(Photos: Government House)National Children’s Day celebrations got under way at Government House on Saturday amid a lively atmosphere, with a one-year-old girl the first child to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair this year. The first, second and third children to sit in the PM's chair on 2026 National Children's Day. Nong Chompoo was followed by her 15-year-old brother, Chanachok “Chok” Saenmuk, and eight-year-old Thapat “Heng Heng” Phurod from Lat Krabang district in Bangkok. A large crowd queues to enter the Children’s Day event, with the family of young Nong Chompoo first in line, at Government House on Saturday morning. Related: PM backs Children’s Day message

Ten-man Thailand show grit in defeatListen to this articleThailand's Oussama Thiangkham, right, controls the ball during the match against Australia. Despite the setback, Thailand showed commendable resilience. FAT chief admits failingsFootball Association of Thailand (FAT) president Nualphan Lamsam has publicly apologised to the Olympic Committee of Thailand after the national sides failed to deliver gold at the 33rd SEA Games. Thailand, as hosts, had targeted four gold medals but managed only two silvers in men's football and futsal, plus two bronzes in the women's competitions. She also admitted that the generous foreign player quotas in the domestic leagues have diminished opportunities for Thai footballers, weakening the national pool.

Damnoen Saduak restaurant owner cites high costs but agrees to lower them after visit from officialsListen to this articleThe Damnoen Saduak floating market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ratchaburi province. (Bangkok Post file photo)A plain omelette costing 400 baht and other dishes featuring sky-high prices at a restaurant in the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchaburi have become the target of tourist complaints. During the recent Year holiday, 14 shops at the market were prosecuted for not displaying menu prices, Mr Thoranin said. The Damnoen Saduak case calls to mind a complaint last year against the Bangkok celebrity chef Jay Fai. She was fined after a customer complained that she paid 4,000 baht for the famous crab omelette at the Michelin-starred eatery.

The report was written by a research group in Seoul commissioned by the Transport Ministry as part of its official investigation into the crash. But the simulation report suggests that the landing could have been successful except for the wall. Report ‘shocking’, says lawmakerThe findings were first shared privately with lawmakers on the National Assembly’s special committee, which has audited the crash investigation since late last month. Kim Gihun, director-general of the South Korean investigation board, confirmed that the board had submitted the report to the committee. Some relatives questioned why the report concluded that the most recent concrete addition to the wall did not cause fatalities.

HP (Hewlett-Packard) has unveiled the EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC, a remarkably slim and lightweight keyboard with an integrated computer system, scheduled for release in March this year. This led to the question: "If an external monitor is already being used, why not put the computer inside the keyboard?" To appeal to professional typists, the EliteBoard G1a features tuned key travel to replicate a desktop experience and includes a full numpad. The HP EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC is expected to be available on HP.com in March. Source: HPPhoto: HP.comPhoto: HP.comPhoto: HP.comPhoto: HP.com

Listen to this articleAn Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team uses machinery to excavate a shell crater beside a concrete road in Ban Nong Ree, Trat province, on Thursday. (Photo: JAKKRIT WAEWKLAYHONG)State security forces have stepped up explosive clearance operations in Trat and Buri Ram following Cambodian shelling during the Dec 7–27 conflict last year, amid lingering fears of renewed border clashes. Royal Thai Navy divers and the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, working alongside the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) and Trat provincial police, carried out disposal operations in Ban Nong Ree, Muang district in Trat on Thursday. Village head Napatchara Rattanawan said at least 28 shell craters had been recorded in Ban Nong Ree alone due to the latest round of hostilities. The discoveries have heightened anxiety among border residents, many of whom have kept belongings packed amid fears of another round of fighting.

Asian shares rangebound as investors await US newsListen to this articleRECAP: Asian equities traded in a narrow range yesterday after two days of losses, as investors awaited US economic data and a possible Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump's tariffs later in the day. The Indian government has forecast 2026 economic growth of 7.4%, the highest in the world, accelerating from 6.5% in 2025. ‌The Ministry of Commerce forecasts inflation for 2026 will be between zero and 1%, after a decline of 0.14% in 2025. The Thai Bond Market Association reported outstanding Thai debt securities at the end of 2025 at 17.9 trillion baht, up 4.7% year-on-year. In the US, investors will monitor retail sales, producer prices, existing home sales and oil inventories.

Thai firms told to look for Indian business opportunitiesListen to this articleMrs Suphajee has discussions with executives of the Tata Group in India. The Commerce Ministry is encouraging Thai businesses to explore opportunities within India's supply chains in green construction, real estate and e-commerce. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun led Thai delegates to a meeting with Tata Group executives on Jan 8 in Mumbai, India to discuss concrete collaboration to connect the Thai private sector with Indian companies and their platforms. "We discussed how Thai businesses can be a piece in the jigsaw of Tata Group's operations in e-commerce, construction materials and other emerging businesses," she said. Moreover, they shared insights on the steel industry, artificial intelligence, and zero-waste initiatives, all of which are key areas for Tata Group.

