Three groups of people excluded from 7,000 baht from new Rao Chana scheme

14 Sept 20:00 Key points summarised by AI

The Rao Chana (We Win) subsidy program offers 7,000 baht (3,500 baht/month for two months) to help citizens during the second wave of COVID-19.
Three groups are excluded from the scheme: most social security members, government officials/state enterprise employees, and individuals with higher incomes (yet to be defined). State welfare cardholders are automatically eligible, and eligibility for 50:50 co-payment scheme beneficiaries is under review based on income.

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.