Futsal stars shift focus to Iraq
Futsal stars shift focus to IraqListen to this articleThailand futsal players train ahead of their quarter-final match against Iraq in Jakarta on Tuesday. PRThailand's national futsal team are refusing to let confidence slip into complacency as they prepare for tomorrow's high‑stakes quarter‑final against Iraq at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in Jakarta. Their opponents Iraq, runners‑up in Group A, advanced with seven points, level with hosts Indonesia but edged into second place on goal difference. The fixture promises to be a stern test because Iraq have retained much of the squad that Thailand faced two years ago. Iraq have many players from their previous squad, and we've met them before."
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:04 UTC
Parties court small businesses with pledges
As a result, small businesses have struggled to compete with larger domestic and foreign players in the country. Mr Somchai said he expects stronger support for small retail operators, as current regulations do not favour them. Small operators registered as juristic persons face multiple tax obligations, including corporate income tax and value-added tax (VAT). Mr Somchai urged the government to provide clearer guidelines and practical support for small operators concerning accounting practices and taxation. CO-PAYMENT SCHEMESThe Bhumjaithai Party, People's Party and Pheu Thai Party, the three leading parties in recent opinion polls, are presenting their economic plans to the public.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:02 UTC
Durian market hit by labour shortages
The DIT anticipates durian supply of 1.78 million tonnes this year. Thai durian exports are expected to face several hurdles due to labour shortages and a lack of collection centres during the harvest season. "Assuming the weather does not negatively impact the harvest season starting in April, we anticipate durian supply will increase by 10% year-on-year," he said. The department is also seeking to tap the Indian market by raising awareness of Thai durian among Indian visitors. To lift domestic consumption, the department plans to promote Thai durian to Thai consumers and foreign visitors, including Indian, Russian and South Korean arrivals.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:01 UTC
Adapting to a new world order
Business leaders and analysts in Thailand urged the country to adapt quickly to the new global order. With the US‑led global order weakening and middle‑power alliances emerging, Thailand needs a government capable of positioning the country strategically amid rising political risks. To stay competitive in the evolving global trade landscape, it's essential for businesses to maximise the benefits of FTAs," he said. NO TURNING BACK"What Trump did during the past year reshaped the global order, and I believe this change is not temporary. Trump's moves to rework the global order have forced countries to adjust their strategies, said Mr Somjai.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:01 UTC
Parties tackle population crisis
Listen to this articleThailand was dubbed an ageing society, meaning more than 10% of the population was aged 60 or above from 2005 to 2023. The party also plans nationwide elderly care centres built on state land with private-sector investment, supported by Board of Investment tax incentives, alongside its "60 Plus, Happy Retirement" employment scheme. Beyond income support, workforce participation and care provision are emerging as structural solutions. International Labour Organization projections suggest Thailand will need up to 250,000 additional paid care workers by 2037, including about 55,000 migrant workers, to support ageing in place. Income support, extended working lives, preventive healthcare and digital innovation form the core of proposed solutions.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:00 UTC
EC hails 'smooth' advance voting process nationwide
EC hails 'smooth' advance voting process nationwideListen to this articleCitizens flock to a polling station in Constituency 14 of Bang Kapi district, Bangkok, on Sunday for advance voting. Mr Sawaeng on Sunday reported that 8,610 voters had registered for advance voting within their respective constituencies, while 2.206 million others had registered to vote outside their constituencies. A total of 521 polling stations were set up for in-constituency voting, while 524 stations were set up for out-of-constituency voting, Mr Sawaeng said. The EC reminded those who registered for advance voting that failure to vote by 5pm Sunday would also forfeit their right to vote on the Feb 8 election day. In Udon Thani, the provincial EC director said advance voting was more active than expected, especially in Constituencies 1 and 2, where more than 6,000 and 2,000 voters registered, respectively.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:00 UTC
Options lacking in charter debate
While the vote is intended to seek public consent for drafting a new charter, concerns have been raised that meaningful debate on the issue may be eclipsed by election campaigning. The 2017 constitution was drafted under the National Council for Peace and Order following the 2014 coup. The 2017 charter, he argued, has again seen political dominance over the Senate. In his view, the most significant advance in the 2017 constitution is the enforceable ethical standards for politicians, linking serious violations to disqualification from office. Mr Khomsan said his position should not be read as a full endorsement of the 2017 charter, but as opposition to what he called a "blank cheque" approach to amendment.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 23:00 UTC
Call to revive idle Betong Airport
Call to revive idle Betong AirportListen to this articleBetong Airport terminal in Betong district, Yala province, is decorated with 'phai tong', or sweet bamboo. Betong International AirportFormer Democrat Party deputy leader Samart Ratchapolsitte has urged the government to take urgent action to revitalise Betong Airport in Yala province, warning against allowing the billion-baht facility to remain largely unused despite its completion. In a Facebook post, Mr Samart -- a former Bangkok deputy governor -- described Betong Airport as one of Thailand's most visually striking airports. Mr Samart said Betong Airport handled only 728 passengers last year, averaging just two passengers per day and fewer than half a flight per day. At present, only Ezy Airlines operates flights between Hat Yai and Betong, using small Cessna aircraft with just 10–12 seats.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:52 UTC
Phuket boosts tourism ties with Middle East
