Thailand’s PM Pushes Investment Amid Trump’s Win
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is using Donald Trump’s election win to drive foreign investment in Thailand. In LA, she called on Thai diplomats to promote Thailand as an investment hub, urging them to adapt to changing global dynamics. Her strategies include a new Matching Fund, scholarships for key sectors abroad, and initiatives to bring Thai talent back home. She also met with Thai expats, emphasising their role in national growth and accepting a donation for flood relief. She continues her investment push at the APEC summit in Peru.
British Man Arrested for Drug Sales in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Immigration arrested a British man named Daniel for allegedly selling drugs to foreign tourists. As a partner in a cannabis shop, he’s been accused of promoting and selling illegal drugs like crystal meth, ecstasy, and cocaine for over six months. Police suspect he may have also smuggled cannabis overseas. Daniel faces serious charges under the Narcotics Act, including up to life in prison, fines, and a 10-year ban from Thailand post-sentence.
Child Abuse Allegations Rock Chiang Mai Orphanage
The Ministry of Social Development is revoking the license of a Chiang Mai orphanage after child abuse claims surfaced. Following a former caregiver’s report of severe punishments, officials rescued 17 children, now under temporary protection. The orphanage board has filed charges against involved staff, while the ministry evaluates further legal compliance, with a meeting set for November 21. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa warned childcare centres against child exploitation, pledging full legal action.
Pattaya Vendors Exploit Children for Tourist Sympathy
In Pattaya, foreign vendors, mostly Vietnamese, are using children in aggressive street sales to target tourists. Seen on Walking Street and Petchtrakool Road, they carry infants to attract sympathy, pressuring tourists to buy flowers and candies. This practice has upset locals, who fear it damages Pattaya’s image and impacts local Thai vendors’ earnings. With upcoming festivals, pressure is mounting on authorities to address the issue.
Thai Airways Joins Backlash Over Rolls-Royce Delays
Thai Airways (THAI) has joined global airlines criticising Rolls-Royce over extensive engine maintenance delays. CEO Chai Eamsiri said repairs on Boeing 787 engines now take up to 120 days, leaving planes grounded for months. In response, THAI has ordered 45 new 787s with GE engines. Rolls-Royce, under intense pressure, has created a task force to speed up repairs.
Malaysia Challenges Sultan’s Heirs Over Land Claims
Malaysia’s law minister, Azalina Othman Said, challenged the heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu to lease disputed Malaysian land after France’s top civil court rejected their $14.9 billion claim. Despite the nullified award, the heirs insist on their rights to the land, threatening to lease it to nations like the Philippines. Malaysia dismissed these claims, asserting sovereignty over the area, a contested issue since 2013.
Disabled Cambodian Man Jailed for ‘Incitement’ on Social Media
A Cambodian court sentenced Phon Yuth, a disabled man, to 18 months for “incitement” over social media posts criticising the government. Yuth, a wheelchair user, was detained without trial since March. Human rights group Adhoc Cambodia expressed concerns over further restrictions on free speech. Cambodia faces criticism for crackdowns on dissent, including the jailing of activist Koet Saray and the resignation of journalist Mech Dara.
US YouTuber Faces Prison in South Korea for Deepfake Video
American YouTuber Johnny Somali may face up to seven years in South Korean prison after creating a deepfake video showing him with a local influencer. Already under investigation for disrespectful content, Somali streamed the deepfake with influencer Bongbong, violating South Korea’s new law against sexually explicit deepfakes, even though Bongbong dropped her complaint.
Japanese PM’s Nap During Vote Goes Viral, Promises Defence Boost
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba went viral after briefly napping during a parliamentary vote, racking up 30 million views. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi explained that Ishiba, recovering from a cold and fatigued, had taken drowsiness-inducing medicine. Despite setbacks, Ishiba retained his position, pledging to boost defence, economic growth, and disaster resilience, solidifying his leadership.
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