Bangkok Post - May 12, 2025

In this issue

May 12, 2025

No Trump meet in Qatar for Thaksin

The Appeal Court has upheld the Criminal Court's rejection of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's request to travel to Qatar, says former senator Somchai Swangkarn.

1 min

BJT plays down bill concerns

Party assures MPs will back budget plan

3 mins

Multiple flights face cancellation

KASHMIR DISPUTE

1 min

PM to visit Vietnam this week

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit Vietnam on May 15-16 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with both nations set to upgrade their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — the highest tier of diplomatic relations Vietnam offers its allies.

1 min

Dept to test early warning system

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will carry out another test of its cell broadcast system tomorrow.

1 min

No more bodies found as SAO search teams go home

No more bodies have been found as workers clear the debris at the site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building, says Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

1 min

Monks mark Vesak Day at Borobudur

'It feels like coming home', pilgrim says

2 mins

Anthrax toll steady: govt

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that no new anthrax cases have been detected, but urged residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant.

1 min

Chinese still keen on Thai stay

Thailand remains among the top five destinations for Chinese tourists as the government ramps up efforts to enhance visitors’ travel experiences.

1 min

Panel wants better access to schools

The Senate sub-committee on the elderly, the disabled and the underprivileged will push for amendments to ensure children with intellectual disability are not excluded from the nation's education system.

1 min

Concrete slab hits vehicle on Lat Krabang Road

A large concrete slab fell from a truck onto a car in Lat Krabang district on Saturday, damaging the vehicle.

1 min

Prison chiefs back off in Thaksin saga

The Department of Corrections (DoC) yesterday denied reports it would seek a court order to revoke a Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) decision to discipline three doctors in connection with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial hospital stay.

1 min

EC probes vote-buying in Kalasin

Investigation comes as local polls kick off

1 min

Teachers call for protection as South violence escalates

The Federation of Teachers Association of Thailand (FTT) is calling on the government to boost safety as violence escalates in the deep South, demanding enhanced security protocols, especially for educators and students in high-risk areas.

1 min

Local managers can meet elderly needs

Academics are urging the government to better respond to the growing needs of the elderly population by investing in the training of community-based managers.

1 min

Govt banks on rainbow economy

Pride Month hopes of equality, profit

1 min

PM Ishiba reiterates call to end all tariffs with US

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated yesterday that he aims to eliminate all tariffs in trade negotiations with the United States.

1 min

Beijing, US meet for 2nd day of talks

Top economic officials from the United States and China met yesterday in Geneva for their second day of high-stakes negotiations aimed at easing tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's trade war.

2 mins

Bus crash kills 15 pilgrims

An overcrowded bus carrying dozens of Buddhist pilgrims crashed into a precipice in Sri Lanka yesterday, killing 15 and injuring at least 30, local police said.

1 min

India, Pakistan reach fleeting ceasefire deal

Both trade blame for truce violations

3 mins

Hamas releases hostage video

Hamas's armed wing released a video on Saturday showing two Israeli hostages alive in the Gaza Strip, with one of the men appealing for an end to the 19-month-long war.

1 min

Film claims to name killer of slain Al Jazeera journo

WEST BANK: A new documentary purports to name the Israeli soldier responsible for the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead while reporting in the occupied West Bank in 2022.

1 min

Iran, US talk nuclear deal amid clashing red lines

People stand with a placard showing a picture of Tamir Adar, who was taken hostage by Hamas, as supporters of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, take part in a protest to demand the release of all hostages, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday.

2 mins

Fires at key fuel depot 'fully contained'

Sudan's civil defence forces said yesterday that they had “fully contained” some fires that broke out at the main fuel depot and other strategic sites in Port Sudan — the seat of the army-backed government, which has come under repeated drone attacks blamed on paramilitary forces over the past week.

1 min

Putin calls for direct talks with Kyiv

Remains quiet on a 30-day ceasefire deal

3 mins

Nation votes as PM Rama seeks 4th term

Albanians headed to the polls yesterday to decide whether to grant Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term or back his longstanding rival, in an election seen as critical to the country's European Union ambitions.

2 mins

Verdict due tomorrow in Depardieu assault trial

A Paris courtis set to deliver its verdict tomorrow in the sexual assault trial of French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu — a case that has gripped the country.

2 mins

New pope makes 2nd appearance

Set to be formally introduced to media

3 mins

Ex-president granted asylum in Colombia

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli on Saturday announced his arrival in Colombia, where he has been granted asylum after spending 15 months inside the Nicaraguan embassy to avoid a prison sentence for money laundering.

1 min

Migrant families protest on Mother's Day

MEXICO CITY: Families separated by the US-Mexico border held a demonstration on both sides of the boundary on Saturday, after US President Donald Trump's hardline anti-migrant policies forced the cancellation of a planned Mother's Day reunion event.

1 min

Time to curb spending

Thailand is facing an avalanche of environmental, economic and political crises, without light at the end of the tunnel.

