Krachiao Flower Festival 2008, Chaiyaphum, Thailand

Date : 1 June - 31 August 2008

Venue : Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Amphoe Thep Sathit and Sai Thong National Park, Amphoe Nong Bua Rawe, Chaiyaphum Province

Experience the beauty of Krachiao flowers (known as Siam Tulip) in the Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park are in full bloom. Enjoy the cultuer performances and all kinds of entertainment during the festival.

For more information :

- Chaiyaphum Public Relation Office, Tel. 0 4482 2502- Chaiyaphum Provincial Administration Organization, Tel. 0 4481 2098- TAT Northeastern Office : Region 1, Tel. 0 4421 3666, 0 4421 3030

Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2008

Jazz lovers know exactly where they should be come mid-June. They will be catching an invigorating sea breeze and dining on fresh sea food at Hua Hin’s famous beachside restaurants.But only when they are not soaking up the serious stuff – musical concerts delivering the very best in jazz, compliments of a variety of local and international bands.

Hua Hin shakes off its low season blues, 13 to 14 June, every year for its international jazz festival at sites on the beach and in the centre of this lively resort town that graces Thailand’s western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

Hua Hin is approximately 220 km from Bangkok and is noted for being the country’s first beach resort discovered by royalty and nobility in the post in the 1930s when the only feasible way to reach its golden beaches was by steam train.

Today, it is a popular beach town with more than its far share of five-star hotels. One of the main jazz festival stages is set up close to the Sofitel Central Resort, a heritage property dating back to early 1900s and Marriott Resort and Spa.

In all, there are three stages custom-built for the jazz festival on the beach and in the town near the historical railway station and another near Phone Kingpet complex.Of course, the beach venue serves up a winning ambience, as thousands of jazz lovers sit on deck chairs or mats laid out on the sand and enjoy the very best selections of traditional and modern jazz.

The beach venue will feature world-class jazz artists such as the Kenny Garrett Quartet, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl and Chris Minh Doky. Thai singers join international celebrities such as Kop Songsit, T-Bone, Luk Pad Cholanan, Surachai Jantimatorn, Rudklao Amaraditra and Jirasak Panpoom.

In town at the railway and shopping complex stages Thai artists such as Viyada Komarakul na Nakhon, B Crescendo, Monotone Group, Calories Blah Blah, Lula, ETC, Doobadoo and Tewan Sapsanyakorn will perform.All performances during the three-day festival are free and continue from 1530 until midnight.

No wonder this “Royal Town” is sometimes renamed “Jazz Town” when its streets are packed with music lovers of all ages, who gather to enjoy the best of jazz from both international and Asian musicians.

Definitely, this is a festival that adds value for any holiday maker visiting Hua Hin during the 13 to 14 June weekend.

More Information : TAT Central Region Office :

Region 2Tel : 0 3247 1005-6

Website : www.huahinjazzfestival.com

Memorable Journey on Manohra Cruise

Indulge in an intimate and unforgettable travel experience, steeped in the culture of old Siam, with a Manohra luxury cruise. Book an overnight cruise on the Manohra Dream or the Manohra Song from now until September 30, 2008, and qualify for unbeatable discounts.
A Manohra Cruise offers the journey of a lifetime in serene luxury on one of our lovingly restored rice barges. A variety of journeys is available including the scheduled two-night, three-day Ayutthaya adventure taking in the sights and sounds of the world-famous Chaophraya River and offering the chance to explore the history and culture of Thailand.

A beautiful stateroom aboard the Manohra Song can be booked at the special great value rate of Baht 48,999 net for a double or Baht 40,999 net for a single. Manohra Dream is available for private charters only and can be booked for the special rate of Baht 159,999 net accommodating up to four people.
Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and applicable government tax.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Virinya Maytheepattanachat Tel: (66) 2 476 0022 Fax: (66) 2 476 1120 Email: virinya_ma@minornet.com


For further information:

Call Manohra Luxury Cruises on (66) 2 477 0770;
or email: manohra@minornet.com;
or visit our website: www.manohracruises.com

Thailand Tourism Festival 2008

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 activitiesCultural 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 showEcotourism: 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

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 performancesExhibitions 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 Venue5-8 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 festival4. At least 250 business owners in Thailand, tourism-related businesses, clubs, associations and government organizations participating in the festival.


