Thai navy seizes tanker suspected of smuggling oil to CambodiaListen to this articleThai navy personnel detain the crew of the Thai-registered tanker suspected of smuggling oil to Cambodia, on Dec 27 in the Gulf of Thailand. (Photo: Royal Thai Navy)A loaded Thai oil tanker with an illegal Myanmar and Cambodian crew has been seized in the Gulf of Thailand on suspicion of smuggling strategic supplies to Cambodia, the Royal Thai Navy spokesman said. It was impounded on Saturday by HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, a Krabi class offshore patrol vessel, about 50 nautical miles south of Koh Samet, R/Adm Parach Rattanachaipan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said. Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday signed a 72-hour ceasefire agreement, effective from 12 noon that day. The ship's behaviour and its cargo of fuel oil suggested it was involved in the smuggling of strategic supplies to Cambodia, posing a threat to Thai national security, the spokesman said.

- More AI systems will be implemented in factories, package-sorting systems and even delivery processes as driverless vehicles start to become more common. In a bizarre twist I saw it reported that Time magazine named an AI person of the year for 2025. I guess AI systems are people now? To that end, SpaceX will be launching the higher capacity Starlink satellites early this year. There will be the usual releases of new phones but the foldables will still not be that popular compared to the usual phone slab.

HOP – Hub of Photography presents "Emerge 2025", its fourth project to create a space for new-generation photo artists to showcase their potential, until Feb 22. This year's project features three sub-exhibitions that reflect new dimensions of the Thai photography scene. The first is "Open Call Exhibition At BACC Pop-up", offering a space for young artists aged 18 to 25 from across the country and from abroad to present their contemporary photography works. The second is "The Editions At HOP Photo Gallery", featuring curated works from thesis exhibitions across the country throughout 2024/25, selected by the HOP curatorial team. BACC pop-up is located on the 3rd floor of MunMun Srinakarin, Seacon Square, while HOP Photo Gallery and HOP Club libraray are on the 2nd floor of MunMun Srinakarin.

Drug network assets seizedListen to this articleThe Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) yesterday ordered the temporary seizure of an additional 20 million baht in assets connected to the "Black Mirror TKP" drug trafficking and money laundering network, whose financial transactions were traced to a former People's Party (PP) Bangkok constituency candidate. The operation, carried out on Monday, involved Amlo, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) Region 2 and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Police arrested several suspects and seized assets with a combined value of more than 200 million baht, including cars, motorcycles, jewellery, firearms and cash. Amlo later analysed financial intelligence and evidence provided by NSB and traced additional assets linked to the network. The Amlo secretary-general yesterday authorised the temporary seizure of these assets for further legal proceedings under anti-money laundering laws.

Thailand has been one of Southeast Asia's largest hubs for viral fashion trends. Contemporary style has evolved beyond the articles in our closets, extending into the activities we plan and the spaces we occupy -- expanding fashion into a broader lifestyle narrative. The brand's successful Aqua R Us fashion show highlighted innovative water-inspired fabrics and cemented Pipatchara's reputation as a visionary label blending style with local innovations. Together, these brands highlight how Thai fashion continues to grow organically: driven not by overnight hype, but by consistent creativity -- understanding how people actually connect with style today. Whether subtle or bold, these tiny trinkets are proving that in fashion, every little detail matters.

FDA warns of fake remediesListen to this articleThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about counterfeit herbal products after discovering their illegal production in Phayao province. The alert followed complaints about the product "Ya Bamrung That Khon Thao Luem Mai Thao", a traditional medicine discontinued in 2003 but still found on sale in Chiang Rai and Phayao, the FDA said on Tuesday. Authorities raided a house in Muang Phayao district, uncovering raw materials, equipment, containers, and labels used to manufacture fake herbal medicines. The site was not licensed by the FDA, violating the Herbal Product Act, which carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 1 million baht. Tests revealed the counterfeit products contained modern drugs and chemicals, posing serious health risks.

Embassy to observe electionListen to this articlePeople queue to cast their votes at a polling station during Myanmar's general election in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, December 28, 2025. REUTERSThe Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon will deploy staff from its observer team to monitor general elections at around 50 polling stations in four townships across Myanmar, a senior Thai diplomat said. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said the ministry has instructed the embassy to observe the elections in four townships: Yangon, Bago, Pathein, and Tachilek. "They will continue their role as observers in the second and third phases of the Myanmar election,'' Mr Nikorndej said. Myanmar's military junta is holding a general election in three stages on Dec 28, Jan 11 and Jan 25.

Co-payment scheme wraps upListen to this articleThe cabinet has urged the public to spend "Khon La Khrueng Plus" funds before the programme's deadline expires on Wednesday. Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Prertiwiwatthana said the cabinet is encouraging citizens to use remaining balances under the "Let's Go Halves" co-payment scheme. Only seven million out of 20 million eligible participants have spent their allocations, leaving about six billion baht unused. The government hopes the spending will help to stimulate the economy.

