South Korea court sentences ex-PM to 23-year jail term
South Korea court sentences ex-PM to 23-year jail termListen to this articlePeople watching a news report on South Korea's Seoul Central District Court ruling on charges against former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for engaging in a key action of insurrection concerning ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024, are reflected on a television in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters)SEOUL — A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in jail for charges including engaging in a key action of insurrection concerning ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court found Han guilty on the charge because he was considered instrumental in setting up the outward appearance of a cabinet meeting that worked to faciliate the martial law declaration, a judge said. Han, 76, is the first former cabinet minister to be handed a ruling by a lower court on criminal charges directly related to martial law. Han was detained by the court immediately after the ruling.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 08:20 UTC
Ruling Bhumjaithai Party receives most donations
Ruling Bhumjaithai Party receives most donationsListen to this articleBhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul campaigns for votes in the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom on Wednesday. (Photo: Bhumjaithai Party)The Bhumjaithai Party of caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received the most donations in November, 58 million baht while the opposition People's Party received 1.5 million baht, according to the Election Commission (EC). Meanwhile, the People’s Party, which is the reincarnation of the dissolved Move Forward Party, received 1.48 million baht and assets worth 22,800 baht from 56 donors. Two others gave 1 million baht in cash and 125,000 baht worth of assets to the New Opportunity Party. One person granted 4.64 million baht to the Palang Pracharath Party while another gave 1.15 million baht to the Klatham Party.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 07:37 UTC
Three premier universities unite as new pillar for Thailand
From left: Dr Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a member of the Mahidol University Council and philanthropist; Prof Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council and the Chiang Mai University Council; Prof Emeritus Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, Chairman of the Mahidol University Council; and Prof Dr Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University. Senior executives of Mahidol University attend a historic signing ceremony for Thailand's higher education sector. Seen in the photo are Prof Emeritus Dr Udom Kachintorn (front left), Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul (front right), Prof Emeritus Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn (seated centre right) and Prof Dr Piyamitr Sritara (seated centre left). This collaboration is driven by the MC² concept, which integrates the strengths of Mahidol (M), Chula (C), and Chiang Mai University (CMU). Mahidol University and Chiang Mai University have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, while Chulalongkorn University has set a 2040 target.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 07:34 UTC
Sony to spin off TV business into joint venture with Chinese maker TCL
(Photo: Kitja Apichonrojarek)KYODO — Sony Corporation said Tuesday it will spin off its home entertainment business into a joint venture with major Chinese television maker TCL Electronics Holdings Limited as it seeks to boost its global competitiveness. TCL will hold a 51% stake in the venture, with Sony, a wholly owned subsidiary and the electronics unit of Sony Group Corp, holding the remaining 49%. The new company will continue to use the Sony name and the Bravia TV brand for its products. Sony entered the television business in 1960 with the release of the world's first direct-view portable transistor TV. TCL, which ranks second worldwide in TV shipments, has been expanding its global presence with aggressive low-price strategies.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 06:31 UTC
Soccer superstars set to tee-off at Icons Of Football competition
Two teams of 12, representing Team England and Team World, will compete across a fast-paced 10-hole matchplay format delivering drama, rivalry and spectacle from the first tee shot to the last putt. Team England's lineup includes Jimmy Bullard, Michael Carrick, Robbie Fowler, Joe Hart, Paul Ince, Phil Jagielka, Jermain Jenas, Phil Jones, Lee Sharpe, Teddy Sheringham, John Terry and Theo Walcott. Team World's roster includes Gareth Bale, Gabriel Batistuta, Nigel de Jong, Luís Figo, Ryan Giggs, David Ginola, Ruud Gullit, Aaron Ramsey, Andriy Shevchenko, Nemanja Vidi, Dwight Yorke and Gianfranco Zola. Fans will see their icons up close, competing not on the pitch -- but in one of sport's most competitive environments, desperately vying to claim the win, the Icons Trophy and all bragging rights. Coverage will be broadcast globally and across Icons channels.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 06:16 UTC
Vote-buying claims dismissed by senior politicians
Vote-buying claims dismissed by senior politiciansListen to this articleSenior politicians have dismissed allegations of widespread vote‑buying ahead of the election, rejecting reports that cash handouts have surged to record levels. Capt Thamanat argued that reports of rampant vote‑buying were largely politically motivated attacks amplified by online commentators. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, also denied allegations linking his party to vote‑buying in Bangkok. Mr Chaiwut urged the EC to act decisively, arguing that pervasive vote‑buying "cannot occur nationwide without detection". He criticised the EC for focusing on minor infractions while failing to address direct cash payments.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 06:07 UTC
US military seizes another Venezuela-linked tanker in the Caribbean
US military seizes another Venezuela-linked tanker in the CaribbeanListen to this articleA structure of a hand holding an oil well tower stands near the headquarters of Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA, in Caracas, Venezuela January 13, 2026. REUTERSWASHINGTON - The U.S. military said it seized a Venezuela-linked tanker on Tuesday in the Caribbean, marking the seventh such apprehension since the start of U.S. President Donald Trump's month-long campaign to control Venezuela's oil flows. The U.S. military's Southern Command, which is overseeing nearly a dozen warships and thousands of troops in the Caribbean, said in a statement it apprehended the Motor Vessel Sagitta "without incident." Trump has focused his foreign policy in Latin America on Venezuela, initially aiming to push Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Since then, Trump has said the U.S. plans to control Venezuela's oil resources indefinitely as it seeks to rebuild the country's dilapidated oil industry in a $100 billion plan.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 06:05 UTC
