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.

Find Your Place in the World at MUIC! At Mahidol University International College (MUIC), you're not just a student—you're part of a global family. You can choose a path that inspires you from our 17 majors and connect with classmates and teachers from all over the world. Applied MathematicsBiological SciencesChemistryComputer ScienceFood Science and TechnologyPhysicsBachelor of Arts and Science (B.A.Sc.) Here are the dates to save:Time to Apply: January 13 - 27, 2026January 13 - 27, 2026 Exam Day: February 14, 2026February 14, 2026 First Day of Your Future: April 20, 2026Ready to learn more and take the leap?

Ten-man Buriram too good for SukhothaiListen to this articleSasalak Haiprakhon hugs Robert Zulj after setting up the latter for a goal against Sukhothai. Buriram United demonstrated resilience and composure as they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sukhothai in Thai League 1 on Wednesday night despite being reduced to ten men midway through the first half. The opening exchanges were cagey, with Buriram dictating possession yet struggling to penetrate a disciplined Sukhothai defence. The red card forced Buriram to reorganise, and the sides went into the interval goalless. The champions held firm to claim all three points, moving to 40 points from 15 matches, while Sukhothai remain on 18.

Tanker driver falls asleep, kills fourRescuers recover the bodies of passengers from a Toyota Fortuner, which was struck by a fuel tanker in Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday morning. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)Four people were killed and two badly injured after the driver of a fuel tanker fell asleep at the wheel, hitting a roadside power pole before crashing into another vehicle in Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday morning. Rescuers called to the scene found the tanker, containing diesel fuel, on its side on the road median. Nearby was a white Toyota Fortuner with six passengers. The tanker driver, who sustained minor injuries, told police he was travelling to deliver fuel in Ubon Ratchathani and had fallen asleep while driving.

Border operations 'strictly defensive'Listen to this articleThai troops discover four additional PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines near the Ta Kwai temple along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin province where a Thai soldier was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine on Thursday. (Photo: Royal Thai Army)The military has reiterated that its operations along the Thai–Cambodian border are strictly defensive, with no intention of occupying territory or destroying the opposing state. Meanwhile, Army Chief of Staff Gen Chaipruk Duangpraphat said military operations remain on track, with most objectives already achieved. He confirmed that clashes continue in some areas, requiring Thai forces to proceed with operations to secure remaining objectives as quickly as possible. He said Thai forces have regained control of about 90% of areas within Thai sovereign territory.

The politics of taste in our election seasonListen to this articleMembers of the Klatham Party cheer after announcing 500 constituency and party-list MP candidates, along with the party's prime ministerial candidate, at BITEC Bangna. The recent SEA Games were a good example of the heady mash-up between taste and politics. What was implied was that Mr Thamanat and his underlings had bad taste -- a characteristic bureaucratic unsophistication of Thai rachakarn that has steadfastly yielded uncool, even ugly graphics. By default, taste involves judging others who don't share your taste, subsequently classifying people into strata (yours is often the topmost). Taste is cynical, because it ostracises and simplifies -- those who thought the SEA Games opening was a blast had provincial taste, and they'd surely vote for so-and-so.