With domestic unrest and living standards hit by economic reforms, the citizens of Africa's powerhouse nation are waiting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Masked attendees dance in traditional costumes at the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Dan Sai on July 9. For the vibrant three-day celebration known as the “ghost festival,” the community comes together to express gratitude, pay homage to their ancestors and pray for a successful harvest. Intricate ghost masks are a main feature of the event, traditionally believed to aid interactions with spirits.
School bus maker Blue Bird is defying conventional business wisdom with strong sales of clean vehicles, making it the country's top-performing EV company.
"Descendants of iconic Disney fairy-tale characters and villains is just a concept that's evergreen, and people will always have a soft spot for that," Kylie Cantrall tells Newsweek.
"I just love that kind of fake thing. That's the confidence that's fun to play. I like to inhabit confidence," Lisa Kudrow tells 'Newsweek' about 'Time Bandits.'