Chulalongkorn University Museum of Natural History, managed by the Faculty of Science at the university's Bangkok campus in Pathum Wan district, houses numerous zoological specimens. Most exhibits are in the main hall, with dedicated rooms for Thai turtles and crabs, insects and land snails.
Asian equities endure worst week since March 2020RECAP: Asian equity markets steadied on the final trading day of a volatile week, even as the Mideast conflict raged on. With a 6.4% decline, the MSCI Asia Pacific Index had its worst week since March 2020. Retail investors were net buyers of 28.01 billion baht. On Tuesday, Japan announces GDP, China releases trade data and the US reports existing home sales. On Friday, the UK reports GDP, manufacturing and trade data.
Ministry caps fares amid Middle East tensionsThe Transport Ministry has ordered a cap on public transport fares as tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up global energy prices, warning operators not to raise rates beyond legal limits. The ministry has set up a monitoring "war room" to track developments and oversee transport operators nationwide, aiming to ensure fares and freight charges remain within legally permitted levels. Authorities have also asked service providers to freeze fares while the government maintains the domestic diesel price cap. Road transport operators, including taxis, ride-hailing services and motorcycle taxis, must strictly follow regulated fares, while boat operators are barred from raising passenger or cargo fees beyond approved levels. In Phuket's Thalang district, inspectors from the provincial commerce office and the provincial energy office visited multiple fuel stations to monitor supply and pricing.
Last Tuesday, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary‑general of the Progressive Movement, used a Facebook post to announce that he had “relieved himself of all obligations” to the People’s Party after its heavy defeat in the Feb 8 general election. That picture, intended or not, undermines the People’s Party within the political realm. Regardless of political allegiance, it has to be acknowledged that what the People’s Party purports to represent serves an important role in the health of Thailand’s democracy. People’s Party rallies ahead of the 8 Feb general election. As this representative, Piyabutr’s public expression of disillusionment allows for criticism of reform and transition in Thailand to meet its mark.
In addition to these long-term challenges, Thailand is confronting an immediate concern: escalating conflict in the Middle East. While some reports suggest the conflict could end within weeks, the risks to global stability will not disappear quickly. He said Thailand's key challenge is to strengthen its ability to withstand external shocks, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, military conflicts and volatile global economic conditions. If the conflict ends within a month -- as suggested by US President Donald Trump -- Thailand's economic growth could slow from a projected 2% to about 1.6%. The tourism industry is already experiencing the early effects of the conflict, according to Chai Arunanondchai, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).
Cuba 'next' on agenda, after Iran: TrumpTrump has repeatedly said that he believes the Cuban regime is ripe for collapse. (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - President Donald Trump said Friday Cuba was next on his agenda after Iran, predicting that the communist-run island, crippled by a US energy blockade, is "gonna fall pretty soon." "He's doing some job, and your next one is going to be, we want to do that special Cuba," Trump said. - No oil tankers since January -Trump has repeatedly said that he believes the Cuban regime is ripe for collapse. Trump put Cuba back on the terror list on his first day back in power in January 2025.
Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Binance TH by Gulf Binance, said Bitcoin prices are primarily driven by three factors: liquidity conditions, macroeconomic confidence and technical structure. Rachael Lucas, crypto analyst at BTC Markets, said despite the "digital gold" narrative, Bitcoin continues to trade as a risk asset. "The real price discovery happened on Monday when US equity markets and Bitcoin exchange-traded funds reopened. Lower rates also ease financial conditions and can weaken the US dollar, both of which historically support Bitcoin prices. Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG Australia, said whether Bitcoin holds at its current level could determine whether prices stabilise.
(Photo: Reuters)Tehran: Fresh strikes rocked Iran and Lebanon on Friday, as Israel vowed to escalate to a new phase in the Middle East war that has spiralled rapidly throughout the region and beyond. Internet coverage is running at about 1%, according to monitor group Netblocks, limiting information about the impact of the war on ordinary Iranians. In Tehran, the war has emptied the usually traffic-jammed streets, but residents said that security forces are keeping a tight grip on the population. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks at Israel and the Gulf since the war began. The US military has reported the deaths of six of its personnel since the war began last Saturday.
