#1 Thailand rescue cave may become a museum
Where: Tham Luang Cave, Chiang Rai
What: The cave, from which 12 schoolboys and their football coach were rescued safely after being trapped for 18 days, could become a museum. Thai officials are saying that Tham Luang cave may become a popular tourist destination, given its prominence, but there aren’t yet any plans for how it will be made safe for tourists. The boys and the coach became trapped during a recreational trip to the cave when heavy rain flooded their exit passage. A diver, Saman Kunan, even died after delivering oxygen tanks to the group, proving how dangerous the cave is. If the plan goes on, the museum would showcase details about the rescue mission.
#2 Behold, a solution for people who always lose their jewellery
Where: New York City
What: Catbird, a fine jewellery brand based in New York, is making a case for permanent bracelets – a fine sliver of 14k gold you can’t take off because it’s welded to your wrist. Yes. They’re calling it “sparkly air.” Gone are the days when you easily misplace your bracelet after taking it off. For just USD 94, Catbird’s bracelet is measured to fit your wrist perfectly so it’s like you’re not even wearing it. You’re also less likely to lose it while on holiday – too many of us have suffered that kind of heartbreak. Get your sparkly air welded on on Fridays (2pm to 7pm) and Saturdays (12pm to 5pm) at Catbird’s Welding Annex.
#3 Syrian man stranded at Malaysian airport turns 37 today
Where: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
What: Hassan al-Kontar, a Syrian exile, has been stuck at KL’s airport since 7 March 2018 after fleeing his home country because he refused to join the Syrian army; he faces arrest if he returns to Syria. After being deported to Malaysia in 2017 and denied access to other countries, his Malaysian tourist visa eventually expired and he has since been living in the airport’s arrival lounge.
It’s heartbreaking, to say the least. Hassan, who celebrates his birthday today, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday: “Dignity, human rights, love, peace, a place to work and be legal is all I’m asking for.” That’s not all; early June, he even applied to join NASA’s mission to Mars.
Here’s how you can help Hassan: volunteer group Canada Caring started a petition to ask Canada to grant Hassan asylum. They need 35,000 signatures, and at the time of publishing, there are already over 28,000.
#4 You can’t fool the TSA
Where: Miami
What: In other airport news, last Sunday, a man tried to sneak a python onto a plane in Miami, Florida by stuffing it into a bag hidden in a computer hard drive. We kid you not. An officer from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered the reptile, still alive, while screening the bag. The TSA later tweeted about the incident: “This organic mass was not explosive, but it shows you can’t hide any threat from us.” Noted.
In case you missed it
Starbucks will phase out its plastic straws by 2020
That’s right, and they’re replacing straws with an adult sippy cup.
The George Town Festival is coming
Mark your calendars; here’s what you need to know about the arts and culture festival in Penang.
