German artist Tan Manran, who has lived and worked in Taiwan for over a decade and founded the vegetarian food brand Manran Vegetarian to promote plant-based eating culture, has become the center of an online debate. She posted on the Threads platform proposing that Taiwan Railways establish "dedicated passenger cars for vegetarians" to avoid the smell of pork rib bento boxes, which she finds disruptive during travel. In her post, she explained that whenever she takes Taiwan trains, she prepares her own vegetarian bento box, and thought that dedicated vegetarian cars would make travel more comfortable for this group of passengers, allowing them to avoid "enduring the smell of pork rib bento boxes for hours on the train."

After the post went public, it sparked widespread criticism on social media. Many netizens view Taiwan's pork rib train bento as part of Taiwan's unique railway culture and expressed displeasure with her opinion. Some commenters suggested that some vegetarians were displaying superiority, or argued that if vegetarians find the smell of meat food unpleasant, meat-eaters might similarly dislike vegetable smells. Critics also pointed out that while promoting vegetarianism is seen as commendable, referencing train bento boxes—a cherished memory for many Taiwanese across generations—could be seen as directly attacking local food culture.

Some internet users commented that while most Taiwanese are friendly to foreigners, her proposal might trigger strong backlash. She responded that after living in Taiwan for over a decade, "this is the first time I've encountered the dark side of people's minds, but I can endure it." Her response only intensified online dissatisfaction. She has since deleted the post and made her Threads account private.

Beyond food culture debates, some netizens also questioned her work permit status and business registration in Taiwan. However, she clarified that she is "currently registered correctly, residing legally, and working according to law," confirming there are no legal violations.

Lucky and Unlucky Days Friday, May 22, 2569 Astrologer Buddhipan

Aries You should avoid demolishing or renovating your home today, as any work will finish behind schedule or fail to meet your quality standards. A coworker in poor financial standing may become jealous or cause you workplace troubles. Don't invest or expect short-term returns from agriculture, land, or real estate.

Taurus Your financial negotiations and income matters go well today. You'll easily persuade others to accept your proposals, especially regarding finances. However, risky business investments and entertainment ventures won't yield good results. Expect some unrest in your residential area or construction activity.

Gemini If you haven't found a romantic partner, one will come looking for you and bring gifts. An older friend may fall ill and need your comfort. You'll have friends but no enemies now. Your words carry weight and people believe you easily, which you could use for personal gain.

Cancer You won't be satisfied with past good fortune. Neighbor-related problems will disrupt your peace. Avoid anyone who invites you to gamble or engage in vices. Your partner will visit your relatives or grow closer to them.

Leo Whatever good fortune came your way may suffer from carelessness. You might not protect it properly, causing it to diminish. Single people may meet an attractive partner, but their family disapproves. Don't let servants or children travel far from home.

Virgo You may fall or fall from a tree. Stay away from heat and fire. Don't use or repair electrical equipment unless you're a professional. Some lost benefits may resurface. Late-week boat travel or bridge crossings are unsafe for you.

Libra You're being slandered and criticized due to misinterpretations of your words. There's no benefit in defending yourself or improving your image. Stay calm and time will heal it. You won't receive adequate work compensation, and unexpected expenses will increase.

Scorpio You'll face unexpected problems with staff—someone may not show up for work or a subordinate suddenly becomes ill. Romantic troubles may emerge when your partner suddenly has to work far away or becomes distant without explanation. Don't complain during this period.

Sagittarius You have commitments with new friends or short-term projects, but the relationships are shallow and superficial. Some business contacts won't honor their promises. Foreign business dealings face obstacles. Trading conditions remain favorable.

Capricorn You still have good planetary influence in your sign. Your self-expression and opinions will gain social attention. This is fine as long as your intentions are pure. Avoid involvement with certain people.

On May 21, Pattaranong Na Chiangmai, Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Markets at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), reported that Thailand welcomed approximately 13.1 million international tourists in the first four months of 2025, a slight 3% decline compared to 2024. Short-haul markets account for 64% of arrivals (8.29 million visitors), with China leading at 2.1 million, followed by Malaysia at 1.47 million, and India approaching 1 million. However, China's growth reflects a low base from the previous year rather than genuine market strength.

The tourism sector currently faces significant challenges from escalating global energy and oil prices caused by Middle East conflicts, which directly impact airline operating costs—especially charter flights from Chinese secondary cities like Chengdu and Guangzhou that have cancelled over 200 flights. While TAT provides 350,000 baht per flight in subsidies, this pales compared to competing nations offering 500,000 to 1 million baht, weakening Thailand's competitive position.

"Given this situation, the Thailand Summer Blast program originally scheduled to end in June still has approximately 70 million baht remaining due to flight quota cancellations," Pattaranong said. "TAT is preparing to legally extend the program through September to redirect these funds toward stimulating long-haul and incentive travel markets, which continue showing strong demand."

