Thailand video news | Thailand eases booze ban for tourists on Buddhist holy days, Thailand considers border wall to combat scam gangs
The Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay, covers key news from Thailand and Southeast Asia. This edition highlights Thailand easing alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holy days, a Bangkok tuk-tuk race ending in a serious crash, and concerns over police inaction in a Koh Pha Ngan cannabis theft. Other stories include Thailand’s investment in the 2025 Songkran festival, Malaysia’s ex-PM declaring wealth amid a graft probe, severe Jakarta floods, and Thailand’s consideration of a border wall to combat scam gangs.
Thailand Eases Booze Ban for Tourists on Buddhist Holy Days
Thailand will maintain its alcohol ban on five major Buddhist holy days but introduce exceptions to support tourism. The Alcoholic Beverage Board approved sales in international airports, tourist zones, hotels, and event venues. The new regulations are expected before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. Deputy PM Prasert Chantararuangthong emphasised balancing tradition and tourism while ensuring public safety. The board is also reviewing online alcohol sales. Public feedback will be collected before the proposal goes to the Prime Minister for final approval and publication in the Royal Gazette.
Bangkok Tuk Tuk Race Ends in Crash, Three Injured
A late-night tuk-tuk race in Bangkok ended in a violent crash on Ratchadaphisek Road, leaving three people seriously injured. One driver, 28-year-old Pichit, sustained a severe head injury, while the other driver and his passenger suffered broken legs. Witnesses reported the tuk-tuks were racing and collided when one made a risky lane change, causing it to flip. Police are investigating and awaiting blood alcohol test results. The incident raises concerns about reckless driving, with locals calling for stricter traffic enforcement to prevent similar accidents.
Koh Pha Ngan Police Criticised Over Foreign Cannabis Theft
A Koh Pha Ngan cannabis shop owner, Jariya Kamonrat, has accused local police of ignoring a theft involving two foreign customers. CCTV footage from Monkey’s Dispensary shows one suspect stealing a jar of cannabis worth over 6,000 baht while the other distracted Jariya. Despite reporting the theft with video evidence, police allegedly dismissed her case, saying they couldn’t act without the suspects’ names. Frustrated, Jariya turned to social media, offering a reward for information. The case has sparked criticism of police inaction and raised concerns about crime involving tourists in Thailand’s growing cannabis market.
Thailand Bets Big on Songkran Tourism Boost
Thailand is set to host the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025, investing 153 million baht to boost tourism. The event, held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from April 11-15, aims to attract 800,000 visitors and generate 3.2 billion baht in tourist spending. Approved by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the initiative highlights Thailand’s rich culture and New Year traditions, reinforcing its position as a top travel destination during the festive season.
Malaysia’s Ex-PM Declares Wealth Amid Graft Probe
Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared his wealth to the anti-graft agency amid an ongoing corruption probe. Authorities are investigating government publicity spending during his tenure (Aug 2021–Nov 2022) and have seized nearly $40 million in assets, including cash and gold bars. Ismail was questioned last year and formally submitted his wealth declaration on Feb 10. Four senior officials from his administration have been detained, and further questioning may follow as the probe continues.
Jakarta Floods Displace Thousands as Heavy Rain Persists
Severe floods in Jakarta have forced thousands to evacuate as torrential rains submerge homes, roads, and a hospital in Bekasi. Water levels reached up to 3 meters, prompting Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to raise the alert level and activate water pumps. Rescuers are evacuating trapped residents, while the government provides temporary shelters, food, and medical aid. Indonesia’s weather agency warns heavy rain may continue until March 11, with weather modification efforts underway to reduce rainfall. This flooding is considered the worst in Bekasi since 2020.
Thailand Considers Border Wall to Combat Scam Gangs
Thailand is considering building a border wall with Cambodia to curb illegal crossings and combat scam centres run by Chinese criminal gangs. The proposal, discussed in a cabinet meeting, follows a major crackdown on human trafficking and financial fraud, with Thai police rescuing 119 nationals from a scam compound in Poipet. The Defence and Foreign Ministries will assess the wall’s feasibility, but no timeline has been set. Scam centres across Southeast Asia have trafficked thousands into forced labour, with ongoing efforts to repatriate victims, particularly from Myanmar’s Myawaddy region.
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