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.

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.