12 leaders of Khana Ratsadon group to face lèse majesté charges

23 Sept 04:13 Key points summarised by AI

Thai police have issued summonses for 12 core members of the Khana Ratsadon group, including prominent figures like Parit Chivarak and Panasaya Sitthijirawattanakul, to acknowledge lèse majesté (Section 112) and other charges.
These charges stem from their leading roles in protests demanding sweeping reforms of the Thai Monarchy, with the police's decision coming ahead of a mass protest organized by the group.
Courts rejected initial requests for arrest warrants, recommending summonses instead, which leaders confirmed receiving, with Parit Chivarak expressing no concern and announcing a protest venue change.
Authorities have significantly heightened security, closing the new protest venue at the Siam Commercial Bank head office and deploying thousands of police with barriers and CCTV cameras in anticipation of the demonstration.

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.