Thailand video news | Thai government warns Israelis of potential attack at Koh Phangan’s full moon party, Tragic hit-and-run in China kills 35 in Zhuhai sports centre
In Thailand video news today, Alex and Jay bring viewers the latest updates from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Key stories include Thailand’s warning to Israeli tourists about potential threats at Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party amid rising global tensions, Bangkok’s plans to introduce a congestion charge to tackle traffic and pollution, and a Phuket woman’s shocking encounter with a drunk foreigner entering her car uninvited. Other stories highlight the arrest of two Mongolian pickpockets in Bangkok, a missing teenager found working in a Pattaya bar, new holidays in Thailand to boost tourism, a tragic hit-and-run in China, a bribery scandal denial by Malaysia’s Sabah Chief Minister, a drug smuggling ring in Taiwan, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s congratulatory call to US President-elect Donald Trump.
Thai Government Warns Israelis of Potential Attack at Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party
The Thai government has issued a red alert for Israelis in Koh Phangan, warning of potential attacks at the popular “Full Moon” parties, which attract large crowds. This follows rising global antisemitic incidents. Israeli officials advised citizens to avoid southern Thailand due to a “high-level threat” and to take specific precautions: avoid large gatherings, hide Jewish or Israel-related symbols, report antisemitic incidents, and avoid sharing travel plans on social media.
Bangkok Plans Congestion Charge to Ease Traffic and Pollution
Bangkok’s Transport Ministry is considering a congestion charge to reduce traffic and pollution, inspired by models from cities like London. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a six-month study by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to determine the best approach. Funds from the charge could enhance transit infrastructure and allow for a 20-baht flat fare for electric trains. With 60% of residents supporting the idea, the OTP is consulting with the British government to improve Bangkok’s traffic and transit systems.
Drunk Foreigner Shocks Phuket Woman by Entering Her Car
A Phuket local warned others after a drunk foreign man unexpectedly entered his girlfriend’s unlocked car near Patong Beach. The Phuket local, known as “Bank,” shared the incident on social media, explaining that his girlfriend had left her car unlocked while shopping. When she returned, the foreigner entered the passenger side, startling her. Nearby taxi riders tried to help, but he refused to leave until police intervened. Bank urged drivers to prioritise safety and lock their doors.
Two Mongolians Arrested for Pickpocketing Tourists in Bangkok
Two Mongolian nationals were arrested in Bangkok for a pickpocketing spree targeting tourists. The suspects, Mr. Sodbayar and Mr. Uyangabaatar, were apprehended by Thong Lor Police on November 11 after a female tourist reported her purse stolen on Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. The men, staying in rented rooms and changing accommodations weekly, admitted to the theft and faced nighttime theft charges, with potential jail time and fines. Police are still searching for a third suspect and urge vigilance in tourist areas.
Missing 16-Year-Old Found Working at Bar in Pattaya
A mother found her missing 16-year-old daughter allegedly working at a bar in Pattaya. Two months after her disappearance, the mother spotted her on social media and confronted the bar’s management with police. The bar caretaker claimed the girl used a fake ID to apply for work but later insisted she was only “hanging out” there. However, an employee time card was found for her. Police took the manager in for further questioning while the mother voiced concerns about her daughter being deceived.
Thailand Adds Holidays in 2025 to Boost Tourism
To stimulate tourism and economic growth, Thailand will add two new public holidays in 2025 and extend the New Year’s break, creating more travel opportunities for locals. Special holidays on June 2 and August 11 will encourage longer weekend trips, with the New Year break stretching to five days. The government also approved 75 billion baht ($2.2 billion) in cheap loans to support the property sector, with further economic stimulus measures to be announced. Thailand aims to surpass pre-pandemic tourist numbers in 2025.
Tragic Hit-and-Run in China Kills 35 in Zhuhai Sports Centre
A hit-and-run incident in Zhuhai, China, left 35 people dead and over 40 injured when an SUV drove into crowds at a sports centre. Police report the driver, a 62-year-old man named Fan, allegedly acted out of anger over a divorce settlement. He was apprehended and hospitalised with severe injuries. President Xi Jinping condemned the attack as “extremely malicious.” The incident adds to recent violent public attacks in China, despite the country’s generally low crime rate.
Malaysia’s Sabah Chief Minister Denies Bribery Involvement Amid Scandal
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor denied involvement in a bribery scandal following allegations from a whistle-blower claiming he is the “top leader” behind attempts to bribe local representatives. The allegations, shared on Malaysiakini, include videos showing state assemblymen discussing bribes. Hajiji dismissed these as baseless accusations and called for an investigation into the source of the bribe. The whistle-blower, who claims to have faced death threats, has only shared the videos with Malaysiakini, which has not independently verified their contents.
Five Vietnamese Nationals Indicted for Drug Smuggling in Taiwan
Five Vietnamese nationals were indicted in Taiwan for operating a drug smuggling ring targeting foreign workers. Since July, Taiwanese authorities intercepted marijuana packages from Thailand addressed to Vietnamese nationals, leading to a task force investigation. The suspects, including undocumented workers and a student overstaying on a visa, allegedly smuggled marijuana and ketamine, selling drugs at high prices to Vietnamese and Thai workers across northern Taiwan. They face charges under Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and Organized Crime Prevention Act.
Indonesia’s New President Praises Trump in Congratulatory Call
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto posted a video of his congratulatory call with US President-elect Donald Trump, during which the two praised each other warmly. Prabowo, currently in Washington, referenced his American military training and expressed eagerness to meet Trump. Trump commended Prabowo’s leadership, while Prabowo voiced shock over an earlier attempt on Trump’s life. Prabowo is on a five-nation tour, having just visited China and signed $10 billion in cooperation deals. His visit highlights Indonesia’s strategic importance amid the US-China rivalry and reflects his shift from military commander to democratic leader.