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The National
a day ago
- The National
From wall climbing to a serene wellness centre, why this Phuket resort caters to every kind of traveller
Spread over 24 hectares, surrounded by the Sirirat National Park and overlooking the Andaman Sea, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort offers a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Thai island 's main tourist town. With the promise of diverse dining options, a wellness centre and varied activities, The National checks into the property to find out whether it truly offers an all-round rejuvenating getaway. The welcome A loud gong announces my arrival to staff at the front desk, who quickly take my luggage and passport. I am welcomed with a fragrant floral wristband, cold towel, refreshing butterfly pea and lemon tea, and a goji berry and nut snack. After about 10 minutes, I am escorted to my room on a buggy and my luggage follows swiftly. The room The resort has 76 rooms across 13 categories. I stay in a spacious deluxe pool villa. The decor blends traditional Thai architecture with modern Asian influences; white walls are offset by dark wooden furniture and accents. Hotel room essentials are all available – there is a mini bar, which contains chargeable snacks and drinks, as well as complimentary teas and coffees. A safe, robes and slippers, as well as an umbrella (an essential for tropical Phuket) are inside the wardrobe, while there is also a wicker bag that guests can use for the beach or pool. There is a large desk in the room, with ample charging points to power up all devices. Complimentary toiletries are by The Essence of Anantara Spa brand and are available in refillable containers. I particularly like the fragrant lavender, ylang-ylang and lemongrass bath salts in little jars next to the stand-alone bathtub on the deck. Outside my room I have a private pool, which is cleaned every day during my stay, and a deck where I can bask in the sunshine in solitude. Spa and wellness Layan Life Wellness Centre is a minimalist building in a quiet corner of the hotel grounds, surrounded by lush foliage and a pond. The centre offers treatments that encompass beauty and wellness. The property is also home to a spa, which offers treatments that use freshly grown herbs from the garden next to it. Treatments at the spa start from 4,700 baht ($145), but the signature massage, at 5,885 baht, I am told, is one of the most popular. There is also a salon on site. Hotel facilities There are three pools at the hotel and a stretch of private beach. Guests can partake in a number of activities, including tennis, wall climbing, pottery and one of the longest ziplines in Phuket. Located on the cliffside of the active zone, the 400-metre long zipline is suspended 15 metres above ground and offers panoramic views of Layan beach. There are also water activities on offer, including kayaking and paddle boarding. Family-friendly factor Little ones can play with clay and dabble in other arts and crafts in the children's club. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as nature discovery trails and an in-house farm. For those who would rather do something more sporty, the active zone has a children's area, which has a separate pool and slides for little ones. The hotel also caters to teenagers, with archery, foosball, air hockey, snooker and Muay Thai boxing on offer. The food Guests are spoilt for choice at this hotel when it comes to food. Breeze restaurant, which serves Italian food, has a separate multi-cuisine wellness menu with dishes that are wholesome and nutritious. My personal favourites are the delicious and spicy som tam salad (700 baht) and lamb fillet koftas (1,200 baht), as well as the sumac-saffron marinated chicken (900 baht). The red fruit cheesecake (600 baht) is a delicious guilt-free dessert option. The floor above Breeze, where breakfast is served, turns into a Zuma restaurant in the evening; I spot several well-heeled guests dining late into the night at the popular international Japanese venue. My best meals are at the Thai restaurant, Dara, where Khun Jenny and Khun Bee offer recommendations for their top dishes and drinks. The offerings here are elevated, well-balanced and taste extremely fresh thanks to the restaurant's approach of cooking with vegetables grown at the hotel's farm. My favourite dishes include peek gai yang (chicken wings with sea salt, lime and spices; 530 baht), pad Thai noodles (980 baht) and khao man koeng kai (black sticky rice, coconut butter, yellow curry and chicken roulade; 850 baht). The mango sticky rice (450 baht) is among the best I've had. The hotel is also home to Age, an industrial-chic restaurant that is known for its meat dishes. It has a room of dry-aged meats, allowing diners to choose their cuts. Age also offers a selection of oysters and caviar, alongside fresh seafood dishes. I am not a major meat eater but, thankfully, they have chicken options on the menu and I quite enjoy digging into my flat iron baby chicken (980 baht) with a side of Dauphinoise potatoes (200 baht). The breakfast scene The breakfast spread is impressive. As well as staple buffet options – eggs, baked goods, yoghurts etc – the highlight is the hotel's range of multi-cuisine offerings. I notice new dishes in the halal section each day, and there are also Indian options and several Asian dishes on offer. I find the fruit station particularly impressive, with its array of freshly cut Thai fruits, such as papaya, mango, watermelon and dragon fruit. The station also allows guests to create their own acai bowls. I am not the only fan, either; the hotel's rescue macaw pops by for breakfast every morning, demanding his fair share of the fruits. The wellness corner is another highlight, with a variety of fruit-and-nut-based snacks on offer. Insider tip The hotel's Thai restaurant, Dara, offers stargazing experiences. When the weather permits, guests can book a spot to see the night sky from the observatory on the rooftop. The telescope here is the largest in Phuket. The service In a word: flawless. From the staff at the wellness centre and concierge, to the room cleaners and the servers at the restaurant, I am always greeted with a smile and a polite 'sawadee kha', and every request is attended to quickly. Accessibility and sustainability Most of the resort is set on ground level, but there are lifts wherever necessary, such as the building that houses Breeze and the rooftop bar. However, I did not see any ramps. The hotel has a focus on sustainability, with refillable toiletries and reusable water bottles. The bottom line The deluxe pool villa costs from Dh2,018 ($549) a night. Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is at noon.
