Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2009

Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2009
Date : 6 - 8 February 2009
Venue : Nong Buak Hat Park, Chiang Mai

If you are obsessed with beautiful flowers and decorative plants, this is the festival for you. Experience these beautiful flower-decorated floats and a magnificent tapestry of floral splendor that blankets the land. There are also agricultural exhibitions, floral contents, and product sales by local groups of housewives.

A highlight of the festival is the grand parade that attracts sponsoring companies and organisations that beautify floats with elaborate flower decorations, presenting an eco-tourism message or just simply stealing the hearts of spectators with their vivid colours and beauty.

The parade leads up to the annual beauty competition to crown the city’s flower queen, who represents the flower growers and exporters as an ambassador of good will.
Entertainment, an opportunity to dine on tasty northern snacks and view cultural performances are clearly features that draw both visitors and locals to this annual event. Home and garden lovers discover Chiang Mai is a February showcase for exotic orchids, flowering plants and blooms that thrive in the northern valley’s temperate cool season.Particularly during the cool season months, mid-November through to February, this northern provinces justifies its title “Rose of the North.” But for flower lovers, who flock to this annual festival, 6 to 8 February in the town’s Buak Hat Park, there is far more to the town’s garden reputation than the impressive display of elegant roses.

Since 1977 when the annual festival was inaugurated, it has earned a reputation on par with similar events such as Japan Sakura Flower Festival and the Netherlands’ flower parades. This was further enhanced by the successful flower expo in 2006.
Due variations of climate and its mountain landscapes, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival presents a diversity of blooms and flowers. Many of them, originally imported from temperate climes such as carnations,chrysanthemum, tulips, are displayed side-by-side with tropical flowers including exotic orchids.

Contact :
TAT Chiang Mai Office
Tel : 66 (0) 5324 8604, 5324 8607, 5324 1466
Chiang Mai Municipality Office
Tel : 66 5324 8604

Source from: Tourismthailand.org

Thailand International Balloon Festival 2008

Date : 3rd – 7th December 2008
Venue : Khao Yai (War Dog Battalion, Pak Chong), Nakhon Ratchasima

Welcome to TIBF2008
The event is expected to attract over 300,000 spectators to witness a colourful showcase of hot air balloons from all over the world, including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Malaysia.

The first Festival, held in 2007, attracted over 150,000 Thai and foreign spectators and received wide coverage in all media.

The Thailand International Balloon Festival builds international awareness of Thailand, showcasing the wonderful

weather conditions for balloon flying and the country’s unique and beautiful hinterland, proving that Thailand is more than a sunny beach!, Live Concerts; Farmers Fair; Fun Games/ Races; Fireworks; Wine Tasting; Food Tasting; Horse Shows; Dog Shows; Cowboy Shows; Archery; Marching Bands; and the Musical Balloon Glow & Festival Of Light & Fire.

Contact :
Earth Wind and Fire Company Limited
158/60 Moo 6 Cheungdoi, Doi Saket Chiang Mai, Thailand 50220
Tel : +66 53 - 292 - 224
Fax : +66 53 - 292 - 226
Website : www.thailandballoonfestival.com
Email : info@wind-and-fire.com

Source: Tourismthailand.org
Thailandballoonfestival

Loy Krathong and Candle Festival 2008

LOY KRATHONG AND CANDLE FESTIVAL
November 12, 2008
At the Sukhothai Historical Park


From morning until night on the radio, and with everyone humming it whilst making their krathongs. You will audible this song ( The Loy Krathong Song ) all day. Therefore you able to sing Loy Krathong.


The lyrics In Thai

Wan Pen Duan Sip Song
Nam Koh Nong Tem Taling
Rao Tanglai Chai Ying
Sanuk Ganjing Wan Loy Krathong
Loy Loy Krathong
Loy Loy Kratong,
Loy Krathong Gan Laew
Koh Chern Nong Kaew
Awk Ma Ram Wong
Ram Wong Wan Loy Krathong
Ram Wong Wan Loy Krathong
Boon Ja Song Hai Rao Suk Jai
Boon Ja Song Hai Rao Suk Jai

Translated into English:

The full moon of the twelfth month,
As water fills the banks,
We, all men and women,
Have really good fun on Loy Krathong day,
Float, float the krathongs,
Float, float the krathongs,
And after we have floated our krathongs,
I invite you my dear,
To come out and dance,
Ramwong [traditional dance] on Loy Krathong Day,
Ramwong on Loy Krathong Day,
Good merit brings us happiness,
Good merit brings us happiness.

Event Highlights:
~ The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival begins with the Phra Mae Ya invocation ritual and a ritual to pay homage to King Ramkamhaeng The Great.
~ Cultural performances and Thai musical performances
~ A procession of giant krathong floats
~ Miss Noppamas beauty contest
~ Khome Loi (hoisted lanterns) Procession
~ Krathong floats and lantern contests
~ Traditional Thai fireworks display
~ Khantoke — a traditional Thai-style set dinner
~ The Kingdom of Sukhothai light-and-sound presentation
Traditional floating market, food fair, and folk games

As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called Loi Krathong - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.

The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk.

Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most
popular.

The sight of thousands of tiny candlelit floats drifting downstream is nowhere more spectacular than in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital, where this annual tradition originated. Watch dazzling firework displays, cultural performances, folk dances and a dramatic light and sound presentation.

Other activities include a Khantoke Thai-style set dinner, merit-making rituals in which sacred offerings are presented to 109 Buddhist monks, Buddhist sermons, demonstrations of textile weaving and the production of silver ornaments, and a specially staged traditional floating market, complete with food fair and folk
games.

