Thailand Video News | Beloved Brit found mysteriously dead in hotel room, Rising sea levels lead to considerations to move capital from Bangkok
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover the stories from across the country. Beginning with the tragedy, Simon Brown, a 47-year-old from South Wales, was found dead in his hotel room, leaving his family and friends in shock as they face the arduous process of repatriating his body. Meanwhile, in Patong, the accidental death of five-year-old Nbaa Bahnasi from Jerusalem after falling from a tuk-tuk has prompted a thorough investigation. A violent altercation involving a jealous ex-partner in Suphan Buri resulted in two individuals being hospitalised with gunshot wounds. Amid these distressing events, Thailand continues to address significant challenges, including climate change threats to Bangkok, resumption of decade-old rice auctions ensuring public safety, and ongoing efforts to protect endangered leatherback sea turtles through conservation programs.
Beloved Brit Found Dead in Thailand Hotel Room
Simon Brown, a 47-year-old machine operator from Pontypridd, South Wales, was found dead in his Thailand hotel room last Saturday, leaving family and friends in shock and grief. Known for his outgoing personality and love for travel, especially to Thailand, Brown’s sudden death has prompted an investigation as there were no prior signs of ill health. His family faces the costly and lengthy process of repatriating his body to Wales and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £10,000, with over £2,000 already donated. Close friend Mark Davies highlighted Brown’s hard-working nature and the disbelief surrounding his unexpected passing. The cause of death remains undisclosed by Thai authorities.
Israeli Girl Dies in Tuk Tuk Accident on Patong Beach Road
A tragic accident on Patong Beach Road last night resulted in the death of five-year-old Nbaa Bahnasi from Jerusalem. At 10:40 pm, Patong police were alerted that Nbaa had fallen from a tuk tuk while traveling with her family on Thaweewong Road. The driver, Bunyang Kaewaksorn, 51, explained that he had to brake abruptly to avoid hitting a pedestrian, causing Nbaa to fall and be struck by a car behind them. Despite being rushed to Patong Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Patong Police are continuing their investigation to ascertain further details and responsibilities.
Jealous Durian Vendor’s Ex-Partner Opens Fire, Injuring Two
The calm at Thung Kok Police Station was disrupted yesterday evening when durian vendor Aphichot, 55, arrived with gunshot wounds inflicted by his jealous ex-wife, Jutharat. The incident occurred at a Suphan Buri residence, five kilometers from the station. Aphichot sustained a chest wound, while his current wife, Thiporada, 30, was found with three gunshot wounds. Both were taken to Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital. Police apprehended Jutharat, 49, at the scene with a .38 caliber pistol. The shooting followed a confrontation after Jutharat saw the couple selling durians. She faces charges of attempted murder and illegal firearm possession.
Ten-Year-Old Rice Auction Resumes After Safety Tests
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced the resumption of the 10-year-old rice auction following private lab tests that showed no contamination. The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is expediting the auction process with meticulous care. Private tests revealed no carcinogens or fumigation residue, and further quality checks by the Department of Medical Sciences are underway, with promising initial results. Phumtham emphasised the importance of thorough checks and transparency to ensure public confidence. The auction will involve 150,000 sacks of rice, with bidders conducting their tests to guarantee safety. This effort aims to maximise returns from government stocks and avoid the previous scenario of selling spoiled rice at low prices.
How Rising Sea Levels May Force Thailand to Move Its Capital
Thailand is grappling with the effects of climate change, with projections indicating a significant risk of flooding for low-lying areas, including Bangkok, before the century’s end. The possibility of relocating the capital has become a serious consideration. A senior official from Thailand’s climate change office highlighted the urgency, noting that Bangkok could face inundation if current trends continue. Thailand is exploring solutions like constructing sea walls similar to those in the Netherlands and implementing new environmental laws to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendliness. These measures are part of a broader effort to combat climate change and protect vulnerable areas from rising sea levels.
Scientists in Thailand Free Endangered Sea Turtles into the Wild
In a bid to bolster the wild population of endangered leatherback sea turtles, scientists in Thailand have released 11 one-year-old turtles into the Indian Ocean from Phuket. This effort follows significant conservation initiatives aimed at improving the survival rates of these sea creatures. The turtles, now equipped with satellite devices to track their progress, are expected to grow strong in the wild and return to reproduce in about 20 years. This release is part of an international conservation effort by Upwell Turtles, reflecting Thailand’s success in nurturing leatherback turtles through their first year. The initiative underscores the importance of understanding turtle migration paths to better protect their hatching process, as these turtles face numerous threats in the ocean, including fishing equipment, plastic waste, and toxic substances.
