Thailand stories

TRENDY THONG LO - In the north of Thailand's capital, a collection of cool bars, boutiques and restaurants, plus a unique style of minimalist design malls has lured all the local hipsters to what is increasingly renowned as one of Asia's hippest districts.

REMAKING MALLS SMALL - Most of the world's biggest shopping malls are under construction in Asia, where the byword seems to be the bigger, the glitzier, the better. But a new style of minimalist, well-designed mall has found success in Bangkok, and could redefine shopping across Asia.
NUCLEAR GLOW - Asia is buzzing about the potential of nuclear power, amidst concerns over global warming and energy security. Plans for numerous plants across Southeast Asia has led to a revival of the nuclear industry, and renewed protests from critics. Thailand is leading the way in the new nuclear charge.

MR CONDOM - Once one of the world's AIDS hotspots, Thailand turned a corner, taking safe sex into the bars and red-light districts of Asia's sin city. Much of the success is due to a string of restaurants, Cabbages and Condoms, and the tireless health education professional Mechai Viravaidya, Thailand's Mr Condom.

BEST OF BANGKOK - From riverfront restaurants, perfect for watching the boats and barges, to the most elegant hotels and nightclubs, Bangkok has a special buzz, and we've captured it all for Dwell Magazine in this special guide to the best of the city.

BANGKOK BREATHES EASIER - Once blighted by belching buses and thick smog, Bangkok cleaned up its act and air over recent decades. Cutting motorcycle emissions and adding an overhead subway helped Bangkok grow greener, and a model for the rest of Asia.

BUILDING A BETTER GARDEN OF EDEN - When Asian resorts seek plush landscaping, fantasy gardens that justify prices of $1000 per night and up (and up), Bill Bensely is the go-to guy. In demand from Bali to Bangkok, this Harvard-educated architect has gradually gravitated from the grounds to inside, now designing everything from resorts to palaces for royalty.

HEALTH TOURISM -  As the cost of health care continues to soar out-of-sight in the West, plenty of patients are coming to Asia, where they can combine sun, sand and surgery, and save a bundle thanks to the booming industry of health tourism.

THE ULTIMATE ESCAPE - The TV series "Survivor" chose it for a season. Previously, it hosted a penal colony and blood-thirsty pirates. But nowadays, Ko Tarutao is a marine park with scores of islands offering some of the best nature in Asia. You can play Robinson Crusoe on this former Prison Island.

BANGKOK TATTOO - Lawyer-turned-author John Burdett raised the bar for Asian novels with his page-turning thriller, "Bangkok 8." Now, Asia's own version of John Grisham is back, with a sequel, "Bangkok Tattoo."

SPA-TACULAR GETAWAY - Sleepy Hua Hin, just a few hours down the coast from Bangkok, has long been overlooked by those seeking the next beach thing. But as new hotels rise along the gorgeous sand and top stars jet in for treatments, there is a new buzz about this sumptuous spa retreat.

NEXT BEACH THING? - Every holiday season, sun seekers swarm through Southeast Asia, towels and tanning lotion in hand, desperately seeking Shangri-la by the Sea. This year's discovery might not be the next Ko Samui-wannabe but a real throwback, Hua Hin, a Thai beach classic.

THE GREAT ESCAPE - Khao Sam Roi Yot, Thailand's first marine park, boasts incredible bird watching, caves for exploring and miles of untrammeled beach. Best of all, it's just a half day from Bangkok, but remains one of Thailand's best-kept secrets.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH - Nowadays tourists race past Phetchaburi, on the way to Hua Hin and better beaches down south. Yet this ancient city has amazing temples and perhaps the kitschiest park, a wonderland of gardens and castles that once was the swingiest spot in Southeast Asia.
REVIVAL IN STYLE - Even a royal beach occasionally needs a facelift. That's the indulgent idea behind Hua Hin's newest luxury hotels.

ON "THE BEACH" with Leonardo diCaprio, three different views:
   Author Alex Garland explains his utopian novel.
   Making the movie was no simple stroll on the sand, according to Trainspotting's Andrew MacDonald, producer of the Beach
   They found the perfect beach upon serene Phi Phi Leh island, but the hip backpacker epic unleashed a storm of controversy, fan worship and hysteria upon The Beach. Read about it in Postcards From The Beach

GOLDEN TRIANGLE - Where have all the opium poppies gone in the infamous Golden Triangle? Easy, silk-screened on T-shirts for tourists, every last one. Formerly a no-man's land at the corners of Laos, Burma and Thailand, the Golden Triangle is now a hip-hopping tourist spot.

PAI RIVER  - Along the Burma and Thailand border, the Karen rebels get all the attention, but the Padong tribe have traditionally had a habit of stretching out their Long Necks.

PATTAYA - Once a picturesque resort, the Grand Madame of Asian beach centers became a run-down smut-pit of sleazy sex tourism until rescue came from the unlikeliest of quarters - rich Russian tourists.

RIVER BOAT - Floating the Chao Praya River has been the gateway to Bangkok, and Asia, for scores of scribes over the years. Now, tourists can take the same trip, in spectacular style aboard a luxuriously outfitted rice boat.

    Leo from the wires; all the rest by Ron Gluckman