After 844 days, Israel turns off Hostages Square clock
Listen to this articleWomen wrapped in Israeli flags stand in front of a clock counting the days since the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attack, at “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv, on Oct 14, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)TEL AVIV - A clock in a Tel Aviv square that became a rallying point for Israelis demanding the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 Hamas attack will be turned off on Tuesday, 844 days after it began counting their captivity. Ran Gvili, 24, was an off-duty police officer recovering from an injury, who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the 2023 attack. Gvili’s mother, Talik, speaking to reporters late on Monday, after her son’s body was recovered, thanked those who had supported the family during the 27 months since the 2023 attack. The Hamas attack, the bloodiest killing of Jews since the Holocaust, was widely seen as the most traumatic event in the country’s history.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:06 UTC
PP vows B250bn 100-day economic plan
PP vows B250bn 100-day economic planNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, fifth from right, front row, and his team pose for a photo with Kriengkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries, sixth from right, and FTI executives after discussions on economic policy at the FTI headquarters in Bangkok's Sathon district on Tuesday. PEOPLE'S PARTYThe People's Party (PP) has pledged to roll out an ambitious "first 100-day" economic plan worth 250 billion baht if elected to form the next government. The plan aims to revive Thailand's economy by boosting liquidity for entrepreneurs, tightening fair competition and stimulating domestic demand, while continuing the current co-payment scheme. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut outlined the proposal after a meeting on Tuesday with executives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). He said the initial phase would focus on plugging structural economic loopholes and restoring fairness for Thai businesses and workers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:05 UTC
BJT urges strategic voting as polls tighten
BJT urges strategic voting as polls tightenListen to this articlePrime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul campaigns for votes in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Jan 22. "This time, there are really only two sides: the left and the right," Ms Supamas said. Speaking about the party's readiness to stage its first major rally in Bangkok, Ms Supamas said BJT would hold a large campaign event on Friday at Lumpini Park. The rally will be led by Mr Anutin, dubbed the "blue corner" leader, alongside the party's economic "dream team". Ms Supamas said the rally is expected to have a distinctive format compared with previous campaign events.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:05 UTC
Abhisit woos city voters with ticket policy
Listen to this articleDemocrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Suan Rot Fai park on Tuesday. Democrat PartyThe Democrat Party has stepped up its Bangkok campaign, promoting a common ticket transport policy while signalling confidence in coalition leverage, amid polling that shows strong support in the South. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva led the rally on Tuesday, joined by senior figures and two other prime ministerial candidates, Korn Chatikavanij and Karndee Leopairote. He warned against vote-buying and populism, calling for a clean election enforced by voters and the Election Commission (EC). In the prime ministerial preference, Mr Abhisit led with 51.45%, well ahead of Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul (16.40%) and People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (14.34%).
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:05 UTC
Phiphat pushes plan to have 'Disney EEC'
Listen to this articleTransport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (photo: Government House)The touted "Disneyland Thailand" project is both feasible and realistic, says Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, insisting it is not a fanciful promise or political hype. Speaking as the minister overseeing the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Mr Phiphat said Thailand has sufficient potential, infrastructure and readiness to host a world-class entertainment development of this scale. The initiative is being seriously studied as part of a broader plan to transform the EEC into a global entertainment and lifestyle hub, he said. Mr Phiphat stressed the vision extends far beyond a theme park, encompassing large-scale concert halls and a world-standard sports stadium with a seating capacity of at least 80,000. "Disneyland Thailand should not be seen merely as an amusement park, but as a global entertainment and lifestyle hub," Mr Phiphat said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:04 UTC
DPM denies abusing SSF money on travel
DPM denies abusing SSF money on travelListen to this articleDeputy Prime Minister Phiphat RatchakitprakarnDeputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday that he always travels in business class and follows a principle of using Social Security Fund (SSF) money prudently and only when necessary. His remarks were in response to Rukchanok Srinork, a party-list candidate of the People's Party (PP), who said officials allowed to use Social Security Fund money for overseas study trips could choose to fly in first or business class in line with regulations. Ms Rukchanok mentioned Mr Phiphat and another former labour minister, Suchart Chomklin, among those eligible. He said that he never travelled first class on any official trip involving the Social Security Office. He urged Ms Rukchanok to verify information carefully before posting to avoid misleading messages that could damage reputations and cause public misunderstanding.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:04 UTC
Targeting the undecided voters
Nutthawat WichieanbutWith just two weeks remaining before the general election on Feb 8, political parties are intensifying their campaigns, sharpening policy messages and deploying high-profile figures to win over undecided voters. The People's Party (PP), meanwhile, has sought to reignite enthusiasm by bringing back Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the dissolved Move Forward Party, to help campaign. The Pheu Thai Party has accelerated its economic messaging, unveiling policies to address cost-of-living pressures. According to Mr Stithorn, BJT's current strategy is more about reinforcing existing support than expanding it. "They need to fix this fast," Mr Stithorn said, "or the gains from Yodchanan's image will be wasted."
