Trump says pulling National Guard from three cities -- for nowListen to this articleUS President Donald Trump ordered troops into several cities in what he said was a crackdown on illegal immigration and crime. (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was withdrawing National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, following a series of legal setbacks over his military deployments in US cities. Trump's deployments of National Guard troops have been a centerpiece of his hardline policies on immigration and crime since returning to the White House in January. "He lost in court when Illinois stood up against his attempt to militarise American cities with the National Guard. As of last week, some 300 National Guard troops remained activated in the Chicago area but were not engaged in operations.

Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty after China's military drillListen to this articleA bird stands on a rock on Tamsui River, with explosive barrels placed by Taiwan military visible in the background. They are part of a series of emergency combat readiness drills, in response to China conducting "Justice Mission 2025" military drills around Taiwan, in Taipei, Taiwan, on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters)TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday the island is determined to defend its sovereignty and boost ‌its defence in the face of China's increasing ​expansion, after Beijing fired rockets towards the island as part of military drills. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te holds a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan, on Feb 14, 2025. China's military said for the first time that ‍the drills were aimed at deterring outside intervention.

Bulgaria adopts the euro, nearly 20 years after joining the EUListen to this articlePrices are displayed in both levs and euros ahead of Bulgaria's adoption of the euro on January 1, 2026. (Photo: AFP)SOFIA (BULGARIA) - Bulgaria became the 21st country to switch to the euro as it entered the New Year on Thursday, a milestone met with both cheers and fears, nearly 20 years after the Balkan nation joined the European Union. Central bank governor Dimitar Radev said the euro symbolised much more than "just a currency -- it is a sign of belonging". "Unfortunately, prices no longer correspond to those in levs," pastry shop owner Turgut Ismail, 33, told AFP, saying that prices have already begun surging. Bulgaria's accession will bring the number of Europeans using the euro to more than 350 million.

Driving them awayListen to this articleRe: "Airport tax to rise 53% for international flights", (BP, Dec 4). Miro King, believes in sex separation in sportMore speed neededRe: "Justice system tested", (Editorial, Dec 30). I am shocked BP posted a headline saying "Justice system tested" for claims that Pol Gen Surachate bribed a NACC commissioner. Pol Gen Surachate has at least four to five cases before the NACC. Gen Surachate should stand up to prove his innocence in court, and not use social media to support him in a battle that would make the events resemble a modern-day soap opera.

Jaroensak deal a boost for RatchaburiListen to this articleJaroensak Wonggorn. BG Pathum United have confirmed the loan move of Thai international winger Jaroensak Wonggorn to Ratchaburi FC for the second leg of the 2025–26 Thai League 1 season. Jaroensak, 25, joined BG Pathum in the 2024–25 campaign and spent part of that season on loan at Cerezo Osaka in Japan's J1 League. Meanwhile, fellow Thai League 1 side Bangkok United, known as the Angels, will face Australia's Macarthur FC. For Ratchaburi, the addition of Jaroensak provides pace and creativity on the flanks as they look to balance league commitments with continental ambitions.

From 'Global Ambassador' Patama to '9-second man' PuripolListen to this articleSprinter Puripol Boonson. Among the 12 individuals and organisations honoured, several stood out for their impact on both the national and international sporting landscape. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, an International Olympic Committee member, was bestowed with the title "Global Sports Ambassador", reflecting her prominent role in international sports governance. As Thailand hosted the 33rd SEA Games, he faced mounting challenges ranging from budget constraints to venue management issues. The association said the nicknames were intended to capture both the triumphs and defining narratives of Thai sport in 2025, a year marked by historic achievements.

EU's carbon challengeListen to this articleFrom today, exporters of five types of products to the European Union must comply with the bloc's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Medium-sized manufacturers will also be affected, as CBAM requires them to disclose greenhouse gas emissions associated with their products and purchase CBAM certificates to offset those emissions. The bill provides a framework for national management of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon trading, and systems to calculate and monitor emissions embedded in manufactured goods for export. Compounding the challenge, roughly half of Thailand's electricity is generated from natural gas, with another 20% coming from coal-fired power plants. Yet the question is not only when these technologies can be deployed, but also whether the country can afford them.

Thailand's automotive industry will continue to face challenges in 2026 despite an improvement late last year. WEAK MANUFACTURINGThe FTI expects Thailand's manufacturing sector to continue to slow in 2026, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Domestic car sales rose sharply in November, driven by surging demand for electric vehicles (EVs). This caution has constrained car demand, even as EV sales temporarily boosted overall figures. Despite the uncertainties, the Automotive Industry Club has set Thailand's total car production target for 2026 at 1.45 million units.

