Military officers meet at the border
Listen to this articleSenior Thai and Cambodian military officials met on Thursday under the Regional Border Committee (RBC) framework to reinforce bilateral cooperation and review commitments made during the third special session of the General Border Committee, a security source said. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination along the shared border, including the appointment of designated liaison officers to facilitate faster and more effective communication between the two sides, the source said. Meanwhile, Thailand's Ministry of Defence on Thursday addressed public debate surrounding plans to return items seized from Cambodian soldiers during recent border clashes. The ministry said on its Facebook that preparations for the handover were underway following inspections by Thai military authorities, an issue that has generated widespread discussion on social media. In clarifying Thailand's legal obligations, the ministry cited Rule 50 of international humanitarian law as outlined by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 23:08 UTC
Anutin touts nation's food, pharma hub potential
Anutin touts nation's food, pharma hub potentialListen to this articlePrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand has strong potential in the food and pharmaceutical sectors and is ready to position itself as a global hub for food and drug security. He said by ensuring quality medicines are available in sufficient quantities at affordable prices, the organisation has demonstrated that pharmaceutical security is key to national health security. During public health crises, he added, the GPO and the Public Health Ministry have shown that access to care matters more than profit. Looking ahead, he said the GPO's push to turn Thailand into a hub for global pharmaceutical innovation would help sharpen the country's competitiveness and support the sustainability of its healthcare system. Thailand, he added, has the potential to present itself to the international community not just as a seller of goods or raw materials, but as a reliable partner in ensuring global food and pharmaceutical security.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 23:08 UTC
Vayupak Fund champions governance to best benchmarks
Vayupak Fund champions governance to best benchmarksListen to this articleThe Vayupak Fund 1 delivered a return of 6.09% last year, outperforming the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index, which fell by 10%. According to Krungthai Asset Management (KTAM), which manages the state-controlled Vayupak Fund, fewer negative factors are expected this year than last year. Established by the Finance Ministry in 2024, the Vayupak Fund 1 has total assets of 490 billion baht. "As a result, stocks in the Vayupak Fund 1 are less volatile than the SET index, which means the fund's portfolio suffers less downside impact," she said. Despite unfavourable market conditions last year, Vayupak Fund 1 outperformed all benchmarks set by its board, he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 22:17 UTC
Pheu Thai pledges to curb debt
Pheu Thai pledges to curb debtListen to this articlePheu Thai ramped up its campaign in the Northeast yesterday, with party leader and prime ministerial candidate Julapun Amornvivat leading rallies in Nong Bua Lam Phu to promote policies to curb rising household debt and improve living standards. Mr Julapun, accompanied by party executives and local candidates, campaigned for Phitsanu Hatthasongkhro, the eighth candidate in Constituency 1, and Rungphet Srikanchana, the third candidate in Constituency 2. Addressing supporters, Mr Julapun urged voters not to be discouraged by the departure of former MPs, saying Pheu Thai is committed to the province and called on voters to help the party secure a parliamentary majority. "Pheu Thai is not seeking political confrontation. He said Pheu Thai has a proven record of delivering tangible benefits, citing initiatives such as the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, village funds and SML community funds.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 21:21 UTC
US ambition to take Greenland remains intact, says Denmark
US ambition to take Greenland remains intact, says DenmarkListen to this articleFrance, Sweden, Germany and Norway announced Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland's capital Nuuk. (Photo: AFP)NUUK — Washington's ambition to take control of Greenland remained intact, Denmark said on Thursday, as a European military mission arrived on the mineral-rich strategic Arctic island, drawing a sharp rebuke from Russia. The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday. "However, this does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland remains intact," Frederiksen said. The head of government's comment came as European military personnel had begun arriving in Greenland.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 21:11 UTC
ONE Championship: Johan Ghazali fight off after Sean Climaco injury, source says
The fight had been set for ONE Fight Night 39 next week at Lumpinee Stadium, but Filipino-American Climaco suffered a foot injury in camp. There will be no short-notice replacement fight for Ghazali, leaving the 19-year-old Malaysian off the January 24 card entirely. Since that breakout run – four straight wins, three by finish – Ghazali has gone 2–3 across ONE Fight Night and numbered events, with the promotion continuing to take a measured approach to his development. However, that fight is now off the table after Puric was released by ONE Championship earlier this week. Masdor is still fighting for a full-time ONE contract and could yet join Ghazali on the main roster with an impressive finish.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 20:31 UTC
People’s Party’s diplomatic 'elegance' rings hollow
People’s Party’s diplomatic 'elegance' rings hollowListen to this articleNatthaphong Ruengpanyawut, People’s Party leader, during a Jan 11 campaign rally. (Photo: Reuters)On Jan 11, the People’s Party held a high-profile event to showcase its “People’s Government”, offering a glimpse of its proposed executive leadership. Economic growth under a People’s Party government focused on integrating Thailand into high-tech East Asian supply chains. However, I view Mr Pisan’s speech as merely the tip of the iceberg of a deep-seated identity crisis within the People’s Party. In the context of Thai diplomacy, “elegance” is often used to mask a failure to stand by universal principles.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 19:33 UTC
Time to restart peace talks in the far South
