Call to revive idle Betong AirportListen to this articleBetong Airport terminal in Betong district, Yala province, is decorated with 'phai tong', or sweet bamboo. Betong International AirportFormer Democrat Party deputy leader Samart Ratchapolsitte has urged the government to take urgent action to revitalise Betong Airport in Yala province, warning against allowing the billion-baht facility to remain largely unused despite its completion. In a Facebook post, Mr Samart -- a former Bangkok deputy governor -- described Betong Airport as one of Thailand's most visually striking airports. Mr Samart said Betong Airport handled only 728 passengers last year, averaging just two passengers per day and fewer than half a flight per day. At present, only Ezy Airlines operates flights between Hat Yai and Betong, using small Cessna aircraft with just 10–12 seats.

Listen to this articlePhuket has stepped up efforts to expand high-quality tourism markets and strengthen international ties, with a major roadshow in the Middle East and the official opening of a Kazakhstan consulate in the province. Anupap Vejvanichsanong, deputy chief of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO), said the PAO supported the initiative and led a team of 30 tourism operators joining the "Phuket Roadshow to Middle East 2026", held from Jan 11–15 across Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. He said marketing support was provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Dubai office, which helped connect Phuket businesses with Middle Eastern travel networks to foster long-term cooperation. The programme opened in Muscat, Oman, on Jan 11, where Thailand's ambassador highlighted the growing popularity of Phuket among Omani travellers. Separately, Phuket governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn presided over the official opening of the Republic of Kazakhstan's consulate in Phuket on Jan 22.

PCD intensifies industrial pollution, PM2.5 curbsListen to this articleThe Pollution Control Department (PCD) has stepped up nationwide enforcement to curb industrial pollution and reduce PM2.5 emissions, while the Ministry of Industry has expanded real-time emissions monitoring at factories, with additional smokestacks in Bangkok set to come under surveillance. PCD director-general Surin Worakijthamrong said the government has instructed state agencies to strengthen preventive, control and monitoring measures for PM2.5 emissions from major sources, including agriculture, transport and industry. Many types of factories emit particulate matter into the atmosphere and remain significant contributors to PM2.5 pollution, he said. The department aims to inspect and advise all 58 sugar factories and biomass power plants across the country. On the regulatory front, the ministry has drafted rules requiring factories to install Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) on smokestacks to enable real-time air pollution monitoring.

Dems vow better rubber pricesListen to this articleDemocrat leader and prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva campaigns for votes in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Sunday. The team visited Thung Song Municipal Fresh Market, where they were welcomed by supporters. He recalled the party's close ties with Thung Song, noting the work of former MP Prakob Rattanaphan, particularly in education policy. He also reminded voters that during the Democrat-led government, agricultural prices -- especially rubber and palm oil -- were well managed. "When I was prime minister, rubber prices exceeded 100 baht per kilogramme, but current prices are around 50 baht," he said.

Online post triggers vote-buying probeListen to this articleThe Election Commission (EC) is investigating a social media post alleging vote-buying after images showing 7,000 baht were circulated online ahead of the election. The image was later saved and reposted by others, with claims the money was linked to vote-buying. Mr Sawaeng said the EC has identified the woman, a market vendor and the individuals who produced and disseminated the content. He clarified that under Section 73 of the election law, the preparation for vote-buying and the act of vote-buying itself are illegal. Under Section 73 of the election law, vote-buying is punishable by one to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of 20,000–200,000 baht, or both, along with a 20-year revocation of voting rights.

Mr Natthaphong on Sunday urged voters to critically assess campaign rhetoric, particularly amid rising concerns over tensions along the Cambodian border. He warned against political speeches designed to inflame nationalist feelings, stressing that patriotism should be reflected in actions that benefit the public. He urged voters to rely on statements from party sources and to verify information carefully. Mr Natthaphong said he did sing, albeit softly, and added that patriotism cannot be measured by outward gestures. He also hinted at a major final campaign announcement to be unveiled at a party rally on Feb 6.

Two Russians arrested for allegedly killing and severing compatriotListen to this articlePolice examine the location where parts of the body was found in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on Sunday. Amporn SangkaewCHON BURI: Police on Sunday arrested two Russian men allegedly for killing a compatriot and severing the body before burying the parts in Bang Lamug district. According to police sources, the suspects aged 35 and 38 were arrested at a room in a hotel on Sukhumvit 71 in Watthana district, Bangkok. Before the arrest, police found from CCTV footage that they had been with a missing Russian man and they rode a motorcycle which seemed to carry some large object under its seat. Emelianov’s mother, 51, who arrived from Russia told police in Chong Buri that her son had been missing since Jan 8.

