WRITER Ng Yi-Sheng, 28, is this year's Singapore Literature Prize winner in the English category.

According to the National Book Development Council which organises the awards, he is the youngest-ever recipient of the $10,000 top prize, which has been awarded biennially since 1992.

BANGKOK - THE head of flag carrier Thai Airways said on Wednesday that the airline had lost about US$560 million (S$856.7 million) because of the protest blockades at Bangkok's two main airports.

Both the main Suvarnabhumi international airport and the Don Mueang domestic hub reopened Wednesday after anti-government protesters ended their occupation, but the cost of the eight-day long movement has been huge.

IN HER final phone call with her husband, Ms Lo Hwei Yen held her voice steady, telling Michael Puhaindran she loved him and 'please ask them to hurry up'.

Thirty-six hours later, her husband identified her body on the 19th floor of the Mumbai Oberoi hotel last Friday.

LONDON - OIL prices tumbled under US$45 (S$68.81) on Wednesday to reach their lowest level since February 2005 after more weak US economic data sparked concern about slowing global energy demand.

In afternoon deals on London's InterContinental Exchange, Brent North Sea crude for delivery in January fell to US$44.87.