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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Philippines claim biased refereeing
Nakhon Ratchasima _ Thailand won six out of seven finals in women's boxing yesterday as the Philippines complained about biased officiating and labelled the tournament as a ''comic show.''

Thailand's Usanakorn Thawinsuwanawang (left) in action against Annalisa Cruz of the Philippines in the light-bantamweight final.
Light-flyweight Sopida Satumrum, left, defeats Alice Kate Apari of the Philippines. — PHOTOS BY TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD
The Thai winners were pinweight Dueannapha Ngamlam, light-flyweight Sopida Satumrum, light-bantamweight Usanakorn Thawinsuwanawang, bantamweight Tassamalee Thongjan, featherweight Peamwilai Laopeam and lightweight Sumittra Ngoksungnoen.

Flyweight Hansa Kadeewong was the only Thai who missed out a gold after being knocked out by Annie Albania in the first round. It was the Philippines' sole gold with six fighters from that country in the finals.

Sumittra, 17, was probably the most surprising champion. She defeated veteran Mitchel Martinez of the Philippines 21-11 in the lightweight final.
The lightweight class had been added to the tournament at the request of the Philippines. Manny Lopez, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, was furious at the judging in certain bouts. He waved his hands in protest before Ching Kuo Wu, chief of the International Amateur Boxing Association (Aiba), who was at the stadium.
Lopez said his boxers should have won at least two more gold medals particularly in the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
''The interest of our country shall prevail above all else,'' Lopez said. ''They should not dishonour us by giving one-sided decisions. I'd not like to be a part of this comic show in Thailand.''
Taweep Jantararoj, the president of Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand, said all Thai fighters won in a straightforward manner with the presence of the Aiba president.

''We won every fight fairly,'' Gen Taweep said. ''All referees were from neutral countries like Australia and Europe.''

The first gold medal of the day was won by Dueannapha who stopped Ven Vu Thi Hai of Vietnam in the second round of the pinweight final.

Light-flyweight Sopida, who was fighting in her first international event, clinched a 18-6 win over Alice Kate Apari of the Philippines.

Light-bantamweight, Usanakorn defeated Annalisa Cruz of the Philippines for her second straight SEA Games gold. She was the only Thai women's boxer to win gold at the previous tournament in the Philippines.

''My opponent has improved but that was not enough,'' Usanakorn said.

Tassamalee beat Jouveliet Chilem 17-12 avenging her defeat against the Filipina at the 2005 Games.

Peamwilai secured a 19-0 win over Ronijen Sofla as the Philippines were furious at the one-sided result.

The men's gold-medal round takes place today and Taweep is confident that his fighters will make a clean sweep in 10 finals.

Source From
KITTIPONG THONGSOMBAT
Bangkokpost.net

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

Bangkok Jazz Festival
At Sanam Sua Pa, Bangkok,Thailand

History

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

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

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

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

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

Ticketing

• Day Pass
• Combo Pass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source from http://www.tatnews.org

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Date December 1 – 8, 2007
Place koh Samui Surat thani

In his annual birthday address, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej consistently highlights the importance of preserving the environment and urges responsible agencies to undertake efforts to keep the country clean and green and to make conservation efforts one of the priorities in the quest to achieve sustainable development.

Taking heed of this royal advice, the Koh Samui District Office and Koh Samui Municipality are leading efforts to clean up the tropical island paradise as a birthday gift to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 80th birthday on 5 December 2007.

This initiative is being promoted under the ‘Keep Samui Clean Days’ campaign theme and also marks the start of Samui’s peak travel season. It also reflects efforts to keep the island resort, billed as ‘the Emerald of the Gulf of Thailand’, clean and pristine.

The Koh Samui District Office and Koh Samui Municipality is involving local members of the community and will be working hand-in-hand with other state agencies and private sector organizations.

Koh Samui authorities have pledged to make the ‘Keep Samui Clean’ theme a permanent element of the island’s development and management policy with efforts maintained beyond the official launch of the campaign during 1-8 December 2007.

‘Keep Samui Clean Days’
Activities

• 7 December – clean up of Thong Yaang Beach (Haat Thong Yang), Lipa Noi district
• 8 December – clean up of Taling Ngam Beach, Taling Ngam district

Contact information:
TAT Southern Office – Region 5
Tel: +66 (0) 7728 8818-9
Fax: +66 (0) 7728 2828
E-mail: tatsurat@tat.or.th

Information form www.tatnews.org

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Mr. Jaturaporn Na Nakorn, the deputy Governor of Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT) and Sport Promotion Bureau, presided over the 3rd working group meeting of the opening ceremony of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium (5th December 2007) for 2007, with Mr. Phongsiri Kusum, the deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, as the Advisor of working group, joined the meeting, at Meeting Room, Suranaree Foundation, City Hall, Nakhon Ratchasima province on November 21 2007.

        The meeting discussed on the detail of opening ceremony�s schedule of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium (5th December 2007) and approved to organize the opening ceremony on December 6 2007, on 05.15 pm., which the Sport Authority of Thailand was inform to His Majesty the King to open the His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium (5th December 2007).
        At 05.45 pm. to 08.00 pm., starting the opening ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, which have 8 performances consist of Amazing Royal Merit, Amazing Northeast, Amazing Korat, Amazing Sport Aspiration, Amazing Torch Light (light the torch pot), Amazing Spirit, Amazing Friendship and Amazing Capital.
       About His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium (5th December 2007), the Sport Authority of Thailand was inform to His Majesty the King to assigned the name of stadium from the 333th Year Anniversary of Main City, Nakhon Ratchasima, to be the His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium (5th December 2007) together with the brand of the Celebration of His Majesty the King�s Birthday Anniversary on December 5 2007, to decorate on the label of stadium.

