Thailand Video News | Kuwaiti street racers cause disturbances in Pattaya, Thaksin Shinawatra to receive certificate of innocence
In Thailand Video News today, Jay shares the video of noisy Kuwaiti motorcycle racers which has led to Pattaya locals pushing for police to intervene. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is being officially released with a certificate of innocence after finishing his sentence. A Thai mother has accused a kindergarten teacher of beating her three-year-old daughter and making her take faeces home. Thai Senator Associate Professor Doctor Keskamol Pleansamai is being criticised for holding suspicious qualifications. Police officers have been accused of extorting 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists on a Pattaya motorway. Opal-Suchata Chuangsri has been crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024 and the U.S. has approached Indonesia to join the Mineral Security Partnership. Singapore’s birth rate reached a five-decade low in 2023, with a 5.8% decrease in birth rates being measured.
Kuwaiti street racers cause disturbances in Pattaya
Residents of Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, have urged police to take action against Kuwaiti motorcycle racers causing noise pollution and disturbances. On July 13, a fight involving over 50 Kuwaiti men broke out, as shown in a video shared on social media. Locals report that these racers block the road and rev engines late at night. This is not the first incident; similar disturbances occurred last year, leading to arrests and motorcycle confiscations. Despite previous actions, the issue persists, with another group causing an accident and fleeing the scene last August.
Thaksin Shinawatra to receive certificate of innocence
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be officially released with a certificate of innocence in August after completing his sentences. Initially sentenced to eight years, Thaksin’s term was reduced to one year due to a royal pardon. Released on parole in February, he toured provinces to meet supporters while adhering to parole rules. Corrections Department Director Sahakarn Phetnarin confirmed Thaksin’s release, after which he won’t need to report to authorities. Though Thaksin expressed no desire to re-enter politics, Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai suggested he might become an advisor to the Pheu Thai Party.
Kindergarten teacher accused of abusing student in Thailand
A Thai mother in Phichit province accused a kindergarten teacher of forcing her three-year-old daughter to take her faeces home and beating her as punishment. The mother, Rungnapa, shared the incident on social media, detailing how her daughter returned home in pain with faeces in her backpack. Despite confronting the teacher, she received no explanation. The child had soiled herself during school, and instead of being cared for, she was made to participate in activities naked. Rungnapa has since moved her daughter to another school and seeks an investigation. The Bang Phai sub-district chief is conducting a 15-day inquiry into the teacher’s conduct.
Thai Senator’s PhD under scrutiny
Thai Senator Associate Professor Doctor Keskamol Pleansamai faces criticism over her PhD from California University, allegedly obtained for 8,600 baht. Despite having a strong educational background, her doctorate in Business Administration raised suspicions as California University only issues equivalent certificates, not degrees. Critics, including an X (Twitter) user, claimed the PhD could be easily purchased online. Keskamol and her lawyer defended the legitimacy of her research, but further scrutiny revealed inconsistencies, such as incorrect pronouns and an unusually short completion time. An investigation into these allegations is ongoing.
Chinese tourists extorted by alleged Thai police officers
A Thai travel agency accused alleged police officers of extorting 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists on a motorway to Pattaya. A dashcam video showed men, claiming to be police, stopping the tourists’ car on July 10 near the Pattaya toll booth. The tourists questioned the legitimacy of the officers. The incident, involving two vehicles, was reported to Channel 7. The men checked passports, visas, and the driver’s license. The local police superintendent stated that no report had been filed by the tourists, limiting police action. The travel agency hopes for justice before the tourists leave Thailand on July 25.
Opal-Suchata Chuangsri crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024
Opal-Suchata Chuangsri has been crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2024 after a night of intense competition among 40 contestants. The event featured a spectacular opening performance and culminated in the finalists answering a pivotal question on women empowerment. Opal-Suchata’s heartfelt response, highlighting her personal experience with breast cancer awareness, won over the judges and audience. Phuket’s Suri-Suzana Renaud and Ubon Ratchathani’s Mook-Karnruethai Tassabut were named first and second runners-up, respectively. Opal-Suchata will represent Thailand at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico, embodying grace, intelligence, and strength.
U.S. seeks Indonesian partnership for critical minerals
The U.S. has approached Indonesia to join the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), a collaboration of 14 countries and the EU, aiming to enhance environmental standards and governance in Indonesia’s mineral sector. This move, discussed by U.S. Under Secretary of State Jose Fernandez during his Jakarta visit, seeks to develop sustainable critical minerals supply chains and attract investment that benefits communities while upholding labor and environmental laws. Indonesia, rich in minerals like nickel and copper, aims to become a production hub for batteries and electric vehicles. The discussions on a critical mineral trade deal are progressing positively.
Singapore birth rate hits five-decade low
Singapore’s birth rate hit a five-decade low in 2023, with only 33,541 babies born, a 5.8% decrease from the previous year, according to the Straits Times. This decline continues a trend observed since 1971 when 47,088 babies were born. The government’s efforts to combat the falling fertility rate, which reached a historic low of 0.97 in 2023, include easing rules on egg freezing and doubling government-paid paternity leave.