Clarity urged on charter changes
Clarity urged on charter changesListen to this articleDeputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno has urged political parties pushing for constitutional amendments to clearly specify which provisions they intend to revise, saying royal prerogatives are embedded throughout the charter and not limited to Chapters 1 and 2. Speaking to reporters amid criticism that the referendum question submitted to the Election Commission (EC) by the government lacks safeguards against amendments affecting Chapters 1 and 2, Mr Borwornsak urged critics to review Constitutional Court rulings. Chapter 1 defines Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom with a democratic regime and establishes the King as head of state, while Chapter 2 outlines royal prerogatives. "The principle of a democratic regime with the King as head of state appears in many parts of the constitution," Mr Borwornsak said. He said that under Thai constitutional practice since 1949, a constitution approved by referendum would lapse entirely if it did not receive royal assent.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 05:54 UTC
Modern challenges for the rule of law
(Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The "rule of law" is an age-old notion that sounds paradoxically both archaic and dynamic. Originally, the English version of the rule of law advocated the supremacy of law, meaning that everyone is subject to the law; equality before the law, including fair trials; and constitutionalism, implying a balancing act among different state institutions, even where the state does not have a written constitution. The third element was premised on the perceived role of the judiciary, enjoying independence and invigorated by judge-made law, or "common law". In reality, non-democracies often invoke the term to validate their power base, epitomised by what is better described as "rule by law". By contrast, official data reveal an increase in violence against women, underscoring the need for a new anti-domestic violence law.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 05:49 UTC
Greenland: Donald Trump versus Nato
Greenland: Donald Trump versus NatoListen to this articleDanish soldiers land at Nuuk airport, January 19, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)After the Danish and Greenland foreign ministers came out of a meeting in Washington on Jan 14 convinced that Donald Trump really intended to seize Greenland, things moved very fast. But that was Donald Trump's pretext for taking Greenland: "The US needs Greenland for the purpose of national security....It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building." Rather than thank the Europeans for finally picking up the load, Donald Trump blasted them for having "journeyed to Greenland for purposes unknown". And Mr Trump has used them in the past about Canada as well.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 05:49 UTC
Peace board price tag
Peace board price tagListen to this articleThailand has received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join his newly proposed "Board of Peace", an organisation ostensibly aimed at overseeing the reconstruction and peace process in Gaza following more than two years of devastating conflict. A seat at this table carries a staggering price tag of US$1 billion (31 billion baht), a sum that demands far more than diplomatic curiosity. The draft charter speaks of a "bold new approach" to global conflicts, suggesting Gaza is merely a pilot project for a new geopolitical platform. Beyond the fiscal burden, full engagement risks branding Thailand as a partisan actor in an increasingly multipolar world. True leadership is not found in buying a seat at an elite table; it is found in principled multilateralism.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 05:49 UTC
A garden of colour
Founded in 2019 by designer/artist Khontarat Techatrisorn, the brand give.me.museums is unique for its landscape patterns and vibrant colours. To celebrate the Year of the Horse, give.me.museums collaborated with Iconsiam to showcase the exhibition "Flower Art Garden" at Charoen Nakhon Hall. This concept is connected to give.me.museums and the Sawatdee collection is one of those in 'Flower Art Garden'," explained Khontarat. Since give.me.museums is inspired by landscapes and floral patterns, "Flower Art Garden" is filled with vibrant and colourful floral motifs. Merchandise at 'Flower Art Garden'.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 05:47 UTC
Thai industrial sentiment retreats after 7-month high
Thai industrial sentiment retreats after 7-month highListen to this articleMap Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong province. (Photo: Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand)Thailand's industrial sentiment index fell in December 2025 after hitting a seven-month high in November over concerns about the border conflict with Cambodia and uncertainties about government policies, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported on Wednesday. The strong baht and slow manufacturing were also among the concerns, the group said. The baht has gained about 1.5% against the dollar so far this year, making it Asia's best performing currency. The FTI said its industrial sentiment index declined to 88.2 in December from 89.1 in the previous month.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 05:23 UTC
Cleaning robot malfunctions at Suvarnabhumi airport
A floor cleaning robot at Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan province was spotted dragging a power cable and sockets along the terminal floor during operating hours on Tuesday, catching the attention of passengers. After the video of the incident went viral, airport staff said the issue will be addressed promptly. Social media users remarked that the robot resembled an employee on their last day of work, seemingly indifferent to its tasks.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 04:58 UTC
Antarctic warming speeds up penguin breeding, study finds
A new study published on Tuesday (January 20) in the Journal of Animal Ecology found three Antarctic penguin species starting their breeding season markedly earlier than a decade ago, in what researchers say is a record shift likely linked to rapid warming at colony sites in the Antarctic region.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 21, 2026 04:43 UTC