The Origins of Loi Krathong,there are various fascinating accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. It is not known as to when the tradition first began but authorities speculate that it is of Indian origin and based on the "Deepavalee" ritual which is also accompanied by floating lights in an act of worship of the Brahmin gods - Brahma, Siva and Vishnu, or an act of remission to the Indian Ganga or Ganges. According to another school of thought, the ritual is said to be based on ancient Buddhist tales and is undertaken to pay respect to the sacred footprint of
the Lord Buddha on the bank of the mythical Nammadhammahantee river.

However, given the river-based culture that formed the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, Loi Krathong evolved into a ritual in which offerings are made to Mae Khongkha – Mother of Waters, the Thai equivalent of the Hindu goddess of water, in an expression of gratitude for providing life-sustaining water throughout the year. It is also believed that the offering are made in an act of appeasement to beg her forgiveness for Man's carelessness in polluting the pristine water that ourishes all life. Over time the tradition spread throughout the country.

Some believe that by setting the krathong adrift, one symbolically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes to the extent that there are bizarre tales of the superstitious placing tufts of hair or clipped finger-nail into the krathong in the hope of ridding themselves of a spell of bad luck or misfortune. Coins are also
placed in the krathong as offerings.

For the romantic at heart and young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.

Loy Krathong 2008 in Soppong, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
a traditional celebration in a small village.
November 11-12, 2008

This year, the Loy Krathong festivities in Soppong (Pangmapha District. Mae Hong Son Province) fall on 11 and 12 November 2008, with the 12th being the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month, and the day when most of the festivities happen ("Loy Kathong Yai"). To many, Loy Krathong (sometimes called "yee ping" or the 'festival of lights') is the most beautiful festival and ceremony of the year in Thailand.

Being a small and relatively remote village, Soppong is a wonderful place to participate in the Loy Krathong festivities. You may have seen the grander celebrations in Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, or the villages closer to the big cities that are more accessible to tourists, but Soppong is still a very traditional and much quieter experience.

RESERVATIONS
KINGDOM OF SUKHOTHAI LIGHT-AND-SOUND PRESENTATION
Please contact the Sukhothai provincial office
Tel: +66 (0) 5561 1619

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sukhothai Office
Areas of responsibility: Kamphaengphet, Sukhothai
Tel: +66 (0) 5561 1196
Fax: +66 (0) 5561 1196

IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional

Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please
reconfirm details prior to travel.
Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

Source from:
*Loy Krathong 2008 in Soppong, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
a traditional celebration in a small village
*Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

Siam Cultural Park

Siam Cultural Park at Bangphae Ratchaburi.

When people think about tourism, most of the time they usually think of beaches, waterfalls, and mountains which are natural tourism. However other than those natural ones, Thailand also house many interest human-made tourist attractions.
Like recently in Ratchaburi province, a newly built attraction opened for the
public renowned Siam Cultural Park. Siam Cultural Park situates in Wangyen sub - district the district of Bangpae close to the famous Dumnurnsaduak Floating Market just a kilometer from Bangpae intersection on Petkasem road.

The park was originated with the aim to conserve Thai traditions, cultures, and arts along with the shady natural park . The Park is divided into six zones covering area more than 42-rai. The fist zone is housed to the Hall of Fame building which exhibits well-know important persons both Thai and foreign for example,
M.L. Pin Malakul, H.E. Professor Dr. Sanya Dhammasak, President Ho Chi Minh, and Mother Terasa. Just a few steps from the Hall of Fame building and right before entering into the second zone, there are amazing and difficult-to-find-one trees
in which a sugar palm tree surrounded by a bo tree, the tree the lord Buddha enlightened.

The second zone is called the Terrace of Buddha Image of Three Periods. The Buddha images reproduced from historical parks from three different periods, Ayutthaya , Sukhothai and Chiang Saen also known as Lanna. This zone gives an opportunity to explore three historical park in three different provinces in one place. The third zone is housed to a Jutaka Light and Sound Cave where the story of the Buddhist Saga
Vessantara Jutaka is told with the aim to show the result the endless greed of human beings. Next to the cave lies a Herbal Drink house where a tradition refreshment drinks like Chrysanthemum, Rosella, Bael fruit, Lemon Grass, and Longan and Thai tradition sweets are served. The forth zone is exhibited Buddhist Monastic Cells which divided into regional styles where each cell housed two famous monks from the
region. Crossing the bridge to the other side of the canal would bring visitors back to the past with the Thai traditional houses style in the fifth zone. This zone is also divided into regional styles where each styles has its uniqueness of architecture and design. Inside each house are artifacts to tell about the way of life of the people in the region. Crossing the second bridge would take visitors to the water-fall front for taking photos and enjoy coffee, tea, Thai sweets, ice-cream, and herbal drinks served by the Coffee House. After enjoy taking photos and the refreshments, walking along the footpath would finally take visitors to the footpath would finally take visitors to the last zone the Terrace of Avalokitasvara where the area is beautifully decorated with trees and flowers for the last shot before leaving the Park.

Siam Cultural Park is a very interesting tourist destination which shouldn’t miss in Ratchaburi province

Information:

The Inspiration for Siam Cultural Park

Siam Cultural Park was initiated by a group of people who specialized in making Buddha images and had exceptional backgrounds and strong experience in sculpture and molding works. The experience they gained in over 40 years of working in molding and sculpture inspired them to have the greater ambition to create realistic wax statues of monks and other important and successful people who are respected by the Thai
people. They also wanted to create a waxwork zone showing the lifestyle of Thai people in each region in the past. The Siam Cultural Park was established in 1997 out of the founders’ ambition to generate creative works and their dedication to do good things. Their faithfulness in other people and the encouragement they received from teachers, gurus, friends and family were the fundamental source of success of the Siam Cultural Park project. The park is intended to present creative artworks reflecting Thai culture and ways of life from the past until the present for the next generations to learn about the uniqueness of Thai culture.

