(Photo: AFP)AL MUKALLA, Yemen - Saudi Arabia declared a UAE-backed separatist advance in Yemen as a threat to Riyadh’s national security on Tuesday and called Abu Dhabi’s actions “highly dangerous”, as the conflict boiled over into an open dispute between the Gulf powers. The strongly worded foreign ministry statement came after the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it had struck a United Arab Emirates weapons shipment destined for separatist forces. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, traditionally close allies who joined forces in Yemen against the Houthis, have increasingly been at odds over the conflict on their doorstep, as well as the war in Sudan. The ships had arrived from the UAE port of Fujairah, SPA said, adding that the operation was conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law and without collateral damage. Tuesday’s strike came days after reported Saudi air raids on separatist positions in resource-rich Hadramawt — and after Washington called for restraint in the conflict.

“The ceasefire has only just been agreed so there is fragility,” Mr Sihasak told reporters on Tuesday. Thailand has also asked Cambodia to facilitate the return of Thai nationals currently in Cambodia, Mr Sihasak said, adding that a meeting with the Cambodian foreign minister may take place after the New Year. Cambodian authorities have strongly denied the accusation of using drones, and issued an order prohibiting the use of drones across ‌the ​country late on Monday. “There has been no reaction yet, it is being monitored,” said Pen Bona, a spokesperson for the Cambodian government, when asked about the delay to the soldiers’ release. Troop movements monitoredIn a related development, the 2nd Army Area reported that while no heavy fighting has occurred along the border, Cambodian military movements continue to be observed, including logistical deployments and ongoing drone surveillance operations.

Malaysia's jailed ex-PM Najib files appeal against 1MDB convictionListen to this articleFormer Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, jailed for corruption in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, is escorted by prison guards at Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex, on the day he attends the verdict of his house arrest bid, in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 22, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)KUALA LUMPUR - ‍Jailed former ‍Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has filed an appeal against his conviction last week on corruption ‌charges related to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB ​scandal, which saw him sentenced to an additional 15 years in prison, his lawyer said on Tuesday. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and slapped with a record fine of nearly $3 billion. Najib has also filed an appeal against a separate court ruling this month denying his bid to serve the remainder of his current prison term under house arrest, media reports said. Both court decisions have stoked tensions within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling alliance, ⁠with some members of Najib's party, the United Malays National ​Organisation (Umno), expressing disappointment with the verdicts.

Police say Bondi Beach mass shooting suspects 'acted alone'Listen to this articlePolice officers patrol near beachgoers on Christmas Day at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Authorities say the father and son alleged to have killed 15 people acted aloneSYDNEY - A father and son accused of a mass shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach "acted alone" and were not part of a wider terrorist cell, police said on Tuesday. Sajid Akram and his son Naveed allegedly killed 15 people in an ISIS-inspired attack targeting a Jewish festival on December 14. "These individuals are alleged to have acted alone," she told reporters. It is the largest gun buyback since 1996, when Australia tightened firearms laws in the wake of a mass shooting that killed 35 people at Port Arthur.

Banlung added a SEA Games gold medal in his debut tournament, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of the national team. The Thai women's volleyball team celebrate with their SEA Games gold medals. They fell to Vietnam in the SEA V‑League final and faced the same rivals in a tense SEA Games gold medal match, ultimately prevailing to claim their 17th regional title. The duo were named Mixed Doubles Pair of the Year after winning five World Tour titles in their first full season together. They capped the year with a silver medal at the SEA Games.

(Photo: Thai Sang Thai Party)The daughter of veteran politician Khunying Suradat Keyuraphan is preparing to take legal action against singer-actor Pakorn “Dome” Lam for inappropriate online comments under a new law against sexual harassment that took effect this week, according to officials of the Thai Sang Thai party. (Photo: Thai Sang Thai Party)Ms Yossuda, who uses the surname of her father, Somyos, posted an Instagram message criticising all comments looking down on women and their dignity. Lawyer Nititorn Kaewto said on his Facebook account that the Criminal Code was recently amended to protect women from sexual harassment. Verbal, behavioural and online sexual harassment are now crimes under Section 1 (19) of the law, according to the website of LEX, a law firm in Bangkok. “The law reflects the government’s strong stance against all forms of sexual harassment and its intent to create a safer, more respectful society,” LEX said on the website.

Former Bangladesh PM and poll favourite Khaleda Zia dies aged 80Listen to this articleKhaleda Zia speaks during a press conference in Dhaka in March 2015. afpDHAKA - Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who many believed would sweep elections next year to lead her country once again, died on Tuesday aged 80, her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said. "This is an irreparable loss for the nation," senior BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told reporters, his voice choking with emotion. Three-time prime minister Zia was jailed for corruption in 2018 under Hasina's government, which also blocked her from travelling abroad for medical treatment. "I pray for the eternal peace and forgiveness of Begum Khaleda Zia's soul," Hasina said, in a statement on social media by her now banned Awami League party. Khaleda Zia endured such ordeals at their most extreme."

