Iranian warship sunk by US torpedo participated in Indian drill
Iranian warship sunk by US torpedo participated in Indian drillInjured Iranian sailors walk on Galle National Hospital premises to change ward, where they are receiving treatment, following a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka, March 5, 2026. REUTERSNEW DELHI: The U.S. attack on an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean this week was the first time since World War Two that the United States has sunk an enemy vessel with a torpedo. CURRENT STATUS OF RELIEF AND RESCUEThe Sri Lankan Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress call from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena early on Wednesday. Sri Lanka recovered the bodies of 87 sailors and rescued 32, who were being treated for minor injuries and were expected to be released from hospital on Thursday. The Iranian vessel was among 18 foreign warships participating in the biennial MILAN exercise, alongside ships from Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan and Russia.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 15:12 UTC
Florida family alleges Google AI chatbot coached suicide
Lawsuit one of several launched against AI firms accused of exploiting human vulnerabilityThe case against Google Gemini is the latest in a wave of litigation targeting AI companies over chatbot-linked deaths. (Photo: AFP)SAN FRANCISCO - The family of a Florida man who took his own life filed suit against Google on Wednesday, alleging the company's Gemini AI chatbot spent weeks manufacturing an elaborate delusional fantasy before aiding him in his suicide. Jonathan Gavalas, 36, an executive at his father’s debt relief company in Jupiter, Florida, died on Oct 2, 2025. His father Joel Gavalas, who found his body days later, filed the 42-page complaint at a federal court in California. In one of his final messages, Jonathan wrote, “I’m ready when you are.”Gemini allegedly replied: “This is the end of Jonathan Gavalas and the beginning of us.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 15:10 UTC
Iran hits Kurdish groups in Iraq as conflict widens
(Photo: AFP)TEHRAN - Fresh blasts were reported in Iran’s capital on Thursday as Tehran said it had targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned “separatist groups” against action in the widening war. On Thursday, Tehran said it had hit Iraq-based Kurdish groups “opposed to the revolution”, as reports said the United States was looking to arm Kurdish guerrillas to infiltrate Iran. The strikes which killed a member from an exiled Iranian Kurdish group, according to a representative, followed a warning from Iranian officials. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, meanwhile, warned on Thursday that the conflict would test global economic resilience. China also announced it would send a special envoy to mediate in the conflict, though it gave no further details.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 15:08 UTC
Singapore to ban caged lorries for worker transport from 2027
Singapore to ban caged lorries for worker transport from 2027Singapore skylines are seen from Marina Bay. (Photo: Saritdet Marukatat)Singapore will prohibit the use of caged lorries for transporting workers starting next year to mitigate safety risks during accidents or fires, Channel News Asia reported on Wednesday. Between 500 to 1,000 of the 50,000 lorries currently in operation utilise caged decks, it said. The policy shift follows a surge in public outcry triggered by viral social media footage, although there’s been no major mass-casualty event specifically involving caged lorries. Videos have showed workers locked behind chained and padlocked gates, intensifying scrutiny on transport safety and the potential for them to be trapped during roadside emergencies.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 15:08 UTC
Navy readies sea evacuation plan for Thais
(Photo: Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai)The Royal Thai Navy has prepared a “Plan B” to evacuate Thai nationals from the Middle East by sea should airspace closures halt flights amid escalating regional tensions. Adm Pairote Fuangchan, the navy commander-in-chief, said the Royal Thai Air Force would take the lead in any government evacuation move, particularly for Thai citizens in Iran. In such a scenario, naval vessels would be deployed to evacuate Thai nationals from affected areas. Thai citizens can contact their nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General at any time for assistance. The Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran has arranged two evacuation convoys by road to Turkey, on Saturday and Tuesday.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 15:08 UTC
Thai-built drones tested to speed medicine delivery to remote islands
Improved access and shorter treatment times among benefIts of system, say health officialsA Thai-built medical drone lifts off during a trial run under a Ministry of Public Health programme testing faster medicine deliveries to patients on remote islands. (Photo: Department of Medical Services)Thai-built drones are being tested to deliver medicines, vaccines and medical supplies to hard-to-reach hospitals on islands, aiming to shorten treatment waiting times and improve access for patients in remote areas. The agency began testing unmanned aerial vehicles for medical logistics in 2023, starting with routes in the southern province of Satun — from the mainland to islands, director-general Dr Natthaphong Wongwiwat said on Thursday. According to Dr Natthaphong, the trials are being conducted by experienced Thai drone pilots following legally compliant flight plans, with real‑time tracking and strict temperature control to ensure product integrity. “Using drones to transport medicines and medical supplies is still very new in Thailand,” he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 15:06 UTC
Canadian PM can’t rule out military role in Iran war
Canadian PM can’t rule out military role in Iran warAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney (left) walk through the corridors of Parliament House in Canberra on March 5, 2026. (Photo: AFP)CANBERRA - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that he couldn’t rule out his country’s military participation in the escalating war in the Middle East. The Canadian leader reiterated on Thursday his call for a “de-escalation” of the conflict. “In this brave new world, middle powers cannot simply build higher walls and retreat behind them. The Canadian leader has frequently clashed with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and slapped swingeing tariffs on the country.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:52 UTC
