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.

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  Muay Thai or Thai Kick Boxing is a world famous martial art. It is considered by many to be the most violent and exciting sports. The Muay Thai boxer wears gloves and shorts, usually in red and blue, as international boxers do with additional armbands and a headband, which has been blessed by his teacher.
Compared with international boxing, Muay Thai has a distinctive feature. In Thai boxing, each part of the body such as fists, feet, knees, and elbows is allowed to be used as a weapon to overcome the competitor. Moreover, its combination of dancing and fighting is unique in style.

Before the match begins, each competitor will perform a dance, or what they call “Wai Kru”, accompanied by traditional Thai music. Reasons for doing the performance are to pay homage to gods and holy spirits for protecting, as well as to pay respect to their instructors and opponent. A bout of Thai boxing consists of 5 rounds, which lasts a total of 23 minutes. It takes 3 minutes to fight a round with a 2 minutes break between rounds.
Thai boxing is popular among Thais and foreigners, so the boxing stadiums, which are all over the country, are always crowded. The most well known stadiums, Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, are in Bangkok. Similarly, Muay Thai training camps are also available throughout the country, especially in tourist-attracting cities like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Fees for training at a camp varies from $ 10-45 per day. For those who are interested in viewing Thai boxing at the stadium, generally prices are varied from 500-2,000 baht depending on the positions. The followings are some of the well-known training schools and stadiums:

 

 

Training schools:

• OneSongchai Institute of Muaythai, Bangkok, tel. +66 (0) 22618-5314 to 6
• Muay Thai Academy, Bangkok, tel. +66 (0) 2682-8469
• The Muay Thai Institute, Pathum Thani Province, tel. +66 (0) 2992-0096 to 9
• Pattaya International Muay Thai Training School, Pattaya, Chonburi, tel. +66 (0)   3841-0111
• Sityodthong/Payakarun Boxing Camp, Pattaya, Chonburi, tel. +66 (0) 3824-9018

Boxing Stadiums:

Lumpini Stadium:
Rama IV Road, Bangkok, tel. +66 (0) 2252-8765, 2251-430
Fight Times:
- Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 p.m.
- Saturday afternoons from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Saturday nights from 8.30 p.m.

Ratchadamnoen Stadium:

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, tel. +66 (0) 2281-4205, 2280-1684 to 6
Fight Times:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 6.30 p.m.
- Sundays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Sundays from 8.30 p.m.-12.00 p.m.
Bangkok Boxing Stadium, Huaykwang, Bangkok,
tel. +66 (0) 22618-5314 to 6

Fight Times:
- Saturdays from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Channel 7 Stadium, Bangkok, tel. +66 (0) 2272-0201
Rangsit Stadium, Pathum Thani, tel. +66 (0) 2992-0099
Samrong Stadium, Samut Prakan, tel. +66 (0) 2393-3592
Omnoi Stadium, Samut Sakhon, tel. +66 (0) 2420-4317
International Stadium, Chachoengsao, tel. +66 (0) 3882-1746 to 50
Patong Thai Boxing Stadium, Phuket, tel. +66 (0) 7634-5578
Source from www.thaiwaysmagazine.com

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Khaosan Road of Banglamphu district is the world-renown backpacker's hub, where backpackers and those on low budgets from all over the world have found a rendezvous. With over 100 guesthouses and ideal central location, this area has become the starting point for travelling to other Southeast Asian destinations like Cambodia or Laos.

It is a bustling shopping area, popular among Thais and foreign tourists alike. Besides budget guesthouses and a great number of inexpensive restaurants and food stalls in this area, there are plenty of shops and stalls selling clothing, shoes and handbags, cosmetics, souvenirs, etc. at attractive prices. It is a centre of silver jewellery where silver ornaments are available in a large number and variety.

