Date12 – 15 April 2008
Venue at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island
Hi-Light:Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo)
Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions.
Songkran Festival in Thailand is begin about 10-17 Apirl In all place in Thailand

Open Ceremony on 12th April 2008 18.00-21.00 hrs.
at Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng)

• Paying worship at 9 royal temples around Rattanakosin Island.
  On 11-15 April 2008 09.00-18.00 hrs. :
  Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo)
  Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho)
  Wat Suthat, Wat Saket
  Wat Bowonniwet
  Wat Chanasongkram
  Wat Rakung
  Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng)
  Wat Kalayanamitr
  Participants will receive a Passport of the 9 temples at each public relations point of each temple. After receiving the stamp from all the temples, a coupon for a lucky prize will be given.
• Fun-filled splashing in traditional Thai dress, Khao San Road with various forms of Songkran fun, on 12-15 April 2008 at 07.00-18.00 hrs.
• Banglamphu community at Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road and Wisut Kasat., on 12-13 April 2008

Further Information :
Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Tel. 02 250 5500 ext. 3470-3
TAT Call Center 1672
More Information please visit to www.songkran.net

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Songkran is a special time of the year in Chiangmai and one of the nicest parts of this festive holiday is the pouring of water. Traditionally, younger people pay respect to their elders by pouring water from silver bowls on the hands of older persons. This ceremony is known as "Rod Nahm Dum Hua." After the family pays respect the elders ask the younger ones to forgive them for speaking harshly during the past year and the elders give them a blessing and words of wisdom. This is much different from the fun-loving water throwing we see around Chiangmai at Songkran, and it is often accompanied by the tying of strings around the person's wrists. This activity is done in the home while the more vigorous water throwing is done outside.

Meanwhile, in the streets of Chiangmai throngs of people love to stand in rows, waiting with buckets and hoses to douse everyone going by. Whether you're on a motorbike or a bicycle, in a car or a truck or just walking, you cannot escape the fun of Songkran. The Chiangmai people always seem to find a way to make sure you have as much fun as they do.

 

Water throwing is one of the most humorous and enjoyable parts of the Songkran festival. It can happen anywhere, and while you're here during Songkran you can enjoy it as much as everyone else. If you're coming into Chiangmai by train you might want to dress appropriately; that is, you might want to dress for fun. The passenger, sitting comfortably in a railway car, can receive an accidental splash through the window from the frolicking festivities outside.     

    While all of this is going, on, lest we forget the moving water vehicles, be prepared for pickup trucks filled with splashers going by at every corner. This crowd tends to over do it and they don't quite seem to understand the concept of gravity ! That water can be very heavy coming down from above.

All of this is loads of fun, and as the Thais say, "It's Sanook-Dee", but there are cautions involved and one should be aware that accidents do happen during the Songkran Festival. Be aware, be smart, and have fun.

Source from http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com

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Bangkok is without doubt one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Asia. It is a bustling, modern metropolis, a paradise for shoppers and a favourite destination for nighttime revelers, yet Bangkok still manages to retain its historic and cultural heart Bangkok, or Krung Thep as it is known to locals, is all things to all people. It offers great, shopping in the form of mega malls, trendy boutiques or traditional local markets tucked away down side streets. Bangkok is also known for it superb nightlife, risqué and otherwise, and is home to a host of great clubs, bars and live music venues, not forgetting hundreds of fantastic restaurants. Beneath the brash modern exterior and traffic-clogged streets lie pockets of calm and tranquility that reveal the more spiritual side of Thai people.

Bangkok has some truly wonderful temples and cultural sites. The city is a magnet for people from all over Thailand and at heart is still very much a series of communities - both safe and friendly. Much of the nightmarish pollution of the past has now been greatly improved. With the advent of the sky train and the underground the inner-city area is now a breeze to navigate. Bangkok is a city of many charms and even those who are not easily seduced end up falling for the Big Mango.

Attractions

Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace sit in a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road and consist of several buildings that display all the splendour and colour of classic Thai architecture. Wat Phra Kaew is also commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and displays the greatly revered jade Buddha image.

Wat Pho is arguably the most impressive temple in Bangkok and is situated just across the road from the Grand Palace. It is thought to be one of the city’s oldest temples, dating back to the 16^th century, and houses a massive reclining Buddha covered with gold leaf. The image is 46 metres long and 15 metres high and the posture is that of Buddha passing on to nirvana. The soles of the feet are beautifully decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay. The temple is also famous for its massage school.

