Election Commission defends requirement for two ID checks
Listen to this articlePhasakorn Siriphakayaporn, deputy secretary-general of the Election Commission, says voters’ lists for the general election and the referendum differ, resulting in the need for two ID checks. Voters will be required to verify their identities twice when voting in the general election and the constitutional referendum on Feb 8, as the voter lists for the two ballots differ, says the Election Commission (EC). The agency understands the inconvenience, but such a requirement is necessary because the election and the referendum have different procedures, said Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn, deputy secretary-general of the EC. He said advance and out-of-constituency voting are permitted in a general election, but for a referendum, out-of-constituency voting is allowed but advance voting provided. The EC says 2,262,643 people had registered to vote on Feb 1, while only 1,598,056 had registered for out-of-constituency voting in the Feb 8 referendum.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 07:21 UTC
Children are invited to design digital cityscape at One Bangkok
The expansive One Bangkok development will be transformed into "The Kids' Imaginarium", inviting young participants to use their creativity to design and construct their city of tomorrow. Curated by the BICT Festival and Poon Poon theatre company, the "Art Performance For Kids" comprises four shows to bring smiles and laughter. They include a fairy-tale story by Cream Bangkok at 2pm, a mime show by Annuts at 3pm, a creative performance from Poon Poon theatre at 4.30pm and a magic show by VK.Vich at 5.30pm. There is no admission fee to the "One Town" and "Art Performance For Kids", while the remaining activities are for One Bangkok and Traveller members. Children will receive complimentary popcorn and cotton candy (limited availability).
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 07:18 UTC
A rough diamond
The largest state of Malaysia, Sarawak has a complex history. "It is like a little-bit-polished diamond," said Louis. Discovering ancestral rootsAn hour by road from Kuching, the Sarawak Cultural Village sits in the foothills of Mount Santubong. An indigenous performance at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Hardship in China forced people to emigrate to Southeast Asia, including Sarawak.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 07:17 UTC
Kannavee backs ethnic minorities
Kannavee backs ethnic minoritiesListen to this articleKannavee Suebsang, leader of the Movement Party, promised his party would restore dignity to ethnic minorities by granting them citizenship and farmland. Mr Kannavee also visited a Hmong community in tambon Tub Tao, where he reiterated the party's mission to improve the quality of life for highland ethnic communities. He said the time had come to return equality and human dignity to all citizens, regardless of ethnic background. Ethnic communities across Thailand were facing similar systemic challenges, he said, mainly stemming from state neglect of their rights and dignity. Mr Kannavee said state power structures had historically marginalised ethnic populations, treating them as second-tier citizens.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 06:44 UTC
Army set to host event for children
Army set to host event for childrenListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Army will host a special National Children's Day celebration on Saturday at its headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The event invites children and young people to learn about the role of soldiers up close under this year's theme, "Love Thailand, Care for the World". Children will also be able to take part in skill-building activities, while families can enjoy music, games and giveaways. Army units nationwide will organise parallel events, including the 2nd Army Area at Suranaree Camp in Nakhon Ratchasima, the 3rd Army Area at Somdet Phra Ekathotsarot Camp in Phitsanulok, and the 4th Army Area at Sirindhorn Camp in Pattani. The initiative aims to inspire young people, support their development and strengthen ties between the military and the public, reinforcing the Army's role as "the people's soldiers".
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 06:22 UTC
People's Party battles shift in voter mood
People's Party battles shift in voter moodListen to this articlePeople’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun joins candidates as they register for the Feb 8 election, in Bangkok on Dec 27. So far, the timing does not appear propitious for the People's Party, the winner of the 2023 national election under the now-defunct Move Forward Party banner. Within Thailand's political landscape, the People's Party is widely seen as a progressive force, championing welfare policies and institutional reform. In my view, the People's Party should resist the temptation to shoot for the moon. Perhaps it is time for the People's Party to fine-tune its electoral platform.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 06:21 UTC
Trump's Greenland logic rattles Europe, Nato
Trump's Greenland logic rattles Europe, NatoListen to this articleA man walks as a Danish flag flutters next to a Hans Egede statue ahead of a general election in Nuuk, Greenland on March 11 last year. And Mr Trump has now used the policy to justify his audacious intervention in Venezuela, showing just how far he will go. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." Still, Mr Trump's recent actions have cast his Greenland fixation in a new light. The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, also downplayed comparisons between Mr Trump's designs on Venezuela and Greenland.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 06:21 UTC
2026 will be a year of debt struggles
In 2026, Thailand's overriding economic challenge will not be growth but debt repayment. In 2026, the Thai economy may edge close to crisis, not because of contraction per se, but because of an inability to service debt. This persistent shortfall has contributed to Thailand's high household debt, which stands at 87.7% of GDP -- the ninth highest globally. Household debt figures exclude informal borrowing and credit not supervised by the BoT, such as micro- and pico-loans. When informal debt is included, household debt likely exceeds 100% of GDP.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 06:21 UTC
Wat Arun photographers to get ‘manners’ training