SET hoping for an election-related boostListen to this articleThe Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) ended December little changed from the month before, but down 10% annually after another disappointing year. A decision by Opec+ not to increase oil production in the first quarter of 2026 lifted oil prices by almost 3% as concerns about a surplus eased. JANUARY OUTLOOKWe are quite positive about the election and believe overall sentiment on the SET in January should be positive. We believe oil prices will move sideways for most of the year with risk of added supply from Opec+ and Venezuela depressing oil prices. TASCO, on the other hand, will be a beneficiary from declining oil prices.

KuCoin platform passes SEC inspectionListen to this articleThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed customer assets held by ERX Co Ltd, the operator of the digital asset exchange known commercially as KuCoin Thailand, remain safe following an on-site inspection conducted after the company's temporary suspension of operations. The SEC carried out the inspection after ordering ERX to temporarily halt its digital asset business from Jan 3 as the company failed to maintain regulatory capital levels as required under Thailand's digital asset regulations. The regulator emphasised that protecting customer assets was its top priority and confirmed that, as of Jan 6, all client assets were secure. They underscore the importance of robust risk management and liquidity buffers in the digital asset industry," the SEC said. The SEC said it will continue to monitor ERX and take further action if necessary to safeguard investor interests and uphold confidence in Thailand's digital asset market.

Will lightning strike twice? Thailand is heading towards a general election on Feb 8, and the stakes for the main opposition People's Party (PP) could hardly be higher. Its platform -- centred on political reform, reduced military influence and expanded social welfare -- continues to resonate with these groups. Yet the lesson of 2023 remains stark: in Thailand's parliamentary system, a plurality of seats does not guarantee control of government. There is little indication these parties would relinquish such advantages simply because the opposition secures more seats.

Woman begs to save grandsonListen to this articleA 73-year-old grandmother in Buri Ram seeks help in rescuing and repatriating her grandson, allegedly trafficked and abused by a call-centre gang in Phnom Penh. BURI RAM: Police have stepped up efforts after a 73-year-old grandmother appealed for help to rescue her grandson, who is allegedly being held and abused by a call-centre gang in Cambodia. Pol Col Manasawut Banyong, superintendent of Lahan Sai Police Station, said Ms Buakhai's account was consistent with information gathered during field inquiries. She recalled that in November last year, a well-dressed woman from Nakhon Ratchasima spent three to four days accompanying her grandson. The neighbour, Ms Lawan, said she helped coordinate assistance after seeing the distressing footage.

Govt to name politicians linked to scams, gamblingListen to this articleThe government will soon name politicians suspected of links to "grey capital" after investigations identified about 10 former MPs and election candidates allegedly connected to scam networks and online gambling operations, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said yesterday. Mr Chaichanok said the justice minister would provide further updates once evidence has been fully verified, while stressing that authorities already have solid evidence, including financial transaction trails. He said those under scrutiny include current election candidates as well as former MPs, and that they come from more than one political party, adding that the list could grow as investigations expand. Asked whether the probe could affect the election atmosphere, Mr Chaichanok said legal action would be taken based on evidence, regardless of the upcoming election. Sawaeng Boonmee, secretary-general of the Election Commission, said election candidates arrested for gambling or scam links would remain eligible if they are released before polling day on Feb 8.

Anutin's 'four risks' headline capital bidListen to this articleBhumjaithai (BJT) leader and prime ministerial candidate Anutin Charnvirakul launched the party's Bangkok campaign on Thursday, urging voters to hand BJT a majority mandate and outlining what he called a comprehensive "four‑risk" policy framework to safeguard livelihoods and national stability. Campaigning in Huai Khwang district, Mr Anutin surprised residents by travelling between communities on a motorcycle to canvass for constituency candidates. Asked how Bhumjaithai intends to win over Bangkok voters, despite lacking a history of victory in the capital, Mr Anutin said the party is offering a clear "four‑risk" agenda covering economic risks, security risks, natural disaster risks and social risks. He expressed confidence over the party's prospects in Bangkok but stressed that the final decision rests with voters. Rejecting attacks on rival parties' policies, Mr Anutin argued that undermining others does not benefit the public.

RTAF ready for Children's Day air showListen to this articleA rehearsal takes place ahead of the Air Force's National Children's Day air show on Saturday which will feature a host of fighter jets and a display by F-16 fighter jets at the Royal Thai Air Force base, Don Muang. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Don Muang district is expected to attract crowds in the hundreds of thousands for the annual National Children's Day air show on Saturday, with aviation authorities rolling out extensive preparations to ensure safety and minimise disruption to commercial flights. Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai said on Friday that the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is fully prepared for the 2026 Children's Day celebrations, which this year fall on Jan 10, describing the occasion as vital for inspiring young people and fostering public pride in the Air Force's capabilities. He urged the public to view them as part of a one-day event dedicated to children and youth. Attendance is difficult to predict, but past events suggest a massive turnout, with last year's Air Force anniversary drawing about 130,000 visitors.