Entire crew of a Thai aircraft carrier to be tested for COVID-19

18 Sept 02:16 Key points summarised by AI

Approximately 500 personnel on the Chakrinarubet aircraft carrier face COVID-19 testing and quarantine after two crew members tested positive and ten close contacts were isolated.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul proposed that illegal gamblers and Thais returning illegally from abroad, if infected, should bear their own medical costs, citing significant taxpayer expense for treatment.

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.