One visiting monk described the gathering as both rare and moving.

“I feel very happy and deeply moved by what we are seeing here today. It is very rare to witness monks from across the country gathering together like this from more than 40,000 temples,” he said.

Another monk said the event reflected the vitality and unity of Buddhism in the country.

“When you see the monastic community gathered together here at Dhammakaya Temple, it makes you feel that Buddhism is truly flourishing,” he said.

Customers are presented with meals in items such as plastic stools, buckets, bottles, and even weighing scales. The unusual presentation has become central to the dining experience, with many visitors arriving out of curiosity. 

"They have served my food in a watering can, which is quite exciting and unusual. The taste is great, which I really like," said one customer. 

The concept relies on unpredictability, with diners unsure of how their meals will be served each time they visit. This element of surprise has contributed to the restaurant’s growing popularity.

"It feels quite adventurous to eat at Kraprao Wat Jai, as we’re always excited to see how they serve the food. Today, it was presented on a small child’s chair, and it tasted very good," said another consumer.

Co-owner Baiplu said the idea began informally when her partner, Pum, experimented with unusual serving methods as a joke among friends. The approach quickly gained attention and became part of the restaurant’s identity.

"This place has been open for about 9-10 years," she said, adding, "Our customers come from all over, mainly from out of town, including students and a wide variety of people ."

Food may be served in items ranging from small bathtubs and birdcages to metal pans and large jars, reinforcing the unpredictable nature of the experience. 

Despite the focus on presentation, diners continue to praise the flavour of the Pad Krapow, which is available with pork, beef, or seafood.

Orders are placed by using a rubber chicken to call staff, while the simple, street-style setting continues to attract both local residents and tourists.

South Korea: Shorter showers, fewer car trips

South Korea has launched a nationwide energy-saving campaign urging citizens to cut back on everyday consumption — including taking shorter showers , cycling short distances and avoiding charging phones or electric vehicles at night.

President Lee Jae Myung framed the effort as a collective national test, invoking past crises when citizens rallied to support the economy. “We desperately need the cooperation from the people,” he said, calling on households to adopt a 12-step conservation plan.

Public agencies are also now required to limit official vehicle use to four days a week, with number plate-based restrictions determining which cars stay off the road. Officials have warned that similar curbs on private vehicles could follow if the crisis worsens.

Sri Lanka: Holidays on Wednesdays 

Sri Lanka has taken a more drastic step, declaring Wednesdays a holiday for public institutions to conserve fuel.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country must “prepare for the worst” as it braces for possible shortages. The measure effectively cuts commuting and government operations by one day each week.

Philippines: Air-conditioning limit to 24°C

In the Philippines, the government is targeting cooling — one of the largest sources of electricity demand in a tropical climate.

Public offices have been ordered to set air-conditioning units no lower than 24°C under a broader directive to cut energy use by at least 10%. Agencies are also being encouraged to adopt renewable energy where possible.

The measures are part of a wider effort to ensure stable electricity supply as global energy markets remain volatile.

Thailand: Take the stairs

Thailand’s approach combines austerity with behavioural nudges. Government workers have been told to work from home, avoid lifts and take the stairs , while air-conditioning is capped at 26–27°C.

Other steps include suspending overseas trips, reducing photocopier use and shifting meetings online. 

Across Asia, such measures underscore a common reality: the region’s economies remain tightly tied to distant energy routes. As supplies tighten, governments are not only adjusting policy — they are asking citizens to change how they live, one habit at a time.

This narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carried about 13 million barrels a day of crude in 2025 — roughly 31% of global seaborne crude flows — according to energy consultancy Kpler.

Any impact, however, will be uneven across Asia, with the most exposed economies those that rely heavily on imported energy or Middle Eastern supplies.

Thailand

Thailand stands out as one of the most vulnerable economies in the region.

Nomura said Thailand’s net oil imports amount to about 4.7% of gross domestic product (GDP), the highest share in Asia. The Japanese investment bank estimates that every 10% rise in oil prices could worsen Thailand’s current account balance by around 0.5 percentage points of GDP.

Research from Bank of America Global Research paints a similar picture, describing Thailand as having Asia’s largest negative energy trade balance. Net energy imports were estimated at about 6% of GDP in 2025, leaving the country particularly exposed to swings in global oil and gas prices.

Thailand imports roughly $29 billion worth of oil annually, with more than $17 billion sourced from the Middle East.

South Korea

South Korea is also highly exposed due to its near-total reliance on imported fossil fuels.

About 98% of the country’s oil and gas consumption comes from overseas, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Disruptions to shipping routes or sustained price increases therefore pose significant risks to both its economy and financial markets.

Those concerns were reflected in South Korea’s stock market this week. The benchmark Kospi index plunged more than 12% in early trading on Wednesday amid fears that escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies and trade.

Shipping and logistics companies were among the hardest hit as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed sharply.

India

India is also considered vulnerable because of its heavy reliance on imported energy.

Nomura identified India among the Asian economies most exposed to higher oil prices, warning that sustained increases could significantly raise the country’s import bill.

In addition to higher crude costs, India could also face pressure from rising LNG prices as Asia competes with Europe for limited supplies if shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain constrained.

Philippines

The Philippines faces particular exposure through its reliance on Middle Eastern crude.

Bank of America Global Research estimates that about 95% of the country’s oil imports come from the Middle East, making it one of the most dependent economies in the region on Gulf energy supplies.

Any disruption to shipping routes or sustained surge in prices could therefore translate quickly into higher domestic fuel costs and inflation.

Japan

Japan remains highly dependent on energy imports from the Middle East.

According to Bank of America Global Research, about 94% of Japan’s oil imports originate from the region. Analysts warn that supply disruptions or sustained price increases could therefore significantly affect Japan’s energy costs.

Nomura added that Japan typically maintains only two to four weeks of liquefied natural gas (LNG) stockpiles, limiting its ability to absorb prolonged supply disruptions.

Vietnam

Vietnam is also heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy supplies.

Bank of America Global Research estimates that about 88% of the country’s oil imports come from the region, making it vulnerable to any disruption to shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Who could gain in Asia?

Not all Asian economies would be hit equally.

Malaysia, for example, could see higher government revenues as an oil and gas exporter if prices remain elevated.

Investigators allege the couple persuaded an unnamed foreign national to channel funds into a series of purported ventures, including stock market investments, property developments, energy projects and the purchase of a private jet. 

Authorities said the suspects cultivated credibility over time, promising returns of up to 11%, before the victim transferred more than one billion baht (approximately $31.8 million).

The Criminal Court approved warrants on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The CIB said the case formed part of a broader effort to dismantle transnational scam operations that have proliferated across mainland Southeast Asia in recent years. 

Smith was previously linked to alleged scam networks operating out of Cambodia, an epicentre of a fast-growing illicit industry that has drawn increasing regional and international scrutiny.

Last week, Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office said it had moved to seize assets worth more than $410 million connected to Smith and other individuals under investigation in related fraud cases.

Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said the warrants were consistent with the government’s policy of pursuing financial crime “regardless of who they are.” 

In December, Anutin acknowledged he knew Smith but said they were not close.

Higher sodium levels would face higher tax rates, similar to the structure used for Thailand’s sugar tax introduced in 2017.

Foods prepared and sold on-site, including fast food, would be exempt from the levy.

This tax would likely be rolled out in phases to allow manufacturers time to adjust product formulations. Under the proposal, the highest-sodium products could initially face lower tax rates for at least six years before stricter thresholds take effect.

“The goal is to encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products and gradually reduce sodium content,” said Rachada Wanikakorn, deputy director-general of the Excise Department.

She noted that implementing a salt tax may be more complicated than the sugar levy because sodium has fewer substitutes in food production.

Why the need for such a tax?

The policy proposal comes as Thailand grapples with widespread excessive sodium intake.

A national health survey conducted in 2024 to 2025 found that Thais aged 15 and above consume an average of about 3,650 milligrams of sodium daily — nearly double the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum of 2,000 milligrams.

The study, carried out by Ramathibodi Hospital with the Health Systems Research Institute and the ThaiHealth Foundation, found that about 88% of the population exceeds the recommended daily sodium intake. 

Health authorities warn that excessive sodium intake is contributing to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country, including hypertension, kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions .

The government aims to reduce sodium consumption by 30% by 2030 under its Strategic Approach to Lower Sodium and Salt (SALTS) strategy.

Mixed reactions

But the proposed policy drew cheers and jeers, with supporters saying a tax could push manufacturers to lower sodium levels in processed foods and help reshape dietary habits.

For critics, however, such levies could disproportionately affect lower-income households, which tend to rely more heavily on inexpensive packaged foods. Others note that salty ingredients, including fish sauce, are deeply embedded in Thai cuisine, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the measure.

Similar public health taxes in countries such as Hungary and Colombia have produced mixed results, with debate continuing over their long-term impact on food consumption.

Thailand’s gross domestic product surpassed forecasts in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven primarily by strong performance in the industrial and retail sectors. The briefing notes that full-year economic growth reached 2.4%, supported by investment momentum and targeted electric vehicle incentives. Government stimulus measures and rising exports also contributed to the stronger-than-expected performance. The data reflect a broader recovery pattern, with industrial output and domestic consumption playing central roles. Export growth and state-led economic stimulus were key pillars underpinning the expansion.

