Iran warns 'finger on trigger' as Trump says Tehran wants talksListen to this articleIran's Revolutionary Guards Commander General Mohammad Pakpour warned that his forces were ready to fight any threatPARIS (FRANCE) - The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned Washington Thursday that the force had its "finger on the trigger" in the wake of mass protests, as US President Donald Trump said Tehran still appeared interested in talks. Trump said Thursday a US naval "armada" was heading toward the Gulf, adding: "We're watching Iran." The prospect of immediate American action against Tehran appears to have receded, with both sides insisting on giving diplomacy a chance. On his way back from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump told reporters on Air Force One the United States was sending a "massive fleet" toward Iran "just in case." The group is sanctioned as a terrorist entity by countries including Australia, Canada and the United States, and campaigners have long urged similar moves from the EU and UK.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has confirmed significant changes to foreign player quotas in Thai League 1 for the 2026–2027 season, following a meeting with all 16 top-flight clubs on Thursday. Under the current rules, clubs may register seven foreign players, including Asian nationals, alongside unlimited Asean players, though only five plus two Asean players are permitted on the pitch at any one time. From next season, however, teams will be allowed to register up to 10 foreign players of any nationality, with a maximum of seven eligible to play in a match. The loss sparked widespread criticism, with one recurring concern being that Thai players are not afforded sufficient opportunities in domestic competition due to the heavy reliance on foreign talent. Thawatchai retains U23 jobThe FAT has renewed the contract of Thailand U23 head coach Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul through to the Asian Games in Japan later this year.

People's Party campaigns across Loei, calls for decisive victoryListen to this articlePiyabutr Saengkanokkul, a campaign assistant for the People's Party (PP), took his election message to three venues in Loei province yesterday, urging voters to deliver an overwhelming mandate for the party in the upcoming election so as to prevent a repeat of past political deadlocks. Such a result, he said, would deprive rival parties of any political legitimacy to attempt to form a government. "In 2019, the PP had 6.3 million votes and 81 MPs. In 2023, we had 14.4 million votes and 151 MPs," he said. This time, we need more than 200 MPs, even 250, and over 20 million votes."

30 nations step up for annual Cobra Gold drillsListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Armed Forces and the United States Indo-Pacific Command will co-host the 45th iteration of Cobra Gold, one of Southeast Asia's longest-running and most significant multinational military exercises, from Feb 24 to March 6, a source said. According to a source, 2026 is designated a "Heavy Year", reflecting the expanded scope and complexity of the joint drills. Seven primary participants -- Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia -- will form the core exercise forces. China, India and Australia will join in selected activities, with China continuing its participation in the humanitarian assistance programme. Another 10 nations -- Brunei, Germany, Jordan, Laos, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Timor-Leste and Vietnam -- will join the Combined Observer Liaison Team.

Early release for Thaksin 'needs more scrutiny'Listen to this articleThe Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform (NSPRT) on Thursday submitted a petition urging the justice minister to closely examine the eligibility of jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a sentence suspension, arguing that his case may not fully meet legal requirements. The group alleged that coordinated assistance may have enabled Thaksin to avoid imprisonment earlier, raising questions about whether detention procedures were properly enforced. It also challenged previous claims that he was seriously ill and unable to care for himself, arguing that if such claims were inaccurate, they could constitute breaches of prison detention regulations. The group therefore urged the justice minister to clarify Thaksin's prisoner classification upon his second admission and to confirm whether any alleged misconduct had been considered in the review process. The network also noted that the National Anti-Corruption Commission is continuing inquiries into the enforcement of Thaksin's prison sentence.

Condo sales likely to remain flat on muted purchasing powerListen to this articleA condominium model is displayed at a house and condo fair in Bangkok in March, 2025. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The condo market in 2026 is expected to remain subdued but more selective, with developers prioritising inventory clearance, premium pricing and differentiated projects, amid weak domestic purchasing power and prolonged economic uncertainty. Foreign buyers, particularly the Chinese, will remain a key demand driver, especially in the condo sector, as Thai purchasing power remains insufficient to support a broad-based recovery. Cushman & Wakefield expects new condo launches in 2026 to remain below 15,000 units, with developers shifting focus towards smaller, faster-selling low-rise housing projects and selective condo developments. CBRE expects condo launches in 2026 to exceed last year's exceptionally low base, but developers will remain cautious, awaiting clearer signs of improved buyer confidence.

