The 2026 Rooftop Solar Buyer’s Guide: What Thai homeowners should look for
The 2026 Rooftop Solar Buyer’s Guide: What Thai homeowners should look forAccording to Mr Techatat Buranaaudsawakul, Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department at the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), rooftop solar should be treated as part of a home’s critical electrical infrastructure, not simply an add-on appliance. “Safety is a top priority for rooftop solar,” Mr Techatat told the Bangkok Post. “A solar energy system must be designed and installed to the same safety standards as any other electrical system in the house. For most households, rooftop solar offers a payback period of four to five years, depending on electricity consumption patterns and overall system efficiency. Rooftop solar systems involve high-voltage direct current (DC), which poses fire and electrical risks if not properly designed and installed.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:27 UTC
United Thai Nation Party says island prison 'possible and not fantasy'
United Thai Nation Party says island prison 'possible and not fantasy'Listen to this articleAtthawit Suwannapakdee, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party also known as Ruam Thai Sang Chart. (Photo: United Thai Nation Party)Atthawit Suwannapakdee, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party, on Monday clarified the viral debate over the party’s proposal to establish an offshore prison — dubbed by netizens as the “Azkaban prison” — saying the idea was not a fantasy and was feasible by converting abandoned oil rigs into detention facilities. Ruam Thai Sang Chart plans to repurpose abandoned oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Thailand, whose concession contracts have expired. “With a sea prison, these problems will be eliminated because the sea is the best natural barrier,” he said. The deputy leader said he was confident the idea was practical and could be implemented immediately, noting that party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has experience serving as both justice minister and energy minister.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:23 UTC
Ruling Bhumjaithai to field candidates in all Bangkok seats
Ruling Bhumjaithai to field candidates in all Bangkok seatsListen to this articleSupamas Isarabhakdi (Photo: Bhumjaithai Party)The ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party is looking to make history by capturing parliamentary seats in Bangkok for the first time. Supamas Isarabhakdi, a BJT executive and the official in charge of the party’s Bangkok constituency elections, told the media the party will field candidates in all 33 constituencies in the capital. She expressed confidence in the capability and quality of all its candidates, whom she described as strong options for Bangkok voters. These, she said, include Mr Sihasak as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Suphajee Suthumpun as deputy prime minister and minister of commerce, and Ekniti Nitithanprapas as deputy prime minister and minister of finance. While acknowledging the party’s hopes for Bangkok are high, she said it is not unattainable, adding that the party hopes the bid will dispel long-standing perceptions that BJT’s support base is confined to provincial areas.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:22 UTC
China holds military drills around Taiwan after US arms deal
China holds military drills around Taiwan after US arms dealListen to this articleA bomber takes off from an undisclosed location for drills east of Taiwan, in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), on Monday. (Eastern Theatre Command/Handout via REUTERS)China kicked off military manoeuvres around Taiwan that it said included live-fire drills, in a dramatic show of force after the US announced one of its biggest arms packages ever for the self-run democracy. The People’s Liberation Army published a separate statement outlining five zones for live-fire drills on Tuesday, which Chinese authorities advised airlines to avoid. The drills underscore how sensitive the Taiwan question is to Beijing, even as it seeks to stabilize relations with Washington — Taipei’s biggest backer. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be brought under its control, by force if necessary — a stance Taipei steadfastly rejects.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:19 UTC
Three-way meeting produces 'positive results'
