Parties line up to oppose VAT increaseListen to this articleMajor political parties contesting the 2026 general election have lined up to oppose proposed increases in value-added tax (VAT), warning that higher consumption taxes would further burden households and businesses struggling with economic pressures. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, said his party opposed a VAT increase under current economic conditions, arguing it was inappropriate while growth remained fragile. However, he said the party supported a gradual increase in corporate income tax to 25% from the current 20%. By comparison, Singapore's corporate tax rate is 17%, with an effective rate of 6.4%. On personal income tax, Mr Korn said the Democrats proposed raising the income threshold exempt from tax.

Fury grows over five-year-old's detention in US immigration crackdownListen to this articleThe administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing a massive campaign to deport undocumented immigrants. Ramos was then used as "bait" by immigration officers to knock on the door of his home to draw out those inside, Zena Stenvik added. Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro, whose constituency includes a San Antonio ICE detention center to which it was thought Ramos was taken, rejected Vance's explanation. - 'Just a baby' -Former US vice president Kamala Harris said she was "outraged" by Ramos's detention and called him "just a baby." Children have long been caught up in federal immigration enforcement, under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Office of ironyListen to this articleThe Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) finally broke its silence on Thursday and revealed to the public how it would be handling the scandalous accusation of bribe-taking levelled against some of its members. Our national graft-buster, tasked with handling high-profile cases of corruption, has been rocked by some serious allegations. The public needs to see and believe the NACC commissioners and officials are transparent and are being treated the same as everyone else. Such actions demean the agency and will continue to undermine public trust in both it and its stated mission of battling corruption. How can the country win the war against graft when we cannot even say we fully trust the anti-corruption agency anymore?

Gunners on target for the title as foes wobble at halfway stageListen to this articleIt's just past the halfway mark in the Premier League season and Arsenal are currently being tipped to win their first title in nearly 22 years, sitting seven points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa. Although the Gunners have let such leads slip in the past, this season they are being helped by the erratic form of their main rivals. The depth of their squad is proving to be an important factor which has also contributed to impressive results in the Champions League. Defending champions Liverpool were pre-season favourites but are not looking anything like the team which comfortably won the title last season. Currently in fifth place are Manchester United whose recent defeat of City in the Manchester derby was their best performance in ages.

(Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The caretaker government said it cannot commit Thailand to a US-led peace initiative, leaving the decision entirely to the next administration. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday said the government has received the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" and the proposal for a Board of Peace sent by US President Donald Trump. Mr Anutin said that joining a peace board could bring several benefits, including contributing to peacebuilding, promoting stability, and strengthening international networks. However, he said participation would involve significant financial costs, which would have to be carefully weighed by the next government. Mr Trump said permanent members would be required to contribute US$1 billion (about 31 billion baht) each.

Saysunee and Pongsakorn shine againListen to this articleSaysunee Jana, right, in action during the gold medal match. Saysunee, one of Thailand's most decorated para athletes, had already struck gold on the opening day in the women's sabre class B. Moments later, Techinee Duangin stormed to victory in the women's 100m T54, clocking 17.99sec to set a new Games record. The standout performance came from Pongsakorn Paeyo, who electrified the crowd with a new Asian record in the men's 100m T53. Archery brought another all‑Thai final, with Phattharaphon Pattawaeo defeating Tpat Chatyotsakorn 6‑0 in the women's individual recurve W2.

Relief payments on way, insists AnutinListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned against politicising the handling of flood relief payments in Hat Yai, insisting compensation is being processed in line with established procedures and is now the responsibility of the Interior Ministry to carry forward. Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, was responding to calls by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, to expedite compensation payments for residents affected by flooding in Hat Yai. Mr Anutin said the cabinet had recently approved additional relief funds for Hat Yai, adding that while many affected residents had already been compensated, others had missed out because they had not initially registered. This is routine administrative work handled by the responsible agencies, particularly the Interior Ministry through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation," he said. He stressed that the cabinet had already granted full authority to the Interior Ministry to proceed, and any follow-up inquiries should be directed to the permanent secretary.

Questions surrounding the ethical background of some of the PP's proposed cabinet nominees have further complicated the narrative. These concerns risk undermining the PP's claim that its cabinet list represents a clean break from old-style politics and patronage systems. Ultimately, the PP's cabinet line-up gambit reflects the evolving dynamics of electoral politics, where managerial competence, policy delivery and public trust increasingly outweigh ideological rhetoric. "In constituencies where competition is tight, offers could easily rise to 2,000 baht per vote or more," he said. Voters are urged not to sell their votes in every election cycle, yet the data suggest the practice continues almost everywhere.

