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.

Democrat Party unveils 3 PM candidates for Feb 8 electionListen to this articleDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva leads party members to pay respects at Bangkok’s City Pillar Shrine on Friday morning. The party later introduced its three prime ministerial candidates - Mr Abhisit, Mr Korn and Ms Karndee - for the Feb 8 general election. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The Democrat Party has officially introduced its three prime ministerial candidates — party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy party leaders Korn Chatikavanij and Ms Karndee Leopairote — pledging to unite the party’s DNA to drive Thailand toward prosperity and eradicate poverty. The country's oldest political party released a video clip via is official Facebook page at about 10am on Friday formally announcing its three prime ministerial candidates for the Feb 8 general election. Earlier in the morning, Mr Abhisit accompanied by party members, paid respects to Bangkok’s City Pillar Shrine.

Princess names 43 new speciesListen to this articleHer Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has bestowed names on 43 newly discovered plant and animal species, underscoring Thailand's rich biological diversity and the importance of conservation -- particularly in the Sarakam River basin, one of the few major tributaries in the Mekong system free from dam construction. "To mark her 70th birthday, the network of taxonomists proposed 43 newly identified species to be named by the princess. With the latest additions, Princess Sirindhorn has now named a total of 84 species -- doubling the previous number in a single year since she first named a species, the Sirindhorn bird, in 1968. The 43 species span a wide range of life forms, including butterflies, mushrooms, flowering plants, earthworms, parasitic wasps, ants, millipedes, shrimps, shells, frogs, and snails. The Sarakam River stands out as the only major tributary without dams, making it a critical refuge for various species.

Meanwhile, gold prices are expected to moderate next year, though continue on an upward path. Mr Jitti predicts domestic gold prices could hit 70,000 baht per baht-weight next year if the baht is not “too strong”. Looking ahead to 2026, although gold prices are already at elevated levels, supporting factors remain for further increases, he said. The surging US public debt and the global push towards reducing reliance on the US dollar or de-dollarisation are additional factors supporting global gold prices, said Mr Thanarat. This convenience has accelerated trading activities, in turn contributing to greater volatility in gold prices, noted traders.

Power with no sensitivityListen to this articleThe border may be contested, but the message sent by bulldozing a Hindu god was unmistakable -- and damaging. Religious symbols do not lose their power because they are new. Yet here, the demolition of a Hindu god was greeted with applause. Bulldozing a god, broadcasting it proudly, and dismissing global outrage as misunderstanding do not signal sensitivity. If the country wants its claims to be taken seriously on the global stage, it must learn a basic lesson: power without cultural sensitivity does not project strength.

US urges Cambodia and Thailand to end weeks of deadly violenceListen to this articleVehicles carrying people who evacuate, amid deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, wait in a long line to get into a refugee camp in Chong Kal, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, on Dec 10, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Cambodia and Thailand to end violence as the two countries continue talks to end weeks of deadly clashes. Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump’s desire for peace in a call with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, according to a statement from the United States on Thursday. “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 in the statement. Five days of clashes in July ended with an initial ceasefire agreement mediated by Malaysia and the US.

His memorable words "murder your darlings" -- though often paraphrased -- have endured in the literary world because he made a very good point. Put simply, it means: get rid of the bits you love, because they are most likely not serving the plot. The movie is set in the wonderful Thai countryside and opens with a to-die-for sweeping shot across the rice fields, landing us on the playground of a junior school. Their striking innocence and unfiltered honesty are beautifully observed, and it is in this respect that the movie truly sings. It's a stellar performance -- though the singing voice of Lek is provided by the clear-toned Victoria Woodman.

Inspired by the titular video game, Exit 8 explores existential struggle in a meaningless world. The film opens by plunging viewers into an anonymous character, later known as the Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya), who commutes to work by underground train. Unable to make a decision, the Lost Man finds himself trapped in the metro subway. Despite initial hesitation, the Lost Man eventually finds a glimmer of hope in the Boy (Naru Asanuma). While getting close to the Lost Man, she just stops and blurts out laughter.

US launches Christmas Day strikes on IS targets in NigeriaListen to this articleUS President Donald Trump, spending the holidays at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, ordered Christmas Day strikes on Islamist fighters in Nigeria. PALM BEACH (UNITED STATES) - President Donald Trump said US forces conducted "powerful and deadly" strikes Thursday against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria, weeks after he warned against any systemic assault on Christians in the country. The Nigerian foreign ministry early Friday confirmed the air strikes, describing them as "precision hits on terrorist targets" in the country. The strikes hit IS targets on Christmas Day, according to Trump. The United States this year placed Nigeria back on the list of countries of "particular concern" regarding religious freedom, and has restricted the issuance of visas to Nigerians.

Australia reeling on 72-4 at lunch as England strike in 4th Ashes TestListen to this articleSteve Smith is bowled by Josh Tongue on the first day of the fourth Ashes TestMELBOURNE - Josh Tongue took three wickets as England tore through Australia's top order Friday on a bowler-friendly deck to leave the hosts in disarray at lunch on day one of the fourth Ashes Test. Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 21 after coming in at number five with Adelaide century-maker Alex Carey not out nine. Australia have already retained the Ashes after crushing eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run win in Adelaide, with England desperate to restore pride in Melbourne. Missing injured pace spearhead Jofra Archer, they reinstated Atkinson after he was axed for Adelaide and he opened the attack. Smith and Khawaja, who share more than 200 Tests of experience between them, began to stabilise the innings before Tongue struck again to remove the Australian captain and leave England in control.

EnglandSelfridges: A Most Magical ChristmasSelfridges creates a true global phenomenon through a landmark collaboration with Disney, unveiling "A Most Magical Christmas". The early launch of its Christmas Shop, with exclusive decorations and storytelling displays, has become a much-loved reminder that Christmas is coming. IrelandArnotts: We Believe, A Gingerbread Christmas at HomeArnotts has unveiled its Christmas windows, bringing "We Believe To Life" -- a festive celebration of magic that begins in the cosiness of home. Weekends bring even more festive joy, with Christmas carols, playful entertainment and the much-loved Santa Parade, which sold out within hours. Within the dedicated Christmas department, de Bijenkorf introduces the imaginative "Christmas Family", a creative concept designed exclusively for this year's ornament and product collections.