If you're anything like me, this past year has been frustrating and, at times, exhausting to read and hear about. Professor Katherine Milkman, a behavioural economist at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, found that the "fresh start effect" is, well, really effective. This applies to fitness ambitions, starting your own business, or even having the resolution to consume less sugar. This "resolution" came to me in September, and so far, it's sticking. People are generally bracing for impact, and I think life is usually stressful enough without having to keep to loosely made resolutions.

Prawat and Chaiwat lead Kingdom's bidListen to this articleThai Paralympic wheelchair racing team athletes train. Hanif HassanThailand's Paralympic icons Prawat Wahoram and Chaiwat Rattana are primed for the upcoming Asean Para Games, set to unfold in Nakhon Ratchasima from Jan 20-26, 2026. They will all be looking forward to strong results at the Asean Para Games on home soil, followed by a seamless transition to the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan. I am confident our athletics para team will meet the medal targets, especially in events that double as qualifiers for the Asian Para Games in Nagoya." The Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima will feature 477 gold medals across 19 sports.

ADTEB president Suparp Khleekajai said many countries implemented the transition from analogue TV to digital TV without a licence auction. There were initially 24 digital TV channels in Thailand, with five digital TV broadcasting networks operated by three network providers. Mr Suparp said digital TV channels are national TV platforms because they broadcast reliable, responsible and verifiable content. All digital TV channels are supervised by the NBTC, while other digital platforms, especially OTT, are not regulated. "It is possible only 3-5 digital TV channels will exist after 2029, which may be operated on high-definition TV systems," said Mrs Pirongrong.

Southeast Asia receives broad supportListen to this articlePhoto: 123RFSoutheast Asian equities ended December with a cautious "risk-on" tone, helped by a softer US dollar and year-end rebalancing, though thin Christmas liquidity exaggerated intra-day swings. Singapore's STI also capped a strong year -- up more than 21% year-to-date as of mid-December -- with banks and yield support underpinning the rally. We maintain an overweight position in the US, China and Vietnam stock markets, which continue to show strong profit growth, offer attractive upside potential, and have reasonable valuations. Strategically, we expect fund flows to rotate into domestically driven sectors and election beneficiaries, including banks, finance, telecom, tourism and property. Trading at 12.4 times P/E ratio for 2026 with a high 9% dividend yield, the stock offers better value than its peers.

PP brushes aside Anutin's BJT coalition conditionsListen to this articlePeople's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, centre, and deputy leaders Sirikanya Tansakul, right, and Veerayooth Kanchoochat, left, hold a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok on Dec 12 after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House. (Photo: People’s Party)The People's Party (PP) brushed aside the Bhumjaithai Party's (BJT) conditions for a post-election coalition formation, saying the upcoming polls would present voters with a clear choice between a government led by the PP and one headed by the BJT. PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut on Friday was responding to comments by Prime Minister and BJT leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who ruled out working with political parties that support amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law. When asked which parties the PP would be unable to work with, Mr Natthaphong said the PP would not join hands with the Klatham Party. He expressed confidence that the PP would finish first in the election and questioned whether the BJT was attempting to form a rival coalition in advance by setting conditions on coalition formation.

Dec 26 tsunami victims remembered 21 years onListen to this articleLocal officials, residents and visitors attend a memorial service at Mai Khao Cemetery in Phuket on Friday to honour victims and reflect on the disaster that devastated six Andaman provinces. "This ceremony reminds us of the lives lost and the importance of readiness in the face of natural hazards," he said. Governor Angkura Siladhewakul presided over tributes for the 722 people who died and 587 who went missing on the island. After prayers from three religions, officials handed wreaths to divers to place at the underwater tsunami memorial off Ton Sai Bay. Phangnga residents gathered at the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial, one of the hardest-hit communities in 2004, to observe multi-faith rites and lay flowers.

(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)In 2025, Thailand faced a convergence of challenges that had laid bare its vulnerability to environmental degradation, natural disasters, and complex regional dynamics. Environmental data points to the rapid growth of unregulated mining activities in Myanmar's Shan State, an area known for rare-earth and gold extraction. Although Thai authorities previously pledged to raise the issue with Myanmar, no concrete progress has been reported, leaving affected communities frustrated and vulnerable. Thai testing in May showed average arsenic levels of around 0.025 mg/L -- more than double the standard limit. Jumbos on jumbosBeyond natural disasters, 2025 also saw a sensitive diplomatic debate over Thailand's proposal to repatriate two Thai elephants from Sri Lanka.

