Scientists recorded a female flat-headed cat with her cub, confirming ongoing reproduction in the region, a significant finding given that litters typically produce just one cub. With an estimated 2,500 adults remaining globally, the flat-headed cat is classified as endangered by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN). Thought to be most closely related to the leopard cat and fishing cat, the flat-headed cat has a short, tubular body with slender legs and a stubby tail. Strengthening the capacity of protected areas is vital for conserving the flat-headed cat. A rare image of a Flat-headed Cat ('Prionailurus planiceps') at night, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

Malaysia judge says ex-PM Najib used financier Jho Low as agentListen to this articleSupporters of former prime minister Najib Razak ahead of his verdict over corruption and money laundering charges outside the Malaysia's Court of Appeal and Federal Court in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Friday. (Photo: Bloomberg)Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak used financier Jho Low as a “proxy or agent” in the affairs of 1MDB, a judge said in an ongoing ruling on 25 1MDB-related charges against the politician. “The attempt by the accused to distance himself from Jho Low rang hollow in the light of the overwhelming evidence of these prosecution witnesses,” Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said in the High Court. The judge said he found no merit in defense claims of duplication among the abuse of power charges. 1MDB was a state investment fund that Najib set up while prime minister.

The next government will need to address falling rice prices for farmers, who earlier this year demanded better support to tackle the problem. Thai rice exports next year are expected to decline as they struggle to compete on prices, Arada Fuangtong, head of the foreign trade department, told a press conference. In 2025, rice shipments are projected to reach 7.88 million to 8 million tonnes, beating a target of 7.5 million, helped by strong year-end demand, Arada said. In the first 11 months of ​2025, rice shipments dropped 21% year-on-year to 7.3 million tonnes, with the value down 30.3%. "The strong ‍baht has continued to create problems for rice exports," she said.

Myanmar to hold third phase of election voting on Jan 25Listen to this articleFILE PHOTO: Myanmar protesters residing in Japan hold placards and raise three-finger salutes during a rally denouncing an upcoming election led by the military junta and demanding the immediate release of Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, outside Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Dec 14, 2025. (Reuters)‍Myanmar will hold a third phase of voting for ‌its general election ​on Jan 25, according to an announcement on state media on Friday, outlining a poll plan that comes amid a raging ‌civil war in the neighbouring country. The first two phases of voting are set ‌to take place on Dec 28 and Jan 11, covering a total of 202 townships out ⁠of a total of 330. The third phase will be held in 63 townships, the ruling junta said in an announcement by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. Dates for the counting of votes and ‌the ‍announcement of election results have not yet been declared.

Prawit prepares to retire from politics after withdrawing as PM candidateListen to this articlePalang Pracharath leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon visits the Suranaree Task Force base in Surin province on July 31, 2025, for a briefing on the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. (Photo: Palang Pracharath Party Facebook account)Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon has signalled his intention to step away from politics after withdrawing as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. His plan to end his political career had been widely expected after the retired general decided not to stand as the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the Feb 8 election. Gen Prawit played a key role in backing then army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha in the 2014 coup and in the subsequent governments led by Gen Prayut. Palang Pracharath secretary-general Treenuch Thienthong, who is also education minister in the current government, is set to be nominated as his replacement.

Defence Ministry clarifies Cambodia's ceasefire callListen to this articleThe Defence Ministry yesterday clarified that a letter sent by Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha did not explicitly declare a ceasefire, although it carried implications that Cambodia wished hostilities to cease and sought further discussion through bilateral mechanisms. According to RAdm Surasant, a subsequent letter from Gen Tea Seiha, dated Dec 22, similarly stopped short of formally declaring a ceasefire. While the wording suggested Cambodia's intention to halt fighting, it did not amount to a direct or binding declaration. The current round of GBC talks is taking place at the Ban Phak Kat permanent border crossing in Chanthaburi province, beginning on Wednesday. He said the success of the talks depended on Cambodia, which Thailand believes initiated the current situation.

PM race exit sparks disarrayListen to this articleThe Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has been thrown into disarray after its leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, reportedly withdrew as one of the party's PM candidates due to health concerns. Three individuals have quit the party since Gen Prawit stepped aside amid rumours he may also be considering retiring from politics. Gen Prawit's withdrawal was announced by PPRP deputy leader Paiboon Nititawan on Wednesday. According to Mr Paiboon, Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong, the party secretary-general, will be nominated as a replacement candidate, and Gen Prawit will remain the party leader. He thanked Gen Prawit for his generosity and kindness during his short stint with the party.

