Is Thailand's booster program losing race against fast-mutating COVID?

14 Sept 03:27 Key points summarised by AI

COVID-19's rapid mutation outpaces vaccine development, with new variants like Omicron BA.4/5 evading existing protections and maintaining high global infection rates.
While the UK approved a next-gen booster targeting Omicron BA.1, it doesn't specifically address the currently dominant BA.4/5 subvariants, highlighting the challenge of keeping up with viral evolution.
Thailand is actively funding domestic vaccine research, including prototypes for BA.4/5, and monitoring global developments to enhance its booster program.
Thai health officials strongly advocate for regular booster shots (every 3-4 months) using currently available vaccines, emphasizing their proven efficacy in significantly reducing severe illness and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations.

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.