PM vows tougher anti‑corruption drive after Thailand’s low Corruption Perceptions Index rankingPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks to reporters before chairing a meeting of his Bhumjaithai Party's MPs-elected on Thursday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)The government has pledged aggressive reforms after Thailand scored 33 out of 100 and ranked 116th in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reacted by calling the ranking "a failing grade". "The government will not ignore the findings and agrees that corruption perceptions can damage Thailand's international reputation." Thailand's score fell by one point from the previous year.

Sasipat Sinsamosorn, the principal of Patongprathankiriwat School. After escaping from police, the assailant stole a firearm from a police patrol car and later stormed Patongprathankiriwat School. Sasipat pleaded with the attacker to release the student and take her hostage instead. Sasipat later died from excessive bleeding and severe damage to her internal organs. It is also preparing to propose a special salary increase and request royal decorations for Sasipat.

Prime Minister-elect Anutin Charnvirakul has approved a series of measures intended to bolster security along the border with Cambodia, including the construction of more border fencing, in the wake of another landmine blast which injured three Thai soldiers in Si Sa Ket. A soldier lost his leg, and two others sustained serious injuries as a result of the blast, which reignited concerns about security along the frontier with Cambodia. Mr Anutin said the government has approved the construction of fences along the border, as well as the request for more resources to enhance the capabilities of troops there. When asked about reports of Cambodian youths staging provocations along the border and online, Mr Anutin said that although such actions are regrettable, they shouldn't lead to an escalation, as both governments agreed to a ceasefire deal late last year. However, when asked about MoU 43, which concerns the demarcation of land boundaries, Mr Anutin said the MoU is still being followed because it is particularly useful for determining Thailand's territorial extent.

Anutin dismisses 'sick man of Asia' label for ThailandPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul greets media members before chairing a meeting of his Bhumjaithai Party's MPs-elect on Thursday. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed confidence in Thailand's economic outlook following the recent general election, rejecting foreign media portrayals that labelled the country the "sick man" of Asia. He was responding to a recent Financial Times article titled "How Thailand became the 'sick man' of Asia", saying such characterisations reflected conditions under previous administrations rather than the current government. On political stability, Mr Anutin said the election outcome sent a positive signal, demonstrating a degree of national cohesion. Asked whether the new cabinet would include technocrats or political outsiders, Mr Anutin said it was premature to discuss the matter.

Arsenal, Man City eye trophy haul, Macclesfield more FA Cup 'miracles'Macclesfield stunned FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in round three. But no side has ever won all three of those titles plus the League Cup. The Gunners host Wigan, winners of the FA Cup in 2013, who currently sit in the League One relegation zone. Villa's last FA Cup success was back in 1957, two years after Newcastle last lifted the trophy. Sitting 10th in the Premier League, Eddie Howe's side may need FA Cup glory to salvage an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Bangladesh's BNP heading for 'sweeping' election winBangladesh Nationalist Party chairman and election candidate Tarique Rahman (centre) casts his ballot at a polling station during Bangladesh's general election in Dhaka on Thursday. (Photo: AFP)DHAKA - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman is heading for a thumping win in the first elections held since a deadly 2024 uprising, Bangladeshi TV stations projected Friday. "There will be no victory rally despite the BNP's sweeping victory," the statement said. Peaceful pollsBNP election committee spokesman Mahdi Amin told reporters the party was on track to win at least two-thirds of seats. "We will join the nation-building effort led by Tarique Rahman," Md Fazlur Rahman, 45, told AFP.

"TCM bars" have popped up in several cities across China, epitomising what the country's stressed-out, time-poor youth refer to as "punk wellness", or "wrecking yourself while saving yourself". "Niang Qing" was founded by students from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine only last year, but has already expanded to five locations across the country. The idea of the bar was born "to let people experience TCM culture through entertainment". 'Wellness for a new era'Analysts have noted a growing interest among young Chinese people in products that repackage traditional Chinese culture for modern times. "Today's TCM bars provide precisely this -- a new form of socialising and wellness for a new era."

Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat, arrests skipperThis handout photo taken on Thursday from Japan's Fisheries Agency shows Fisheries Enforcement Headquarters' fisheries patrol vessel "Hakuo Maru", left, and a Chinese fishing vessel sailing within Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture. (Photo: Handout)TOKYO — Japanese authorities ​have seized a Chinese ‌fishing boat and arrested its captain for allegedly fleeing inspection in its exclusive economic zone, an incident that could further inflame ​tensions ⁠between Asia's top two economies. While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan ​in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China ​since ‌2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between ​the ⁠countries. "We will continue to take resolute action in our ⁠enforcement activities to prevent and deter illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a ⁠regular press conference on Friday. In 2024, the agency conducted seven on-board inspections, seized a Taiwanese fishing boat and had 18 cases in which illegal fishing gear was confiscated, according to its annual report.

