Hungry spirits and turtle cake

21 Sept 02:59 Key points summarised by AI

Phuket's Por Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival) is a distinctive celebration by Chinese descendants, commencing on the first day of the seventh lunar month.
Families conduct home rituals, offering traditional foods and incense to appease ancestral and restless spirits, ensuring their peace and family harmony.
The festival features public ceremonies, traditional performances, and cultural immersion at shrines like Por Tor Gong, honoring the guardian of the underworld.
Central to the offerings is the "Ang Ku" red turtle cake, a symbol of luck, longevity, and wisdom, enjoyed by both participants and visitors.
This inclusive event, comparable to other global observances for the deceased, offers a unique cultural experience for locals and travelers alike.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Today 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.