NewsBeat

Exports will grow 12.9% in 2025 but slow in 2026 due to US tariffs and a high base

Published

5 days ago

29 January 2026

Exports will grow 12.9% in 2025 but slow in 2026 due to US tariffs and a high base

In December 2025, merchandise exports surged to US$28,835 million, marking a significant 16.8% year-on-year growth, up from 7.1% in the previous month and surpassing expectations (SCB EIC’s forecast of 10.5% and the Reuters Poll median of 8.7%). Seasonally adjusted figures indicated a 6.9% month-on-month increase (MOM_SA) following two months of contraction.

📈 Export Performance in 2025

Thai exports grew 12.9% in 2025, the highest in four years.
December 2025 exports surged 16.8% year-on-year, driven by electronics and gold.
Electronics exports rose strongly (over 38% for the year), supported by global demand for AI and data center products.
Gold exports rebounded sharply (+48.5% for the year) due to rising global prices.
Exports to the US grew 32%, despite tariffs, thanks to exemptions on key products like electronics.

Key takeaway: 2025 was a record year for Thai exports, driven by electronics and gold, but imports grew just as fast, leaving a trade deficit. In 2026, growth is expected to slow sharply due to tariffs and a high base, though electronics and gold may cushion the downturn

Exports of electronics products, particularly to the United States, continue to be a major driving force, while gold prices have rebounded and are expanding strongly again.

1. Thai exports to the United States continued their strong growth of 54.3% year-on-year (YOY) in December 2025, despite several products being subject to higher tariffs.

Exports to the US at the end of 2025 accelerated compared to November (37.9% YOY). Excluding electronics (which are still exempt from US tariffs), exports of this product group to the US market also grew strongly by 21.7%, reflecting high demand for Thai products in the US market even in the face of tariffs. Thirteen out of 15 main Thai export items to the US showed strong growth, especially electronics and electrical appliances such as computers, equipment and components; fax machines, telephones, equipment and components; transformers and components; machinery and machinery parts; and air conditioners and components, which grew by 123%, 117.3%, 86.6%, 48.4%, and 46.5%, respectively . Exports to the US contributed 10.2% to Thailand’s total export growth (CTG) in December, more than half of the overall export growth of 16.8%.

2. Electronics exports continued their strong growth, driven by exports to the US market, the upward cycle of global electronics, and the expanding global trend of investment in the electronics and data center industries. Electronics exports continued their high growth of 52.8%, accelerating from 46.2% and 38.8% in November and October respectively, and marking the 21st consecutive month of growth. Looking at individual markets, 13 of the top 15 markets for Thai electronics exports showed growth, with 10 of those markets expanding by more than 15%, particularly the US, Mexico, and India, which saw growth of 114.2%, 122.8%, and 152.6% respectively . Electronics exports contributed 10.1% to Thailand’s total export growth (CTG) this month, more than half of the overall export growth of 16.8%.

3. Gold has once again become a major export commodity. Exports of unrefined gold expanded sharply by 163.6%, recovering from continuous contractions of -53.3% and -76.9% in November and October, respectively. This may partly be due to the higher gold prices in December. Exports of unrefined gold contributed 2.7% to Thailand’s total export growth of 16.8% this month (CTG).

Imports continue to accelerate, causing Thailand to experience a trade deficit for the third consecutive month.

The value of goods imports in December 2025 reached US$29,280.4 million, expanding by a high of 18.8%, compared to 17.6% and 16.3% in November and October, respectively. This exceeded estimates (SCB EIC estimated 12% and the Reuters Poll median value was 15.8%). Overall, the value of imports for the whole year 2025 is projected to expand by a high of 12.9%, equal to the value of exports for the whole year. This month, imports of vehicles and transport equipment, capital goods, and consumer goods accelerated by 39.3%, 31.7%, and 27.2%, respectively. While imports of raw materials and semi-finished goods (including gold), weapons and military equipment, and other goods slowed down somewhat, they still showed high double-digit growth of 19.9% and 10.2%, respectively. However, fuel imports were the only category that contracted sharply by -17.1%, similar to the previous month’s -16.7%, marking four consecutive months of contraction (Figure 3).

Imports of capital goods and raw materials and semi-finished goods, mostly related to electronics such as printed circuit boards, diodes, transistors, and semiconductor devices, showed high growth of 56.3%, 86.3%, and 89.3% respectively (32.7% of the value of raw materials and semi-finished goods imports this month). Meanwhile, imports of capital goods, mostly electrical machinery and components, and mechanical machinery and components, showed high growth of 60.6% and 22.8% respectively (61% of the value of capital goods imports this month). The majority of capital goods and raw materials and semi-finished goods imports, with 48.8% and 28.7% of the total import value in each category this month, originated from China.
Imports of consumer goods showed strong growth in 14 out of 15 major categories , particularly electrical appliances, miscellaneous goods, and home furnishings and decorations, which increased by 52.3%, 33.6%, and 21.8% respectively (38.1% of the value of consumer goods imports this month). More than half (54%) of these imports were from China.

