NY bash takes turn for betterListen to this articleA spectacular display of fireworks is traditionally the crowning moment of any major festival, and the recent New Year celebrations were no exception. The public dialogue is no longer just about the sensory extravaganza but about the collective wellbeing of all residents. Among the primary concerns was the fact that Sukhumvit is a high-density urban area, with an abundance of glass-facade high-rises. As Bangkok strives to become a liveable, smart city as well as a top-tier travel destination, a dilemma between the need to be a tourism-driven showcase and the fundamental right to local wellbeing will continue to surface. While it must ensure the tourist experience remains world-class, local rights and resident wellbeing cannot take second place.

Greenland enjoys a taste of ThailandListen to this articleWe are only 11 days into 2026 and I am already worn out trying to keep up with what's going on in this crazy old world. The place that fascinates PostScript is Greenland, partly because it has quite a strong but little-known Thai connection. Thailand and Greenland are even mentioned in the same line of a song by Canadian folk singer Hank Snow. Thailand, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland…"Although I have mentioned it before, the 1986 hit by the B-52s, Girl From Ipanema Goes to Greenland deserves another airing. One of the traditional numbers highlighting Greenland is an old seafaring song with the awkward title Greenland Whales Fisheries.

Resource satellite 'ready' for launchListen to this articleThailand will launch its third natural resources satellite next week, marking a major step in enhancing space-based data capabilities for disaster response, urban planning and policy-making, says the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda). Gistda said the satellite named THEOS-2A is scheduled for launch tomorrow at 11.47am Thai time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India. The satellite will be carried into orbit aboard a PSLV-DL rocket alongside the main satellite, EOS-N1. Weighing 100 kilogrammes, THEOS-2A is an Earth observation satellite designed to work in tandem with THEOS-1 and THEOS-2, providing more accurate and detailed geographic data for state agencies. The satellite was developed by a team of 20 Thai space engineers.

Thailand face uphill task against IraqListen to this articleFlexing muscles: Thailand U23 players take part in a training session. Thailand face a daunting challenge when they meet Iraq in their second Group D fixture at the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia tonight. Buriram bounce backIn Thai League 1, champions Buriram United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Uthai Thani on Friday night. Suphanat Mueanta struck the decisive goal in the seventh minute at Uthai Thani Stadium, ensuring the Thunder Castle collected three points and a clean sheet. "Credit to Uthai Thani for fighting well, but we managed to keep the clean sheet.

Listen to this articleEyes on top prize: Kunlavut Vitidsarn eyes a return during his semi-final match against Jonatan Christie. The Thai world No.2 took 63 minutes to defeat Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 21-16, 21-16 to reach the final of a prestigious Super 1000 event for the first time in his professional career. Kunlavut is also the first Thai men's singles player to reach the title showdown of the Malaysia Open in 16 years. The Danish duo went down to second seeds Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin of China in two games, 15-21, 14-21. Baek and Lee beat fifth seeds Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto of Japan 21-16, 21-12 in the semis.

Surachai PiragsaAs Thailand moves closer to the Feb 8 general election, the political trajectory of the People's Party (PP) is one of the most hotly debated questions in the electoral landscape. Stithorn: Voters reluctant to changeA bleak projectionFrom this perspective, Mr Stithorn offered a sobering electoral forecast for PP. On controversial issues such as military reform and Section 112 of the Criminal Code or the lese majeste law, Mr Stithorn advised restraint. "If you look at polling data, especially online and social media-based surveys, the PP's support is rising," Mr Phichai said. Under siege but unshakenFrom within the party, Natcha Boonchaiinsawat, a former Move Forward Party MP for Bangkok, acknowledged the Feb 8 election poses unique challenges.

06:06Rolling out the fun on Children's DayThe National Children's Day 2026 on Saturday was packed with activities under the motto ‘Love Thailand, Care for the World’ to inspire the young to contribute to national development.

PM hopes for nation of 'bilingual kids'Listen to this articleBetter times ahead: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Thananon Niramit, welcomes 21 children of soldiers killed in Thai-Cambodian border clashes at the Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House on Saturday, pledging state support for their education and future. Government HousePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he hoped Thai youth would grow up bilingual with global outlooks, as he presided over National Children's Day celebrations at Government House. Smiling and relaxed, the prime minister paused to greet young visitors, posing for photographs and signing autographs. While love for the nation came naturally, he said, modern realities required Thai children to understand global diversity, technology and norms. "I hope our children will grow up able to speak Thai and other languages, with broader worldviews," the prime minister said.

