Two camp sites in Khao Yai national park closed after camper killed by elephant

14 Sept 07:36 Key points summarised by AI

A tourist was fatally stomped by a wild elephant at Pha Kluaymai camp site in Thailand's Khao Yai National Park, prompting the indefinite closure of two public campsites.
Park officials are investigating the unprecedented incident, suspecting a male elephant known as Chao Due, who may have been in Musth (a period of aggression), was responsible for the attack.

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.