Channel 7, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and IMG are proud to announce today Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 has chosen Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course as the host venue to welcome the return of 60 world’s leading professional women golfers to Thailand again, to compete for a purse of US$1.3 million over 72 holes stroke play with no cut in the field from October 25 to 28.
The Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 marks the second year of Honda’s title sponsorship.
Speaking at the press conference, Khun Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Director of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said, “For those who know the sport, golf challenges and brings out the best in the player. It is similar to Honda’s corporate culture that encourages each and every team member to constantly seek innovations and find better ways to excel. We call this our “Challenging Spirit”. Honda also believes in “The Power of Dreams” which drives us to make the impossible, possible. Winning is not everything; challenging ourselves through self-determination and drive to raise our skills and standards to the next higher level is more important.”
Khun Pitak added, “In addition, we are holding two amateur competitions – Honda Junior Golf Championship for players aged between 9 to 17 years, and Honda Amateur Tournament – where the winners will tee-off on Pro-Am Day or participate in the Honda Golf Clinic with these professional players.”
Mrs. Surang Prempree, Managing Director of Bangkok Broadcasting & TV Co., Ltd. (Channel 7) said, “As you all know, LPGA is the biggest women’s tour in the world, and the Honda LPGA Thailand is now in its 2nd year. Our objective for staging this golf tournament is to showcase Thailand to the world, and we believe that through the impact of golf as a sport, and the world’s best female golfers, it will create significant contributions to the tourism industry in Thailand.”
“Furthermore, this tournament will provide a platform to inspire our young athletes to follow their dreams to become world class athletes, benefiting Thailand’s young generation and our country in the long run.”
“This year Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will be staged in Pattaya City, which is one of the world’s famous tourist destinations in Thailand. According to the feedbacks from LPGA players last year, Thai hospitality is the best, and it is because of this, superstars such as Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer will participate the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007. We are confident that more top players will want to participate in this tournament,” said Khun Surang.
“During the Honda LPGA Thailand 2006, we received a great deal of positive feedback from the golfers about the quality of the tournament and the hospitality shown by the people of Thailand,” LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens said.
“We are delighted to return with the continued support of Honda and Channel 7. We know the fans will enjoy this opportunity to once again follow the best players in women’s professional golf compete at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course.”
The Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 is one of three LPGA-sanctioned events in Asia, and it’s an integral part of Asian events on LPGA calendar.
The host venue, Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course, regarded as the best golf course in Thailand. Dr. Phornthep Phornprapha representing the Siam Country Club said, “Hosting the only LPGA-sanctioned event in Thailand is an excellent opportunity to showcase the club’s world class facilities, further promoting Thailand as the world’s golfing destination. We are very confident to provide the best course conditions to challenge the skills of LPGA players.”
Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President, IMG Asia Pacific “IMG is very pleased to be working with Honda, Channel 7 and LPGA in creating this world class tournament, and is dedicated to provide our expertise in golf and sports, to deliver the best international tournament to all golf supporters in Thailand and around the world.”
Sorenstam, despite slipping from world’s rankings number one title due to a back injury, is still recognized as one of the best female golfers ever. Recovering from injury, she is ready to regain her title on the world’s rankings.
The 20-year-old Creamer, also known as the Pink Panther, has played on the tour for just three years but already set multiple LPGA records by becoming the fastest player to reach the US$ 1 million, 2 million, 3 million marks in career earnings, earned the most official single-season earnings without a tournament victory in 2006 (US$ 1,076,163).
The player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will comprise of 50 leading LPGA Tour players and 10 exemptions, competing for a purse of US$1.3 million over 72 holes stroke play with no cut in the field. The strong player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will ensure the Thailand crowds to witness the most exciting actions at Pattaya in the weekend of October 25 to 28
More Information about Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 Please visit to website http://www.hondalpgathailand2007.com
Mr. Kongkrid Hirankit, the Chairman of Tourism Council of Thailand, reveals that last year the tourism and economy of Nakhon Ratchasima province were lower growing because of many factors such as the rise of Thai baht, unclearly politics and oil price that continually raised but he said after the politics begin had clearness and regarding Nakhon Ratchasima province is the host of the 24th SEA Games 2007, held from December 6-15 2007, that urge the economy too and they expected will have widespread money more than 1,000 million baht.
“Presently, the hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima was already reserved by the athlete and tourist from 10 countries and somewhere was reserved from neighboring country which rent through the competition and somewhere still have decided to accept the reservation of whole room” according to Mr. Kongkrid.
Source from Post Today Newspaper Date: September 26 2007.
more about SEA Games 2007 in Korat Thailand Please visit to http://www.2007seagames.com/
Visitors to the Thailand Open 2007 this week should hold onto their tickets, as they are eligible for a 25 per cent discount on next year’s 2008 tournament.
Thailand Open organizers today announced that ticket-holders for all matches would be eligible for the discount.
The announcement follows the unforeseeable last-minute withdrawal of crowd favorite Andy Roddick, citing a left ankle injury. The withdrawal took place moments before his scheduled match on center court on Wednesday night.
