Thailand's $14 Billion Handout Scheme Faces Initial Hurdles

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covered in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from the Thai government's "Digital Wallet" scheme facing initial hurdles to Myanmar's military regime extending the state of emergency.

 

1. Thailand's $14 Billion Handout Scheme Faces Initial Hurdles

Thailand's $14 billion handout scheme faced early issues as millions rushed to register, crashing the system. By early afternoon, 10.5 million had applied, but many struggled with access and passcode issues. The government aims to stimulate the economy with a 10,000 baht ($282) "digital wallet" for most citizens, despite funding delays and criticism. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged initial problems but remains optimistic about the scheme, which aims to boost economic growth by 1.2-1.8 percentage points next year.

 

2. Dutch Teenager Falls to Death from Cliff in Krabi

An 18-year-old Dutch teenager, Tim Bakker, fell to his death from the Ngon Nak Nature Trail viewpoint in Krabi, Thailand. While trekking with his parents, Bakker stayed behind at Nak Waterfall. When his parents returned, they couldn't find him. Rangers located his body beneath the cliff using phone signals and drones. It's believed Bakker slipped while enjoying the view.

 

3. Japanese Man Arrested for Attempted Rape of Drunk Thai Woman

A Japanese man, Nichimura, was arrested for attempting to rape a drunk Thai woman at Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok on July 28. The victim, intoxicated and waiting for her boyfriend, was approached by Nichimura, who inappropriately touched her and tried to carry her away in a taxi. The boyfriend intervened via phone, leading to her being left on RCA Road. Nichimura admitted to inappropriate actions while drunk. He was charged with sexual assault and detaining another person, granted bail at 50,000 baht, and had his passport seized pending prosecution.

 

4. Thai Man Regrets Career Choice as Peers Earn Higher Salaries

A 28-year-old Thai man expressed regret on social media over his government job with an 18,000 baht salary, compared to his university peers in the private sector earning up to 100,000 baht. He shared frustrations about the financial disparity and uncertainty of switching sectors. Netizens offered support, advising him to focus on self-improvement and gradual progress, suggesting further education or training for better opportunities.

 

5. Chinese-Owned Factory Fined 1.8 Billion Baht for Water Contamination

The Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined THH Moly Processing Company, a Chinese-owned factory, 1.8 billion baht for contaminating the Jone Reservoir in Chachoengsao, Thailand. In 2019, 2 million cubic meters of reservoir water were found tainted with toxic substances. The Pollution Control Department sued the company in 2022, and the court ordered the compensation to be divided among four government departments.

 

6. Thai Thieves Arrested for Stealing Cannabis Plants

Police arrested four Thai individuals for stealing cannabis plants from a farm in Nakhon Phanom to start their own cannabis business. The farm owner reported the theft of plants valued at 30,000 to 40,000 baht. The suspects, aged 26, 18, and two 16-year-olds, were identified through security footage and apprehended. They face charges of night-time theft, with penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment and fines of 20,000-100,000 baht.

 

7. Indonesia Legalizes First-Trimester Abortions for Rape Victims

Indonesia now allows first-trimester abortions for rape victims and in medical emergencies. President Joko Widodo signed Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, extending the legal abortion window in rape cases from six to 14 weeks. The law also introduces tobacco and e-cigarette sales restrictions, primary healthcare integration, and measures to control unhealthy food consumption.

 

8. Myanmar’s Military Regime Extends State of Emergency Amid Civil War

Myanmar's military regime extended the state of emergency by six months to prepare for elections. The regime now controls less than half the country, facing resistance from ethnic militias and opposition forces. The U.S. criticized the extension, urging the regime to end violence and engage with all stakeholders for a democratic future.