Anxious Venezuelans seek clarity on new amnesty lawFamily members have been gathered for weeks outside jails in Venezuela awaiting the release of their loved ones. (Photo: AFP)CARACAS - Families in Venezuela continued to wait anxiously outside prisons Friday, as questions swirled about a newly passed mass amnesty law pushed through by interim authorities following the US toppling of Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously adopted the law early Friday, providing hope that hundreds of political prisoners behind bars may be soon released. Many relatives of prisoners across Venezuela have waited outside jails for weeks for the potential release of their loved ones. He called for all other political prisoners to be freed and exiles to be allowed to return.

US military assets in the Middle EastAn image taken and released by David Parody on February 20, 2026 shows the USS Gerald R. Ford transiting the Strait of Gibraltar. Below, AFP examines key US military assets deployed in or near the Middle East. It is accompanied by three destroyers, and when in position will bring the total number of US warships in the Middle East to 17. It is rare to have two of the massive warships in the Middle East at the same time. - Air defenses -The United States has also reportedly boosted its land-based air defenses in the Middle East, while the numerous guided-missile destroyers in the region provide air defense capabilities at sea.

Dior's Café Dior sits inside Dior Gold House next to Central Chidlom, wrapped in architectural cues that mirror the brand's couture codes. A handbag purchase demands commitment, but a coffee does not. When a fashion house becomes a place to drink coffee on a weekday afternoon, something of that distance dissolves. Café Dior does not resemble a neighbourhood coffee shop. The question is not whether brands will continue serving coffee.

Petrochemical sector faces stagnant yearIRPC's oil refinery facilities in Rayong's Muang district. Oversupply from China, geopolitical tensions and stricter environmental regulations are among the key factors dragging down the sector. Earlier IRPC, PTT and Boon Rawd Brewery jointly announced the successful patenting of a new recycled plastic blend. Meanwhile, PTT Global Chemical Plc (GC), another petrochemical flagship, reported signs of recovery. GC targets a 4-billion-baht cost reduction, supported by asset sales expected to generate 2.3 billion baht in cash in the first quarter.

The benchmark finds that Thai companies lead regional peers on protein supply-chain disclosure. Of the 10 Thai companies assessed, six are placed in Tier 3 (Evolving Strategically), with the remaining companies in Tier 4 (Developing Efforts). Thai companies recorded the highest market average score in ARE’s 2024 edition of the benchmark. Governance, Protein Diversification and Nature Risks Remain Critical GapsAs with most Asian peers, Thai companies show low performance on governance related to protein sustainability. Moving from commitment to implementation will require clear targets, stronger supplier engagement and credible assurance across protein supply chains.

The operators of the Tiger Kingdom attractions in Thailand say they do not chain their animals, which have been bred in captivity and are comfortable around humans. The privately run Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has barred all non‑authorised entry and begun facility‑wide disinfection while laboratory tests are conducted on the tiger carcasses sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University, according to provincial livestock officials. Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of the Protected Areas Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai), said he had received reports of a large number of tiger deaths — around 70 — at the popular tiger park. The Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office is overseeing the formal investigation, he said, while the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation would dispatch a team to observe and support. Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Co Ltd, which also manages Tiger Kingdom Phuket and three Tiger Park attractions — two in Phuket and one in Pattaya.

Airports of Thailand defends 53% hike but critic asks whether travellers will see better serviceOutbound travellers look at a flight departure screen at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday. (Photo: Bangkok Post)Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced on Friday that the passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international travellers will rise to 1,120 baht per person from 730 baht from June 20, 2026. The 53% increase will apply at the six airports run by the company: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The domestic passenger fee remains unchanged at 130 baht, AOT said. Although AOT maintains that the PSC increase is in line with international practice, critics question whether passengers are getting value for money.

Lee So-Mi of South Korea came close to becoming only the second player in LPGA history to shoot a 59 on the second day of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2026 tournament on Friday. (Photo: Pakawich Damrongkiattisak)PATTAYA - Lee So-Mi of South Korea seized the halfway lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament in spectacular fashion on Friday, while Thai favourite Jeeno Thitikul celebrated her 23rd birthday with a magical masterclass. With a 36-hole aggregate of 17-under 127, Lee heads into the weekend with a three-stroke advantage over second-placed Jeeno, who posted a nine-under 63, her second successive bogey-free round. Lee won the Dow Championship last year in partnership with compatriot Im Jin-Hee but is still awaiting her maiden solo LPGA Tour triumph. Only one further birdie at the 18th followed, but Jeeno was delighted to spend such a special day for her in the company of many hundreds of the Jeeno Thitikul Fan Group.

