Troops finish clearance of deadly landmines
Troops finish clearance of deadly landminesListen to this articleFootage from a mobile phone, recovered by the Royal Thai Navy’s Humanitarian Mine Action Unit near Phu Makua in Si Sa Ket in August last year, purportedly shows Cambodian troops laying PMN-2 landmines in the area. Armed forces have finished clearing landmines along the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket, opening safe access after all explosive threats were removed. The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters' Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC) on Saturday reported progress in mine clearance operations in the area. Meanwhile, another EOD team cleared 1,485m² at the Ma Lekoperational base in Kantharalak district and found four PMN-2 landmines and one unexploded 100-millimetre mortar round. He rejected allegations from Cambodia regarding Thai forces' damage to heritage sites and Cambodian civilians' properties, stressing respect for human rights, cultural heritage.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 22:15 UTC
PM brushes aside Pita's return
Mr Pita is the former leader of the Move Forward Party, the PP's defunct predecessor. Mr Anutin, also prime minister, brushed aside criticism on social media against his party as an attempt to dent his party's rising popularity in some constituencies. On Mr Pita's return and the resurfacing of his controversial and dismissive remarks about the role of the military, Mr Anutin responded cautiously, saying it was possible such rhetoric could re-emerge but declined to comment further. Mr Pita on Jan 23 posted a photo on Facebook showing him on a flight back to Thailand with the caption "Okay, see you" with a flame emoji. Earlier, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chair of the Progressive Movement, said Mr Pita's return was planned for the campaign's final stretch, following an outreach to Thai voters overseas.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 22:15 UTC
Lobster gains recognition
Lobster gains recognitionListen to this articlePHUKET: The tourist island's famed "seven-colour lobster" has received a geographical indication (GI), marking a major milestone for the local seafood industry. Phuket governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said the Department of Intellectual Property formally granted the GI to "Phuket lobster", recognising its unique identity with its seven colours. The GI shows that the lobster's distinctive characteristics are closely linked to its geographical origin and cannot be replicated elsewhere. The designation is expected to enhance consumer confidence while adding value. Mr Nirat said the recognition would directly benefit the community economy, boosting incomes for fishermen and local entrepreneurs.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 22:15 UTC
6 held in retiree scam
6 held in retiree scamListen to this articlePattaya: A British man and five Thai women have been arrested for allegedly running an investment scam that deceived more than 400 victims, many of them retirees, police said. The suspects were detained in Chon Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces by police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division. Investigators said the group was led by a woman identified only as Pornparuehat, who ran a restaurant and bar in South Pattaya used to approach victims, particularly retired foreigners. The suspects organised fundraising events in Pattaya, police said, adding victims were added to chat groups and sent fabricated financial records. The suspects were charged with public fraud and inputting false information into a computer system, which they deny.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 22:13 UTC
Five linked to card fraud
Five linked to card fraudListen to this articlePolice have arrested five people in a credit card fraud case that caused losses of about 18.4 million baht. Investigators said the group advertised on Facebook, claiming they could increase credit limits in exchange for a 10% share from interested victims. The suspects used the credit card information to contact banks and request higher limits by issuing fake cheques as guarantees, depositing them on Fridays to exploit banking holidays before funds could be cleared. During this window, the credit cards were used to purchase assets such as gold, causing a total damage of 18.4 million baht, police said. Officers seized cash, gold, forged cheques, electronic cards and mobile phones, police said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 22:13 UTC
Flak for Pheu Thai lucky draw plan
Listen to this articlePheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat campaigns for votes in Bang Na district, Bangkok, on Saturday. Pheu Thai PartyThe Pheu Thai Party's (PT) proposal to distribute nine million baht a day has provoked a fierce backlash, with critics condemning it as an extravagant populist measure and an unethical use of taxpayers' money. The initiative, dubbed "Creating Nine Millionaires a Day", would award one million baht each to nine people every day, said PT prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Democrat Party, said the scheme would deliver little sustainable benefit. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy leader and another Democrat prime ministerial candidate, criticised the policy as a wasteful redistribution of taxpayers' money with negligible economic or social impact.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 21:35 UTC
Ministry clarifies delays in postal voting
Ministry clarifies delays in postal votingThe Foreign Affairs Ministry has moved to reassure Thai nationals in France after complaints that postal voting documents had not been received. Panidone Pachimsawat, deputy ministry spokesman, said on Saturday coordination with the Paris embassy confirmed ballot papers were dispatched by express mail on Jan 19, the first day permitted for overseas voting. "Delays are caused by a central data system error at the French postal service, which prevented some mail from being sent," he said. The Thai embassy in Paris has extended the deadline for returning ballots from Jan 30 to Feb 2. Voters are urged to return documents immediately upon receipt, using prepaid express envelopes.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 21:35 UTC
PM hails success at Davos forum
