Google has launched two new features for Gemini — Personal Intelligence and Answer Now — aimed at making its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant faster and more personalised by drawing on users’ data across Google services. Personal Intelligence allows Gemini to connect with applications in the Google ecosystem such as Gmail, Google Photos, Google Search and YouTube, enabling the AI to provide deeper, more context-aware answers. Users who feel uncomfortable can disable Personal Intelligence themselves, as the feature is not turned on automatically by default. Personal Intelligence, meanwhile, is being introduced first for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. The feature will be limited to personal Google accounts, with enterprise and educational accounts not yet supported.

Embezzlement case ends with jail termsListen to this articleThe Court of Appeal Region 4 has handed down jail terms and ordered compensation of more than 405 million baht in the Khon Kaen teachers' cooperative embezzlement case involving Klatham Party deputy leader Ekkarat Changlao and other defendants. All four were ordered to jointly pay more than 405 million baht to the cooperative. Mr Ekkarat is one of the three who received 20 years' jail time. Prosecutors and the cooperative had earlier filed charges against the four defendants over the alleged embezzlement of more than 431 million baht. Ekkarat: Handed 20-year termTwo other civil cases involving Mr Ekkarat are due for rulings on Monday.

(Photo: Wikipedia)LOS ANGELES — A comprehensive case review into the 2005 death of author-journalist ‌Hunter S. Thompson, including autopsy records, has affirmed authorities' original ​conclusion that he took his own life, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CIB) said on Friday. The review, conducted after the writer's widow, Anita Thompson, raised questions about the official suicide ruling, found no "new physical evidence, facts, or circumstances to support a conclusion different from the 2005 investigation," the CBI said. Those close to him also had said that Thompson, a longtime gun enthusiast, had contemplated taking his own life for years. "While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognised the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family," Buglione wrote in the statement. But state investigators reviewed autopsy and other ‌law enforcement ​records from the case, re-examined the scene, and interviewed a number of people, including Anita Thompson, her late husband's son, Juan Thompson, and his ex-daughter-in-law, Jennifer Thompson.

Parties line up to oppose VAT increaseListen to this articleMajor political parties contesting the 2026 general election have lined up to oppose proposed increases in value-added tax (VAT), warning that higher consumption taxes would further burden households and businesses struggling with economic pressures. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, said his party opposed a VAT increase under current economic conditions, arguing it was inappropriate while growth remained fragile. However, he said the party supported a gradual increase in corporate income tax to 25% from the current 20%. By comparison, Singapore's corporate tax rate is 17%, with an effective rate of 6.4%. On personal income tax, Mr Korn said the Democrats proposed raising the income threshold exempt from tax.

Fury grows over five-year-old's detention in US immigration crackdownListen to this articleThe administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing a massive campaign to deport undocumented immigrants. Ramos was then used as "bait" by immigration officers to knock on the door of his home to draw out those inside, Zena Stenvik added. Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro, whose constituency includes a San Antonio ICE detention center to which it was thought Ramos was taken, rejected Vance's explanation. - 'Just a baby' -Former US vice president Kamala Harris said she was "outraged" by Ramos's detention and called him "just a baby." Children have long been caught up in federal immigration enforcement, under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Office of ironyListen to this articleThe Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) finally broke its silence on Thursday and revealed to the public how it would be handling the scandalous accusation of bribe-taking levelled against some of its members. Our national graft-buster, tasked with handling high-profile cases of corruption, has been rocked by some serious allegations. The public needs to see and believe the NACC commissioners and officials are transparent and are being treated the same as everyone else. Such actions demean the agency and will continue to undermine public trust in both it and its stated mission of battling corruption. How can the country win the war against graft when we cannot even say we fully trust the anti-corruption agency anymore?

Gunners on target for the title as foes wobble at halfway stageListen to this articleIt's just past the halfway mark in the Premier League season and Arsenal are currently being tipped to win their first title in nearly 22 years, sitting seven points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa. Although the Gunners have let such leads slip in the past, this season they are being helped by the erratic form of their main rivals. The depth of their squad is proving to be an important factor which has also contributed to impressive results in the Champions League. Defending champions Liverpool were pre-season favourites but are not looking anything like the team which comfortably won the title last season. Currently in fifth place are Manchester United whose recent defeat of City in the Manchester derby was their best performance in ages.

(Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The caretaker government said it cannot commit Thailand to a US-led peace initiative, leaving the decision entirely to the next administration. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday said the government has received the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" and the proposal for a Board of Peace sent by US President Donald Trump. Mr Anutin said that joining a peace board could bring several benefits, including contributing to peacebuilding, promoting stability, and strengthening international networks. However, he said participation would involve significant financial costs, which would have to be carefully weighed by the next government. Mr Trump said permanent members would be required to contribute US$1 billion (about 31 billion baht) each.

