BoT tightens scrutiny of foreign cash
Listen to this articleThe Bank of Thailand (BoT) has stepped up regulatory oversight of inbound foreign exchange transactions to ease baht appreciation pressure and prevent misreported or undesirable capital inflows, a senior official said. Pimpan Charoenkwan, assistant governor for Financial Markets at the BoT, said the central bank has tightened rules governing the verification of documents for foreign currency sale transactions by residents, both individuals and legal entities. The tightened oversight aims to ensure that sources of foreign currency brought into the country are consistent with those declared and reduce the risk of undesirable or potentially illicit transactions. Under the revised rules, the enhanced scrutiny will cover the following cases: sale of foreign currency for baht and transfers into Foreign Currency Deposit (FCD) accounts; foreign currency proceeds from gold sales; and sale of foreign currency banknotes. As for foreign currency proceeds from gold sales, when commercial banks sell or receive foreign currency derived from such sales, they must verify documentation for the overseas sale of gold.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 30, 2025 00:02 UTC
Fallen soldiers earn final salute
The defence of its sovereignty came at a human cost. Between Dec 8 and Dec 27, 27 Thai soldiers lost their lives in clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. For this reason, the Bangkok Post names the fallen soldiers, the wounded, and all members of the armed forces who took part in defending and reclaiming Thailand's claimed territorial integrity as its Person of the Year 2025. By honouring a collective rather than a single individual, the Bangkok Post seeks to reflect a truth that this year laid bare. Yet their actions and their losses came to define the year more clearly than any policy decision or public figure.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 23:37 UTC
13 Central department stores host New Year countdowns
13 Central department stores across Thailand will host New Year countdown festivities until Dec 31, with the highlight being “centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2026 The Original – A Tribute to Love” at CentralWorld. In total, 500 music headliners will perform free concerts at participating Central branches. Free concerts at Central Ayutthaya feature Saran & Dieout, Bowkylion, Silly Fools, Paradox, Dax & Musketeers and more. Central Phitsanulok countdowns to 2026 with 2,500 shots of fireworks and free music from Paradox, Your Mood, Safeplanet and RachYo. Central Hatyai sends off 2025 with free concerts from D Gerrard, Maiyarap, The Darkest Romance and, of course, fireworks.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 22:36 UTC
Chinese attack, stab Pattaya bar guards
Chinese attack, stab Pattaya bar guardsListen to this articleA Chinese national involved in the knife attack at The Garden 168 bar in Pattaya is given first aid behind a rescue vehicle, while being detained by police on Sunday night. (Photo: Amporn Sangkaew)PATTAYA – Three security guards were stabbed when attacked by a gang of Chinese nationals after one them was ordered to leave a South Pattaya bar following a heated argument with a woman there on Sunday night. The incident occurred about 11.36pm at The Garden 168 on South Pattaya Road in Bang Lamung district. Rescuers from Sawang Boriboonthammasatan called to the scene reported that three security guards had suffered knife wounds. Shortly afterward, the Chinese man returned with some companions and used a knife to attack the guards, the manager said.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 21:33 UTC
Hired cleaning maid accused of poisoning baby’s milk
Hired cleaning maid accused of poisoning baby’s milkListen to this articleThe cleaner working in the house (screenshot from FB: Yokey R.)A Thai family has reported a daily-hire cleaner to the police after discovering disinfectant had been deliberately poured into their baby’s milk bottle, an incident that shocked social media users and prompted a warning to other parents. Everything appeared normal until around midday, when the baby’s grandmother prepared a baby's milk bottle that had been left out earlier that morning. The mother examined the baby’s bottle, and confirmed it contained disinfectant, describing a bitter, cooling taste. A subsequent review of the family's security camera footage showed the cleaner taking a half-full baby's bottle from an upper floor, adding disinfectant on another floor and then returning the bottle to the baby’s bedside. The footage also revealed other disturbing behaviour, including taking photographs around the house when she should have been cleaning.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 19:19 UTC
Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for crucial Gaza talks
Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for crucial Gaza talksListen to this articleIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, will meet again with President Donald Trump, their fifth such meeting in the United States this year. (afp)PALM BEACH, Florida - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Monday, with the US president pushing to move to the next stage of the fragile Gaza truce plan. Trump, who said Netanyahu had asked for the talks, is reportedly keen to announce -- as soon as January -- a Palestinian technocratic government for Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said Netanyahu would discuss the second phase, which involves making sure that "Hamas is disarmed, Gaza is demilitarized". Mekelberg said Netanyahu could be attempting to shift attention from Gaza onto Iran as Israel enters an election year.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 18:21 UTC
ONE Championship: Zhang Peimian targets Jonathan Di Bella title rematch in Tokyo – or China if event materialises
Listen to this articleZhang Peimian faces off with Jonathan Di Bella ahead of their ONE Championship strawweight kickboxing title fight in 2022Zhang Peimian says he wants a rematch with Jonathan Di Bella – preferably in Tokyo next April, or sooner in China if ONE Championship can stage an event there. Zhang Peimian celebrates after beating Thongpoon by decision at ONE Friday Fights 137Di Bella beat Zhang by unanimous decision in 2022 to win the vacant ONE strawweight kickboxing title on his promotional debut, dropping him with a head kick in the fifth round. Asked whether he believes he has earned another title shot, Zhang struck a measured tone – but made clear his desire for revenge. Jonathan Di Bella beat Zhang Peimian by decision to win the ONE Championship strawweight kickboxing title in 2022“There are lots of Muay Thai and kickboxing fans in China. “Please expect Zhang Peimian 2.0.”Whether that happens first, or whether Zhang gets his wish in Tokyo at Ariake Arena on April 29, remains to be seen.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 15:24 UTC
NACC commissioner files suit over bribery claim
NACC commissioner files suit over bribery claimListen to this articleA National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) member has filed a complaint against a former police officer over false bribery allegations. The move follows allegations by Pol Col Ekphakphum that Mr Ekkawit solicited a bribe in the form of gold bars of 246 baht-weight. Mr Ekkawit’s lawyers denied the claim, saying the commissioner declared his assets transparently and underwent rigorous vetting before taking up his position at the NACC. The legal team said Pol Col Ekphakphum, who is already facing charges in other cases, appeared to have changed his testimony, which they described as stemming from internal conflicts within the police. Regarding claims the opposing side holds “crucial evidence,” Mr Ekkawit’s legal team said they remain unconcerned and are prepared to fight the case in court, confident in his innocence and the supporting evidence.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 15:22 UTC
AIS launches simple SMS scam reporting service via 1185
Advanced Info Service (AIS) has launched a new "1185 Snap and Share" service allowing customers to report fraudulent SMS messages through a simplified process, providing a fast, free-of-charge solution for users to flag scammers with results promised within 24 hours for both Android and iOS users. Photo: screenshotAIS customers can report suspicious messages by following a straightforward four-step process. The AIS system then processes the data and provides an update on the investigation’s outcome within 24 hours. (continues below)Photo: screenshotUpon receiving a report, AIS takes immediate action by blocking the offending SMS source to prevent further messages from being sent. Detailed instructions and further information regarding the "1185 Snap and Share" service are available on the official AIS website.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 15:12 UTC
Nearly 700k seek advance voting
Nearly 700k seek advance votingListen to this articleA total of 688,951 people have registered to vote in advance or outside their constituencies, including overseas voters, in the first nine days of registration, the Election Commission (EC) said. Of these, 2,460 signed up for advance voting within their constituencies, 629,595 for voting outside their constituencies, and 56,896 for overseas voting. Advance voting registration remains open until Jan 5 through three channels: in person at district registrars, local registrars or all 50 district offices in Bangkok and Thai embassies abroad; by mail; or online. Those who register for advance voting must cast their ballots on Feb 1. Meanwhile, the EC says registration for referendum voting outside constituencies and overseas will run from Jan 3–5, with the referendum on Feb 8 to be held concurrently with the general election.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 15:09 UTC
US offered Kyiv 15 years of security guarantees, Zelensky says
