Thai solo travel icon ‘Auntie Backpacker’ dies at 73

10 Sept 21:34 Key points summarised by AI

Kanchana Puntutaecha, widely known as “Auntie Backpacker,” a revered Thai travel influencer and solo travel icon, passed away peacefully at the age of 73.
She inspired generations with her cheerful personality and adventurous spirit, sharing captivating stories of her solo backpacking trips across Thailand and internationally.
After retiring from the Public Health Ministry, Kanchana embarked on her solo travel journey in 2014, funding her adventures with personal savings and demonstrating that age is no barrier to exploring the world.
Her philosophy emphasized living a happy, independent life through travel, establishing her as a significant role model for older individuals seeking new chapters of adventure post-retirement.

Holy basil registration will not restrict native varieties - CPRAM

Yesterday 12:16 Key points summarised by AI

CPRAM registered four *newly developed* holy basil strains (Kaew Churee 01-04) for use in its ready-made food division, not to commercialize seeds or restrict existing varieties.
The company assures that registration *does not impact* the cultivation, sale, or use of over 300 native holy basil strains by farmers and vendors.
These registered strains are a result of joint research with Kasetsart University, developed for improved quality and yield, and are *distinct from* the native varieties widely grown in Thailand.
CPRAM emphasizes that developing new plant varieties aims to enhance agricultural competitiveness and *will not lead to the extinction* of native basil or force farmers to adopt new strains.