Varuth HirunyathebDigital asset business operators are warning the newly proposed Travel Rule should not be overly restrictive or it could unintentionally undermine the open and decentralised nature of blockchain networks, stifling innovation. "While many countries are adopting the Travel Rule, the exact design varies widely across jurisdictions. Digital asset businesses would also be required to establish risk management measures related to both sending and receiving digital asset transfers in accordance with regulatory requirements. "The approach focuses on preventive supervision, aiming to reduce risks before damage occurs by raising regulatory standards for digital asset businesses," said Mrs Pornanong. The SEC is inviting feedback from industry participants and other stakeholders for the Travel Rule.

Some stay behind to show support for slain leaderBlack soot after reported black rain following a strike on fuel tanks, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 10, 2026. In the initial group, 52 Thai nationals left Iran and returned on two separate flights. All Thai nationals known to the group were safe and continuing their daily lives. Mr Ali also rejected the common misconception that Thai students in Iran study only religious subjects. Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said ensuring the safety of Thai nationals in the Middle East was the government's top priority.

Fears grow over rising cost of goodsA lime stall in Khon Kaen. Chakkrapan NatanriConsumers across the country are worried about the rising cost of goods as global energy prices and supply chains have been hit by the war in the Middle East, pushing up prices for everyday necessities. Residents in several provinces say the cost of living has climbed steadily in recent weeks, with higher prices reported for dried foods and household goods. The hike in prices is being attributed to rising energy costs, raw material prices and transport expenses worldwide. Business operators say they are also facing growing pressure from rising import and transport costs, making it difficult to put a cap on retail prices.

Arctic sea ice among lowest on record: AFP review of US dataThe Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planetPARIS (FRANCE) - Arctic sea ice is headed for one of its smallest winter peaks on record, an AFP review of US data showed Wednesday, as climate change shrinks the region's frozen cover and heightens geopolitical tensions. "But so far, it is looking like it could be a very significant extent, perhaps one of, if not the lowest, in the record," McAfee told AFP. - Faster warming -The last three years have been the hottest globally on record, as rising greenhouse gas emissions drive global warming. "Given that the Arctic is warming at 3-4 times the global average rate, we are likely to continue to observe continued Arctic warming, loss of multi-year ice," Burgess told AFP. "But Arctic warming, driven by fossil fuels, puts us all in peril," said Wolf.

(Bangkok Post file photo)Thai exporters are advised to exercise caution after a Thai cargo ship was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, while delays could put perishable goods at risk, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) said on Wednesday. For shipments currently stranded in the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, the council outlined possible solutions. Another option is to temporarily store cargo at safer ports in India, Oman or Sri Lanka. A third option is to return containers to Thailand, which the council recommends as the most cost‑containing approach in high‑risk conditions. The TNSC is also working with the Port Authority of Thailand and private ports to prepare for possible returns of affected cargo.

Repatriation of Thais is continuing, he said, adding that no casualties have been reported among Thai people living in Middle Eastern countries. The second group of 68 Thais left Iran on Tuesday and was expected to return home on Thursday and Friday. Many more stranded Thais have booked special repatriation flights from Qatar. Mr Panidone said that for Thai people in the countries where airspace remained closed, ministry officials were coordinating their trips to third-party countries where flights were available. Meanwhile, the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv warns that scammers claiming to be embassy officials have been attempting to lure stranded Thais into transferring money to arrange for their repatriation flights.

UN peacekeepers stand guard near a residence damaged by a drone strike in Goma, eastern DR Congo, on March 11, 2026. (Photo: AFP)GOMA - A French aid worker for the UN children’s agency has been killed in an air strike in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a city controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. “A French Unicef humanitarian worker has been killed in Goma. Colleagues and those close to the French aid worker emotionally had gathered at the site. In early March, the M23 announced the death of one of its spokesmen, Willy Ngoma, in a drone strike near the Rubaya mine in North Kivu province.

Italy stun USA to leave hosts on brink at World Baseball ClassicKyle Teel (left) congratulates teammate Jac Caglianone after his solo home run in Italy's 8-6 upset over the United States. (Photo: AFP)HOUSTON — Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, leaving the star-studded hosts facing possible elimination from the tournament. A win for unbeaten Italy in that game would see them advance to the last eight along with the United States. Three more runs followed in the sixth inning to leave Italy sitting on an 8-0 advantage. The USA gradually began to fire up in the sixth, with Baltimore Orioles slugger Gunnar Henderson's solo shot making it 8-1, before Pete Crow-Armstrong's three-run shot cut the lead to 8-4.

