History and General Information about Yasothon Province
The emblem of YasothonAccording to historical chronicles of Muang Yasothon, Phra Chao Voravongsa, and his followers in 2340 B.E. were migrating to settle down with the governor of Champasak. Along the way, they stopped at Dong Phi Singh and decided to make their home there as it was found to be an approciate site which was later named Ban Ta Singh or Muang Ta Singh. In 2357 B.E. King Rama II issued an edict to upgrade the settlement into a town. Muang Ta Singh, reporting direct to Bangkok. The rank of Phra Rachavongsa was given to the governor. The town was subsequently elevated into a province under a Revolutionary Order No.70 on February 6,2515. The province was made up of the following districts, Yasothon, Kam Khuan Kaew, Maha Chaichana, Pa Tiew, Lerng Nok Tha and Kud Chum (all formerly in Ubon Ratchathani), and officially came into existence on March 1,215 (1972).

Tourist Attractions 
Wat Mahathat
   Located within in Muang municipality.It has existed ever since the beginning of the community of the original Ban Ta Singh, major ancient structures include the Phra Buddha Busayarat statue, the Phra That (holy relic) Yasothon and the Scripture Hall.festivities and events place there.

The Phra Buddha Busayarat
   Also known as Phra Kaew Yad Nam Kang, cast in the Chiang Saen style, is a statue in th Meditation posture, with a lap width of 1.9". It is an ancient symbol of Yasothon and was presented to the first governor of the town by King Rama III.

Phra That Kong Khao Noi

Phra That Kong Khao Noi    is an ancient chedi dating back to the Khorn Era. Located in a field in Tambon Tad Thong of Yasothon district. It can be reached by going out of town for about 8 kms. on Highway No.23 (Yasothon-Ubon Ratchathani). At about Km. marker 194, turn left and proceed on for another kilometer.at Ban Tat Thong is a distinctive brick pagoda dating back to the late Ayutthaya period (18th centry).

Phra That Yasothon (Phra That Anon)

   is one of the major and ancient Phra Thats in the Northeast. Square shaped with the top similar to the Phra That Phanom, the chedi enshrines the ashes of Phra Anon. The Phra That Phra Anonarchitecture reflects the influence of Laotian art popular reflects the influence of Laotian art popular during the Late Ayutthaya Period-Early Rattanakosin Period, which supports the belief that it was built around that period when Phra Vor and Phra Ta led immigrations to settle down in that vicinity. The Phra That has a square base, each side measuring 81 m. built of brick and mortar with a tapered waist in the form of face-up and face-down lotrses. The actual Chamber is located above. The four arches on the four compass points are adorned with standing Buddha statues. On the four sides top of the Phra That are smaller Pli Lek knots, while the central top is double-tiered. The general style is similar to the Phra That Kong Khao Noi. The Phra That Anon is celebrated in an annual fair during the month of March.
   Also known as Phra Kaew Yad Nam Kang, cast in the Chiang Saen style, is a statue in th Meditation posture, with a lap width of 1.9". It is an ancient symbol of Yasothon and was presented to the first governor of the town by King Rama III.

Dong Muang Toey
   near the village of Ban Song Puay in Kham Khuan Keao district is the site of a commuity beelieved to have originated around the 6th century. The ruins of a building at the site bear words which indicate it was a Brahman shrine.

Mae Nam Chee Beach
Buddha Image in Phu Tham Phra
       is a two-kms stretch of river bed along the banks of the Chee River. The area is exposed when the river recedes during the dry deason from December to May. During this time vendors set up food stalls and the "peach" becomes a recreation area. There a number of interesting caves in the scenic mountainous vicinity of Phu Tham Phra 16 km from Loeng Nok Tha district. The cave on Phu Tham Phra contains several Buddha images. Other notable caves include Kheng Ngu Chuang, Kliang and Phrom Butr.
Phu Thang Kwian
   is a rocky peak in the Phu Phan Mountains 24 km from Kut Chum district. It is worth a visit to see the surrounding landscape. Local people pay homage to a shrine while they are there.
The village of Ban Si Than Pa Tiu
   District 20 km east of Yasothon on Highway 202 is noted for making khid cloth and triangle-shaped mawn kwan pillows.

  Festival and Enent Interesting 
   Yasothon is most famous for its spectacular Rocket (Bung Fai) Festival, an event which draws visitors from all over the country. The festival, held as a rain-making and fertility rite, features large home-made rockets, fireworks displays, parades and beauty contests. This unique Isan tradition is hele in early May at the advent of the rainy season.

