Junta fears a dead Suu Kyi more
Junta fears a dead Suu Kyi moreListen to this articleAs Myanmar's military government proceeds with an election starting tomorrow, a fundamental question arises. Aung San Suu Kyi is not a marginal political figure. Aung San Suu Kyi is not merely incarcerated. The death of Aung San Suu Kyi in custody would collapse its remaining claims to legitimacy and foreclose future diplomatic manoeuvring. If and when Aung San Suu Kyi is released, it will not feel like victory.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:19 UTC
When Buddhism falls silent during war
(Photo: Reuters)The Buddha once stopped a water war between relatives by asking a simple question: What is more valuable: water or human life? Thailand calls itself a Buddhist nation, taking pride in following Theravada Buddhism that preserves the Buddha's original teaching. Yet when the drums of war begin to beat, the Dharma falls silent. Through six months of fighting, however, the Thai clergy has remained utterly silent, as if nothing were happening. When his own relatives prepared to wage war over water from the Rohini River, he did not take sides.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:19 UTC
A model to keep multilateralism alive and well
A model to keep multilateralism alive and wellListen to this articleFew would deny that there has been a shift away from multilateral cooperation in recent years. As a realist, I recognise that today's world is more dangerous than the one we inhabited not so long ago. My confidence stems from my experience as the chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. I predict we will see a far greater role for, and collaboration between, regional economic and political blocs as the key drivers of multilateralism in the years ahead. In each case, historic changes needed a catalyst, which is exactly the role that Gavi has played in promoting public health.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:19 UTC
Reckless decision
Reckless decisionListen to this articleRe: "Talks fail to secure truce", (BP, Dec 23). To make matters worse, Mr Nawat told Miss Mexico to get out! Nonetheless, the damage had already been done, so the event organisers ordered him to limit his interactions with the contestants. In the end, it turned out that the winner was the very same person whom Mr Nawat had called out earlier, Ms Boesch. Unfortunately, things do not end here, as it has now been reported that Mr Nawat has filed criminal charges against the Mexican winner.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:19 UTC
Next year, my resolution is to have none at all
If you're anything like me, this past year has been frustrating and, at times, exhausting to read and hear about. Professor Katherine Milkman, a behavioural economist at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, found that the "fresh start effect" is, well, really effective. This applies to fitness ambitions, starting your own business, or even having the resolution to consume less sugar. This "resolution" came to me in September, and so far, it's sticking. People are generally bracing for impact, and I think life is usually stressful enough without having to keep to loosely made resolutions.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:19 UTC
Prawat and Chaiwat lead Kingdom's bid
Prawat and Chaiwat lead Kingdom's bidListen to this articleThai Paralympic wheelchair racing team athletes train. Hanif HassanThailand's Paralympic icons Prawat Wahoram and Chaiwat Rattana are primed for the upcoming Asean Para Games, set to unfold in Nakhon Ratchasima from Jan 20-26, 2026. They will all be looking forward to strong results at the Asean Para Games on home soil, followed by a seamless transition to the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan. I am confident our athletics para team will meet the medal targets, especially in events that double as qualifiers for the Asian Para Games in Nagoya." The Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima will feature 477 gold medals across 19 sports.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:13 UTC
Static outlook for digital TV channels
ADTEB president Suparp Khleekajai said many countries implemented the transition from analogue TV to digital TV without a licence auction. There were initially 24 digital TV channels in Thailand, with five digital TV broadcasting networks operated by three network providers. Mr Suparp said digital TV channels are national TV platforms because they broadcast reliable, responsible and verifiable content. All digital TV channels are supervised by the NBTC, while other digital platforms, especially OTT, are not regulated. "It is possible only 3-5 digital TV channels will exist after 2029, which may be operated on high-definition TV systems," said Mrs Pirongrong.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:12 UTC
Southeast Asia receives broad support
Southeast Asia receives broad supportListen to this articlePhoto: 123RFSoutheast Asian equities ended December with a cautious "risk-on" tone, helped by a softer US dollar and year-end rebalancing, though thin Christmas liquidity exaggerated intra-day swings. Singapore's STI also capped a strong year -- up more than 21% year-to-date as of mid-December -- with banks and yield support underpinning the rally. We maintain an overweight position in the US, China and Vietnam stock markets, which continue to show strong profit growth, offer attractive upside potential, and have reasonable valuations. Strategically, we expect fund flows to rotate into domestically driven sectors and election beneficiaries, including banks, finance, telecom, tourism and property. Trading at 12.4 times P/E ratio for 2026 with a high 9% dividend yield, the stock offers better value than its peers.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:12 UTC
PP brushes aside Anutin's BJT coalition conditions