It is also an ideal place to enjoy nightlife which attracts an increasing number of Thai youngsters to frequent the restaurants, pubs and bars in the area.
As tour operators are abundant on Khaosan Road, here is a good place to purchase competitively priced air tickets and tour packages.
Another reason that makes this area a good location to stay in is its closeness to various attractions of old Bangkok such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat and the National Museum. It is also close to the river bank where you can catch a Chao Phraya River express boat or a ferry across the river at one of its several landings.
source from http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com

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  Thai authorities breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the Bangkok leg of the Olympic Torch relay proceed through its 10.5km route without any serious disruptions yesterday.
The torch run was largely free of trouble despite a small confrontation between pro-Tibet activists and pro-China students, who were recruited to take part in the relay.
Clad in red T-shirts and holding Chinese flags, hundreds of students shouted "China Fight" at some 200 pro-Tibet activists, who chanted "Free Tibet" as the flame passed the United Nations ffice.
Police separated the two groups, but after the torch passed without incident the Chinese students broke through the barricade and followed it through the streets.
Yao Yu Ling, a 21-year-old Chinese student at Rangsit University, said she was not intimidated by the pro-Tibet activists.
"I was asked to join to add colour to the relay. The government wants Chinese youth overseas to be part of the event," she said.

Pro-Beijing supporters shout at pro-Tibet demonstrators outside the United Nations office yesterday.
The Olympic relay, the first in Thailand, was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart with 80 local torch bearers taking part, including Olympic gold medallists Pawina Thongsuk, Manus Boonjumnong, Somluck Khamsing and Wijan Ponlid.
Thousands lined the route to see the torch, which was closely escorted by security officers.
The Olympic flame and torch bearers were greeted with cheers as they snaked through the inner city areas from the Chinatown Gate to the Royal Plaza.
Two elephants from the Dusit zoo were taken to greet the relay team, drawing laughter from the crowds.
Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said yesterday no major incidents occurred yesterday to hinder the relay.
Two anti-China protesters were detained near Chinatown and charged with illegal entry after police found their passports had expired.
A Taiwanese man holding a Tibetan flag tried to slip through the barricades to wave the flag, but was pushed back by police.
While the relay proceeded without a glitch, a torch bearer had his torch snatched from his hand just after he completed his section of the run.
Christopher Benjakul, a former actor, said he was surrounded by people and one of them snatched the torch from his hand and made off with it.
He appealed for the return of the torch, saying he wanted to keep it as a souvenir.
The Olympic relay was a moment of pride for the torch bearers.
Wisit Leelasikorn, a 72-year-old businessman, said he kept himself fit for the occasion and was glad the run proceeded smoothly.
Kraisorn Chansiri, the 73-year-old president of Thai Union Food, said he felt honoured to be part of the event. Mr Kraisorn will also join the torch relay in China on May 10.
Meanwhile Jon Ungphakorn, a former senator working on social development issues, said he did not expect the protests to have any extensive impact on society.
He said the protests were seen as an opportunity for people to express their views against China's violations against Tibetans.

"The protests have shown that there are people here who are also concerned about human rights violations taking place somewhere else and who are trying to do something about that," he said.
"Along with other voices around the world, we hope that the Chinese government will reconsider its actions and the way they treat Tibetans. It is nothing big, but it is necessary." added Mr Jon, who went to see the event.
Angkhana Neelaphaijit, a noted human rights activist who chairs the Working Group on Justice for Peace, said the protests were the people's right to freedom of expression and that should not be obstructed by any means.
She said the Olympic Games symbolises peace among the world's citizens, but the Chinese government's recent crackdown in Tibet had marred the cause.
She said if there were human rights violations and there were no protests against it, then it would raise questions about people's awareness of human rights.
"It would be very unusual if we don't have any protests regarding the recent crackdown in Tibet. A human rights issue knows no boundaries. It does not matter if a protest is held somewhere far away," she said.
The torch will arrive in Malaysia today. Kuala Lumpur is to deploy an elite police squad along with 1,000 police officers to protect the torch, The Star daily reported.
Source From Bangkokpost.net

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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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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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  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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Within the temple area is Nakorn Tham, lite ally "the Land of Dhamma", founded in 1962 by Phra Rajthamjetiyacharn. It can be described as a centre of technology in the service of Buddhist studies, and it contains films detailing the history of Buddhism, Internet facilities, a high-tech library, a meeting room and a canteen.

