Women can lead push for growthMembers of the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation call for better welfare for women labourers during a demonstration on March 8, 2021. Women's rights begin with physical security. But a major obstacle is that women's rights organisations -- which are best positioned to address gendered poverty and violence -- face persistent funding gaps. The economic case for boosting investment in women's rights organisations, and for ensuring that financing and budget decisions strengthen women's safety and autonomy, has long been settled. Investing in women's rights is not charity; it is a form of giving that generates outsize gains for all.

It's never been more important to strengthen tiesAustralia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong talks with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during an Asean-Australia Ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh on Aug 4, 2022. Meanwhile, Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 increasingly strengthens diversification across supply chains in semiconductors, renewables and critical minerals. Firstly, strengthen cooperation in key areas of mutual interest under Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Existing initiatives, including the Asean-Australia Energy Cooperation Package, Canberra can help Asean accelerate progress by fast-tracking implementation of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (2026–2030). The time to strengthen Asean-Australia ties, on mutually beneficial terms, is now.

However, SCB Financial Markets sees the Thai currency returning to an appreciation trend once the Middle East war ends. If the fighting continues, it could potentially drive up global energy prices and push inflation higher, which is a major concern. The caretaker government said last week it expects the war in the Middle East to persist for at least four weeks. The Russia-Ukraine war began on Feb 24, 2022, and global oil prices surged sharply when the war broke out, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel. In contrast, during the new Iran war oil prices peaked at $80-85 per barrel, he said.

Impressive debut for TasanapolTasanapol Inthraphuvasak (photo supplied)Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak finished sixth in his debut race in the FIA Formula 2 Championship at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on Sunday. The ART Grand Prix driver clocked 56:17.427 minutes and picked up a total of 13 points (five from the sprint race and eight from the feature race) from the season-opening race. Bulgarian driver Nikola Tsolov of Campos Racing won the race in 56:05.248 while Brazilian Rafael Camara of Invicta Racing (56:06.917) and Laurens van Hoepen of Trident (56:08.765) came second and third respectively. In Formula 3, another Thai rookie Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi of DAMS Lucas Oil did not finish the race, which was won by American Ugo Ugochukwu of Campos Racing. The Formula 2 and 3 Championships head to Bahrain next month, with the races being held between April 10-12.

The first direct impact would be reduced car exports to the Middle East, as shipping is disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, he said. These factors will impact Thailand's car exports to the region, he said. Last year car exports to the Middle East increased, making it the third-largest market after Asia and Australia, said Mr Surapong. The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance adds to concerns over Thailand's stagnant car exports, he said. The club announced earlier this year a vehicle manufacturing target of 1.5 million units for 2026, up from 1.45 million units last year, driven by expectations of stronger domestic demand and growing production of battery electric vehicles.

Kunlavut's run ends in semi-finalsKunlavut Vitidsarn bowed out in the semi-finals of the US$1.45 million All England Open in Birmingham on Saturday. The Thai second seed went down to Taiwan's Lin Chun-yi after a three-game battle, 14-21, 21-18, 16-21, in 78 minutes at Utilita Arena Birmingham. Lin, who reached his first Super 1000 final, was to face India's Lakshya Sen, who overcame Canada's Victor Lai 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 in a 97-minute battle. Despite the defeat, reaching the semi-finals of the sport's oldest tournament was Kunlavut's best effort in Birmingham. The 24-year-old had previously fallen at the last 16 stage on six occasions at the Birmingham tournament.

NY police say device thrown near anti-Islam protest was IEDA man flees after throwing a device during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang outside the official residence of the New York mayorNEW YORK - A homemade incendiary thrown near anti-Islam protesters outside the New York mayor's residence was a viable improvised explosive device "that could have caused serious injury or death," police said Sunday. Two suspicious devices were thrown by a man identified by police as Emir Balat near the protest Saturday led by a far-right influencer to oppose public Muslim prayer. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device (IED)," the NYPD said in a statement Sunday. Balat dropped dropped the device near a line of police before vaulting a crash barrier. Balat threw a similar device near Lang's group of protesters.

Iran names Khamenei's son as new supreme leaderMojtaba Khamenei is regarded as a conservative figure, notably because of his ties with the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the Islamic republic's militaryTEHRAN - Iran's ruling clerics on Sunday appointed the slain leader's son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country's new supreme leader, defying threats from the United States and Israel to oppose him. Nine days after US-Israeli strikes killed the elder Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunged the Middle East into war, the clerical government's Assembly of Experts convened to choose their next leader. "If he doesn't get approval from us he's not going to last long," he told ABC News before the announcement was made. Several blasts were heard over Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv after the Israeli military said it had detected a salvo of missiles from Iran. Trump has suggested Iran's economy could be rebuilt if a leader "acceptable" to Washington replaces the late supreme leader.