This year’s Thailand Open has been hit by a number of withdrawals, including top seeds Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Chaiyapak Siriwat, chairman of the Thailand Open Organizing Committee, said such withdrawals were an unfortunate reality of world-class professional tennis.
“Tennis is a tough game, and injuries do occur,” he said. “We have been relatively lucky in past years not to have had any major pull-outs at the last minute. This year that has not been the case.”
In keeping with tournaments all over the world, there is a no-refund policy for tennis fans who have already purchased their tickets. However today it was announced that as a goodwill gesture, ticket holders for this year’s tournament would receive a 25 per cent discount on the price of next year’s tournament tickets.
ATP International CEO Brad Drewett praised the Thailand Open for this move, saying such withdrawals were beyond the control of the organizers.
“The Thailand Open remains a premier event on the ATP calendar. Such withdrawals will not tarnish the reputation of this event that has had consistently great players participating for many years,” he said today.
ATP Tournament Director Allon Khakshouri added that despite the withdrawals, the Thailand Open still featured a stronger field than many other ATP events. “We expect many more exciting matches this week,” he said.
The Thailand Open 2007 is currently being held at Muang Thong Thani until this Sunday.
For further details on the ticket discounts, please go to thaiticketmajor.com.
Source www.thailandopen.org
Where can one find a relax dining place to enjoy Thai culinary and the kingdom’s riverside sceneries in an open air terrace? As a reviewer, I would recommend Supatra River House. It certainly meets all interest, the Grand Palace is in sight, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is not so far off, and the renowned pagoda of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) next door. This is an exotic Thai and seafood restaurant on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.
A traditional Thai style house is the former home of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, who was a successful business lady in leading advocate of women’s rights in Thai society. She also was the founder of the famous Chao Phraya River ferry company. Yes all the express boats we use to commute on the Chao Phraya. Supatra River House was converted to this magnificent restaurant after many years of closure following her death. Her eldest daughter khun Supapan has started this a restaurant in 1998.Pleasant scenery with cool river breezes are the great assesses of restaurant. To make this an elegant and extravaganza dining, you may arrive in dusk by ferry service from Maharaj ferry pier at Maharaj Road or the hotel pier. Upon reaching the restaurant, hundreds of red candlelights and classical Thai melody will make your arrival unforgettable. Moreover, every Friday and Saturday night is devoted to The Patravadi Dinner Theatre. The theater performs Thai-contemporary style performances created by khun Patravadi Mejudhon, the famous stage performer, screenwriter, theatre director and the younger sister of khun Supatra
This restaurant has three main parts for dining: the Terrace, the open air place overlooking the riverside for your cool breeze evening. Baan Thai, two-storey house with air condition for your fine dining and also Baan Khun Ying, a good choice for good occasion where you can enjoy your meal and conversation privately.
This restaurant has three main parts for dining: the Terrace, the open air place overlooking the riverside for your cool breeze evening. Baan Thai, two-storey house with air condition for your fine dining and also Baan Khun Ying, a good choice for good occasion where you can enjoy your meal and conversation privately.
For the pleasure on you dining table, Supatra River House offers fresh food with best qualities, especially the prawn menu. The chefs personalize the dishes to suit individual taste whether this is hot and spicy, sour, or sweet. If you ask me for the recommended menus, I would prefer Fried River Prawn with Tamarind sauce, a fresh prawn dish with savory and sweet taste of tamarind sauce, Red roasted duck curry, a little bit spicy tender duck curry but delicious and don’t forget to try Fried Chicken with cashew nuts.
source www.at-bangkok.com
Wat Bowon Niwet is an important temple located on Phra Suman Road in the Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, there is in the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was molded in 1375. King Rama IV used to be a chief abbot of this temple before he ascended the throne. Other Chakri Kings who had resided here during their monkhood include King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
This temple is one of the most important temples in Thailand because it is the temple where King Rama VI, VII and IX spent their time in being Buddhist monks
If you walk to this temple from Khao San Road, you will first notice the large golden chedi poking out above the trees. There are some book shops in this area which sell books on Buddhism in both English and Thai. Go through the main entrance and enter the quiet temple grounds. No entrance fee here. You are free to wander around and pay respects to the Buddha image.
Information form http://www.thailandguidebook.com
Suan Pakkad Palace is located at 352 Sri Ayutthaya Road, not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai Road.
It used to be the residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand's leading gardeners
and art collector.
In the compound of Suan Pakkad Palace, there are five traditional Thai houses. Collections include : Asian art
and antiques, seashells, mineral crystals, and pottery and bronz objects from the pre-historic birial ground at
Ban Chiang, in the northeast of Thailand.
Suan Pakkad Palace is located on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Phayathai intersection. This used to be the residence of Princess Chumphot, one of Thailand's leading art collectors. Five traditional Thai houses overlooking a beautifully kept garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques.
LOCATION: Located on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Phayathai intersection. An easy 500 metre walk from the Phayathai Sky Train station..
