Category: The Bangkok Post

A man was killed and another seriously injured after a concrete slab fell from a building undergoing renovation at a construction site in the Sukhumvit area of Bang Na district on Friday morning.

The Phra Ram Radio Centre was alerted at about 9.50am that a concrete slab had fallen from a building on Sukhumvit 66/1 in the Bang Na Nuea area.

Firefighters and rescue workers from the Phra Khanong fire and rescue station were dispatched to the scene.

Initial reports said two men sustained severe injuries. One was rushed to Ruamchai Rak Hospital for treatment, while the other was trapped beneath the concrete structure and was later pronounced dead. Rescue workers were working to recover the body.

According to the Bang Na district office, the injured man was identified as Aung Moe Thu, 28, a Myanmar national. The deceased was identified as Zin Min Thet Aung, 32, also a Myanmar national.

The district office said the building had been granted a permit for structural modifications, which was issued on June 10.

Authorities were investigating the cause of the incident.

People’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun has strongly criticised the stricter eligibility criteria for the state welfare card programme, arguing that the tighter screening process has excluded many genuinely poor people from receiving assistance.

She made the comment on Friday as public anger mounted about the system that used data from state agencies – tax, property and vehicle registration, along with banking records – to reduce the number of people eligible for welfare benefits by nearly 30%.

Ms Sirikanya, also a party-list MP, said the Ministry of Finance had planned from the outset to reduce the number of welfare card recipients during the 2026 registration round.

Pointing to the programme’s budget, which was cut to 42 billion baht this year from more than 50 billion previously, she said the government had ‘clearly intended’ to reduce the number of beneficiaries to between 9 million and 10 million – from 13.2 million at present – by imposing more stringent eligibility criteria.

‘The problem is that many people who are genuinely poor and in real hardship have been left out,’ she said.

Ms Sirikanya said complaints had flooded in since Friday morning from applicants who were disqualified despite meeting the programme’s intended purpose.

Some applicants found inaccurate government records showing they owned vehicles they had never possessed, apparently because someone else had fraudulently used their identity.

Others were recorded as owning more than 10 rai of land when they did not, while some were disqualified because motorcycles registered under their names had been used by family members.

‘This raises a major question about whether the government’s effort to remove as many people as possible from the system has also excluded those who are truly in need,’ Ms Sirikanya said. (Story continues below)

Applicants were told to file appeals through the same channels used during registration, leading to overcrowding at banks. The programme’s website instructed people to contact whichever agency held the disputed information.

She said the Department of Land Transport, which holds vehicle ownership records, had been overwhelmed, with its telephone hotlines impossible to reach.

‘This reflects poor preparation by the Ministry of Finance, particularly the Office of the Permanent Secretary, which appears not to have coordinated an appeals system with other agencies,’ said the People’s Party deputy leader.

She urged the government to act quickly to resolve the confusion and ensure that genuinely disadvantaged people were not excluded because of overly rigid screening criteria.

Asked whether budget constraints had prompted the tougher rules, Ms Sirikanya said funding was likely a contributing factor.

When the government first planned a fresh registration round for fiscal 2026, only 30 billion baht had initially been allocated, implying that the number of beneficiaries would have been cut by about half. The allocation later increased to 42 billion baht for fiscal 2027, allowing the programme to cover nearly 10 million recipients.

Ms Sirikanya also questioned the use of inflexible eligibility criteria, arguing that poverty cannot be measured solely by fixed thresholds.

She said some applicants may own more than 10 rai of land but generate very little income from it, while small business operators with debts exceeding 100,000 baht may still face severe financial hardship despite being excluded under the current rules.

‘The government is trying to correct past mistakes, when some people who were not genuinely poor received welfare cards,’ she said. ‘But combined with budget limitations, the result has been a screening process that is far too strict, leaving some truly needy people without support.’ (Story continues below)

Minister defends system

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas defended the new screening process after the number of successful applicants fell sharply.

Of the 18.8 million people who registered for the 2026 State Welfare Programme, only 9.5 million met the requirements, while 9.3 million were disqualified.

Mr Ekniti attributed the large number of rejected applicants to more comprehensive cross-checking of government databases, including records on taxation, land ownership, income and vehicle ownership.

