Thailand video news | Thai man kicks motorcyclist, leading to arrest, Singapore influencer fined for false kidnapping claim
Thai man kicks motorcyclist, leading to arrest
A viral TikTok video of a Thai pedestrian kicking a motorcyclist who ran a red light in Bangkok led to the rider’s arrest on January 29. Originally posted by @p_is_myname, the video shows the motorcyclist ignoring a zebra crossing and nearly hitting pedestrians on Ratchadamri Road. Though deleted, the clip resurfaced through news outlets, sparking criticism of police inaction. Under public pressure, Lumpini Police arrested 26-year-old Jadesada, who admitted to the violation. He now faces five charges, including reckless driving and riding without a license, with potential fines and imprisonment.
Reckless pickup driver nearly crashes into 18-wheeler in Phuket
A reckless pickup driver in Phuket narrowly avoided disaster after cutting in front of an 18-wheeler near Cherng Talay Police Station on January 27. CCTV footage shows the truck dragging the pickup down the road, narrowly missing motorcyclists at a red light. The vehicle finally stopped after lightly hitting another car, with no injuries reported. Despite the dangerous incident, police have not announced charges and blurred vehicle details in the footage. Authorities urge drivers to follow traffic rules to prevent similar accidents.
Thai-Irish couple files complaint after restaurant altercation with Swiss man
A Thai-Irish couple in Prachuap Khiri Khan filed a police complaint on January 28, accusing Swiss national Mathias of verbal assault at a restaurant. The dispute, linked to unleashed dogs on Ban Suan Luang Beach, escalated after the couple previously reported Mathias for allowing his dogs to intimidate beachgoers despite municipal bans. CCTV captured the restaurant altercation, prompting a police investigation. The ongoing conflict, affecting local tourism, has led Mathias’s lawyer to appeal an order to remove the dogs.
British-Thai teen involved in fatal Pattaya crash
A 19-year-old British-Thai man, Mr. Lewis, crashed his Toyota Fortuner into a Yamaha Grand Filano motorbike in Pattaya on January 28, killing one woman and seriously injuring another. Witnesses reported the SUV speeding and overtaking aggressively before dragging the motorbike over 100 metres. CCTV confirmed the high-speed collision. Ms. Thassanee, 19, later died in hospital. Police detained Lewis, whose breathalyser test showed no alcohol. Investigators are reviewing footage to determine if reckless driving charges will be filed.
Jailed Chinese tycoon accuses Thai officials of mistreatment
Chinese businessman She Zhijiang, detained in Bangkok for alleged scam operations, has accused Thai officials of mistreatment, claiming he was shackled, isolated, and denied medical care after speaking to Al Jazeera. Arrested in 2022 and facing extradition to China, She has appealed the order. Thai authorities deny the allegations, stating he was transferred to Klong Prem Central Prison for rule violations and receives standard inmate rights. INTERPOL has been contacted for assistance.
Thailand’s aviation sector nears full recovery
Thailand’s aviation industry is set to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with passenger numbers projected at 25 million, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). While 2019 saw 165 million passengers, the sector has recovered 85%, hitting 140 million. Delays in Chinese tourist arrivals and aircraft shortages have slowed growth, prompting airlines to lease planes under eased regulations. Thailand aims to rank 9th in global aviation by 2033, up from 19th. CAAT is also working to regain FAA Category 1 certification to expand Thai flights to the US and key Asian markets.
Fatal Malaysian maritime shooting sparks Jakarta protests
The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has secured consular access to four nationals injured in a fatal Malaysian maritime shooting on January 26. Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) opened fire off Selangor’s coast, killing one and critically injuring two. Survivors deny resisting arrest. The Indonesian government demands a full investigation, while Malaysia has suspended the officers involved. In response, Indonesian labour groups plan protests outside the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday.
French and Australian warships dock in Bali for a diplomatic visit
Three French frigates and an Australian battleship arrived at Bali’s Benoa Port for a week-long diplomatic visit, strengthening military ties with Indonesia. The French warships—FNS Forbin, FNS Provence, and FNS Alsace—docked on January 28 for crew changes, maintenance, and tourism, while Australia’s HMAS Hobart arrived earlier on January 26. The French fleet will next sail to the Philippines and Japan. Indonesian naval officials see the visit as an opportunity for joint drills and defence cooperation. Meanwhile, France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is stationed at Gili Mas Port, Lombok.
Singapore influencer fined for false kidnapping claim
Singaporean beauty influencer Amyra Laila Ho was fined 1,000 ringgit ($228) by a Malaysian court for falsely claiming she was nearly kidnapped at a Johor Bahru mall. Her viral post alleged a couple drugged her with tea leaves before attempting an abduction, but police disproved the claim using CCTV footage. Ho pleaded guilty and paid the fine immediately. Authorities warn against spreading misinformation that incites public fear, as the incident has fuelled debates over safety in Johor Bahru, a key border crossing between Malaysia and Singapore.
Cambodian rapper G-Devith’s new song sparks controversy
Cambodian rapper G-Devith’s latest song, “Bruh, Seriously?” reached 500,000 YouTube views in just one day but sparked controversy over alleged plagiarism. Critics accuse him of copying artists like Travis Scott, while singer Mai Sokun questions his originality. Netizen Ngoun Chan Davith also criticised lyrics mocking disabilities. Despite the backlash, the song continues to trend, fuelling debates on artistic originality in Cambodia’s hip-hop scene.
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