250 years of excellence
Housed in a Breguet Gold case, Expérimentale 1 is powered by the manually-wound Calibre 7250. The novelty technically boasts the maison's very first high-frequency (10Hz) tourbillon with a magnetic escapement that delivers constant force to the balance. Innovative 10Hz tourbillon with a constant-force magnetic escapement. The aesthetic is enhanced by the combination of the subtly-pink Breguet Gold and a navy-blue coating. Composed of gold enriched with silver, copper and palladium, Breguet Gold is distinguished by its brilliance, resistance to discolouration and stability over time.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 04:46 UTC
US adds Thailand to currency watchlist
(File photo: Somchai Poomlard)WASHINGTON - The US Treasury Department kept Japan on its currency watchlist and added Thailand on Thursday, saying both countries will be monitored for potentially unfair foreign-exchange practices as part of its biannual report to Congress. In its latest semi-annual currency report, the Treasury said no major trading partner met all three criteria for enhanced analysis of currency practices during the last half of 2024 and the first six months of 2025. The department did not designate any trading partner as a currency manipulator, which could result in the imposition of US sanctions. Traditionally, the Treasury's three main criteria for analysing foreign exchange and determining manipulation are a trade surplus with the US of at least $15 billion, a global current account surplus above 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) and persistent, one-way net foreign exchange purchases that reach 2% of GDP. The Treasury did not label China a currency manipulator, avoiding a potential escalation in trade tensions with Beijing, despite what it called "depreciation pressure" facing its yuan currency.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 04:42 UTC
Mule gangs to face stiffer penalties
Mule gangs to face stiffer penaltiesListen to this articleThe Anti Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) has reached a consensus with the Office of the Attorney General to pursue more serious criminal charges against networks linked to call centre scam syndicates. The charges will target those who recruit and control mule accounts and cash-withdrawal operatives, including offences related to criminal association and organised crime. The meeting yesterday resulted in an agreement to consider upgrading charges against suspects who act as mule recruiters, supervisors, and cash withdrawers for call centre scams. These suspects may now face charges including participation in a criminal association, operating an organised crime ring, aiding and abetting public fraud, and money laundering. Officials said imposing stiffer penalties on mule account networks is meant to dismantle the support infrastructure behind call centre scams.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 04:27 UTC
Army cuts training on polling day
Army cuts training on polling dayListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Army is preparing to suspend field training at the Khao Chon Kai Territorial Defence Student Training Camp on Feb 8 and to shorten the programme from five days to four. The move follows concerns that Matthayom 6 (Grade 12) students could be deprived of their right to vote and take part in a referendum. In a televised interview yesterday, army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree explained that the schedule for this year's field training for 50,000–60,000 Territorial Defence students was finalised in October. However, the dissolution of parliament in December resulted in the election being scheduled during the training period. As a result, the five-day training programme will be reduced to four days, with the remaining content delivered through more intensive instruction or incorporated into other parts of the curriculum.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 04:24 UTC
Bhumjaithai leader silent on Phiphat views on patriotic parties
Bhumjaithai leader silent on Phiphat views on patriotic partiesListen to this articlePrime Minister and Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday sidestepped questions about remarks by Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn urging voters to choose "patriotic parties". Mr Anutin insisted his priority has been to deliver on his responsibilities ahead of polling day, rather than engage in campaign rhetoric linked to the Bhumjaithai Party. Mr Anutin said he had not yet heard the remarks in full and suggested reporters seek clarification directly from Mr Phiphat. On whether he would instruct party executives to exercise greater caution in their final-stage campaigning, Mr Anutin said all members were fully aware of legal boundaries. He admitted to some concern over the performance of certain candidates, noting that low public recognition in some constituencies suggested inadequate grassroots engagement.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 04:24 UTC
The foreign POWs stuck in Ukrainian prison limbo
The foreign POWs stuck in Ukrainian prison limboListen to this articleUkraine has captured many foreign soldiers fighting for Russia. Agence France-Presse (AFP) spoke to several in a rare visit to a prison in western Ukraine holding captured foreign prisoners of war (POWs). Then came the lure of the Russian military, offering a salary more than 10 times what he could get in Togo. Since November, most foreign men aged 18 to 65 must register with the Russian military to obtain permanent residence or a passport. Other citizens from several African countries have repeatedly told AFP they were forcibly recruited into Moscow's army, lured by deceptive civilian job offers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 04:21 UTC
Reality check for Social Security Fund
Reality check for Social Security FundListen to this articleThe Social Security Fund (SSF), the largest welfare fund in the country, has never been far from controversy. Meanwhile, the Social Security Office, an administrative body that falls under the Ministry of Labour, has also come under fire for its questionable spending. The SSF is now a poster child for bad management, while the SSO is shaping up as a social villain. This week, SSO executives have been trying to clear the air by talking to the media. SSO executives are keeping their collective guard up.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 03:52 UTC
First 90 days: Corruption, debt are key
First 90 days: Corruption, debt are keyListen to this articleRepresentatives from eight political parties outlined competing visions at a joint TNN-Bangkok Post debate on Thursday at SCBX Next Stage, Siam Paragon. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Most political parties have pledged to fast-track efforts to address household debt and corruption as top priorities during their first 90 days in office. Aekpittaya Iemkongaek from the Rak Chart Party said the party plans to focus on resolving debt problems for retail borrowers by purchasing debt from financial institutions. Two profitable state-owned financial institutions, each earning about 15 billion baht annually, would be assigned to jointly provide 300 billion baht in loans to small borrowers over three years. Mr Anusorn of the People's Party said Thai economic growth of 3-5% remains achievable, provided household incomes are increased and debt burdens reduced.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 03:52 UTC