CNA
2 days ago
- CNA
Commentary: Myanmar's war is exacerbating a flood of meth across Southeast Asia
SINGAPORE: At first it was innocuous enough – a fishing boat far below, making its way across the azure blue surface of the Andaman Sea. But an Indian Coast Guard crew on a routine air patrol sensed something odd about it, and called it in. A fast, armed Coast Guard cutter was dispatched from its base at Port Blair in the Andamans to intercept the boat. It quickly caught up and shadowed the vessel for some time. When the Myanmar-flagged boat crossed into Indian territorial waters, the Coast Guard moved in. On board were six Myanmar nationals and a staggering 5.5 tonnes of crystal meth. It was the largest drug bust in India's maritime history. That haul on Nov 24, 2024, was both an indicator, and the proverbial drop in the ocean. Synthetic drug production and trafficking in the region, particularly out of Myanmar's Shan State, has grown exponentially in recent years. And it is fuelling a criminal economy Southeast Asia is finding hard to control. CRIMINAL CONVERGENCE Methamphetamine seizure in East and Southeast Asia hit a record 236 tonnes in 2024 – a 24 per cent increase over the previous year, according to a recent report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). At the heart of this problem is Shan State, Myanmar's largest region by land. Bordering China, Laos and Thailand, it spans 155,800 sq km and is bigger than Nepal or Bangladesh. It is part of the infamous Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet among rice fields, dense jungles, mist-covered mountains, lazy rivers – and drugs, guns, and money. 'The volume of methamphetamine moving out of Shan State is likely larger than what is trafficked north out of Mexico, making Shan State the most geographically concentrated meth production centre in the world,' said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC's chief of staff and strategy advisor, who has long focused on transnational crime in the Mekong region. The capacity of the US to gather intelligence and secure borders is however far better than the neighbouring countries of the Golden Triangle and Southeast Asia, he told me. While Myanmar has long grappled with illegal drugs, the problem has accelerated since a military coup in 2021 and the ensuing civil war, becoming what experts are saying is now a full-blown regional crisis that is, frighteningly, often beyond the capacity of local law enforcement. Controlled by various ethnic armed groups – many of which are fighting Myanmar's military and at times each other – Shan State is a patchwork of competing factions in a volatile region ravaged by poverty and conflict. These groups, along with regime forces, have also converged with criminal organisations, leveraging and living off a range of illicit activity. These include meth production, illegal mining and logging, human trafficking, cyber scams and money laundering via underground banking and illegal online casinos. What sets them apart from old-school drug cartels is how tech-savvy and decentralised they are. Encrypted messaging, drones, GPS trackers and cryptocurrency payments are part of their toolkit. They also use front companies as covers and operate cell-based networks that hire locals like drivers or fishermen to transport the drugs. Precursor chemicals needed to manufacture the drugs are often bought online using cryptocurrency and often shipped from suppliers in China and India. A REGIONAL CRISIS Of particular note is the role maritime routes play. The boat carrying the crystal meth seized by the Indian Coast Guard last November was intercepted 8 nautical miles from Barren Island, a volcanic island due east of India's Andaman and Nicobar island chain, and roughly southwest of Yangon. The crew on the boat had a satellite phone and was using Starlink to navigate. Intelligence sources believe the shipment originated in Tachilek in Shan State just across the Thai border from Mae Sai, and was shipped via Yangon, bound for several foreign markets including Australia and Japan – probably after being subdivided somewhere en route. In July 2024, Indonesian authorities seized 106kg of crystal meth from a vessel off the Riau Islands. Three Indian nationals were arrested. Reports citing sources said the crystal meth was bound for Brisbane, Australia. Meanwhile, it appears that Sabah, Malaysia, has also emerged as a new hub, with fishermen often recruited to ferry drugs across the Myanmar-Malaysia-Indonesia-Philippines route. For instance, authorities confiscated 1,143kg of crystal meth in Sabah and Sarawak last year, nearly three times the amount the previous year. The volume of crystal meth seized from boats is mirrored by higher volumes of drugs seized per shipment on land routes. Thailand's northern and northeastern borders with Myanmar and Laos respectively remain the busiest trafficking corridors. The porous route to India through that country's northeast is also increasingly a problem for law enforcement. In January this year, Thai forces in Chiang Rai province, for instance, seized over 1 tonne of crystal meth assessed as headed for markets in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. And just last week (Jul 11), security forces in Zokhawthar, a town in India's Mizoram state on the border with