Thailand video news | Flash floods devastate Thai elephant sanctuary, Indonesian women trapped in ‘pleasure marriages’ with tourists for money
In Thailand video news today, Alex covers the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include, In today’s video news from Thailand, Alex brings you the latest stories making headlines across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The news includes the tragic flash floods at a Thai elephant sanctuary that left two elephants dead and many more evacuated, a corruption scandal shaking Thailand’s bus inspection process, and a health warning issued by authorities about consuming uncooked pork amid rising deaths from Streptococcus suis. Additionally, viewers will hear about an abandoned baby found on Jomtien Beach, Thailand’s journey to becoming a cashless society by 2028, and much more, including international stories from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Singapore.
Flash floods devastate Thai elephant sanctuary, 2 elephants dead and many evacuated
Flash floods devastated the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, killing two elephants and forcing the evacuation of around 100 more alongside dozens of tourists. Dramatic footage showed elephants wading through deep water as staff urgently directed them to safety. Despite some elephants reaching higher ground, 13 remain trapped, with further evacuations necessary. The flooding, caused by Typhoon Yagi’s heavy rains, has severely affected northern Thailand. Volunteers and boats are urgently needed to assist the sanctuary, which also houses 5,000 other animals. Many of the elephants are blind or injured, complicating rescue efforts.
Corruption scandal rocks Thailand’s bus inspection process
A corruption scandal has rocked Thailand’s bus industry, as anonymous companies revealed that bribes of 3,000 to 4,000 baht were being paid to expedite vehicle inspections by the Land Transport Department. This unethical practice came to light following a tragic bus fire that killed 23 people, where illegally installed gas tanks were found on the vehicle. Investigations showed other buses had more gas tanks than approved, raising concerns about inspection integrity. Some bus companies admitted to paying bribes due to long inspection wait times, while officials have yet to address these claims.
Thailand warns against uncooked pork as Streptococcus suis deaths rise
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has warned the public to avoid consuming uncooked pork after 12 deaths were linked to Streptococcus suis infections in northeastern Thailand. Between January and September, 149 cases of hearing loss caused by the bacterium were reported, with the highest number in Nakhon Ratchasima. Older people are most affected, and the bacterium is contracted through contact with raw pork, pigs’ blood, or contaminated surfaces. The DDC advises buying pork from reliable sources and cooking it thoroughly, while also avoiding direct contact with raw pork and covering open wounds.
Abandoned baby found on Jomtien Beach, rescued by local Good Samaritan
A baby, estimated to be 3-4 months old, was found abandoned on Jomtien Beach, covered in sand. Discovered by a local, Malinee Suwachat, the baby was taken to safety, and the authorities were alerted. Pattaya City officials, including Councilman Suchart Khunjeng, responded and coordinated with rescue workers to transport the infant to Bang Lamung Hospital. The baby is now under medical care, and officials are investigating to locate the parents and understand the abandonment. Mayor Poramese Ngampiches has ensured the child will receive proper protection and care.
Thailand on track to lead ASEAN in becoming a cashless society by 2028
Thailand is rapidly moving toward becoming a cashless society, with a recent Visa survey predicting a full transition by 2028, ahead of the broader ASEAN timeline. The adoption of digital payments has surged, driven by platforms like PromptPay and widespread smartphone use, with 97% of Thais using mobile banking apps weekly. While the shift to cashless transactions has boosted digital interactions, it has also led to a decline in Visa’s debit card operations. Visa plans to introduce new technologies, like Click-to-Pay, to address these challenges while maintaining card security.
Bangkok Governor announces major street overhaul to tackle urban issues
Bangkok’s Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is spearheading a major revamp of the city’s streets to tackle ongoing urban challenges. Key issues include poorly maintained roads due to water pipe installations, outdated green light poles causing pedestrian hazards, and traffic bottlenecks at Sukhumvit Soi 23. Plans include refurbishing light poles and securing underground wiring to prevent theft and malfunctions. Chadchart also aims to widen roads and improve pedestrian pathways by removing obstructions, while enforcing stricter rules against illegal parking to ease congestion and improve safety.
Thai workers die from toxic gas in South Korean greenhouse
Two Thai workers, a 60-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a South Korean greenhouse after lighting a fire to stay warm. The incident occurred in Pyeongchang, Gangwon province, during the scallion harvest season. The workers, who were staying in the greenhouse due to cramped accommodation, used a picnic stove and open gas canister, leading to their suffocation. South Korean authorities are investigating their illegal employment status and plan to conduct autopsies to confirm the cause of death.
Indonesian women trapped in ‘pleasure marriages’ with tourists for money
In Indonesia, impoverished young women are entering into short-term “pleasure marriages” with male tourists, primarily from the Middle East, in exchange for money. This practice, prevalent in Puncak, involves agencies arranging temporary marriages where women provide sexual and domestic services. After the tourist leaves, the marriage is dissolved. Women like Cahaya, who have been married multiple times, earn small amounts despite high bride prices due to agent cuts. Critics argue these marriages, rooted in Shia Islam but condemned by most scholars, exploit vulnerable women, fueling sex tourism and perpetuating abuse.
Indonesia hosts international talks on Myanmar crisis with UN and ASEAN
Indonesia is hosting an international meeting involving the United Nations, ASEAN, the European Union, and Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) to address the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, sparked by a 2021 military coup. The meeting aims to explore solutions as ASEAN’s peace plan has made little progress. Myanmar’s military government has refused to engage with its opponents, dismissing them as terrorists. With an election planned for next year, many view it as a sham and anti-junta groups have rejected participation. The meeting’s details remain confidential, and no official comments have been made.
Singapore billionaire charged in high-profile government corruption case
A Singapore court has charged property billionaire Ong Beng Seng with obstructing justice and abetting offences in connection with disgraced ex-transport minister S. Iswaran’s graft case. Ong, the 78-year-old owner of Hotel Properties Ltd and rights holder for the Singapore Grand Prix, is accused of giving Iswaran high-value gifts, including luxury trips and event tickets. Iswaran, jailed for 12 months, became the first former cabinet member imprisoned in Singapore for corruption. Ong did not enter a plea, and his court hearing was adjourned to November 15. This case has garnered significant attention in the city-state, which is known for its clean governance.