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has praised Thailand's performance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, saying the country's proactive engagement helped elevate its role in the global economic value chain and strengthen confidence amid global economic uncertainty. The participation was hailed as a success and helped reinforce international confidence in Thailand. Participation in WEF 2026, he said, enabled Asean to showcase its strengths, including economic openness, neutrality and adherence to international trade rules. "The WEF engagement reflects Thailand's proactive role in driving cooperation with global partners," Mr Siripong said. He added that collaboration on digital rules, cybersecurity and the green economy would support more inclusive and sustainable Asean growth.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 21:35 UTC
Playing the patriotic card
One of the most prominent themes emerging in recent weeks has been a surge in nationalist sentiment linked to tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. The issue has been actively woven into campaign narratives, particularly on national security, with analysts pointing to the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) as the main beneficiary. Nationalism as a campaign toolAsked about the impact of nationalist sentiment tied to the border dispute, Mr Olarn said it is having a tangible effect on voter behaviour. "If we focus purely on nationalist sentiment, BJT has the clearest advantage," Mr Olarn said. BJT, by contrast, has leaned heavily into nationalist sentiment, proposing measures such as border fencing and stressing strong cooperation with the armed forces.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 21:35 UTC
Federal agents shoot dead another person in Minneapolis
Federal agents shoot dead another person in MinneapolisListen to this articleTear gas is deployed by law enforcement in Minneapolis as demonstrators gather near the site where officials say a man was shot by federal agentsMINNEAPOLIS - Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, officials said -- the second fatal shooting of a civilian in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. But Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting "horrific" and demanded that state authorities lead the investigation. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pulled no punches, urging President Donald Trump to end the federal immigration operation, which has sparked sometimes violent demonstrations. - 'Horrific shooting' -Earlier, Walz said he had discussed "another horrific shooting by federal agents" with the White House. Minneapolis has been rocked by increasingly tense protests since federal agents shot and killed Good, a US citizen, on January 7.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 21:30 UTC
Korat rail services resume after deadly crane collapse
(Photo: State Railway of Thailand)The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) resumed train services through Sikhiu district in Nakhon Ratchasima for the first time on Saturday after a crane collapse that killed 30 people and injured dozens. Local media reported that about 20 metres of rail had been replaced along the damaged tracks. All trains passed safely through the location, with drivers reducing speed as a precaution to reassure passengers, reports said. Acting SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng said the reopening was carried out under enhanced safety measures. The SRT would maintain strict monitoring throughout construction to ensure public confidence in rail travel, and nationwide protocols for other railway lines had also been strengthened, Mr Anan added.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 18:51 UTC
ONE Championship: Helena Crevar addresses weigh-in backlash after debut win at Fight Night 39
“Because of the hydration, I probably want to fight at my walking weight – around 155, or openweight,” she said. “That’s probably the weight I’m going to do.”Crevar confirmed she has already raised the issue with DeBlass and expects further talks before her next bout. “I’m really grateful to Teshya for accepting the match even though I missed weight,” Crevar said. “I felt really great during the fight and I’m happy to get the submission on my debut,” she said. “But I’m really grateful to Tom for all the support.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 18:30 UTC
Taipei skyscraper climb postponed as clouds move in
Superstar rock-climber Alex Honnold will try again on Sunday, with Netflix ready to live-streamListen to this articleFog and clouds obscure the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Jan 24, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)TAIPEI - Poor weather on Saturday forced American climber Alex Honnold to postpone his “free solo” rope and harness-free ascent of the outside of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, one of the world’s tallest buildings. The top of Taipei 101 was obscured by cloud on Saturday morning, with intermittent rain showers. Taipei 101 has been scaled before. Despite decades of record-setting ascents, this would be his first skyscraper climb — and the first time one of his feats would unfold live before spectators both on the ground and on a streaming platform.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 17:51 UTC
Major Bangkok cocaine dealer arrested
Listen to this articleA team of police search a condominium room in Samut Prakan belonging to drug suspect Kanyapaphat Phatwaratthaya, who was arrested in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham/supplied)Police arrested a major cocaine dealer in Bangkok on Friday, ending her 10-year operation without being captured using her Nigerian ex-husband’s connections, with many of her clients found to be from elite society. Her right-hand man and four customers were also arrested, along with 250 grammes of cocaine and assets worth 6.2 million baht, police said. Investigators said Ms Kanyapaphat admitted she had long been involved with West African gangs and knew sources of cheap cocaine. Her sales records also showed numerous clients from Thai high society, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej said, adding that cocaine was expensive and popular among affluent users.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 16:02 UTC
Keys revels in Melbourne heat as Djokovic steps up history bid
Keys revels in Melbourne heat as Djokovic steps up history bidListen to this articleMadison Keys beat the Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova in straight sets. Matches started an hour earlier than usual because of the heatwave, and Keys had no intention of hanging about. Djokovic history bidThe Serbian great Djokovic faces 75th-ranked Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in the last 16. Second seed Sinner is bidding to win the Melbourne major for a third time in a row, emulating Djokovic. The winner goes up against either six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek or 31st-seeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 24, 2026 15:31 UTC