Rare clouded leopard snapped by camera trap for first time in 20 years

13 Sept 11:08 Key points summarised by AI

Camera traps installed in Thailand's Phnom Dongrak mountain range captured the first images of a rare clouded leopard in two decades.
Set up between November 1st and 24th, the traps also documented other diverse wildlife, including hog deer and Asiatic wild dogs.
This significant sighting highlights the success of local conservation efforts to reintroduce and protect wildlife in areas like the Thung Kabarn Kabai savannah.

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.