FOR those dreaming of pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear seas this summer, Tropical Sky is selling seven-night beach breaks to Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives from €1,719 per person (saving €199 per person), based on two sharing. Available on bookings until March 31, for selected departures in August, the price includes return flights from Dublin (via Gatwick), accommodation on a half-board basis, resort speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.

The opening day of the Royal Trophy ended honours even as defending champions Europe drew 2-2 with Asia in today’s foursomes.

A TRAIN derailed during heavy rains yesterday near Thailand’s coastal city of Hua Hin, killing seven people, including a two-year-old, and injuring 88 others, officials said.

At least eight people - all of them Thais - were reported to have been killed and 54 others injured today, when a train derailed during heavy rains near a popular seaside resort in central Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej vowed today that he will not resign despite growing pressure for him to step down as anti-government protesters occupied his headquarters for a fifth day.

Three people were killed and around 60 injured when two passenger trains collided south of Bangkok near a beach resort town.

TSUNAMI-wracked south east Asia appealed to would-be helpers today: take a holiday.

Tsunami-wracked Asia appealed to would-be helpers today: Take a holiday.

With a clash of mallets and the stomping of jumbo feet that shook the earth, the game was underway.

Open champion Ernie Els carded a second-round 67 to move ominously into the lead in the Caltex Masters in Singapore.

President Mary McAleese has met with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra in Bangkok today as part of a four-day trip to south-east Asia to develop trade and diplomatic ties.