Local action protects critically endangered bird species
09:55Local action protects critically endangered bird speciesThe vulnerable white‑shouldered ibis parrot has become unexpectedly common in Nonthaburi and nearby Pathum Thani, thanks partly to grassroots conservation by a local gas‑strut specialist who installed artificial nests around a Buddhist temple. Despite growing community support, the birds still face threats from escaped pet parrots, the loss of old nesting trees and shrinking green spaces, prompting calls to protect urban trees and habitat so the species can persist.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 03:22 UTC
'Double standards' in cabinet picks
'Double standards' in cabinet picksPeople's Party list MP-elect Rukchanok Srinork has accused Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of applying double standards in forming a new cabinet, questioning the possible appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin despite what she described as a record of controversies. In a Facebook post, Ms Rukchanok welcomed reports that Mr Anutin intends to introduce stricter criteria for cabinet appointments. She noted that the prime minister had reportedly rejected certain Pheu Thai Party nominees as part of that effort. However, she questioned whether the same standards were being applied within Mr Anutin's own ranks, singling out Mr Suchart, who is widely seen as a potential cabinet pick. Later yesterday, Mr Suchart assigned his legal team to file a complaint against Ms Rukchanok at Bang Phlat police station.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 02:00 UTC
Chula-WEF forum warns of rising systemic risks
Chula-WEF forum warns of rising systemic risksThailand faces a wave of interconnected systemic risks from 2026 onwards, spanning economic, social and geopolitical dimensions, experts warned at the 5th Chula-WEF Global Future Forum yesterday. Experts cautioned that high household debt, along with rapid expansion of informal lending, is deepening financial woes among vulnerable groups. To counter this, Prof Wilert urged curriculum reform to align academic programmes with shifting labour market demands. Environmental risks, including extreme weather and escalating geopolitical tensions, were also identified as persistent threats to economic productivity. At the macro level, participants at the forum emphasised adopting a more holistic approach, aligning national budget allocations with long-term priorities.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 00:50 UTC
Contactless payments coming to four MRT lines
Contactless payments coming to four MRT linesA new connectivity scheme led by the Transport Ministry is set to implement contactless payments across four MRT railway lines to expand the common ticketing system from June 1. This led to the cancellation of the old top-up ticket card, which affected both lines, said Mr Phiphat. Anyone who holds the top-up card can request refunds at ticket booths from tomorrow and throughout this year. They can also register for a Mangmoom EMV card at the booths for a fee waiver. The ministry is set to expand the common ticketing system into other forms of public transport, including metro buses and cross-provincial buses, said Mr Phiphat.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 00:50 UTC
DSI seeks charges over drug precursors
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has forwarded a major narcotics-related case to public prosecutors, seeking charges against suspects linked to the possession of 800 tonnes of chemical precursors allegedly capable of producing up to 1 billion methamphetamine pills. The case stems from a joint operation in late 2025 by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the DSI, and the Department of Industrial Works. Forensic examinations confirmed the substances could be used as precursors or catalysts in the manufacture of illicit drugs. The DSI has recommended prosecutors seek court approval to confiscate the seized chemicals. The case has also been referred to the DSI's Narcotics Crime Division to explore possible drug conspiracy charges.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 00:50 UTC
Oil slick threatens tourism, triggers marine life worries
The vessel, carrying 297 containers, sank at a depth of 61 metres between Phromthep Cape and Koh Kaeo Noi. Authorities confirmed that a substantial volume of heavy fuel oil remained onboard at the time of the sinking, raising serious concerns about leakage and its impact on marine ecosystems and coastal tourism. Officials from the Mu Koh Racha Marine Protected Area Management Centre and the Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Centre reported that, as of Thursday, oil slicks were still surfacing near the wreck site. At Ao Tue, Ao La and Ao Siam bays, tar balls were found scattered in patches across sandy stretches and rocky shorelines. Further traces of pollution were recorded along an 80–100-metre section of Kahang Beach on Coral Island (Koh Hae), affecting local tourism operators and prompting intensified clean-up efforts.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 00:25 UTC
Court orders seizure of B13bn scam assets
The Civil Court yesterday ordered the confiscation of more than 13 billion baht in assets in four cases linked to scam networks. The largest seizure involves assets worth 12 billion baht belonging to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak, businessman and lobbyist Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, and three Thai women. Another forfeiture concerns about 345 million baht in assets belonging to Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, founder of the US-sanctioned Prince Group, who was extradited from Cambodia to China for prosecution in early January. The court also ordered the seizure of 560 million baht in assets belonging to Cambodian businessman Kok An and associates, who face charges of participating in a transnational crime syndicate and money laundering, as well as 46 million baht in assets belonging to Eua-angkun Santirakyothin and associates. Dentons Pisut issued a statement on behalf of Yim Leak and Veereenyah Yim in response to reports concerning inquiries and asset-freezing actions by Amlo.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 00:25 UTC
Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline company
Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline companyAt the heart of the North Dakota case against Greenpeace was the Dakota Access Pipeline, where from 2016 to 2017 the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led one of the largest anti-fossil fuel protests in US history. (Photo: AFP)WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Greenpeace must pay $345 million in damages to the operator of the US oil pipeline it protested, a North Dakota court ordered Friday. Judge James Gion of North Dakota cut those damages in half, determining some damages had been counted twice. "This legal fight is far from over," Kristin Casper, Greenpeace International general counsel, said in a statement to AFP. Greenpeace International in 2025 announced plans to counter-sue ET in the Netherlands, where the NGO's international headquarters are, accusing the company of using nuisance lawsuits to suppress dissent.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 28, 2026 00:11 UTC
SSO's LINE sticker costs draw scrutiny
People’s Party MP-elect Rukchanok Srinork, right, speaks to reporters in front of the Social Security Office (SSO) during a visit to the Ministry of Labour on Thursday. The SSO is facing renewed criticism following reports that it spent nearly 70 million baht on its LINE Official Account and sticker campaign. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Social Security Office (SSO) is facing renewed criticism following reports that it spent nearly 70 million baht on its LINE Official Account and sticker campaign. LINE Thailand later clarified that the SSO received the best sponsored sticker award in the public sector category. Thirachart Kortrakul, a party-list candidate from the People's Party (PP), questioned the reported 69.5-million-baht expenditure and urged greater public scrutiny.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 22:55 UTC
PM denies cabinet rumours
PM denies cabinet rumoursPheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate and list-MP-elect Yodchanan Wongsawat leads a group of MPs to register with the Secretariat of the House of Representatives on the second day of registration. (Photo: Chanant Katanyu)Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has rejected a list of veteran politicians who could serve in the cabinet from the Pheu Thai Party. Mr Anutin said on Friday no talks have been held yet with any parties, "either on the cabinet posts or anything else". Reports also confirm that the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat is tipped for the higher education ministerial post, while party leader Julapun Amornvivat is expected to become education minister. After that, the prime minister will submit the list of ministerial candidates for background checks prior to royal endorsement.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 22:47 UTC
EC under fire over lawsuits
(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The Election Commission (EC) is facing mounting criticism after filing criminal complaints against six individuals who publicly questioned aspects of the most recent general election, including alleged irregularities involving QR codes and barcodes printed on ballot papers. The EC lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) against a group accused of photographing ballot papers and their counterfoils and attempting to decode QR codes and barcodes printed on both constituency and party-list ballots. Investigators are expected to meet in early March before agreeing with the EC whether to call in the accused. The Democrat Party slammed the EC, arguing that citizens have a constitutional right to scrutinise the electoral process provided they do not obstruct officials. In contrast, Mr Somchai urged the EC not to withdraw its complaint, saying court proceedings could allow judicial scrutiny and compel disclosure of evidence not yet made public.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 22:46 UTC
CPF confident for 2026 after profit surge
CPF confident for 2026 after profit surgeCharoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) reported a net profit of 25.2 billion baht for 2025, a 29% year-on-year increase, primarily attributed to stronger gross profit margins. CPF recorded total sales revenue of 571 billion baht, a 2% year-on-year decrease, mainly due to baht appreciation, which affected financial results from its overseas operations. As a result, CPF's gross profit increased by 14% year-on-year, with the gross profit margin improving to 16.9%. "Despite multiple challenges, including a subdued economic environment, foreign exchange pressure from a stronger baht, and intensified industry competition, CPF achieved a net profit of 25.2 billion baht last year," he said. In addition, the board resolved to propose to shareholders an increase in the company's bond issuance programme by 50 billion baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 22:18 UTC
Dual pricing as Thailand's tourism dilemma
Dual pricing as Thailand's tourism dilemmaThailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign visitors in 2025, a 7.23% decline from the year before. In the second episode of Bangkok Post’s Why Bangkok, the series turns its lens on one of tourism’s most persistent grievances: dual pricing. The Price of EntryDual pricing is not unique to Thailand. Taxis and tuk tuks operating outside fixed-rate systems have historically been the most common source of complaints, and regulating individual drivers remains difficult. “But now they’ve shifted away from taxis and tuk tuks, they just use Grab or Bolt.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 22:07 UTC
Revenge on the cards as Angels seek payback against Warriors
Revenge on the cards as Angels seek payback against WarriorsLamphun Warriors and Bangkok United face off in a rematch of their FA Cup quarter-final clash in Thai League 1 this weekend. Third-placed Ratchaburi will also be aiming to bounce back from their FA Cup loss at the hands of Ayutthaya United when they take on Uthai Thani. Second-placed Port will visit bitter rivals Muang Thong United at Thunder Dome Stadium on Sunday. The Kirins are second bottom with just 14 points from 21 games and have not won in their last eight matches. Also on Sunday, Kanchanaburi host Chiang Rai, Prachuap visit bottom side Nakhon Ratchasima and BG Pathum welcome Sukhothai.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 21:50 UTC
Keeping allies apart
Under the current arithmetic, BJT controls 193 seats, Pheu Thai brings 74, and smaller parties provide the remainder needed for a workable majority. Conspicuously absent is the Klatham Party, which holds 58 seats. Without Klatham, Pheu Thai becomes the coalition's only major partner, giving it considerable bargaining power. Critics argue this could leave BJT exposed should relations deteriorate, as a Pheu Thai withdrawal would immediately imperil the government's parliamentary majority. Rumours are circulating of a possible alternative alliance involving PP, Pheu Thai and Klatham -- a combination that would surpass the 250-seat threshold.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 27, 2026 19:36 UTC