Ivory Coast top AFCON group ahead of Cameroon, Algeria win againListen to this articleAction from the Group F clash between Gabon and Ivory Coast in Marrakesh. (Photo: AFP)RABAT - Reigning champions Ivory Coast pipped Cameroon to top spot in their group after Algeria maintained their perfect record as the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations concluded on Wednesday. Looking to become the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to retain the AFCON title, they will now play Burkina Faso in the last 16 in Marrakesh next Tuesday. A superb 55th-minute strike by the young Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane then gave Cameroon the win. Finishing second in the section means five-time champions Cameroon will play South Africa in the last 16 in Rabat on Sunday.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the collapse occurred at a structural weak point. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)From a collapsing road to contentious transit debts, tighter pet rules and higher rubbish fees, 2025 marked a turning point in how Bangkok governs itself. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the affected section sits above the underground rail tunnels of the Purple Line's southern extension, which is under construction. The collapse occurred at the junction between the tunnels and a new station -- a recognised structural weak point, he said. Bangkok has about 2.5 million households, making residential waste the biggest focus of the policy.

CIB busts illegal food factory, exposing falsified expiration dates on boxed UHT milkListen to this articlePolice inspect the milk products. Photo: Central Investigation Bureau)Hua Hin: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has raided an illegal food operation in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, exposing falsified expiration dates on boxed UHT milk and unlicensed food production for online sale. The investigation began after consumers complained of an unusual colour and odour in boxed milk purchased online. Police seized more than 13,000 items, including over 6,400 boxes of UHT milk, coffee products, syrups, monosodium glutamate, mayonnaise and production machinery, with a total value of about 1.5 million baht. A woman who ran the factory admitted purchasing near-expiry or expired goods at auction at low prices, altering expiration dates and selling them online.

Foreign women arrested in Pattaya prostitution sweepEight foreign women - five Ugandans, two Uzbeks and a Madagascan - are detained for offering sex services on the street in Pattaya, Chon Buri. (Photo: Amporn Sangkaew)Eight women from Africa and Central Asia have been arrested for soliciting for purposes of prostitution along Pattaya beach. Acting on complaints, officials observed the behaviour of foreign women believed to be offering sex services near the entrance to Soi 13-13/4 along Pattaya beach in the early hours of Wednesday. An undercover foreign agent posing as a tourist took a walk along the beachfront and was approached by a group of foreign women who offered to have sex with him. Eight women were taken into custody: five Ugandans, two Uzbeks and one Madagascan.

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plungesListen to this articleFireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2026. REUTERSDec 31 - 10...nine...eight...As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes ‌challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for ​the new year to come. In Australia, Sydney began 2026 with a spectacular fireworks display, as per tradition. Some ‌40,000 pyrotechnic effects stretched 7 km (over 4 miles) across buildings and barges along its harbour and featured a waterfall effect from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Since 2000, the town of Fuzine has held its countdown at noon, a tradition that has since spread across the ‌country.

Putin wishes Russians victory in Ukraine in New Year speechListen to this articleRussian leader Vladimir Putin has insisted Moscow intends to take the rest of east Ukraine by force if diplomacy failsMOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin said Russia believed it would win in Ukraine in an address Wednesday, as his country marked another New Year -- their main holiday -- at war. Putin devoted much of his short address to "fighters and commanders" in Ukraine. Addressing soldiers, whom he called "heroes", Putin said: "We believe in you and our victory." Putin's traditional speech was first aired in the far-eastern Kamchatka peninsula -- the first Russian region to enter 2026. Russia has called it a "terrorist attack" and a "personal attack" against Putin, saying it will toughen its negotiation stance in Ukraine war talks.

King's New Year message lauds unity, integrity, pursuit of common goodListen to this articleHis Majesty the King delivers his New Year message on Wednesday night, offering blessings and encouragement to the Thai people. (Screen capture)His Majesty the King graciously delivered his New Year message from the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall at Dusit Palace on Wednesday night, offering encouragement and moral support to the Thai people. In his televised New Year speech at 8pm, His Majesty extended happiness and good wishes to all. In light of these concerns, His Majesty stressed the importance of strengthening international friendships and fostering harmony among Thais. The King urged all citizens to work together in unity and determination, guided by righteousness, virtue and the collective interest of the nation.

