Tsunami lessons must live on
Listen to this articleThe Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum in Phangnga, which is locally known as the 'Orange-Blue Boat Museum', was built as a learning centre and memorial for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Ban Nam Khem today is defined by rows of concrete houses, rebuilt by various agencies after the tsunami. "There is a tsunami museum in every Japanese city that has ever encountered the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami," he said. The Pakarang Cape in Phangnga is where traces of corals washed ashore by the 2004 tsunami can still be seen. She has since remarried and still lives in Ban Nam Khem surrounded by fellow tsunami survivors.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 22:21 UTC
Ngern Tidlor Earns Superbrands Thailand 2025
Consumer trust and brand credibility took centre stage as Ngern Tidlor was named a recipient of the Superbrands Thailand 2025 award, recognising its position as a vehicle title loan brand trusted by customers nationwide. The award was received on behalf of Ngern Tidlor by Mr Thitided Srimarayat, senior vice-president of marketing and business development at Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of Tidlor Holdings (TIDLOR). Trusted Through TransparencyBeing selected as one of Superbrands Thailand 2025 marks another milestone in Ngern Tidlor’s brand excellence, following evaluation across three key criteria: brand quality, brand affinity and brand personality. For more information, visit www.tidlor.com, the Ngern Tidlor Facebook fan page, or contact the call centre at 088-088-0880, available 24 hours a day. The Superbrands Thailand 2025 award is organised by Superbrands, an independent organisation that evaluates brand excellence through publications and awards programmes.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 22:12 UTC
Office hints at export dip in 2026
Moreover, he said ongoing geopolitical tensions and severe climate conditions are likely to impact agricultural exports. Enhanced agricultural exports could provide additional support. This year, these sectors have recorded a steeper decline in export growth than others. Agricultural products, which account for roughly 8% of total exports, contracted for the first 11 months, highlighting their vulnerability to a stronger baht. For the first 11 months, exports rose by 12.6% to $311 billion, while imports grew by 12.4% to $316 billion.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 22:05 UTC
Co-pay scheme drives up Grab sales
Co-pay scheme drives up Grab salesListen to this articleA spread of dishes from Mee Laph, which had the highest sales among upcountry restaurants for GrabFood during the co-payment scheme. Grab, a leading super-app in Southeast Asia, is sharing lessons from two local eateries about how the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" co-payment scheme drove delivery sales growth. However, the co-payment scheme has played a tangible role in stimulating the economy and encouraging people to make purchases. "Sales on GrabFood have grown steadily, and during the co-payment scheme, revenue more than doubled," said Mr Narongsak. Mee Laph's success was underscored by its position as the highest-selling upcountry merchant participating in the co-payment scheme on GrabFood.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 21:55 UTC
Thailand facing heat after statue demolition
Thailand has denied that its removal of a Hindu statue erected by Cambodian troops in a disputed border area was a mark of religious disrespect, amid a growing outcry from Indians as well as Cambodians. “We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity … located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute,” it quoted spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal as saying. “A destroyed statue cannot be compared with the limbs our soldiers have lost, nor can it be compared with acts of desecration. (Story continues below)The reported demolition of a Vishnu icon at the Cambodia–Thailand border is deeply troubling. Sacred religious symbols are not collateral damage; they represent living traditions, history, and identity for millions.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 21:15 UTC
Tanker driver falls asleep, kills four in Korat
Listen to this articleRescuers recover the bodies of passengers from a Toyota Fortuner, which was struck by a fuel tanker in Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday morning. Rescuers called to the scene found the tanker, containing diesel fuel, tipped to its side on the depressed road median. Nearby was a white Toyota Fortuner with six passengers. The tanker driver, who sustained minor injuries, told police he was travelling to deliver fuel in Ubon Ratchathani and had fallen asleep while driving. Police charged the tanker driver with reckless driving causing death, and damaging government property.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 19:36 UTC
Phuket ex-deputy governor accused of land-title graft
Phuket ex-deputy governor accused of land-title graftListen to this articleKamala beach, Phuket province. This case involves the issuance of land title deeds No. 13897 in tambon Patong, Kathu district, covering a combined area of 13 rai, 3 ngan and 2.3 square wah, which was found to encroach on the Kamala mountain forest national reserved forest. Despite internal acknowledgment that the land lay within a national forest reserve, officials proceeded with steps leading to the approval of title deeds. On Feb 4, 2011, Niwit, acting as governor of Phuket, approved the issuance.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 19:09 UTC
China urges travel agencies to reduce Japan-bound visitors by 40%
China urges travel agencies to reduce Japan-bound visitors by 40%Listen to this articleAn airplane of Japan Airlines (JAL) approaches to land at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan 5, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)KYODO — China has urged domestic travel agencies to reduce the number of Japan-bound tourists by 40%, industry sources said Thursday, amid a Beijing-Tokyo row over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a Taiwan contingency. Chinese nationals need to obtain visas to visit Japan and apply for them through designated travel agencies in China. According to Chinese media reports, more than 1,900 Japan-bound flights, or over 40% of the total, were cancelled in China in December, while 2,195 flights will be scrapped in January, also about 40%. Japanese statistics showed visitors from China rose only 3.0% in November from a year earlier, compared with a 22.8% rise in October, affected by the travel alert issued by the Chinese government.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 19:05 UTC
Malaysia arrests 2 over video of man in headscarf drinking alcohol
