Bubble badminton: tour returns behind closed doors in Bangkok

13 Sept 10:54 Key points summarised by AI

The world badminton tour restarts in Bangkok with the Thailand Open, held under strict 'bubble' conditions and behind closed doors after a long break.
Players endured hotel quarantine and creative training, but the tournament is weakened by the withdrawals of top players from China and Japan due to travel restrictions and positive COVID-19 tests.
Despite absences, top players like Tai Tzu-ying and Carolina Marin are ready to compete, with organizers implementing stringent hygiene protocols to ensure player safety.

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.