Investment momentum and EV incentives shape economic recovery

Thailand’s economy ended 2025 stronger than expected, boosting confidence in the new government. Data from the NESDC showed GDP grew 2.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, up from 1.2% in Q3 and above market forecasts. Investment drove the late-year rebound, jumping 8.1% in the fourth quarter, the fastest pace since 2016 and up from 1.4% in Q3. Private investment rose 6.5%, led by spending on industrial machinery and office equipment as business confidence improved. The government’s EV 3.0 incentive scheme also spurred demand, with consumers rushing to buy electric vehicles before subsidies expired, lifting durable goods spending 12.2%. Overall household consumption grew 3.3%, supported by low inflation and loose monetary policy despite high household debt.

Demographic shift towards an ageing society pressures labour and welfare systems

Thailand’s population growth has slowed to 0.42% , the lowest rate since the census began, according to preliminary results from the National Statistical Office’s 2025 population and household census. The 12th population census and sixth household census recorded 70.3 million people and 26.3 million households. While the population is still rising, growth is slowing sharply, with annual births significantly down compared with previous years.

Security operations intensify along the northern and eastern borders

Smuggling syndicates along the Malaysia–Thailand border in Kelantan have shifted tactics, using sea routes and landing along the Kelantan River after tighter security at the Golok River. PGA Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said syndicates are now bringing illegal immigrants by boat through tributaries to remote villages away from monitoring posts. Between Jan 1 and February 13, the PGA arrested 84 illegal immigrants (75 men, nine women). The largest group were Myanmar nationals (31), followed by Bangladeshis (19), Thais (17), Nepalis (10), Indians (4), Indonesians (2), and one Nigerian.

Government sets 2026 export targets

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is aiming for Bt142bn in exports in 2026 through about 700 initiatives. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij said the plan could support over 294,500 Thai businesses. Measures include online promotion via thaitrade.com, trade fairs, business matching, overseas outreach, and franchise support. A US trade mission will run from February 24–28, with firms such as Otis McAllister Inc. joining talks on boosting Thai exports. In March, the Thailand’s Best Friend Project will honour around 20 major global importers, while the Special Task Force Project will target new markets including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, plus Africa and Latin America.

Thus, the researchers underscored that the problem is not whether people in ASEAN are using AI, but whether institutions are equipped to manage it responsibly.

“Across ASEAN, we are seeing AI use grow faster than our systems’ ability to guide it,” said Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation. “These studies move the conversation beyond whether AI is being used to whether our institutions, educators and communities are truly prepared.”

Thailand leads in AI usage

The report points to a widening readiness gap, particularly in education, with surveys conducted across all 10 ASEAN member states showing strong enthusiasm for generative AI tools, especially among younger users.

Of ASEAN’s member countries, Thailand led in AI usage, with adoption concentrated across the digital economy and among the youth. Over 90% of Thai students reportedly use AI tools, particularly for tasks such as writing, summarising and digital design. 

In the Philippines , which is hosting the high-stakes ASEAN Summit this year, more than 80% of students surveyed said they use generative AI in their studies, compared with just over 70% of educators. Many students reported relying on AI for writing and paraphrasing tasks.

Yet fewer than half of Filipino educators expressed confidence in their institutions’ AI policies, suggesting that usage is outpacing formal guidance and training.

Overall unpreparedness

The broader regional study highlights uneven digital preparedness across Southeast Asia, including shortfalls in digital skills, cybersecurity capacity and ethical standards for emerging technologies.

Researchers flagged concerns ranging from online fraud and deepfakes to data breaches and misinformation, warning that unchecked misuse could undermine public trust in digital services.

The urgency for improved digital systems comes as ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to expand sharply by the end of the decade, potentially reaching $1 trillion by 2030, fuelled by a young and increasingly connected population of more than 660 million people.

Access to AI tools alone will not be enough, the report argued.  

Without clearer policies, stronger governance and sustained investment in literacy and safeguards, Southeast Asia’s fast-moving embrace of AI could prove as fragile as it is rapid.

These were presented in Manila during the third regional policy convening of the AI Ready ASEAN programme, an initiative launched in 2024 with a $5 million grant from Google.org to improve AI literacy across the bloc.

Unlike previous elections , the appointed Senate will no longer participate in selecting the prime minister. A candidate for premier needs at least 251 votes in the House to assume office. 

Voters will also cast a referendum ballot on whether to rewrite the 2017 constitution.

What are the main parties?

How will the elections be conducted?

While voting occurs on February 8, the prime minister will not be elected immediately. 

Results must first be certified by the Election Commission, which has up to 60 days to confirm at least 95% of MPs — 475 of 500 — before Parliament can convene. This step is expected by April 9.

The first parliamentary session will follow, likely after the Songkran Festival, to elect the Speaker and Deputy Speakers. The Speaker plays a key role in controlling proceedings, setting agendas, and formally proposing the prime minister to the King.

The prime minister’s election in early May 2026 will reflect the outcome of coalition negotiations. A party or alliance must secure at least 251 votes in the House. Forming a stable government may be difficult, as no single party is expected to win a majority.

Once the prime minister is elected, the Cabinet will be formed and ministers appointed by royal decree. 

The new government must present its policy statement to Parliament within 15 days, after which it can fully exercise authority. If the process proceeds smoothly, Thailand should have a fully functioning government by mid-June 2026.

What are the pressing issues?

What’s next?

Thailand’s election is widely viewed as a test of whether the country can break its cycle of political instability, coups, and judicial interventions. However, even with high voter turnout, analysts have cautioned that forming a stable government will be challenging unless a party achieves a convincing majority.

Thus, February 8 vote marks the start of a complex transition of state power. 

Over the next four months, the certification of results, parliamentary convening, prime minister selection, and Cabinet formation will determine whether Thailand can achieve political stability or continue its pattern of turbulence.

Benjaporn Maigate, a street food vendor in Chiang Rai, said money offered during campaigns does little to solve daily struggles.

“There’s a lot of money being thrown around to buy votes, but what people really need are policies that reduce the cost of living, especially electricity and fuel,” she said . She added that her family refuses to accept money in exchange for votes. “If someone tries to buy our vote, we shut the door on them,” she said.

Similar views were shared in Thailand’s north-east, known as Isan, where agriculture remains central to the economy. Farmer Rungnapa Kongsui from Ubon Ratchathani said cash handouts bring only short-lived relief.

“The happiness from money lasts only for a short time,” she said. “But if you support jobs, careers and markets, people will remember that forever.”

The shift in attitudes matters because nearly 25 million voters live in the North and North-east, which together account for 170 of Thailand’s 500 parliamentary seats. While these regions have traditionally backed the Pheu Thai party, recent elections have shown more mixed results.

Voters say empty promises and short-term giveaways are no longer enough. Farmer Saksayam Lakkan, who returned home after working abroad, said real change depends on education and technology. “If the government actually promoted technology and educated the new generation of farmers, we could develop and have a better life,” he said.

The election also includes a referendum on whether to amend Thailand’s 2017 military-era constitution, a process many voters view with scepticism after repeated failed attempts. Political analyst Purawich Watanasukh from Thammasat University said years of stalled reforms have left voters fatigued and wary of grand promises.

The policy applies to freshly brewed beverages and was developed with nine major coffee operators, including Café Amazon, Inthanin, All Café, Black Canyon, and Punthai.

Health authorities described the move as one that is designed to slow the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which remain a growing burden in Thailand.

According to Bangkok Hospital , nearly 1 in every 10 Thais aged 15 and above is living with diabetes — close to 5 million people — a figure that has sharpened the government’s push to cut sugar consumption nationwide.

Globally , diabetes has surged at an alarming pace, with the number of people living with the disease rising from about 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022, with treatment coverage weakest in poorer nations.

Rather than banning sugar outright, the programme changes the default recipe. Customers will still be able to request full sweetness, but the standard option will now deliver only 50% sugar.

This move is a form of behavioural “nudging,” a strategy meant to gently reshape consumer habits by normalising lower-sugar choices.

Under the revised formula, a typical 16-ounce cup of coffee or Thai milk tea will contain about 3.3 to 3.7 teaspoons of sugar, comfortably below the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum of six teaspoons.

The initiative also dovetails with Thailand’s expanding sugar tax regime, which targets sweetened beverages and is expected to generate 578.2 billion baht ($18 billion) in revenue in 2026.

While packaged drinks are already taxed based on sugar content, freshly made beverages have largely fallen outside regulatory reach. The new partnership effectively closes that gap.

For coffee chains, the shift offers financial upside as well. Using less sugar and syrup lowers ingredient costs, helping businesses offset higher taxes and rising raw material prices without raising menu prices.

As a result , thousands of cannabis shops have closed. Health Ministry data shows that of 8,636 shop licences that expired in 2025, only 15.5% were renewed. More than 7,000 businesses chose to shut down.

Under the new rules, cannabis flower is now classified as a “controlled herb” and can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Customers are limited to a 30-day supply.

Tourists can still access medical cannabis, but only after consulting a Thai doctor and obtaining a medical certificate, a process that makes casual purchases far less common.

Dispensaries are also now required to employ licensed medical or traditional medicine practitioners on-site.

