Off the page:Art & Culture Magazine

Published on September 5, 2007

Then learn about the laen. Pornsiri Buranaket from Jathavee's Thai folk museum in Phitsanulok introduces this simple piece of fishing equipment resembling a spear that was used by Thai farmers of yesteryear. He explains how farmers used to release small fish in the paddy fields then wait for several weeks for the fingerlings to grow. Before the harvest, they would use the laen to catch the fish.

History tells us that King Taksin the Great was declared insane and that a coup d'etat removed him from the throne. But was this really the case? Siriwan Lapsomboonnanon has been searching through the archives to see if the truth was distorted by historians and academics.

The Royal visit of King Chulalongkorn to Europe in 1893 has been well documented. But did you know that the king had also planned to travel to San Francisco but his trip was suddenly cancelled. Writer Krairerk Nana explains.

Health Today

One of the hottest topics today is how women, especially Hollywood celebrities, manage to stay looking so young. Of course, some of it is down to surgical procedures, but a lot can be achieved through diet, great clothes and make up. "Look Smart" gives 25 tips on how you can look younger just by using the cosmetics you already have. The most basic advice is not to wear too much make-up and to use a light pink blush on your cheeks for a young, healthy glow.

She's trim and slim but actress Apisada "Ice" Krueakongka says even girls with more pronounced curves should be confident about the way they look. Apisada studied fashion design at college and knows that ladies, whether they take XS or XL, can wow the crowds if they know how to mix and match. What's important, she stresses, is to always choose an outfit that's appropriate for the occasion.

Practising yoga is good for your health, but it works even better if you watch your diet too. Health Design's diet plan for serious yoga practitioners suggests eating plenty of fruits, cereal and milk, as they are full of fibre, protein and vitamins but low in cholesterol. If you still have problem cutting high protein foods, try to go for those with less fat such as fish or meat substitutions like tofu.

The magazine also looks at how working long hours in front of the computer can damage your health.

Bistro

The magazine travels to Vietnam this month, kicking off with a spotlight on shopping that tells you what bargains you shouldn't miss. These include ceramic teapots, traditional Vietnamese coffee makers and artichoke tea.

Then meet two young Thais who moved to Vietnam a few years ago and have fallen in love with their adopted country. One is searching for new cultural experiences while for the other, the excitement lies in travel.

His name is David Thai, but he is neither Thai nor does he cooks Thai food. Thai is a Vietnamese chef in Nha Trang who specialises in organic vegetables. He shares a few of his signature recipes including a delicious passion fruit cream brulee.

Home Sweet Home column encourages readers to spend more time with their families by cooking beef burgers, spicy potato wedges and tomato relish.

Singh Intrachuto from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Architecture has always hated throwing anything away. Today, he's demonstrating how a penchant for trash can help save the planet by recycling his garbage into cool paper bags and designer tables and chairs.

The shopping section takes readers to discover the charms of ancient markets such as Talad Tayang in Phetchaburi province and the century-old market in Sriprajan, Suphan Buri while "Foodie Destination" visits old squares in Bangkok and Phuket to sample traditional dishes including ka-moo.