Maersk to take over Panama Canal port operations from HK firmListen to this articleBalboa port on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. (Photo: AFP)PANAMA CITY - Danish firm Maersk will temporarily take over operation of two ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong company CK Hutchison, whose concession has been annulled, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) said Friday. The United States on Friday welcomed the decision. He said foreign investors would likely be increasingly cautious about committing capital "to strategic infrastructure projects in the United States' backyard." Panama has always denied Chinese control over the 50-mile waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is used mainly by the United States and China.

(Photo: Nutthawat Wichienbut)The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has stepped up nationalist messaging in the final stretch of the election campaign, as a series of opinion polls show a tightening race and shifting voter sentiment over leadership and party strength. Compared with Nida Poll's first-round survey earlier this month, Mr Natthaphong's support increased, while Mr Anutin's rose slightly. Preferences for both constituency and party-list votes showed a similar pattern, with the PP leading, followed by Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and the Democrats. Under this scenario, Bhumjaithai would be well placed to lead coalition talks, most likely with Pheu Thai and the Klatham Party, or alternatively with Pheu Thai and the Democrats. A PP-led coalition would require an alliance with Pheu Thai and the Democrats.

(Photo: AFP)BOGOTA - A claim by Colombia’s left-wing president that Jesus “made love” to disciple Mary Magdalene has shocked the country’s many Christians, with the faithful urging him to show respect on Friday. During a recent speech, Gustavo Petro claimed that a man like Jesus “could not exist without love” and that he “died surrounded by women who loved him, and there were many”. Petro insisted that Jesus “made love”, “perhaps with Mary Magdalene” — one of his disciples. Another Bogota Christian, Victor Pardo, told AFP the comments were “not appropriate for the president”. The controversy has ignited national debate in a country where religious identity remains strong and statements about Jesus carry significant cultural weight.

US Senate eyes funding deal vote as government shutdown loomsListen to this articleSenate Democrats have vowed to block government funding measures unless the legislation puts guardrails on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON — The US Senate edged closer to a vote Friday on a funding deal to avert a government shutdown following a bitter standoff over President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that the White House had agreed to the demand, with Senate leaders from both parties hoping to bring the deal to the floor for a vote on Friday. That anger boiled over Thursday when Senate Democrats blocked a key procedural vote on a six-bill spending package designed to keep most of the government funded. Those deaths detonated what had appeared to be a stable bipartisan funding arrangement and refocused congressional debate on the conduct of federal officers operating under Trump's aggressive enforcement campaign.

Turkey offers to mediate as Trump softens Iran threatsListen to this articleAnti-US and anti-Israel banners hang on a building in Palestine Square in Tehran. (Photo: AFP)ISTANBUL - Iran’s foreign minister was in Turkey on Friday as Ankara led a diplomatic push to mediate between Tehran and Washington, after US President Donald Trump cooled threats of an imminent strike on the Islamic republic. The US president brought the temperature down late on Thursday, saying he hoped to avoid military action and saying talks were on the cards with Iran. Iran’s neighbour Turkey led a diplomatic charge on Friday, offering to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Iran quickly hit back at the move, with Araghchi calling it a “mistake” and the military saying it was “irresponsible and spite-driven”.

PRÉCIEUX Thailand hosts launch of high-end German timepieces Tutima GlashütteFrom left: Marcel Gut, Karlo J. Burgmayer and Ravis Haetanurak. PRÉCIEUX Thailand, an importer and distributor of independent watch brands, has officially launched Tutima Glashütte, a high-end watchmaker from Germany, in Thailand. Welcoming attendees were Mr. Ravis Haetanurak, Chief Operating Officer of PRÉCIEUX (Thailand) and CEO & Co-Founder of PRÉCIEUX Thailand, and Mr. Marcel Gut, Founder of PRÉCIEUX Watch Lounge. Tutima Glashütte carries nearly a century of watchmaking heritage from Glashütte, the historic centre of fine watchmaking in Germany. For more information about Tutima Glashütte or the three models, please contact PRÉCIEUX Watch Lounge at Lobby Floor, President Tower Arcade, tel.

(Photo: 123RF)Thailand plans to tighten the rules for investors in data centres and other businesses that use a large amount of electricity, requiring them to provide a bank guarantee or collateral to secure power purchases. Energy officials said the measure is designed to prevent investors from shifting projects to rival Southeast Asian countries competing for data centre investment. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) drafted the regulation, initially targeting data centre projects, with details on the size of the guarantee still to be finalised. In 2025, the BoI received 36 data centre proposals worth 728 billion baht, including hyperscale projects from the UK, Singapore, Thailand and Japan. The regulation does extend to data centre operators under the government’s pilot direct power purchase agreement scheme, which allows them to buy electricity directly from private power producers rather than through state utilities.

L’Oréal reaffirms long-term sustainability commitment at midterm milestoneAs climate risks intensify and pressure mounts on global companies to operate within the planet’s limits, L’Oréal Groupe is marking the midterm of its “L’Oréal for the Future” sustainability programme by reaffirming a sustainability strategy rooted in science, scale and long-term commitment. In 2024, 97% of energy used in L’Oréal’s own-operated sites worldwide came from renewable sources, bringing the company closer to its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Since 2013, L’Oréal has integrated sustainability into product development through its Sustainable Product Optimisation Tool (SPOT), which assesses environmental and social impacts from the earliest design stage. Beyond carbon and materials, L’Oréal is strengthening its efforts to protect biodiversity and manage water responsibly. As L’Oréal reviews progress at the programme’s midterm, the company is sharpening its ambitions rather than easing them.

