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.

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.