This research argues that PNG's accession to Asean could enhance regional security cooperation, allowing Asean to expand its strategic reach into the Pacific, and Indonesia to advance its defence interests. However, both PNG and Asean face significant institutional, political, and structural challenges in the path towards full membership. PNG has several motivations driving its pursuit of Asean membership. PNG's strategic position is reinforced by its longstanding policy of remaining outside formal foreign military alliances. Nevertheless, PNG's full membership in Asean would offer strategic benefits to both Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Don't ignore local pollsListen to this articleOn Sunday, 47 million voters across 76 provinces will elect mayors and legislators for 4,994 so-called "Or Bor Tor". Usually located in rural areas, TAOs manage basic public services such as tap water, small local roads, garbage collection, and sanitation. Much of the public's attention is focused on the national election scheduled for Feb 8. These reforms are part of a broader effort by political parties to decentralise administrative power and resources from the central government to local authorities. The hope is that a new government and Lower House in Bangkok will fast-track these four laws and other policies to give local administrations like TAOs and local municipalities more power and resources.

Agency to rectify dairy glutListen to this articleAgriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow has ordered the Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand (DPO) to urgently address a raw milk oversupply crisis after dairy farmers in Lop Buri province dumped more than 40 tonnes of milk in protest on Tuesday. He said yesterday that the incident highlighted the severe hardship faced by dairy farmers and required immediate, practical solutions. DPO Director Watcharee Wannasri explained that raw milk delivered outside MoU terms had not been pre-agreed and was therefore purchased at a reduced price. Ms Watcharee said production lines had also been operating below capacity during the holidays but additional volumes could now be absorbed gradually as a temporary relief measure. The cooperatives, which discarded the milk, she said, would be held responsible to compensate their members.

Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the RTP, yesterday at the RTP's headquarters said authorities had elevated anti-trafficking operations through the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Centre. Last year alone, police handled 279 human trafficking cases, arrested 366 suspects and assisted 317 victims, he said. Of particular concern were 15 cases involving child labour exploitation, Pol Lt Gen Trairong said. Minors made up 213 victims, while online-related trafficking cases reached 170, representing more than half of all cases recorded. The Mirror Foundation's Missing Persons Data Centre warned that there is a new trafficking pattern involving teenagers aged 15 to 18.

Strategy aims to woo B2.5tn in semiconductor investmentListen to this articleAn electric vehicle (EV) charges at a recent edition of a Motor Expo. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Thailand has unveiled a national strategy to increase semiconductor investment to 2.5 trillion baht by 2050, aiming to develop more than 230,000 skilled workers and establish a fully integrated semiconductor system. The plan was announced following a meeting of the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee, chaired by caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. The committee reviewed a draft strategy prepared by the Board of Investment (BoI), setting phased development milestones for 2030, 2040 and 2050. Officials said the new strategy will build on this momentum, positioning Thailand as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain for decades to come.

Last year, the maison turned to cutting-edge 3D sand printing for another innovation capsule -- the Quatre Sand Cuff. The iconic Quatre is characterised by four bands with distinctive motifs from Boucheron's archives. Creative director Claire Choisne continued exploring other technologies for reinventing Boucheron's jewellery, with the 3D sand-printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries for fashioning the Quatre Sand Cuff. The Creative Studio firstly used 3D modelling to achieve the oversized dimensions, while still reproducing the precision edges that characterise the signature Quatre pattern. Each black sand component was then shaped using 3D printing, before being mounted onto the gold structural bangle.

The exclusive dinner further celebrated Boucheron's expansion to Thailand, following the opening of a boutique in Siam Paragon in mid 2025. Like A Queen ring meets Plume de Paon necklace and earrings in this look. The heritage is celebrated by the Histoire De Style collections, annually launched in January. Art Deco motifs characterise Vendôme Lisere earrings, necklace, ring and bracelet from the Architecture collection. In 2018, Choisne designed a collection in his likeness, with the maison's feline muse wearing a necklace with precious stones.

New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy(The 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum · Heilongjiang 2025 Successfully Concludes in Harbin)HARBIN – The 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum · Heilongjiang 2025 (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) successfully concluded in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China. Under the theme “New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy,” the Forum served as a premier international exchange platform, fostering the organic integration of Heilongjiang with global tourism industrial chains and innovation ecosystems. In his welcome remarks, Xu Qin said: “The Global Tourism Economy Forum is an international tourism exchange and cooperation platform with far-reaching influence, one that plays a significant role in promoting the development of the world’s tourism economy. About the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is a world-class exchange and cooperation platform dedicated to advancing the sustainable development of global tourism. By facilitating cross-regional resource integration, the Forum helps global tourism enterprises diversify investment and cooperation channels to further promote high-quality development of the world tourism economy.

