Nigeria paid Boko Haram ransom for kidnapped pupils
KANO (NIGERIA) - The Nigerian government paid Boko Haram militants a "huge" ransom of millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff the jihadists abducted from a Catholic school in November, intelligence sources told AFP.

Phuket in fresh bid for Specialised Expo
Phuket plans to submit a bid for the Specialised Expo again this year, aiming to host the event in 2032 or 2033 under a new “longevity” theme, promoting the island’s wellness and sustainable tourism sectors.

Plan to tax gold imports stokes Thai industry criticism
Gold traders strongly oppose the Customs Department’s plan to ask the incoming government to impose import duties on gold, warning that Thailand could lose its status as a gold trading hub if the measure is implemented. They added that gold is now regarded as an investment asset rather than a commodity subject to tariffs.

Thai exports hit 4-year high despite strong baht
The baht’s value is the most important factor affecting exports following the US decision to impose a 15% tariff on imports, with Thai exports recording their strongest growth in four years in January, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).

Scam pressure tied to 14-year-old’s fall from fifth floor
A 14‑year‑old girl was critically injured after falling from a fifth‑floor window of a school building in Chon Buri province on Sunday, with investigators believing stress from being targeted by a scam gang was the motive.

'Running Man Thailand' pilot episode receives great cheer online
With the first episode airing last Sunday, let’s get to know the viral South Korean variety show that has just landed in Thailand.

Cambodia warned that border fires could stoke conflict
Thailand has warned Cambodia that uncontrolled bushfires started by Cambodian soldiers could become a new problem in their border conflict.   

Actress 'Nana’, rapper husband indicted in B100m fraud case
Prosecutors have laid charges against actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai, her rapper husband Prinya "Way Thaitanium" and two firms in a fraudulent borrowing and document-forgery case allegedly involving more than 100 million baht.

Two wheels reshape Bangkok’s daily commute
Bangkok’s streets are quietly changing. This time the shift is being driven less by new rail lines or expressways and more by bicycles.

Chinese shoppers are Asia's biggest airport spenders
HONG KONG — Chinese travellers are outspending their Asian peers at the region's airports in search of gifts, food and luxury purchases, a trade association has found.