US offered Kyiv 15 years of security guarantees, Zelensky saysListen to this articleUkraine's Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Donald Trump in Florida on ending the war with Russia. KYIV (UKRAINE) - The US has offered Ukraine "solid" security guarantees for 15 years with a possibility of an extension but Kyiv is seeking a longer period, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday after meeting Donald Trump. But Zelensky added that he considered the presence of international troops in Ukraine a necessary part of the guarantees, which Russia has rejected in the past. Any deal to end Europe's worst conflict since WWII "must be signed by Ukraine, Russia, the US and Europe", he said. - Territory issue unresolved -Trump on Sunday acknowledged the issue of territories were unresolved between the warring countries, showing little sign of a breakthrough.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 15:05 UTC
The 2026 Rooftop Solar Buyer’s Guide: What Thai homeowners should look for
The 2026 Rooftop Solar Buyer’s Guide: What Thai homeowners should look forAccording to Mr Techatat Buranaaudsawakul, Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department at the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), rooftop solar should be treated as part of a home’s critical electrical infrastructure, not simply an add-on appliance. “Safety is a top priority for rooftop solar,” Mr Techatat told the Bangkok Post. “A solar energy system must be designed and installed to the same safety standards as any other electrical system in the house. For most households, rooftop solar offers a payback period of four to five years, depending on electricity consumption patterns and overall system efficiency. Rooftop solar systems involve high-voltage direct current (DC), which poses fire and electrical risks if not properly designed and installed.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:27 UTC
United Thai Nation Party says island prison 'possible and not fantasy'
United Thai Nation Party says island prison 'possible and not fantasy'Listen to this articleAtthawit Suwannapakdee, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party also known as Ruam Thai Sang Chart. (Photo: United Thai Nation Party)Atthawit Suwannapakdee, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party, on Monday clarified the viral debate over the party’s proposal to establish an offshore prison — dubbed by netizens as the “Azkaban prison” — saying the idea was not a fantasy and was feasible by converting abandoned oil rigs into detention facilities. Ruam Thai Sang Chart plans to repurpose abandoned oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Thailand, whose concession contracts have expired. “With a sea prison, these problems will be eliminated because the sea is the best natural barrier,” he said. The deputy leader said he was confident the idea was practical and could be implemented immediately, noting that party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has experience serving as both justice minister and energy minister.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:23 UTC
Ruling Bhumjaithai to field candidates in all Bangkok seats
Ruling Bhumjaithai to field candidates in all Bangkok seatsListen to this articleSupamas Isarabhakdi (Photo: Bhumjaithai Party)The ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party is looking to make history by capturing parliamentary seats in Bangkok for the first time. Supamas Isarabhakdi, a BJT executive and the official in charge of the party’s Bangkok constituency elections, told the media the party will field candidates in all 33 constituencies in the capital. She expressed confidence in the capability and quality of all its candidates, whom she described as strong options for Bangkok voters. These, she said, include Mr Sihasak as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Suphajee Suthumpun as deputy prime minister and minister of commerce, and Ekniti Nitithanprapas as deputy prime minister and minister of finance. While acknowledging the party’s hopes for Bangkok are high, she said it is not unattainable, adding that the party hopes the bid will dispel long-standing perceptions that BJT’s support base is confined to provincial areas.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:22 UTC
China holds military drills around Taiwan after US arms deal
China holds military drills around Taiwan after US arms dealListen to this articleA bomber takes off from an undisclosed location for drills east of Taiwan, in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), on Monday. (Eastern Theatre Command/Handout via REUTERS)China kicked off military manoeuvres around Taiwan that it said included live-fire drills, in a dramatic show of force after the US announced one of its biggest arms packages ever for the self-run democracy. The People’s Liberation Army published a separate statement outlining five zones for live-fire drills on Tuesday, which Chinese authorities advised airlines to avoid. The drills underscore how sensitive the Taiwan question is to Beijing, even as it seeks to stabilize relations with Washington — Taipei’s biggest backer. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be brought under its control, by force if necessary — a stance Taipei steadfastly rejects.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 29, 2025 14:19 UTC