The trade balance (customs system) for December 2025 showed a deficit of -US$352 million, a smaller deficit compared to the previous month’s -US$2,726.9 million. (The deficit is close to SCB EIC’s forecast of -US$200 million, while the Reuters Poll’s median forecast for Thailand was a high -US$1,800 million.)

For the whole of 2025, Thailand’s export value expanded by as much as 12.9%, despite facing challenges from US import tariffs. However, import value also grew very strongly at 12.9%, reflecting the potential limited value added from exports to the Thai economy.

Overall, Thailand’s total export value for 2025 is projected at US$339,635 million, expanding by 12.9%, the highest growth in four years. This growth is more than double the 5.4% growth in 2024 (customs system figures) and significantly higher than the 10.7% and 10.7%-11.4% forecasts from SCB EIC and the Ministry of Commerce, respectively. The main contributing factors are (Figure 4).

1. The US actually imposed retaliatory tariffs that were much less severe than initially announced.

The United States has set lower tariffs than announced on Liberation Day (April 2). The weighted average of tariffs imposed by the US on the global economy has decreased from the 22.7% estimated by the WTO in May to 18.2% in November (Figure 6, left). For Thailand, the US reduced import tariffs by almost half, from 36% to 19%, close to that of its regional competitors. This has prevented Thailand from losing significant competitiveness in the US market, addressing concerns that it might face higher tariffs than regional competitors such as Malaysia and Vietnam.
The US postponed the implementation date of new tariffs from April to August, allowing Thailand to continue exporting to the US for several months. As a result, total exports to the US for the year are expected to grow by a significant 32%, a substantial acceleration from the 13.6% growth projected for 2024 (CTG contributes 5.8% to Thailand’s 2025 export growth of 12.9%).
The United States has also exempted key Thai export products from tariffs, mostly products important to the US and those that the US does not produce or produces in small quantities, such as certain electronic products, LED lights, graphite, some pharmaceutical components, and some agricultural products. As a result, many countries that rely heavily on exports of these goods to the US, such as Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, continue to experience strong growth. (Thailand’s electronics exports to the US are projected to grow by 52.5% in 2025, and CTG (Cost, Product, and Technology) accounts for over 20% of Thailand’s total export growth to the US in 2025, which is projected at 32%).

2. The upward cycle of electronics products, a key export commodity for Thailand (accounting for 21.5% of Thailand’s total export value in 2025, up from 17.6% in 2024), is driven by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology products and the expanding global trend of investment in the electronics and data center industries.

Furthermore, it is boosted by accelerated exports of these products to the United States, as some items remain exempt from additional tariffs. As a result, the value of Thai electronics exports is projected to grow by over 38.3% in 2025 (CTG accounts for 6.7% of the total export growth of 12.9%).

3. Exports of unrefined gold expanded by over 48.5%, driven by significantly higher gold prices due to increased global demand for gold as a hedge against heightened global risks. (CTG: Exports of unrefined gold accounted for 1.4% of Thailand’s total export growth of 12.9%. Including the special gold exports to India in Q1/2025, Thailand’s gold exports this year accounted for 2.2% of the total export growth of 12.9%).

4. Tensions between China and the US have eased significantly, with the US reducing tariffs on Chinese imports to only 20% from over 100% initially projected for early 2025. This has led to a shift in the global economic outlook and global trade volume (for example, the WTO, which previously estimated a -0.2% contraction in global trade in April, revised its outlook to a 2.4% expansion in October). Consequently, Thai exports to markets outside the US have performed well, including China, the European Union, and ASEAN-5, which saw high growth rates of 12.6%, 8.5%, and 6.9%, respectively.

Although Thailand’s export value is projected to grow significantly in 2025, the value of imports for the entire year is also accelerating rapidly. Total imports reached US$344,943 million, an increase of 12.9%, the highest in four years, mirroring export growth. The main import categories were raw materials and semi-finished products, and capital goods, which grew by more than 17.9% and 20.3% respectively (CTG combined accounted for 12.5% of the total import growth in 2025, which is projected at 12.9%) (Figure 5).

