Nutritionists warn: discard these 3 items immediately after opening supplement bottles, keeping them only increases moisture absorption, with guidance on proper storage after opening.

Many people habitually keep desiccant packets, cotton, and plastic sheets from inside supplement bottles until the product is finished, believing this better prevents moisture damage. However, experts warn this common misconception actually causes supplements to deteriorate faster.

Nutritionist Shui Shuo Jia, who runs the page "The Multi-faceted Life of Nutritionist Shui Shuo Jia," says she recently learned this information herself and felt it was important to share. She explains that desiccant packets, cotton, and plastic sheets primarily serve to prevent damage from impacts and absorb moisture within the packaging "before opening." However, once the bottle is opened, humid air from outside—especially in humid climates like Taiwan—immediately enters the bottle, and the desiccant continuously absorbs moisture from the external air.

"Once the desiccant becomes fully saturated and remains in the bottle, it can become a moisture reservoir instead, causing the supplement to absorb moisture, change color, or clump easily, affecting product quality," she explains.

Nutritionists warn that when desiccant packets shift from moisture-prevention devices to "moisture-storage sources," the nutritional value consumers intended to gain may decrease accordingly.

Nutritionists recommend "3 storage steps after opening a bottle":

1. Discard all materials inside the bottle immediately after opening—whether desiccant packets, cotton, or plastic sheets. Once you open the bottle, these materials' purpose is complete. "Don't hesitate; let them finish their job and be removed."

2. Close the bottle cap immediately after use, especially in humid conditions. Minimize the time the supplement stays exposed to air, and don't leave the cap open for extended periods.

3. Consume the supplement within 3 months of opening. The expiration dates on labels typically assume unopened conditions, so after opening, consume regularly and finish quickly to maintain optimal quality.

Shui Shuo Jia emphasizes that consumers buy supplements to maintain health, so proper storage is equally important to ensure the nutritional value isn't wasted.

Additionally, Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration explains that cotton inside bottles fills empty space and prevents medication from breaking during transport, while desiccant packets absorb trace moisture that may seep past the bottle cap to maintain medication quality and safety during its shelf life.

Therefore, after opening the bottle, both cotton and desiccant packets should be removed immediately to prevent these materials from absorbing and accumulating moisture, which would accelerate deterioration of the medication or supplement.

On May 17, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall in the upper portions of Thailand over the next 24 hours, concentrated mainly in western areas, the upper Northeast region, and the Eastern region. Very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the Western Coast of Southern Thailand due to a moderately strong southwestern monsoon covering the upper Andaman Sea and Thailand.

The public is warned of dangers from heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall that may cause flash flooding and flash floods, particularly in foothill areas near water channels and low-lying areas. People are also advised to monitor their health during this period of changing weather conditions.

Sea conditions in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to be rough, with waves 2-3 meters high, and over 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves 1-2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen are urged to exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should not venture offshore.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. tomorrow:

Northern Region: Thunderstorms in 40% of areas with heavy rain in some spots, particularly in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. Lows 24-26°C, highs 35-38°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Thunderstorms in 60% of areas with heavy rain in some spots in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Lows 24-26°C, highs 34-36°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central Region: Thunderstorms in 60% of areas with heavy rain in spots including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces. Lows 25-27°C, highs 36-38°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Eastern Region: Thunderstorms in 60% of areas with heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Lows 25-28°C, highs 34-36°C. Southwest winds 15-35 km/h. Sea waves 1-2 meters, over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (East Coast): Thunderstorms in 60% of areas, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. Lows 23-25°C, highs 34-37°C. Southwest winds 15-35 km/h. Coastal waves around 1 meter, 1-2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (West Coast): Thunderstorms in 70% of areas with very heavy rain in some spots in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, and Trang provinces. Lows 20-24°C, highs 29-34°C. From Phuket northward: southwest winds 20-40 km/h. Sea waves 2-3 meters, over 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. From Krabi southward: southwest winds 15-35 km/h.