Suan Pakkad Palace is open everyday, except
Sunday and national holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
ADMISSION: 100 baht
website www.suanpakkad.com
Japanese restaurants in hotels tend to be of the old-fashioned sort, often stuck in an unfortunate decade, with geisha-like staff and an atmosphere that automatically makes you sit up straight. Tsu (and its adjoining sister Nami ) has thrown out all that and reminds guests that it's 2006. One of Thailand's leading design companies gave the underground-level place innavative avant-grade, sleek Zen minimalism and Nippon touches. Here,Chef Aki has 35 people working hard to satisfy tummies and taste buds. The menu couples classic dishes with the Chef's inventive creations.
Monthly changing specials display his ongoing, alway successful experimentation. Sake lovers are happy to scrutinize one of Bangkok's largest selections. And everybody gets a small surprise at the end -prices are very reasonable, especially since portions are big, sashimi slabs huge, the selection almost overwhelming and service swift and friendly
Information
Picture form www.at-bangkok.com
Dr. Nat Intarapan, the deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided over the meeting of the 24th SEA Games and the 4th ASEAN Para Games, at Sima Thani Hotel, September 19 2007, which the Sports Technical Committee of SEA Games, reveal that the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary, inform Princess Siriwanawaree nareeratana, will join the Badminton competition in the category of woman’s singles and doubles including mixed doubles, so they see as appropriate to improve an executive lounge in the Badminton Gymnasium at Vongchavalitkul University and Her Majesty’s waiting room in the Athlete Village.
The Marketing Committee, reveals that TOT public Company Limited, confirmed to be the main sponsor of the SEA Games on networking and telecommunication worth 75 million baht and the Power Corporation Company Limited, was support the product and services worth 2.19 million baht, which both company has already sent the proposals.
In addition to the meeting of the Chief of SEA Games’ Athletes, will visit the venues at Nakhon Ratchasima on November 8 2007, then will go to visit the venues at Pattaya, Chonburi, and using 15 volvo cars to transport the chiefs among the meeting at Nakhon Ratchasima too.
Source from Naewna Newspaper Date: September 20 2007.
More Information and news for Seagames 2007 Please visit to http://www.2007seagames.com
The city's official night bazaar,this market is smaller and easier to navigate than Chatuchak and is complimented by a lively food court and beer garden. Geared heavily towards tourists, the stalls here offer the usual mix of crafts,textiles and local knickknacks. However there are some creative gems amongst the trinkets and it's well worth looking around, if only to build up your thirst for the connecting food/beer garden.
Here local bands blast out favorites (Try and find a seat towards the back) while food vendors do a brisk business. To wash it all down, there's a wide selection of local and German beer, available by the glass or gallon. The night bazaar wheel on loan from France,ride it if you dare.
The Suan Luam Night Bazaar is a good place to start your shopping odyssey. Its modern and intimate stalls are home to a good range of products shipped in from all corners of Thailand. Another great feature of this night market are the beer stalls and restaurants dotted around it. Visitors can rest their weary legs and enjoy a much needed cold beer while listening to some of the live music on offer here. The food available here ranges from Thai and Vietnamese to Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines
About Bangkok Night market please visit to http://www.1stopbangkok.com/
The Best and busiest in town is this weekend market. Here, thousands descend every weekend to trade everything from Burmese antiques to livestock. Spread over a sizeable area,the maze of alleys in this sometimes overwhelming market is jam-packed with an astonishing array of goods,divided loosely into specific areas.
Originally a flea market, it has become a creative centre over the past five years with many young Thai designers taking advantage of the lower rent to sell their wares. AS it tends to get very busy (and hot) , it's best to go either in the early morning or late afternoon. To help you navigate around the market, we recommend Nancy Chandler's Map, available at any good Bangkok bookshop .
If you need Chatuchak with air-con,visit government-run Narai Phand opposite Central Workd Plaza; here you can find good-value handicrafts from all over the country. And you don't even have to bargain.
The Ramada Resort Karon Beach, Phuket tops the list of Best Family Resorts in South East Asia by Agoda Company
The Ramada Resort Karon Beach – Phuket’s only unique family resort destination recently landed on the No. 1 spot among Best Family Resorts in South East Asia by Agoda Company, an online travel and discount hotel bookings website.
This list of 'Best Family Resorts in South East Asia' highlighted hotels that specifically cater for children and family. The company says there has been a consistent growth in the number of bookings made for family-style accommodation since 2004, with the quantity of bookings having quadrupled in the last 3 years. This is complemented by an increase in the number of hotels that specialize in children's facilities and activities including kids clubs and baby sitting services.
Known for its unique children themed rooms, extensive kids club and wide range of family and children services, Ramada Karon Beach Resort, Phuket became the instant popular choice. The resort has 121 rooms most with great sea views is situated at Karon Beach, which is the second largest of Phuket's principle tourist beaches.
John Williams, General Manager of Ramada Resort Karon Beach, Phuket says, “We are very happy to be named as the Best Family Resort in South East Asia. This is not only a proof of the appreciation given by our family guests and customers but also a recognition among travel agents and bookers making us their “real preferred family resort of choice, not only in Phuket but in the region as well.”