Meditation Cave: This is man-made, modelled after the natural caves found in Thailand's forests and mountains. This forms an appropriate setting for he teaching of meditation.
Chedi: Phra Viriyamongkonmahachedi, is the tallest stupa in Thailand, 14 storeys high, and relics of the Lord Buddha brought from Bangladesh are kept there. It is a replica of Bodhgaya in India, and ornamented with diamonds. The nine-tier golden parasol at the top of the stupa is decorated with Thai motifs and 1,063 diamonds. The top of the parasol is made from 17 kg. of gold.

In the chedi are nuseums, libraries, and meditation rooms.
Buddhamongkolthamsrithai Pavilion: A three-storey glass structure whose third floor houses Phra Buddhamongkolthamsrithai and statue of the goddess Guanyin pictured above. The figure was sculpted by Paolo Viaggii from a massive jade boulder found in Canada. Address :
132 Punna 6 Lane Sukhumvit 101 Road Bangchak Sub-District Phrakanong District Bangkok 10260
Telephone: (662) 332-8226 7413552
Facimile: (662) 3113994 E-mail, Web site: www.thai@vision.com
Bus: 2 23 25 38 46 48 116 132
Air-con Bus: 502 507 508 511 513 Mb 6
Opening Hours: Temple: Daily 8 am-6 pm
Ubosot: Buddhist Sermon Day 12 am-3 pm
Wihan: Daily 8 am-6 pm Admission Fee: Free Admission
Activity, Festival: 10,000-Nun Initiation Ceremony (Jan 7-10)
Wat Thammongkon's Job Training Centre Will Power Institute
Will Power Meditation Course:

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 6 am-8:30 pm Course in Community Development:
Closed: Sat Sun 9 am-5 pm
Buddhist Sermon Day: Sermon
If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com
Source from http://www.bangkoktourist.com

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New Zealand is asking Thai authorities to explain why it has refused to let a group of Kayan "long-necked" refugees from Burma to leave Thailand to start new lives.

New Zealand agreed two years ago to accept two families of Kayan people - whose women traditionally wear a number of brass rings around their unnaturally long necks - as refugees, but Thai authorities will not give them exit visas.

According to a BBC report from the area in Mae Hong Son province on Wednesday, it is suspected that the families are being kept in Thailand because of the central role they play in the local tourism industry.

The BBC said three Kayan villages close to the Burmese border were a major lure for foreign tourists and quoted a spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees as saying, "It's absolutely a human zoo."

Kitty McKinsey said some 20,000 other Burmese refugees had recently been allowed to move to third countries, but Thailand was not letting a group of 20 Kayans who had been accepted as refugees by New Zealand and Finland leave.

"We don't understand why these 20 are not allowed to start new lives," she told the BBC. "The Thai authorities are treating them in a special way."

The BBC quoted a 23-year-old woman called Zember as saying the UNHCR told her family in 2005 that they had been accepted by New Zealand.

"I was so happy," she said. "They tell me a house is already waiting for us in New Zealand."

The New Zealand foreign ministry spokeswoman told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa: "we have raised our concerns with the Thai foreign ministry. We are waiting for a response." (dpa)
Source from bangkokpost.net

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Over the past eight years, Bumrungrad International has showcased some of Thailand’s best restaurants through its Great Chefs programme. For 2008, Bumrungrad International, in cooperation with the Royal Project Foundation, launched “Gourmets of the Garden”, a special promotion.

Participating chefs have been asked to design menus featuring healthy vegetables from The Royal Project Foundation in northern Thailand, source of the famous “The Royal Project” brand. These vegetables are nutritious and hygienic. They receive special care to retain their fresh flavor from farm to kitchen.

Under the Great Chefs programme, each restaurant works with hospital’s kitchen to design or adapt a healthy menu, which is then featured for a month. The special menus are available at no extra charge to patients, giving them the opportunity to sample dishes from some of Thailand’s best restaurants.

The Great Chefs programme is highlighted prominently throughout the hospital. It has also attracted local and international media attention. “This year we are privileged to have 12 premium hotels offering delicious and healthy dishes using healthy vegetables from The Royal Project to our patients and their guests. It is part of our commitment to serve our patients while promoting their health,” said Mr. Mack Banner, Bumrungrad International’s CEO.