TAVI Gives Patients New Hope at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
It’s a reality, thanks to a breakthrough procedure now available at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital. Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital has established itself as a regional leader in advanced cardiovascular care. Thanks to TAVI at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital. In conclusion, TAVI at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is a minimally invasive procedure that takes about one hour, with patients typically staying in the hospital for about 3 days. Venue: Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:52 UTC
25% tourism decline ‘worst-case scenario’
Tourism Authority of Thailand pivots to short-haul markets to close the gapTourists walk through the arrivals hall at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Reuters)War in the Middle East could seriously affect Thai tourism this year, with a 25% decline from the 2026 target being the worst-case scenario if the fighting extends beyond three months, prompting officials to target short‑haul tourists to fill the gap. According to a preliminary forecast by the TAT, the worst‑case scenario would involve a potential decrease of 25% to between 27 million and 29 million foreign visitors, from the 2026 target of 36.7 million. If the war ends within three months, the agency sees an 18% decline to 30–31 million, which is the base‑case scenario. For the best‑case scenario, if tensions subside in two to four weeks, there would be a minimal impact of only 2%.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:51 UTC
Thai inflation negative for 11th straight month
Thailand’s nearly year-long stretch of falling consumer prices may now provide a buffer against potential energy-driven inflation spike, analysts say. With tensions in the Middle East threatening to lift global oil prices and pushing inflation in many economies above targets, Thailand’s negative inflation and muted core readings could help cushion the impact. Over the past year, softer energy prices have kept overall inflation below the Bank of Thailand’s target range of 1%-3%. At a briefing on Thursday, the commerce ministry said Thai inflation is expected to accelerate in March due to higher oil prices. Higher oil prices would raise costs for prepared foods and other consumer goods, adding upward pressure on prices, Mr Nantapong said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:40 UTC
Asian countries scramble to secure fuel supplies
(Photo: Reuters)The impact of the war in the Middle East rippled further through global energy markets on Thursday, with Asian countries taking more measures to shore up supplies. Refiners in China and Japan that depend on Middle East oil halted fuel exports to protect domestic supplies. The cost of shipping oil out of the United States rose to a record as buyers searched for alternative sources of crude. Iranian state media said the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy struck a US oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf. Taiwan said it has secured LNG supplies for April from regions outside the Middle East, while Thailand was seeking extra shipments.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:37 UTC
Thaksin’s family prepares to discuss parole arrangements
(Screen grab from video posted by Pheu Thai Family FC)Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is in good health and his family is preparing to discuss arrangements regarding his expected parole in May, says daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Ms Paetongtarn and her husband Pidok Sooksawas visited Thaksin at Klongprem Central Prison at 10am on Thursday. After about an hour inside the prison, Ms Paetongtarn told reporters that the visit was routine and focused on updates about daily life. “My father’s health is still strong and he is doing well,” said Ms Paetongtarn, also a former prime minister. Asked how she felt, Ms Paetongtarn paused briefly before replying that it felt like a long time.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:35 UTC
Iran war punctures strategy of ‘Sell America, Buy Asia’
A news report on the Iran conflict displayed inside a trading room at Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. (Photo: Bloomberg)HONG KONG — The war in Iran is forcing investors to reevaluate one of their most profitable stock strategies, leading some to conclude that the “Sell America, Buy Asia” trade has reached an inflection point. The Iran war has impacted Asian stocks disproportionately, partly because of the region’s outsize reliance on fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo: Bloomberg)Japan and South Korea are particularly exposed to disrupted shipping routes, in contrast to China, which has larger reserves and access to Russian crude. “Some Asian markets like South Korea are particularly vulnerable at the moment given the recent strong rally and resultant high multiples.”
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:35 UTC
The silent struggle of an anti-war woman in Russia
The silent struggle of an anti-war woman in Russia“Any resistance from below will be crushed,” says Varvara. Thousands have been jailed or fined for simply speaking out against the offensive. All major opposition figures are in jail, exiled or dead and anti-war groups outside the country are hobbled by bitter factional infighting. Despite her decision to stop speaking out and commitment to staying inside Russia, the war has completely overshadowed Varvara’s life. “There’s this constant inner struggle: whom can you work with and whom you can’t?” explained the young woman.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:26 UTC
EC urged to replace head of Senate collusion panel
Pol Capt Piya currently chairs an EC subcommittee ruling on disputes related to the collusion case in which dozens of sitting senators are implicated. The petitioners point to photographs showing Pol Capt Piya greeting Mr Anutin at an airport in Buri Ram on March 1, when the premier travelled to officiate at the season-opening MotoGP event. The panel led by Pol Capt Piya is responsible for determining whether to proceed with charges recommended by a separate investigative subcommittee. The latter previously proposed indicting more than 200 individuals, including Mr Anutin, in the collusion case. Mr Akkarawat said Pol Capt Piya’s conduct could undermine public confidence in the panel’s impartiality.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 05, 2026 14:21 UTC