Objectives

1. To be a recreational place of mind

2. To be an educational tourism destination

3. To help people understand and appreciate the traditional way of life

4. To promote knowledge of Buddhism
5. To maintain traditional Thai art and culture

Operating Hours
Monday -Friday : 9.00-16.30
Saturday -Sunday : 8.30-17.00
Annual holiday : 8.30-17.00

Ticket
Adult : 50 B
Child : 20 B

Source from: Tourismthailand.org
Siam Cultural Park
Picture from Siam Cultural Park

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Date : 29 September – 7 October 2008
Venue : Various Chinese shrines, Mueang District, Phuket

The Thai-Chinese in Phuket have long passed on the vegetarian festival to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating. Symbolising the presence of the deities throughout the festival are 9 lanterns lit up and placed aloft on Ko Teng poles. On the 6th day of the festival, there will be religious processions and incredible displays of face-and-body piercing. On the last day, there will be a “Koi Han” ceremony to exorcize ill fortune and a farewell ceremony for the deities at night. You can check the Schedule Phuket Vegetarian and 10 Rules For the Vegetarian Festival from Phuket Vegetarian Festival.

Contact:
TAT Phuket, Tel : 66 (0) 7621 1036, 66 (0) 7621 2213

Source from : Thailand tourism
www.phuket.com

The Siam Tulip Festival of Chaiyaphum 2008

BLOOMING KRACHIAO FLOWER FESTIVAL
Date : JUNE - AUGUST 2008
Venue : Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Ban Rai district Thep Sathit district and
Sai Thong National Park, Nong Bua Rawa district, Chaiyaphum Province.

The unique geographical landscape of Chaiyaphum Province in the northeast of Thailand gives rise to a range of natural attractions of exceptional beauty. Of these, the fields of pinkish-purple Siam Tulip, or "Dok Krachiao", come in to full bloom in the early part of the rainy season from June to August.

Dok Krachiao Field in Pa Hin Ngam Thung Khlong Chang is a deciduous dipterocarp forest where Krachiao - curcuma - bulbs with pink and white blossoms grow on a rocky terrain together with various types of plants. There is also a large rock similar to an elephant.
From the end of June to mid-August, curcuma or Krachiao blossoms will bloom in the field in both pink and white colours. Dok Krachiao or Bua Sawan Field, Krachiao is a kind of curcuma - is an annual plant in the same species as ginger-galingale,
scattered generally from Lan Hin Ngam to the Sut Phaendin viewpoint.
Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival is held at the end of June to Mid August at Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Thep Sathit District.

It is during the rainy season when the blossoms of the wild Krachiao flowers in purplish pink are widely found in the area. Therefore, we call this area as Dok Krachiao Field. In the festival, there is a natural tour around the national park, local performances.

Also commonly called ’patumma’, ’bua sawan’ (heaven lotus), or ’bua bok’ (the land lotus), the Siam Tulip is a member of the ginger genera — Curcuma or Zingiberaceae.

For any futher information

Pa Hin Ngam National Park : Tel. 0-4489-0105
Sai Thong National Park : Tel. 08-282-3437, 08-1877-8485, Mon.-Fri. 09.00 - 16.00 hr.
TAT Northeastern Office : Region 1 : Tel.0-4421-3030, 0-4421-3666
Fax. 0-4421-3667 or call center 1

Source from:
Tourism Thailand.org

Wikipedia.org

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008
15 June 2008

Experience the real challenge with the doable course for all participants due to the hill.

A scenic route along some of Phuket’s most spectacular west coast bays makes this an event that attracts runners ready to achieve a personal best.

Some marathons shine brighter than others in this highly competitive field of events. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is one of them, due its incredibly scenic route along some of the island’s best beaches and on roads that wind through shady rubber plantations. Now in its third year, the marathon will attract as many a 1,500 runners from 40 countries, who will complete in a variety of events, 15 June, including the 42 km marathon, a half marathon, a 10.5 km and 5 km walk. Of course, the fun starts on the evening of the 14 June when runners meet for the traditional pasta party, a carbo loading exercise to prepare them for the demanding races on the following morning. Laguna Phuket’s chef conjures up a mammoth buffet at the hotel, the official headquarters for the event, while Thai musicians and dancers entertain participants.

From the participants’ point of view, June is an ideal month to compete in a marathon as monsoon clouds gather over the Andaman Sea providing cover from what would otherwise be a scorching hot day.

This is Phuket’s traditional low season, so the event is billed as a tourism booster that attracts not only the runners, but also family members who travel to Phuket to cheer their kin to victory, or perhaps a personal best.

Another factor that benefits runners is the scenic route that takes them initially inland on a country lane to Thalang district and then northwest to Nai Yang beach through rubber plantations. The final section of the marathon takes runners along Layan Beach and south to Laguna Phuket and across the finishing line. Celebrations begin as sponsors and organisers hand out the well deserved accolades and trophies to the winners in a variety of categories.

Runners who finish the marathon in less than four hours receive a certificate.Go Adventure Asia, a Bangkok based professional event organizer with a focus on running and multi-sport events, is organising the event. In addition to managing the Laguna Phuket International Marathon for three years, it is also manages the Laguna Phuket Triathlon.

The Laguna Phuket International Marathon has nominated HOPE worldwide (Thailand) as its official charity. HOPE worldwide (Thailand) is dedicated to helping needy children and underprivileged girls in Thailand.

Please Contact:
TAT Southern Office: Region 4
Tel. 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213

Go Adventure Asia
Tel. 0 2236 2931, 0 2237 3221
Source from:
tourismthailand.org
phuketmarathon2008

Fun in Phuket: Luxury Thailand Summer Trips

Fun in Phuket: Luxury Thailand Summer Trips
by Andrew Regan

Summer is low season in Thailand, but this means that it's a great time to visit the country if you're looking for special offers on hotels, including free nights and free upgrades (both on a hotel room and for a meal plan) and also no crowds.

