Insurers face a raft of economic challenges
Unfavourable economic conditions, political instability, soaring medical costs and natural disaster risks are the top challenges facing insurance companies in Thailand, while the country's ageing society could support continued health insurance expansion.

Weak economy could hamper prospects for crypto
While the crypto trading industry expects a bright outlook in 2026, thanks to improved regulatory clarity and growing institutional investors, Binance TH expressed concerns over the stagnant economy that could affect nationwide adoption.

SET posts weakest performance in region
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) continues to face significant structural and cyclical challenges this year, after posting the weakest performance in the region in 2025.

K-pop stars BTS to release album in March ahead of world tour
SEOUL - K-pop megastars BTS will release a new album in March ahead of a world tour, the group announced on Thursday.

Fresh clashes kill six in Iran cost-of-living protests
TEHRAN - Protesters and security forces clashed in three Iranian cities on Thursday, with six people reported killed, the first deaths since the cost-of-living demonstrations broke out.

Tensions cool on border
Major powers, diplomatic missions and humanitarian organisations have commended Thailand for freeing 18 Cambodian soldiers and reinforcing momentum behind the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

Hong Kong issues first cold weather warning
HONG KONG — Hong Kong's forecaster has issued its first cold weather warning of the season on New Year's Day as temperatures are expected to fall to a low of 12 degrees Celsius (53.6°Fahrenheit) in urban areas on Friday.

Coach Maresca leaves Chelsea
LONDON — Enzo Maresca has left his role as Chelsea head coach after 18 months in charge, the Premier League club announced Thursday.

Israel says it 'will enforce' ban on 37 NGOs in Gaza
JERUSALEM - Israel said on Thursday that 37 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Gaza had not complied with a deadline to meet "security and transparency standards," in particular disclosing information on their Palestinian staff, and that it "will enforce" a ban on their activities.

Around 40 dead as fire ravages bar in Swiss ski resort town Crans Montana
CRANS-MONTANA — Swiss police believe ‌around ​40 people died and 100 were injured in a ‌fire during a New Year's Eve ‌party in the resort town of ⁠Crans-Montana, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.