Thailand Video News | Bangkok Named Among Top 30 Most Dangerous Cities for Tourists, Taxi Drivers Arrested for Vicious Assault on App Taxi Driver in Phuket
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex presented stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The highlights include Bangkok being listed among the top 30 most dangerous cities for tourists, and the arrest of taxi drivers in Phuket for assault. Public transport issues persist, with over 100,000 complaints filed in just nine months. In rural Thailand, a farmer is forced to sell his cattle after a bull attack. Social media is buzzing with a viral TikTok video of a peacock attacking a luxury car. Meanwhile, political turmoil continues as Myanmar’s junta leader assumes presidential powers. A storm at the Angkor Complex in Cambodia resulted in one death and damaged statues, while Typhoon Gaemi caused floods and flight cancellations in Manila.
Bangkok Named Among Top 30 Most Dangerous Cities for Tourists
Bangkok has been named the 30th most dangerous city for tourists in a recent Forbes Advisor article. The ranking, based on seven key risk metrics, placed Bangkok with a risk score of 53.34. The city’s highest risk areas were crime and health security. The top five most dangerous cities are Caracas, Karachi, Yangon, Lagos, and Manila. In contrast, Singapore was deemed the safest city for tourists, followed by Tokyo, Toronto, Sydney, and Zurich. Among Southeast Asian cities, Bangkok is the second safest after Singapore.
Taxi Drivers Arrested for Vicious Assault on App Taxi Driver in Phuket
Two Phuket taxi drivers, Phichet, 34, and Suthon, 38, were arrested for a brutal assault on app taxi driver Wirat, 39, in Layan. The attack, captured on Wirat’s dashcam, shows the two men taking turns assaulting him, resulting in a skull fracture near his right eye. Cherng Talay Police confirmed the arrests and identification by Wirat, with legal proceedings completed but specific charges pending.
Over 100,000 Public Transport Complaints Filed in Thailand in Nine Months
The Department of Land Transport in Thailand reported over 100,000 public transport complaints in the past nine months, primarily for rude behaviour. More than 40,000 drivers had points deducted, and 404 licenses were suspended. From October to June, 115,122 complaints were recorded, with a 94.38% resolution rate. Issues included rude behaviour, refusal of service, reckless driving, and fare overcharging. The department emphasized strict adherence to laws and passenger protection, with severe penalties for violations. Drivers must be registered, insured, background-checked, and compliant with fare regulations.
Thai Farmer Sells All Cattle After Bull Attack
A Thai farmer, Chompoo Saepang, decided to sell all his cattle after being seriously injured by one of his bulls. The incident occurred on July 23 in Prachin Buri province when a 400-kilogram bull named Daeng Yai charged at him, fracturing his left rib. This was the second severe attack by the bull. Chompoo who has been hospitalised and in pain, stated he no longer wishes to keep the bulls due to recurring injuries. He is now selling his five Brahman crossbreed cattle and can be contacted at 098-842-7290 for inquiries.
Peacock Attacks Thai Woman’s Luxury Car in Viral TikTok Video
A peacock unexpectedly attacked a Thai woman’s luxury car, scratching it while the incident was captured on video and shared on TikTok by user @2alessandra9. The video, showing the bird pecking and clawing at the parked car, has gained significant attention and humorous comments suggested that the peacock mistook its reflection for a rival. Some viewers even considered the car’s registration number a lucky charm for the lottery. Despite her astonishment and frustration, the woman joined in the light-hearted banter. Viewers suggested using deterrents or covering reflective surfaces to prevent such incidents in the future.
Myanmar Junta Leader Assumes Presidential Powers Amid President’s Sick Leave
General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military junta, has assumed the role of interim president after Myint Swe was placed on medical leave due to severe health issues. Swe, suffering from “psychomotor retardation” and “malnutrition,” has been under close medical care. The junta has extended its rule beyond the initial two-year promise following the February 2021 coup. The country remains in turmoil, with the military battling local militias and pro-democracy groups, leading to significant humanitarian crises. The UN reports that 18.6 million people in Myanmar now require urgent assistance, highlighting the dire situation.
Storm in Cambodia’s Angkor Complex Kills One and Damages Statues
A fierce storm at Cambodia’s Angkor temple complex toppled a large tree, killing a tuk-tuk driver and injuring three passengers. The accident occurred at the southern gate of Angkor Thom, near Angkor Wat. The tree also damaged several statues. Angkor is Cambodia’s top tourist attraction, drawing over half a million international visitors in the first half of this year. The Apsara National Authority quickly removed the tree, reopening the entrance to visitors. The site spans 400 square kilometres and is considered a vital archaeological area in Southeast Asia.
Typhoon Gaemi Causes Floods and Flight Cancellations in Manila
Typhoon Gaemi has caused severe flooding in Manila and nearby areas, leading to school and office closures, flight cancellations, and a state of calamity declaration for a region home to 13 million people. The storm, though not making landfall, intensified monsoon rains resulting in at least 12 deaths and displacing over 600,000 people. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed disaster relief efforts. In Marikina, emergency workers used rubber dinghies to rescue residents. Social media showed vehicles stranded in floodwaters. The Philippines typically experiences 20 tropical storms annually, often resulting in floods and landslides.
