Thailand video news | Former Arsenal player arrested for £600K cannabis smuggling from Thailand, heavy rain and landslides leave one dead and several missing in Japan
In Thailand video news today, Alex and Jay delve into the stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include a former Arsenal player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested for attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis from Thailand into the UK. Thailand’s tourism and export sectors struggle as the baht surges to its highest level since 1998. Heavy rainfall threatens to flood 80% of Bangkok. A woman survived a fall near a Chantaburi mall, while a missing baby in Ayutthaya was safely recovered after being abducted. Khao Kheow Zoo sees a visitor surge thanks to baby hippo Moo Deng. Internationally, Cambodia exits a regional development pact amid protests, a US soldier is sentenced for desertion after fleeing to North Korea, deadly landslides strike Japan, and a New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in Papua captivity.
Former Arsenal Player Arrested for £600K Cannabis Smuggling from Thailand
Former Arsenal player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested for attempting to smuggle cannabis worth £600,000 from Thailand through a British airport. The 33-year-old footballer, currently playing for Greenock Morton, was apprehended at his home in Glasgow and taken for questioning by the National Crime Agency. The arrest followed the discovery of 60 kilograms of cannabis in suitcases at Stansted Airport. Emmanuel-Thomas now faces charges of importing class B drugs, which could result in a 14-year prison sentence. This incident highlights strict UK drug laws despite leniency in countries like Thailand.
Thai Baht’s Biggest Surge Since 1998 Hurts Tourism and Exports
The Thai baht has surged to its highest level since the 1998 Asian financial crisis, posing risks to Thailand’s tourism and export sectors. The baht’s appreciation, partly due to a weakening US dollar, is making Thai products less competitive and reducing foreign tourists’ spending power. Thai officials have urged the Bank of Thailand (BOT) to manage the currency’s volatility. The strong baht has increased production costs and imports, adding pressure to exports. The BOT plans to stabilise the currency, with further discussion expected at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting on October 16.
Severe Rainfall in 60 Thai Provinces Hits 80% of Bangkok
Heavy rainfall is set to hit 60 Thai provinces, with 80% of Bangkok expected to be affected. The Thai Meteorological Department warns of potential flash floods and forest run-off due to ongoing storms, especially in the lower north, upper central, and upper northeast regions. Strong monsoon conditions and a low-pressure cell near China are driving the intense weather. Rough seas in the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand are also forecast, with waves up to 3 meters. Residents and sailors are urged to remain cautious, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas, and avoid offshore navigation.
Woman Survives Fall from Building Near Robinson Mall Chantaburi
A woman fell from a building near Robinson Mall in Chantaburi on September 21 at around 05:00. She landed on spiked metal railings, severely pinning her leg, though none of the spikes pierced her. Rescue workers and medical staff from Phra Pokklao Hospital worked to stabilise her before cutting through the fence to free her. She sustained cuts, bruises, and a possible broken leg and was transported to the hospital. The cause of the fall is under investigation, and further details about the incident have not been released.
Missing Baby Found Safe in Nakhon Sawan After Abduction
A missing nine-month-old baby girl named Fern was found safe in Nakhon Sawan after being abducted by Pang, a 24-year-old woman with a disability, from Dee Dee Land Market in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Fern’s mother, Sananthika, quickly sought help through social media. A tip led police to a rented house where they found Pang with Fern. Pang admitted to taking the baby due to a personal dispute with her husband, intending to return her after a short stay. Both Pang and a friend she was visiting are now under investigation.
Khao Kheow Zoo Earns 12 Million Baht Thanks to Baby Hippo Moo Deng’s Fame
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has earned over 12 million baht from a surge in visitors drawn by the live stream of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo. The zoo saw a 50% increase in visitors from September 1 to 19, with 81,786 people visiting in that period. With over one million expected visitors by the fiscal year’s end, the zoo anticipates 200 million baht in total revenue. Moo Deng’s live streams attract global attention, especially from countries like Japan and China, and the zoo has also capitalized on her fame by selling T-shirts featuring the baby hippo.
Cambodia Exits Regional Development Pact Amid Protests
Cambodia has withdrawn from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) following protests claiming the agreement favoured foreign interests. Critics, especially on social media, highlighted concerns over land concessions near Vietnam, a sensitive issue given Cambodia’s historical tensions with its eastern neighbour. Cambodian authorities arrested 66 people ahead of a planned protest, with leaders facing charges. Prime Minister Hun Manet accused opposition groups of using the issue to mislead the public and slander the government. Cambodia’s government, known for silencing critics, made the decision amid growing public concerns over territorial integrity.
US Soldier Travis King Sentenced to One Year for Desertion After Fleeing to North Korea
Travis King, the US soldier who fled to North Korea in 2023, has been sentenced to one year of confinement and dishonourably discharged from the military. King, who crossed into North Korea while on a civilian tour after leaving South Korea, pleaded guilty to five charges, including desertion and assault. With time served and good behaviour, King was released. He cited dissatisfaction with the Army and mental health struggles as reasons for fleeing. Despite his release, his lawyer acknowledged that King’s actions and time in custody would leave lasting consequences on his life.
Heavy Rain and Landslides Leave One Dead and Several Missing in Japan
Unprecedented rains in Japan’s Ishikawa region have caused severe floods and landslides, leaving one person dead and seven others missing. Torrential downpours led to evacuations for over 40,000 residents as rivers burst their banks. Among the missing are two individuals swept away by river currents and four workers unaccounted for after a landslide. The rains, the heaviest on record for the region, have submerged streets and left thousands without power. Ishikawa, still recovering from a deadly New Year’s earthquake, remains under Japan’s highest weather alert.
New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens Freed After 19 Months in Papua Captivity
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, kidnapped by armed separatists in Indonesia’s Papua in February 2023, has been freed after over 19 months in captivity. He was rescued in the Nduga area and underwent health checks and psychological evaluations. Mehrtens was abducted by the West Papua National Liberation Army faction led by Egianus Kogoya after landing a small plane in a remote, mountainous region. Despite losing weight, Mehrtens appeared in good spirits after his release. New Zealand’s Prime Minister and Mehrtens’ family expressed immense relief and gratitude for his safe return.
