In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include an investigation into a Thai monastery accused of using corpses for meditation, updates on former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s planned return to face trial, and Thailand’s crackdown on nominee businesses. Other stories cover a tragic stabbing incident in Ratchaburi, public outrage over indecency on a Phuket beach, and traffic chaos caused by motorcycle taxis in Pattaya. From Khao San Road’s dip in European tourism to natural disasters in Sumatra, Indonesia rejecting Apple’s investment, Cambodian activists facing legal scrutiny, and a Malaysian court ruling on Swatch watches.
Thai Monastery Probed for Using 41 Corpses in Meditation
Authorities in Phichit are investigating Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn monastery for allegedly using 41 bodies in meditation rituals. Donation certificates accompanied the corpses, but police are verifying their legitimacy. The monastery’s head, Phra Ajarn Saifon Phandito, claims the practice is part of a unique meditation method. This follows a similar discovery of 12 bodies at another nearby temple, sparking controversy among local religious authorities.
Yingluck Shinawatra to Face Trial on Return to Thailand
Ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to return by Songkran 2025 to face legal proceedings, according to ex-MP Worachai Hema. Yingluck fled in 2017 after negligence charges in a rice subsidy scheme. Critics claim she faced unfair treatment after the 2014 coup. Worachai called for unity and warned against politicising her return.
Thailand Targets 27,000 Firms in Thai Nominee Crackdown
Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) will investigate 27,000 companies in 2025 for violating the Foreign Business Act. Key sectors include tourism, real estate, and e-commerce. Using advanced analytics, the DBD aims to uncover nominee structures. This year, 26,019 firms were reviewed, leading to charges against 64.
Drunken Man Kills Intruder in Ratchaburi
A drunk man, Ye, stabbed and killed Noi, a stranger who intruded into his rented room and used meth. After a confrontation, Noi summoned two friends, escalating tensions. Ye fatally attacked him and later surrendered to police with the weapon. Authorities are investigating.
Public Indecency on Phuket Beach Sparks Outrage
A foreign couple caught engaging in public intimacy on Kata Beach drew backlash from locals and online users. Shared photos reignited debates about tourist behaviour. Despite public outcry, authorities have not pursued legal action, continuing a pattern seen in similar incidents.
Motorcycle Taxis Cause Chaos at Pattaya Concert
A hip-hop concert near Pattaya caused gridlock as motorcycle taxis blocked traffic lanes, creating kilometres-long jams. Locals criticised poor parking and event planning. Residents demand stricter regulations and better traffic management for future events.
Khao San Road Sees Fewer European Tourists
Khao San Road faces a drop in European tourists, with December hotel bookings at 60%, down from 70% last year. Uncertainty from the Russia-Ukraine war has impacted visitor numbers. However, hopes remain high for a New Year’s Eve surge, potentially drawing 70,000 tourists.
Sumatra Landslides Leave 16 Dead, 6 Missing
Landslides and flash floods in North Sumatra killed 16 and left six missing. Torrential rains destroyed homes, farms, and plantations across several districts. Rescuers continue searching for survivors as over 150 buildings and 130 hectares of farmland remain damaged.
Indonesia Rejects Apple’s $100M Investment Plan
Indonesia declined Apple’s $100 million proposal for a component plant, citing it as insufficient to lift the iPhone 16 sales ban. The country requires 40% local components, a target Apple has not met. Officials urge Apple to fulfil prior commitments and present better proposals.
Cambodian Activists Freed After Logging Probe
Six Cambodian environmentalists, including Ouch Leng, were released after investigating illegal logging in a national park. They pledged not to enter restricted areas but may face legal action if they violate this agreement. Activists say the case underscores a crackdown on environmental advocacy.
Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch Watches in Malaysia
A Malaysian court ruled that 172 rainbow-themed Swatch watches, seized in 2023 for alleged LGBTQ elements, must be returned. While the seizure was unlawful, a ban issued later remains, barring their sale. Swatch argues the items posed no threat to public morality.
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