WITH the two coastlines stretching for hundreds of miles and some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere in Southeast Asia Thailand has become a major travel destination for lovers of all kinds of water sports. A number of excellent resorts offer a full range of equipment at reasonable rates for anyone who wants to spend a holiday exploring the pleasures of deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, water skiing , parasailine, scuba diving, or swimming in crystal-clear waters.
The earliest water-sport centre and still one of the most popular is Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand. just two hours' drive from Bangkok which has a wide variety of ccommodations to meet almost any traveling budget. The main beach is located on a scenic bay. but facilities are available down the coastline for some 30 miles and there are also more than 30 picturesque off-shore islands with a wealth of coral and many types of tropical fish.

The best known centre for deep-sea fishing in the Pattaya area is Bang Saray from which it is possible to charter boats and go in search of marlin king mackerel, sharks and barracuda.
Scuha divers can organize daily trips from the resort to the off-shore islands of Ko Lan Ko Sak and Ko Krok all of which take only 45 minutes to reach; interesting coral formations and colorful fish are visible for up to 30 metres depending on the season in warm waters ranging in depth from 3 to 25 metres.
Many of Pattaya's diving schools have personnel trained by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (PADI), plus all kinds of equipment for hire. Among the languages spoken in these schools are English, German, Dutch, French and Japanese .
The other major water-sport centre is the southern island of Phuket on the Andaman Sea. Here on the west coast there are more than 14 magnificent white-sand beaches, all with warm clear waters as well as a Large number of nearby islands that hosts diving conditions to rival the best in the world. Most of the beaches have equipment for diving windsurfing, and other sports for rent.
The majority of diving destinations close to Phuket are located in Phang Nga Bay east of the island. The spectacular Phi Phi Islands near Phuket are also popular sites. True enthusiasts also hire larger boats excursions to the largely uninhabited Similan Islands. 80 kilometres northwest of Phuket. which has clear waters similar to those found in the Maldives. the Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef of Australlia.
Contact TAT for a list of selected diving metres and schools.

Read More

  Synopsis
Thailand Tourism Festival 2008 aims to promote tourism in Thailand as well as to show the uniqueness of Thai arts, culture and tradition. The event consists of exhibitions, sales booths, activities and performances to reach out to every group of potential tourists.
Principle
Promoting the tourism industry in Thailand is an important mission for Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) especially that of encouraging Thai people to travel domestically.
TAT puts an emphasis on domestic projects in order to achieve the balance in tourism in two dimensions. First, the societal dimension focusing on preservation of the environment and culture in travel destinations. Second, the economic dimension focusing on distributing tourism industry income to other parts of the country and creating money supply within the country.

In order to achieve this goal, TAT organizes the Thailand Tourism Festival 2007, which is another project our organization has been intent on supporting. Its aim is to express the cultures and traditions of each region, stimulate domestic tourism and present the progress of Thai tourism industry in the forms of various travel activities which are scenic and attractive. In addition, the festival brings together quality tourism products and services, which would inspire visitors to travel to these travel destinations.

Objectives
1. To show the unique culture and traditions of Thailand, to instill pride in the nation and to encourage tourism, a vital part of life and learning.
2. To show the potential of tourism in Thailand which is has always been progressing and has now reached an international standard.
3. To promote as well as increase tourist destinations in a larger circle, to reach both big and small cities. To encourage more money supply in the economic system and distribute income to every region.
4. To encourage the tourism industry to share their knowledge and create an understanding of the impact of tourism on Thailand, as well as to promote TAT’s campaigns and programs.

Target Groups
Every group of tourists, as well as government and private sectors.

