Thailand Video News | Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan Faces Legal Trouble After Assaulting Journalist
In Thailand video news, Alex delves into the various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s youngest and second female Prime Minister, replacing her predecessor removed by the Constitutional Court. Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan may face imprisonment for assaulting a journalist. In Phuket, a 15-year-old Myanmar girl was killed in a shooting, while a 34-year-old Myanmar worker died in a hydraulic baler accident in Samut Prakan. A clogged drain misunderstanding led to a stabbing in Phatthalung. Malaysia introduced an “adopt-an-orangutan” plan for palm oil importers, and Philippine Senator Robin Padilla faced backlash for comments on “sexual rights.” Indonesia celebrated Independence Day in its future capital, Nusantara.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Prime Minister
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s Prime Minister after receiving royal endorsement, replacing her predecessor, who was removed by the Constitutional Court. She is the third Shinawatra to hold the position and leads a coalition including military parties. At 37, she is Thailand’s youngest and second female Prime Minister. She aims to focus on economic stimulus, healthcare, and promoting Thai culture globally while asserting her independence, despite her father’s influence. Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, recently received a royal amnesty after returning from exile and serving a brief prison sentence.
Prawit Wongsuwan Faces Legal Trouble After Assaulting Journalist
Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan faces potential imprisonment after assaulting a journalist who questioned him about Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Prawit, who skipped the crucial PM selection meeting to attend an event with Thai Olympic athletes, lashed out and struck the reporter when asked if he watched the PM selection broadcast. His absence from the meeting may be linked to recent tensions between the Palang Pracharath Party and the Pheu Thai Party. If charged, Prawit could face up to two years in prison and a fine of 4,000 baht.
Phuket Shooting Results in Death of 15-Year-Old Myanmar Girl
A tragic shooting in Phuket led to the death of a 15-year-old Myanmar girl named Namphueng. The incident occurred as she was travelling in a pickup truck with two others when a motorbike with two suspects, aged 17 and 19, approached and fired a shotgun at the vehicle. The girl was hit in the head and died en route to the hospital. The police are now conducting a manhunt for the suspects, reviewing CCTV footage, and gathering witness statements to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Worker Crushed to Death by Hydraulic Baler in Samut Prakan
A 34-year-old Myanmar worker, Hein Naung Oo, tragically died after being crushed by a hydraulic paper baler at a recycling warehouse in Samut Prakan. The accident occurred while he was operating the machine, with a coworker hearing his desperate cries for help before the machine was shut off. Despite attempts to rescue him, Hein Naung Oo was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating the incident, having documented the scene and called in the warehouse workers and owner for further questioning. The body has been sent for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
Misunderstanding Over Clogged Drain Leads to Stabbing
A misunderstanding over a clogged drain led to a stabbing in the Chai Charoen community, Phatthalung. A 45-year-old man, Suchart Abdulloh, was complaining about a clogged drain after heavy rainfall, which his 23-year-old neighbour, Pong, mistakenly took as a personal attack. The argument escalated, and Pong, who has a history of drug issues, stabbed Suchart with a kitchen knife before fleeing. Suchart was rushed to the hospital and is in stable condition. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and actively searching for Pong to hold him accountable.
Malaysia Introduces Adopt-an-Orangutan Plan for Palm Oil Importers
Malaysia has introduced an “adopt-an-orangutan” plan for palm oil importers, allowing companies to support orangutan conservation without relocating the animals from their natural habitats. The revised scheme aims to protect forests while addressing global concerns about palm oil production’s environmental impact. Funds from adoptions will go to NGOs and the Sabah government to monitor and preserve orangutan habitats. The initiative replaces a controversial earlier proposal to send orangutans abroad as trading gifts. Malaysia also pledged to maintain its forest cover above 50%, with current levels at 54%.
Philippine Senator Faces Backlash Over ‘Sexual Rights’ Comments
Philippine Senator Robin Padilla faced widespread backlash after asking in parliament whether husbands have “sexual rights” over their wives during a hearing on sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. Padilla’s comments, made while questioning human rights lawyer Lorna Kapunan, sparked outrage online, with critics condemning his remarks as outdated and disrespectful. Kapunan responded that husbands should seek alternatives like watching Netflix if their wives are not in the mood. Prominent voices, including human rights lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno, emphasised that “no means no” and that women have equal rights. The controversy has reignited discussions on gender equality and the need for legal reforms in the Philippines.
Indonesia Celebrates Independence Day in Future Capital Nusantara
Indonesia celebrated its Independence Day for the first time in its future capital, Nusantara, despite ongoing construction and funding challenges. Originally, the country aimed to inaugurate the city on the 79th anniversary of its independence. The celebration is set to mark the end of Dutch and Japanese rule. However, delays have pushed back the timeline. The celebration was scaled down, with President Joko Widodo, who initiated the project, attending alongside his successor, Prabowo Subianto. The development of Nusantara on Borneo Island is expected to be a key part of Widodo’s legacy.