5 districts in Pattani declared public disaster zones as flood water rises

21 Sept 02:58 Key points summarised by AI

Five districts in Thailand's southern Pattani province have been declared disaster zones due to the overflowing Pattani River, causing widespread inundation and impassable roads.
Officials are on standby to assist victims, while irrigation authorities in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces are deploying pumps and opening flood gates to drain water, expecting the situation to ease within a week.

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.