Chinese implore DSI to resolve 'berry farm scam'Listen to this articleTwo Chinese investors have filed a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), alleging they were defrauded by a Thai businessman in a strawberry farm project in a coastal province, resulting in damages of more than 20 million baht. The complaint was submitted by lawyer Kritsada Intamara, alongside investors identified as Chun, 36, and Laila, 60, at the DSI headquarters on Chaeng Watthana Road. In 2024, a Thai businessman identified as "Mr T" persuaded the investors to join a strawberry farm project, claiming to have 100 rai of land and political backing. He said the case represents a serious threat to the economy, and urged the DSI to dismantle the network and restore investor trust. Somkiat Phetpradap, director of complaint reviews at the DSI, formally received the petition and said he would forward it to senior officials.

(Photo: AFP)ROME - A branch of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will help with security for the Winter Olympics in Italy, officials confirmed on Tuesday, sparking anger and warnings they were not welcome. In a statement to AFP, ICE said: “At the Olympics, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is supporting the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and host nation to vet and mitigate risks from transnational criminal organisations. “All security operations remain under Italian authority.”It’s not known whether the HSI has in the past been involved in the Olympics, or whether this is a first. The protection of US citizens during Olympic Games overseas is led by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). The International Olympic Committee when contacted by AFP about the matter replied: “We kindly refer you to the USOPC (the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee)”.

Gold traders seek clarity on new trading rulesListen to this articleThe Gold Traders Association (GTA) is asking the Bank of Thailand to clarify all the regulations it is set to enforce regarding gold trading, asking for more time to comply, particularly with the measure for online gold trading using dollar-based transactions. "It will take several months for gold shops to be ready to comply, especially for online gold trading to be conducted in dollars." MORE TO COMETaking effect on Tuesday, gold traders with annual gold trading volumes of 10 billion baht or more are required to report their transaction data to the central bank. Gold and currency traders view the recent regulation requiring major gold traders to report their trading volumes to the central bank as having a limited impact in slowing baht strength, but gives the regulator room to better monitor gold trading. "As long as there is no tax imposed on gold trading, which could affect both gold businesses and our customers, we won't oppose it," she told the Bangkok Post.

Apichart JinakulThe tourism confidence index in the fourth quarter of 2025 dropped year-on-year, marking a sluggish recovery due to southern flooding, the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict and the strong baht, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The council's survey of 740 operators between Nov 10 and Dec 10 tallied a tourism confidence index of 72, down from 75 year-on-year, though improving from 66 in the third quarter. All regions across Thailand, except the central and western regions, recorded a year-on-year dip in tourism confidence in the fourth quarter. Tourism operators' revenue recovered by only 50% of the pre-pandemic level. For the first quarter of 2026, the TCT forecast the tourism confidence index improving to 80, with arrivals reaching 9.3 million, mainly driven by European tourists and the Chinese New Year holiday.

Nutthawat WichieanbutThailand must urgently upgrade its flood and water management systems as climate change intensifies extreme weather, experts warned at the Water Resilience Forum 2026 on Monday. He cited global engineering solutions such as Singapore's "sponge city" concept, Japan's giant underground flood tunnels and the Netherlands' sea barriers, saying Thailand should develop its own flood management model suited to local conditions. Integrated measures to reduce upstream water flows and divert excess water to the sea have helped prevent major inundation, he said. "We don't have a dam to control water at the river's mouth, which makes Bangkok highly vulnerable to climate change," Mr Chadchart said. Victoria Elema, team lead for international water affairs at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, told the event that the Netherlands has successfully reduced flood risks through the Delta Works programme, which includes dams, sluices, locks, dykes and storm surge barriers.

Pheu Thai says 'wanted' councillor already cut tiesListen to this articlePheu Thai's PM candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat speaks during a rally at Thap Kwang Municipal Stadium, Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi province. Pheu Thai PartyThe Pheu Thai Party said a Kalasin provincial councillor had already resigned from the party after authorities issued arrest warrants over alleged links to an online gambling and scam network. The male was identified as Patthanun Chandorn, a member of the Kalasin Provincial Administrative Organisation Council. Another provincial councillor, whose name has yet to be disclosed, reportedly fled abroad on Jan 15. The party confirmed Mr Patthanun had been a member but said he had resigned earlier and no longer held any status within Pheu Thai.

Doubt clouds status of PP candidateListen to this articleDr Supat Hasuwannakit (photo: People's Party)It remains unclear if Dr Supat Hasuwannakit -- who is running for the Feb 8 election under the banner of the People's Party (PP) -- has been removed from civil service due to a procurement scandal, according to Narong Klanwarin, chair of the Election Commission (EC). If Dr Supat is indeed disqualified, the provincial EC director in Songkhla would be required to petition the Supreme Court to revoke his candidacy, Mr Narong said. He said it falls on the EC provincial director in Songkhla to file a petition to the Supreme Court to revoke Dr Supat's candidacy. Mr Narong said he learned of the alleged dismissal from media reports, but it was unclear whether Dr Supat had actually been dismissed from the civil service. Dr Supat is running as a constituency MP candidate in Songkhla.

