PM2.5 to return to Bangkok and suburbs on Thursday

13 Sept 23:36 Key points summarised by AI

PM2.5 dust levels are predicted to increase in Bangkok and its peripherals from Thursday as a weakening cold front reduces air circulation, causing particles to accumulate.
The Pollution Control Department advises the public to reduce outdoor activities, motorists to avoid idling engines, and farmers to stop burning agricultural waste to help mitigate the issue.

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.