Suspects flee with likely haul of B85m in robbery in Tokyo's Ueno
Suspects flee with likely haul of B85m in robbery in Tokyo's UenoListen to this articleInvestigators work in the area of a suspected robbery in Tokyo's Taito Ward in the early hours of Friday. (Photo: Kyodo)A group believed to be made up of three suspects robbed a group of five men on a street in Tokyo's Ueno district on Thursday night, taking and fleeing with luggage containing some 420 million yen (85 million baht), investigative sources said. As the suspects sped away from the scene, their vehicle struck an unrelated man, who did not sustain life-threatening injuries, the sources said. The suspects allegedly used pepper spray on the men before taking the luggage. The suspected robbery occurred in an area in Taito Ward near JR Okachimachi Station.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 02:16 UTC
Pheu Thai pledges major overhaul of SSF
Pheu Thai pledges major overhaul of SSFListen to this articleA 12-million-baht canteen renovation is one of many instances of questionable spending by the civil servants overseeing the Social Security Fund (SSF) The Pheu Thai Party on Thursday vowed to implement comprehensive reform of the SSF within three months if it returns to office after the election. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)The Pheu Thai Party has vowed to implement comprehensive reform of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within three months if it returns to office after the election. He added that a key reform he sought to advance was restructuring the Social Security Board so that its chairperson would be elected from among board members, rather than automatically being the labour permanent secretary. Dr Prommin said the party's reform agenda aims to turn the SSF into a true pillar of economic security for insured members. Pheu Thai also proposed shifting investment management to independent professionals to rebuild confidence and prevent interference, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 01:36 UTC
US Treasury strengthens currency monitoring criteria, Thailand added to watchlist
US Treasury strengthens currency monitoring criteria, Thailand added to watchlistListen to this articleA man gathers a stack of banknotes at Bangkok Bank’s headquarters on Silom Road. The Treasury added Thailand to its "monitoring list" of countries warranting close attention due to the growth of the Asian country's global current account surplus and its trade surplus with the United States. The report has traditionally focused on whether countries are engaging in one-sided currency intervention or other manipulation to resist appreciation against the dollar to keep their exports cheaper. Traditionally, the Treasury's three main criteria for analysing foreign exchange and determining manipulation are a trade surplus with the US of at least $15 billion, a global current account surplus above 3% of GDP and persistent, one-way net foreign exchange purchases that reach 2% of GDP. The Treasury did not label China a currency manipulator, avoiding a potential escalation in trade tensions with Beijing, despite what it called "depreciation pressure" facing its yuan currency.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 01:16 UTC
Oil plan presses ahead as E85 exits fuel mix
(Photo: Somchai Poomlard)Thailand's new National Oil Plan will not be affected by PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc's (OR) decision to discontinue sales of gasohol E85, according to the Department of Energy Business (DOEB). Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the DOEB, said the move would not affect the oil plan, noting that E85 accounts for only a small share of consumption and has long been unprofitable. "This is a normal business decision to cut losses," he said, adding that Susco Plc had already ceased E85 sales in 2020. Biofuels face higher production costs than fossil fuels, and the government has subsidised ethanol-blended fuels, except E85, through the Oil Fuel Fund. IEA data is among the factors being considered in drafting the National Oil Plan.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 30, 2026 00:03 UTC
Holocaust remembrance matters
Holocaust remembrance mattersListen to this articleA photo taken on Tuesday shows the Brandenburg Gate illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Berlin, Germany. (Photo: Reuters)On Jan 27 each year, the world marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day. For many around the world, the Holocaust can feel distant or abstract. Holocaust Remembrance Day is therefore not only about the past. More than eighty years after the Holocaust, Jews are still being murdered for being Jews.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 29, 2026 23:56 UTC
Election strategies built on competence
Election strategies built on competenceListen to this articleThe Bhumjaithai Party unveils its electoral policies and reaffirms three 'technocrat' experts in the cabinet on Dec 24, 2025. For the upcoming election, political parties have already started to acknowledge this factional quota problem. Many wondered, therefore, if the next government would return to the norms of Thai cabinet appointments after the election. It named digital economy expert Karndee Leopairote as a candidate for the role of prime minister in addition to former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij, known for his vast experience in the financial markets. All three parties have thus put administrative competence at the heart of their election strategies, even as it may come at the expense of promoting longtime party loyalists.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 29, 2026 23:56 UTC
Bloodshed in Iran marks a turning point
There are 92 million people in Iran, but the protests took place all over the country (400 cities and towns). He insists he will run Syria as a democratic state tolerant of all religions, and we should all wish him well, of course. Even if the non-violent protests in Iran this week had not been drowned in blood, the odds were always against a happy ending to their protests against Iran's entrenched religious dictatorship. It's all about staying in the limelight, but not with the goal of helping the Iranian protesters whom he told on Jan 13 to "keep protesting -- take over your institutions!!! This week's threats are about forcing Iran to "COME TO THE TABLE and negotiate a fair and equitable deal" on its nuclear weapons programme.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 29, 2026 23:56 UTC