Myanmar, challenged two men with backpacks who then shed their packs and jumped into a river which they crossed into Myanmar. The packs revealed methamphetamine pills worth over US$13 million. That was just one of almost daily seizures of thousands of methamphetamine tablets in northeast India, where rising local drug addiction has long been a worry. In parts of the region, like Manipur, the flow and use of drugs across the border feed into ethno-nationalist tensions entwined with mafia-like politics fuelling barely contained internal conflicts. In terms of methamphetamine transit as well as use in Southeast Asia, Thailand remains an epicentre. Seizures of the drug, in both tablet and crystal form, continue to rise. With little methamphetamine pills known as 'yaba' retailing locally for only around 20 baht or less than US$1 each, stemming the tide is a daily battle for Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). 'It's a nationwide epidemic' said Ms Sritrakool Waeladee, director of the foreign affairs bureau of the ONCB, at a recent briefing at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand. In 2024, Thailand seized more than 900 tonnes of controlled precursor chemicals, while meth tablet seizures rose by over 55 per cent from 2023 to 2024. THE CORE PROBLEM The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) does recognise the threat. In October 2024, ASEAN leaders committed to strengthening cross-border cooperation and coordination against synthetic drugs. Experts have called for greater maritime cooperation between India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. But much like the infamous Mexican drug cartels, the core of the problem, in Shan State, remains beyond the reach of individual countries in the region. While there are several centres across the region manufacturing and pushing out synthetic drugs, the bottom line is that Shan State is the primary source. However, further complicating a region rife with armed ethnic groups and criminal syndicates is an overlay of geopolitical competition. China, for example, is known to back, among others, the United Wa State Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. The United States is largely sympathetic to the National Unity Government, which is a collection of groups fighting the military regime. India is worried about its volatile and misgoverned northeast being undermined by drugs and illicit money from Myanmar. Only a negotiated peace between the warring factions including Myanmar's military regime offers any hope of a solution to this Gordian knot. But that remains a distant prospect. In its absence, the best one may hope for is that neighbouring countries in the interest of their own stability, beef up intelligence sharing, border security and enforcement.
Times of Oman
10-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India aims to increase hydrocarbons exploration acreage to 1 million sq km by 2030: Hardeep Puri
Vienna: India aims to increase its hydrocarbons exploration acreage to 0.5 million sq km by 2025 and 1.0 million sq km by 2030, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri said. With 2.5 lakh sq km open for exploration under OALP Round-10, and being close to discovering a Guyana-scale oilfield in the Andaman Sea, India is in the midst of one of the most ambitious plans to enhance the efforts to drill for more and further enhance hydrocarbons exploration in the country, said the Minister at 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna. India is making significant efforts to increase its traditional fossil-based energy production, and the latest push is to explore the Andaman region. India plans to explore and drill for hydrocarbons with renewed momentum by exploring 2.5 lakh sq km under OALP-Round 10. The minister interacted on 'Oil Markets: Energy Security, Growth and Prosperity' with an audience of leaders, captains and professionals of global energy sector at the Seminar. This ambition to double exploration acreage, according to the Minister, is supported by a series of policy reforms including shifting from a Production Sharing Contract regime to a Revenue Sharing Model under HELP, and amendments to ORD Act 1948 to provide a robust framework for managing leases, improving safety, enabling dispute resolution, and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources in hydrocarbon projects. In addition, the government is reducing 'No-Go' areas by 99 per cent, and in the process freeing up over 1 million sqkm for exploration and production (E&P), and significant investments in basin data acquisition through national projects such as the National Seismic Program (NSP), Andaman Offshore Project, Mission Anveshan, and the Extended Continental Shelf Survey. India is the world's third-largest energy consumer with a demand of about 5.4 million barrels of oil per day. "India's energy strategy is rooted in pragmatism, resilience, and fairness. India is both a structural growth engine and a long-term stabilizer of global oil markets," the minister said. At the Seminar, the minister said India will contribute 25 per cent of the incremental global energy demand growth in future. "We are navigating today's volatile global energy landscape through a multi-dimensional approach that includes diversifying our crude import sources from 27 