(Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)The deadly crane accident in Nakhon Ratchasima province last week was caused by on-site staff "failing to notify" that construction was underway, despite the contract requiring notice before trains pass, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Friday. Wreckage at the site where a train was derailed when a construction crane collapsed and fell onto its carriages in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)“Let me be clear: the contract between the SRT and Italian-Thai will have to be terminated,” the minister said. Measures under consideration include lowering contractor ratings, deducting points or blacklisting companies responsible for accidents in public areas that result in death or injury. The SRT has finished repairing a stretch of track in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima, following the Jan 14 crane collapse.

Thailand's exports rise 16.8% in December, beating forecastsListen to this articleA cargo ship full of shipping containers is seen at the port of Oakland, California, on Aug 4, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)Thailand's customs-cleared exports rose 16.8% in ‌December from a year ​earlier, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday, higher than analysts' expectations. For the whole of 2025, exports rose 12.9% from ‌a year earlier, the highest growth rate in four years. In December, shipments to the United States, Thailand's largest market, rose 54.3% year over year, while those to China increased 4.4%. Thailand's export growth was expected to slow in 2026, Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and ​Strategy Office, told a press conference.

Stolen AirPods lead police to Koh Phangan drug ringListen to this articlePolice tracking stolen AirPods belonging to a Finnish tourist uncovered a major drug distribution operation on Koh Phangan and arrested a suspected user on Thursday. (Photo supplied)SURAT THANI — Police tracking a stolen pair of wireless earbuds belonging to a 29-year-old Finnish tourist uncovered a drug distribution operation on Koh Phangan, seizing narcotics and arresting one suspected user. When Ms Daka activated the earbuds' audio alert, the sound startled Mr Thanin, who fled into the jungle and up a mountain. Mr Channarong admitted to police that he had bought drugs from Mr Thanin on several occasions. He was charged with drug use and driving under the influence and was handed to Koh Phangan police for prosecution.

JOINPerfect pairings / Nobu Bangkok X Grace Wine / Jan 25Nobu Bangkok has partnered with Grace Wine, Japan’s bespoke wine purveyor, to serve a menu that pairs the finest vintages from Yamanashi with Nobu's original style of contemporary Japanese-Peruvian gastronomy. On Jan 25, the “Nobu Bangkok X Grace Wine Exclusive Wine Dinner” will offer six courses each complemented with a wine chosen by Ayana Misawa, Grace Wine’s head of viticulture and oenology. Four-hands dinner / Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo x Elements / Feb 6Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo will host the “Elements At Sartoria”, a four-hands dinner with Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu. At Bangkok’78, discover Thailand’s royal culinary heritage with the Royal Thai Heritage promotion. The fair runs until Jan 25 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center but online bookings can be made until Jan 28 for stays until Sept 30.

Scammer hideout near Thai-Cambodian border dismantledListen to this articleOfficers inspect a large room inside a scammer stronghold near the Chong Chom border checkpoint in Kap Chong district of Surin province. (Photo: Teeranan Nandhakwang Facebook account)Security authorities have raided a scammer stronghold near the Chong Chom border checkpoint along the Thai-Cambodian border in Kap Choeng district of Surin province, discovering extensive evidence and facilities modified to resemble police stations and government offices used to deceive victims. Officers discovered a large volume of evidence, particularly rooms modified to resemble police stations and government offices in various countries, allegedly used to deceive victims. A room modified to resemble a police office is found inside the suspected scammer stronghold near the border in Surin province. Relevant agencies say they will intensify investigations, strengthen suppression efforts and pursue legal action to protect the public and long-term national security.

South Korea repatriates 73 online scam suspects from CambodiaListen to this articlePolice officers escort South Koreans allegedly involved in scam operations in Cambodia after being forcibly repatriated from Cambodia, at Incheon International Airport in Incheon on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)SEOUL - ‍South ‍Korea has repatriated for questioning 73 people suspected of involvement ‌in online scam operations ​in Cambodia, Yonhap News said, a fraud that bilked hundreds of people to the tune of 49 billion won (1 billion baht). Investigators located seven scam centres at which the suspects are accused of defrauding 869 South Koreans of 49 billion won online, Kang said. Among them are a couple accused of ‌extorting ‍about 12 billion won from 104 South Koreans using deepfake technology to disguise ‌their ​identities, she said. In October, a group of 64 South Koreans were returned home over suspected scams, ​following the alleged murder of a South Korean college student tortured in Cambodia in August in a case linked ​to an employment scam.

Growth expected to slow amid political paralysisListen to this articleCaption caption. reutersCIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT) expects Thai GDP growth in the first quarter of this year to slow from the previous quarter due to a domestic political vacuum and external uncertainties. CIMBT estimates Thai economic growth of 1.2% in the second quarter, partly supported by economic stimulus measures after a new government is formed by June. Under this scenario, GDP growth is forecast to improve in the second half of the year, reaching 2.5% and 2.4% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. The bank forecasts Thai GDP growth of 1.6% this year, pressured by an export contraction.

Plurality still 'undecided' on best candidate for prime ministerListen to this articleCampaign posters line Phahon Yothin Road in Phaya Thai district, Bangkok. KPI, an organisation under the supervision of the parliament that promotes democracy, questioned 2,000 people face-to-face during a nationwide survey from Jan 8 to 11. It asked respondents which of the PM candidates was best suited to solving national problems. A plurality, 26.2%, said they did not see a suitable one, 18.8% of respondents said People’s Party PM candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, 16.9% Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, 10.9% Pheu Thai Party’s Yodchanan Wongsawat and 10.2% Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. A second KPI survey on the Line Today platform from Jan 19 to 22 asked respondents what were the most important policies put forward by political parties.