The raw materials and semi-finished goods category (CTG = 7.2%) consists mainly of gold and electronic components, consistent with the continuous growth in Thailand’s electronics and gold exports. However, due to limitations in Thailand’s production of upstream and midstream electronics products, the country relies on imports of key components such as printed circuit boards (growing by over 41.3%) from major manufacturers, particularly China and Taiwan, to support increased export production demand. Gold imports grew by over 36%, mostly to compensate for export losses and possibly due to increased domestic demand for gold accumulation.
Capital goods (CTG: 5.3%) mainly consist of imports of electrical machinery and components, mechanical machinery and components, and computer equipment and components, expanding by over 47.1%, 16.2%, and 4.1% respectively. This aligns with data showing continued growth in investment in the electronics and data center industries in Thailand, a key factor driving exceptionally high growth in capital goods imports in 2025.
Thailand imports most of its goods from China and Taiwan, with import values from China and Taiwan projected to grow by 33.5% and 23.5% respectively in 2025. CTG (Cost, Vehicle, and Taiwan) accounts for 10.4% (China 8.8%, Taiwan 1.6%) of the 12.9% growth in Thailand’s import value in 2025, particularly from China. This growth may partly be due to excess production capacity following trade restrictions imposed by other countries, especially the United States, while the Chinese economy remains weak, leading to a greater focus on exporting to markets outside the US, especially Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI), as shown in Figure 6 (right), has not expanded as strongly as export trends, possibly reflecting limited added value to the Thai economy from exports in 2025. Furthermore, Thailand’s trade balance (customs system) is projected to show a high deficit of -US$5,307.9 million in 2025, the highest in three years.

Thailand’s export outlook for 2026 (as of December 2025) is projected to slow significantly to -1.5%, following global trade trends and a high base effect. However, there is still upside potential from several factors.

SCB EIC forecasts that Thai exports will slow down in 2026. The global economy and world trade volume in 2026 are likely to experience slower growth due to the full and clear impact of US tariffs under the Trump administration. Some special supporting factors from 2025 will fade, such as the accelerated production and export growth before being affected by the trade war (front-loading), the exceptional gold exports to India, the strengthening Thai baht which may affect the competitiveness of Thai goods, and the high base effect from the 12.9% growth in 2025. However, the outlook for global trade, digital investment trends, and gold demand have improved, although still showing signs of slowing down. This means there is still upside potential to the previously estimated -1.5% export growth for Thailand in 2025.

1. Global trade volume in 2026: International organizations (as of January 2026), such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), forecast global trade volume to expand by 2.6% this year. Although this growth is lower than the 4.1% in 2025, it is higher than the original estimate of 2.3% in October 2025.

2. The trend of investment in digital technologies, especially AI, is expected to remain strong in 2026, although it may slow down somewhat from 2025. This will result in high demand for modern electronic products such as semiconductors and integrated circuits. Data shows that South Korea’s exports in the first 20 days of January 2026 expanded by 14.9%, with semiconductor and wireless communication equipment exports growing by 70.2% and 48%, respectively.

3. Demand for gold as a safe-haven asset remains high due to the significantly increased geopolitical risks in the Trump 2.0 era. Furthermore, the World Gold Council indicates that central banks continue to be net buyers of gold for their international reserves. Several leading global investment research firms predict that gold prices will continue to rise this year, and historical data shows that Thailand’s gold exports move in line with global gold prices.

NewsBeat

‘I booked a trip for solos – and immediately met someone that changed my life’

Published

2 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Forget dating apps and blind dates, one couple found love halfway across the world

In today’s society, dating apps have become the go-to for meeting new people and starting romantic connections. But for one couple, their love story started halfway across the world, after a chance encounter, when they least expected it.

Looking for an adventure, Nicki Challinger packed her suitcase and headed to the airport to embark on a 10-day trip around Southeast Asia, stopping in Thailand and Laos. At 31, working as a freelance translator, Nicki was seeking thrills. She booked the trip through Flash Pack, a tour company offering adventures for solo travellers in a small group of a similar age.

This meant that rather than a trip dedicated to 18-30s or one catering to the over 50s, Nicki could enjoy a group tour that suited her age perfectly – avoiding the late-night club outings but ditching early nights! But little did she know she’d meet her husband, Tony Kern, almost the moment after she touched down in Thailand, during their first group meal.

OPINION

Amy Jones

“There was a group dinner the first night, and I was just coincidentally seated next to him. We had a lot in common, he asked a lot of questions about me, and we shared the same sense of humour,” Nicki exclusively told the Mirror.

“He was really sweet, and he was just so genuine – a really open and kind guy.” Over the course of their trip in November 2018, they went whitewater rafting, cycling and treks, including one through a jungle.

Nicki sweetly recalled one day when they floated down the Mekong River on a boat as they crossed the border into Laos. “We had been getting on, and we were just chatting for hours while sitting at this little table, and just watching the beautiful scenery. It was without the pressure, as we were just hanging out, as everyone else in the group was.”

As sparks began to fly, they got closer, but as Tony, who was 32 at the time, was from the US and Nicki from the UK, they didn’t think it would go anywhere outside of the trip. It wasn’t until day eight of their tour that they knew it was something special.

