AG pressed for in-depth Senate poll probeListen to this articleA group of reserve senators on Monday called on the attorney-general to ensure a comprehensive investigation takes place into alleged collusion in the 2024 Senate selection process. He said the group had earlier filed a complaint with the DSI as directly affected parties under the constitution. He said selective legal action would undermine the credibility and integrity of the entire Senate selection process. Mr Thanawat said the group would consider pursuing legal action against certain agencies if the case is concluded without a complete and fair investigation. The DSI has been probing the case for more than nine months.

Listen to this articleThe National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched a fact-finding probe following the circulation of an audio clip allegedly featuring a senior police officer demanding kickbacks from illegal businesses in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The NACC on Monday confirmed it was examining the authenticity and substance of the audio recording, which has spread widely on social media. Meanwhile, Chawang Police Station released a statement addressing the viral clip, which was posted on a Facebook page along with an image of Pol Maj Gen Kriangsak and provocative captions. Following the release of the clip, national police chief Kittharath Punpetch signed an order transferring Pol Maj Gen Kriangsak to the RTP's Operations Centre. He was relieved of his Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police command, with Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Khajornklin, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, stepping in as the acting commander on Sunday.

Medical gear purchases trigger graft concernsListen to this articleThe Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) on Monday raised concerns over possible irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment worth 603 million baht by several state-run hospitals, saying pricing showed significant discrepancies. The procurement was carried out through an e-bidding process with the median price set at 4.5 million baht per unit, bringing the total budget to 603 million baht. However, Phrapokklao Hospital signed a contract at 1.95 million baht per unit, or 2.55 million baht below the median price. The discrepancies in price raised questions about whether the median price was set far above market levels, said the ACT. If irregularities were involved, it could cost the state more than 340 million baht for 134 units that were procured, the ACT added.

Another health appListen to this articleThe Public Health Ministry is set to relaunch its Mohpromt application next month, pivoting from its role as a central platform for Covid-19 vaccinations to a comprehensive digital health "super app". For an average citizen, the digital health landscape appears like a confusing maze. There is Paotang, the government's primary welfare platform featuring a "health wallet"; the National Health Security Office (NHSO) app for universal healthcare beneficiaries; and SSO-plus for those under social security. It remains unclear whether the new Mohpromt app will absorb this function or simply create yet another redundant link back to the welfare app. It goes without saying that the Public Health Ministry has not disclosed the price tag for the new Mohpromt.

What happens when Christmas loses its soul to AI? The melodies were more or less the same -- recognisable as Silent Night, The First Noël, and Winter Wonderland. I first heard Winter Wonderland about 40 years after its lyricist, Richard Bernhard Smith, died in 1935; another 50 years have passed since then. In this case, the death of Winter Wonderland -- and Christmas music more generally -- was caused by a set of algorithms that we flatteringly call artificial intelligence. The tortured version of Winter Wonderland that I was forced to listen to is just the tip of the iceberg.

The great powers have displayed both diplomatic manoeuvring and ambivalence in responding to a longstanding conflict between smaller states. Of late, competing priorities elsewhere among great powers are the main reason. However, great powers can only stretch so far as they have domestic constraints. More importantly, any escalation would force the great powers to make choices they would rather avoid. Small states, intentionally or not, can expose the limits of the great powers' influence.

Listen to this articleThailand's car exports dropped 12% year-on-year between January and November to 78,692 units, as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles lost ground in overseas markets amid growing competition, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). He noted China's surge in BEV exports has outpaced Thailand's, which still relies heavily on ICE shipments. Domestically, car sales rose 5.2% year-on-year to 546,045 units in the first 11 months, with November sales jumping 20.6% to 51,044 units. The club is maintaining its 2025 production target of 1.45 million units, including 950,000 for export and 500,000 for the domestic market. Thailand's car production in November climbed 11% year-on-year to 130,222 units, driven by increased BEV manufacturing under government incentive schemes.

Ttb debt aid tallies B40bn this yearListen to this articleTMBThanachart Bank (ttb) has provided debt assistance totalling 40 billion baht this year through a range of financial relief measures. Under these two measures, ttb extended financial support to 81,000 customers covering a total credit line of 40 billion baht. The bank recorded 14,000 mortgage loan accounts participating in the scheme, representing a total credit line of 20 billion baht and generating interest savings of around 300 million baht. For example, while the initiative was intended to serve as a customer's final debt restructuring, some participants later refinanced their loans with other banks. Debt relief and financial literacy programmes have proven effective in improving customers' financial knowledge and overall well-being, he said.

