Summer storms warning for northern ThailandA hail-laden summer storm batters several districts in Chiang Mai on Saturday, including Mae Wang, Phrao, Kalayaniwattana, Chom Thong and Doi Lo. (Photo: Panumet Tanraksa)The Meteorological Department has issued its second advisory on summer storms, warning that severe weather is expected across northern Thailand from Monday through into Wednesday. Hot to very hot conditions over upper Thailand will further intensify storm activity, the forecast said. People in affected areas are urged to avoid open spaces, large trees, unstable structures and billboards during thunderstorms. Farmers are advised to provide support for fruit trees and ensure agricultural produce and livestock are protected.

With Audio Summaries, Google expands its AI-driven productivity tools by integrating its Gemini system to automatically condense documents into concise audio briefings. (continues below)Photo: Screenshot from Google Workspace UpdatesUsers will also be able to customise the listening experience. The company said Audio Summaries is expected to roll out in the coming weeks to selected subscribers. Eligible users include Google Workspace Business customers, both Standard and Plus tiers, as well as Google Workspace Enterprise subscribers on Standard and Plus plans. The feature will also be available to subscribers of Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra, reflecting Google’s broader push to embed Gemini-powered tools across its premium services.

Most voters happy with constituent results, unconcerned by ballot codingVote counting in Laksi district of Bangkok on Feb 8. Most were not worried about voting secrecy and the use of barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers, convinced by the campaigning of political parties on social media. It reported that about 67% of respondents were satisfied with the results in their own constituencies, while 33% were not satisfied. As for the nationwide voting results, 57% said they were unhappy with the results while 43% were satisified. Asked about the campaigning by political parties on social media, 63% of respondents said they believed them, while 34% did not.

Participants bring their pet dog to the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum EP.3 Pet in the City: Smarter Living for City Pets. It also featured an auto showcase highlighting the AVATR 11 and AVATR 07 models, with advanced functions designed for pet owners. The function opened with welcoming remarks from Bangkok Post editor Soonruth Bunyamanee, followed by a panel discussion titled "Happy Tails, Healthy Cities". Urban pet nutritionThe second panel, "Urban Pet Nutrition", focused on health concerns associated with city living. People take part in pet-raising activities at the Bangkok Post Knowledge Forum EP.3 Pet in the City: Smarter Living for City Pets.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday (February 21) that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump's trade tariffs shows that it is good to have counterweights to power and the rule of law in democracies.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will raise a temporary tariff from 10% to 15% on U.S. imports from all countries, the maximum level allowed under the law, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff program.

Complaints have been filed through multiple channels seeking judicial review, raising the prospect that the Constitutional Court could ultimately determine whether the election stands or falls. Petitions before the Constitutional Court, the Administrative Court or the Ombudsman may take time, but the electoral process cannot be suspended indefinitely. He also cautioned that the Constitutional Court is not insulated from the political context. If a cabinet were appointed and later invalidated by a court decision annulling the election, the country could face a constitutional vacuum. "The endpoint of the crisis lies with the Constitutional Court," Mr Olarn said.

Army denies border gunfire claimThe Royal Thai Army has denied Cambodian media reports alleging Thai troops opened fire on Cambodian forces near a border area in Preah Vihear province, injuring one soldier. One Cambodian soldier was wounded in the incident, the post said. He said that around 9.30am on Friday, the Second Army Area observed increased Cambodian troop presence and movements closer to Thailand's self-defence line in the Anma area. No firearms or other weapons were used by Thai troops, he said. The army also urged media outlets and the public to rely on verified information before sharing reports to prevent misinformation that could affect the border situation.

Despite Thailand's pride in its history and cultural heritage, current history education often feels tedious, as it relies heavily on rote learning -- primarily memorising lengthy lists of heroes and dates. So, what is the vision of our presumptive prime minister regarding the study of national history? Ultimately, a history education focused purely on heroism fosters a rivalry rather than a shared heritage. Conventional history education that glorifies heroism teaches students to view subjects in black and white, discouraging them from asking questions. Before Mr Anutin issues any directives for revamping history education, he should first grasp the core of the problem.

Mendez brace gives Prachuap crucial victoryIn control: Rayong's Manuel Ott controls the ball. Edgar Mendez struck twice as PT Prachuap secured a 2-0 victory over Rayong in Thai League 1 on Friday night at Sam Aoh Stadium. Rayong pressed after the interval but found no way through a disciplined Prachuap defence, leaving the hosts to claim three points on home soil. Sasom stressed the significance of the result, saying: "These three points give us a chance to stay in Thai League 1, but we still have to work hard. The victory lifts Prachuap's spirits after a stuttering run and underlines Mendez's importance to a side fighting to secure their top-flight status.

Breath test refusal equals drink-drivingRandom road blocks to detect alcohol level in drivers and riders help keep the roads free from the perils of drunken driving. File photoPolice have warned that a refusal to take a breathalyser test will be treated as equivalent to drink-driving. Under the Land Traffic Act, penalties for drink-driving include fines of 5,000 to 20,000 baht, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Repeat offences within two years carry harsher penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 baht and licence revocation. Police say a refusal to undergo alcohol testing is legally presumed to be drink-driving, carrying the same penalties.

Apichart JinakulThe Office of the Ombudsman has approved a request by the Election Commission (EC) to extend the deadline for submitting clarifications and supporting documents regarding the controversial use of barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers. If the EC fails to meet the new deadline, the Ombudsman will proceed based on the available evidence. The Ombudsman's Office received a letter from the EC seeking an additional seven days beyond the original Feb 23 deadline. Under the Organic Act on the Ombudsman, the office ordered the EC to submit its clarification and evidence by Feb 27. In a separate post, Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a law lecturer at Thammasat University, proposed the EC hold a mock election to prove whether barcodes compromise ballot secrecy.

The moggy that rules Downing StreetImportant news from London. This past week Larry the Cat has been celebrating his 15th year as chief mouser at 10 Downing Street. Siamese daysBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his family have their own two cats, Jo Jo and Prince. Back in 1879 an American diplomat based in Bangkok sent US president Rutherford Hayes a Siamese cat imaginatively named Siam. In more recent times, Gerald Ford's daughter had a Siamese cat called Shan.

Changes to SSO board vote spark criticismProposed changes to election regulations for the Social Security Board (SSB) have ignited sharp criticism, with academics and stakeholders warning the reforms could undermine transparency and return the system to an era dominated by lobbying. However, he claimed the board is now merely serving in a caretaker capacity while the new rules are being pushed forward under unclear conditions, without consideration by the board. In the 2023 board election, each insured person could vote for up to seven candidates, reflecting the will of more than 150,000 voters. Senator Chinchote Saengsang, a committee member, also questioned the origin of the new rules and what flaws in the 2023 election justified the change. The Social Security Office (SSO), represented by inspector-general Malakan Horprathum, defended the changes, saying the 2023 election had a low turnout and the new "one-person-one-vote" model would reduce confusion and ensure fairer accessibility.

Chelsea, Aston Villa held in blow to Champions League hopesChelsea blew a late lead to draw 1-1 with BurnleyLONDON - Burnley dented Chelsea's chances of Champions League qualification by snatching a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, while Aston Villa also struck late to salvage a point against Leeds on Saturday. Chelsea were dominant until Wesley Fofana was sent off with 18 minutes remaining for a second yellow card. Five Premier League sides are set to qualify for next season's Champions League thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competition this season. James Milner set a new record of 654 Premier League appearances in Brighton's 2-0 win at Brentford. The Gunners have breathed new life into City's title challenge with disappointing draws at Brentford and Wolves since Pep Guardiola's men last played in the Premier League.