As Phuket’s only family-themed 4 star resort, Ramada Resort Karon Beach, Phuket features a 1950’s style rock & roll diner as its main restaurant. The resort has 14 rooms in three different adventure themes such as the Outer Space Room, the Underwater Room and the Castle Room. These theme rooms are all connected to a King-bedded Adult room so that the entire family can stay close together and enjoy the amenities of those special rooms. Besides amazing visual effects in the bedrooms and bathrooms these Kidz dream rooms come with play-stations, DVD players and 32” TV. Games and movies are themed as well and specifically chosen for their kidz-friendly content.
All deluxe rooms and suites are equipped with Kidz-friendly toy boxes, which will keep the kids busy in the evening time and during a rare bad weather spell.
The Siam Adventure Club offers an awesome kidz-club, a cardio gym, the tour counter and a general guest relations service. This is the centre point of all guest services in the hotel by providing a fun-filled activity programme to all kidz and the young at heart. The kidz club features several activity areas such as the nutty professor’s science lab, Picasso’s Art Center, a Kidz-kitchen for experimental cooking and a ball pen. For older kidz there is a play-station room and the movie room.
Another great dining venue is the Castle Grill and Bar situated nearby the Kids Club and the unique kid’s themed swimming pool with one of the longer water slides in Phuket.
Ramada Resort Karon Beach, Phuket is owned and developed by Destination Properties and managed by Hotel Corp Ltd. which represents the Wyndham and Ramada hotel brands in Thailand.
Source: Ramada Resort, Karon Beach release dated September 12, 2007
Address 568 Moo 1 Patak Raod, Karon Beach , Amphur Muang, Phuket 83100 Location Karon Beach
For further information, please contact:
Ramada Resort, Karon Beach Phuket
568 Patak Road, Tambon Karon, Amphur Muang
Phuket,Thailand 83100
Tel: +66 (0) 7639 6666
Fax: +66 (0) 7639 6853
E-mail: rsvn@ramadaphuket.com
Bangkok Sales Office:
Tel: +66 (0) 2266 7316
Fax: +66 (0) 2266 7315
Web site: www.ramadaphuket.com
Source http://www.tatnews.org
Wat Phra Pai Luang is a large monastery about a kilometer north of the city walls. It is surrounded by a moat. It originally consisted of three laterite and stucco Prang, which were probably founded in the late 12th century when Sukhothai was part of the Khmer Empire. Wat Phra Pai Luang may have been the center of the original city, if Wat Mahathat and the present city walls date only from the 13th century. A fragmentary Jayabuddhamahanatha, one of the images founded by the Cambodian King Jayavarman VII in 1191, was found in the Wihan and is now displayed on the terrace of the museum. Of the three Prang, only the northern one stands intact. The stucco décor on its northern pediment appears original, while the western pediment was re – stuccoed in about the second half of the 13th century, and on the southern face there are traces of still later repairs.
During the restorations of 1965 – 66, a large stucco sitting Buddha in the central Prang collapsed, disclosing numerous smaller stucco heads and torsos inside. Some date these fragments to the second half of the 13th century and believe that they represent the earliest stage of the Sukhothai style.
The secondary laterite Chedi, standing on the base of the Wihan were reconstructed by the Fine Arts Department in 1965 – 66.
To the east of the Wihan, there’s a pyramidal brick Chedi. Originally it contained a pyramid with Buddhas in niches on each story. The heads of the Buddhas were stolen between 1953 and 1960, but some facially like ‘Chaingsaen’ Buddhas may be in private collections and it the reserves of the National Museum, Bangkok. Scholars have dates the the Chedi to the second half of the 13th century. Later, large Buddhas were erected at the cardinal points, blocking some of the smaller Buddhas of the niches. Finally (late 14th – 15th century), the niches with their Buddhas were covered over with bricks, and, perhaps at the same time, the wall around the Chedi was constructed. The Fine Arts Department has removed stuccos on the eastern face of the Chedi; they included figures of acrobats and of adorants.
Southeast of the Chedi stands a Mondop; on its eastern face was a stucco image of the walking Buddha and standing Buddhas were on the other three faces. In front of the waling Buddha there was a reclining one.
There are numerous secondary Chedi in the area and small Wihan lies in the northeast corner and north of the Prang, beyond the pond. The Bot is in the west of the Prang.
source form http://www.thaivillagehotel.com
A glimpse of everyday life in Thailand can be seen at the Damnern Saduak Floating market which is located some 68 miles from Bangkok. Your journey commences with a leisurely drive passing through salt fields and rice paddies before arriving at a jetty. Here we will board long tail speed-boats to take you to the market.
The market is made up of Thai style canoes laden with colorful, succulent fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats. They gently ply their way through the canal selling as they go. Close by is the Rose Garden, comprising 70 acres of lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns. Here lunch will be taken in a restaurant overlooking the river
After lunch you will be treated to a Thai Village show with over 150 performers portraying a fascinating cross section of Thailand's culture, heritage and way of life settings as authentic as the remote rural villages. Enjoy cultural activities, a wedding ceremony, Thai dancing, an elephant show and a whole host of other activities on this interesting afternoon.
