Get the full BangkokScoop experience on your smartphone app.
At the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid event in Kolkata, former world champion Viswanathan Anand and rising star Nihal Sarin are tied for first after six rounds with 4.5 points each. Anand lost to Arjun Erigaisi early but rebounded with two wins, while Sarin scored three straight victories.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: urjaMass protests against Iran’s government have spread nationwide, with demonstrators burning government sites amid internet blackouts. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said Washington “stands by” Iranians peacefully fighting for their rights, urging Tehran toward dialogue even as tensions grow.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: urjaReal Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 2–1 in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal in Jeddah, with goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo, earning a spot in the final. They’ll now face fierce rivals Barcelona in an El Clásico showdown for the title.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: urjaU.S. officials are reportedly exploring offering direct cash payments—from about $10,000 up to $100,000 per person—to residents of Greenland to encourage support for breaking away from Denmark and closer ties with the United States. The idea is part of broader discussions about the island’s future but has drawn criticism.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: urjaNew U.S. government data show the nation’s trade deficit narrowed sharply to about $29.4 billion in October—its smallest gap since 2009—as exports climbed and imports fell. President Trump attributed the improvement to his tariff strategy, calling the result an “unprecedented success.”
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: urjaIn Portland, Oregon, two individuals—a man and a woman—were shot and injured in an encounter involving U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents during an afternoon stop, authorities said. They were taken to a hospital, and their conditions remain unclear as investigations continue.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: urjaDonald Trump is again weighing options to bring Greenland under US control, calling it a national security priority. With China and Russia active in the Arctic, Washington cites missile defense, rare earths and new shipping routes—alarming Europe and Denmark as geopolitics harden.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: Noi JhForeign condo transfers fell 14.2% to THB44.1bn in Jan–Sep 2025, says Real Estate Information Centre. Chinese demand softened, while Indian buyers emerged as high-value purchasers, opting for larger, pricier homes—signaling a shift in Thailand’s condo market heading into 2026.
Published on: January 9, 2026 | By: Noi JhJennifer Garner says the toughest part of her split from Ben Affleck wasn’t the public attention but the end of their family unit and losing a close partner and friend. She shares that co-parenting now brings peace and that leaning on loved ones helped her heal.
Published on: January 8, 2026 | By: urjaTwelve-year-old Argentine chess star Faustino Oro is closing in on becoming the youngest grandmaster ever. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen applauded his talent, saying Oro is stronger at 12 than football legend Messi was at the same age — a huge compliment for the rising chess phenom.
Published on: January 8, 2026 | By: urja
