On Tuesday, April 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Religious Affairs held a merit-making ceremony dedicated to the late kings and almsgiving to Buddhist monks in commemoration of the '244th Anniversary Under Royal Patronage: Rattanakosin' event. The ceremony was presided over by Somdet Phra Mahatherajarya (Pasridit Khemangkoro), the Supreme Patriarch of the Northern Region, and the Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm. Deputy Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaisesetrth delegated Deputy Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngern to chair the proceedings, joined by Director-General Chaiyapol Sukiam and representatives from various government agencies at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.

At 9:30 AM, the City Pillar Shrine veneration ceremony took place. Prasop presented garland offerings to the Buddha image, made alms offerings at the Birthday Buddha Chapel, offered incense and candles, draped cloth around the replica City Pillar, and presented garlands at all five spirit shrines: Phra Seua Mueang, Phra Thong Mueang, Phra Kala Chai Si, Chao Chetakup, and Chao Hok Long.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with government agencies, private sector, and religious, arts, and cultural networks, organized the '244th Anniversary Under Royal Patronage: Rattanakosin' event from April 22-26, 2025 at Chulalongkorn University's Centennial Park, the National Museum of Bangkok, and Wat Prayurwongsa to celebrate the 244th anniversary of Rattanakosin's founding and to honor the gracious virtues and revere the legacy of King Rama I, the first of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Bangkok as the capital on April 21, 1782. The late kings of the Chakri Dynasty embodied the ten royal virtues and undertook various royal projects to strengthen the nation through wisdom and vision, while nurturing Buddhism, arts, and culture to flourish until the present day.

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm, originally called Wat Podharam, was established during the Ayutthaya period. In 1868, when King Taksin founded Thonburi as the capital, with the Chao Phraya River dividing the two districts, the temple was renovated and elevated to the status of a royal monastery. King Rama I subsequently commissioned a complete reconstruction of Wat Podharam, building the ubosot, porticos, viharas, and other necessary structures, as well as permanent installations. He had Buddha images from various cities enshrined in the ubosot, viharas, and porticos, and granted the temple its new name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm.

During the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851), the temple underwent extensive restoration and renovation, with damaged structures either rebuilt or expanded. New kutis were constructed as multi-story buildings, and eight categories of texts were inscribed on marble plaques displayed around the cloisters to disseminate knowledge to the public.

A 30-year-old office worker managed to lose 5 kilograms in just 3 months, dropping from 76kg to 71kg, while also recovering from fatty liver disease—all without exercising at all. Chinese media reported on this remarkable case.

Busy professionals typically opt for quick, simple breakfasts like bread due to convenience and time constraints. However, such habits may not be suitable for those seeking to manage their weight, blood sugar levels, or treat fatty liver disease.

Dr. Chian Zheng-hong, a hepatologist and gastroenterologist from Chang Gung Hospital in Taiwan, revealed that this patient, who had been monitored for early-stage fatty liver disease, showed significant improvement after three months. Her liver fat had completely disappeared and her weight had noticeably decreased.

Remarkably, the patient achieved these results without any exercise whatsoever. The critical change stemmed from adjusting her breakfast habits.

The doctor explained that the patient previously consumed bread for breakfast but switched to more nutritious options: boiled eggs, black coffee, sweet potatoes, and bananas.

Although she didn't eat all of these items every day, the patient followed two key principles: consuming cooled sweet potatoes and choosing properly ripened bananas without black spots on the skin.

Dr. Chian emphasized the importance of "resistant starch," which is abundant in cooled sweet potatoes. This type of starch is difficult to digest and absorb, helping to control weight and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Regarding bananas, he recommended choosing properly ripened ones, as they contain lower sugar content compared to over-ripe bananas with black spots. Although the latter taste sweeter, they are unsuitable for those aiming to lose weight.

The doctor also noted that a healthy breakfast doesn't need to be complicated. Boiled eggs, sweet potatoes, and bananas can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add a cup of black coffee and breakfast is ready.

This case demonstrates that adjusting breakfast habits can significantly impact both weight and fatty liver disease. However, these are individual results that may vary from person to person.

Those with fatty liver disease or metabolic issues should continuously adjust their eating habits while regularly monitoring their health to ensure proper long-term care and management.

