Nipah screening at airports, travel warning for IndiaListen to this articleQuarantine officers monitor a thermal camera screen at Suvarnabhumi airport as they check the temperatures of arriving passengers, part of heightened screening measures amid the Nipah virus disease outbreak in India. (Photo: The Department of Disease Control)Disease control has been intensified at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports, screening travellers from West Bengal in India where there is a confirmed outbreak of potentially lethal Nipah virus disease. A travel advisory is also in effect for Thais planning trips to India, warning them to take extra precautions. Symptoms linked to the Nipah virus include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, breathing difficulty, drowsiness, confusion and seizures. Travel guidance for Thais visiting IndiaThe DDC also issued travel guidance for Thais planning trips to India for tourism or pilgrimage.

Phuket 7-colour lobster gains recognitionListen to this articlePhoto: wiki commonsPHUKET - The tourist island's famed "seven-colour lobster" has received geographical indication (GI) approval, a major milestone for the local seafood industry. The crustacean is a delicacy, prized not just for its coloration but also for its size and firm, sweet meat. Phuket governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said the Department of Intellectual Property formally granted the GI to "Phuket lobster", recognising its unique identity with its seven colours. The GI shows that the lobster's distinctive characteristics are closely linked to its geographical origin and cannot be replicated elsewhere. Mr Nirat said the recognition would directly benefit the local economy, boosting the incomes of fishermen and local businesses.

Virologist warns of Nipah virus risk from batsListen to this articleFruit bats sleeping in trees during the day along Pattaya-Naklua Road in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri, on Sunday. (Photo: Amporn Sangkaew)Thailand is at risk from the Nipah virus because it is carried by fruit bats, which are found nationwide, according to prominent virologist Yong Poovorawan. Prof Dr Yong, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that Nipah virus disease was first detected in 1998 and 1999. Fruit bats were proved to be the carriers of the virus. He said the Nipah virus occurs naturally in fruit bats, which are found nationwide, “especially in communities, temples and orchards where the risk is relatively higher from the environment and food contaminated with the saliva and urine of bats".

Minnesota governor slams 'another horrific shooting' by federal agentsListen to this articleTear gas is deployed by law enforcement in Minneapolis as demonstrators gather near the site where officials say a man was shot by federal agentsMINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said Saturday that federal agents deployed in Minneapolis as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown had carried out "another horrific shooting," less than three weeks after the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The city government said it was "aware of reports of another shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area of 26th Street W and Nicollet Ave" and seeking more details. "I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minneapolis has been rocked by increasingly tense protests since federal agents shot and killed Good, a US citizen, on January 7. The detention of a five-year-old boy this week, as agents sought to arrest his father, rekindled public outrage.

Trump praises UK troops as row over his NATO comments growsListen to this articleTrump's remarks have sparked outrage among other NATO countriesCOPENHAGEN - US President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to offer an olive branch to Britain on Saturday in a row over the role of UK soldiers in Afghanistan, calling them "among the greatest of all warriors". But other European countries have also reacted sharply to his comments discounting what NATO troops did in Afghanistan, with French President Emmanuel Macron the latest to comment Saturday. He also repeated his suggestion that the alliance would not come to the aid of the United States if asked to do so. "The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!" "Denmark has always stood by the United States, and we have shown up in crisis zones around the world when the United States asked us to," said a statement from the association.

Rambolek lands a punch on Abdulla Dayakaev at ONE Fight Night 39“They played a huge role,” said Rambolek, who had both ONE legends in his corner. “This win comes from them training me to be better.”By the time he reached the main event of ONE Fight Night 39, Rambolek had quietly put together a four-fight winning streak – but questions remained. That was the weak spot I talked about.”Rambolek celebrates his stunning second round KO of Abdulla Dayakaev at ONE Fight Night 39When the opening presented itself in the second round, Rambolek did not hesitate. “I knocked out someone who had never been knocked out before.”The eruption inside Lumpinee was unlike anything Rambolek had experienced. Rambolek poses with his coaching team including legends Superbon and Nong-O“If it fits, then yes, of course,” Rambolek said of a title shot.

Snow fell over parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas on Friday (January 23) in a frosty prelude to a monster winter storm expected to converge with bitter Arctic cold and engulf much of the United States over the weekend from the Rockies to the Eastern Seaboard. Residents across the U.S. prepared for the storm, buying generators, firewood, and groceries, while outreach workers raced time to offer help to those who are unhoused.

