Covid-19 lockdowns drive surge in online child sexual exploitation and abuse

24 Sept 08:02 Key points summarised by AI

COVID-19 lockdowns dramatically increased children's online vulnerability, leading to a surge in sexual exploitation and abuse, with cases in Thailand reaching 400,000 victims aged 12-17 last year.
Reporting remains critically low (1-3% to police) due to significant stigma, victim self-blame, fear of not being believed, and a lack of child-friendly reporting processes and awareness.
Predators utilize "grooming" tactics, often known to the victims, leveraging social media platforms to lure children with promises or blackmail for sexual content or in-person interactions.
Effective prevention requires parents to teach digital literacy and set online boundaries, while a broader societal response demands improved reporting mechanisms, public education, and a centralized government body to lead efforts.

The Buddha Comes Home

Today 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.