Motor vehicle factories in Myanmar under threat of closure

13 Sept 04:19 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's motor vehicle factories face imminent closure due to severe restrictions on foreign currency exchange and the import of Semi Knocked Down (SKD) parts imposed by the current regime.
Major brands like Suzuki, holding 60% of the local market, have ceased production, with daily output dropping from 48 vehicles to zero in recent months, impacting over 300 workers.
The crisis, stemming from the 2021 coup, has halted a once-promising car assembly sector that attracted foreign investors since 2015.
Dealerships are closing, diversifying into used car sales, and issuing refunds, leading to a near-doubling of prices for popular used car models in the market.

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.