Luang Pu Fhan Ajaaro of Wat Pah Udom Somphorn in Phanna Nikhom District, Sakon Nakhon Province, was a highly respected meditation master known for his profound compassion. Born on August 20, 1885, originally named Fhan Suwanrongsa, he first studied at Wat Bodhi Chai under teachers Khru Hun Chaiyachom and Phra Ajarn Ton Wutthisarn. After completing his education, he initially pursued government service under his brother-in-law Nai Khian Uppong, serving as a district official in Khon Kaen. However, witnessing scenes of crime suppression, violence, and executions profoundly affected him, awakening him to the impermanence of worldly life. He subsequently renounced government service and ordained at Wat Phon Thong, then received full monastic ordination at Wat Siddhi Bangkham in Phanna Nikhom District under Phra Khru Pong as his preceptor. After serving his preceptor, he trained in meditation practices under Phra Khru Sakol Samonkit. In late 1903, he encountered Phra Ajarn Man Phurithatto, a wandering teacher, and became his devoted student, later practicing forest meditation independently. He also studied under other respected masters including Luang Pu Dun Atulo of Wat Burparam in Surin Province, Phra Ajarn Sao Kantasilo, and Phra Ajarn Sing Khanthayamo. Under Phra Ajarn Man's guidance, he devoted himself to solitary practice in the forests, seeking simplicity and seclusion. During one forest retreat in Nong Saeng, he contracted severe influenza but healed himself through dharma practice. He later changed his monastic rank and received higher ordination at Wat Bodhi Samphon in Udon Thani's municipal area, with Phra Dhammajedee as his preceptor. Between 1954 and 1962, he regularly spent the rainy season retreat at Tham Kham cave, which he greatly favored for supporting his celibate practice. He was deeply beloved by senior monks and teachers for his humility, pure conduct, strict adherence to monastic discipline, and keen wisdom. During his travels, he also contributed to building temples and creating merit in various communities. He maintained the strict practices of a forest meditation monk, living simply and humbly. Luang Pu Fhan passed away peacefully on January 4, 1977, at the age of 78, having been a monk for 58 years. His sacred amulets became highly popular, created by approximately 2-3 major groups of disciples including an air force contingent, Sakon Nakhon disciples led by Manit Limlertsaeng Wanich, and other student groups such as those from Ubon and Chanthaburi. The second edition coins were created in B.E. 2507, cast in solid water casting, the most popular version.

Two years after marrying his girlfriend Mardy Madeena Leachorajib, a non-celebrity, young actor Feefo Premanon Sripanich has largely disappeared from public view, leading many to believe he has left the entertainment industry. Recently, the young actor has re-emerged to greet fans and update them on his current life.

What's your life like these days? Feefo – "After getting married, I committed to work. When my wife became pregnant, I committed to work even more. Now I spend most of my time working in the online world, so you won't see my face on TV much. As for entertainment work, I still enjoy it, but as a Muslim, there are limitations on the roles I can accept. For example, I cannot perform traditional Thai wai greetings to anything other than God. Additionally, interactions with women in intimate scenes are forbidden in Islam, so I've stepped back from that. It also gives my wife peace of mind. Actually, I was quite religious even before marriage. I was born into a Muslim family, and while I lived a typical teenage life at first, as I studied more, my faith grew stronger. I want to follow religious principles more strictly. With all these limitations, we don't know what the future holds in the entertainment industry, but I believe everything happens according to God's will."

What's your latest work that fans have seen? Feefo – "My latest drama ended last year, Muang Kaew, where I worked with Khem (Hasweer) and Pink Ploy (Papawadee). Actually, we shot it almost 2 years before it aired, so there was a long gap. Regarding future entertainment work, I've planned that if I find something that aligns with my limitations and I like it and want to do it, I'll reach out to casting directly. I still love acting, but only in roles that I'm passionate about and can do wholeheartedly with peace of mind."

You're not turning your back on the industry? Feefo – "No, I'm not turning my back on the industry. Right now, I'm focusing on business. If a good opportunity comes up in entertainment, I could join various projects. But currently, what I'm doing is online retail, social media business, and food stall operations. I'm also helping with the seafood import-export company that my wife owns, managing the social media aspect."

When the marriage news broke, many were shocked. What made you decide to start a family at such a young age? Feefo – "At that time, I was 25 or 26, and it was shocking for me too. But with the intention of doing things correctly according to Islamic principles, we got married."