China conducts second day of military drills around TaiwanListen to this articleTaiwan launched jets after China kicked off the drillsBEIJING - China kicked off a second day of live-fire drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, aimed at simulating a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports and assaults on maritime targets. China claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has refused to rule out using military action to seize the island democracy. - 'Stern warning' -Beijing's military released a poster about Tuesday's drills showing muscular arms -- tattooed in China flags -- gripping hammers and beating the north and south of Taiwan island. China's military last held large-scale drills involving live firing around Taiwan in April -- surprise manoeuvres condemned by Taipei. On Monday afternoon, AFP reporters in Pingtan saw two fighter jets soaring across the sky and a Chinese military vessel in the distance.

Anutin promises a border wall with CambodiaListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (fifth from left) poses for photos with soldiers protecting Ta Kwai Temple in Phanom Dong Rak district in Surin province on Monday. (Photo: Ministry of Interior)Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has promised to pursue a border wall project, contingent on his Bhumjaithai Party retaining administrative power after the general election next year. The Thai armed forces plan to build the border wall in phases, starting in uncontested locations, likely beginning with Pong Nam Ron district in Chanthaburi province. The wall is estimated to cost around 7 million baht per kilometre, excluding the expense of a patrol road constructed behind the barrier for security purposes. In October, the Thai arm pledged to act on the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana by building a "Thai-Cambodian border wall" to improve the safety of soldiers and civilians living in border areas.

Drug trafficker killed in Chiang Mai shootoutListen to this articlePolice find 10 sacks containing more than 2 million meth pills in the drug traffickers' abandoned Toyota Vios, after the shootout in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, on Monday night. (Photo: Mae Ai district office, Chiang Mai)One drug trafficker was shot dead and another escaped during a clash with police in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai province on Monday night, after which at least 2 million methamphetamine pills were found in their abandoned vehicle. Border Patrol Police signalled a white Toyota Vios with Chiang Mai licence plates to stop for a search on Highway 4016, near Ban San Khong, about 9.30pm on Monday. The car was believed to be used by drug smugglers operating out of Ban Doi Laem in Mae Ai district, police said on Tuesday. The seized drugs would be handed over to Mae Ai police as evidence.

Thai snooker stars take a pot at national politicsListen to this articleWattana Pu‑Ob‑Orm, the former world No.3 who once carried Thailand's hopes on the international snooker circuit, has announced his entry into politics. Wattana's name is indelibly linked with the golden era of Thai snooker. Thai snooker legend Wattana Pu-Ob-Orm faces a different ballgame. For Thai fans, Wattana's achievements were more than statistics: they symbolised the nation's arrival on the world snooker stage. This marks a striking moment for Thai sport, with two of its most famous snooker figures now seeking to make their mark in national politics.

ROYAL THAI NAVYThe situation along the Thai–Cambodian border has eased following the start of a ceasefire, allowing residents in Buri Ram, Surin, Sa Kaeo, and Trat to begin returning home after weeks of displacement. Provincial authorities organised convoys to take evacuees from shelters back to their communities, while security forces rushed to clear unexploded ordnance and assess damage caused by recent clashes. Speaking before departing to inspect border areas in Buri Ram, Surin, and Amnat Charoen, he noted the number of evacuees has already dropped sharply since the ceasefire agreement. In Buri Ram, for example, only about 2,000 of the 20,000 evacuees remained in shelters as of Monday. In Surin, residents began inspecting homes and farmland after authorities allowed their return on Sunday.

The Black Sea country on the European Union's southeast frontier will become the 21st country to join the euro currency zone after it met the formal entry criteria this year, including for inflation, budget deficit, long-term borrowing costs and exchange-rate stability.

British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria's Ogun State that killed two of his close friends, promoter Matchroom Boxing said on Monday.

Won, baht lead year-end flips in Asian currency trendsListen to this articleGovernor Vitai Ratanakorn says the Bank of Thailand requiring financial institutions to declare foreign currency transactions of $200,000 and above is part of an effort to manage the strengthening baht. (Photo: Supplied)Some of Asia’s strongest currency trends are starting to unravel in the final trading days of the year, with the South Korean won and the Thai baht leading the reversals. The won outperformed peers on Monday as exporters sold dollars following expectations of official support for the local currency. The moves underscore a volatile end to a year in which the region’s currencies have been at the forefront of tariff-related trade disruptions and central bank surprises. The baht may have also been weighed down by a rule announced by the BoT that requires financial institutions to declare foreign currency transactions of $200,000 and above.