Author: Verified News Online

AdvertisementThailandThis Week in AsiaPoliticsThai election: border row aids Anutin as Shinawatra clan fights for survival, reformists chaseCaretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant
Reading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPAidan JonesPublished: 12:30pm, 30 Dec 2025Campaigning for Thailand’s February 8 general election has begun with a frenetic three-way battle defined by corruption allegations, a tense border conflict with Cambodia and the emergence of a new frontman for the once all-conquering Shinawatra political dynasty.But the caravans of politicians criss-crossing the nation and blitzing social media have so far failed to inspire a public, which has seen its electoral choices repeatedly nullified by courts and coups, as conservatives find ways to return to power.The election is a contest between the conservative Bhumjaithai Party led by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Char..

AdvertisementBritainWorldEuropeActor Idris Elba, ice legends Torvill and Dean among hundreds recognised in UK honoursNew Year UK honours are awarded for contributions in areas such as government, academia, the arts and sports
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPReutersPublished: 12:22pm, 30 Dec 2025Actor Idris Elba and ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were among the hundreds named in British King Charles’ New Year ‌honours list published on Monday.
The full list includes more than 1,157 people ‍in politics, sport, the arts or community service to be awarded titles from Member, Commander or Officer of the Order of the British Empire to the highest honours of knighthoods and damehoods.
Elba, who is known for ⁠his roles in the television series Luther and The Wire, was awarded a knighthood for his anti-knife-crime campaigning with young people.
Advertisement“I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and..

North Korea has test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles (AP image) North Korea has test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles to demonstrate its nuclear combat readiness. This comes as tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula amid increased military activity by the United States and South Korea.According to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missile launches took place on Sunday over the Yellow Sea, west of the Korean Peninsula. Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the drill, which was aimed at reviewing the combat capability and counter-offensive readiness of long-range missile units.KCNA reported that the missiles flew for more than two hours before successfully hitting their targets. The state media released videos showing the missiles being launched and striking targets at sea. Kim expressed “great satisfaction” with the exercise and said North Korea would continue the “unlimited and sustained development” of its nuclear combat forces. F..

Time to screen social media LONDON: A frustrated father in Spain, whose teenage daughter regularly sidesteps parental controls that block social media, wants the government to ban apps like TikTok and Instagram for children. In France, a mother of three worries about social media's effect on young people and will not give her children smartphones until they are 15. But she is sceptical a government prohibition is the answer. A mother in Chile says it is a parent's job, not government's, to teach children how to use social media responsibly.Since Australia this month barred children under 16 from using social media, parents around the world have been debating whether similarly tough action is needed in their own countries. In Australia, surveys show most parents support the new rules, while young teenagers have talked about using VPNs and other workarounds. Several countries are weighing whether to adopt similar laws. Australia Enforces World’s First Under-16 Social Media..

AdvertisementNepalThis Week in AsiaPeopleNepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings
Reading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPBibek BhandariPublished: 12:25pm, 29 Dec 2025Nepal is stepping up scrutiny of illegal cross-border matchmaking after authorities uncovered cases in which brokers and online intermediaries were marketing Nepali women as prospective brides for Chinese nationals, prompting increased enforcement and official warnings.The Chinese Embassy in Nepal issued a New Year’s travel advisory cautioning its citizens against what it described as “bride buying” in the country, urging them not to trust matchmaking agencies and brokers blindly and stressing that deceptive or profit-driven cross-border matchmaking is illegal under Chinese law.
“Fully understand the legal, cultural, property division and child custody risks involved ..