For more information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Free Phuket Resort Package For lucky THAI airasia guests.

Exciting holiday packages at a tropical resort in Phuket await 12 lucky Thai AirAsia guests.

The airline, in celebrating AirAsia Group’s carriage of its 50 millionth guest, is offering all guests who book seats and buy GoInsure Travel Protection from May 14 to June 10, 2008 the chance to win a free 3-days, 2-nights stay with breakfast for two at Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa. Each prize is worth THB 13,000
GoInsure Travel Protection is a cost-effective travel protection plan that offers insurance for as low as THB 74.90.

Thai AirAsia guests who have GoInsure Travel Protection are assured of insurance coverage during travel such as for reimbursement for flight cancellation, flight delay, loss of baggage and personal effects, medical treatment, accidental death, dismemberment, etc.


The lucky draw will be held on June 20 at Asia Airport Hotel, Bangkok. Winners will be announced on June 21 at http://www.airasia.com/.

For more information :

Desi Bandal
Corporate Communications Executive
For International Public Relations
Thai AirAsia
Tel. no. +662 315 9811

http://www.thailand4.com/

Nakornnayok Asia Canoe Slalom Championship & Olympic Competition 2008

Nakhon Nayok, Thailand. From 106 kilometres east of Bangkok, plays host to the 2008 Canoe Asia Slalom Championship and Olympic Competition, 17 to 18 May, at Thiem Islet on the Khundan Prakarnchon Dam.

Athletes from 38 countries will race their canoes, or kayaks, in four categories. Some of the top canoeists from Asia will use this event to qualify to represent their countries at the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing.

The event is recognised by the International Canoe Federation that governs races that qualify for the Olympic Games.According to ICF, Slalom racing, paddlers have to navigate the kayak, or canoe, through pairs of poles or “gates” set up on courses that provide the challenge of rapids, eddies and currents on a 300 metre stretch of rough water.

For more information visit www.nasoc2008.com

The Best Party Beaches Thailand

Patong Beach (Phuket): The busiest beachside strip on Phuket, Patong is a great place for shopping, dining and the nightlife. Though a bit seedy along some side streets, it's a lot of fun and kicks late every night. The beach isn't the greatest, but it's a good area to yip it up at night.

Chaweng Beach (Ko Samui): If you like the beach, but don't want to feel like you're marooned, then Chaweng has all the action you're looking for. With countless dining options, shopping, nightlife choices and activities (and lots of tourists enjoying same), Chaweng can be a lot of fun and parties late into the night with some raucous little clubs and young crowds. Comparison with Patong (on Phuket island) are apt.

Haad Rin (Ko Phangan): People still talk about it in hushed tones, but the infamous Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan's Haad Rin have been attracting crowds of rave babies in the thousands. Drug busts are on the rise and the parties are becoming a more "packaged" experience than the more grass-roots hoedowns they once were, but it is where to get your proverbial "freak-on" in Thailand.

Pattaya (Pattaya, Eastern Seaboard): The infamous red-light capital of Thailand, Pattaya's very origins were as a base for U.S. troupes on R and R from fighting in Vietnam, and the city still has a certain "last stop before hell" feel to it. The go-gos and beer bars of Pattaya attract guys from all over the world.


For more information : www.tat.or.th

Mile-High Pub: Happy Hour in the Himalayas

Post-Trek, Mountain Climbers Head for the Legendary Kathmandu Bar

Potent cocktails, a packed house and a cover band playing Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" should have been enough to get the party started.


But really, it was a pint-sized Nepalese girl (approximately eight years old) and her contagious dance moves who got the crowd moving.

Within a few moments of the her unusual twirling jumps — think figure skating without the skates — several dozen adults fought for space on the dance floor, some standing on chairs, throwing back their heads and shouting along.