Source from Thai Post Newspaper Date: November 22, 2007.
More Informaiton about Seagame 2007 in Korat Thailand please visit to www.2007seagames.com

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(dpa) - A Japanese tourist was slain and robbed over the weekend while visiting Thailand's ancient capital of Sukhothai during Loy Krathong, or the Water Candle festival, police said Monday.

The body of the tourist, identified only by her first name Nomoko, was found with her throat slashed and her possessions stolen Sunday in the grass at the side of the road leading to one of the more remote ruins of the Sukhothai cultural heritage site.

Police said the woman rented a bicycle on Saturday to visit a temple on the outskirts of the main Sukhothai complex, a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Sukhothai Police Chief Major General Thirrin Padungchiwit ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators of the murder.

"This is a priority case because it has damaged the reputation of Sukhothai and the entire country," said Thirrin.

The ancient ruins of Sukhothai, which was Thailand's main kingdom between 1250 to 1376, is a major tourist draw during the Loy Krathong festival, observed in Thailand on the night of the full moon in November by floating small vessels with candles and decorations in lakes, ponds and rivers to carry away one's sins.

Altogether 12 people, including the Japanese tourist, died during this year's Loy Krathong, victims of firecrackers, road accidents, brawls and at least one murder.
Source Bangkokpost.net

we are sorry for about  that happen
sincerity
http://thaitour76.blogspot.com

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Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri This temple is situated at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang. The very beautiful Buddha dates from Sukhothai period named "PhraMongkhonSaksit" is housed here. This Buddha image is cast of bronze in the attitude of Subduring Evil. It is one of the most sacred Buddha images and is highly revered by Uthai Thani inhabitants. Crowds of Buddhists assemble for "Tak Bat Thewo" (Merit Making Festival) at this temple every year on Ok Phansa Day.

Wat Mani Sathit Kapittharam This monastery is commonly called "Wat ThungKaeo" and there is a large Khmer style pagoda (prang) located inside. The Prang is 8 meters wide at the base with a height of 16 meters. It houses some of the Buddha's relics. A bronze image of Luang Pho Yaem , the founder of this monastery, is enshrined here, and there is a large pond of holy water surrounding a rocky slab inscribed with some holy letters. The lustral water from this pond was used in the coronation ceremonies of King Rama VI and Rama VII, and it is one of the most important monasteries of Uthai Thani.

Wat Chantharam or Wat Tha Sung This monastery is located about 10 kms. from the Provincial Hall (Sala Mang). It is a famous meditation wat with instruction in the style of meditation master luang Pho Pan . Luang Pho Rusi Ling Dam ), a famous meditation monk, used to reside here.
Tak Bat Devo Tak Bat Devo' means to fell the bowls of the gods, and in this festival, held a day after Ok Phansa (Buddhist Raips Retrest), about October each year, monks descend from a hilltop temple to receive offerings from local people, as the Buddha himself is believed to have done after preaching to believed to have done after preaching to believed to have don after preaching to his mother in heaven. Folk theatre and other entertainments are also provided

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand has been unanimously voted by readers of the TTG group of travel trade publications as the Best National Tourism Organisation (NTO) of 2007.

The publications, which include TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice, and TTG-Btmice China, have a total of 61,782 readers.

The group’s Singapore-based managing director Darren Ng said. “The annual TTG Travel Awards, presented by TTG Publishing, seeks to honour the most outstanding performers in the Asia-Pacific’s travel industry.

“This award is bestowed each year upon excellent organizations of the travel trade within the Asia Pacific region that have shown strong commitment towards service excellence,” he said.

The award was conferred at the 18th TTG Travel Awards 2007 Ceremony and Gala Dinner to be held in conjunction with the IT&CMA and CTW 2007 Asia-Pacific event on 25 October 2007 at Sofitel Centara Grand, Bangkok.

TAT Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn said the award was a recognition of the creativity and professionalism of all the TAT staff.

“The tourism industry is becoming extremely competitive every year,” she said. “To maintain Thailand’s marketing profile has become a hugely challenging exercise, and we are glad to see that our efforts are being recognised by the esteemed readers of the TTG Group.”

This year, TAT has made some major adjustments in its marketing strategies, with one of the key changes being a return to the well-known Amazing Thailand tourism campaign slogan that proved so successful in 1998-99.

The range of Thai tourism products and services have been analysed in the wake of new trends in consumer behaviour and re-classified into seven clear categories to be marketed in a clearly focussed and segmented manner, highlighting key “assets” such as traditional Thai hospitality, cuisine, heritage, health and wellness, etc.

Cooperative marketing activities have also been stepped up, especially with industry partners such as the airlines and the private sector.

In January – June 2007, international visitor arrivals totalled 6.95 million, up 3.30% over the same period of 2006, with strong growth in arrivals from Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. This year, TAT is projecting 14.8 million international visitor arrivals, up from the 13.82 million arrivals in 2006.

TTG Asia
Web site: www.ttgasia.com

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tel: 66 2 250 5500 ext. 4545-8
Fax: 66 2 253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

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