Dalai Lama wins Grammy award for best audio book, angering China
LOS ANGELES — The Dalai Lama on Sunday won a Grammy award for best audio book, narration and storytelling recording, triggering backlash from China, which views him as a separatist seeking to split Tibet from the country. The 90-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader, who lives in exile in India, said in a statement he accepts the Grammy recognition for his audio book "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama" with "gratitude and humility." "I'm grateful that this Grammy recognition can help spread these messages more widely." In the 59-minute audio book, which was released last August, the religious leader speaks about his thoughts in English on such topics as harmony, health and peace. Born in 1935, he assumed the position of Tibetan Buddhist leader in 1940.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 13:24 UTC
OnlyFans in talks to sell 60% stake valuing firm at $3.5 billion
LONDON — British platform OnlyFans, known best for its adult content, is in talks to sell a 60% stake to an investment firm in a deal that would value the company at about US$3.5 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter. The talks are at an early stage, could take months to conclude and may not result in a deal, the person added. Architect Capital did not immediately return a request for comment. Little-known Architect Capital was founded in 2020 by James Sagan, who previously worked for a multifamily office and co-founded early-stage credit fund Arc Labs. Architect Capital has previously invested in North and South America, in areas like consumer financing and e-commerce.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 13:02 UTC
Airports of Thailand pushes increase in passenger service charge
Airports of Thailand pushes increase in passenger service chargeListen to this articleAirports of Thailand plans to raise its passenger service charge (PSC) on outbound international flights at six main airports by 53%, and believes it will not affect passenger numbers. AOT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said the service charge would rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht. Thailand is one of only a handful of countries with a PSC only on outbound flights. Most countries charge outbound, inbound and transit travellers, according to Ms Paweena. The Civil Aviation Board has approved the service charge increase in principle but it has yet to receive final approval from the transport minister, who is ex-officio board chairman.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 12:53 UTC
GWM to close ORA Good Cat line as it expands EV expansion in Thailand
GWM to close ORA Good Cat line as it expands EV expansion in ThailandListen to this articleOra Good Cat at the 2025 Motor Show. The decision comes as the Chinese automotive group shifts its focus towards a new generation of electric models. The company is preparing to introduce the all-new GWM ORA 5 SUV in Thailand in the near future, as part of a broader strategy to refresh and expand its product line-up. The ORA Good Cat, which has now been officially withdrawn from sale, recorded cumulative sales of 20,827 units during its four-year presence in Thailand. In 2022, the ORA Good Cat emerged as Thailand’s best-selling electric vehicle, helping to redefine consumer expectations and establish new benchmarks for the local EV industry.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 12:19 UTC
Trump threatens legal action against Grammy host over Epstein comment
Trump threatens legal action against Grammy host over Epstein commentListen to this articleSouth African comedian Trevor Noah hosting the 68th Annual Grammy AwardsWASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Donald Trump threatened legal action on Monday against the host of the 68th Grammy Awards over the comedian's comment on the US president and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After congratulating Billie Eilish for winning the Grammy for Song of the Year for her track "Wildflower," host Trevor Noah brought up Trump and Epstein. That's a Grammy that every artist wants -- almost as much as Trump wants Greenland," he quipped, referring to the president's threats to seize the autonomous Arctic territory. Noah then added: "Which makes sense because, since Epstein's gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton." More than three million documents were released on Friday that included mention of numerous powerful figures, including the 79-year-old president, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 12:05 UTC
Gaza's Rafah crossing makes limited reopening after two-year war
Gaza's Rafah crossing makes limited reopening after two-year warListen to this articleGaza's Rafah crossing is the territory's only gateway to the outside world that does not pass through Israel. The Rafah crossing with Egypt is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that does not lead to Israel and is a key access point for both people and goods. "The Rafah crossing is a lifeline," said Mohammed Nassir, a Palestinian who had his leg amputated after being injured early in the war. The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said the opening of the Rafah crossing "marks a concrete and positive step in the peace plan," for the war-battered territory. AlQahera News, citing Egypt's health ministry, reported that 150 hospitals and 300 ambulances had been prepared to receive Palestinian patients.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 11:25 UTC
Oil depot blaze kills driver, forces school evacuation
Oil depot blaze kills driver, forces school evacuationListen to this articleBlack smoke billows into the air from the burning oil storage depot in Kranuan district, Khon Kaen, on Monday morning. (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri)KHON KAEN - A fire gutted four oil tanker trucks, killed a driver and forced the evacuation of a school in Kranuan district on Monday morning. The blaze occurred at an oil depot operated by Nattapol Trucks and Oil Co in tambon Nong Ko about 9am. A truck driver was found dead at the scene. Mr Karom said he had ordered a strict check of the safety measures of all oil storage facilities and tanker trucks in Khon Kaen.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 11:06 UTC
Romance in the (polluted) air
Guru by Bangkok Post has compiled a list of celebrations in the city and beyond for St Valentine’s Day. On St Valentine’s Day, indulge in an exclusive six-course outdoor dining experience by chef Luca Russo. “The Taste Of Love” menu will have Amaebi prawn carpaccio, succulent seafood and prime meats and a romantic dessert. PiscariPiscari’s St Valentine’s Day menu offers an early evening social and a late-night gathering. As evening falls, the Igniv Valentine’s Dinner continues the celebration with a refined five-course, 21-plate menu specially crafted for romance.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 10:50 UTC
