Syrian forces seize major oil, gas fields from KurdsListen to this articleA man takes a selfie with vehicles of the Syrian army following the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, in Tabqa, Syria, Jan 18, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)DAMASCUS - Syrian troops fighting US-backed Kurdish-led forces seized the ‌Omar oil field, ​the country’s largest, and the Conoco gas field in the eastern Deir Zor province as allied Arab tribal forces advanced in the oil-rich area along the border with Iraq, ‌officials and security sources said on Sunday. The takeover of the oil fields that lie east of the Euphrates River, ‌a main source of revenue for the Kurdish-led forces, was a major blow to the group, which officials said had deprived the ⁠state of resources used by the militia. The Syrian army pressed ahead into predominantly Arab-populated areas of northeast Syria controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), despite U.S. calls to halt its advance. Syrian Kurdish authorities have not acknowledged the loss of those strategic sites, and it remained unclear ​whether fighting was still ongoing.

All political parties should clearly state whether they support amending Sections 1 and 2 of the constitution, which outline the country's sovereignty as an undivided kingdom and royal prerogatives, caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Sunday. The Bhumjaithai leader said his party had a clear position, that it will not touch the two Sections. Asked whether leaving the two Sections open to change by certain parties could lead to future repercussions, Mr Anutin said failing to clearly rule out changes could open the door to “interference or infiltration”. He urged all parties to state their individual position clearly, while stressing that he would not interfere in other parties’ decisions. “As for constitutional amendment, there is a defined process but our position is clear Sections 1 and 2 will not be touched," he said.

Rama II Road sinkhole repair advances, one lane reopeningListen to this articleA backhoe works to fill and stabilise the sinkhole on the inbound frontage lanes of Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon. (Photo: FM91 Trafficpro)SAMUT SAKHON - Repairs to Rama II Road were nearly complete after a burst water main caused a subsidence on the inbound frontage lane to Bangkok, and one of the closed lanes was expected to reopen later on Sunday afternoon. Weerayut Thongwatcharanon, director of waterworks for Samut Sakhon Municipality, said repairs to the damaged water pipe had been completed. The water supply had been restored and services in the municipal area had returned to normal during the morning. “Once all inbound lanes are fully reopened, this should significantly ease congestion, particularly from Tha Chin River bridge to the Talay Thai market area.”

Developed through collaboration between the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Digital Economy and Society and the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, the platform aims to prevent citizens from falling victim to digital fraudsters. Photo: Facebook Ministry of Digital Economy and SocietyGreylist: Suspicious numbers that carry a risk of fraud but have not yet been confirmed as scammers. Photo: Facebook Ministry of Digital Economy and SocietyWhitelist: Verified numbers from government agencies or registered entities that are confirmed to be safe and reliable. Photo: Facebook Ministry of Digital Economy and SocietyIn the event that a user is deceived into transferring money, the app includes a quick-dial feature for the AOC 1441 hotline. Download DE-fence (Android) Google PlayDownload DE-fence (iOS) App StoreSource: Ministry of Digital Economy and Society

Iran's leader demands crackdown on 'seditionists' after protestsListen to this articleIran was rocked by weeks of demonstrations sparked by anger over economic hardship that exploded into the biggest protests against the Islamic republic in yearsPARIS (FRANCE) - Iran's supreme leader said Saturday that authorities "must break the back of the seditionists", blaming US President Donald Trump for "casualties" after a deadly crackdown on protests against the country's clerical leadership. But demonstrations have subsided after the crackdown that rights groups say left thousands of people dead under an internet blackout that lasted more than a week. Mass protests challenging authorities that erupted in 2022 were also branded sedition, an accusation rights groups said the authorities used to violently suppress dissent. Rights groups have estimated up to 20,000 people have been arrested. Eyewitnesses who left Iran after the protests told AFP of coming under fire and hearing numerous gunshots during protests.

EU warns of downward spiral after Trump threatens tariffs over GreenlandListen to this articleA 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump, the EU flag and the word "Tariffs" appear in this illustration taken January 17, 2026. REUTERSBRUSSELS: European Union ‌leaders on Saturday ​warned of a "dangerous downward spiral" over U.S. President Donald Trump's vow to implement increasing tariffs on European allies until the U.S. is allowed ‌to buy Greenland. "Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. "Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity. Ambassadors from ​the European Union's 27 countries will convene on Sunday for an emergency meeting to discuss their response to the ​tariff threat.

