A 29-year-old British woman has shared her shocking experience after what started as minor ear itching escalated into half-face paralysis, ultimately diagnosed as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which can take up to a year to recover from or may never fully resolve.

Paige Weston, a mother of two from Liverpool, noticed a small lump near her ear in early April but initially dismissed it. Days later, her ear became intensely itchy, swollen, and painful. Her doctor initially diagnosed a bacterial ear infection and prescribed antibiotics, but her symptoms worsened with severe, continuous headaches. Despite a second visit, tests, and medication changes, she didn't improve. Soon after, she noticed abnormalities on her face before symptoms rapidly escalated, leading to an emergency room visit where doctors revealed it wasn't a bacterial infection but shingles in the ear, which was connected to her facial paralysis.

Weston was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 3 Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus behind chickenpox and shingles. The virus can remain dormant in the body for years before reactivating. The condition can damage facial nerves, causing paralysis, rashes around the ear, severe pain, and hearing loss in some cases.

Doctors emphasized that early treatment, particularly within the first 72 hours of symptom onset, is crucial for recovery. However, Weston received antiviral medications and steroids nearly three weeks after her symptoms began. She admitted the diagnosis period was filled with confusion and fear, particularly regarding facial changes.

"I lost a lot of confidence. When I smiled or laughed, I'd cover my mouth because I didn't feel like myself and didn't want others to notice my face," she shared.

While her shingles have begun improving, Weston continues experiencing stabbing pain, itching, and burning sensations in her ear, with facial muscle weakness remaining a significant daily challenge. However, she's starting to see small signs of recovery, which give her hope.

"I'm seeing small improvements, and that gives me hope I'll recover. While recovery takes time, I won't let this disease stop me from living," she said.

She also warns others not to dismiss unusual symptoms, particularly those affecting the ears and face. "Early treatment, especially within the first 72 hours, can make a huge difference in recovery. And if the disease affects your face, know you're not alone in facing this—it takes a serious psychological toll."

Weston revealed that joining online support groups for patients and hearing recovery stories from others has given her strength to fight the disease.

According to Daily Mail, Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has expressed his view that Lamine Yamal is the best young player of the modern era and reminds him of himself at a younger age. At 38 years old, Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and is recognized as one of the greatest footballers in history. Recently asked about his perspective on the best young player of this generation, Messi stated: "There are many talented young players, but if I had to choose one, considering his age and the future ahead of him, it would be Lamine Yamal." Speaking at an Adidas event and reported by Marca, he added: "There's no doubt—for me, he's the best. He reminds me of myself when I was young." Yamal currently plays for Barcelona, the same club where Messi achieved his greatest success.

The Royal Irrigation Department continues its employment recruitment drive, with over 53,000 workers now hired across the country to help ease financial hardship and create supplementary income for farmers during the dry season. The initiative aims to provide agricultural workers with additional earnings during off-season periods and help offset rising living costs amid global economic pressures that have increased fuel and agricultural input costs nationwide.

Suriypol Nuchangnong, director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has implemented a policy to support farmers nationwide during the dry season by offering employment opportunities within irrigation projects in fiscal year 2569. The department set a target of hiring 84,512 workers this year, and has so far recruited over 53,000 workers, representing approximately 63% of the goal. The top three provinces by recruitment numbers are Sakon Nakhon with 2,887 workers, Chiang Mai with 2,821 workers, and Nakhon Ratchasima with 2,037 workers.

The Royal Irrigation Department continues accepting applications to meet its recruitment targets and welcomes interested farmers and citizens to participate in the program. Interested individuals can contact their local irrigation project office or call the department's hotline at 1460 during regular business hours.

On May 4, 2026, at 2:30 PM, the Princess Intrasakkhadiset Foundation, a royal foundation under the patronage of Princess Sirindhorn, received royal permission to serve as host for the merit-making ceremony honoring the late Queen Sirikit, the Millennium Queen. The ceremony was attended at Dusit Maha Prasat Hall in the Grand Palace by Dr. Nuttarapaip Suchritakul, foundation board chairman, along with other foundation board members including Ms. Pim Charuseni and Ms. Sopphit Suchritakul as vice-chairs, and Ms. Chantawan Suchritakul as treasurer, accompanied by the full foundation committee.