“We went for a walk around this little town that we’d stopped in on the Mekong, and it was late at night, so all the stars were out, and it was sort of really romantic. That’s when I thought, ‘I can see this going somewhere’, and I did think we might kiss at the end of that night,” Nicki recalled.

“But then there was a pack of wild street dogs and I’m terrified of them. I don’t like dogs when they’re on a lead, so street dogs in Laos, I was not feeling it. He didn’t kiss me that night, so I was like, ‘Oh, maybe he doesn’t feel it.’ And then the next day, when we talked about it, he said, ‘Yeah, it just didn’t seem like the right moment.’”

They later had a conversation while at a resort overlooking the Mekong River and said it wasn’t just a holiday romance but something serious. That’s when they shared their first kiss.

As their relationship began, the tour inevitably came to an end. Yet that wasn’t going to stop the newly formed couple, despite being thousands of miles apart. Nicki had stayed in Thailand for a month to work on an island, while Tony travelled back home to the US.

They kept in contact and spoke on the phone a lot, while battling a 13-hour time difference for a month. But after spotting affordable flights to the US just two weeks after meeting, Nicki later jetted off to meet Tony at his home in Kansas City.

She said they had a “great time” together in the US, and after that, went back and forth to see each other. Then, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Nicki made the quick decision to go back over to the US, just days before they shut the border, and stayed there for three months.

“In hindsight, it was quite a good practice for real married life, and we went for nice walks in the evening,” she shared. Then, in April 2021, the couple got engaged in the US, the evening before Nicki’s birthday, “It was relaxed but romantic”.

Just a few months later, in November 2021, they joyfully tied the knot during an intimate ceremony in the US before returning to the UK for a bigger wedding party in July 2022. Here, they had eight of their friends from the tour attend, two of whom also sparked up a relationship on the trip, and now have a baby together.

Talking of their love story, Nicki said: “It was unexpected, none of us were looking for a relationship, we just went on the tour for an adventure. It was life-changing. Everything had lined up like the dates of the trip and the discount – it just worked really well logistically, and then I met my husband. People are always so surprised.”

They had both used Flash Pack to book trips in the past, but never thought their 2018 adventure would lead to love. “I was not bothered at all. I just wanted to see some of Thailand, and I didn’t want to do it by myself,” Nicki said. It was also the first time this specific tour had ever run, which Nicki said meant “everybody on the trip had the same, relatively relaxed mindset.”

After maintaining a visa, Tony, now 40, moved to the UK in November 2022, and today, they happily live in Nottingham. While they’ve known each other for around eight years, Nicki, now 38, confessed: “Theoretically, the language is the same, but I would say it’s still probably about once a week where one of us says something, and the other is like, ‘I literally have no idea what you’re saying’.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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NewsBeat

‘Cops probe Mandelson’ and ‘Princes of Darkness’

Published

9 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

'Cops probe Mandelson' and 'Princes of Darkness'

"Cops probe Mandelson: You've let your pants down... you've let your country down," reads the headline on the front page of the Daily Star. — All the papers lead with the police investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson and former Prince Andrew’s relocation from the Royal Lodge, all flowing from the fallout of the Epstein files revelations. “Cops probe Mandelson” is the Daily Star’s headline, noting it comes “hours after he quit the Lords”. In the lead up to Lord Mandelson’s resignation, the prime minister “had said he’d change the law to boot him out”, the paper reports. The BBC has contacted Lord Mandelson for comment and understands that his position is that he denies engaging in criminal behaviour.

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Non-recent sex abuse reported in 2022 results in 24-year sentence

Published

16 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Non-recent sex abuse reported in 2022 results in 24-year sentence

Martin Jackson, now 46, abused the then school-aged girls in Sunderland, and threatened one of them with a knife after raping her.

The victims went on to tell a family member about what had happened, and Northumbria Police were informed.

Jackson was questioned shortly after the report was made over allegations of non-recent abuse and repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

But, following what was described as, “a complex investigation” by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, the defendant was charged with a string of child sexual offences, in September 2024.

Martin Jackson starting a 24-year prison sentence for historic abuse of two child victims (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Jackson, of Seymour Street, North Shields, was found guilty on 17 counts of child sexual abuse, after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in December last year.

The offences comprised of five counts of sexual assault on a child, four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and eight counts of rape.

Jackson appeared back before the same court on Monday (February 2) when a judge sentenced him to 24 years in prison, with a further one-year to spend on licence.

Apart from his long term of imprisonment, Jackson will also spend the rest of his life subject of registration as a sex offender.

Martin Jackson starting a 24-year prison sentence for historic sexual abuse of two girls (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Statements from the victim were read out at the hearing, in which they both spoke of a lasting impact on their mental health, including suffering from anxiety and panic attacks through to this day.

