U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (February 2) said he had agreed on a trade deal with India that slashes U.S. tariffs on Indian goods in exchange for India lowering trade barriers and halting its of purchases of Russian oil and shifting them to the United States and potentially Venezuela.
After losing their home in the Sicilian town of Niscemi in a massive landslide last week, Benedetta Ragusa and Toni Rinnone raced to salvage appliances and kitchenware from their pizzeria. But they're not in the clear. Experts warn the town is sitting on a plateau that is gradually collapsing.
Islamic State militants set off explosions and roamed among passenger planes during an attack at Niger's main international airport, according to footage released by the group's Amaq news agency. In the footage distributed by SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity worldwide, militants on foot and motorcycle fire weapons into the air near parked passenger planes and aircraft hangars, where they set off an explosion near an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a helicopter that were later shown engulfed in flames.
FIFA president Infantino defends giving peace prize to TrumpListen to this articleUS President Donald Trump leaves the stage after receiving the FIFA peace prizeLONDON - FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended his controversial decision to award a peace prize to United States president Donald Trump as he dismissed calls for a World Cup boycott. Infantino was widely criticised for giving Trump the honour on behalf of his governing body at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC in December. However, Infantino insisted Trump was deserving of FIFA's inaugural peace prize, telling Sky News on Monday: "Objectively, he deserves it. But FIFA president Infantino said there were never calls for businesses to boycott a country, "so why football?" Infantino also said FIFA and UEFA -- European football's governing body -- would "have to" look at allowing Russia back into international action.
Prison compiling parole listListen to this articleThaksin Shinawatra arrives at the Supreme Court on Sept 9 last year to hear the ruling on his controversial stay at Police General Hospital. Nutthawat WichieanbutKlongprem Central Prison is compiling a full list of inmates to determine who meets the criteria for general sentence suspension, according to a source familiar with the process. The development came as Pantongtae and Pintongta Shinawatra visited their father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, at Klongprem Central Prison on Monday. Media reports have suggested that Thaksin could be eligible for a formal parole review in May, when he would have served two-thirds of his one-year prison term. She declined to comment on speculation that Thaksin may soon be considered for general parole or whether prison officials requested documents from the family to support any review.
GWM says farewell to Ora Good CatListen to this articleAn EV manufacturing plant in Rayong operated by Great Wall Motor. Chinese automaker GWM (Thailand) has announced it will discontinue sales of the Ora Good Cat, its flagship battery electric vehicle (BEV) launched in October 2021, as the company prepares to introduce new models in the Ora family. The Ora Good Cat was the first BEV built locally for Thai customers and became the country's best-selling electric car in 2022. "We are discontinuing the Good Cat to pave the way for a new chapter of the Ora family in Thailand," he said. The company has pledged to maintain after-sales support for existing Good Cat owners.
Interested people are invited to experience Thailand's first-ever edible immersive sound bath during "ViVa La Mess: Let Go Of The Chaos, Soften The Heart", which is running at the Virtual Media Lab, Grand Postal Building, Charoen Krung Road, until Sunday. Presented by Ajinomoto Quick Meal as part of Bangkok Design Week 2026, this is a multisensory experience that encourages people to step away from the messiness of everyday life and gently restore emotional balance. Creatively designed by Yimsamer Studio, the event blends mindful eating with sound bathing, enhanced by innovative technologies that promote deep relaxation across all senses. Ajinomoto (Thailand)The journey unfolds through the "Heart Congee Course", gently guiding participants to explore, acknowledge and embrace their emotions. The experience begins with a self-reflection and meditation session, encouraging participants to tune in to their inner voices.
Bangkok, Thailand – Thai-Chinese International School (TCIS) proudly announces the unveiling of four new buildings and a new outdoor swimming pool, marking a major milestone in the school’s continued growth and commitment to future-ready, whole-child education. Central to the expansion is a seven-storey STEAM building, designed to support advanced learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The building will support TCIS’s American curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Complementing the academic expansion, TCIS will also construct a four-storey Activities Building dedicated to student wellness, creativity and co-curricular excellence. With this expansion, TCIS continues to strengthen its position as one of Thailand’s leading international schools, known for its rigorous American curriculum, renowned Mandarin programme and outstanding university placements worldwide.