Iran warns 'finger on trigger' as Trump says Tehran wants talksListen to this articleIran's Revolutionary Guards Commander General Mohammad Pakpour warned that his forces were ready to fight any threatPARIS (FRANCE) - The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned Washington Thursday that the force had its "finger on the trigger" in the wake of mass protests, as US President Donald Trump said Tehran still appeared interested in talks. Trump said Thursday a US naval "armada" was heading toward the Gulf, adding: "We're watching Iran." The prospect of immediate American action against Tehran appears to have receded, with both sides insisting on giving diplomacy a chance. On his way back from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump told reporters on Air Force One the United States was sending a "massive fleet" toward Iran "just in case." The group is sanctioned as a terrorist entity by countries including Australia, Canada and the United States, and campaigners have long urged similar moves from the EU and UK.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has confirmed significant changes to foreign player quotas in Thai League 1 for the 2026–2027 season, following a meeting with all 16 top-flight clubs on Thursday. Under the current rules, clubs may register seven foreign players, including Asian nationals, alongside unlimited Asean players, though only five plus two Asean players are permitted on the pitch at any one time. From next season, however, teams will be allowed to register up to 10 foreign players of any nationality, with a maximum of seven eligible to play in a match. The loss sparked widespread criticism, with one recurring concern being that Thai players are not afforded sufficient opportunities in domestic competition due to the heavy reliance on foreign talent. Thawatchai retains U23 jobThe FAT has renewed the contract of Thailand U23 head coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul through to the Asian Games in Japan later this year.

People's Party campaigns across Loei, calls for decisive victoryListen to this articlePiyabutr Saengkanokkul, a campaign assistant for the People's Party (PP), took his election message to three venues in Loei province yesterday, urging voters to deliver an overwhelming mandate for the party in the upcoming election so as to prevent a repeat of past political deadlocks. Such a result, he said, would deprive rival parties of any political legitimacy to attempt to form a government. "In 2019, the PP had 6.3 million votes and 81 MPs. In 2023, we had 14.4 million votes and 151 MPs," he said. This time, we need more than 200 MPs, even 250, and over 20 million votes."

30 nations step up for annual Cobra Gold drillsListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Armed Forces and the United States Indo-Pacific Command will co-host the 45th iteration of Cobra Gold, one of Southeast Asia's longest-running and most significant multinational military exercises, from Feb 24 to March 6, a source said. According to a source, 2026 is designated a "Heavy Year", reflecting the expanded scope and complexity of the joint drills. Seven primary participants -- Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia -- will form the core exercise forces. China, India and Australia will join in selected activities, with China continuing its participation in the humanitarian assistance programme. Another 10 nations -- Brunei, Germany, Jordan, Laos, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Timor-Leste and Vietnam -- will join the Combined Observer Liaison Team.

Early release for Thaksin 'needs more scrutiny'Listen to this articleThe Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform (NSPRT) on Thursday submitted a petition urging the justice minister to closely examine the eligibility of jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a sentence suspension, arguing that his case may not fully meet legal requirements. The group alleged that coordinated assistance may have enabled Thaksin to avoid imprisonment earlier, raising questions about whether detention procedures were properly enforced. It also challenged previous claims that he was seriously ill and unable to care for himself, arguing that if such claims were inaccurate, they could constitute breaches of prison detention regulations. The group therefore urged the justice minister to clarify Thaksin's prisoner classification upon his second admission and to confirm whether any alleged misconduct had been considered in the review process. The network also noted that the National Anti-Corruption Commission is continuing inquiries into the enforcement of Thaksin's prison sentence.

Condo sales likely to remain flat on muted purchasing powerListen to this articleA condominium model is displayed at a house and condo fair in Bangkok in March, 2025. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The condo market in 2026 is expected to remain subdued but more selective, with developers prioritising inventory clearance, premium pricing and differentiated projects, amid weak domestic purchasing power and prolonged economic uncertainty. Foreign buyers, particularly the Chinese, will remain a key demand driver, especially in the condo sector, as Thai purchasing power remains insufficient to support a broad-based recovery. Cushman & Wakefield expects new condo launches in 2026 to remain below 15,000 units, with developers shifting focus towards smaller, faster-selling low-rise housing projects and selective condo developments. CBRE expects condo launches in 2026 to exceed last year's exceptionally low base, but developers will remain cautious, awaiting clearer signs of improved buyer confidence.

United were transformed in last week's 2-0 win against Manchester City -- Carrick's first game in his second spell in temporary charge -- producing a performance full of attacking verve. Pep Guardiola's men are yet to win in the Premier League this year, with their title challenge faltering badly. A 2-0 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday eased the immediate pressure on Tottenham manager Thomas Frank. But he knows that he must turn around his side's Premier League form to stay in his job and that time is running out. Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)SaturdayWest Ham v Sunderland (1230), Burnley v Tottenham, Fulham v Brighton, Manchester City v Wolves, Bournemouth v Liverpool (1730)SundayBrentford v Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Newcastle v Aston Villa (all 1400), Arsenal v Manchester United (1630)MondayEverton v Leeds (2000)