Wat Arun or the Temple of the Golden Dawn is situated on the banks of the Chao Praya River and can be reached by boat. The 79 metre pagoda is decorated with fragments of porcelain plates and bowls. The temple is particularly beautiful at sunset or when viewed from the deck of an evening river cruise boat.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is simply huge and has over 8,000 stalls selling everything imaginable. The market is immensely popular with local people and is visited by up to 200,000 people every weekend, all in search of a bargain. Goods from all over Thailand are sold here and usually at better prices than found elsewhere. Chatuchak Market is easily reached by the underground train. Visitors should alight at Chatuchak Park or Kamphaeng Phet stations.

An excellent new night market in central Bangkok is Suan Lum Night Bazaar, close to Lumpini Park. The market sells a wide variety of goods and also has many restaurants and beer gardens.

Pak Khlong Talat is one of Thailand’s largest wholesale markets and a hive of activity in the early morning. This colourful market sells mainly fruits, vegetables and cut flowers and is a great spot to take photographs and observe a unique part of Bangkok life.

Bangkok’s China Town is a crowded and vibrant area spanning Yaowarat and Chareon Krung Road. Chinese traders settled on the site over 200 years ago. Today, China Town is known for selling a wide variety of cheap goods and its network of small side streets and markets are fun to explore. The Chinese food in the area is particularly good and varied. The Indian district of Phahurat is also close-by.

Jim Thompson's House is the stunningly beautiful former home of the late American silk trader. The house, which is now a museum, consists of several traditional teak houses brought together to make one splendid home. The rooms display the wide range of objects collected during his lifetime.

The Erawan Shrine is located on the corner of Ratchadamri Road and Ploenchit Road, next to the Grand Hyatt. The shrine is a colourful spot to see Thai people make offerings and asking for blessings. The large spirit house here is decorated with yellow flowers and small wooden elephants. Classical Thai dance performances also take place here as a merit-making gesture.

Activities and events

An excellent way to spend a day or evening is a cruise down the Chao Phraya River. The trip gives visitors an entirely different perspective of Bangkok. Rice barges converted in restaurants also offer evening dinner cruises down the river.

A day trip down the Chao Phraya River to the small island of Ko Kred makes an interesting excursion. The island is home to a Mon community who were originally potters from Myanmar. Some of the locals on the island still make pottery today and there is a very nice museum displaying old work. Bicycles can also be hired for a ride around the island.

Fans of Thai boxing can see bouts almost every night of the week at either Lumpini Stadium or Ratchadamnoen Stadium.

The Ploughing Ceremony is held every May at Sanam Luang, an open expanse of ground near the Grand Palace. The exact time for the ceremony is selected by fortune tellers and the colourful and historic event is thought to bring good fortune for the coming harvest.

Time to visit

Bangkok is a year-round destination. It is worth noting that during the Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year in April many businesses in the city close and there is a mass exodus to the provinces.

Source From www.thailandwonders.com

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Date 13-15 April 2008
Place : All Place in Thailand
Participate in our water splash to celebrate Songkran. Pay homage to Phra Buddha Sihing. Visit our simulated temple fair. Watch Thai traditional sport activities. Enjoy all kinds of entertainment during the festival.
This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most 'sanuk' (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. In most parts of the country, Songkran extends over a period of 3 days.

Known the world-over for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon delivered in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the practical side, Songkran is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year. There is a however a much deeper significance to "Songkran".

Apart from marking a new beginning, Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving. It is an important time for individuals to reflect upon the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has personally experienced and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well-being. Songkran is also the time for reunions and family ties are renewed.
At the heart of each Thai custom and tradition, there is always a logical reason for its existence. The festive elements of the celebration, the cultural values, the social code of conduct and individual belief and practices are intertwined. Songkran embodies the traditional Thai cultural values.
The underlying significance of Songkran is the process of cleansing and purification - the purging of all ills, misfortune and evil and starting the New Year afresh with all that is good and pure. Water is symbolic of the cleaning process and signifies purity.
Contact: Tourism Authority of ThailandCall Center 1672
Website: www.songkran.net

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  Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
Prince Palace Hotel
488/800 Bo Bae Tower, Damrongrak Road, (Off Krungkasem Road) Klong Mahanak, Pomprab,
Bangkok 10100, Thailand.
Tel : (66) 2628-1111Fax : (66) 2628-1000
website  www.princepalace.co.th

Originally owned by a prince, Mahanak Palace was aptly renamed Prince Palace hotel with the site's proud heritage in mind. The 306 rooms and suites have been tastefully designed and equipped with all amenities. Guests can take pleasure in the finest Cantonese cuisines and a la carte menus in the elegant surroundings of the restaurants. You an enjoy a delightful cocktail in the lobby bar, sing karaoke while star-gazing in the cosy Sky lounge of the hotel, or be entertained by live bands while dining in the restaurant. The hotel also boasts a heliport that guests can take advantage of.