Thais hit by key absences for Asian CupListen to this articleMembers of the Thai youth team celebrate a goal during the SEA Games. Thailand will be heading to the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia without the man who carried much of their scoring burden at the recently concluded SEA Games in Bangkok. The AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia will run from Jan 6-24. On paper, it is a tough assignment and without their SEA Games heroes and with several key players unavailable, Thailand's campaign looks less like a charge for glory. These players will report for training camp on Monday and will leave for Saudi Arabia on Jan 4.

Thailand finished as overall champions of the 2025 biennial tournament with a record-breaking 233 gold, 154 silver and 113 bronze medals. The rowing and canoeing association, which delivered 12 gold, nine silver, and five bronze medals, received the largest share of the bonus, totalling 36,832,500 baht. The ju-jitsu association, which won the most gold medals with 14 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze medals, received a bonus of 24,585,000 baht. The cricket association received 12,600,000 baht from two gold medals rounded off the top 10 biggest earners. "They were able to win a total of 233 gold medals, 154 silver medals, and 113 bronze medals.

New Year's eve to see some major roads closeListen to this articlestretches of Ratchadamri, Rama I, Phloenchit, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaprarop roads will be temporarily closed on Dec 31 and Jan 1 to facilitate the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2026. (Photo supplied)Parts of several major roads in central Bangkok will be temporarily closed on Dec 31 and Jan 1 to facilitate the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2026, as authorities roll out traffic and safety measures for New Year celebrations. The closures will take effect from Dec 31, 2025, through Jan 1, 2026. Exceptions apply for police vehicles on duty and vehicles authorised by traffic officers. Affected sections include Pratunam–Ratchaprasong intersections (from noon on Dec 31 to 5am on Jan 1); Chalerm Phao–Ratchaprasong intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); Ratchaprasong–Chidlom intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); Makkasan–Pratunam intersections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1); and Chidlom–Pratunam sections (from 4pm on Dec 31 to 2am on Jan 1).

Listen to this articleMr Suphachai, back row centre, poses during the launch of True Alpha Hub. Telecom operators are stepping up efforts to capture future customers with the launch of hubs at Siam Square. Mr Suphachai said the hub will aggregate content and intellectual property, creating new revenue streams that flow back into telecom platforms. The building has four storeys and features three elements, including "Creators Debut Hub", a launchpad that empowers young creators to express their identity through real-time content creation and live-streaming. In July Advanced Info Service (AIS) launched AIS Siam in Siam Square Soi 7 under the "playhouse with purpose" concept.

Trump's Christmas gospel: bombs, blessings and blameListen to this articleUS President Donald Trump -- pictured holding up a bible in front of St John's Episcopal, near the White House, in 2020 -- is not a regular churchgoer. On Thursday, Trump dropped an even darker line: "Enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas." In reality, Obama regularly said "Merry Christmas." - 'Always... a Christian nation' -The Pentagon even hosted its first-ever Christmas Mass on December 17. "We have been, and by the grace of God, we always will be, a Christian nation," Vance added.

Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of SomalilandListen to this articleIn Hargeisa, crowds took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, which has been the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year. But a Somali foreign ministry statement warned that the decision was "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he announced "the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state", making Israel the first country to do so. A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.

Fiscal decline expected to pressure Thailand over the medium termListen to this articleA woman displays a message of support for the government's 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. These efforts aim to ensure fairness, broaden compliance, and reflect the true potential of Thailand's tax system. Introducing an outbound travel tax, expected to generate 12 billion baht. Measures to revise and increase "sin taxes" on alcohol, beer and tobacco are expected to raise 5.45 billion baht. The Customs Department plans to eliminate the duty exemption for low-value imports worth less than 1,500 baht, which is expected to generate 3 billion baht.

A strong commitment to responsible business and meaningful social impact continues to shape the way B. Braun Thailand engages with the communities it serves. Mr. Sayan Roy, Managing Director, B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd. said: “More than 58% of our employees actively participate in the CSR Club, demonstrating our belief that meaningful change begins with empowered people. In 2025, the support was expanded to include a new roof for the elementary students’ playground. Mr Tan Sriudon, Senior IT Manager and CSR Club Leader, added: “Our projects are designed for long-term impact—practical, community-driven and built for continuity. We measure our progress each year and remain committed to sharing our expertise and resources in ways that genuinely support local needs.”