The attacks are clearly symbolic, pressuring the state to pay much more attention to the deep South. The southern violence has been overshadowed by the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, which dominated headlines over the past two to three months. While the Pileng incident was happening, a series of arson attacks were carried out at 20 schools elsewhere across Narathiwat. Most importantly, do not forget that peace in the deep South cannot be achieved through military means alone; sustained and inclusive dialogue on peace is essential to break the cycle of violence and mistrust. Long-term peace needs consistent political commitment, protection of civilians, economic development, promotion of equality, respect for different identities and addressing underlying grievances.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 19:23 UTC
Reform effort urged for incoming administration
Improved connectivity would not only support tourism but also raise productivity and unlock new business opportunities nationwide, he said. "If there is no economic reform, Thailand's GDP growth is expected to remain persistently low at just 1-2% a year. These industries, which have driven economic growth for more than 30 years, are becoming outdated, leading to factory closures and production cuts. After that, growth could return to 4-5% if economic reform and industrial transformation are successfully implemented," he said. Mr Kobsak said economic stimulus measures that support growth and improve public welfare, such as co-payment schemes and domestic tourism incentives, are acceptable.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 19:19 UTC
Diving ever deeper
The setting echoed the new Planet Ocean itself: architectural, purposeful and inseparable from its marine roots. Regarded as the brand’s first true professional dive watch, it became a favourite of oceanographic pioneers including Jacques Cousteau. The fourth-generation Planet Ocean, launched in 2025, represents the most comprehensive revision in the collection’s history. Once a defining Planet Ocean feature, the valve has been omitted in favour of a cleaner, more symmetrical case profile. “On its 20th anniversary, we have reimagined this iconic timepiece… With the Planet Ocean, we’ve always felt there are no boundaries to what we can achieve.”
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 19:02 UTC
Kunlavut, Ratchanok make India quarters
Kunlavut, Ratchanok make India quartersListen to this articleDechapol Puavaranukroh plays a shot as Supissara Paewsampran looks on during their last 16 match at the India Open. (Badminton Photo)Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Ratchanok Intanon stormed into the quarter-finals of the US$950,000 (approx 30,400,000 baht) BWF India Open in New Delhi yesterday. Kunlavut is off to a perfect start to the year after winning the season-opening Malaysia Open -- his first-ever Super 1000 title -- on Sunday. Chasing her fourth title in India, the 30-year-old made short work of Mia Blichfeldt, knocking out the Danish player 21-16, 21-11 in 34 minutes. Another Thai women's singles player, Busanan Ongbamrungphan, also exited the tournament after losing to Chen Yufei of China 11-21, 13-21.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 18:30 UTC
Govt asks US to clarify visa suspension
Govt asks US to clarify visa suspensionListen to this articleThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally asked the United States to clarify its decision to suspend the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Thailand. According to the explanation provided so far, the suspension applies only to immigrant visas, intended for individuals seeking permanent residence and eventual US citizenship. Mr Sihasak stressed that the measure does not affect non-immigrant visas, including those held by Thai students, businesspeople or tourists. However, Mr Sihasak questioned the inclusion of Thailand in the list, saying the number of illegal Thai immigrants in the US is relatively low compared with some countries which are not included in the suspension. "The US government needs to clarify the policy and ensure coordination across its agencies."
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 18:24 UTC
King expresses sorrow
King expresses sorrowListen to this articleHis Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have expressed deep concern and sorrow over the deadly construction crane collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima province. His Majesty placed all injured victims under royal patronage within the royal medical system. In addition, His Majesty granted financial assistance to support funeral arrangements, with each family of the deceased receiving 20,000 baht. Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a message of condolence to His Majesty the King, conveying his deepest sympathies and support to the families and loved ones of the victims. Mr Putin also extended wishes for a swift recovery to all those injured in the derailment.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 18:22 UTC
Election Commission confident about polling day
Election Commission confident about polling dayListen to this articleThe Election Commission conducts a simulation for election officials to prepare them for the upcoming general election and referendum, at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)The Election Commission (EC) is confident the upcoming general election and referendum will proceed smoothly following a full-scale simulation exercise, stressing that voters will be required to verify their identity twice to ensure accuracy and prevent confusion. He said this would be the first time election staff handle a general election and a referendum simultaneously within a single voting process, making preparation and coordination especially important. The simulation was conducted to identify potential weaknesses in voting, referendum procedures and vote counting, allowing the EC to refine operations ahead of polling day, Mr Phasakorn said. The EC urged voters to follow polling procedures closely to ensure a smooth voting process on election day.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 18:21 UTC
Three main parties and two directions
Listen to this articleYodchanan Wongsawat, prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu Thai Party, right, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a former premier, are seen during a rally in Bangkok on Jan 8. While the same trend appears in train this time, it is instructive to examine each of the three main contesting parties in view of the broader development in Thailand's political party system. The main reason Thai political parties have been weak is that they have been systematically kept off balance and on the back foot. Along the way, a conventional narrative has been constructed and popularised to paint political parties and elected politicians as electoral scumbags bent on corruption and graft. Leading the incumbent minority government under Mr Anutin, Bhumjaithai has benefited from defectors from other parties, including the entire Chart Thai Pattana and factions of Pheu Thai, Palang Pracharath, United Thai Nation, and the Democrat parties.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 15, 2026 18:08 UTC