Project leader Meechai Leelachewchankun says the province has done well in managing its diverse attractions and has enjoyed a steady increase in visitors.

“This cycling event is ‘sports tourism’ and will be following a new bike path through the forest,” he says. “This is more than just a forest of benefit to the people living nearby. It was a loving gift from Their Majesties the Queen and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. That’s why we call it the Forest of Love.

“And the forest is close to well-known tourist attractions, such as Wat Yansangwararam, Buddha Mountain – Khao Chi Chan – and the Silverlake Vineyard, in addition to the magnificent beaches and sea views.”

The forest was established in 1990 in Sattahip district and features a facility filled with information about its trees, wildlife and water-resource projects initiated by the late King. The plantation project was undertaken to protect the forest, wildlife and natural resources as a 60th-birthday gift to Queen Sirikit.

It’s a wonderful place to get to know the forest in all its aspects. Visitors are free to study or roam around and can help build dams, plant shrubs, or make foliage-encouraging “EM balls”. There’s even a recreational area with adventure challenges.

The 17.9-kilometre Cycling 2017 event was announced at a press conference within the forest, after which celebrities including Chill FM 89 DJ Ake Krisnavarin, Natalie Davis, Supakorn Kitsuwon and Jirapa Seetabut took a ride around the beautiful lotus pond.

With conservation in mind, registration for the cycling event is limited to 1,000 riders. Sign up for free at http://www.Facebook.com/chonburicycling2017.

The release of the 85-year-old writer’s “A Legacy of Spies” on Thursday sees the return after 27 years of a very elderly Smiley, the star of a Le Carre trilogy who bears some resemblance to the author himself.

Le Carre, whose real name is David Cornwell, worked for British intelligence between 1950 and 1964 before literary stardom struck.

He turned to writing full time after the success of “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” in 1963, which included the character of Smiley.

“You can’t actually make a character without putting something of yourself into each one,” Le Carre said in a rare public appearance on Thursday evening.

“Smiley will always be that bit older and wiser than me,” the author reflected, speaking at London cultural hub the Southbank Centre.

While Le Carre and his fictional spy have aged in the subsequent years, the author reignites the thrill of Cold War espionage in his latest tale, adding a contemporary streak.

“It was terribly hard to write this book during the period of Brexit and the ascendancy of (US President Donald) Trump and I’d like to think that Smiley was aware of a sense of aimlessness which has entered into all our minds,” Le Carre told BBC radio.

“Smiley, who has spent his life defending the flag one way or another, feels alienated from it. He feels a stranger in his own country,” he said.

“A Legacy of Spies” traces a 1960s operation which pitted the British secret service against the German Stasi security service, ending with the death of an agent and a woman he tried to take to the West.

Now decades later, Smiley’s former assistant Peter Guillam has come out of retirement to provide an account of the operation alongside the spy himself.

Speaking in London, Le Carre said he felt compelled to continue the story: “I would go on writing even if I was not going to be published.”

“The author is lucky enough to be alive and his character is insisting that he is alive too,” he added.

‘A lot in common’

Those accustomed to sex symbol James Bond, complete with his snazzy gadgets, will find a strikingly different spy in the “tubby, bespectacled, permanently worried” Smiley.

“I suppose what Smiley and I have in common is that we find it difficult to remember happiness. It’s not something that comes naturally to me, I have to work on it,” Le Carre told The Sunday Times newspaper.

Le Carre said Smiley had previously sacrificed his humanity for the sake of the Cold War “cause”.

Now “he has the humanity but the cause has been taken away from him,” the author said.

“The sense of allegiance to his country — which country? which Britain? — has disappeared,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

The author, who turns 86 in October, has also opened up about his own spying past and spoke on Thursday about his activities as an “agent runner”.

“Quite contrary to the perception of agent running, this is a pastoral duty. You go in offering whatever you can offer — much more than just money and re-settlement. It’s companionship of a kind,” he said.

The author has kept out of the gossip columns while continuing to work as a prolific writer after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The novel which followed that historic moment, “The Night Manager” (1993), was transformed into a successful miniseries for British television.

Le Carre’s anti-heroes have been adapted for cinema or television six times, most recently in 2010 with “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”, with actor Gary Oldman portraying Smiley on the hunt for a mole within Britain’s intelligence services.

