Kyiv is seeking clarity on post-war security guarantees from its allies. Ukraine’s ambassador to the US said a day earlier that the talks would focus on security guarantees and post-war reconstruction. Sticking points remain between Kyiv and Washington, with Kyiv seeking clarity on the post-war security guarantees, which it sees as vital to deter Russia from invading again. Thousands without powerTerritory and security guarantees have been at the forefront of remaining questions on a plan to end the war. “Due to constant massive attacks by the Russian Federation, a state of emergency has been declared in the Ukrainian energy sector,” the ministry said.

Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai Government is urging stricter controls on pollution sources, a ban on open burning, and expanded work-from-home measures, given that PM2.5 fine dust pollution has surged since January 14. Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the Pollution Control Department (PCD)'s Air Pollution Situation Communication Centre has issued an alert on increases of PM2.5 concentrations, particularly in Bangkok, its surrounding provinces, the upper Central Plains and the Northeast. Lalida attributed the rise to stagnant air and low ventilation rates, causing pollutants to accumulate and disperse poorly. She said that the Government has instructed the PCD to work closely with provincial authorities to strengthen communication and coordination in tightening controls on pollution sources. The Government has also sent a letter to the ASEAN Secretary-General seeking cooperation from neighbouring countries to address transboundary haze, she added./.

(Photo: Reuters)MINNEAPOLIS - A federal judge in Minnesota on Friday ‌ordered that US immigration agents deployed en masse to Minneapolis be restricted ​in some of the tactics they have used against peaceful demonstrators and observers, including arrests and tear-gassing. The court case was brought on behalf of six protesters and observers who claimed their constitutional rights had been infringed by the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Federal agents also are banned from using pepper spray, tear gas or other crowd-control munitions against peaceful demonstrators or bystanders observing and recording the immigration enforcement operations, the judge ruled. Menendez wrote that the government, in defending the street ⁠tactics of its immigration officers, had failed to “explain why it is necessary for them to arrest and use force against peaceful observers”. Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have repeatedly demanded that the Trump administration withdraw the immigration agents, asserting that the operation is being conducted in a reckless manner endangering the public.

Listen to this articleChonnaphat Naksua, who represents the Klatham Party in Songkhla's Constituency 4, is allegedly related to an illegal gambling website known as "AK47MAX". The source said the allegation against Mr Chonnaphat, who represents the Klatham Party in Songkhla's Constituency 4, is related to an illegal gambling website known as "AK47MAX". The probe is being handled by the DSI's Technology and Information Crime Division, which is already probing the gambling website, said the source. Capt Thamanat Prompow, chief adviser to the Klatham Party, on Friday welcomed investigations into alleged grey businesses and illegal online gambling, saying they should proceed regardless of political affiliation. He also dismissed talk that the case was politically motivated, saying Mr Chonnaphat should be allowed to prove his innocence.

Silkmen target Bees' scalp nextListen to this articleMacclesfield's magnificent win over holders Crystal Palace served as a timely reminder that the FA Cup is still capable of creating magical moments in English football history. It was a thoroughly deserved victory too for the Silkmen and they were even applauded off the pitch by the Palace fans. For their efforts the Silkmen have been rewarded with a fourth round home fixture against another Premier League side from London, Brentford. They were just happy to enjoy the FA Cup experience, visiting one of the best teams in the world. There were several other large attendances by away fans suggesting the FA Cup still holds an appeal.

I've noticed that foot traffic to Bangkok's sprawling parks, from Suan Lum to Benjakitti, has increased significantly recently. One of Lumpini Park's stubborn charms is its rustic surroundings, the ultimate gathering place for OG runners' clubs, where locals meet and gather around fresh juice stalls that have been around for decades. Progress comes in stages and I feel like the parks' evolution is a real representation of how things happen in Bangkok. Regardless of why corporations invest in small playgrounds in the corner of a public park, they're valuable because Bangkok needs more of them. These outdoor spaces are investing in future citizens and dog-friendly areas of public parks are catering to emerging urban lifestyles and new kinds of economies.

Thai dividend payouts hit record high in 2025Listen to this articleListed Thai companies paid a record 651 billion baht in dividends last year, even as the domestic equity market declined for a third consecutive year, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). By sector, the top three industries for dividend payouts were energy and utilities, banking, and information and communication technology. Dividend payments were concentrated from March to May, when listed firms made 533 dividend payments, representing 63.6% of all dividend distributions in 2025. Monthol Junchaya, chief investment officer at One Asset Management (ONEAM), said Thai dividend stocks remain an attractive investment. ONEAM expects dividend stocks to continue to be appealing in 2026, with returns likely on par with last year, he said.