What kind of husband are you – brave, considerate, or indulgent? Feefo – "I stand on principles of justice. (laughs) I hold firm to what's right, but I'm flexible where I can be. We're really a couple that listens to each other, respects one another."

How has your life changed? Feefo – "My role has changed a lot. Responsibility has increased. I've started thinking about how much I've built for myself. Now I have a family and someone to take care of. Being married has made me more mature, made me think about the future more. And now that we're going to have a child, I need to be even more mindful."

When did you find out you were going to be a father? Feefo – "I was shocked. We waited for 2 years and thought maybe God wasn't giving us a child, but suddenly it happened. I was very surprised and happy. Fatherhood came automatically. I started thinking about expenses, and I need to be more active myself. But it's not a burden – it's pleasant, exciting, and I'm happy to do it. I want to take responsibility for things with all my strength. My wife is currently 4 months pregnant, and we already know it's a boy. Really, we would have been happy with either gender. But my wife needs extra special care. I can see the sacrifice and suffering she's going through carrying the heavy pregnancy until the baby is born. She also suffers from morning sickness. Whatever I can help with, I do."

Gradually building a complete family.

On May 3, 2025, Tapanee Kiatyipbool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that domestic travel during the Labor Day and Coronation Day holiday period (May 1-4, 2025) is expected to slow due to pressure from rising energy and living costs. This has prompted Thai travelers to be more budget-conscious and adjust their travel behavior, especially following recent Songkran festival spending. The TAT forecasts 2.83 million domestic visits generating approximately 10.05 billion baht in revenue, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 64 percent, of which 39 percent is from Thai tourists.

The top five regions by visitor numbers are Central Region (843,700 visits), Eastern Region (619,500 visits), Northeast Region (558,300 visits), Northern Region (306,400 visits), and Southern Region (279,600 visits). By revenue, the Eastern Region leads with 2.71 billion baht, followed by Central Region (1.93 billion baht), Southern Region (1.69 billion baht), Bangkok (1.35 billion baht), and Northeast Region (1.25 billion baht).

The most popular destinations are Kanchanaburi, Chachoengsao, Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sa Kaeo. Popular secondary destinations include Suphan Buri, Udon Thani, Chanthaburi, Ratchaburi, and Chiang Rai. Tapanee noted that travelers are predominantly choosing short-distance trips to take families on holiday before the school year begins, preferring convenient destinations with minimal travel time and costs.

According to the Thai Tourism Industry Council's Q1/2025 travel survey, 16-28 percent of Thais plan to travel during this holiday period. Most choose to travel within their own province or nearby provinces rather than across regions, with 12-20 percent planning same-day trips within their province or neighboring areas, 2-6 percent planning overnight trips to nearby provinces, and only 2 percent planning inter-regional travel.

Tapanee identified two main factors influencing domestic travel during this holiday: the extended consecutive days off encouraging travel, particularly for families taking children during school breaks, and various tourism promotion activities organized by TAT and partners, including government and private sector initiatives such as food festivals along the Amphawa Canal at Nang Wang Temple in Samut Songkhram (May 1-3).

A BMW driven by a 22-year-old university student rear-ended a motorcycle rider on Bangkhen-Chiang Rak Road in Pathum Thani Province at approximately 1:00 AM on April 30, resulting in the rider's death. As of May 3, 2025, the deceased's funeral was held at Wat Suan Kluay in Saraburi Province's Nong Khae District.

Nang Phawei, the widow, revealed that throughout the three-day funeral period, the driver failed to attend at all. Only his parents came, attending two nights of the funeral—the first night to present a wreath and pay respects, and the second to listen to the Buddhist funeral chanting before departing.

Phawei expressed her distress, saying the driver clearly lacks conscience and has shown no responsibility for what happened. He claimed he was unable to travel, which she found unconvincing, and he never offered a sincere apology. She suggested that without parental intervention, the driver might not apologize at all.

"My husband was the pillar of our family," Phawei stated. "Money cannot replace a life. He should show more humanity than this. Even on this final day, he couldn't bring himself to show up. He should take responsibility far more seriously than he has."

Phawei added that her family must now care for their two children alone, and regarding the legal case, she will pursue it to the fullest extent of the law and will absolutely not accept any settlement.