Central Pattana PLC (CPN) announced strong Q1 2025 performance with total revenue of 13.352 billion baht and net profit of 4.971 billion baht, representing 18% growth compared to the previous year. The company is pursuing its 'A Future-Led Ecosystem' vision to develop mega-scale projects and landmark masterplans nationwide, creating vibrant neighborhoods and cities while driving economic growth, tourism, and quality of life across the country. CPN aims to elevate Thailand into a global destination through world-class events and attractions throughout the year.

Naparat Srivannawit, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Finance and Hotel Business Group at CPN, stated that Q1 2025 domestic consumption showed recovery signals supported by improved consumer confidence. The tourism sector's revival, particularly with returning visitors from China and India, has stimulated spending nationwide. CPN's retail-led mixed-use development strategy and festival and experience economy initiatives through year-round events have continued to drive traffic and spending in shopping centers.

The company achieved record margins with gross profit margins of 62% for rental and service businesses and 61% overall gross margin. Hotel operations, particularly Centara and GO! Hotel brands, continue to perform strongly. In Q1, CPN announced a major transformation of Central Pinklao with an investment exceeding 1.7 billion baht, rebranding it as 'The New Soul of Pinklao' and featuring 500 brands across 360,000 square meters. The company also launched Marketplace Thonglor, a new community mall concept in the heart of Thonglor.

BANGKOK — 16 May 2026, A motorcycle was destroyed by fire after its rider crashed while trying to avoid a dog that suddenly ran across a road in Bangkok, authorities said.

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at about 3:00 in Soi Rat Burana 40 in Bangkok's Rat Burana district.

Firefighters and rescue workers arrived to find a blue Yamaha motorcycle engulfed in flames in the middle of the road. Crews extinguished the fire within about 10 minutes, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.

Authorities said the crash occurred after a dog ran into the rider's path, causing the motorcycle to lose control, skid along the road and ignite.

The rider, a 55-year-old man, suffered abrasions and other minor injuries. Rescue volunteers transported him to Rat Burana Hospital for treatment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China. "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent," Trump told Fox News on Friday at the conclusion of his two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump stated he made no promises regarding Taiwan and reiterated that U.S. policy on the matter remains unchanged. "You know, we'd have to travel 9,500 miles to wage war. I don't want that. I want them to cool it down. I want China to cool it down," he said. Trump confirmed that he and Xi discussed the island extensively but declined to confirm whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan. He emphasized that Xi has strong feelings about the island and does not want to see independence movements. According to Chinese state media reports, Xi warned during talks that the Taiwan issue is the most critical element in U.S.-China relations and that poor management could lead to conflict between the two nations. When asked whether the U.S. would face conflict with China over Taiwan, Trump said, "No, I don't think so. I think we won't have a problem. (Xi) doesn't want to see war." Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has previously stated that Taiwan does not need to formally declare independence since it already considers itself a sovereign nation. The U.S. has long supported Taiwan, including a legal commitment to provide defensive weapons, while also seeking to maintain diplomatic relations with China. In late 2025, the Trump administration announced the sale of $11 billion in weapons to Taiwan, prompting Chinese government condemnation. Trump said he would decide soon whether to proceed with the sale and noted he discussed the matter extensively with Xi, adding that he needs to speak with Taiwan's current leadership.

A shocking incident has unfolded at Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan, where a couple was inadvertently recorded engaging in sexual activity within a public shelter that features a 360-degree 4K panoramic camera with 24-hour live streaming to YouTube. The couple appeared on the live feed starting around 11 p.m., initially just sitting and talking before their behavior became increasingly intimate around midnight, culminating in sexual activity around 12:15 a.m. that lasted approximately five minutes. The incident was recorded and widely shared across social media, drawing criticism from netizens who called it a "national embarrassment," while the audio from the scene was also captured by the surveillance system's microphone.

Following the viral spread of the footage, park authorities removed the clip from their system, but copies continue circulating online, with some people even traveling to the shelter to photograph themselves imitating the couple's poses. Police have confirmed they have identified both individuals, including a 23-year-old male named Xia Kao who admitted to riding his motorcycle to the location with his girlfriend that night. Authorities recovered suspicious items at the scene, including condoms and ziplock bags. The couple will be questioned and face charges for indecent conduct in a public place.

Weekly Horoscope – Probability Trends for the Week (May 13-17, 2026)

Setsathawut Luckna (Lucky) Aries: This week, your work won't progress as expected, but you may profit from risky ventures like day trading or lottery draws. Difficult tasks will become harder or run into obstacles. Think of work merely as a means to earn money. Be patient and careful rather than hasty. Income should be adequate; expenses will decrease if you don't panic. Colleague irritation may easily trigger your temper, and anger could unfortunately block some opportunities.