Tighter verification was intended to ensure that only genuinely poor people qualified for assistance, he said.

‘The purpose of this rigorous screening is to bring genuinely poor people into the system. The government wants to help those who are truly struggling,’ he said on Friday in Shanghai, where he was with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on an official visit to China.

‘Welfare budgets are limited, so this card should go to those who have virtually nothing, such as bedridden elderly people with no income. We want assistance to reach those who deserve it most.’

Two Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on an old landmine while carrying out maintenance work at Phu Pha operating base in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, according to the 2nd Army Area.

The soldiers, assigned to reinforce security and improve the base’s defensive positions, were taken to Kantharalak Hospital in this northeastern border province for treatment. Both were reported to be in stable conditions.

The 2nd Army Area said it received a report from the Suranaree Task Force at about 10.30am on Friday that soldiers from the 122nd Infantry Company, 12th Infantry Battalion, had stepped on an old landmine that failed to detonate at full force while clearing a firing area within the Phu Pha operating base.

The explosion caused minor injuries to two soldiers, who were immediately evacuated to Kantharalak Hospital.

According to the report, members of an anti-aircraft gun unit attached to the 122nd Infantry Company were clearing vegetation to prepare for an operational area when Sgt Maj First Class Chakkrit Buakaew, commander of the anti-aircraft gun unit, stepped on a landmine.

Because the explosive did not fully detonate, Sgt Maj First Class Chakkrit sustained minor injuries to his right foot and ankle, suffering swelling and bruising from the blast pressure. He also had slight chest discomfort.

Another soldier, Sgt Maj First Class Sathit Phongkaew, a gunner of the same unit, was struck by flying rocks and soil thrown up by the explosion while assisting with the clearing operation.

Initial examinations found no deep wounds, but he was admitted to hospital for further medical assessment.

The Suranaree Task Force reported that the evacuation was carried out smoothly and both soldiers arrived safely at the hospital.

Military authorities were continuing to monitor their conditions while also conducting inspections of the surrounding area to ensure no additional unexploded ordnance remained.

Preliminary findings showed that the device was an old unexploded landmine left in the area.

Thailand aims to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) by the end of this year, although differences over agricultural products and raw materials remain unresolved.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made the remarks on Thursday after meeting senior representatives from European business organisations and more than 40 European companies at Government House.

Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said Mr Anutin welcomed representatives from the EU-Asean Business Council (EU-ABC), the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), and companies from nine key industries to discuss trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Mr Anutin said European businesses had reaffirmed their interest in expanding investment in Thailand and praised the government’s efforts to maintain dialogue with the private sector.

He said Thailand was ready to attract investment, promote tourism and strengthen its role as a regional manufacturing base, while seeking European support to conclude FTA negotiations by year-end.

The prime minister acknowledged that the talks had slowed during the final stage as both sides worked to resolve differences over sensitive issues.

A successful agreement would boost bilateral trade and allow Thai exporters to access European markets without tariff barriers, he said.

Asked about the remaining obstacles, Mr Anutin said the key issues involved raw materials and agricultural products, adding that the government needed to proceed carefully to protect the interests of all parties.

A source familiar with the negotiations said the EU has strict requirements on the origin of agricultural raw materials, including environmental standards, anti-deforestation measures and chemical use. The bloc also has rules of origin determining the proportion of domestic or partner-country inputs required for products to qualify for zero tariffs.

European business representatives reaffirmed Thailand’s position as an attractive investment destination due to its strategic location, manufacturing capacity and skilled workforce, Ms Rachada said.

They also expressed support for the Thailand-EU FTA and Thailand’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), while proposing closer cooperation in manufacturing, life sciences, food, finance, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

A plan to open a medical school at Phetchaburi Rajabhat University to address a shortage of doctors has raised public concerns that it may prioritise quantity over quality.

Last month, the council of Phetchaburi Rajabhat University set up a committee to study the proposed Department of Medicine in response to the government’s primary care service policy. If successful, it would be the first Rajabhat institution to have a medical curriculum.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Medical Council of Thailand have set criteria that allow Rajabhat universities — originally created as teacher-training colleges — to open faculties of medicine, provided they are prepared and meet required standards.

