Thai family prays for son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza

The transcription below covers news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia covered in the Good Morning Program, hosted by Alex. The stories ranging from a Thai family's plea for their son's release from Hamas captivity in Gaza to Vietnam's highest GDP growth in two years.

Thai family prays for son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza:
A family in Udon Thani is desperately hoping for the safe return of their son, held by Hamas in Gaza.

PM Paetongtarn’s iPad use defended:
An advisor urges the public to focus on leadership, not technology, as the PM uses an iPad for speeches.

Police investigate supercar escort on M6:
Authorities are looking into a luxury convoy that caused traffic delays on the M6 motorway.

Thai man arrested for sharing explicit videos:
A man in Bangkok was arrested for distributing his ex-girlfriend’s explicit videos as revenge.

Thai consulates shift to e-visa-only system:
Consulates in Southeast Asia are moving to e-visa-only applications, with some exceptions.

Thai transwoman’s viral police encounter in Germany:
A Thai transwoman gained attention online after a peaceful police check during a picnic in Germany.

Duterte to run for Davao mayor despite ICC probe:
Former Philippine President Duterte plans to run for Davao mayor, despite the ongoing ICC investigation.

Cambodian maid deported for criticizing Hun Sen:
A Cambodian maid was deported from Malaysia after publicly criticizing Cambodia’s former leader.

Vietnam posts highest GDP growth in two years:
Vietnam's economy grew by 7.4% in Q3 2024, despite the impact of Typhoon Yagi.

Johor to change its weekend in 2025:
Johor state will revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend starting in January 2025, aligning with most sectors.