Concept and Form of Event
This festival focuses on shows depicting Thai culture, traditions and uniqueness which demonstrate the progress of tourism in Thailand. This event includes products and services associated with tourism and also a variety of tourism activities such as Cultural and Community Life Tourism, Ecotourism, Adventure Tourism, Health Tourism and Tourism Along His Majesty The King’s Teachings. There is also a main stage for cultural performances from each region and from neighboring countries as well as exhibitions from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s projects and associated government projects and an academic talk on tourism.
The venue is divided into:
1. Booths for tourism-related business owners and SMEs as well as government sectors and organizations associated to tourism. Products and services, travel agents, airlines, hotels, resorts, arts and crafts from everywhere in the country can also be found here as well.
2. TAT’s section for tourism activities
Cultural and Community Life Tourism divides its space into 3 parts:
- “Culture and Lifestyle In The Golden Land” comprising of exhibitions and folk lifestyles on show.
- “A Thousand and One Things Thai” comprising of products from each community which reflects their culture and lifestyle.
- “Markets of the 4 Regions” is a mock-up of Thai markets and floating markets
Adventure Tourism: Adventurous activities in Thailand on show
Ecotourism: Demonstrations and activities to show that ecotourism can help reduce greenhouse gases and preserve nature comprising of:
- Mock-ups of ecotourism destinations such as forests, waterfalls and rivers with the use of technology and multimedia.
- Award-winning business owners’ environmental projects.
Health Tourism with activities such as:
- Six Sense: Demonstrations of Thai massages in various styles
- Health Check-up: Offers check-up services from hospitals and modern treatments
- Wellness Package Promotion: Health tourism from the 4 regions
Products and Services: Demonstrations of products and services from award-winning communities
Crafts and Souvenirs: See and enjoy shopping for the best arts and crafts and also join in activities such as:
- Auction for award-winning crafts from all over Thailand
- An exhibition of the details of crafts and where they were made
- Crafts games and prizes
Tourism Seminar led by experienced speakers from TAT’s marketing division and famous lecturers with a variety of interesting topics.
Activities on the Main Stage
- A spectacular cultural parade from every region every day throughout the event from 10 am to 9 pm such as dances from the College of Dramatic Arts in every
region (13 schools in all), dances from China,Vietnam, Myanmar, fashion shows and games
- Thai classical mask performances
Exhibitions on a variety of topics
- An exhibition of old photographs depicting the history of TAT and TAT in each campaign in the past
- “48 Best Travel Destinations in Thailand” Exhibition
- “Travel the Thai Way: Reduce Global Warming” Exhibition
- Screenings of Thai travel films from every province, all day every day throughout the event
Communication Technology for Tourism
- Using online media to promote tourism
- Encourage online community participation to develop tourism in Thailand

Time and Venue
5-8 June 2007, Challenger Hall, Impact, Muangthong Thani

Organization Responsible
North Eastern Region Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Results
1. A money supply of more than 100 million baht in the festival.
2. A money supply of more than 150 million baht in the economic system, both directly and indirectly due to this festival.
3. At least 150,000 people participating at the festival
4. At least 250 business owners in Thailand, tourism-related businesses, clubs, associations and government organizations participating in the festival.

Read More

Date: January 18-26, 2008
The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2008 (ATF 2008), the annual travel industry summit of the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is to be held in Bangkok between 18-26 January, 2008.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is one of the most significant annual tourism promotional events in Asia, and is hosted on a rotational basis among the ASEAN member countries. Thailand is honored to be playing host for the 2008 ATF exchange, which is the show's fifth time in Thailand since its establishment.

The fair is made up of numerous high-level events, including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, a meeting of the ASEAN NTOs, as well as airline meetings, press briefings, a tourism conference, and the popular Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) trade fair.

Bearing the theme, "Synergy of ASEAN towards Dynamic Unity in Diversity," the annual gathering of high-level ASEAN tourism public and private sector officials, airlines, and hundreds of buyers of ASEAN tourism products is designed to showcase the best of ASEAN tourism products and services.

Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, TAT Governor said, “Thailand is proud to once again welcome all delegates to ATF 2008. We last hosted the ATF in 2000, the first one of the 21st century.

“By 2008, we expect that many of the growth-drivers, such as low-cost airlines, open skies, improved road and rail networks, will be in place”.