Rajabhat universities have responded by developing medical education programmes to train doctors for local communities and address the shortage of healthcare personnel in provincial areas. However, the idea has not been met with approval, with over 1,200 doctors recently submitting an open letter to MHESI to suspend the plan.

MHESI Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat said the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council agreed in principle to expand the universities’ capacity to train more doctors to replace those who have retired.

It includes a plan to increase the number of medical faculties. He said the ministry has taken quality seriously and all curricula must be approved by the Medical Council of Thailand. If it passes all criteria, there is no reason not to go ahead, he added.

Dr Chartchai Atichat, founder of the Medical Reform Assembly, said medical students will end up as victims if the course opens without readiness and the public’s trust.

“Not every university should be allowed to open a medical programme simply because there is strong demand for doctors. We have seen many cases in which graduates failed the medical licensing examination because they did not receive adequate training,” he said.

“More importantly, some universities have run substandard medical programmes, leaving graduates unable to obtain a medical licence.”

He said the shortage of qualified medical faculty is another major concern. In addition, universities must have their own affiliated teaching hospitals where students can complete their clinical training, which could be tough to pull off given the heavy workloads hospitals already face.

He also questioned whether the government’s subsidy of 2 million baht per medical student is worthwhile.

The Medical Council of Thailand says there are 80,262 active doctors nationwide. Both public and private universities produced 3,000 doctors a year in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Dr Supachok Vejjaphanphaesat, an inspector at the Ministry of Public Health who is in charge of human resources management, said the public healthcare sector’s challenge is not producing doctors but keeping them.

The ministry is responsible for training medical doctors and also hiring 25,000 doctors; however, it now hires only 21,000 in the public medical service system.

Only 9.5 million of 18.8 million applicants qualified for the 2026 State Welfare Programme after the Finance Ministry tightened eligibility screening and expanded data verification.

Fiscal Policy Office director-general Vinit Visessuvanapoom said the number of successful applicants fell from 13.2 million under the previous programme.

Of the applicants, 5.76 million failed to meet the previous income criteria, while another 3.56 million were excluded under the revised rules.

Mr Vinit said improved income verification was the main reason for the drop, as previous screenings relied largely on personal income tax filings. The Revenue Department now uses electronic withholding tax records to verify actual income, including for people who do not file tax returns.

The revised criteria also exclude company directors, authorised directors, partnership founders, and holders of securities and debt instruments. Authorities have also linked screening with electronic land records and credit information from non-bank financial institutions.

The ministry has shifted from household to individual income assessments while retaining the annual income ceiling at 100,000 baht per person, aiming to better identify those in need.

Registration results will be announced from 6pm on Friday. First-time beneficiaries must complete identity verification, while eligible existing recipients can begin using benefits from Aug 1.

A plan to open a medical school at Phetchaburi Rajabhat University to address a shortage of doctors has raised public concerns that it may prioritise quantity over quality.

Last month, the council of Phetchaburi Rajabhat University set up a committee to study the proposed Department of Medicine in response to the government’s primary care service policy. If successful, it would be the first Rajabhat institution to have a medical curriculum.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Medical Council of Thailand have set criteria that allow Rajabhat universities — originally created as teacher-training colleges — to open faculties of medicine, provided they are prepared and meet required standards.

Rajabhat universities have responded by developing medical education programmes to train doctors for local communities and address the shortage of healthcare personnel in provincial areas. However, the idea has not been met with approval, with over 1,200 doctors recently submitting an open letter to MHESI to suspend the plan.

MHESI Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat said the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council agreed in principle to expand the universities’ capacity to train more doctors to replace those who have retired.

It includes a plan to increase the number of medical faculties. He said the ministry has taken quality seriously and all curricula must be approved by the Medical Council of Thailand. If it passes all criteria, there is no reason not to go ahead, he added.

Dr Chartchai Atichat, founder of the Medical Reform Assembly, said medical students will end up as victims if the course opens without readiness and the public’s trust.

“Not every university should be allowed to open a medical programme simply because there is strong demand for doctors. We have seen many cases in which graduates failed the medical licensing examination because they did not receive adequate training,” he said.

“More importantly, some universities have run substandard medical programmes, leaving graduates unable to obtain a medical licence.”

He said the shortage of qualified medical faculty is another major concern. In addition, universities must have their own affiliated teaching hospitals where students can complete their clinical training, which could be tough to pull off given the heavy workloads hospitals already face.

