Temples, tanks, and landmines: Thailand and Cambodia's deadliest border year

10 Sept 12:00 Key points summarised by AI

2025 marked the deadliest year for Thailand-Cambodia border disputes since the 15th century, with renewed armed clashes erupting in July and December across all seven border provinces.
The conflict is rooted in a centuries-old dispute, notably the 1962 and 2013 ICJ rulings favoring Cambodia's ownership of the Preah Vihear temple and surrounding land.
Hostilities escalated significantly, involving heavy weapons, tanks, and drones, leading to numerous civilian and military casualties, widespread evacuations, and accusations of indiscriminate attacks.
Multiple ceasefire attempts, including Malaysia-brokered deals and agreements at ASEAN summits, quickly collapsed, further complicated by political scandals and rising nationalism in both nations.

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.