to 40 countries now, enhancing domestic production, developing alternative fuel sources, transition towards gas based economy and aiming to become a global refining hub by increasing our refining capacity to 310 MMTPA by 2028 and augmenting petrochemical capacity to be a USD 300 billion industry by 2030," the minister said. Even as the world was dealing with geopolitical difficulties, Puri said India successfully navigated the trilemma of energy availability, affordability, and sustainability; and was the only major economy in the world to reduce fuel prices even as oil prices skyrocketed globally. He apprised the Seminar that India aims to achieve energy independence by 2047 and reach Net Zero emissions by 2070. He also highlighted India's green energy transition, referring to biofuels. India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance which has over 29 countries and 14 international organisations, working together to scale up sustainable biofuels. Domestically, India is accelerating the use of ethanol, CBG, biodiesel and SAF as part of its decarbonization roadmap, the minister added. India today imports 80 per cent of its oil and 50 per cent of its natural gas needs. India is now importing oil and gas from as many countries as possible to meet its demand.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
5 Epic Rooftop Bars In Phuket
AKOYA Star Lounge at V Villas Phuket - MGallery Collection The largest island in Thailand isn't just a beach destination anymore, but a fine dining capital, with multiple Michelin recognitions and an ever-expanding roster of rooftop bars. These elevated spots offer everything from panoramic ocean views to Instagrammable moments and sunset DJs. Here are five rooftop bars worth a visit in Phuket. Secret Bay Phuket is an Instagrammer's dream. Tucked between Kamala and Patong beach, the journey to this hidden hillside bar includes a wooden path with photogenic stops, including a floating frame overlooking the Andaman Sea. Highlights include tropical cocktails, pineapple fried rice served in a pineapple, and mango sticky rice. For a memorable touch, cocktails can be delivered by birdcage zip lines. AKOYA Star Lounge at V Villas Phuket - MGallery Collection Perched 180 feet above sea level on a private hilltop, AKOYA Star Lounge offers 360-degree views of Ao Yon Bay and the Andaman Sea. This luxury rooftop bar, offers some of the best sunset views, thanks to its remote southern location with minimal light pollution and starlit skies. The design draws inspiration from the soft hues and luster of local Akoya oyster pearls farmed in the bay beneath the luxurious V Villas Phuket resort. This ultra-luxury rooftop bar serves a Thai-Mediterranean menu featuring dishes like arancini with Phuket crab truffle purée, Tasmanian salmon ceviche with tamari seaweed salad, and Parma ham skewers with arugula and mango dressing. As the sun sets, there are often live music performers, celebrity DJ sets and mixologists from the World's 50 Best Bars. The Sundeck Head to The Sundeck for stunning Kata Noi Beach views. With its glass walls and open design, this elegant white space offers unobstructed ocean vistas. Settle into a balcony couch for the best seats overlooking the beach. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired sangrias and pizzas alongside local favorites like prawn pomelo salad, calamari, and pad Thai chicken wings. A live DJ enhances the relaxed yet lively vibe. Conveniently located near the popular Karon Viewpoint. Find romantic dinner vibes and al fresco dining at Sizzle Rooftop Bar. Guests come not only for the soaring views but also for the tasty grilled steaks and seafood. It sits high in the hills of Patong District, with soaring Andaman Sea views. Enjoy signature dishes like the seafood tower, wagyu steaks served sizzling on a black stone, and a dessert sampler with crème brûlée and churros. Baba Nest views Baba Nest at Sri Panwa has 360-degree panoramic views stretching across Panwa Bay, Phang Nga Bay, and Phuket's hills. This rooftop is known for its wraparound infinity pool, plush pillow seating, and signature Sri-jitos—mojitos with lemongrass-infused Belvedere vodka. The limited menu focuses on Mexican-style tapas, but the views are the real star. Be sure to book early, as there's often a two-week waitlist. Situated in the heart of Phuket Town, Quip Sky Bar offers a unique rooftop with vintage-industrial design views of the old city. Its more llaid back than many of the upscale options on this list, embracing bohemian, artsy vibes. v But they don't sleep on the food, this spot is known for its reasonably priced array of rock lobster fdishes. Settle into cozy pillow seats or dining tables and sip on their signature For Love Quip Sky cocktail, a strawberry-flavored tequila and rum blend.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
InterContinental Phuket Resort Redefines Family Holidays: Fun, Adventure, and Unforgettable Memories Await
