Thailand Video News: Thailand Resumes Sending Farm Workers to Israel

[Video News]

 

 

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.