Thailand video news | Missing British man found dead in Bangkok, Phnom Penh nightclub fire kills two, injures five
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from Thailand and Asia. Bangkok authorities have found a missing British tourist dead, while a Thai man in Rayong faces outrage for attacking his ex-girlfriend. Five Thai hostages freed by Hamas will return home this week, and confusion surrounds Thailand’s new Digital Arrival Card rollout. In a major crackdown, officials will destroy 27 tonnes of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, Phuket police arrested three foreigners for illegal motorcycle mods, and a deadly nightclub fire in Phnom Penh killed two. The Philippines’ Vice President faces impeachment, a Malaysian influencer vanished during a paranormal hunt, and flu vaccine demand in Taiwan is surging after actress Barbie Hsu’s death. Stay tuned for more details.
Missing British Man Found Dead in Bangkok
Thai authorities found British tourist James Sangwine, 33, dead in Bangkok after he vanished on 20 January. He was last seen heading to the Abandoned Mansion Bar & Restaurant and missed his 24 January flight home. His family launched a fundraiser to repatriate his body, quickly surpassing its £15,000 target, now at £21,000. Friends remember him as a devoted father, West Ham fan, and storyteller. The UK Foreign Office is assisting his family, while Thai police have not revealed his cause of death.
Thai Man Attacks Ex-Girlfriend, Threatens to Leak Explicit Videos
A Thai man, Anusit, attacked his ex-girlfriend in Rayong, throwing her down a 1.7-metre stairwell and injuring her hip. After she ended their six-year relationship due to his gambling and violence, he stalked her for days. He later posted online, offering explicit videos in exchange for her location. Authorities have not confirmed whether she has taken legal action. Outraged netizens are demanding justice.
Hamas Releases Five Thai Hostages, Set to Return on 8 February
Hamas freed five Thai hostages after holding them captive for over a year. They will return to Thailand on 8 February after medical clearance. One Thai hostage remains missing, while Thai diplomats continue negotiations. Thailand worked with Israel, Qatar, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and the US to secure their release. Authorities confirmed the deaths of two Thai nationals and are arranging their repatriation. Officials will provide the freed hostages with moral and financial support.
Thailand’s New Digital Arrival Card Creates Confusion for Travellers
Thailand’s Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which launches on 1 May, is already confusing travellers. The TDAC replaces the TM6 entry card and requires online submission before travel. However, officials have not disclosed the platform, enforcement measures, or whether travellers can complete it upon arrival. With less than two months to go, airlines and tourists are demanding urgent clarity to prevent travel chaos.
Thailand to Destroy 27 Tonnes of Illegal Drugs in Crackdown
Thailand’s Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) will destroy 27 tonnes of seized drugs on 5 February as part of a nationwide crackdown. Police confiscated methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, cocaine, and ecstasy in 151 cases over the past two months. Authorities conducted scientific testing before incineration to ensure transparency. Declared a national priority by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the drug destruction event will be live-streamed for public accountability.
Phuket Police Arrest Three Foreigners for Illegal Motorcycle Mods
Police in Phuket arrested three foreigners at a checkpoint near the Holiday Inn Resort for illegally modifying their motorcycles. The 29-year-old Frenchman and two Russians had loud exhausts and illegal accessories on their Yamaha TMAX, Honda CB650R, and Kawasaki Z1000. They face fines of up to 2,000 baht for modifications and 1,000 baht for noise violations. Police have not yet disclosed their final penalties.
Phnom Penh Nightclub Fire Kills Two, Injures Five
A fire at Phnom Penh’s Midnight Premier Club on 4 February killed two workers and injured five others. The blaze broke out at 10:45 am, and firefighters took over three hours to put it out. Authorities suspect welders repairing metal inside the club caused the fire, then fled the scene. Police have summoned the club owner for questioning. Fire-related deaths in Cambodia have risen, with 60 fatalities already reported in 2024.
Philippines Impeaches Vice-President Sara Duterte Over Corruption Claims
The Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice-President Sara Duterte over corruption allegations and claims she threatened to assassinate President Marcos. Duterte denied wrongdoing, calling it a political vendetta amid a growing rift between the Marcos and Duterte families. The case now moves to the Senate, where a conviction would remove her from office and block her 2028 presidential bid. The feud escalated as Marcos shifted toward the US, reversing her father’s pro-China stance.
Malaysian Influencer Eyka Vanishes in Bandung Forest After Paranormal Hunt
Malaysian influencer Eyka, 22, disappeared in a Bandung forest on 3 February during a paranormal exploration. She joined a seven-person group led by Ammar Nazhan, who noticed her missing around 2 am. The group waited 48 hours before filing a police report. Villagers, police, and army personnel are now searching for her. Some locals believe her disappearance may have spiritual significance due to regional folklore. Her family is awaiting updates.
Flu Vaccine Demand Surges in Taiwan After Barbie Hsu’s Death
Flu vaccine demand in Taiwan has surged after Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu died from influenza-related pneumonia. Hospitals quickly ran out of doses, with only 200,000 left from this year’s 6.78 million supply. The Taiwanese CDC reported 132 flu deaths this season—90% unvaccinated. In Hong Kong, flu shot inquiries jumped 30%. The A (H1N1) strain is fuelling outbreaks worldwide, prompting urgent vaccination campaigns in Asia and Europe.
Latest Thailand News