Listen to this articlePhuket has stepped up efforts to expand high-quality tourism markets and strengthen international ties, with a major roadshow in the Middle East and the official opening of a Kazakhstan consulate in the province. Anupap Vejvanichsanong, deputy chief of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO), said the PAO supported the initiative and led a team of 30 tourism operators joining the "Phuket Roadshow to Middle East 2026", held from Jan 11–15 across Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. He said marketing support was provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Dubai office, which helped connect Phuket businesses with Middle Eastern travel networks to foster long-term cooperation. The programme opened in Muscat, Oman, on Jan 11, where Thailand's ambassador highlighted the growing popularity of Phuket among Omani travellers. Separately, Phuket governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn presided over the official opening of the Republic of Kazakhstan's consulate in Phuket on Jan 22.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:52 UTC
PCD intensifies industrial pollution, PM2.5 curbs
PCD intensifies industrial pollution, PM2.5 curbsListen to this articleThe Pollution Control Department (PCD) has stepped up nationwide enforcement to curb industrial pollution and reduce PM2.5 emissions, while the Ministry of Industry has expanded real-time emissions monitoring at factories, with additional smokestacks in Bangkok set to come under surveillance. PCD director-general Surin Worakijthamrong said the government has instructed state agencies to strengthen preventive, control and monitoring measures for PM2.5 emissions from major sources, including agriculture, transport and industry. Many types of factories emit particulate matter into the atmosphere and remain significant contributors to PM2.5 pollution, he said. The department aims to inspect and advise all 58 sugar factories and biomass power plants across the country. On the regulatory front, the ministry has drafted rules requiring factories to install Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) on smokestacks to enable real-time air pollution monitoring.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:52 UTC
Dems vow better rubber prices
Dems vow better rubber pricesListen to this articleDemocrat leader and prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva campaigns for votes in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Sunday. The team visited Thung Song Municipal Fresh Market, where they were welcomed by supporters. He recalled the party's close ties with Thung Song, noting the work of former MP Prakob Rattanaphan, particularly in education policy. He also reminded voters that during the Democrat-led government, agricultural prices -- especially rubber and palm oil -- were well managed. "When I was prime minister, rubber prices exceeded 100 baht per kilogramme, but current prices are around 50 baht," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:52 UTC
Online post triggers vote-buying probe
Online post triggers vote-buying probeListen to this articleThe Election Commission (EC) is investigating a social media post alleging vote-buying after images showing 7,000 baht were circulated online ahead of the election. The image was later saved and reposted by others, with claims the money was linked to vote-buying. Mr Sawaeng said the EC has identified the woman, a market vendor and the individuals who produced and disseminated the content. He clarified that under Section 73 of the election law, the preparation for vote-buying and the act of vote-buying itself are illegal. Under Section 73 of the election law, vote-buying is punishable by one to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of 20,000–200,000 baht, or both, along with a 20-year revocation of voting rights.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:50 UTC
PP hits back in patriotism row
Mr Natthaphong on Sunday urged voters to critically assess campaign rhetoric, particularly amid rising concerns over tensions along the Cambodian border. He warned against political speeches designed to inflame nationalist feelings, stressing that patriotism should be reflected in actions that benefit the public. He urged voters to rely on statements from party sources and to verify information carefully. Mr Natthaphong said he did sing, albeit softly, and added that patriotism cannot be measured by outward gestures. He also hinted at a major final campaign announcement to be unveiled at a party rally on Feb 6.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:06 UTC
Two Russians arrested for allegedly killing and severing compatriot
Two Russians arrested for allegedly killing and severing compatriotListen to this articlePolice examine the location where parts of the body was found in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on Sunday. Amporn SangkaewCHON BURI: Police on Sunday arrested two Russian men allegedly for killing a compatriot and severing the body before burying the parts in Bang Lamug 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. Before the arrest, police found from CCTV footage that they had been with a missing Russian man and they rode a motorcycle which seemed to carry some large object under its seat. Emelianov’s mother, 51, who arrived from Russia told police in Chong Buri that her son had been missing since Jan 8.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 22:06 UTC
Prominent Venezuelan activist released after over four years in jail
Prominent Venezuelan activist released after over four years in jailListen to this articleVenezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona (right) reunites with his brother Jose Rafael Tarazona (left) and lawyer Omar de Dios Garcia after his release from prisonCARACAS - Renowned Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona was freed Sunday after more than four years in a notorious Caracas prison on charges including terrorism and treason. and applause from Catholic faithful, the 43-year-old dissident was taken to the forecourt of a Caracas church after being released from Helicoide prison. Javier Tarazona, one of Venezuela's most prominent jailed dissidents, is among roughly 1,000 political prisoners, some of whom are gradually being freed as Venezuela seeks reforms after many years of authoritarian leftist rule. Then came Omar de Dios Garcia, an activist arrested while accompanying Javier Tarazona on July 2, 2021. "People are applauding out of a great longing for freedom, out of hope for reunions among Venezuelans, out of joy," Javier Tarazona told AFP.
Source:Bangkok Post
February 01, 2026 21:42 UTC