Thailand Video News: Myanmar Couple Surrenders Over Murder of Iranian restaurateur

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below provides the news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from the surrender of a Myanmar couple for the murder of an Iranian man and his Thai wife to the discovery of 106 rare Siamese crocodile eggs in Cambodia.

 

Myanmar Couple Surrenders for Murder of Iranian Man and Thai Wife

Kyaw Myint Oo (23) and Ei December (19) from Myanmar surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, over the murders of Iranian restaurateur Mojtaba Ghanbariazad (64) and his Thai wife, Thanaporn Poonprakhon (49). The couple, suspected of targeting the victims for valuables, entered Thailand via border passes. The victims were found strangled and bound in their South Pattaya home. The suspects fled on the victims' motorcycle, later abandoning it in Bangkok. They surrendered for illegal immigration and were sent to Mae Sot district. Thai police are coordinating with Myanmar authorities for further action.

 

Deputy PM Anutin Opposes Cannabis Reclassification

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opposes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's plan to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. Despite the ONCB's recent agreement to the reclassification, Anutin argues that more information is needed before proceeding. He emphasizes the need for mutual support within the coalition government but maintains distinct policy stances. Anutin will support reclassification only if evidence shows cannabis harms society and offers no health benefits.

 

MFP Leader Confident Party Won't Be Dissolved

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon is confident the party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court on August 7, despite MP Rangsiman Rome's concerns. The Election Commission accused MFP of trying to overthrow the monarchy by pledging to amend the lese majeste law. Chaithawat remains optimistic, citing extensive written defences submitted to the court and plans to address the media on August 8.

 

Peta Protests Against Coconut-Picking Monkeys

Peta Asia protested at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, urging Thai authorities to stop using pig-tailed macaques for coconut picking. Protesters, dressed as "monkeys" in prison uniforms, highlighted the abuse and forced labour of these animals in Thailand's coconut industry. Peta Asia's senior VP, Jason Baker, emphasized that macaques are mistreated despite legal bans and past promises. Peta demands stricter enforcement to end macaque mistreatment.

 

Former MP Faces Charges for Missing House Session for Movie

Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for breaching ethics by missing a House meeting to watch a film. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted to charge Mongkolkit for his absence on December 15, 2021, when he took students to see "4Kings," a film about school rivalries. If convicted, he could face a lifetime political ban. Mongkolkit plans to defend himself in court and file a petition against the NACC for procedural failures.

 

'The White Lotus' Boosts Koh Samui Tourism

Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism, with international accommodation searches up 26% and domestic searches up 8% in June compared to last year. This increase is linked to HBO's series "The White Lotus," which filmed its third season on the island. Agoda data shows Koh Samui attracting diverse travellers, especially from Israel, India, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia. The 2025 release of "The White Lotus" starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Lisa from BLACKPINK is expected to further boost tourism.

 

Vietnam's President Takes Over Party Duties Amid Health Speculations

Vietnam's President To Lam has temporarily taken over the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is focusing on health treatment. The Politburo has tasked Lam with overseeing the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. Lam, a top candidate to replace Trong when his term ends in 2026, promises to continue the anti-corruption campaign. The Politburo's statement urged confidence in the party's leadership, and Vietnam's stock market rose 0.5% after the announcement.

 

Cambodia Discovers 106 Rare Siamese Crocodile Eggs

Conservationists in Cambodia discovered 106 eggs of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Cardamom National Park, marking the largest such find in 20 years. Sixty eggs hatched successfully between June 27 and 30. This significant finding underscores the area’s importance as a key habitat for the species' recovery. The Ministry of Environment is focusing on conservation and habitat restoration, offering renewed hope for the species’ survival.