Listen to this articleProtesters gather at the US Embassy in Bangkok to oppose the deal on rare earth mineral cooperation between Thailand and the US. The deal raises concerns over the impact of Thai mining as well as diplomatic ties with China. Washington and Beijing are at odds over restrictions on rare earth exports, triggering trade tensions as the US defence sector depends on rare earth magnets for systems such as F-35 jets, according to media reports. "For China, this matter is not only commercial but also strategic, as rare earth materials are essential to weapons systems and digital technologies -- key areas of competition between the two superpowers," said Mr Somjai. Rare earth elements are crucial for manufacturing advanced technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles and military equipment.

Trump looms large in 2026 local outlookListen to this articlePresident Trump's trade policies are expected to persist in 2026, though they may moderate as he focuses on winning the midterm elections, in preparation for the next presidential race. As a result, Mr Sompop said the likelihood of an intense trade war or technology war between the US and China next year is expected to decline. In addition, Trump is expected to continue to pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates on an ongoing basis. If economic management falters, US bond prices could decline, Mr Sompop said. "Even the 19% import tariff proposed by the US on Thai goods already creates serious problems," said Mr Sompop.

This shift is already changing where goods are produced and how capital moves across borders, and analysts say 2026 will be a pivotal year. To become less reliant on the US-China supply chain, the government is expanding its trade footprint in the Middle East by promoting its agricultural strength. The government is also repositioning Thai rice under a new "Exquisite Rice" branding strategy, with the first speciality rice shipment of 450 tonnes valued at 16 million baht. In terms of agricultural commodities, Thailand recently finalised an agreement to supply 30,000 tonnes of cassava pellets to Saudi Arabia, highlighting rising global demand for Thai produce. As global competition intensifies, analysts say Thailand must accelerate reforms if it hopes to remain a leading food exporter.

The world is mourning as we lost so many talented people across film, television, music and more. imdb.comVal Kilmer (65)The beloved actor died on April 1, after a long battle with cancer and related respiratory complications. KEVIN WINTERBrian Wilson (82)Just two days later, on June 11, the world lost another musical titan. imdb.comTerence Stamp (87)On Aug 17, the British actor Terence Stamp died, leaving behind a body of work that spanned five decades. STAN HONDAD'Angelo (51)On Oct 14, the music world lost Michael Eugene Archer, professionally known as D'Angelo, after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.

It's the time of year to get immersed in sports, flea markets, picnics and music, all presented on the same premises at the Princess's Cup Thailand 2025 at the 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard, Phahon Yothin Road, from Friday to Sunday. Running daily from 1pm to 10pm, "Weekend & Lifestyle" is a fresh new edition of the festive outdoor celebration that transforms the historic grounds of the King's Royal Guard into a lively open-air marketplace, perfectly complementing the thrill of equestrian competitions. Princess's Cup ThailandAlso, prepare to engage in activities such as the Dog Fun Run 20225 and Weekend Running Club to pony riding and feeding arranged for kids and families. The 2nd Cavalry Division King's Royal Guard can be accessed via BTS Sanam Pao. The event is pet-friendly and everyone is welcome to bring their furry companions along for the fun.

Port out of FA Cup for rule breachListen to this articlePort midfielder Peeradol Chamrasamee celebrates after scoring a goal. Port have issued a formal apology to supporters after being disqualified from the FA Cup for fielding too many foreign players in their victory over Bangkok United. Tournament regulations allow each side to field five foreign players plus two from Asean nations. Despite the team's strong performance against Bangkok United, we must respect the competition's regulations." Elsewhere, defending champions Buriram United advanced to the last 16 with a commanding 5-1 win over Customs United.

The Customs Department has partnered with online sales platforms to supervise and suppress the importation of illegal goods or those failing to meet legal standards. VARUTH HIRUNYATHEBThe Customs Department has partnered with online sales platforms to crack down on sales of non-certified products. "I believe searches for imported products without standards certification, or prohibited goods on online platforms, will become more difficult. "The collection of taxes on low-value imported goods is about creating a new system that ensures fairer competition for Thai small businesses," said Mr Phantong. Thamakorn Supathanarangsri, vice-president and head of government affairs at Lazada, said the company is not concerned about the tax and believes it will not affect online sales volumes.