‘For Europe’

While Le Carre’s new novel, his 24th, sees a return to the intrigue of Cold War espionage, its pages were put together against a very different political backdrop.

While the dry detail of Brexit negotiations are unlikely to create a page-turner, Le Carre makes his europhile views clear in the novel when Guillam asks his former boss whether his life’s work was for Britain. “No. For Europe,” Smiley responds.

“I think his whole genesis in life — his private dream, as he now expresses it — is the salvation of Europe,” Le Carre said in his newspaper interview.

“That was, for him, the battlefront of the Cold War — for him, that was where the soul of Europe was being fought for. So, when he looks back on it all — or I do, if you like — he sees futility.”

The truck is decked out with micro-crystals made from 30-plus metres of Swarovski Crystal Fabric. The eye-catching and innovative material consists of a carrier fabric that is completely covered by millions of tiny cut and round crystals.

The innovative Swarovski Remix Collection provided all the design inspiration needed. The collection resets the rules of jewellery rules, allowing anyone to express their own style in limitless ways.

Magnetic clasps let women create different and endlessly versatile looks. The open Fashion Truck is equipped with styling corners where visitors can express themselves, whether they’re rockers at heart or feminine and romantic.

Swarovski brand ambassador Karlie Kloss offers plenty of ideas.

Other fringe activities travelling along with the truck are crystal tattoos, a photo booth and crystal manicures.

The truck is in Bangkok until September 18. Check it out at Arena 10 tomorrow (September 8) from 7pm to 1am, Sathorn Square on Monday, United Centre Building on September 14 and ABAC University on September 18.

Learn more at http://www.SwarovskiGroup.com.

Nearly half (46 per cent) of Thai travellers believe the first day of a holiday can be the most memorable, yet one in five (19 per cent) worry about things going wrong and 57 per cent confess they feel that the first 24 hours pass by in a blur. As a result, many travellers struggle to switch into holiday mode.

Travel website Booking.com questioned more than 18,000 people from 25 countries worldwide on the challenges of switching into holiday mode. The results showed that 21 per cent of respondents either worried about leaving their homes empty or suffered separation anxiety from their leaving their pets behind. Sixteen per cent said they were either too attached to tech or staying connected with people at home via social media to relax entirely. The anxiety doesn’t stop there either, with 15 per cent fretting about the cost of the holiday, and 14 per cent worrying about work.

Thai holidaymakers suffered similar anxieties to their peers across the world. The cost of the holiday itself keeps many from fully embracing the holiday (33 per cent) and nearly one in three (29 per cent) of Thais admits that they are worry about their home or pets, while another 26 per cent worries about their work and 20 per cent feel anxious about the end of the holiday before it’s even begun.

The rise of digital technology may also be to blame as 24 per cent of Thais say that they either get too attached to their tech when they’re away or stay connected to people back home via social media when they go on holiday.

However, switching to holiday mode can be done with ease, and according to Thai travellers there’s a lot to be said from getting sunshine or some fresh alpine air. Having perfect weather was the top reason helping Thais switch to holiday mode (55 per cent).

Accommodation plays a key role here too and staying in accommodation that meets or exceeds expectations helps the transition to holiday mode (38 per cent), as does accommodation feeling like home (34 per cent). Despite realising they’re too attached to technology to fully switch to holiday mode, nearly one in three (32 percent) say they feel better when they have Wi-Fi access.

The “Absolute Serene” anniversary package is designed for guests who enjoy spa treatments on a regular basis whilst the “Tranquillity Bliss” is for guests seeking peace, tranquillity and an opportunity to unwind.

The “Absolute Serene” anniversary spa package is perfect for all spa lovers as guests are invited to select their preferred treatments to best suit their individual requirements. These requirements might include purification and enrichment of the skin, or a deep tissue massage that focuses upon body stiffness and painful joints. The anniversary package is priced at Bt77,777-plus (worth Bt50,000++) plus credits for spa treatments valued at Bt65,000 with one year validity.

Additional privileges with this anniversary package include the complimentary use of sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi at the Kempinski Fitness Centre (on the treatment days). Every guest purchasing the “Absolute Serene” anniversary package receives a special Mask Collection gift set from Valmont and a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut vintage Champagne.

