Coral bleaching threatens reefs at Mu Ko Surin National Park

10 Sept 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Mu Ko Surin National Park faces severe coral bleaching, with approximately 50% of corals affected at Suthep Bay due to unusually warm seawater averaging 31°C.
The Department of National Parks is monitoring the situation, hoping the park's closure until October 15 will allow corals to recover, but warns of potential restrictions on marine activities and visitor numbers if bleaching worsens.
Officials are actively surveying reefs and utilizing monitoring devices and NOAA data to track sea temperatures and bleaching progression.
The park previously experienced a major bleaching event in 2010, which required 13 years for the reefs to recover, highlighting the long-term threat to the ecosystem.

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.