Other restrictions include a ban on cannabis advertising, prohibition of online sales, and rules against selling in certain public areas. Smoking cannabis in public is illegal and can result in fines of up to 25,000 baht (about US$1,000).

The committee said Cambodian families remained unable to go back to their homes because Thai troops continued to occupy parts of the border, actions it described as unlawful. 

It alleged that civilian houses had been destroyed and access routes sealed off using shipping containers and barbed wire.

According to the CHRC, such measures violate provisions agreed during the third Special General Border Committee meeting, including guarantees to protect civilian property and facilitate the safe and dignified return of residents displaced by the fighting.

In its appeal to Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN special rapporteur based in Geneva, the committee said the destruction of homes and seizure of civilian property amounted to serious breaches of international humanitarian law, citing the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights .

The statement warned that the humanitarian impact was falling disproportionately on vulnerable groups, with women, children and older people facing increased risks linked to poverty, interrupted schooling and reduced access to healthcare.

The CHRC called on the UN to raise the issue directly with Bangkok, press for an end to what it described as ongoing obstructions and demand the withdrawal of Thai forces from Cambodian territory. 

It also sought international advocacy for reparations and compensation for those displaced.

The move comes as Cambodia increasingly turns to international legal mechanisms. 

On Friday, the country unanimously approved a draft law to ratify the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a step that will place Phnom Penh within a global framework for resolving disputes under international law once the legislation is formally ratified and submitted to the UN.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship as a showcase of national unity, professionalism, and economic leadership. Speaking at the ASEAN Chairmanship Appreciation Ceremony, he thanked government staff, security forces, and even cleaning personnel for their contributions, highlighting smooth event management and cultural showcases. Anwar emphasised teamwork across races, religions, and ministries, linking success to clear policies, firm leadership, and anti-corruption measures. He stressed Malaysia’s desire to be recognised for economic management, AI adoption, and renewable energy initiatives, while also showing care for fellow ASEAN nations, including supporting Timor-Leste’s formal admission as the bloc’s 11th member.

Malaysia eyes first dollar bond sale since 2021 amid strong markets

Malaysia is considering issuing US dollar-denominated bonds this year, its first such sale since 2021, as global credit markets rally and borrowing costs ease. The Finance Ministry said it has sought proposals from banks, partly to refinance dollar bonds maturing in 2026, including a US$1 billion Islamic note due in April. The move comes as spreads on Asian dollar debt hit record lows and after Malaysia’s economy grew a stronger-than-expected 5.7% in the fourth quarter, lifting full-year growth above forecasts. However, officials expect growth to slow to 4–4.5% this year amid rising global volatility and geopolitical risks.

Tighter expatriate hiring rules set higher pay floors, tenure caps

Malaysia will revise its expatriate employment framework from June 1, 2026, tightening rules under the Employment Pass system to prioritise senior and specialist foreign talent. Minimum salary thresholds will rise sharply, with Category I roles requiring at least RM20,000 a month, while Category II and III posts face higher, more clearly defined pay bands. New limits will also cap expatriate tenure at up to 10 years for senior roles and five years for junior categories. The government says the changes address salary compression with local professionals and aim to strengthen skills transfer, succession planning and the progression of Malaysians into leadership roles.

Malaysia’s king urges unity, prioritises national interest amid autonomy debate

Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar urged lawmakers to prioritise national interests over state rights, calling for unity, restraint and maturity in resolving political differences. Addressing parliament on January 19, he said any education system seeking recognition must use the Malay language and reflect Malaysia’s history. He reaffirmed respect for state rights but stressed they must not override the country’s collective interests, citing the 1963 Malaysia Agreement as a foundation for cooperation between states and the federal government. His remarks come amid renewed autonomy demands from Sabah and Sarawak, and follow a court ruling ordering the federal government to settle Sabah’s long-disputed revenue share.

Laos, Thailand, Malaysia advance ASEAN power grid with cross-border deal

Laos, Thailand and Malaysia have signed a new electricity transmission agreement under the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project, marking a step forward in ASEAN’s regional energy integration. The deal enables the cross-border transmission of 100 megawatts of electricity from Laos to Singapore via existing power networks in Thailand and Malaysia, over a two-year contract period. Signed in Bangkok on Jan 14 by state power utilities from the three countries, the agreement advances the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, aimed at strengthening energy security, improving resource efficiency and supporting sustainable economic growth through regional electricity trade.

The Facebook post, captioned as a “princess mission,” showed officers styled as characters such as Snow White and Cinderella, drawing amused reactions from users who remarked on the figures’ unexpectedly muscular appearance.

A day later, the station escalated the gimmick, unveiling another arrest image depicting officers as characters from the Japanese manga One Piece.

Behind the playful visuals was a real police operation. The suspect was arrested on theft charges and also tested positive for drug use and drink-driving.

Station superintendent Kietchai Koetcho said the idea came from the investigation team, which wanted to make routine police updates more engaging in a crowded social media landscape.

The costumes were digitally added after the arrests, he said, with officers wearing standard uniforms during the actual operations.

The strategy proved effective. As of this writing, the Disney princess photo has already generated more than 18,000 reactions on Facebook alone, while its One Piece-themed photo garnered more than 48,000. 

The approach appears to be spreading, as officers from Phlapphla Chai police station in Bangkok also recently posted AI-edited images of themselves styled after the television series Peaky Blinders.

Thai police have used visual humour in arrest photos before, including a recent case in Krabi where officers wore Liverpool football shirts while arresting a suspect dressed in Newcastle United colours.

Under prison regulations, inmates serving one-year sentences become eligible for parole after completing eight months, provided they meet basic conduct requirements.

The source said Thaksin is expected to qualify during the May review cycle, despite his inmate classification not yet being upgraded due to timing constraints in earlier assessments.

Classification reviews are conducted four times a year and consider behaviour, participation in activities, sentence length and time already served.

Thaksin, 76, was taken into custody on September 9 last year after the Supreme Court ordered him to serve a one-year term for abuse of authority and conflicts of interest while in office.

During the prison visit, Thaksin’s son-in-law Pidok Sooksawas told reporters the former premier was in good spirits and following political developments closely from inside prison.

Thaksin also conveyed support for Pheu Thai Party candidates ahead of the February general election and expressed condolences over a deadly crane accident in northeastern Thailand.

Supporters from the red-shirt movement gathered outside the prison.

Jailed after years in exile

Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after more than 15 years in self-imposed exile and was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison, later reduced to one year by royal clemency.

Although he spent much of that period in a police hospital, the Supreme Court later ruled the hospital stay did not count as prison time, forcing him to serve his sentence at Klongprem.

If granted parole in May, Thaksin’s release would mark another pivotal moment in Thailand’s long-running political saga , which has seen him jailed and his daughter, Paetongtarn, win and lose the premiership. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has repeatedly floated Disneyland as a potential “magnet project” that could transform the region into a year-round tourism hub.

If realised, the park would be Asia’s fifth Disney resort, joining two in Tokyo and existing sites in Hong Kong and Shanghai — and the first in the ASEAN region.

The proposal is closely tied to Thailand’s long-delayed high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports, as well as the expansion of U-Tapao into a full aviation city.

Phiphat has warned that these multibillion-baht infrastructure projects will struggle to attract investors without new incentives that guarantee passenger demand.

A globally recognised theme park, he argued, could provide that missing pull.

Is it plausible?

Studies cited by officials suggest that a Disneyland would require between 144 and 480 hectares of land, prompting authorities to search for additional space in the EEC provinces.

One option under review is land near a planned national sports and entertainment complex in Chonburi, which includes an 80,000-seat stadium and facilities for major international events.

The wider area could be developed into a new city combining sports venues, hotels, shopping centres and residential zones — without a casino.

The government has instructed the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee to explore negotiations with Disney, either through direct investment or licensing arrangements.

Thai investors have already approached authorities to express interest in co-investing, Phiphat said.

Amid tourism decline

The plan comes as Thailand seeks to reverse a rare dip in foreign tourism, after arrivals fell in 2025 due to security scares, natural disasters and regional tensions.

Thailand welcomed nearly 33 million visitors last year, a 7.2% decrease from the 35 million tourists in 2024. Still, the country is aiming higher in 2026, targeting almost 37 million arrivals.

Officials see a marquee attraction like Disneyland as a way to restore confidence, boost spending and ensure that ambitious rail and airport projects finally pay off.

Brig Gen Nid Narong, Deputy Chief of Staff of Cambodia’s Military Region 4 and chairman of the secretariat of the Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee, said troops had been burning rubbish collected during a base reorganisation when an unexploded munition detonated.

The incident took place at 7.27 a.m. on Tuesday in Preah Vihear province, an area that has long been sensitive because of its proximity to the disputed border.

According to the letter, a leftover DKZ munition was mixed in with the rubbish pile and exploded during the burning process, injuring two Cambodian soldiers, one seriously and one slightly.

The blast was loud enough to alarm Thai troops stationed nearby, prompting concerns that gunfire or shelling had resumed along the border, where tensions have periodically flared despite formal ceasefire agreements.

Cambodian officials said the clarification was issued to prevent any misunderstanding from escalating into a wider incident between the two militaries.

Nid expressed condolences over the injuries and stressed that the explosion took place within Cambodia’s sovereign territory, with no hostile intent towards Thailand.

He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law, and said its forces continued to respect the ceasefire and related agreements.