Most of the grown-ups were here to blow off steam after completing exhausting treks in the region. While the Rum Doodle is a place where locals and ex-pats meet for a drink, it is, above all else, the place to come after a climb.

Part party place, part history lesson, the Rum Doodle is unlike any other.

"Many people come in here and they don't have fingers," said Yog "Yogi" Rajbhandari, manager of the Rum Doodle, describing his clientele. That's because losing digits on hands and feet is a common side affect from the severe frostbite many climbers suffer.


For more information : http://abcnews.go.com/

Wedding Dreams Come True Special Promotion at Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok

Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok launches “Wedding Dreams Come True” special packages from May 2008.

Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok launch “Wedding Dreams Come True” special packages from May 2008. Arranging the wedding of your dreams can be a stressful experience and our highly trained team of specialists attend to all the details to ensure couples enjoy the most important day of their lives.

There are able to arrange all types of ceremony & celebrations from cocktails to Chinese, Thai & Western dinners. Plus of course all the important extra options such as music, special flower arrangements, room decorations – the list is endless.

So let the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok help you to create the wedding of your dreams.

For more information and reservation please contact;

Sales Department 66 02 5411234 ext. 4210, 4415, 4586

email: cpbsales@chr.co.th

More information for media please contact Wipawee Panyadee

Tel. 66 02 541 1234 ext. 4402

The Chiang Mai Challenge 2008

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Active management Asia Co.,Ltd. are pleased to announce the inaugural Chiang Mai Challenge 2008.Scheduled for Sunday, May 18, this three to eight hours wilderness adventure race, will take teams of two through a 35 to 50k course of running, mountain biking, swimming and padding.

After the trementdous suscess of the last River kwai Trophy that attracted 120 teams, the next event of to the Amazing Adventure Race series promies to bring some fun and excitement in the Rose of the North.

The playground is definitely narrower than the other places we organize our Adventure Races says serge Henkens, Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series Manager. Located between the 700 years stadium, the Doi Suthep Mountain and Mae Rim, the course will include a variety of short and fast sections. The race will be totally different of what we have seen in Nong Chok or Kanchanaburi. I always try to create something different., I can't tell much more at this stage.

They will see on the race day!The race will start and finish at the 700 years stadium and a lot of activities will take place at the Huey Tung Tao reserior. We would like to make this race a socail event and invite all Chiang Mai residents to come support all the athletes! Adventure /Racing is so spectacular! I would be pleased to use the sport and Adventure Racing in particular to enjoy a fun and festive day with the local population!

"In the last few years we have seen adventure racing grow in popularity, with more and more people lppking to get into the sport," says Henkens."Anyone with a minimum fitness lavel can participate. But beware , Adventure Racing is the most addictive sport you will ever try, and once you get sucked in, there's no going back." Says HekensThe race is open to anyone 16 years of age or older and each team must consist of two athletes.

Race details; Disciplines: Mountain biking, running, swimming, kayaking and more.

Categories: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters (80 years combined), Seniors (100 years combined)

Teams: 2 racerdFor More details please take a look at our website www.active-asia.com

Adventure racing is the fastest growing sport in the world and Active Management Asia is leading that growth in Thailand with its incredibly popular races and corporate training programs. Now in its third year of operation, active Managenent Asia has established an international reputation for solid logistics and challenging race courses. These non-stopraces, ranging in lenght from 4-8 hours, require teams to run, trek, mountain bike and paddle, while navigationg an unmarked course thourgh the wilderness. Likedned to an expedition with a stopwatch, adventure racing requires teamswork, perseverance and strong navigation and wildeness surival skills.