Three-way meeting produces 'positive results'Listen to this articleChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Yuxi, Yunnan province, China on Monday. (cnsphoto via REUTERS)Tripartite talks between Thailand, China and Cambodia produced the expected outcomes and marked progress towards resolving the Thai–Cambodian border dispute, says Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Speaking in Yuxi, Yunnan province, on Monday after the conclusion of the three-way discussions, Mr Sihasak said the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn proceeded smoothly and met Thailand’s expectations. While border demarcation was a complex and time-consuming process, he said it was essential to continue moving forward. Thailand would also ask Cambodia to facilitate the safe return of any Thai nationals stranded in Poipet.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:18 UTC
Em District ushers in 2026 with extravaganza
Em District (Emporium, EmQuartier and EmSphere) joins forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and other partners in organising the "Extravaganza Sukhumvit Countdown 2026" on Dec 31. The countdown event aims to deliver spectacular light and sound shows through drone performance, laser and architectural lighting, searchlights and eco-friendly pyro for an eco-friendly celebration. In addition, a long line-up of Thailand’s leading artists will create non-stop excitement and count down to the New Year 2026 in a spectacular atmosphere. Enjoy live performances from top Thai and international artists, including J Jetrin, Burin Boonvisut, Three Man Down, Perses, J-pop act Psychic Fever, Anthony Wei and DJ P-U at EmQuartier's Quartier Parc. The countdown will take place on the night of Dec 31, also at Quartier Parc.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 13:47 UTC
Cambodia flies swarms of drones across border
Cambodia flies swarms of drones across borderListen to this articleChong Sai Taku border pass in Buri Ram province. It is among Thai border areas where intruding drones from Cambodia were spotted on Sunday night. Royal Thai ArmyCambodia had violated the ceasefire agreement reached two days ago by flying more than 250 drones over border areas of Thailand, according to the Thai army. Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, said on Monday that the 2nd Army reported sightings of more than 250 drones flying over many border areas of Thailand on Sunday night. A similar excessive use of drones by Cambodia had followed the first round of border clashes this year, and led to the second round of Cambodian attacks early this month, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 12:35 UTC
Relations 'on track' to deepen
Relations 'on track' to deepenListen to this articleThailand and Mexico are on track to strengthen their relationship as they cement the success of their five-decade-old ties, says an official with Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Gonzalez was in Thailand last month for the 6th Thailand-Mexico Political Consultations, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Mexico is Thailand's second-largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade valued at US$5.6 billion (173.6 billion baht) in 2024, says Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Mr Gonzalez said the consultations serve as a vital platform for reviewing ties, covering political dialogue, trade, education, culture, and cooperation in regional and multilateral forums. Plans are also underway to promote further exchanges in education, culture, cuisine, music, Muay Thai and the creative industries.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 11:05 UTC
Anutin upbeat on talks with China on Thai-Cambodian border conflict
Anutin upbeat on talks with China on Thai-Cambodian border conflictListen to this articleThai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, left, meets his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Yunnan, China, on Sunday. (Screenshot from TV Channel 5)Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday that bilateral talks between the Thai and Chinese foreign affairs ministers on Sunday about the Thai-Cambodian border conflict "went well". Before leaving Bangkok for the Northeast on Monday morning, Mr Anutin told reporters that Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had just briefed him on the meeting with Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi in Yunnan on Sunday. The meeting with the Chinese foreign affairs minister also discussed Chinese aid for damage caused in Thailand by the Cambodian attacks. China was giving financial aid to both Thailand and Cambodia for this purpose, Mr Anutin said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 10:07 UTC
Welcome 2026 in Spectacular Royal Style
As the year draws to a close, Royal Cliff Hotels Group sets the stage for an unforgettable New Year celebration by the sea. Guests booking the Royal Wellness & Sports Package, available for stays until 31 January 2026, will receive an exclusive additional benefit—a THB 720 Supersports shopping voucher, ideal for embracing an active and revitalised start to the New Year. Designed to blend comfort, recreation and renewal, the package is ideal for those seeking to welcome 2026 feeling refreshed, recharged and inspired. The Lost World Luxe Gala – New Year’s Eve Party31 December 2025Poolside, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel7:00pm onwardsTHB 6,500++ per person50% discount for children aged 4 - 12 years. Step into a world of prehistoric fantasy as Royal Cliff transforms its poolside setting into The Lost World Luxe.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 09:53 UTC
