Thailand Video News | Myanmar couple surrenders over Iranian man and Thai wife’s murder, Cannabis conundrum: Deputy PM Anutin opposes cannabis reclassification
In Thailand Video News today, a couple from Myanmar have surrendered to police after being suspected of murdering an Iranian restauranteur and his Thai wife. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is opposing the plan to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon is confidentthe party will not be dissolved, and PETA Asia has staged a protest at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur over using pig-tailed macaques for coconut picking. Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for breaching ethics by missing a House meeting, and Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism with increasing international accommodation searches after filming of ‘The White Lotus’. Vietnam’s President To Lam has temporarily taken over the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, and Cambodian conservationists in Cambodia discovered 106 eggs of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile.
Myanmar couple surrenders over Iranian man and Thai wife’s murder
A Myanmar couple, Kyaw Myint Oo (23) and Ei December (19), suspected of murdering Iranian restauranteur Mojtaba Ghanbariazad (64) and his Thai wife, Thanaporn Poonprakhon (49), surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, seeking repatriation. The couple allegedly targeted the victims for valuables and entered Thailand via border passes. The victims were found strangled and bound in their South Pattaya home. The suspects fled on the victims’ motorcycle, later abandoned it, and traveled to Bangkok. They surrendered for illegal immigration and were sent to Mae Sot district. Thai police are coordinating with Myanmar authorities for further action.
Cannabis conundrum: Deputy PM Anutin opposes cannabis reclassification
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul opposes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s plan to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. The ONCB recently agreed to this reclassification, expected next year, but it faces strong opposition from cannabis supporters and the Bhumjaithai Party. Anutin argues that further information is needed before reclassification and will vote against it in upcoming meetings. Despite differing views within the coalition government, Anutin emphasizes the need for mutual support while maintaining distinct stances on specific policies. He will only support reclassification if evidence shows cannabis harms society and offers no health benefits.
Party’s not over: MFP leader asserts party won’t be dissolved
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon is confident that the party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court on August 7, despite MP Rangsiman Rome’s concerns. The Election Commission (EC) accused MFP of trying to overthrow the monarchy by pledging to amend the lese majeste law. The court’s refusal to hear witnesses, including a key expert, has heightened worries. Chaithawat remains optimistic, citing extensive written defenses submitted to the court. The MFP has not made contingency plans for dissolution and continues to fulfill its opposition duties. Chaithawat plans to address the media on August 8.
Monkey business protest: PETA pushes against coconut picking primates
PETA Asia staged a protest at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, urging Thai authorities to stop using pig-tailed macaques for coconut picking. Dressed as “monkeys” in prison uniforms, protesters highlighted the abuse and forced labor of these animals in Thailand’s coconut industry. PETA Asia’s senior VP, Jason Baker, emphasised that macaques are beaten, deprived of natural life, and often have their teeth removed. Despite legal bans and past promises, the practice persists. Under PETA’s pressure, companies like Chef’s Choice Foods and HelloFresh have ceased sourcing Thai coconuts. Peta Asia demands stricter enforcement to end macaque mistreatment.
Former MP’s film fiasco: missing house session for movie leads to charges
Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for breaching ethics by missing a House meeting to watch a film. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted to charge Mongkolkit, now a Democrat Party member, for his absence on December 15, 2021. He took vocational students to see “4Kings,” a film about school rivalries, during the session. Despite submitting a formal letter of absence, a complaint was filed. If convicted, he could face a lifetime political ban. Mongkolkit plans to defend himself in court and file a petition against the NACC for procedural failures.
White Lotus wows Koh Samui: TV show sparks travel frenzy
Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism, with international accommodation searches up 26% and domestic searches up 8% in June, compared to last year. This increase is linked to the buzz around HBO’s series “The White Lotus,” which filmed its third season on the island. Agoda data shows Koh Samui attracting diverse travelers, especially from Israel, India, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia. The island’s charm, coupled with the show’s popularity, is drawing global attention. Koh Samui offers pristine beaches, rainforests, spas, and diverse activities. The 2025 release of “The White Lotus” starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Lisa from BLACKPINK is expected to further boost tourism.
Vietnamese musical chairs: President Lam takes the lead
Vietnam’s President To Lam has temporarily taken over the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is focusing on unspecified health treatment. The Politburo has tasked Lam, a former head of internal security and seen as a top candidate to replace Trong when his term ends in 2026, with overseeing the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat. This move follows months of speculation about Trong’s health. Trong, who has been party chief since 2011, is known for his anti-corruption campaign. Lam, elected president in May, promises to continue this crackdown. The Politburo’s statement urged confidence in the party’s leadership, and Vietnam’s stock market rose 0.5% after the announcement.
Croc-tastic Discovery: Cambodia Finds 106 Rare Crocodile Eggs
Conservationists in Cambodia discovered 106 eggs of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile in Cardamom National Park, marking the largest such find in 20 years. Sixty eggs hatched successfully between June 27 and 30. The discovery underscores the area’s importance as a key habitat for the species’ recovery. Once widespread across Southeast Asia, Siamese crocodiles now number around 1,000 in the wild, with over 300 in Cambodia. The Ministry of Environment is focusing on conservation and habitat restoration. This significant find follows previous discoveries of eggs in 2017 and hatchlings in 2021, offering renewed hope for the species’ survival.
