Outspoken academic blames “COVID mafia” for second wave of COVID-19

13 Sept 10:53 Key points summarised by AI

Former Thammasat University lecturer Kaewsan Atipothi asserts Thailand's second COVID-19 wave is orchestrated by a “COVID mafia,” distinct from the first wave's globalization origins.
He defines this “COVID mafia” as corrupt officials collaborating with local influential figures involved in illegal gambling and human trafficking, specifically smuggling migrant workers from Myanmar.
Kaewsan identifies illegal Myanmar worker communities in Samut Sakhon, border casinos, and eastern region gambling dens as key COVID-19 hotspots, all allegedly controlled by this powerful “mafia network.”
He claims this network enabled the virus to spread rapidly and extensively, bypassing official containment efforts focused on international airports.
The academic concludes that deep-seated corruption, where influential figures allegedly control entire police forces, underpins these illegal operations and is the fundamental cause of the crisis.

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.