Protesters step up attack on monarchy at SCB rally

13 Sept 13:45 Key points summarised by AI

Thousands of protesters converged on Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) to demand reforms to the monarchy and transparency in managing royal assets.
The rally location was strategically shifted to SCB, where the Crown Property Bureau is the largest shareholder, to press demands while avoiding clashes with royalist counter-protesters.
Protest leaders specifically targeted the 2018 Royal Assets Structuring Act, which consolidated the King's personal and crown assets, calling for its amendment.
The protest also highlighted the government's use of lese majeste charges against activists, with multiple leaders facing summonses under Article 112.

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.