Songkhla - The City That Kept Moving

9 Sept 11:22 Key points summarised by AI

For over a thousand years, Songkhla uniquely relocated its main settlement multiple times across its shores, driven by factors like war, trade, and resource availability, rather than simply expanding.
The enormous Songkhla Lake served as a constant lifeblood, providing vital resources and strategic shelter, shaping the city's continuous evolution through historical incarnations like Singora, Laem Son, and the present-day Bo Yang.
Today's Songkhla Old Town (Bo Yang) showcases a rich multicultural tapestry, where Thai Buddhist, Chinese, and Muslim communities have coexisted, reflected in its diverse architecture, religious sites, and culinary heritage.
Songkhla is pursuing UNESCO World Heritage status for its entire cultural landscape, emphasizing the profound relationship between its people and water, while confronting modern challenges to preserve its dynamic past.

Nakhon Si Thammarat road plunged into darkness after solar panel thefts

Yesterday 14:46 Key points summarised by AI

A three-kilometer stretch of road in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district is now completely dark after thieves stole all remaining solar panels from 98 streetlight poles.
Villagers report that solar panels and batteries have been consistently stolen for years across various roads, with no arrests made, exacerbating the problem.
The 2017 installation of 3,000 solar streetlights, costing 200 million baht, is plagued by both rampant theft and allegations of corruption involving ten officials, with the case still pending.
Local administrative organizations refuse to maintain the disused poles, citing a lack of funding, contributing to the widespread disrepair and ineffectiveness of the public lighting system.