Thailand Video News | Paetongtarn Shinawatra Aims for Prime Minister Role Amid Political Uncertainty, Buriram Residents Anxious Over Potential Cancellation of Digital Wallet Scheme
In this Thailand video news, Alex delves into the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include Paetongtarn Shinawatra vying for Thailand’s prime minister amid political uncertainty, reflecting the Shinawatra family’s lasting influence. In Buriram, residents are anxious about the potential cancellation of a crucial digital wallet scheme following a political shakeup. Meanwhile, a Muay Thai boxer is on the run after a tragic family incident in Yala. In Pattaya, police are cracking down on hazardous chemicals after a fatal incident involving drain cleaner. A boat collision on the Chao Phraya River has injured four passengers, prompting an investigation. Thailand is also inviting Japanese investment in its railway infrastructure, and the Philippines is upgrading an air base to deter Chinese aggression. Lastly, a Nottingham family faces trauma after a repatriation mix-up in Cambodia.
Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra Aims for Prime Minister Role Amid Political Uncertainty
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is vying for Thailand’s prime minister position after her party, Pheu Thai, came second in the 2023 election. Despite no previous government experience, she aims to continue her family’s populist legacy. If successful, she would become Thailand’s youngest prime minister and only the second woman to hold the position. Paetongtarn’s bid highlights the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics, despite their history of military coups and political turmoil.
Buriram Residents Anxious Over Potential Cancellation of Digital Wallet Scheme
Buriram residents are worried following the ousting of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, fearing the potential cancellation of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, a key economic initiative from the Pheu Thai Party. The scheme was seen as a vital lifeline in an area already struggling with rising living costs. Locals express frustration with the previous administration’s focus on political issues rather than economic solutions. There’s cautious hope that new leadership will prioritise economic recovery and address the community’s pressing needs. The fate of the digital wallet scheme remains uncertain as the country awaits a new prime minister.
Muay Thai Boxer on the Run After Killing Father in Yala
A 27-year-old Muay Thai boxer, Hasen Wahani, fatally slit his father’s throat at their home in Yala province before fleeing to the nearby Bu Yo Mountain forest. The incident occurred early on August 15, and the father, Waenu Wahani, sustained a deep neck wound. Hasen, known in the boxing world as Saifon Rattanaphanu, had recently returned home from Bangkok. His sister revealed there were no prior disputes between them and urged Hasen to surrender peacefully. The police are still searching for Hasen, who is well-known in the Muay Thai community for winning major championships.
Pattaya Police Crack Down on Hazardous Chemicals After Fatal Drain Cleaner Incident
Pattaya police have inspected local hardware stores following the deaths of a mother and her two children from toxic fumes caused by a drain cleaner. The inspections, led by Police Captain Apinan Boonyarat, aimed to identify sources of hazardous chemicals and educate the public on their safe use. Store owners emphasised the importance of following safety instructions, including proper ventilation and not mixing chemicals. The police are now focusing on preventing similar tragedies by ensuring that stores sell these products responsibly and educate customers on their correct usage.
Boat Collision on Chao Phraya River Injures Four
A boat collision on the Chao Phraya River under the Pinklao Bridge in Bangkok resulted in injuries to four passengers today. A shuttle boat operated by Chao Phraya Express Boat collided with an empty chartered tour boat, leading to the hospitalisation of two Canadian men and two Thai women. The passengers sustained head, leg, and chest injuries but are in stable condition. Authorities have seized the licenses of both skippers and withdrawn the vessels from service as they investigate the incident. This area is being prepared for the upcoming Royal Barge Procession rehearsals in October.
Thailand Invites Japan to Invest in Red Line Railway Extensions
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has invited Japanese companies to invest in extending the Red Line electric train system, aiming to boost the country’s railway infrastructure. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit met with Japanese Ambassador Otaka Masato on August 14 to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. The State Railway of Thailand is preparing plans for three key Red Line extensions, and once completed, Japanese companies will be invited to consider investment opportunities. The meeting also highlighted Thailand’s plans to expand the Automated Guideway Transit system to other lines and Japan’s involvement in various infrastructure projects, signalling strong bilateral cooperation in transport development.
Philippines Upgrades Basa Air Base to Deter China’s Aggression
The upgrade of the Philippines’ Basa Air Base, funded by the U.S. under the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, is expected to bolster the readiness of the Philippines and U.S. militaries against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The base, located near Manila, will receive a new parking apron for up to 20 aircraft by July 2026. This modernisation is part of the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, allowing U.S. forces to operate from Philippine bases. Analysts highlight the strategic importance of this upgrade in deterring China’s assertive actions in the region, particularly around contested areas like the Scarborough Shoal.
Nottingham Family Traumatised After Wrong Body Repatriated from Cambodia
A Nottingham mother, Maureen Thompson, was devastated after discovering that the wrong body had been repatriated from Cambodia following the death of her son, Kevin Nightingale. After Kevin, 39, was found dead in his Cambodian home, arrangements were made to return his body to the UK. However, when the family went to identify the body, they found it was a Canadian man in his 70s. The mix-up left the family horrified and traumatised. After weeks of distress, Kevin’s body was eventually returned, but it was badly decomposed. The funeral service responsible has since refunded the repatriation costs.
