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.

The Department of Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Culture has announced a major Buddhist promotion campaign for the 2569 Buddhist Era Visakha Bucha festival under the theme "Light One Million Candles, Chant One Million Verses, Offer Buddhist Worship on World Visakha Bucha Day." Lighting candles symbolizes wisdom that dispels darkness from the mind, bringing prosperity and spiritual blessings to life. Chanting Buddhist prayers cultivates a calm, mindful mind and builds mental strength—the foundation for living conscientiously.

Department Director Chaiyapol Sukiam explained that this event provides Buddhists and people from all sectors an opportunity to perform merit-making and preserve cultural traditions while applying Buddhist teachings to daily life. The celebration commemorates three significant days: the Buddha's birth, which reflects the greatness of humanity; his enlightenment, when he discovered the Four Noble Truths as the path to end suffering; and his parinirvana, which demonstrates impermanence and non-self—truths that even the Buddha embodied.

The central celebration runs May 29-31, 2569 at Wat Benjakitti Dusit Wanarama in Bangkok's Dusit district, open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Activities include veneration of sacred objects, water-pouring ceremonies on the Bodhi tree, lotus folding demonstrations, community food tastings, evening chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, and a spectacular illuminated garden display.

On May 31, Visakha Bucha Day, major ceremonies begin in the morning with almsgiving to monks, cloth and pole offerings to the Bodhi tree, candle lighting, and chanting. The evening will feature candlelight processions and robes offerings for blessings, with the venue illuminated by faith throughout the night.

Regional activities will be coordinated with provincial cultural offices nationwide, incorporating local contexts through Dharma chanting, merit-making, meditation, sermons, stupa cloth offerings, and candlelight ceremonies as part of the nationwide "One Million Candles, One Million Chants" initiative.

On May 16, 2025, authorities responded to a case involving a 2-year-old child who was physically abused by their stepfather within Kathu Municipality's jurisdiction in Phuket Province. Sunisa Sutthichinndavongse, head of the Social Welfare Division at Kathu Municipality, immediately coordinated efforts with local security and safety officials, along with the Phuket Provincial Child and Family Shelter, to conduct field investigations, provide assistance, and conduct preliminary assessments. A team led by community development officer Prapa Chuenklin, along with social welfare staff and security personnel, visited the scene and gathered information from all relevant parties. The child's family has filed an official complaint at Kathu Police Station to proceed with legal action, and relevant agencies are closely monitoring the assistance process to ensure proper protection and justice for the child. Nantap Rodsuthit, director of the Phuket Provincial Child and Family Shelter, arranged for the child to receive comprehensive medical and psychological examinations at a hospital to assess their physical and mental condition. This coordinated response demonstrates multi-sector cooperation in protecting children affected by domestic violence and ensuring their safety, care, and appropriate rights protection—physically, psychologically, and in terms of quality of life. Kathu Municipality's Social Welfare Division and related agencies will continue monitoring the situation and providing ongoing support.

The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, May 15th local time. At least 246 suspected cases have been reported with 65 deaths, occurring roughly five months after the previous outbreak in Congo ended with 43 deaths.

Ebola virus spreads easily through bodily fluids including blood, vomit, and semen. While rare, the disease is severe and often fatal, with four laboratory-confirmed deaths and additional suspected cases in the city of Bunia awaiting confirmation.

Preliminary laboratory testing detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples, indicating this is not the Zaire strain commonly found in previous Congo outbreaks. Officials are conducting genetic sequencing to further characterize this strain.

The World Health Organization noted last year that Congo had approximately 2,000 doses of Ervebo vaccine available, though this vaccine is only effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola.

Ebola is classified in the same disease group as dengue fever and is a severe infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. While not yet detected in Thailand, infection can be life-threatening. The disease is primarily found in Africa, with an incubation period of 2-21 days. Initial symptoms include high fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. Secondary symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, and abnormal liver and kidney function. In severe cases, patients experience internal and external bleeding, with high mortality rates due to liver and kidney failure and damage to internal organs.

TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Thailand's leading manufacturer of paints, construction chemicals, and building materials, reported first quarter 2025 results showing continued growth amid Thailand's economic slowdown. Total revenue reached 5.681 billion baht, up 4% year-over-year, with net profit of 953 million baht, growing 30%.

Jatuphat Tangkaraveekun, TOA's Chief Executive Officer, attributed the growth to strong performance across core product lines—architectural paints and construction chemicals—in both the Thai market and international territories. Sales continued to expand particularly in Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, reflecting the success of the company's product portfolio strategy tailored to meet local consumer preferences in each market. The company aims to establish itself as a Total Solution for Living leader in building materials across all markets while driving sustainable growth both domestically and regionally.

To counter slowdown in the new housing market, TOA adjusted its strategy by diversifying its product mix and expanding its repair and renovation product segment, which continues to show strong demand. Construction chemicals, building materials, mortar, gypsum boards, tiles, sanitaryware, and smart bathroom innovations now play crucial roles in revenue generation and business stability.

In March 2025, the company accelerated risk management measures to address petro-chemical supply chain volatility stemming from Middle East developments. Strategies included sourcing raw materials from alternative suppliers and introducing pre-tested alternative materials to mitigate tight supply impacts. The company also adjusted production and sales planning while implementing appropriate pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness and offset rising costs.

Despite expectations of increased energy and raw material cost volatility from the second quarter onward, Jatuphat expressed confidence that efficient cost management and comprehensive risk management practices would enable the company to maintain business strength and sustain continued growth.

Lucky lottery number compilation for May 16, 2026 drawing. This month features several auspicious occasions including Coronation Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and other significant dates that lottery players traditionally consider for their picks. Popular numbers circulating among enthusiasts include 04, 13, 05 for Visakha Bucha Day, and 31 for May 31. The article also includes numbers derived from various cultural events: numbers associated with revered monk Luang Phu Bua Kaetu (6 May, 09:29, age 91-92, 72 Buddhist years), Thaksin Shinawatra's conditional release on May 11 (vehicle plate 4444, release time 07:40, 243 days detention), a sacred boat's maiden voyage to receive Luang Phu Rassee's relics at Wat Tha Sung (boat registered as 7363, established 2500 BE, brought the monk on March 11, 2511), a woman giving birth in a parked car in Chonburi on May 5 (vehicle plate 3824, baby girl healthy), temple crematorium opening ceremony at Wat Chaianavas in Suphan Buri (Khun Kluay's age 109, coffin numbers 492 and 83), two large snakes intertwining (numbers 92, 29, house number 297), a vehicle entering water (plate 1468, house number 127/23), numbers from the Sacred Water Basin at Rishi Hermitage (356, 124), numbers from a toffee promotion (17, 71, 72, 27, 117, 350), Chinese calendar numbers (735, 715, 15, 37, 35), helicopter crash in Samut Prakan (13, 65, 27), and celebrity Nai Det buying a new car for his mother Khae (5088). The article notes that number 7 has appeared in consecutive draws, making it a hot pick for this round.