Prominent Thai protest leaders Parit and Ms. Panasaya released on bail

14 Sept 04:32 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Appeals Court granted bail to prominent protest leaders Parit "Penguin" Chivarak and Ms. Panasaya Sitthijirawattanakul, along with 19 other protesters.
The bail, set at 20,000 baht each, includes conditions to avoid unrest or law-breaking and requires bi-weekly reporting, though human rights lawyer Anont Nampa remains detained.

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.