Luckna (Lucky) Taurus: You'll gain benefits from elders or inherit something. Though emotionally fragile, you'll handle it normally and solve immediate problems easily with your sharp wit. You can reconcile angry people and help misunderstanding lovers understand each other. Your current struggles will show long-term benefits. Finances will stabilize, expenses become more controllable, and you'll live more joyfully. Romantic partners may become distant, and business partners often create problems.

Luckna (Lucky) Gemini: You'll have lower expenses or higher income, especially from superiors. Your work will shine brightly; superiors will recognize you regardless of distance. Mercury in your loss house makes contracts and speaking for others risky—carelessness brings trouble. Though life improves, you may not feel truly satisfied. Don't spend money on old matters or antiquities. Your romantic partner will care well for you.

Luckna (Lucky) Cancer: You may upset important superiors at home or work, even to serious anger. You'll have foreign contacts or communicate with overseas friends. Mercury advances in your gain house—negotiations succeed easily. Business runs smoothly with good profits. Some stress about benefits may remain, but finances flow normally. Family or neighbors may cause trouble, but after May ends, everything improves significantly.

Luckna (Lucky) Leo: Saturn transits your death house, making you impatient with hardship and waiting. Your carefulness and thoroughness will greatly benefit you. You'll gain from new friends, subordinates, work, or important documents. Whatever you want, politely asking elders brings success. Arguments go your way due to your cleverness. If young, you'll prefer socializing at night to quiet solitude, but avoid all vices.

Luckna (Lucky) Virgo: You have internal strength and support...

Wat Si Chum in Muang Kao subdistrict, Sukhothai, is one of the most significant archaeological monuments within the Sukhothai Historical Park. The term 'Si Chum' originates from 'Sahli Chum,' where 'sahli' is an archaic word meaning Bodhi tree, later refined to 'si.' Thus, 'Si Chum' refers to a grove of Bodhi trees. It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng, appearing in the first Sukhothai stone inscription, which states: 'Below the city of Sukhothai there is a market called Pasan, there is Phra Atchana, there is a prang, there are areca palm groves, there are rice paddies and orchards, there are settlements with large and small houses.' Scholars believe the Phra Atchana mentioned is the ancient outdoor Buddha image enshrined at Wat Si Chum itself, notable for the legend that identifies it as a 'speaking Buddha.'

Historical records show that Wat Si Chum underwent major restoration during the reign of King Lithai, during the Ayutthaya period, and continued to receive maintenance before being abandoned in the late Ayutthaya era. It was not until the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) that a comprehensive restoration project was launched under the direction of Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram, Prime Minister of that era, between 1953-1956. This restoration utilized ancient architectural methods, techniques, and materials, including a complete reconstruction of Phra Atchana modeled after Sukhothai bronze sculpture by Professor Peerasri and artisan Khian Yim Siri.

Today, Wat Si Chum retains only one major sanctuary—a square mondop measuring 32 meters per side and 15 meters high, designed in the Sukhothai tradition. Rather than a place of worship, it was constructed to replicate the Kandakuti, the Buddha's dwelling during the Buddhist era. Inside, a monumental Buddha image known as Phra Atchana sits in sublime repose.

The name Phra Atchana derives from the Pali word 'achala,' meaning 'unshakeable' or 'worthy of reverence.' This large stucco Buddha image, reinforced with brick and stone, measures 11.30 meters across the chest and 15 meters in height. It sits in the Maravichai posture with even meditation focus, displaying beautiful Sukhothai art characteristics—a well-proportioned, serene visage graced with a gentle smile and compassion.

Legend claims Phra Atchana was a sacred 'speaking Buddha,' but the truth lies elsewhere. During the Ayutthaya period, when King Naresuan proclaimed independence in 1568 at Khaeng, several cities ceased paying tribute to Burma. However, Chiang Mai refused to comply, so the King led forces to subdue the city. Before the campaign, troops assembled at Wat Si Chum. Since this was Thai fighting Thai, soldiers lacked morale and determination. King Naresuan devised a strategic plan: he had one soldier climb behind the Buddha image and speak words of encouragement to the troops, inspiring them to fight with renewed vigor.

This demonstrates the clever psychological tactics of Thai monarchy in bolstering troop morale before battle. Since then, Phra Atchana of Wat Si Chum has been renowned as a 'speaking Buddha' to the present day. Additionally, King Naresuan performed the Sri Satya Pana Ceremony (water oath ritual) at this temple.

Another significant aspect of Wat Si Chum is the discovery of the second Sukhothai stone inscription, crucial evidence for understanding Sukhothai's history.