In an extensive interview outlining his vision, Mr Pirapan positioned the UTN not merely as a political option, but as a party of action. For Mr Pirapan, the phrase "say it and do it" is more than a tagline; it reflects a career spent resolving problems once considered untouchable. Security and sovereigntyTurning to national security, Mr Pirapan adopted a hawkish tone on the Thai-Cambodian border, characterising escalating tensions as a strategic threat. On the diplomatic front, Mr Pirapan said Thailand must take a more aggressive approach in international politics and information warfare. As the election approaches, Mr Pirapan was clear on his conditions for any future coalition: action on the border threat, uncompromising anti-corruption measures and absolute respect for core national institutions.
Thai baht under watchListen to this articleAs Thailand heads to the polls this Sunday, the campaign trail has been crowded with promises of wage hikes, subsidies and generous domestic giveaways. As prices reached record highs, a spike in online gold trading by Thai investors led to higher dollar inflows being converted back into baht, strengthening the currency. This could lead to tougher US trade actions, including Section 301 investigations and possible retaliatory tariffs on key Thai exports. Our bilateral trade surplus with the US has soared to $54 billion (1.71 trillion baht), nearly four times the $15 billion limit set by Washington. Simultaneously, Thailand's global current account surplus has climbed to 3.8% of GDP, exceeding the 3% ceiling.
Knowledge needed to curb Nipah panicListen to this articleIndia's Health Ministry has reported two Nipah virus cases in its eastern state of West Bengal since December, as active surveillance of suspected cases continues. The Ministry of Public Health reported Thailand's first coronavirus-related death in March 2020. First, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nipah as a zoonotic disease -- a chilling echo of the SARS-CoV-2 spillover that caused Covid-19. Although the risk remains low, authorities have begun risk assessments, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and enhanced testing capacity and personnel training. However, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed all ministries to intensify surveillance and preventive health screening as precautionary measures.
Asean chair faces formidable challengesListen to this articlePhilippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro speaks at a press conference during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting Retreat in Cebu on Jan 29. AFPThe Philippines' Asean chairmanship will be one of the most exciting periods for the bloc. This year's official theme of the Philippines' Asean chairmanship is aptly chosen: "Navigating the Future, Together". The United Kingdom remains the bloc's most recent dialogue partner, admitted through a fast-track process in 2021 following Brexit. Under the Philippine chairmanship, Asean will develop new guidelines on modalities for High Council Parties (HCPs) to engage with the bloc.
Survey shows Japanese companies optimisticListen to this articleUndeterred by business challenges, Japanese companies are determined to continue investing in Thailand, with 23% of 520 companies surveyed vowing to expand operations as they expect the economy to improve in the first half of 2026, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). Japanese investment surged in 2025, with 311 projects worth over 119 billion baht, more than doubling from the previous year. Automotive investment rose 57% to 28.3 billion baht, reflecting a shift towards hybrid electric vehicles. Electronics investment jumped 121% to 24.3 billion baht, while digital projects soared to 7.6 billion baht, led by large-scale data centres supporting artificial intelligence and cloud systems. Mr Narit said the BoI will continue working with Japanese investors to build quality projects, upgrade supply chains and support Thailand's transition towards advanced technologies and renewable energy.
Bangkok Design Week 2026 returned for its ninth year last month. This year, BKKDW2026 claims that, the festival is a systematic platform driving the city-level creative economy. The heart of Bangkok Design Week is an experiential framework built around three main dimensions -- Creative Talent, Design Business and The District, which reflect its role as a city-level economic platform. Creative Talent showcases creative potential and supports idea development while Design Business opens pathways for business connections and international collaboration. Venue: Central Park Title: Central Park Design for Bangkok"Central Park Design For Bangkok" exhibits the history of the land where Central Park is located.
Loyalty a challenge among Gen Z employeesListen to this articleA job expo in Bangkok last month. Somchai PoomlardOver 50% of Thai Gen Z professionals are expected to leave their employer after only 1-2 years, according to global talent partner Robert Walters. However, loyalty is a challenge, with 56% of Gen Z employees expecting to stay with one employer for only 1-2 years, according to the recent Robert Walters survey. Challenges in managing Gen ZWhile Gen Z professionals bring strengths like digital literacy (52%) and creativity (25%), integrating them into organisations poses unique challenges. Some 44% of managers find it "difficult" to manage Gen Z employees due to differing expectations and approaches to work.
