Thailand Video News: Thailand's Senate has approved a same-sex marriage bill

[Video News]

 

 

The following transcription summarises news stories from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries as presented in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from the Thai Senate voting on a same-sex marriage bill to a Philippine sailor injured in a South China Sea collision.

 

1. **Thailand Senate Passes Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Bill**: Thailand's Senate has approved a same-sex marriage bill, making it the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill passed with 130 votes in favour and awaits the king’s endorsement, after which it will become law in 120 days. This milestone positions Thailand as the third Asian region to embrace marriage equality, following Taiwan and Nepal. LGBTQ+ advocates and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who supports the bill, celebrate this significant step toward social equality.

 

2. **Iranian Tourist Attacked on Phuket's Party Street**: An Iranian tourist was attacked on Phuket's Soi Bang La, raising safety concerns. The tourist, Korhanshirazi, was assaulted by a group of Thai men after an argument following a collision. Despite injuries, Korhanshirazi declined medical treatment to help identify his attackers. Police have reviewed CCTV footage and are investigating. Authorities emphasised the importance of maintaining Phuket’s hospitable image.

 

3. **Village Chief Defends Traditional Burning Amid Air Pollution Crisis**: As haze season begins in northern Thailand, Ban Mae Lan Kham villagers prepare for traditional land burning, contributing to severe air pollution. Village chief Nanthawat Tiengtrongsakun defends the practice as essential for planting. Chiang Mai suffers from extreme pollution, often exceeding WHO limits. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledges clean air legislation, targeting agricultural burning. Despite efforts to find alternatives, locals continue the practice for its efficiency.

 

4. **Soda Bottle Explosion Injures Store Worker**: A soda bottle explosion at a local store injured a worker, prompting safety warnings. The worker sustained cuts requiring stitches when a 1-litre glass soda bottle exploded in an icebox. Experts attribute the explosion to gas expansion caused by hot weather. Dr. Thapanawong Tangguraivan advised careful handling and storage of sodas in shaded areas, using thick covers for crates, and opening bottles slowly with a towel-wrapped opener.

 

5. **Police Seize 84 Million Baht in Fake Animal Medication**: Police seized over 84 million baht worth of counterfeit animal medication from two major Chinese gang networks in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and the FDA confiscated 222,360 illegal items, including unregistered and falsely labelled drugs. The network, operated by Chinese nationals, distributed counterfeit drugs through pet shops and online platforms. Authorities are analysing the seized items and urging pet owners to verify medication authenticity.

 

6. **Southern Thailand Favored for Malaysian Polygamous Marriages**: Southern Thailand has become a favoured destination for Malaysian men seeking polygamous marriages, with at least 30 couples marrying each month at the Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council. Couples mainly from Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kuala Lumpur marry in southern Thailand under Islamic law. The trend highlights the cross-border cultural and religious connections between Malaysia and southern Thailand.

 

7. **Tesla's $5 Billion Nickel Deal with Indonesia**: Tesla has struck a $5 billion deal with Indonesia to secure nickel for its electric vehicle batteries. Indonesia, home to 42% of the world's nickel reserves, aims to boost its economy by refining nickel domestically. The strategy has significantly increased nickel export values. President-elect Prabowo Subianto may further restrict refined nickel exports to attract manufacturers like LG and Hyundai. However, environmental and safety concerns pose challenges. Despite global EV market struggles, Indonesia’s nickel strategy continues to draw significant interest from China and the U.S.

 

8. **Philippine Sailor Injured in South China Sea Collision**: A Philippine navy sailor was seriously injured after a high-speed ramming by the Chinese coast guard during a resupply mission in the South China Sea. The incident occurred near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, with both nations blaming each other. The injured sailor is receiving treatment. The U.S., Canada, the UK, France, and Japan have condemned or expressed concern over China's actions.