House Speaker warns Thai parliamentarians not to touch on the Monarchy during special joint session

23 Sept 01:52 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Parliament President, Chuan Leekpai, opened a special session by warning MPs and senators against offending the Monarchy or using vulgar language.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha acknowledged the need for change but emphasized protecting rights and maintaining peace, defending police restraint during ongoing anti-government protests.
Opposition leader Sompong Amornvivat criticized the government's proposed motions as unconstructive and urged acceptance of protester demands, including constitutional amendment, release of detained protesters, and the Prime Minister's resignation.

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.