Bangkok Post - April 23, 2025

In this issue

April 23, 2025

Green light clears path for new US flights

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded Thailand from Category 2 to Category 1, opening new opportunities for the airline industry, said Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit yesterday.

1 min

Jail terms for 2 ex-prosecutors in 'Boss' hit-run case

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has sentenced former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk to three years in prison and former prosecutor Chainarong Saeng-thongaram to two years for altering evidence to aid Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya after a fatal collision left a police officer dead in 2012.

2 mins

US trade talks on ice for now

The government has postponed negotiations with the United States over a trade tariff hike because Washington has asked Bangkok to reconsider some key issues that will be proposed in the talks, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.

2 mins

Warrant out for Swiss man in assault case

The Phuket Kwaeng Court has issued an arrest warrant for a Swiss man after he failed to attend a ruling hearing in the high-profile assault case involving a Thai doctor, according to the medic's lawyer.

1 min

US tariff saga puts wage hike on ice

The government's pledge to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht hit a roadblock yesterday after the tripartite board delayed its decision amid employers’ concerns over an economic fallout following the recent US tariff changes.

1 min

Thai expo pavilion price tag raises eyebrows

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin will travel to Japan today to inspect the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, amid criticism that its nearly 1 billion baht budget is excessive.

2 mins

Teenage novice shot dead in Songkhla ambush

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has convened a meeting to reevaluate security strategies in the deep South today after a teenage temple novice was shot dead in Songkhla province yesterday.

1 min

Paetongtarn dismisses cabinet reshuffle rumours

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday dismissed speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, insisting that the government is still united and every thing will remain unchanged.

2 mins

Foreign ownership rules revamp

The cabinet has agreed in principle to amend the Foreign Business Act 1999.

1 min

Contractor pledges B120m

China Railway No. 10 (Thailand), the contractor of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building, will set aside 120 million baht to compensate victims of the tragedy, the justice minister confirmed yesterday, adding the move will not impact the criminal case related to the tragedy.

2 mins

Minister says law backs Thaksin's long hospital stay

Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sods song has downplayed concerns over the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation order in 2023, saying the former prime minister's six-month stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) was legally justified.

2 mins

Kanchanaburi teacher pockets award

A dedicated schoolteacher from Kanchanaburi, Praiwan Yapan, has been named one of 14 outstanding educators to receive the prestigious Princess Maha Chakri Award 2025.

1 min

'Merman' courts controversy by refusing to kowtow

Critics say conservationist overstepped DNP advisory role, misstepped with offensive attitude to foreign tourists

5 mins

Push for Chiang Mai Unesco nomination

Dossier highlights 7 historical locations

1 min

Truce after earthquake due to lapse

A Myanmar ceasefire declared after last month's devastating earthquake was due to expire yesterday, after aid groups and international mediators called for an extension to ease relief efforts.

1 min

Over 60,000 must retake exams burned in quake blaze

More than 60,000 Myanmar students must retake university entrance exams after their answer papers were incinerated in a blaze caused by last month's earthquake, state media said yesterday.

1 min

Himalayan snow at 23-year low, 2bn at risk, report says

Snowfall in Asia's Hindu Kush-Himalayan mountain range has reached a 23-year low, threatening nearly two billion people dependent on snowmelt for water, scientists warned in a report on Monday.

1 min

Funds frozen amid clash over budget

Taiwan's cabinet said yesterday it will ask the opposition-controlled legislature to release more than $4 billion in funds frozen as part of a standoff over this year’s budget, which the government says could seriously affect their operations.

1 min

New crewed mission to launch into space this week

China is expected to launch a new crewed mission into space this week, as Beijing takes steady steps towards its goal of putting astronauts on the moon.

2 mins

Social media users facing more curbs

Hanoi cracking down on dissent, HRW says

2 mins

Early voting begins with PM Albanese's party just ahead

Early voting in the Australian election began yesterday, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor party holding a slim lead over the conservative opposition coalition.

1 min

Iranian FM set to visit China this week

BEIJING: China yesterday said it expected “in-depth” talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during his visit to China this week, adding the two countries would work on “deepening political mutual trust”.

1 min

Draft law says gender 'biological'

A populist party in New Zealand's governing coalition yesterday proposed a law to enforce a biological definition of men and women, condemning the existing “woke ideology” of “cancerous social engineering”.

