Cabinet to launch second phase of co-payment stimulus on December 16th

7 Oct 09:09 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's cabinet approved the second phase of its 50:50 co-payment scheme, increasing the stimulus amount from 3,000 baht to 3,500 baht for 15 million Thais, including an extra 500 baht for current recipients.
New registrations for five million additional applicants will commence on December 16th, with the popular scheme, credited for boosting spending and reducing living costs, set to conclude at the end of March.

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.