Hamnet and Sentimental Value are among the most triumphant films released in 2025. Sentimental Value conveys it by shifting between Gustav’s and Nora’s perspectives, with the two sharing only occasional, sparse scenes together. The conflicts in both films find resolution at this intersection when the women step into the professional realms of the men they love. (Photo: Nordisk Film)Both moments reveal men who struggle to voice their vulnerabilities, and who can only truly communicate through the artistic mediums they know: Gustav through film, William through theatre. In both films, the men are at their most exposed not when they speak, but when they create.

Thai tax filing 2026: What expats should clarify before the April 8 deadlineThailand’s personal income tax filing deadline is April 8, and many expats remain uncertain about whether they must submit a return this year. Under Thai law, individuals who spend 180 days or more in Thailand within a calendar year are considered tax residents. Many expats assume that if foreign income is already taxed, or if no tax appears payable, there is no need to file. Tax paid overseas may qualify for foreign tax credits in Thailand. Expats who would like advice on their personal situation can also book a free support call before the filing deadline.

The state-run Oil Fuel Fund, which is now being used to subsidise diesel, is now losing more than 1 billion baht a day, acting Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon told the broadcaster MCOT on Wednesday. The government estimates accumulated losses may reach 10 billion baht by March 18, according to cabinet documents released on Tuesday. In terms of the Oil Fuel Fund, Mr Auttapol did not elaborate on what action the government may take if losses swell. Possible measures may include gradually raising diesel prices or increasing the fund’s borrowing limit, with the Ministry of Finance acting as a guarantor. The fund had a small surplus of around 2 billion baht before the latest energy crisis.

Night closures of petrol stations planned, not yet enforcedOfficials impound barrels of diesel and an oil truck at a container shop in Mae Sot district, Tak province, on Wednesday. Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the department, said that the government stood ready to close petrol stations at 10pm only if the Middle East war had critical impacts on Thailand’s fuel reserves. Acknowledging reports of fuel shortages at some petrol stations, he said provincial energy and commerce officials were monitoring local supplies closely to prevent hoarding. The government estimates accumulated losses may reach 10 billion baht by March 18, according to cabinet documents released Tuesday. In terms of the fuel fund, Mr Auttapol did not elaborate on what action the government may take if losses swell.

Authorities say smugglers may have been worried about tighter border surveillance in Sa KaeoA sloth was among the dozens of trafficked exotic animals recovered from a sugarcane field in Sa Kaeo province. (Photo: Manit Sanubboon)PRACHIN BURI - Authorities have rescued 366 wild animals that were abandoned in a sugarcane field in Sa Kaeo province and have begin a search for their traffickers after transferring the animals to rehabilitation facilities. (Photo: Manit Sanubboon)Upon inspection, officers discovered 366 reptiles and exotic animals inside. The 366 animals found included:58 Japanese turtles (3 dead)16 tortoises47 lizards25 geckos46 softshell turtles172 snakes2 sloths. Mr Yossawat said authorities suspect the animals were abandoned because of stricter border surveillance measures, which may have prevented traffickers from moving the animals out of the area.

Kharg Island: Iran's vital oil hub in the crosshairs? A satellite image of Iran's Kharg Island, which hosts the country’s main crude export terminal. The island, located around 30 kilometres (19 miles) off the Iranian mainland, handles roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude exports, according to a JP Morgan note released Sunday. Kharg underwent key developments during Iran's oil expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, with much of the country's coast too shallow for supertankers. The same day, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid argued for stronger steps, saying in an X, formerly Twitter, post: "Israel needs to destroy all of Iran's oil fields and energy industry on Kharg Island; that's what will crush Iran's economy and bring down the regime."

(Photo: AFP)GENEVA - A UN watchdog warned on Wednesday that “racist hate speech” by US President Donald Trump and other political leaders coupled with intensified immigration crackdowns were fuelling grave rights violations. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination highlighted the growing “racist hate speech” targeting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the United States. This “fosters intolerance and may incite racial discrimination (and) hate crimes”, it warned. ‘Excessive force’Denounced the “excessive use of force during immigration enforcement operations”, the committee noted that at least eight people had died since January during ICE operations or while in ICE custody. It also called on Washington to publicly condemn racial discrimination and racist hate speech.