Listed Thai companies paid a record 651 billion baht in dividends last year, even as the domestic equity market declined for a third consecutive year, according to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

Toxic haze continued to blanket Bangkok and large parts of the country, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeding safe limits in 45 provinces nationwide, authorities said, warning that unhealthy air conditions could persist until Jan 23.

One police officer has been dismissed and four others face criminal and disciplinary action for their alleged involvement in corruption linked to the unlawful release of Chinese detainees, the Royal Thai Police said on Friday.

Compared with the previous election, when some parties promised to distribute hundreds of billions of baht in cash and others pledged infrastructure projects worth trillions, the level of populism in campaign pledges during this election appears to have declined, which academics see as a positive development.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally asked the United States to clarify its decision to suspend the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Thailand.

The Election Commission (EC) is confident the upcoming general election and referendum will proceed smoothly following a full-scale simulation exercise, stressing that voters will be required to verify their identity twice to ensure accuracy and prevent confusion.