People's Party drops election candidate named in arrest warrant
Listen to this articleBoonyarit Raorungrot, who had been nominated by the People's Party in Bangkok's constituency 33, is wanted on an arrest warrant on a charge of involvement in money laundering. (Photo: People's Party)The People’s Party announced on Monday morning it had dropped and will replace its candidate for Bangkok's constituency 33, Boonyarit Raorungrot, after learning he is the subject of a court arrest warrant on a charge of money laundering. Police said later that Mr Boonyarit was taken into custody on Monday, along with three other suspects in the case, including a Thai-Lao couple. The party informed Mr Boonyarit immediately that he was being replaced and issued a public announcement, affirming there had been no protection or concealment provided for anyone. The People's Party has until registration ends on Wednesday to nominate a new candidate-MP for Bangkok constituency 33.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 09:49 UTC
Another Thai soldier loses foot to Cambodian landmine
Another Thai soldier loses foot to Cambodian landmineListen to this articleThe Thai army displays anti-personnel landmines collected from border areas in Ban Non Mayang in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, bordering Cambodia, in August. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)As the Thai-Cambodian ceasefire entered its second day, another Thai soldier stepped on a Cambodian landmine and was seriously injured in Si Sa Ket province on Monday, becoming the 11th Thai soldier to fall victim to Cambodian landmines. The Second Army said the incident occurred at 10.15am as Thai soldiers were surveying areas on Sattasome mountain in Kantharalak district of the northeastern province near the Thai-Cambodian border. He was leading a demining squad clearing areas left by Cambodian troops when he stepped on a PMN-2 anti-personnel landmine. Thai army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said later that Sgt Maj Sujin lost his left leg and suffered a wound to his left eye.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 09:46 UTC
ONE Championship: Duangdawnoi open to Islay Erika Bomogao fight, stays coy on Mongkutpetch controversy
The sister-in-law of Rodtang Jitmuangnon stopped Regan Gowing with a second-round knockout at ONE Friday Fights 137 on December 19 at Lumpinee Stadium, collecting a 350,000-baht bonus for her efforts. “I’m so happy now,” Duangdawnoi told the Bangkok Post backstage. “I wanted to surprise her and show her that I don’t only have elbows – that I’m good with my hands too.”“For me, I’m getting better every fight,” she added. Duangdawnoi, who lost to RWS minimumweight champ Mongkutpetch at Rajadamnern Stadium in June, declined to engage with the wider debate. “For me, I’m happy to fight her if I have the opportunity,” Duangdawnoi said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 09:44 UTC
Border hospitals slowly reopening as truce holds
Border hospitals slowly reopening as truce holdsListen to this articleAn army medic checks the health of an evacuee at a shelter in Surin. (Photo: Royal Thai Army)With the truce with Cambodia in its second day, hospitals near the contested border were beginning to reopen on Monday. Kantharalak Hospital in Si Sa Ket had fully reopened, and Kap Choeng and Phanomdongrak hospitals in Surin were partly operational on Monday. Six other border hospitals remained closed - Phusing Hospital in Si Sa Ket, Ban Kruat Hospital in Buri Ram and Ta Phraya, Khok Sung, Khlong Hat and Aranyapreathet hospitals in Sa Kaeo. The fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border had forced many hospitals and health facilities to close since early December.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 09:21 UTC
Into the crystal ball
The hotel also offers restaurants, a bar and wellness facilities including a spa, swimming pool and gym. South Palms Panglao, the PhilippinesSouth Palms Resort & Spa Panglao has unveiled Lola’s Sanctuary, marking the arrival of Bohol's first international luxury resort spa. The concept, set to feature at Regent Jeddah Corniche and Regent Kuala Lumpur, weaves vibrating crystal energy, soothing aromas and restoring light frequency to heal and uplift wellbeing. The resort features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas, each designed with warm wooden accents, private gardens or expansive balconies. Guests will savour four distinctive dining experiences, including Bar Marti and a private marina.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 09:16 UTC