On Thailand Video News, Alex talks about the latest occurrences happening locally and globally. Thailand resumes sending agriculture workers to Israel during a local production crisis. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange may stopover in Thailand on his way to freedom in Australia. A Thai woman has escaped arrest with the assistance of her boyfriend, only to be apprehended again in Rayong Province. Eight Thai women and a Thai transwoman have been arrested in Taiwan for illegal prostitution. Thailand is beginning to import shrimp from Ecuador after once being a leading exporter of shrimp, and Thailand has ranked in 45th in the World Happiness Report 2024. Vietnam has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the US after Putin’s diplomatic visit and Malaysia and Thailand are hoping to become members of the BRICS economic bloc.
Thailand resumes sending farm workers to Israel amid local production crisis
Thailand will restart sending agricultural workers to Israel after an eight-month break due to the Hamas attacks in October. Around 30,000 Thai workers were in Israel before the conflict, with 39 killed and 32 taken hostage during the attacks. Six Thais remain captive. The Thai government has coordinated with Israel to ensure worker safety. The first group of about 100 workers will depart Bangkok on Tuesday, with more following in early July. Many Thai workers are attracted to Israel for higher wages, seeking to alleviate debt common in Thailand’s rural northeast.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange passes through Thailand on path to freedom
Julian Assange’s legal battle against extradition to the United States continues to unfold. He faces charges related to the publication of classified documents by WikiLeaks, which exposed U.S. military activities and alleged war crimes. His defense argues that these actions are protected under press freedoms. Currently held in London’s Belmarsh Prison, Assange’s health has deteriorated, and his wife, Stella Assange, stresses the life-or-death stakes of his extradition. Thailand was mentioned as a possible stopover due to its strategic location during international movements. The UK courts are deliberating whether to allow his appeal against extradition.
Thai woman escapes arrest with boyfriend’s help, later caught
A Thai woman, Naranya Areepong, was arrested for theft at a shopping center in Sattahip after attempting to steal two bottles of imported alcohol. While being processed at the police station, she escaped with the help of her boyfriend, Arthit Wattanasuk, who picked her up on a motorcycle. The couple initially evaded capture, but police, with the help of Naranya’s father, managed to apprehend them in Rayong province. Arthit claimed he assisted Naranya to prevent their daughter from growing up without her mother. Both were arrested in their rented room, and charges are pending.
Thai women arrested in Taiwan for illegal prostitution
Taiwanese police arrested eight Thai women and a Thai transwoman at a hotel in Taipei City’s Zhongshan district for illegal prostitution. This crackdown followed the arrest of 24 Thai women in the same district in May. The nine Thai nationals, who entered Taiwan under a visa-free scheme, were recruited by a transnational sex trafficking gang. They were detained and will be deported with a life ban on re-entry to Taiwan. The hotel owner faces charges related to sexual conduct and labor laws. Taiwanese authorities continue to investigate the trafficking gang behind this operation and warn against believing false job advertisements.
Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis
Thailand, once a leading shrimp exporter, is now importing shrimp from Ecuador due to a severe decline in local production, which has dropped from 600,000 to 200,000 tonnes annually. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has tasked the Department of Fisheries with investigating the causes of this decline and reporting back at the next Cabinet meeting. The importation has lowered local shrimp prices, causing financial strain for Thai farmers. The investigation aims to uncover factors such as environmental changes, disease, and economic policies to develop strategies to revive the industry and ensure sustainability.
Thailand ranked in top 50 in 2024 happiness report
Thailand has been ranked 45th out of 143 countries in the World Happiness Report 2024, making it the second happiest country in Asia after Taiwan. The report, using data from the Gallup World Poll, evaluates happiness based on GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. This ranking underscores Thailand’s appeal, especially among young people, and highlights its accessibility for international visitors. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policies, such as the Marriage Equality Bill, are noted for resonating with the youth, although local challenges like job scarcity and drug addiction persist.
Vietnam reaffirms ‘strategic partnership’ with US after Putin visit
Vietnam reaffirmed its “strategic partnership” with the United States just a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son praised the upgraded bilateral ties and the first Vietnam-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., in March. The U.S. and Vietnam elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President Biden’s visit in September, as part of U.S. efforts to counter China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific. Despite the growing U.S. ties, Vietnam maintains close relations with Russia, its main arms supplier and historical ally.
Malaysia and Thailand pursue BRICS membership
Malaysia and Thailand are taking steps to join the BRICS economic bloc, which currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the economic benefits and strategic advantages of joining, aiming to strengthen trade relationships and diversify economic ties. Thailand’s government has also approved its bid for BRICS membership, seeing it as a way to boost the economy and enhance international cooperation. Both countries view BRICS as a platform to amplify their roles on the global stage, particularly among emerging economies.
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