Samut Sakhon governor has COVID-19, public health minister and officials quarantined for 14 days

1 Oct 12:52 Key points summarised by AI

Samut Sakhon Provincial Governor Weerasak Wijitsaengsri tested positive for COVID-19, prompting immediate health protocols.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and senior officials, who recently met the governor, were placed under a 14-day quarantine.
Individuals within 5 meters of the governor for over 15 minutes without masks were classified as high-risk and advised to undergo immediate screening.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed concern and instructed Samut Sakhon officials to intensify efforts to contain the virus spread.

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.