“Clearly the issues of the future will be managing the growth to come. This is going to be our biggest challenge and we expect the ATF 2008 to provide the industry with an appropriate forum to openly discuss these issues in pursuit of constructive, positive, and long-term solutions.”

Mrs Phornsiri said TAT is working with Thai Airways International, the ASEAN airlines, travel trade associations, and other public and private sector organizations to ensure the success of this event.

She said the delegates will also get to see many of the changes taking place in Thailand, such as the new niche market products called “Amazing Wonders of Thailand,” as well as the new Royal Initiative Discovery products highlighting the long-term value of His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy concepts.

The official programme will begin on 18 January, 2008, with the meetings of the ASEAN Tourism Task Forces at Sofitel Central Hotel. The meetings of the ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) will held on 19-20 January.

A half-day meeting of the NTOs of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea (ASEAN+3) will be held on 20 January at the Sofitel Central Hotel. The ASEAN Tourism Ministers, Airlines, Hoteliers and Travel Agents will hold their respective meetings on 21 January, 2008.

The buyer-and-seller trade show, called TRAVEX, will be held between 22-25 January at the Challenger 2, Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, the world’s largest column-free exhibition hall, Asia’s largest indoor exhibition centre and Thailand’s largest ballroom. About 400 sellers, 450 buyers, and 150 media are expected to attend.

Several complimentary pre- and post-tours are being organised by TAT together with Thai Airways and the private sector to take buyers and the media to various ASEAN destinations in line with the theme "Synergy of ASEAN Towards Dynamic Unity in Diversity."

Mrs Phornsiri said, “ASEAN member countries are making continuous improvements in our tourism products such as new destinations and facilities. These tours will help introduce these exciting developments.”

For more details and on-line registration, please check out www.atf2008thailand.com

Read More

New Product
PB AIR LAUNCHES NEW BANGKOK-MAE HONG SON SERVICE
1 December 2007 to 1 March 2008 onl

To meet peak season demand for travel to Mae Hong Son during Thailand’s cool season, PB Air will be launching a new Bangkok-Mae Hong Son service that will be offered every Tuesday and Saturday from 1 December 2007 to 1 March 2008 only.

Mae Hong Son, a remote picturesque town surrounded by mountainous terrain and scenic natural landscape, is ranked among Thailand's most popular holiday destinations for cool season travel for both Thai as well as foreign visitors.

This new Bangkok-Mae Hong Son service is a PB Air-Thai Airways International (THAI) code-sharing route and will be served by a 50-seater ERJ 145 aircraft.

Flights will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 12.40 and arrive at Mae Hong Son Airport at 14.10. The return flight to Bangkok departs Mae Hong Son at 14.45 and arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 16.15.

The fare for a one-way ticket is 3,100 baht* and 5,800 baht* for a return trip ticket. (*the fare includes airport tax and other charges and fees)

Contact information:
PB Air
Tel: +66 (0) 2261 0222
Fax: +66 (0) 2261 0227
E-mail: sales@pbair.com
Web site: www.pbair.com

Source from http://www.tatnews.org

Read More

Bangkok Tourist Attractions are one of the major reasons that attract legions of travelers to Bangkok every year. The city is packed with old temples, historical monuments, parks and museums. Bangkok tourist attractions have greatly influenced and promoted tourism in Bangkok. Whenever you come to this bustling city, keep some days aside to surf the various Bangkok attractions.

Wat Phra Kaew and the neighboring Grand Palace together make up perhaps the most impressive tourist attraction in Bangkok. Though, it is no longer the Royal residence that it was, it's still an incredible compound of glittering buildings, golden spires, mythical guardian figures and the revered Emerald Buddha.