These include documents signed on July 28 and October 26 last year, as well as a joint document from the third special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee on December 27.

The Cambodian side said the priority now was to restore calm quickly and ensure peace, stability and safety for communities living along both sides of the border.

Thai police believe the centre was established after recent joint operations tightened the net around known scam hubs closer to Thailand.

According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirabhob Bhuridej, deputy commissioner of Thailand’s Anti-Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) and assistant national police chief, the site lies around 50 kilometres from Poipet, a border township opposite Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.

Poipet has long been linked to illicit online operations targeting victims across the region and beyond.

The newly discovered centre is still partially under construction and comprises several two-storey buildings with clearly separated workspaces and living quarters.

Inside the compound, investigators believe there are workers of multiple nationalities, including Thais, Indians and Indonesians, many of whom may have been trafficked or coerced into scam work.

Supervisory roles, however, are thought to be dominated by Chinese nationals.

Between December 28 and January 3 alone, Thai police recorded 6,369 scam-related cases, according to figures released by the ACSC. Authorities warn that these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the true impact.

This latest case of scam centres comes against the backdrop of heightened tension between Thailand and Cambodia over border management and law enforcement cooperation.

Analysts say the row has complicated efforts to pursue suspects across jurisdictions. Thai officials argue that criminal groups are exploiting these frictions to evade arrest and rebuild their operations.

“The situation shows that scam operations are becoming more severe and complex, and no country should be a safe haven for them,” Jirabhob said.

The photographs were taken inside the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Thailand, also known as the To Daeng swamp forest. The site has been the focus of a long-running biodiversity survey led by Panthera Thailand in collaboration with government rangers.

Officials said the camera traps recorded several flat-headed cats at different times and locations, including a female accompanied by a kitten, providing clear evidence that the species is breeding in the wild.

DNP director-general Attapol Charoenchansa said the images represent the first confirmed camera-trap records of the flat-headed cat in Thailand in 29 years. According to the department, the animal was documented 13 times in 2024 and 16 times in 2025.

The flat-headed cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus planiceps, is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is found only in parts of Southeast Asia and is closely associated with wetlands, rivers and peat swamp forests.

Roughly the size of a domestic cat, the species is highly specialised for a semi-aquatic lifestyle . It has webbed feet, partially non-retractable claws and sharp, backward-pointing teeth that allow it to hunt fish, frogs and other aquatic prey.

The species has suffered sharp population declines across its range due to habitat destruction, wetland drainage and pollution . The IUCN estimates that fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain globally, and it had previously been considered possibly extinct in Thailand.

Attapol said the rediscovery reflected strengthened protection of peat swamp habitats in the south, where rangers have increased patrols and enforcement to curb illegal encroachment and environmental damage.

Krisana Kaewplang, director of Panthera Thailand, said the finding demonstrated the value of sustained conservation efforts and scientific monitoring, adding that further research and protective measures would now be expanded to secure the species’ future in Thailand.

Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, December 27, to end nearly three weeks of intense fighting along their shared border that killed more than 100 people and displaced over half a million civilians. The truce, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, took effect at noon local time and applies to all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, infrastructure and military targets. Both sides agreed to freeze troop deployments, refrain from provocative actions, avoid spreading false information, and maintain open communication. The deal also provides for ASEAN observers to monitor implementation, while Thailand has committed to releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours if the ceasefire holds. The United Nations, China, Malaysia and the United States welcomed the agreement as a positive step toward restoring peace, with talks involving Thailand, Cambodia and China scheduled to take place in Yunnan.

Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching ceasefire with drone activity

Thailand’s army has accused Cambodia of violating the newly signed ceasefire, claiming more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles were detected flying from the Cambodian side on Sunday night, December 28. In a statement issued on December 29, the Royal Thai Army said the alleged activity constituted provocation and could force Thailand to reconsider the release of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn described the incident as a minor issue related to drone flights observed by both sides along the border. The accusations came shortly after China and the United States praised the ceasefire as a hard-won breakthrough, amid longstanding tensions between the two neighbours that have periodically erupted into violence over disputed border areas.

Israeli-led dance festival in northern Thailand cancelled amid threats and vandalism

An Israeli-led series of electronic dance events in Pai, northern Thailand, has been cancelled after organisers reported online incitement, vandalism and mounting pressure from local authorities. The Loop Festival, organised by Israeli residents working with international collaborators, faced accusations on social media following its first event, alongside incidents in which promotional materials were burned, and equipment was destroyed or stolen. Despite holding a second event at an alternative venue, organisers said authorities later informed them that future parties would not be allowed to proceed. The founders said the cancellations resulted in significant financial losses and expressed concern over antisemitic rhetoric, while stating they did not blame local residents who felt threatened by the controversy.

Bangkok warns of higher PM2.5 pollution risk over New Year period

Bangkok’s Air Quality Information Centre has warned of an increased risk of PM2.5 pollution buildup between December 28 and January 1 due to weakening air ventilation. According to the updated outlook covering December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, air circulation is expected to be relatively good on December 26–27, before deteriorating from December 28–30 and remaining poor through New Year’s Day. Authorities said heavy traffic and outdoor activities could worsen pollution levels, particularly between 6:00 pm and 9:00 am in inner-city and downwind areas. Conditions are expected to improve from January 2–3. Residents, especially children and older people, were advised to limit outdoor activities during high-risk periods and monitor air quality.

Public access adjusted for New Year’s Day royal rites at Grand Palace

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that public access to pay final respects to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall will be suspended on January 1. Members of the public will instead be able to sign the book of condolences and pay respects in front of her portrait at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion from 8 am to 5 pm. Ticket sales for full tours of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be cancelled on New Year’s Day, though access to the Emerald Buddha Temple will remain open via a designated gate. Authorities said nearly 395,000 people have paid their respects since October 27.

Footage captured by Viory in Bangkok showed traffic flowing normally as people moved through the city, passing shopping centres and convenience stores, suggesting a return to everyday life even as uncertainty over the ceasefire lingered.

Several locals questioned whether the ceasefire would hold, citing previous breakdowns in relations between the two neighbours. Some expressed hope that the agreement would hold, while others voiced doubts rooted in past experience.

Visitors also weighed in on the development, with some stressing that any effort to end the fighting was positive. A visitor from South Korea described the ceasefire as a necessary first step towards peace , noting that conflict brings harm to all sides.

Thailand and Cambodia signed the ceasefire on Saturday after delegations met at a border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province. The agreement followed weeks of escalating violence along the border, during which both countries reported military and civilian casualties.

According to a statement released by Cambodia’s defence ministry, both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire effective from 12:00 p.m. local time (05:00 GMT) on December 27, 2025. The truce covers all types of weapons and prohibits attacks on civilians, civilian facilities and infrastructure, as well as military targets, across all affected areas.

The statement also said the two countries committed to maintaining their current troop positions, with no further movement by either side.

Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border escalated earlier this month, leading to deadly clashes and mass displacement. Thailand reported that several soldiers and civilians were killed during evacuation efforts, while Cambodian authorities said at least 15 civilians were killed and 76 others injured. More than 422,000 people have been displaced by the violence , according to Cambodian figures.

The latest ceasefire follows a previous truce brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump , which was signed on October 26 after an earlier border crisis. Both governments later accused each other of violating that agreement, raising concerns about the fragility of efforts to restore lasting calm along the disputed border.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by deputy governors Jakkapan Piwngam and Tavida Kamolvej on December 19.

At the heart of the plan is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter small enough to enter the bloodstream — which regularly surges in the capital during the dry season. 

Officials said six-wheeler and larger trucks contribute disproportionately to these pollution peaks, particularly when weather conditions trap emissions over the city.

Under the proposed rules, trucks with six or more wheels would be barred from entering designated districts when PM2.5 levels reach hazardous thresholds. The ban would be triggered when pollution readings move into the “red zone,” defined as more than 75.1 micrograms per cubic metre, in at least five districts, with a two-day advance warning.

If PM2.5 levels reach orange or red in multiple districts and the ventilation rate falls below 3,000 square metres per second, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would issue a citywide notice.

Officials said the system is designed to be responsive rather than permanent, allowing economic activity to continue while acting decisively during pollution emergencies. Forecasts, wind direction and other environmental factors will be factored into decisions on when to activate the ban.

The proposal builds on a pilot LEZ scheme tested earlier this year around the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road. During the trial, only trucks registered under the city’s “Green List” — alongside electric, natural gas and EURO 5–6 vehicles — were allowed to enter the zone.

In 2025 alone, nearly 58,000 six-wheeler and larger vehicles were registered under the Green List programme, underscoring both the volume of heavy traffic and the potential impact of tighter controls.

Singson said he was confident the current owners would eventually sell, even though formal negotiations have yet to begin. 

Arguing that beauty pageants remain deeply embedded in Filipino culture, alongside basketball and boxing, Singson said ownership would be “good for the country.” He said he was even prepared to lose money if the deal benefited the Philippines. 

The former governor said talks are expected to start next month, when former Miss Universe executives Paula Shugart and Shawn McClain are due to visit the Philippines. While neither side has confirmed a sale, Singson suggested the visit would be crucial in shaping the pageant’s future direction.

He also revealed that his daughter, Richelle Singson-Michael, would manage the organisation should a deal push through. Richelle previously chaired the host committee for Miss Universe 2016 in Manila.