He also questioned whether the government’s subsidy of 2 million baht per medical student is worthwhile.

The Medical Council of Thailand says there are 80,262 active doctors nationwide. Both public and private universities produced 3,000 doctors a year in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Dr Supachok Vejjaphanphaesat, an inspector at the Ministry of Public Health who is in charge of human resources management, said the public healthcare sector’s challenge is not producing doctors but keeping them.

The ministry is responsible for training medical doctors and also hiring 25,000 doctors; however, it now hires only 21,000 in the public medical service system.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai on Friday during his visit to China, with Thai-Cambodian border security expected to be high on the agenda.

While the official purpose of Mr Anutin’s July 16-20 visit is to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai and inaugurate a new overseas office of the Board of Investment (BOI) in Chengdu, Beijing has also arranged meetings with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang.

Mr Anutin said President Xi would receive him and his delegation in Shanghai on Friday, providing an opportunity to review progress on bilateral cooperation over the past year, including trade, investment and security.

The prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Premier Li before the two leaders meet again at upcoming international gatherings, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summits.

?However, the recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are also expected to be raised during the discussions.

Mr Anutin admitted that the talks would cover sensitive issues, including security, efforts to combat transnational crime and corruption, as well as economic cooperation. However, he declined to elaborate, saying such matters should be discussed privately between the two governments.

“China is a great friend that has supported Thailand every time, whether we ask for support or not,” Mr Anutin said.

Asked whether he would discuss reports of Chinese arms supplies to Cambodia, Mr Anutin declined to comment.

“As for security matters, I cannot discuss them publicly,” he said.

Before departing for China on Thursday, the prime minister held talks with Thailand’s military chiefs to review national defence and sovereignty protection plans, as well as the armed forces’ readiness to support the government’s security operations.

Asked what if China proposed to act as a mediator between Thailand and Cambodia, Mr Anutin said, “We are not opposed.”

The prime minister said Thailand and China had long enjoyed a close and mutually supportive relationship, and that the talks would cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

He said the agenda would also include pollution in the Kok River, which requires cooperation with Myanmar because the contamination originates upstream.

He also added China’s defence minister was scheduled to visit Thailand next week, allowing security discussions between the two countries to continue.

The leaders’ meetings come at a time when China’s ties with Thailand are facing growing public scrutiny. Reports of Chinese arms deliveries to Cambodia, despite Beijing’s insistence they are part of previously agreed contracts, have fuelled questions in Thailand over China’s neutrality amid border tensions with Cambodia.

The issue has coincided with broader public unease over a series of crimes involving Chinese nationals and transnational criminal networks operating in Thailand, further complicating ties.

? Aries

Mar 21 – Apr 19

? A major deal or contract could get frozen, while current projects or carefully mapped-out plans may be cancelled or shelved. You may have to pivot into unfamiliar territory or step into something entirely new. Fear and worst-case thinking could creep in, but new possibilities and fresh income streams will slowly reveal themselves. You’ll soon realise you’re far more capable and resourceful than you ever imagined.

? You’re entering your de-influencing era. You’ve got the power to resist retail therapy and go full savings mode. Financial gambles may not pay off. An off-the-books side gig or under-the-radar work may pop up and pay nicely. Keep it to yourself.

?? You and your partner may get hit with an unexpected money matter or major asset decision. You may not see eye to eye at first, but you’ll land on the same page by the end. Flexibility and balance will be your relationship’s compass. Sneaking around? Your side fling’s real partner may show up and try to blackmail you.

? Your social calendar is about to get busy. Expect multiple conversations and maybe even back-to-back dates. While it’ll be fun to play the field and explore your options, vet your dates carefully. Someone might treat you like a walking wallet, cashing in on your generosity.

? Taurus

Apr 20 – May 20

? You’ll stay resilient, handling hurdles and drama with ease. Running on high responsiveness, you’ll fly through deadlines and anticipate your boss’s or clients’ needs before they speak. Expect the credit you rightfully deserve. Your expertise will be validated by those who matter. A trusted woman in your network may share insider intel on an opportunity that hasn’t been officially announced yet.

? You’re in your make-bank era and income will match your hustle. Your past efforts or investments finally pay off. The stars warn of enticing new get-rich-quick schemes designed to finesse you out of your hard-earned cash. Stay vigilant and realistic.

?? Disagreements will be short-lived. You and your partner will find creative compromises before things spiral. You two are the weird couple, fully embracing each other’s quirks. Your relationship is perfectly imperfect. The heat and intimacy between you will get a major upgrade. Think high-voltage chemistry and primal, unfiltered desire.

? Seeing someone? You’ll start questioning whether they’re truly ‘the one’, leaving you tempted to explore other options and wonder if your heart belongs elsewhere. Window shopping feels fun, but stay sharp. A romance scammer, silver-tongued gold digger or reckless bed-hopper could charm their way into your heart.

? Gemini

May 21 – Jun 20

? Your track record and performance won’t go unnoticed. Higher-ups may tap you for a top-secret assignment tied to restructuring or a high-level internal initiative. Friction with one or two colleagues is likely. Expect some personality clashes and crossed wires. An old boss or senior colleague could show up with a job offer. Read the fine print on pay and perks first.

? A chance to monetise your expertise or turn unused items into quick cash will surface. Your past efforts or investments finally bear fruit. A windfall or inherited asset might land in your lap, but it will come with hefty maintenance costs or hidden fees. Your debtor may suddenly disappear. Say no to gambling.

?? Arguments could spark more easily between you and your partner. The walls of silence you’ve built around your problems are about to crumble. A major outburst will leave you with no choice but to lay all your cards on the table. An unexpected event will act as a wake-up call, forcing you both to reassess where this relationship is headed.

? Seeing someone? A third party, or worse, their spouse, could show up and kill the vibe. You’ll cut ties without much hesitation since your feelings for them are pretty shallow. A fresh face may slide into your DMs, but talking to them may feel like speaking different languages.

? Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 22

? Buried complications will suddenly combust into a dumpster fire, throwing you into crisis mode. Surprise travel, last-minute meetings and on-the-fly training will scramble your schedule. Your ability to juggle priorities and tap the right connections will come in handy. Take a closer look at the fine print in business and employment agreements.

? Your expenses outpace your income. Money you’ve been counting on may be delayed. Surprise costs tied to travel or fixing a key work tool could pop up. If you’re investing with friends, expect some friction. Keep your wallet on lockdown.

?? A stressful situation may arise, but it won’t pull you two apart. You’ll hold each other close, put your heads together and slowly find a way through. Shared struggles have a way of deepening your connection. Expect a social detox day or a new healthy routine to help you both reset and recharge.

? A friend may give you butterflies, or you could suddenly realise the one stealing your heart has been beside you all along. But crossing the line from friendship to something more may feel too risky. You’ll swallow your feelings to keep the connection intact, knowing they only see you as a friend. A hook-up hunter or two may slide into your DMs.

? Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 22

? Your workplace is turning into a full-on shark tank, with senior colleagues poking holes in your ideas and competition coming in hot. You’ve got the skills to outmanoeuvre them. Juggling a heavy workload, multiple fires to put out solo and the pressure to maintain your standards may feel draining, but the payoff will be worth the chaos.

? A generous uncle or big bro in your circle may come through with financial support or good news. You’re in your make-bank era and income will match your hustle. You’ll feel the urge to splurge on a shiny new gadget or work gear. A little lifestyle inflation is in the cards. Cover essentials before you spend.

?? You’ll likely be locked in on your grind, your own world and chasing goals. This could create mixed signals with your partner. Between the mismatched expectations and miscommunication, they may wonder if someone else is in the picture.

? If you’re seeing someone, brace for full confusion. They’ll ghost you, block you and vanish into thin air. Rough? Yes. Fatal? No. A few new faces could slide into your DMs, but you’ll be in no rush to entertain anyone. Your peace matters most.

? Virgo

Aug 23 – Sept 22

? A shiny new tool or an unexpected ally will emerge to smooth the path and help you get things over the line. A shelved project may return to your desk with a “need this done Asap” note attached. You could also be pulled into a top-secret assignment tied to restructuring or your organisation’s next strategic move.

? A well-connected friend may bring an opportunity to monetise your craft or productise your expertise. You may discover a new source of income but it could take several weeks or months of fine-tuning before it begins to generate real money. Urgent costs involving your vehicle or a must-have everyday device may take a bite out of your wallet.