Public advised to avoid comments that could inflame religion, race and royaltyListen to this articleA screenshot from a video showing a man in a green headscarf drinking a can of beer at a hair salon in Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR — Two people have been arrested in Malaysia after a viral video showing a man wearing a headscarf while drinking alcohol at a hair salon triggered religious sensitivities in the Muslim-majority country. The 28-second clip widely shared across social media showed a man wearing a green headscarf drinking a can of beer, prompting public anger over what many viewed as a mockery of Islamic practices. Alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam, and the headscarf is commonly associated with Muslim women. "Preliminary investigations found that the individual wearing the headscarf and consuming alcoholic beverages was a man," Kumar said in a statement late on Wednesday.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 17:26 UTC
Thaioil Secures Top SET ESG Rating
Sustained leadership in environmental, social and governance performance has once again placed Thaioil at the forefront of Thailand’s capital market, after the company received the highest AAA rating for the third consecutive year in the SET ESG Ratings 2025, announced by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The recognition, awarded within the Resources industry group, honours listed companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in conducting business in line with sustainable development principles. The company continues to operate under a comprehensive framework for sustainable business management and development across all dimensions, with particular emphasis on professional and effective environmental, social and governance (ESG) management, as outlined below. Social (S): Thaioil is committed to enhancing community and social well-being through sustainable development and long-term shared growth. Governance (G): Thaioil has established strategic business directions under the concept “Empowering Strength for Powering Growth”, aiming to build a resilient foundation that supports sustainable growth through low-carbon and environmentally friendly products.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 17:24 UTC
Wife of jailed Istanbul mayor vows to ‘keep fighting’
Listen to this articleOpposition to the rule of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “cannot be silenced”, says Dilek Kaya Imamoglu, the wife of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. But Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said they have taken strength from her husband’s message “to never lose hope”. Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said the family is allowed weekly visits to see him in Silivri prison, west of Istanbul, where several other leading opponents of Erdogan are also being held. “Frankly, this silence has disappointed us,” Dilek Kaya Imamoglu said. ‘We are not alone’“Today I share the patience and resilience of the spouses of Selahattin Demirtas and Osman Kavala,” Dilek Kaya Imamoglu told AFP in the written interview.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 15:56 UTC
Thai Consular app is at your service
This is where the Thai Consular application, developed by the Department of Consular Affairs, becomes an essential travel companion. Designed specifically to support and protect Thai nationals abroad, the app reflects the Kingdom's proactive approach to modern consular services through digital innovation. Here are the five most popular destinations for Thai travellers who might encounter different risks and will find the consular app helpful. In the US, Thai travellers may encounter unfamiliar legal procedures related to traffic accidents, civil disputes or misunderstandings stemming from language and cultural differences. The consular app provides vital support through its Nearest Embassy feature, guiding users to the closest Thai diplomatic mission.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 14:46 UTC
LG Launches Major Flood Relief Initiative in Southern Thailand
In response to the widespread impact of the floods, LG has provided immediate assistance in partnership with The Mirror Foundation. These comprehensive actions reflect LG’s dedication to aiding the recovery process and helping to bring the 'good life' back to those impacted by the disaster. This philosophy extends beyond developing innovative products; it signifies our responsibility to improve people's quality of life, especially during difficult times. LG remains committed to leveraging its corporate capabilities, in both innovation and resources, to support Thai society in overcoming crises and to continue enhancing the quality of life for all Thais. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/th or follow the latest news and activities on all of LG's social media channels.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 13:04 UTC
Election volatility to hit Thai stock market
Election volatility to hit Thai stock marketListen to this articleThailand's stock market is likely to face a volatile year in 2026 as political uncertainty surrounds the upcoming general election, raising concerns over a potential policy vacuum that would weigh on economic momentum and investor sentiment, according to Bualuang Securities (BLS). Thailand's return to campaign season is likely to generate short-term market fluctuations, said Piriyapon Kongvanich, a strategist at BLS. BLS noted political uncertainty is expected to weaken fiscal stimulus, which currently serves as the main engine of Thailand's economic growth. For the equity market, the brokerage maintains its SET index target of 1,440 points for 2026 under the base-case scenario. The Thai bourse is expected to remain under pressure during the first half of 2026 due to weak economic data caused by the policy gap.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 13:03 UTC
No letup in Cambodian shelling of Thai civilian areas, army says
(Screenshot)Cambodia continues to fire heavy weapons at Thai civilian areas despite repeated protests by Thailand in international forums, while spreading false accusations about Thailand through its embassies, Thai authorities said on Thursday. According to Col Kannanat, since armed hostilities resumed on Dec 7, Cambodia has fired rockets and shells at at least 150 Thai civilian areas. The incidents killed one Thai civilian and injured 13 others. “This clearly shows that Cambodia targets not only the Thai military forces but also Thai civilian areas.”Cambodia has responded that Thailand has struck civilian areas in its territory using both heavy weapons and daily sorties by F-16 fighter jets. Rear Adm Surasant Kongsiri, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, also said that most of the Thai targets of ongoing Cambodian attacks were civilian areas.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 25, 2025 12:51 UTC