If you want to visit the entire complex, its best to go on your own or engage a personal tour guide who can make things easy. If you want to see most of what the museum has to offer, allow at least half a day. You may want to get an early start to avoid the heat of the day. If your time is limited, or even if its not, its a good idea to plan out a visit to Vimanmek to make sure you see everything you want to see. We've thus made this package as complete as possible to help you decide what buildings and galleries will fit your interest. The navigation links at the bottom of the page will allow you to step through the buildings one-by-one, or you can jump to specific sights using the links at the bottom of the page. We've also got an online map of the complex to give you an
MOre information please visit to http://www.travelmarttours.com
THE 8TH ANNUAL WORLD GOURMET FESTIVAL
AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK
September 9-16, 2007
Since its inception eight years ago, the World Gourmet Festival has grown in prominence to feature an extraordinary line up of some of the world’s best chefs. Several food festivals are hosted throughout the world, however, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is the only hotel to bring award winning Master Chefs under one roof for a week long celebration of outstanding food, superb wines and to share tips and information on how to create award-winning cuisine.
Confirmed participating chefs are:
- Patricia di Benedetto, ByeByeBlues, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
- Paul Wilson, The Botanical, Melbourne, Australia
- Michael Ginor, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, New York, USA
- Romain Fornell, Caelis, Barcelona, Spain
- Douglas Rodriguez, Gaucho Restaurants, London, UK
- Steven Snow, Fins Restaurant, Sydney, Australia
- Nicole Krasinski, Rubicon, San Francisco, USA
- Roberto Donna, Galileo, Washington DC, USA
- Suzanne Tracht, JAR Restaurant, Los Angeles, USA
- Susur Lee, Susur Lee, Toronto, Canada
- Katrina Kanetani, Pier Restaurant, Sydney, Australia
The event is coordinated and overseen by Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok Executive Chef Nicolas Schneller and Shintaro Chef, Satoshi Sawada and Biscotti Chef, Danilo Aiassa.
Each chef will host two evenings in one of the hotel’s restaurants; and a cooking demonstration either for lunch or dinner. You may catch them all at one time at the seven-course Gala dinner on Thursday, 13 September 2007.
The World Gourmet Gala Dinner promises to be a unique and memorable affair. A cocktail reception will take place from 7:00 pm followed by a seven-course dinner and entertainment. A live auction will feature exciting travel prizes that showcase sister Four Seasons hotels around the globe.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok proudly extends support to HRH Princess Soamsawali’s “Save a Child’s Life from AIDS Project” under the auspices of the Thai Red Cross Society which provides medicine for pregnant mothers who are afflicted with AIDS. A portion of all proceeds from the Gala dinner will be donated to this charity.
Tickets are available through Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on +66 (0) 2 250 1000 or wgf.bangkok@fourseasons.com.
Tickets are available through Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on +66 (0) 2250 1000 or wgf.bangkok@fourseasons.com.
IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)
FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.
Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
More Information please visit www.tatnews.org
Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region.
Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometers that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.
Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time. One of the Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park.
Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo, Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.
Geographically, Nakhon Ratchasima borders on Chiyaphum and Khon Kaen Provinces in the north, Buriram Province in the east, Chiyaphum and Saraburi Provinces in the west and Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri Provinces in the south.
Khorat is also the largest northeastern province. Inhabitants of the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that include farming of rice and other crops such as sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. There are more than 100 savings and agricultural cooperatives in the province, 35 irrigation projects and 7,122 industrial factories. Most of the factories are rice mills, tapioca product manufacturers, and industrial factories.
Khorat's most popular annual event is the Thao Suranari Festival, a celebration of Thao Suranari's victory over the Lao. It's held from late March to early April and features parades.
Looking back
Khorat used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities. Little is known about the early history of Khorat, except that it used to be part of a kingdom called Sri Janas (Si Janat) an empire that extended its power to the entire Khorat Plateau.
Initially the predominant cultural influence in the city was that of the Dvaravati culture, however, it was later replaced by the Khmer culture. The prehistoric site of Ban Prasat is an evidence of this occurrence while traces of both the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at Amphur Sung Noen and Amphur Phimai.
Once an administrative and cultural center, Khorat's role today remains unchanged as it is currently the main transportation, industrial and economic hub of the Northeast.
Contact Number
Tourist Police. 1155, 0 4434 1777-9
Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. 0 4425 9524
Airport (Thai Airways). 0 4425 5425
Public Relations Province. 0 4425 1818
Maharach Korat Hospital. 0 4425 4990-1
Transport station. 0 4424 2889
Transport station. 0 4425 6006-9
Provincial police Station. 0 4424 2010
Railway station. 0 4424 2044
Office of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. 0 4424 3798
Information about SeaGames 2007 in Nakhon RAtchasima please visit www.2007seagames.com
Yee Peng is tha annual festival held to celebrate the fulll moon in the northern capital of Chiang Mai on the day preceding Loy Krathong by one day in November.The word "Yee Peng" is the northern Thai term referring to the full moon of the 12 th lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.