Participants in the Great Chefs Programme

1. JW Marriott Bangkok - Executive Chef Dieter Ruckenbauer
2. Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok - Chef Willment Leong
3. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok - Chef Sarawut Im-sup
4. Banyan Tree Bangkok - Chef Vipawan Udomthanapipat
5. Grand Mercure Park Avenue - Chef Sakkajonh Thang-on
6. Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok Hotel and Convention Centre (BCC) - Chef Jasvir Sanghera
7. Millennium Hilton Bangkok - Chef Supoj Suwanwong
8. Amari Boulevard - Chef Silvano Amolini
9. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok - Executive Chef Sombat Lerkratanaphaisan
10. The Dusit Thani - Chef Thaneht Naovarat
11. InterContinental Bangkok - Chef Seksan Kerdyoo
12. Grand Sukhumvit by Sofitel - Executive Sous Chef Nitipat Panyajiravisit

The Royal Project Foundation
The Royal Hill-Tribes Development Programme, at present called The Royal Project, was inaugurated in 1969, following His Majesty the King's expressed desire to initiate the benefits of sedentary agricultural practice to the Hill-Tribes community with introduction of substituted cash crops that, in some cases, may fetch higher market prices than opium. During the early stages of the project, His Majesty encouraged the grafting of temperate climate peach scions to the stocks of local species of peach trees. The grafted trees bore fruits that were improved in texture and taste and were hardy enough to withstand long transportation journey to the markets. Other temperate climate fruit scions were also experimented with at different elevations at the Royal Project's Highland Agricultural Research Stations in various villages in Chiang Mai Province, Phui Village, Mae Chaem District, Khum Village, Fang District, Khun Wang Village, San Pa Tong District, Sam Mun Village, Chiang Dao District, and Mae Tho Village, Hot District.

Bumrungrad International
Bumrungrad International is Southeast Asia’s premier private hospital and a regional referral center for advanced care, offering 554 beds, 30 specialty centers, 940 medical specialists and over 800 nurses. It is Asia’s first JCI accredited hospital and serves more than one million patients yearly from 190 different countries.

Contact Information:
Bumrungrad International
Tel: +66 (0) 2667 1000
Fax: +66 (0) 2667 2525
E-mail: info@bumrungrad.com
Web site: www.bumrungrad.com

Source: Bumrungrad International release dated January 10, 2008

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  BANGKOK - AFC Asian Cup 2007 co-hosts Thailand won the King's Cup tournament for the 13th time courtesy of Narongchai Vachiraban's stunning second-half free-kick against reigning continental champions Iraq on Saturday.
The BEC Tero Sasana midfielder scored the only goal of the game in the 65th minute when he swept the ball past static Iraq keeper Dydar Hassan and into the top right corner of the net as the Thais won all their games in the four-team tournament that also featured fellow FIFA 2010 World Cup qualification hopefuls DPR Korea and Uzbekistan.

"Iraq were good as a team as well as individuals, but four wins from four against teams outside of South East Asia shows we are making the step up," said Thailand's head coach Chanvit Polchovin after the three-time ASEAN champions' second victory over Iraq this week.

Source from http://www.the-afc.com

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About Hands Bangkok Countdown 2008

Bidding farewell to the old year while greeting New Year is a festive practice  significantly embraced by people around the world as it’s the last biggest event of the year that leads to a fresh beginning. Hands Bangkok Countdown 2008 is designed to be an international symbol of the celebrations for Thais and visitors. Bangkok is a center of tourism in Southeast Asia, full of lively attractions and facilities for tourists.

Hands Bangkok Countdown 2008 is a brainchild of joint-cooperation between public and private organizations which have seen the potential of Thailand’s Bangkok to serve as a significant destination for tourists during the festive season. Business operations with different backgrounds joined forces to initiate the largest countdown event for residents in Bangkok before it has been expanded to become an international event that targets tourists in ASEAN region: Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The visitors will be invited to experience a new cultural celebration by joining hands together with the countdown in the Hands By Heart Moment. 

 

The event’s venue is located in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown and shopping streets surrounded by leading department stores and convenient transportation systems and facilities set to serve mass population to join the event.

