Thailand video news | Fatal massage incidents in Thailand, Malaysia introduces digital arrival card for travellers
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into a range of stories spanning Thailand and Southeast Asia. From tragic incidents highlighting safety concerns in the Thai massage industry to controversial VAT proposals stirring economic debates, the headlines reflect critical issues impacting locals and tourists alike. Other notable stories include infrastructure safety following a tourist’s electrocution, reckless tourist behaviour in Phuket, and a chaotic incident involving a drunk police officer in Pattaya. Beyond Thailand, the coverage extends to Southeast Asia, featuring Indonesia’s decision to repatriate a Filipino death-row convict, Vietnam’s suspension of Chinese retailer Temu, and Malaysia’s introduction of a Digital Arrival Card for travellers. The global focus also highlights Syria’s political transition as Bashar al-Assad seeks asylum in Moscow.
Fatal Massage Incidents in Thailand Spark Safety Concerns
A Singaporean tourist, Lee Mun Tuck, and Thai singer Chanida Phraohom tragically died after separate massage experiences in Thailand. Lee collapsed after a massage in Phuket and later died at Patong Hospital, with an autopsy underway. Chanida, known as Phing Chanida, suffered worsening symptoms, including immobility, after repeated neck manipulations during massages in Udon Thani. These incidents have raised concerns about massage safety in Thailand, a cultural staple celebrated for its therapeutic benefits. Authorities are investigating, and the tragedies may prompt stricter regulations to ensure patron safety while preserving the essence of Thai massage.
Thailand’s VAT Proposal Stirs Economic Concerns
A proposed VAT hike from 7% to 15% in Thailand alarmed the restaurant and hotel sectors, though it has reportedly been shelved. Thai Restaurant Business Association leader Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch warned the tax would force closures or raise food prices by 20–25%. He proposed raising the VAT registration threshold and allowing tax deductions for raw materials to help SMEs. Comparisons to Europe’s higher VAT rates were criticised due to Thailand’s lower incomes. Thai Hotels Association President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun also flagged the hike’s impact on fragile recovery and spending, suggesting a gradual increase to 10%. Clear communication and policies to boost spending are urgently needed.
New Yorker Electrocuted by Faulty Streetlight in Thailand
Thura Kyaw, a 33-year-old New Yorker visiting his long-distance girlfriend in Thailand, tragically died after being electrocuted by a faulty streetlight in the Thalang district. While walking to a seafood restaurant, Kyaw slipped on a wet sidewalk and grabbed a streetlight for support, which delivered a fatal shock due to a suspected live wire. A bystander was also briefly shocked while trying to help but managed to pull Kyaw away. Despite being rushed to Thalang Hospital, Kyaw was pronounced dead. The tragedy highlights infrastructure safety concerns in the area.
Drunk Police Officer Causes Chaos in Pattaya
A drunk police officer, Sergeant Sunthorn Hemphan, caused chaos in Pattaya by firing gunshots into the air, leading to a standoff with over 50 officers. The incident occurred in Soi Khao Noi, where the intoxicated officer barricaded himself in his home after discharging his weapon. Nearby residents were evacuated as police subdued and disarmed him after a 30-minute standoff. Known for erratic behaviour fuelled by alcohol and cannabis, the officer had a history of firing his weapon and causing disturbances. Sunthorn remains in custody as authorities consider disciplinary and legal actions.
Reckless Tourist Behaviour in Phuket Draws Criticism
A video of a tourist in Phuket standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette near Patong Beach has sparked criticism online. The clip shows the tourist passing the beer inside the car and re-entering after finishing his cigarette. Social media users questioned the driver’s awareness and responsibility, with many calling for penalties for both the driver and the tourist. Locals expressed concerns about road safety and the negative impact on public order, urging tourists to act responsibly. The incident has reignited discussions about stricter accountability for reckless behaviour in Thailand’s popular tourist areas.
Intoxicated Tourist Walks Naked Through Phuket Hotel
A visibly intoxicated foreign tourist was photographed walking naked through a hotel on Thaweewong Road in Patong, Phuket. Hotel security intervened, escorting the individual out and instructing them to dress. The incident, shared on the Facebook page “โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต” (Hodjang Phuket Province), sparked online discussions criticising the behaviour of some tourists under Thailand’s relaxed visa policies. The event raises concerns about tourist conduct and its impact on local communities.
Syria’s Assad Flees to Moscow Amid Political Transition
Syria’s Bashar al-Assad and his family are in Moscow after Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds. This follows Assad’s resignation and orders for a peaceful transfer of power as rebel forces took Damascus unopposed, ending decades of his family’s rule. Russia, a key ally of Assad, is working to safeguard its military bases in Syria, including the Hmeimim airbase and Tartous naval facility. While the Syrian opposition has guaranteed their safety, tensions remain high, with concerns about Moscow’s regional influence and military presence. Russia is calling for UN-led negotiations to resolve Syria’s crisis politically.
Indonesia to Repatriate Filipinos on Death Row
Indonesia has agreed to repatriate Filipino Mary Jane Veloso, a death-row convict nearly executed in 2015 for drug trafficking, to the Philippines by the end of the month. Veloso, arrested in 2010 for smuggling heroin, was spared execution as her case was further investigated. The agreement, part of a decade-long negotiation and President Prabowo Subianto’s “good neighbour” policy allows the Philippines to decide on clemency or pardon, respecting their abolition of the death penalty. This move strengthens Indonesia-Philippines ties and aligns with ASEAN’s Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Indonesia may also repatriate five Australians and a French national convicted of drug offences.
Vietnam Suspends Chinese Retailer Temu Over Registration Issues
Vietnam has suspended the operations of Chinese online retailer Temu, a subsidiary of Pinduoduo after it missed a November registration deadline with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Authorities had expressed concerns about Temu’s ultra-cheap products and their impact on local manufacturers. Temu, which launched in Vietnam in October with aggressive discounts and free shipping, stated it is working to complete the registration process. The suspension follows government warnings that its app and website would be blocked if it failed to comply. Temu is also under investigation in Europe for allegedly failing to prevent the sale of illegal products.
Malaysia Introduces Digital Arrival Card for Travellers
Starting December 1, international travellers to Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days before arrival. This new requirement aims to streamline immigration and enhance security. Travellers must provide travel and health information, print the completed form, and present it at immigration alongside a passport valid for at least six months. Exemptions include permanent residents, MACS pass holders, and those transiting Singapore without immigration clearance. The MDAC is part of Malaysia’s efforts to improve border efficiency and safeguard public health. Travellers should monitor updates to ensure smooth entry.
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