Thailand video news | Amnesty Debate on Lese Majeste Law Set to Ignite Tensions in Thai Parliament, Malaysia’s Stock Market Bounces Back After Years of Decline
In Thailand video news, Alex covers top stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. News include the Amnesty Debate on Lese Majeste Law Set to Ignite Tensions in Thai Parliament, Thai Singer Tik Shiro Charged with Drunk Driving After a Fatal Crash, and a Reckless Driver Cutting Off an Ambulance Twice in a Dangerous Road Rage Incident. Other notable stories feature a Dutch Tourist Throwing Objects at Café Staff Over a Change Dispute, a Pervert Caught on CCTV Stealing Flip-Flops in Nonthaburi, and a Pattaya Official Seeking Justice After a Sea Urination Incident. Coverage also extends to regional developments, such as US and Philippine Forces Beginning Military Drills Amid Tensions with China, North Korea Destroying Inter-Korean Links in a Show of Defiance, Malaysia’s Stock Market Bouncing Back After Years of Decline, and Lee Hsien Yang Applying for Demolition of Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road Home.
Amnesty Debate on Lese Majeste Law Set to Ignite Tensions in Thai Parliament
The debate over offering amnesty for those charged under Thailand’s controversial lese majeste law (Section 112) is set to cause major tension in Parliament this Thursday. The committee, led by Chusak Sirinil, has three options on the table: full amnesty for Section 112 offenders, no amnesty, or a conditional amnesty for those who violated the law unintentionally. The debate has divided political parties, with coalition partners refusing to back down. As this marks the first amnesty proposal involving Section 112, the decision could lead to significant political and legal consequences.
Thai Singer Tik Shiro Charged with Drunk Driving After Fatal Crash
Thai singer Tik Shiro, also known as Sirisak Nantasane, was charged with drunk driving after a fatal crash on October 10 that killed 28-year-old Thianporn “Meji” Siwapornpithak and seriously injured her brother. The accident occurred on the Sukhapiban 5 Bridge when Tik’s van collided with the siblings’ motorcycle. Despite public criticism for not conducting a breathalyser test on-site, a hospital test later confirmed Tik’s blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. Tik faces charges of reckless driving causing death and driving under the influence. A compensation agreement between both parties is expected.
Reckless Driver Cuts Off Ambulance Twice in Dangerous Road Rage Incident
A reckless driver dangerously cut off a private ambulance twice while it was transporting a patient from Khon Kaen to Chonburi in the early hours of October 15. The incident, caught on the ambulance’s dash-cam, shows the car overtaking the ambulance, abruptly cutting in front and slowing down, forcing the ambulance to change lanes. Despite having its sirens on, the ambulance was blocked again by the same car, as if attempting to cause a crash. The event is under investigation, with concerns raised about the risks to the patient’s life.
Dutch Tourist Throws Objects at Thai Café Staff Over Change Dispute
A Dutch tourist named Max, 59, caused a scene at Udon Thani’s Sky Blue café, throwing a fan and ashtrays at staff over a 130-baht change dispute. The altercation occurred after Max, unaware that his friend had pocketed the change as a joke, accused the staff of short-changing him. CCTV captured the drunken outburst, injuring two staff members. Police intervened, and Max expressed regret for his actions. Both parties are set to negotiate compensation, with Max’s Thai wife assessing the damages. The café owner urged Max to respect Thai laws and resolve the issue peacefully.
Pervert Caught on CCTV Stealing Flip-flops in Nonthaburi
CCTV footage from an apartment in Nonthaburi caught a man, identified as Toon, masturbating with stolen flip-flops outside a victim’s room on October 12. The victim, Chokchai Kadprasit, reported his missing flip-flops to the apartment owner, who reviewed the footage, revealing Toon as the culprit. Toon had a history of similar incidents, including a 2020 arrest and a 2022 raid where over 120 pairs of shoes were found. Toon, with a history of psychiatric treatment, is believed to be involved in additional flip-flop theft cases in Nonthaburi. Chokchai expressed concerns about his safety.
Pattaya Official Seeks Justice After Sea Urination Incident
A Pattaya official, Sawate Permpoon, is seeking justice after two men attempted to assault him for warning them not to urinate in the sea on October 13. Tourists had reported the men’s behaviour, prompting Sawate to confront them, citing that it violated Pattaya’s Cleanliness and Orderliness Act. The men became angry and followed Sawate back to the office, where a heated argument occurred. Despite being urged to pay a fine, the men refused, claiming they had no cash and would wait for a court order. It remains unclear if police will take further action.
US and Philippine Forces Begin Military Drills Amid Tensions with China
The U.S. and Philippine armed forces have begun large-scale joint military drills amid rising tensions following China’s war games near Taiwan. Running from October 15 to 25, the exercises, known as KAMANDAG, will involve over 2,000 U.S. and Filipino personnel, focusing on amphibious landings, live fire, and humanitarian assistance. U.S. allies Australia, Britain, Japan, and South Korea are also participating. The drills highlight the strong defence ties between the U.S. and the Philippines, reinforcing regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific amid growing concerns over China’s activities.
North Korea Destroys Parts of Inter-Korean Links in Show of Defiance
In a symbolic act of defiance, North Korea blew up parts of unused road and rail links connecting it to South Korea on October 17. The destruction, captured on video, followed accusations from North Korea that South Korea flew drones over its capital, Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to sever ties with South Korea, abandoning peaceful unification goals. South Korea condemned the demolition as a violation of inter-Korean agreements, while observers note that Kim aims to diminish South Korea’s influence and prioritise direct dealings with the U.S. amid escalating tensions.
Malaysia’s Stock Market Bounces Back After Years of Decline
Malaysia’s stock market is making a strong comeback, driven by robust economic growth and significant foreign investment, particularly from U.S. tech giants like Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft. The Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index has risen 17% over the past year, as investor confidence grows. Initial public offerings (IPOs) are also on the rise, with 34 IPOs in 2024 so far. Malaysia’s political stability under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and economic fundamentals, including strong GDP growth and foreign direct investment, have contributed to this resurgence. However, experts urge caution due to potential global economic risks.
Lee Hsien Yang to Apply for Demolition of Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road Home
Lee Hsien Yang, the youngest son of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, announced plans to apply for the demolition of his father’s Oxley Road home, honouring Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to have it destroyed after his daughter, Lee Wei Ling, moved out. Following her recent death, Lee Hsien Yang, as the sole executor of the estate, stated it was his duty to fulfil his father’s request. However, his brother, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, believes the government should decide the property’s fate, potentially preserving it as a heritage site. The government is considering the matter, balancing public interest and Lee’s wishes.
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