(Photo: AFP)KYIV - Ukraine will halt long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities if Russia does the same, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in remarks released Friday, after Donald Trump raised hopes for a pause in attacks during freezing temperatures. Trump said on Thursday that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed to halt attacks on Kyiv and other cities because of a cold snap across Ukraine. Despite Trump’s claim, Moscow’s forces launched dozens of drones and one missile at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. “So far, we have been unable to find a compromise on the territorial issue, specifically regarding part of eastern Ukraine,” Zelensky said. The Kremlin is demanding that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the region, where Ukrainian troops still control large population centres.

Crypto-backed loans allowed on novel Thai platformListen to this articleMr Vorapat says Liberix is open to oversight. The platform supports 10 major digital assets and targets 1 billion baht in outstanding loans this year, said chief executive Vorapat Pruecksamars. Interest rates, fees and charges are set strictly within legal limits, while operations are conducted in partnership with licensed entities," Mr Vorapat said. "Our vision is to make digital assets usable like traditional financial assets," noted Mr Vorapat. "Bitcoin should not be limited to speculation," Mr Vorapat said.

Hong Kong travellers continue to favour Japan despite geopolitical tensionsListen to this articlePeople walk along Takeshita Street in the Harajuku shopping area in Tokyo on Aug 10, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)Hong Kong travellers continue to favour Japan as a holiday destination despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, thanks to unaffected flight routes and a weaker yen, local industry operators have said. Yau was speaking while attending the Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo, which runs from Thursday to Sunday. "With the opening of the third runway of the Hong Kong airport, our flights have recovered to 81% of the 2018-19 level. "This will not only attract more travellers to Hong Kong, but will also bring more choices to our travel-loving residents."

Your spot-on horoscope for work, money and relationship from Guru by the Bangkok Post's famously accurate fortune teller. You'll discover you're better than you think and might uncover a hidden talent. A friend of a friend may confidently shoot their shot at you. ♍ VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22(⏰) This week you're a productivity powerhouse. Work will feel less like a chore and more like your main stage.

The premise of Human Resource does not come as a surprise. Human Resource is designed to let viewers observe rather than be guided. Despite Fren being the central figure, Human Resource remains a slice-of-life portrait with no backstories and no narrative closure. The film's underlying message appears to be a critique of class inequality: those born into wealth tend to remain wealthy, while those from middle or lower classes are trapped in cycles of survival, regardless of effort. Ultimately, Human Resource works more effectively as a conceptual reflection of working-class struggle than as a fully lived human drama.

People's Party leader Natthaphong's lead in the major opinion polls highlighted ‌the stiff challenge facing caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul's bid to stay in power ahead of the Feb 8 general election. Earlier, the second round nationwide survey by Rajabhat Poll also showed similar results, with the People’s Party and Mr Natthaphong holding a commanding lead. The People's Party is the successor to the Move Forward Party, which won the 2023 elections but was subsequently blocked by conservative lawmakers from forming a government and was later dissolved by court order. The People's Party launches eight campaign caravans covering all provinces on Friday. Mr Natthaphong is scheduled to address a major rally at the football field of Kathu district office in Phuket province on Friday evening.

The initiative aims to support approximately 40,000 Thai rice farmers in transitioning to climate-smart rice farming practices, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation. Paisan Hongtong, Senior Executive Vice President of BAAC, announced the official launch of subsidy schemes and low-interest loan programmes under the Thai Rice: Strengthening Climate-Smart Rice Farming (Thai Rice GCF) Project, at the event Driving Climate-Smart Rice by BAAC’s Financial Mechanism under the Thai Rice GCF Project, co-organised with GIZ. The initiative aims to shift farmers’ rice farming practices towards climate-smart and low-greenhouse-gas-emission approaches by promoting the adoption of climate-smart technologies (CST). Based on this background, BAAC places strong emphasis on promoting an integrated transition towards climate-smart rice farming. Climate-Smart Incentive (CSI)Under the Thai Rice GCF Project, a Climate-Smart Incentive (CSI) fund of approximately THB 300 million (EUR 7.6 million) has been allocated to support around 40,000 rice farmers in piloting climate-smart rice farming practices.

Supalai keen on warehouse ventureListen to this articleMr Prateep says Supalai is expanding into the warehouse business with a prominent Chinese partner. SET-listed developer Supalai is eyeing expansion into the warehouse business after forming a joint venture with Chinese investor AuGroup to develop a facility in Chon Buri, targeting tenants using Thailand as a tax-efficient export base. The total investment is estimated at 1.6 billion baht, covering land costs as well as construction of warehouse space and accommodation for executives from China. In 2026, Supalai expects residential presales of 45 billion baht and revenue of 37.5 billion baht. Presales will comprise 30 billion baht in Thailand, up from 26.3 billion baht last year, and 15 billion baht from Australia, rising from 14 billion baht.