The “Tranquillity Bliss” anniversary spa package comprises a one-hour Autumn Sleep Relaxing massage – a nurturing aromatherapy treatment that focuses upon achieving deep levels of relaxation while the head massage works on cranial pressure points to relieve stress and helps guests to unwind. This is followed by a one-hour European Classic facial treatment. During this personalised treatment, the Spa’s expert therapists select healing natural tonics, vitamins and marine extracts to nourish the skin and restore equilibrium to the body. The results are immediate and long-lasting. This treatment is priced at Bt7,777-plus.

Find out more at (02) 162 9000 or email: spa.siambangkok@kempinski.com.

Staying true to the concept of the club itself, Siwilai Tour, which is organised in partnership with Johnnie Walker, aims to combine the best in music with fashion and art as one creative community.

Klingande is one of the most refreshing and original producers of today and his works represent a departure from the big house sound that has been dominating the scene of late making him the leading figure within the tropical house genre alongside musicians such as Kygo, Bakermat and Robin Schulz.

Back in 2013 “Jubel” became one of the first standout tracks of its genre. The record has amassed more than 150 million views on YouTube. After three years on tour, his 2016 hit singles included “Losing U” and “Somewhere New” amassed over 23 million streams on Spotify. This year, Klingande has already made his mark around the world at established music festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Korea, Parookaville, and Mysteryland.

Located on Level 5 of Central Embassy, Siwilai City Club is an independent yet integral lifestyle driven extension of the Siwilai brand, which juxtaposes traditional Thai touches with modern graphic elements to create a perfect urban escape for everyone.

The rooftop facility of the space highlights Bangkok’s skyline and the central stage, where the performance will take place, is erected from overlapping platforms floating atop a moving water element, making it a perfect setting for any type of outdoor activity.

Tickets cost Bt990 at http://www.TicketMelon.com/event/klingande and Bt1,200 at the door.

After skipping the awards for the past three years, the ministry’s Contemporary Art and Culture Office presented them to the seven artists.

The awards are prizes for mid-career artists aged between and 35 and 55 whose prominent works have been acclaimed both locally and internationally.

This year’s other two winners are architect Amata Lupaiboon and designer Korakot Aromdee.

Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat yesterday presented Silpathorn Award pins and cash prizes of Bt100,000 to each of the winners.

Their works are being presented at a mini-exhibition at the Rachadamnoen Art and Culture Centre until September 17.

Both the young author Prabda and film-maker Urapong, whose works are categorised in the avant-garde genre, were surprise choices for the prestigious award.

“I was a bit surprised when I heard that I won this award from the Culture Ministry, as I’m a naughty writer,” Prabda told The Nation.

“However, I’m happy to be honoured by the ministry and thank the judges, who are respected persons from the Thai literary scene. I hope the ministry will continue to support contemporary artists in the long term like foreign countries do,” said Prabda, who is now working on a new film and novel.

Urapong, who is famous for his films “Song for Rice” and “Ugrarian Utopia”, was also surprised.

“I did not expect to receive this award. As I’ve only made two feature films, it’s so soon. However, I’m very happy and it will encourage me more to continue making quality films,” said Urapong, who also teaches at Thammasat University.

Kamin, 53, whose works are inspired by Buddhism, said he was also happy and that “no matter if I won this award or not, I would keep making art”.

The award, established in 2004 when the Culture Ministry split from the Education Ministry, aims to honour and encourage Thai contemporary artists.

The Contemporary Art and Culture Office annually presents the awards to artists, aside from the hiatus from 2014 to 2016. Sixty winners have been honoured in the fields of visual art, literature, music, film, performing art, design and architecture.

The redesigned application boasts features such as Cardless ATM or cash withdrawal (by app users or anyone else) from any SCB ATM without the need to use a card, as a special code from the app alone will suffice.

Another Easy Bonus feature offers privileges and discounts while Easy App Protection promises to boost consumers’ confidence in using the app. Under this feature, SCB becomes the first bank to provide up to Bt100,000 coverage in events any damage arises out of SCB Easy usage.

Actor Tor Thanapob, actress Gypso Arikanta, and musician Neung Jakkawal were recruited to speak about how their lives have become real “easy” thanks to this app.

Also present at the launch event were celebrities Ice Apitsada, Panjan Porama, Mint AF, Yuan Kawinrath, DJ Nui, and DJ Bookko, all of whom will lead SCB Easy caravans to all corners of Bangkok to promote the redesigned application.

“The app was built on an entirely new platform with the best technologies available today for maximum stability and security as well as to support future expansion of the fast-growing user base and offer new experiences to the customers,” said Thana Thienachariya, acting chief marketing officer of SCB.

