On May 11, 2025, Luaworn Saengsnit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, revealed that the Revenue Department has reported on the government's old car trade-in program, which is part of measures utilizing funds from a 400 billion baht emergency loan decree. However, implementation is more complicated than initially thought due to the challenges of fairly valuing used vehicles with complex and detailed considerations, such as determining acceptable vehicle age. When older cars are the same age but in different condition, it becomes difficult to assign fair prices—whether 50,000 baht, 60,000 baht, or another amount. This requires careful handling to prevent expensive cars from receiving low valuations or cheap cars from receiving high ones.

Additionally, Thailand currently lacks a systematic process for disposing of scrapped vehicles and recovering their components, such as scrap metal and batteries. Officials must ensure that purchased old vehicles are actually dismantled properly and don't leak out of the disposal system.

"Based on reports from 2-3 weeks ago, the Revenue Department indicated that the project details are not straightforward because we don't want to create opportunities for officials to exercise discretion when evaluating individual vehicles," Luaworn stated. "If two cars are the same age but one is well-maintained while the other is neglected or a wreck, but they receive the same price, we don't want to implement a project lacking clarity and relying on official discretion."

Luaworn emphasized that transitioning to electric vehicles is an important goal for the Finance Ministry, but the program must proceed with clarity. Before the loan can be screened and approved, the plan must be clear. Lack of clarity could delay consumers' vehicle purchase decisions. The faster and clearer the program, the better. The Revenue Department is expected to submit revised project conditions for the Finance Ministry's consideration, and may even return with an improved alternative to the simple car trade-in model.

Many people use interdental brushes to clean between their teeth, but improper technique can damage the gums. Dentists warn against inserting the brush straight into tooth gaps; instead, position it alongside the tooth and gently angle it into the space with a light touch. If you feel resistance, pain, or stiffness, don't force it further, as this can cause bleeding, soreness, or inflammation.

Dr. Chang Tian-hao, a dentist at Taiwan's National University Hospital and an endodontics specialist, notes that clinically, many patients injure their gums while trying to clean between their teeth properly—often by inserting the brush directly into the gap from the front, causing the wire core to strike the gum directly, resulting in pain and bleeding. The correct technique involves angling the brush head slightly and sliding it gently along the side of the tooth into the gap, not poking straight at the gum. If you encounter resistance, clear counter-pressure, or pain, it indicates improper angle, incorrect brush size, or that the gap isn't suitable for interdental brushing.

Dr. Chang identified four main reasons why interdental brushes don't fit properly:

1. Gaps too tight: Some people have almost no space between teeth and should use floss instead of forcing an interdental brush. 2. Crowns or bridges: If artificial tooth margins are close to the gum, the brush may not fit, and forcing it can cause gum recession. 3. Wrong angle: Use the brush along the side of the tooth, not jabbed directly toward the gum. 4. Already inflamed gums: If biofilm has accumulated for a long time, gums become swollen and tender; even light contact can cause bleeding.

Dentists recommend a simple guideline: "If it slides in gently, it's appropriate." Don't force it if it requires pressure or causes immediate pain. For bleeding, minor bleeding during gentle, proper cleaning may indicate existing gum inflammation that improves with consistent care. However, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or recurring problems at the same spot warrant immediate dental consultation.

Dr. Chang recommends three key principles for using interdental brushes: stop immediately if you feel resistance, switch to dental floss for very tight gaps, and have a dentist evaluate the proper size and angle for your needs. He emphasizes that flossing isn't about force—larger brushes aren't always better. The key is selecting appropriate tools and using correct technique. Proper use can effectively reduce periodontal disease risk, but incorrect use can harm your gums instead.

The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO) has revealed that investor confidence for the next three months remains at a stable level, with investors viewing government economic stimulus measures, foreign capital inflows, and easing global tensions as key supporting factors for the Thai stock market. International conflicts, trade wars, and fiscal concerns continue to present significant headwinds for the investment atmosphere.

On May 11, 2025, Kobsak Pootrakul, chairman of FETCO, unveiled the investor confidence index based on April 2025 surveys (conducted April 20-30). The index for the next three months stands at 114.16, maintaining a stable range. Investors identify government stimulus measures as the strongest confidence booster, followed by capital inflows and signs of easing international tensions. International conflicts emerge as the primary confidence dampener, with trade wars and fiscal concerns as secondary concerns.

The survey results show individual investor confidence increased 21.3% to 90.00, securities company accounts rose 14.3% to 100.00, domestic institutional investors declined 14.4% to 110.00, and foreign investors surged 33.3% to 133.33. The most attractive sector is petrochemicals and chemicals (PETRO), while fashion (FASHION) is least attractive. Government stimulus measures are identified as the strongest market driver, while international tensions represent the greatest drag.

During April's first half, the SET Index gained momentum from easing Middle East tensions and government stimulus announcements. The second half saw volatility from Q1 corporate earnings that disappointed in some sectors, combined with oil and commodity price fluctuations, ongoing geopolitical risks, and concerns about Thailand's weight reduction in MSCI Emerging Markets indices. The SET Index closed April at 1,493.69, up 3.15% from the previous month, with average daily trading volume of 58,688.27 million baht. Foreign investors recorded net selling of 2,513 million baht in April, though year-to-date they have purchased a net 16,638 million baht.

