How Chadchart’s team is lifting lid on Bangkok’s murky multibillion-baht budget

21 Sept 07:12 Key points summarised by AI

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inherits a 79-billion-baht budget for fiscal year 2023, largely pre-approved by his predecessor, which significantly limits immediate changes.
A substantial portion of the budget is locked into fixed expenditures, such as wages and long-term existing projects, leaving only a small fraction for new initiatives.
Chadchart's team plans to reallocate funds during the second and third readings of the budget by scrutinizing existing projects and aims to implement zero-based budgeting (ZBB) for future efficiency.
The new administration is increasing transparency by live-broadcasting budget deliberations for the first time and releasing the draft budget plan online for public scrutiny.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.