Thailand Video News | Mpox vaccine is recommended only for high-risk groups in Thailand, Malaysian naval ship sinks after striking an underwater object
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers the stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include former police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung and seven others facing arraignment in the Red Bull heir hit-and-run case from 2012, while Thailand’s health experts advise limiting the mpox vaccine to high-risk groups. In other news, an Australian national re-arrested in Bangkok after fleeing an iPhone smuggling charge, and Thailand pushes forward plans for a local-focused casino complex. The Royal Thai Air Force ramps up flood relief efforts in the north, and China conducts military drills near the Myanmar border as tensions rise.
Ex-police chief among suspects to be arraigned in Red Bull heir hit-and-run case
Public prosecutors in Bangkok are set to arraign eight suspects, including former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung, on Thursday in connection with the 2012 hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya. The National Anti-Corruption Commission suspects the case was mishandled, including altering the Ferrari’s speed and dismissing charges. Vorayuth, who fled after his car killed a police officer, still faces a reckless driving charge, which carries up to 10 years in jail and expires in 2027.
Mpox vaccine is recommended only for high-risk groups in Thailand
Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, advises against the general public receiving the mpox vaccine, recommending it only for high-risk groups such as men who have sex with strangers and travellers to areas with high mpox prevalence. Despite the third-generation vaccine being safer than earlier versions, it is costly and its long-term side effects are still unknown. Over 400 mpox cases have been reported in Thailand, and the first Clade 1b patient is under close surveillance along with 43 contacts.
Australian caught smuggling iPhones into Thailand arrested again after fleeing
An Australian national, Mr. Bradshaw, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officers discovered over 20 Apple iPhones in his luggage, which he intended to sell for profit. While the case was still in court, Bradshaw fled Thailand and later reappeared in Bangkok with a new Canadian nationality. On August 24, 2024, Thai immigration police, acting on a tip-off, arrested him at a luxury hotel in Silom. He was identified, informed of his rights, and handed over to authorities for further legal action.
Thailand plans casino complex with locals expected to be majority patrons
Thailand is moving forward with plans for an entertainment complex that includes a casino, with 90% of its patrons expected to be local residents. Led by caretaker Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, the initiative draws parallels with Macau, where a significant portion of the population engages in gambling. The project anticipates 37 million potential Thai visitors. The draft law, now under public hearing, gives the prime minister and a special committee substantial control over the complex’s operations. Licenses for the casino will require companies to have at least 10 billion baht in capital, with a 30-year term and significant fees.
Royal Thai Air Force mobilises flood relief efforts in northern Thailand
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has mobilised to aid northern Thailand in flood relief efforts, deploying aircraft for aerial reconnaissance and data collection. RTAF Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Patanakun announced the use of helicopters and drones to survey flood-hit regions, gathering crucial data to support water drainage and relief planning. The RTAF is also delivering essential supplies, including survival kits and disaster relief boats, to areas cut off by high water levels. This comprehensive approach aims to provide timely and effective aid while preparing for potential future impacts.
Thai FDA advises choosing healthier instant noodle options
The Thai FDA has issued guidelines to help consumers make healthier choices when consuming instant noodles, aiming to reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The FDA advises selecting products with the ‘Healthier Choice’ symbol, which indicates lower sodium content and recommends adding meat, eggs, and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the rising prevalence of NCDs in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption and informed food choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
China’s military conducts patrols and live-fire exercises near Myanmar border
China’s military has announced armed patrols and live-fire exercises near its border with Myanmar as fighting between Myanmar’s ruling junta and rebel forces intensifies. The patrols, focusing on areas like Ruili and Zhenkang, aim to maintain security and stability amid concerns over the conflict spilling into China, with artillery shells already causing damage on the Chinese side. The exercises, scheduled from August 27-29, will test the troops’ response capabilities. China is committed to restoring peace in Myanmar, as emphasized by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Protests erupt in the Philippines over police attempt to arrest Duterte’s pastor
Protests erupted in Davao, Philippines, as police attempted to arrest televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, deepening tensions between the Duterte and Marcos clans. Six policemen were injured during clashes with hundreds of protesters at a religious compound where Quiboloy was believed to be hiding. Quiboloy, accused of abuse and human trafficking, remains at large, and the incident has intensified the feud between the two powerful political families ahead of the midterm elections. Quiboloy is also wanted by the FBI for alleged labour and sex trafficking.
Malaysian naval ship sinks after striking an underwater object
A 45-year-old Malaysian naval attack ship, the KD Pendekar, sank after striking an unknown underwater object off the coast of Johor state. The ship’s engine room began flooding, and despite crew efforts, the 260-ton vessel eventually submerged. All 39 crew members were safely evacuated with no injuries. An investigation has been launched, and Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin ordered inspections of naval vessels over 40 years old, acknowledging the ageing fleet while emphasizing ongoing modernization efforts. Salvage operations for the KD Pendekar are underway.
Vietnam announces government reshuffle, plans to elect new president in October
Vietnam’s parliament approved a major government reshuffle on Monday, preparing to elect a new president in October, marking the third change in less than two years. This follows the appointment of state president To Lam as the Communist Party chief, Vietnam’s most powerful position. The reshuffle included the appointment of three new deputy prime ministers and new justice and environment ministers, amidst a broader political shake-up driven by an ongoing anti-corruption campaign. The recent changes are part of a larger trend of top officials stepping down due to accusations of “wrongdoing” over the past two years.
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