Key protest leader Mike Rayong held in police custody

14 Sept 19:39 Key points summarised by AI

Prominent protest leader Panupong Jardnok, known as Mike Rayong, was arrested by plainclothes police near Ramkhamhaeng University.
Rayong, a key anti-establishment figure, was apprehended after addressing protesters and as his group dispersed, having previously eluded police.
His detention follows the earlier arrests of three other significant protest leaders, including Anont Nampa and Parit Chivarak, who are currently on remand.
The National Police Chief recently designated an additional military barracks in Chon Buri as a detention center for arrested protesters.

The Buddha Comes Home

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.