Fed on eggs and beer, Vietnam's oxen race in muddy festival

15 Sept 04:03 Key points summarised by AI

Vietnam's Bay Nui Ox Race is an annual, culturally significant event for the Khmer minority in the Mekong Delta, celebrating ancestors and traditional farming gratitude.
Prized oxen undergo rigorous training for months or years, with their diet supplemented by eggs, beer, and coconut water in the lead-up to the competition.
Tens of thousands cheer as pairs of oxen, guided by skilled drivers, navigate muddy tracks, vying for prizes like a Honda motorbike, though participation is often driven by tradition and enjoyment.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race returned, with some animals showing rustiness, yet still drawing a vast and enthusiastic crowd.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.