Old wounds that never really heal

23 Sept 03:19 Key points summarised by AI

Recalls two brutal incidents from 2004: The Krue Se mosque massacre and the Tak Bai protest deaths, where security forces killed and caused the deaths of scores of people, marking significant human rights abuses in Thailand's Deep South.
Highlights Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial response: The then-Prime Minister claimed he was playing golf and unaware of operational details, contrasting sharply with the severe international backlash expected if such events occurred under current governments.
Exposes a political blame game: Current Parliament President Chuan Leekpai's libel suit against Thaksin revives these incidents, with Thaksin now blaming the military (specifically then-army chief Prawit Wongsuwan), and Prawit deflecting responsibility back.
Warns of aggravating unhealed wounds: The article concludes that active political factors are further complicating the Deep South's persistent violence, risking the re-opening of past human rights abuses without proper accountability, regardless of who is in power.

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.