Hedgehoppers in search of good news
Hedgehoppers in search of good newsListen to this articleBeing the very first day of February it would have been nice if there was some good news worth celebrating, but unfortunately nothing immediately springs to mind. With this in mind a newspaper was launched in the US some years ago which vowed to publish only good news. Back in 1965 there was a hit song in the UK entitled "It's Good News Week" by the splendidly-named English group Hedgehoppers Anonymous. The opening lines were: "It's good news week/ someone dropped a bomb somewhere/contaminating atmosphere/and blackening the sky." Unfortunately, my "honeymoon" with Afghan food was not to last.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:07 UTC
Suchart vows Bhumjaithai sweep in Chon Buri
Suchart vows Bhumjaithai sweep in Chon BuriListen to this articleSuchart Chomklin, a leading figure of the Bhumjaithai party, has declared that Chon Buri is firmly under his party's control, saying voters have already decided and no seats will be left for rival parties in the province. Mr Suchart, an election candidate for Chon Buri's constituency 1, yesterday said it is up to each party to evaluate its popularity ahead of the Feb 8 poll. In the 2023 election, Move Forward, the predecessor of the People's Party, won seven of the 10 seats in Chon Buri. He said Chon Buri, his home town, still remains a sense of brotherhood and family. He said in the final week before the election voters would have already made up their minds, adding that the results after Feb 8 would prove his point.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:05 UTC
US judge denies Minnesota bid to suspend immigration sweeps
US judge denies Minnesota bid to suspend immigration sweepsListen to this articleThe killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by masked, heavily armed agents caused a nationwide outcryMINNEAPOLIS (UNITED STATES) - A US judge delivered a blow Saturday to Minnesota's bid to force Immigration and Customs Enforcement to suspend its sweeping detention and deportation operation in the state. Ruling on Minnesota's bid to obtain a temporary restraining order, federal judge Katherine Menendez wrote in a ruling "ultimately, the Court finds that the balance of harms does not decisively favor an injunction." Minnesota argues that the month-long federal operation violated its sovereignty as a state. - 'Disappointed' -The mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city and the leading target of federal sweeps, said "of course, we're disappointed." "Neither sanctuary policies nor meritless litigation will stop the Trump Administration from enforcing federal law in Minnesota," she wrote in a post on X.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
Rybakina keeps her cool to beat Sabalenka in tense Melbourne final
She was into her fourth Australian Open final in a row and had been imperious until now. - Rybakina battles back -With the roof on because of drizzle in Melbourne, Rybakina immediately broke serve and then comfortably held for 2-0. Incredibly, it was the first set Sabalenka had dropped in 2026. The second game of the second set was tense, Rybakina saving three break points in a 10-minute arm-wrestle. Rybakina beat second seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals and sixth seed Jessica Pegula in the last four in Melbourne.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
'It wasn't working': Canada province ends drug decriminalization
'It wasn't working': Canada province ends drug decriminalizationListen to this articleA 2016 photo showing a mural in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, which remains an area home to drug usersVANCOUVER - Over 35 years as a drug user, Vancouver resident Garth Mullins said he's had "hundreds and hundreds" of interactions with police, and long believed drug decriminalization was smart policy. BC's three-year experiment with drug decriminalization, which launched in 2023 and shielded people from arrest for possession of up to 2.5 grams of hard drugs, was groundbreaking for Canada. At VANDU's office in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighborhood, home to many drug users, the walls are full of pictures honoring those who have died from overdose. - Public safety -BC's experience mirrors that in the US state of Oregon, which rolled back its pioneering drug decriminalization program in 2024 after a four-year trial. Drug user advocates, he added, don't want policy that makes the broader public feel threatened.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
Iran says progress made towards US talks despite attack jitters
Iran says progress made towards US talks despite attack jittersListen to this articleIran's security chief Ali Larijani said progress has been made on talks with the United StatesPARIS (FRANCE) - Iran's top security official said Saturday that progress had been made towards negotiations with the United States, even as the Islamic republic's army chief warned Washington against launching military strikes. Iranian army chief Amir Hatami earlier warned the US and Israel against any attack, saying his forces were "at full defensive and military readiness" to respond. He said Iran's nuclear technology and expertise "cannot be eliminated". In a statement, CENTCOM warned the IRGC against "any unsafe and unprofessional behaviour near US forces". On Saturday, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian urged his government to heed public grievances after the demonstrations and "serve the people".
