Push to free chained elephants at Hanoi zoo

23 Sept 03:16 Key points summarised by AI

Outrage has erupted over two elderly elephants, Thai and Banang, kept in iron chains at the Hanoi zoo, prompting animal rights groups and nearly 70,000 petition signatories to demand their relocation to a national park.
Zoo staff justify the chaining due to the elephants' 'fierce' nature, a broken electric fence, and to prevent fighting, while assuring they are well-cared for.
Animal rights groups argue the prolonged chaining deteriorates the elephants' health and prevents natural behaviors, advocating for their return to the Yok Don National Park.
The zoo director deems the relocation 'illogical,' stating the 60-70 year old elephants, after over a decade in captivity, would perish in the wild due to a lack of survival skills, a claim contested by animal welfare experts.

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.