Chinese executive named suspect in Indonesian radiation case
JAKARTA — Indonesian police have named a Chinese director of a metal smelting company as a suspect in a caesium-137 contamination case that ultimately led to radioactive shrimp and sneakers being exported as far as the United States.

Macron seeks Xi’s support on Ukraine, calls for China investment
BEIJING — French President Emmanuel Macron sought Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s help in ending the war in Ukraine and urged Beijing to boost investment in France, as both sides look to rebalance their economic ties.

Japan, Vietnam agree to advance security cooperation amid China's rise
KYODO — Japan and Vietnam agreed in high-level talks Thursday to give shape to security cooperation under their strategic partnership, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said, amid China's growing assertiveness in the South and East China seas.

Supply concerns push Thai rice prices to 4-month peak
Thailand's rice prices climbed to a multi-month high this week on supply concerns over flooding in the south, while both Indian and Vietnamese rates slipped to near one-month lows.

Samsung tops Thai smartphone market in Q3 with 24% share
Samsung claimed No. 1 position in Thailand’s smartphone shipments for the third quarter of 2025, securing a dominant 24% market share.

Israel awaits return of last hostage remains
JERUSALEM - Israel awaited the return of the last hostage remains held by Palestinian militants in Gaza, as the military said on Thursday that those of a Thai national had been identified after they were handed over.

Putin heads to India for defence, trade talks
NEW DELHI - Russian President Vladimir Putin was due in India on Thursday evening to begin a two-day visit aimed at deepening defence ties, as New Delhi faces heavy US pressure to stop buying oil from Moscow.

PM tells northern governors to make air pollution fight a priority
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the governors of all provinces in northern Thailand to tackle seasonal air pollution, while signalling flexibility on work-from-home arrangements for government employees.

Thai voice behind Detective Conan and Doraemon stilled
Arunee Nanthiwat, whose voice was featured in the Thai versions of several Japanese animation series, notably Detective Conan, has died at the age of 69.

Thailand thanks international partners for flood aid
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed gratitude to nations and international organisations that are helping Thailand respond to the severe flooding across its southern provinces, noting that more partners have signalled their readiness to assist the kingdom.