For more informantion :

Active Management Asia Co.,LtdTel: 662 676 38 69, 662 718 95 83Fax: 662 718 95 38

Race Director: 6681922 7100Website: www.active-asia.com Email: info@active-asia.com

Thailand Golf Mart 2008

Thailand’s exhibition for comprehensive range of golf products, services and destinations

Objective :

1. To promote trade exhibition platform for trade and public

2. To support and promote image of Thailand to be the hub of trade, exhibition and seminar for business and golf industry between domestic and international exhibitors

3. To promote golf industry to be one crucial part for local and international tourists

4. To exchange the knowledge, experiences and technology in Golf Industry

Visitor:

1. Buyers/Sellers
2. Entrepreneurs
3. Apparel Designers
4. Golf Courses & Driving Ranges Owners/Designers
5. Meeting & Incentive Planners
6. Pro Shop
7. Golfers & General Public
8. Resorts & Tour Operators
9. Retailer
10. Traders
11. Consultancy
12. Manufacturer of turf,Construction and Irrigation Equipment

Exhibitor:

Golf Tourism

- Golf Hotel / Resort
- Golf Course
- Driving Range
- Travel Agent / Tour Operators
- Clubs, Club Accessories & Components

Golf Products & Services

- Golf School
- Association, Organization and Private Club
- Fashion Apparel & Accessories
- Bag & Luggage & Balls & Accessories
- Other Related Products & Services

Activities :

- Putting Green
- Seminar by Professional Golfers
- Product Presentation

(Remark: Activities are subject to change)

Opening Hour :

Showdays

Trade Only : 15 May 2008 11.00 – 17.00 hrs.
For Public : 15 May 2008 17.00 – 20.00 hrs.
16 – 18 May 2008 11.00 – 20.00 hrs.
Set Up 13 May 2008 12.00 – 24.00 hrs.
14 May 2008 08.30 – 24.00 hrs.
Tear Down 18 May 2008 20.00 – 24.00 hrs.

Venue : Plenary Hall 1,Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand


For more information, please contact :

N.C.C. EXHIBITION ORGANIZER CO., LTD.
Tel : (66 2) 203 4221-5 Fax : (66 2) 203 4250-1
E-mail: travel@qsncc.co.th

Food & Beverage Promotion May 2008 at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

Okonomiyaki Delicacies at Benihana Restaurant :

Pizza fans will go crazy for the mouth-watering feast on offer from Benihana’s talented chefs this month. Our special Okonomiyaki promotion includes a selection of eight Japanese pancake pizzas with a tasty choice of toppings cooked for you at your table. Tuck into them yourself or share with your family or friends – absolutely delicious. Our superb Teppanyaki menu is also available.
Every guest who takes advantage of our Okonomiyaki promotion will get a chance to win a Manohra dinner cruise for two people.

Benihana - the renowned Japanese Steak House – offers “An Experience at Every Table”. Interact with the chefs, famous for their entertaining and culinary skills as they prepare Teppanyaki at your table. Private rooms are available.

Operating hours: Lunch 11.30-14.30 Hrs. and Dinner 18.00-22.30 Hrs.
For more information and reservations, Call 662 476- 0022 ext. 1416

Karma Samui Resort , Samui island, Thailand

The island of Koh Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand and has an area of 246 square kilometres. Dotted with palm trees from long-gone palm plantations, the island has a true tropical feel. Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and has a 55km loop road that circles the island, perfect for scenic outings in a hired car or taking a chauffeured 4x4 on a driving adventure. Waterfalls, jungle treks and secluded beaches are only some of the charms of this tropical jewel.

Five minutes south of Karma Samui is Chaweng Beach - a 3km long strip off the island's ring road that is lined with a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. During the day one can shop for traditional Thai artifacts at the local markets or look for bargains amongst the branded outlets, many of which carry designer products manufactured in Thailand. In the evening the town comes alive with every form of entertainment from Thai dancers to contemporary nightclubs and chic restaurants.


Average annual temperature is around 30 degrees centigrade during the day, however, temperatures can fluctuate between 25 to 35 degrees. Occasional rains can be encountered in the Oct-Dec period but for most of the year the weather befits a balmy tropical paradise. Karma Samui resort is nestled in a serene cove and rises gracefully from the blue seas and golden sands of a stunning tropical beach. Four minutes drive to the south one finds the bustle and excitement of the island’s major shopping and entertainment centre - Chaweng Beach; while the boutique international airport is conveniently placed only 15 minutes away.