Phuket, which has also been named "The Pearl of Thailand", is regularly voted as one of the world's top holiday destinations. Lying just off the southwest coast, and surrounded by the warm, blue, tropical waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand's largest island. It is home to around 200,000 people as well as a transient tourist population. Though tourism is now a major industry on the island, it was originally tin that brought the area to the attention of the world, and the
capital Phuket Town, is still a major port, exporting tin ore, rubber, timber and seafood to the rest of the world.

The rapid growth in tourism has led to the quick development of beach resorts, but tranquil spots are not hard to find, especially when there's always a boat waiting to take you to Phuket's offshore islets, where visitors often find themselves completely alone. In contrast to the many white sandy beaches, such as Mai Khao, Nai Yang and Pansea, the bustling night markets are well worthy of a visit; just make sure you get your haggling skills up to scratch so that you can bag yourself a bargain!

Thailand has a monsoon season which runs from May to October; when the climate is still hot there are frequent torrential downpours. Whilst the idea of rain may put some people off, others actually enjoy the tropical torrents which are unleashed from the skies. There's nothing quite like sitting under a veranda, as the heavy raindrops drum down on the roof, and enjoying the wonderful sounds and refreshing smells that the rainy season brings. And unlike rain in the UK, tropical storms don't last for long; it's never long before the sun comes out and the ground quickly dries off again.

With Phuket holidays, there are several great luxury resorts and hotels to stay in, for example Bayan Tree Phuket, a deluxe resort with a tranquil setting which is ideal for honeymooners, or those looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. Cape Panwa, an excellent first class hotel, has good facilities and a peaceful location, and the Amanpuri resort offers azure waters and palm shaded gardens.

The fabulous resorts of Pattaya (just 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok) and Hua Hin on the Gulf of Siam are also recommended destinations if you'd like to see a different part of the country. So remember, summer is a great time to visit Thailand, and especially Phuket. If you're after a great value holiday, with fewer tourists
to compete with, if you want to dive, play golf, visit a spa, or just relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, you won't regret a trip to "The pearl of Thailand".

Source from: Goarticles.com/
Photo from: school.obec.go.th/karonschool

Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008

Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008
July 23-27, 2008

Programme

Four days of racing, no lay day. Five nights of parties.

The regatta HQ — registration, results, prizegivings and all regatta administration — will be operated from the lower sea view terrace (Into The Beach) of Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, adjacent to the jetty, which will also be the venue for the post-race Regatta Tavern and four of the five official regatta parties.

All race starts will take place at 10:00 hrs off the Evason Phuket Resort. There will be shuttle boats from the Evason for boats anchored in Ao Chalong, although past experience demonstrated that there is ample available anchorage right off the regatta venue.

RACING: Registration Wednesday 23 July. First race day will be Thursday 24 July. Last race day Sunday 27 July.

SOCIAL: Opening party Wednesday 23 July. Closing party and overall prizegiving, Sunday 27 July.

Upgrades to the programme in 2008 include full buffet parties (no more little 'cocktail' parties) each night and the Rodenstock Happy Hour with free flow of drinks for the first hour of each Evason-based party.

Online registration is now open for Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008 — anticipated to be the best Raceweek yet — offering a reduced entry fee for early registrations. Phuket’s ‘Green Season’ regatta, now in its fifth year, sees a mixed fleet of yachts race in the southwest monsoon breezes off Phuket’s south coast every July, this year from 23-27 July. While retaining the same one-regatta-one-venue format, combining four days of competitive racing with five nights of grand waterside parties — a format that has met with unanimous approval from competitors — this year’s event brings a host of new dimensions.

Evason Phuket’s ‘Into the Beach’ venue, Asia’s favourite waterside regatta party spot, is undergoing an extensive upgrade. Returning to join the newcomers on the sponsorship front are avid supporters of Thailand’s regatta scene, Raimon Land, who are firm in their conviction that up-market property development and yachting are part of the same premium ‘lifestyle’ scene.

Media partners throughout Asia and Australia will take Raceweek news and views to a wide readership in the boating, business,

entertainment, travel, lifestyle, national and local Phuket press, while — a first for Raceweek — a special Raceweek programme,

commissioned by the organisers, will be televised worldwide on sporting and lifestyle channels such as CNN Mainsail, Eurosport, Star

Sports, the European Sailing Channel and many more — a total potential audience of 140 million households.

In an exciting move that’s a first for Thailand’s regatta scene, Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008 will incorporate the inaugural ‘NRG Cup’, providing more party space for the ever-growing number of competitors, while Six Senses Title Sponsorship means a massive leap forward in catering, with copious 5-star full buffet spreads at every party.

On the racing scene, early indications are of a strong sport boat class, the eye-catching Firefly racing catamarans in greater numbers than ever,a solid club/cruising class and the mainstay of this region’s yacht racing, one or two highly competitive IRC classes. And, of course, the old ladies of the regatta, the striking classic boats competing for the Seraph Perpetual Trophy. While the Firefly skippers are wondering if Thailand’s newly-arrived Corsair trimarans will dare to mount a challenge in Firefly home waters, the faster monohull boys would welcome some competition from Malaysian yachtsmen who, according to Mata Hari skipper,

Vincent Chan, “… are at a disadvantage because of the lack of competitive practice…” With the usually consistent strong breezes off

Phuket in July, the ‘practice’ doesn’t get much more competitive... but beating the local boys is another matter altogether. Then, the

dark horse on the water this year — making its racing debut after breaking up in a 40-knot squall during the 2006 Koh Samui Regatta — is the super-fast F28 catamaran, rebuilt at Latitude 8’s Phuket boatyard. According to the owners, “Our primary objective at Raceweek is to take line honours in every race.”

