Trump's Christmas gospel: bombs, blessings and blame
Trump's Christmas gospel: bombs, blessings and blameListen to this articleUS President Donald Trump -- pictured holding up a bible in front of St John's Episcopal, near the White House, in 2020 -- is not a regular churchgoer. On Thursday, Trump dropped an even darker line: "Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas." In reality, Obama regularly said "Merry Christmas." - 'Always... a Christian nation' -The Pentagon even hosted its first-ever Christmas Mass on December 17. "We have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation," Vance added.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:07 UTC
Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of Somaliland
Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of SomalilandListen to this articleIn Hargeisa, crowds took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, which has been the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year. But a Somali foreign ministry statement warned that the decision was "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he announced "the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state", making Israel the first country to do so. A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:07 UTC
Fiscal decline expected to pressure Thailand over the medium term
Fiscal decline expected to pressure Thailand over the medium termListen to this articleA woman displays a message of support for the government's 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. These efforts aim to ensure fairness, broaden compliance, and reflect the true potential of Thailand's tax system. Introducing an outbound travel tax, expected to generate 12 billion baht. Measures to revise and increase "sin taxes" on alcohol, beer and tobacco are expected to raise 5.45 billion baht. The Customs Department plans to eliminate the duty exemption for low-value imports worth less than 1,500 baht, which is expected to generate 3 billion baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 22:06 UTC
B. Braun Thailand Champions Community Impact
A strong commitment to responsible business and meaningful social impact continues to shape the way B. Braun Thailand engages with the communities it serves. Mr. Sayan Roy, Managing Director, B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd. said: “More than 58% of our employees actively participate in the CSR Club, demonstrating our belief that meaningful change begins with empowered people. In 2025, the support was expanded to include a new roof for the elementary students’ playground. Mr Tan Sriudon, Senior IT Manager and CSR Club Leader, added: “Our projects are designed for long-term impact—practical, community-driven and built for continuity. We measure our progress each year and remain committed to sharing our expertise and resources in ways that genuinely support local needs.”
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 18:23 UTC
Zelensky to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday
Listen to this articleDonald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have met several times as the US president continues efforts to broker an agreement between the warring sides to end Europe’s worst conflict since World War II. (Photos: AFP)KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday for talks on how to end the Russian invasion, Kyiv said Friday. “Over the weekend, I think on Sunday, in Florida, we will have a meeting with President Trump,” Zelensky said in a message to journalists on Friday. His office later said a meeting had been “planned” for Sunday in the southern US state where Trump has a home. It did not elaborate and has not indicated its position on the latest plan.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 18:02 UTC
Hopes rise for ceasefire
He made the declaration just a few hours before Cambodian troops fired a rocket barrage at Ban Nong Chan in Surin province, killing three Thai soldiers and injuring 17 others late Friday afternoon. It is about national sovereignty.”Mr Anutin said the Thai armed forces had confirmed that operational objectives had been achieved. Mr Anutin said Thailand remained open to communication through all established mechanisms and informal channels. The Ministry of Defence said Thai forces secured Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district after clashes at dawn, and now control three key frontlines: Ban Khlong Phang, Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. Thailand and Cambodia have been at odds for decades over their shared border, which was drawn based on a Franco-Siamese treaty of 1907.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 14:50 UTC
Audit office acknowledges fatal flaws in building
The walls did not meet the required standard, according to the test results on some concrete samples, it said. Moreover, the detailed plans, as well as the embedment length of the reinforcing steel, did not comply with applicable laws. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has also pursued an investigation under the Foreign Business Act and has forwarded cases deemed worthy of legal action to prosecutors. As well, the DSI has submitted some cases to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further investigation. “The DSI and the NACC have yet to reach a conclusion on who should be held accountable,” it said in a statement.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 14:50 UTC
Malaysia's Najib convicted of abuse of power in 1MDB graft trial
Malaysia's Najib convicted of abuse of power in 1MDB graft trialListen to this articleNajib Razak, 72, has issued an apology for the 1MDB scandal happening during his tenure. His conviction is likely to heap years onto the six-year term he is already serving for a separate case related to the 1MDB fund. Presiding Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah convicted the 72-year-old former leader on Friday on all four counts of abuse of power. Presiding Judge Sequerah started reading a lengthy verdict, before breaking for Friday afternoon prayers, with the hearing resuming at 3pm. The defence's argument that Najib was "misled and duped by management and by Jho Low is unmeritorious", the judge said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 14:03 UTC
