Thailand Video News | Chaikasem Nominated for Thai PM Amid Political Turmoil, SRT Warns Passengers After Dangerous Incident
In this Thailand video news, Alex delves into the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include Thailand facing political shifts as Chaikasem Nitisiri is set to be nominated for Prime Minister amid turmoil. The State Railway of Thailand issues safety warnings following a passenger incident, and the Ministry of Social Development urges the public to stop giving money to beggars to tackle exploitation. In Bangkok, a condo owner deals with extensive renovation costs after a tenant leaves the property trashed. Chiang Rai grapples with severe flooding, while road construction impacts Rama II Road. Internationally, Singapore prepares to charge ex-bankers in a major money-laundering case, and Malaysia sees a brutal stabbing incident that prompts discussions on safety. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto plans a large-scale free meals program to boost nutrition and dairy consumption.
Chaikasem Nominated for Thai PM Amid Political Turmoil
Chaikasem Nitisiri, a senior figure in the Pheu Thai Party, is expected to be nominated as Thailand’s new prime minister after the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the Constitutional Court. A special House meeting is scheduled for Friday to vote on his nomination. Chaikasem, 76, was chosen over Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to political concerns. Pheu Thai’s coalition holds a strong majority, making his nomination likely to succeed. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, returning from Kazakhstan, will serve as caretaker PM and lead discussions on the party’s strategy ahead of the vote.
SRT Warns Passengers After Dangerous Incident
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) issued a stern warning to passengers to follow safety regulations after a 19-year-old was injured while filming content by leaning out of a moving train. The incident occurred on August 5 and resulted in minor injuries. The SRT emphasized the dangers of such behaviour and has increased safety checks on trains. Passengers are urged to avoid risky actions like riding on train steps or leaning out of windows. The SRT remains committed to passenger safety and will enforce compliance with these regulations.
Thai Ministry Urges Public to Stop Giving Money to Beggars
The Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is launching a campaign this Friday to discourage the public from giving money to beggars, aiming to address the rising issue across Thailand. The campaign will begin at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, featuring various organizations, and will include the distribution of multilingual pamphlets. Social Development Minister Varawut Silpa-archa emphasizes that giving money can worsen the problem, often leading to exploitation. A recent survey showed a 20% increase in beggars, with Bangkok and tourist areas having the highest numbers. The government is committed to addressing this issue and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Bangkok Condo Owner Faces 120,000 Baht Renovation Bill After Tenant Trashes Rental
A Bangkok condo owner, Payungsak, faced a 120,000 baht renovation bill after discovering a rented unit in a deplorable state. The tenant, a PR woman, left the condo in Sukhumvit 103 filled with trash, leaking black water, and a foul odour. Despite sporadic rent payments and poor communication, the tenant evaded responsibility, offering only 15,000 baht towards the damages. Payungsak completed the repairs himself, fearing further damage. Shocked by the incident, he was considering legal action and shared his story on social media to raise awareness about the importance of tenant responsibility.
Chiang Rai Faces Third Major Flood as Mae Sai River Overflows
Chiang Rai experienced its third major flood of the year as the Mae Sai River overflowed, severely affecting border communities and the Sa Lom Joy market. Early on August 14, floodwaters surged into the area, prompting shopkeepers to move their goods to safety. Local officials responded quickly, placing sandbags to limit the flooding, which remained mostly confined to riverbank areas. While most of the region, including the border checkpoint and main roads, remained unaffected, neighbouring Tachileik in Myanmar suffered more extensive damage, particularly in the low-lying Tha Lo market.
Rama II Road Inbound Lanes Closed for Construction, August 16-31
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced the temporary closure of the inbound parallel lanes on Rama II Road near the Big C Kheha Thonburi bus stop from August 16 to 31, between 10 pm and 5 am daily, for construction work related to the Rama III – Dao Khanong – Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway project. Traffic will be diverted, and EXAT has set up warning signs and traffic lights in the area. Motorists are urged to follow the guidelines and drive carefully. The project aims to improve Bangkok’s infrastructure, with long-term benefits expected despite the temporary inconvenience.
Singapore to Charge Two Ex-Bankers in Major Money-Laundering Case
Singapore is set to charge two former Chinese bankers on Thursday in connection with the country’s largest money-laundering case, involving S$3 billion (US$2.3 billion) in illicit funds. The unnamed bankers, who worked at foreign banks in Singapore, allegedly served criminals involved in the scandal, which included illegal gambling operations. Last year, authorities seized significant assets linked to the case, and ten individuals were jailed. Singapore’s police emphasized the seriousness of money laundering and the strict legal actions against those aiding in such activities. A Singaporean driver will also be charged in connection with the case.
Woman Survives Brutal Stabbing at Store in Sri Muda
A young female supervisor at a beverage and ice cream store in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, was brutally stabbed eight times by a suspected robber on August 12. The attack, captured on CCTV, shows the 21-year-old woman being assaulted while working alone in the store. Despite suffering severe injuries, she was rushed to Shah Alam Hospital and discharged later that day. The police have identified the suspect through the footage and are actively pursuing him. The incident has sparked renewed debate over the presence of foreign workers in Malaysia. The investigation is ongoing, with the suspect facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Prabowo’s Free Meals Plan to Expand Indonesia’s Dairy Consumption
Indonesia’s president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, plans to provide free meals to over 80 million school children, a program aimed at improving nutrition but likely to increase dairy imports due to the country’s low domestic milk production. The $28 billion initiative, which also includes meals for expectant mothers, will require 4.1 million tons of milk annually, with Indonesia currently only meeting 16% of its dairy demand locally. The plan could boost imports from countries like New Zealand and Australia while also aiming to eventually develop Indonesia’s milk industry. The program’s first phase may limit milk distribution due to supply challenges.
