Contactless payments coming to four MRT linesA new connectivity scheme led by the Transport Ministry is set to implement contactless payments across four MRT railway lines to expand the common ticketing system from June 1. This led to the cancellation of the old top-up ticket card, which affected both lines, said Mr Phiphat. Anyone who holds the top-up card can request refunds at ticket booths from tomorrow and throughout this year. They can also register for a Mangmoom EMV card at the booths for a fee waiver. The ministry is set to expand the common ticketing system into other forms of public transport, including metro buses and cross-provincial buses, said Mr Phiphat.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has forwarded a major narcotics-related case to public prosecutors, seeking charges against suspects linked to the possession of 800 tonnes of chemical precursors allegedly capable of producing up to 1 billion methamphetamine pills. The case stems from a joint operation in late 2025 by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the DSI, and the Department of Industrial Works. Forensic examinations confirmed the substances could be used as precursors or catalysts in the manufacture of illicit drugs. The DSI has recommended prosecutors seek court approval to confiscate the seized chemicals. The case has also been referred to the DSI's Narcotics Crime Division to explore possible drug conspiracy charges.

The vessel, carrying 297 containers, sank at a depth of 61 metres between Phromthep Cape and Koh Kaeo Noi. Authorities confirmed that a substantial volume of heavy fuel oil remained onboard at the time of the sinking, raising serious concerns about leakage and its impact on marine ecosystems and coastal tourism. Officials from the Mu Koh Racha Marine Protected Area Management Centre and the Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Centre reported that, as of Thursday, oil slicks were still surfacing near the wreck site. At Ao Tue, Ao La and Ao Siam bays, tar balls were found scattered in patches across sandy stretches and rocky shorelines. Further traces of pollution were recorded along an 80–100-metre section of Kahang Beach on Coral Island (Koh Hae), affecting local tourism operators and prompting intensified clean-up efforts.

The Civil Court yesterday ordered the confiscation of more than 13 billion baht in assets in four cases linked to scam networks. The largest seizure involves assets worth 12 billion baht belonging to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak, businessman and lobbyist Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, and three Thai women. Another forfeiture concerns about 345 million baht in assets belonging to Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, founder of the US-sanctioned Prince Group, who was extradited from Cambodia to China for prosecution in early January. The court also ordered the seizure of 560 million baht in assets belonging to Cambodian businessman Kok An and associates, who face charges of participating in a transnational crime syndicate and money laundering, as well as 46 million baht in assets belonging to Eua-angkun Santirakyothin and associates. Dentons Pisut issued a statement on behalf of Yim Leak and Veereenyah Yim in response to reports concerning inquiries and asset-freezing actions by Amlo.

Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline companyAt the heart of the North Dakota case against Greenpeace was the Dakota Access Pipeline, where from 2016 to 2017 the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led one of the largest anti-fossil fuel protests in US history. (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Greenpeace must pay $345 million in damages to the operator of the US oil pipeline it protested, a North Dakota court ordered Friday. Judge James Gion of North Dakota cut those damages in half, determining some damages had been counted twice. "This legal fight is far from over," Kristin Casper, Greenpeace International general counsel, said in a statement to AFP. Greenpeace International in 2025 announced plans to counter-sue ET in the Netherlands, where the NGO's international headquarters are, accusing the company of using nuisance lawsuits to suppress dissent.

People’s Party MP-elect Rukchanok Srinork, right, speaks to reporters in front of the Social Security Office (SSO) during a visit to the Ministry of Labour on Thursday. The SSO is facing renewed criticism following reports that it spent nearly 70 million baht on its LINE Official Account and sticker campaign. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Social Security Office (SSO) is facing renewed criticism following reports that it spent nearly 70 million baht on its LINE Official Account and sticker campaign. LINE Thailand later clarified that the SSO received the best sponsored sticker award in the public sector category. Thirachart Kortrakul, a party-list candidate from the People's Party (PP), questioned the reported 69.5-million-baht expenditure and urged greater public scrutiny.

PM denies cabinet rumoursPheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate and list-MP-elect Yodchanan Wongsawat leads a group of MPs to register with the Secretariat of the House of Representatives on the second day of registration. (Photo: Chanant Katanyu)Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has rejected a list of veteran politicians who could serve in the cabinet from the Pheu Thai Party. Mr Anutin said on Friday no talks have been held yet with any parties, "either on the cabinet posts or anything else". Reports also confirm that the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat is tipped for the higher education ministerial post, while party leader Julapun Amornvivat is expected to become education minister. After that, the prime minister will submit the list of ministerial candidates for background checks prior to royal endorsement.

