Thailand video news | Chaos on Pattaya beach: Brawls spark safety concerns, Indonesia cuts rates to spur growth amid slowdown
Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Brawls Spark Safety Concerns
Pattaya Beach, renowned for its nightlife, faces growing safety concerns due to alcohol-fuelled brawls. Frequent fights near bars and clubs disrupt peace and require police intervention. To tackle the issue, authorities have increased patrols, enforced stricter alcohol laws, and proposed designated drinking zones. A recent clash involved a Thai man attacking a Swiss tourist over a pool game dispute. Officials urge tourists to “party hard but respect harder” to maintain the city’s charm and safety.
British Man Arrested for Fraud and Forgery
Police arrested British national Mr Quentin at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly defrauding his Thai wife and forging documents to sell company assets worth over 20 million baht. He reportedly used a falsified police report to replace a missing land deed, enabling secret land and share sales. After the wife reported the fraud, the Pattaya court issued a warrant. Mr Quentin denies the charges and faces legal proceedings with the Economic Crime Suppression Division.
British Explorer Exposes Abandoned Animals at Phuket Zoo
British YouTuber Sean King uncovered shocking footage of 12 crocodiles, a tiger, and a deer abandoned at Phuket Zoo since 2021. Despite reports claiming all animals had been rescued, evidence of feeding reignited concerns over the zoo’s controversial history of alleged animal mistreatment. PETA has dubbed the zoo “hell on Earth for animals,” and the zoo now faces renewed calls for action to protect the animals’ welfare.
Bangkok Targets Polluting Buses to Fight Smog
Bangkok is cracking down on air pollution, inspecting BMTA buses for emissions violations. One bus exceeded standards, while others showed alarming white smoke levels. Officials plan to lower opacity limits and expedite the transition to electric buses, aiming to reduce harmful PM2.5 levels and improve air quality. The initiative is part of broader efforts to combat the city’s pollution crisis.
Polish Tourist Arrested for Sexual Assault in Bangkok
A Polish man was arrested in Bangkok for spanking a Thai woman in a convenience store, claiming he didn’t know it was illegal. The incident embarrassed the victim, who filed a police complaint. Despite initial dismissal, police charged him on 14 January under Section 278 for sexual assault, which carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a 200,000 baht fine. The victim demands an apology and preventive measures.
Bangkok Tops Agoda’s List for Chinese New Year Travel
Bangkok leads Agoda’s list of Chinese New Year destinations, with a 70% rise in foreign accommodation searches. Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and emerging spots like Khon Kaen saw surges, with Khon Kaen searches spiking by 2,964%. Malaysians topped foreign traveller searches, followed by Chinese and South Koreans. Meanwhile, Thai tourists favoured Tokyo, Seoul, and Osaka, reflecting changing travel trends.
Indonesia Cuts Rates to Spur Growth Amid Slowdown
Bank Indonesia slashed its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.75%, the lowest in a year, to boost economic growth amid a slowdown. This surprise move, the first rate cut since September, comes despite the rupiah falling to a six-month low of 16,335 per dollar. BI Governor Perry Warjiyo cited weak Q4 growth and stable inflation as reasons, though concerns over currency stability remain.
Vietnam May Allow Chinese Aircraft Amid Expansion Efforts
Vietnam is reviewing regulations to permit Chinese COMAC aircraft operations, signalling growth for the state-owned plane maker beyond China. After a meeting with COMAC leaders, Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha tasked the transport ministry with exploring options. VietJet may partner with a Chinese airline to test COMAC planes on domestic routes, despite the aircraft lacking EU and U.S. certifications.
Japan Raises Odds of Nankai Trough Megaquake
Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee now estimates a 75-82% chance of a megaquake along the Nankai Trough within 30 years. Such an 8-9 magnitude quake could cause tsunamis, displacing up to 9.5 million people. The Nankai Trough, last hit by a megaquake in 1946, poses risks to densely populated areas, with waves reaching shores within minutes. Experts warn of yearly rising probabilities.
India Achieves Historic Space Docking Milestone
India has joined an elite group of nations achieving unmanned space docking. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) involved two spacecraft, Target and Chaser, successfully docking in low-Earth orbit on 18 January. This milestone boosts India’s plans for satellite servicing, multi-launch missions, and future crewed space projects, including moon missions by 2040 and Venus exploration by 2028.
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