United were transformed in last week's 2-0 win against Manchester City -- Carrick's first game in his second spell in temporary charge -- producing a performance full of attacking verve. Pep Guardiola's men are yet to win in the Premier League this year, with their title challenge faltering badly. A 2-0 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday eased the immediate pressure on Tottenham manager Thomas Frank. But he knows that he must turn around his side's Premier League form to stay in his job and that time is running out. Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)SaturdayWest Ham v Sunderland (1230), Burnley v Tottenham, Fulham v Brighton, Manchester City v Wolves, Bournemouth v Liverpool (1730)SundayBrentford v Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Newcastle v Aston Villa (all 1400), Arsenal v Manchester United (1630)MondayEverton v Leeds (2000)

In April 2024, it was about time to introduce the Grand Lady Kalla, not only as a wristwatch, but a versatile four-in-one high jewไงนะคะ ellery. Notably, the four elements of the Grand Lady Kalla echo the Art Deco style that flourished in this decade. Grand Lady Kalla Ruby with swappable elements. The Grand Lady Kalla Emerald is in platinum with the case fully paved with diamonds and green gems. Grand Lady Kalla Emerald wristwatch in platinum.

(Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)Concerns about transparency and efficiency of Social Security Fund (SSF) spending have surfaced after Rukchanok Srinork, a People's Party MP candidate, highlighted cases of SSF money being used for "questionable projects". The "Progressive Social Security" Facebook page in a post pointed to another issue: an 800‑million‑baht investment in the TU Dome project at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani province. These included endorsement by the Social Security Committee, scrutiny by budgetary and auditing agencies and authorisation from the Treasury Department for the use of state property, it said. "Every baht and satang in the Social Security Fund comes from deductions from workers' wages each month. It belongs to the insured, not the Social Security Office.

Tops bullish on Chinese New YearListen to this articleMr Chakkit said deeply rooted beliefs and cultural traditions in Thai society continue to play an important role in emotional support, motivating consumer expenditure. Tops, a food business under Central Retail, is optimistic about spending during the Chinese New Year despite concerns about a sluggish economy. Younger generations such as Gen Y (39.5%) and Gen X (37.7%) emerged as significant contributors, collectively representing more than 77% of festive expenditure. According to insight surveys conducted via Tops Thailand Line official platform and the Personal Shopper channel, Gen X and Gen Y were the key decision-makers in terms of beliefs and spending. Tops plans to use data to re-engage inactive shoppers through hyper- personalised incentives, said Mr Chakkit.

Venezuela looks to petrodollars to bring down pricesListen to this articleVenezuela has more proven oil reserves than any other nation on Earth. The dollars were injected into the domestic foreign exchange market to narrow a growing gap between the formal and informal rates, blamed for fast-rising inflation. -Venezuela decriminalized the use of the dollar and lifted controls to combat a hyperinflationary cycle that lasted from 2017 to 2022. Since then, the government, under the economic leadership of Maduro's then–Vice President Rodriguez, began injecting petrodollars into the market whenever they were available. This became more difficult under a blockade of Venezuelan oil by the United States, which in recent months seized several tankers transporting crude from the South American nation.

Thailand also celebrated a one-two finish in the women's shot put F37 final, an event where all top-four finishers surpassed the previous Games record. Thai fencers also shone, producing three gold medals. Duean Nakprasit overwhelmed compatriot Arrirat Saisin 15-1 in the women's individual epee A final, while Chintanakon Seepak edged Panadda Srithong 15-14 in the epee B decider. Chitiphat Charoenta followed with a 15-1 victory over teammate Anwar Wae in the men's individual foil B final. Wongkot Jaempreecha triumphed in the men's individual B7 lawn bowls competition, a demonstration event at the Games.

Mr Kannavee described the Movement Party as a "party of practitioners" guided by the principles of social democracy and focused on solving real-world problems. The Movement Party instead proposes "diplomatic constructive intervention", proactive engagement aimed at addressing root causes through cooperation rather than coercion. Informal workers at the coreDomestically, the Movement Party places strong emphasis on informal workers, including online platform workers, farmers, street vendors, motorcycle taxi drivers and night-economy workers. Human rights agendaA long-time human rights advocate, Mr Kannavee was recently involved in opposing the deportation of Uyghur detainees to China. He also highlighted limited freedom of association among informal workers, stressing the need for effective unions to strengthen bargaining power.

(Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)The Election Commission (EC) has ordered five political parties to provide further clarification by submitting additional supporting documents about campaign policies involving budget expenditures. Mr Sawaeng said the EC is expediting its review of campaign policies that involve budget expenditures, aiming to complete the process before Feb 4. Of these, 51 submitted policies that involve budgetary spending and are therefore required to notify the EC, while nine parties submitted platforms that do not involve state expenditure. "The committee resolved that five political parties must provide further clarification by submitting additional supporting documents," he said. The next EC meeting will review the policies of the remaining 28 parties, with the intention of submitting them to the EC for consideration on Feb 3.

UTN won't back charter rejigListen to this articlePirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the UTN Party, tests rice milling as part of the 'Northern Region Must Be Better' campaign. Mr Pirapan said the UTN does not agree that the country should adopt a completely new constitution, arguing that the referendum question lacks a clear framework for how a new charter would be drafted or by whom. Mr Pirapan said. Asked how the party would educate voters, Mr Pirapan said the statements reflected the party's position only, stressing the UTN would not seek to influence the public's decision. UTN deputy leader Atthawit Suwannapakdi said the constitution can be amended but should not be discarded.