England lose Duckett in chase of record 435 to keep Ashes aliveListen to this articleEngland's Zak Crawley takes a catch to dismiss Australia's Travis Head for 170 on the fourth day of the third Ashes Test. (Photo: AFP)ADELAIDE — Travis Head slammed 170 and Alex Carey hit 72 Saturday as Australia were all out for 249 to set England a record 435 to win and keep the Ashes alive. England took six wickets before lunch to wrap up Australia's second innings for 349 at the Adelaide Oval. England were at 5-1 at lunch, with Ollie Pope on one and Zak Crawley yet to score. England must win to keep the five-match series alive after being crushed by eight wickets at Perth and Brisbane.

Agricultural economy to grow despite headwindsListen to this articleThe country's agricultural economy is expected to see slightly slower but still robust growth of 2-3% next year as landowners and farmers have secured more water resources and benefit from higher demand in the global market, as well as accelerated domestic economic growth. However, the industry still faces a raft of challenges, including the impact of climate change, geopolitical conflicts and higher tax barriers, according to the Office of Agricultural Economics. Peeraphan Korthong, acting secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economics, said global economic growth is tipped to hit 3.2% next year compared to just 1.2-2.2% in Thailand. Meanwhile, agricultural economic growth in the country is expected to reach 2.0-3.0%, down slightly from 3.3% this year. Yet local consumption is still expected to grow, buoyed by the government's economic stimulus policies.

Google warns staff with US visas against international travelListen to this articleMiniature figures of people are seen in front of the new Google logo in this illustration taken on May 13, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)BENGALURU — ​Alphabet's Google has advised some employees on US visas to avoid international travel due to delays at embassies, Business Insider reported on Friday, citing an internal email. Some US embassies and consulates face visa appointment delays of up to 12 months, the memo said, warning that international travel will "risk an extended stay outside the US", according to the report. The administration of President ‌Donald ‍Trump this month announced increased vetting of applicants for H-1B visas for highly skilled workers, including ‌screening ​social media accounts. In September, Google's parent ​company Alphabet had strongly advised its employees to avoid international travel and urged H-1B visa holders to remain in the United States, ​according to an email seen by Reuters.

Unhealthy smog rising in Thailand throughout next weekListen to this articleA morning view on Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok where the sky is seen shrouded with smog in November 2025. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)People in Thailand are warned of experiencing higher levels of harmful smog throughout next week, according to Pollution Control Department (PCD). The overall levels of particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) have begun to increase in several areas, the PCD reported on Saturday morning. People are urged to refrain from open burning and to use public transportation to reduce traffic emissions. Patients, children, the elderly and pregnant women are advised to take extra care and limit outdoor activities.

Thai army condemns Cambodia’s indiscriminate attacksListen to this articleDamage from a BM-21 rocket strike by Cambodian forces is seen at a home in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin province during the latest round of cross-border conflict. (Photo: Phanom Dong Rak district office)The Royal Thai Army has condemned the actions of Cambodian forces as indiscriminate attacks, which severely impacted civilians’ residences, hospitals and schools — all non-military targets. These actions violated the international humanitarian law and global norms that protect innocent citizens, army spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, said on Saturday. According to the Thai army, about 400,000 Thai citizens have been affected. The Royal Thai Army calls on Cambodia to immediately cease all acts of violence against innocent parties and comply with international law under humanitarian principles, Maj Gen Winthai said.

Army deputy spokesman Col Ritcha Suksuwan said Cambodian forces have continued heavy attacks along the frontier, concentrating artillery fire on Hill 350. He said Hill 350 is a decisive tactical position fortified by Cambodian troops, making Thai efforts to regain complete control highly challenging. Since Thai forces seized Ban Sam Lang on Dec 14, Cambodian troops have repeatedly attempted to retake the position. Royal Thai Navy marines are now using fortified bunkers originally built by Cambodian forces -- structures resilient even against F-16 air strikes -- to strengthen their defences, he said. The documents showed training conducted on Oct 7 last year, pointing to deliberate preparation to deploy mines against Thai forces.

Thailand will call on Cambodia to declare and uphold a ceasefire and to cooperate in mine-clearance efforts, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said. The AMM is expected to take place in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, with representatives from both Thailand and Cambodia attending. The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh and the consulate-general in Siem Reap have urged Thai nationals to return home since the conflict erupted on Dec 7. Thai nationals in Cambodia seeking assistance can register with the MFA at safe.consular.co.th, Mr Nikorndej said. MFA Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has discussed the situation with the EU, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The three senior figures are Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, who also serves as deputy prime minister, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Speaking after a strategy meeting at BJT headquarters yesterday, Mr Anutin -- who is also prime minister and interior minister -- said all three were under consideration as prime ministerial candidates, with himself as the party's lead nominee. Mr Anutin said the party was refining its policy platform, with members submitting proposals to assess their suitability for the current climate. Mr Anutin said the party needed multiple candidates to avoid political uncertainty, noting the risks of relying on a single nominee. By law, each party may nominate up to three prime ministerial candidates.