1 min

Cardinals meet to plan Pope funeral

Conclave to select successor in May

2 mins

25 killed by Israeli strikes across Gaza

Gaza's civil defence agency said that a spate of Israeli air strikes since dawn yesterday killed at least 25 people across the Hamas-run territory.

1 min

Shelling kills over 30 in Darfur

Paramilitary shelling of Sudan’s besieged city of El-Fasher, in the western region of Darfur, has killed more than 30 civilians and wounded dozens more, activists said.

1 min

Macron vows to step up reconstruction in Mayotte

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a three-billion-euro (114.5 billion baht) package over six years to finance a plan to “rebuild” Mayotte, France's poorest department, which was devastated by a cyclone in December.

1 min

UN warns of 'total chaos' without aid

Haiti, where rampant gang violence has surged in recent weeks, is approaching a “point of no return” leading to “total chaos,” the UN special representative to the troubled Caribbean nation warned on Monday.

1 min

Russia resumes aerial attacks

Russia launched aerial attacks at Ukraine on Monday in an abrupt end to a fragile Easter truce, while President Vladimir Putin raised questions over Kyiv’s offer of a month-long halt to strikes on civilian targets.

2 mins

Lawmakers in El Salvador to assist deported 'migrant'

A delegation of Democratic lawmakers visited El Salvador on Monday in a new push to secure the release of a wrongly deported US resident at the centre of a mounting political row.

1 min

Court to hear case against LGBTQ books in schools

WASHINGTON: The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court was slated to hear a case yesterday about whether parents have the religious right to pull their children from classes when books containing LGBTQ-related content are read or discussed.

1 min

Harvard sues Trump govt over federal funding freeze

Ivy League college slams interference

2 mins

Disaster relief needs rethink

The government policy to provide compensation for property damaged in the March 28 earthquake was initially welcomed as a positive step to help the underprivileged get back on their feet.

2 mins

Which US sectors face profit misses?

In markets, expectations are everything. And it is safe to say that right now S&P 500 earnings growth for 2025 has a very good chance of being lower than expected.

3 mins

Trump-era elections in the Anglosphere

The dictionary defines a “horse whisperer” as “someone who is skilled at training horses using gentle, non-violent methods based on understanding horse behaviour and psychology”.

3 mins

Can Thailand survive Trade War 2.0?

As the trade war is now being waged globally, Thailand needs to cope with the emerging impacts while trying to minimise the risks and grasp the arising opportunities.

4 mins

What some animals endure before we eat them

Countless dirty secrets swirl around the way animals on factory farms live, but an even uglier one may be the way they sometimes die.

4 mins

Master patience or watch your golf game fall apart

Anybody who has ever picked up a club and tried to make a swipe at a golf ball has quickly realised the importance of patience in the game of golf. Whilst recognising this — you're able to monitor your feelings and understand the natural results of failing to keep calm after hitting a terrible shot. All golfers learn quickly that patience is essential if you wish to play golf reasonably well. You cannot rush patience on the golf course, rather like bringing up a baby who's totally helpless and dependent on you, patience is learnt and is a vital requisite.

1 min

Pistons halt horror streak

The Detroit Pistons snapped their record 15-game NBA playoff losing streak with a 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday to level their Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece.

2 mins

Brown's fine run hits 24, Astros shut down Jays

HOUSTON: Hunter Brown extended his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 24 and the Houston Astros parlayed a four-run fifth inning into a 7-0 victory over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.

2 mins

O'Connor back in Aussie frame

James O'Connor calmly slotted two late penalties to keep the Canterbury Crusaders in the hunt for another Super Rugby Pacific title at the weekend, bringing himself right back into the reckoning for the British & Irish Lions series in the process.

2 mins

Ostapenko shocks Sabalenka for title

Jelena Ostapenko stunned world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to win the WTA event in Stuttgart on Monday, securing the ninth title of her career.

1 min

Zhao sets up all-China clash after beating 2024 finalist Jones

Zhao Xintong became the first amateur to reach the second round of the world snooker championships after beating last year's finalist Jak Jones 10-4 on Monday.

1 min

Europe's richest family eye Paris rivalry

Paris has everything — stunning architecture and arguably the best food and fashion in the world. But the French capital lacks one essential element of a modern metropolis: it has no football rivalry.

4 mins

Leeds and Burnley promoted to EPL

Leeds United and Burnley won automatic promotion to the Premier League on Monday as faltering Sheffield United were forced to settle for a place in the Championship play-offs.

