The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex in the Good Morning Thailand program. The stories from updates to alcohol laws and a new tax designed to protect local SMEs, to a few cases of foreigners behaving badly, plus some feel-good news to wrap things up.

 

1. Thailand Extends Alcohol Sales Hours
Thailand now allows alcohol sales in licensed venues until 1 a.m. and will test restaurant alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for six months. The government says the move supports tourism, while enforcement of drinking hours remains strict.

 

2. New Import Duty to Protect Thai SMEs
A 10% customs duty on low-cost imported goods under 1,500 baht will take effect next year. Officials say the tax will help local SMEs compete with cheap online imports, though consumer prices may rise slightly.

 

3. American Woman Safe After Viral Bangkok Incident
Police confirmed an American woman seen blocking traffic in heavy rain in Bangkok is safe and back with her family. The incident sparked online concern and renewed discussion about mental health support for foreigners.

 

4. Phuket Diners Spat On, Police Investigate
CCTV footage shows a foreign man walking into a Phuket restaurant and spitting on a couple, prompting public outrage. Police are reviewing the case after locals called for swift action to protect the city’s tourism reputation.

 

5. Mass Anti-Corruption Rally in Manila
Thousands protested in Manila, accusing officials of corruption linked to incomplete and overpriced infrastructure projects. Religious groups joined the rally, increasing pressure on the government as investigations proceed.

 

6. Thai–US Operation Arrests Alleged Russian Cyber-Spy
Authorities arrested a Russian man in a Phuket villa, accusing him of hacking and supporting international cybercrime. The joint operation highlights Thailand’s growing role in global security collaboration.

 

7. 143 Macaques Rescued From Smuggling Network
Wildlife officers rescued 143 macaques near the Thai-Cambodian border and detained multiple suspects. Conservation groups say the case shows the scale of illegal wildlife trafficking in the region.

 

8. Pattaya Opens New Smart Command Centre
Pattaya launched a City Command & Response Centre to improve safety, crowd control and emergency coordination during the tourism high season. Officials aim to enhance real-time traffic and incident management.

 

5 minutes ago, Video News said:

1. Thailand Extends Alcohol Sales Hours
Thailand now allows alcohol sales in licensed venues until 1 a.m. and will test restaurant alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for six months. The government says the move supports tourism, while enforcement of drinking hours remains strict.

 

 

 

They obviously didn't go with my idea of moving the New Year to 11pm to allow people to celebrate with a drink....???

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Video News said:

 

 

1. Thailand Extends Alcohol Sales Hours
Thailand now allows alcohol sales in licensed venues until 1 a.m. and will test restaurant alcohol sales between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for six months. The government says the move supports tourism, while enforcement of drinking hours remains strict.

 

 

 

 

WTF.. so I still cannot buy an ice cold beer on a hot mid afternoon at the 7/11.....

 

Little wonder tourists are leaving in their droves.