REUTERSThailand should brace for a prolonged period of energy volatility and intensifying geopolitical rivalry as conflicts in the Middle East threaten to disrupt global oil supplies, experts warn. The forum was organised by Thailand Science Research and Innovation in collaboration with the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre and Thai PBS. Speakers said geopolitical conflict, the global energy transition and demographic change are reshaping Thailand's strategic environment. Panellists warned the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran could keep global energy markets volatile. Thailand's energy security is already under strain.

No child should learn hungryA teacher in a remote mountain school was charged with corruption for letting hungry students share lunch. Unable to watch poor secondary students go hungry while younger pupils received free lunch, he allowed them to share the meal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) charged him with corruption because the free lunch budget was meant only for kindergarten and primary pupils. The school lunch programme covers only kindergarten and primary school students. The free education policy already allows the budget to be used for "other necessary purposes."

Qualifying meets for NBA Rising Stars set for MayTalent hunt: The NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers will take place in May. The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers, organised by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in collaboration with TOA Paint (Thailand), a leading paint and coating products manufacturer in Southeast Asia, will be held on May 23-24 at CU Sports Complex in Bangkok. The Thailand Qualifiers will determine the boys' and girls' high school teams that will represent the country at the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore this summer. The NBA Rising Stars Invitational is the league's first regional high school basketball tournament and features boys' and girls' teams from across Asia-Pacific. Guided by our vision of 'Inspire Better Living,' we are thrilled to bring the NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers to Bangkok and provide the next generation of Thai players more opportunities to compete and embrace active lifestyles.

A good time to hail Caesar SaladFor anyone planning on doing something important today and who might be just a little superstitious, it may be a good idea to stay at home and play with the dog. To look on the brighter side, there are some who acknowledge this special day by consuming a Caesar Salad in memory of the Roman dictator. However the salad is not named after Julius but rather Caesar Cardini an Italian immigrant to the US who became a leading restaurateur. The salad bearing his name first appeared in the Mexican border town of Tijuana in 1924. The dish was originally called Aviator Salad because many of the early customers were airmen who flew down from the US to Tijuana to escape Prohibition.

Swat Cats hold Chiang Rai, cling to survival hopesVital strike: Nakhon Ratchasima's Yuki Kusano scores against Chiang Rai. Nakhon Ratchasima's slim hopes of avoiding relegation from Thai League 1 remain alive after they held Chiang Rai United to a 1-1 draw at the 80th Anniversary Stadium on Friday night. But Chiang Rai levelled on the stroke of half-time, Itsuki Enomoto converting in added time to leave the sides locked at 1-1. The Swat Cats, battling at the foot of the table, were left to settle for a point that keeps their survival prospects faintly alive. Buriram remain on course for an unprecedented sweep of four trophies this campaign -- Thai League 1, FA Cup, Muang Thai Cup and Shopee Cup.

Party must make most of next 4 years: YodchananYodchanan Wongsawat during a party meeting on Saturday. Pheu Thai PartyYodchanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate and list MP, has vowed to improve his party's performance and return stronger in four years. His remarks came during a party meeting on Saturday ahead of the opening of parliament and the vote for the House speaker and deputy speakers on Sunday. Mr Yodchanan said the party's strong performance over the next four years would be crucial to restoring its strength. He said Pheu Thai expected its MPs to attend all House meetings, vote in every division and help drive key bills, especially those linked to its goal of promoting Thailand as a high-value economy.

Middle East conflict hits the tourism industry in PhangngaThe war in the Middle East is weighing on the tourism industry, with Phangnga province reporting a sharp decline in European arrivals and estimated losses of nearly 1.7 billion baht, says the Phangnga Hotel Association. Airlines have been forced to reroute flights to avoid the conflict zone, raising operating costs and pushing ticket prices up by more than 20%. Phangnga is particularly vulnerable because most long-haul flights from Europe traditionally pass through the Middle East to minimise fuel costs. When airlines suddenly cancelled flights, many travellers who had already purchased tickets were unable to continue their journeys," he said. Proposals also included co-payment tourism schemes and temporary adjustments to unused airport slots to allow additional short-haul services during the green season.

75% of public support new election: KPI surveyPeople turn out to vote at a polling station in Ban Bang Kapi School, in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district, on Feb 8. Varuth HirunyathebA survey by King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI) shows that nearly 75% of respondents would accept a new election in the event of a "political accident". The poll, conducted between Feb 27 and March 2, asked whether respondents would accept a new election if an unforeseen political accident occurred. By region, respondents in the South showed the highest acceptance at 75.7%, while 24.3% said they would not accept it. In Bangkok, 66.3% said they would accept a new election compared with 33.7% who disagreed, while the Eastern region showed 64.4% acceptance and 35.6% rejection.