The Federation of Thai Industries president revealed a strategy to advance Thailand's industrial sector and upgrade target industries through innovation using the 5I policy at the 'Matichon X AIS Forum 2026: Innovation Changes Thailand' seminar held on May 11 at Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. The Matichon Group organized the forum to present progress in innovation and Thailand's capacity to leverage innovation as a driving force.

Pimjai Lee Itsaranukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), speaking on 'Strategy to Drive Industry and Upgrade Target Industries Through Innovation,' stated that the direction for Thai industrial development in the 2026-2028 working period will be 'The New Chapter of Thai Industry,' powered by the 5I policy. The five "I"s represent Industry and comprise five interconnected core strategies.

The framework is divided into I1 through I5, covering production advancement, innovation, global networks, infrastructure, and sustainability. I1 focuses on Productivity, aiming toward Intelligent Industry to drive Smart Industry and elevate manufacturers to Smart OEM status.

I2 emphasizes Innovation and Creativity to add value, with the goal of enabling Thai manufacturers to develop intellectual property ownership and own their product brands to increase value.

Pimjai stated that I3 is International Alliance and Network, targeting Thailand as the world's Supply Chain Hub, leveraging the country's strong geopolitical position.

I1, I2, and I3 represent the business process image for sustainable and competitive growth. This foundation must rest on I4, Industrial Infrastructure Reform, encompassing energy, legislation, protection of domestically produced goods, and human capital development—all critical foundational elements.

Additionally, I5 is Inclusive Sustainable Growth, creating sustainability in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, which is highly important.

"We will be The New Chapter of Thai Industry, driven by five I policies: from Intelligent Industry upgrading to Smart Industry, Innovation & Creativity creating brands through innovation, International Alliance positioning Thailand as the global supply chain hub, Infrastructure Reform restructuring our foundation, and Inclusive & Sustainable Growth achieving sustainable growth together," Pimjai stated.

She noted that the five dimensions are interconnected, with I1, I2, and I3 serving as the primary mechanisms of industrial business processes. Sustainable and competitive growth requires a strong industrial infrastructure foundation with comprehensive sustainability principles across all dimensions.

Intelligent Industry represents elevating Thai industry to Smart Industry through modern technology adoption, including MES systems, ERP, Robotic Automation, Cloud AI, energy management and renewable energy systems, Smart Logistics, as well as Digital Twin and Data Simulation—all critical mechanisms for industrial advancement.

In an emotional interview on the '3 Spicy' program, Chen Thana appeared alongside his wife James and their five children to share their struggles during a difficult financial period. Starting with 800 million baht in debt in 2019, Chen revealed the current debt stands at approximately 580 million baht, with income from live-streaming reaching 20-30 million baht annually over the past year. After facing business difficulties and channel closures in 2021, the family pivoted to focus on online sales, with Chen now streaming 16-18 hours daily.

Chen expressed hope of clearing the remaining debt within 3-6 years, though he acknowledged this depends on maintaining his energy and passion for performance art. "The first three hours are fun, but by the seventh hour it becomes unconscious work," he said, explaining his strategy to diversify brands and content. He emphasized that his primary motivation is his five children and their future well-being, noting that his mother, now 74-75 years old, has undergone brain surgery and radiation therapy while he supports her financially.

James spoke about their commitment to teaching their children about perseverance and turning hardship into life lessons. Chen reflected on how negative comments initially hurt him, but later transformed into encouraging messages that became like "wonder medicine" for his spirit. He credited his wife's support, noting how she helps subtitle his streams and stands beside him during their daily grind. Both expressed determination to overcome their challenges while maintaining their family's dignity and providing their children with a sense of pride in their parents' efforts.