Prince Palace Hotel is situated on Damrongrak Road (off Krungkasem Rd.) at the site, which once was “Mahanak Palace” of Field Marshal Prince Kromaluand Nakhon Chisir Suradej, a son of King Rama V. Therefore, Prince Palace Hotel was named to enhance his prestige.

Prince Palace Hotel is perfectly located in the governmental and commercial heartland of downtown Bangkok, where your find many old town attractions, government offices and garment business offering good bargains. It is also within easy access to the Expressway network leading to the Airport or anywhere else.

The hotel premise comprises 4 towers occupies the 11th to 32nd floor of the Bobae Tower. The lower floors of Bobae Tower contains more than 1000 shops forming a world class wholesale fashion center

Today Promotion
At Sky Lounge & Karaoke
t Sky Lounge & Karaoke 31 Floor, Wing 1
Opening all brands of whisky Free usage of V.I.P room
Spend over 2,500 Baht. Free usage of V.I.P for the next visit.

Hotel Rate Class
Average user rating: (4.1 from 5 )
More Information please visit to  www.hotels2thailand.com

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Date : 8 - 9  March, 2008
Venue : Rama VI camp, Cha - Am , Phetchaburi
Hi-light :
1. Thai Kites form 4 Regions, Kites from Rattanakosin Era
2. Chula and Pak - Pao Kites competition, The World Largest Chula Kite Show
3. Fast Kite Flying and exhibition workshop International Kite Show
4. Kite Show from more 16 countries with Giant 3D flying : Maple Kite train, Sexy
    Legs Kite, Giant Gecko Kite, Giant Octopus Kite, Free Willy Whale Kite, Smiling 
    Sun Kite, Teddy Bear Kite, Mermaid Kite, Banner Art Kite etc.
5. Night Kite Show

6. Stunt Kite Show, Activities and Workshop
7. THEOS Satellite Kite, Tetrahedron Kite Show, Science for Kids Activities by 
    Geo - Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency 
    (public Organization) (GISTDA)
8. Kite Stall Contest, Arts Activities, Kite Workshop, etc.
9. Parachuting Show
10. Remote-controlled Small Airplane show
11. Balloon Show
12. Visit the summer seaside palace of H.M. the King Rama VI
13. OTOP Fair, Food Fair
14. Safe Energy Global Warming Caravan

Programs
Friday 7 th March, 2008
16.00 - 17.00 hrs.  Kite Show for Press
Sunday 9 th March, 2008
10.00 - 11.00 hrs.  Parachuting Show
11.00 - 18.30 hrs.  International Kite Show, Stunt Kite Show with Music, Fast Kite Show, Thai Kite Show and Chula, Pak - Pao Show,Activities by Geo - I nformatics and SpaceTechnology Development Agency (GISTDA),Exhibition etc.
18.30 - 20.30 hrs.  Night Kite Show, Balloon Show
For any Further information :
TAT (Head Office) Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 3477
TAT Central Region 2 (Cha AM) Tel. 0 3247 1005 - 6
TAT Call Center : 1672
E - Mail : eprodiv@tat,or.th
www.tourismthailand.org  

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Thailand's highly popular King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament returns to the hills in 2008. Event organiser Anantara Resorts announced that the 2008 tournament would take place from March 31 to April 6 in the northern-most region of the country known as the Golden Triangle.
This popular event, ranked as the 6th largest event on the Thai tourism calendar had taken place in the royal seaside town of Hua Hin for 5 years before moving to the natural home of elephants in 2006. The tournament was introduced to Thailand in 2001 and is a charitable event that raises money for the country's National Elephant Institute in Lampang, northern Thailand.

