Listen to this articleRescuers recover the bodies of passengers from a Toyota Fortuner, which was struck by a fuel tanker in Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday morning. Rescuers called to the scene found the tanker, containing diesel fuel, tipped to its side on the depressed 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. Police charged the tanker driver with reckless driving causing death, and damaging government property.

Phuket ex-deputy governor accused of land-title graftListen to this articleKamala beach, Phuket province. This case involves the issuance of land title deeds No. 13897 in tambon Patong, Kathu district, covering a combined area of 13 rai, 3 ngan and 2.3 square wah, which was found to encroach on the Kamala mountain forest national reserved forest. Despite internal acknowledgment that the land lay within a national forest reserve, officials proceeded with steps leading to the approval of title deeds. On Feb 4, 2011, Niwit, acting as governor of Phuket, approved the issuance.

China urges travel agencies to reduce Japan-bound visitors by 40%Listen to this articleAn airplane of Japan Airlines (JAL) approaches to land at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan 5, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)KYODO — China has urged domestic travel agencies to reduce the number of Japan-bound tourists by 40%, industry sources said Thursday, amid a Beijing-Tokyo row over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a Taiwan contingency. Chinese nationals need to obtain visas to visit Japan and apply for them through designated travel agencies in China. According to Chinese media reports, more than 1,900 Japan-bound flights, or over 40% of the total, were cancelled in China in December, while 2,195 flights will be scrapped in January, also about 40%. Japanese statistics showed visitors from China rose only 3.0% in November from a year earlier, compared with a 22.8% rise in October, affected by the travel alert issued by the Chinese government.

Public advised to avoid comments that could inflame religion, race and royaltyListen to this articleA screenshot from a video showing a man in a green headscarf drinking a can of beer at a hair salon in Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR — Two people have been arrested in Malaysia after a viral video showing a man wearing a headscarf while drinking alcohol at a hair salon triggered religious sensitivities in the Muslim-majority country. The 28-second clip widely shared across social media showed a man wearing a green headscarf drinking a can of beer, prompting public anger over what many viewed as a mockery of Islamic practices. Alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam, and the headscarf is commonly associated with Muslim women. "Preliminary investigations found that the individual wearing the headscarf and consuming alcoholic beverages was a man," Kumar said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Sustained leadership in environmental, social and governance performance has once again placed Thaioil at the forefront of Thailand’s capital market, after the company received the highest AAA rating for the third consecutive year in the SET ESG Ratings 2025, announced by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The recognition, awarded within the Resources industry group, honours listed companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in conducting business in line with sustainable development principles. The company continues to operate under a comprehensive framework for sustainable business management and development across all dimensions, with particular emphasis on professional and effective environmental, social and governance (ESG) management, as outlined below. Social (S): Thaioil is committed to enhancing community and social well-being through sustainable development and long-term shared growth. Governance (G): Thaioil has established strategic business directions under the concept “Empowering Strength for Powering Growth”, aiming to build a resilient foundation that supports sustainable growth through low-carbon and environmentally friendly products.

Listen to this articleOpposition to the rule of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “cannot be silenced”, says Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, the wife of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. But Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said they have taken strength from her husband’s message “to never lose hope”. Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said the family is allowed weekly visits to see him in Silivri prison, west of Istanbul, where several other leading opponents of Erdogan are also being held. “Frankly, this silence has disappointed us,” Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said. ‘We are not alone’“Today I share the patience and resilience of the spouses of Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala,” Dilek Kaya Imamoglu told AFP in the written interview.

This is where the Thai Consular application, developed by the Department of Consular Affairs, becomes an essential travel companion. Designed specifically to support and protect Thai nationals abroad, the app reflects the Kingdom's proactive approach to modern consular services through digital innovation. Here are the five most popular destinations for Thai travellers who might encounter different risks and will find the consular app helpful. In the US, Thai travellers may encounter unfamiliar legal procedures related to traffic accidents, civil disputes or misunderstandings stemming from language and cultural differences. The consular app provides vital support through its Nearest Embassy feature, guiding users to the closest Thai diplomatic mission.

In response to the widespread impact of the floods, LG has provided immediate assistance in partnership with The Mirror Foundation. These comprehensive actions reflect LG’s dedication to aiding the recovery process and helping to bring the 'good life' back to those impacted by the disaster. This philosophy extends beyond developing innovative products; it signifies our responsibility to improve people's quality of life, especially during difficult times. LG remains committed to leveraging its corporate capabilities, in both innovation and resources, to support Thai society in overcoming crises and to continue enhancing the quality of life for all Thais. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/th or follow the latest news and activities on all of LG's social media channels.

