People's Party sorry for database breach
People's Party sorry for database breachPeople's Party leader Natthaphong RuengpanyawutPeople's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut yesterday apologised to members after a breach exposed personal data from the party's membership database, saying the security hole has been sealed and there is no evidence the leaked information has been misused. Mr Natthaphong said the party detected suspicious attempts on Tuesday by an external actor to access member records unlawfully. The party subsequently warned members, in line with its obligations under the Personal Data Protection Act, after assessing potential risks to data subjects' rights and freedoms. "We take the protection of members' personal data extremely seriously. Separately, activist Srisuwan Janya petitioned the Election Commission to investigate and consider seeking the party's dissolution, alleging negligence in safeguarding personal data.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:52 UTC
Few easy ways out for US as Iran war drags on
Trump likely to ‘revise the concept of victory’ before it’s too lateTehran has been hit by multiple strikes since the war began. He also said there was “anger” among Gulf states that had put “so much investment in” diplomacy with Iran. And domestically, Trump — who ordered the surprise strikes without seeking public support for a war — is facing upcoming congressional elections. Not that Iran — facing its own political, military and economic upheaval from the war — is without its own long-term difficulties. But while Trump might want to walk away boasting of killing Khamenei and degrading the Iranian military, “Iran might not give him that off-ramp,” said Nate Swanson, of the Atlantic Council.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:51 UTC
Parliament reopens with brief ceremony
In a brief opening speech to members of parliament, His Majesty urged them to uphold righteousness and the public interest as paramount objectives in the performance of their legislative duties. The resumption of parliament comes even as challenges mount over the Election Commission’s handling of the Feb 8 polls. Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zaram, a veteran Bhumjaithai politician, confirmed that the party poised to lead the new coalition government had nominated him for the speaker’s post. Once chosen, the new speaker will schedule a parliamentary session to vote in the prime minister, almost certain to be Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul. Bhumjaithai deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat said the vote for prime minister would likely take place on Thursday.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:42 UTC
Iran and US each threaten attacks on oil facilities
(Photo: AFP)TEHRAN - Iran threatened on Saturday to reduce US-linked oil facilities to “a pile of ashes” as the two-week-old Middle East war spilled over into a global oil price crisis. Despite facing superior US and Israeli firepower, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks against at least 10 countries. US and Israeli attacks have killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, according to health ministry figures that could not be independently verified. Blasts hit TehranHeavy blasts shook Tehran late Friday after the United States vowed to step up air strikes. After 14 days of war, the United States is reportedly sending reinforcements that could open up options beyond the airborne campaign.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:38 UTC
Hezbollah’s ‘existential’ war against Israel could be its last
“This is an existential battle… we will not allow the enemy to achieve its goal of eliminating our existence,” he said. Hezbollah’s leadership has denied the battle’s timing was linked to the Iran war, instead saying it lost patience with Israeli attacks. Military expert Hassan Jouni said that for Hezbollah “this is an existential battle… so it will fight until the last breath”. “For Israel, this is the final battle against Hezbollah,” he said, noting the current circumstances, which Israel sees an opportunity to destroy its foe, may not reappear. The group is fighting “an existential battle on two fronts: the Lebanese front and its (Iranian) ally’s political, ideological and strategic front”, he told AFP.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:36 UTC
Thai refiner makes rare purchase of North Sea crude
Countries looking farther afield for supplies as Strait of Hormuz closure continuesAn oil production platform is seen in the P9 Horizon field in the North Sea. (Photo: ImagePerson via Wikimedia Commons)A Thai oil refiner has made a rare purchase of North Sea crude oil as Asian processors scramble to find alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies stuck in the Persian Gulf. It is the first time a Thai company has bought North Sea Forties crude since at least 2019, when Bloomberg started tracking the data. The Iran war has effectively shut the critical Strait of Hormuz, choking off shipments of crude and fuels to global customers. North Sea crude is normally loaded onto supertankers for voyages to Asia, but the record cost of freight has made the bigger tankers economically unviable.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:35 UTC
Doomed Vale dare to dream against Blues at Stamford Bridge
Port Vale players celebrate after the match against Sunderland. Last week's fifth round didn't let us down either with struggling League One side Port Vale upsetting Sunderland from the Premier League. "Struggling" is in fact an understatement as Port Vale are rock bottom in their division, 11 points from safety and looking doomed for relegation. An intriguing point about Vale is that there is no place actually called Port Vale. The club is said to have been named after a meeting at a building called Port Vale House.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:32 UTC
Angels edge Tampines to reach semis
Angels edge Tampines to reach semisBangkok United's Teerasil Dangda celebrates his goal. Teerasil Dangda's 15th-minute strike gave Bangkok United a perfect start as they built on their 2-1 first-leg victory last week in Thailand. If they [Tampines] could play like they did in the second half, they would be a strong team in the future," he added. Next up for Bangkok United is a home match against Port in the Thai League 1 tomorrow. Sharks take on BuriramLeaders Buriram United will host Chonburi in the Thai League 1 today.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:32 UTC
