Thailand video news | Thailand Park Ranger Calls Out Italian Tourists for Damaging Coral Reefs, Two Men Publicly Caned for Homosexuality in Indonesia’s Aceh Province
Thailand Park Ranger Calls Out Italian Tourists for Damaging Coral Reefs
A Thai park ranger, Sai, called out two Italian tourists for snorkeling in a restricted coral reef area despite warnings. He posted a video on social media, frustrated by their disregard for Thai laws, questioning if money makes foreigners feel above the rules. The tourists ignored officials’ orders and had to be pulled onto a boat. One angrily shouted, “Last time in f*cking Thailand!” before being taken to shore. Sai criticized their entitlement and blamed Thailand’s free-visa policy for enabling such behavior. It’s unclear if they were fined, but some online commenters urged legal action against their travel agency.
Thailand Faces Global Backlash for Secret Uyghur Deportation
Thailand secretly deported 40 Uyghur detainees to China after holding them for nearly 11 years, sparking global outrage. The transfer, conducted on February 27 under strict secrecy, saw the detainees flown to Xinjiang, where human rights groups fear they face torture or imprisonment. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the move as a betrayal of international protections against forced repatriation. The decision strains Thailand’s global standing, with concerns over diplomatic fallout, especially with the U.S. and Turkey. It also raises questions about Thailand’s refugee policies, as the detainees lacked access to proper asylum screening.
Phuket Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign-Owned Businesses
Phuket Immigration has arrested 11 foreigners in a crackdown on illegal nominee businesses, targeting 15 suspected enterprises. Led by Police Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying, the operation exposed foreign nationals using Thai nominees to run prohibited businesses. Four Chinese nationals were detained for visa overstays, illegal entry, and operating restricted businesses—one overstayed by 1,317 days. Seven Myanmar nationals were arrested for working without valid permits. Authorities, following orders from top police officials, are tightening controls to prevent foreign-owned nominee businesses from undermining Thai enterprises and urge the public to report suspicious activities.
Foreign Tourists Criticized for Giving Monks a Ride in Pattaya
A viral video showing two foreign tourists giving a motorcycle ride to Buddhist monks in Pattaya has led to some debate over its appropriateness. Originally posted on TikTok and later shared on Facebook, the footage shows the monks receiving a lift, tying sacred wristbands, and offering blessings. While some see it as a harmless cultural exchange, critics argue it could damage Buddhism’s image. The video’s caption joked about Pattaya’s anything-goes nature, but concerns remain over whether the act disrespects religious customs. The monks’ temple affiliation is still unknown.
Thai Man Seeks Foreign Motorcyclist in Phuket Hit-and-Run
A Thai man is seeking the identity of a foreign motorcyclist involved in a hit-and-run in Phuket on February 26. The accident occurred outside Phuket Palace Condominium in Patong as the victim made a U-turn. CCTV footage shows the foreigner, riding a grey Yamaha TMAX, hitting the victim’s motorcycle before fleeing. The man has asked the public for dashcam footage to help identify the rider. Thai netizens doubt justice will be served, citing past cases where foreign motorists escaped accountability, including a recent incident where a foreigner fled Thailand after a hit-and-run.
Two Thai Wives Team Up to Catch Police Husband in Alleged Affair
A Thai police officer was caught in an alleged affair after his two wives teamed up, tracked his car with GPS, and confronted him at a restaurant in Lop Buri. A viral video shows the officer with a younger woman when his first wife approaches and bluntly asks, “Are you very horny?” The confrontation escalates as the officer threatens to slap his wives, who challenge him back. The officer later claimed the woman was just a friend, but netizens were skeptical. While adultery could lead to disciplinary action, he insists the issue is now settled.
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen Misses Session Due to COVID-19
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to miss a key legislative session on February 27. The Senate, led by First Vice-President Ouch Borith, approved two draft laws—one preventing the denial of Khmer Rouge crimes and another regulating seized property. Hun Sen, who announced his infection on Facebook, cited coughing and a runny nose as symptoms. His absence also led to the cancellation of meetings, including an audience with the King. This is his second COVID case, the first occurring in 2022 before the G20 Summit. It’s unclear if officials who recently met him are taking precautions.
Two Men Publicly Caned for Homosexuality in Indonesia’s Aceh Province
Two college students in Indonesia’s Aceh province were publicly caned after a Shariah court convicted them of having gay sex. The men, aged 24 and 18, were arrested in November after locals broke into their home and turned them over to religious police. They received 85 and 80 strokes but were caned 82 and 77 times after remission. Aceh, the only Indonesian province enforcing Shariah law, allows up to 100 lashes for morality offenses. Human rights groups condemn the practice as a violation of international treaties, but Indonesia’s central government lacks authority to overturn Aceh’s laws.
Thousands Freed from Myanmar Scam Centers, But Now Stranded
Thousands of workers freed from Myanmar’s scam compounds are now stranded in makeshift camps due to slow repatriation efforts. Many, like Ethiopian victim Mike, suffer from poor health and unsanitary conditions, fearing they could be sent back to their former captors. The scam operations, run by Chinese syndicates, lured workers with fake job offers, then forced them into online fraud under brutal conditions. Thailand recently cut power and banking access to the compounds, prompting mass releases. However, repatriation is complicated by uncooperative governments and limited resources, leaving over 7,000 people stuck in limbo, desperate to return home.
South Korea Sees First Birthrate Increase in Nine Years
South Korea’s birthrate rose in 2024 for the first time in nine years, reaching 0.75 from 0.72 in 2023, thanks to post-pandemic marriages and stronger government policies supporting work-life balance, childcare, and housing. Companies like Booyoung now offer significant childbirth bonuses, and new policies extend parental leave and mandate childcare transparency in corporate filings. While the government has increased spending and incentives, challenges remain, especially for freelancers and temporary workers. South Korea aims for a fertility rate of 1 by 2030 but still faces hurdles in making family life more affordable and sustainable for all.
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