These finalists will participate in the exclusive Thai Honda Creator Connect Camp, a three-day, two-night experience taking place from Jan 29 to 31, 2026, in Rayong province. Nithee Seapa, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of TAT, stated “TAT is delighted to be part of the Thai Honda Creator Connect Club Year 2: Instant Happiness When Riding Honda to Travel Thailand, which aligns with TAT’s ‘Instant Happiness When Traveling Thailand’ campaign. TAT firmly believes that content created from the real experiences of creators participating in the Thai Honda Creator Connect Camp in Rayong will serve as a powerful driving force in stimulating domestic tourism. These creators will join the exclusive three-day, two-night Thai Honda Creator Connect Camp in Rayong. After completing the exclusive trip and submitting their final works, Thai Honda and TAT will jointly select the most outstanding content.

These accolades span Business and Financial Performance, Development and Design, Marketing, People Development and Sustainability, reaffirming Central Pattana’s position as the No.1 leader in Thailand’s real estate sector. Wallaya Chirathivat, President & CEO of Central Pattana Plc, stated, “Over the past 45 years, Central Pattana has taken great pride in developing cities and key districts nationwide through a diverse portfolio of shopping centres, residential projects, office buildings and hotels. World Architecture Festival: Central Nakhon Pathom won Winner – Completed Buildings: ShoppingMIPIM Asia 2025: Central Nakhon Pathom received Bronze Award – Best Retail ProjectICSC Global Design & Development Award 2025: Central Nakhon Pathom, Central Nakhon Sawan, and Central Westville were recognised with Sustainable Commendation awards. Hubexo Asia Awards 2025: Elite Asia Awards and Top 10 Developers Awards for Central Krabi and Central Northville. Marketing and brand impactReinforcing excellence in marketing campaigns and maintaining its position as Thailand’s most beloved brand, including:

Thammasat academic urges Social Security Office restructuringListen to this articleThorn: Act like independent agencyA Thammasat University (TU) academic has called for the Social Security Office (SSO) to be restructured to resemble an independent organisation while still operating under state supervision to improve transparency and management efficiency. Asst Prof Thorn Pitidol, a lecturer at TU's Faculty of Economics, said reform of the Social Security Act 1990 to change the SSO's status was central to modernising the country's social security system. He proposed restructuring the SSO so that it acts like an independent agency under the Labour Ministry. He said strong political leadership was essential and urged political parties to prioritise social security reform as a core policy agenda. He pointed to the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Government Pension Fund (GPF) as practical examples, noting that lessons from their experiences could help address past governance weaknesses.

Listen to this articleNovak Djokovic in action during his semi-final match against Jannik Sinner at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)MELBOURNE - Novak Djokovic channelled his ‌halcyon days ​in a five-set classic to dethrone Jannik Sinner and become the oldest man to reach ‌the Australian Open final in the professional era at a ‌rocking Rod Laver Arena on Friday night. Djokovic will meet world number one ‌Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s decider, the Spaniard having fought ‌off ​Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semi-final. Eighteen years after his first Melbourne crown, Djokovic will be striving for a record-extending ⁠11th against Alcaraz and ​the unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title that has eluded him. His last Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023, since when Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated men’s tennis.

Rafa is only route in and out of Gaza that does not pass through IsraelListen to this articleConditions in the Gaza Strip remain dire despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last October. (Photo: AFP)JERUSALEM - Israel announced it would reopen the crucial Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday after months of urging from the UN, humanitarian organisations and ordinary Palestinians — but only for the “limited movement of people”. The crossing, situated on the territory’s southern border with Egypt, is the only route in and out of Gaza that does not pass through Israel. The fragile Gaza ceasefire has been in force since October 10. Since the ceasefire went into effect, Israel and Hamas have traded accusations of violations on a daily basis.

Listen to this articlePolice officers question two Chinese men in a condominium room in Pattaya after arresting them for suspected scam links on Friday. (Photo: Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau)Cybercrime police have arrested two Chinese nationals following a raid on a condominium in Pattaya, where 26 mobile phones with Chinese-language messages were found, raising suspicions of links to online scam operations. Two Chinese men — identified as Liu Meng, 39, and Shao Zhong, 49 — were arrested. Inside the condo unit, officers found the two Chinese suspects living together, with many mobile phones scattered throughout the room. However, they admitted that the phones and equipment were used to dupe Chinese nationals into investment and romance scams, claiming that the proceeds were transferred directly to a Chinese boss.

Illegal tours targeting foreign markets are spreading rapidly in Thailand, prompting the Tourism Department to prepare for more inspections of tour companies this year. Atta recently discovered unlicensed companies conducting tours that target Indian tourists. Others open tour companies as a front for money laundering from grey businesses, said Mr Vathanachai. According to the Tourism Department, 2,275 tour companies were inspected last year, with 84 found to be illegal. Department staff collaborate with the Tourist Police to monitor illegal tours in major tourist cities.