Chiang Mai residents and tourists brave choking air pollution to celebrate Songkran

15 Sept 15:58 Key points summarised by AI

Chiang Mai residents and tourists celebrated the Songkran festival with water fights and traditional rituals, despite severe PM2.5 air pollution.
Air pollution levels in 34 northern and north-eastern provinces, including major tourist destinations like Chiang Mai, significantly exceeded Thailand's safety level, with measurements ranging from 60 to 284 microns in the north.
Separately, forest fires in Nakhon Nayok province reignited and are spreading towards Khao Yai National Park, prompting extensive firefighting efforts, including helicopter water drops, to prevent further spread.

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.