Landmark of the event is a gigantic structure, “The Greeting Ball Tower”, which serves as the symbol of celebrations. The tower will be installed in December every year. It’s equipped with special effects to create spectacular moments. Activities by arts and entertainment studios are prepared on a large-scale stage, making it a truly feast of celebrations to support tourism spending for the year-end.
More information : http://www.handsbangkokcountdown.com
Source from http://www.tourismthailand.org

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Small, malodourous and intimate, this is a grave for a informal occurrence to use some diet Italian yolk while cruising Sukhumvit Road. Santanastyle transposition ricochets off walls adorned by size photographs and memorabilia, which present a proximity friendliness to the room.

 

Good food, created with a nice variety of ingredients, and offered in an easy-to-eat style, including a modest but interesting buffet of salad, eggplant with cheese and other treats.The one-time-only access to the salad buffet also includes a one-layer or two-layer limit, so each piece of food must be placed on your plate as if it were measured sediment, because any overlapping titbits will be noted. For the main meal, vegetarian spaghetti is a pasta of mushrooms, garlic, tomatoes and green peppers. Salmon pizza drapes smoked salmon slices alongside rocket salad and melted feta cheese on a thin, delicious pizza. Roast beef in carpaccio, veal-breaded cutlets, and mixed seafood provide substantial alternatives to pasta. But pizza is the magic word here, blending recipes which mix and match mozzarella, anchovies, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, salmon and others. The fun but functional menu provides tiramisu, ice cream and other desserts.

Address : 3/3 SUKHUMVIT SOI 31, BANGKOK 10110
Tel: 0-2712-5422, 0-2259-0405
Open :Mon - Fri 11.00 -14.30 and 17.30 - 23.30
    Sat-Sun 11.30-23.30
More Information about Restaurant in Thailand please visit to http://www.thailandsbestrestaurants.com
Picture from http://www.weloveeating.com

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Venue : Wat Ratchaorasaram, Chom Thong district

Rama lll was an efficient merchant since his youth as Prince Chetsadabodin. He was so highly successful that his royal father teasingly called him “Chaosua”(millionaire in Chinese). He was keen on Chinese artistic style. He had it integreated with traditional Thai style, which was later khown as the “royally preferred artistic style.”
The very first temple the king had tried this idea on was Wat Chom Thong, an old Ayutthaya temple almost entirely renovated with adittonal donations from Cjinese merchants at Sampheng and Chinese craftsmen. Rama ll re-named it Wat Ratchaorot, meaning the temple of a king’s son. The architectural style here has been considered prototypical of rama lll’s ‘preferred artistic style’ before his enthronement.Other dignitaries later emulated the style in other temples.
Many visitors to the monastic quarters may not notice a small stone seat under atree near the hall. Don’t ever take a rest upon it for it was Rama lll’s royal reat during his visit to supervise the construction.
Cruising the Historic Canal Admire the Sino-Thai Temple from the Third Reign
In the old days, there was a passage from Khlong Dan to the southern sea. The waterway was thus crowded since the Ayutthaya Period with communities on both riverbanks. A cruise along this canal will unfold us ancint traditional houses and significant temples. From Bangkok Yai Canal, we will see Wat Nong Chi, Wat Nong, Wat Nang Nong, and Wat Ratchaorot respectively. All of them were built in the Third Reign in the royally preferred Sino-Thai style. The roofing structure has no finial and windbreaks. The gables are decked with stucco and porcelain in Chinese auspicious patterns. Visitors keen on cruising khlong Dan can easily find a rental boat at Tha Chang Pier.

WAT RATCHAORASARAM
Address: 258 Ekkachai 4 Lane EkkachaiRoad Bangkor Sub-District Jomthong District Bangkok 10150
(Fhone:662) 415-2286 893-7274
Fax: (662) 893-7273
Bus: 10 43 120  Air Bus: Mb9

Pier: 1. Passenger Boat: Rajini (Pakkhlong Talat) Pier-** Wat Ratchaorasaram Pier Departure 8 am Return 5 pm 2. Passenger Boat: Rajini (Pakkhlong Talat) Pier* Wat Paknum* *Bus
Opening Hours: Temple: Daily 5 am-8 pm Ubosot: Daily 8-9 am  4:30-6 pm

