Thailand video news | Phuket’s tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers, Thai baht may weaken if Trump wins US election

In today’s coverage, Alex brings top stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia to Thailand video news. Key updates include Phuket’s tourism tax exemptions for foreign residents, potential impacts on the Thai baht in the upcoming U.S. election, and rising PM2.5 pollution levels in Bangkok. Additionally, Thailand’s retirement age increased to 65, a driver’s heroic action stopping a gunman in Phatthalung, and a team rescue of an injured turtle are highlighted. Regional stories cover Malaysia’s cultural event controversy, severe flooding in the Philippines, a Cambodian journalist’s release, and Indonesia’s debut of a deaf musical aimed at inclusivity.

Phuket’s tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers

Phuket’s upcoming tourism tax, set for early next year, will not apply to foreigners residing or working in Thailand. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) clarified that the tax’s specifics are yet to be finalised and have not been presented to the Cabinet, meaning potential changes could occur. The tax will primarily target short-term tourists, with exemptions for those holding non-immigrant or immigrant visas or valid work permits. MoTS advises keeping informed about any updates to the policy as it develops.

 

Thai baht may weaken if Trump wins US election

Analysts predict the Thai baht could weaken further if Donald Trump wins the US presidency, possibly dropping below 34.50 against the dollar. The baht recently fell to 33.84 due to capital outflows, as stronger US bond yields and the dollar’s performance impact regional currencies. Rising US Treasury yields and election uncertainties are driving investors towards safer assets like the dollar and gold. While Kasikorn Research forecasts US rate cuts, Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee is expected to hold domestic rates steady, reflecting local economic conditions. Investors anticipate market recovery post-election.

 

Bangkok’s air quality worsens as PM2.5 levels rise

Bangkok is facing rising PM2.5 pollution levels this weekend, worsened by cool weather and poor air circulation, with the highest concentration recorded in Nong Khaem district at 51.1µg/m³. PM2.5 levels ranged from 19.5µg/m³ to 53.8µg/m³ this morning. While a tropical cyclone in the South China Sea may bring rain next week to reduce pollution, current conditions keep air quality concerns high. Residents are advised to take precautions. Meanwhile, cooler temperatures are affecting the northern regions, and rain in Bangkok could provide temporary relief.

 

Thailand raises retirement age to 65 in all sectors

Thailand’s Labour Ministry is increasing the retirement age to 65 for both private and government sectors, citing improved life expectancy and aligning with global standards. The ministry plans to amend the Social Security Act to include migrant workers and self-employed individuals, like taxi drivers and delivery riders, in the social security system. Contributions from employers, employees, and the government will increase by a total of 6.25%. Additionally, the ministry aims to convert variable medical costs into fixed expenses by involving insurance companies. Investment strategies will shift, aiming for a 5% return by 2025 to extend fund viability amidst an ageing population.

 

Heroic driver stops gunman in Phatthalung

In Phatthalung, a heroic driver named Phrom intervened when a motorcycle rider began shooting at passing vehicles. The incident occurred on October 27 on Aphai Borirak Road. After witnessing the gunman targeting another vehicle, Phrom reversed his pickup truck to ram the motorcycle, forcing the shooter to flee into a nearby forest. The damaged motorcycle was later found in a ditch, along with bullet casings as evidence. Police have identified the suspect through the motorcycle’s registration and are preparing to issue an arrest warrant for attempted murder. Phrom and his friends were unharmed, and police continued their investigation.

 

Tourists and officials save injured turtle Kamkaew

Tourists at Mae Khaeng Luang Waterfall helped save an injured turtle, Kamkaew, after discovering it with a cracked shell and tail wounds. They quickly alerted park officials, who transported Kamkaew to a veterinary clinic over 80 kilometres away in Phrae City. After visiting multiple clinics, they found a specialist who treated Kamkaew’s injuries with antibiotics, pain relief, and a temporary shell repair. The turtle’s condition was not life-threatening but required care. The park and veterinary team’s efforts were praised on social media, with plans to monitor Kamkaew’s recovery until it can return to the wild.

 

Backlash in Malaysia over Chinese flags at cultural event

Malaysia’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, has urged the public to avoid racially charged comments regarding a cultural event in Teluk Intan, Perak, where Chinese flags were displayed. Fahmi emphasised that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is monitoring social media for comments related to race, religion, and royalty (3R) and is working with the police to address incitement. The incident, involving a procession celebrating the Taoist deity Guan Gong, is under police investigation for violating the Peaceful Assembly Act. Fahmi clarified that the issue was not discussed during the recent Cabinet meeting.

 

Deadly flooding and landslides hit the Philippines

Tropical Storm Trami has caused severe flooding and landslides in the Philippines, leaving at least 85 dead and 41 missing, with the death toll expected to rise as isolated areas are reached. Rescue operations continue, particularly in Talisay, Batangas, where villagers search for missing loved ones. President Ferdinand Marcos noted that the storm brought unusually high rainfall, and overwhelming flood controls in several provinces. More than 5 million people were affected, with nearly half a million seeking refuge in emergency shelters. While the weather has improved, concerns remain that the storm may reverse course next week, posing further risks.

 

Cambodian journalist freed after apology video

Mech Dara, a prominent Cambodian journalist, has been released on bail after being charged with incitement on October 1st. His arrest followed social media posts deemed “provocative” by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. Dara’s release came after a pro-government outlet aired a video of him apologising to Cambodia’s leaders. Human rights groups and the U.S. had criticised his detention. Known for exposing online scam operations involving trafficked workers in Cambodia, Dara expressed gratitude upon his release but mentioned needing time to recover from his detention. His arrest highlights ongoing pressure on Cambodia’s independent media.

 

Indonesia stages its first deaf musical, ‘Songs of Silence’

In Jakarta, the theatre group Fantasi Tuli (Deaf Fantasy) staged Indonesia’s first musical featuring mostly deaf performers, called “Senandung Senyap” (Songs of Silence). Using screens for dialogue and lyrics, actors conveyed the story through facial expressions and hand signs. The musical, directed by Hasna Mufidah and Helga Theresia, highlights challenges faced by students in special-needs schools and promotes equality between deaf and hearing communities. The production involved over 60 deaf actors and took three months to prepare. For many, including actress Hanna Aretha Oktavia, the performance offered a deeper connection to sign language and the deaf community. The show aims to foster greater inclusivity and awareness about the needs of Indonesia’s over 2 million people with hearing disabilities.

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