The 36 pool residences are arranged in 5 terraces, maximising the sea views and creating a village-like atmosphere with quaint buggy paths serving as unobtrusive transport conduits. Elements of Thai and contemporary architecture merge to create the perfect harmony of East meets West. Rich Thai silks and handcrafted artworks adorn the interiors of the residences themselves, The restaurant and the reception and library areas, allowing a balanced and elegant flow from the interior to the exterior.

The concept of ‘choice’ is one of the key philosophies of Karma Resorts and Karma Samui embraces this ideal with bespoke experiences and lifestyle options to satisfy every requirement. Various choices include private in-residence dining with the option of personal chefs and waiters, dining in the restaurant or a romantic beach dinner under the stars. This is just a sample of the array of choices that can be tailored for each guest and every occasion.
Chakra Spa treatments can be enjoyed either in the privacy of one’s own residence or at the Chakra Spa centre, where the healing touch of Thai therapists will relieve and rejuvenate your body and soul. Individually tailored holistic regimes can be catered for at all levels to achieve the desired level of well-being.

Karma Samui’s luxurious and spacious pool residences sit within world-class resort facilities with a service level that creates a truly magical experience.

Contact Information

Name: Karma SamuiAddress: 80/32 Moo 5, Bophut,Koh Samui, Surathani 84320

Tel: (66) 77 234 500

Fax: (66) 77 234 493

E-mail: res@karmasamui.com

Website: http://www.karmasamui.com/

Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Date : May 2008
Venue : Sanam Luang, Bangkok



The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is actually two ceremonies in one. The first, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon is a Buddhist ceremony to bless the plants. The second, the Charot Phra Nangkhan Kan is a brahmin ceremony to bless the plants. The ceremonies are carried out each year to bring good fortune to all plants, and to boost morale.

This tradition was adopted during the reign of Rama IV. As noted in Rama V's book on the royal ceremonies of the twelves months, Phra Ratchaphithi Sipsong Duean.

"Charot Phra Nangkhan used to only invoke brahmin rituals and in no way made use of buddhist rituals. However, Rama IV introduced the rites of the buddhist monks into the conduct of all royal ceremonies, of which the Charot I Phra Nangkhan is one. However, he set aside the buddhist ritual as a separate ceremony called Phuetcha Mongkhon".

It is believed that the Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan, commonly known as the Raek Na Khwan Ceremony, dates back to before the days of Sukhothai, although there is no citable source to confirm this. The ceremony is referred to in the Nang Nopphamat Book, which dates from the Sukhothai period

During the Ayutthaya period, the ceremony was of great importance as it was recorded in the laws of the land as a compulsory royal ceremony that must be conducted in the 6th month. On the first day of ploughing, the king bestows his sword and sceptre to the Phraya Raek Na Khwan as though conferring his powers; at the same time he takes a step back and does not most a tropical grant audiences, taking a reduced load.
In the Rattanakosin period, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon ceremony was conducted by monks on the grounds of Sanam Luang. The brahmin Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra

Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was conducted at Thung Som Poi, outside the Royal Palace. Both were conducted on the same day and at the same time. The Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was temporarily suspended between 1936 and 1959, during the transition from a government system of absolute monarchy to that of a constitutional monarchy. The practice of the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon continued to be conducted throughout this time. In 1960, Rama IX brought the two ceremonies together as they had been in ancient times.

More detail: http://www.tat.or.th/festival

Visakha Buddha Bucha Festival

Duration 15 – 19 May 2008

VENUE : Sanam Luang, Phranakhon District, Bangkok

ACTIVITIES :Decorated processions on Visakha Bucha Day of government and private working units and exhibition about Visakha Bucha Day, contest of flower bush Trays, Contest of Soraphanya Reciting

For more information, please contactBangkok Tourism Division : Tel. 0 2225 7612-4