As artillery exchanges, civilian evacuations and military reinforcements dominate national news, the ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party and Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have found themselves standing on unexpectedly stronger ground. Conversely, the main opposition People’s Party (PP), which had been hoping to capitalise on economic grievances and governance fatigue, has watched its momentum stall. National security instantly eclipsed economic and structural reform issues, restoring the kind of political environment that traditionally benefits incumbents. Criticising the government too aggressively risks appearing unpatriotic or insensitive to national security concerns; being too restrained, however, makes it look passive at a pivotal political moment. Among those who made their picks, the People’s Party (PP) still ranked first in party popularity with 25.3%.

Dems ready policy package with an eye on the capitalListen to this articleDemocrat spokesman Pol Capt Pongsakorn KwanmuangThe Democrat Party is preparing to launch an economic and anti-corruption policy package as Pheu Thai ramps up its election campaign in Bangkok. Democrat spokesman Pol Capt Pongsakorn Kwanmuang yesterday outlined the party's election campaign called #ThailandWon'tTolerate, which was launched earlier as part of another drive named "Blue Friday: Opening a New Horizon". They can share their views from today via the party's social media platforms, after years of living with corruption, poor-quality education and persistent poverty, said Pol Capt Pongsakorn. Pol Capt Pongsakorn also said the party stands for clean, professional politics and practical policies. He added that an agreement was finalised on Dec 18 that three former Chart Pattana MPs would stand in Nakhon Ratchasima under the Pheu Thai banner.

Court to grill 6 in election caseListen to this articleThe Constitutional Court will examine six witnesses on Wednesday in a high-profile case accusing two former ministers of interfering in the Senate election process. The court will hear testimony from six people, including the two former ministers, DSI Director-General Pol Lt Col Yutthana Phraedam, DSI Deputy Director-General Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai, Pol Maj Gen Chatwat Saengphet, who is a senator, and Election Commission (EC) Secretary Sawaeng Boonmee. The DSI had been investigating the case for over nine months when the Special Case Committee resolved to accept it as a special case. Intelligence findings indicated the alleged involvement of Senate aides and senators in the same 45 provinces. Testimonies and financial records allegedly revealed irregular and unusually frequent fund transfers among several individuals, along with reciprocal ties following the election of certain candidates.

PTT ramps up drive to reduce CO2 emissionsListen to this articleThe Arthit gas block in the Gulf of Thailand, operated by PTTEP. National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is stepping up efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its businesses by adopting carbon capture technology and preparing to run a trial on hydrogen usage to depend less on fossil fuels. The aim is to help Thailand achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050, along with achieving the net-zero target, a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption, by 2065. PTT emits more than 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, with additional carbon dioxide emissions also coming from its subsidiaries. He was providing an update on PTT's ongoing work to reduce carbon dioxide emissions during a forum held on Tuesday in Bangkok on "Net Zero and the Challenges of the New Global Economy".

Retailers experiencing 'uneven' recoveryListen to this articleShoppers browse festive-related goods at a Bangkok department store. The TRA has predicted growth of roughly 3-5% for the retail sector in 2025, compared with GDP growth forecasts of 2.3-3.3%. However, the recovery has been gradual and uneven, depending upon different retail formats and geographical areas. Fashion and lifestyle shops, along with specialty retailers and restaurant chains, experienced growth rates ranging from 3-7%. Despite numerous positive developments, retailers continue to confront challenges, said Nath Vongphanich, president of the association.

In a strongly-worded video message addressing the nation, Marcos did not name Vice President Sara Duterte, his presidential running mate, but said "such criminal plans should not be overlooked". "The statements we heard in the previous days were troubling," Marcos said on Monday. Sara Duterte told reporters she had yet to hear the president's statement but would respond later. According to a senior justice department official, the vice president does not have immunity from prosecution. Rodrigo Duterte told the hearings he was solely responsible for the bloody crackdown and has urged the ICC to "hurry up" on its probe.

(File photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)A civil society group is unhappy with the Medical Council of Thailand's legal action against the National Health Security Office (NHSO)'s policy over free medicine for 16 ailments under the universal healthcare scheme. The NHSO deputy secretary-general Dr Attaporn Limpanyalert, meanwhile, insisted all universal healthcare cardholders will continue to benefit from the policy until the court reaches a verdict. On Tuesday, the Pharmacy Council of Thailand said all prescriptions fulfilled by pharmacists are handled with ultimate safety. The Pharmacy Council said the Medical Council seems not to object to people buying drugs at the pharmacy themselves, but has problems only with the NHSO's free medicine policy for universal healthcare card holders. It also called on the Medical Council to respect other professionals' ethics with regards to the prescriptions of medicines to the public.