Vietnam, mainland China among top Lunar New Year destinations for Hong KongersTravellers at Hong Kong International Airport. (Photo: Jelly Tse/South China Morning Post)South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and mainland China are emerging as popular Lunar New Year destinations for Hong Kongers this year, as residents take advantage of a calendar arrangement allowing them to enjoy nine consecutive days off by taking just two days of leave. Yau said Yunnan, the three northeastern provinces and Shandong were among the most popular mainland Chinese destinations for organised groups. Yeung said mainland tours were relatively more expensive over the festive period because of the tightened supply during the spring rush. Industry representatives also expressed optimism about inbound travel during the Lunar New Year holiday period, with the mainland enjoying its own nine-day holiday and major festive events taking place in Hong Kong.

Thailand scores poorly in corruption rankingPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks to reporters before chairing a meeting of his Bhumjaithai Party's MPs-elected on Thursday. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reacted by calling the ranking "a failing grade". He said on Thursday that the score was relatively low, indicating high levels of corruption and weak transparency in the country. He added that he had asked the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to clarify the factors behind the low score. Mr Anutin said corruption extends beyond bribery and includes inefficiencies in approval and licensing systems that undermine investor confidence.

16 Chinese arrested after illegally crossing into ThailandSoldiers search the belongings of 16 Chinese nationals, who were caught illegally crossing into Thailand from Cambodia. (Photo: Sa Kaeo public relations office)SA KAEO – Sixteen Chinese nationals allegedly linked to an online scam operation were arrested along the border in Aranyaprathet district and 266 mobile phones and a laptop computer were seized from them after they illegally crossed into Thailand from Cambodia. Sixteen Chinese nationals, 15 men and one woman, were arrested for not having passports or valid entry documents. They claimed their Chinese employer had attempted to send them to work in a third country against their will. Authorities are expanding the investigation to determine whether the seized electronic devices are linked to transnational criminal networks.

Economic issues top public priorities for new governmentA voter checks the notice board before voting in the general election at a polling station in Bangkok on Sunday. People expect a new government to help them resolve economic problems first. Economic concerns were the top issue respondents expected the new administration to resolve, identified by 38% of respondents, ahead of social and political problems, which gained 32.3% and 29.7% endorsement, respectively. On social issues, 33.6% of people wanted illicit-drug problems to be clamped down on, while scamming and illegally run businesses came second at 29.4%. Corruption topped political problems, with 52.8% of respondents wanting the government to seriously eradicate it, while writing a new constitution was the second priority at only 17.8%.

Fuel usage declined 0.2% in 2025Petrol dispensers at a Bangkok filling station. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)Thailand's total fuel consumption dipped slightly last year, falling by 0.2% year-on-year due to the economic slowdown, says the Department of Energy Business (DOEB). Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of DOEB, said the country consumed an average of 154.85 million litres per day last year. Conversely, the aviation sector rose, with commercial aviation fuel use up by 7.6% to 17.2 million litres a day, fuelled by a 5.2% increase in flights and government-backed tourism campaigns. Notably, the industry began integrating sustainable aviation fuel to meet international net-zero environmental targets.

Easy Money raises borrowing for expansionA customer makes a transaction at an Easy Money branch. Amid sluggish loan demand as the economy sags, pawn shop operator Easy Money has increased borrowing to prepare for business expansion this year. Easy Money secured loan facilities worth 3 billion baht from Siam Commercial Bank, in addition to credit lines from other banks. "Easy Money serves as an alternative funding source for SMEs and small entrepreneurs who have limited access to bank loans," he said. "We modernised our traditional pawn shop business, Tangthanasin, into Easy Money and expanded our customer base to around 1 million."

Ratchaburi smash Persib to seize controlRatchaburi's Tana celebrates his goal against Persib. (Photo: Ratchaburi FB)Ratchaburi stormed to an easy 3-0 home victory over Indonesia's Persib Bandung in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 first leg match on Wednesday night. Ratchaburi took the lead after just five minutes through Tana, who after being set up by Denilson Junior outside the six-yard box, side-footed the ball home past Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam. Three minutes before time, Tana picked up a through ball from Gleyson and ghosted past the Persib defence to coolly steer the ball past the keeper. On Friday, Chonburi and Uthai Thani face off at Chonburi Stadium, with the match kicking off at 7pm.