(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The Election Commission (EC) is facing mounting criticism after filing criminal complaints against six individuals who publicly questioned aspects of the most recent general election, including alleged irregularities involving QR codes and barcodes printed on ballot papers. The EC lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) against a group accused of photographing ballot papers and their counterfoils and attempting to decode QR codes and barcodes printed on both constituency and party-list ballots. Investigators are expected to meet in early March before agreeing with the EC whether to call in the accused. The Democrat Party slammed the EC, arguing that citizens have a constitutional right to scrutinise the electoral process provided they do not obstruct officials. In contrast, Mr Somchai urged the EC not to withdraw its complaint, saying court proceedings could allow judicial scrutiny and compel disclosure of evidence not yet made public.

CPF confident for 2026 after profit surgeCharoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) reported a net profit of 25.2 billion baht for 2025, a 29% year-on-year increase, primarily attributed to stronger gross profit margins. CPF recorded total sales revenue of 571 billion baht, a 2% year-on-year decrease, mainly due to baht appreciation, which affected financial results from its overseas operations. As a result, CPF's gross profit increased by 14% year-on-year, with the gross profit margin improving to 16.9%. "Despite multiple challenges, including a subdued economic environment, foreign exchange pressure from a stronger baht, and intensified industry competition, CPF achieved a net profit of 25.2 billion baht last year," he said. In addition, the board resolved to propose to shareholders an increase in the company's bond issuance programme by 50 billion baht.

Dual pricing as Thailand's tourism dilemmaThailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, a 7.23% decline from the year before. In the second episode of Bangkok Post’s Why Bangkok, the series turns its lens on one of tourism’s most persistent grievances: dual pricing. The Price of EntryDual pricing is not unique to Thailand. Taxis and tuk tuks operating outside fixed-rate systems have historically been the most common source of complaints, and regulating individual drivers remains difficult. “But now they’ve shifted away from taxis and tuk tuks, they just use Grab or Bolt.

Revenge on the cards as Angels seek payback against WarriorsLamphun Warriors and Bangkok United face off in a rematch of their FA Cup quarter-final clash in Thai League 1 this weekend. Third-placed Ratchaburi will also be aiming to bounce back from their FA Cup loss at the hands of Ayutthaya United when they take on Uthai Thani. Second-placed Port will visit bitter rivals Muang Thong United at Thunder Dome Stadium on Sunday. The Kirins are second bottom with just 14 points from 21 games and have not won in their last eight matches. Also on Sunday, Kanchanaburi host Chiang Rai, Prachuap visit bottom side Nakhon Ratchasima and BG Pathum welcome Sukhothai.

Under the current arithmetic, BJT controls 193 seats, Pheu Thai brings 74, and smaller parties provide the remainder needed for a workable majority. Conspicuously absent is the Klatham Party, which holds 58 seats. Without Klatham, Pheu Thai becomes the coalition's only major partner, giving it considerable bargaining power. Critics argue this could leave BJT exposed should relations deteriorate, as a Pheu Thai withdrawal would immediately imperil the government's parliamentary majority. Rumours are circulating of a possible alternative alliance involving PP, Pheu Thai and Klatham -- a combination that would surpass the 250-seat threshold.

Guru By Bangkok Post's weekly pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in. "What Remains Unseen" will be on view from Feb 28 to March 28 at This Is Unlimited, Bangkok, with the opening ceremony on Feb 28. Friday buffet / Meliá Chiang Mai / Feb 27 and March 27Meliá Chiang Mai will host the "TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday) Dinner Buffet" on Feb 27 and MArch 27 at Laan Na Kitchen. Celebrate Holi / Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / March 4Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa will host special curated dinner buffets at Amber Kitchen, Siam Bakery and Big Fish & Bar. STAYStay giveaways / Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / March 1-31To celebrate its 10th anniversary on March 2, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is unveiling a month‑long series of activities and experiences.

'Let's eat," chef Prin Polsuk says softly, as he shares his latest dish. But for Prin, as for many chefs, food is about more than flavour. And chef Prin won't be alone -- he is one of eight celebrated chefs who will be cooking side by side as part of this unique event. About 13% of children under five are stunted, while one in 10 young Thai children lives in severe food poverty. If current trends continue, three in five Thai children could be obese within a decade, with profound consequences for them as individuals and for the nation's public health.

Jeeno savours emotional home triumphThe 18th hole at the Siam Country Club's Old Course has witnessed many emotional scenes in recent editions of the Honda LPGA Tournament and last week proved no exception. It was a proud moment for Jeeno and the thousands of fans who had flocked to the course. Jeeno said that in that moment she told her mother, "I finally won a tournament in front of you." Ariya, who finished eighth in last week's tournament, was among the first to congratulate Jeeno on her victory. With her cheerful outgoing personality Jeeno is a popular figure on the LPGA Tour and has become a wonderful ambassador for Thailand.