Thailand video news | Phuket hit-and-run: police hunt knife-wielding foreigners, Cambodian PM defends Angkor Sangkranta event amid criticism

In Thailand video news, Alex brings the latest news from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Phuket police hunt three foreigners after a hit-and-run, while reporters visit the prison cell where ex-police chief “Joe Ferrari” died. A man in Nan faces jail for dropping a Yaba pill, and a foreign tourist dines and dashes in Krabi. In Pattaya, police bust a rental car scam, and an off-duty nurse aids a BTS passenger. Meanwhile, Duterte faces ICC charges, a Malaysian LRT panel collapses, and Cambodia’s PM defends the Angkor Sangkranta festival. Stay tuned for more.
Phuket Hit-and-Run: Police Hunt Knife-Wielding Foreigners
Phuket police are searching for three foreign suspects involved in a hit-and-run outside Patong Hospital. They allegedly hit a Thai motorcyclist with a pickup truck, brandished a knife, and fled. A viral 33-second video sparked public outrage. Despite police efforts, online frustration grows over concerns the suspects may have left Thailand. Authorities urge vigilance and seek public help in tracking them down.
Inside the Prison Cell Where Thai Police Chief ‘Joe Ferrari’ Died
Reporters visited the Khlong Prem prison cell where former Police Colonel Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphon died on March 7. Authorities ruled it suicide by asphyxiation, but his family has requested a second autopsy. His belongings, including blankets and toiletries, remain untouched. Officials relocated an LGBTQ inmate before the tour and insist Chief Joe requested the move to the 5th block. The media visit aimed to dispel speculation.
Thai Man Faces Jail After Dropping Yaba Pill in Front of Officials
Police arrested a 58-year-old man in Nan province after he accidentally dropped a bag containing six Yaba (meth) tablets while retrieving his ID card. Thai law mandates up to two years in jail for possession of more than five pills. Initially, officials planned to send him to rehab, but the dropped pills led to immediate charges. Coincidentally, police arrested a wanted drug dealer with 80 Yaba pills outside his home the same day.
Foreign Tourist Dines and Dashes in Krabi
A foreign tourist in Krabi dined at Into the Forest restaurant on March 9 and left without paying. CCTV footage shows the tall, tattooed man ordering a ribeye steak and a drink (700 baht total) before pretending to order cake and fleeing. Staff realised the deception when he quickly exited in a rented sedan with a Phuket license plate. Krabi Immigration Police are investigating, and locals are warning businesses to stay alert.
Couple Arrested in Pattaya Car Theft Scam
Police arrested a couple in Pattaya for stealing rental cars, disabling GPS trackers, and selling them on the black market. Officers stopped 48-year-old Thanakrit and 29-year-old Kanyakhorn on March 9 while they were driving a stolen vehicle. Investigators linked them to car thefts across Chon Buri, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, and Kanchanaburi. They allegedly smuggled vehicles into Myanmar and Cambodia. Police are tracking more victims as the crackdown continues.
Off-Duty Nurse Saves Passenger on Bangkok BTS
A Bangkok BTS passenger fainted, but an off-duty nurse stepped in to help. A viral TikTok video posted on March 11 shows her and a BTS security officer providing first aid. Social media praised the nurse’s dedication, with many sharing similar experiences of kindness from BTS staff. The original poster also thanked an unidentified woman who assisted but wasn’t captured on video.
Duterte Arrested, Faces ICC Charges Over Drug War Killings
Authorities arrested former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and flew him to The Hague to face ICC charges of crimes against humanity. The case stems from his deadly “war on drugs,” which reportedly led to 6,000 to 30,000 deaths. Human rights groups praised the arrest, while his supporters call it illegal. The ICC will review evidence to determine if the case proceeds to trial, a process that could take years. Duterte may challenge the court’s jurisdiction, as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019.
Wall Panel Collapses at Malaysian LRT Station, No Injuries
A wall panel at Malaysia’s Masjid Jamek LRT station collapsed during heavy rain and winds at 4:04 PM. LRT services remain unaffected, and no injuries were reported. Rapid Rail is cleaning up and investigating the incident. Auxiliary police have been deployed to manage passenger flow. Commuters can check Rapid KL’s social media for updates.
Cambodian PM Defends Angkor Sangkranta Event Amid Criticism
Cambodian PM Hun Manet defended the Angkor Sangkranta festival against critics who call it wasteful and politically motivated. He argues the event, set for Khmer New Year 2025, will boost tourism and benefit Siem Reap locals. Critics claim it distracts from economic struggles, but supporters believe it will attract tourists and improve livelihoods.