Thailand Video News: Kuwaiti Street Racers Cause Disturbances in Pattaya

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below covers the various news stories presented in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The program features news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asian countries, ranging from disturbances caused by Kuwaiti motorcycle racers in Pattaya to Singapore's birth rate hitting a five-decade low.

 

1. Kuwaiti Street Racers Cause Disturbances in Pattaya:

Residents of Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, have urged police to address disturbances caused by Kuwaiti motorcycle racers. On July 13, a fight involving over 50 Kuwaiti men broke out, as seen in a viral video. These racers block roads and rev engines late at night, continuing similar issues from last year that led to arrests and motorcycle confiscations. Despite previous actions, the problem persists, with another group causing an accident and fleeing last August.

 

2. Thaksin Shinawatra to Receive Certificate of Innocence:

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will receive a certificate of innocence in August after completing his sentence. Originally sentenced to eight years, his term was reduced to one year by a royal pardon. Released on parole in February, Thaksin toured provinces to meet supporters while adhering to parole rules. Corrections Department Director Sahakarn Phetnarin confirmed his release, after which he won't need to report to authorities. Though Thaksin expressed no interest in returning to politics, Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai suggested he might become an advisor to the Pheu Thai Party.

 

3. Kindergarten Teacher Accused of Abusing Student in Thailand:

In Phichit province, a Thai mother accused a kindergarten teacher of forcing her three-year-old daughter to take her faeces home and beating her as punishment. The mother, Rungnapa, shared the incident on social media, describing how her daughter returned home in pain with faeces in her backpack. After confronting the teacher without receiving an explanation, Rungnapa moved her daughter to another school and sought an investigation. The Bang Phai sub-district chief is conducting a 15-day inquiry into the teacher's conduct.

 

4. Thai Senator’s PhD Under Scrutiny:

Thai Senator Associate Professor Doctor Keskamol Pleansamai is under scrutiny over her PhD from California University, allegedly obtained for 8,600 baht. Despite her strong educational background, her doctorate in Business Administration raised suspicions as California University issues equivalent certificates, not degrees. Critics claim the PhD could be easily purchased online. Keskamol and her lawyer defended the legitimacy of her research, but further scrutiny revealed inconsistencies. An investigation is ongoing.

 

5. Chinese Tourists Extorted by Alleged Thai Police Officers:

A Thai travel agency accused alleged police officers of extorting 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists on a motorway to Pattaya. A dashcam video showed men, claiming to be police, stopping the tourists' car on July 10 near the Pattaya toll booth. The tourists questioned the legitimacy of the officers. The incident was reported to Channel 7, but the local police superintendent stated that no report had been filed by the tourists, limiting police action. The travel agency hopes for justice before the tourists leave Thailand on July 25.

 

6. Opal-Suchata Chuangsri Crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024:

Opal-Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024 after a competitive night among 40 contestants. The event featured a spectacular opening performance and concluded with the finalists answering a pivotal question on women's empowerment. Opal-Suchata's heartfelt response, highlighting her personal experience with breast cancer awareness, won over the judges and audience. Phuket’s Suri-Suzana Renaud and Ubon Ratchathani’s Mook-Karnruethai Tassabut were named first and second runners-up, respectively. Opal-Suchata will represent Thailand at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico.

 

7. U.S. Seeks Indonesian Partnership for Critical Minerals:

The U.S. has approached Indonesia to join the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), aiming to enhance environmental standards and governance in Indonesia's mineral sector. The U.S. Under Secretary of State, Jose Fernandez discussed this during his Jakarta visit, seeking to develop sustainable critical minerals supply chains and attract investment that benefits communities while upholding labour and environmental laws. Indonesia, rich in minerals like nickel and copper, aims to become a production hub for batteries and electric vehicles. Discussions on a critical mineral trade deal are progressing positively.

 

8. Singapore Birth Rate Hits Five-Decade Low:

Singapore's birth rate hit a five-decade low in 2023, with only 33,541 babies born, a 5.8% decrease from the previous year. This decline continues a trend observed since 1971. The government's efforts to combat the falling fertility rate, which reached a historic low of 0.97 in 2023, include easing rules on egg freezing and doubling government-paid paternity leave.