Khamenei's son takes charge as Iran war sends oil price soaringMojtaba Khamenei is regarded as a conservative figure with ties to the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of Iran's military. The war came weeks after Iranian authorities under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei crushed nationwide protests against the government, killing thousands according to rights groups. Oil price spikesAs Iran retaliated against its oil-rich Gulf Arab neighbours, the benchmark price for a barrel of crude soared beyond $100 for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Trump dismissed the price spike, a politically sensitive issue in the United States, as a "small price to pay" for removing the alleged threat of Iran's nuclear programme. Saudi Arabia said Sunday that two people were killed and 12 wounded as a projectile landed in Al-Kharj province.

Energy price spike threatens global economic recoveryGlobal oil prices have entered a “danger zone” after surging to around US$110 per barrel following reports that an Iranian oil storage facility had been struck, warned Bangkok Bank’s (BBL) chief economist. “Global oil prices have now entered ‘Code Red’ territory — a level that could have serious consequences for the global economy if prices do not ease soon,” Mr Kobsak noted. Domestic fuel prices surged, forcing the government to intervene heavily to stabilise them, resulting in a fiscal burden tallying hundreds of billions of baht. Thai inflation in 2026 is expected to rise to around 1.5%, returning to the Bank of Thailand’s target range of 1-3% sooner due to higher global energy prices. However, if the conflict escalates into a broader regional war, inflation could climb above 4%.

Tensions in the Middle East are driving up global oil prices. ReutersThai energy authorities are preparing to secure loans from commercial banks to shore up the Oil Fuel Fund, which is rapidly running dry as global crude prices surge past US$100 per barrel amid the escalating US-Iran conflict. The fund, designed to shield consumers from volatile fuel costs, is currently spending about 700 million baht daily to subsidise domestic oil prices, particularly diesel. “The loan amount will depend on discussions among the Oil Fuel Fund Office, treasury, and excise tax officials,” he said. Thailand consumes 153-155 million litres of oil daily, including 63-65 million litres of diesel and 31-33 million litres of gasoline and gasohol.

Trader laments fertiliser shortage, but govt says there's plentyRujipat Limkosit shows his depleted stock of chemical fertiliser at his store in Nang Rong district, Buri Ram, on Monday. Rujipat Limkosit, a large chemical fertiliser dealer in Nang Rong district, said on Monday that he was running out of stock because his suppliers said they had aready run out. Mr Rujipat quoted his suppliers as saying the Middle East war had disrupted fertiliser shipments and that prices would increase. On Sunday evening, Commerce spokesman Nantapong Chiralerspong said Thailand had a store of 1.52 million tonnes of chemical fertiliser in January. Thailand could also buy additional supplies of fertiliser from Malaysia and Brunei to compensate for delays in deliveries from the Middle East, Mr Nantapong said.

Online scams up again, investment fraud worstActivist Tankhun Jitt-itsara, second from right, leads investment scam complainants to the Central Investment Bureau in Bangkok on Monday. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)The number of online-scam complaints rose again over the past week, with investment fraud causing the most damage, according to police. According to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop, fraudulent sales of products and services formed the most complaints, 5,244. Most of the damage, 146.6 million baht, came from fraudulent investment schemes, up from 114.3 million baht, followed by 114.8 million baht from job scams. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said people could verify investment invitations with the SEC Check First application of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Landmark trial opens for Turkish opposition champion ImamogluSupporters wave banners reading 'Release Ekrem Imamoglu'. (Photo: AFP)SILIVRI — Istanbul's jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu went on trial on Monday in a sprawling corruption case critics say is a politically motivated bid to scupper his chances of challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. When the trial opened, the judge said Imamoglu would be one of the last to testify, prompting the mayor -- who is the principle accused -- to ask to speak sooner. Imamoglu was jailed on the day he was named the presidential candidate of the main opposition CHP party. Should he be barred, observers expect CHP leader Ozel to run as candidate for the next presidential race.

Elephant choked to death on food while being moved, report findsWildlife activists demonstrate outside at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Feb 11, demanding justice for the dead wild elephant Seedor Hupab. The fact‑finding process involved the examination of all evidence, witness statements and laboratory results, Mr Thani said. Experts in wild elephant management were also consulted. The elephant choked on some food, leading to respiratory failure and death. The report will also be submitted to the Administrative Court, Mr Thani added.

