ECB holds interest rates as strong euro causes jitters
FRANKFURT (GERMANY) - The European Central Bank held interest rates steady for its fifth straight meeting Thursday, saying the eurozone economy remained "resilient" despite mounting worries about the impact of a stronger euro.

Bitcoin drops below $70,000 as ‘forced deleveraging’ accelerates
NEW YORK — Bitcoin tumbled below US$70,000 Thursday as negative momentum deepened across cryptocurrencies, driven by vanishing marginal demand and this week’s volatility in tech equities along with precious metals.

Toyota to raise global hybrid car output by 30% in 2028 as EV demand slows
KYODO — Toyota Motor Corp will increase its global hybrid vehicle production in 2028 by 30% from the level planned for this year, accounting for some 60% of its worldwide output, sources close to the matter said Thursday.

Bhumaithai to unveil key economic policies during final rally
The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has expressed confidence in making electoral gains in Bangkok as it prepares to hold its final major campaign rally at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) on Friday, where key economic proposals will be unveiled.

People's Party unveils ‘Blueprint to transform Thailand’
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who serves as both leader of the People’s Party (PP) and its main prime ministerial candidate, delivered a major campaign speech in Udon Thani province on Thursday, declaring the party’s readiness to form what he called “a government of the people” that would work for all citizens without any political divisions.

Accusations fly over political audio clip
A former Kanchanaburi provincial councillor has come forward to explain why he secretly recorded a phone call that has since sparked controversy, as the Pheu Thai Party moved to file a complaint with the Election Commission (EC).

Democrat Party's Abhisit promotes waste‑to‑energy policy
Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat Party, has unveiled an ambitious policy platform aimed at transforming waste management into a key driver of green economic growth, while pushing for meaningful decentralisation of power to local administrations.

2 Klatham Party candidates axed over past convictions
The Supreme Court has revoked the eligibility of two candidates of the Klatham Party candidates to contest the Feb 8 general election due to past criminal convictions.

Bangkok taxi boats to Bang Lamphu on free trial
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is offering free electric taxi-boat rides along the Phadung Krung Kasem canal to Bang Lamphu during a trial, running until the end of February.

‘Online game mission’ drove teen on cross‑country gold heist run
The 16-year-old arrested for a 2.4-million-baht gold-shop robbery in Hat Yai claimed an online gaming friend in Laos encouraged him to complete a “mission” to snatch the jewellery, according to police.