PP brushes aside Anutin's BJT coalition conditionsListen to this articlePeople's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, centre, and deputy leaders Sirikanya Tansakul, right, and Veerayooth Kanchoochat, left, hold a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok on Dec 12 after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House. (Photo: People’s Party)The People's Party (PP) brushed aside the Bhumjaithai Party's (BJT) conditions for a post-election coalition formation, saying the upcoming polls would present voters with a clear choice between a government led by the PP and one headed by the BJT. PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut on Friday was responding to comments by Prime Minister and BJT leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who ruled out working with political parties that support amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law. When asked which parties the PP would be unable to work with, Mr Natthaphong said the PP would not join hands with the Klatham Party. He expressed confidence that the PP would finish first in the election and questioned whether the BJT was attempting to form a rival coalition in advance by setting conditions on coalition formation.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 27, 2025 00:06 UTC
Dec 26 tsunami victims remembered 21 years on
Dec 26 tsunami victims remembered 21 years onListen to this articleLocal officials, residents and visitors attend a memorial service at Mai Khao Cemetery in Phuket on Friday to honour victims and reflect on the disaster that devastated six Andaman provinces. "This ceremony reminds us of the lives lost and the importance of readiness in the face of natural hazards," he said. Governor Angkura Siladhewakul presided over tributes for the 722 people who died and 587 who went missing on the island. After prayers from three religions, officials handed wreaths to divers to place at the underwater tsunami memorial off Ton Sai Bay. Phangnga residents gathered at the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial, one of the hardest-hit communities in 2004, to observe multi-faith rites and lay flowers.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 23:41 UTC
Thai year of environmental upheaval
(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)In 2025, Thailand faced a convergence of challenges that had laid bare its vulnerability to environmental degradation, natural disasters, and complex regional dynamics. Environmental data points to the rapid growth of unregulated mining activities in Myanmar's Shan State, an area known for rare-earth and gold extraction. Although Thai authorities previously pledged to raise the issue with Myanmar, no concrete progress has been reported, leaving affected communities frustrated and vulnerable. Thai testing in May showed average arsenic levels of around 0.025 mg/L -- more than double the standard limit. Jumbos on jumbosBeyond natural disasters, 2025 also saw a sensitive diplomatic debate over Thailand's proposal to repatriate two Thai elephants from Sri Lanka.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 23:02 UTC
Thais hit by key absences for Asian Cup
Thais hit by key absences for Asian CupListen to this articleMembers of the Thai youth team celebrate a goal during the SEA Games. Thailand will be heading to the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia without the man who carried much of their scoring burden at the recently concluded SEA Games in Bangkok. The AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia will run from Jan 6-24. On paper, it is a tough assignment and without their SEA Games heroes and with several key players unavailable, Thailand's campaign looks less like a charge for glory. These players will report for training camp on Monday and will leave for Saudi Arabia on Jan 4.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:45 UTC
Medals to millions as stars hit jackpot
Thailand finished as overall champions of the 2025 biennial tournament with a record-breaking 233 gold, 154 silver and 113 bronze medals. The rowing and canoeing association, which delivered 12 gold, nine silver, and five bronze medals, received the largest share of the bonus, totalling 36,832,500 baht. The ju-jitsu association, which won the most gold medals with 14 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze medals, received a bonus of 24,585,000 baht. The cricket association received 12,600,000 baht from two gold medals rounded off the top 10 biggest earners. "They were able to win a total of 233 gold medals, 154 silver medals, and 113 bronze medals.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:45 UTC
New Year's eve to see some major roads close
New Year's eve to see some major roads closeListen to this articlestretches of Ratchadamri, Rama I, Phloenchit, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaprarop roads will be temporarily closed on Dec 31 and Jan 1 to facilitate the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2026. (Photo supplied)Parts of several major roads in central Bangkok will be temporarily closed on Dec 31 and Jan 1 to facilitate the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2026, as authorities roll out traffic and safety measures for New Year celebrations. The closures will take effect from Dec 31, 2025, through Jan 1, 2026. Exceptions apply for police vehicles on duty and vehicles authorised by traffic officers. Affected sections include Pratunam–Ratchaprasong intersections (from noon on Dec 31 to 5am on Jan 1); Chalerm Phao–Ratchaprasong intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); Ratchaprasong–Chidlom intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); Makkasan–Pratunam intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); and Chidlom–Pratunam sections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1).
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:45 UTC
Telecom woos creators
Listen to this articleMr Suphachai, back row centre, poses during the launch of True Alpha Hub. Telecom operators are stepping up efforts to capture future customers with the launch of hubs at Siam Square. Mr Suphachai said the hub will aggregate content and intellectual property, creating new revenue streams that flow back into telecom platforms. The building has four storeys and features three elements, including "Creators Debut Hub", a launchpad that empowers young creators to express their identity through real-time content creation and live-streaming. In July Advanced Info Service (AIS) launched AIS Siam in Siam Square Soi 7 under the "playhouse with purpose" concept.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:45 UTC