(Photo: AFP)LAGOS - Nigeria on Friday signalled more strikes against jihadist groups were expected after a Christmas Day bombardment by US forces against militants in the north of the country. Asked if there would be more strikes, Tuggar said: “It is an ongoing thing, and we are working with the US. We are working with other countries as well.”Targets unclearThe Department of Defense’s US Africa Command, using an acronym for the Islamic State group, said “multiple ISIS terrorists” were killed in an attack in the northwestern state of Sokoto. While Abuja has welcomed the strikes, “I think Trump would not have accepted a ‘No’ from Nigeria,” said Malik Samuel, an Abuja-based researcher for Good Governance Africa, an NGO. Tuggar said that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu “gave the go-ahead” for the strikes.

US and Russia urge end to Thai-Cambodian violenceListen to this articleVehicles carrying people fleeing clashes in border areas of Cambodia wait in a long line to get into an evacuation centre at Chong Kal in Oddar Meanchey province, on Dec 10, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)The United States and Russia have called on Cambodia and Thailand to end violence as the two countries continue talks to end weeks of deadly clashes. “Secretary Rubio further reaffirmed that the United States is prepared to facilitate discussions to ensure peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. Meanwhile, Russia has urged Thailand and Cambodia to accelerate efforts to revive peace talks through existing bilateral mechanisms to resolve conflicts, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Five days of clashes in July ended with an initial ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia and the US.

As per New Year tradition, Guru by Bangkok Post presents the 2026 horoscope. (⚤) Early 2026 brings several romantic options, but one person in particular — foreign or far from your usual type — steals your heart. Early 2026 brings discussions about rings, keys, babies or joint accounts. (₿) In H1 of 2026, you'll cash in on your past grind and investments. Midyear brings distance and reality checks that test your optimism, but working through it builds true partnership with real respect and support.

Thai banks must now report capital inflows exceeding $200,000 by non-residents, Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn said on Friday. “This is the first time we ‌are ​checking the purposes and documentation of such inflows,” he said. In addition, banks will be required to report gold trading transactions conducted via digital platforms, both on a per-day and per-transaction basis. Online gold trading in recent months has accounted for 40-50% of total foreign exchange transactions, peaking at 60% in August. Mr Vitai acknowledged on Friday that the central bank has intervened aggressively to ease volatility in the baht.

IRPC Public Company Limited has reinforced its position as a leader in energy management and digital innovation after securing an Outstanding Award in the Creative Energy Project category at the Thailand Energy Awards 2024 for its Energy Efficiency and Reliability Improvement of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) with Digital Optimisation project. The award was received by Lersak Thongruang, Senior Executive Vice President, Operation, in recognition of the company’s success in applying digital technology to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability. The award was presented by caretaker Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon, who presided over the ceremony organised by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The event recognises organisations demonstrating outstanding performance in energy efficiency and sustainable energy development. The accolade reflects the strong performance of IRPC’s crude distillation unit (ADU1), which has achieved effective energy management through digital optimisation to improve operational efficiency and maximise resource utilisation, in line with the company’s long-term sustainable development goals.

From Dec 30 to Jan 31, Luz Bangkok Tapas Bar will serve one of the most innovative dishes in contemporary gastronomy, crafted by chef León. Festive edition / The St. Regis Bar / Dec 28The St. Regis Bar will host the year's final "Cocktails, Tapas, And Friends" edition on Dec 28. STUFFFragrance collection / Onitsuka TigerOnitsuka Tiger has launched its first-ever fragrances collection, featuring four distinctive scents. The four scents: Onitsuka Tiger One, Onitsuka Tiger Two, Onitsuka Tiger Three, And Onitsuka Tiger Four come in vibrant yellow bottles, reflecting the brand's signature colour, with distinctive brand logo lettering. Available in 100ml editions exclusively at Onitsuka Tiger Flagship Store Siam Square One and Iconsiam.

Scientists recorded a female flat-headed cat with her cub, confirming ongoing reproduction in the region, a significant finding given that litters typically produce just one cub. With an estimated 2,500 adults remaining globally, the flat-headed cat is classified as endangered by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN). Thought to be most closely related to the leopard cat and fishing cat, the flat-headed cat has a short, tubular body with slender legs and a stubby tail. Strengthening the capacity of protected areas is vital for conserving the flat-headed cat. A rare image of a Flat-headed Cat ('Prionailurus planiceps') at night, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

Malaysia judge says ex-PM Najib used financier Jho Low as agentListen to this articleSupporters of former prime minister Najib Razak ahead of his verdict over corruption and money laundering charges outside the Malaysia's Court of Appeal and Federal Court in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Friday. (Photo: Bloomberg)Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak used financier Jho Low as a “proxy or agent” in the affairs of 1MDB, a judge said in an ongoing ruling on 25 1MDB-related charges against the politician. “The attempt by the accused to distance himself from Jho Low rang hollow in the light of the overwhelming evidence of these prosecution witnesses,” Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said in the High Court. The judge said he found no merit in defense claims of duplication among the abuse of power charges. 1MDB was a state investment fund that Najib set up while prime minister.