Listen to this articleForeign Affairs Ministry's spokesman Nikorndej Balankura speaks to reporters a press briefing on Thursday. (Screenshot)The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned a recent incident involving Cambodian forces in Ubon Ratchathani province and said that Thailand has formally protested to Cambodia, demanding accountability and an official apology while rejecting accusations of territorial encroachment. Thailand has submitted a formal letter of protest calling on Cambodia to take responsibility, issue an apology and comply fully with the joint statement. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow conveyed Thailand’s position directly to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. Addressing a separate issue, Mr Nikorndej rejected Cambodia’s protest alleging that Thai forces had occupied and conducted military operations in Cambodian territory.

Industrial decline forcing Thais into service jobsListen to this articleA worker cans fish in a factory. An industrial slowdown is pushing workers into the service sector. (File photo)The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has expressed concern over the weakening income outlook in the labour market, as an industrial slowdown continues to push workers into the service sector. Manufacturing wages average 183 baht per hour, up only marginally from 173 baht. Although exports surged by a striking 12.3% in 2025, manufacturing output barely grew.

Sansiri unveils “Zero Dropout” CSR initiative in a single province, scaling up to a national education policy model“Educational equity” is a fundamental concept in driving national progress through the development of human capital from an early age, ensuring the future of the country. The Zero Dropout project, implemented over a three-year period (2022–2025), was piloted in Ratchaburi province in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF). Private-sector participation in supporting and driving provincial education efforts, alongside educational institutions that jointly design seamless transitions across education levels. Rather than being merely a donor, the company co-designed a flexible national education platform that can be practically adopted. Ratchaburi Zero Dropout stands as clear proof that this approach works.

Listen to this articleA still taken from a video posted on social media on Jan 6 shows Iranian security forces using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in a Tehran bazaar. (AFP Photo/UGC/Anonymous)Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters in Iran as people angered by the economic situation in the Islamic republic kept up their challenge to the authorities and the exiled opposition Thursday urged them to step up their actions. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the shah ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution and a key exiled opposition figure, said that the turnout during Wednesday’s protests had been “unprecedented” and called for major new protests Thursday evening. HRANA said according to its count protests had taken place in 348 locations over the last 11 days in all of Iran’s 31 provinces. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said security forces on Wednesday “opened fire on protesters, used tear gas and violently assaulted civilians” during a protest in the key southeastern hub of Kerman.

(Photo: Reuters)MOSCOW — Russia said on Thursday that any troops sent to Ukraine by Western governments would be "legitimate combat ‌targets", after Britain and France announced plans ​to deploy a multinational force there in the event of a ceasefire. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said "militaristic declarations" by a coalition of pro-Ukraine Western governments were becoming increasingly dangerous. Law enforcement officers stand guard near the Spasskaya tower of the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral during New Year celebrations in central Moscow, Russia, on Dec 31, 2025. Russia has consistently said that it will never accept the stationing of Western forces there. They say Ukraine needs firm security guarantees as part of any peace settlement to prevent another Russian invasion in future.

'Dome' learns harsh lessonListen to this articleSinger and online influencer Pakorn "Dome" Lam has earned the dubious honour of being the first major test of Thailand's newly amended sexually harassment law. Details about the post -- and the excuses subsequently offered -- should serve as a cautionary tale for online users. The amendment recognised verbal and online sexual harassment as stand alone criminal offences, punishable by penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. On Tuesday, police questioned Ms Yossuda and will summon Pakorn for interrogation next week. The newly amended law is designed to protect all individuals from sexual harassment, regardless of their backgrounds or social standing.

Saudi fined for obscene actsListen to this articlePHUKET: A Saudi Arabian tourist has been detained and fined for committing acts of public indecency in Patong, Kathu district. He admitted to the offence during questioning and was fined 5,000 baht, settling the criminal case on Tuesday. Further investigation revealed Mr Alharbbi entered Thailand on Dec 27 on a tourist visa valid until Feb 24. Immigration officials determined his actions violated Thai cultural norms and public morality, causing serious damage to the country's image. Immigration Division 6 notified him of the cancellation and transferred him to the Phuket Immigration Detention Centre pending deportation.