Enforcement of rules against open burning stepped up
Listen to this articleThe Pollution Control Department has ordered stepped-up surveillance of open burning as the seasonal risk of haze and dust pollution rises, according to director-general Surin Worakitthamrong. More hotspots are being reported in agricultural and forest areas, he said. Local authorities in many provinces have issued formal notices and been instructed to strictly enforce laws against open burning, alongside designating controlled burning zones. Burning in forest, agricultural and open spaces in Thailand is punishable by both fines and imprisonment — in some cases both. Mr Surin has called for public cooperation, urging people to refrain from all forms of burning in prohibited areas.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 14:06 UTC
Shah’s widow says ‘no turning back’ after Iran protests
(Photo: AFP)PARIS - The widow of Iran’s last shah says there is “no turning back” after a wave of protests against the country’s clerical authorities, saying she is convinced the Iranian people will emerge victorious. Triggered on Dec 28 by smaller protests over economic hardship, nationwide rallies surged in Iran on January 8, challenging the Islamic republic in power for over four decades. Answer: I want to say to young Iranians: today you are writing, with immense courage, a new chapter of history… for Iran and for the world. He himself sees his role solely as the mouthpiece of young Iranians until the day of freedom. My desire and my need today are to return to Iran and to hold these exceptional children in my arms.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 13:51 UTC
Fluffy galaxy awaits at Central Embassy
Open House, the co-living space on level 6 of Central Embassy, has been transformed into a universe of friendship during the "MRKREME: The Fluffy Galaxy" exhibition, which runs until March 1. Behind the playful and vibrant aesthetic inspired by Pop Surrealism and Lowbrow Art, MRKREME draws on his passion for pop culture, street art and nostalgic childhood toys from the 1980s. The journey begins at The Fluffy Wormhole, an interdimensional tunnel located along the linkage walkway from Central Chidlom (Level 2) to Central Embassy. The journey then culminates at Open House, of course, where a creative playground inspired by Retrofuturism, where sleek sci-fi aesthetics merge seamlessly with the nostalgic spirit of the 1980s. Art also extends into the digital realm through MRKREME Interactive AR, where visitors can scan a QR code to summon fluffy monster companions into their photos across various spots throughout Central Embassy.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 13:50 UTC
Court clears Phumtham, Tawee in Senate collusion case
(File photo: Government House)The Constitutional Court has cleared former cabinet ministers Phumtham Wechayachai and Tawee Sodsong of ethical breaches in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2024 Senate election. The senators also asked the court to decide whether the two ministers’ actions met the criteria for termination of their ministerial status. Mr Phumtham was deputy prime minister and defence minister, and Pol Col Tawee was justice minister when the complaint was filed last year. It later became a special case after the Election Commission indicated that a criminal investigation into certain aspects of the case — including alleged money laundering — would be outside its authority. The final vote in the three-stage Senate election on June 26, 2024 produced highly unusual results, notably a disproportionate number of winners from provinces where Bhumjaithai is strong electorally.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 13:33 UTC
What is Trump's 'Board of Peace'?
What is Trump's 'Board of Peace'? Listen to this articleUS President Donald Trump so-called 'Board of Peace' would have him in charge of it, able to adopt decisions on its behalf. (Photo: AFP)BRUSSELS — United States President Donald Trump's government has asked countries to pay up to US$1 billion for a permanent spot on his "Board of Peace" aimed at resolving conflicts, according to its charter seen by Agence France-Presse (AFP). The Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump, according to its founding charter. The charter says the board enters into force "upon expression of consent to be bound by three States".
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 12:56 UTC
IHG to add nearly 40 hotels to Thai portfolio in 3-5 years
IHG to add nearly 40 hotels to Thai portfolio in 3-5 yearsListen to this articleThailand still has an undersupply of hotel rooms, according to international chain IHG Hotels & Resorts, which aims to add nearly 40 hotels here in 3-5 years, adding the next government should address the strong currency. IHG operates 40 hotels in Thailand and has 39 hotels in the pipeline, aiming to almost double its portfolio within 3-5 years. Globally IHG operates 6,800 hotels, with 55% located in the Americas, 15% in China and the remaining 30% in other regions. Among the global chain, roughly 70% are under mainstream brands such as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. IHG also operates 550 hotels in the luxury and lifestyle segment, with more than 400 in the pipeline.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 11:20 UTC
Japan to restart world's biggest nuclear plant Wednesday
Japan to restart world's biggest nuclear plant WednesdayListen to this articleThe world's biggest nuclear power plant is set to restart on Wednesday for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. (Photo: AFP)KARIWA — The world's biggest nuclear power plant is set to restart on Wednesday for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, its Japanese operator said, despite persistent safety concerns among residents. The governor of Niigata province, where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant is located, approved its resumption last month, although public opinion remains sharply divided. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the world's biggest nuclear power plant by potential capacity, although just one reactor of seven is restarting Wednesday. Meanwhile Japan still faces the daunting task of decommissioning the Fukushima plant, a project expected to take decades.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 11:05 UTC
Canadian PM sees ‘rupture’ in world order