Demonstrating that event sponsorship brings tangible benefits directly to participants, the first-time support from Rodenstock, Mont Clair Wines and Johnny Walker will fund a late afternoon Rodenstock Happy Hour and a free-flow open bar throughout all the official regatta parties. an event-within-an-event, where participants in the Oil & Gas Industry can compete for this brand new trophy against their colleagues and business associates from around the region, whilst still racing in the main event against all-comers. "Our industry is competitive,

fearless and spirited, and this first edition of the NRG Cup should be no different," said Benjamin Dupal, CEO of NRG Engineering, who conceived the idea for the NRG Cup. The NRG Cup is expected to attract at least 10 boats and crews that have never before competed in Phuket's ‘Green Season’ regatta. For more information, contact info@nrgcup2008.com

Attracted by excellent sailing in mostly reliable breezes of 15 knots upwards and a hard-to-beat social scene, entries are expected to top previous years, although organisers Image Asia are not yet predicting numbers.

“Experience has shown us that it is simply not possible to know in advance how many boats will take part,” said Image Asia MD, Grenville Fordham. “The racing community is notorious for leaving their registration until the last minute, so — while we’ll start to build a picture as Raceweek gets closer — we can’t be absolutely sure who’s coming until registration day,” he added, noting that that the early-bird registration incentive was aimed at tackling this problem. With formal backing from the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008 is solidly supported by Thai authorities, demonstrating their advancing commitment to yacht racing. The regatta is run under the auspices of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club.

For more information on Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008
E-mail raceweek@image-asia.com
Web site: www.phuketraceweek.com

Find out more about Six Senses Resorts & Spas at www.sixsenses.com

Source from: Six Senses Phuket Raceweek 2008/Image Asia release dated April 8, 2008
Website: phuketraceweek.com/
Tourism Authority of Thailand - Email: info@tat.or.th -
Website: tatnews.org/

SEVEN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AT BANGKOK

1. Jim Thompson's House
Soi Kasemsan 2

Jim Thompson was a New York architect who served in the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, now the CIA) in Thailand during World War II and afterward settled in Bangkok. Almost single-handedly he revived Thailand's silk industry, employing Thai Muslims as skilled silk weavers and building up a thriving industry. After expanding his sales to international markets, Mr. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in 1967 while vacationing in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. Despite extensive investigations, his disappearance has never been resolved. (The most recent theory, for which some evidence apparently exists, is that he was accidentally struck by a truck and his body hidden to prevent repercussions.)

Thompson's legacy is substantial, as both an entrepreneur and a collector, and his Thai house contains a splendid collection of Khmer sculpture, Chinese porcelain, Burmese carving (especially a 17th-century teak Buddha), and antique Thai scroll paintings.

The house is comprised of six linked teak and theng (harder than teak) wood houses from central Thailand that were rebuilt according to Thai architectural principles, but with Western additions (such as a staircase and window screens). In some rooms the floor is made of Italian marble, but the wall panels are pegged teak. The house slopes toward the center to help stabilize the structure (the original houses were built on stilts without foundations). The busy nearby Klong San Sap and landscaped garden make a lovely spot, especially on a hot day. You can buy silk from the Jim Thompson Company retail shop at the intersection of Surawong and Rama IV roads.

2. Kamthieng House (The Siam Society)
131 Soi Asoke

The 19th-century Kamthieng House, on the grounds of the Siam Society Headquarters, is a rice farmer's teak house transplanted from the banks of Chiang Mai's Ping River. Its collection, organized with financial help from the Asia and Rockefeller foundations, is oriented toward ethnographic objects illustrating the culture of everyday life.

Many agricultural and domestic items, including woven fish baskets and terra-cotta pots, are on display, but we were drawn most to the exhibit about the Chao Vieng, or city dwellers from the northern Lanna Thai Kingdom. If you plan to trek through that area, you will particularly enjoy this small but informative collection. We also enjoyed walking through the grounds,which are landscaped like a northern Thai garden.

The Siam Society also supports an excellent library and gallery, with information on nearly every aspect of Thai society, concentrating on regional culture. They also publish scholarly texts on Thai culture, which can be purchased.

3. The Grand Palace

The number one destination in Bangkok is also the most touristy. However, you shouldn't let the large busloads keep you away -- it's a terrific sight to see, and, if you arrive at 8:30am when the gates first open, you can have the place to yourself. As this is sacred royal ground, visitors are required to wear long pants or skirts, and shirtsleeves that cover the upper arms. The rules are inconsistently
enforced, but many have been turned away for inappropriate dress. And remember -- it closes at 3:30pm so don't show up any later than 2:30pm!

One of King Rama I's earliest accomplishments was to move the capital from Thonburi to a more defensible site on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya. He chose the center of the Chinese community, which was then moved south to Sampeng, the current Chinatown.

He intended to reproduce the destroyed capital of Ayutthaya. The construction of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo were the first phase of his grand goal, though both were added to and rebuilt in subsequent reigns.

The palace as it appears today was greatly influenced by Western architecture, including colonial and Victorian motifs. Anna -- tutor to the son of Rama IV and the central figure in the story The King and I -- lived here. The royal family moved to Chitralada Palace after the death of King Ananda in 1946, but it was here, in 1981, that General Chitpatima attempted to overthrow the government in an unsuccessful coup.

As you enter the palace gate, built in the 1780s, you'll see the Pavilion for Holy Water, where priests swore loyalty to the royal family and purified themselves with water from Thailand's four main rivers. Nearby is a lacquered-wood structure called the Arporn Phimok Prasad (Disrobing Pavilion), built so the king could conveniently mount his palanquin for royal elephant processions (Most of the time it served as a kind of elephant parking lot.)

Also nearby is the Chakri Maha Prasad, designed by Western architects as a royal residence for Rama IV to commemorate the centennial of the Chakri dynasty. The king's advisors urged him to use Thai motifs to demonstrate his independence from growing

Western influence: The Thai, temple-style roof rests physically and symbolically on top of an imperial Victorian building. This Thai-Victorian building contains the ashes of royal family members on the third floor, the throne room and reception hall on the main floor, and a collection of weapons on the ground floor.

