Thailand video news | Thailand delays decision on cutting visa-free stay to 30 days, Philippines adds buses, trains amid transport strike
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key updates, including Thailand’s delayed decision on reducing visa-free stays and a dramatic BMW crash in Phuket. A German man linked to dentist attacks was found dead in Korat, while a violent brawl at MBK Center has sparked calls for tighter mall security. A British tourist alleges mistreatment in a Thai jail, and a chaotic bag sale in Bangkok led to violence, forcing the brand to halt sales. In regional news, Japan pledged $11 million for Cambodia’s demining efforts, the Philippines deployed extra transport amid a strike, and a Russian man received 18 years for murder in Vietnam. Meanwhile, US authorities charged five Malaysians in a massive stock fraud case. Stay tuned for all the details.
Thailand Delays Decision on Cutting Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days
Thailand has not finalised plans to reduce its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days. The policy, in place since July 2024, allows passport holders from 93 countries to stay up to 60 days, extendable to 90. Officials are reviewing concerns over foreigners abusing long stays for illegal work, though most tourists stay under 21 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present findings to a visa policy committee before any cabinet decision.
German BMW Crash in Phuket Narrowly Misses Motorbike
A 24-year-old German, Moritz Harald Hick, crashed his BMW in Phuket’s Rawai area at 3:22 am on March 22, barely missing a motorbike. The car sped out of a side street, hit a divider, went airborne, and smashed into a parked Isuzu DMAX, pushing it into shopfront poles. His passenger, Anton Augsten, was injured and taken to Chalong Hospital. Police are investigating and assessing damages.
German Man Who Attacked Dentists Found Dead in Korat
Police found German national Matthias, 41, dead in his Korat home on March 21, with a severe neck wound. Investigators are determining whether it was suicide or foul play. He had attacked dentists and vandalised clinics since November 2024 and was out on bail for assault and trespass. Police had planned to revoke his visa, but his death halted proceedings. CCTV footage is under review.
Thai Minister Demands More Mall Security After MBK Brawl
After a violent brawl at Bangkok’s MBK Center on March 23, Higher Education Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi demanded tighter mall security and better monitoring of student rivalries. The clash between Rajamangala University and Pathumwan Institute students left five injured, two critically. Police arrested four suspects and pledged stricter security and weapon checks.
British Tourist Claims Abuse in Thai Jail, Forced to Drink Urine
British tourist Lewis Green, 22, claims Thai police drugged, beat, and starved him while jailed in Hua Hin. Arrested over a dispute at a cannabis dispensary, he says officers shackled him, broke his ribs and wrist, and forced him to drink urine. Released after paying over £7,000 in fines and compensation, Green has launched a GoFundMe and warned tourists about potential risks in Thailand.
Bag Frenzy Turns Violent at Bangkok Mall, Brand Halts Sales
A chaotic rush for Merge’s limited-edition ‘A Day Bag’ at Central Westgate Mall in Nonthaburi led to violence, sparking online outrage. Reports suggest resellers paid people to hold spots in line. A viral video of the scuffle ignited calls for better crowd control. In response, Thai brand Merge suspended sales of the 2,490-baht bag indefinitely, citing safety concerns.
Japan Pledges $11M for Cambodia Demining and Peace Museum
Japan has committed ¥1.466 billion (USD 11 million) to Cambodia for demining and a new Techo Peace Museum. Signed on March 20, 2025, the deal allocates over USD 8.4 million to upgrade demining equipment and over USD 2 million to build a museum in Siem Reap, set to open in three years. The project aims to educate visitors on landmine dangers and promote peace.
Philippines Adds Buses, Trains Amid Transport Strike
As transport group Manibela’s strike disrupts commuters, the Philippine government is deploying more buses and trains. The protest, running from March 21-26, opposes alleged data fraud in the Public Transport Modernisation Programme. Officials added services on the Edsa busway and LRT Lines 1 and 2, offering free bus rides. The government urges dialogue to prevent further disruptions.
Russian Sentenced to 18 Years for Killing Compatriot in Vietnam
A Vietnamese court sentenced Russian national Roman Nikiforov, 41, to 18 years for murdering fellow Russian Vasilii Echushin, 45, in Phan Thiet City. Their dispute began when Echushin confronted Nikiforov over renting a separate home. Nikiforov struck him with a hammer, hid the body, and cleaned the scene. Locals found the body two days later, leading to his arrest.
US Charges Five Malaysians in $214M Pump-and-Dump Scheme
Five Malaysians and two Taiwanese face US charges over a US$214 million (RM950 million) “pump-and-dump” stock fraud scheme. They allegedly manipulated China Liberal Education Holdings’ shares through false promotions. Victims were misled by fake investment advisors. The suspects remain at large, with arrest warrants issued. If convicted, they face up to 25 years per securities fraud charge.
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