Singson said his interest was triggered by the controversies surrounding the latest Miss Universe competition, held in Thailand. He cited allegations of flawed judging and poor management, saying the brand had been damaged to the point where new leadership was needed to restore credibility.

This year’s pageant crowned Mexico’s Fatima Bosch as Miss Universe, with the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo finishing as third runner-up. However, the event was overshadowed by disputes behind the scenes, including a public clash between Bosch and Thai pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil over social media obligations.

Further controversy erupted when one judge resigned, claiming finalists had been pre-selected before the competition — an allegation firmly denied by organisers. 

After the coronation, fresh accusations surfaced against the pageant’s owners, with the Mexican co-owner alleged to be involved in drug and arms trafficking and the Thai co-owner accused of fraud . Both have denied wrongdoing.

Against this backdrop, Singson’s possible bid has drawn attention as much for what it represents as for the deal itself: a wealthy Filipino figure stepping forward to reclaim influence over a pageant that is in dire need of a reboot.

The controversy emerged after the coronation of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, on 21 November, when accusations of irregularities in the competition’s outcome began to circulate, claims that have not been independently verified. Thai police are actively seeking co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip, who has been missing since a Bangkok court issued an arrest warrant in November on fraud charges related to alleged financial irregularities within JKN Global Group, the conglomerate that owns 50 per cent of Miss Universe.

Jakrajutatip’s absence from recent hearings has compounded the situation, and her company is set to be expelled from the Thai stock exchange on 27 December amid the ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Mexican authorities have also intensified their actions, with prosecutors reportedly seeking legal measures against Raúl Rocha Cantú, the organisation’s other co-owner, in connection with a separate investigation.

In addition to fraud allegations against Jakrajutatip, Thai police say they have formally received a defamation complaint concerning Bosch in Bangkok, demonstrating the broader judicial scrutiny surrounding the pageant. National and international observers have noted that the multiple legal fronts now facing the Miss Universe organisation illustrate the complex challenges that can arise when global entertainment brands intersect with legal, financial and regulatory systems across different jurisdictions.

The unfolding situation has also prompted organisational changes: Miss Universe has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Mexico City to New York , citing legal uncertainty and operational concerns. The moves reflect broader implications for the pageant’s global operations, raising questions about governance and accountability within one of the world’s most recognised international competitions.

He was identified as Joshua Bryan, a US citizen, after hours of questioning by police, immigration and military intelligence officers.

According to security officials, Bryan was seen taking photographs near a military airport used as an operational base. Witnesses reported that he lingered along the perimeter, repeatedly using his mobile phone and focusing on sensitive areas of the facility.

When officers approached, police said the man attempted to evade them by fleeing into a nearby public park and hiding inside a public toilet. He was surrounded and later escorted to Surin City Police Station for questioning.

Investigators said Bryan refused to allow officers to examine his mobile phone, despite repeated requests. Police said he deflected questions and physically prevented access to the device, complicating efforts to establish what images or data had been recorded.

Senior officers, including the provincial police commander, led a multi-agency interrogation that stretched for several hours on Tuesday evening. Immigration officials and military intelligence officers were also present, reflecting the sensitivity of the case.

Authorities confirmed that Bryan had checked into a hotel in Surin one day earlier, though details of his travel route, length of stay and movements in Thailand were not disclosed. Police said they were not convinced by his initial claim that he was travelling alone.

The detention comes amid tightened security nationwide after Thai authorities warned of potential threats involving foreign nationals during the current border standoff with Cambodia. Police have increased surveillance around military sites and urged the public to report suspicious behaviour.

Immigration checks have also been stepped up at airports and land crossings, with closer coordination between police, the military and border agencies. Officials say the measures are intended to prevent espionage and other security-related offences.

By early evening, police said Bryan remained in custody as questioning continued. Authorities have not announced any formal charges, but indicated the investigation would hinge on determining his activities near the military airport and the contents of his phone.

Queen Suthida served as tactician and helmswoman, roles that placed her in charge of steering and race strategy, which are crucial due to changing wind conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.

The final races were held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Sattahip, Chonburi, where the sailing events have run since December 15. The SSL47 class is appearing at the SEA Games for the first time.

Teams from Vietnam, the Philippines , Malaysia and Myanmar competed in the category. The boats lack safety lines, increasing the physical demands on crews during racing.

The queen is expected to receive her medal from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, whom she married in 2019. 

Before joining the royal household, Queen Suthida worked as a flight attendant for Thai Airways after completing a degree in communications. She later entered military service.

She has also built a public sporting profile. Earlier this month, she ran a half-marathon in Bangkok, finishing alongside Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.

Her feat is not without precedent; King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late father of the current monarch, won sailing gold at the regional Games in 1967 in a boat he built himself, competing with his daughter Princess Ubolratana.

The SEA Games conclude on Saturday, with host nation Thailand leading the medal table ahead of Indonesia and Vietnam. Cambodia withdrew shortly before the opening ceremony, citing security concerns following renewed border tensions.

The sculptures, collectively known as the Prasat Phokhon Chai group, date back more than 1,200 years and are among the earliest surviving bronze religious works from the region. They include three Bodhisattva figures and a Buddha image, all traced to sites in what is now Buriram province.

For decades, the statues circulated abroad with incomplete or misleading provenance . Thai authorities have long argued that the works were removed illegally during a period when site protection and export controls were weak or poorly enforced.

Momentum toward their return gathered earlier this year after investigators from US Homeland Security confirmed the objects’ origins and advised the museum that they could not be lawfully retained under current standards governing cultural property.

Following internal review, the museum’s board voted to relinquish the sculptures, clearing the way for their transfer back to Thailand. 

A formal handover ceremony was held in San Francisco in early December, attended by Thai diplomats and senior museum officials.

Thailand’s Ministry of Culture said the bronzes had been on the country’s official recovery list since 2018, after scholars and investigators linked them conclusively to temple ruins in Buriram’s Phokhon Chai area.

Thai officials described the repatriation as the result of sustained documentation, cross-border cooperation and growing international recognition of source countries’ ownership rights.

The four sculptures are expected to arrive in Thailand before the end of the month, where they will be placed under the care of the Fine Arts Department and prepared for eventual public display.

The case adds to a growing number of restitutions involving Asian antiquities, as governments and museums confront the legacy of decades of unregulated excavation, smuggling and collecting.

Several areas in the Indian capital reached the maximum measurable AQI level of 500, including industrial zones such as Wazirpur, beyond which official monitoring systems do not register additional deterioration.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that by mid-afternoon, nearly all of Delhi’s active monitoring stations were in the “severe” pollution category, reflecting widespread exposure to hazardous air.

Authorities attributed the spike to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including weak winds and low temperatures, which trapped pollutants close to the ground and prevented dispersion.

In response, India’s Commission for Air Quality Management ordered the immediate suspension of all outdoor physical activities across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, citing serious health risks, particularly for children.

The commission also enforced the strictest level of emergency pollution controls, including a blanket ban on construction and demolition activities, as part of its graded response plan.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok , average PM2.5 concentrations were reported at 26 micrograms per cubic metre on Saturday, below Thailand’s national safety threshold but still categorised as moderate in several districts.

Eastern and southern parts of the Thai capital recorded the highest readings, with some districts approaching the upper end of the moderate range, according to the city’s Air Quality Information Centre.

Socheata said Cambodia was calling on Thailand to immediately halt all hostile actions and withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory. She added that while some frontlines remained calm, Cambodian forces were on high alert due to continued Thai military activity near the Preah Vihear Temple and other surrounding areas. According to her statement, Thai forces initiated tank and infantry assaults in the area with artillery support, including what she described as the use of toxic gas and cluster bombs.

The spokesperson also stressed that Cambodia has consistently upheld its obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Her remarks came a day after Thailand’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had struck Cambodian positions in retaliation for attacks on Thai territory.

The renewed clashes follow rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border last week. Thailand reported nine soldiers killed and four civilian deaths during evacuations, while Cambodia said 11 civilians were killed and 74 were injured. The current ceasefire was originally brokered by US President Donald Trump and signed on 26 October after a previous border crisis, with both sides blaming each other for the latest outbreak of violence.

DR Congo and Rwanda

In Washington, Trump hosted a summit where the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda signed what he hailed as a “historic” peace accord. But analysts quickly noted the document merely endorsed a June agreement that had already failed to halt the conflict.

Clashes were intensifying even ahead of the ceremony, with M23 rebels expanding their control in eastern DR Congo. Both Kinshasa and Kigali accused each other of violating ceasefire terms, and there was no public handshake between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, whose tense relations underscored the deal’s fragility.

Within days, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe refused to commit to any troop withdrawal, insisting Rwanda had none in DR Congo. This, despite UN experts saying Rwandan forces were effectively directing M23 operations.

On the ground , M23 seized major cities, artillery pounded eastern provinces, and residents fled into Burundi. Even as Trump praised the summit as “a great day,” rebel advances continued, and regional officials warned the deal’s collapse was a humiliation for Washington.

Thailand and Cambodia

A similar pattern emerged in Southeast Asia . 

In July, Trump pushed Thailand and Cambodia into a border ceasefire . Bangkok agreed reluctantly; Phnom Penh openly welcomed US involvement.