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 22:04 UTC
Malaysians advised to have car flood insurance if going to Hat Yai
Malaysians advised to have car flood insurance if going to Hat YaiListen to this articleA view of a very quiet Hat Yai city from Hat Yai Municipal Park on Khao Kho Hong hill at night on Dec 6, 2025, shortly after the great flood. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)Malaysians planning to vacation in Hat Yai city during the Chinese New Year are being advised to ensure their car insurance covers flood damage. The Malaysian diplomat said although roads are safe as Hat Yai is gradually returning to normaly, visitors should have flood cover for vehicles as a precaution. Hat Yai is recovering from the devasting flood in November that crippled tourism and the hospitality sector, among other economic damage. Hotels in Hat Yai district are struggling due to the plunging confidence of local and foreign tourists.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 21:51 UTC
PM mulls SSO restructuring
Listen to this articleA woman casts her vote for the Social Security Board members in December 2023. He said if he were given the opportunity to continue overseeing the agency after the election, he would consider restructuring the SSO to make it more transparent and independent. He said clarification was necessary, adding that following a meeting of the Social Security Board, the permanent secretary for labour and the SSO secretary-general would hold a press conference. However, all six members of the "Progressive Social Security" team opposed the proposal. The meeting minutes also state that SSO representatives would seek to expedite Labour Minister Treenuch's signing of new election regulations during the caretaker period.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 21:37 UTC
Landslide leaves Italian town on cliff edge
Severe storms in Sicily cause part of plateau to give wayListen to this articleA drone picture shows houses perched along the edge of a cliff after a landslide in Niscemi on the Italian island of Sicily, on Jan 27, 2026. (Photo: Reuters)NISCEMI, Italy - Homes in the Sicilian town of Niscemi have been left teetering on the edge of a cliff after a landslide that was triggered by a storm, Italy’s civil protection chief said on Tuesday. Niscemi, a town of about 25,000 in south-central Sicily, sits on a plateau that authorities say is gradually collapsing toward the plain below. In Niscemi, the sudden evacuations have fuelled anxiety and anger among residents, some of whom say earlier landslides went unaddressed. “We had the first landslide 30 years ago, and no one ever did anything.”
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 20:26 UTC
Anutin rules out third round of border clashes
Listen to this articleActing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul leads cabinet ministers to Government House on Tuesday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday said there were no signs pointing to a third round of fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border, urging the public to remain calm as security agencies remain on alert. Mr Anutin and his team visited border areas in Sa Kaeo province on Monday. Asked whether Cambodia’s trench digging, reportedly within 500 metres of the border, had heightened mistrust, the prime minister said each country had the right to take defensive measures within its own territory. National Security Council secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad said assessments indicated elections could proceed in border areas without disruption.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 20:05 UTC
Canadian PM denies retracting comments that irked Trump
(Photo: Reuters)OTTAWA - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that he spoke to US President Donald Trump on Monday but denied he had retracted comments last week that had irritated the US President. “To be absolutely clear, and I said this to the president, I meant what I said in Davos,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa. However, the prime minister said “middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu”. After Carney’s speech, Trump revoked Canada’s invitation to join a so-called Board of Peace that the US president says aims to resolve global conflicts. Trump also threatened on Saturday to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa followed through on a trade deal with China.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 19:36 UTC
Getting to (and from) Suvarnabhumi Airport
Many modes of transport to and from Bangkok and beyond are available for all budgetsListen to this articleCars, buses and taxis outside Suvarnabhumi Airport. Airport Rail LinkThe Airport Rail Link offers a budget-friendly, traffic-free option. Transferring Between Suvarnabhumi and Don MueangA free Airport Shuttle Bus transferring between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang is available at the second floor, Gate 3. At Suvarnabhumi, board at the second floor, Gate 3 (inner kerb). How early to arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport(Photo: Suvarnabhumi airport)It's recommended to arrive three hours before international departures and two hours for domestic flights.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 18:22 UTC
Trump says Iran wants talks as US strike force deploys
(Photo: AFP)A US naval strike force led by an aircraft carrier was in Middle Eastern waters on Tuesday as Iran vowed to hit back against any strike and President Donald Trump said he believed the Islamic republic still wanted talks. A strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has now arrived in Middle Eastern waters, US Central Command said, without revealing its precise location. They want to talk.”Axios said Trump declined to discuss the options presented to him by his national security team, or which one he prefers. US Senator Lindsey Graham told the paper he had spoken with Trump in recent days about Iran and that “the goal is to end the regime”. Over the weekend, Persian-language TV channel Iran International, which is based outside Iran, said more than 36,500 Iranians were killed by security forces between January 8 and 9, citing reports, documents and sources.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 18:06 UTC
Thai gold traders with at least B10bn in annual transactions must report to central bank
Thai gold traders with at least B10bn in annual transactions must report to central bankListen to this articleTraders queue at a gold shop in Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, Thailand, on Monday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Thai gold traders with average annual transactions of at least 10 billion baht (US$320.72 million) over the past five years must report their activities to the central bank, according to the official Royal Gazette. Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Vitai Ratanakorn said earlier that Thailand would also introduce a cap on gold trading this week, with daily volumes through online platforms likely be capped at 50 million baht or 100 million baht. On Tuesday morning, gold prices in Thailand fell 100 baht from the previous day. The buying and selling prices were 74,600 and 74,700 baht for bullion, and 73,101.52 and 75,500 baht for gold ornaments.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 27, 2026 16:02 UTC