The festival is celebrated as a religious event in whichlocal people throughout the region make merit and other religious activities. The highlight of the event focuses on the lunching of the Khom loy or floating lanterns info the night sky with the belief that misfortune will fly away with the lanterns. It is their belief,if the lanterns are made and offered is said to symbolise knowledge and the light it gives will guide them to the right path of their lives
Meanwhile,"Khom loy" is a Thai word signifying the floating lantern which is a large balloon - like made from a light bamboo frame covered with saa(mulberry) paper. It floats by means of hot air heated by a flaming torch fixed in the balloon. During the event, both day and night local people and monks are closely involved with the Khom making process. Besides, the premises of large hotels, the temple compound is thus the appropriate venue for the launching of the Khom. The activity has gained such popularity that at the height of the event the flight training of the Royal Thai Air Force has to be suspended until all the Khom Loy have dispersed while all commercial air traffic at the airport has been warned to exercise extreme caution as the climbing lanterns could pose a danger to the jet turbines.
To celebrate the auspicious event, companies and private individuals make merit by sponsoring balloons to dispel bad luck and seek good fortune. If their balloons rise high and travel far, this indicates prosperity. It has been said that this kind of hot air balloon could rise to heights of up to 1,250 metres and travel even as far as Hat Yai District of the southern province of Songkhla.
The most spectacular event is held at the Thapae Gate area where local and foreign visitors can see floats, marchers and beautiful Yee Peng queens. As the night falls, the spectators will be excited to see the long strings of Khom loy rise gently into the limitless sky as they stimulate the participants' spirits to rise higher to the heaven. This brings joy and happiness to the merit-makers since their ill-fortune has been floated away.
With permission form : Thanapol Chadchaidee. (1994). Essays on Thailand. Bangkok : Thaichareunkanpem
Date : 09/09/2007 To 11/10/2007
Place : At Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok
SEPTEMBER 9 – OCTOBER 11, 2007 At Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok
It has been nine years since Bangkok took its first steps towards establishing itself as a Southeast Asian cultural hub. Its been nine years since Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance & Music set the ball rolling. Today the festival has garnered a reputation for excellence presenting only the best from around the world to discerning audiences in Bangkok. In keeping with this tradition the ninth edition (Sept 9-11 Oct) of the festival has in store acts that will find favour even with the most demanding of patrons.
As Thailand celebrates His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday this year, the festival in effect is dedicated to Him and opens with a spectacular performance paying homage to the musician in His Majesty. During his reign His Majesty has penned some 48 compositions, many in the blues style and the opening act, ‘His Majesty’s Blues Concert’, has 25 of Thailand’s leading singers giving voice to some of these compositions. Accompanied by an orchestra, singers like Ford Sobchai Kraiyurasen, Jennifer Kim, Radklao Amaradit, Ta Surachai Wongbuakao and Ben Chalatit Tantiwut among others, will more than do justice to the compositions. Pongprom Sanitwong Na Ayuthaya, producer, composer and musician is the man behind this amazing project. It was in 2006 that over a 100 Thai artists, cutting across label lines came together in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. A four set CD album was also released which soon became a collector’s item. This blues concert is another opportunity to hear rare compositions in concert and makes for a fitting opening to a spectacular festival.
The Magic of Ballets
This festival sees the ballet take on a contemporary hue beginning with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company which on Sept 18 presents ‘Upon Reaching the Sun’, taking its cue from an excerpt from ‘Woyzeck’, the fragmentary play by 19th-century German writer Georg Büchner. The excerpt describes the imaginary journey of a lonely orphan girl. The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company is one of Israel's most prominent dance companies identified with the works of its artistic director – Rami Be'er. Expect a cutting-edge contemporary dance performance.
Compagnia Aterballetto, Italy goes into more familiar territory with Romeo and Juliet (Sept 27). This is the first full performance of Romeo and Juliet as a contemporary ballet. At the helm of the company is Artistic Director Mario Bigonzetti one of Italy’s most critically acclaimed and famous contemporary choreographers. Expect a striking, eclectic performance with spectacular sets and costumes, both designed by the world-famous installation artist Fabrizio Plessi.
The next instalment in ballet takes a classical detour with Swan Lake (Sept 29-30) followed by a neo-classical Pedro & Inês (Oct 2), both ballets are by Portuguese National Ballet.
Every one in Bangkok is familiar with Swan lake but this version has an unexpected twist in the tale. A staging that just has to be seen. Pedro & Ines is based on a true story. The ballet centres around Pedro, the son and heir of King Alfonso IV, who was forced to marry Princess Constanza even though he was in love with Inês. After his wife’s death Pedro fled to be with Inês. Inês, however, is murdered on the orders of the king. On succeeding to the throne Pedro had Ines’ corpse exhumed and crowned. The court was forced to acknowledge her as queen by kneeling before her and kissing her decomposed hand.
Never has Thailand seen such a dramatic and shockingly true story told on stage. The use of huge water tank on stage as the performance arena adds to the drama. Following this dramatic staging is another one, that of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Zurich Ballet (Oct6-7). A ballet in two acts it is based on William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy that portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Athens, Theseus and Hippolyta, and with fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. Classified as Zurich Ballets biggest production, this ballet has the most amazing sets ever seen yet. Consider the fact that they are shipped to Thailand in four 40ft containers by sea and over 65 cubic metres by air and you can begin to understand the size of the production.