Wat Pho, conveniently positioned right next to Wat Phra Kaew and is famous for housing Bangkok's gigantic Reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and 15 meters in height. It's also Bangkok's largest temple complex. Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of the Dawn, is a 100 meter high Khmer style prang with an excellent location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Despite the name, it's best seen in the evening with the sun setting behind it. Ko Rattanakosin is the old royal city area and there are other attractions here amongst the famous temples listed above. Lak Meuang, the city shrine, is often full of worshippers and there's a resident dance troupe for hire. Nearby Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's most important temples, and in it's grounds is a large amulet market.

If you have an interest in Thai and Asian art, history and culture, this do visit the various museums in Bangkok. The city has an extensive National Museum, which is reportedly the largest in all of South East Asia. Another very important Bangkok attraction is Dusit, which is mainly an administrative district, and where the current royal palace is now located. There are other attractions around here to see like Bangkok's reasonable zoo, the impressive Vimanmek Teak Mansion and Wat Benjamabophit or the Marble Temple. The Chinatown district of Bangkok is yet another very important tourist attraction of Bangkok. It mainly consists of busy, narrow streets packed with cheap gold shops, markets, fabric shops, pharmacies selling the traditional Chinese medicines, street stalls and consistent traffic jams.

Some of the other Bangkok tourist attractions include Jim Thompson's House, the impressive home of the Thai silk entrepreneur, Suan Pakkard Palace, the Erawan Shrine, the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, a well run snake farm, Lumphini Park, Siam society and many more.

About the Author

Holidayshub.com brings you detailed information on the Bangkok Tourist Attractions. Visit site www.holidayshub.com for complete information about worl d holidays and travels.

Read More

  Mr. Supawat Jongsiri or “Supaksorn”, the responsible man of the Opening – Closing of the 24th SEA Games 2007, reveals the progress of preparation that presently we will speed up working against time because had a few days before starting the competition at this period the Com Art Limited, went to schools in Nakhon Ratchasima province to choose 15,000 performers join in the Opening-Closing ceremony and we had the performers from 38 institutes to joining too.

         He expected the choosing of performer will completed on this October and next will already starting practice on November 1 2007, then will using real location which is His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Sport Complex to practice on December 1 2007.
         For the grand rehearsal on December 4 2007, he said that from the primary schedule, the Organizing Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will have the selling of the ticket on the grand rehearsal day on December 4 2007, which same day as Thai football team compete with Cambodia so may be change the grand rehearse day to December 3 2007, and he will rush to discuss this issue in the main meeting on October 26 2007.
         “I’m very serious because had a few time and must work for all day all night to prepared everything but I’m happy that we got the great cooperation from Korat citizens and every schools. I want to make impressive and beautiful show because I had organized the opening-closing ceremony for the 18th SEA Games at 12 years ago, so presently I’m come back to do again in the 24th SEA Games so I would like to do the best and this SEA Games will be the last for me because in the next 12 years in the future, I’m already out of date” Mr. Supawat said.
Supaksorn said about the song for the opening-closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, assigned to Tick Chiro (Mr. Sirisak Nuntasen), the famous singer and songwriter which he is a Korat citizen, to managing the song. For the singer in the opening ceremony we already sound out Tata Young to sing this song which we already send the details of any show for her decision. We expected Tata will response in next week and about torch relay team now we choose Mr. Suriya Prasathinpimai, the boxer who won the bronze medal in Olympic Games 2004 at Greece, and “Nong On” Miss Udomporn Polsak, the women’s weightlifting who won the gold medal in Olympic Games 2004 at Greece, which both is a Korat citizens too.
         For the opening ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will have 8 shows, first show was Mahassajan Tairomprabaramee, Mahassajan PathapeeakeE-san, Mahassajan Mahanakornchatchawan, Mahassajan Panithankarnkeela, Mahassajan Faiprareaksangsit, Mahassajan Namjaijit Sathidka, Mahassajan Mittraparbtrabdinfa, Mahassajan Mahanakornalungkarn.
         For the closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will have 7 shows as follows
Niramit Dok-mai-ngam-hang-num-jai, Niramit Sai-yai-hang-kwam-fun, Niramit Mo-ra-dok-loke-rueng-a-nun, Niramit Kwam-pook-pan-wan-jak-krai, Niramit Fai-dao-prow-kwam-wang, Niramit Loke-gee-rung-dung-fun-fai, Niramit Kwam-sook-lum-roj-um-pai-plaeng-pla-kod-kwam-ying-yai-ma-ha-na-korn.

