Borders, scams and stalled trustAn online scam compound in Takeo province, Cambodia, which South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina visited after meeting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Oct 16, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)Over 10 years ago, I had the privilege of serving as president of the Human Rights Council during a pivotal moment of institutional review. Human rights challenges today take many forms. What we are witnessing is an industrial-scale scam network that has evolved into a global human rights crisis. Human rights can only thrive where there is respect for the rule of law and accountable leadership -- where people can pursue their livelihoods in an open and free society, and most importantly, where there is full respect for human rights for all.

Election Commission crisis widensControversies surrounding dubious ballot papers that may have compromised the principle of voting secrecy and poll integrity have put the Election Commission (EC) in hot water, amid rising public anxiety the Feb 8 national election might be nullified. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, expressed concern about the lack of serial numbering, saying it could create opportunities for fraud, including the printing of excess ballots. In the 2023 poll, the EC announced results just three hours after polling booths closed. Such premature destruction may breach poll regulations, says Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a legal expert at Thammasat University, who said the move could amount to destroying evidence. If the Feb 8 election is ultimately ruled unconstitutional, a new poll must be held in a free, fair and transparent manner to avoid a prolonged power vacuum.

Real Madrid victory for 'everyone against racism': TchouameniA banner against racism was hung at the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the second leg of the Champions League clash against BenficaMADRID - Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said his team's 2-1 win against Benfica on Wednesday to reach the Champions League last 16 was a victory for "everyone who is against racism". But I think there are things more important than this match, and more important than football," Tchouameni told reporters. Vinicius scored Madrid's second goal at the Santiago Bernabeu and Tchouameni said the result was a "victory for everyone who is against racism". Real Madrid said they had thrown out one of their own supporters before the game for performing a Nazi salute. "Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society."

Warning on doctored e-cigsA public warning has been issued about the growing spread of modified e-cigarettes illegally mixed with narcotics, particularly ketamine and etomidate, which pose severe risks to the brain and cardiovascular system. Adolescents are especially vulnerable, as nicotine affects brain development and increases susceptibility to future drug use. When narcotics such as ketamine or etomidate are added to e-liquids, the dangers multiply. Drug-laced e-cigarettes expose users to far greater risks than nicotine alone. The public is encouraged to report suspicious sales or distribution of e-cigarettes through the "Tang Rat" application, open 24 hours a day.

'Industrial' heritage deserves savingThis photo taken on June 22, 2021 shows a woman cleaning platforms at Bangkok Railway Station, more commonly known as Hua Lamphong. And the category itself has an unsexy name: "industrial heritage". Thailand's industrial heritage is distinctive. Thailand needs a national fund to preserve industrial heritage. Let's revamp our failing heritage legislation with dynamic new laws that include categories like built heritage, industrial heritage and cultural heritage -- honouring all our shared memories.

The Ukraine war: Four years and countingPeople light candles at a makeshift memorial for fallen Ukrainian defenders to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at the Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 24, 2026. Four years and between 200,000 and 400,000 dead Russian soldiers later (estimates vary), the Russian army holds about 20% of Ukraine's territory. Like the machine guns and long-range artillery of World War I, the drones force everybody to take shelter below ground level. Neither Ukraine nor Russia is that point yet, and it is not even clear that they will reach that point in the next year. However, Mr Trump's threat of war on Iran is driving oil prices back up, which helps the faltering Russian economy.

AstraZeneca Launches “A.Catalyst Thailand Hub”: AI-Integrated Health TransformationAstraZeneca (Thailand) Ltd., in collaboration with the public and private sectors, academia, and patient networks, has officially launched the A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub. This global health innovation network aims to synergise cross-sector potential by leveraging artificial intelligence technology and digital solutions to advance proactive healthcare. The A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub’s Honourable Advisers comprises experts from diverse fields dedicated to driving innovation for a sustainable healthcare future. The launch of A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub is therefore of the utmost importance. Multidisciplinary Honourable Advisers for Sustainable HealthcareA.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub has invited experts from a range of sectors to join its Honourable Advisers.

Water safety initiative gains Japan's technical assistanceKok River (photo: Panumet Tanraksa)The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has sought Tokyo's support in collecting water samples from Myanmar's Shan State to identify a source of toxic runoff. The PCD said Japan is keen to take part in Thailand's initiative to tackle water pollution and has also engaged in similar projects in Myanmar. Two main sources of arsenic in the Kok River could stem from either agriculture or rare-earth mining, he said. On Tuesday, the department conducted a laboratory test on water samples collected from the Kok River. To ensure water safety in Chiang Rai, the department will seek the cabinet's approval for 2.25 billion baht to build a new waterworks plant in Mae Sai district next month.

