District office backs saving tram trackThe old tram track near the Ministry of Defence building in Bangkok. Apichart JinakulThe Phra Nakhon District Office will collaborate on the preservation of an old tram track near the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine. Director Siamrath Rueangnam said the district recognises the historical importance of what's left of the tram track as valuable evidence of Bangkok's early development of public transport. The fate of the tram track was aired recently on social media. Authorities have yet to designate the area as a protected zone or reserve it specifically to conserve the tram track remains.

U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Cuba on Monday (March 16), saying he expected to have the "honor" of "taking Cuba in some form".

Iran 'negotiating' with Fifa over moving World Cup games to MexicoMexico is co-hosting the biggest World Cup in history, along with the United States and Canada, from June 11 to July 19, 2026. (Photo: AFP)MEXICO CITY - Iran's football federation is "negotiating" with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) to relocate the country's first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's embassy in Mexico said Monday. "We are currently negotiating with Fifa to hold Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico." He added that he had also "suggested to Fifa that Iran's matches be moved from the United States to Mexico." Iran hit back at Trump's comments saying "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup."

Nigeria suicide attacks kill 23, wound more than 100An injured man looks out of an ambulance at a hospital where victims of an attack blamed on suspected jihadists were being treated, in Maiduguri, Nigeria on March 16, 2026. (Photo: AFP)MAIDUGURI, Nigeria - Multiple explosions staged by suspected suicide bombers rocked the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing at least 23 people and wounding more than 100 others, police said on Tuesday. “Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers,” police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso said in a statement. “Many of them ran toward the Post Office area because the market entrance and the Post Office are not far apart. Unfortunately, as they were running towards Post Office, the person who had the explosive device ran into the crowd while people were still trying to escape,” said Mohammed.

(Photo: AFP)TEHRAN - Israel launched a wave of strikes on Tehran and Beirut on Tuesday while attacks in Baghdad drew neighbouring Iraq deeper into the Middle East war that has sparked economic turmoil across the globe. The war, now in its third week, has killed hundreds and quickly spread to include Iranian strikes on Gulf nations as well Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. Lebanese state media reported on Tuesday that Israeli strikes at dawn hit a residential building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah. Global oil prices have surged more than 40% since the US and Israel began their strike abd the impact has been felt globally. More than 1,200 Iranians have been killed by US and Israeli strikes, according to the last toll from Iran’s health ministry on March 8, which could not be independently verified.

Media personnel work at the site of a drug users rehabilitation hospital destroyed in what the Taliban said was a Pakistani air strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday. (Photo: Reuters)KABUL — At least 400 people were killed and 250 ​injured in an air strike by Pakistan on a drug users rehabilitation hospital ‌in Kabul, a spokesman of the Afghan Taliban government said on Tuesday, a sharp escalation in the conflict between the neighbours. Debris lies in a room of a drug users rehabilitation hospital destroyed in what the Taliban said was a Pakistani air strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday. People stand next to a drug users rehabilitation hospital destroyed in what the Taliban said was a Pakistani air strike, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday. Debris lies in a ward of a drug users rehabilitation hospital destroyed in what the Taliban said was a Pakistani air strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.

(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The government will let retail fuel prices rise gradually from Wednesday but will heavily subsidise the pump price of standard diesel. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced details at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday morning. He said petrol and diesel prices would gradually increase from Wednesday onwards. The diesel price would rise by less than one baht per litre on Wednesday morning and would be capped at 33 baht per litre. The government would decide on diesel price increments on Tuesday evening, he said.

Another NACC debacleLast week, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) dismissed a petition accusing former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob of deliberately filing a false asset declaration. Mr Saksayam is the younger brother of Newin Chidchob, adviser and chief strategist of the Bhumjaithai Party, which leads the new coalition government. An opposition MP subsequently asked the Constitutional Court to determine whether Mr Saksayam's ministerial status should be terminated. In January 2024, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-1 to terminate Mr Saksayam's ministerial status on the grounds that he had concealed assets. Following the ruling, the matter was taken up by the NACC after political activist Srisuwan Janya petitioned the agency to investigate Mr Saksayam for a serious ethical violation.

