Citizens' groups want APEC leaders to prioritize people's problems

14 Sept 03:25 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups urge APEC leaders to prioritize societal issues over business interests, planning parallel meetings during the November summit in Bangkok to discuss people's problems.
Critics argue that APEC's agenda, including Thailand's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model, primarily benefits big corporations and neglects the negative impacts on vulnerable communities and workers.
Unlike ASEAN and G20, APEC lacks formal channels for civil society engagement, forcing groups to organize informal forums and consider demonstrations to address concerns like human rights, land rights, and the impact of technology.

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.