The next government will need to address falling rice prices for farmers, who earlier this year demanded better support to tackle the problem. Thai rice exports next year are expected to decline as they struggle to compete on prices, Arada Fuangtong, head of the foreign trade department, told a press conference. In 2025, rice shipments are projected to reach 7.88 million to 8 million tonnes, beating a target of 7.5 million, helped by strong year-end demand, Arada said. In the first 11 months of ​2025, rice shipments dropped 21% year-on-year to 7.3 million tonnes, with the value down 30.3%. "The strong ‍baht has continued to create problems for rice exports," she said.

Myanmar to hold third phase of election voting on Jan 25Listen to this articleFILE PHOTO: Myanmar protesters residing in Japan hold placards and raise three-finger salutes during a rally denouncing an upcoming election led by the military junta and demanding the immediate release of Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, outside Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Dec 14, 2025. (Reuters)‍Myanmar will hold a third phase of voting for ‌its general election ​on Jan 25, according to an announcement on state media on Friday, outlining a poll plan that comes amid a raging ‌civil war in the neighbouring country. The first two phases of voting are set ‌to take place on Dec 28 and Jan 11, covering a total of 202 townships out ⁠of a total of 330. The third phase will be held in 63 townships, the ruling junta said in an announcement by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. Dates for the counting of votes and ‌the ‍announcement of election results have not yet been declared.

Prawit prepares to retire from politics after withdrawing as PM candidateListen to this articlePalang Pracharath leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon visits the Suranaree Task Force base in Surin province on July 31, 2025, for a briefing on the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. (Photo: Palang Pracharath Party Facebook account)Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon has signalled his intention to step away from politics after withdrawing as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. His plan to end his political career had been widely expected after the retired general decided not to stand as the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the Feb 8 election. Gen Prawit played a key role in backing then army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha in the 2014 coup and in the subsequent governments led by Gen Prayut. Palang Pracharath secretary-general Treenuch Thienthong, who is also education minister in the current government, is set to be nominated as his replacement.

Defence Ministry clarifies Cambodia's ceasefire callListen to this articleThe Defence Ministry yesterday clarified that a letter sent by Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha did not explicitly declare a ceasefire, although it carried implications that Cambodia wished hostilities to cease and sought further discussion through bilateral mechanisms. According to RAdm Surasant, a subsequent letter from Gen Tea Seiha, dated Dec 22, similarly stopped short of formally declaring a ceasefire. While the wording suggested Cambodia's intention to halt fighting, it did not amount to a direct or binding declaration. The current round of GBC talks is taking place at the Ban Phak Kat permanent border crossing in Chanthaburi province, beginning on Wednesday. He said the success of the talks depended on Cambodia, which Thailand believes initiated the current situation.

PM race exit sparks disarrayListen to this articleThe Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has been thrown into disarray after its leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, reportedly withdrew as one of the party's PM candidates due to health concerns. Three individuals have quit the party since Gen Prawit stepped aside amid rumours he may also be considering retiring from politics. Gen Prawit's withdrawal was announced by PPRP deputy leader Paiboon Nititawan on Wednesday. According to Mr Paiboon, Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong, the party secretary-general, will be nominated as a replacement candidate, and Gen Prawit will remain the party leader. He thanked Gen Prawit for his generosity and kindness during his short stint with the party.

Rival parties outline conscription plansListen to this articleThe People's Party (PP) and the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) have placed military conscription reform at the forefront of their policy platforms, but while both emphasise voluntary service, their proposals differ in clarity, implementation and scale. BJT leader Anutin Charnvirakul earlier announced that his party would "end the conscription mindset" by transforming compulsory enlistment into a fully voluntary system. In contrast, the PP has unveiled a more detailed blueprint centred on abolishing conscription altogether, while still maintaining essential combat readiness. It plans to recruit at least 30,000 volunteers per year, each serving four years with the option to extend to eight. The party also pledges improved welfare and working conditions to make military service more appealing and professional.

Army says ICJ didn't define disputed areaListen to this articleThe Royal Thai Army's Second Area Command has issued a detailed clarification, stressing that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has never defined the 4.6-square-kilometre area surrounding Preah Vihear temple and that Thailand continues to adhere to the boundaries shown on the 1:50,000 map, which remains the country's official reference. The RTA said the widely cited 4.6km² "disputed zone" emerged not from the ICJ judgement but from conflicting interpretations. Thailand's cabinet in 1962 recognised Cambodia's rights only over the temple itself and fenced the area narrowly. The court also reaffirmed that Phu Makua was not part of the temple area. Thailand retains the lawful right to protect its sovereignty under international law, including measures to neutralise security threats posed by Cambodian positions overlooking Thai territory.