Thailand to allow illegal workers from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to stay and work after they are documented

21 Sept 03:55 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's cabinet approved a special measure allowing illegal migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, along with their dependents, to legally stay and work for up to two years.
This initiative aims to control the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging undocumented workers to register and receive health coverage, preventing them from hiding.
Employers must register their illegal workers by February 13th, while unemployed migrants must report to the Labour Ministry between January 15th and February 13th.
All registered individuals will undergo COVID-19 screening and receive two years of health coverage, with employers able to hire newly documented workers until September 2021.

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.