Airport fees set to rise

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex and Jay in the Good Morning Thailand program. The stories include airport fees rise, heat warnings issued, alcohol bans enforced, crimes investigated, and safety concerns across Thailand.

1. Airport fees set to rise:

   Airports of Thailand plans to raise international departure fees from 730 to 1,120 baht at six major airports, pending ministerial approval.

2. Road sign collapse injures three:

   A one-tonne roadside sign fell onto a motorcycle in Saraburi on February 1, seriously injuring two teenagers and an older woman.

3. Animal-abuse probe in Buriram:

   Police are investigating an alleged animal-abuse incident near a Buriram school after disturbing footage sparked safety concerns.

4. Elephant attack at Khao Yai:

   A 69-year-old camper was killed by a wild elephant on February 2 near Khao Yai National Park. No other injuries were reported.

5. Teen arrested in Bangkok:

   Police arrested an 18-year-old man over alleged child exploitation involving explicit content with a 16-year-old.

6. Extreme heat warning issued:

   Thailand’s Meteorological Department warns summer temperatures could hit 43°C in northern provinces from late March.

7. Pattaya alcohol ban enforced:

   Pattaya nightlife shut down as election-related alcohol bans took effect. Nationwide closures return on February 7–8.

8. Thailand seeks space partnerships:

   GISTDA promoted Thailand’s astronaut and satellite programmes at a major space exhibition in Beijing.