Israel to ban 37 aid groups operating in GazaListen to this articleIsrael has singled out international medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), alleging that it had two employees who were members of Palestinian militant groupsJERUSALEM - Israel has said 37 aid organisations will be banned from operating in Gaza from Thursday unless they comply with guidelines requiring detailed information on Palestinian staff, drawing criticism from the United Nations and the European Union. For Israel, it says the new regulation aims to prevent bodies it accuses of supporting terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories. On Tuesday, Israel specified that "acts of de-legitimising Israel" or denial of events surrounding Hamas' October 7 attack would be "grounds for license withdrawal". Apart from MSF, some of the 37 NGOs to be hit with the ban are the Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, CARE and Oxfam, according to the list given by Zwick. "IHL (international humanitarian law) leaves no room for doubt: aid must reach those in need," Lahbib wrote.

Police amass evidence in bribery caseListen to this articleFormer deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn speaks to reporters as he arrived at the Anti-Corruption Division on Monday to submit evidence to deny any involvement in a bribery case. Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said several key witnesses came forward after experiencing intimidation, assault and threats involving firearms. Investigators have also widened the probe to examine the role of a university lecturer specialising in social media, who allegedly advised Pol Gen Surachate on public image management. Two individuals, including Pol Gen Surachate, have acknowledged the charges. Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat said the law would be enforced impartially, adding the Royal Thai Police would not protect any officer found guilty, regardless of rank or institutional impact.

DISCOVERYExpedition X: Season 10Premieres on Dec 31Jessica Chobot and Phil Torres investigate supernatural phenomenons and explore unknown locations to demystify unexplained events and reports. Having closed off her heart, she works as a school teacher and tries to keep to herself. And Nate, in turn, learns what it is to love unconditionally as he bonds with his daughter and battles for their future. NETFLIXSoulmatesPremieres on Dec 31A test that can identify one's soul mate challenges couples to question their existing relationships and ideas of love in this sci-fi anthology series. RawPremieres on Jan 6WWE's groundbreaking, Superstar-studded in-ring series delivers live action, drama and unmatched athleticism every week.

The statement was released after the expiration of a 72-hour period following the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) and addressed six key issues. First, the NSC — acting as the secretariat to the National Security Council chaired by the prime minister — welcomed the joint statement resulting from the Third Special Thai–Cambodian GBC Meeting of 2025. The joint statement was issued under a framework approved by the National Security Council and the cabinet on Dec 26. This commitment, it said, led to the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war yesterday (Dec 31), in line with a resolution of the National Security Council. While thanking international partners for supporting Thailand’s role, the NSC expressed regret that Cambodia did not participate.

Kirins name Ivankovic as head coachListen to this articleMuang Thong's new head coach Mario Ivankovic. MUANGTHONG UNITED FC PRStruggling Muang Thong United have appointed Croatian Mario Ivankovic as their new head coach for the second leg of the 2025-26 Thai League 1 season. The 50-year-old succeeded Rangsan Viwatchaichok, who stepped down as Kirins coach in October after a run of six league matches without a win. Ivankovic was also coach of Bosnia and Herzegovina U19 team in 2022-2023. Ivankovic, 50, will begin working with Muang Thong immediately as the Kirins prepare for the second leg of the 2025-26 season, starting on Jan 11.

Police imposters arrested for abducting Chinese man for ransomListen to this articleThe two suspects and equipment they allegedly used in the abduction. (Photo: Metropolitan Police Bureau)Two men have been arrested on charges of posing as policemen and kidnapping a Chinese man for 2-million-baht ransom in Greater Bangkok. In Mr Japing's room police also found the 25-year-old Chinese abductee, Lyu Chenglong. The victim called his elder brother in China, and jr paid part of the ransom, worth about 400,000 baht, in two transactions early Tuesday morning. The brother then asked another Thai man to file a complaint with real police, and the complaint led to the raid in Huai Khwang.

New Year traffic toll downListen to this articleTourists flock to Khao Kho district of Phetchabun on Wednesday. (Photo: Soonthorn Kongwarakom)There were 198 traffic accidents and 29 deaths on the first day of the government's New Year holiday road safety campaign, down about 38% and 52% respectively year-on-year. Theerapat Katchamat, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said on Wednesday the road safety campaign that began on Tuesday was off to a heartening start. He said there were 198 traffic accidents on Tuesday, down 38.13% on the corrsponding period a year ago, and 29 traffic deaths, down 51.67%, with 190 other people injured in total, down 38.71% on last year. Chiang Rai and Phuket provinces had the highest number of traffic accidents, 11 each.

Here are the 15 fighters who defined ONE Championship in 2025. NO 15 – MASAAKI NOIRIHis 2025 ended in disappointment, but it still featured one of the defining moments of the year. The atomweight Muay Thai champion defended her belt twice, finishing both challengers on short notice. At just 21, Ruotolo is firmly on a lightweight MMA title trajectory. NO 2 – JONATHAN DI BELLAAfter losing the strawweight kickboxing title to Prajanchai in June 2024, Di Bella quietly rebuilt – then reclaimed everything.