2 mins

Why OECD membership matters

In a highly fragmented world, Thailand’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) is more than just a diplomatic gesture — it marks a transformative opportunity to accelerate structural reform and attract high-quality investment.

3 mins

A gallium lens on China's minerals dominance

The price of gallium has been rising ever since China started restricting exports of the exotic metal in August 2023.

3 mins

Conflict in Gaza and Kashmir on a parallel track

There is a striking parallel between the 20-month war in the Gaza Strip and the week-old not-yet-war between India and Pakistan. Both confrontations were set off by horrendously cruel mass murders by terrorists whose goal was obviously to start a war that drew the attention of the world back to their own goals and grievances.

3 mins

Behaviour shift key to ending plastic use

Southeast Asia is no stranger to the plastic crisis.

4 mins

Eagle caps Herbert's dominant victory

Lucas Herbert scripted a grand-stand finish by making an eagle on the par-five 18th hole for the second day in a row and extended his winning margin in the US$2 million International Series Japan to a dominant five shots yesterday.

2 mins

T-Wolves grab 2-1 edge in Warriors series

Pritchard shines as Celtics get key win

3 mins

Padres amass 21 runs off 24 hits to trounce Rockies

Gavin Sheets crushed a two-run homer in the first inning to spark a 24-hit attack as the San Diego Padres notched their largest margin of victory in franchise history, routing the slumping Colorado Rockies 21-0 on Saturday night in Denver.

2 mins

Lowry, Straka share lead at windy Truist

Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Austrian Sepp Straka duelled down the stretch to emerge tied for the lead through 54 holes at the PGA Tour Truist Championship on Saturday, three strokes clear of their nearest rivals.

2 mins

Sinner grateful for 'amazing' support at Italian Open

Jannik Sinner hailed the passionate backing he has received from his colourful support in Rome after returning to tennis on Saturday with a confident win at the Italian Open.

2 mins

Kane finally lifts his first silverware

Champs Bayern bid farewell to Mueller

3 mins

Sorloth hits four as Atleti romp

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone could not help but applaud the performance of striker Alexander Sorloth after the Norwegian scored all four goals in their 4-0 win against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.

2 mins

Juve concede late leveller in Lazio draw

Juventus coach Igor Tudor was left frustrated but praised his team’s effort after they were denied victory by a last-gasp Matias Vecino header in a 1-1 draw at Lazio in Serie A on Saturday in the race for Champions League qualification.

1 min

Hamburg return to top tier after seven-year absence

Fallen German giants Hamburg won automatic promotion to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence with a 6-1 home thumping of lowly Ulm on Saturday.

1 min

Pitchamon goes down fighting to Miyazaki

Pitchamon Opatniputh missed out on winning her first World Tour Super 300 title after losing in the final of the US$240,000 BWF Taipei Open yesterday.

1 min

Champions League race hots up as Man City held, Villa win

Manchester City were held to a shock goalless draw by Premier League basement club Southampton on Saturday while Aston Villa beat Bournemouth as the race for Champions League places hots up.

2 mins

Buriram and Kirins set up FA Cup final

Arch-rivals Buriram United and Muang Thong United won their respective semi-finals on Saturday night to set up an enticing FA Cup title showdown on May 24.

2 mins

Jeeno one in front at Americas Open

Thai masters strong winds in Jersey City

2 mins

Tourism in the doldrums

As the TAT cuts its target for foreign arrivals this year, the industry faces several challenges requiring more than a marketing budget, write Nareerat Wiriyapong, Narumon Kasemsuk and Molpasorn Shoowong

8 mins

Trying to rev up a flat tourism sector

In the TAT’s worst-case scenario, the Chinese market could plummet to 4 million this year, generating 240 billion baht, less than half the revenue earned in 2019, she said.

5 mins

Investor confidence still stunted by trade concerns

The investor confidence index (ICI) tallied by the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (Fetco) remained in the bearish zone last month, weighed down by global trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts and the domestic political situation.

1 min

Trade war to restrain Thai stocks in Q2

Analysts also pull back on gold outlook

2 mins

XSpring, Orbix unite to develop fund solutions

The digital asset industry is gaining momentum and drawing the attention of investors, prompting two large local financial groups to form a strategic partnership to develop regulated digital asset fund solutions.

1 min

Thailand Post scraps talks with Chinese company

State-run logistics enterprise Thailand Post has scrapped year-long talks with a Chinese logistics company on a joint venture because it did not offer benefits as projected.

1 min

AWC calls for action on tourism

SET-listed Asset World Corp (AWC) has urged the government to swiftly restore tourism confidence and promote new attractions to lure high-spending visitors.

1 min

Thai Wah focuses on top sellers in 2030 growth plan

Thai Wah Group has unveiled its 2030 strategy, with a focus on expanding its food business unit.

1 min

CP Axtra Q1 revenue hits B130bn

Adjusted net profit gained 10.3%

1 min

State urged to support local herb industry

The government is being nudged to aid the local herbal industry by increasing the proportion of Thai traditional medicine in the country's public health system to 10%.

