Showing 1 - 4 of 4
Retelling a great Lao-Thai tale
Life, Chris Baker, Published on 22/02/2016
» Sinxay is a story which appears in slightly different versions with slightly different names in Mon, Thai, Lao and Khmer. The plot is a classic quest in which a hero prince is banished by the machinations of evil siblings, travels long through forest and mountain, defeats many fearsome enemies, and is eventually celebrated in a great homecoming. Old versions were written in verse for recitation at festivals. Key scenes were popular with artists painting temple murals. During the nationalist era in the 1940s, the great littérateur of Laos, Maha Sila Viravong, began a prose version in a conscious attempt to create a Lao national literature. More recently, Sinxay has been celebrated as a kind of national hero in Laos. In 2005, Khon Kaen municipality adopted Sinxay as symbol of the city, and characters from the tale sprouted on the peaks of the city's lamp posts.
For violence fans
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 22/02/2016
» It was one thing for Special Air Service soldier Andy McNab to win a medal for bravery during the Gulf War, quite another for him to turn thriller author and create a Joe Combat literary hero who can't resist participating in every global conflict.
Created for a better world
Life, Pattramon Sukprasert, Published on 22/02/2016
» The capital of Sweden recently played host to Stockholm Design Week, which was held from Feb 8-14. Dating back to 2002, the week allowed design enthusiasts to hop freely from place to place in as many showrooms in different venues across the city showcasing their objets d'art.
Timeless elegance
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 22/02/2016
» Nestled in lush green ground in the Chidlom area, Nai Lert Park Heritage Home is a hidden treasure in the heart of the capital. Apart from the architectural beauty of the house, the 14 rai Nai Lert Park has historic importance as Bangkok's first Western-style park that existed even before Lumpini Park was initiated by King Rama VI in 1925. In his day this private property was open for the public to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere.