[TECK]

is complicated if you dont want to add queries, you have to create new field in table thread and index it, then you run a extra query every time you post a new thread. the other way is to add a query every time you perfom the $thread mysql query. that will make you endup in a loop with 50-100queries performed on vbHome page.

so forget about it. why is it so important for you to show that info? do you think the users care what forum is posted in? they read the thread title and if interesting they will visit it.
personally, i use only the thread title as link... but others requested the extra info that comes with it so i include it.
you can use vbIndex (it's code is partially mines, copied from previous vbHome (lite) versions, without permission) if you want to show the forum titles... and also if you want to crash your server.

vbIndex uses 50-150queries on it's regular page.
lol, i saw element having on his page 172queries. NTLDR came up with vbIndex 2 (and put a little note inside - code by TECK), but still it uses 47 queries when set to minimum.

there you have it, now it's up to you.