Thailand Video News | Thailand’s New Visa Rules Sparks Mixed Reactions, Blacklisted Vietnamese Men Arrested for Illegal Entry in Thailand
Today’s Thailand video news, hosted by Alex, covers key stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. The new visa rules have elicited mixed reactions, significantly impacting digital nomads and foreign students. In other news, the arrest of blacklisted Vietnamese men for illegal entry and a disturbing murder-suicide attempt by a Thai father have shocked the public. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong’s visit to Phuket Provincial Prison focused on inmate rehabilitation. Additionally, a young Thai man faced threats with an M16 rifle after a road incident, and a runaway crocodile was captured in Phuket. Internationally, the killing of a New Zealand helicopter pilot by separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia, and Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo’s historic double Olympic gold victories have garnered global attention.
Thailand’s New Visa Rules: Mixed Reactions
Thailand’s new visa rules have elicited mixed reactions, with changes including a five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, activity-based stays, and those with Thai spouses or children. The DTV allows up to 180-day stays, extendable to one year and requires proof of 500,000 baht in assets. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry increased from 57 to 93, with entry stamps extended to 60 days. A new non-ED Plus visa benefits foreign students, allowing one-year stays post-graduation. Security measures remain stringent, despite the absence of pre-screening for 97 countries.
Blacklisted Vietnamese Men Arrested for Illegal Entry in Thailand
Three Vietnamese men were arrested for illegally entering Thailand via the Nong Khai border, despite being blacklisted. Immigration police monitored and detained Phan Dinh Sy, who advertised illegal transport services on Facebook for 15,000 baht per person. Sy, along with two other men, Phan Van and Tran Van Am, were apprehended at Nong Khai Bus Terminal. Sy faces charges under Section 64 of the Immigration Act, with penalties including imprisonment and fines, while Van and Am face charges under Section 81, with potential imprisonment and fines up to 20,000 baht each.
Thai Father and Children Survive Murder-Suicide Attempt
A Thai father, Somyot, and his two children survived a murder-suicide attempt after consuming a soft drink mixed with pesticide. Driven by jealousy and anger over his wife working in Malaysia, Somyot sent photos of himself assaulting their children to his wife, threatening to kill them all if she didn’t return. The wife’s sister-in-law alerted police, who found Somyot and the children struggling in their apartment in Pathum Thani. All three were hospitalised and are now safe. Police have not yet disclosed the charges Somyot will face.
Justice Minister Focuses on Rehabilitation in Phuket Prison Visit
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, along with key officials, visited Phuket Provincial Prison to inspect conditions and promote inmate rehabilitation. They observed inmates dredging the Bang Yai Canal, provided ID card services for inmates nearing release, and supported a dental care initiative benefiting 590 inmates. Emphasising education and skill development, Pol. Col. Tawee also addressed inmate debt mediation with the Student Loan Fund. The visit highlighted sports promotion through donated Muay Thai equipment and concluded with a tour of the prison library, which offers extensive resources and supports Thailand’s soft power initiatives.
Thai Man Threatened with M16 Rifle After Road Row
Kiattiphum, a 23-year-old Thai man, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after being attacked and threatened with an M16 rifle by an influential man in Phang Nga. The incident began when the man’s teenage son nearly crashed into Kiattiphum’s motorcycle. Following a heated exchange, the father attacked Kiattiphum with a knife and later threatened him with a rifle. Despite reporting to the police, Kiattiphum was advised to drop the case due to his rival’s influence. Concerned for his family’s safety, Kiattiphum turned to Saimai Survive for justice, with plans to escalate the matter to higher authorities.
Runaway Crocodile Captured in Phuket
A saltwater crocodile that evaded capture for six days in Phuket was finally caught by local officials. First spotted on July 31 at a golf course in Pa Khlok, Thalang District, the crocodile prompted a swift response from district fisheries officers and local authorities, who sought help from crocodile conservation experts. After several unsuccessful attempts, the crocodile was captured on August 5 and transported to a coastal fisheries research centre for health and species checks. The community, initially alarmed, expressed relief at the successful capture. Authorities will investigate the crocodile’s origin to prevent future incidents.
Rebels in Indonesia’s Papua Kill New Zealand Helicopter Pilot
Separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia, killed a New Zealand helicopter pilot after he landed in the Alama district of Central Papua province. Four passengers on board were unharmed. The incident, involving the same group holding New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens since February 2023, highlights ongoing violence in Papua’s independence struggle. New Zealand’s foreign ministry is seeking information. The rebel West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has not confirmed the killing, though they have reportedly agreed to free Mehrtens. Indonesian authorities remain sceptical about this claim.
Filipino Gymnast Carlos Yulo Wins Double Olympic Gold
Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo made history by winning two Olympic gold medals in two days, becoming the second athlete from the Philippines to achieve this feat. Yulo’s victories in the men’s floor exercise and vault have earned him a three-bedroom condo, cash rewards, and lifetime supplies of ramen. Celebrated as a national hero, Yulo scored an average of 15.116 on the vault and 15 points on the floor exercise. His achievements have dominated social media in the Philippines, with public figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., praising him. The government and various organisations have pledged significant rewards and incentives, highlighting Yulo’s impact on Philippine sports history.