Ex-minister Saksayam ‘cleared of false asset declaration’
Anti-graft body confirms decision but not certain if it is linked to earlier court rulingThe Constitutional Court in January 2024 ordered Saksayam Chidchob — the brother of Bhumjaithai Party patriarch Newin Chidchob — to quit the cabinet over an asset concealment case. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has confirmed that a petition accusing former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob of deliberately filing a false asset declaration has been dismissed. In January 2024, the Constitutional Court ruled 7-1 to terminate Mr Saksayam’s ministerial status over an asset concealment case. Political observers noted that in previous cases linked to Constitutional Court rulings, the NACC has rarely issued decisions that contradict the court’s findings. The Constitutional Court ruled against Yingluck, and the NACC later found grounds for wrongdoing.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 13:25 UTC
Comforts of a Hyrox race in a chaotic world
Sports and personal wellness have expanded beyond their four walls and courts, and the desire for like-minded community building has a lot to do with that. Suddenly, tennis has become somewhat of a personality trait to aspire to, and running clubs are rampant. We have written extensively about Thailand's rapid adoption of community-led sports and recreational activities, the proliferation of wellness clubs and the rise of optimised health. Whatever is hot and sizzling in the world, we are quick to spot and even quicker to dive in. Hyrox represents the rise of the "Amateur Elite" culture, part of a new cultural subset among the urban population.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 01:22 UTC
Fading hopes of quick end to war depress stocks
Fading hopes of quick end to war depress stocksRECAP: Asian stocks retreated yesterday as dwindling hopes of a resolution to the war with Iran kept oil prices aloft, though a US waiver allowing purchases of Russian crude helped keep a floor under losses. Retail investors were net buyers of 10.23 billion baht, followed by institutional investors at 7.13 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers of 15.17 billion baht, followed by brokerage firms at 2.19 billion. Subsidies have reached 16 baht a litre, costing the state Oil Fuel Fund more than 1 billion baht a day. Central Retail Corporation (CRC) plans to invest 16-18 billion baht this year to open new stores, renovate existing ones and enhance the customer experience.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 01:21 UTC
3 Thai crew on attacked ship 'still alive'
3 Thai crew on attacked ship 'still alive'Adm Thadawut Thatphithakkul, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Navy, says three Thai crew members remain alive aboard the damaged cargo ship MV Mayuree Naree after it was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. ((Photo: Royal Thai Navy spokesperson)Three Thai sailors remain alive aboard the damaged cargo ship MV Mayuree Naree after it was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Adm Thadawut Thatphithakkul, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Navy. Rear Adm Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said Thai authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating assistance for all 23 crew members through diplomatic channels and naval cooperation. Two vessels owned by Thai business interests but registered in Singapore remain safely docked in the United Arab Emirates, carrying a total of 36 Thai sailors along with other foreign crew members. The Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat has already issued emergency passports to facilitate their departure.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 01:11 UTC
Russian crude imports eyed
Thailand has already increased its crude oil reserves from 92 days to 98 days to strengthen national energy security. Another development is the United States' decision to lift its boycott on Russian crude oil exports. In response, the Energy Ministry is preparing to negotiate purchases of Russian crude to supplement Thailand's supplies and ensure domestic energy security, he said. Initial discussions suggest that Russian crude could be processed by Thai refineries, and officials will coordinate with refinery operators and traders who can access Russian supplies. Refineries must still bear additional costs, including crude oil premiums, shipping and insurance, which have risen significantly.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 14, 2026 00:40 UTC
Bangkok air pollution rises sharply
Bangkok air pollution rises sharplyAir pollution in Bangkok surged overnight, with PM2.5 readings above Thailand’s safety threshold in 57 monitoring areas on Friday morning, as shifting winds, a large grass fire and stagnant nighttime conditions pushed fine-dust levels higher. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Air Quality Information Centre said the city’s average PM2.5 concentration at 7am on Friday was 43.7 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), exceeding the national guideline of 37.5. The worst readings were logged in Bang Na (109.3), Thung Khru (109), Phra Khanong (107.2), Prawet (107) and Yan Nawa (106.7). The governor added that the city is coordinating with neighbouring provinces to curb open burning and that PM2.5 levels are likely to ease later this month as southerly winds become established. Residents can monitor real-time air quality on the BMA and Gistda platforms and are advised to keep windows closed during high readings, run indoor air purifiers where possible, and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during peak hours.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 13, 2026 23:28 UTC
The allure of the self-built home market
Larger developers such as Sansiri and mid-sized developers are entering the resilient self-built home market. The self-built home market in Thailand has shown steady growth, typically expanding at a single-digit rate annually. Broken down by area, Greater Bangkok recorded a sharper decline of nearly 15%, from 51.4 billion baht to 43.7 billion, while upcountry markets fell 8% from 160 billion baht to 146 billion. Greater Bangkok presales fell 17% to 267 billion baht, while upcountry markets declined 14% to 170 billion baht. Valued at roughly 200 billion baht annually, the self-built home market is highly fragmented and dominated by small contractors, which account for about three-quarters of market share.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 13, 2026 23:26 UTC