Langhong Commodities views the current pullback as a long-term accumulation opportunity if Thai gold prices weaken below 69,800 baht, while cautioning investors to exercise disciplined buying strategies. The global gold market has been trapped in a sideways downtrend for roughly three months. Spot gold closed Friday, May 22, at 4,509 US dollars, but continues to trade directionless, contrary to gold's typical behavior during geopolitical crises. Domestic gold remains attractive for accumulation if it breaks below 70,000 baht.

Pattarin Vachirakoporn, Chief Operating Officer of Langhong Commodities, revealed that gold is currently under pressure from multiple negative factors preventing any sustained upside. The three main headwinds are: shifting US Federal Reserve interest rate expectations, historic government bond selloffs, and the unresolved Iran-US tensions.

1. US Monetary Policy Markets are discussing the possibility of another Federal Reserve rate hike in late 2024, rather than the cuts previously anticipated. Current market pricing assigns approximately 42 percent probability to a rate hike, down from the previous week but still substantial enough to damage gold's sentiment. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh maintains a cautious stance, though President Donald Trump has signaled allowing Warsh policy independence.

2. Historic Bond Selloff Global financial markets just recorded severe government bond selling from both Turkey and Europe, pushing bond yields sharply higher and creating enormous pressure on gold prices. While viewed as temporary capital reallocation, the negative impact is undeniable.

3. Iran-US Tensions Flare Again US-Iran negotiations have escalated tensions after Trump canceled all engagements to reassert control, dissatisfied with Iran's rejection of uranium-related proposals. Ongoing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed to shipping, amid China and Russia's lack of concrete assistance, underscore a global energy and economic crisis.

Weekly Outlook Pattarin views short-term technicals as decidedly bearish, with prices trading below moving averages across all timeframes. Monday, May 25, is a US holiday, suggesting a quiet market with prices likely ranging between 4,450-4,600 dollars.

Pattarin considers this gold correction a golden opportunity for long-term investors, recommending accumulation when Thai gold bar prices drop below 69,800 baht. Given the sideways downtrend momentum, she suggests adjusting purchase intervals to every 1,000 baht (from the previous 500 baht) to manage risk.

For Short-Term Investors: · Key Support: 4,503-4,440 and 4,400-4,375 dollars (Thai gold 69,000-68,500 baht) · Key Resistance: 4,570-4,590 and 4,630-4,650 dollars If gold holds above 4,500 dollars and doesn't break the 4,480-dollar support, a rebound to the resistance zone for profit-taking remains possible.

Factors to Monitor Despite near-term consolidation, gold's long-term outlook remains supported by continued central bank purchases globally, indicating gold's future potential. "Patience" and "discipline in timing" are the essential keys. Next week's economic calendar requires attention to China's GDP figures.

On May 24, rescue services in Ngao district, Lampang province, responded to an emergency report at 3:20 p.m. of a pickup truck that had lost control, flipped, and plunged into a ravine near Ban Khun On Pattana village in Ban On subdistrict, Ngao district—a remote and difficult-to-access area. Rescue officials coordinated with local administrative organizations to deploy off-road vehicles and equipment to reach the crash site, which required nearly an hour of travel on a narrow, steep dirt road before arriving at 4:20 p.m. At the scene, a black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck was found overturned at the bottom of a ravine approximately 30 meters deep, badly damaged, with two injured persons. The driver was pinned under the vehicle while his son was thrown from the truck. Local residents had already transported the son to Ngao Hospital before rescue workers arrived. Rescue teams used a winch to lift the vehicle to access the trapped driver, but he was found to be deceased. The victim was identified as 56-year-old Mr. Kao Liem from Kamphaeng Phet province. Authorities removed his body from the scene and coordinated with investigators from Ngao Police Station and the forensic doctor from Ngao Hospital for an autopsy. Initial investigation suggests the victim was traveling to care for a relative's longan orchard and was using a narrow dirt access road when rain made the surface slippery, causing the vehicle to lose control and plunge into the ravine.

Nichkhun expressed his delight at reconnecting with 2PM's devoted fanbase after half a year, noting that the fans remain as tightly bonded as family after 19 years. He shared details about the upcoming "2026 2PM Concert THE RETURN" reunion concert in South Korea this August with all six members present. Nichkhun revealed that the Tokyo concerts on May 9-10 left him emotionally overwhelmed, with nearly 40,000 fans in attendance. He described the experience as one of the most physically demanding performances ever, lasting three and a half hours with non-stop dancing at 110% energy. Despite each member being busy with individual projects, requiring three years to coordinate schedules, Nichkhun expressed how much he missed the stage and his fellow members. He emphasized that getting all six members together outside of scheduled performances is extremely challenging. The tour marks 15 years since 2PM's debut in Japan, following their 15-year anniversary concert in South Korea three years prior. Nichkhun revealed that the announcement of the Korea concert during the Tokyo shows was a complete surprise that sent fans into an uproar of excitement and cheers.

Bangkok Asset Management (BAM) is reshaping its approach from focusing solely on asset seizure to operating as a 'debt hospital' that views debtors as 'patients' rather than collateral sources. The core concept involves bringing debtors back into the economic system, particularly those with non-performing loans under three years old who have strong recovery potential. BAM targets enrolling approximately 2,000 debtors in debt restructuring programs this year, aiming to increase success rates from below 10% to 25% in the long term. The company offers two assistance formats: lump-sum settlement at 70% of outstanding principal with no interest within 60 days, or monthly installments with 0% interest for the first three years and extended payment up to 10 years. BAM is also implementing an 'ant army strategy' targeting small-value assets accessible to ordinary people, such as a 82,000-baht condominium project in Plathong designed for low-income workers like street sweepers and delivery riders with monthly payments around 1,700 baht. The company has sold over 853 non-performing assets this year, with more than 203 units averaging just over 1 million baht each, demonstrating strong demand in the lower market segment. BAM is also revamping its large-ticket property sales through a new 'Business Solution' model, offering comprehensive business development plans alongside asset sales rather than simple as-is transactions.

Complete breakdown of Italian Serie A football season 2025-26 final standings across all positions, including the champions, teams securing European competition quotas, and relegated clubs.

The Serie A 2025-26 season concluded on May 24 with matchday 38, yielding the following final standings:

European Competition Quotas for Next Season

UEFA Champions League 2026-27 – Inter Milan (Champions) – Napoli – Roma – Como

UEFA Europa League 2026-27 – AC Milan – Juventus

UEFA Conference League 2026-27 – Atalanta

Relegated Teams – Cremonese – Verona – Pisa

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old rising star, maintained his exceptional form by winning the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix and securing his fourth consecutive victory of the season. The race, held on May 24 in Canada as the season's fifth round, saw Antonelli cross the finish line first with a commanding lead of over 10 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in second place. Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished third, marking his first podium finish of the season, while six cars failed to complete the race, including Williams' Alex Albon and McLaren's Lando Norris, as well as Mercedes' George Russell. Following this victory, Antonelli has accumulated over 131 championship points, extending his lead over second-place Russell, who sits 43 points behind.