Renewed AI optimism gives Asian shares a liftListen to this articleRECAP: Asian stocks advanced yesterday as the artificial intelligence boom regained momentum after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co reported strong earnings. Risk appetite also improved after US President Donald Trump pulled back from threatened military action against Iran over a violent crackdown on protests. Foreign investors were net buyers of 4.22 billion baht, followed by retail investors at 3.09 billion. The US budget deficit shrank to $1.67 trillion in 2025, the smallest in three years, thanks mainly to a record surge in customs revenue from tariffs. TSMC is earmarking $56 billion in capital spending for 2026, signalling its confidence in the global AI boom.

Rupture of water pipe during excavation work blamed for incident in Samut SakhonListen to this articleThe front right wheel of a pickup truck is stuck in a sinkhole that was created after a section of Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon subsided following the rupture of a pipeline on Saturday morning. (Photo: Samut Sakhon Municipality)SAMUT SAKHON - A section of Rama II Road inbound to Bangkok subsided on Saturday morning, leaving a hole into which a passing pickup truck fell. A pickup truck travelling along the route fell into the collapsed section, with its front right wheel stuck in the hole. The break occurred during excavation work to connect pipelines and restore the road surface, Mr Phiphat said. Saturday’s incident was not far from the scene of a deadly collapse on Thursday, when two people were killed after parts of a crane used for the construction of an expressway bridge fell onto two vehicles travelling on Rama II Road, the main route connecting Bangkok with southern Thailand.

Whichever party wins the most seats will have a mandate to form a government, says Progressive Movement leaderListen to this articleProgressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit joins a People’s Party candidate canvassing for votes at a market in Nang Rong district of Buri Ram on Jan 8. (Photo: Surachai Piragsa)The People's Party is prepared to take on the role of opposition if Bhumjaithai wins the Feb 8 election, says Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Progressive Movement. However, if the People’s Party emerges as the one with the most seats, it would move swiftly to form a government, said the founder of Future Forward, the first incarnation of the party. Move Forward, the successor to Future Forward and predecessor of the People’s Party, was prevented from forming a government in 2023 because senators would not back Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister. The People’s Party respects the democratic process and is ready to step aside if another party secures the most seats, Mr Thanathorn noted, as this would reflect majority support for that party’s policies.

Denmark's Joint Arctic Command in Greenland is focused on countering potential Russian activity, not defending against U.S. military threats, its head Major General Soren Andersen said on Friday (January 16), amid renewed attention on the Arctic region.

Pheu Thai drops casinos for wellnessListen to this articleYodchanan Wongsawat, the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate, has confirmed that the party has decided to abandon its proposed casino and entertainment complex policy. He said the party favours flexible development strategies, noting that projects can be adjusted if they fail to meet expectations. Speaking about the upcoming Feb 8 general election, Mr Yodchanan said Pheu Thai is targeting at least 200 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives to ensure political stability and effective coordination with coalition partners. Mr Yodchanan said Pheu Thai has recalibrated its policies to suit current economic conditions while avoiding additional pressure on the national budget. Mr Yodchanan yesterday led a Pheu Thai delegation, alongside Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, to meet executives and medical staff at Benchakitti Park Hospital in Bangkok's Khlong Toei district, to discuss the party's "50 Districts, 50 Hospitals" policy.

FM sells envoys on 'economic diplomacy'Listen to this articleForeign Minister Sihasak PhuangketkeowForeign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow set out a vision of "economic diplomacy" yesterday, calling on ambassadors to play a more active role in driving economic growth. Mr Sihasak, a prime ministerial candidate of the Bhumjaithai Party, said ambassadors should work proactively on economic matters, not only on traditional diplomatic duties. He said diplomacy must keep pace with rapid global changes and the kingdom should avoid taking sides in global conflicts but maintain balance instead. "Maintaining good relations with many partners would help Thailand balance between the different power blocs and give the country more options," he said. He cited a new policy of engaging with African countries, as many have strong economic growth.

PPRP candidates call for Prawit to lead party againListen to this articleCandidates from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) yesterday urged former party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon to return to lead the party, saying his departure left them uncertain and weakened campaign morale. Gen Prawit stepped down as party leader early this month, citing health reasons, shortly after withdrawing as the party's prime ministerial candidate. Treenuch Thienthong was appointed as the new party leader to lead the PPRP into the Feb 8 polls. Supasit Sorapatjirapong, a candidate in Chon Buri's Constituency 4, said candidates needed clear guidance from the party on campaign strategy and support for both constituency and party-list candidates. He said there was no nationwide campaign strategy in place, which contrasted sharply with the period when Gen Prawit led the party.

Democrats add 5% GDP growth to action planListen to this articleThe Democrat Party has set a 5% economic growth target for the end of 2026, proposing a 90-day action plan on structural shifts aimed at lifting the country out of poverty in the long run. He said the party's ultimate goal is to boost economic growth to at least 5% by year-end. The party also pledged to protect vulnerable groups while pursuing long-term economic goals through target industries, transforming agriculture from commodity-based production to higher-value processing. This approach, he said, would support GDP growth while reducing long-term government spending. In particular, he highlighted government data as one of the most valuable assets in the modern economy, with enormous potential for economic use.