But the truce unraveled within months. Clashes erupted after a Thai engineering team came under fire. Since then, Thai and Cambodian forces have traded artillery, rockets and air strikes along the border, prompting repeated evacuations of communities.

Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines that maimed several soldiers, while refusing to release troops captured during the July clashes. Cambodia, meanwhile, portrayed itself as the aggrieved party and sought international support.

Domestic politics amplified tensions. Thailand’s military was given free rein to “finish the job,” while Cambodia’s leadership took actions that deepened mistrust, including leaking a sensitive phone call that toppled Thailand’s Shinawatra government.

With both sides showing no signs of stopping, it has become apparent that Trump-brokered ceasefire never addressed the root disputes. 

Bangkok repeatedly said it was not ready for new diplomacy until Cambodia showed “sincerity,” leaving the agreement effectively dead.

Taken together, the DR Congo–Rwanda and Thai-Cambodian cases show a consistent pattern: Trump secured highly publicised signing ceremonies, but the underlying conflicts continued almost immediately.

It also raised questions about whether Trump’s rushed deals ever had a genuine chance at peace.

The Games were first launched in Bangkok as the “SEAP Games,” before expanding in 1977 to include all Southeast Asian nations.

Across 32 completed editions, Southeast Asia has seen a wide range of records set . 

Thailand remains the winningest nation in SEA Games history, with 13 overall titles, ahead of Indonesia’s 10 and Vietnam’s three. 

Vietnam holds the mark for the most gold medals in a single edition, winning 205 golds at the 2021 Hanoi Games. It was the first time any country surpassed 200 gold medals.

The SEA Games have grown not only in the level of competition but also in scale. The 2023 Phnom Penh SEA Games recorded 6,210 athletes — the highest participation on record — and marked Cambodia’s return as host after six decades.

Individual athletes have contributed their own milestones . Singapore’s Joscelin Yeo remains the most successful SEA Games athlete with 40 gold medals from eight appearances. Fellow Singaporean Eileen Chai Ee Juang is the youngest athlete ever to compete, joining the 1985 Games at age seven.

Conversely, Filipino billiards icon Efren Reyes competed at the 2021 Games at 68, making him the oldest known SEA Games athlete. Since his debut in 1987, Reyes has taken part in 11 editions and won six gold medals.

Host nations have also played a major role in shaping the competition. Manila holds the record for the most sports in a single edition, staging 56 events in 2019. This year’s Games in Thailand feature 50 sports and four demonstration events, with 574 gold medals at stake.

As competition continues across Thailand, the 2025 SEA Games are poised to add another chapter to a regional sporting tradition now more than six decades old.

“Thailand’s reported air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia sound alarming, and they are,” he said, noting that such confrontations between ASEAN neighbours are rare and increase the risk of miscalculation. He insisted, however, that “a full-scale regional war is still very unlikely.”

Contreras’ statement comes after Thailand confirmed on Monday that it had carried out air strikes on Cambodian positions after accusing Phnom Penh of breaching a ceasefire brokered earlier this year. 

One Thai soldier was killed and eight others wounded, prompting the Air Force to deploy aircraft “to deter and reduce Cambodia's military capabilities,” according to a Thai army statement.

Cambodia rejected the accusations and said Thailand launched dawn attacks at two locations following “provocative actions.” Its defence ministry insisted Cambodian forces had “not responded,” even as three civilians were reported seriously wounded. Former leader Hun Sen called Thailand the “aggressors” and urged Cambodian troops to exercise restraint.

Contreras stressed that the clashes remain geographically limited. “The conflict is localized,” he said, explaining that the fighting is confined to long-contested border areas with a history of flare-ups. “There is no sign of nationwide mobilization from either side.”

He also pointed out limitations of both Thailand's and Cambodia’s militaries and economies.

“Neither military is built for prolonged interstate war,” he said. Both armies are primarily oriented toward internal security and border defence, making extended conflict “neither feasible nor desirable.”

“Economies, especially Thailand’s, can’t afford escalation,” he added, noting that tourism is a vital component of Thailand’s economy and that reports of “air strikes” alone can alarm visitors.

Regional and international actors are also likely to act to prevent escalation. Contreras noted incentives for the United States , China, and neighbouring governments to pressure both sides into dialogue. ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim has already urged “maximum restraint.”

Contreras said urgent diplomatic intervention is needed, but the risk of a full-scale regional war remains low. 

“This is concerning and needs quick diplomatic intervention, but a debilitating Thailand–Cambodia war that destabilizes the region is still highly unlikely. Economic pressure, ASEAN dynamics, and political reality all point toward de-escalation rather than war,” he said.

Under the new rules, alcohol can be sold from 11 a.m. to midnight while a government committee reviews the effects of the policy change.

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram said last month that the decades-old curbs belonged to a different time, and Health Minister Pattana Promphat called the shift “appropriate to the present situation.”

The move loosens a regulatory regime shaped heavily by Buddhist teachings on abstinence and by concerns over Thailand’s high rates of alcohol consumption. 

World Health Organization data show the country ranked 16th globally for road deaths per capita in 2021, and nearly 33,000 people were killed in drunk-driving incidents between 2019 and 2023.

Despite the significance of the rollback, the first day saw little change on the ground. 

Shop attendants in central Bangkok said many customers were unaware of the new rules, and convenience store buyers continued reaching for soft drinks over beer or spirits.

Other parts of the region are under strain as well, with Malaysia witnessing thousands displaced by repeated floods, while Vietnam and the Philippines have each endured a succession of storms and landslides that have killed hundreds this year.

Scientists say the scale of the destruction is consistent with long-term climate trends. 

The World Meteorological Organization reported that record-high carbon dioxide levels in 2024 accelerated global heating, driving more severe storms this year. Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, and warmer oceans are feeding storms that now form more quickly and arrive later in the year.

“Storms may not be more frequent, but they are becoming more intense and unpredictable,” said Benjamin Horton of the City University of Hong Kong.

Those shifts are overwhelming governments. The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center notes that countries in the region still emphasize response over prevention, leaving them with shrinking lead time as extreme weather becomes more volatile. Indonesia is vowing to revoke mining permits for companies that broke environmental rules after the deadly floods in Sumatra. In the Philippines, a sweeping probe into anomalous flood-control projects has already triggered congressional resignations and Cabinet reshuffles. Since 2022, nearly 9,900 flood-control works in the Philippines have come under scrutiny after reports that many were “ghost projects,” substandard, overpriced or left unfinished.

In Sri Lanka, unregulated hillside development has contributed to deadly landslides in plantation areas. In Indonesia, satellite data show Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra have lost more than 19,000 square kilometres of forest since 2000 — a level of deforestation that researchers say likely intensified recent floods.

Vietnam estimates more than $3 billion in losses from storms and flooding this year. Thailand reports at least $47 million in agricultural damage since August, with major flooding in the south potentially costing more than $780 million. Indonesia’s finance ministry puts its average annual disaster losses at $1.37 billion.

For countries like Sri Lanka, the burden is especially heavy: it contributes little to global emissions yet is among the most exposed to climate impacts, while still grappling with high foreign debt .

At the COP30 summit in Brazil last month, governments pledged to triple adaptation funding and target $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035. But developing nations argue the commitments fall far short of what’s needed — and past pledges have often gone unfulfilled.

Climate analysts say Southern Asia is nearing a critical point. The region is expanding renewable energy, but its continued dependence on fossil fuels and resource extraction leaves communities increasingly vulnerable as the floodwaters rise.

Thailand has closed several border crossings in Tak province after heavy fighting escalated on November 30 between the Karen National Union’s Brigade 6 and Myanmar military forces in Myawaddy, opposite Mae Sot. Both sides exchanged sustained 60mm and 120mm mortar fire and drone-dropped explosives through the night. Five mortar rounds landed in Thailand, injuring two Myanmar nationals, though no direct damage to Thai communities was reported. The Naresuan Task Force ordered a seven-day shutdown of crossing points, with only the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 1 remaining open. Thai troops and border police have been deployed and warned they will retaliate if further fire crosses into Thailand.

Anutin confirms House dissolution by January 31

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Monday that Parliament will be dissolved by January 31, 2026, reaffirming the government’s timeline and denying rumours of delaying tactics tied to a no-confidence motion. He dismissed claims of mismanagement over the Hat Yai floods, saying the government acted decisively to assist affected communities and criticism was based on misinformation. Anutin said politics should pause during the recovery effort and warned that dissolving the House amid an emergency would hinder aid. Responding to a NIDA poll showing his support at 15% in the South, he said he was satisfied with the figure and not competing with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

PM2.5 hits hazardous levels in 48 Bangkok districts

Bangkok recorded hazardous air pollution levels on Monday morning, with PM2.5 concentrations in the red zone across 48 districts, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Data from its Check Foon app at 6 a.m. showed five provinces nationwide in the red category and 41 in the orange level, where pollution begins to affect vulnerable groups. A three-hour forecast predicts persistent red and orange conditions. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported an average PM2.5 reading of 45 µg/m³ at 7am, above the national safety limit of 37.5 µg/m³. Authorities warned dust levels may worsen and urged residents to wear protective masks.