(Photo: Reuters)Asia's premier aviation event is poised to showcase planes, ‌parts and weapons as the industry juggles growing demand for air travel with ​geopolitical challenges and chronic supply constraints. Airlines are working to solidify their post-pandemic recoveries and expanding fleets while manufacturers continue to grapple with lingering supply chain bottlenecks and trade restrictions. Like other manufacturers, Comac has also fallen short of its own delivery targets, primarily due to supply chain challenges. Sustainability will feature prominently at this year's event, particularly developments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and next-generation propulsion systems. "SAF is also caught up with ​supply chain, protectionism, and trade barriers.

Four-year-old accidentally rides Vespa through store doorListen to this articlePhoto: Poh Teck Tung Rescue Volunteers, Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station Branch FacebookPATHUM THANI - A four-year-old girl accidentally rode a Vespa full throttle into the glass door of a local convenience store in Lat Lum Kaeo, injuring herself and her aunt. Her four-year-old niece, who was sitting in front, accidentally twisted the throttle of the vehicle causing it to crash into the store's glass entrance door. The white Vespa Sprint motorcycle was found crashed inside the store’s entrance, surrounded by shattered glass and damaged goods. Photo: Poh Teck Tung Rescue Volunteers, Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station Branch FacebookKubang Luang rescue workers administered first aid at the scene before transporting the injured to Krung Siam Saint Carlos Hospital. Police officers from Kubang Luang Police Station arrived to question convenience store employees and motorcycle passengers.

SCG leans on AI, cost control in uncertain timesListen to this articleMr Thammasak, centre, and his fellow SCG executives are working to reshape the group's business units so they become stronger. In the cement business, cost reduction remains the main focus. This innovation has helped the company reduce costs by more than 2.1 billion baht, while supporting decarbonisation. SCG reported softer revenue but stronger profitability in 2025, with sales slipping 3% year-on-year to 497 billion baht, while net profit jumped 12% to 14.1 billion baht, reflecting the group's aggressive cost control and business restructuring. Adjusted earings before interst, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose 6% to 55.5 billion baht, underscoring improved operational efficiency despite challenging market conditions.

Vietnam outshines Thai infrastructureListen to this articleThai tourism is seen as lagging behind Vietnam in terms of infrastructure development. Mr Barnett said Vietnam already has a huge number of hotel rooms and an impressive pipeline. Mr Barnett said Vietnam was closed to tourism from 1975 until the US lifted the trade embargo in 1994. "Vietnam will eventually undergo what Thailand faces, as Thailand is already a mature tourism market," said Mr Barnett. SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGEHe said another significant difference that is moving Vietnam away from Thailand is its rapid infrastructure development.

Arsenal seek fun factor as Frank searches for home comfortsListen to this articlePremier League leaders Arsenal are chasing glory on four fronts. (Photo: AFP)LONDON — Arsenal travel to Leeds on Saturday desperate to prevent a Premier League wobble becoming something more serious as Manchester City and Aston Villa wait to pounce. Mikel Arteta promised "beautiful" things lie ahead despite a stumble in the Premier League race that has given the chasing pack hope. Only Premier League basement side Wolves have a worse home record this season than Spurs -- who have mustered just two wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. FixturesSaturday (1500 GMT unless stated)Brighton v EvertonLeeds v ArsenalWolves v BournemouthChelsea v West Ham (1730)Liverpool v Newcastle (2000)SundayAston Villa v BrentfordManchester United v FulhamNottingham Forest v Crystal Palace (all 1400)Tottenham v Manchester City (1630)Monday

Process could run at least two years after first referendum, say expertsListen to this articleVoters ‍in Thailand's general elections ‍on Feb 8 will also be asked to decide if a new constitution should replace a 2017 charter. A majority "Yes" vote would give parliament a public mandate to begin drafting a new national charter. A majority "no" vote will leave intact the ‌current constitution, which took effect in 2017 after being drafted by a military-appointed committee following a 2014 coup. Critics say the 2017 constitution concentrated power in undemocratic institutions, weakened popular rule and limited decentralisations ⁠of power and meaningful checks and balances. Most mainstream ‌political ​parties, including the ruling Bhumjaithai Party as well as the opposition People's Party and Pheu Thai, back amending the constitution and are urging supporters to vote "yes" in the referendum.

Listen to this articleTransport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has unveiled a plan to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a global entertainment and tourism hub, anchored by a proposed "Disneyland Thailand". Mr Phiphat, also a deputy prime minister, said the project aims to position Thailand as a leading economic and tourism centre, while firmly ruling out any casino element. Addressing concerns over grey-area businesses, Mr Phiphat said the project would be strictly free of gambling. Mr Phiphat said it would create tens of thousands of jobs across sectors such as engineering, performing arts and event management, while helping distribute income to local communities nationwide. Meanwhile, U-Tapao International Aviation and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office yesterday signed a management agreement to kick-start the long-delayed U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aerotropolis project.