Every minute on the road holds value, especially for riders since it represents an opportunity to earn income. Yet some riders choose to sacrifice their earning time to help people in distress without expecting gratitude or compensation.

These riders call themselves GrabRanger, a volunteer rider group dedicated to supporting each other within the driver community and assisting other road users they encounter. Despite different life circumstances, they share one common quality: public-mindedness and readiness to help. This fulfills their days and spreads positive energy in society as "heroes of the road."

GrabRanger's origins trace back to the direct experience of Cherdchai Panuavongse, or "P'Cherd," a 58-year-old rider and co-founder who once faced a problem alone on the road.

"My fuel ran out in the middle of the road, and I had to push my motorcycle alone on a long stretch. Hundreds of cars passed by, just driving past without helping. I felt so discouraged. But then one person stopped and helped me push the motorcycle to a nearby gas station. I felt deeply moved in that moment. It completely changed my perspective and made me determined that if I had the chance, I would never let anyone face the same problem again. From that day on, whenever I encounter someone struggling on the road, I help immediately without hesitation."

From that day forward, P'Cherd dedicated himself to serving society by balancing his courier work with volunteer riding. He eventually met other riders with similar values, and their small-scale efforts gradually expanded into a stronger collective. Last year (2568), they officially formed the GrabRanger group.

Today, GrabRanger has become a network with members spread throughout Bangkok and surrounding areas. They use social media as a communication channel to receive incident reports and coordinate responses, enabling the nearest riders to provide quick assistance. The platform also serves as a space to share content and inspire others to embrace volunteerism and help society.

For GrabRanger, assistance isn't limited to riders alone but extends to anyone on the road they encounter and can help, since emergencies can happen to anyone. Anukul Kachayut, or "P'Somdouy," an energetic 30-year-old new-generation rider and key team member, describes his role:

"I'm one of the admin team members handling coordination, from receiving incident reports to notifying nearby responders. I've personally gone to many scenes to help. We assist everyone we encounter, not just riders. The issues we frequently deal with include empty fuel tanks, tire leaks, flat tires, dead batteries, and collision accidents—we handle all of them.

We've completed many cases comprehensively. Once, a rider got hit by a car and was alone with no friends or family. What started as helping at the accident scene ended with us taking him to the hospital and volunteering to file a report at the police station, then delivering his documents to the hospital. This way, the injured person didn't have to worry about multiple things at once.

Sometimes we share fuel with people who run out in the middle of the road, or help someone whose vehicle breaks down during heavy rain late at night. Some cars can't go anywhere and are stuck in the rain with small children. We help them get home safely.

It might seem like small things, but it's incredibly important to people facing those problems at that moment. I often receive messages of gratitude."

Thai Oil Public Company Limited has issued a statement clarifying its fuel allocation and transportation operations during the Middle East conflict crisis, following government investigations into severe fuel shortages at some service stations. The company affirmed its full cooperation with state authorities and pledged to provide complete disclosure of information, documents, and details to support the investigation process. Thai Oil stated that its refinery operates under strict control, monitoring, and documentation systems for production, storage, and fuel delivery in accordance with international standards, while emphasizing its commitment to transparent, prudent business practices and good governance principles. During the energy crisis triggered by Middle East tensions, the company confirmed that its refinery continues to operate and supply fuel consistently to meet the country's energy demands and maintain energy stability for Thai citizens and the economy. The company highlighted its awareness of its crucial role in strengthening national energy security and has closely managed production and distribution during the crisis period. Thai Oil expressed readiness to continue cooperating with the Energy Ministry, Department of Special Investigation, National Police Office, and related agencies, confident that government investigations will be conducted fairly based on facts and in the nation's best interest. This clarification comes amid public concerns about domestic fuel stability as Middle East tensions continue to impact global energy prices and supply chains. Thai Oil operates as a complex petroleum refinery and ranks among the most efficient refineries in the Asia-Pacific region, established in 1961 with a production capacity of 275,000 barrels per day. The company maintains operational management systems focused on operational excellence, coordinating integrated business operations including petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and base lubricant oil businesses, achieving high efficiency and low-cost production with quality standards matching the top quartile in the Asia-Pacific region.

InterMedical Care and Lab (IMH) is advancing its medical tourism business strategy with plans to open "IMH SILOM International Hospital," a large specialty hospital and cancer center in the Silom-Sathorn business district designed to accommodate foreign patients, especially those from Russia, with a revenue target of 1.5 billion baht by 2027.

On May 19, 2025, Sittiwat Kamkadwong, CEO of IMH Public Company Limited, announced that the company's board of directors has approved investment in the new hospital. "IMH SILOM International Hospital" will be a large specialty hospital serving international patients with a dedicated cancer center, located in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District). The company has signed a 30-year lease for the Piyamit Building, a seven-story structure with two basement levels, totaling over 6,230 square meters of usable space. The hospital is expected to open fully in early 2027 and generate average annual revenue of 480 million baht.