?? Relationship tension may rise. Mismatched expectations and work-life imbalance could spark verbal daggers, icy silence or subtle mind games that leave you emotionally drained. Distance may settle in and you’ll both seem to be running more on obligation than on real connection.

? Seeing someone? They may grow distant, then ghost you out of nowhere. Travel, work or a networking event could spark intense chemistry with someone clearly off-limits. They’ll have all the right words to lure you into a secret romance kept firmly behind closed doors. The secret is never just yours to keep.

? Libra

Sept 23 – Oct 22

? Your backlog will start clearing up. A challenging project demanding precision and grit may land on your desk. Completing it will raise your profile and open new doors. You’ll also be the team’s fixer, handling problems and drama without flinching. Difficult or toxic people will meet their match in you. In bids, pitches or any competition, you’ll have the upper hand.

? A refund, reimbursement or repayment may land in your account. Socialising costs will rise, but a profitable side hustle or extra income opportunity could come your way. Don’t co-sign anyone’s debt. Keep your name out of other people’s financial mess. Avoid investing based on social media hype.

?? You’ll be caught up in socialising, spending time with friends and focusing on your career, leaving a growing rift between you two. Small misunderstandings could turn into repeated arguments. Bringing friends into your relationship issues may fan the flames and your partner won’t love the audience. What feels like damage control to you might come off as controlling.

? Someone in your circle or online might catch your eye. They’ll likely keep plenty of options open, play hard to get and take advantage of your attention. An ex could slide back in after fighting with their partner. They’re looking for comfort, not a comeback.

? Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 21

? Your high-priority project or consistent effort will show visible, measurable results. More responsibility and greater resources may land in your hands, with a higher-up backing you through office politics and power plays. Global opportunities in finance, entertainment or service fields might surface if you’re job-seeking. Business owners, you could begin talks or strike deals with government agencies or foreign firms.

? You could come into a windfall through travel or score a prize from a contest or lucky draw. Financial support or a new income stream is within reach, but the strings attached could be seriously stressful. You’ll manage to balance your spending and savings surprisingly well. Watch your step with investments and financial contracts involving friends or relatives.

?? Conflicting schedules and nonstop responsibilities may create distance and quiet resentment between you and your partner. A family member might stir the pot and spark an argument. A canon event or a life-changing curveball will hit out of nowhere and force you both to reset, rethink and step into unfamiliar territory.

? If you’re in your healing era, you’ll break the loop and stop doom-scrolling your memories. You’ll start looking ahead instead of backwards. Someone through work or a networking circle may show a little extra interest in keeping the conversation going beyond business and into personal areas.

? Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 21

? Your high-priority assignment or top project will hit targets and deliver visible, measurable results. Compelling new opportunities will come your way, but read every line before you sign anything. If you’re in a family biz, you may be thrust into a power seat unexpectedly. A few family members might grumble, but they’re all bark, no bite and nowhere near your level.

? A gift or inheritance is on the cards. An off-the-books side gig or under-the-radar work may pop up, pay well and let you stretch your creative muscles. Keep it discreet. It’s a perfect time to tackle debt, optimise taxes and get your finances properly sorted.

?? You two may butt heads over work-life balance, household duties or who’s carrying more of the load. Things may feel more like a rulebook than a relationship, with your partner coming off as a little too controlling. Still, you’ll both have the chance to sit down, talk things through and find some middle ground.

? You’ll likely be locked in on your goals, your grind and your own world, leaving little room to focus on your love life. Honestly, you’re not mad about it. But don’t be surprised if someone older or a foreigner tries to slide into your life. They’re interested. Are you?

? Capricorn

Dec 22 – Jan 19

? Progress will be slow. Your usual playbook no longer serves you. You may find yourself feeling a bit lost or far away from the finish line. Expect to be pulled into draining drama and petty politics. Unfair evaluations from above could wear you down. A tempting opportunity elsewhere or a career pivot could appear, but read the fine print on pay and perks before you sign anything.

? You might earn a little extra cash from a freelance gig or an online part-time job. Saving may slip down your priority list while retail therapy, entertainment spending and treat culture take over. Your debtor could suddenly disappear. Stay away from gambling. The odds won’t favour you.