Anutin sets two-week deadline to restore Hat Yai after flood crisis

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Hat Yai has entered its post-flood recovery phase, with power, water and clean-up operations being accelerated to enable residents to return home quickly. After meeting business leaders on November 30, he said utilities are being restored and solid waste removal mobilised with support from military, government and private machinery. The Provincial Electricity Authority has been ordered to fix household electrical damage urgently. Anutin set a target of seven days for residents to move back and 14 days to fully clean the city, adding that officials have the authority to hire contractors to speed debris removal.

Second Army to sue over fake claims of Cambodian troop incursion

The Second Army Area has denied social-media rumours that Cambodian soldiers crossed into Thai territory and seized land around In Sri cliff in Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram, saying field checks found no evidence of any incursion. Border Patrol Police Company 216 and local officials inspected the remote site on Monday and reported no troop movements, terrain changes or construction activity. Satellite imagery also showed no sign of Cambodian military presence. Authorities said the area remains dense forest and poses no threat to border communities. The army is preparing legal action under the Computer Crime Act against those who posted the false claims.

The caption read: “Border patrol ready to enter zone 8 today,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was shared more than 12,000 times before it was taken down.

AFP fact-checkers later confirmed the picture had been digitally altered. 

Using Google’s SynthID tool, they detected built-in watermarks commonly embedded in AI-generated images, including a visible star-shaped “Gemini” symbol in one corner. 

Following criticism, the police unit issued an apology on Thursday and uploaded the original photograph. It showed unarmed officers on a rescue boat wearing orange life jackets, without helmets, tactical gear or guns. Rescue supplies are visible in both versions.

“This is a real image before it was made into an AI image,” the unit said in its statement. “We apologise for any misunderstanding.” 

An officer told AFP the picture was created “to show the public our readiness to enter the area,” adding that none of the personnel deployed for flood operations carried firearms. No disciplinary action has been taken.

The doctored post appeared despite a prior warning from Thailand’s state-run Anti-Fake News Centre, which urged the public not to create or share AI images that could hinder relief efforts.

Widespread flooding has inundated parts of southern Thailand in recent days, with government agencies racing to reach isolated communities and warning that further heavy rain is expected. Rescue teams continue to evacuate residents from submerged neighbourhoods and distribute essential supplies.

Jakkaphong and JKN are accused of misleading him on the investment’s viability, according to the court.

JKN, which bought Miss Universe from IMG in 2022, has been in financial crisis since defaulting on bond payments last year. The company entered rehabilitation proceedings in 2024, declaring roughly 3 billion baht (US$93 million) in debt. It later sold half its stake in Miss Universe to Mexico ’s Legacy Holding Group.

Jakkaphong stepped down from all executive posts in June after the Securities and Exchange Commission accused her of falsifying 2023 financial records, though she remains the largest shareholder. 

Her location is currently unknown. She did not attend the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok earlier this month.

As with its co-owner, Miss Universe itself was dogged by controversy this year, including accusations of mismanagement, two judges withdrawing over alleged rigging, and a police probe into illegal online gambling promotions tied to event marketing.

Miss Universe has said the legal case is unrelated to its operations.

On Monday, JKN denied rumours that Jakkaphong had liquidated assets and fled Thailand. The company has not commented on the arrest warrant, and attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

"The COMICI (Miss Côte d’Ivoire Committee), holder of the Miss Universe license, regrets to announce the withdrawal of its representative, Olivia Yace, Miss Côte d’Ivoire…  for personal reasons, from her elected mandates with Miss Universe, obtained at the conclusion of the 74th edition of the Miss Universe International pageant," it said in a statement on Facebook.

“Miss Olivia Yace, Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, will formally hand over her Africa & Oceania banner to the organisation so that no one ignores it and to testify to this joint decision,” it added.

This year’s Miss Universe, held in Bangkok, Thailand, has come under criticism following a series of incidents leading up to the final that raised questions about contestant treatment and the competition’s transparency.

The event gained attention when Thai pageant organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, this year’s Miss Universe, for not participating in a promotional shoot, reportedly calling her a “dumbhead.” The incident led to several contestants, including former Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, walking out in protest .

Subsequently, two judges, Lebanese composer Omar Harfouch and French football legend Claude Makélélé, as well as the president of the selection committee, Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, resigned days before the November 21 finale.

Harfouch has alleged that the finalists and winners were predetermined. Judge Natalie Glebova, who won the pageant in 2005, expressed her support for Miss Thailand as the winner on Instagram and announced she would not judge again until organisers ensure transparency. 

The results faced criticism online, with many arguing that Miss Côte d’Ivoire was unfairly overlooked and should have won.

This visa aims to cater to remote workers, freelancers and even tourists traveling to Thailand for training. It can also be used by outsiders visiting for music festivals, seminars or to acquire medical treatment.

Approvals weigh significantly on the applicant being employed by a non-Thai firm. 

Thailand defines a digital nomad as “a traveler who earns their living online or from passive sources of income, and does not work for companies in the countries they travel to,” according to the Thai Embassy website.

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, an applicant must be at least 20 years old with at least $14,197 in savings to last them three months in Thailand. Professional portfolios are required, too. 

Visa fee is $284 or 10,000 in the Thai local currency, baht.

The special visa is aimed at bolstering tourism in Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia , having drawn 9.55 million arrivals in the first three months of 2025. 

It was the top destination several times before being overtaken by Malaysia in Q1.

“Today I am one of her children to pay respects for our mother for Thai people, and now she is with our father up above,” said one mourner. 

"Even the boss has all passed away from us. But they will never be forgotten from our heart. They will be remembered in our hearts forever," another added.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led the nation in mourning, announcing a year-long observance for civil servants and government officials, and a 90-day period for the general public. Flags will remain at half-mast for 30 days. 

Thais were encouraged to wear black or muted colours and to observe a respectful tone in public life, including concerts and public events.

Queen Sirikit, who suffered a stroke in 2012, was revered for championing women’s empowerment, rural development, and Thai craftsmanship through royal initiatives that transformed communities. Together with her late husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, she helped shape the modern Thai monarchy, earning deep affection across generations.

The Queen Mother’s passing marks an end of an era for Thailand and the start of a year-long mourning period for its transitional government.

Footage from this year’s event captured by Viory shows dramatic scenes at the Bang Liao Shrine, where devotees known as 'Mah Song' or “Horses of the gods” entered trances believed to be guided by divine possession. In these altered states, participants had their cheeks pierced with swords, rods, tree branches, and even tools like axes and machetes. Others were seen walking barefoot over burning embers, part of the traditional fire-walking ceremony.

According to tradition, the Mah Song’s pain-defying acts serve a purpose of absorbing bad luck and misfortune, protecting the community from evil spirits, and ensuring good fortune in the year to come.

Each day of the festival sees loud processions through the streets of Phuket Town, with devotees parading past shrines, firecrackers in the background, and the air thick with incense smoke.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt border hostilities and release 18 detained soldiers under a “peace deal” signed on Sunday and witnessed by US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump hailed the accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as “an incredible job for humanity.” The joint declaration commits both nations to withdraw heavy weapons, remove landmines and resolve disputes peacefully. Trump, who credited US mediation for averting further conflict, also announced upcoming trade and minerals agreements with the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Thailand begins year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit

Thailand began a year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit on Sunday, as mourners gathered in Bangkok to pay respects to the “Mother of the Nation.” The 93-year-old royal, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Friday after years of illness. Her body was moved from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace, where it will lie in state for a year before cremation. Citizens have been asked to wear muted colours and suspend celebrations for 90 days. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delayed his ASEAN trip to attend the initial ceremonies.

Anutin asserts authority to dissolve parliament early 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his right to dissolve Parliament at any time, hinting that he could do so before the agreed January deadline. Speculation has mounted that Anutin may call an early election to pre-empt a possible censure motion against his minority coalition. While the constitutional amendment process has advanced past its first reading, Anutin said, “If that day comes, let the people decide.”

Pheu Thai may choose non-Shinawatra leader after Paetongtarn’s exit

The opposition Pheu Thai Party will hold a general assembly on October 31 to elect a new leader following Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation amid a credibility slump tied to her leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Party elections director Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the next leader “may not be a Shinawatra,” but denied rumours he would take the post, saying he is “too old” and prefers new-generation leadership. He dismissed reports that his family pressured Paetongtarn to quit, calling them “completely untrue,” and vowed to restore the party’s strength ahead of the next general election.

Thailand urges regional action on online scams at ASEAN Summit

Thailand is calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat online scams and cybercrime , as well as to deepen economic ties, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Bolbongse Vangphaen, the director-general of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and fellow leaders will reaffirm their commitment to peace, digital growth and sustainability amid global instability. Thailand, which chairs ASEAN’s digital economy negotiations, is pushing the “Bangkok Declaration Against Online Scams” and a joint declaration on cybercrime.

Not only is Thailand’s approach unconventional, but it is also unproven.

"The data suggests that at the level of our area of focus, the dust cleared up," said programme head Chanti Detyothin. He, however, admitted that the program did not "make the pollution go away entirely,” adding that “even with this new technology, there are limitations.”

"We have been working every day for Bangkok to have clean air,” he said. “We are doing our best as much as we can.”

Pollution has cost Thailand more than $139 million in medical expenses. Worldwide, it kills an estimated 7 million people annually, making it the “biggest environmental health risk of our time,” according to the United Nations.

