'Not about condoms': Chinese shrug off contraceptive tax
'Not about condoms': Chinese shrug off contraceptive taxListen to this articleChina has introduced a 13 percent tax on condoms as it tries to boost the flagging birth rate. afpBEIJING - China has made condoms and other contraceptives more expensive as it tries to boost birth rates, but residents in Beijing and analysts say the measure will have little impact. Consumers must now pay a 13 percent value-added tax for contraception including condoms, after Beijing removed exemptions on the products from Jan 1. But young people in Beijing told AFP that taxing contraceptives will not address the root issues they say are stopping people from having children. They face concrete obstacles in China, Wu added, such as a weak job market, "prohibitive" housing costs, a stressful work culture and workplace discrimination against women.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 07:41 UTC
An awakening in nature
Enter Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore, an integrated nature and wildlife destination. The Mandai Rainforest Resort is nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore’s nature and wildlife destination, home to the Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, Singapore Zoo and Rainforest Wild Asia. Pass the entrance to the Singapore zoo and you’re at the large open air lobby of Mandai Rainforest Resort. Being a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s green immersive experiences, there is never a dull moment at Mandai Rainforest Resort. Mandai Rainforest Resort is rooted in biophilia, which is all about strengthening the human connection with nature through plants, natural light, wood, stone, organic shapes and views of greenery.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 07:39 UTC
Frost sparkles on Doi Inthanon at -2°C
Frost sparkles on Doi Inthanon at -2°CListen to this articleFrost coats the ground as the temperature around kilometre marker 43-44 on Doi Inthanon reaches -2°C on Monday morning. (Photo: Doi Inthanon National Park)CHIANG MAI - Frost coated the ground on Doi Inthanon on Monday morning as temperatures on Thailand's highest mountain plunged below freezing. The ground temperature at the Doi Inthanon National Park ranger office fell to -0.5°C and instruments around kilometre marker 43-44 recorded -2°C. (Photo: Doi Inthanon National Park)The sub-zero temperatures resulted in widespread frost, locally known as moei khab. (Photo: Doi Inthanon National Park)Air temperatures at the summit of Doi Inthanon dropped to 3°C and Kew Mae Pan recorded 4°C.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 07:09 UTC
'Bandits' kill, abduct, loot village in Nigeria
'Bandits' kill, abduct, loot village in NigeriaListen to this articleNigeria's security forces are stretched thin by the number of conflicts. "Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, some people were also kidnapped," Wasiu Abiodun, Niger state police spokesman said. Images viewed by AFP showed some of those killed in the raid had their hands tied behind their backs. Gangs -- known in Nigeria as "bandits" -- frequently carry out mass kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in parts of Nigeria. "Reports indicate the bandits operated for hours with no security presence," the Catholic Church in Kontagora said on its Facebook page.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 06:33 UTC
Why being a “jack of all trades” is not failure
Why being a “jack of all trades” is not failureListen to this articleAI-generated pictureThe phrase “jack of all trades” initially sounds flattering, even admirable. At first glance, being a jack of all trades implies versatility, adaptability and curiosity - qualities often praised in an era defined by rapid change. Yet, the idiom carries a stinging second half, “jack of all trades, master of none.”Once that second half is acknowledged, the meaning shifts. Over time, this perspective has shaped modern perceptions, casting the jack of all trades in a negative light. For those who move fluidly between interests, enjoying the freedom to explore rather than committing to a single pursuit, the phrase “jack of all trades” often feels like shade.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 06:05 UTC
'Free our president', Maduro supporters demand at rally
'Free our president', Maduro supporters demand at rallyListen to this articleA supporter of ousted Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro demonstrates with a national flag in Caracas a day after he was captured in a US strikeCARACAS - Around 2,000 supporters of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro demonstrated Sunday in Caracas to demand that he and his wife, who were nabbed by US forces and taken to a New York jail, be released. "Free our president," read a placard held by a man with a red flannel shirt which bore the image of Maduro's predecessor and mentor, late socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez. On Monday, Maduro is due in court in New York to face charges of "narcoterrorism" tied to alleged cocaine trafficking into the United States. "Nicolas Maduro was removed by traitors, because with the amount of security he had this should never have happened," he said. Maduro's son Nicolas Maduro Guerra also voiced suspicion about the presence of spies in his father's entourage in an audio message shared on social media on Sunday.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 05:56 UTC
Angry son denied money, burns down the neighbourhood
Angry son denied money, burns down the neighbourhoodListen to this articleA high-angle view shows the burnt-out block of houses in Khao Sai market in Thap Khlo district in Pichit. The fire was first reported about 9.50am in Khao Sai market in Thap Khlo district, the provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office said. Investigators believed her grown son, Yutthana, had deliberately started the fire, Pol Col Pheemphon Muangsi, chief of Thap Khlo station, said on Monday. He was left angry afterwards and retreated to his room, where he started the fire. The suspect was also found in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, and was charged with illegal possession on both counts.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 05:47 UTC
Djokovic quits players' union he co-founded
