Thai PM assures no national lockdown despite a surge in COVID-19 cases

13 Sept 13:25 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha confirms no national lockdown, empowering provincial governors to implement local COVID-19 containment measures.
The PM urges citizens to report illegal gambling dens, citing their link to the surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Rayong province.
Health officials advise individuals who visited five specific districts in Rayong since December 1st to seek COVID-19 testing if they develop symptoms.
COVID-19 infections linked to Rayong have spread to several other provinces, while Bangkok's entertainment venue clusters also show an increase.

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.