Poll: People’s Party and candidates favourites in Samut PrakanListen to this articlePeople's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut during a photo opp with supporters in Chiang Mai province on Jan 18. (Photo: People's Party)The People's Party, its constituency and prime ministerial candidates are most favoured by voters in Samut Prakan province, according to an opinion poll published just two weeks before the general election by the National Institute of Development Administration. Nida polled 1,067 respondents in Samut Prakan from Jan 15-19 to gauge the popularity of political parties and their prime ministerial candidates ahead of the Feb 8 elections. Asked which prime ministerial candidate they preferred:31.96% of the respondents said People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut20.15% Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul16.31% undecided9.00% Pheu Thai Party’s Yodchanan Wongsawat6.09% Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva4.69% Economic Party leader Rangsee Kitiyanasap2.06% Sirikanya Tansakul from the People’s Party1.87% Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan from the Thai Sang Thai Party1.50% Pheu Thai Party leader Julapun Amornvivat1.03% United Thai Nation Party leader Pirapan SalirathavibhagaAsked which political party's constituency MP candidates they favoured:42.46% of the respondents said the People’s Party18.18% the Bhumjaithai Party14.62% the Pheu Thai Party7.69% undecided6.09% the Democrat Party3.94% the Economic Party1.59% the United Thai Nation PartyWhen asked which party-list they would vote for:

SRTTrain services on the northeastern line affected by the fatal crane collapse in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima resumed on Saturday, following safety inspections and certification by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Many insist that while trains may begin running again, the compensation provided so far does not reflect the scale of loss suffered by victims' families, both emotionally and economically. Scrutiny steps upThe section between Kaeng Khoi, Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima reopened at 5am on Saturday after final safety checks were completed. Despite these assurances, the decision to resume services has drawn mixed reactions from communities near the site, where memories of the tragedy remain raw. Kroekrit Chotthaphiphat, vice-president of the Volunteer Lawyers Unit of Nakhon Ratchasima Lawyers Council, said families could still pursue additional compensation through civil claims.

Klatham MP candidate seeks fairness after EC ban rowListen to this articleA Klatham Party MP candidate in Chaiyaphum is calling for fairness after being disqualified for failing to vote in a previous local election. "When I submitted my application for verification of my eligibility to stand as an MP, I should have been informed much earlier. It should not have taken almost a month, and certainly no more than seven days," he said. During the briefing, Mr Pasit broke down in tears, saying the ruling had cost him time, money and hope after a significant campaign spending. The EC has referred the matter to court, with a ruling due on Monday.

Rapper Eakapan rocks Para Games with 5th goldListen to this articleStellar show: Eakapan Songwichean celebrates after winning the men's 200m individual medley SM5 final. Para swimmer Eakapan Songwichean continued his remarkable campaign at the 13th Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday, taking his personal tally to five gold medals after securing two more titles. The 24‑year‑old, who also performs as rapper EarthSN, produced a superb swim in the men's 200m individual medley SM5 final, clocking 3:32.33min to set a new Games record. Eakapan had already claimed gold in the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly earlier in the tournament. Archery added further success as Phannibha Srathongmaew and Wasana Kuthawisap edged Vietnam 142‑141 in a tense women's doubles compound open final to secure gold.

Pitchamon, a former world junior champion, has two Super 100 titles -- the 2023 Malaysia Super 100 and the 2025 Baoji China Masters. Like Pitchamon, Panitchaphon is targeting his biggest career win. Panitchaphon had a breakthrough season last year, winning his first World Tour title at the Super 100 Vietnam Open. He was a runner-up at the Kaohsiung Masters, also a Super 100 event. Christiansen and Boje were runners-up to Thai duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran at the India Open last Sunday.

Statue rivalry sows conflictListen to this articleThe destruction of a Hindu god statue on contested land between Thailand and Cambodia by the Thai military last month was appalling. Yet just as the issue began to subside, the authorities created fresh controversy by replacing the ruined statue with a Buddha image -- a move that is unforgivably thoughtless by any measure. The new image, Buddha under Naga's Protection, was erected at Ban Chom Kasan in Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani, directly opposite Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, supposedly to boost morale. Near the Chong An Ma crossing, the Thai military bulldozed the towering Vishnu statue on Dec 22, shortly before both sides declared a truce. Placing a Buddha image atop the ruins of a Vishnu statue crosses a line.

Julian's wonderful way with wordsListen to this articleThis week's column is being written with much sadness after learning my old friend and colleague Julian Spindler has passed away in Bangkok from cancer at the age of 80. Below are my memories of Julian in his early days in Thailand. I think it was 1971 when I first met Julian at the Bangkok Post when he became a writer for the Financial Post. He had a wonderful way with words and I was envious of his extensive vocabulary. GapIn his early days at the Post Julian met his wife-to-be Kanjana (Gap) and they went on to have a son Chris.

Kingdom's futsal stars ready for Asian Cup challengeListen to this articleThailand's national futsal squad have departed for Indonesia for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, where they will contest in Group B alongside Vietnam, Kuwait and Lebanon. The squad, trimmed to 14 players under new head coach Rakpol Sainetngarm, left Bangkok on Saturday following a three‑week training camp. Rakpol, appointed earlier this month, said the group had responded well to the limited preparation time and was ready to compete. Selection was complicated by injuries to Apiwat Chamjaroen, Teerapat Muansri and Thanachote Saosawang, reducing the training group to 18 before the final cut. "It was difficult to reduce from 21 to 14," Rakpol admitted.