On May 17, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan Kankittinanth traveled over two hours to a highland area to visit and listen to concerns from teachers and students at Phalang School in Muang Chiang Rai district, a remote school that only received electricity one month ago due to difficult terrain and limited accessibility.

During this visit, Akkhanan actively taught grades 1-4 students in reading, writing, and arithmetic, finding that students demonstrated excellent development and literacy skills comparable to urban schools.

He emphasized concerns about the safety and quality of life of teachers in remote areas, who face limitations in transportation, utilities, and educational resources. "Education should not be determined by geography," Akkhanan stated. "Whether children live in mountains or cities, they deserve equal educational opportunities and quality. This is the heart of reducing inequality that we must make real."

The Deputy Minister announced that the Ministry of Education will accelerate support systems for remote schools to bring learning quality to the same national standard. He referenced a Nida Poll survey showing most Thais still trust Thailand's education system but want the government to speed up reducing unnecessary paperwork and teacher workload, as well as hidden costs burdening parents.

"This field visit represents an important step in driving our policy to reduce educational inequality, ensuring Thai education meets the same standards whether schools are near or far from cities," Akkhanan concluded.

The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has implemented emergency assistance measures for customers affected by a train-bus collision on the Makkasan railway line. On May 17, Dr. Mathattana Ampornpisit, Managing Director of the GHB, announced that following the serious accident resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, the bank is providing comprehensive support to affected customers. For severely injured customers, the interest rate will be reduced to 0.01% annually for one year, after which the original rate applies. For deceased or permanently disabled customers, the interest rate will remain at 0.01% annually for the entire duration of the loan contract to reduce long-term debt burden on grieving families. Affected customers can apply for these measures at any GHB branch nationwide starting immediately. For more information, customers can contact GHB Call Center at 0-2645-9000 or follow updates on GHB social media channels.

The Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry has joined forces with Unilever Thailand to implement the 'Thais Helping Thais' policy through the 'Unilever Price Cut Helping Thais' program, reducing prices on essential consumer goods by over 50% across more than 700 product lines. The program covers approximately 70,000 partner retail outlets nationwide, emphasizing public-private collaboration to make affordable products accessible at neighborhood shops and community stores without requiring long commutes.

Poonpong Nainapakaranukrom, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, stated that the government prioritizes reducing the cost-of-living burden and maintaining price stability for essential goods, particularly ensuring grassroots communities have access to necessary products at reasonable prices. The initiative also creates business opportunities for small entrepreneurs, mom-and-pop stores, community shops, and regional retailers to compete and grow sustainably.

On May 14, 2025, the Department of Business Development and Unilever Thailand launched the 'Unilever Price Cut Helping Thais' program at a local shop in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province. This collaboration supports the 'Thais Helping Thais' initiative through 'star-rated shops,' offering price reductions exceeding 50% on essential consumer goods across four main categories: household products, personal care items, beauty and health products, and food items from leading brands including Breeze, Comfort, Sunsilk, Clear, Dove, Vaseline, and Knorr.

Unilever has been a long-standing partner with the Commerce Ministry, producing leading consumer goods across diverse categories. The company is committed to working with retail networks nationwide—from small retailers and wholesale shops to supermarkets and hypermarkets—ensuring widespread access to essential consumer products. Unilever continues supporting various Commerce Ministry initiatives, including smart shop development programs, essential goods price reductions, economic stimulus fairs, and emergency relief activities, demonstrating the private sector's role in implementing policies aimed at reducing living costs while maintaining domestic consumption stability amid fluctuating economic conditions.

Aseem Puri, Chairman of Unilever Thailand, noted that the success of the first phase reflects tangible cooperation in assisting consumers and small-scale retailers throughout the country. Unilever is therefore proceeding with Phase 2 of the 'Price Cut Helping Thais' campaign to further alleviate the cost-of-living burden while strengthening retail shops, which are vital to community and grassroots economies. The company continues supporting 'star-rated shops,' which represent one of the key initiatives.