Admission Free:  Free Admission

If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com
Website http://www.bangkoktourist.com

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The 32 Postures of Guan Yin Goddess :100 Unseen in Bangkok
Venue : Guan Yin Shrine, Lat Phrao District

This Guan Yin Shrine was built in 1983 by the head monk Guang Seng of the
mahayana Order. The temple observes very strict rules. Monks ordained here have to
be life-long vegetarian and cannot leave the monkhood, with strong determination to
abandon the secular world to devote themselves to dharma.
The Guan Yin shrine for the Earth and Sky Gods, and a dragon pillar. The big building
houses an image of Guan yin stop a toad, and the Buddha Prince Ang Hai Yi. In other
parts of the building are figures from Chinese mythology and Buddha images, such as
Guan Yin images for the 12 zodiac signs, the 32-attitude of of Guan Yin, the famous
monk Tang Sam Chang, and the monk lang lang Tai Sue. There are also a charity
soup-kitchen and a meditation hall for worshippers.

Who Is Guan Yin?
Guan Yin, one of the most revered Chinese goods, is the goddess of mercy who,
some believe, helps eradicate miseries for her believers. Legend had it that Guan Yin
was born a princess, a daughter of a Chinese emperor who was not a Buddhist.
He was furious to see his daughter’s devotion to Buddhism. Before her marriage,
the princess escaped from the palace and set free several tortured prisoners.
Many oppressed people followed her.
When her father was gaining on them, a magic bridgeappeared to save the princess and her follwers. Soon her father was seriously ill. The doctor told her that the
only cure includes the arms and eyes of a virgin. With  her gratitude for her father, the princess agreed to  sacrifice herself. Her father was miraculously healed.
As s consequence of her sacrifice and her willing to help those in miseries, people came to worship her as a goodess, a significant one in the Chinese Pantheon.

Information
The 32 Postures of Guan Yin Goddess
Address :4/37 Suksonti 7 Lane  Latphrao 53 Road (Chokchai 4) Latphrao District
Bangkok 10230
Telephone: (662) 539-3951 514-0715
Facimile: (662) 538-8178
Bus: 8 27 44 92 96 122 126 137 145
Air-con Bus: 92 137 145 502 514 524 545 Mb 15 20
Opening Hours : Daily 7 am-9 pm
Admission Fee : Free Admission
If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com
website http://www.bangkoktourist.com

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The ancient temple was formerly caller Wat Moo, moo meaning pig, as it was built on Iand used for a pig farm and pigs were allowed, to remain in the area. It was restored by King Rama III from his private funds and renamed Wat Upsornsawan in honour of the celebrated actress Jaojomnoi. Her portrayal of Suranakong in "Eanao" the royal play from Indonesia, was so impressive that she became known as "Chaochom Noi Suranakong.

Ubosot: Built in the Chinese style with a single-tier roof and pediments decorated with Chinese Patterns. Enshrined within it are 28 Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture created by order o King Rama III.
Wihan: The prayer hall is in the same style as the ubosot, and houses two Buddha images also in the Subduing Mara posture.
Phra Mondop: The alcove contains a Buddha image in the Chansamore posture holding an Indian olive.
Hor Trai: This ancient Ayutthaya-style hall is registered as a preserved building by the Fine Department. It is "the original" of the Hoi Khien which can be seen at Suan Pakkad Palace.

If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com
Address :
174 Thoet Thai Road Pakkhbng Sub-0istrid Phasichareon District Bangkok 10160
Telephone:(662) 467-5392, 458-0917
Bus: 4 9 10 103
Air-con Bus: 4
Pier: Passenger Boat:
Raiini (Pakkhbng Talot) Pier<>Wat Paknam Pier

Opening Hours: Temple: Daily 5 am-10 pm
Ubosot: Daily 8-9 am 4-5pm
Admission Fee: Free
Admission Activity, Festival:
Sangkran Festival (Aprl3)

Source from http://www.bangkoktourist.com

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Date:8 - 10 December 2007
PLACE : 1st Battalion Regiment King's Own Bodyguard, Viphavadirangsit Road, Bangkok

