Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force fired live Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles during joint maritime drills with U.S., Australian, and Philippine forces in the annual Balikatan exercises, which means "shoulder to shoulder." Two missiles launched from waters near Paoay on the South China Sea successfully targeted the decommissioned Philippine Navy destroyer BRP Quezon within six minutes from approximately 75 kilometers away.

The exercises come as the Philippines and Japan discuss potential transfers of defense equipment, including Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft, following Japan's decision to lift restrictions on heavy weapons exports. Japanese Defense Minister Shinichiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro witnessed the live missile firing.

The Philippine Defense Ministry stated that "this exercise demonstrates coordinated maritime strike operations between allied forces and highlights the enhanced capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct joint operations with international partners to promote regional security and freedom of navigation." Teodoro expressed pride that Japan's Type 88 missile system, designed to defend coastal areas and deter maritime threats, successfully conducted this operation for the first time.

More than 17,000 troops participated in the Balikatan drills, including 1,400 Japanese forces and 10,000 American service members. China has regularly criticized the joint military exercises, claiming they increase regional tensions.

Fashion lovers, take note! Discover the secrets to maintaining beautiful, vibrant hair color after dyeing, preventing color fade, and restoring health to damaged strands. We recommend L'Oreal Paris shampoo as the key to locking in color and keeping your hair looking flawless. Say goodbye to dry, faded hair!

Hair coloring trends are booming right now—from hidden hair colors to pastel shades and trendy bright tones. Changing your hair color is like getting a new look that boosts your confidence tremendously. However, many color enthusiasts have experienced a nightmare after leaving the salon: severely dry, damaged hair with split ends and, worst of all, rapid color fading. After just a few washes, that expensive salon color turns into a dull, rusty tone!

Why does hair become dry and color fade so quickly after coloring?

Hair damage after coloring or bleaching occurs because harsh chemicals open the hair cuticles forcefully to remove old pigment and push in new color. When the cuticles are damaged, hair loses its natural moisture and protein dramatically, becoming weak and prone to breakage. When cuticles remain open, the color you paid for easily washes out with water during every shampoo.

Tips for maintaining colored hair with long-lasting, vibrant color:

Don't worry! We have expert-approved tips to help you lock in color and keep your hair beautiful for longer while restoring shine to damaged strands.

1. Wash with room temperature or cold water The golden rule: never wash with hot water! Hot water opens hair cuticles even wider, causing color to fade twice as fast and causing additional dryness. Washing with room temperature or cold water helps close the cuticles, seals in color pigment, and makes hair look shinier.

2. Avoid heat styling for 1-2 weeks In the first 1-2 weeks after coloring, avoid using heat styling tools, as heat causes color to fade and damages hair structure. If you must use heat, always apply a heat-protective serum or spray.

3. Use hair masks regularly Chemically-treated hair needs intensive care. Apply a treatment mask at least 1-2 times per week to restore lost moisture and protein, reduce frizz, and add weight to your hair.

The most important step: Choose shampoo designed specifically for colored hair

This is crucial! Many people make the mistake of returning to regular shampoos with harsh surfactants (sulfates) that strip away color pigment completely. For long-lasting, vibrant color, switch to shampoo specifically designed for colored hair from a world-class brand like L'Oreal Paris.

Keep color vibrant longer with L'Oreal Paris Color Protect

L'Oreal Paris Color Protect shampoo features color-protection technology with UVA and UVB filters to lock in color, prevent fading from sun exposure, and restore smoothness to damaged cuticles.

Restore tone-bleached hair with L'Oreal Paris EverPure

For those with bleached, ash-toned hair, try the premium formula of L'Oreal Paris EverPure, a sulfate-free shampoo.

GCAP GOLD assesses that the global economy is beginning to show stagflation signals following simultaneous declines in stocks and bonds, while inflation remains elevated and geopolitical risks pressure markets. Gold is expected to fluctuate in the short term but maintain an uptrend in the medium to long term, with the firm recommending gradual accumulation if prices weaken near 68,500 baht per baht of gold.

On May 7, 2569, Areerat Murachai, head analyst at GCAP GOLD, revealed that current market conditions are showing concerning signals, particularly as major assets like stocks and bonds decline simultaneously—historically marking the beginning of an economic slowdown cycle while inflation remains stubbornly high. This is causing the global economic structure to undergo significant transformation and reflect early stagflation signals, which marks the starting point of a cycle favorable for gold's return in the coming period.

Another critical market factor is energy pressure, particularly geopolitical risks in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, which directly impacts global oil prices and inflation. As inflation pressures persist, major central banks, especially the U.S. Federal Reserve, are likely to maintain high interest rates longer, keeping the dollar strong and bond yields elevated—factors that pressure gold prices in the near term.

However, within the stagflation cycle structure, gold typically doesn't appreciate immediately in the early phase due to pressure from rising real yields. But when the economy shows clear slowdown signals and inflation fails to decline as targeted, these factors become a crucial turning point that will restore gold's prominence as a systemic risk hedge, particularly when monetary policy has limited capacity to stimulate the economy.

"In the short term, gold prices will remain volatile, moving more in a sell-and-buy pattern than a continuous uptrend, with the dollar and bond yields limiting upside. But in the medium to long term, stagflation structure will be a key driver for gold to return to an uptrend, especially if economic slowdown occurs alongside embedded inflation, which will accelerate significant capital inflows into safe-haven assets," the analysis states.