One of them said she had PTSD arising from the abuse which “haunts” her daily, saying when she leaves the house or goes to work, “it comes back like a train plummeting at me”.

The victim added: “When I’m at home, I am alone with the flashbacks of the abuse.

“It is constantly repeating in my head, as if it were still happening.

“You would think my escape would be sleep, however, every single night I jolt awake from those nightmares that was my life for several years.”

The officer who led the police investigation, Detective Constable Gavin James, of Northumbria Police, said: “Martin Jackson is a sexual predator and a paedophile who preyed upon his young victims for his own sexual gratification.

“It is clear to me that he wanted to have control over the girls, even making threats if they were ever to speak out against him.

“While no outcome at court will ever take away from what has happened, I do hope this significant jail term will bring a sense of comfort to both survivors that their abuser is now behind bars.”

Det Con James added: “Above all else, I would especially like to commend the bravery of both victims involved.

“They have both shown immense courage in coming forward about the non-recent abuse they suffered at the hands of Jackson, and I wish them well in their journey forward.

“My advice to anyone out there who has read this and can sadly relate to our survivors’ stories of abuse, is to open up to whoever you can if possible and remember that your local police force is here for you.”

Men jailed for historic sex abuse in Peterlee, County Durham

South Shields paedophile jailed for historic sex abuse

Support can be accessed for victims of such abuse by visiting: Rape and sexual assault : Northumbria Police, on the force’s website.

To report any other type of recent or non-recent abuse, a direct message should be sent to the force on social media, using the ‘live chat’ function or by going to the ‘report’ pages, both on the force website.

For those unable to contact police via those ways, then they should call 101.

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NewsBeat

Scarborough North Bay guest house applies for premises licence

Published

23 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Scarborough North Bay guest house applies for premises licence

The Boundary Guest House, at 124–126 North Marine Road, Scarborough, has submitted an application for a new premises licence to North Yorkshire Council.

Mrs K Grace’s application seeks permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

If the application is approved, the sale of alcohol would be permitted from 10am to 11pm.

The Guest House’s current licence is set to expire in August, according to North Yorkshire Council’s premises register.

The current licence permits the sale of alcohol from 10am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and midday to 10.30pm on Sunday.

Members of the public can make representations regarding the proposal until Monday, February 23.

“Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding an application must give notice in writing to: North Yorkshire Council, Licensing Services, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG or by email to licensing.east@northyorks.gov.uk,” the council’s website states.

It adds: “It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.”

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NewsBeat

Grand National runners, favourites and odds for 2026: Key horses to note

Published

32 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Grand National runners, favourites and odds for 2026: Key horses to note

A maximum field of 34 horses will line up at Aintree for the Grand National on April 11, but the initial list of entries features 78 potential horses.

The initial entries are listed below in alphabetical order. These will be whittled down over the course of the jump-racing season.

Grand National 2026: Full list of entries

Ain’t That A Shame (IRE)
Owner: Eventmasters Racing, Trainer: Tom Ellis
Odds: 100/1

Amirite (IRE)
Owner: Patrick Hale, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 66/1

Answer To Kayf
Owner: Mr Denis A. O’Connor, Trainer: Terence O’Brien
Odds: 66/1

Anyway (GER)
Owner: K. Haughey/Kieran T. Byrne David, Trainer: Kenneth Budds
Odds: 66/1

Appreciate It (IRE)
Owner: Miss M. A. Masterson, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1

Banbridge (IRE)
Owner: Mr R. A. Bartlett Joseph, Trainer: Patrick O’Brien
Odds: 50/1

Beaufort Scale (IRE)
Owner: Mr Ed Mulligan, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 250/1

Beauport (IRE)
Owner: Bryan & Philippa Burrough, Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Odds: 100/1

Better Days Ahead (IRE)
Owner: Bective Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1

Blaze The Way (IRE)
Owner: M.Willis/P.Willis/B.Groarke/T.Groarke, Trainer: Ms Margaret Mullins
Odds: 100/1

Blizzard of Oz (IRE)
Owner: Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 100/1

Buddy One (IRE)
Owner: E. Lynch/T.C.Quinn/John J. McGrath, Trainer: Paul John Gilligan
Odds: 100/1

Captain Cody (IRE)
Owner: V Caldwell/A Shamoon/Mrs A Shamoon Ibgi, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 25/1

Champ Kiely (IRE)
Owner: Miss M. A. Masterson, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 66/1

Croke Park (IRE)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 80/1

Deafening Silence (IRE)
Owner: My Racing Manager Friends, Trainer: Dan Skelton
Odds: 50/1

Deep Cave (IRE)
Owner: Sue Howell, Trainer: Christian Williams
Odds: 50/1

Favori de Champdou (FR)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1

Final Orders
Owner: C. M. D. Syndicate, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 66/1