Rival parties outline conscription plansListen to this articleThe People's Party (PP) and the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) have placed military conscription reform at the forefront of their policy platforms, but while both emphasise voluntary service, their proposals differ in clarity, implementation and scale. BJT leader Anutin Charnvirakul earlier announced that his party would "end the conscription mindset" by transforming compulsory enlistment into a fully voluntary system. In contrast, the PP has unveiled a more detailed blueprint centred on abolishing conscription altogether, while still maintaining essential combat readiness. It plans to recruit at least 30,000 volunteers per year, each serving four years with the option to extend to eight. The party also pledges improved welfare and working conditions to make military service more appealing and professional.

Army says ICJ didn't define disputed areaListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Army's Second Area Command has issued a detailed clarification, stressing that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has never defined the 4.6-square-kilometre area surrounding Preah Vihear temple and that Thailand continues to adhere to the boundaries shown on the 1:50,000 map, which remains the country's official reference. The RTA said the widely cited 4.6km² "disputed zone" emerged not from the ICJ judgement but from conflicting interpretations. Thailand's cabinet in 1962 recognised Cambodia's rights only over the temple itself and fenced the area narrowly. The court also reaffirmed that Phu Makua was not part of the temple area. Thailand retains the lawful right to protect its sovereignty under international law, including measures to neutralise security threats posed by Cambodian positions overlooking Thai territory.

Democrat Party unveils 3 PM candidates for Feb 8 electionListen to this articleDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva leads party members to pay respects at Bangkok’s City Pillar Shrine on Friday morning. The party later introduced its three prime ministerial candidates - Mr Abhisit, Mr Korn and Ms Karndee - for the Feb 8 general election. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The Democrat Party has officially introduced its three prime ministerial candidates — party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy party leaders Korn Chatikavanij and Ms Karndee Leopairote — pledging to unite the party’s DNA to drive Thailand toward prosperity and eradicate poverty. The country's oldest political party released a video clip via is official Facebook page at about 10am on Friday formally announcing its three prime ministerial candidates for the Feb 8 general election. Earlier in the morning, Mr Abhisit accompanied by party members, paid respects to Bangkok’s City Pillar Shrine.

Princess names 43 new speciesListen to this articleHer Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has bestowed names on 43 newly discovered plant and animal species, underscoring Thailand's rich biological diversity and the importance of conservation -- particularly in the Sarakam River basin, one of the few major tributaries in the Mekong system free from dam construction. "To mark her 70th birthday, the network of taxonomists proposed 43 newly identified species to be named by the princess. With the latest additions, Princess Sirindhorn has now named a total of 84 species -- doubling the previous number in a single year since she first named a species, the Sirindhorn bird, in 1968. The 43 species span a wide range of life forms, including butterflies, mushrooms, flowering plants, earthworms, parasitic wasps, ants, millipedes, shrimps, shells, frogs, and snails. The Sarakam River stands out as the only major tributary without dams, making it a critical refuge for various species.

Meanwhile, gold prices are expected to moderate next year, though continue on an upward path. Mr Jitti predicts domestic gold prices could hit 70,000 baht per baht-weight next year if the baht is not “too strong”. Looking ahead to 2026, although gold prices are already at elevated levels, supporting factors remain for further increases, he said. The surging US public debt and the global push towards reducing reliance on the US dollar or de-dollarisation are additional factors supporting global gold prices, said Mr Thanarat. This convenience has accelerated trading activities, in turn contributing to greater volatility in gold prices, noted traders.

Power with no sensitivityListen to this articleThe border may be contested, but the message sent by bulldozing a Hindu god was unmistakable -- and damaging. Religious symbols do not lose their power because they are new. Yet here, the demolition of a Hindu god was greeted with applause. Bulldozing a god, broadcasting it proudly, and dismissing global outrage as misunderstanding do not signal sensitivity. If the country wants its claims to be taken seriously on the global stage, it must learn a basic lesson: power without cultural sensitivity does not project strength.

US urges Cambodia and Thailand to end weeks of deadly violenceListen to this articleVehicles carrying people who evacuate, amid deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, wait in a long line to get into a refugee camp in Chong Kal, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, on Dec 10, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Cambodia and Thailand to end violence as the two countries continue talks to end weeks of deadly clashes. Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump’s desire for peace in a call with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, according to a statement from the United States on Thursday. “Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in the statement. Five days of clashes in July ended with an initial ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia and the US.

His memorable words "murder your darlings" -- though often paraphrased -- have endured in the literary world because he made a very good point. Put simply, it means: get rid of the bits you love, because they are most likely not serving the plot. The movie is set in the wonderful Thai countryside and opens with a to-die-for sweeping shot across the rice fields, landing us on the playground of a junior school. Their striking innocence and unfiltered honesty are beautifully observed, and it is in this respect that the movie truly sings. It's a stellar performance -- though the singing voice of Lek is provided by the clear-toned Victoria Woodman.