Housemaid tries poisoning toddler with DettolListen to this articleA 35-year-old university lecturer has filed a police complaint after her housekeeper allegedly poured disinfectant into her two-year-old son's milk bottle, an incident captured on CCTV inside the family's home. The toddler was taken to the hospital, where doctors found no immediate symptoms. The suspect, who identified herself as Usanee, 57, agreed to work from 7am to 6pm for 500 baht a day. After reviewing CCTV footage, Ms Renuka discovered the housekeeper mixing Dettol into the child's milk bottle and returning it to its original place. After the family drove away, she emerged from the room and later footage showed her photographing the house and property.

Mr Sihasak was speaking to reporters on Tuesday about recent trilateral talks between Thailand and Cambodia, hosted by China in Fuxian, near the Chinese city of Kunming. "At this stage, the situation remains fragile," Mr Sihasak said. Regarding Cambodia's apparent push to accelerate a JBC meeting on border demarcation, Mr Sihasak said the outcome of the GBC discussions must first be submitted to the Thai cabinet. Legal considerations would therefore determine when and how a JBC meeting could be convened. Looking ahead, Mr Sihasak said that if the initial 72-hour period passes without incident, the next phase would focus on confidence-building measures, including measures to prevent provocations along the border.

PP rallies behind new city replacement candidateListen to this articleTaopiphob Limjittrakorn (photo from his Facebook account)Taopiphob Limjittrakorn, a prospective candidate for the People's Party (PP), has submitted his application to contest the Bangkok MP seat in Constituency 33, replacing the party's previous candidate who is facing money laundering charges. It is a mission for the PP nationwide -- to reclaim public trust," he said, adding that he felt confident and energised by the support he had received. Mr Taopiphob said that throughout his seven years as an MP, he had made it clear that the most valuable asset of any politician is public trust. If the country continues to move backwards, progress becomes harder," he said, adding that he took only eight seconds to decide to step in as a replacement candidate. Addressing voters in Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi, he insisted that the PP does not assume victory simply by fielding any candidate.

Sexual harassment criminalisedListen to this articleAn instructor takes part in a demonstration about online fraud, harassment and sexual abuse for students at Khlong Thawi Watthana School in Bangkok in 2023. CHANAT KATANYUSexual harassment has officially become a criminal offence in Thailand following the enforcement of an amendment to the Criminal Code, which took effect on Tuesday. Published in the Royal Gazette, the amendment revises the legal definitions of "rape" and "sexual harassment" to cover a wider range of conduct, aiming to modernise Thailand's sexual offence laws and better reflect social realities. A key feature of the amendment is the introduction of "sexual harassment" as a standalone criminal offence. Under the change, general sexual harassment carries penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

Cabinet approves new top-up tax rulesListen to this articleThe cabinet has approved in principle a set of decrees and regulations under the 2024 Top-Up Tax Act to specify detailed guidelines for the imposition and calculation of the tax, says Kulaya Tantitemit, director-general of the Revenue Department. The cabinet resolution, adopted on Tuesday, approved four pieces of legislation issued under the Act. The decrees and the regulations define the scope of multinational enterprise (MNE) groups subject to the top-up tax and set out rules for adjusting income, expenses, and covered taxes for the purpose of calculating the tax. Others are a ministerial regulation prescribing rules for the allocation of residual top-up tax revenue received by Thailand in cases where no constituent entity of a multinational enterprise group located in Thailand records profits; and a ministerial regulation prescribing rules for adjusting income, expenses, and covered taxes for the calculation of the top-up tax, as well as criteria for calculating the domestic top-up tax in Thailand. The objective is to align Thailand's top-up tax implementation with international standards, ensuring global consistency and acceptance.

As a result, any stimulus measures aimed at reviving the sluggish economy are likely to come no earlier than the third quarter. He expressed hope for effective economic measures to address Thailand's household debt burden. "These expectations will push the retail sector to adapt quickly and improve operational efficiency," said Ms Voralak. "The tourism industry will be the key engine to boost the retail sector in 2026," said Mr Nattakit. Mr Nattakit said the tourism industry will be the key economic engine to stimulate the retail sector in 2026.

Voters, time to brush up! Politicians and experts have complained the office is being slow and has not properly prepared voters to understand the content of the referendum. Such lukewarm attention does not bode well for society, especially when voters need to make important decisions on the framework of the country despite fully comprehending it. Voters need well-balanced information about the current charter instead of parties telling them what they should tick at the referendum box. Without well-informed voters, the public referendum will just be an empty but costly democratic sham.