TIDLOR unveils the story behind its growth amid challenges in 2025 letterManaging director highlights human capital, digital fluency and 'antifragile' resilience in latest reportTIDLOR Holdings Public Company Limited (TIDLOR Holdings or TIDLOR) reported quality growth in 2025, with net profit rising 17.4% year-on-year. The performance reflects the group’s strong business fundamentals and adaptability amid a challenging external environment in 2025, spanning economic headwinds, international conflicts and severe natural disasters. Most recently, Mr Piyasak Ukritnukun, managing director, shared his perspectives and the story behind the group’s success beyond the financial statements in the 21-page 2025 Letter to Shareowners. Collectively, these stories reflect TIDLOR Holdings’ defining "antifragile" properties — exhibiting not only resilience through crises but also the ability to grow potentially stronger and more adaptable. Shareowners and investors interested in insights beyond the financial statements can access the full 2025 Letter to Shareowners at www.TIDLORinvestor.com.

Regulator says Thai digital asset platform operations should have been separated from Bitazza GlobalThe Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand has filed a criminal complaint against Bitazza Co Ltd, an affiliate and two executives for operating a digital asset exchange without authorisationNamed in the complaint were Bitazza International Ltd (Bitazza Global); Bitazza Co Ltd; Kavin Phongpandecha the co-founder and former chief executive of Bitazza Thailand; and Tanawat Sutuntivorakoon, the company’s current CEO. The SEC said Bitazza Global and Bitazza, which is licensed in Thailand as a digital asset broker, jointly provided a digital asset trading or exchange platform and collected transaction fees. As well, Bitazza was found to have provided key operational systems to Bitazza Global. Bitazza Thailand said it had addressed the SEC’s concerns and that the operations, systems and communications of Bitazza Thailand and Bitazza Global are now clearly segregated. Public access to the Bitazza Global platform will be blocked effective March 22, 2026, it said.

The 29-year-old Myanmar striker headlines ONE Friday Fights 143 at Lumpinee Stadium tonight against Israel’s Shir Cohen, knowing a third consecutive win could propel her into the atomweight Muay Thai title conversation. “If I win against her, I want to fight the champion,” Vero told the Bangkok Post after Thursday’s weigh-ins. Rodrigues, meanwhile, defends her belt against atomweight kickboxing champion Phetjeeja next month at ONE Fight Night 41 in Bangkok. “But it’s hard without support.”Vero and Shir Cohen at the ONE Friday Fights 143 face offs in BangkokFor now, her focus is firmly on Cohen – a strong kickboxer returning with unfinished business. A future Muay Thai clash with Stamp Fairtex remains on her radar, as the former three-sport champ searches for a tune-up bout amid her comeback from a long injury layoff.

Ex-South Korea leader apologises for martial law crisisYoon attends court on Feb 19 to learn his fate on insurrection charges stemming from the December 2024 martial law crisis. The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday found Yoon guilty of leading a December 2024 insurrection designed to "paralyse" the National Assembly. "The declaration of martial law resulted in enormous social costs, and it is difficult to find any indication that the defendant has expressed remorse for that," the judge said. Yoon was an unpopular president at the time of the martial law crisis. Martial law was lifted around six hours later, after lawmakers raced to the assembly building to hold an emergency vote.

14 hotels to be sold into fund, Hong Kong listing of restaurant unit also consideredAnantara Koh Yao Yai Villas in Phangnga in southern Thailand is one of more than 600 properties operated worldwide by the Bangkok-based Minor International. Minor International Plc, Thailand’s largest hotel and restaurant chain operator, plans to set up its first real estate investment trust worth about $1 billion, and is exploring a Hong Kong listing of its restaurant unit to raise funds for debt repayment. The company is also exploring a Hong Kong listing for its restaurant unit, Minor Food Plc, Mr Rajakarier said, confirming a Bloomberg News report last week. Minor, whose hotels in Thailand were featured in the hit series The White Lotus, has been cutting debt to ease investor concerns after its 2018 acquisition of the European chain NH Hotel Group significantly increased liabilities. Shares of Minor (MINT) are up 7% this year, trailing the benchmark SET Index, which has advanced 17%.

UK police search property as royals reel from Andrew’s arrestCars wait at the entrance to Royal Lodge, the old residence of Britain’s former prince Andrew, where police said they are still conducting a search on Friday. (Photo: AFP)SANDRINGHAM, England - Police on Friday were searching the former home of ex-prince Andrew for a second day, as his sensational arrest tipped the British monarchy into a crisis unprecedented in its modern era. But royal commentators were in no doubt the first arrest of a senior royal in centuries signalled a profound crisis. The retail store worker added he still “liked” the royals and thought the ex-prince was just “one bad apple”. A YouGov poll conducted after Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest showed 82 percent believed he should be removed from the line of succession.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says that a key principle for his party is that the government must remain free from interference. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has signalled that the party is keeping its options open on joining a government coalition, saying any decision would rest with the party’s board and MPs. He was responding to speculation that the Democrats would be in opposition to a Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition once the new government is formed. Mr Abhisit said the party would not actively seek talks but would remain open to discussions if approached. “I’m not making any move because a political party must be ready to serve either as the opposition or the government.”