1 min

Sustainable housing the new trend

Younger generations demand real estate that reflects their environmental values, writes Kanana Katharangsiporn

4 mins

Digital registration upgraded in July

The digital business registration system DBD Biz Regist unveiled at the beginning of this year is expected to become fully operational online in July, says the Department of Business Development (DBD).

1 min

Online worlds offer gateway to youth

Brands target the attention economy

2 mins

Nye Estate unveils 2 high-end projects

Property developer Nye Estate Co, a subsidiary of Narai Property, plans to launch two new high-end housing projects worth a combined 1.4 billion baht despite the unfavourable economy, banking on strong demand in the segment and the company's solid financial position.

2 mins

Berkshire investors anticipate new era as Buffett passes baton

Berkshire Hathaway shareholders mourning the departure of legendary investor Warren Buffett anticipate the conglomerate he built over 60 years will retain its long-term focus and culture but worry about the loss of Mr Buffett's vision and star power.

3 mins

As Al grows more powerful, its errors are getting worse

A new wave of “reasoning” systems from companies like OpenAI is producing incorrect information more often. Even the companies don’t know why, write Cade Metz from San Francisco and Karen Weise from Seattle

5 mins

Futures Focus

The SET50 Index closed last week at 789.38 points, an increase of 12.49 points, or 1.6% from the previous week.

1 min

Gold revives ahead of US-China trade talks

Gold prices rose last week as investors digested comments on tariffs from President Donald Trump ahead of weekend talks between US and Chinese trade officials.

1 min

Oil Market Outlook

Oil prices rose last week on market optimism about an opening round of US-China trade talks in Switzerland over the weekend.

2 mins

Aussie shares shine as trade-war refuge

Foreign investors have been turning to domestically focused stocks in Australia, choosing an often overlooked market as a trade-war hideout with a cheap currency and resilient economy.

1 min

Ex-Celsius CEO sentenced to jail for fraud

Alex Mashinsky, the founder of cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network, was ordered to spend 12 years in prison for defrauding hundreds of thousands of customers lured by his firm's high interest rates on digital asset deposits.

2 mins

As Europe re-arms, Strnad joins ranks of wealthy

Weapons maker Michal Strnad likes to say he works in the business of defence. As Europe re-arms on a massive scale, it’s proving a lucrative place to be.

3 mins

India hitting Pakistan on many fronts

Besides water, the rivals are also wrangling over Pakistan's access to foreign aid, as India explores ways to use its soft power and relationships to bedevil its old enemy, writes Alex Travelli from New Delhi

3 mins

Be:First set to make Bangkok debut

J-pop boy band Be:First will make their Bangkok debut as part of their first world tour, at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, 5th floor of Samyan Mitrtown, Rama IV Road, on May 24 at 7pm.

1 min

Giant sculpture arrives at Sanam Luang

A gigantic art masterpiece by an internationally renowned contemporary artist will be showcased during “Kaws: Holiday Thailand”, at Sanam Luang, from tomorrow until May 25.

1 min

Austria's JJ makes operatic pop soar at Eurovision

Falsetto voice and angelic smile: Johannes Pietsch, alias JJ, has emerged as Austria's best chance of winning this year's Eurovision song contest since the triumph of bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst 11 years ago.

2 mins

Rock icons The Who say goodbye with North America tour

Legendary rock band The Who announced their final tour of North America last week, saying after six decades of making music, all good things must come to end.

1 min

Animated Indonesian film Jumbo smashing records with B265mn box office

An Indonesian animated movie is smashing regional box-office records and could be set for wider success as it prepares to open beyond the Southeast Asian archipelago's silver screens.

2 mins

Singer Smokey Robinson's lawyer decries sexual assault claims as 'vile' and 'false'

A lawyer for Smokey Robinson said last week that the sexual assault allegations against the Motown singer were \"vile\" and \"false\" and that a lawsuit filed by the four women making the accusations was an attempt to extract millions of dollars from him.

2 mins

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood reveals concerts cancelled after 'credible threats'

Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood last week said two of his forthcoming shows with Israeli-born rock musician Dudu Tassa had been cancelled due to “credible threats”.

2 mins

NEW UPMARKET JEEP COMPASS AIMS TO COVER ALL BASES

Jeep has reinvented the Compass for its third generation with a bold new look, a more upmarket cabin and the option of electric power for the first time.

1 min

NIGHT MOVES

David Harbour is conflicted about becoming a morning person

3 mins

Julia Donaldson's Gruffalo to return in new story next year

Julia Donaldson’s Gruffalo, the globally popular children’s character, will return in a new storybook next year, publisher Macmillan Children’s Books said recently, marking the fearsome but easily fooled monster's first fresh adventure in more than 20 years.

1 min

PROMOTING CO-EXISTENCE

Relearn Festival uses play and dialogue to address the growing generational divide and foster understanding

4 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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