SEA Games’ Football Team prepare to go to Korat
         Mr. Kittirut Na Ranong, the Manager of Thailand Football Team, reveal that Thailand Men Football Team prepared to compete in the 24th SEA Games at Nakhon Ratchasima, which Football will compete on November 30 2007 with Cambodia. Recently, he went to investigate the His Majesty the King 80th Birthday Anniversary Sport Complex December 5 2007, which using for men football competition, he found that it’s being good state and he think he will led SEA Games National Team to training with real stadium to making familiarity between November 3-7 2007 among National Team will compete world championship 2010 in the 2nd qualify round of Asia Zone. 
         For Men Football competition in the 24th SEA Games 2007, Thailand team which the champions for 7 times, was being in group A with Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia. Group B were Vietnam (2nd runner-up) together with Malaysia, Lao and Singapore.

Source from Dailynews Newspaper Date: October 24 2007.
website http://www.2007seagames.com

Read More

Invite the people to join the SEA Games Day, on Sunday 28th October 2007 at Indoor Stadium, Hua Mak, which provide SEA Games’ souvenirs more than 1,500 pieces for the persons who jointly play the game including watching the Best Cheering Team Championship Cup from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.

         Public Relations Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will organize the SEA Games Day on October 28 2007, 10.00 am – 7.00 pm at Indoor Stadium Hua Mak, in order to invite all Thai peoples jointly for being the host of the 24th SEA Games 2007, in which provide many activities such as the duplication of sport park which had many playthings for example highest hike game, Powerful Athletes, Sport Intelligent, SEA Games Kang Thong, Pro Golf SEA Games, SEA Games Painting, include taking photograph with Nong Can and Nong Ka Rom that blowing of 3 meters, other than will distribute the Sea Games souvenirs such as Nong Can mascot, rocking doll, SEA Games T-shirt, Telephone Floppy and Caps more than 1,500 pieces with athletes’ signature to persons who jointly play the answer questions of SEA Games.
         At 2.00 pm. It will have announcement of the readiness of the 24th SEA Games from 19 committees and watch the Best Cheering Team Contest of SEA Games 2007, compete for a cup of Princess Siriwanawaree Nareeratana, and compete for a scholarship more than 200,000 baht, 4.30 pm. at Indoor Stadium. Besides, the official sponsors of the 24th SEA Games, will set up a booth to selling the SEA Games’ souvenirs with a special price such as Thai Pure Drinks Limited, Chaiyaphan 999 Limited, Kanoknat Limited and Dash International Limited, so in the SEA Games Day, the visitors can attend for free.

Source from Government Public Relations Department Date: October 24 2007.   
More Information about Sea Games 2007 in Korat Thailand pleas visit to www.2007seagames.com

Read More

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) cooperated with Bangchak Petroleum Public Co. Ltd, Ford Sales & Service (Thailand) Co. Ltd., tourism associations and more than 700 travel operators over the country launched the “Amazing Coupon: cash coupon...nationwide discount” to activating domestic tourism during this green season under the big domestic campaign “Enjoy traveling Thailand…gather happiness to your life”
The campaign provided amazing average 50% discount at diversified facilities. The coupon will be used as cash when buying products or services at nationwide participating hotels, resorts, restaurants, attractions, spas, golf courses, tour agencies, vehicle rentals, OTOP shops, malls, etc. Don’t miss!! Getting the coupon book totally worth 50,000 Baht with the guidebook; free at TAT Headquarter and TAT region offices or spend 500 Baht at Ford showrooms nationwide or fill Gassohol 800 Baht at Bangchak stations, from now until 31st October 2007.
Furthermore, you could have a chance to win an amazing prize, “Ford Everest” car worth 990,000 Baht or other 217 prizes with totally worth 2 millions Baht, only fill out your details at the back of a coupon with the operator stamp and put it in the Amazing Coupon Box at TAT offices and all participants within 31st October 2007. Lucky draw will be held on 20th November 2007 and all prize winners will be announced on 27th November 2007 in Matichon newspaper
For more information, please call TAT Call Center 1672