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
'Empowering': Ireland's first female sumo wrestler blazes a trail
'Empowering': Ireland's first female sumo wrestler blazes a trailListen to this articleToraigh Mallon poses for a photo during a training session at a sumo wrestling club in BelfastBELFAST - Sweat darkened the white "dohyo" ring mat as Ireland's first female sumo wrestler shoved and strained, learning a freshly-discovered sport. "Until then I think I was the only female sumo wrestler on the island of Ireland, Irish champion by default!" But almost all the wrestlers are men, so far, according to 37-year-old Templeton, who represented Great Britain at a sumo world championships in Poland in 2024. "Especially in Ireland, we find that the girls aren't as interested as the boys, maybe shying away from it because of an idea that a sumo wrestler is not very ladylike," he said. Although the exact numbers of women sumo wrestlers in Ireland and the UK are not known, Templeton said the increasingly popular sport offers exciting opportunities.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
EC puts 42 provinces on watch list
EC puts 42 provinces on watch listListen to this articleEC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee inspects a venue of advance voting in Bang Kapi district, Bangkok, on Saturday. Office of the Election CommissionThe Election Commission (EC) has stepped up monitoring in 42 provinces where electoral competition is considered intense. EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said on Saturday the commission has classified all 77 provinces into two categories in terms of competition: normal (35) and intense (42). He added such activity is typically expected to emerge after Sunday, in the final week of campaigning, and that while individuals may prepare funds, distributing money to influence voters is illegal. Mr Sawaeng also inspected preparations for advance voting in Bangkok, including Bang Kapi district, which has the highest number of registered advance voters at over 58,000.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
PM denies playing patriotism card
Listen to this articleBhumjaithai Party leader and caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul campaigns for votes at a market in Samut Prakan province on Saturday. Asked whether his speech had targeted parties seeking to amend Section 112, Mr Anutin on Saturday insisted he had not attacked any group. Responding to Mr Nattawut's accusation that he was "looting the nation", Mr Anutin laughed and questioned the meaning of the phrase, dismissing it as mere rhetoric. "It has become clear that the 'Uncle's niece' and I take different paths in defending sovereignty," Mr Anutin said. "Uncle" is a reference to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, and Daddy to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 00:02 UTC
BJT shaping as likely winner
For the People's Party (PP), the return of Pita Limjaroenrat to the campaign trail may help energise loyal supporters and attract some undecided voters, Mr Suvicha said. He added that while Pheu Thai Party's "Nine Millionaires a Day" lottery-style scheme has generated buzz, its electoral impact is likely to be limited. The Klatham Party, he said, could secure about 35 seats, while the Democrats--buoyed by Mr Abhisit's return--may win 30–35 seats. Olarn: BJT, PP running neck-and-neckThree-bloc contest emergesOlarn Thinbangtieo, a political science and law lecturer at Burapha University, said the race remains centred on three main blocs: Pheu Thai, PP and BJT, with the latter gaining from strategic voting among conservative voters. "Some analysts suspect behind-the-scenes talks, allowing Pheu Thai to stabilise its base and keep its campaign on track."
Source:Bangkok Post
January 31, 2026 23:58 UTC
Progressives under fire over SSO board plan
Progressives under fire over SSO board planListen to this articleRukchanok Srinork, centre, and Sia Champathong, right, campaign on social security on Silom Road in Bangkok on Jan 22. The controversy intensified after Sia Champathong, a PP party-list MP, dismissed claims that such a policy existed. Rachada Dhnadirek, a Bhumjaithai Party party-list MP candidate, highlighted the apparent contradictions in a Facebook post on Saturday. She pointed to a written policy issued by the Progressive Social Security team, specifically Policy No. 14, which proposed amending regulations to allow migrant workers to vote for and stand as candidates for seats on the SSO board.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 31, 2026 23:53 UTC
ONE Championship: Mohammad Siasarani sends message to Iran after gritty debut win, eyes Japan card
“I’m happy that I won,” Siasarani told the Bangkok Post backstage at Lumpinee Stadium. Siasarani revealed he had been ill throughout fight week but chose not to withdraw, with several bouts already falling off the card late. Mohammad Siasarani lands a punch on Pedro Dantas at ONE Fight Night 39“I was really not feeling good,” he said. “I would love that.”Mohammad Siasarani receives instructions from coaches Mehdi Zatout and Chris Forster between rounds at ONE Fight Night 39Above all, Siasarani has his sights set on ONE 175 in Tokyo on April 29. I try my best to make my country proud and make everybody hear it.”For Siasarani, the win in Bangkok was not a celebration – it was a step.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 31, 2026 19:01 UTC
Pricey pens latest Social Security spending target
Pricey pens latest Social Security spending targetListen to this articleA fresh controversy has emerged over spending by the Social Security Office (SSO) after documents revealed the procurement of 500 engraved pens worth nearly 240,000 baht using a “specific-selection” method. Sahassawat Kumkong, a People’s Party election candidate, alleged that luxury pens bearing personalised names were distributed to senior officials, advisers and former high-ranking bureaucrats. The disclosure has reignited public scrutiny of Social Security Fund spending, following unresolved questions over costly buildings, an 850-million-baht app that has crashed, overseas study trips and 7,000 sets of uniforms. In a related development, the War Veterans Organisation (WVO) issued a clarification on Friday defending the legality of uniform and calendar procurement contracts wit the SSO. Documents show the WVO won a bid for the controversial 35-million-baht uniform tailoring project for SSO officials.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 31, 2026 17:37 UTC
ONE Championship: Jonathan Di Bella confirms date and location set for next title defence – but opponent still undecided
Italian-Canadian champion says preparations are under way for first defence since reclaiming strawweight kickboxing beltListen to this articleJonathan Di Bella falls to his knees after winning the ONE Championship strawweight kickboxing title from PrajanchaiJonathan Di Bella says his next ONE Championship fight is already on the calendar – even if his opponent is not. “We do have a date,” Di Bella said. “After every fight, I just take a few weeks off and go straight back to training,” Di Bella said. China’s Zhang Peimian – whom Di Bella beat to claim the title the first time around in 2022 – is keen on revenge and a rematch. Though he has twice lost to Rui Botelho – who himself was beaten comfortably by Di Bella in December 2024.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 31, 2026 16:01 UTC
France tightens infant milk rules after global recalls
Listen to this articlePARIS - France has lowered the safety limit for cereulide toxin in infant formula, aiming to strengthen protections after several major producers ordered worldwide recalls over contamination concerns, the farm ministry said on Saturday. The lower threshold is likely to lead to further withdrawals in France in the coming days, it added. The recalls illustrate how a single compromised ingredient can spread through the infant nutrition supply chain, despite tight regulation, and cause rapid market jitters. The recalls began last week with Nestle and widened to the French groups Danone and Lactalis, as well as others. On Thursday, the consumer group foodwatch said it had filed a criminal complaint in Paris on behalf of eight families whose babies it says fell ill after consuming contaminated infant formula, claiming companies waited too long to warn the public.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 31, 2026 15:44 UTC