Klatham admits candidate vetting flawsListen to this articleThe Klatham Party has admitted shortcomings in its candidate vetting process after two of its MP candidates in Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat were disqualified by election authorities, prompting an internal review and legal appeals. Party strategic chairman Anudith Nakornthap said yesterday that although the party had carried out extensive background checks, gaps remained, particularly in identifying candidates' media shareholdings. His comments followed a Supreme Court ruling ordering the disqualification of a Klatham Party candidate in Phuket for breaching election rules by holding shares in a media-related business. "This should be a lesson not only for the Klatham Party, but for all political parties," he said. This was the second disqualification involving the party, following an earlier EC decision to remove Kongkiat Ketsombat, the Klatham Party candidate in Nakhon Si Thammarat constituency 7, over a previous theft-related conviction.

Same-sex marriages reach 26,000 markListen to this articleA female couple gets married on Jan 23, 2025, the day the Marriage Equality Act came into effect. The legislation allows same-sex couples to legally register their marriages and grants them the same legal rights, protections and benefits as opposite-sex couples. The organisation also stressed that legal equality remains incomplete, noting that approximately 50 related laws still require amendment. Delays in revising these laws continue to create practical barriers for LGBTQ+ couples seeking full and equal access to their rights. "The enactment of the Marriage Equality Bill is only the first step toward equality," the post said.

LGT calls for disciplined investing amid market volatilityListen to this articleLGT Private Banking Asia Pacific expects global risk assets to gain traction this year, but cautions that investors should be prepared for a more volatile and uneven market, advising disciplined portfolio construction and active risk management. While the broader investment environment remains constructive, volatility and policy-driven market swings are likely to become a structural feature of 2026, he said. The policy environment remains broadly supportive in the US as the country heads towards the November 2026 midterm elections. In Europe, corporate earnings growth is expected to lag that of the US in 2026, limiting the region's potential to outperform. Despite near-term investment challenges, LGT remains confident in the long-term growth potential of Thailand's wealth management market, driven by family businesses, corporates and foundations.

Trump's strategic retreat in EuropeListen to this articleIf anyone wonders why gold prices have surged past $4,900 and silver has touched $90 per ounce, the answer lies in Donald Trump's appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Yet Trump didn't back down, referencing Venezuela where the new government immediately struck a deal after a show of American force. This is perception management: calming markets short-term while maintaining pressure on Europe. Trump could assert tariffs are negotiating leverage if the court accepts this reasoning in the landmark case it is now deciding. Trump's deal-making involves: start with high demands (seizing Greenland), demonstrate strength (invade Venezuela), use economic tools (tariffs), then negotiate for special rights without using force.

EIC sees new government by MayListen to this articleSCB's Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) expects the formation of a new government to take around five months, which could weigh on the economy, with growth projected at less than 1% in the first half of this year. EIC, the research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, estimates the new government to take office in May following the general election scheduled for Feb 8. These reforms span multiple areas, including household debt, competitiveness, infrastructure investment, environmental risks, demographic challenges, labour quality, inequality, social welfare and public sector governance. Against the backdrop of delayed fiscal budget disbursement and external risks, EIC projects GDP growth of only 1.5% this year, with expansion in the first half less than 1%. Exports are expected to decline this year after strong growth in 2025, as clearer US import tariffs and intensifying global competition weigh on external demand, noted EIC.

Asian stocks rally as global investors diversifyListen to this articleRECAP: Asian stocks rose yesterday as non-US assets found favour with global investors concerned about more policy unpredictability from Donald Trump, even after he dropped his latest tariff threats and softened his position on Greenland. Brokerage firms were net buyers of 7.03 billion baht, followed by foreign investors at 2.47 billion and retail investors at 1.39 billion. The International Monetary Fund has revised its 2026 global GDP growth forecast to 3.3% from 3.1% forecast in October, citing resilience amid trade adjustments and increased AI investment. InnovestX Securities sees positive catalysts led by expectations of a rally ahead of the Feb 8 election, alongside easing geopolitical tensions. Investors should closely monitor the Fed decision (due around 2am Thursday Thailand time) for signals on monetary policy direction.

His words made it clear that remembrance is a burden which lies with us all, no matter our nationality and that future generations must never be allowed to forget. The concert opened with Henryk Górecki's Symphony No.3 -- Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs -- which became a global phenomenon, selling over a million copies, when it was recorded in 1992 by the London Sinfonietta with soprano Dawn Upshaw. The symphony is built from the ground upwards, opening with a sparse theme on the double basses and rising to full orchestral radiance, played by the Siam Sinfonietta with a haunting beauty. King's College International School BangkokThe soprano part demands enough dramatic power to soar over a full symphony orchestra, while retaining the ability to sustain high-lying phrases with exquisite delicacy. In the face of such unimaginable suffering, where language proves inadequate, this concert of great music became a shared act of remembrance.