Industrial Works Department tightens control of factory emissions

26 Sept 08:03 Key points summarised by AI

The Industrial Works Department is intensifying control over emissions from more than 5,400 factories in Bangkok and its peripherals, deploying air quality measurement vehicles to industrial areas.
Factories are being directed to limit activities that discharge dust and to install devices for measuring air quality within and around their premises.
Industry leaders, including the Industrial Estate of Thailand and the Federation of Thai Industries, state that factories are not the main source of PM2.5, with only 5% identified as contributors in a recent survey, and are actively promoting the upgrade of factories to environment-friendly 'green' facilities.
While air quality in Bangkok has generally improved, 12 areas still report excessive PM2.5 levels, indicating a continued need for regulatory oversight.

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.