Cabinet approves 11 billion baht to fight COVID-19 as Bang Lamung locked down

23 Sept 01:22 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai Cabinet approved an 11 billion baht budget to procure medical equipment, vaccines, and medicines, alongside compensating public health volunteers for three months.
Of the total, 4.3 billion baht is designated for five key projects, including 1.8 billion for COVID-19 vaccines and 1.5 billion for volunteer risk compensation, while 6.9 billion baht is allocated for treating infected individuals.
Thailand's Chon Buri province ordered a lockdown of Bang Lamung district after a significant spike of 108 new COVID-19 cases in a single day.
The lockdown mandates the closure of most shopping malls, entertainment venues, schools, and public gathering places, with convenience stores operating under restricted hours.

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.