In this Thailand video news, Alex covers recent news from Thailand, passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight recounted the chaos during severe turbulence that led to a fatal heart attack and multiple injuries. A British tourist’s vacation in Phuket ended tragically following a jet ski accident. Thailand’s Defence Minister plans to review special laws in the Deep South amidst rising violence. In Bangkok, a piano teacher was arrested for alleged child assault crimes. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to attend the Bangkok Pride Festival 2024 despite security warnings. Lastly, Thailand celebrated the return of the 900-year-old ‘Golden Boy’ bronze statue, a significant cultural repatriation from the U.S.
Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight faced chaos when severe turbulence struck, causing a 73-year-old British man to suffer a fatal heart attack and injuring over 30 others. The turbulence hit during meal service, throwing passengers and objects around. The Boeing 777-300ER diverted to Bangkok, where it made an emergency landing. Singapore Airlines is aiding affected passengers and working with Thai authorities. Passengers shared their terrifying experiences, with some hitting the ceiling due to the turbulence. Aviation experts stress the importance of wearing seatbelts, as severe turbulence, though rare, can have serious consequences.
A British man’s holiday in Phuket ended in tragedy when Jonathan Greene, 37, from Stoke-on-Trent, died following a jet ski accident. Greene, an electrician, was enjoying his vacation on the island when the incident occurred. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries in a Bangkok hospital on May 6. North Staffordshire assistant coroner Duncan Ritchie has launched an inquiry into his death, which is suspected to be due to drowning. Further reports are awaited as the hearing has been adjourned.
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang plans to review special laws in Thailand’s Deep South following a surge in violence. This comes after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his upcoming visit to the region. Recent violence, including two explosions in Narathiwat, left one security volunteer dead and nine injured. Sutin aims to support local authorities and review emergency and martial law measures in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla. The government is exploring ways to boost morale and enhance security. These actions reflect ongoing efforts to address and reduce the long-standing conflict in the southern provinces.
A Bangkok piano teacher, Veeranan Lerdpanyaroj, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old girl at his music school in Phra Khanong Nua. Police seized devices containing over 1,000 child pornography videos, condoms, and lubricant gel. The girl’s mother reported the incident after her daughter ran out in tears, claiming the teacher had touched her inappropriately. Veeranan denies the assault but admits to possessing child pornography. He faces multiple charges, and authorities suspect there may be more victims. The investigation is ongoing as police gather further evidence.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will attend the Bangkok Pride Festival 2024, becoming the first Thai premier to do so, despite security concerns from a recent FBI and DHS warning about potential terrorist threats during Pride Month. The warning did not specify any event but noted increased risks at LGBTQIA+ gatherings. Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon stated that while the threat might not be specific to Thailand, the city will remain vigilant. Security will be coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Bureau and national security agencies. The parade, themed “Celebration of Love, Celebrating Marriage Equality,” is expected to attract over 200,000 participants.
Thailand and the U.S. celebrated the return of the 900-year-old “Golden Boy” bronze statue to Bangkok’s National Museum. After years of negotiations, the statue, along with the “Kneeling Lady,” was repatriated from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Thai Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and U.S. Ambassador Robert F. Godec praised the return as a symbol of Thailand’s heritage. The artifacts, believed to have been looted, were linked to art dealer Douglas Latchford. This successful repatriation is part of broader efforts to recover looted Southeast Asian artefacts from global museums.