The whitewashed stone building nearby now serves as the Funeral Hall, though it was originally the residence of Rama I and Rama II. The corpse of a deceased royal figure is kept in this building for a year before it is cremated in a nearby field. On each of the four corners of the roof is a garuda (the half-human, half-bird "steed" of Rama, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu), symbolizing the king,

who is considered a reincarnation of Rama. The palace garden was rebuilt under Rama IV in the 1860s, and the highlight here is a section that reproduces the landscape of a Thai mountain-and-woods fable. This structure was used as a ceremonial place for Thai princes to cut their topknot in a coming-of-age ritual. The Grand Palace also has a harem, the Forbidden Quarters (no one other than the king was allowed to enter), where the king's wives lived (King Bhumibol Adulyadej ended the age-old tradition of polygamy and has only one wife, Queen Sirikit). Close by is the Amarin Vinichai Prasad, or Coronation Hall, built by Rama I and added to by subsequent kings. Today, this building is used, like the palace in general, for royal coronations, weddings, and state events only, and it is here that the king makes his grandest appearances.


4. The National Museum

It's important to remember that the facility is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but the National Museum, just a short (15-min.) walk north of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the country's central treasury of art and archaeology (32 branches are located throughout the provinces). Some of the buildings are themselves works of art.

The current museum -- the largest in Southeast Asia -- was built as part of the Grand Palace complex when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1782. Originally the palace of Rama I's brother, the deputy king and appointed successor, it was called the Wang Na ("Palace at the Front"). The position of princely successor was eventually abolished, and Rama V had the palace converted into a museum in 1884. Thammasat University, the College of Dramatic Arts, and the National Theater were also built on the royal grounds, along with additional museum buildings.

To see the entire collection, which is highly recommended, plan to spend a few hours. Start with the Thai History and the Prehistoric Galleries in the first building. If you're rushed, go straight to the Red House behind it, a traditional 18th-century Thai building that was originally the living quarters of Princess Sri Sudarak, sister of King Rama I. It's furnished in period style, with many pieces originally owned by the princess.

Another essential stop is the Phuttaisawan (Buddhaisawan) Chapel, built in 1787 to house the Phra Phut Sihing, one of Thailand's most revered Buddha images, brought here from its original home in Chiang Mai. The chapel is an exquisite example of Buddhist temple architecture. From the chapel, work your way back through the main building of the royal palace to see the gold jewelry, some from the royal
collections, and the Thai ceramics, including many pieces in the five-color bencharong style. The Old Transportation Room contains ivory carvings, elephant chairs, and royal palanquins. There are also rooms of royal emblems and insignia, stone carvings, wood carvings, costumes, textiles, musical instruments, and Buddhist religious artifacts. Fine art and sculpture are found in the newer galleries at the rear of the museum compound. Gallery after gallery is filled with both Thai and
pre-Thai sculpture (including some excellent Mon work) and Hindu and Buddhist images from the provinces.

5. The Royal Barges


If you've hired a long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya, stop by this unique museum housing the royal barges. These elaborately decorated sailing vessels, the largest over 46m (50 yd.) long and rowed by up to 60 men, are used by the royal family on state occasions or for high religious ceremonies. The king's barge, the Suphanahong, is decorated with red-and-gold carvings of fearsome mythological beasts, like the Garuda or the dragon on the bow and stern. (If you can't make it to the royal arges, there is a smaller display of barges at the National Museum.)

6. Vimanmek Mansion Museum
193/2 Ratchavitee Rd

Introduction to Vimanmek Palace

Upon his return from Europe in1897, King Rama V (1868-1910) used his personal money to purchase orchards and paddy fields between Padung Krungkasem Canal and Samsen Canal for the construction of a royal garden which he named “the DusitGarden”.

The first permanent residence in Dusit Garden was Vimanmek Mansion, built in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V. The mansion was in fact his former Summer Palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence of the Chuthathujrachathan at Koh Sri Chang, Chonburi, that was dismantled and rebuilt under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse. The celebration for the completion of Vimanmek Mansion was held on March 27, 1901. King Rama V moved from the Grand Palace to reside in Vimanmek Mansion for 5 years until the completion of the Amporn Satarn Mansion in 1906 where he lived until his untimely death in 1910. As a result, Vimanmek Mansion become deserted and the royal family moved back to the Grand Palace.

In 1925, near the end of his reign, King Rama VI gave permission to for H.R.H. Indharasaksaji, his wife, to take up residence in a section of Vimanmek Mansion. After his death, she moved to the Residence in Suan Hong compound situated north of Vimanmek Mansion. Since then, the Vimanmek Mansion has not been used as a royal residence and has been used as a place of storage by the Bureau of the Royal Household for the past 50 years.

King Rama VII ordered a few renovations to the Mansion. For example, he ordered the installation of electrical wiring and repairs to the main pier at the man-made lake in the garden.

In 1982, on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Bicentennial Celebrations of Bangkok, Her Majesty the Queen asked for His Majesty’s permission to renovate the Mansion to be used as a museum to honour King Rama V by displaying his photographs, art and artefacts to commemorate royal visits to Europe as well as to exhibit Thai handicrafts to serve as a showcase of the national heritage for future generations.

