Thailand plans wire fence on southern border
Thailand plans wire fence on southern borderA customs boat patrols the Golok River in Tak Bai district in Narathiwat. (Photo: Bangkok Post)Thailand plans to erect security fencing to close off illegal waterway crossings along the border with Malaysia, to combat smuggling and other border crime between Narathiwat in Thailand and Kelantan in Malaysia. The plan follows the example of Malaysian security authorities who have erected barbed wire fences at spots along the bank of the Golok river where illegal jetties have now been demolished. Narathiwat police chief Pol Maj Gen Prayong Kotsakha unveiled the plan to Malaysian media in a recent interview. "For now, barbed wire will be installed at locations frequently used as illegal crossing points, similar to steps taken by Malaysian authorities," the Malaysian official news agency quoted Pol Maj Gen Prayong as saying.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 13:47 UTC
Air force says Cope Tiger drill with US will go ahead
Air force says Cope Tiger drill with US will go aheadAir Force personnel from Thailand, the United States and Singapore during a Cope Tiger exercise in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2012. (Photo: Bangkok Post)The Royal Thai Air Force has confirmed its major air exercise, Cope Tiger, with the United States and Singapore, will go ahead in Thailand this month as planned, but with heightened security because of the Mideast war. This is normal… I believe that the world understands the necessity for these exercises,” ACM Praphas said. Cope Tiger is aimed at allowing pilots to gain wider experience and friendly nations to boost their military cooperation. Asked about fuel supplies, ACM Prapas said the air force had a reserve of fuel for both pilot training and emergency situations.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 13:22 UTC
Southeast Asia faces sweltering heat as war limits energy supply
Southeast Asia faces sweltering heat as war limits energy supplyVisitors cool off using a water sprinkler installed at Wat Pho in Bangkok to help people beat the scorching heat in April 2024. The forecast comes as the US-Israeli war against Iran upends transport and output across the Middle East, sending energy prices soaring. A prolonged disruption would threaten fossil-fuel reliant Southeast Asia’s power generation into April and May, when the mercury can climb to sweltering levels. The unseasonal heat is likely to first set in over those two countries, and then expected to expand to much of mainland Southeast Asia in the following two months. Asian spot prices doubled last week and remain elevated, and buyers in Southeast Asia will be competing with others in Asia and Europe for a limited amount of gas.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 13:07 UTC
Dead on arrival: South Sudan's devastated health system
Dead on arrival: South Sudan's devastated health systemHealth outcomes have worsened in South Sudan since independence despite billions of dollars in oil revenues. (Photo: AFP)JUBA — South Sudan's healthcare system has been so crippled by years of corruption that when a state governor experienced high blood pressure recently, he had to fly to Kenya for treatment. Cycle of violenceIn the Juba hospital, wounded lay on the floor in blood-stained bandages. On top of all that, South Sudan is among the most dangerous places in the world to be a health worker. The US has warned it will pull funding if governance does not improve, and NGOs are pulling back as donations fall and patience runs thin with South Sudan's leaders.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 12:57 UTC
'Severe summer storms' this week
'Severe summer storms' this weekThe Thai Meteorological Department has warned of possible summer storms across upper Thailand, including Bangkok, on Wednesday and Thursday. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain high, with thunderstorms possible in several areas. However, on Wednesday and Thursday, summer storms may develop in parts of northern, northeastern, central and eastern Thailand. The storms could bring heavy rain in some areas, strong winds, hail and lightning. The department urged residents to remain cautious during the storms, avoid open spaces, large trees and unstable billboards, and limit travel in areas experiencing severe weather.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 12:45 UTC
Iran war sends oil price soaring as Khamenei son takes charge
Iran war sends oil price soaring as Khamenei son takes chargeMojtaba Khamenei is regarded as a conservative figure with ties to the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of Iran's military. (Photo: AFP)TEHRAN — The Iran war sent oil prices soaring on Monday after Tehran marked the appointment of its new supreme leader with a new barrage of missiles targeting Israel and the Gulf energy industry. Since the start of the war, the benchmark WTI oil contract has risen more than 75% and Brent more than 60. Oil price spikesAs Iran retaliated against its oil-rich Gulf Arab neighbours, the benchmark price for a barrel of crude soared beyond $100 for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of the elder Khamenei.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 12:42 UTC
Shots fired at singer Rihanna's LA mansion
Shots fired at singer Rihanna's LA mansionRihanna, one of the world's most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting. (afp)LOS ANGELES - Pop superstar Rihanna's Los Angeles home was hit by bullets on Sunday when a woman fired shots at the property while the singer was reportedly inside, according to US media. The shooter fired about 10 rounds from a vehicle across the street from the mansion in the Beverly Hills area, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing police. Rihanna, one of the world's most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting. Officers said the suspect was a woman in her 30s who allegedly fled the scene before being arrested without incident a short time later.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 06:08 UTC
Beijing signals high hopes for South China Sea 'golden rules' by end of year
Beijing signals high hopes for South China Sea 'golden rules' by end of yearA China Coast Guard vessel 21559 uses a water cannon against Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya in the South China Sea, in this handout image released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Oct 12, 2025. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost all the islands and rock features in the South China Sea and in their adjacent waters. "Peace, cooperation and friendship are shaping a new narrative for the South China Sea," the foreign minister said. He argued that through Wang's remarks, Beijing sought to place the South China Sea and regional security within a larger international strategic context. "Beijing's message is clear: the stability of the South China Sea is critical to the security and development of the entire Asia-Pacific region, not a battlefield for geopolitical rivalry."