The analysis recommends investors wanting to accumulate gold for medium to long-term portfolios wait for prices to weaken near 4,400 USD, equivalent to approximately 68,500–68,200 baht in Thai gold prices, then gradually enter positions. This zone serves as a key support level that has historically supported gold's rallies in late 2568 and is important for the long-term structure, making it suitable for beginning accumulation for investment.

For short-term portfolios, investors are advised to trade along price swing cycles using a primarily "sell-and-buy" strategy—entering purchases when prices dip near key support levels and gradually selling for profits when prices bounce, with clear stop-loss points to manage short-term volatility risk.

The Chulalongkorn University BBA Alumni Association, partnering with the Harvard Business School Association of Thailand, will host an academic lecture and forum on "From Disruption to Resilience: How Thailand and ASEAN Navigate Uncertain Times." This evening event brings together thought leaders and an international alumni network to exchange perspectives on global economic direction amid today's uncertain times. Featured speakers include Hise O. Gibson, Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and expert in technology and operations management, who will provide in-depth perspectives on managing global economic volatility and present strategies for building "resilience" for Thailand and the ASEAN region in the long term. The event serves not only as an academic forum but also as an important opportunity to connect business leaders at both national and international levels, while exploring substantive issues valuable for public discourse. The program will be moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Panida Chanthongjeen, Vice Chairman of the BBA International Program Curriculum Committee. Additionally, the event features a panel discussion with accomplished BBA Chula alumni holding leadership positions in top national organizations across various industries, including Nathnaree Chummannond, COO of RTN Logistics Co., Ltd; Tenchai Iamthangtong, External Advisor at McKinsey & Company and CEO of Almorphosis; and Manisa Koadvongbandid, Head of Transformation at CPXtra. They will share perspectives on Thai business's role in the global arena and discuss adaptation strategies and organizational development amid current economic and technological changes. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Chulalongkorn Business Cinema, 3rd Floor, Chai Yosod Somvat 1 Building, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued alerts to 60 provinces across the North, Northeast, Central regions, and Bangkok to prepare for thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, and heavy rainfall between May 7-10. On May 7, 2025, DDPM Director-General Theeraphatt Katchamat reported that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Center is monitoring weather conditions and risk factors. The Meteorological Department's second announcement (51/2569) on variable weather conditions in Thailand (effective May 7-10) indicates that a high-pressure system and cold air mass from China will extend over the Northeast and South China Sea, while southerly and southeasterly winds will carry moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea into northern Thailand. Strengthening easterly winds over the South and Gulf of Thailand will trigger increased thunderstorms, strong gusts, and heavy rainfall in the North, Northeast, Central regions, Bangkok, and surrounding areas.

Monitored areas for thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain between May 7-10 include:

May 7-9: Northern provinces (17): Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lamphang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani. Northeastern provinces (20): Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani. Central provinces (23): Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan.

May 10: Northern provinces (15): Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lamphang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun. Northeastern provinces (5): Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani.

Bangkok and surrounding areas are on alert May 7-10.

The Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Center has coordinated with 60 provinces across the North, Northeast, Central regions, and Bangkok, including local disaster prevention centers in high-risk areas, to remain alert and prepared. Authorities are instructed to closely monitor weather and disaster situations, coordinate with local government organizations to warn residents in advance, and prepare emergency equipment and response teams. The public is urged to follow official weather forecasts and alerts, inspect homes and buildings for structural integrity, avoid staying in open areas under large trees, billboards, or weak structures to prevent collapse injuries and lightning strikes, and be alert to dangers from heavy rain that may cause flash floods and flash flooding. Farmers should prepare to protect agricultural products and livestock, and everyone should maintain health during weather changes. Residents can monitor alerts through the 'THAI DISASTER ALERT' application.

The Government Savings Bank has announced a special promotional deposit product exclusively available at the 26th Bangkok Money Expo, held May 7-10, 2025, at Impact Challenger Hall 1-2 in Muang Thong Thani.

The 113-day special on-demand deposit features a stepped interest rate structure: - Days 1-52: 1.00% per annum - Days 53-108: 1.99% per annum - Days 109-113: 9.99% per annum Average interest rate: 1.88% per annum (equivalent to a 2.21% fixed deposit)

Registration schedules (200 quotas per day, first-come-first-served): - May 7: 200 quotas, Jupiter Room 11-13, Registration 12:00-14:00 - May 8: 200 quotas, Challenger Hall 2 front, Registration 10:00-12:00 - May 9: 200 quotas, Challenger Hall 2 front, Registration 10:00-12:00 - May 10: 200 quotas, Challenger Hall 2 front, Registration 10:00-12:00

Key conditions: - Minimum opening deposit: 10,000 baht; maximum per person: 500,000 baht - Requires registration certificate obtained at the Money Expo - Deposit period: May 7-17, 2025 - Open to both individuals and juristic entities - Individuals exempt from withholding tax - One quota per person throughout the entire event - Valid ID required for registration

Visit the GSB booth at Money Expo Bangkok, May 7-10, 2025, at Impact Challenger Hall 1-2. Terms and conditions are subject to bank regulations and may be changed without prior notice.