National Geographic

Published on December 19, 2007

National Geographic

And for a commoner to become a king on whom the epithet "the Great" is bestowed is almost unprecedented. But King Taksin the Great achieved this double distinction only 15 years after Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767. National Graphic has attempted to track down his route to power and the descendants that lay behind the "Great" man.

Next, we get a chat with Wanphen Sinthuwong, one of the hikers planning to climb Mount Everest to commemorate HM the King's 80th birthday. A TITV staff member, Wanphen was chosen for the team because of her passion for trekking. Whether she reaches the summit or not, Wanphen says she knows she will find the trip unforgettable and worth the effort.

You might know Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but probably haven't come face-to-face with the real thing. This issue has devoted some 20 pages to the pirates in Malaga, Spain. They ply the waters not far from the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It's one of the world's busiest sea routes, with rich pickings making it attractive to the pirates. We learn, however, that the real-life Jack Sparrows are nowhere near as adorable as their movie equivalents.

There's also a story about the "living aeroplane" - the albatross. With its extraordinary wingspan - up to 3.5 metres - the albatross can actually easily fly around the world. An albatross may fly 15,000 kilometres just to find the right meal for its young. And during its 50-year lifespan, a bird can wrack up six million kilometres of flying. Unfortunately, this marvel of the air is now facing extinction.

Also included in this issue is a pamphlet with information on 80 of the HM the King's royal projects during the past six decades of his reign. The booklet is filled with facts and figures concerning His Majesty's innovations for the development for the country, particularly in science, economics, environmentalism, culture and sport.

compiled by worm boy

The Nation