?? You’ll lean into your “my way or the highway” energy, taking control of nearly every decision. Your partner may not always agree, but they’ll still stand by you, loving every version of you. Flaws, ego and all. Expect some sweet quality time that turns up the heat.

? If you’ve been stuck in a going-nowhere situationship or haunted by an old love, expect clean closure at last. You’ll likely switch up your look. Your inner hunter will wake up and you’ll be on the prowl, catching eyes and sparking conversations with ease. Just do a little digging first. Don’t end up barking up an occupied tree.

? Aquarius

Jan 20 – Feb 18

? Your people skills will carry serious weight. Negotiations, client talks and team coordination will move forward smoothly. Any friction you’re facing will be resolved. Dull routine tasks will feel easier to manage and you’ll handle curveballs with surprising calm. Support or a promising opportunity could come through a senior woman. Any campaign or event you launch will win hearts, wallets and screen time.

? A new stream of income is heading your way, far exceeding your expectations and proving your hard work was well worth it. Selling property or brokering a deal for someone else could succeed. If you’re carrying multiple debts, one might be wiped clean.

?? Clouded by doubt and suspicion, your partner may question your loyalty and show signs of jealousy. You’ll feel like your relationship is limiting your freedom. Money may also become a pressure point, especially if you’ve been keeping secret savings. Your partner could find it out, leading to a heated argument.

? Your heart might skip a beat for someone who looks like they stepped out of your fantasies. But remember, stunning packaging doesn’t always mean a long-term contract. This connection burns hot and fast, then fades out by morning.

? Pisces

Feb 19 – Mar 20

? Your communication, negotiation and coordination skills will hit new heights. You’ll outmanoeuvre office politics and nip drama in the bud with ease. Difficult or toxic people will meet their match in you. You’ll crush every deadline and still stay ahead of the chaos. Luck is on your side in exams or competitions. Job hunting? Look for opportunities in service, creative or entertainment fields.

? Opportunities to generate income are opening up. The numbers in your bank account could make you smile. A contest prize, surprise windfall or long-forgotten money may land unexpectedly. Be extra careful with investments and financial contracts involving friends or relatives.

?? You’ll be caught up in socialising, hanging with friends and chasing career goals, leaving a growing distance between you two. Your partner may get jealous over how close you seem to someone, perceiving your interactions as micro-cheating. Avoid serious relationship talks through text. One badly worded message could spiral into arguments or cold silence.

? You might meet someone through your social circle or at a party. But being on different wavelengths and having mismatched mindsets could turn a promising start into friction instead of romance.

The Department of Special Investigation has arrested an executive of QRS Education Co Ltd, Malika Maksalud, over her alleged role in a foreign exchange investment scam in which a People’s Party MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu has also been named.

Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said the arrest was carried out on Wednesday morning in Bangkok’s Rama IX area under a Criminal Court warrant.

Ms Malika, he said, acted as the broker for another company with a similar name, QRS Co Ltd.

She was taken to DSI headquarters for questioning and is regarded as one of the most important suspects in the investigation.

She faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud the public, operating an unlicensed securities brokerage, operating an unauthorised futures trading business, importing false computer data and money laundering.

Police say Ms Malika lured investors through aggressive advertising campaigns, falsely claiming that her company was licensed by overseas regulators and guaranteeing returns of 20-30% within seven days.

Victims were invited into exclusive online groups that provided trading signals.

Authorities said the company also delayed its order execution, controlled price charts and displayed prices that differed from global market prices, causing investors to suffer significant financial losses.

When victims attempted to withdraw funds, they were allegedly required to pay additional taxes or withdrawal fees in advance or were told that technical problems prevented withdrawals.

Investigators also alleged the operation encouraged losing investors to recruit new participants as introducing brokers in exchange for salary-like returns, commissions and additional bonuses.

Her arrest came after the arrest of another suspect, Teerapong Kongkaew, widely known as “Coach James”, on Tuesday at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Authorities alleged that he played a key role in promoting two forex brokers, acting as an introducing broker, training investors, and encouraging the public to invest in schemes promising unusually high returns.

Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said 22 other suspects, including Mr Pawoot, have been issued summonses for questioning since the court declined to issue arrest warrants for these individuals.