Thailand video news | Foreign tourist found dead on Kata beach in Phuket, Vietnam sees tourism surge but still lags behind Thailand
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring the latest headlines from across Thailand and Asia. A foreign tourist was tragically found dead on Phuket’s Kata Beach, while an MP has exposed illegal condo rentals and prostitution in Bangkok’s Nana district. Meanwhile, the court has blocked the travel request of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra due to ongoing legal battles. In a landmark decision, Thailand has lifted decades-old student hairstyle restrictions, granting students greater personal freedoms. Elsewhere, a viral Optimus Prime creator clashed with a Bangkok bar over donations, and Hong Kong’s top court overturned the convictions of three pro-democracy activists. Lastly, Vietnam’s tourism industry sees a surge in visitors but remains behind Thailand’s numbers.
Foreign Tourist Found Dead on Kata Beach in Phuket
A foreign female tourist, around 50 years old, was found dead under a beach umbrella on Kata Beach in Phuket on Wednesday afternoon. Lifeguards and police arrived at the scene near the Karon Municipality Office after a vendor noticed she had been motionless for a long time. The woman was lying face down with red rashes on her back and legs, but no signs of struggle or assault were found. A preliminary medical check suggested she had been deceased for some time. Authorities are working to determine her identity and cause of death.
MP Exposes Illegal Condo Rentals and Prostitution in Nana
An MP has raised concerns about illegal daily condo rentals in Bangkok’s Nana area, alleging that a condominium is being used for prostitution and short-term stays, disturbing permanent residents. Complaints include foreign nationals hosting loud parties, drug use, and security risks. MP Phanthira Nwamjerm has urged amendments to the Condominium Act to give owners more control and called for stricter enforcement of rental laws, including Airbnb regulation and tax compliance. He also warned that allowing foreigners to own up to 75% of condos could marginalise Thai residents. Authorities are urged to conduct random inspections to curb illegal activities.
Thai Court Blocks Thaksin’s Travel Request Amid Legal Battles
Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra was denied permission to leave Thailand for an ASEAN meeting in Indonesia, as the Criminal Court ruled his ongoing legal issues under the lèse majesté law and Computer Crime Act provided insufficient justification for his departure. Thaksin, accompanied by his lawyer, made his request in court on March 6 but was rejected later that afternoon. Since returning from 15 years in exile, his legal troubles have fueled speculation about his political strategy. With this ruling, he remains in Thailand under government scrutiny, unable to attend the March 7 ASEAN meeting.
Thailand Lifts Decades-Old Student Hairstyle Restrictions
Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has annulled a decades-old rule restricting student hairstyles, marking a victory for personal freedoms in education. The regulation, imposed in 1975 under a military order, mandated short hair for boys and restricted girls from growing their hair past their ears. The court ruled it unconstitutional and misaligned with student welfare. The decision follows a 2020 petition by students challenging the rule. Schools now have autonomy over hairstyle policies, though concerns remain about resistance from traditionalist educators. This ruling signals a broader shift in Thailand’s approach to personal freedoms in education.
Viral Optimus Prime Creator Clashes with Bangkok Bar Over Donations
A Thai creator of a viral Optimus Prime figure, “Seng”, clashed with a Bangkok bar, Hypnotized, over a donation dispute. The bar gained attention after posting viral videos of offerings to the figure, sparking public worship and city intervention. Seng, who builds figures from spare engine parts, launched a donation campaign for two new creations. When Hypnotized declined to contribute, Seng erupted in anger, cursing staff and wishing misfortune upon them. He later defended his reaction, claiming other businesses had donated without issue. The bar’s owner has since apologized, but tensions remain.
Hong Kong Court Overturns Pro-Democracy Trio’s Convictions
Hong Kong’s top court overturned the convictions of three former pro-democracy activists linked to the Tiananmen vigil, citing a lack of a fair trial. The court ruled that key evidence was redacted, preventing prosecutors from proving the Alliance was a “foreign agent.” Despite the victory, activist Chow Hang-tung remains detained on separate subversion charges. Meanwhile, pro-democracy activist Tam Tak-chi’s appeal against his 2022 sedition conviction was rejected, affirming a 40-month sentence for his slogans. Critics argue that Hong Kong’s new security laws stifle dissent, while officials claim they are necessary for national security.
Vietnam Sees Tourism Surge But Still Lags Behind Thailand
Vietnam welcomed 3.96 million foreign visitors in the first two months of 2025, a 30% increase from last year but still behind Thailand’s seven million arrivals. China, South Korea, and Taiwan were Vietnam’s top sources of tourists, with the U.S. and Japan following. The growth is attributed to relaxed visa policies, tourism promotions, and international awards. Vietnam aims to attract 23 million visitors this year, with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh considering further visa exemptions for select nationalities and billionaires to boost tourism recovery.
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