Latest news with #Lek
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
My must-visit destinations in Eastern Europe with cheap spas and white sand beaches – flights are less than £20
DITCH the classic European escapes for these lesser-known gems - that's the advice from experienced Wizz Air flight attendant, Niko. She's not a regular cabin crew, though as Niko has been with the airline since the very first flight in 2004. 8 Niko (right) has been flying with Wizz Air for over 20 years Credit: Wizz Air 8 One of her recommendations for Eastern Europe is Albania Credit: Alamy Niko told Sun Travel: " "The beaches are beautiful - it's even been called the European Maldives. You can hire paddleboards and go into secret sea caves on the clear water. "The food is great too, and the price of accommodation is very low." Albania is extremely cheap for Brits, with coffees costing around 167Lek (£1.47). Read More on Eastern Europe Pints of around 250 Lek (£2.11) and small imported beer bottles costing 350 Lek (£3.07). As for where to stay, you can find a room at a 4-star hotel for an average of £76 per night. But for anyone on a budget, we found stays for as little as £7.20 per night on Another affordable activity in Albania is heading to the spa. Most read in City breaks The highly rated Ritual Spa in the capital has 60-minute massage services for as little as 4000 lek (around £35). The average price in the UK is between £55 to £90. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations 8 Niko first flew with Wizz Air on the very first flight in 2004 Credit: Wizz Air 8 Albania is home to white sandy beaches with clear blue waters Credit: Alamy Now, for the beaches, there are plenty near Tirana, from Spille to Durrës and Lalez Beach. But if you want the This seaside village of Travellers on Tripadvisor have advised that you'll likely need to hire out sunbeds on the beach, but this is relatively cheap. One reported going to the Orange Beach Club where they paid €10 (£8.60) for two sunbeds and access to the infinity pool. Ksamil is four hours from the capital of Albania and can be reached by bus or taxi. Check out more tips about With Wizz Air, you can fly from 8 Sibiu in Transylvania is another must-see city Credit: Alamy 8 One popular spot is The Bridge of Lies Credit: Alamy Another top Eastern European destination Niko recommends visiting is Sibiu in The city is landlocked so there are no beaches nearby, but there is still plenty to see. Niko added: "I've been to Sibiu in "You have the mountains, so there's lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly. "And you should try Papanasi. It's a Romanian dessert that's like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you're on a diet." A Papanasi is a fried or boiled cheese doughnut, typically served with sour cream and jam. It's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside - and you can pick one up for around £4 in Romania. Everything is cheap and the people are so friendly According to Beer can cost as little as 5lei, which translates to just 85p. And the price of an average Cappuccino is 12lei (£2). The city is known for its charming and colourful old town and there are still lots of medieval walls and towers to have a look at. While in Sibiu, take a look at The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it - and when lit up at night, can make for a great picture spot too. According to The Big Square, which is historic and filled with market stalls, cafes, restaurants and shops. Flights from Birmingham to Sibiu with Wizz Air start from £35.99. Niko really knows her stuff on where to visit, as she's been flying with Wizz Air from the very beginning - including its very first flight in 2004. 8 The central square is full of cafes, restaurants and shops to stop in Credit: Alamy At the time, Wizz Air had just one aircraft which had no luggage compartments, just shelves, and there wasn't a built-in oxygen system either. Thanks to her 26-year-long cabin crew career, there aren't many places Niko hasn't been yet, but there is one on her list - Tromso. The city in Norway is dubbed the Arctic Circle capital. Niko added: "I want to go to One You can fly from 8 Albania has some beautiful beaches and has even been called the 'European Maldives' Credit: Alamy
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Time Out
Jim's Terrace One Bangkok
In a city overflowing with Thai restaurants, many try to stand out by putting a contemporary spin on local flavours. But that's not the approach at Jim's Terrace. Instead of reinventing the wheel, this spot leans into tradition, offering a menu devoted to Thai comfort food that feels both refreshingly honest and warmly nostalgic. Located on the second floor of the Jim Thompson Flagship Store at One Bangkok, this venue marks a departure from Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant. Though both are helmed by the same executive chef, Wichian 'Lek' Trirattanavatin, the two establishments follow very different visions. Here, he doesn't chase contemporary twists. Instead, he embraces the time-honoured recipes many Thais grew up with – the kind you'd find at the street-side eatery – and brings them into a stylish, sit-down