Premier rules out sabotageOfficers inspect the headquarters of Border Patrol Police Division 21 in Surin, which was damaged by an explosion in its ammunition depot on Tuesday night. Surin Public Relations OfficeA fire and explosion at a Border Patrol Police ammunition depot in Surin province on Tuesday night was an accident, not an act of sabotage, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said. The fire broke out at the Border Patrol Police 21 command centre's depot in Muang district about 7.40pm on Tuesday. Security officials believe the explosion was caused by hot weather affecting the warehouse where firearms and ammunition were stored. Pol Gen Kittharath said sabotage could be ruled out as the area is subject to strict security measures, including surveillance cameras, round-the-clock guards and fenced perimeters.

Frasers Property rebalancing portfolioFrasers Property Thailand's management team following the merger with One Bangkok's team. SET-listed Frasers Property Thailand (FPT) is consolidating the management teams of its property development affiliates as it prepares to oversee condo developer Grand Unity Development Co, following its assumption of management at the mixed-use project One Bangkok. One Bangkok is a joint venture development between TCC Assets and Frasers Property Limited (FPL), both owned by the Sirivadhanabhakdi family. By segment, office space expanded from 337,500 sq m to 978,000 sq m, while retail space rose from 71,000 sq m to 439,000 sq m.The retail assets are located on Rama IV Road along the MRT route from Sam Yan to Queen Sirikit National Convention Center station. "After integrating the One Bangkok management team, FPT's total headcount will increase by around 100 employees from 2,000," said Mr Somboon.

TFEX targets 2m investors with major overhaul of productsMr Triwit says the exchange will introduce Mini Gold Futures and short-dated SET50 Options in the second half of the year. Today margins range between 110,000 and 120,000 baht for a 10-baht gold contract, while the standard physical gold futures contract remains at 50 baht in size. TFEX is also studying other precious metals, such as copper and platinum, though these remain niche products among Thai investors. The total number of TFEX investors accounts for less than 10% of those in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), which has more than 4 million accounts. Equity derivatives remain dominant, with SET50 Futures, SET50 Options and Single Stock Futures accounting for 77% of total trading volume in 2025.

Thai AirAsia pins growth hopes on China, long-haul marketsThai AirAsia (TAA) is targeting 6-9% year-on-year revenue growth in 2026, supported by 23.5 million passengers and an 85% load factor, assuming an optimistic tourism outlook. In 2019, TAA operated 63 aircraft with a seat capacity of 26.1 million, serving 22.1 million passengers. Last year, it operated 62 aircraft with a seat capacity of 25.2 million and carried 21 million passengers. She said the airline plans to increase marketing and content visibility in the European and Russian markets, banking on growth in long-haul travel to Thailand. Under its five-year plan, AirAsia Group has confirmed orders for 354 A321neo and A321LR aircraft, as well as 20 A321XLR aircraft, with 25-30% allocated to Thai AirAsia.

Thai stocks balloon as politics stabilisesStock market investment sentiment has turned upbeat, backed by the Election Commission's (EC) endorsement of new MPs from the Feb 8 poll and the 2026 GDP upgrade by the Bank of Thailand, causing the Thai index to surpass 1,500 points on Wednesday. "The Bhumjaithai Party has a super-majority in the new coalition government, making the new administration and Thai politics more stable," he said. Isara Ordeedolchest, deputy managing director and head of investment research at BBL Asset Management (BBLAM), said the recent publication of fourth-quarter financial data indicated the Thai economy had posted substantial growth, backed by domestic consumption, private investment and government spending. "The healthy GDP expansion indicates the Thai economy has good prospects in the medium and long term," he said. BBLAM increased its 2026 GDP growth forecast from 1.6% to a range of 1.9-2.1%, while its SET index outlook is 1,520 points, up from a previous forecast of 1,450 points, said Mr Isara.

Rice exports dip amid tariffs, global glutRice exports are expected to decline in the first half of 2026, following a 17.5% year-on-year drop to 530,287 tonnes in January, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. White rice exports, accounting for 45% of total shipments, declined by 14.8%, while Thai hom mali rice dropped by 8.4% to 120,913 tonnes. Charoen Laothammatas, president of the association, said exchange rates have a significant impact on rice exports amid intensifying competition in the global market. For instance, this month Thai hom mali rice is priced at US$1,100 per tonne, while Vietnam's premium fragrant rice is about $600-800 per tonne and Cambodia's Malys Angkor fragrant rice is $830 per tonne. Thailand typically exports more than 800,000 tonnes of rice to the US annually, including 600,000 tonnes of Thai hom mali rice.

BoT slashes rate in surprise move to support economyMr Don says the cycle of policy rate cuts has likely ended. The Bank of Thailand believes the cycle of policy rate cuts has ended, with Wednesday's reduction deemed sufficient to support the Thai economy. He said if the Thai economy progresses in line with the committee's assessment, the downward interest rate cycle can be considered over. "The latest rate cut may have surprised the market in terms of timing, but the market already expected the policy rate to be reduced to 1% this year," he said. "However, a reduction in the policy rate would help ease both financing costs and credit risks in the banking sector."