IMH SILOM International Hospital aligns with the company's strategic plan to establish itself as a healthcare leader serving foreign patients, particularly from BRICS emerging market nations including Russia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

"In early May, IMH Silom officially opened the IMH Phuket Representative Office at the BRICS Phuket office as part of our collaboration with BRICS THAILAND as their Official Healthcare Partner," said Sittiwat. "We aim to become the leading provider for Russian medical tourists in Thailand."

Beyond having highly experienced physicians and modern medical equipment, IMH benefits from its prime Silom-Sathorn location near Chao Phraya River attractions, close to Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental hotels, and adjacent to ICONSIAM, the major Asian shopping destination. These factors will attract Russian patients to use the hospital's services continuously.

Regarding Q1 2025 performance, Sittiwat reported that the company returned to profitability with 28.3 million baht in net earnings, attributed to strategic reorganization targeting foreign patients seeking medical treatment and healthcare services in Thailand (medical tourism).

Additionally, the board approved the distribution of IMH-W2 warrants to existing shareholders at a ratio of 2 old shares to 1 warrant unit, with an exercise price of 6 baht. The record date and warrant issuance will be set after IMH-W1 expires on June 30, 2025.

On May 19, 2025, Boonrod Brewery Company Limited issued a statement expressing regret over the incident and reaffirming its opposition to all forms of domestic violence. The company acknowledged the situation involving Sunisd Scott (Pai) and expressed profound apologies to Sirinud Scott (Trai) for the incident and its impact on all those involved, family members, and society. The company stated it understands the concerns and discomfort caused and expressed care for all affected parties. Boonrod Group clearly stated it opposes and does not support any form of domestic violence—whether physical, verbal, threatening, or any behavior that violates others' rights and dignity—principles the organization has upheld consistently. The company confirmed that Sunisd Scott has been removed from all company positions and pledged full cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure fairness without omission or discrimination. Additionally, a separate document from Sunisd Scott requested to step down from his position as employee and executive of Boonrod Brewery and all affiliated companies pending full clarification and proof of the allegations, citing his discomfort with the situation and his apologies to group members and family.

A large python unexpectedly ran into a teacher's home. Neighbors attempted to drive it out without success, forcing them to call professional rescue workers. However, the rescue proved challenging as the python bit, whipped its tail, and hissed menacingly, causing panic among onlookers.

On May 19, 2025, the Sawaang Ariyotharma Foundation rescue unit from Ban Mi in Lopburi received a call for help regarding a large python that had entered a home in Moo 8, Hin Pak Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province. They mobilized with equipment to investigate.

Upon arrival, rescuers found the python, nearly 2 meters long, hidden on the ground floor of the home, continuously hissing loudly. Using a rope noose to restrain it, they found the python resisted capture and fled around the house. The rescuers managed to grab its tail and drag it out while villagers shouted for them to hurry and secure its head. The enraged python bit at the rescuers and whipped its tail violently, forcing them to dodge and jump out of the way in chaos.

After approximately 10 minutes, they successfully controlled and secured the python before transferring it to a vehicle for release back into nature, accompanied by villagers' applause and expressions of gratitude for the rescuers' bravery. The rescuers then warned residents that while pythons can be chased away, people should never attempt to capture them directly, as pythons are easily startled and may cause injury through tail strikes or bites as a defense mechanism. Large pythons are particularly dangerous due to the force of their tail strikes and the bacteria present in their teeth.

Kru Sanguan, the homeowner, explained that the python suddenly ran into his home while he was sitting outside. He and his neighbors attempted to drive it out, but after a long and exhausting effort without success, and fearing the large serpent's threatening hisses, he decided to call for professional help. "I've never seen a python enter my home before, and this one was enormous," Kru Sanguan said. "An elderly neighbor told me that if a python enters your home, it brings good fortune and prosperity, and you must not harm it. I'm thinking there might be some truth to that, so maybe I'll try my luck with the house number lottery—perhaps the python will bring me good fortune."

The Tourism and Sports Minister highlights positive factors this week as nearby market tourists recover their travel momentum through family-oriented trips during India's school holiday break. Indian tourists are reaching over 50,000 arrivals this week, while Middle Eastern tourists are also increasing thanks to airlines resuming normal service routes.

This week's overall foreign tourist arrivals totaled 469,173 people, a slight decrease of 3,584 people (0.76 percent) from the previous week, averaging 67,025 daily arrivals. The top five source countries are China (86,394 people), Malaysia (69,445 people), India (49,999 people), Russia (16,528 people), and Taiwan (16,024 people).

Taiwanese and Indian tourists showed increases of 14.50 percent and 8.06 percent respectively compared to the previous week, while Russian, Chinese, and Malaysian tourists declined by 19.68 percent, 7.93 percent, and 0.24 percent respectively.

For the coming week, foreign tourist arrivals are expected to increase further, driven by continuous holidays in countries including South Korea, Hong Kong, and Israel, normalized energy conditions in Thailand with competitively adjusted pricing, and the Trusted Thailand safety image initiative.

As of May 18, 2026, Thailand has received a cumulative 12,908,321 foreign tourists from January 1 to May 17, generating approximately 629,569 million baht in tourism revenue. The top five source countries overall are China (2,151,898 people), Malaysia (1,459,942 people), India (948,960 people), Russia (912,085 people), and South Korea (509,762 people).