setting without losing their soul. Sure, the dishes might not look exactly like what you'd find at a local stall, as they're a lot more polished. But the heart of each plate is still the same. Take sai krok Isan, for example, that classic fermented pork sausage you often see sizzling on street corners across the Big Mango. Chef Lek gives it an upgrade by using fragrant garlic from Phetchaburi and top-quality jasmine rice from Sisaket. It's served with all the familiar sides such as fresh cabbage, ginger, peanuts and herbs – just the way you remember it, only a little more dressed up. When it comes to Thai classics, you just can't skip curry. And chef Lek doesn't disappoint. You'll find tom kha gai made with tender Korat free-range chicken in a rich coconut and galangal broth with local mushrooms, fragrant Bang Chang dried chili and a sprinkle of fresh coriander on top. Then there's moo palo, a slow-braised pork belly stew made with kurobuta and served with an organic duck egg. The broth is deeply aromatic, thanks to Jim Thompson's signature seven-spice blend, with black and green cardamom adding that warm, lingering depth. To finish the meal, there's a good selection of desserts to choose from. But the bread with ice cream and Thai red syrup is worth trying. It's soft bread topped with the homemade 'ice cream of the day' and drizzled with sweet, sticky red syrup. It's such a simple treat, but it brings back those sweet childhood memories. Overall, Jim's Terrace One Bangkok offers a welcoming setting for sharing meals with family or loved ones. However, for those unaccustomed to spicy food, it's worth noting that the menu remains faithful to traditional tastes. Guests with a low spice tolerance may wish to proceed with caution.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Jaecoo J7 Phev signals strong shift towards hybrid mobility in Malaysia
OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia is witnessing a marked rise in public confidence surrounding the transition to new energy mobility, with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) emerging as a practical solution for consumers navigating range anxiety and reliability concerns. Central to this momentum is the successful introduction of the JAECOO J7 PHEV, launched in February 2025, which has rapidly gained traction in the local market. Positioned as a benchmark in the premium off-road SUV segment, the J7 PHEV integrates cutting-edge performance with a highly competitive pricing and warranty structure. Within just four months of its debut, over 800 units have been registered in Malaysia—a significant milestone reflecting the growing acceptance of hybrid technology in a traditionally internal combustion engine-dominated landscape. Equipped with OMODA | JAECOO's proprietary Super Hybrid System (SHS), the J7 PHEV offers a seamless blend of electric and fuel-powered efficiency. On a full tank and a fully charged battery, the SUV can cover more than 1,300 kilometres based on NEDC standards. The vehicle also boasts a class-leading all-electric range of 106 kilometres, catering to urban commuters seeking emission-free mobility within city limits, while ensuring extended travel capabilities for longer journeys. Emily Lek, Vice President of OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia, described the J7 PHEV as a segment leader in both innovation and practicality. She emphasised the importance of continuous consumer education regarding hybrid systems, particularly as awareness remains in its early stages within Malaysia. To that end, the company has initiated PHEV familiarisation sessions designed to support customers throughout their ownership experience. The brand's commitment to customer engagement was underscored during a recent handover event celebrating the delivery of 100 units to early adopters. Lek reaffirmed the company's dedication to supporting its growing user base, recognising these initial owners as vital ambassadors for the brand's push into electrified mobility. Among those celebrating their transition to hybrid ownership was Manivannan Manickam, who shared that the J7 PHEV has been a reliable and comfortable option for his family, eliminating frequent fuel stops and aligning perfectly with his lifestyle needs. Similarly, Singaporean owner Ian Chan undertook a cross-border journey to attend the community event in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the model's long-range capability and the growing regional interest in hybrid mobility solutions. Fellow driver Andy Wong also praised the vehicle's design, features, and smooth drive, noting the educational value of the event in helping owners maximise their vehicle's efficiency. Beyond performance, the JAECOO J7 PHEV has set new benchmarks for safety and technological advancement in its category. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a total output of 341hp and 525 Nm of torque, supported by intelligent drive modes that let users choose between fuel efficiency or high-powered driving. Even in a power-depleted state, the vehicle achieves a remarkable fuel consumption of just 4.77 litres per 100 km. Priced at RM158,800, the J7 PHEV features comprehensive safety systems including Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), eight airbags, a Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Prevention, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Built for resilience in Malaysia's tropical climate, the SUV is equipped with an 18.3 kWh LFP battery engineered to withstand high temperatures and flooding, ensuring year-round dependability. With strong early demand and a growing community of hybrid adopters, the JAECOO J7 PHEV marks a significant step forward in Malaysia's clean mobility evolution. OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia remains focused on accelerating this transition, positioning the brand at the forefront of the country's emerging hybrid vehicle market.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Just another day in Thailand': Elephant enters store, leaves with rice crackers
A now-viral video has taken the Internet by storm, showing an elephant walking into a convenience store in Thailand's Khao Yai region, leaving viewers amused and awestruck in equal measure. The massive creature, later identified as Plai Biang Lek, a 23-year-old wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park, was seen poking around the aisles with his trunk, appearing surprisingly gentle despite nearly touching the ceiling of the store. The video shows the towering elephant gently poking around the shelves with his trunk, nearly brushing the ceiling of the store. The text overlay on the clip read: 'Elephant enters store in Khao Yai, Thailand.' According to The Independent, the incident took place at around 3 PM on Monday in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima province. The video, originally shared by @bangkokcommunityhelp on Instagram with the caption, 'An elephant casually walked into a convenience store in Khao Yai — just another day in Thailand! On its way out, the hungry visitor even grabbed some rice crackers for the road.' The video has garnered over 1.7 million likes and 69.9 thousand likes. A post shared by Bangkok Community Help (@bangkokcommunityhelp) Reacting to the video, one Instagram user said, 'Are we just gonna ignore the elephant in the room?' Another user shared a personal experience: 'I encountered this one on the streets in Khao Yai. It's funny how dangerous they could be but how chill they actually are.' A third wrote, 'Thanks for posting this, normally no one talks about the elephant in the room.' Though villagers are accustomed to seeing Plai Biang Lek near the area, this was the first time he ventured inside a shop. As per Khaosod English, 'Locals are accustomed to seeing Plai Biang Lek passing by this particular store, but he has never before attempted to enter. This time, however, Plai Biang Lek surprised and alarmed the residents and store owner by walking right inside.' The Bangkok Post reported that the elephant entered the store while the shop owner was attending to a customer. Both immediately panicked, fleeing the shop and alerting park officials. This isn't the elephant's first close encounter with humans. In February, Lek made headlines after raiding a small restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima. He wandered into the outdoor kitchen, knocked over chairs and kitchenware, and foraged for leftovers. It reportedly took about 30 minutes and metal poles to coax him back into the wild, said a report in The Independent.
Hypebeast
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Lawrence Lek Unpacks the Emotional Fallout of Tech-Powered Futures in 'NOX High-Rise'
Next month, theHammer Museumin Los Angeles will debutNOX High-Rise, an immersive installation by London-based artistLawrence Lek. Unfolding across multiple galleries, the exhibition fuses video, sound and sculptural elements to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in contemporary urban life, raising urgent questions about agency, empathy and the ethics of living alongside sentient technology. The installation revolves around NOX — short for 'Nonhuman Excellence' — a fictional clinical facility run by tech giant Farsight Corporation, that aid autonomous vehicles after they start exhibiting signs emotional instability. Mirroring the mental health troubles of humans, the cars undergo therapeutic treatment before returning to their jobs on the streets. This latest iteration ofNOX High-Risebuilds on the 2023 presentation ofNOXat LAS Art Foundation in Berlin, which introduced the first chapter of his Sinofuturist universe. Blending lush soundscapes and sci-fi mythos, Lek's imagined clinic serves as a metaphor navigating the moral complexities of artificial consciousness. Through a mix of game design, cinematic storytelling and speculative architecture, the artists constructs layered digital worlds that interrogate the politics of automation and the social futures we're hurtling toward. In addition toNOX High-Rise, on view from June 28 through November 16, Lek will also present films from 'Smart City,' the series that laid the conceptual groundwork forNOX, on June 29. Head to the museum'swebsitefor more information on the exhibition and additional programming. Hammer Museum10899 Wilshire Blvd,Los Angeles, CA 90024
