Sony to exit Blu-ray disc recorder market amid rise of streaming services
KYODO — Sony Corporation stated on Monday that it has decided to exit the Blu-ray disc recorder market as the widespread availability of streaming services has snuffed out demand, with final shipments of recorders to begin in February this year. Sony, a wholly owned subsidiary and the electronics unit of Sony Group Corp, has already ended production of Blu-ray recorders and ceased manufacturing recordable discs in February last year. But demand for the storage media has steadily declined with the rise of video streaming services such as Netflix and TVer, a catch-up streaming service jointly run by Japanese television networks. According to the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, domestic shipments of Blu-ray recorders peaked at 6.39 million units in 2011 but stood at less than 10% of that figure in 2025 at 620,000 units. The Japanese company is pivoting to entertainment businesses, such as anime and films, as part of its strategy to accelerate expansion.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 16:02 UTC
Dems to review strategy as poll results 'below target'
Dems to review strategy as poll results 'below target'Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (in white shirt) and key party figures including party secretary-general Chaiwut Bannawat, centre, hold a press conference after the general election Sunday evening. Pornprom SatrabhayaThe Democrat Party is preparing to overhaul its strategy and internal operations, said party secretary-general Chaiwut Bannawat, after unofficial results showed the party is poised to win just 22 seats in the House of Representatives — slightly below its target. Mr Chaiwut noted in several constituencies in the South, Democrat candidates came close to winning the race. He admitted the Democrat Party began preparations relatively late and had limited time to campaign, making it difficult to catch up in the province. Mr Chaiwut said the party’s executive committee will meet on Feb 11 to review the party's performance in the election, analyse strengths and weaknesses, and consider structural adjustments.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 15:13 UTC
Bad Bunny celebrates Puerto Rico in joyous Super Bowl halftime show
Bad Bunny wore an all-white ensemble, with a football jersey featuring the number "64" and "Ocasio," before donning a classy suit jacket. At the end of the set, after listing Latin American countries, Puerto Rico and the United States, Bad Bunny spiked a football that said "Together, we are America." But the decision to showcase his work at the Super Bowl in California met with conservative outrage - specifically about the idea that he would not sing in English. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defended the choice, calling Bad Bunny "one of the great artists of the world." But JLo and Shakira did not perform exclusively in Spanish, leaving Bad Bunny to set that benchmark.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 15:05 UTC
Family matters: Thaksin's party down, maybe not out
Family matters: Thaksin's party down, maybe not outThe party built by Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - who is currently in prison - had its worst ever election result, raising questions about the party's future. Bangkok retiree Pipat Saeteaw, 72, used to be a staunch supporter of Pheu Thai and the Shinawatras, but no longer. "I don't vote for the Pheu Thai Party anymore." The party was devastated in Thaksin's home province of Chiang Mai, one of its traditional strongholds, where for the first time ever it lost every constituency, party officials acknowledged. He has various options to form a coalition, including with Pheu Thai, but analysts at BMI, of Fitch Solutions, said that combination was now less likely.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 14:31 UTC
Finance chief vows to keep policy stable
Finance chief vows to keep policy stableThe new government has pledged to expedite the implementation of the second phase of the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' co-payment stimulus programme once it has been formed over the coming months, alongside greater economic investment. He said the current government, which has been in office for only four months, adopted the “Quick Big Win” policy as its core approach. The policy will build on the existing framework in order to stimulate an economic recovery and achieve a broader distribution of income, he said. According to Mr Ekniti, the government will also focus on making 2026 it the year of investment in order to enhance the country’s economic potential. Regarding the second phase of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment programme, Mr Ekniti confirmed that once the new government is formed, it would expedite the implementation of this phase.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 14:29 UTC
Anutin readies for coalition talks after election win
Anutin readies for coalition talks after election winThe party of Thailand's PM Anutin Charnvirakul finished first in Sunday's election but short of an outright majorityCaretaker premier Anutin Charnvirakul was preparing for coalition talks Monday after a stunning election victory for his Bhumjaithai Party. The progressive People's Party trailed at a little above 100 seats, while jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Pheu Thai party came in third. Pheu Thai is seen as a likely coalition partner for Anutin. Anutin, who took office in September, would not discuss coalition talks on Sunday, noting the election results remained unofficial. One political analyst expected Bhumjaithai to "move quickly" to form a government in which its interests would prevail.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 13:57 UTC
A state of repose
Enter Kai Hakone, located on the old Tokaido road in Hakone Yumoto onsen area. Kai Hakone is a charming hot spring ryokan where the healing waters of Mount Yusaka. Part of the check-in process at Kai Hakone is a short presentation from the “yumori” or hot spring concierge on the history of the hot spring, its qualities and effective ways to bathe. Teahouses known as “chaya” were the source of refreshment for people who travelled between the two cities and at Kai Hakone, the tradition of refreshment is continued. There are few places like Kai Hakone with spacious rooms and lots of free amenities.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 13:54 UTC
NACC finds 44 ex‑Move Forward MPs guilty over bid to amend lèse‑majesté law
