Vietnam abolishes death penalty for embezzlement, spares tycoon’s life

[Video News]

 

Thailand tightens its cannabis laws, disrupts illegal drug networks, and confronts youth stimulant abuse, while regional partners like Vietnam and Malaysia tackle major policy changes and narcotics seizures. Meanwhile, the Philippines celebrates surging millionaire growth, Thailand’s border policies reroute visa runners, and a kitten’s remarkable survival story captures hearts.

 

Thailand’s Cannabis Clampdown: New Rules Threaten to Derail Green Boom
Thailand introduced strict cannabis regulations requiring medical prescriptions and banning most retail sales. Critics warn the new rules could devastate the country’s rapidly growing cannabis industry.

 

Finnish Murder and Drug Trafficking Suspect Captured in Hua Hin Sting
A Finnish fugitive wanted for murder and drug trafficking was captured in Hua Hin after a covert Thai police operation. He now faces extradition as part of Thailand’s push against transnational crime.

 

Chiang Rai Café Busted for Selling Kratom Tea to Schoolchildren
Authorities raided a Chiang Rai café for illegally selling kratom tea to minors, disrupting the local community. The café owner was arrested, and officials are cracking down on youth kratom use.

 

Stray Kitten Survives 240km Ride Under Car, Adopted in Udon Thani
A black kitten survived a 240km journey clinging to a car's drive shaft and was rescued by a railway officer. The officer adopted the kitten, believing it to bring him good fortune.

 

Vietnam Abolishes Death Penalty for Embezzlement, Spares Tycoon’s Life
Vietnam removed the death penalty for embezzlement and other offences, sparing a real estate tycoon sentenced for a major fraud case. All pending sentences for affected crimes will now be commuted to life imprisonment.

 

RM2 Million in Cannabis Seized from Abandoned Car at Malaysia-Thai Border
Malaysian Customs seized RM2.2 million worth of cannabis hidden in an abandoned car near the Thai border. Authorities suspect the car was used in a cross-border trafficking operation.

 

Philippines Sees 32% Surge in Millionaires, Now Totals 12,800
The number of millionaires in the Philippines has risen 32% over the past decade, driven by entrepreneurship and real estate growth. Despite the increase, a minor outflow of wealthy residents is expected in 2025.

 

Thai-Cambodia Border Closures Push Visa Runners Toward Laos
Thailand closed land borders with Cambodia due to a territorial dispute, forcing visa runners to travel through Laos instead. Many are now using organized minibus trips to Vientiane for visa renewals.

 

Anutin Denies Missteps on Cannabis, Opposes Casino Legalisation
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin defended his cannabis policies, insisting they always intended for medical use. He also firmly rejected casino legalization now that his party is in opposition.

 

Suspected Time Bomb Found in Car En Route to Phuket, Two Arrested
Police intercepted a suspected time bomb in a car heading to Phuket and arrested two men from Pattani. The device is under investigation as authorities assess potential security threats.