COVID-19 alert in Rayong province as gambling cluster infections increase to 85

21 Sept 03:19 Key points summarised by AI

Rayong province confirms 85 COVID-19 infections, with 48 new cases stemming from a gambling cluster, prompting an alert.
Authorities are implementing proactive measures, including temporary closure of risk areas, considering a field hospital, and establishing a testing station to screen 400 people daily, while the province avoids a full lockdown.

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.