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is among those accused of seriously violating ethical standards for trying to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as lèse-majesté law. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) on Monday found 44 former Move Forward Party MPs—now mostly with the People’s Party—guilty over their 2023 pledge to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lèse‑majesté law. Ten of the 44 accused, including People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, were newly elected as MPs in Sunday’s general election. The People’s Party finished second in the election, behind the Bhumjaithai Party. Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, is surrounded by supporters in Chiang Mai province on Jan 12, 2025.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 13:40 UTC
Fifty-three migrants dead or missing after boat capsizes off Libya
Fifty-three people were dead or missing after a boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast. (Image: Google Maps)ROME — Fifty-three migrants, including two babies, were dead or missing after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported on Monday. The Geneva-based agency said two survivors were rescued after the boat overturned north of Zuwara on Friday. "According to survivor accounts, the boat -- carrying migrants and refugees of African nationalities departed from Al-Zawiya, Libya, at around 11pm on Feb 5. It called for stronger international cooperation to tackle the networks, alongside safe and regular migration pathways to reduce risks and save lives.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 12:56 UTC
Woman motorcyclist assaulted after petty road dispute
She told reporters that the assault occurred about 7pm on Feb 7 outside an apartment building in Soi Mitmaitri 5, tambon Bang Muang, Muang district. CCTV footage shows the attacker parking his motorcycle, removing his helmet and confronting 37-year-old Ms Potjanee as she rode past. Both parties subsequently filed assault complaints at Muang Samut Prakan police station. Pol Col Chakkrit Srirotjanakul, superintendent of Muang Samut Prakan police, confirmed both parties had filed complaints and been sent for medical examinations. About 10 delivery riders gathered outside the police station to monitor the case progress and protest against the assailant's violent behaviour.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 12:20 UTC
Klatham expects to be in Bhumjaithai-led coalition
(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasil)The Klatham Party, which finished fourth in Sunday's general election, expects to be part of a coalition government led by poll winner Bhumjaithai, along with some smaller parties. An informed source within Klatham said on Monday that such a coalition would control about 290 votes in the 500 member House of Representatives. People with a conservative mindset emphasised national security, the Klatham source said. If the new government coalition were to include Pheu Thai, voters would feel betrayed. If excluded from the government coalition, Pheu Thai would be blocked from recovering and growing.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 11:35 UTC
AssetWise to maintain focus on Phuket
AssetWise to maintain focus on PhuketAn artist's rendition of Biancana Surin Beach condo, one of six new residential projects AssetWise plans to launch in Phuket this year. The focus was Phuket, where AssetWise launched eight projects worth a combined 19.3 billion baht, up from an initial plan of five projects valued at 12.2 billion baht. Phuket's presales contribution rose from 3.4 billion baht, or 21%, in 2023 to 7.7 billion baht, or 40%, in 2024. This year AssetWise plans to launch 11 projects worth a combined 17.6 billion baht, comprising six projects valued at 10.1 billion in Phuket and five projects worth 7.45 billion in Greater Bangkok. The company aims to achieve 18.5 billion baht in presales and 12.5 billion baht in revenue in 2026.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 11:06 UTC
Bhumjaithai leader admits election result 'beyond expectations'
Bhumjaithai leader admits election result 'beyond expectations'Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul presses hands while election campaigning in Si Sa Ket province bordering Cambodia on Feb 4. (Photo: Bhumjaithai Party)Anutin Charnvirakul has admitted he was surprised by the overwhelming support his Bhumjaithai Party received in the general election, and credited patriotism as a key factor that propelled the party to victory on Sunday. This is a huge leap up from the previous election in 2023, when Bhumjaithai won only 71 seats - 68 from constituencies and only three from the party list. "Bhumjaithai was ridiculed before the election for its patriotic campaigning," he said. "If Bhumjaithai is given a chance to form a new government, I will follow the result of the referendum," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 10:05 UTC
Workers hospitalised after building collapses at training centre
Workers hospitalised after building collapses at training centreRescuers approach the collapsed building at the Bang Phli Metropolitan Electricity Authority training centre in Bang Sao Thong district in Samut Prakan province on Monday. (Photo: Fire and Rescue Thailand)A domed building collapsed at the Bang Phli electricity authority training centre in Bang Sao Thong district in Samut Prakan on Monday, injuring four construction workers. The building, on soi Kan Kheha Haeng Chat Bang Phli, crumpled about 11.45am, Fire and Rescue Thailand reported. Volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and Bang Phli emergency responders were dispatched to the scene. Public access had been restricted for the time being and stricter enforcement of safety standards ordered at the construction site.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 09:57 UTC
Hong Kong, Singapore to be biggest winners as global capital flows shift to Asia: DBS CEO
Hong Kong, Singapore to be biggest winners as global capital flows shift to Asia: DBS CEODBS CEO Tan Su Shan expects international investors to deploy capital across IPOs, private assets, precious metals and digital assets. "Global capital flows are changing, and that is going to become increasingly important to Asia," she said. "Singapore and Hong Kong, as financial hubs, will both be winners in capturing the capital flows." "We have seen a lot of growth in trade between the Middle East, North Asia and Southeast Asia," she said. "Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are also creating a very strong capital markets hub."
Source:Bangkok Post
February 09, 2026 09:57 UTC