10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait: analystsCargo ships and tankers ply the Strait of HormuzPARIS (FRANCE) - About 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since Iran blocked the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, data analysis groups report. Between March 3 and 5 four more vessels were struck: the Libra Trader, Gold Oak, Safeen Prestige and the Sonangol Namibe. "The observed pattern of strikes against anchored vessels, drifting ships, and assistance vessels indicates a campaign focused on creating operational uncertainty and deterring routine commercial movement rather than a sustained attempt to sink vessels." - Iran's mixed messages -Iran exports its own oil via the Strait of Hormuz and its intentions remain unclear. But Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday it had "no intention" of closing the Strait of Hormuz.

Fuel prices go up amid Mideast warA petrol station is closed in Songkhla province on Sunday. Assawin PakkawanPetrol stations in several provinces have begun rationing fuel sales as supplies tighten, while some operators have raised prices, amid the war in the Middle East. The situation has emerged in parts of the North and South as deliveries from fuel depots decline and demand rises. "I planned to suspend fuel sales temporarily because we could not compete with the prices of major stations," he said. If people do not understand, it could become a serious issue," he warned, adding that panic buying could lead to disputes at petrol stations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, centre, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, left, and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at the Bhumjaithai Party forum in Buri Ram province on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said they will help drive the nation's growth. The package spanning economic, trade and foreign policy includes initiatives to help low-income households, elderly citizens and small businesses reduce their debt. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the government must maintain public confidence by showing it can manage risks stemming from the conflict. Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand must adopt a more proactive foreign policy amid growing global instability.

Thai consular affairs officials receive Thai evacuees arriving in Turkey from Iran at the Kapikoy border checkpoint on Saturday evening. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday advised Thais to leave all risk areas in the Middle East as soon as possible, because the situation in the region remains violent, tense and uncertain. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Iran said that Iran was acting in self-defence, which would continue until attacks on Iran stopped or the United Nations Security Council did its duty. “Although there has bee no report of any casualties among Thais in the Middle East, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thais to leave risk areas as soon as possible due to the high uncertainty of the situation. There are about 77,000 Thais living throughout the Middle East, according to earlier government estimates.

Klatham, Democrat excluded from coalitionBhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul gestures during a seminar of Bhumjaithai’s 192 MPs at Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram province on Sunday. Photo: Bhumjaithai PartyA new coalition government led by Bhumjaithai will exclude the Klatham and Democrat parties, sources say. Bhumjaithai Party sources indicated the emerging coalition, expected to command about 292 seats in parliament, will comprise Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, Palang Pracharath, Prachachat and several smaller parties. The arrangement leaves the Klatham Party, the Democrat Party and the Thai Ruamphalang Party outside the government. Other senior figures tipped for cabinet roles include Sihasak Phuangketkeow as deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas as deputy prime minister and finance minister and Suphajee Suthumpun as deputy prime minister and commerce minister.

Phuket airport defends ban on activating ride-hailing appsPhuket Airport says signs banning drivers from waiting or using ride apps at the terminal target unlicensed operators, not approved operators. (Photo: Achadtaya Cheunniran)Phuket International Airport has defended newly installed signs barring drivers from waiting or activating ride‑hailing apps in front of the terminal, following criticism on social media that they restrict passengers’ transport options. All transport providers serving the airport must pass security and background checks, register their vehicle and driver details, and comply with service standards, he said. This allows the airport to trace complaints and act quickly if passengers encounter problems, something that is impossible with unregistered drivers. Phuket International Airport remains committed to improving passenger convenience, safety and fairness, and welcomes public feedback as it continues to upgrade transport management at the gateway, Mr Monchai said.

Photo credit @skongki2000 on XThe family of a Thai businessman who underwent cosmetic surgery at a popular Bangkok clinic has sought assistance from a consumer advocacy Facebook page, alleging that he remains unconscious several days after the proceedure. The 37-year-old underwent nose and chin surgery at the clinic on March 4, paying about 480,000 baht for the procedures, according to the relatives' posts. More than a week after the surgery, he remained unconscious and at risk of entering a prolonged comatose state, the family said. Although he had undergone cosmetic procedures before, this was the first time he had been placed under a general anaesthetic. According to relatives, the clinic had not provided a clear position regarding responsibility for the situation, stating only that it was reviewing the case.