Thailand video news | Swiss tourist arrested in Phuket for drug use, Indonesian Tiktoker jailed for blasphemy over Jesus joke
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jau bring you the latest headlines from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. A Swiss tourist is arrested in Phuket after a viral drug-use video, while Pai police fine foreign tourists for smoking cannabis in public. Meanwhile, a Thai MP faces an ethics probe for vaping inside Parliament. In crime news, Thai police, with US Homeland Security, arrest a German man running a dark web child porn network. Plus, 29 tourists are rescued from a leaking speedboat off Krabi, and Thailand negotiates a MotoGP extension while eyeing an F1 race. In Cambodia, a tragic murder-suicide shocks Phnom Penh, while Malaysian police uncover new evidence in the Zayn Rayyan case. Lastly, an Indonesian TikToker is jailed for blasphemy over a controversial joke. Stay tuned for all the details.
Swiss Tourist Arrested in Phuket for Drug Use
Phuket police arrested Swiss tourist Sascha after a viral video showed him allegedly using illegal drugs in a motorbike parking area along the Kamala-Patong road. Authorities acted swiftly, and Sascha admitted to the offence. Police are now tracing the drug source. Meanwhile, another Swiss national, Rolf Weber, faces deportation from Prachuap Khiri Khan after repeated incidents of his dog attacking beachgoers. These cases highlight the importance of tourists respecting Thai laws to avoid serious legal trouble.
Foreign Tourists Fined for Smoking Cannabis in Pai
Pai police fined four tourists from Germany, Britain, France, and the Netherlands for smoking cannabis on Walking Street in Mae Hong Son. Acting on complaints, Major General Songkrit Onarchaikrai led a crackdown to curb public cannabis and cigarette use. Authorities stress that violating Thai laws on drug consumption can lead to penalties, as they work to maintain order and enhance the tourist experience in Pai.
Thai MP Investigated for Vaping in Parliament
Thai People’s Party MP Charoenyuth Chaturapornprasit faces an ethics investigation after a viral social media post caught him smoking an e-cigarette inside Parliament. His party launched an internal review, while the House Ethics Committee may take up the case. As Thailand intensifies its crackdown on vaping, a special House committee is set to propose new regulations on March 13. While some believe the scrutiny is politically motivated, party leaders insist on an objective review.
German Man Arrested for Running Dark Web Child Porn Network
Thai police, in collaboration with US Homeland Security, arrested German national Steffen, 54, in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, for operating a child pornography network on the dark web. Authorities seized electronic devices containing 140,000 illicit files and uncovered 3.5 million baht in cryptocurrency earnings. Steffen confessed to running two dark websites with over 10,000 subscribers. He faces Thai charges and potential extradition. Investigators are tracking additional suspects linked to the network.
29 Tourists Rescued from Leaking Speedboat Off Krabi
A speedboat carrying 29 tourists from Koh Lipe to Phuket began leaking near Koh Poda Nok due to rough seas. The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park patrol boat and another vessel, Nanthicha 333, quickly rescued all passengers. Unable to dock at Koh Phi Phi, they were taken to Maya Bay before continuing their journey. The incident underscores the need for stricter maritime safety measures in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Thailand Negotiating MotoGP Extension, Eyes Formula 1 Race
Thailand is in talks with Dorna Sports to extend its MotoGP contract for five more years while exploring plans to host a Formula 1 race. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, backed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is negotiating licensing fees and private sponsorships. The Chang International Circuit remains Thailand’s only FIM-certified MotoGP track. Hosting a race could generate 5-6 billion baht, reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to become a global motorsport hub.
Cambodian Woman Murdered, Ex-Husband Found Dead
Cambodian police confirmed that the suspect in the murder of 25-year-old waitress Un Sreylak was found hanged after fleeing to Banteay Meanchey Province. Sreylak’s body was discovered in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district with severe head injuries, broken jaws, and bruises. Witnesses reported hearing her ex-husband threaten her before abducting and killing her. Police identified him as the prime suspect, but he took his own life before arrest.
New Evidence in Malaysia’s Zayn Rayyan Murder Case
Malaysian police received new evidence in Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin’s murder case after his mother, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, reported a TikTok video link sent via WhatsApp. The footage, taken from an upper-floor unit at Idaman Apartment, shows her walking with Zayn and his brother shortly before Zayn was found dead 200 metres away. Fearing for her family’s safety, she alerted authorities. Police continue investigating and warn against speculation that could hinder the case.
Indonesian TikToker Jailed for Blasphemy Over Jesus Joke
Indonesian TikToker Ratu Thalisa, a Muslim transgender woman, received a nearly three-year prison sentence for blasphemy after jokingly asking a picture of Jesus to cut his hair during a livestream. The court ruled her guilty under Indonesia’s controversial EIT Law, following Christian group complaints. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemned the verdict as a violation of free speech. Prosecutors have appealed for a harsher sentence, while critics argue the law is often used to suppress expression.
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