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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  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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  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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Deriving from the Sansakrit language, the word “Songkran“ means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and the other planets into one of the zodiacal orbit. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India which comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects supporting this belief such as the blooming flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all the living creatures.

Date 13 – 15 April 2008

Venue
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, and around the island city, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Activities
Making merit to the monks, releasing of birds and fish, paying homage to the elderly.

  
 Hi-Light

13 April 2008

06.00 hrs.
Making merit to the monks at the front of Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit

14.00 hrs.
The grand procession of the Songkran tradition, enjoying splashing water with elephants at the old city.

Further Information
Education Division, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality.
Tel. 0 3525 2168
TAT Central Region Office : Region 6 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya),
Tel. 0 3524 6076-7, 0 3532 2730-1

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Now in its third year the Phuket International Blues Festival gets underway, 22 to 23 February, at the beachside Hilton Phuket Arcadia on the island’s west coast Karon Bay. It promises to be bigger than ever with at least 12 acts performing on stage during the two-night event. Now a firm fixture in Phuket’s annual entertainment calendar, the festival attracts top blues bands from around Thailand, while two popular bands from Australia and the US return once more. Bangkok’s popular blues bands take centre stage with performances from Cannonball, Georgia, Full House and Soi Dogs beating out the rhythm to a packed house of blues fans.

We have now added California blues diva Shari Puorto to the great line-up of the 2008 festival. Described as "Janis Joplin meets Bonnie Raitt", Shari and her excellent band will give you a night to remember!

This year the festival will be huge - no less than twelve acts will take to the stage during the two nights. Thailand's finest - Cannonball, Georgia, Full House and Soi Dogs from Bangkok; The Blues Machine from Pattaya; The Fabulous Hepcats from Koh Samui; Boy Blues Band from Chiang Mai as well as Phuket's Groove Doctors w/Jimmy Fame and Bonnie Anderson - together with one of Australia's top blues bands, Salty Dog, will rock the stage until Rich Harper closes the show Friday night and Shari Puorto on Saturday. Please see Schedules page for details and get ready for some smokin, hot Blues, R&B and Rock AND Roll!

The internationally renowned Rich Harper Band from Los Angeles which has gathered strong following in Thailand over the past two years will return in 2008, to headline Friday night with their usual fiery style, helping to make this year’s festival a blues/rock extravaganza.

For more information: 
Hotline: 086-682 2639
International: +66 86682 2639
e-mail: info@phuketbluesfestival.com
phuketmusic@yahoo.com

www.phuketbluesfestival.com

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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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1st – 3rd February 2008
Passport to Chiang Mai” PCM FAIR 2008

“Uniting all tourist NEEDS; Dinning, Traveling, Staying, Shopping and Spa”

The first collaboration of travel entrepreneurs

and exporters aims to provide a privilege for you with sincerity in the

Passport to Chiang Mai (PCM) Fair 2008

Between 1st – 3rd February 2008 at JJ Market Chiang Mai 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information please call 053 808770, 081 530 5185
source from http://www.jjchiangmai.com

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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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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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