The criss-crossing canals that once earned Bangkok the moniker "Venice of the East" have long gone, but the city still draws one comparison with its famed Italian cousin: it too is sinking. "Bangkok is sinking at varying rates throughout the city… The settlement rate can be more than 12 centimetres per year in the worst…
Read moreNew Asian regional forum to launch amid scepticism of usefulness
Thirteen Asian foreign ministers are to gather Tuesday evening to launch the inaugural Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), a brainchild of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra that sceptics fear will prove to be just another regional talking shop. The Thai premier has invited foreign ministers from 17 other Asian countries to attend the dinner at his holiday…
Read moreJapanese tourists taste real Thai bullets
Japanese tourists have discovered that Thai holidays can be about more than just cheap shopping and snoozing on tropical beaches: shooting guns at Thai military ranges has become a popular new diversion. "There are so many Japanese tourists coming to Bangkok — if they want to do some shooting and some sightseeing, then that’s the…
Read moreThailand reflects on a decade of change after its Black May uprising
Ten years after Thailand’s military shocked the world by firing on thousands of unarmed protestors rallying against its usurpation of power, the country is reflecting on the days that tragically marked a coming-of-age for national democracy. Civil society groups have organised various talks and exhibitions to commemorate uprising’s anniversary, which will culminate with a candlelight…
Read moreWoman with wow
You can’t not recognise Kathaleeya McIntosh’s face. She co-hosts a popular talkshow, stars in a soap opera, emcees at all the right parties and squeezes in some modelling in between. Even if you’re the type who sticks to reading newspapers, you’ve probably seen her there too, in her role as an envoy for Unicef. And…
Read morePeace, at Pimalai
Take one long beach on a quiet tropical island, add a collection of low-key villas, each decorated with a modern take on Thai design, and mix well among lush, colourful gardens. What you have is the recipe for an utterly luxurious yet simple holiday; a place to unwind, relax, and recharge. Welcome to Pimalai Spa…
Read moreMaking the physical personal
When you own a car, you generally get a professional to give it a periodic check once you’ve clocked a certain mileage. But do you do the same for your body? Praram 9 Hospital, with a new programme called 9-Life, hope to encourage people to do just that. What they’re offering, however, is not your…
Read moreDVD: Bridge on the river Kwai
The epic adventure and anti-war film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, was both popularly and critically acclaimed when released in 1957, being the highest-grossing film of the year, and also scooping seven Academy Awards. The tale, based very loosely on a true World War II story, follows the fate of a group of British…
Read moreDVD: Gandhi
The winner of nine Academy Awards in 1982, Richard Attenborough’s epic Gandhi has endured as a compelling and powerful testament to one of the twentieth century’s most enigmatic, awe-inspiring and influential people. Gandhi’s approach to life and politics were hardly conventional – it’s not everyday that one man says he won’t eat and a nation…
Read moreYuki Srikarnchana: Marking time
Some people know what they want in life, and they chase their ambition relentlessly. Others, it’s reassuring to know, take their time when it comes to finding their passion. For Yuki Srikarnchana, taking her time has had something of a literal meaning. Since 1992, she’s beenthe managing director of exclusive watch retailers Pendulum. Locals with…
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