Light traffic on first day of Thailand's M6 motorway
Light traffic on first day of Thailand's M6 motorwayListen to this articleThe new motorway, the M6, is free to use from Friday to Jan 5 next year, but the section between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong is only for one-way traffic. (Photo: Motorway Thailand Facebook account)Traffic was smooth on the M6 motorway as the new route was opened along its entire length for the first time on Friday, with free rides for motorists. JS100 traffic radio network reported smooth traffic conditions on the M6 after drivers were allowed to use the motorway from midnight. The M6 runs for 196 kilometres from Bang Pa-in district in Ayutthaya province to Nakhon Ratchasima province. Only four-wheel vehicles are permitted to use the new motorway, with a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 13:53 UTC
Nigeria signals more strikes likely in 'joint' US operations
(Photo: AFP)LAGOS - Nigeria on Friday signalled more strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day bombardment by US forces against militants in the north of the country. Asked if there would be more strikes, Tuggar said: “It is an ongoing thing, and we are working with the US. We are working with other countries as well.”Targets unclearThe Department of Defense’s US Africa Command, using an acronym for the Islamic State group, said “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed in an attack in the northwestern state of Sokoto. While Abuja has welcomed the strikes, “I think Trump would not have accepted a ‘No’ from Nigeria,” said Malik Samuel, an Abuja-based researcher for Good Governance Africa, an NGO. Tuggar said that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu “gave the go-ahead” for the strikes.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 13:37 UTC
US and Russia urge end to Thai-Cambodian violence
US and Russia urge end to Thai-Cambodian violenceListen to this articleVehicles carrying people fleeing clashes in border areas of Cambodia wait in a long line to get into an evacuation centre at Chong Kal in Oddar Meanchey province, on Dec 10, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)The United States and Russia have called on Cambodia and Thailand to end violence as the two countries continue talks to end weeks of deadly clashes. “Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. Meanwhile, Russia has urged Thailand and Cambodia to accelerate efforts to revive peace talks through existing bilateral mechanisms to resolve conflicts, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Five days of clashes in July ended with an initial ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia and the US.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 13:35 UTC
2026 Horoscope Overview
As per New Year tradition, Guru by Bangkok Post presents the 2026 horoscope. (⚤) Early 2026 brings several romantic options, but one person in particular — foreign or far from your usual type — steals your heart. Early 2026 brings discussions about rings, keys, babies or joint accounts. (₿) In H1 of 2026, you'll cash in on your past grind and investments. Midyear brings distance and reality checks that test your optimism, but working through it builds true partnership with real respect and support.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 13:33 UTC
Thailand tightens reporting of non-resident cash inflows
Thai banks must now report capital inflows exceeding $200,000 by non-residents, Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn said on Friday. “This is the first time we are checking the purposes and documentation of such inflows,” he said. In addition, banks will be required to report gold trading transactions conducted via digital platforms, both on a per-day and per-transaction basis. Online gold trading in recent months has accounted for 40-50% of total foreign exchange transactions, peaking at 60% in August. Mr Vitai acknowledged on Friday that the central bank has intervened aggressively to ease volatility in the baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 13:32 UTC
IRPC recognised for digital energy excellence
IRPC Public Company Limited has reinforced its position as a leader in energy management and digital innovation after securing an Outstanding Award in the Creative Energy Project category at the Thailand Energy Awards 2024 for its Energy Efficiency and Reliability Improvement of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) with Digital Optimisation project. The award was received by Lersak Thongruang, Senior Executive Vice President, Operation, in recognition of the company’s success in applying digital technology to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability. The award was presented by caretaker Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon, who presided over the ceremony organised by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The event recognises organisations demonstrating outstanding performance in energy efficiency and sustainable energy development. The accolade reflects the strong performance of IRPC’s crude distillation unit (ADU1), which has achieved effective energy management through digital optimisation to improve operational efficiency and maximise resource utilisation, in line with the company’s long-term sustainable development goals.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 13:25 UTC
Guru's Weekly Buzz: Dec 26-Jan 1
From Dec 30 to Jan 31, Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar will serve one of the most innovative dishes in contemporary gastronomy, crafted by chef León. Festive edition / The St. Regis Bar / Dec 28The St. Regis Bar will host the year's final "Cocktails, Tapas, And Friends" edition on Dec 28. STUFFFragrance collection / Onitsuka TigerOnitsuka Tiger has launched its first-ever fragrances collection, featuring four distinctive scents. The four scents: Onitsuka Tiger One, Onitsuka Tiger Two, Onitsuka Tiger Three, And Onitsuka Tiger Four come in vibrant yellow bottles, reflecting the brand's signature colour, with distinctive brand logo lettering. Available in 100ml editions exclusively at Onitsuka Tiger Flagship Store Siam Square One and Iconsiam.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 26, 2025 12:01 UTC