2 mins

Tug-of-war! Madrid circle Spanish boss

Alonso’s Leverkusen parting on the cards

1 min

Biles, Duplantis bag Laureus crowns

The world’s most decorated gymnast Simone Biles was named the Sportswoman of the Year, while Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis captured the men’s honour at the Laureus awards ceremony in Madrid on Monday.

2 mins

FA Cup fever: T1 rivals clash as Buriram date shifted

The FA Cup quarter-finals take place today with two matches between Thai League 1 rivals while the clash between Chanthaburi and Buriram United has been moved to next month.

1 min

Forest relishing unexpected UCL chase

Nuno Espirito Santo said his Nottingham Forest side were embracing being in the race for Champions League football and in an FA Cup semi-final after they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 away on Monday.

1 min

Kingdom’s stars ready to battle world’s best in China

Thai shuttlers will be up against the world’s top players at the Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 in Xiamen, China, starting this Sunday.

1 min

Daily Chinese arrivals record valley

The Chinese tourist market continues to nosedive, posting a low for 2025 of 5,833 arrivals on April 16, plummeting from an average of 15,000-20,000, while the former governor of the tourism authority suggests a reputation management strategy and strengthening online engagement to address the crisis.

2 mins

Authorities reject party's assertion about power pacts

Energy authorities have insisted more power purchase agreements (PPAs) made under the state's 5.2-gigawatt renewables scheme will not lead to expensive power bills, as claimed by the People’s Party.

1 min

Nestlé vows no quit in legal spat

Firm plans to set up local production

2 mins

US tariffs force ttb to conduct stress tests

TMBThanachart Bank (ttb) has initiated stress tests to gauge the risks and potential impacts of US tariffs on Thai exports.

2 mins

Call for caution amid market volatility

The Thai Financial Planners Association (TFPA) advises investors to adjust their portfolios during market volatility over the next 3-6 months by reducing exposure to high-risk assets, increasing holdings in high-liquidity assets, and favouring Chinese equities over US stocks.

2 mins

Tariff war raises risk outlook for some regional banks

Profitability and asset quality could weaken if reciprocal tariffs go ahead. By Fitch Ratings

2 mins

Pick for BoT chair wins cabinet nod

The cabinet has approved the appointment of Somchai Sujjapongse, a former permanent finance secretary, as the new chairman of the Bank of Thailand's board.

1 min

Data centre service market to expand 8%

Thailand's data centre services market is projected to grow by 8% this year to 12.7 billion baht, driven by rising demand for greater processing power to support companies’ adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and enlarged data storage.

3 mins

Stores urged to keep pork prices stable

Recent rises driven by drop in supply

1 min

Sentiment index dips to 91.8 points

The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) decreased to 91.8 points in March, down from 93.4 in February, attributed to US President Donald Trump's new tariff policy and the impact of the earthquake, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

1 min

AI agents of transformation

Major impact on businesses and employment foreseen within 12 to 24 months, PwC reports

2 mins

Kahoot! forges ahead with Asia-Pacific expansion

Kahoot!, a global learning and engagement platform, wants to continue its expansion in Asia-Pacific this year as part of its growth strategy.

2 mins

Property investment cut amid weak demand

Residential developers in three eastern provinces slowed new investments last year in response to weak demand, driven by high mortgage rejection rates among local homebuyers.

2 mins

Predicting a healthy startup ecosystem

Thailand has an opportunity when it comes to tech startups by developing new models such as venture building programmes to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with skilled technologists.

1 min

China’s ruthless EV revolution leaves little margin for profit

As the sun set over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, well-dressed social media influencers swarmed a lineup of sleek electric vehicles from Chinese automaker Xpeng, among the buzziest brands in the world’s premier EV market.

4 mins

Vietnam cracking down on fraud on US exports: document

Vietnam's trade ministry has issued a directive to crack down on illegal transhipment of goods to the United States and other trading partners as it tries to avoid steep US tariffs, according to a document reviewed by Reuters.

2 mins

CATL claims major advances in EV batteries

Says 5-minute charge enough for 520 kms

3 mins

Top cocoa growers still struggle with supply

A dramatic spike in the price of cocoa that roiled commodity traders and candy makers is showing signs of easing, and the top industry group is even predicting a small global surplus, after years of shortages.

5 mins

In Dubai’s Gold Souk, bullion’s record run bringing little joy

In the bustling Gold Souk in Dubai, dubbed the “City of Gold”, 22-karat gold jewellery is a traditional favourite for weddings, religious celebrations, and as a family investment.