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Hua Hin - Asara Villa & Suite Hua Hin, the five-star Asian contemporary beachfront hotel in Hua Hin, pleases fans of jazz music with ‘Asara: In the Mood for Jazz’ package that lets jazz devotees relish the groovy performances at Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2008 and relish the relaxing ambience of Asara Villa & Suite Hua Hin for three days and two nights. The package is offered only for the period of June 13-15 at the starting price of Bt14,000++ for two persons.

          Package includes:
          Two-night stay at Holiday Suite
          Special! Free upgrade to Deluxe Suite for stay of three nights or more
          Welcome drink and chilled towel upon arrival
          Daily seasonal tropical fruit in your room
          Daily complimentary breakfast at Kampu by Design for two persons
          Complimentary gift voucher of Bt1,500 for spa treatment or food and beverages
          20% discount for spa treatment at Asara Spa
          10% discount for food and beverages at Asara’s three signature restaurants – Kampu by Design, Kampu by Choice, and Asara Thai Bistro (except alcoholic beverages)
          Free round-trip transfer to the Jazz Festival on June 13-14
          Daily complimentary afternoon tea with snack at The Library for two persons
          Free access to the Gym
          Free Wi-Fi Internet connection
          ***Upgrade to One-bedroom Pool Villa supplement at the price of Bt4,500 per villa/package***
          For reservation and queries, please contact number 
          +66 (0) 2661 6800 Ext. 301-307 or 
          +66 (0) 3254 7555, email: jan@asaravillaandsuite.com, or visit www.asaravillaandsuite.com. 
          ASARA VILLA & SUITE - SURROUND YOUSELF IN PLEASURE
          PRESS CONTACTS:
          Asara Villa & Suite Hua Hin JWT Public Relations
          Bangkok - Papan Jittranusit
          Senior Marketing & PR Executive 
          T: 0-2661-6800 #205, 086-577-2778
          Hua Hin - T: 032-547-555
          www.asaravillaandsuite.com Porntip Wiriyakitpattana
          T: 0-2204-8210, 086-813-1981
          Prasit Kritsadaariyachon
          T: 0-2204-8216, 081-586-2813
Source From http://www.thaipr.net

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THAILAND'S northeastern region has seen civilizations come and go over the centuries. In the 1970's, an archeological excavations at Ban Chiang, 50 kms cast of Udon Thani, unearthed the remains of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished over 5,000-7,000 years ago. A thousand years ago, the area was also part of the ancient Khmer empire that gave birth to Angkor Wat. The Khmer ruins at Phimai and Phanom Rung are fine examples of this great civilization that preceded Sukhothai-Thailand's first established capital.

But even before human begins roamed the plateaus of "Isan", the region was once home to a more ancient species of animal-the dinosaur. The discovery of new dinosaur bones at the Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen province has brought excitement to the world at large. Thai people are even more excited to learn that the fossils are the "grandfather" of all tyrannosaurs, the oldest example of the fierce, mcat-eating dinosaur ever found.

The discovery was reported by a team of Thai and French researchers. The report has just been published in the well-known science journal "Nature". Researchers have named this new species of dinosaur the Siamotyrannus isanensis. It is 20 million years older than earliest known Tyrannosaurus rex, the feared beast of the popular movie "Jurassic Park". The meat-eating dinosaur was first found at the Phu Wiang National Park in Phu Wiang district,Khon Kaen province in 1987. The study on its hip bones, spine and legs was completed early this year and published in the latest issue of the journal "Nature".
The Department of Mineral Resource says the new dinosaur found in Thailand is only 6.5 metres longs, about half the size of the Tyrannosaurus rex. The excavation and study on the fossils of this dinosaur were conducted through cooperation between Thailand's Department of Mineral Resources and the University of France. The project started in 1979, and a plant-eating dinosaur was discovered in Phu Wiang in 1984 . It was named Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae in honuor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The new discovery of dinosaur fossils in Phu Wiang has made a name for Thailand. It may prove that this tyrannosaur evolved in Asia and spread to North America. The story of dinosaurs has always attracted people of all ages and nationalities. The first dinosaurs fossils were found about 175 years ago in Connecticut,USA. Since then, a great many others have been found in other parts of the world. These fossils are mainly dinosaur bones, teeth and eggs. Scientists can put the bones together into whole skeletons and from the skeletons they can tell what the dinosaurs actually looked like. By studying fossil teeth, scientists can tell whether a dinosaur ate plans or meat. Meat eater has pointed, sharp teeth for teaching meat. Dinosaurs that ate plants had flat, blunt teeth designed for chewing.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Department of Mineral Resources and other agencies concerned are joining hands in establishing a dinosaur museum will be completed by the year 2,000. When completed, the museum will become a tourism attraction in Khon Kean. It will also serve as a study centre for these who are interested in the ancient dinosaurs, which died out millions of years before the first humans appeared on Earth.
Information About Phu Wiang

