Where Are The Rainmakers?

14 Sept 07:49 Key points summarised by AI

Southeast Asian nations, deeply rooted in agriculture, historically developed diverse rainmaking rituals crucial for sustaining livelihoods and rice cultivation.
Specific traditions include Thailand's "Cat Parading Ceremony" (Hae Nang Maew) to invoke rain, Laos's "Rocket Festival" (Bun Bai Fai) as an offering to rain gods, and Indonesia's "Kebo-Keboan" ceremony involving buffalo role-play for good harvests.
These intricate rituals, blending spiritual beliefs with practical needs, reflect a profound relationship with nature and ancestral spirits.
However, these culturally rich practices are gradually vanishing due to the impacts of climate change, encroaching modernity, and the diminishing transmission of ritual knowledge across generations.

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.