Paetongtarn Shinawatra Aims for Thai PM Amid Political Uncertainty

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below provides an overview of news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, covered in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex. The stories range from Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, vying for Thailand’s prime minister position to a Nottingham family traumatised after the wrong body was repatriated from Cambodia.

 

1. Paetongtarn Shinawatra Aims for Thai PM Amid Political Uncertainty:

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is vying for Thailand’s prime minister position. Despite no previous government experience, she aims to continue her family's populist legacy. If successful, she would become Thailand's youngest prime minister and the second woman to hold the position.

 

2. Buriram Residents Worry Over Digital Wallet Scheme Cancellation:

Buriram residents fear the potential cancellation of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme after PM Srettha Thavisin’s ousting. The scheme, a key initiative from the Pheu Thai Party, was seen as vital amid rising living costs. The community hopes the new leadership will prioritize economic recovery.

 

3. Muay Thai Boxer Flees After Killing Father in Yala:

A 27-year-old Muay Thai boxer, Hasen Wahani, is on the run after fatally slitting his father’s throat at their Yala home. Known in the boxing world as Saifon Rattanaphanu, Hasen fled to a nearby forest. His sister urges him to surrender peacefully as police continue their search.

 

4. Pattaya Police Inspect Stores After Fatal Drain Cleaner Incident:

Pattaya police have inspected local hardware stores following the deaths of a mother and her two children from toxic fumes caused by a drain cleaner. The inspections aimed to identify sources of hazardous chemicals and educate the public on their safe use, emphasising the importance of following safety instructions.

 

5. Boat Collision on Chao Phraya River Injures Four:

A boat collision under the Pinklao Bridge in Bangkok injured four passengers today. A shuttle boat collided with an empty tour boat, leading to the hospitalisation of two Canadian men and two Thai women. Authorities have seized the skippers' licenses and withdrawn the vessels from service pending investigation.

 

5. Thailand Invites Japan to Invest in Red Line Railway Extensions: 

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has invited Japanese companies to invest in extending the Red Line electric train system. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit discussed the plans with Japanese Ambassador Otaka Masato. The meeting highlighted ongoing and future collaborations, signalling strong bilateral cooperation in transport development.

 

6. Philippines Upgrades Basa Air Base to Deter China’s Aggression:

The Philippines' Basa Air Base is being upgraded with U.S. funding to enhance military readiness against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The base will receive a new parking apron by July 2026. This modernisation is part of the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, emphasising its strategic importance.

 

7. Nottingham Family Traumatised After Wrong Body Repatriated from Cambodia:

A Nottingham family was devastated after receiving the wrong body from Cambodia following Kevin Nightingale's death. The mix-up left the family horrified and traumatised. After weeks of distress, Kevin's body was eventually returned to a badly decomposed state. The responsible funeral service has since refunded the repatriation costs.