(Photo: Reuters)DAVOS, Switzerland - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did not mention the United States or Donald Trump by name in a speech at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, but it was clear where he placed the blame for what he called a “rupture” in the world order. It is also not clear that all NATO members would respond militarily to an attack on another member. Canada and the United States have a joint command for North American air defence. In his speech Carney called on medium-size countries like Canada to band together to offset the power of the United States, China and Russia. “The middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 10:51 UTC
Iran protest crackdown latest developments
- Iran isolated -Iran has faced increased international isolation over the crackdown. And on Tuesday, the UN's Human Rights Council said it would hold an urgent meeting on Friday on "the deteriorating human rights situation" in Iran. It cited "credible reports of alarming violence, crackdowns on protesters and violations of international human rights law". The Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported 4,029 confirmed deaths. Mehran, a 50-year-old Mashhad native, told IHR there was a bloody crackdown on protests in the city.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 09:50 UTC
Bank of Thailand to cap online gold trading
Limit of B50-100 million for online trades to be imposed to reduce upward pressure on bahtListen to this articleThe Bank of Thailand will introduce a cap on online gold trading by Jan 29 in order to ease upward pressure on the baht, governor Vitai Ratanakorn said on Wednesday. Daily gold trading through online platforms will likely be capped at 50 million or 100 million baht per account, Mr Vitai told reporters. The central bank will assess the impact of the gold measures before considering whether a specific business tax on gold trading is necessary, he said. The sharp appreciation of the baht over the past three to four days has been driven by gold trading and foreign fund inflows, he said. The measure will allow exporters to retain more of their US dollar earnings without needing to convert them into local currency, the central bank said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 09:14 UTC
14 Thais fleeing abuse in Cambodia sneak into Thailand
Returnees said they were attracted by offer of jobs on online gambling websiteListen to this articleNine men and five women, all Thai nationals, are seen after illegally entering Thailand on Tuesday night. The group was caught at 7.30pm on Tuesday by the Aranyaprathet Special Task Force patrolling in tambon Khlong Namsai in Aranyaprathet district of the eastern border province, opposite Poipet in Cambodia. The nine men and five women admitted to illegally crossing the border to return to their hometowns after fleeing the online gambling site in the neighbouring country. They told investigators they were invited by an administrator of a Facebook page in November last year to work for an online gambling website in Cambodia, with a salary of 25,000 baht a month. They were being held at the Khlong Namsai police station for further legal procedures, authorities said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 09:07 UTC
Abuse complaints latest legal headache for ‘Big Joke’
The statute of limitations in such cases is 10 years, said Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). He was speaking on Wednesday after the two former aides — Pol Lt Col Krit Priyakate and Pol Col Aris Kooprasitrat — filed complaints against Pol Gen Surachate with the Crime Suppression Division. Asked whether a medical certificate issued in 2017 could still be used in a case brought years later, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said it could form part of the evidence. Investigators would now seek testimony from other former aides, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said, adding that police had information suggesting there were additional victims. Pol Gen Surachate said he was aware of the complaints and was consulting his legal team in preparation to fight the case.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 09:07 UTC
Prada’s mouldy cuffs take Milan Fashion Week
Prada showcased their Autumn/Winter 2026 Menswear Collection earlier this Sunday during the on-going Milan Fashion Week. Known for precise silhouettes, Prada’s newest collection has not strayed away from the expected — that is until we look closer into the mould. Taking a look at the wrists from pieces of this collection: mould, mildew and staining came to be the signature of this collection. Prada’s delicate artistry in creating such details reminds us of how the garments, which exist in the present, used to live a life in the past. In attendance are notable Prada ambassadors including Win Metawin, Louis Partridge, Troye Sivan, Maya Hawke and more.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 08:46 UTC
Satellite data helps cut PM2.5
Satellite data helps cut PM2.5Listen to this articleSatellite-driven pollution models are delivering tangible gains in the fight against PM2.5, reducing fire hotspots and burned areas in pilot provinces and underscoring the role of data and technology in improving air quality, according to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). Presenting the findings at the Thailand National PM2.5 Forum #2 yesterday, ThaiHealth deputy chief executive Dr Pairoj Saonoum said the project combined satellite data with rapid local response to suppress forest fires and prevent agricultural burning. When burning is detected, Dr Pairoj said that local teams are immediately deployed to contain fires and halt further ignition. Burned areas fell by 20–30%, while downstream PM2.5 levels dropped by about 10%. He said the success highlights the importance of turning existing data into action, noting that this year, the satellite-based model will be expanded to six upper northern provinces.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 08:39 UTC
Endangered 'Ronin fish' spotted in Trang canal
Endangered 'Ronin fish' spotted in Trang canalListen to this articleLocal fishermen reported seeing the bowmouth guitarfish in Khlong Lak Khan, tambon Tha Kham, Palian district on Jan 18. Local fishermen reported seeing the bowmouth guitarfish in Khlong Lak Khan, tambon Tha Kham, Palian district on Jan 18. Trang Marine Coastal Conservation Centre did an aerial survey to find the shark ray. The bowmouth guitarfish inhabits sandy-muddy seafloors and is classified as critically endangered. Under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announcement No 4, dated June 12, 2018, the bowmouth guitarfish is designated as a protected species.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 08:36 UTC