Indonesian stocks fall after last week's dramatic shake-up, $80 billion rout
Listen to this articlePeople walking past an electronic board displaying stock movement at the Indonesia Stock Exchange in Jakarta on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)SINGAPORE - Indonesian stocks slid on Monday after a tumultuous week during which a warning from MSCI over transparency concerns triggered an $80 billion market rout and the country's top financial regulators resigned. The benchmark Jakarta Composite Index fell over 4% in early trading after sliding nearly 7% last week, its steepest drop in a year. Indonesian stocks recouped some losses on Friday after the government rolled out a slew of measures to allay some of index provider MSCI's concerns. The Indonesian rupiah has been stuck near a record low of 16,985 per US dollar, which it touched in January.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 09:01 UTC
Dismembered corpse: 2 Russians arrested
Dismembered corpse: 2 Russians arrestedListen to this articlePolice examine the location where parts of the body was found in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on Sunday. Photo by Amporn SangkaewCHON BURI - Police on Sunday arrested two Russian men suspected of murdering a compatriot, dismembering the body and burying the parts in Bang Lamung district. According to police sources, the suspects aged 35 and 38 were arrested at a room in a hotel on Sukhumvit 71 in Watthana district, Bangkok. Emelianov’s mother, 51, who had arrived from Russia, told police in Chon Buri that her son had been missing since Jan 8. She saw the body and confirmed in tears it was her missing son.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 08:59 UTC
Which are the main parties in Thailand's election and what are their policies?
Which are the main parties in Thailand's election and what are their policies? Listen to this articleVoters cast their ballots during advance voting ahead of the Feb 8 general election in Bangkok on Sunday. (Photo: Reuters)Thailand is holding a general election on Sunday with three parties expected to dominate the contest to decide which will lead the Southeast Asian country's next government. Following are details and key policy pledges of the main parties running in the election. The 2023 election was the first since 2001 where Thaksin-backed parties did not win the most votes.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 08:52 UTC
Observer reports coding errors on ballot envelopes during early voting
Observer reports coding errors on ballot envelopes during early votingListen to this articleVoters fill in their ballots at a polling station in constituency 14 of Bang Kapi district on Sunday during advance voting for the Feb 8 general election. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyaheb)Polling station officials wrote incorrect constituency codes on ballot envelopes in at least 370 cases confirmed so far, during advance voting on Sunday, according to Vote62, an election observation platform. Some officials wrote wrong codes on routing slips, with voters uncertain whether envelope codes were also incorrect. Vote62's data for 2023 showed wrong envelope codes were the most reported problem, with 166 cases involving 547 complaints from 58 provinces. Beyond envelope codes, voters reported missing or incomplete candidate information boards at polling stations.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 08:38 UTC
Nearly 1,800 Chinese among thousands held in huge Cambodian raid on scam compound
Nearly 1,800 Chinese among thousands held in huge Cambodian raid on scam compoundListen to this articleApprehended suspects are lined up on the ground following a massive raid on a scam compound in Bavet city, southeastern Cambodia. Nearly 1,800 Chinese nationals were among those held, according to the Cambodian Interior Ministry. Chen is accused of various illegal activities, including opening a casino, fraud, illegal operations, and concealing criminal proceeds. The Bavet raid was "the largest operation" since Cambodia recently launched its nationwide crackdown on online fraud, the Cambodia China Times reported on Saturday night. "Online fraud has damaged Cambodia's national reputation and image, and we will spare no effort to eradicate this problem," Sun Chanthol said last month.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 08:36 UTC
Small egg farmers in crisis, seek inquiry into dumping
Listen to this articleSmall-scale egg farmers are facing a growing economic crisis after large commercial farms and wholesalers began selling eggs below average production costs, pushing market prices to unsustainable levels. Producers have filed complaints with the Central Region Small-Scale Egg Farmers Trade Association, calling on authorities to investigate alleged dumping that has distorted market prices. However, small-scale farmers report selling prices that are even lower, 20 to 30 satang per egg below the reference price, resulting in a loss on every egg sold. In an effort to restore balance between supply and demand, the association has also called on egg farms to comply with age-based culling guidelines. However, prolonged market prices that fail to reflect true production costs risk driving small-scale farmers out of the industry, creating long-term structural damage to the sector.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 08:34 UTC
China's visa-free waivers spark Korean travel boom, underpin tourism revival
China's visa-free waivers spark Korean travel boom, underpin tourism revivalListen to this articlePeople walk on a pedestrian bridge in the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai on July 14, 2025. Her experience underscores Shanghai's continued appeal as one of the most popular destinations for South Korean tourists - a trend boosted by China's 30-day visa-free entry policy that was introduced in November 2024. Global booking platform Agoda also recently named Shanghai a top destination for South Korean travellers in its 2026 New Horizons ranking, based on accommodation data from the past two years. He noted that other cities, including Chengdu, Qingdao and Hainan, were slowly beginning to attract the interest of South Korean travellers, particularly those who had positive experiences in Shanghai. "Going forward, Shanghai travellers' experiences are likely to spread across the country, paving the way for a broader 'rediscovery' of travel in China," Jang said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 02, 2026 08:16 UTC