Thailand video news | Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui
In Thailand’s video news, Alex and Jay cover various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thai authorities intensifying their crackdown on illegal properties, and shutting down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to unauthorized construction. This is part of a larger operation targeting 46 properties built without proper permits, leading to the eviction of several foreign tenants. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing growing scrutiny over her father’s controversial hospital stay, amid accusations of attempts to avoid his prison sentence. Additionally, foreign nationals on Koh Phangan were arrested for working illegally, and new street vending regulations in Bangkok aim to prioritise low-income Thai citizens. These developments reflect Thailand’s ongoing challenges in governance, tourism, and economic reform.
Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, evicting foreign tenants
Thai authorities shut down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to illegal construction, evicting foreign tenants. The crackdown involved municipal, military, and ombudsman officials, targeting villas built without permits. Three of the closed villas were occupied by foreigners, including a Frenchman paying 20,000 baht monthly, unaware of the legal issues. All tenants cooperated and left quickly. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to address 46 illegal properties developed by three companies. Authorities confirmed the villas were constructed without proper building permits.
Thai PM faces pressure over Thaksin’s hospital stay controversy
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces growing pressure over allegations that her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, faked a critical illness to avoid jail time, staying in a private hospital ward. A petition submitted on September 18 demands full disclosure, including CCTV footage, which could incriminate Thaksin or expose Paetongtarn to charges of neglecting her duties. Thaksin was sentenced to eight years, later reduced to one via royal pardon, but has yet to serve time. The National Anti-Corruption Commission is seeking evidence, while Paetongtarn’s political future hangs in the balance.
Russian and Turkish nationals arrested for illegal work on Koh Phangan
Two foreign nationals, a Russian and a Turkish citizen, were arrested on Koh Phangan for working illegally in IT and interior installation services. On September 18, 2024, Thai authorities cracked down on foreign workers performing jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Alexander, a 34-year-old Russian, was caught installing CCTV systems and other electronics without proper authorisation. He revealed that while his official job was in marketing, his technical work earned him extra income. Meanwhile, Chaitai, a 45-year-old Turkish national, was arrested for performing interior installations without a work permit. Both face legal action.
New Bangkok street vending rules limit stalls to low-income Thais
Bangkok’s new regulations restrict street vending to low-income Thais, excluding migrant workers from the sector. To qualify, vendors must hold government welfare cards, be repaying National Housing Authority properties, and earn less than 300,000 baht annually after expenses. The rules aim to support low-income citizens and improve public spaces, requiring vendors to maintain clear pedestrian walkways and adhere to public health standards. Stalls are limited in size and must follow safety guidelines. While some applaud the move, others criticize it, raising concerns about the future of Bangkok’s street vending culture.
Governor Chadchart leads footpath renovation project on Lat Phrao Road
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is overseeing a 20-kilometre renovation of Lat Phrao Road’s deteriorating footpaths, which have suffered years of neglect due to construction projects like the Yellow Line MRT and underground power line installations. The governor aims to create safer, more accessible sidewalks using Universal Design principles. While the project causes temporary disruption, Chadchart assures residents the improvements, expected by early 2025, will enhance the city’s walkability. He emphasised the need for careful construction management and safety measures to minimise public inconvenience during the overhaul.
Bangkok hosts Car Free Day to promote pedestrian-friendly spaces
Bangkok is gearing up for Car Free Day this weekend, transforming Banthat Thong Road into a vehicle-free zone for tourists to enjoy. The event, “Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life,” coincides with World Car Free Day on September 22. The initiative promotes the First Mile-Last Mile project, encouraging public transport over personal cars. From 4 pm to midnight on Saturday and Sunday, the road will be open to foot traffic only, featuring street performances and activities. If successful, the area could become a permanent pedestrian zone.
A 10-year-old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in China
A 10-year-old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in Shenzhen, China, by a 44-year-old man named Zhong. The boy, a student at the Shenzhen Japanese School, died from his injuries on September 19, raising concerns about rising nationalist violence against foreigners in China. While the motive remains unclear, some speculate the attack may have been driven by anti-Japanese sentiment. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the crime, and Beijing has launched an investigation. The incident comes amid rising tensions and historical grievances between China and Japan.
Vietnamese tycoon faces additional fraud charges in major corruption case
Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan, sentenced to death in April for her role in a $12.5 billion financial fraud, is now facing additional fraud charges. Lan, chair of Van Thinh Phat real estate company, is accused of raising $1.2 billion from 36,000 investors through illegal bond issuance and laundering $18.1 billion. Her actions also involved illegal cross-border money transfers totalling $4.5 billion. The ongoing trial is part of Vietnam’s intense anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted high-profile business executives and officials. Victims of the fraud have protested, with many losing their life savings.
UK and Indonesia sign critical minerals partnership
The UK and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic partnership on critical minerals, focusing on supply chain resilience and sustainable mineral processing. Signed on September 18 by UK Development Minister Anneliese Dodds and Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, the agreement aims to create local jobs and protect the environment. Indonesia, rich in critical minerals like nickel, is central to the electric vehicle industry. The deal comes amid Indonesia’s efforts to reduce Chinese influence in its nickel industry and align with global trade policies.
Singapore Grand Prix 2024: Key storylines to watch
The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix promises excitement, with McLaren and Ferrari continuing their battle, Red Bull aiming for a comeback, Kevin Magnussen returning for Haas, and RB struggling to keep pace. Singapore’s challenging conditions will also test drivers, adding to the drama of the night race. McLaren and Ferrari have each won one victory in recent races, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has led the championship despite recent struggles. The event will be a true test of driver endurance and concentration due to the humid conditions and long race duration.
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