In just six years the King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament has gone from a small 2-day event with 6 teams into a week-long extravaganza, which in 2006 featured 12 teams from 3 continents encompassing 36 players from 15 countries.
Hosting the event in the far North ensures that the international spotlight is focused onto a very unique and special part of Thailand, showcasing the beauty of the natural landscape of the Golden Triangle region. Through its own Elephant Camp located within the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden Triangle, the property's focus on the future of Thailand's pachyderm population which forms an integral part of the resort's experience offering. On an on-going basis, resident nature ranger, John Roberts, works closely with the Thai government's Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang to develop Anantara's camp as an elephant sanctuary.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand supports the King's Cup Elephant Polo tournament and spectator entrance is free of charge.
To date the tournament has raised over US$140,000 for the National Elephant Institute, which provides medical care, sustenance, employment, welfare and mahout training to Thailand's elephant population. It is estimated that Thailand has around 2500 domesticated elephants and 1500 wild elephants. This is down from an elephant population of around 50,000 in 1950 and 100,000 in 1900.
The 2006 tournament featured the return of DHL Global Mail, led by Tom Claytor, a bush pilot who loves to play elephant polo, Margie McDougal, the most experienced female player in the world, Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll, an experienced captain from ThisistheLife.com Scotland, All Blacks team headed by Justin Sampson (Sambo), Bernie Fraser, New Zealand's former world-ranking rugby player. The ultimate winners of the tournament were the ThisistheLife.com team - in what came to be a very close sudden-death shoot-out.
Anantara Resort Golden Triangle is located 60km north of Chiang Rai's international airport.
For enquiries and reservations, please call + 66 (0) 5378 4084 or + 66 (0) 2 477 0760 or email: infogt@anantara.com For more information, visit www.anantara.com
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Marion Walsh - Brand Director of Public Relations
Tel: + 66 (0) 2 725 6104
Email: mwalsh@anantara.com
Additional images are available upon request.
Source from www.thailandgrandfestival.com

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Si Phao Thai Si Sa Ket Festival
Date :15 - 17 March 2008
Place: Si sa Ket Province
This festival is held every March 15-17 at Somdet Phra Si Nakharin Park when the Lamduan flowers in the park are in full bloom. Shows include cultural performances by 4 tribes, which are Khmer, Suai, Lao, and Yo. There are shops selling handicrafts and a light-and-sound show about the city's

(Four Tribes Festival) is held every March 15-16 at Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park to promote the cultures and traditions of Si Sa Ket people. The festival features the floats exhibiting the costumes of four tribes (Khmer, Suai, Lao and Yo) and demonstrating the weaving of the Khmer. Further, it features a music contest in which musicians compete to be the best panpiper, the best harpist and the best “Morlum” group. Also, there is a light-and-sound show of the legend called “Sri Pluettesuan” about the city’s construction and the historical background of Sa Kamphaeng Yai (stone) castle. According to the legend, King Suriyaworaman traveled from Angkor Wat to Lopburi and then Pimay.
Somdet Phra Si Nakarin Park
The park is suited in the Si Sa Ket Agricultural College on Kasikam Road, Tambon Nong Khrok, Amphoe Muang. It is about 2 km. from the provincial hall.
Somdet Phra Sri Nakarin Park Si Sa Ket was built by the people of Si Sa Ket and the Ministry of Education to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of H.R.H. The Princess Mother. Approximately 237 rai (379,200 sq. meters) of the Si Sa Ket Agricultural College was used for the park which is a natural forest area and the only forest in Thailand that has a dense concentration of Lamduan flowers, giving the forest a pleasant aroma from February to April. The Lamduan flower is a plant of historical significance for Si Sa Ket as it gave the city its old name of "Si Nakhon Lamduan". When they blossom as the same time, he forest turns soft yellow and the Lamduan leaves impart a sweet smell that lasts for months. Thus, the Lamduan flower is regarded as the provincial flower if Si Sa Ket.

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Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has announced that it will start commercial flights, for the first time, to the popular southern resort island of Samui.

THAI’s Boeing 737-400 aircraft, capable of carrying 149 passengers (12 on Royal Silk Class / 137 on Economy Class) commenced the twice daily service on 15 February, 2008. The schedule is as follows.

 Flight          Destination           Departure Time         Arrival Time
TG285        Bangkok – Samui           07:45                      08:55
TG286        Samui - Bangkok            09:35                     10:45 
TG287        Bangkok – Samui           16:00                      17:10 
TG288        Samui - Bangkok            17:50                     19:00

According to Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial Department, said the new route supports the Thai government’s policy to promote inbound and domestic tourism, particularly to the southern and outer island resorts. THAI expects up to 70 percent of passengers into Samui on its flights to be from overseas. It fits with our policy of “First Flight, Full Flight, Every Flight.

“This is a breakthrough for THAI. Samui is a premier destination. We aim to make the route very competitive by marketing it to tourists from major European cities currently served by THAI connecting through Suvanarbhumi Airport. In addition, THAI’s policy is to expand its network and connections in order to provide seamless travel and convenience for its passengers,” Mr Chanapai said.

Special Royal Orchid Holidays [ROH] packages, including a wide range of packages and products, will be offered to travelers. These include selection of twenty hotels in Samui and two hotels in Pha Ngan plus 11 optional tours to the popular Ang Thong Marine National Park and Koh Tao.

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