Phu Wiang National Park
Phu wiang is a name of a mountain and Amphur in Khorn Kean. Royal Forest Department declared this national park on December 8,1991, becoming 71th national park of Thailand, covers an area of 325 km2 Dinosaurs' skeletons and steps are found in this park. Beside this, human sheletons, Iron equipment, the sleep Lord Bhuddha in Thawarawadee Period and also point in before history. The topography on the mountain is a big hold of a volcano peak, which covered by dipteracarp and dry evergreen forest.
Phu Wiang National Park
P.O.Box 1, Nai Muang Sub-district, 
Amphur Phu Wiang   Khorn Kaen
Thailand 40150
Tel. 08 5852 1771   E-mail reserve@dnp.go.th

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  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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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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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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Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
Date : 11 – 13 March 2008
Venue : Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon
Annual ritual to ensure that the seasonal rains fall at the appropriate time in the planting cycle. In the process, Buddhist merit-making traditions are also observed and reinforced. The festival, which is held over a period of three days, strengthens community spirit. The first day known as “Wan Suk |Dip” features a ritual to play homage to Chao Pu, the spirit of the city pillar. The second day is the rocket procession day. Each is escorted by a colourful dance troupe. The rocket are finally launched on the third day in which various rockets and beauty contests are held. It is also a day for the ordination of novices with festive celebrations following merit-making rituals.

 

 

 

For this annual festival, villagers of the Northern fashion rockets of all kinds, some of them several metres long, the launching of which is believed to ensure plentiful rains in the coming rice-planting season. High-spirited revelry accompanies the event, with beauty parades, folk dancing, and stage shows.
Contact : TAT Northeastern Office : Region 2
Tel : 0 4524 3770-1
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : 0 4571 1397 Ext. : 112
Website : www.tat.or.th/festival

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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, Thailand, 7 January 2008 — Twelve contestants in the annual Czech beauty contest, along with organizers and accompanying media members, are visiting the kingdom as part of the efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to generate publicity and attract more visitors from the new member countries of the European Union.

The group was welcomed this morning at the TAT Head office, by Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor, TAT, Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing and Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communication.

The Miss Czech 2008 beauty contest is organised annually by the Czech National Television. The show is widely watched across the country, as the winner goes on to represent the Czech Republic in the annual Miss Universe Pageant.

This year’s Miss Czech contest will highlight Thailand as the backdrop destination for the various fashion and other film-shoots featured in the TV campaign. The contestants arrived in Thailand and will be here until 17 January.

Their visits in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket will include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, Siam Paragon, Duty-Free King Power, Siam Niramit, Ancient City, Nong Nooch Garden, Pattaya Beach, Tiffany Show, Laem Phromthep, Ko Panyee, Phuket Fantasea, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Patong Beach, among other popular spots.

These shots will be broadcast in the final round of the Miss Czech 2008 Contest on 15 March, 2008, at 20.00 hrs on TV Nova, a well-known Czech Republic TV channel.

A member of the European Union since 2004, the Czech Republic has a population of ten million and a rapidly growing middle-class due to increased investments pouring into the country, especially from other EU member countries.

TAT Governor Mrs Phornsiri said, “We agreed to support this beauty contest because of the valuable exposure it will generate for Thai tourism destinations in a promising new source market in terms of visitor arrivals.

“As the Czech Republic and other new EU member countries become more economically integrated, it will certainly facilitate travel, initially within Europe and then of course beyond to long-haul destinations like Asia.”

Beside the TV promotions, the organisers have also agreed to publicise Thailand via billboards featuring Thai tourism destinations all over the capital city of Prague as well as advertising on a leading radio programme for three months and articles in the local daily newspaper and leading magazines.

TAT is taking care of the group’s travel expenditure in Thailand at a cost of roughly one million baht.

In 2006, visitor arrivals to Thailand from the Czech Republic totalled 13,128 up 27.26% over 2005. Repeat travellers totalled 7,329 or 55.83% of the total.

Visitor arrivals from the overall East Europe region totalled 95,312, up 46.53% over 2005. First-time travellers totalled 48,257 or 50.63% of the total while repeat travellers totalled 47,055 or 49.37%.

The average length of stay was 12.36 days and average expenditure per person per day 3,884 baht, generating tourism income of an estimated 4,576.36 million baht. Most of the expenditure was on shopping.