Bangkok Jazz Festival
At Sanam Sua Pa, Bangkok,Thailand

History

        Terminal Xtra Entertainment has been organized Bangkok Jazz Festival with world class artists since 2003. The success of the festival is well known among local jazz enthusia Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT sts and foreigners who appreciate relaxing atmospheres peppered by great music.
          For the first three years of Bangkok Jazz festival in 2003-2005 ,Thailand Tourism Authority(TAT) had been supported the event in order to stimulate the tourism industry and Thai Asia Pacific Brewery (Heineken) has been pioneer sponsor .Since then the Bangkok Jazz Festival has become an annual event occurring in every December at Sanam Sua Pa. The festivals usually last two or three days.

Objectives
- To establish Thailand as a music hub in Asia
- To secure the festival place as an annual event
- To confirm Thailand’s status as a safe, fun filled tourist destination

Approach
- Establish the continuity of jazz festivals in Thailand. Bangkok Jazz Festival takes place over three nights (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and features internationally renown and revered local artists.
- Promote the event among the target groups which also include neighboring countries and experts.
- Cooperate with travel agencies and associations so that the festival will be included in their tour packages.
- Stress on the high quality of lighting and sound systems to create a lasting impression.
- Import well known jazz artists from various countries.
- Create relaxing outdoor atmosphere

Target audience
1) Thais and foreigners
2) Students and professionals
3) 18-50 years old
4) Executives, media, artists, and celebrities

Details
Venue:Sanam Sua Pa
Date: Friday, Saturday and Sunday or Saturday and Sunday
Time: 5pm to midnight

Ticketing

• Day Pass
• Combo Pass

More Information Please visit to website http://www.bangkokjazzfestival.com

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WAT ARUNRATCHAWARARAM
RATCHAWORAMAHAWIHAN

The prang of Wat Arun on the bank of Ch Phraya River is one of Bangkok 's world-famous landmarks. From a French map of Thonburi made in the reign of King Narai it can be seen that the temple existed when Ayutthaya was Siam 's capital. The temple was formerly known as Wat Makok, and when King Taksin built his palace, he ordered the temple to be annexed to it. The king restored it and renamed it "Wat Jaeng". It was restored again by King Rama II, and renamed "Wat Arunratchatharam". King Rama IV later changed the name to "Wat Arunratchawararam"
Ubosot: This is an outstanding example of Rama II period architecture in late Ayutthaya style. It has a two-tiered roof with glazed ceramics, and pediments decorated with wooden carvings depicting Warunthep. The interior murals were painted during the Third and Fifth Reigns. Phra Phutthathammitsararatchalokthatdilok,the principal Buddha image in the Subduing Mara posture, was cast in the reign of King Rama II and contains relics of King Rama II.
Prang: This brick stupa is decorated with glazed pottery fragments in flower and leaf designs and other Thai patterns. The top is gilded and adorned with the noppasul.
Pra Rabiengkote: This corridor is in placeof the kampaeng kaeo found in most other tempi It has a tiled roof with doors opening onto f directions. Inside are 120 Buddha images in Subduing Mara posture.
Mondop of the Buddha's Footprint: A chapel surmounted by a spire, this stands between the ubosot and the wihan. It was built during the Third Reign and houses a copy of the footprint of the Budd a carved in Kwantong stone and decorated with colourful porcelain.

Ogre Statues: Guarding at the gate are two ogre (yaksha). The white yaksha is Sahassadecha and i green partner Thossakun, the villain of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana epic.
The temple has flourished throughout the Ratta akosin period. The beauty of the architecture and t e fine craftsmanship declare its status as a temp - of the first grade and one of the most outstanding temples of Thailand.
If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com

Address:
34 Arun Amarin Road
Wat Arun Sub-District Bangkokyai District Bangkok 10600
Phone:(662) 891-1149
Fax:(662) 891-1149
Bus:19 57 83
Peir:
1. Passenger Boat:
Wat Arun Pie
2. Ferry: Tha Tien Pier
Wat Pho Pier F<--> Wat Arun Pier
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Ubosot: Free Admission, buta written request to the Temple's Abbot is required
Admission Fee: Prang: 10 Bht
Information from www.bangkoktourist.com

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There is no record of the founding of this temple, but Phraya Rajanuchit (Jong) re-established it in the style popular in the reign of King Rama III. The king named the temple Wat Nangchee Shotikaram.
Ubosot : The statue of a deity stands on a lion at the door of the main chapel, in the Chinese style prevalent during the Third Reign.The building has a two-tiered roof, and the main Buddha image is made of plaster in the Meditation posture.
Wihan : The prayer hall stands on the right of the ubosot. Its door and window arches are decorated with glazed tiles. The main Buddha image is in the Laylia posture.