Election volatility to hit Thai stock marketListen to this articleThailand's stock market is likely to face a volatile year in 2026 as political uncertainty surrounds the upcoming general election, raising concerns over a potential policy vacuum that would weigh on economic momentum and investor sentiment, according to Bualuang Securities (BLS). Thailand's return to campaign season is likely to generate short-term market fluctuations, said Piriyapon Kongvanich, a strategist at BLS. BLS noted political uncertainty is expected to weaken fiscal stimulus, which currently serves as the main engine of Thailand's economic growth. For the equity market, the brokerage maintains its SET index target of 1,440 points for 2026 under the base-case scenario. The Thai bourse is expected to remain under pressure during the first half of 2026 due to weak economic data caused by the policy gap.

(Screenshot)Cambodia continues to fire heavy weapons at Thai civilian areas despite repeated protests by Thailand in international forums, while spreading false accusations about Thailand through its embassies, Thai authorities said on Thursday. According to Col Kannanat, since armed hostilities resumed on Dec 7, Cambodia has fired rockets and shells at at least 150 Thai civilian areas. The incidents killed one Thai civilian and injured 13 others. “This clearly shows that Cambodia targets not only the Thai military forces but also Thai civilian areas.”Cambodia has responded that Thailand has struck civilian areas in its territory using both heavy weapons and daily sorties by F-16 fighter jets. Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, also said that most of the Thai targets of ongoing Cambodian attacks were civilian areas.

The reaction on Chinese social media to Peng’s death in Beijing on Sunday, just shy of her 96th ‌birthday, was less positive. Beijing launched the one-child policy as leaders worried about population growth potentially spiralling out of ⁠control. But China’s population, long the world’s highest, later slowed and last year tumbled for the third year in a row. “If the one-child policy had been implemented for 10 years less, China’s population would not have plummeted like this!” a Weibo post said. As population ‌tsar, Peng focused her commission’s work on the countryside.

Pheu Thai names 500 candidates for electionListen to this articleYoschanan Wongsawat, the first prime ministerial candidate of Pheu Thai and Thaksin Shinawatra's nephew. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The Pheu Thai Parry has unveiled its full slate of 500 election candidates, using the launch to sharpen its policy message and counter claims that its platform is rooted in populism. He identified four priorities for the next government should it be run by Pheu Thai. He emphasised the party’s blend of experience and new blood, saying Pheu Thai would deliver equal opportunity for every generation. Pheu Thai leader Julapun Amornvivat, another PM candidate, echoed similar sentiments, describing the election as decisive for Thailand’s future.

Chia Tai continues its 14-year commitment to agricultural education by awarding scholarships and research support to Kasetsart University students to nurture future leaders in Thailand’s agricultural sector. Continuing its long-standing commitment to agricultural education and talent development, Chia Tai has presented a contribution to the “Chia Tai–Dr. Manas Chiaravanond Scholarship Fund” for 2025, supporting teaching, learning and research initiatives at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Kasetsart University. In addition, Chia Tai awarded 53 undergraduate scholarships to students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen, across three categories: Outstanding Academic Achievement Scholarships, Academic Excellence Scholarships and Financial Aid Scholarships. Chia Tai also provides internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience, enhance their capabilities and establish stable career pathways, contributing to the long-term, sustainable advancement of Thailand’s agricultural industry.

Disaster response teams, heavy machinery have been deployed to high-risk zonesListen to this articlePeople in southern Thailand have been warned to prepare for possible flash floods, overflowing waterways and landslides from Thursday to Sunday, as strong monsoon winds and heavy rain affect the region. Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Somchai Leelanoi said on Thursday that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has placed seven southern provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat on high alert. This warning follows reports from the Southern East Coast Meteorological Centre of a strong northeast monsoon bringing heavy rainfall across the region. Authorities recommend downloading the “Thai Disaster Alert” application, available on iOS and Android, for real-time updates and warnings. The disaster affected 12 southern provinces, killing more than 270 people and disrupting the lives of millions.

Ninth Thai soldier loses leg from landmine in SurinListen to this articlePMN-2 landmines are seen on the western side of Hill 350 inside Thai territory near the Ta Kwai temple in Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin, in August 2025. (Photo: Royal Thai Army)Two Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on landmines, one losing leg, near the Thai-captured Ta Kwai temple in the northeastern province of Surin on Thursday afternoon. The location had been captured by the Thai troops on Dec 16. Sgt Nititham was the ninth Thai soldier to lose a limb from anti-personnel landmines, allegedly planted by Cambodian troops along the border, since July of this year. All told, 20 Thai soldiers have been injured in mine explosions.