Commercial pilots confront drones, missiles and stress
Commercial airline pilots have faced escalating risks in recent years, from drone incursions to flight paths squeezed by conflict. Now the US-Israeli attacks on Iran are making the skies even more perilous and ratcheting up the pressure on ​those flying through them.

Australian drug fugitive arrested at Bangkok condo
An Australian national wanted on drug charges in his home country has been arrested at a condominium in Din Daeng district of Bangkok.

Mercedes 1-2 for Australian GP as Verstappen crashes
MELBOURNE - George Russell powered to pole position Saturday for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, but there was disaster for Max Verstappen who crashed out.

Rising fuel prices could spark domestic wildfire for Trump
WASHINGTON - Sean Robinson, a 54-year-old schoolteacher in the US capital Washington, did not realise how high fuel prices had gone until he arrived at the pump on Friday.

Venezuela topped 2025 global inflation table at 475%
CARACAS - Inflation in Venezuela soared to 475% in 2025, the highest in the world, driven by a tightening of US sanctions in the lead-up to the ouster of leader Nicolas Maduro.

Russian missiles and drones kill six in Ukraine
KYIV - Russia pummelled Ukraine with drone and missile attacks overnight, killing six people and triggering air alerts across the country, officials said on Saturday.

120,000 smuggled dried geckos seized in Pathum Thani
Police on Friday impounded more than 120,000 dried gecko carcasses at a Pathum Thani warehouse where they were being stored before being exported for sale.

Early trip planning urged as Mideast war sends airfares soaring
Passengers intending to travel between Asia and Europe will need to plan their trips well in advance to secure reasonable ticket prices, as the Middle East conflict has driven significant demand for a limited number of direct flights, says the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

Rio de Janeiro to host 2026 Healthy Cities summit
Rio de Janeiro is preparing to host the 2026 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit from March 30 to April 2 in Copacabana.

AI capability debated as tech guides Iran strikes
The latest bout of fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran has featured AI being deployed as never before to sift intelligence and select targets, although the technology’s use in war remains hotly debated.