Pheu Thai names 500 candidates for election
Pheu Thai names 500 candidates for electionListen to this articleYoschanan Wongsawat, the first prime ministerial candidate of Pheu Thai and Thaksin Shinawatra's nephew. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The Pheu Thai Parry has unveiled its full slate of 500 election candidates, using the launch to sharpen its policy message and counter claims that its platform is rooted in populism. He identified four priorities for the next government should it be run by Pheu Thai. He emphasised the party’s blend of experience and new blood, saying Pheu Thai would deliver equal opportunity for every generation. Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat, another PM candidate, echoed similar sentiments, describing the election as decisive for Thailand’s future.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 12:18 UTC
Chia Tai Renews Scholarship Support for Agriculture
Chia Tai continues its 14-year commitment to agricultural education by awarding scholarships and research support to Kasetsart University students to nurture future leaders in Thailand’s agricultural sector. Continuing its long-standing commitment to agricultural education and talent development, Chia Tai has presented a contribution to the “Chia Tai–Dr. Manas Chiaravanond Scholarship Fund” for 2025, supporting teaching, learning and research initiatives at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University. In addition, Chia Tai awarded 53 undergraduate scholarships to students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen, across three categories: Outstanding Academic Achievement Scholarships, Academic Excellence Scholarships and Financial Aid Scholarships. Chia Tai also provides internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience, enhance their capabilities and establish stable career pathways, contributing to the long-term, sustainable advancement of Thailand’s agricultural industry.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 12:08 UTC
Southern Thailand on high alert for flash floods, landslides
Disaster response teams, heavy machinery have been deployed to high-risk zonesListen to this articlePeople in southern Thailand have been warned to prepare for possible flash floods, overflowing waterways and landslides from Thursday to Sunday, as strong monsoon winds and heavy rain affect the region. Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Somchai Leelanoi said on Thursday that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has placed seven southern provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat on high alert. This warning follows reports from the Southern East Coast Meteorological Centre of a strong northeast monsoon bringing heavy rainfall across the region. Authorities recommend downloading the “Thai Disaster Alert” application, available on iOS and Android, for real-time updates and warnings. The disaster affected 12 southern provinces, killing more than 270 people and disrupting the lives of millions.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 12:06 UTC
Ninth Thai soldier loses leg from landmine in Surin
Ninth Thai soldier loses leg from landmine in SurinListen to this articlePMN-2 landmines are seen on the western side of Hill 350 inside Thai territory near the Ta Kwai temple in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin, in August 2025. (Photo: Royal Thai Army)Two Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on landmines, one losing leg, near the Thai-captured Ta Kwai temple in the northeastern province of Surin on Thursday afternoon. The location had been captured by the Thai troops on Dec 16. Sgt Nititham was the ninth Thai soldier to lose a limb from anti-personnel landmines, allegedly planted by Cambodian troops along the border, since July of this year. All told, 20 Thai soldiers have been injured in mine explosions.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 12:05 UTC
Expressway shooter ‘tested positive for drugs’
Listen to this articlePolice take the suspected Bangkok expressway gunman into custody on Koh Chang in Trat province on Wednesday evening. Police forensic investigators inspect the car driven by the murder victim at the crime scene on a Bangkok expressway in Bang Sue district early Tuesday morning. Pol Lt Gen Sayam said Mr Songkran admitted to committing the killing and showed police where he dumped his weapon, claiming he did not intend to take the victim’s life. His blood test was positive for methamphetamine, which indicated that he committed the crime while intoxicated from both alcohol and drugs, Pol Lt Gen Sayam said. Pol Lt Gen Sayam said the suspect is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and a firearms offence.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 10:47 UTC
Ruling on former Move Forward MPs postponed
44 current and former lawmakers could face bans for pushing to amend lese-majeste lawListen to this articleThe National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has postponed a ruling on a case involving 44 former Move Forward Party MPs accused of serious ethical violations arising from their push to amend the lese-majeste law after the accused lodged a petition. Of the 44 named in the original complaint, 25 are currently sitting members of the People’s Party, the successor to Move Forward after it was dissolved. The investigation into the former Move Forward MPs was launched last August following a petition by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, who asked the Constitutional Court to order the party to cease all activities relating to amending the lese majeste law. The petition was based on a ruling by the court on Jan 31, 2024, which said the Move Forward Party’s efforts to amend Section 112 constituted an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. If found guilty, they may have to forfeit their positions as MPs and could be banned from running in elections.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 10:36 UTC
Prime minister hopeful Tarique Rahman arrives in Bangladesh
Prime minister hopeful Tarique Rahman arrives in BangladeshListen to this articleActing chair of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman has returned home after 17-years in self-imposed exile. (Photo: AFP)DHAKA — Aspiring prime minister and political heavyweight Tarique Rahman was welcomed back to Bangladesh on Thursday by huge crowds of joyous supporters after 17 years in self-imposed exile. Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and heir apparent of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), shook hands with party leaders after touching down at the Dhaka airport. The BNP is widely seen as an election frontrunner, with Rahman expected to be put forward as prime minister if his party wins a majority. "Tarique Rahman is the symbol of hope for this country," Panna, 55, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 10:12 UTC
