Anutin Orders Tougher Action Against Foreign Lawbreakers

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Asia, hosted by Alex in the Good Morning Thailand programme. Today’s stories range from Prime Minister Anutin calling for tougher action against foreign lawbreakers to Thailand reviewing citizenship rules and previous approvals.

Anutin Orders Tougher Action Against Foreign Lawbreakers
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered provincial governors to take tougher action against foreigners who commit crimes, exploit locals or intimidate people. Officials have also been told to investigate nominee businesses, illegal landholding, work-permit violations and other activities linked to foreign crime.

Thailand Reviews Citizenship Rules and Previous Approvals
Thailand is reviewing its citizenship application system and previous nationality approvals following concerns over foreign nominee networks. An Interior Ministry task force will examine the process and may recommend changes to the 1965 Nationality Act to close potential loopholes.

Luxury Bangkok Mansion Used as Scam Base Targeting Japan
Immigration police arrested 15 people after raiding a luxury Bangkok mansion allegedly being used as a call-centre scam base targeting victims in Japan. Police reportedly found Japanese-language scripts, fake police IDs and uniforms, along with computers, phones, gambling equipment and crystal methamphetamine.

Thai Debt Burden Follows Borrowers Into Retirement
Thailand's household debt could reach around 16.5 to 16.6 trillion baht by the end of 2026. Data from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce suggests many Thais begin carrying debt by age 30, with average outstanding debt still close to 300,000 baht at age 70.

Omani Passenger Caught With 22 Live Animals at Suvarnabhumi
An Omani passenger was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officials allegedly found 22 live animals hidden inside checked luggage bound for Muscat. The haul included monitor lizards, a python, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, meerkats and sugar gliders.

Thailand Advances 11 Expressway Projects Worth Nearly 300 Billion Baht
Thailand is moving ahead with 11 expressway projects worth more than 296.6 billion baht. Plans include major routes in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as proposed expressways and tunnels in Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang.

LISA Gives Jimmy Fallon a Taste of Thailand
LISA brought some Thai flavour to The Tonight Show by sharing som tam with Jimmy Fallon and teaching him the drinking phrase “mot kaew”. She also prepared a drink combining Korean soju, Thai beer and Sprite while promoting her new music and documentary.

Thai Airways Expands Winter Network to 66 International Routes
Thai Airways will operate 66 international routes during its 2026/27 winter schedule. The airline will add a new Bangkok-Danang service while increasing flights to destinations including Vientiane, Yangon and Siem Reap, alongside expanded European services.