Djokovic quits players' union he co-foundedListen to this articleThe Professional Tennis Players Association was founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek PospisilPARIS (FRANCE) - Novak Djokovic announced on Sunday he was leaving the professional players' union he co-founded in 2020, citing "concerns regarding transparency and governance" within the body. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded by the current world No. The action also highlighted the "unsustainable schedule" for players, with tournaments scheduled 11 months out of 12 by both the men's ATP¨and women's WTA. "After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association", Djokovic posted on social media. "This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 05:32 UTC
Danish PM calls on US to stop 'threatening' Greenland
Washington's military intervention in Venezuela has reignited fears for Greenland, which Trump has repeatedly made clear he wants to become an annexed part of the United States. "I have to say this very clearly to the United States: it is absolutely absurd to say that the United States should take control of Greenland," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement late Sunday. Trump has said the United States will now "run" Venezuela indefinitely and tap its huge oil reserves. In Greenland's case, Trump has claimed that making the Danish territory part of the United States would serve US national security interests, given its strategic location on the Arctic. Moves edging towards that goal by his government -- including his appointment of an envoy to the Danish territory -- have drawn the ire of both Copenhagen and the European Union.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:38 UTC
Foreign investment must be a priority
"Well-designed, targeted stimulus can help stabilise sentiment and support small and medium-sized enterprises that are still recovering." In the long term, the government's priority should be increasing Thailand's foreign direct investment (FDI) competitiveness, said Mr Nirun. Investment incentives should be improved, with special support packages provided for strategic investors, said Mr Nirun. Mr Nirun said the country must also develop new growth engines. Structural reforms are needed to raise productivity, said Mr Nirun, adding an ageing and declining population means Thailand must accelerate technologies that improve productivity.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Outlook remains cloudy for 2026
Most executives in key economic sectors remain vigilant, hopeful that conditions could improve if a new government accelerates policies that effectively stabilise the economy. Online shopping to keep growing at breakneck paceThailand's e-commerce sector is expected to continue to grow by 15% annually, despite high household debt. Competitiveness hinges on embracing sustainabilityWhile the global economy is set to stabilise this year, uncertainty lingers given shifting trade policies, tariff structures and the urgent need for climate action. Climate change reshaping economic outlookClimate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand's economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corporation, a local greenhouse gas management consultancy. Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026Thailand's challenging economic outlook in 2026 is partly offset by continued growth in the digital economy and a much-needed digital transformation of large and mid-sized companies, according to Sigve Brekke, group chief executive of True Corporation.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026
Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026Listen to this articleMr Brekke says more Thais are adopting technology. Thailand's challenging economic outlook in 2026 is partly offset by continued growth in the digital economy and a much-needed digital transformation of large and mid-sized companies, according to Sigve Brekke, group chief executive of True Corporation. In fact, Mr Brekke said 2026 is the perfect year for businesses to leverage this technological transition. Businesses should understand the threats and opportunities that this perfect storm will cause for them, said Mr Brekke. Yet these difficulties coincide with an era of emerging technologies that present new opportunities for growth and efficiency, said Mr Brekke.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Climate change reshaping economic outlook
Climate change reshaping economic outlookListen to this articleMr Treethep says all Thai firms must consider carbon output. Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand's economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corporation, a local greenhouse gas management consultancy. Mr Treethep said the issue extends beyond exporters: all firms, from large corporations to small businesses, will face similar pressures starting this year. He said even companies that do not export to Europe, North America, Japan or Australia must change their mindset. Greater attention to climate responsibility is now essential, not only for protecting the planet but also for safeguarding revenues and profits, said Mr Treethep.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 02:26 UTC
Ministry launches new push to tap into 'medical economy'
Ministry launches new push to tap into 'medical economy'Listen to this articleThe so-called "medical economy" championed by the government is being positioned as a new growth engine for Thailand. Under Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, the Ministry of Public Health is steering the sector toward a more diversified revenue model, reducing its heavy reliance on government budgets and funding from the National Health Security Office. The move comes as many public hospitals face growing debt, largely attributed to rising costs under the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. While public hospitals remain committed to providing universal healthcare, he said they must also generate their own income to ensure financial resilience and strengthen the sector as a whole. Krithpaka Boonfueng, executive director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said medical technology and innovation remain among the agency's flagship priorities.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 01:36 UTC
32.9m foreigners visited in 2025
32.9m foreigners visited in 2025Listen to this articleThailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, a 7.23% fall from 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported. International tourism revenue dropped 4.71% to 1.53 trillion baht. The top five markets were Malaysia (4.5 million), China (4.4 million), India (2.4 million), Russia (1.8 million) and South Korea (1.5 million). Total tourism earnings reached 2.7 trillion baht. The agency aims to lift travel frequency and expand spending, pushing overall tourism revenue to 2.78 trillion baht, or 7% growth.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 05, 2026 01:16 UTC