Saysunee and Pongsakorn shine againListen to this articleSaysunee Jana, right, in action during the gold medal match. Saysunee, one of Thailand's most decorated para athletes, had already struck gold on the opening day in the women's sabre class B. Moments later, Techinee Duangin stormed to victory in the women's 100m T54, clocking 17.99sec to set a new Games record. The standout performance came from Pongsakorn Paeyo, who electrified the crowd with a new Asian record in the men's 100m T53. Archery brought another all‑Thai final, with Phattharaphon Pattawaeo defeating Tpat Chatyotsakorn 6‑0 in the women's individual recurve W2.

Relief payments on way, insists AnutinListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned against politicising the handling of flood relief payments in Hat Yai, insisting compensation is being processed in line with established procedures and is now the responsibility of the Interior Ministry to carry forward. Mr Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, was responding to calls by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, to expedite compensation payments for residents affected by flooding in Hat Yai. Mr Anutin said the cabinet had recently approved additional relief funds for Hat Yai, adding that while many affected residents had already been compensated, others had missed out because they had not initially registered. This is routine administrative work handled by the responsible agencies, particularly the Interior Ministry through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation," he said. He stressed that the cabinet had already granted full authority to the Interior Ministry to proceed, and any follow-up inquiries should be directed to the permanent secretary.

Questions surrounding the ethical background of some of the PP's proposed cabinet nominees have further complicated the narrative. These concerns risk undermining the PP's claim that its cabinet list represents a clean break from old-style politics and patronage systems. Ultimately, the PP's cabinet line-up gambit reflects the evolving dynamics of electoral politics, where managerial competence, policy delivery and public trust increasingly outweigh ideological rhetoric. "In constituencies where competition is tight, offers could easily rise to 2,000 baht per vote or more," he said. Voters are urged not to sell their votes in every election cycle, yet the data suggest the practice continues almost everywhere.

Klatham admits candidate vetting flawsListen to this articleThe Klatham Party has admitted shortcomings in its candidate vetting process after two of its MP candidates in Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat were disqualified by election authorities, prompting an internal review and legal appeals. Party strategic chairman Anudith Nakornthap said yesterday that although the party had carried out extensive background checks, gaps remained, particularly in identifying candidates' media shareholdings. His comments followed a Supreme Court ruling ordering the disqualification of a Klatham Party candidate in Phuket for breaching election rules by holding shares in a media-related business. "This should be a lesson not only for the Klatham Party, but for all political parties," he said. This was the second disqualification involving the party, following an earlier EC decision to remove Kongkiat Ketsombat, the Klatham Party candidate in Nakhon Si Thammarat constituency 7, over a previous theft-related conviction.

Same-sex marriages reach 26,000 markListen to this articleA female couple gets married on Jan 23, 2025, the day the Marriage Equality Act came into effect. The legislation allows same-sex couples to legally register their marriages and grants them the same legal rights, protections and benefits as opposite-sex couples. The organisation also stressed that legal equality remains incomplete, noting that approximately 50 related laws still require amendment. Delays in revising these laws continue to create practical barriers for LGBTQ+ couples seeking full and equal access to their rights. "The enactment of the Marriage Equality Bill is only the first step toward equality," the post said.

LGT calls for disciplined investing amid market volatilityListen to this articleLGT Private Banking Asia Pacific expects global risk assets to gain traction this year, but cautions that investors should be prepared for a more volatile and uneven market, advising disciplined portfolio construction and active risk management. While the broader investment environment remains constructive, volatility and policy-driven market swings are likely to become a structural feature of 2026, he said. The policy environment remains broadly supportive in the US as the country heads towards the November 2026 midterm elections. In Europe, corporate earnings growth is expected to lag that of the US in 2026, limiting the region's potential to outperform. Despite near-term investment challenges, LGT remains confident in the long-term growth potential of Thailand's wealth management market, driven by family businesses, corporates and foundations.

Trump's strategic retreat in EuropeListen to this articleIf anyone wonders why gold prices have surged past $4,900 and silver has touched $90 per ounce, the answer lies in Donald Trump's appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Yet Trump didn't back down, referencing Venezuela where the new government immediately struck a deal after a show of American force. This is perception management: calming markets short-term while maintaining pressure on Europe. Trump could assert tariffs are negotiating leverage if the court accepts this reasoning in the landmark case it is now deciding. Trump's deal-making involves: start with high demands (seizing Greenland), demonstrate strength (invade Venezuela), use economic tools (tariffs), then negotiate for special rights without using force.