Bangchak scraps fuel purchase limitAs you were: Bangchak cancelled a fuel‑rationing measure that had been introduced just one day earlier. Nutthawat WichieanbutThe Bangchak energy company has dropped its fuel purchase limit less than a day after introducing the measure. The measure was announced on Thursday on the "Bangchak Member Club" Facebook page amid tightening global energy conditions. The company said its fuel supplies were sufficient, but the measure was needed to help prevent shortages. Customers were also asked not to fill fuel into jerrycans, except for farmers or operators with necessary use.

Trump says other countries 'must take care' of HormuzUS President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One as he departs Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on March 13, 2026WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - US President Donald Trump on Saturday said countries that rely on oil carried through the Hormuz strait should take responsibility for keeping the passage open, with American help. "The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both Militarily, Economically, and in every other way, but the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help -- A LOT!" "The US will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well. Iranian strikes have all but halted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally pass. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!"

One-party Vietnam holds parliamentary electionA man views the list of candidates for the upcoming National Assembly and local People's Council elections at a polling station in HanoiHANOI (VIETNAM) - Vietnam goes to the polls on Sunday to elect members of the National Assembly, the country's top legislative body that serves mainly to ratify decisions by the ruling Communist Party. But in a country where major policies and projects are decided by senior cadres, many citizens feel lukewarm about elections. "I don't vote because I think my vote doesn't matter," said Phuong Anh, 25, who works an administrative job in Da Nang. The president, prime minister and head of the national assembly will all be confirmed by lawmakers' votes. Lam would be the first person to have secured the top two jobs at a party congress, rather than stepping in following a holder's death.

Dowman makes history as Arsenal strike late, Chelsea beatenLeaders Arsenal claimed a vital win over EvertonLONDON - Arsenal moved a step closer to the Premier League title as Max Dowman became the competition' youngest ever goalscorer in a dramatic 2-0 win against Everton, while Chelsea's top four bid was dented a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday. Dowman, aged just 16, is the youngest scorer in the history of the Premier League, as well as Arsenal's youngest scorer. City must bounce back from their midweek Champions League last-16 first leg defeat at Real Madrid in a match of significance at both ends of the table. Fifth-placed Chelsea were beaten by Anthony Gordon's goal at Stamford Bridge to round off a painful week. Brighton beat Sunderland 1-0 to climb into the top half of the Premier League, while second-bottom Burnley held Bournemouth in a 0-0 draw.

Iran also has networks of allied militant groups in the region, which could open multiple fronts against US and Israeli interests, he said. Neutrality firstMr Wanwichit said Thailand should maintain its traditional diplomatic stance of neutrality while emphasising humanitarian concerns. At the same time, Iran has suffered heavy losses early in the conflict, including the death of its top leader and damage to its military infrastructure. Mr Panitan said international powers such as China and France could play an important role in facilitating negotiations. "This is a lesson for the future, especially given the volatility we are seeing, including public panic and stockpiling," he said.

F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi cancelled due to Iran warAustralian Oscar Piastri won last year's Bahrain Grand PrixPARIS (FRANCE) - Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled as the Middle East war engulfs the region, motorsport's governing body the FIA announced on Saturday. Bahrain had been scheduled as the fourth Grand Prix this season to take place on April 10-12, with the Saudi race a week later. Kimi Antonelli took pole position for Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton and was asked by AFP in Shanghai about the possible cancellation of the Middle East races. The Japanese Grand Prix will take place on March 27-29 with the following Formula One race now slated for the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3. Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds will also not take place during their scheduled slots in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Bangkok, 13 March 2026 – Following the completion of the Arise and Telenor transaction, the Board of Directors of True Corporation Plc today approved the appointment of Khun Nakul Sehgal as the Chief Financial Officer of the company, effective March 13, 2026. This decision marks the end of the co-CFO structure that has been in place since the amalgamation of True and Dtac in March 2023. Moving forward, the CFO role will be consolidated, granting Khun Nakul full end-to-end responsibility for all finance functions within the company. I am very pleased that Khun Nakul has agreed to take on the role as Chief Financial Officer of the company.”Khun Nakul has served as Co-Chief Financial Officer of the company since the amalgamation of True and Dtac on March 1, 2023. Khun Nakul said: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors and Group CEO, Khun Sigve Brekke, for their confidence in me.