This summer, InterContinental Phuket Resort invites families to experience a joyful escape where every moment becomes a cherished memory. PHUKET, PHUKET, THAILAND, May 28, 2025 / / -- This summer, InterContinental Phuket Resort invites families to experience a joyful escape where every moment becomes a cherished memory. Nestled between the lush hills of Kamala and the sparkling Andaman Sea, the resort offers a playground of activities and adventures perfect for guests of all ages. A Paradise for Families InterContinental Phuket Resort is where family fun and luxury meet. From the moment families arrive, they can dive into a world of excitement and relaxation designed to bring everyone closer together. Kids can unleash their creativity at Planet Trekkers, the dedicated kids' club, packed with daily activities that educate and entertain. Young eco-heroes can join Planet Guardian sessions, learning how to protect our planet through fun, hands-on activities. Families can explore the local beauty together on the Kamala Bike Tour, a guided adventure through charming villages and scenic coastal paths. For nature lovers, the Flora and Fauna Walk Map leads to secret spots around the resort where native plants and animals thrive. Every day is a new opportunity for fun with the resort's daily activities: splash around in water polo games, challenge each other in beach tennis, or try a fun intro to Thai boxing. With five swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a tennis court, families will find plenty of ways to stay active and energized. Memorable Moments, Endless Smiles Looking for something truly special? Charter the resort's private yacht, W.J. Lip, for a family voyage across the Andaman Sea—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Foodies, young and old, will love the resort's cooking classes tailored for both adults and children, or enjoy a picnic set on the beach with breathtaking views. Kids can even join a special Kid's Picnic designed just for them. The fun doesn't stop at the beach—with beach sports and games like fussball, pool tables, board games, and cards, there's always something happening. And for families craving a full splash-filled day, guests receive complimentary access to Andamanda Water Park, Phuket's premier water adventure park, perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. Space and Comfort for Every Family InterContinental Phuket Resort offers a wide choice of spacious accommodations designed for every family size. Options range from elegant rooms and suites to Cluster Pool Villas, Private Pool Villas, and luxurious Three-Bedroom Pool Villas — ensuring every family finds the perfect fit for their stay. Dining and Relaxation for All With seven distinctive dining outlets, families can savor a variety of cuisines, from beachfront favorites to Michelin-recognized culinary delights. For ultimate relaxation, the Sati Spa provides a sanctuary where parents and adults can unwind and rejuvenate. The Perfect Family Destination Located on peaceful Kamala Beach yet close to shopping and popular attractions, InterContinental Phuket Resort offers the best of both worlds. It's the ideal spot for families looking for fun, comfort, and unforgettable experiences in a stunning natural setting. This summer, make family time count. Create laughter, build memories, and find joy at InterContinental Phuket Resort. For reservations and further information, please contact: InterContinental Phuket Resort 333 Moo 3, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand T: +66 (0) 76 629 999 | F: +66 (0) 76 629 990 E: [email protected] W: END Notes to Editors: Link to download images: Photo Library Media Contact: Miss Nampetch Tipaxsorn, Director of Marketing Communications InterContinental Phuket Resort [email protected] Tel: +66 (0) 76 629 999 About InterContinental® Phuket Resort Inspired by Phuket's natural landscape, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway featuring 221 elegantly appointed rooms and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort's five restaurant and bars offers contemporary Thai fine-dining at Jaras, international gourmet fare at Pinto, poolside favorites and craft cocktails at Pine Beach Bar, Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and presentation of Osaka's cooking masters at Tengoku, and organic coffee, tea and delicacies at Devas' Lounge. At the heart of this culinary journey lies hom restaurant where our dedication to fermentation and locavorism culinary journey begins. Resort facilities include Club InterContinental® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness®, 6 swimming pools with breath-taking views, a well-equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Located on the secluded part of Kamala Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Visit us online for more about InterContinental Phuket Resort and follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, Instragram, and X About IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 20 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 145 million members, IHG has more than 6,600 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,200 properties. • Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo • Premium: voco hotels, Ruby, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels • Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels • Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites • Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 385,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn. Nampetch Tipaxsorn InterContinental Phuket Resort +6676629925 ext. email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
