Lecture on Preah Vihear - Temple of Dispute

Temple of Dispute: Siam Society organises a lecture on Shiva temple of Preah Vihear in August 7.

BEAUTIFUL 'ENCOUNTERS'

Lonely Planet's best-selling Encounter city pocket-guide series designed for the savvy visitors on short trips have extended to regional destinations for the first time, with Phuket and Koh Samui selected as the launch titles for destinations beyond the cities.

The small guidebook help travellers make the most of their short stay and enable them to not only have a fun and carefree holiday but also to help them go beyond the well-known points of interest.

TEMPLE OF DISPUTE

Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and currently the subject of a dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the ancient temple of Preah Vihear is in the spotlight like never before. Next Thursday (August 7) at the Siam Society, Smitthi Siribhadra, a lecturer in Southeast Asian and Indian Art at Silpakorn University, and a world-famous authority on Khmer arts and architecture, will talk about the temple's history in a lecture titled "Prasat Khao Phra Viharn". The talk, which is in English, starts at 7.30pm. Nonmembers pay Bt200.

Call (02) 661 64707 or visit www.SiamSociety.org.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN ON SAMUI

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui has now completed the Bt200million renovation of its lobby and 203 guestrooms.

Designed in charming colonial-style, the resort features a stunning lobby and sweeping staircase that brings to mind a set from period drama "Gone with the Wind". Guestrooms and suites are newly equipped with spacious living areas, while Spa Cevaree, Centara's spa brand, offers a wide range of treatments to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

ALL SHOOK UP

Novotel Bangkok's hot nightspot Concept CM2 welcomes new resident band Lockdown, a truly international outfit with members from countries as diverse as Canada and Columbia.

Catch them nightly except Tuesday from 10.15pm.

Novotel Bangkok is located in Siam Square, Bangkok's trendiest shopping area, a short walk from BTS Siam station.