2 mins

Roche invests $50bn in US to avoid tariffs

Roche said yesterday it would invest $50 billion in the United States over the next five years, creating more than 12,000 new jobs, in the latest massive investment by companies reacting to President Donald Trump's tariffs policy.

1 min

Pinata another victim of tariffs

The humble pinata has become one of the latest targets to take a whacking in US President Donald Trump's trade war.

3 mins

Yen below 140 to dollar for first time in months

The yen advanced past the psychological level of ¥140 against the dollar as investors sought alternatives to the greenback amid increasing risks for US assets.

1 min

Nomura bets big on US with $1.8bn deal

Buys Macquarie’s US, European asset units

2 mins

US taxes SE Asia solar imports

The US set new duties as high as 3,521% on solar imports from four Southeast Asian countries, delivering a win for domestic manufacturers while intensifying headwinds already threatening the country's renewable power development.

3 mins

LG, Samsung sue New Delhi over electronic-waste pricing rules

South Korea's LG and Samsung have sued India’s government to quash a policy that increases payouts to electronic-waste recyclers, court filings show, joining other major companies in contesting the country’s environmental rules citing business impact.

2 mins

Trump renews attacks on Fed chair

Stocks slumped, bonds sold off and the US dollar continued to lose ground Monday as President Donald Trump renewed his attacks on Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, unnerving already-anxious investors who see the independence of the central bank as critical to the health of the American economy.

4 mins

RUBBER ART

Anukool Tungthaisong's exhibition at the BACC reflects on the nature of modern opulence and unseen value

3 mins

Youth Film Festival open for submissions

The fifth edition of the World Food Forum Youth Film Festival is now open for submissions until July 21.

1 min

Engage with pain at Buffalo Bridge Gallery

Pain is complex as it is physical, emotional, psychological and social.

1 min

Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas names a new director

Carlos Basualdo visited Dallas for the first time in October with interest in seeing the Nasher Sculpture Center, a prized small museum where he had applied for a job.

2 mins

Conclave offers a glimpse inside the process of choosing a pope

In the coming days cardinals younger than 80 will assemble at the Vatican to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

3 mins

Documentary premieres on eve of Earth Day

Years of filming, often in extreme conditions, has provided new insights into the extraordinary challenges endured by penguins for a documentary series premiered on Monday, the eve of Earth Day.

1 min

Oscar voters must view all films before voting

Oscar voters will be required to demonstrate that they have watched all the films in each category before they cast their final ballots, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday.

1 min

Rise of fake AI content

We have unofficially entered the time of the fake AI generated content. It's not perfect yet, but it's good enough to fool many people. I use a YouTube alternative, which means I have more time to watch videos across a wide range. In the last few weeks, I've noticed an increase in AI generated product that is fake. One standout is the Got Talent franchise where people have grafted AI generated acts with cuts from responses from the panel. They look great, like a woman transforming into a lion, but it's all fake. Even some of those cute animal videos are now fake. Why? More clicks so more income all based on fabricated videos.

3 mins

Bots on your mind?

This therapist helped clients feel better. It was Al

4 mins

Japanese firms build 3D-printed train station in a week

Japanese companies have built what they call the world’s first 3D-printed train station, a compact white curved-roof structure installed in a rural western region.

1 min

WANDERING AND WONDERING

The enduring thrill of getting lost inside 'Metroidvanias'

4 mins

Swinging good time

In a Robbie Williams biopic, the star is a CGI monkey

4 mins

CHRISTIAN ASCENT

Antoni Gaudí was a venerated architect. Now he may become a saint

3 mins

Legendary photographer Susan Meiselas wins lifetime award

For over 50 years legendary American photographer Susan Meiselas has pushed the boundaries of her craft and captivated audiences with her intimate portraits - from Nicaraguan rebels to US carnival strippers.

2 mins

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Bangkok Post Newspaper Description:

Bangkok Post is the leading English-language daily newspaper in Thailand and has the longest history of any newspaper in existence in the country. The Bangkok Post targets well-educated decision makers, including top executives and high-ranking government officials. The Bangkok Post was established by a group of American and Thai journalists and the first issue was launched on August 1, 1946 with only four pages. Now the Bangkok Post publishes about 60 pages a day.

Space does not allow a full display of the list of awards we have received over the past 60-plus years. Bangkok Post was originally the leading English newspaper in Thailand.

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