Vimanmek Mansion

Vimanmek Mansion is the largest residence in Dusit Garden. Its elaborate architectural style reflects a western influence. The building has two right-angled wings. Each wing is 60 metres long and 20 metres high. It is a three-storey building except for the part where the King resided, which is octagonal and has four-storeys. The ground floor is brick and cement while the upper floors are built of
golden teakwood planks. There are altogether 31 exhibition rooms, some of which maintain the atmosphere of the past, especially the bedrooms, the Audience Chamber and the bathrooms. Some rooms house exhibitions of art works, for example, there is a silverware display room, a ceramic display room, a glassware display room and an ivory display room. Besides Vimanmek Mansion and the Amporn Satarn Mansion in the compound of Dusit Garden or Dusit Palace (as it was later renamed by King Rama V), King Rama V allocated plots of land for the construction of residences for his Queens, consorts, sisters, daughters, and his other wives. He also named gardens, canals, gates and roads after the names of ancient Chinese porcelain commonly called “Khrueng Kim Tung”, which were very popular at the time. For example, the residence that belonged to Her Majesty Queen Srisawarindhira was named Suan Hong Residence (Swan Garden Residence). Now these residences, which are no longer used
by the Royal Family and located north of Vimanmek Mansion, have been turned into museum buildings and a hall for royal coaches to be shown to the general public.


7. Wang Suan Pakkard
352 Si Ayutthaya Rd

Brief Description :
Wang Suan Pakkard ("Palace of the Lettuce Garden") is one of Bangkok's most delightful retreats. This peaceful oasis was the home of Princess Chumbhot of Nakhon Sawan.

SUAN PAKKARD PALACE

Five 19th-century teak houses were moved from Chiang Mai in 1952 and rebuilt in a beautifully landscaped garden on a private klong (canal), separated by a high wall from the tumult of Bangkok's streets. The Lacquer Pavilion (actually an Ayutthaya house, moved here in 1958) was a birthday present from the prince to the princess.
Princess Chumbnot was an avid art collector and one of the country's most dedicated archaeologists-credited with having partly financed the excavations at Ban Chiang I in 1967. There is an entire room of objects from that site, including pottery and jewelry,surpassed only by the prehistoric findings exhibited at the National Museum. The balance of the collection is diverse, with Khmer sculpture, ivory boxes, perfume bottles, nielloware, marvelous prints by European artists depicting their image of Siamese people before the country opened to the Western world, a superb Buddha head from Ayutthaya, and a royal barge. Do not miss the pavilion housing the princess's exquisite collection of Thai and Chinese ceramics! The gift shop at Wang Suan Pakkard offers ceramics, some genuine and some reproductions at reasonable prices.

Fast facts:

Tour departure:
Daily from Bangkok hotels

Duration (approximate):
09:00 – 12:00 hrs & 13:00 – 16:00 hrs.

Source from: Siamleisure.com
Travel.msn.com
Palaces of The King
Content Source: Excerpted from Frommer's Thailand, 8th Edition, © 2008. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons Inc. and TripAdvisor.

Chonburi & Pattaya Songkran Festival(Wan Lai Fair)

Chonburi Songkran Festival

Date: 18 – 19 April 2008

Venue: Pho Na Kleua Public Park, Chon Buri

Activities:
Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe, along the Pattaya beach, local games, various arts and
cultural performances, piling rice tradition, paying homage to the elderly, Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and enjoy splashing water along the beach of Pattaya.

Hi-Light: 19 April 2008
08.00 hrs. Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe and enjoying splashing water along the Pattaya beach.

Further InformationPattaya City, Tel. 0 3837 1116-9,
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
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Traditional Pattaya Wan Lai Festival

Date: 18 – 19 April 2008

Venue: Bangsaen Beach, Meuang District, Chon Buri

Activities:
Giving alms to monks, paying homage to the elderly, local games competitions, sand Chedi building, and enjoying splashing water along the clean and white Bangsaen Beach.

Hi-Light:
16 April 2008 : Sand Chedi building contest


Further InformationSaen Suk Municipality. Tel. 0 3838 5353-5,
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Si Racha Songkran Festival and Piling Rice Ceremony

Date: 19 – 21 April 2008

Venue: Ko Loi Public Park, Si Racha District, Chon Buri
Activities:See a piling rice ceremony, a procession of bathing the Buddha image, procession and decoration of the piling rice vehicles, Thai arts and cultural show, demonstrations of various local sports and games, sand Chedi building contest, as well as splashing of water.

Hi-Light: A Procession and decoration of the piling rice vehicles.

Further InformationSi Racha Municipality.Tel. 0 3878 7947,
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ko Si Chang Songkran Festival

Date: 13 – 19 April 2008

Venue: Ko Si Chang and Ko Kham Yai, Chon Buri

Activities:
Giving alms to monks, bathing the Buddha image, a piling rice ceremony, paying homage to the elderly, sand Chedi building contest, local games, takraw competition, music performances.

Hi-Light:
Girl dunking tradition ( By asking permission from lady to carry her into the sea and carry her back afterward and then will be a Thai Classical dance for all couple to join and have fun with., being held at Ko Kam Yai, 1 k.m approximately distant from Ko Si Chang) .

Further InformationTAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi), Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750

Source from : http://www.songkran.net/en/hilight_12.php

Things to Do in Pattaya, Thailand

Visitors to Pattaya in Thailand often think immediately of the beach (and well they should with so much going on there) or the nightlife (with its infamous reputation), but don’t overlook the following when spending time in this great city:

Water Sports
The number of water sports available in Pattaya is mind-boggling. Try your hand at sailing, wind-surfing, jet skiing, para-sailing, kayaking or
banana-boating. Plus, if you feel like it, mix a boat ride to the outlying islands with some fishing or snorkeling.

Eating out
All along both Jomtien and Pattaya beaches you will find some great restaurants offering a mixture of Thai and Western cuisine. Make sure
you try the seafood and look for the restaurants that Thais are eating at, as they will be the ones with the freshest ingredients!

Amusement parks
In and around Pattaya, there are a couple of parks that should form part of any visit, especially for families with children. Underwater World boasts a fantastic aquarium with many activities for visitors. For something a little more adventurous, try Funnyland Amusement Park, with
its carnival rides. Alternatively, Pattaya Water Park offers similar fun, of a watery kind.

Shopping
Pattaya has a number of modern shopping centres, together with a couple of great factory outlet malls offering brand names at fantastic
prices. Just make sure you have enough space in your suitcases. Remember too that tourists can claim back on the VAT.