Prominent Venezuelan activist released after over four years in jailListen to this articleVenezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona (right) reunites with his brother Jose Rafael Tarazona (left) and lawyer Omar de Dios Garcia after his release from prisonCARACAS - Renowned Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona was freed Sunday after more than four years in a notorious Caracas prison on charges including terrorism and treason. and applause from Catholic faithful, the 43-year-old dissident was taken to the forecourt of a Caracas church after being released from Helicoide prison. Javier Tarazona, one of Venezuela's most prominent jailed dissidents, is among roughly 1,000 political prisoners, some of whom are gradually being freed as Venezuela seeks reforms after many years of authoritarian leftist rule. Then came Omar de Dios Garcia, an activist arrested while accompanying Javier Tarazona on July 2, 2021. "People are applauding out of a great longing for freedom, out of hope for reunions among Venezuelans, out of joy," Javier Tarazona told AFP.

City were cruising towards what would have been another damaging defeat for Spurs boss Thomas Frank as they led 2-0 at half-time. But Solanke scored twice in the second half to leave Pep Guardiola's men six points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Rayan Cherki fired the visitors into an early lead and was only denied a spectacular second by a brilliant Guglielmo Vicario save. But United went straight down the other end and Sesko spun onto Bruno Fernandes' pass before blasting into the top corner. Villa laid seige to the Brentford goal after the break but lacked the invention to break the visitors down.

Ukraine war talks delayed to Wednesday, says ZelenskyListen to this articleUkraine has been battling a full-scale Russian invasion for almost four yearsKYIV (UKRAINE) - A second round of talks between Russian, Ukrainian and US officials on a US-drafted plan to end the nearly four-year Ukraine war will begin on Wednesday, instead of Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The announcement comes a day after one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's top envoys held surprise talks with US officials in Florida without Kyiv. A Russian drone strike on a bus carrying mine workers in Ukraine's eastern Dnipropetrovsk region killed at least 12 people late Sunday, officials said. But the most crucial issue of territory remains unresolved, despite Russia and Ukraine agreeing on most other points, Kyiv says. - Maternity hospital hit -Ukraine, which Russia has bombed throughout the peace process, says its neighbour is not serious about ending the war.

Louis Vuitton ambassador BamBam makes history, presents Australian Open TrophyListen to this articleBamBam with Jennifer Capriati (screenshot from True Sports channel)MELBOURNE - It was an historic moment for Thailand when K-pop artist BamBam became the first Thai and Asian House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton to present the women’s singles trophy at the Australian Open 2026 on Jan 31. BamBam was selected to showcase the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, housed in the iconic Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk awarded to the women’s singles champion. Women's Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (Photo: Louis Vuitton)The Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk, especially created for the tournament, was unveiled during the finals and prize-giving ceremonies. The bespoke design features a blue microfibre lining matching the tournament’s official colour palette, with the Australian Open logo displayed on the underside of the lid. The presentation underscored Louis Vuitton’s continued partnership with major international sporting events, while also highlighting the growing influence of Asian artists in global cultural and sporting moments.

Report flags poverty and ageing society as threatsListen to this articleThailand is facing a “perfect storm” as a low birth rate, persistent poverty and a rapidly ageing society place mounting pressure on the tax base, welfare system and social structure, says the Equitable Education Fund (EEF). The report says Thailand is at its most critical turning point in the past 40 years. The birth rate has fallen sharply, from about one million births a year four decades ago to just 410,000 today. The report presents five key observations intended to guide policymakers, with a strong emphasis on narrowing educational inequality. The report also finds that children from the poorest 15% of households are at least 2.5 times less likely to pursue university education.

Iran's Khamenei likens protests to 'coup', warns of regional warListen to this articleA mural depicting the Statue of Liberty with its torch-bearing arm broken, on the wall of the former US embassy in Tehran. afpTEHRAN - Iran's supreme leader on Sunday likened recent anti-government protests to a "coup", warning that any US attack on the Islamic republic following Washington's military deployments in the Middle East would trigger a regional war. The law was first passed in 2019, when the United States classified the Guards as a terrorist organisation. The Guards are the ideological arm of Iran's military, tasked with safeguarding the Islamic revolution from external and internal threats. The step matched similar classifications enacted by the United States, Canada and Australia.

Alcaraz sweeps past Djokovic to win 'dream' Australian OpenListen to this articleSpain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. afpMELBOURNE - Carlos Alcaraz swept past Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open on Sunday and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, denying the Serbian great an unprecedented 25th major. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam." Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead. But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a famous win.

Iran declares EU armies 'terrorist groups' in retaliatory moveListen to this articleActivists and Iranians living in Athens hold candles and placards in front of the Greek parliament on Jan 30 in support of the protesters in Iran being killed by the Islamic government of Iran. (Photo Reuters)DUBAI - Iran's rulers have hit back at the European Union countries that listed its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation by also declaring their armies "terrorist groups" . "By ⁠trying to hit the Revolutionary Guards ... the Europeans actually shot themselves in the foot and once again made a decision against the interests of their people by blindly obeying the Americans," Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday. "According to Article 7 of the law on countermeasures against the designation ‌of ​the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation, the armies of European countries are considered terrorist groups," he told fellow MPs, all wearing Revolutionary Guards uniforms in ‌support ‍to the IRGC. Set up after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the Shi'ite clerical ruling system, the Revolutionary Guards have great sway in ​the country, controlling swathes of the ‍economy and armed forces.