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 05:40 UTC
City denies PP claims of overpaying for traffic cones
City denies PP claims of overpaying for traffic conesThe Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued a clarification after People's Party (PP) MP Rukchanok Srinork questioned equipment costs, noting the comparison involved different road safety devices. During a lecture at Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus on Saturday, Ms Rukchanok raised concerns about the procurement of orange traffic cones. The criticism compared flexible bollards with standard pyramid-shaped traffic cones. The BMA said it purchased flexible bollards last year at 1,600 baht each, lower than the reference price of 1,800 baht. This year, the price was further reduced to 1,500 baht per unit from a reference price of 1,600 baht.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 05:37 UTC
Play Store starts flagging apps that drain battery
Google has officially rolled out a new warning system on the Play Store to alert users about Android applications that consume excessive battery power, following a policy shift aimed at improving device efficiency. The system is designed to identify and label apps that continue to strain hardware resources even when not actively in use. By surfacing these warnings, Google aims to provide transparency to consumers before they commit to a download. Beyond the visible warnings, Google is also penalising unoptimised apps within the Play Store’s ecosystem. Source: Android Developers Blog
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 04:39 UTC
Young waitress killed in Chiang Mai
Young waitress killed in Chiang MaiA police investigator stands in front of the rented house where the body of a young waitress was found in Hang Dong district, Chiang Mai, on Saturday. (Photo: Hang Dong rescue foundation)Police investigating the death of a 22-year-old waitress found at her house in Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai have arrested her cousin's boyfriend. The body of the waitress, identified only as Yupa aka Praew, was on the bed. Police identified the murderer because a deliveryman arrived at the house just when the murderer was about to flee the place on Friday. On Saturday the man returned to the house and pretended to be a witness when police examined the crime scene.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 04:37 UTC
Dept mulls easing booze curbs at banquets
Dept mulls easing booze curbs at banquetsThe Department of Disease Control (DDC) has opened public consultation on easing alcohol restrictions at traditional events, including wedding banquets and diplomatic events, in restricted venues. The Office of the Alcohol Control Committee under the Department of Disease Control is seeking feedback on a draft Prime Minister's Office regulation concerning "traditional banquets". The source said the proposed regulation stems from the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which introduced a legal definition of "traditional banquets". However, the law allows exemptions for traditional events once formally designated by ministerial announcement. "Under the proposal, wedding receptions will be classified as traditional banquets, enabling alcohol to be served at such events even if held in venues normally subject to alcohol restrictions," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 04:06 UTC
Japan mulls abolishing face-to-face immigration checks amid tourism surge
Japan mulls abolishing face-to-face immigration checks amid tourism surgeAn airplane of Japan Airlines approaches to land at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Jan 5, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)The Japanese government is moving to abolish with the need for most foreign tourists to meet face-to-face with immigration officers to enter the country as it seeks to streamline entry procedures amid the inbound tourism surge. Doing away with in-person immigration checks to reduce airport congestion is rare by global standards, the agency said. Immigration officers would be stationed near the gates and could conduct face-to-face checks if they spot suspicious activity. The Integrated Kiosk is currently available at Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Fukuoka airports, with the agency planning to expand the system to more airports.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 04:06 UTC
Pressure builds for Australia to offer Iran women's football team asylum
Pressure builds for Australia to offer Iran women's football team asylumIran's players salute during the national anthem before the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Iran and Philippines in Gold Coast on March 8, 2026SYDNEY - Australia must protect the visiting Iranian women's football team, the son of the nation's late shah urged Monday, warning their refusal to sing the national anthem before a match could have "dire consequences". US-based Reza Pahlavi lent his voice to a growing chorus calling for Australia to offer the women asylum, joining politicians, human rights activists and even author J.K Rowling. "The members of the Iranian Women's National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic," said Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran. They later surrounded the Iranian team bus, chanting "let them go" and "save our girls". Asked about their case on Sunday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia "stands in solidarity" with the people of Iran.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:58 UTC
Stocks and bonds drop on oil’s surge, dollar gains
Stocks and bonds drop on oil’s surge, dollar gainsIranian missiles fly towards Israel, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on Monday. The dollar, which has emerged as the haven of choice during this conflict, rose against almost all its major peers. Treasuries slid on concern rising oil prices will add to inflation, after they had gained on Friday following Friday’ weak payrolls report. Spiking oil prices may precipitate a stock market correction rather than a bear market, but the latter is possible, said Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research. “The worst is yet to come in the stock market reaction,” said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2026 03:51 UTC