Five Thai freighter crewmen missing in the sea off Taiwan

13 Sept 11:01 Key points summarised by AI

A Tuvalu-registered cargo ship, Seatran Ferry 12, capsized off Gao Song, Taiwan, after its engine malfunctioned amidst rough seas.
Five crew members were rescued, with two sustaining injuries, but five Thai crewmen remain missing after the freighter sank despite initial towing attempts.

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.