In January-November 2007, visitor arrivals from East Europe at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport totalled 108,845, up 32.69% over the same period of 2006.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

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Bor Sang, on highway 1006 heading east from Chiang Mai, appears to be a typical sleepy rural village, the kind the tour bus speeds by giving you just a fleeting glimpse of its two-storey wooden houses.  But hidden in the tiny lanes, villagers have perfected a craft that creates the country’s most famous umbrellas.

For more than 100 years, the village has been associated with the production of umbrellas made from Saa paper derived from mulberry tree bark.  According to local history, a monk travelled to neighbouring Myanmar, where he came across Saa paper umbrellas that offered protection against both the sun and rain. 

He returned with the production technique and introduced the umbrella to the elders of Bor Sang village, who added their own artistic skills to create a distinctive colourful, but very practical, umbrella. At first it was just a profitable hobby that supplemented the villagers’ earnings from the annual rice crop. However, with time production of the Saa paper umbrellas prospered, prompting villagers to establish a handicraft cooperative in 1941 that now organises the annual festival.

Using silk and cotton, weaved at neighbouring Sankampaeng, villagers eventually added a second line of umbrellas decorated with images of the north, its flowers and birds, all intricately hand-painted.
Today, Bor Sang village exports both Saa-paper and silk umbrellas.  They are seen at trade shows in a variety of sizes, from giant parasols that offer a shady canopy from the sun, to miniscule variations that adorn popular cocktail drinks.

 

To celebrate success the village hosts a three-day festival every January. Streets are illuminated by lanterns, while hundreds of umbrellas are hung from the rafters and beams of houses and shops.  Bands play, while villagers compete to design the year’s most attractive umbrella.  Concerts, a food festival and beauty contest all compete for the attention of the audience, a  mix of both tourists and residents, who gather here to celebrate Bor Sang’s innovative handicraft skills.

Throughout the year, tourists visit the village, a short 6 km drive from Chiang Mai, to buy umbrellas and study the process and skills that go into making a handicraft entirely from natural products.  But nothing quite compares with the buzz that permeates the village during this colourful three-day handicraft festival, every January. It is a scene that represents village hospitality and charm at its very best.
source from http://www.tourismthailand.org/

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Early and unofficial results show the Palang Prachachon (People Power) party loyal to Thaksin Shinawatra has won an outright parliamentary majority in Sunday's election.
The PPP has taken 220 of the 400 seats in constituency voting, and has won 35 of the 80 party-list seats.
If those results are confirmed in official vote-counting Sunday night and Monday, the People Power party would easily capture more than the 241 seats needed to form a government itself - with no need of a coalition.

Observers cautioned there are several roadblocks ahead, even after final vote-counting is confirmed. For one thing, there are dozens of challenges alleging vote fraud, many against PPP candidates.

It must be stressed the results are unofficial, and based on a combination of exit polls and early vote results trickling in as reported by news media at polling stations.

Although Bangkok media agreed that early counting gave the PPP an outright majority, pollsters who conducted exit polls after the Sunday voting showed slight but important differences.

A Dusit Poll for Bangkok's Suan Dusit Rajabhat University forecast that PPP had won a majority of 256 seats, compared to 162 for the rival Democrat Party. However, Abac Poll of Assumption University said its survey showed PPP had won 202 seats, falling short of an outright majority, with the Democrats taking 146.

An Election Commission official told the Associated Press that with 40 per cent of the vote counted, the pro-Thaksin PPP has won 229 seats. The EC vote is official, but the agency has not actually released any final results.

Here are the BangkokPost.com figures as of 6.30pm (1130 GMT).

The constituency candidacy (total 400 seats) throughout Thailand.

People Power party: 220 seats
Democrat: 162 seats
Chart Thai: 40 seats
Puea Pandin: 30 seats
Ruamjaithai Chartpattana: 13 seats
Matchimathipataya: 10 seats
Pracharaj: 5 seats
Unofficial results of the party-list candidacy (total 80 seats)
People Power party: 34 seats
Democrat: 33 seats
Chart Thai: 4 seats
Puea Pandin: 7 seats
Ruamjaithai Chartpattana: 1 seat
source from bangkokpost.net

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Date: November 28, 2007 - March 28, 2008
Place : Srisothorn Road, Chachoengsao provincial center, Chachoengsao

The World Sand Sculpture Festival - the world's largest indoor sand sculpture exhibition - is being held in Thailand for the first time.

The four-month long festival, which features 80 works of art created by over 70 highly talented sculptors from countries around the world, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ireland, the United States and Thailand, covers an area of 12 rai (1.92 hectares or 4.74 acres).
The exhibition is divided into three zones.