Oil shortage hits petrochemical outputSiam Cement’s petrochemical facility in Rayong (file photo supplied)The current “oil shock” has begun to affect companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), with industrial conglomerate Siam Cement (SCC) suspending operations at its petrochemical unit in Map Ta Phut due to insufficient feedstock amid the Middle East war, analysts say. The conflict in the Middle East has caused a shortfall of roughly 30% of ROC’s raw materials scheduled for March. Typically, the firm imports 70% of its raw materials from the Middle East and purchases the remaining 30% domestically. “Oil prices have continued to jump this week following the 30% increase last week as attacks in the Middle East have escalated,” he said. Some firms have to suspend their production because they cannot secure an adequate supply of raw materials, Mr Pichai noted.

Thailand plans wire fence on southern borderA customs boat patrols the Golok River in Tak Bai district in Narathiwat. (Photo: Bangkok Post)Thailand plans to erect security fencing to close off illegal waterway crossings along the border with Malaysia, to combat smuggling and other border crime between Narathiwat in Thailand and Kelantan in Malaysia. The plan follows the example of Malaysian security authorities who have erected barbed wire fences at spots along the bank of the Golok river where illegal jetties have now been demolished. Narathiwat police chief Pol Maj Gen Prayong Kotsakha unveiled the plan to Malaysian media in a recent interview. "For now, barbed wire will be installed at locations frequently used as illegal crossing points, similar to steps taken by Malaysian authorities," the Malaysian official news agency quoted Pol Maj Gen Prayong as saying.

Air force says Cope Tiger drill with US will go aheadAir Force personnel from Thailand, the United States and Singapore during a Cope Tiger exercise in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2012. (Photo: Bangkok Post)The Royal Thai Air Force has confirmed its major air exercise, Cope Tiger, with the United States and Singapore, will go ahead in Thailand this month as planned, but with heightened security because of the Mideast war. This is normal… I believe that the world understands the necessity for these exercises,” ACM Praphas said. Cope Tiger is aimed at allowing pilots to gain wider experience and friendly nations to boost their military cooperation. Asked about fuel supplies, ACM Prapas said the air force had a reserve of fuel for both pilot training and emergency situations.

Southeast Asia faces sweltering heat as war limits energy supplyVisitors cool off using a water sprinkler installed at Wat Pho in Bangkok to help people beat the scorching heat in April 2024. The forecast comes as the US-Israeli war against Iran upends transport and output across the Middle East, sending energy prices soaring. A prolonged disruption would threaten fossil-fuel reliant Southeast Asia’s power generation into April and May, when the mercury can climb to sweltering levels. The unseasonal heat is likely to first set in over those two countries, and then expected to expand to much of mainland Southeast Asia in the following two months. Asian spot prices doubled last week and remain elevated, and buyers in Southeast Asia will be competing with others in Asia and Europe for a limited amount of gas.

Dead on arrival: South Sudan's devastated health systemHealth outcomes have worsened in South Sudan since independence despite billions of dollars in oil revenues. (Photo: AFP)JUBA — South Sudan's healthcare system has been so crippled by years of corruption that when a state governor experienced high blood pressure recently, he had to fly to Kenya for treatment. Cycle of violenceIn the Juba hospital, wounded lay on the floor in blood-stained bandages. On top of all that, South Sudan is among the most dangerous places in the world to be a health worker. The US has warned it will pull funding if governance does not improve, and NGOs are pulling back as donations fall and patience runs thin with South Sudan's leaders.

'Severe summer storms' this weekThe Thai Meteorological Department has warned of possible summer storms across upper Thailand, including Bangkok, on Wednesday and Thursday. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, with thunderstorms possible in several areas. However, on Wednesday and Thursday, summer storms may develop in parts of northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand. The storms could bring heavy rain in some areas, strong winds, hail and lightning. The department urged residents to remain cautious during the storms, avoid open spaces, large trees and unstable billboards, and limit travel in areas experiencing severe weather.

Iran war sends oil price soaring as Khamenei son takes chargeMojtaba Khamenei is regarded as a conservative figure with ties to the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of Iran's military. (Photo: AFP)TEHRAN — The Iran war sent oil prices soaring on Monday after Tehran marked the appointment of its new supreme leader with a new barrage of missiles targeting Israel and the Gulf energy industry. Since the start of the war, the benchmark WTI oil contract has risen more than 75% and Brent more than 60. Oil price spikesAs Iran retaliated against its oil-rich Gulf Arab neighbours, the benchmark price for a barrel of crude soared beyond $100 for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of the elder Khamenei.

Shots fired at singer Rihanna's LA mansionRihanna, one of the world's most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting. (afp)LOS ANGELES - Pop superstar Rihanna's Los Angeles home was hit by bullets on Sunday when a woman fired shots at the property while the singer was reportedly inside, according to US media. The shooter fired about 10 rounds from a vehicle across the street from the mansion in the Beverly Hills area, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing police. Rihanna, one of the world's most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting. Officers said the suspect was a woman in her 30s who allegedly fled the scene before being arrested without incident a short time later.