Ex-deputy commerce minister sentenced to death for kidnap and murder

11 Sept 05:45 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Appeals Court sentenced former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn to execution for the kidnap and murder of Veerachai Sakuntaprasert.
Veerachai was the brother of a senior judge presiding over a multi-million baht share theft case against Banyin, with the abduction intended to pressure the judge for an acquittal.
The Appeals Court overruled a previous life sentence, citing the deliberate and severe nature of the crime, its threat to the justice system, and Banyin's former public office.
Banyin was also implicated in the suspicious death of billionaire contractor Chuwong sae Tang, from whom the shares were allegedly stolen, after a 2015 car crash.

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.