Thailand video news | Thai Photographer Arrested for Possessing Child Pornography, Laos Faces Labour Crisis as Emigration Drains Workforce

In Thailand video news, Alex covers various news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include Thai authorities arrested a photographer for child pornography after a U.S. tip, while Russian and Ukrainian nationals were apprehended in Thailand for illegal car rentals. Thailand’s used car market is struggling with an economic downturn, and Bangkok is offering free rides on its upgraded BRT system. The Thai government is drafting a Game Industry Act to regulate the booming sector, and a barbershop in Khon Kaen is gaining fame for its skilled haircuts despite its controversial name. In Laos, a labour crisis is emerging due to emigration, while Tropical Storm Yagi has caused deadly landslides in the Philippines. Additionally, Malaysia has halted the rescue effort for a woman who fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur.

Thai Photographer Arrested for Possessing Child Pornography After U.S. Tip

Thai authorities arrested a 28-year-old photographer, Kraisorn, in Samut Sakhon for possessing child pornography after a tip from the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Over 4,000 explicit files were found on his devices, and he admitted to liking child pornography but denied selling it. Kraisorn, who works as a freelance cosplay photographer, faces up to seven years in prison and further investigation could lead to more charges if he’s found to have produced or sold pornography.

 

Illegal Car Rentals Lead to Arrests of Russian and Ukrainian Nationals in Thailand

Two foreign nationals, Russian Andrei Petrov and Ukrainian Dmytro Piaterikov, were arrested in Koh Phangan on September 1, 2024, for illegally renting vehicles and advertising their services on Russian Telegram groups. Both were charged with working in Thailand without a work permit. Petrov, 60, admitted to running a car rental business, while 18-year-old Piaterikov, who came to Thailand to study, rented out his motorcycle to earn extra income. The arrests were part of a broader crackdown on illegal foreign labour led by the Tourism Police.

 

Thailand’s Used Car Market Struggles Amid Oversupply and Economic Downturn

Thailand’s used car market is facing a severe downturn in 2024, with a flood of repossessed vehicles creating an oversupply and forcing dealers to slash prices. High interest rates on auto loans and weakened consumer buying power have stalled sales, despite the abundance of quality used cars. The rise of affordable electric vehicles (EVs), particularly from Chinese manufacturers, is further disrupting the market, leading to delayed purchases and deeper price cuts. Industry experts warn that 2025 could see even fewer used cars entering the market due to this year’s sluggish new car sales.

 

Bangkok Offers Free Rides on the Upgraded BRT System for Two Months

Bangkok’s upgraded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system now offers free rides for the next two months, starting September 1, featuring new electric buses replacing the old NGV-powered ones. The BRT route, managed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), spans 15.9 kilometres from Sathon Road to Ratchaphruek Road, with two new stops added. The service operates daily from 6 am to 10 pm. The new buses are accessible for passengers with disabilities and equipped with security cameras and GPS. The final fare, likely a flat rate of 15 baht, will be announced later by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

 

Thailand to Draft Game Industry Act to Regulate Growing Sector

Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry is drafting the Game Industry Act to regulate the booming video game sector, valued at 40 billion baht annually. The law aims to position Thailand as a key player in the regional gaming market and address concerns over gaming content, particularly regarding online games and potential gambling issues. The act will encompass all platforms and devices, establish a registration system, and include game ratings and supervision measures. The draft is expected to be completed by September, with the law potentially enacted next year to boost Thailand’s gaming industry and attract foreign investment.

 

Khon Kaen Barbershop Gains Popularity for Skilled Haircuts Despite Provocative Name

In Khon Kaen’s Mueang District, the “Big Boobs Barbershop” is drawing attention not just for its provocative name but for the exceptional hairstyling skills of its owner, Ms. Rattana Wichasri. With over three years of experience, Ms. Wichasri has built a loyal customer base thanks to her expertise in men’s haircuts. Despite the name, customers return for quality service and affordable prices, with men’s haircuts ranging from 100-150 baht. The shop serves at least 20 customers daily, solidifying Ms. Wichasri’s reputation for delivering stylish and skilled haircuts.

 

Laos Faces Labour Crisis as Emigration Drains Workforce

Laos is facing a severe labour crisis as a growing number of its citizens emigrate for better job opportunities, particularly to Thailand, where wages are significantly higher. The exodus is causing a labour shortage of over 800,000 people, jeopardising hopes for a thriving service and manufacturing sector. Economic woes, including high national debt, inflation, and a weakened currency, have driven workers out of traditional jobs, with many turning to self-employment or migrating. With Thailand’s demand for foreign labour expected to grow, Laos faces the challenge of retaining its future workforce, especially as education funding is slashed. The government’s weakening grip on the economy and workforce is causing concern among the private sector, which fears the long-term impact of this emigration trend.

 

Tropical Storm Yagi Causes Deadly Landslide and Flooding in the Philippines

Tropical storm Yagi, known locally as Enteng, caused severe flooding and a landslide in the Philippines on September 2, killing seven people. In Antipolo, near Manila, a landslide claimed the lives of two schoolboys and a pregnant woman, while four others drowned in Rizal province. The storm brought heavy rain and winds up to 85 kph, flooding streets and homes, and leading to the suspension of government work and classes. The Philippines, which experiences around 20 tropical storms annually, often faces landslides as a major cause of casualties during such events.

 

Malaysia Halts Rescue Effort for Woman Who Fell into Sinkhole

Malaysian authorities have ended a nine-day rescue effort for Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, an Indian national who fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur on August 23. The operation has now shifted to a search and recovery phase due to concerns for the safety of rescue personnel. Despite extensive efforts involving multiple agencies and advanced search techniques, including excavations, divers, and ground-penetrating radar, no trace of her has been found except for a pair of slippers. The decision to halt the rescue was influenced by the risks involved in continuing the search.

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