At the helm of this, one of Europe’s foremost ballet companies, is Artistic Director Heinz Sporeli, the continent’s most celebrated choreographer. Adding their might to the production are actors (Anthony O’Donnel and Bill Alexander) from Royal Shakespeare Company, London and an orchestra led by well-known conductor James Tuggle from USA.
Traditional Dances
The saga of traditional dance this festival begins with India and one of its foremost exponents of kathak: Pallabi De. Kathak is one of six major classical dances of India and the most dynamic. This performance (Sept 12) by Pallabi De and her group will trace the history of the dance form from the temples of ancient India to its modern incarnation.
Next on are traditional dances from Veracruz, Mexico by Grupo Jarocho National Dance Company (Sept 14). The Spanish word Jarocho describes a person or music from the state or city of Veracruz and this show is a musical expression of the creative core of Jarocho directed by Richard O’ Neal (former assistant director of Riverdance).60 dancers and technicians pay homage to the mix of European, African and indigenous roots that is Veracruz reflected in its music and dance traditions.
While Tango is by no means a traditional dance it holds that status in Argentina. On Sept 16 come face to face with the fiery passion of Argentinean tango with No-Bailaras Tango Company. Argentina’s best known choreographer Silvana grill presents a performance, ‘Grotesque Passion Dance’, that synthesizes traditional tango into a dramatic contemporary showcase
South Korea steps in next with the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre (Sept 20). A keeper of the flame as far as the traditional dances of Korea go, the company’s mission is to serve as a springboard for Korean dance worldwide. More than 40 of Korea’s most talented dancers will take to the stage.
The finale
Bringing the curtain down on this nearly six-week long festival are two performances by Ballet Nacional de Espana (Oct 10-11). Over 50 dancers of Spain’s leading dance company will present Flamenco and Spanish Dances in three productions: Caprichos, Dualia and Cambalache. The training ground of every Spanish dancer of note, the company has preserved all styles of Spanish dance yet has managed to combine tradition with modernity with surprising ease. Director Jose Antonio’s career is defined by his wide body of work as a director and in 2005, he was awarded the ‘Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes’, by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. Expect to be stunned by this electrifying performance.
More information please visit www.bangkokfestivals.comand source form www.tourismthailand.org
Date : 22/09/2007 To 30/09/2007
Place : Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok
SEPTEMBER 22-30, 2007 Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok
22nd-30th September, Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok
The Amazing ATP Thailand Open, Thailand's premier international sporting event takes place from September 22-30, 2007 at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. Southeast Asia's only ATP Tour event, the Thailand Open 2007 boasts a star-studded field that includes Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Tommy Haas, Paradon Srichaphan and Benjamin Becker.
Special For Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) from Thai Airways offer fans the opportunity to get up close to all of the exciting tennis action with the best seats in the house, which are not available in the market, as you can see from the seat plan below (highlighted).
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ATP Thailand Open 2007 -(Tour code: ATPOP1)
Included Features
- Ticket Voucher for ATP Thailand Open 2007 at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani
Choose ticket for one of the following rounds:
- Quarter finals (Fri 28 SEP 07 for either session, 12.00 A.M. or 7.00 P.M.)
- Semi finals (Sat 29 SEP 07 - 1.00 P.M.)
- Finals (Sun 30 SEP 07 - 1.00 P.M.)
** For Roundtrip transfer service from hotel to Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani, Please refer -(Tour code: CAROP1T)
For More Information: www.thailandopen.org/
source form www.tourismthailand.org
Wat Muen Ngern Gong is located on San Larn Road. This temple was first constructed in the time of King Mengrai in local Lanna style. Many rich families in Chiang Mai sponsor this temple since its name. Muen Ngern Gong, means millionaire or riches.
Besides these nine, there are also other important temples in Chiang Mai such as, Wat Pan Toa which is located on Phrapokkloa Road. The wooden viharn was carved in local Lanna style and the doors decorated with peacocks. Wat Ku Tao is located behind the Municipal Stadium at the north of the moat. It contains a delightful, almost whimsically constructed chedi shaped like five melons. All five globes are decorated with intricate pieces of coloured porcelain. The outer wall of the temple is decorated with charming murals. Wat Saen Fang is of Burmese style situated in a surprisingly serene spot just off busy Tha Pae Road. Wat Buppharam is located on Tha Pae Road. Interesting features include the chedi constructed in the Burmese architectural style, the carved wooden main chapel roof and the small wood chapel constructed in the local style. Wat Pa Poa is located on Mani Nopharat Road. It is the first Ngeaw (a minority group) temple in Chiang Mai where a Poi Sang Long Procession is held every April. Wat Chang Kong is located on Loi Kroh Road. It was constructed by Chang Kong villagers who immigrated from Chiang Sean at the beginning of the Rama Period. Wat U-Sai Kam is located on Chang Moi Kao Road and houses an image of the Lord Buddha made from jadeite Tel. 0 5323 4210 Wat Lok Moree is located on Mani Nopharat Road. It was abandoned during World War Two and recently reconstructed in local Lanna Style.
