The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism in Phuket, Thailand. Typically a bustling tourist hotspot, Phuket is experiencing a significant downturn due to travel restrictions and the end of the monsoon season, which usually brings in a surge of visitors. The pandemic has transformed Phuket into a ghost town, with many businesses in the Old Town area of Phuket Town closed, some for good. The situation highlights the severe effects of the pandemic on local economies that heavily rely on tourism.

The article covers the extensive protests in Hong Kong, which have been ongoing for over two months. Triggered by a proposed extradition bill that would allow fugitives to be extradited to mainland China, the protests have seen massive public participation, with a march on June 9 attracting over 1 million people. Despite the suspension of the bill and an apology from Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the protests have intensified due to police violence and the government's response. Protesters have expanded their demands to include the complete withdrawal of the bill, exoneration of arrested protesters, and universal suffrage. The article details various protest events and the escalation of violence, indicating that the unrest shows no sign of abating after 11 weeks.

Makha Bucha, the second most important Buddhist holiday in Thailand, is celebrated by over 30,000 temples nationwide. The holiday, which falls on the full moon of the third lunar month, emphasizes the virtues of not committing sins and features a candlelit procession. Bangkok, with its many significant Buddhist temples, attracts millions of devotees. Notable temples include Wat Lat Phrao in the Lat Phrao district, Wat Saket near the Phra Nakhon district, and the futuristic Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani.

The article discusses the gambling aspect of the rocket festival celebrations in Yasothon, Thailand. The author encountered a foreigner who highlighted the practice of betting on the rocket launches, with 1,000 Thai baht notes being exchanged based on the outcomes. Losers of the bets had to cover themselves in mud, and as the day progressed, those with the most losses were visibly covered in mud. The winning team, whose rocket flew the highest and farthest, earned a prize of 50 thousand Thai baht, a significant amount considering it is nearly four times the average monthly salary in Thailand.