Beyond cost pressures, Pattaranong expressed concerns about safety perception following negative social media coverage of missing Chinese tourists, which has affected confidence despite embassy clarifications. Tourist behavior is also shifting markedly from organized tours to independent travel (FIT), with visitors pursuing personalized interests such as fan meetups with artists, concerts by Jay Chou, Tomorrowland festival, trail running, and high-cost adventure activities.

To address these challenges, TAT is launching the "NEXT" strategy comprising four pillars: (1) New Segment—targeting emerging groups like China's Silver Age demographic interested in cultural performances such as Thai Kik dancing and fashion shows, and Japanese women; (2) Experience Economy—shifting from selling traditional tourism products to experiential offerings like Thai cooking classes tracing ingredients to their sources; (3) Exchange Ecosystem—partnering with non-tourism industries like telecommunications and retail to share customer databases; and (4) Sustainable Growth—balancing visitor numbers and seasonality to reduce over-reliance on any single market while promoting secondary cities to distribute revenue to communities.

"The Middle East impact warrants close monitoring, and we must continue addressing these evolving challenges," Pattaranong concluded.

Chachoen FC confirmed that team captain Chanyonrong Promsikaew has successfully undergone surgery for a right ankle injury and will begin recovery with an expected two-month rehabilitation period. According to the club's official Facebook post, captain Chanyonrong Promsikaew underwent surgery for the right ankle injury following persistent chronic pain in that area. The surgery was completed successfully under the care of specialist medical staff from Samitivej Hospital Sukhumvit. He will now enter a recovery phase with continuous physical therapy according to the medical team's rehabilitation program, which is expected to take approximately two months. Chachoen FC sends its encouragement to Chanyonrong Promsikaew for a full and strong recovery, and looks forward to seeing him return to lead the Sharks back onto the pitch very soon.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt led the groundbreaking ceremony for Thungkhru Hospital under the Bangkok Medical Services Bureau, designed to enhance healthcare access for residents in Thungkhru District and nearby areas. The May 8, 2025 ceremony at the Bangkok Vocational School on Phutthabucha Road included senior Buddhist clergy and city officials.

Bangkok's administration has prioritized constructing and establishing new hospitals across all districts, particularly in Thungkhru, which has experienced significant population growth but lacks both public and private hospitals. Charoenkrung Pracharaksa Hospital has been assigned to oversee the Thungkhru Hospital project.

The Thungkhru Hospital will be a 100-bed facility featuring a seven-story hospital building spanning approximately 24,090 square meters and a ten-story medical staff residential building. The construction budget totals 840 million baht, with a three-year timeline from 2025 to 2027, and the hospital is expected to open to the public in 2028. The facility will serve both outpatient and inpatient needs, reducing travel burdens for Thonburi residents while improving emergency medical services and patient referral efficiency.

The hospital will provide outpatient and inpatient services, reduce travel burdens for residents on the Thonburi side, improve the efficiency of patient transfer systems and emergency medical services, and ensure sustainable health security and quality of life for area residents.

Donations to support the Thungkhru Hospital construction can be made through the Charoenkrung Pracharaksa Hospital Foundation (Mother Hospital) at Krung Thai Bank, account number 396-0-02725-7 under the foundation's name, or by scanning the foundation's QR code. Donations are tax-deductible.

Forty to fifty years ago, the Thai-Cambodian border region in the east knew no stranger to Phra Kru Sangwon Kittakun, also known as Luang Pho Eia Kittiko of Wat Ban Darn in Koh Loi subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. This celebrated Buddhist master was frequently invited to participate in Buddhist consecration ceremonies throughout Prachuap Khiri Khan and other regions, including major ceremonies in Bangkok. He was a direct disciple of Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Tao, where he mastered esoteric Buddhist teachings and spiritual practices.

Born on May 9, 1905, in Ban Darn village, the son of Nai Thiao and Nang Ma Khunyakhan, he lost both parents in his youth. Despite these hardships, he showed devotion to education, completing his secondary studies at Chachoengsao Provincial School. He ordained on May 8, 1922, at age seventeen, and dedicated himself to Buddhist scriptures and meditation practices. He received full monastic ordination on May 18, 1925, at Wat Samphant in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

He became renowned for his compassion and spiritual power, assisting villagers with physical ailments, mental distress, and other suffering. His reputation grew so immense that the temple became like a small hospital, with villagers traveling from all directions seeking his help. In 1939, he was appointed abbot of Wat Ban Darn, where he continued providing medical care and spiritual guidance. The people affectionately called him the "God of the Bamboo Shoot City."

In 1958, he served as head of Koh Loi subdistrict and founding director of the Buddhist studies academy. He was appointed preceptor in 1959. In 1968, he received the monastic title Phra Kru Sangwon Kittakun from the Thai Crown.

Throughout his life, he trained monks, novices, and lay practitioners, promoting Buddhist education through establishing a Buddhist studies center and founding Koh Loi Kittiko School. He created numerous amulets, bells, photographs, sacred powders, talismans, and other religious objects over many editions.

He passed away peacefully on July 17, 1978, at age seventy-three with fifty-two years of monastic service, leaving behind a legacy treasured by amulet collectors and his devoted disciples.