Risks in ballot transport, counting and certification are a post-vote test for elections: past annulments and court interventions fuel concern among analysts and civil groups; Polls show pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party leading, opposition still competitive

5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Bueng Kan to Bolikhamxay, is now the shortest strategic route linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; it helps make Bueng Kan a logistics centre, supports cross-border tourism in the area with a permanent route

Photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok will attend manners and ethics training, following reports of aggressive tactics, overcharging and pressuring on tourists; The measure aims to curb informal vendors, improve safety and protect the temple’s reputation

As the Southeast Asian Games concluded, Thailand finished top of the medal table, leading on home soil; Host athletes won in multiple disciplines, underscoring the country’s regional sporting strength despite rising competition from Vietnam and Indonesia