Brought to you by
World
Asia
-
China will push more proactive macro policies in 2026, Xi says
Read more: China will push more proactive macro policies in 2026, Xi saysChina’s economy is expected to have grown to about 140 trillion yuan (US$20 trillion) in 2025, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (Dec 31).
-
Japan says China’s military drills around Taiwan ‘increase tensions’
Read more: Japan says China’s military drills around Taiwan ‘increase tensions’China’s drills this week involved dozens of fighter aircraft and navy vessels conducting live-fire drills, simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and assaults on maritime targets.
-
Bali floods kill 6, access to airport limited
Read more: Bali floods kill 6, access to airport limitedContinuous heavy rains brought down two buildings in the capital Denpasar.
Thailand
-
Electronics drive export upgrade
Read more: Electronics drive export upgradeEconomists recently upgraded Thailand’s export growth outlook for 2026, projecting shipments of electronic components will continue to expand amid improving global trade, while elevated oil prices will drive imports to grow at a faster rate.
-
Monthly borrowing for stimulus
Read more: Monthly borrowing for stimulusThe Finance Ministry is preparing to gradually borrow funds for the “Thais Help Thais Plus” programme, says finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit.
-
Tourism sector seeking clear policies
Read more: Tourism sector seeking clear policiesTourism operators have criticised the government for lacking clear policies to address the debt burden and improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized operators.
-
Drugs link to rising youth mental illness
Read more: Drugs link to rising youth mental illnessMethamphetamine, cannabis and kratom remain key drivers of drug abuse among youth, with mental health complaints linked to drug use rising to 77.44%, according to research released this week.
-
Huge turnout battles rash of wildfires
Read more: Huge turnout battles rash of wildfiresWildfires intensified across northern and western Thailand, with 2,165 hotspots detected, as officials and an army of 25,000 fire-fighters escalated aerial and ground operations to contain spreading blazes.
-
China will push more proactive macro policies in 2026, Xi says
Read more: China will push more proactive macro policies in 2026, Xi saysChina’s economy is expected to have grown to about 140 trillion yuan (US$20 trillion) in 2025, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (Dec 31).
-
Japan says China’s military drills around Taiwan ‘increase tensions’
Read more: Japan says China’s military drills around Taiwan ‘increase tensions’China’s drills this week involved dozens of fighter aircraft and navy vessels conducting live-fire drills, simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and assaults on maritime targets.
-
Reduced hours at petrol stations ‘may not be needed’
Read more: Reduced hours at petrol stations ‘may not be needed’The operating hours of petrol stations in Thailand might not have to be reduced on Monday as planned earlier, if fuel supplies remain adequate, according to Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
-
PM monitors Middle East tensions, pledges Khon La Khrueng rollout
Read more: PM monitors Middle East tensions, pledges Khon La Khrueng rolloutPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated on Wednesday that the government is closely monitoring the tense situation in the Middle East while stressing the need for prudent energy management to ensure stability, despite Thailand facing no immediate fuel shortages.
-
Blood-curdling message from Isoc alarms public
Read more: Blood-curdling message from Isoc alarms publicA senior army official’s remark and a brazen attack on a Narathiwat MP have intensified scrutiny of southern policy, fuelling political pressure and debate over security.