A bridge over troubled waters gets a makeover

13 Sept 11:11 Key points summarised by AI

Bangkok's Green Bridge, the city's first skywalk built in 2000, is undergoing a major upgrade to transform from an underused and unsafe structure into a vibrant public hotspot.
The 1.6km bridge, connecting Lumpini and Benjakitti Parks, will be redesigned as a "green super connector" with improved lighting, accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and a section converted into an urban wetland.
The project prioritizes community integration, aiming to clean the underlying canal, enhance ventilation, and preserve the unique communal spaces beneath the bridge for local residents while connecting neighborhoods and people.

The Buddha comes home

20 Oct 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is an annual three-day festival in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where the Shan people celebrate the Buddha's mythical return from Tavatimsa heaven, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Families construct intricate "Chong Para" miniature palaces, decorated with colorful paper and ornaments, as an act of faith and a means of preserving traditional Shan craftsmanship across generations.
The festival transforms the quiet mountain town with vibrant folk music, traditional Shan bird dances, martial arts performances, and lively processions, immersing visitors in local culture.
It offers a unique glimpse into the living Shan traditions of Mae Hong Son, distinct from other northern Thai regions, fostering community bonds and cultural transmission.