The two-month-old Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in 2024. Jetjaras Na RanongChon Buri: Khao Kheow Open Zoo has issued a statement addressing concerns over the living conditions of viral baby pygmy hippo "Moo Deng" while announcing plans for a habitat expansion. The zoo explained that marks visible in photos of Moo Deng's habitat were animal droppings -- a natural hippo behaviour used to mark territory. Construction will be managed carefully to avoid disturbing Moo Deng and his mother, Jonah. The post attracted 3.9 million views, sparking debate over zoo animal welfare.

Price swings weigh on Thai silver exportsVisitors explore jewellery on display during the last edition of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair. Somchai PoomlardTrade policy uncertainties and silver price volatility are creating challenges for Thailand's silver jewellery industry, as buyers are reluctant to place new orders, according to the Thai Silver Exporters Association. Mr Sidthisak said the surge in silver prices has resulted in a 20-30% increase in silver jewellery prices for consumers. India is a major silver jewellery producer and an important importer of Thai silver products. Thailand's silver jewellery exports surged by 31.6% year-on-year to $2.52 billion in 2025, according to the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand.

Severe heat alarm soundsThe Department of Medical Services (DoMS) has issued an advisory urging citizens and businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer, which is expected to be more severe than last year. DoMS deputy director-general Dr Akkarathan Jitnuyanon said global temperatures are rising, with Thailand facing particular risks of heatstroke. He noted that hot weather can also exacerbate chronic illnesses, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Five vulnerable groups will be closely monitored: the elderly, young children, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases, and those with limited access to cooling or clean water. Indoor heat, he said, can be managed by staying hydrated, staying in cool, well-ventilated spaces, using fans, and avoiding midday outdoor activities.

Thais urged to go global amid volatile marketsMaybank Securities (Thailand) recommends investors explore US, China and Vietnam DRs as stock markets remain volatile amid shifting US economic policies and persistent geopolitical risks. Global markets will remain volatile as shifting US economic policies, an evolving interest rate cycle, an uneven global recovery, and persistent geopolitical risks normalise market swings, warns Maybank Securities (Thailand). For 2026, Maybank recommends DRs linked to developed markets, particularly the US, as the core of portfolios. Among emerging markets, Vietnam stands out as a structural growth engine, supported by rising domestic consumption, manufacturing relocation, and sustained infrastructure investment. "In 2026, Maybank advises blending global DR exposure, spanning the US, China and Vietnam, with selective Thai equities to balance stability from developed markets and growth from emerging economies," noted Mr Kitichan.

Work to begin Feb 23A mounted parade training is underway in preparation for the procession in the royal cremation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The training was held at the 2nd Cavalry Division grounds (Sanam Pao) in Bangkok. Royal Thai ArmyFeb 23 has been set as the official start date for construction of the royal crematorium for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, the government said. The date was agreed after the government convened a meeting on Tuesday to advance preparations for the royal cremation ceremony. The traditional ceremony to mark the placement of the foundation marker is scheduled for Feb 23.

CP Group touts tech strategyMr Teerapon says technology-driven operations are required for CP Group as it evolves. Thailand boasts high food availability as a top global exporter, yet faces significant food security challenges, he said. Food safety is a critical pillar of food security, centred on preventing contamination and foodborne illnesses, according to CP. CP is committed to advancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, as well as enhancing supply chain resilience, said Mr Teerapon. To escape from decades of losses, Mr Teerapon said the government should provide more essential incentives to attract tech industries.

BoT to monitor KBank after Gulf purchaseThe central bank placed KBank under stricter supervision after Gulf raised its stake in the bank to 10%. The Bank of Thailand is monitoring the increased shareholding in Kasikornbank (KBank) of 10% by Gulf Development Plc, saying KBank will be placed under intensified supervisory oversight. Gulf's shareholding in KBank in November last year increased to more than 5%, up from 4.53% as of March 13, 2025. According to Somchai Lertlarpwasin, assistant governor for financial institutions supervision at the central bank, KBank previously reported its shareholders when Gulf's stake reached 5% of the bank's total issued shares. The central bank also prioritises corporate governance in the operations of financial institutions.