Museums
with a twistNearby, Mini Siam offers a glimpse into Thailand’s past, with mini being the operative word, since everything this reconstruction boasts
scaled down miniatures of historic buildings. Otherwise, check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not for a museum visit with a difference.

Other Sports
Pattaya has some gorgeous golf courses (no need to bring your own gear if you are struggling with luggage already), as well as a number of great go-karting courses. You can also try out paintball or laser tag.

Wildlife Parks
If you are more interested in seeing some of Thailand’s more exotic wildlife, there are a number of parks that offer a taste of nature. Sriracha Tiger Zoo offers a close (very close) look at these magnificent wild cats. The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm mixes plant and animal life in its beautiful grounds. Alternatively, visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden for a glimpse into Thailand’s amazing flora. And of course no visit to Thailand is complete without experiencing the elephants who have their own Elephant Village in Pattaya. With all of the above (and more) on offer, it is easy to spend 2 weeks in Pattaya and still not see it all.

Source from: ArticlesBase.com
Author: Antony Chapman

THE ROYAL TROPHY 2008

THE ROYAL TROPHY 2008

EUROPE VS ASIA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

At Amata Spring Country ClubBangkok, Thailand

January 11 – 13, 2008


The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship returns to the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand, January 11-13, 2008.

The first edition of the competition, also held at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok in January 2006, was billed as a ‘history making event’.
The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship is a unique, emotionally-charged and passionate competition played between the continents of Europe and Asia in a team match-play format.
The Royal Trophy features eight-player teams from Europe and Asia respectively, each led by a non-playing Captain. The two continental teams compete for stewardship over the Royal Trophy — graciously donated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The three-day competition features a total of sixteen matches including foursomes, four-ball matches and singles. The legendary Seve Ballesteros has been confirmed as Captain of the European Team for this third edition of the Royal Trophy - Europe vs Asia Golf Championship to be played at the highly exclusive Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand on January 11-13, 2008.
Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki, a member of Asia's greatest golfing dynasty, will lead Asia’s campaign to wrest the Royal Trophy from European hands for the second time. The ‘Japanese golfing great’, one of Asia's most successful players will captain the Asian Team to take on the Seve Ballesteros-led Europeans.
Perceived by many as the greatest European golfer in history, Ballesteros is the winner of five Major titles - three Opens and two Masters, the winner of 87 professional career tournaments, played in three winning Ryder Cup teams and captained one of the most famous to victory in 1997 at Valderrama — the first time in history the Ryder Cup was held outside of the United States and the British Isles.
Ballesteros captained the European Team in the Royal Trophy in 2006 and 2007 and came out victorious in both occasions. "The European Team had great players and great champions in both 2006 and 2007. Our players played fantastic golf. But the Asian Team was also very strong and in 2006 we prevailed by only one match difference. Asian golf continues to improve very quickly and we must be prepared for very strong competition from the Asian Team," said the man who has captivated and inspired millions of fans during his career.
"We have had two fantastic years at the Royal Trophy. We have all enjoyed top-level golf, great weather, large fan galleries and an excellent golf course. I am very much looking forward to leading the European Team at the Royal Trophy 2008," added the great ambassador of the sport.
"Asia is a great continent and golf is growing fast in this very large and significant part of the world", the European Team Captain and golfing legend noted.
“The Royal Trophy is becoming the greatest force for the further development of golf in Asia, in the same manner that the Ryder Cup played such a role for the European Continent in the 1980s and 1990s,” Ballesteros commented.
The Ozaki name is synonymous with Asian golf due to the immense impact the Ozaki brothers have made in the sport including topping the Japanese Order of Merit over ten times and winning well over one hundred tournament titles.
Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki, the youngest of the three brothers, is one of Asia’s most valuable golfing assets. Joe Ozaki has finished at the top of the Japanese Order of Merit two times and has won 35 career titles. He is third on the all-time list of Japan's career prize money winners having earned over USD 15 million.
"I am truly honoured to have been selected to captain the Asian Team in the Royal Trophy for the second time. I am very much looking forward to the competition. This is a very exciting opportunity but also a great responsibility,” said Ozaki.
“I have been under great pressure as a golfer in tournaments all around the world. But this is very different. As Asian Team Captain in the previous edition of the Royal Trophy, I learned a lot. It is very different leading a team, making the player selections, representing a fantastic group of players from many different countries and leading a team which is representative of our Continent to playing in a tournament yourself. The weight on one’s shoulder is very heavy but the reward of leading Asia into its first ever win would be just tremendous,” added the Japanese golfing giant.
"We will be representing all of Asia, which includes so many major nations and a massive population of over three billion people. That adds up to a lot of support - and a lot of expectation!", Ozaki added.
"Representing your country is already a huge responsibility. Representing your Continent is truly special and I am looking forward to leading the Asian Team once again.”
The second edition of the Royal Trophy saw massive galleries of avid golf enthusiasts flock to the pristine Amata Spring Country Club over three days of the competition, beautiful weather, unprecedented media coverage, a display of the highest standard of team golf, excellent live television broadcast in Thailand and throughout the world and a great show of sportsmanship by the Captains, Players and the fans.
The Royal Trophy features a powerful group of blue-chip Sponsors including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Heineken and the Siam Commercial Bank.
The third edition of the Royal Trophy (January 11-13, 2008) is being promoted by Entertainment Group Limited and Amen Corner.

For further Tournament information, please call +662 651 9499.

For further details, please visit: THE ROYAL TROPHY 2008

Sources: THE ROYAL TROPHY 2008

IMPORTANTEvent dates and programme details may be subject to change.Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Email: info@tat.or.th

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,

please call 1672.
Address: 1600 Petchaburi Road,

Makkasan, Rajatevee,

Bangkok 10400,
Thailand.