Thailand video news | Proposal for foreign land leases in Thailand requires legal revisions, Calls for legalising divorce in the Philippines

In Thailand video news, Alex covers a range of significant stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Headlines include a proposal for revising Thailand’s land lease laws to allow foreigners 99-year leases, vandalism at a Phuket restaurant by foreign men, and Thai actress Mint Wijitvongthong’s criticism of police inaction after her brother’s assault. Other highlights include Thai Airways’ expanded partnership with Gulf Air, the global export of Thailand’s sago beetles, and an innovative cafe in a Chon Buri cemetery. The program also explores international news, such as Vietnam’s amnesty for foreign prisoners, Japan’s snap election announcement, the sentencing of South Korean officials for the Itaewon Halloween crush, and calls for legalizing divorce in the Philippines amidst expensive annulments.

Proposal for Foreign Land Leases in Thailand Requires Legal Revisions

A proposal to allow foreigners to lease land in Thailand for up to 99 years may require major legal revisions, including amendments to the Treasury Department’s 30-year lease cap. The proposal, first introduced by Thaksin Shinawatra, suggests landowners transfer their land title to the Treasury Department in exchange for full payment, while foreigners lease the land for 99 years. The proposal faces constitutional challenges and public consultation requirements. Opposition remains due to concerns about “selling the country,” but long-term leases could alleviate ownership concerns. No official action has been taken yet.

 

Foreign Men Vandalise Phuket Restaurant, Shattering Windows

Two foreign men vandalised Birds Cafe Restaurant in Phuket early on September 30, shattering windows in two separate incidents within an hour. The first occurred around 2:18 am, with a man breaking the glass and fleeing on a motorbike. A second man arrived at 2:58 am and smashed more windows before fleeing. The incidents caused panic among staff and locals, prompting a police investigation. The motivation remains unclear, but a possible connection between the vandals is suspected. The restaurant is closed for repairs as security concerns rise in the community.

 

Thai Actress Criticises Police for Inaction After Brother’s Assault

Thai actress Chalida “Mint” Wijitvongthong criticised police for their inaction after a Russian man assaulted her brother, Rachan “Moss” Wijitvongthong, outside a Bangkok hotel on September 25. The altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a foreigner with hearing loss at her brother’s restaurant. CCTV footage shows Moss being brutally attacked despite his pleas for the Russian to stop. Police took 40 minutes to arrive, and arrested the attacker but released him without testing for alcohol or drugs. They later urged the family to drop the case, sparking outrage on social media.

 

Thai Airways Expands Partnership with Gulf Air, Adds Six Destinations

Thai Airways (THAI) has expanded its code-sharing agreement with Gulf Air, adding six new destinations: Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman, Casablanca, Athens, and Manchester. The partnership, which previously focused on routes between Bangkok and Manama or Abu Dhabi, aims to boost THAI’s revenue by connecting passengers through Bahrain. Gulf Air will also bring passengers to Bangkok for further travel within Thailand and to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Melbourne. THAI is submitting its restructuring plan to resume trading on the Thai stock market as it exits business rehabilitation.

 

Thailand’s Sago Beetles Are Set for Global Export

Thailand’s sago beetles, or lan beetles, are set to go global as edible insect trends gain traction. Farmed in southern Thailand, these beetles are rich in healthy fats and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional snacks. Sago beetle larvae are easy to farm, making them a profitable export, with adult beetles selling for 200-250 baht per kilogram. With approval from the Thai FDA, countries like Italy, the UK, Germany, and Australia are welcoming them. The beetles can even be canned for export, promising a nutritious and eco-friendly food option worldwide.

 

Chon Buri Cemetery Transformed Into a Unique Cafe Experience

Wat Nong Khayad’s cemetery in Chon Buri has been transformed into a bustling cafe and community space, attracting tourists from all over. Visitors can enjoy free coffee, ice cream, and noodles, with a donation box available to support the temple’s supplies. Local benefactors, like renowned noodle seller Jae Jim and bakery owners, contribute to this initiative, offering food to visitors. The cemetery, once considered eerie, now boasts a welcoming atmosphere with picturesque spots and rest areas. The unique project has garnered praise for promoting community spirit and offering a relaxing, one-of-a-kind tourist experience.

 

Vietnam Offers Amnesty to Foreign Prisoners Including U.S. Citizens

Vietnam granted amnesty to 20 foreign prisoners, including nine Chinese and two U.S. citizens, as part of a broader pardon announced on National Day. The foreign prisoners were convicted of crimes like murder, smuggling, and gambling. In total, over 3,760 prisoners received amnesty, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet.

 

Japan’s New Prime Minister Calls Snap Election for October

Japan’s incoming Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced a snap election for October 27, just three days after being elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba aims to gain public approval for his new administration and address economic, security, and party issues, including scandals involving the LDP’s ties to the Unification Church and political funding discrepancies. With the LDP holding a parliamentary majority, Ishiba’s election as PM is set for Tuesday. He has already appointed key figures, including former prime ministers Taro Aso and Yoshihide Suga, to his team for the upcoming election.

Sentences have been passed down for officials involved in the 2022 South Korean Halloween Crush

A South Korean court sentenced three police officers to prison for their negligence in handling the 2022 Halloween crush in Seoul’s Itaewon district, which killed nearly 160 people. Lee Im-jae, the former Yongsan police chief, received three years in prison, while two other officers received two-year sentences, one of which was suspended. The court found the officers guilty of professional negligence, stating the disaster could have been prevented with better crowd control. However, Yongsan ward chief Park Hee-young and three other officials were acquitted, drawing criticism from the victims’ families. Both sides can appeal the ruling.

 

Calls for Legalising Divorce in the Philippines Amid Costly Annulments

In the Philippines, costly and lengthy annulment processes are pushing calls for legalising divorce. Currently, annulments are the only option to dissolve a marriage, often taking years and costing up to 500,000 pesos. The proposed Absolute Divorce Bill, now in the Senate, would make divorce more accessible, with a proposed cost cap of 50,000 pesos. Advocates like Congresswoman Arlene Brosas see divorce as a lifeline for financially trapped spouses, especially women in abusive relationships. The bill faces opposition from the Catholic Church and conservative lawmakers who suggest reforming annulment laws instead.

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