The education minister's wife, Taya Teepsuwan, plans to stand for election as Bangkok governor when the city poll is eventually called.

KANCHANABURI: Three Thais driving separate vehicles were arrested and a total of seven illegal migrants taken into custody at road checkpoints on Friday, as smugglers turn to using small vehicles to bring in a few workers at a time.

Exports are expected to rise 4% in 2021 after declining 6% last year, while an unexpected increase in shipments was recorded in December as demand from major markets improved, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

The spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is himself at risk of having been infected with the disease.

TOKYO: The number of people taking their own lives in Japan rose for the first time in over a decade last year, as the pandemic reversed years of progress combatting a stubbornly high suicide rate.

SINGAPORE/MUMBAI/NAIROBI: Tightening global supplies of basic foodstuffs and disruptions to shipping caused by the coronavirus pandemic are driving up the cost of rice, the most important staple food for billions of people worldwide.

The government on Friday reported 309 new Covid-19 cases – 297 local infections and 12 imported - raising the total to 13,104.

AYUTTHAYA: Spas and traditional massage outlets will be allowed to reopen from Jan 26 in Ayutthaya province, under strict conditions.

Voluntary military conscription will go online this year.

NEW YORK: Google parent Alphabet Inc has shut down Loon, an audacious project to beam internet service from high-altitude balloons, after the unit failed to develop a viable business model.