Listen to this articleWomen wrapped in Israeli flags stand in front of a clock counting the days since the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attack, at “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv, on Oct 14, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)TEL AVIV - A clock in a Tel Aviv square that became ‌a rallying point for Israelis demanding the release of hostages taken during the ​October 2023 Hamas attack will be turned off on Tuesday, 844 days after it began counting their captivity. Ran Gvili, 24, was an off-duty police officer recovering from an injury, who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the 2023 attack. Gvili’s mother, Talik, speaking to reporters late on Monday, after her son’s body was recovered, thanked those who had supported the family ‌during the 27 months since the 2023 attack. The Hamas attack, the ‌bloodiest killing of Jews since the Holocaust, was widely seen as the most traumatic event in the country’s history.

PP vows B250bn 100-day economic planNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, fifth from right, front row, and his team pose for a photo with Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries, sixth from right, and FTI executives after discussions on economic policy at the FTI headquarters in Bangkok's Sathon district on Tuesday. PEOPLE'S PARTYThe People's Party (PP) has pledged to roll out an ambitious "first 100-day" economic plan worth 250 billion baht if elected to form the next government. The plan aims to revive Thailand's economy by boosting liquidity for entrepreneurs, tightening fair competition and stimulating domestic demand, while continuing the current co-payment scheme. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut outlined the proposal after a meeting on Tuesday with executives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). He said the initial phase would focus on plugging structural economic loopholes and restoring fairness for Thai businesses and workers.

BJT urges strategic voting as polls tightenListen to this articlePrime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul campaigns for votes in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Jan 22. "This time, there are really only two sides: the left and the right," Ms Supamas said. Speaking about the party's readiness to stage its first major rally in Bangkok, Ms Supamas said BJT would hold a large campaign event on Friday at Lumpini Park. The rally will be led by Mr Anutin, dubbed the "blue corner" leader, alongside the party's economic "dream team". Ms Supamas said the rally is expected to have a distinctive format compared with previous campaign events.

Listen to this articleDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Suan Rot Fai park on Tuesday. Democrat PartyThe Democrat Party has stepped up its Bangkok campaign, promoting a common ticket transport policy while signalling confidence in coalition leverage, amid polling that shows strong support in the South. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva led the rally on Tuesday, joined by senior figures and two other prime ministerial candidates, Korn Chatikavanij and Karndee Leopairote. He warned against vote-buying and populism, calling for a clean election enforced by voters and the Election Commission (EC). In the prime ministerial preference, Mr Abhisit led with 51.45%, well ahead of Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul (16.40%) and People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (14.34%).

Listen to this articleTransport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (photo: Government House)The touted "Disneyland Thailand" project is both feasible and realistic, says Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, insisting it is not a fanciful promise or political hype. Speaking as the minister overseeing the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Mr Phiphat said Thailand has sufficient potential, infrastructure and readiness to host a world-class entertainment development of this scale. The initiative is being seriously studied as part of a broader plan to transform the EEC into a global entertainment and lifestyle hub, he said. Mr Phiphat stressed the vision extends far beyond a theme park, encompassing large-scale concert halls and a world-standard sports stadium with a seating capacity of at least 80,000. "Disneyland Thailand should not be seen merely as an amusement park, but as a global entertainment and lifestyle hub," Mr Phiphat said.

DPM denies abusing SSF money on travelListen to this articleDeputy Prime Minister Phiphat RatchakitprakarnDeputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday that he always travels in business class and follows a principle of using Social Security Fund (SSF) money prudently and only when necessary. His remarks were in response to Rukchanok Srinork, a party-list candidate of the People's Party (PP), who said officials allowed to use Social Security Fund money for overseas study trips could choose to fly in first or business class in line with regulations. Ms Rukchanok mentioned Mr Phiphat and another former labour minister, Suchart Chomklin, among those eligible. He said that he never travelled first class on any official trip involving the Social Security Office. He urged Ms Rukchanok to verify information carefully before posting to avoid misleading messages that could damage reputations and cause public misunderstanding.

Nutthawat WichieanbutWith just two weeks remaining before the general election on Feb 8, political parties are intensifying their campaigns, sharpening policy messages and deploying high-profile figures to win over undecided voters. The People's Party (PP), meanwhile, has sought to reignite enthusiasm by bringing back Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the dissolved Move Forward Party, to help campaign. The Pheu Thai Party has accelerated its economic messaging, unveiling policies to address cost-of-living pressures. According to Mr Stithorn, BJT's current strategy is more about reinforcing existing support than expanding it. "They need to fix this fast," Mr Stithorn said, "or the gains from Yodchanan's image will be wasted."

Malaysians advised to have car flood insurance if going to Hat YaiListen to this articleA view of a very quiet Hat Yai city from Hat Yai Municipal Park on Khao Kho Hong hill at night on Dec 6, 2025, shortly after the great flood. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)Malaysians planning to vacation in Hat Yai city during the Chinese New Year are being advised to ensure their car insurance covers flood damage. The Malaysian diplomat said although roads are safe as Hat Yai is gradually returning to normaly, visitors should have flood cover for vehicles as a precaution. Hat Yai is recovering from the devasting flood in November that crippled tourism and the hospitality sector, among other economic damage. Hotels in Hat Yai district are struggling due to the plunging confidence of local and foreign tourists.