Cobra Gold expands into space and cyber domainsListen to this articleThailand and the United States have begun preparations for Cobra Gold 2026, a joint military exercise that will expand training to include space operations and enhanced cybersecurity amid rising regional and transnational security threats. Gen Ukris Boontanondha, Thailand's chief of defence forces, said on Monday that Cobra Gold 2026 would mark a major step forward by integrating proactive space operations into the exercise. Rapid technological advances have also elevated space into a new domain of modern warfare, he said. He expressed confidence that the trust and capabilities built through Cobra Gold would help participating countries overcome future crises, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to peace while remaining ready to defend its sovereignty and regional stability. He described Cobra Gold as a clear symbol of the enduring alliance between the two nations, noting that it is the longest-running and largest multinational military exercise in the Asia-Pacific region, now in its 45th year.

Air quality improving year on year, Chadchart saysListen to this articleThick smog blankets Bangkok on Jan 14. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt attributed the improvement to coordinated efforts to curb open burning in surrounding provinces. In the same period this year, there were only seven days where PM2.5 levels exceeded the threshold, he said. If Jan 25 were included, last year's total comes up to 19 days, compared to seven this year -- improving more than 60%. However, Mr Chadchart cautioned that as burning continues in neighbouring countries, the prevailing easterly and northeasterly winds over the region can blow particulate matter towards Bangkok.

Airport screening fails to detect any Nipah infectionsListen to this articleSuvarnabhumi airport has set up screening points for passengers arriving from India to monitor the situation and prevent the possibility of an outbreak of the Nipah virus. Department of Disease ControlHealth officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport have not found any passengers exhibiting symptoms of Nipah virus infection following enhanced screening of travellers arriving from India, amid heightened regional surveillance following cases reported in West Bengal. Airports of Thailand Plc, in coordination with the Division of International Communicable Disease Control and Quarantine, began screening incoming passengers from India at 4am on Sunday as a preventive public health measure. Suvarnabhumi Airport director Kittipong Kittikajorn said the measures comply with international standards and are designed to support health officials in early detection while minimising disruption to passengers. Separately, Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, said the Nipah virus is not new and is unlikely to spread in the same way as influenza or Covid-19.

SRT extends Central mall lease dealListen to this articleThe State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Monday renewed a leasing contract with Central Group's Central International Development for the 47‑rai Phahon Yothin Triangle, where Central Ladprao shopping mall is located. The current lease is set to expire on Dec 18, 2028. The new contract, said Mr Songyasin, will allow Central International Development to focus on improving the building and the overall condition of the project to elevate its value in the long run. Central International Development will invest more in mechanical and electrical system renovation at Central Ladprao, including elevators and escalators. The company is also planning to invest in earthquake-resistant structures for the department store within four years, with the project's investment cost set at around 4.5 billion baht, said Mr Songyasin.

Klatham Party prime ministerial candidate Capt Thamanat Prompow is campaigning in the North this week ahead of another trip to the South, following a Jan 17 rally in Songkhla and earlier flood response efforts in November. "Our campaigning in parts of Thailand is getting more intense and requires us to frequent some places more than usual," said Klatham spokesman Thanakrit Jitareerat. "We are not focused on 'selling dreams' policies," said Mr Thanakrit of Klatham's campaign. Both Mr Thanakrit and Mr Anudith declined to say what parties Klatham could join hands with post-election. "We can never announce our political alliance because we want to respect the people," said Mr Thanakrit.

Pheu Thai PM candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat greets supporters at a campaign event in Nakhon Ratchasima. Pheu Thai PartyRuangkrai Leekitwattana has petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to look into the Pheu Thai Party's "Nine New Millionaires a Day" scheme, which was unveiled at a major campaign rally in Bangkok on Friday. The scheme was not explicitly listed among the 57 policies reported by Pheu Thai. The party, however, reported a similar initiative, called "Gifts for Thais", which it says will require an annual budget of 3.5 billion baht. He insisted the initiative is different from Pheu Thai's latest campaign pledge, saying it is based on a similar policy rolled out during the 2009 economic crisis.

Anutin unfazed by talk of late push by PPAnutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader, receives a warm welcome from supporters in Nakhon Ratchasima last week. Bhumjaithai PartyPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says he is unfazed by talk that the People's Party (PP) could overtake rivals in the final stretch of the election campaign following the return of Pita Limjaroenrat to the campaign trail. Mr Anutin, also leader of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), said it is normal for every party to be confident about leading the next government, stressing that BJT continues to receive strong nationwide support. On Sunday, the PP staged a high-profile campaign march and rally in Bangkok under the theme "Trust the People," led by party leader and prime ministerial candidate Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut. Supporters lined the route from Siam Square One to Samyan Mitrtown, chanting slogans and waving signs calling for Mr Natthaphong to become prime minister.