Firefox (IRE)
Owner: Bective Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1

Flooring Porter (IRE)
Owner: Flooring Porter Syndicate, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 66/1

French Dynamite (FR)
Owner: Mr Shane Carmody, Trainer: Eric McNamara
Odds: 100/1

Gentlemansgame
Owner: Robcour, Trainer: M. F. Morris
Odds: 50/1

Gerri Colombe (FR)
Owner: Robcour, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 100/1

Gorgeous Tom (IRE)
Owner: Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 66/1

Grangeclare West (IRE)
Owner: Cheveley Park Stud, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 25/1

Grey Dawning (IRE)
Owner: Mr Robert Kirkland, Trainer: Dan Skelton
Odds: 50/1

Haiti Couleurs (FR)
Owner: Conyers, McDermott and Prowting, Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
Odds: 14/1

Handstands (IRE)
Owner: Mr T. P. Radford, Trainer: Ben Pauling
Odds: 66/1

Harry des Ongrais (FR)
Owner: K Haughey/Laura Haughey/Kieran T Byrne, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 100/1

High Class Hero
Owner: Sullivan Group Ltd/P. Crowley/N. Hughes, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1

Hyland (FR)
Owner: The Ten From Seven, Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Odds: 66/1

I Am Maximus (FR)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 12/1

Ile Atlantique (FR)
Owner: Tony Bloom, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 100/1

Impaire Et Passe (FR)
Owner: Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1

Imperial Saint (FR)
Owner: Richard Johnson Racing Imperial Saint, Trainer: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
Odds: 66/1

In d’Or (FR)
Owner: Mrs J. May, Trainer: Fergal O’Brien
Odds: 150/1

Intense Raffles (FR)
Owner: Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, Trainer: T. Gibney
Odds: 100/1

Iroko (FR)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Odds: 7/1 (Fav)

Jagwar (FR)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Odds: 40/1

Johnnywho (IRE)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill
Odds: 50/1

Jordans (FR)
Owner: Cheeky Pups Syndicate, Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien
Odds: 33/1

L’homme Presse (FR)
Owner: Dfa Racing (Pink,Edwards & Sharman), Trainer: Venetia Williams
Odds: 50/1

Leave of Absence (FR)
Owner: Mr Richard & Mrs Carol Cheshire, Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Odds: 66/1

Lecky Watson (IRE)
Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1

Marble Sands (FR)
Owner: DL Adams, JA Adams & G McPherson, Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
Odds: 66/1

Mister Coffey (FR)
Owner: Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford, Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Odds: 100/1

Monbeg Genius (IRE)
Owner: Martin Tedham & Wasdell Properties Ltd., Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill
Odds: 80/1

Monty’s Star (IRE)
Owner: Mr Barry Maloney, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 25/1

Mr Vango (IRE)
Owner: Cracker and Smodge Partnership, Trainer: Sara Bradstock
Odds: 66/1

Myretown (IRE)
Owner: Wymer & Russell, Trainer: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore
Odds: 33/1

Nick Rockett (IRE)
Owner: Stewart & Sadie Andrew, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 25/1

Now Is The Hour (IRE)
Owner: BDS Syndicate, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 33/1

O’Moore Park (IRE)
Owner: Mrs S. Ricci, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 150/1

Oscars Brother (IRE)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: Connor King
Odds: 33/1

Paggane
Owner: R Bartlett, J Carthy & Mrs P Shanahan, Trainer: Faye Bramley
Odds: 100/1

Panic Attack (IRE)
Owner: Bryan Drew, Trainer: Dan Skelton
Odds: 20/1

Perceval Legallois (FR)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 50/1

Pic Roc (IRE)
Owner: Mrs Emma Kendall, Trainer: Ben Pauling
Odds: 50/1

Pied Piper
Owner: Mrs M. Roden & Mrs R. Nolan, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 100/1

Quai de Bourbon (FR)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1

Resplendent Grey (IRE)
Owner: Mrs R. J. Skan, Trainer: Olly Murphy

Search For Glory (IRE)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 66/1

Shanbally Kid (IRE)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 66/1

Soul Icon
Owner: Pugs, and Mayhem, Trainer: Keiran Burke
Odds: 150/1

Spanish Harlem (FR)
Owner: Dr S. P. Fitzgerald, Trainer: W. P. Mullins
Odds: 50/1

Spillane’s Tower (IRE)
Owner: Mr John P. McManus, Trainer: James Joseph Mangan
Odds: 33/1

Stellar Story (IRE)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1

Stolen Silver (FR)
Owner: Ms Georgina Nicholls, Trainer: Georgina Nicholls
Odds: 250/1

The Real Whacker (IRE)
Owner: Neville, Mann, Duffus & Dennis-Price, Trainer: Patrick Neville
Odds: 100/1

