New COVID-19 outbreak to cost ฿45-60bn in economic damage if not contained in a month

23 Sept 06:36 Key points summarised by AI

A new COVID-19 outbreak threatens Thailand with ฿45-60 billion in economic losses if not contained within a month.
The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) estimates daily economic damage at ฿2 billion, with Samut Sakhon, the outbreak's epicenter, facing ฿10 billion monthly losses, largely from its seafood industry.
Kasikorn Research Centre projects a ฿45 billion impact, itemizing losses from the seafood sector (฿13bn), cancelled New Year festivities (฿15bn), and reduced travel (฿17bn).
Experts express cautious optimism for rapid containment, anticipating control within 14 days if infections outside Samut Sakhon remain low and noting the current absence of widespread cluster infections.

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.