Thailand Video News | Small Plane Crashes in Chachoengsao Mangrove, Six-Year-Old Boy Found Alive After Five Days in Vietnam Forest
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers stories from across the country and Southeast Asia. The highlights include a small plane crash in Chachoengsao’s mangroves, prompting a search for survivors, the arrest of three Thai TikTok stars in a 6-million-baht Forex scam, and a Thai dancer caught running a child prostitution ring in Chiang Mai. Additionally, a Buriram man survives a triple shooting, claiming protection from a sacred amulet. In Koh Pha Ngan, a shopkeeper is arrested for selling illegal laughing gas, and a naked foreigner causes a stir in a Phuket cannabis shop. Meanwhile, protests intensify in Indonesia over election laws, Singapore and Malaysia plan a new economic hub, and a young boy in Vietnam is found alive after five days lost in a forest.
Small Plane Crashes in Chachoengsao Mangrove, Rescue Teams Search for Survivors
On August 22, a small plane crashed near Wat Khao Din in Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong District. The wreckage was found deep in a mangrove forest, complicating rescue efforts. No passengers have been located, but clothing and a watch suggest the pilot might be trapped in the mud. A bag with documents belonging to a foreign woman was recovered, raising fears that a child may have been on board. Eyewitnesses saw the plane lose control before crashing and exploding. Authorities are still searching the mud-covered, fuel-leaking area for survivors.
Thai TikTok Stars Arrested in 6 Million Baht Forex Scam
Three Thai TikTok stars were arrested for running a Forex scam that defrauded victims of over 6 million baht. The suspects, identified as Apinya, Rattawut, and Prapakorn, lured investors through social media and a fake investment website, promising high returns. After initial payments, the website shut down, and the victims lost their money. Police seized luxury items from the suspects and issued arrest warrants. The suspects admitted to inviting investments but denied scamming the victims. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
Thai Dancer and Boyfriend Arrested for Child Prostitution in Chiang Mai
A 20-year-old Thai dancer, Jeeranan Pongsungnoen, and her boyfriend, Puttipong Panyala, were arrested in Chiang Mai for running a child prostitution ring. Jeeranan admitted that insufficient income from dancing led her to become a part-time sex worker and recruit underage dancers. Anti-human trafficking organisations reported the operation, prompting a police investigation. Officers posed as customers, paying 12,000 baht for services, leading to Jeeranan’s arrest at a hotel. She confessed to the illegal activities, revealing that her boyfriend occasionally helped arrange the encounters.
Buriram Man Survives Triple Shooting, Claims Immortality
In Buriram, Thailand, a man named Somchai survived being shot three times by his long-time foe, Thak, during a seven-year feud. Somchai had claimed he was immortal, which seemed true as the bullets only caused minor scratches. Thak confessed to the shooting after Somchai provoked him, daring him to test his claim of immortality. Somchai credits his survival to a sacred amulet he wears. Thak has been charged with attempted murder, facing severe legal consequences.
Koh Pha Ngan Shopkeeper Arrested for Selling Illegal Laughing Gas
A shopkeeper in Koh Pha Ngan, Rangsiman Jaisamer, was caught selling nitrous oxide-filled balloons, known as laughing gas, without a license. Police discovered two cylinders and a stash of balloons in his Haad Rin shop. Rangsiman admitted to cashing in on the rising price of nitrous oxide, a popular but illegal party drug. This bust follows similar crackdowns, including raids on Khao San Road and Chiang Mai, where police seized gas cylinders and detained foreign workers. Rangsiman now faces serious legal consequences for his illicit business.
Naked Foreigner Causes Stir in Phuket Cannabis Shop
A picture of a naked foreign man in a cannabis shop in Patong, Phuket, went viral on Thai social media. The incident occurred on August 20, with the man proudly exposing himself in front of the shop’s large window. His nationality remains undisclosed. The post sparked over 3,200 reactions, with many netizens criticising the man’s inappropriate behaviour and the government’s free visa policy, which they believe attracts low-quality tourists. Others offered varied opinions on Phuket’s tourist culture and the impact of cannabis legalisation.
Protesters Clash with Police in Indonesia Over Law Change
Police clashed with protesters in Jakarta and other major Indonesian cities as tens of thousands demonstrated against the government’s attempt to reverse a constitutional court ruling. The ruling, which would lower the threshold for fielding regional candidates, was quickly challenged by parliament, leading to fears of a constitutional crisis. The controversy centres around maintaining political dominance for the ruling coalition and blocking major government critics like Anies Baswedan from running for office. The dispute has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about Indonesia’s democratic processes.
Singapore and Malaysia Plan Shenzhen-Style Mega-Hub
Singapore and Malaysia are renewing efforts to create a Shenzhen-style mega-hub by integrating their economies, focusing on southern Malaysia’s Johor state as a cross-border special economic zone (SEZ). This initiative could boost both nations’ economies and strengthen Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political position. Tech companies like Nvidia and GDS Holdings are already investing in data centre parks in the area, which are expected to grow under the new accord. However, past political challenges and delays remain potential obstacles to the project’s success.
Six-Year-Old Boy Found Alive After Five Days in Vietnam Forest
A six-year-old boy, Dang Tien Lam, was found alive after being missing for five days in a forest in Vietnam’s Yen Bai province. Lam had wandered into the hills while playing with his siblings and got lost. Local farmers discovered him 6 km from where he disappeared, sitting in cassava bushes, too weak to stand. Lam survived on leaves, wild fruits, and stream water. The rescue effort involved over 150 people, including police, soldiers, and volunteers. His safe return has been celebrated widely, with many expressing relief and gratitude to the search team.