The Short Go (IRE)
Owner: Mr N. Byrne, Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Odds: 100/1

Three Card Brag (IRE)
Owner: McNeill Family/Patrick & Scott Bryceland, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1

Top of The Bill (IRE)
Owner: Mr Charlie Walker, Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Odds: 100/1

Twig
Owner: Mrs G. Morgan, Trainer: Ben Pauling
Odds: 50/1

Western Fold
Owner: Weld-Spec (Glasgow) Ltd/Dee L’Estrange, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 50/1

Weveallbeencaught (IRE)
Owner: Tadhg Moynihan, Trainer: Eric McNamara
Odds: 150/1

Will Do (IRE)
Owner: Gigginstown House Stud, Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Odds: 100/1

Yeah Man (IRE)
Owner: Mr J. J. Brennan, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Odds: 66/1

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NewsBeat

At least 15 dead after migrant boast collides with Greek coastguard | World News

Published

39 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Coast guard officers carry out rescue operations after the collision off the coast of Chios. Pic: AP/Pantelis Fykaris

At least 15 people have been killed in a collision between a speedboat carrying migrants and a coastguard vessel off the coast of Greece, authorities have said.

The bodies of 11 men and three women were recovered from the sea near the eastern Aegean island of Chios, while a woman later died in hospital, according to coastguard officials.

A search and rescue operation is under way in the area, involving patrol boats, divers and a helicopter.

The coastguard said 25 migrants, including 11 children, had been rescued and taken to a hospital on Chios, along with two coastguard officers injured in the incident on Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear how many people had been on the speedboat, the coastguard said.

Video footage from a local news outlet showed at least one person being carried in a blanket from a coastguard boat into a waiting coastguard vehicle, as others appear to lead two children toward the car.

It remains unclear how the collision occurred.

The head of Greece‘s public hospital workers’ union, Michalis Giannakos, said staff at the hospital in Chios were preparing for a sudden influx of injured people.

Speaking on Greek television, Mr Giannakos said several of those injured required surgery.

It comes less than three years after hundreds of people are believed to have died when a fishing boat carrying migrants from Africa and the Middle East sank off the coast of Greece in 2023.

Greek officials said the vessel capsized about 50 miles from the southern coastal town of Pylos after the boat got into difficulties when its engine stopped and it began veering from side to side.

According to the UN’s migration agency, more than 33,000 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean Sea between 2014 and the end of 2025 – making it the deadliest migration corridor in the world.

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NewsBeat

Wellchild Awards open for West Lothian’s unsung heroes to be nominated

Published

45 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

With thousands of children across the UK living with long-term health challenges, the charity is calling on West Lothian locals to ensure their local “superstars” receive the national recognition they deserve.

The hunt is on for inspirational children and young people in West Lothian – as well as those dedicated to caring for them – as nominations open for the 2026 WellChild Awards, which seek to recognise those with complex care needs alongside the people who support them.

National charity, WellChild, has officially launched its awards this week in association with GSK, which look to celebrate the resilience of children living with serious complex health needs, as well as the selfless dedication of the individuals who go above and beyond to support them.

With thousands of children across the UK living with long-term health challenges, the charity is calling on West Lothian locals to ensure their local “superstars” receive the national recognition they deserve.

Commenting on the awards, Matt James, WellChild’s CEO, said: “The WellChild Awards are our chance to shine a light on the incredible spirit of children and young people living with serious illnesses, as well as the professionals and families who support them.

“We know there are many unsung heroes in West Lothian and we want to hear their stories. We encourage anyone who knows an inspirational child or young person living with complex health needs, or the professionals who care for them, to take a few minutes to nominate them.

“The recognition is incredibly rewarding and can make a world of difference to those individuals who are put forward.”

Alongside the Duke of Sussex’s patronage, WellChild enjoys a wealth of celebrity support, with Molly-Mae, Jaime Laing, Ronnie Wood and Gaby Roslin just some of the personalities to champion the charity last year.

The awards culminate in a star-studded ceremony in London where winners from across the UK can meet celebrity guests and share their stories.

Nominations are quick and easy to complete online, so for anyone who knows a child, young person or professional in West Lothian who they believe deserves to be celebrated, please visit: www.wellchild.org.uk/awards

Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.

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NewsBeat

President Catherine Connolly to begin official tour to Northern Ireland

Published

52 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

The visit will commence with a meeting with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle

President Catherine Connolly is to begin a three-day official visit to Northern Ireland.

It will be the first visit to the region during Ms Connolly’s presidency.

In her inaugural speech, she said she looked forward to her “first official visit to the north” and referenced Article 3 of the Irish constitution, which sets out the firm wish of the Irish people for a united Ireland under consent.

