Italian Tourists Criticised for Damaging Thai Coral Reefs

[Video News]

 

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Asia, as covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. Topics range from Italian tourists criticized for damaging Thai coral reefs to South Korea's first birthrate increase in nine years.

 

Italian Tourists Criticised for Damaging Thai Coral Reefs
A Thai park ranger called out two Italian tourists for snorkelling in a restricted coral reef area despite warnings. The tourists ignored officials and had to be pulled onto a boat. One angrily declared, "Last time in f*cking Thailand!" The ranger blamed the country’s free-visa policy for enabling such behaviour. It remains unclear if they were fined.

 

Thailand Faces Global Outrage Over Uyghur Deportation
Thailand secretly deported 40 Uyghur detainees to China after holding them for nearly 11 years, sparking global criticism. Human rights groups fear they face torture in Xinjiang. The move strains Thailand’s diplomatic ties, especially with the U.S. and Turkey, raising concerns about its refugee policies.

 

Phuket Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Businesses
Phuket Immigration arrested 11 foreigners in a crackdown on illegal nominee businesses. Among them, four Chinese nationals were detained for visa overstays and illegal business operations. Authorities warn against foreign nationals using Thai nominees to run restricted businesses and urge the public to report violations.

 

Foreign Tourists Spark Debate Over Giving Monks a Ride

A viral video of foreign tourists giving Buddhist monks a motorcycle ride in Pattaya has stirred debate. While some see it as a cultural exchange, critics argue it disrespects religious customs. The monks’ temple affiliation remains unknown.

Thai Man Seeks Foreign Motorcyclist in Phuket Hit-and-Run
A Thai man is searching for a foreign motorcyclist who hit his motorcycle in Phuket and fled the scene. CCTV footage captured the foreigner on a grey Yamaha TMAX. Netizens doubt justice will be served, citing past cases where foreign motorists escaped accountability.

 

Two Thai Wives Catch Police Husband in Alleged Affair
A Thai police officer was confronted by his two wives after they tracked his location and caught him dining with a younger woman. A viral video shows the wives confronting him, with one sarcastically asking, “Are you very horny?” The officer claimed the woman was just a friend, but netizens remain skeptical.

 

Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen Tests Positive for COVID-19
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen missed a key legislative session after testing positive for COVID-19. His absence led to the cancellation of meetings, including an audience with the King. This is his second COVID case, the first occurring in 2022.

 

Two Men Publicly Caned for Homosexuality in Indonesia’s Aceh
Two college students in Aceh province were publicly caned after being convicted of having gay sex under Shariah law. They received 82 and 77 strokes after remission. Human rights groups condemn the practice, but Indonesia’s central government has no authority to overturn Aceh’s laws.

 

Thousands Freed from Myanmar Scam Centers, Now Stranded
Over 7,000 workers freed from Myanmar’s scam compounds remain stranded in makeshift camps due to slow repatriation efforts. Many were tricked into forced online fraud. Thailand recently cut power to the compounds, prompting mass releases, but logistical challenges delayed their return home.

 

South Korea Records First Birthrate Increase in Nine Years
South Korea’s birthrate rose slightly in 2024, reaching 0.75 from 0.72 in 2023, driven by post-pandemic marriages and stronger government incentives. New policies include childbirth bonuses and extended parental leave. However, affordability challenges persist, and the country aims to reach a fertility rate of 1.0 by 2030.