Thailand video news | Russians now hold 1 in 4 foreign work permits in Phuket, Vietnam warns of economic hit from sudden 46% US tariff
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay deliver key headlines from Thailand and Southeast Asia. In Phuket, Russians now hold one in four foreign work permits, signalling a shift from tourism to long-term residency. Meanwhile in Bangkok, a fraud scandal leads to a dramatic police station jump. Over in Ayutthaya, a bus crash injures more than 20 factory workers. In Phuket, police arrest a German Muay Thai trainee for motorbike theft. Chiang Mai sees online outrage after a TikTok star allegedly ignores an injured dog post-crash. Elsewhere, flash floods cripple traffic in Samut Prakan. Regionally, ASEAN leaders brace for economic shocks as Malaysia and Cambodia challenge harsh new US tariffs, with Vietnam warning of a major GDP hit. Finally, in the Philippines, Sara Duterte returns home from The Hague amid political strife and legal battles.
Russians Now Hold One in Four Foreign Work Permits in Phuket
Russians now account for 25% of foreign work permits in Phuket, with 3,926 permits out of 15,620. The surge reflects a shift from tourism to long-term residency. Other top work permit holders include nationals from the Philippines, China, and the UK. Most are employed in the hospitality, education, and tourism sectors.
Fraud Accusation Sparks Suicide Attempt at Bangkok Police Station
A Thai man jumped from the third floor of a Bangkok police station after actress Rinyarat “Kana” Watchararojsiri accused him of fraud. She said he tricked her into marriage and defrauded her of cash and gifts. The man denied the claims and is now hospitalised. Police are investigating, with potential lese-majeste charges involved.
German Muay Thai Trainee Arrested for Motorbike Theft in Phuket
Police arrested a German man in Chalong, Phuket, for allegedly stealing a Thai national’s motorbike. Officers also recovered a suspected stolen iPhone. The suspect, who trained at a local Muay Thai gym, remains in custody as investigations continue.
Factory Bus Crashes in Ayutthaya, Injures 21 Workers
A shuttle bus carrying workers from Rojana Industrial Park overturned into a ditch after swerving off the Asia Highway. The crash injured 21 people, mostly women. Rescue teams evacuated passengers using ladders. Police are searching for the driver.
TikTok Star Faces Backlash for Ignoring Injured Dog After Crash
Chiang Mai influencer Nungty faces online criticism after a crash where she allegedly ignored an injured stray dog. A witness recorded the incident, accusing her of prioritising her car. Nungty claimed she checked on the dog and waited for insurance. The dog’s condition remains serious.
Flash Floods Bring Samut Prakan Traffic to a Halt
Heavy rains on April 7 flooded parts of Samut Prakan, especially Mueang district. Phraeksa and Srinagarindra roads were submerged, stalling traffic and vehicles. Municipal teams deployed pumps and expected conditions to improve if rainfall eased.
Malaysia to Lead ASEAN’s Pushback Against Harsh US Tariffs
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim vowed to lead ASEAN’s response to steep US tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration. Tariffs of up to 49% hit exports from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Anwar urged regional unity and established a geo-economic command centre to address the issue.
Cambodia Rejects US Tariff Claims, Open to Talks with Trump
Cambodian PM Hun Manet disputed the US claim of a 97% tariff rate, saying it reflects trade imbalance figures. He cut tariffs on 85 US goods and expressed readiness to negotiate directly with Trump to resolve the issue diplomatically.
Sara Duterte Returns to Philippines After Hague Trip
Sara Duterte has returned to the Philippines after supporting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, at the ICC. She confirmed her legal role is complete and ruled out seeking financial support. Her return comes as tensions with President Marcos rise ahead of her Senate trial.
Vietnam Warns of Economic Blow from Sudden 46% US Tariff
Vietnam is bracing for a 46% US tariff starting April 9, threatening its GDP targets. Key sectors like garments and electronics could face major losses. The VN-Index dropped 7% amid concerns. Vietnam is preparing talks and may boost US imports to ease tensions.
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