BJT coalition faces daunting challengesCaretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party leader and a prime ministerial candidate, looks on before he attends a cabinet meeting at Government House, after the party won the general election, in Bangkok on Feb 10. (Photo: Reuters)As the Election Commission (EC) shrugs off legal hassles and proceeds with MP endorsements, the formation of a new coalition government, with the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) at the helm, is taking shape. In fact, the opposition camp, incorporating the PP and the Democrat Party, already poses a challenge to the new coalition. This is because the BJT leader is obliged to reward political dynasties that left their parties to join BJT during the Feb 8 election. That presents a dilemma, as it could trigger a crisis of public trust for the new coalition sooner rather than later.
Justice must extend to all womenInternational Women's Day, which occurs tomorrow, often brings statements of support. This year's UN theme asks a harder question -- does justice actually work for women and girls? Migrant women workers, women human rights defenders, and those living at the margins of formal systems face higher risks of exclusion and abuse. Justice must therefore be accessible, trusted, and responsive if women and girls are to exercise their rights with confidence. The theme, "Ensuring Access to Justice for Women and Girls", is not symbolic.
Bangkok United's Picha Autra, left, celebrates his goal with Nebojsa Kosovic. (Photo supplied)Ten-man Bangkok United defeated Tampines Rovers 2-1 in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-final first leg match at Pathum Thani Stadium on Thursday night. Another mistake from Syazwan in the 18th minute proved costly as Picha pounced on a poor clearance from the Tampines keeper to finish with aplomb. Tampines, however, pounced on a mistake from Philipe Maia in the 80th minute with Buhagiar dispossessing the Brazilian on the left before coolly slotting past Patiwat into the bottom right corner. Maia was sent off after his second bookable offence a minute later for a foul on Buhagiar but it was not enough to hurt the Angels, who held on for the home win.
Bad loans up for sale dipped by 36% in 2025Consumers receive financial advice at the 2024 Money Expo in Bangkok. According to BAM's financial statement, the company reported total collections of 17.9 billion baht in 2025, a 17.8% year-on-year increase. For 2026, BAM targets total collections of 17.9 billion baht, aiming for a net profit of 2 billion baht. According to the company, NPLs in the banking system remain elevated, particularly in retail lending, auto hire-purchase loans and household-related credit segments. The four SET-listed AMCs reported mixed net profit results for 2025, reflecting different business strategies as bad debts remained elevated in the banking sector.
NASA defense test kicked asteroid off course -- and changed its orbit around the sunDimorphos' egg-like shape and craggy, boulder-dotted surface came into clear view in the last few moments before DART's impact. (Photo: AFP)NEW YORK - Four years ago, NASA purposely smashed a spacecraft into a small asteroid to see if they could deflect it -- a test to prove humanity could protect Earth from threatening space rocks. - Tiny change, significant deflection -Obtaining this data is no small feat. "We were able to measure what this change was exactly," he said, and make computations that could assist with future "planetary defense efforts." "This is a tiny change to the orbit, but given enough time, even a tiny change can grow to a significant deflection," said Thomas Statler, lead scientist for solar system small bodies at NASA Headquarters in Washington, in a statement.
War to take toll on local marketing allocationsConsumers may become cautious about car purchases this year. Marketing spending is likely to decline further as geopolitical conflicts influence consumer sentiment, according to the Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT). Ake Pattaratanakun, vice-president of sustainable communication and marketing at MAT, said the global outlook is uncertain, prompting consumers to become cautious with their spending, and in some cases postponing purchases. This shift in consumer behaviour is expected to negatively affect marketing budgets, particularly in those categories, said Mr Ake. However, he cautioned small business operators against engaging in a price war, as even mentioning the word war potentially hurts all parties involved.
Trump to attend return of six US troops killed in Iran warUS President Donald Trump, pictured in 2025, has attended several ceremonies for the repatriation of fallen soldiers. (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - US President Donald Trump is to attend the dignified transfer on Saturday of six soldiers killed in an Iranian attack on Kuwait, the White House said Friday, as the escalating war with Tehran brings home its first American dead. The ritual takes place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where the remains of US troops killed overseas are returned to American soil. The fallen soldiers -- five men and one woman aged 20 to 54 -- were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, a unit responsible for supplying troops with food, fuel, equipment and ammunition. Trump has attended several such transfers during his presidency, and the White House had previously said he would honor the six killed in Kuwait, even before a date was announced.