Key external factors warranting attention include the monetary policy directions of major economies, particularly signals from the Federal Reserve under new leadership and the European Central Bank, which will influence foreign capital flows. The unresolved tensions between the United States and Iran also remain a factor affecting price volatility.

The more you do them, the more exhausted you become. Experts warn against five behaviors many people mistakenly believe are 'rest,' but actually deplete vital energy and increase health risks. If you're still doing these, change your habits immediately.

Compiled by Saod Online News team May 11, 2025

Based on international media reports, amid a stress-filled lifestyle, the need to restore physical and mental energy is crucial. However, the line between 'proper rest' and 'inactivity that harms health' is thinner than most people think.

Many people believe that taking a break, stopping work, or spending time on enjoyable activities equals self-care. In reality, certain behaviors actually make the body more exhausted and harm physical and mental health long-term, potentially causing chronic diseases. Here are five such behaviors:

1. Obsessing over social media and electronic devices For many young people, scrolling through their phones is seen as a quick stress reliever. However, experts warn this actually continuously and intensely overstimulates the brain. Receiving large amounts of unorganized information causes the brain to overwork, leading to addiction and mental exhaustion. Additionally, screen light damages eyes and skin, and disrupts sleep quality. Particularly, FOMO (fear of missing out) from prolonged social media use increases the risk of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Experts recommend that for genuine rest, you should distance yourself from the online world to allow your nervous system to fully relax.

2. Sleeping too much—when your body is like an 'overcharged battery' While sleep is the body's best restoration method, oversleeping produces the opposite effect, like an overcharged battery. Experts from WebMD in the United States state that adults should sleep approximately 6-9 hours per day. Sleeping beyond that can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm, resulting in drowsiness, fatigue, and weakness despite getting rest. Meanwhile, UK research found that oversleeping is associated with cognitive decline, reduced intelligence levels, and increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, quality and adequate sleep is better than trying to sleep as long as possible.

3. Indulging in excessive eating beyond necessity Eating is a way many people choose to regain energy, but overeating according to cravings can have unexpected health consequences. When the body receives excess food, blood flow to the digestive system increases, reducing blood flow to the brain, causing drowsiness, depression, fatigue, and weakness after meals. Particularly, sweets and fried foods are seen as 'mood destroyers' because excessive sugar consumption can cause blood sugar levels to drop sharply afterward, resulting in trembling hands, dizziness, and weakness. Trans fats in fried foods also increase depression risk and force internal organs to work hard to eliminate toxins.

4. Spending excessive time gaming, especially online games While gaming can relieve stress in the short term, playing continuously for long periods can become an energy drain. High-concentration games or intense content keep the nervous system in constant tension rather than allowing rest. Additionally, sitting and gaming for extended periods damages bones, joints, eyes, and skin from prolonged screen radiation exposure.

At 2 p.m. on May 11, 2026, at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister chaired a steering committee meeting to monitor progress and ensure readiness for three auspicious ceremonies: (1) Celebrations of the 99th birthday anniversary of Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, on June 26, 2026; (2) Honors marking the fourth-cycle birthday celebration of Her Majesty the Queen on June 3, 2026; and (3) Tributes to Rampoey Panee, the Queen Consort of the Seventh Reign, commemorating 100 years of her illustrious service. The Supreme Patriarch's celebrations will include a Buddhist merit-making ceremony on June 26, 2026 at 7 a.m., an ordination program from June 13-29 at Wat Rajbopitsatitmahaseemaaram, and exhibitions and commemorative activities from June 19-21. Memorial publications, medals, coins, and postal stamps will also be produced.

Matichon and AIS hosted a major seminar showcasing the Board of Investment's (BOI) strategy to capture the third wave of foreign investment, targeting three new industries to position Thailand as a global business center. BOI Secretary-General Naruethep Terdsteeraksak stated that the current timing represents a critical opportunity for Thailand to leverage investment to restructure the economy. Thailand has experienced two previous major investment waves, and is now entering the third wave, driven by trade wars and technological competition.

The first investment wave occurred 60 years ago when the Thai government established the BOI to offer the first trade privileges, emphasizing resource and labor-intensive industries to attract foreign investment. The second wave emerged after 1985 following the Plaza Accord, which forced the Japanese yen to strengthen rapidly, compelling Japanese manufacturers to relocate production. Thailand became their primary manufacturing base, resulting in Japanese investment projects skyrocketing from 10-15 annually to nearly 200.

The third wave centers on technology and innovation, driven by three key factors: AI advancement, electric vehicles, batteries and robotics; sustainability and ESG standards with green investment growth; and geopolitical considerations reshaping global supply chains. In 2024, global foreign direct investment declined 11%, but ASEAN increased 8%, making the region a strategic investment "Bright Spot."

Thailand stands out for its stable infrastructure, reliable power systems, quality industrial estates, and comprehensive supply chains. An A.T. Kearney survey ranked Thailand 20th globally and second in ASEAN after Singapore for investment destinations. Q1 2025 figures show investment applications totaling over 1 trillion baht across more than 600 projects—a 2.4-fold increase, with digital sectors including data centers and cloud services leading, followed by electronics and automotive.

The BOI targets six strategic industries as economic drivers: Bio & Green leveraging food, clean energy and medical strengths; EV ecosystem development from manufacturing to charging stations; advanced semiconductors and electronics targeting IC design; AI infrastructure and applications; Automation & Robotics including humanoid robots; and International Business Centers attracting regional headquarters and distribution hubs to Thailand.