Pheu Thai unveils vision for a model Chiang MaiListen to this articlePheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat, centre, in Chiang Mai on Saturday. Pheu Thai PartyPheu Thai has rolled out policies to transform Chiang Mai into a model city for inclusive growth, blending creative industries, cluster tourism, diversity and education reform. Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidates Yodchanan Wongsawat and Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Saturday visited Chiang Mai to hold a public forum and listen to opinions from the LGBTQIA+ community, creative workers, cultural professionals and the business sector. The discussions were aimed at positioning Chiang Mai as a model city that embraces diversity while driving an upsurge in economic growth through creativity. Mr Yodchanan said he envisages advancing Chiang Mai under a "cluster tourism" model which could be developed.

PP unveils Borwornsom as its health chief pickListen to this articleBorwornsom: Backs grounded policiesThe People's Party (PP) has unveiled the sixth member of its "People's Government Management Team", introducing Dr Borwornsom Leerapan as a key figure in public health policy and a prospective public health minister should the party form the next government. Dr Borwornsom is an associate professor of Health Systems Science at Ramathibodi Medical School. Dr Borwornsom, it said, aims to transform what he describes as "public suffering" into a fair and sustainable public health system for all. The PP said Dr Borwornsom is widely regarded as its candidate for the post of public health minister. He often refers to a phrase used in health policy circles: "Public health must begin with public suffering."

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was asked on Saturday whether the Democrats were ready to work with the Pheu Thai Party or the People's Party (PP). Reiterating the party's coalition conditions, Mr Abhisit said any government must be "honest", have no links to grey businesses and refrain from deepening social divisions. Responding to comparisons between the Democrats' policies and cash handout schemes proposed by other parties, Mr Abhisit said it was essential to distinguish between temporary economic stimulus and long-term sustainability. The Democrat Party prioritises income guarantees for both farmers and workers, so people have stable protection against rising living costs, he said. On the economic front, Mr Abhisit said if the Democrats lead the next government, they will aim to lift GDP growth back to 5% within four years.

Salah closer to AFCON glory as Egypt dethrone champions Ivory CoastListen to this articleMohamed Salah (2R) scores for Egypt against Ivory Coast in Agadir. AGADIR (MOROCCO) - Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt won 3-2 to dump defending champions Ivory Coast out of the Africa Cup of Nations in a thrilling quarter-final on Saturday. The triumph in Agadir confirmed the AFCON dominance of Egypt over Ivory Coast since they first met 56 years ago. Ivory Coast become the eighth consecutive title-holders unable to successfully defend the title since Egypt achieved the feat in 2010. Ivory Coast, who overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Gabon in a group match, once again halved the deficit after 73 minutes.

Villa's FA Cup win at Spurs leaves Frank on the brinkListen to this articleTottenham boss Thomas Frank faces a battle to keep his jobLONDON - Aston Villa pushed Tottenham boss Thomas Frank closer to the sack with a 2-1 win over the Dane's troubled side in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. Frank is on the brink after Tottenham paid the price for conceding twice in a woeful first-half display in north London. Villa, who haven't won the FA Cup since 1957, have now won twice at Tottenham this season after a 2-1 victory in the Premier League in October. Unai Emery's team also beat Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round last season. Unfortunately for Frank, Tottenham's first-half display was closer to a non-league effort than the standards expected of his expensively assembled team.

Rosenior makes flying start as Chelsea rout Charlton in FA CupListen to this articleLiam Rosenior got a comfortable win in his debut as Chelsea managerLONDON - Chelsea's new manager Liam Rosenior enjoyed the perfect start to his reign as the Blues thrashed Charlton 5-1 in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. Rosenior will face a sterner test in his first home game on Wednesday when Chelsea host Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg. Rosenior had watched Chelsea's 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Wednesday from the stands while caretaker boss Calum McFarlane called the shots. - Chelsea in command -Having appealed for time to prove he is "worthy" of managing Chelsea, Rosenior made eight changes for his debut and took a gamble by leaving England forward Cole Palmer out. Rosenior will have been pleased with the way Chelsea kept their foot on the gas.

Osimhen leads Nigeria past Algeria into AFCON semi-finalsListen to this articleVictor Osimhen, wearing his trademark mask, celebrates after scoring Nigeria's opening goal against AlgeriaMARRAKESH (MOROCCO) - Victor Osimhen scored one goal and set up another as Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday to set up a last-four showdown with hosts Morocco. Nigeria dominated the first half in Marrakesh without scoring before getting the breakthrough within two minutes of the restart as Osimhen headed in. The 2023 African player of the year then turned provider for the second goal just before the hour mark, setting up Akor Adams to put the Super Eagles out of sight. The masked Galatasaray striker had gone seven Cup of Nations matches without finding the net before scoring against Tunisia in the group stage. Adams could have had another as he headed off the post when Osimhen held the ball up for him from the line, while Algeria never really looked coming back.