged challenges but denied specific accusations of complicity, seeking US support to combat trafficking.

UN Report: Thai Banks Aid Myanmar Junta's Campaign: A UN report has revealed that Thai banks play a crucial role in funding Myanmar's military junta, enabling its violent crackdown on pro-democracy activists and ethnic minorities. Despite US and EU sanctions, the junta has relied on Thai financial institutions, notably Siam Commercial Bank, for military procurement transactions. The report highlights severe human rights violations, urging international banks to cease such transactions.

Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Samut Prakan Feud Raid: Police in Samut Prakan have detained 50 illegal Cambodian and Burmese immigrants after a violent feud led to a raid on a condominium. The crackdown, involving over 50 officers, was initiated following an attack by 20 Cambodian workers on Myanmar teenagers, severely injuring one. Led by Police Major General Wichit Boonchinwutikul, the operation resulted in the arrest of two Cambodian suspects, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining attackers.

Former Deputy Commerce Minister Receives Death Sentence for Murder: The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence for Banyin Tangpakorn, a former Deputy Commerce Minister, convicted of murdering construction tycoon Chuwong Saetang. Chuwong's 2015 death, initially deemed accidental, was later revealed to be a staged car crash by Banyin. The Supreme Court's decision reaffirms the severity of his crime, which has drawn significant public attention.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-mWAhP5YeiE?feature=share 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.

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.

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.

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.