Listen to this articlePhotographers take pictures of visitors in Thai costumes at Wat Arun in Bangkok on Tuesday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Photographers from Thai costume rental shops at Wat Arun in Bangkok are now required to take training in “manners” after complaints about improper behaviour. The management of the famous Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn) on Wednesday night apologised for recent incidents that had caused inconvenience or discomfort, saying it had reviewed rules at the temple. The announcement was a response to reports that local photographers shooed other visitors away when taking pictures of clients dressed in traditional Thai costumes. “Photographers who provide photography services within the Temple grounds are affiliated with Thai costume rental shops and are required to undergo training in proper conduct and appropriate practices in accordance with the Temple’s regulations before being permitted to provide photography services within the Temple,” Wat Arun said on its Facebook page.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 06:20 UTC
Bills big chance at the Super Bowl
Bills big chance at the Super BowlListen to this article(Photo: AFP)Will this be the season that the Buffalo Bills finally, in the words once sung by The Doors' Jim Morrison, "break on through to the other side"? In four of the last five seasons, Buffalo have been ousted from the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs, three times in the AFC title game. And with AFC postseason newbies Denver, Jacksonville and resurgent New England all having limited playoff experience, things should be falling into place for a Bill's Super Bowl trip and win, right? Perhaps contributing to Allen's down season -- for him -- is the lack of a game-breaking Bills wide receiver. Small wonder, then, the title of a Morrison biography, No One Gets Out of Here Alive, could also once again apply to the Buffalo Bills postseason appearance.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 04:33 UTC
Bangkok opens channel for reporting problematic election signs
Governor says issues reported on Traffy Fondue platform will be addressed promptlyListen to this articleAn election campaign sign lies on top of a vehicle parked at a red light after falling over in Pathum Wan district of Bangkok. (Photo: screenshot from TikTok account @coachtoon)Bangkok has opened a special channel via the Traffy Fondue platform for reporting obstructions or safety hazards caused by election signs, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Wednesday. Since the campaign for the Feb 8 general election began last month, several people have taken to online platforms to complain about sign-related issues. Mr Chadchart said a special sign-related channel had been added to Traffy Fondue, the popular online platform used by the public to report problems in Bangkok. The governor said campaign signs must not obstruct traffic routes, cause nuisance or block traffic visibility.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2026 04:10 UTC
Medical welfare boost for armed services, police
Medical welfare boost for armed services, policeListen to this articleThe National Health Security Board has approved policy guidelines to ensure continued healthcare coverage for military personnel, conscripts and their families, including access to treatment at military hospitals, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said on Wednesday. He said the board reviewed measures to strengthen medical welfare for soldiers, police, state officials, conscripts and their families affected by national security operations, particularly following recent unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border. Under the new approach, they will continue to receive the same level of medical benefits even after leaving government service. Family members who hold universal healthcare coverage will be allowed to receive treatment at military hospitals, in the same way as conscripts, until the soldier is discharged from service. The move is intended to ease the burden on families and provide reassurance during the conscription period, the board said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2026 23:35 UTC
Party touts novel childcare coupons to woo voters
Party touts novel childcare coupons to woo votersListen to this articleThai Sang Thai has unveiled the party's flagship welfare policy under its "tireless Thais" campaign, including a 2,000-baht monthly childcare coupon for mothers until a child reaches six years of age. The party announced it will issue childcare coupons worth 2,000 baht per month starting from pregnancy until the child turns six -- a period it calls the "golden window" for optimal brain and physical development. The coupons will be able to be redeemed for milk, vitamins and other essential childcare products under close medical supervision and doctor recommendations within the programme. The policy aims to ensure Thai children are well-nourished while reducing parents' financial strain. The party said the initiative is a strategic national investment to build human capital and incentivise married couples to have children.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2026 23:35 UTC
Thailand sets the pace for sport in SEA
Thailand sets the pace for sport in SEAListen to this articleDr Harald Link, president of the Thailand Equestrian Federation, pictured with board members and winners after the conclusion of the Princess's Cup Thailand 2025. Thailand's equestrian sport concluded 2025 on a high note due to the leadership of the Thailand Equestrian Federation under the Royal Patronage, following the successful staging of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya and Princess's Cup Thailand 2025 in Bangkok. Shortly after, attention shifted to Bangkok for Princess's Cup Thailand 2025, held from Dec 22–28 at the Royal Horse Guard Equestrian Arena, Cavalry Division 2 (Sanam Pao). Organised by the Thailand Equestrian Federation under the Royal Patronage, the event welcomed riders, officials, and professionals from across Asia and beyond, reinforcing Thailand's position on the international equestrian calendar. A historic highlight of Princess's Cup Thailand 2025 was the introduction of Asia's first Indoor Eventing Cross Country, staged at the Furst Henry Arena.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2026 23:35 UTC
Royal fund donates B121m to boost border defences
Royal fund donates B121m to boost border defencesListen to this articleHer Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana has donated 121 million baht from the Hathaitip Fund under the Chulabhorn Foundation for work on border fences and bunkers in seven provinces bordering Cambodia for enhanced public safety, says the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc). The princess made the donation out of concern for the safety of security personnel and residents along the border, Isoc said. The donation was raised through the Hathaitip Fund and allocated to urgent projects intended to strengthen protection along the Thai–Cambodian frontier. The projects are being implemented under the supervision of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and the Royal Thai Army. The Hathaitip Fund is committed to alleviating hardship and improving public welfare, Isoc said, inviting the public to contribute donations to the fund.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2026 23:27 UTC