Yuthasak Supasorn, chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand and a former governor of the TAT, said the country is facing a severe overconcentration of tourism income. Mr Yuthasak said tourism revenue depends heavily on foreign visitors. In November, she said foreign visitors contributed just 8.23 million baht of the province's total 666 million baht in tourism revenue. "Second-tier provinces generally generate weaker tourism revenue, especially from foreign markets, compared with major destinations. In Italy, the Albergo Diffuso model converts abandoned villages into "distributed hotels", using existing homes and communal spaces to generate local income and preserve cultural heritage.

Traders say gold prices are in consolidation mode, with a resurgence expected in a few months. In 2024, prices soared 2.37% and 0.58% over those periods, while last year, gold increased 4% and slid 0.11%, respectively, according to local trader Hua Seng Heng. Siriluck Pakotiprapha, vice-president of the research department at Hua Seng Heng Futures Co, said gold prices seem to be influenced by other factors than strong demand. The developments have prompted gold prices to consolidate, she said, projecting $5,100 an ounce as a major resistance level and $4,900 for support. Once the global price exceeds $5,100, the next resistance will be at $5,140, she said.

Adrian Lee celebrates his win over Shozo Isojima at ONE Fight Night 40Even in the immediate aftermath of his first-round stoppage in Bangkok, Adrian Lee was already thinking about the next one. The 19-year-old lightweight rebounded from last year’s first professional defeat with a composed TKO win over Shozo Isojima at ONE Fight Night 40, moving to 4-1 and steadying his upward trajectory in ONE Championship. Against Isojima, Lee looked sharper – and more patient. “You learn new things every fight,” Lee said. Older brother Christian Lee celebrates with Adrian Lee after his first-round TKO of Shozo Isojima“I want to stay as active as possible,” he said.

Cabinet clears early M6 payoutsThe cabinet on Tuesday approved amendments to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract for the M6 Motorway (Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima), allowing earlier payments to the private operator after state construction delays caused disruption to the timeline. The original contract stipulated that payments for system work could only be made after the motorway opened. The amendment allows the Department of Highways (DoH) to issue partial payments for completed and verified work before the opening. Ms Lalida said the completed work was recently valued at 128.55 million baht. The private partner agreed not to pursue damages, and, in addition, the 30-year concession period remains unchanged.

Some of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most vocal fans are up in arms over the Kremlin’s latest move to restrict the Telegram messaging service and push people to use a new state-backed alternative. Roskomnadzor said the new limits were because the service failed with Russian laws requiring personal data to be stored locally. “I don’t support proposals to introduce limitations on Telegram,” Mizulina posted on her Telegram channel last week. Several military bloggers on Telegram, including Arkhangel Spetsnaza, with over 1.1 million subscribers, said in posts the move risks leaving soldiers without communications. Downloads of an app designed to allow people access to Telegram without using a VPN have soared in recent days.

International golf stars, from left, Benedetta Moresco, He Muni, Lydia Ko, Pajaree Anannarukarn and Yuri Yoshida pose with a tuk-tuk. The unique activity blended world- class golf with local heritage, offering fans a glimpse of Thailand's charm beyond the course. The players enjoyed authentic tuk-tuk rides around the venue, sharing laughter and relaxed moments as tournament week officially gathered momentum. This week, I'm also planning to take some of the international players out for Thai seafood and local dishes -- as I always do." The atmosphere here is beautiful, and riding in a tuk-tuk made me feel even closer to Thai culture.

Japan backs drive against Mekong scammer gangsJapan has pledged 516 million yen (124 million baht) to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to strengthen cross-border cooperation against transnational organised crime in the Mekong region. The move comes amid rising losses from online scams and growing concern over related human rights abuses. The grant was formalised at a signing and exchange-of-notes ceremony on Monday at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Bangkok. Otaka Masato, Japan's ambassador to Thailand, said transnational crime increasingly affects countries indiscriminately, including Japan, which recorded losses of 320 million yen from online scams last year. He said the funding would enhance investigative capacity, improve law enforcement coordination and streng­then international cooperation among the four countries.

Dragons guard lead in raucous BandungRatchaburi players take part in a training session. RATCHABURI FC JIRAWAT SRIKONGThailand's Ratchaburi will be seeking to consolidate their advantage when they face Persib Bandung in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two later on Wednesday. The second leg will be staged at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7.15pm local time. Elsewhere, another Thai League 1 club, Bangkok United, will be in action on Thursday as they continue their own campaign in the competition. Venues must meet international standards for facilities and lighting, while sufficient hotel accommodation of four- and five-star quality is required.