New subscribers who pay a bill via SCB Easy just once will get 3GB of mobile data. Existing users of SCB Easy, meanwhile, can get one free Pon De Ring doughnut from Mister Donut for their sign-in (limited offer). They can also claim one complimentary movie ticket at any Major Cineplex, EGV or SF Cinema outlet when making three transfers/withdrawal/top-ups/payments via the application.

The application is now available for download via both iOS and Android systems.

Powerbeats 3 Wireless Bluetooth earphones from Beats by Dre allow you to enjoy good-quality music from your iPhone, iPad or iPod while exercising.

The battery will last up to 12 hours and there’s no chance of getting a shock while you sweat.

The earphones are easily connected to your iOS or MacOS device with a builtin Apple W1 chip.

Just hold the Powerbeats 3 in one hand and your phone in the other and the chip will prompt the phone to display a connection screen. The rest is just as simple.

Once linked, you can use the earphones with any nearby iPad, iPod or Macbook without having to look for a new link every time, because setting is stored in your iCloud account.

While jogging or working out, you don’t have to worry about the earphones slipping off. There are ear hooks locking them to your lobes. These are flexible and adjustable to be fixed on securely.

You also have four pairs of ear tips to choose among for the best fit inside the ear canals for an even more secure fit.

The cable is also adjustable around the neck. You just grip the end of the loop and slide the “cable management clip” in either direction.

The Powerbeats 3 has micro USB port for recharging the battery. A five-minute charge generates an hour of playback.

There’s an LED display showing battery status. If it’s white, you have plenty of power. If it turns red, you’re below an hour. Blinking red means you’re down to 15 minutes.

A builtin microphone and RemoteTalk feature support Siri voice commands. The RemoteTalk control has volume buttons and a multifunction button to use for playing and pausing music and skipping tracks, as well as receiving and ending phone calls and activating the Siri voicecommand function.

For inear earphones, the bass level reproduced is pretty amazing, and that’s on top of thrilling highs and midtones. In short, they’re great for listening to tunes.

You can get the Powerbeats 3 Wireless in Trophy Gold, Black, White, Flash Blue, Siren Red or Shock Yellow from http://www.Apple.com/th/shop for Bt7,700.

KEY SPECS

– Type: Inear

– MacOS, iOS feature: Apple W1 chip for easy connection, switching between devices

– Connection: Bluetooth Class 1

Battery: Rechargeable lithiumion with 12 hours of playback

– Port: MicroUSB for battery charging

– Call and control: Remote and mic, inline volume control

– In the box: Four sizes of ear tips, carrying case, USB charging cable

One of best-established writers of popular fiction, Brown’s allure comes from his commitment to in-depth research and meticulous study of data. “The Da Vinci Code” performed well from the first week it hit the shelves, has made him a household name and has sold 60.5 million copies worldwide as well as been adapted into a major motion picture.

In “Origin”, Brown interweaves symbols, code-breaking, science and modern art, all the while inviting the reader to search for the “origin of mankind”, asking themselves “Where do we come from?” and “Where are we going?”

On the first day that the new book’s teaser clip was published on Brown’s fan page, it got 1 million views and 15,000 shares, a tumultuous positive response after the four-year hiatus since his last book “Inferno”.

This time Brown brings to life the mysteriously intriguing billionaire Edmond Kirsch with a passion for futurism, high-tech inventions, and predictions of the world’s happenings over time. Kirsch is also one of the first students Robert Langdon taught at Harvard. The setting moves away from old art and architecture, taking place in the Guggenheim Museum in the city of Bilbao, Spain with parts happening in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao itself.

This is also the first time that Brown has incorporated modern art, a move that has triggered a wave of guesses as to what painting or what art piece Brown will focus on “Origin”.

The author’s lips are sealed, with Brown saying only that Langdon appreciates Gauguin and Picasso. Fans will thus have to wait to find out the answer when “Origin” goes on sale worldwide on October 3.

In Thailand, Asia Books is offering readers opportunity to get their hands on both the US and UK editions at Bt495 per copy along with an exclusive gift. Copies by be reserved their copies at all Asia Books branches (excluding those at B2S, Big C and airports), Suriwong Book Centre and http://www.AsiaBooks.com.

Find out more at (02) 251 8571.