Chakphra Festival : Since the early Rattanakosin period, relics of the Buddha and his disciples are carried in procession by boat from Wat Nangchee to Wat Kaitere in Talingchan on the second day of the waning moon in the 12th lunar month.
The procession begins at Wat Nangchee on the Daan Canal and continues along the Bangwag, Chakpra and Mon Canals.

The return route to is by Bangkoknoi Canal to the Chao Phraya River, then along the Bangluang Canal.
The festival also features boat racing, flower parades on boats, and pleng rue, traditional singers leading the boat containing the Buddha's relics.

If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com
Information about Wat Nangchee shaotikaram
Address :
312 Thoet Thai Road Pakkhbng Sub-District Phasichareon District,bangkok
Telephone: (662) 467-4540, 467-4093
Bus: 4 9 10 103
Air-con Bus: 4
Pier: 1.Passenger Boat: Wat Paknam Pier
2. Taxi Boat:Wat Nangchee Pier
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 5 afO0 pm
Ubosot: Daily 5-6 am 5-7 pm
Admission Fee: Free Admission
source From www.bangkoktourist.com

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As part of the magnificent celebrations being hosted to mark the auspicious occasion of the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, spectacular fireworks displays will be staged on the following dates.

4 December
Fireworks Display In Honour of His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday
At the Royal Turf Club of Thailand
183 Phitsanuloke Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300

This magnificent fireworks display, being staged in conjunction with members of the Japanese Firework Artists Association and Sogo Department Store in Japan, will be visible from the plaza in front of the equestrian statue of King Rama V in front of Anantasamakhom Throne Hall, the Dusit Zoo as well as from buildings and open areas situated within a distance of 1.5 kilometres from the Royal Turf Club of Thailand.

5 December
Glory Fireworks Over the River of Kings and Candle-Lighting Ceremony
A fireworks display set in the middle of the Chao Phraya River
Along the Chao Phraya River from the Rama 9 Bridge and in the area nearest to the Industrial Ring Road Bridge

In addition to the fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River – the River of Kings, the celebrations will include a candle-lighting ceremony in honour of His Majesty the King. Well-wishers are to assemble in the area under the Industrial Ring Road Bridge.

The fireworks display will be visible from the following locations.

Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok side Wat Dan temple

• Chao Phraya Wittayakom School
• Chatuchak-Rama III Road
• Wat Pariwaat-rajasongkhram temple
• Wat Thong Bon temple
• Wat Dawk Mai temple
• Rama 9 Park
• Riverside Hotel
• Suan Silaloek park

Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Thonburi side

• Rama 9 Park

Phrapadaeng District Suan Lat Pho under the Industrial Ring Road Bridge

• Wat Kan Lat temple
• Wat Song Dhamma Voraviharn temple
• Wat Ruak temple

6 December
Fireworks In Honour of the Father of the Nation
Royal Bangkok Sports Club (R.B.S.C.) on Henri Dunant Road

The spectacular fireworks display consisting of 3,000 bursts will be visible from the following locations. Chulalongkorn University
Lumphini Park
Building in the area
7 December
Fireworks In Honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol
A ‘fantasy’-style fireworks display over the sea
At Haat Mae Pim in Rayong province
This “fantasy” fireworks display will be synchronized to music and will be visible for a distance of 3 kilometres from the beach.

8 December
Celebrating The Glorious Realm of His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 80th birthday
by the lake at Benjakitti Park adjacent to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC)
The fireworks display will be visible for a distance of 1.5 kilometres from Benjakitti Park.

Source from Tourism Authority of Thailand

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