Thailand video news | Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, Malaysia to offer 50% toll discount for festive seasons
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest news from Thailand and across Asia, covering key developments in tourism, crime, the environment, and international affairs. In Phuket, a drunk French tourist crashed into a traffic officer, sparking calls for stricter drink-driving laws. Meanwhile, Pattaya police deny a British tourist’s bribery claims, and Bangkok faces flight disruptions due to hazardous smog levels. Authorities in Thailand arrested an Israeli fugitive and are tracking three foreigners who attacked a tuk-tuk driver. Elsewhere, a Thai beautician fights for inheritance in a London court, Cambodia prepares to receive U.S. deportees, and Indonesia repatriates ailing French death row inmate. In economic news, China retaliates against U.S. tariffs, and Malaysia announces toll discounts for festive seasons. Stay tuned for all these stories and more.
Drunk French Tourist Crashes Into Patong Cop, Arrested on the Spot
A drunk French tourist, Mohammed Jeafar, crashed his motorcycle into a Patong traffic police officer at 7:14 AM today on Phra Metta Road, injuring both. Pol. Sgt. Maj. Phradon Sawangsaengsai was hospitalised, while police arrested Jeafar after a breathalyser test showed 0.58—well over the legal limit. Authorities urge stricter enforcement of drink-driving laws in Phuket to curb reckless tourist behaviour.
Pattaya Police Reject British Tourist’s Bribery Claims, Launch Review
Pattaya police deny British tourist Andrew Hopkins’ bribery claims, calling them “largely untrue” but promising a review. Hopkins, 55, alleged he was jailed for 36 hours and forced to pay 15,000 baht. However, Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Nawin Theerawit stated that Hopkins, intoxicated at the time, was fined 100 baht for damaging a barrier and later arrested for causing disturbances. Police insist due process was followed, citing CCTV evidence, while the case remains under scrutiny.
Bangkok Flights Disrupted as Toxic Smog Worsens
Severe air pollution in Bangkok has forced flight diversions and triggered health warnings. On 2 February, thick smog cut visibility to 150 metres, diverting flights from Don Mueang Airport. PM2.5 levels reached 64.7 µg/m³, nearly double the safe limit. Authorities blame traffic, industry, and crop burning, urging mask use and remote work. Critics demand long-term solutions like EV adoption and stricter regulations to combat Thailand’s annual pollution crisis.
Israeli Fugitive Wanted for Stabbing Arrested in Pattaya
Thai immigration police arrested a 27-year-old Israeli fugitive in Pattaya for overstaying his visa. Wanted for a brutal stabbing in Tel Aviv, he was on an Interpol Red Notice for luring a victim to an apartment, smashing a bottle over his head, and stabbing him multiple times. Using a fake passport, he fled to Thailand last year. Authorities have revoked his visa and are coordinating extradition, reinforcing Thailand’s crackdown on international fugitives.
Three Foreigners Attack Phuket Tuk Tuk Driver in Parking Dispute
Three foreign men brutally assaulted a Thai tuk-tuk driver, Narin, outside Jungceylon Mall at 3 AM on 2 February after a parking dispute. Narin asked a foreign motorcyclist to move his vehicle, but the rider refused and called two friends. The trio strangled Narin and smashed a glass bottle over his head, fracturing his nasal bone and requiring six stitches. Police are tracking the suspects as dashcam footage circulates online, sparking debate over stricter law enforcement.
Thai Beautician Fights British Heirs for £400K Inheritance
Thai beautician Kanokporn Nattachai is battling the sons of her late British partner, Roger Burrage, over his £400,000 estate in London’s High Court. She claims Burrage promised her financial security and that she lent him £200,000 for his business. His sons, Simon and David Burrage, reject her claim, arguing she received gifts, including a luxury Hua Hin villa. The case hinges on whether Burrage’s verbal promises hold legal weight, with a ruling on security-for-costs pending.
Cambodia Prepares to Receive U.S. Deportees
Cambodia is set to receive nationals facing deportation from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. Government spokesman Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to repatriation, with at least 1,747 Cambodians among over 1.4 million foreigners with removal orders. Many deportees, who arrived as refugee children after the Khmer Rouge genocide, now face an unfamiliar homeland. Authorities are working on reintegration plans, but deportees will be permanently separated from their U.S.-based families.
Indonesia Repatriates Ailing French Death Row Inmate
Indonesia is repatriating French death row inmate Serge Atlaoui, 61, after nearly 20 years in prison for alleged drug offences. Arrested in 2005, Atlaoui insists he was a welder unaware of MDMA production at the factory where he worked. Initially sentenced to life, his punishment was upgraded to death in 2007. He narrowly escaped execution in 2015 and recently requested a transfer to France due to illness. A deal between Indonesia and France allows his return as Jakarta repatriates more foreign prisoners.
China Hits Back at U.S. Tariffs with Trade Curbs, Google Probe
China has retaliated against new U.S. tariffs by imposing a 15% duty on coal and LNG, 10% on crude oil and agricultural machinery, and export restrictions on key minerals. Beijing also launched an antitrust probe into Google and blacklisted PVH Group and Illumina. As U.S.-China trade tensions escalate, analysts warn of economic fallout, including higher U.S. inflation and rising interest rates.
Malaysia to Offer 50% Toll Discount for Festive Seasons
Malaysia will implement a 50% toll discount during all festive seasons in 2025, replacing the previous toll-free initiative. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this plan will cut government costs, reducing toll compensation from RM160 million to RM80 million. Initially introduced for Chinese New Year, the discount will now cover Aidilfitri and other holidays. The government will fund the initiative to balance public support with financial sustainability.
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