Thailand hurries B480bn in stalled projects to spur growth
The government is betting that speeding up 480 billion baht in stalled investment projects will help support economic momentum as it races to compete with regional peers for foreign capital.

Venezuela rejects US terrorist designation as 'ridiculous lie'
CARACAS - Venezuela on Monday rejected a US terrorist designation of an alleged drug cartel as a "ridiculous lie" amid a major American military buildup in Caribbean waters.

Europe demands more work on US deal for Russia-Ukraine war
KYIV (UKRAINE) - Germany said Monday that Russia has to be present at talks on ending the Ukraine war as Europe and Kyiv pressed for more work on a US proposal seen as heavily favouring Moscow.

Reggae icon and 'cultural giant' Jimmy Cliff dead at 81
WASHINGTON - Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae star who helped transform the island's rhythmic music into a global cultural phenomenon, has died, his wife said Monday. He was 81.

Thai Chamber of Commerce submits economic growth plan
The Thai Chamber of Commerce submitted a white paper outlining strategies to boost the country’s economic growth to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday, which it hopes the government will incorporate into a national economic strategy.

Bitcoin funds head for worst month as $3.5bn pulled
Exchange-traded funds investing in Bitcoin are heading for their worst month of outflows since launching nearly two years ago, piling yet more pressure on a jaded crypto market. 

Hezbollah mourns top commander killed in Israeli strike
BEIRUT (LEBANON) - Hezbollah will hold a funeral on Monday for its top military chief and other members of the militant group, a day after Israel killed them with a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs.

Thai crypto exchange Bitkub said to consider IPO in Hong Kong
Thai cryptocurrency exchange Bitkub is considering an initial public offering in Hong Kong, people familiar with the matter said, potentially boosting the city’s status as a digital-assets hub. 

First frost of the season on Thailand’s tallest mountain
CHIANG MAI - The first frost of the cold season was seen on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, on Monday morning.

Chinese illegal caught selling drugs on Koh Phangan
SURAT THANI - A 40-year-old Chinese man was arrested at a rented house in tambon Ban Tai on Koh Phangan on Sunday evening on charges of illegal entry and selling illicit drugs to partygoers.