Whale shark spotted in marine parkA 3-5 metre long whale shark is seen in the waters off Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi on March 14. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National ParkKrabi: A whale shark was spotted in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a rare sighting which park authorities said was a sign that the park's marine ecosystem is improving. According to park chief, Kriangkrai Pohcharoen, rangers from the park's protection unit at Maya Bay spotted the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) during a routine patrol on Saturday. As soon as the whale shark was spotted, park officials immediately informed boat operators and tourists and urged them to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animal and ensure their safety. Mr Kriangkrai said since the ministry imposed stricter rules on tourist numbers and marine waste management, the area has once again become healthy enough to host a variety of rare marine life.

The darkly comic thriller “One Battle After Another” won best picture at the Academy Awards, leading a haul of six trophies on a Sunday night when Hollywood handed its top movie honors to unconventional stories. The offbeat tale of political resistance traded wins with the vampire story “Sinners,” setting up a fight to the end at the Dolby Theatre.

Global funds look to Malaysia as Iran war shakes up Asian assetsMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech during the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)Even before the war in Iran sparked a surge in energy prices, Malaysia stood out from its Southeast Asian peers as the newfound darling of global investors. Foreign outflows from local equities have been relatively muted in March despite heavy selling in most other emerging Asian markets. Policy boostMalaysia’s economic initiatives are setting it apart from Southeast Asian peers. To be clear, a prolonged war in Iran risks further outflows from emerging markets, including Malaysia.

GH Bank allays concerns over financial stability amid warA prospective homebuyer consults a member of staff at GH Bank. The Government Housing (GH) Bank has sufficient financial stability to withstand a potential economic crisis that could arise from the war in the Middle East, says the bank's chief. According to GH Bank president Mahatana Ampornpisit, the bank currently maintains loan-loss provisions at 160%, ranking the fourth highest in the domestic commercial banking system. As a result, although housing loans across Thailand's financial system contracted last year, GH Bank was still able to record positive loan growth. He noted that the housing loan sector is also affected by Thailand's high household debt levels.

Robotic surgery at Rajavithi Hospital saves girl, 12A robot-assisted operation station at Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok. Rajavithi Hospital has performed a robotic-assisted operation to remove a pancreatic tumour in a 12-year-old girl, making her one of the youngest patients in Thailand to undergo this advanced surgical procedure. Department of Medical Services Director-General Dr Natthaphong Wongwiwat said surgeons carried out a robotic-assisted pancreatic and duodenal surgery to treat the young patient. Despite these challenges, the robotic surgery was a success. Hospital director Dr Jinda Rojanametin said the achievement marks a milestone in the use of high-precision medical technology for complex paediatric cases.

Siam Society is holding a study trip to Mongolia, a land of endless steppes, rugged mountains and untouched wilderness, from July 4-13. As the birthplace of Genghis Khan, the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire, Mongolia's rich past is filled with stories of conquest, unity and cultural exchange. Today, Genghis Khan's legacy is deeply woven into the nation's identity, reflected in its proud traditions and historic landmarks. This annual celebration of Mongolia's heritage features the legendary "Three Manly Games" --wrestling, horse racing and archery -- that trace their origins back to the era of Genghis Khan. From the exhilarating Naadam celebrations to the tranquil beauty of the steppes, this trip weaves together history, culture, and nature, offering a deep connection to Mongolia's enduring nomadic spirit.

DSI confirms probe is still ongoingThe Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Monday clarified that the long-running Khao Kradong railway land dispute is not closed and remains under investigation. The clarification was in response to online claims that the probe into the Khao Kradong land controversy has been concluded and that no further action will be taken after the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), which faces scrutiny over the land issue, emerged as the winner of the Feb 8 election. According to the DSI, the online claims caused misunderstanding among the public because the case has not been terminated, but is continuing under the appropriate legal framework. It said the case is being handled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and the DSI is ready to assist in the investigation process if requested. The DSI said it transferred its findings and investigation records to the NACC in accordance with the law.