Renewables expansion facing fresh challengesListen to this articleGunkul Engineering's wind farm in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima. Caretaker prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul's decision to dissolve the House adds challenges to the state push for a transition to clean energy in 2026. "We hope the plan will be successfully launched," said Natee Sithiprassasana, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries' Renewable Energy Industry Club. Another reason is the Thai economy is still dependent on foreign investment, so the government needs to attract overseas firms with sufficient clean energy supply. Naruechon Dhumrongpiyawut, chief executive of Gunkul Engineering, an integrated clean energy developer, supports the need to boost renewable energy in the new PDP.

Cops expedite Dome caseListen to this articleSinger-actor Pakorn "Dome" Lam is accused of posting a sexually harassing comment. (Photo: domepakornlam Instagram Account)Phahonyothin police have ordered an expedited investigation into a case involving singer-actor Pakorn "Dome" Lam, who is accused of posting a sexually harassing comment about Yotsuda Leelapanyalert, the daughter of Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party (TST). Pol Col Marut Sudnongbua, station chief, said Pol Maj Gen Kiattikul Sontinen, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, has instructed investigators to fast-track the case. They accused Pakorn of posting vulgar and sexually harassing remarks beneath a photograph of Ms Yotsuda shared on social media. Pol Col Marut said investigators have accepted the complaint and are awaiting an interview with the alleged victim to confirm details.

In border areas of Ubon Ratchathani, including Chong Bok and Chong An Ma, no movements of significant tactical importance were observed. However, Cambodian activity was detected at several points along the Si Sa Ket border, particularly along the Chong Samtae–Don Tual–Phu Phi–Sattasom–Phanom Prasittho–Chong Ta Thao line. Along the Surin border, in the area of Ta Kwai temple, unmanned aerial vehicles were observed conducting reconnaissance of Thai deployments. Troop movements remained limited to resupply and surveillance. Meanwhile, following the second round of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, authorities reported extensive use of BM21 multiple rocket launchers and grenade launchers in border areas of Buri Ram.

Curb the slurs, NHRC warnsListen to this articleA coalition of activists carry messages denouncing sexual violence as they move from Suntiphap Park to Victory Monument on April 26, 2022. (Bangkok Post file photo)The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a strongly worded statement condemning actions that violate human dignity and constitute sexual harassment. Such behaviour is "unacceptable" and reflects immaturity, particularly in the lead-up to elections, the rights commission warned on Wednesday. Another involved a well-known singer-actor who posted vulgar, sexually suggestive comments on social media targeting a female candidate from the Thai Sang Thai Party. Public figures, the NHRC added, bear an added responsibility to act as role models, given their influence on social attitudes.

At the same time, Mr Yodchanan is being carefully packaged as a candidate who is "sellable" beyond the party's traditional base. However, the moment Pheu Thai made Mr Yodchanan its clear prime ministerial frontrunner, criticism was inevitable. Critics argue that Pheu Thai is neither independent nor internally democratic, but structurally captive to one political clan. As long as Thaksin Shinawatra remains the spiritual and strategic centre of Pheu Thai, his presence will continue to function as both a political asset and a liability. From now until election day on Feb 8, Mr Yodchanan faces a formidable task.

French minister criticises Clooney's 'double standard' passportListen to this articleJunior minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne did not approve. "Personally, I understand the feeling of some French people of a double standard," Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, a junior interior minister, told the France Info radio station. The French foreign ministry said the passport allocation for the Clooneys "meets the conditions set by law" for naturalization. Some 48,800 people acquired French nationality by decree in 2024, according to interior ministry figures. Hollywood director Jim Jarmusch announced on Friday that he was also applying, telling French radio that he wanted "a place to where I can escape the United States".

Stocks pull lower at end of record year for marketsListen to this articleGold set multiple record highs in 2025, boosted by the weaker dollar. Across the globe, stock markets struck record highs and enjoyed double-digit gains in 2025, thanks in large part to interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve following drops in inflation. The price of gold, seen as a safe haven investment, scored multiple record highs this year. The precious metal has benefitted from weakness to the dollar caused by the Fed's rate cuts and economic growth concerns triggered by President Donald Trump's tariffs war. On Wednesday, the price of silver slid further having struck record highs in December.