PM 'failed to act' on SRT land rulingListen to this articleA Thai Progress Party (TPP) adviser has filed a petition with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) calling for legal action against Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul over the long-running Khao Kradong railway land dispute in Buri Ram. Kusumalwatee Sirikomut, chair of the TPP advisory board, on Monday submitted the petition to DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Phraedam. The court determined that the land belongs to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and cannot be privately owned. She expressed concern that the Special Case Committee, which decides whether matters are accepted as special cases, is chaired by the prime minister and includes the justice minister. Ms Kusumalwatee added she would wait for a new prime minister with integrity before pushing for the case to be formally designated a special case.

Bitter cold grips millions as US digs out of sweeping snowstormListen to this articleMillions of Americans were facing dangerously cold temperatures for at least several daysNEW YORK - Millions of Americans were facing dangerously cold temperatures Monday in the wake of a massive winter storm that whipped snow and ice across the country, knocking out power and paralyzing transportation. Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana -- southern states unaccustomed to intense winter weather and the bone-chilling cold that's forecast to continue for much of the next week -- were especially impacted. Approximately 190 million people in the United States were under some form of extreme cold alert, the National Weather Service (NWS) told AFP. Areas across 20 states received at least a foot of snow (30.5 cm), and in many cases far more. NWS meteorologist Allison Santorelli told AFP the agency was seeing widespread reports of significant ice accumulation, including in places unaccustomed to severe winter weather.

Crematorium work 'on track'Listen to this articleOne of the design illustrations presented at a press conference yesterday on the progress of the construction of the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang and ceremonial components for the royal funeral of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. MINISTRY OF CULTUREThe work on the Royal Crematorium for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother is progressing according to schedule, with completion expected in October, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Mr Anutin and the officials viewed a mock-up of the Royal Crematorium, its auxiliary structures and the surrounding landscape. The Fine Arts Department has been tasked with designing and constructing the Royal Crematorium and related buildings, restoring royal chariots and funeral carriages, and creating the Royal Coffin, urns, and other items. Upon completion, the government will seek royal permission to determine the date of the Royal Cremation Ceremony.

Listen to this articleA logo of the Social Security Office marks its 35th anniversary last year. The SSO board is tasked with deciding how to invest the 2.6-trillion-baht fund. The Pheu Thai Party proposes bringing in professional fund managers to help improve investment returns and using technology to improve transparency. Separately, a member of the SSO board has cautioned that allowing private companies to manage the SSF carries significant risks. Montree Tirakothai wrote on Facebook that while such proposals might appear more efficient, the social security system is designed to protect its members, not to maximise profits.

EU opens probe into Musk's Grok over sexual AI deepfakesListen to this articleThe EU on Monday announced a probe into Elon Musk's Grok over the generation of sexualised deepfake imagesBRUSSELS (BELGIUM) - The EU on Monday hit Elon Musk's X with an investigation over AI chatbot Grok's generation of sexualised deepfake images of women and minors, in the latest step of an international backlash against the tool. "In Europe, we will not tolerate unthinkable behaviour, such as digital undressing of women and children," said European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. EU tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen said the probe would "determine whether X has met its legal obligations" under the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), which is designed to police internet giants. She said the rights of women and children in the EU should not be "collateral damage" of X's services. Musk's social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, has been the target of an investigation since December 2023 under the EU's digital content rules.

The Iranian film It Was Just an Accident (2025) is the product of seven months in prison, underground production, and defiance of controlling power. The film did touch on heavy subjects but it was fun and adrenaline-packed that it required no mental energy at all. The director of the film, Jafar Panahi, has always been outspoken against the Iranian authoritarian regime. Likewise, It Was Just an Accident is a middle finger to the power that is trying to control us, no compromise. While No Other Choice serves as a cautionary tale that left a bitter taste, It Was Just an Accident ends on a more optimistic note.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, is set to expand its presence in Japan with the opening of Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka in Q2, marking Centara's second hotel in Japan following Centara Grand Hotel Osaka in 2023. The two properties are within walking distance from each other, with Centara Life being more compact, casual and cute, i.e. an illustration of Namba Yasaka Shrine above the headboard and touches of turquoise (the brand's colour). To celebrate the launch, Centara is introducing a limited-time, members-only opening offer for those who want to experience Osaka's most vibrant neighbourhood. Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka offers convenient access to many of the city’s iconic sights, from the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori to the fresh flavours of Kuromon Market and the shopping streets of Shinsaibashi.

Delivery rider who 'broke the rules' beaten up by racecourse guardListen to this articleA screen shot from an online video shows angry delivery app riders gathered at Pathum Wan police station in Bangkok on Sunday night, when the guard who attacked a woman rider arrived to surrender to police. A woman delivery rider was beaten up by a male security guard at the Bangkok Sports Club racecourse in Pathum Wan district for not following the venue's delivery rules. Pol Col Rangsan Sornsing, acting chief of Pathum Wan station, said the guard, identified only as Pornsak, said the rules required that delivery riders park their vehicles first and then walk to a designated delivery spot. When Mr Pornsak arrived at Pathum Wan police station on Sunday night to surrender he was confronted by about 100 angry delivery app riders. Pol Col Rangsan said the suspect would be arraigned in Pathum Wan District Court on Monday afternoon.