In today’s Thailand video news, Alex highlights pressing stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Key updates include the tragic drownings in Phuket, claiming the lives of a young boy and a British tourist, and the hunt for a Bangkok drug gang suspect who remains at large after a confrontation with police. In Pattaya, an intoxicated woman flipped her car on an overpass, attributing the accident to heartache. Meanwhile, Andaman International Airport is set to be operational by 2030. Additional reports cover the arrest of a Thai man for stealing from a Russian couple in Phuket, the death of a surfer after being impaled by a swordfish, and, in Malaysia, the indictment of 22 members of an Islamic business group, including its CEO, on organized crime charges. Finally, there’s a positive environmental update on how a nearly extinct crocodile species has made a remarkable comeback in Cambodia.
Bangkok drug gang suspect at large after shooting at police
A Bangkok drug gang suspect remains at large after firing five shots at police during a chase. The incident occurred in Saimai, Bangkok, where police apprehended his accomplice, 37-year-old Wuttisak Tanchareon, and seized 160,000 methamphetamine pills and 1 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine from their car. The chase began when officers tried to stop the suspects’ vehicle, but the driver attempted to flee, leading to the gunfire. While one suspect was caught, the other escaped into nearby alleys. A manhunt is underway, with drones deployed to assist in locating the armed fugitive. In a related case, Phatthalung police arrested another drug dealer at a petrol station, confiscating 20,000 methamphetamine pills and working to dismantle a larger drug network.
Tragic drownings in Phuket claim lives of boy and British tourist
Two tragic drowning incidents occurred in Phuket on October 22, claiming the lives of a five-year-old Chinese boy and a 43-year-old British tourist. The young boy, Zhang Zhiqjanna, was swimming with his mother in a hotel pool near Karon Beach when he lost consciousness and drowned. Despite CPR efforts and being rushed to the hospital, he could not be revived. Earlier that day, the British tourist was pulled from the water at Karon Beach by a bystander but also could not be saved. Police are working with the relevant embassies regarding both deaths. In a related incident on October 17 in Buriram, a 13-year-old girl drowned after being swept away by strong currents at the Takut Tasa overflow dam. Despite villagers’ and rescue teams’ efforts, her body was recovered after an hour-long search, leaving her family devastated.
Intoxicated woman flips car on Pattaya overpass, claims heartache
A heavily intoxicated woman, identified as 29-year-old Panthip, flipped her car on the Laem Bali Hai overpass in Pattaya early on October 23. When police arrived at the scene, they found her Honda Brio overturned and severely damaged. Panthip, who sustained only minor injuries, told officers, “It hurts in my heart,” expressing confusion about the crash. Earlier in the evening, police had escorted her in a golf cart after noticing her intoxicated state, ensuring she was safe. Despite her claim to take public transport, she later drove, resulting in the accident. Panthip has been detained for blood alcohol testing and legal action.
Police race to arrest Tak Bai massacre suspects before deadline
National police chief Kitrat Phanphet has issued an urgent directive to apprehend all suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. The massacre, in which over 80 people died following a crackdown on protesters in Narathiwat and their transport to Pattani, led to the identification of 14 suspects. With only two days remaining, Kitrat visited Provincial Police Region 9 to expedite the arrests. Efforts include issuing warrants, conducting searches, and coordinating with Interpol. While some suspects have fled the country, police remain focused on capturing them before the deadline, with legal teams exploring options to extend the limitations. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong assured there are no double standards in the justice process.
Andaman International Airport ready for takeoff by 2030
The House Committee for Transportation is overseeing the progress of Andaman International Airport in Phang Nga, set to open by 2030. Chairman Kroomanit Sangpoom, along with committee members, recently inspected the site to assess land restitution and transportation infrastructure. The project is progressing well and is expected to significantly boost local income. A special subcommittee will be formed to evaluate the airport’s investment and public impact. The project was relocated to Takua Thung district due to conservation concerns, and a feasibility study is underway. Once complete, the airport will help relieve pressure on Phuket Airport, which is nearing capacity.
Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple in Phuket
Police arrested a 35-year-old Thai man, Surachai, for stealing from a Russian couple while they were at Kata Beach in Phuket. The couple left their belongings unattended and saw Surachai take their items, including a gold iPhone 13 Pro Max, cash, credit cards, and a gold ring, before fleeing on a motorcycle. Using security footage, police tracked him to Chalong and recovered most of the stolen items from his room. Surachai confessed to selling the phone to a man named Tom, who sent it to a shop via parcel delivery. Police retrieved the phone, and both men were summoned for legal proceedings. The Russian couple recovered all their belongings except for some spent cash.
Surfer dies after ‘swordfish impales chest’
Tributes are being paid to Giulia Manfrini, a 36-year-old Italian surfer from Turin, who tragically died after reportedly being impaled by a swordfish while surfing in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands. Witnesses attempted first aid, but despite efforts by her partner, resort staff, and doctors, she could not be saved. The local disaster management agency confirmed the incident, describing how a swordfish unexpectedly struck her in the chest. Manfrini, who co-founded a travel agency, was remembered by her business partner as passionate about surfing and life. Her hometown mayor expressed shock and sorrow over the untimely tragedy.
Malaysia charges 22 members of an Islamic business group, including its CEO, for organized crime
In Malaysia, 22 members of an Islamic business group, including CEO Nasiruddin Mohamad Ali and his wife, were charged with being part of an organized crime group following the rescue of over 500 children from welfare homes linked to their organization. The children were believed to have suffered sexual abuse, physical harm, and neglect. The case has prompted investigations into human trafficking and money laundering, as well as inquiries into the group’s teachings, which are associated with the banned Islamic sect Al Arqam. The accused were detained last month, and while they did not enter pleas during their court appearance, their lawyer stated they would fight the charges. Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings, founded by the Al Arqam leader, operates various businesses and employs around 5,000 people. Authorities have frozen the group’s bank accounts amid the ongoing investigation, which has sparked public outrage and calls for improved child protection measures.
How a nearly extinct crocodile species returned from the brink in Cambodia
Siamese crocodiles, once on the brink of extinction due to hunting for their leather, are making a comeback in Cambodia thanks to conservation efforts. Hor Vichet, a zookeeper at Fauna and Flora’s breeding center in Phnom Tamao, recently helped hatch several crocodiles, marking a significant step in their recovery. Historically, the species was thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains in the early 2000s. To support population recovery, conservationists began a captive breeding program to identify and breed purebred Siamese crocodiles. Since 2012, some of these crocodiles have been reintroduced into the wild, leading to the discovery of over a hundred eggs in July, a sign of successful breeding. However, challenges remain, including the need to maintain the genetic purity of the species and to protect their habitat. Many crocodile farms across Southeast Asia have mixed species, which poses risks if hybrids were released into the wild. Habitat conservation is crucial, as Cambodia has lost nearly a third of its tree cover in recent years. While demand for crocodile leather has diminished, some farmers still struggle economically. The conservationists emphasize that protecting the habitat is vital for the success of reintroduced crocodile populations.
Tropical Storm Trami brings floods and fatalities in the Philippines
Tropical Storm Trami has caused at least seven deaths and forced over 30,000 people to evacuate in the Philippines by October 23, as it approaches landfall. The storm has brought heavy rain and severe flooding, particularly in the Bicol region, where rescue efforts are being hindered by unexpectedly high floodwaters. The Philippine weather agency, PAGASA, reported that Trami has intensified into a severe tropical storm and is expected to make landfall on Luzon, the country’s largest island, by Thursday morning.
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