Pollution level in Thailand is at 102 micrograms per cubic metre, quadruple the limit set by the World Health Organisation . As a result, the country is turning to cloud seeding — spraying white mist across the sky to induce rain — in the hopes of washing away particles trapped in the atmosphere. 

Not only is Thailand’s approach unconventional, but it is also unproven. 

"The data suggests that at the level of our area of focus, the dust cleared up," said programme head Chanti Detyothin. He, however, admitted that the program did not "make the pollution go away entirely,” adding that “even with this new technology , there are limitations.”

"We have been working every day for Bangkok to have clean air,” he said. “We are doing our best as much as we can.”

Pollution has cost Thailand more than $139 million in medical expenses. Worldwide, it kills an estimated 7 million people annually, making it the “biggest environmental health risk of our time,” according to the United Nations .

This article highlights the top 10 countries with the largest Chinese populations outside of China, with Indonesia (11.2 million), Thailand (7.0 million), Malaysia (6.9 million), the U.S. (5.8 million), and Singapore (3.1 million) leading the list.

These figures, compiled by analysts based on Statista, underline both long-standing migration legacies and more recent waves of movement. But to understand the true dynamics behind this diaspora, one must look beyond raw numbers to issues of identity, political engagement, and global shifts.

According to the Overseas Community Affairs Council ( Taiwan ), roughly 49.7 million people of Chinese descent live outside mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, a number that has grown significantly over recent decades. Asia hosts the lion’s share of this diaspora (around 34.6 million), followed by the Americas (9.8 million).

What is surprising is how fast some diaspora communities are adapting or resisting to new generational and geopolitical pressures. A 2025 analysis in East Asia Forum notes that the majority of the diaspora now belongs to the locally born second, third or later generations, who often align more closely with their countries of residence than with China.

Recent news also confirms that China’s outward migration is evolving. In Malaysia, for example, the number of Chinese citizens is reported to have nearly doubled over the past three years, driven by students and investors seeking opportunities in a more affordable, familiar environment.

On a broader scale, capital flight and migration of high-net-worth Chinese are influencing global real estate and financial markets. Destinations like Singapore, the U.S., Canada, and Australia continue to attract affluent Chinese seeking alternative residences or investment footholds abroad.

Under the initiative, part of the price of non-winning digital lottery tickets will be redirected into a personal savings account. The funds will be locked in until participants reach the age of 55, similar to the structure of a Retirement Mutual Fund. Those aged 56 and older will be allowed to continue saving for a further five years.

The accumulated balance can also be pledged as collateral for loans , offering participants a degree of financial flexibility.

“This ‘Lottery Savings’ scheme isn’t formally named yet, and it is entirely separate from the ‘Lottery Pension’ scheme run by the National Savings Fund (NSF),” Ekniti said. “The money will be segmented from the ticket price and held under principles similar to a Retirement Mutual Fund (RMF).”

Officials said the scheme will apply only to tickets purchased through the government ’s Pao Tang app, which enables transactions to be tracked and linked to individual accounts.

The Finance Ministry also intends to roll out monthly government bond offerings with 1% interest, specifically targeting elderly and retired citizens to encourage wider participation in retail investment.

Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit stressed the project was designed to promote saving, not gambling. He said the aim is safety and capital preservation, noting that funds will likely be managed through a highly secure structure.

The scheme will draw from the 17% of lottery revenue currently under the Finance Minister’s discretion, earmarking part of that pool to seed the savings mechanism.

Lottery revenues are a significant source of state income in Thailand, where gambling beyond the official lottery and horse racing is largely illegal. 

Since September 9, the former leader has been serving a one-year sentence — a term commuted by the king in 2023 from an original eight-year conviction for conflicts of interest and abuse of power.

"I humbly accept and am ready to enter the (judicial) process after today's verdict," Thaksin said in a statement after the ruling. "Even as I lose my freedom today, I still have the freedom of thought to benefit the country and the people."

Thaksin, 76, returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years of self-imposed exile in Dubai. Upon arrival by private jet, he was taken directly to prison but spent only a few hours there before complaining of chest pains and heart problems.

The billionaire former telecoms tycoon — one of Thailand’s richest men — was quickly transferred to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, where he remained under detention for six months, until February 2024.

In May, photos and videos posted by Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, revealed that Thaksin’s hospital suite was anything but austere. The room featured couches, cooking facilities and other amenities befitting a VIP.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that his prolonged hospital stay was a tactic to avoid imprisonment, noting that minor surgeries had been carried out to extend his time there.

Now, Thaksin faces a harsher reality.

Less than 20 kilometres from the Police General Hospital, Klong Prem Central Prison is where Thaksin will serve his one-year sentence, alongside roughly 6,500 inmates across 11 zones.

Inside the maximum-security facility, prisoners sleep with three blankets, share communal bathing areas and eat bland food, according to accounts from people familiar with the prison who spoke to Reuters .

Reuters photographs of the general cells show peeling walls, grime, and a single ceiling fan for a cell that houses as many as 25. It remains unclear which section of the prison Thaksin has been assigned to, given the size of the complex.

What is clear is that the conditions of Klong Prem stand are a stark contrast to the hospital suite where he spent the past year. And when Thaksin eventually leaves prison, he will step back into a Thai political landscape markedly different from the one he once dominated.

That’s why Anutin’s election, which followed the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court over ethics violations, has raised questions over whether the cannabis sector would get a new lease on life after a series of erratic government policies.

Context may offer a clearer picture of what comes next for weed in Thailand.

What we know 

Thailand first eased restrictions in 2018, allowing cannabis for medical use. It was the first country in Southeast Asia to do so, softening penalties that once carried up to 15 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 baht ($4,700).

In early 2022, Thailand made its most dramatic shift, removing cannabis from the list of narcotics. Anutin, then health minister, was a key backer, calling the move a “win-win” for the Thai people.

The new rules allowed households to grow cannabis without notifying the government , and opened the door for businesses to apply for licenses.

The policy was historic: Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalise cannabis in a region known for some of the world ’s harshest drug laws.

By 2025, more than 18,000 licensed cannabis shops were operating, with the Ministry of Commerce valuing the industry at $1.2 billion. Tourists were drawn by the lax regulations, further fueling the boom.

Sans clear-cut rules to moderate its sale, weed grew faster than oversight could keep up with. Authorities began warning of “social harm” from unregulated recreational use, while smuggling surged. Between October 2024 and March 2025, British officials reported that more than 800 cannabis smugglers were arrested and nine metric tons of cannabis were seized.

In June 2025, the Thai government ultimately pumped the brakes on the green rush as they imposed new rules requiring a medical prescription for cannabis purchases, effectively ending the open market. It also bared plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic.

The reversal came as Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party exited the ruling coalition, following Paetongtarn’s ethics scandal tied to a phone call with Cambodian de facto leader Hun Sen about a border dispute.

What’s next?

Anutin has been in office for less than a week. So far, he has focused on assembling his Cabinet, outlining short-term plans for the economy , and preparing to tackle the border dispute with Cambodia. 

Though the cannabis issue remains untouched, his stance is anticipated by the thousands of cannabis businesses. Over the weekend, just a day after his election, Anutin appeared in a cannabis-print shirt while meeting prospective Cabinet members.

Anutin’s administration, however, is transitional. He has just four months to govern under an agreement with the People’s Party, which backed his premiership bid.

Analysts see both Anutin and the Bhumjaithai Party as middle-ground actors in the cannabis debate: opposed to re-criminalisation, but supportive of tighter rules on recreational use.

Whether Thailand ultimately prioritises profit or principle remains an open question. As Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, it stands to gain from a thriving cannabis sector. 

But with only months to set clear laws, the future of Thailand’s weed experiment remains clouded in smoke.

Thailand’s Supreme Court is also set to rule on September whether Thaksin improperly avoided serving an eight-year sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest by staying in a hospital ward instead of a prison cell.

In a statement on Friday, Thaksin said he had initially intended to travel to Singapore but diverted to Dubai because of an airport closure. He added that he would see respiratory and orthopaedic doctors during his stay in the Middle East country, where he had spent 15 years in self-imposed exile.

Though Thaksin pledged to return by Tuesday to face the high court’s decision. 

Whoever emerges as Thailand’s next prime minister will inherit a volatile landscape shaped by the military’s entrenched influence, the civilian government’s tainted record, and border tensions with Cambodia — the issue that ultimately led to Paetongtarn’s dismissal.

The Pheu Thai Party, which has won five of the past six elections, is fighting to reassert itself against Bhumjaithai, a former coalition partner that has gained momentum by securing support from the largest bloc in parliament.

That pledge has put Bhumjaithai’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, in a strong position heading into Friday’s parliamentary vote, where he must secure a majority in the lower house to claim the premiership.

In response, Pheu Thai nominated Chaikasem Nitisiri, a 77-year-old former justice minister and attorney general, vowing that if he becomes prime minister, he will call fresh elections immediately.

Purawich Watanasukh, a Thai political science lecturer, previously told Global South World that any new government would most likely be fragile.

“I can foresee that it will be a short-term government (next administration) to pave the way for the new election,” Watanasukh had said. “They will be in power for months, not a year. So, it is likely to be another transitional period.”

“Even when the new election is called. I don't think that it will produce a strong government because the constitution is purposely designed to create a multi-party system and an unstable government where you have a fragmented party system,” he added.