Read More

You're welcome. to , Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya , today , will induce amphur Nakhon Luang ,

Prasat Nakhon Luang Situated on the east bank of Pa Sak River, Tambon Nakhon Luang, it was used as the royal accommodation during trips to the Buddha?s Footprint Shrine and Lopburi. It is assumed to have been constructed during the reign of King Songtham, but was improved to be a brick and plaster accommodation during the reign of King Prasat Thong

How to get there

Distance from Ayutthaya city to nearby provinces : Bangkok 76 kms.Ang Thong 31 kms.Saraburi 63 kms.Suphanburi 53 kms.
TrainTrains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) Rama IV Road, Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020) daily every hour starting from 06.40 - 22.00 hrs.
Busa) Direct air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok every half an hour from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road. (Tel. 537 - 8055 - 6 ) starting 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.b) And non air-conditioned buses (Tel. 0 272 5761 - 5 ext. 117) leave for Bang Pa - In, Bang Sai, and Ayutthaya many times daily from 05.30 - 19.20 hrs.
Boat
Ayutthaya by Mekhala Cruise - Legendary River Cruises
Ayutthaya Cruise Tour
Manohra Cruise

source by http://www.asiatravel.com/

****next Entry I will induce to tour Bangkok by thai people

Read More

Sukothai kingdom became unfortunately not long because king Ramkamhaengs followers on the throne didn´t get the same power as theirs predecessor and the state was shrinking more and more. In the south in the fertility valley of Chao Phraya-river a new great power was growing which was founded by king Ramathibodi in year 1350.
The kingdom was called Ayuttaya as their name of the capaital. After some time Sukhothai came under the new kingdom. From east the khmers did repetead attacking against Ayuttaya. As an answer his son Rasusuan take over Angchor twenty years later in year 1431. After that the khemrs moved their capital to east to Phon Penh by the Mekong river.
Ayutthaya became the capital in a glorious empire under many decades with autocrats kings.The capital became a big and important city with international connections. The portuguise was invited as the first european country and they begin with trade in 1500. At the same time the name for the country Siam was taken.


After the dead of king Ramathibodis II:s year 1529 a period of week kings, complots and scandals followed. This used the king of Burma to attack Ayutthaya several times ehich later was conquerd in year 1569 and Ayutthaya became a sattelite state to Burma. After fifteen years managed the sixteen year old prins Naresuan to take back his land. He had several years before been taking to the court of Burma and there been educated as a warrior. But he returned back to Ayutthaya and shaped an own army and after that he liberated his land. When Naresuan died in year 1605 Ayuttaya was on the top of their power and he leaved a kingdom that no enemy dared to atack for over 150 years.
In the mid and rest of 17 th centuruy Ayuttaya was a really cosmopolitic city. Historinas claims that the city was the biggest city in the world with over one miljon inhabitans, much bigger than Paris or London. Europeans likened Ayuttaya to Venice in Italy and called Ayuttaya the most beautiful city in the East. Under this period trading agreements had been made with Spain, Holland, England, Japan, Denmark and France. The trading was not made by the thais themselves, instead the buisines was lent over to indians and chines who have imigrated to the kingdom.
In the mid 18 th century the country once again got week kings and the power of Ayutayas was declining. The main enemy Burma had instead grown in power and was waiting for revenge. After 14 months of besiege Ayuttaya was falling year 1767 in the hands of Burma. Ayutthaya was burned down and destroyed. Thousands of people was killed or moved away as slaves. Only 10.000 people was left in the city after the catastrophe

Read More