ZONE 1
The Royal Projects Zone
The sand sculptures in this zone depict themes related to Royal Projects initiated by His Majesty the King of Thailand and reflect the extraordinary achievements of His Majesty the King of Thailand during the 60 years of his glorious reign.
Among the fascinating works of art are sand sculptures representing the Chaipattana aerator, an award-winning invention patented by His Majesty the King; Bhumibol Dam, royal rainmaking, His Majesty's 'Micro Mod' sailing boat, a jazz band, Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Doi Tung Royal Villa, the first royal residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindara, the Princess Mother, the late mother of His Majesty the King of Thailand. HRH the Princess Mother dedicated her life to the conduct of royally-sponsored developmental initiatives for the benefit of the country and its people and endeared herself to the Thai nation. Her contribution to humanity was recognised by UNESCO in its description of the Princess Mother as a "World Great Personality of the 20th Century".
ZONE 2
The Thai History and Thai Literature Zone
The collection of 11 sand sculptures on display in the tent draw their inspiration from Thai history and characters depicted in Thai literature. For example, the giant yaak or demons that stand guard in front of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Sothorn Vararam Voraviharn temple - the sacred landmark of Chachoengsao province, Jatukarmramathep, King Naresuan the Great at war and a selection of characters from Thai literature.
ZONE 3
The International Sand Sculpture Zone
These masterpieces by sculptors representing 13 participating countries capture the magnificence of a selection of famous landmarks from around the world - France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, China, Spain, Egypt and others. These include impressive sand sculptures of The Eiffel Tower accompanied by sculptures of French artists for which Paris is known; the Changing the Guards at Buckingham Palace and Big Ben in London, the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, Japan's Mount Fuji and geishas, The Great Wall of China embellished with a dragon.
In all, more than 40,000 tonnes of sand have been used to create these awe-inspiring masterpieces.
The World Sand Sculpture Festival is an established event that originated in Europe 14 years ago. Given the popularity and success of the exhibition in its early years, the festival has since been held in several European countries including France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10.00 - 19.00
Saturday and Sunday: 09.00 - 20.00
Public holidays: 08.00 - 22.00
Admission Fee
80 baht for adults; 40 baht for children
Contact information:
Tel: (0) 3851 5120-1
Source from http://www.tat.or.th/

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In the northeastern part of Thailand, at the confluence of three small tributary streams in Udon Thani province, lies the Bronze Age village and cemetery site of Ban Chiang.

As may things in life, the revelation of Ban Chiang started as a accident. In 1966 Steven Young was wandering around a small village in Northeastern Thailand when he tripped on a tree root and fell. On the ground he saw rings, which turned out to be pottery shards. Further investigation revealed more fragments which had been revealed by gradual erosion.

Legend has it that Ban Chiang was discovered by a clumsy American college student, who fell in the road of the present town of Ban Chiang, and found ceramics eroding out of the road bed. The first excavations at the site were conducted in 1967 by archaeologist Vidya Intakosai, and this and subsequent excavations by the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok and the University of Pennsylvania under the direction of Dr. Chester F. Gorman and Pisit Charoenwongsa have revealed evidence of prehistoric occupation beginning possibly as early as 3600 B.C. and continuing, probably intermittently, until about A.D. 200.
The Fine Arts Department of Thailand teamed with the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to begin the excavation of the site. Major excavations in 1974 and 1975 turned up the evidence that made anthropologists rethink the development of human civilization in Southeast Asia.
Ban Chiang makes a nice day trip from Udorn Thani. A museum has tools, pottery, artifacts and human skeleton on display. Spend some time looking over the site and then take a walk around the village.
The discovery has commercialized Ban Chiang somewhat, but it is still a very pleasant part of rural Thailand.

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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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Baiyoke Suite Hotel Bangkok was designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience for value conscious travellers. Our suites offer better use of available space, so we can ensure a higher level of comfort.
All rooms come fully equipped with modern amenities and the upper floors provide splendid views of the city. The property is located in Pratunam, close to department stores and wholesale shops selling a wide variety of merchandise.
Situated nearby is the Pan Thip Plaza popular for buying computer equipment and software and the World Trade center - a large air conditioned shopping mall. Furthermore, our hotel also provide "HALAL CUISINE" and "ZORAT ROOM" for worldwide Muslim guests.

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10% discount at Sky Lounge Restaurant on 43rd Floor (Except Breakfast)
Valid from Nov. 1, 07 - Oct. 31, 08

You can get this promotion only at www.hotels2thailand.com

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