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).

According to astrologer Mor Khake Dol Bundar, four zodiac signs—Dragon, Aries, Cancer, and Libra—are breaking free from bad luck and past karma. After experiencing difficult periods where everything seemed to go wrong and jealous people constantly tried to undermine them, these signs are now entering a new phase. Old karma has expired and past blessings are finally bearing fruit. Those who harbored ill will or betrayed these signs will face their own downfall due to their own jealousy, while the four signs themselves are positioned to attract wealth and good fortune. What once brought exhaustion will now bring prosperity with every endeavor, as negative people fade away and good-hearted people come to their support.

Thai football referee Vorinthorn Satsthi has been suspended for six weeks after making critical errors in the final match of the 2568-69 season, where Sukhouthai FC defeated Muang Thong United 3-0 on May 10 at Thalueang Stadium. Sukhouthai escaped relegation while Muang Thong dropped to Thai League 2.

The disciplinary committee, chaired by Watcharin Phanurat, identified two key incidents. In the 34th minute, Sukhouthai player Sirodej Chattong was in an offside position during a free kick into Muang Thong's penalty area. Although Chattong made contact with an opposing player, the referee did not call offside. The committee determined this decision was correct because Chattong's movement did not materially affect the play.

However, in a subsequent play moments later, Chattong raised his foot high while Kim Dong Soo of Muang Thong was attempting to head the ball clear. The referee did not call a foul, allowing play to continue and resulting in a goal for Sukhouthai. The committee found this was a dangerous play that should have been penalized.

Penalties imposed: Referee Vorinthorn Satsthi was suspended for six weeks for failing to call the dangerous high kick. VAR official Sivakorn Phuudom was suspended for two weeks for not properly reviewing the incident and advising the referee to reassess the high kick challenge.