Information form www.tatchiangmai.org
Is a picturesque gorge about 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai City and teak forests and mountains frame it. During the
rainy season, the rapidly flowing river crashing on the boulders and through the ravine give a dramatic picture of nature's strength. A bridge connects the two sides of the narrow, steep gorge. The National Park Office has tents and sleeping equipment for visitors to rent at modest prices. For more information contact Recreation Department of The Royal Forest Department, Bangkok 10900 or tel. 0 – 2579 – 5734, 0 – 2579 – 7223, 0 – 2561 – 4292 – 6 ext. 724, 725 or contact the Ob Luang National Park, Hod district tel. 0 – 5322 – 9272
The Mae Chaem River was originally called the “Salak hin”. The river created a big but narrow canyon , which is called Ob Luang. The rocks and cliffs are subject to erosion by the strong currents of the river and have formed the canyon and strangely shaped rockformations. The water have to force it’s way past rocks and boulders obstructing the course which is magnificent sight.
From 1966 to 1991 the park was administered as a forest park. After more surveys by the Royal Forest Department it was gazetted, in 1991, as the 68th national park of Thailand. The area supports a wide variety of natural attritions like waterfalls, cave, hot springs and historical sites, which serve people education and recreation. At present the total park is 630 km2 and is entirely located in Amphur Chomthong, Hod and Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai province, Thailand.
Topography
The extensive, north-south running, mountain range of the park is the same range of which Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain of Thailand.
Climate
The park receives a monsoonal climate and has three distinct occasional heavy thunderstorms and strong winds.
Flora and Fauna
Due to this national park consists of the mixed forest, drydipterocarp forest, dry-evergreen forest, hill-evergreen forest and moutain-pine forest lets you can find many kinds of plant such as Tectona grandis Linn.f., Dipterocarpus, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Xylia kerrii, Hopea odorata Roxb, Toona ciliata, Afzelia xylocarpa, Diospyros mollis Griff., D. fusca, Rose wood, Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth., Queen's Crape Myrtle , Queen's Flower, Anisoptera costata Korth., Mammea siamensis (T. Anderson ) Kosterm., Stereospermum spp., Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb., Shorea obtosa, Shorea siamensis and Pteridium aquilinum var. wightianum, etc. Moreover, the important low-level plants such as bamboo, palm and fern also have been found here.
Found animals here are Serow, Tigle, Bear, Deer, Common wild pig, Common Barking deer, White-handed gibbon, Monkey, Viverra megaspila, Rabbit, Silver Carp, Idian or Bengal Monitor and 200 kinds of birds also could be found in this national park, such as White-rumped shama, Scarlet Minivet, Spotted dove, Emerald Dove, Eudynamys scolopacea, Guineafowl, Coucal, hill myna, Parrot, Crested Serpent-eagle, Green peafowl, Siamese Fireback, Red Junglefowl, etc.
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, 2,565 m. from sea level.The geography is bountiful with foresst and the atmosphere is cool and fresh all year. The weather is cold with high humidity throughout the year, particularly at the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0 c and the mountain is covered with fog all day. In summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing. Visitors to the peak of Doi Inthanon should be prepared with thick clothes.
In the park are many attractive waterfalls and caves such as : Mae Ya Waterfall (the most beautiful waterfall in Chiang Mai), Mae Klang Waterfall, Wachiratan Waterfall, Sririphum Waterfall, Huay Sai Luang Waterfall, Mae Pan Waterfall, Borijinda cave etc.
In the Ang – ga – Inthanon mountain range, close to the Mae Glang waterfall, is the huge Borijinda Cave. To reach the cave, turn right off the Chiang Mai – Hod route at km. 58, on the road to the waterfall. After 8 kilometres turn right and keep going for one kilometre toward Doi Inthanon where a sign points to the cave. The cave has many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, appropriately called Nom Pha, or milk of the cliff, in the northern Thai language.
The Doi Inthanon Park Headquarters is located at km. 31, where visitors can find more information about what to do and see in the park. This is the area for camping, and tents are available on a pre-booked basis. The cabins and tents can be reserved in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2561 4292 6 ext. 724, 725 or in Chiang Mai at 0 5331 1608, 0 5335 5728.
Beside the main road over Doi Inthanon is The Royal Project Station in Baan Khun Glang, quite close to the National Park Office. This project was initiated in 1979 as part of His Majesty the King’s efforts to help the hilltribes cultivate cash crops other than opium, to introduce them to modern agricultural practices and to help them protect forest and river catchments. This particular station has responsibility for research into temperate zone plant species as well as providing agricultural advice and support for 510 neighbourhood Karen and Hmong families.
Between km. 41 and 42 are two fine opportunities to experience nature – which is spectacular all along the whole of the road over Doi Inthanon. At about the 41 km. is one of the finest views to be had from Thailand’s highest peak. A short walk of about 30 metres from the left side of the road gives the viewer a chance to see a sea of mist filling the valley below. A little further on, at about km. 42, is the nature trail called Giew Mae Paan. This short trail, winding through tall pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3 hours walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand.
This is the place to see warblers and kingfishers as they feed on insects in the bushes. Travellers wishing to use this path should seek permission from the National Park Office at km. 31, not only for their own safety, but also to ensure that no damage is caused to the precious environment. NOTE: every year from June 1 to October 31 the area is closed to the public.
more information please visit www.tatchiangmai.org
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