The visit will commence with a meeting with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle.

The President will later deliver an address at the Ulster University Campus in North Belfast at 1.30pm.

Over the course of the day, Ms Connolly will also visit a number of community initiatives in Belfast.

The President’s official visit to Northern Ireland will continue on Thursday and Friday with engagements in County Derry.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

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NewsBeat

Aer Lingus plane forced to turn back after man sexually assaults teenager

Published

59 minutes ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Patrick Noone, 58, pled guilty to two counts of sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl on board a transatlantic flight.

An Aer Lingus flight bound for Boston was forced to turn around over the Atlantic after a man sexually assaulted a teenage girl. Patrick Noone, 58, today pled guilty to two counts of sexual assault following the incident on November 15, 2023.

Noone, a farmer from County Galway, was sat beside the girl on flight E1 135 to Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts when he inappropriately touched the then 16-year-old.

After being alerted to the incident, cabin crew informed the captain of the flight that a male passenger had allegedly inappropriately touched a teenage girl sitting beside him. The captain then swiftly turned the plane around – costing Aer Lingus almost €30,000 – and returned to Shannon Airport, reports the Irish Mirror.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, February 3, Noone pleaded guilty to sexual assault of the girl by rubbing and grabbing her buttocks on board the flight within the jurisdiction of the Irish State.

Noone also pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of the girl by kissing her arm and rubbing her thigh on the flight.

Det Garda Ruth O’Sullivan told the court previously that the costs to Aer Lingus of returning the aircraft to Shannon was €28,213.

Counsel for Mr Noone, Antoinette Simon BL told the court that her client is a self-employed farmer and has no previous convictions.

Ms Simon (instructed by solicitor, Kieran O’Brien) asked for a Probation Report on her client for the sentencing hearing as it may provide insight into his offending.

Judge Francis Comerford granted the request and also directed that Gardai seek a victim impact statement from the complainant in the case.

Noone had not been named before in connection with the sexual assault. Judge Comerford said that he didn’t see any basis for reporting restrictions on the accused.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) told Judge Comerford that there is no connection between Noone and the injured party.

Ms Comerford said that a guilty plea had been offered by Noone’s side more than two weeks ago which was of some assistance as arrangements had been made for the US-based witnesses to provide their evidence via video link.

In December, Judge Comerford granted permission for four witnesses in the US to give evidence via video link. One of the four due to give evidence via video link was the complainant in the case.

The complainant – now aged 18 – is currently studying in a US college.

When the case was before the district court, Judge Alec Gabbett transferred the case to the circuit court where more serious penalties apply on conviction after hearing an outline of the case against the man.

Giving an outline of the alleged sexual assaults, Det Garda O’Sullivan said that an hour into the transatlantic flight at around 3.30pm, a young girl informed cabin crew that a male passenger sitting beside her had touched her inappropriately.

Det Garda O’Sullivan said: “They then informed the captain who took a decision to turn the flight back to Shannon.”

She said that the young girl and her family returned to Shannon airport where statements were obtained in the short turnaround before they took off again for the US.

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Scottish literary giant Allan Massie dies aged 87 as family pay tributes

Published

1 hour ago

4 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Acclaimed novelist, journalist and long-serving Scotsman critic passed away peacefully at his home in the Borders surrounded by family.

22:47, 03 Feb 2026Updated 22:47, 03 Feb 2026

Renowned Scottish novelist, journalist and literary critic Allan Massie has died aged 87, his family have confirmed.

The prolific writer, who authored 40 books during his career, passed away peacefully at his home in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders on Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by his children.

Massie was best known for his historical novels about Roman emperors Augustus and Caesar, as well as acclaimed wartime fiction including; A Question of Loyalties, The Sins of the Father and Shadows of Empire.

Alongside his fiction, he enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism, spending 50 years as chief literary critic at The Scotsman. He stepped back from the role in January after being diagnosed with serious illness.

His son, writer Alex Massie, said his father had “a good and gentle end to a good and gentle life,” adding that their family home was always filled with books and newspapers, and that Massie worked daily at his typewriter for most of his life.

Paying tribute on Substack, Alex said: “He was a good and kind man and there are many younger writers and others for whom he has been a source of encouragement and much else besides. He was also a great father. We shall miss him greatly.”

Born in Singapore in 1938 and raised in Aberdeenshire, Massie studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, before settling in the Scottish Borders, where he lived for more than 40 years.

He wrote for numerous publications including The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Glasgow Herald, The Spectator and the Scottish Daily Mail, covering topics ranging from literature and politics to rugby.

In addition to his novels, he published biographies, books on Scottish history and culture, and studies of writers such as Muriel Spark and Eric Linklater. Massie continued writing until earlier this year, when he revealed he was battling what he described as his “wretched cancer”.

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