Vingroup scraps bid for $67-billion Vietnamese rail line
Listen to this articleThe Cau Binh Loi railway bridge crosses the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is gearing up for a major upgrade of its rail system to support economic development. In addition to Vingroup, investors including the auto industry company Thaco, Vietnam Railways and Vietnam Investment and Development Group have shown interest in the high-speed rail project. Vingroup said its withdrawal would not impede the project’s progress and would allow the company to focus on delivering other large-scale initiatives. The government has said the winner of the North-South railway bid will be announced in January.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 09:50 UTC
Thailand cornerstone market for Yindii
Thailand cornerstone market for YindiiListen to this articleMr Batard‑Dupré holds up a Yindii bag. As Southeast Asia confronts growing food waste and rising living costs, Yindii, Asia's No.1 food surplus marketplace, closed 2025 with strong growth and measurable impact across the region. In 2025, the Yindii community rescued more than half a million meals from going to waste, equivalent to saving nearly one meal every minute. Thailand remained a cornerstone market for Yindii in 2025." Thailand also became Yindii's first market to expand beyond traditional food-and-beverage outlets into the hospitality sector.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 08:45 UTC
Discover the jewels of the Mediterranean with Siam Society
Siam Society is holding a study trip to Sicily and Malta -- two remarkable islands in the heart of the Mediterranean -- from March 10-22. Sicily and Malta have long been crossroads of the Mediterranean, influenced by Phoenician traders, Greek settlers, Roman conquerors, Arab craftsmen, Norman kings and the Knights of St John. These islands bear witness to pivotal historical events, from ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange to strategic military campaigns that shaped European and Mediterranean history. Led by Pikulkaew Krairiksh, former president of Siam Society, participants will engage with the rich cultural heritage of Sicily and Malta, savour authentic Mediterranean flavours and experience the timeless beauty of these two islands where the past and present meet in perfect harmony. This trip is in collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa, the National Trust of Malta, which is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and preserving Malta's cultural and natural heritage.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 08:45 UTC
We wish you a merry Christmas!
Life wishes you a merry Christmas with highlights from many countries around the worldPeople walk past a Pop Mart-themed Christmas tree in front of Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok. (Photo: AFP)People dressed as Santa Claus take part in a Christmas regatta along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. (Photo: Reuters)A woman takes photos of Christmas decorations during the Pingtung Christmas Festival in Pingtung, Taiwan. (Photo: Reuters)Bikers dressed as Santa Claus ride to support children with disabilities, in Bengaluru, India. (Photo: Reuters)A Christmas tree in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 08:32 UTC
North Korea unveils hull of ‘nuclear submarine’
In March, North Korean state media carried photos showing such a vessel under construction. The unveiling on Thursday indicated that North Korea was making progress, although it has yet to announce when it expects to finish and deploy the vessel. North Korea has been testing various submarine-launched missiles and torpedoes in recent years, claiming that they were built to deliver nuclear warheads. It compels North Korea to accelerate “the modernisation and nuclear weaponisation of the naval force,” he said. North Korea is expected to hold its party congress early next year.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 08:03 UTC
Brazil's bold industrial turn is a gamble
Brazil's bold industrial turn is a gambleListen to this articleFor many in the developing world, Brazil is a rare beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak global landscape. Finally, Mr Lula's industrial policy signals a major shift in Brazil's national-security strategy. Brazil's benchmark interest rate, the Selic, is among the highest in the world, at 15% -- and that's merely the base rate from which other interest rates are derived. Given how difficult it is to imagine any private investment projects being viable at such levels, it is hardly surprising that Brazil's investment rate has remained stubbornly low, at around 18% of GDP. High interest rates persist not because they are economically rational, but because of political choices.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 07:47 UTC
Thai exports rise 7.1% in November, less than forecast
Listen to this articleThe US dollar value of Thai exports rose 7.1% in November from a year earlier, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, slightly below market expectations. The export growth figure for November compared with a forecast 8.25% year-on-year increase in a Reuters poll, and followed a 5.7% rise in October. The ministry has forecast export growth of between 11.6% and 12.1% for the whole of 2025. Import value in November increased 17.6% from a year earlier, versus a forecast rise of 14%, leading to a trade deficit of $2.73 billion, against a forecast of $1.12 billion. Mr Nantapong defended the trade deficit, saying most of the imports were capital goods and raw materials used to support higher production of export goods.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 07:32 UTC
Centara Hotels & Resorts unveils Himalayan hideaway
Centara Hotels & Resorts unveils Himalayan hideawayListen to this articleHimalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, is set to welcome guests from January 2026. Centara Hotels & Resorts (CHR) has announced the upcoming opening of its first property in Nepal, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, set to welcome guests from January 2026. Part of The Centara Collection, a curated portfolio of distinctive, one-of-a-kind hotels, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara invites travellers to discover serenity in the Himalayas. "We are thrilled to bring Centara's signature Thai-inspired hospitality to Nepal for the first time," said Prapaijit Thongma, general manager of the resort. To celebrate the upcoming opening, CHR presents Spirit of the Himalayas, an offer inviting guests to be among the first to experience the new resort.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 06:02 UTC