The Constitutional Court has accepted a petition to rule on whether the use of barcodes and Quick Response (QR) codes on ballot papers in Thailand’s Feb 8 general election violated the constitution.

CHON BURI - A man has been arrested after intruding into the enclosure of famed pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Tuesday evening.

The cabinet has instructed the Tourism and Sports Ministry to accelerate efforts to tackle the use of nominees in tourism businesses, including so-called "zero-dollar tours", as they affect the country's tourism industry.

The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) expects purchases of sugar cane leaves to more than double this year as Thailand reduces its reliance on liquefied natural gas imports, shipments of which have been disrupted by war in the Middle East.

House Speaker Sophon Zaram expressed confidence that Thursday's parliamentary vote to select a new prime minister will proceed smoothly, in line with regulations and fairness.

The permanent secretary for energy, Prasert Sinsukprasert, has ordered urgent inspections into suspected oil hoarding, warning that violators will face legal action.

Panic buying and distribution bottlenecks have triggered diesel shortages, disrupting essential services and daily life across several provinces.

The government will strictly control prices of 59 regulated product categories, mostly consumer goods, allowing increases only when justified and warning of tough action against violators, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.

Every US$10 increase in the oil price per barrel is expected to reduce Thai GDP by 0.2 percentage points, according to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

The pump price of diesel, previously capped at 30 baht a litre, will increase by 50 satang on Wednesday, and will continue to rise gradually to 33 baht to reduce the burden of subsidies, authorities said on Tuesday.