People’s Party, PM candidate top Chiang Mai pollListen to this articlePeople’s Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut addresses supporters at the launch of the party’s ‘People’s Government’ vision, at Samyan Mitrtown Hall in Bangkok on Jan 11. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)CHIANG MAI - People's Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has emerged as the leading choice for prime minister among voters in Chiang Mai, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida). He was followed by Yodchanan Wongsawat of the Pheu Thai Party, 19.40%, and Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, 15.65%. The poll, “Chiang Mai voters and the 2026 election”, was conducted from Jan 9-14, with 1,067 respondents aged 18 and above, Nida said on Sunday. Party-list vote preferencesFor party-list MPs, the People’s Party also led, with the following results:

Unsafe levels of smog in 38 provincesListen to this articleThe map from Gistda shows levels of PM2.5 in Thailand in different colour codes on Sunday morning. Unsafe levels of ultrafine dust blanketed 38 provinces, mostly in the Northeast and the Central Plains, on Sunday morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda). Moderate air quality was detected in Bangkok and 18 provinces with PM2.5 levels ranging from 27 to 37.2µg/m³. People in 18 provinces, mostly in the North and the South, had good air quality with PM2.5 levels from 16.5 to 24.9µg/m³. Two northern provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai had very good air quality with PM2.5 levels of 10.6 and 12.8µg/m³ respectively.

Dozens of Venezuelan migrants departed on Thursday (January 15) from Panama to return to their country, hoping for a change in their lives and in the country after the U.S. ousted autocratic president Nicolas Maduro in a military intervention on January 3.

Parties debate capital market strategyListen to this articleThe main parties agree that restoring confidence in the capital market is central to reviving an economy weighed down by weak growth, low IPO activity and persistent governance concerns. However, they offered sharply different policy paths at a debate hosted by the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations late last week. Opening the forum, Stock Exchange of Thailand chairman Kittipong Urpipatpong stressed the capital market underpins Thailand's economic structure, with more than 20 million Thai and foreign investors participating directly or indirectly. It proposed new instruments such as digital tourist payment systems to bridge the real economy and capital markets. Despite differing strategies, all parties shared a common diagnosis: Thailand's economic recovery depends on credible governance, long-term savings and a trusted, competitive capital market.

A missing item in the rural soundtrackListen to this articleAs usual at this time of the year I have been enjoying life in the Northeastern province of Chaiyaphum for several weeks. I had grown to accept it was a part of the rural soundtrack you have to put up with while living in the Northeast. Using tarot cards he predicted she would suffer bad luck and also lose a valuable possession. However he suggested if she paid him more money he might use his powers to stop the bad luck. However he denied any knowledge of the phone and cheekily claimed that her losing it showed how accurate his forecast of bad luck had been.

Hang on to your jobs, 2026 will be a tough one for the economyListen to this articleA job fair was organised in Bangkok in June last year. He said the economy is expected to slow sharply, with growth projected at just 1.5–2%, potentially the weakest expansion in decades. He advised the public to be especially cautious with spending and hang on to their jobs. "Leaving the workforce at this time carries high risk, as finding new employment will be difficult," he said, adding that people should look for supplementary income streams and manage cash flow carefully. These skills reduce costs and can later be turned into side income."

Phuket buoyed by aviation, tourism recoveryListen to this articlePassengers queue up at Phuket airport in August last year. Kuakul MornkumPhuket International Airport boasts growth in flight movements and passenger numbers in 2025, reflecting sustained recovery of aviation and tourism and renewed passenger confidence, says airport director Monchai Tanod. The figures underscore Phuket's resilience as a major regional aviation hub and a leading international tourism destination. Passenger traffic last year reached 17.4 million including 6.6 million domestic travellers and 10 million international passengers, up 1.5% from 17.2 million passengers in 2024. Phuket Airport was committed to enhancing safety standards and improving efficiency to deliver a smooth travel experience under its "World Class Hospitality" concept, while preparing for sustainable long-term growth.

Economic Party touts its infrastructure goalsListen to this articleGen Rangsi Kitiyansap, the Economic Party leader. Photo: Economic PartyPhuket: The Economic Party on Saturday launched its election candidates in the southern region, unveiling a policy platform centred on large-scale infrastructure development and tough anti-corruption measures. Party leader Gen Rangsi Kitiyansap said the core policy includes development of a high-speed rail network linked to China's BRI project to make Thailand a regional logistics hub. On economic issues, Gen Rangsi said the party aims to cut electricity prices from 3.94 baht to 2.80 baht per unit if it forms the government. The party introduced three Phuket candidates who pledged to tackle local problems such as traffic congestion, water shortages, waste management and road expansion.

NBTC eases SIM ID rulesListen to this articleThe National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved additional identification documents for mobile SIM card registration in cases where users do not have a passport. NBTC deputy secretary-general Trairat Viriyasirikul said the move aims to improve access for non-Thai nationals and individuals without civil registration status. Previously, a passport was the primary requirement for foreign nationals registering SIM cards. Under the new guidelines, approved documents include travel documents issued by the Cambodian government for Cambodian workers and certificates of identity issued by the Myanmar government for Myanmar workers.