PATTAYA CULTURAL STREET: August 23 – 26, 2007

Pattaya is home to an impressive variety of international cuisine and yet its truly cosmopolitan nature has rarely been the centre of attention.

This is changing. For the four days during which the Pattaya Cultural Street will be held, August 23 – 26, Pattaya celebrates Thai and international culture. The area around Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier will be transformed into a colourful fair ground.

Live presentations of Thai culture and rarely-seen folk performances from Jordan will take centre stage.

Additionally, contests showcasing the cultural treasures of the northern, central, northeastern and southern regions of Thailand, as well as multi-cultural presentations by expatriate residents who have made Pattaya their second home, both attest to the cosmopolitan and festive flavour of Pattaya’s cultural scene.

Stop by the Artists Plaza; Pattaya offers its fair share of hip, chic and trendy too.
For those who can never resist the urge to browse and shop, The Best of Chon Buri fair present a welcome opportunity to spot some interesting value-for-money purchases.

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office – Region 3
Tel: 038 427 667, 038 428 750
Fax: 038 429 113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th

HUA HIN/CHA-AM GOLF FESTIVAL 2007 - August 2007

Every day throughout August 2007, play a round of golf at participating courses. Select from any one of seven magnificent courses in Hua Hin/Cha-am.

Springfield Village Golf & Spa
The Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club
Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club
Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club
Sawang Resort & Golf Club
The Majestic Creek Golf & Resort
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course

The above offer is available except for when organised events for the Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival are in progress. Organised tournaments, being held every Sunday, are rotated around the seven courses. Apply to compete in these tournaments. Players achieving holes-in-one at designated holes are entitled to prizes ranging from 100,000 – 1,5000,000 baht in value. Or enter the longest drive contests.

Other festival highlights include free golf-swing clinics with a renowned golf pro and his team from Heartland Golf Schools and an opportunity to try out the latest range of equipment. Browse around and check out terrific bargains and hot deals on a wide range of specially-discounted golf products, including 10-30% savings on Pro Shop products at all golf courses.

Contact information:
HUA HIN/CHA-AM GOLF FESTIVAL 2007
7 PARTICIPATING GOLF COURSES

Springfield Village Golf & Spa
Tel: +66 (0) 3270 9222
E-mail: playgolf@springfieldresort.com

The Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3245 6233 – 40
E-mail: lakeview@imperialhotels.com

Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3244 2460 - 1
E-mail: sales_huahin@palmhills-golf.com

Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3242 2146, (0) 2618 7400 – 4
E-mail: marketing@kaengkrachanresort.com

Sawang Resort & Golf Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3256 2555 – 8
Web site: http://www.sawangresortgolf.com/

The Majestic Creek Golf & Resort
Tel: +66 (0) 3261 9168 – 70, (0) 1942 3619

Royal Hua Hin Golf Course
Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2475, (0) 3253 1070

Source http://www.tatnews.org/

AUSPICIOUS AYUTTHAYA — SACRED SITES IN AYUTTHAYA - July 23 – October 10, 2007

The legendary island city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya province (officially known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province) is home to the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in December 1991.

The ancient capital of the Siamese kingdom for four centuries from 1350 to 1767, in its heydey, all who set their sights on the thriving riverside capital as they sailed upriver to Ayutthaya were captivated by its majestic splendour.

Once upon a time billed as the most glorious city of the Orient, Ayutthaya boasts a rich cultural and artistic legacy. Magnificent temples, historical landmarks, ancient monuments and ruins, archaeological, religious and ancestral sites and shrines dominate its lowland landscape.

Merit-making acts are considered to be a vital part of religious rituals performed to seek blessings on auspicious occasions. As the Thai nation celebrates the auspicious occasion of the 80th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the return of Ayuttahaya Mahamonghon (Auspicious Ayutthaya) for the tenth consecutive year is timely.

A special programme jointly developed by Ayutthaya province, the Provincial Administration Office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ayuttahaya Mahamongkhon reflects an effort to spark greater public interest in ancient and ancestral sites of historical, cultural and religious significance and encourage pilgrimages to sacred sites and holy shrines during important events in the Buddhist lunar calendar, particularly Visakha Puja and Khao Pansa, which marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.

Vesak Day, the holiest day of the year for Buddhists all over the world, falls on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month. It commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha, his enlightenment and passage to Nirvana — freedom from suffering. The three incidents took place on the same day but in different years. This year, Visakha Puja falls on Friday, May 12, and Khao Pansa on July 11.

SACRED SITES IN AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE
Ayuttahaya Mahamongkhon highlights 80 sites of religious significance and cultural and historical interest. According to ancient belief, a pilgrimage to pay homage at nine sacred sites is deemed to be an auspicious merit-making act through which an individual will receive blessings. These include:

Temples on the Island City of Ayutthaya
Wat Klang Klong Sra Bua
Wat Klong Pakkran
Wat Kluai temple
Wat Kasatratirat Voraviharn
Wat Chet Khet temple
Wat Choeng Tha temple
Wat Tuek Wat Toom
Wat Tha Karong
Wat Dhammaram
Wat Thammikarat
Wat Borommawong-israwararam Voraviharn
Wat Bangka-chaWat Pradungsongtham
Wat Phanomyong
Wat Phananchoeng Voraviharn
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Phraya Tikaram Viharn Mongkon Borphit
Wat Pichaisongkram Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Wat Phu Khao Tong
Wat Mae Nang Pluem
Wat Ratchapraditstaan
Wat Wongkhong
Wat Si Pho Sala Poon Voraviharn
Wat Sammano Kottharam
Wat Saam Viharn
Wat Suwandararam Rajavoraviharn
Wat Sena-snaram Rajavoraviharn
Wat Na Phra Meru Ratchikaram Voraviharn
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Intaram

Source http://www.tatnews.org/

“SEVEN AMAZING WONDERS” OF THAILAND

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has segmented and regrouped its core national tourism products into a seven-point package that will be marketed worldwide under the banner of “Seven Amazing Wonders” of Thailand.

The “Seven Amazing Wonders” theme products are :

THAINESS
“Experience the Art of Thai Living” — which refers to traditional Thai hospitality, lifestyle and friendliness of the people

TRESURE PRODUCTS
“Land of Heritage and History” — covering the World Heritage sites and historical places, temples, and Thai museums

BEACHES
“Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches” — the long-standing popularity of Thai beach resorts for international and domestic tourism

NATURE
“Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature” — focus on conservation and environment, and market Thai products within the framework of the worldwide attention being paid to global warming

HEALTH AND WELNESS
“Land of Healthy Smile” — a rapidly growing market, highlighting Thailand’s preventive and curative therapies

TRENDY
“Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends” — targetted at the new generation of young travellers, and covering the new boutique hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment

FESTIVITIES
“Enchant Yourself with International Festivities in Thailand”— the ‘sanuk’ (fun) factor, featuring popular Thai events and festivals such as the Phuket Regatta, Elephant Polo, etc.

Source http://www.tatnews.org/

BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2007 July 19-29, 2007

The Bangkok International Film Festival, now in its fifth year, has been held annually by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 2003 and is one of the key highlights on Thailand’s annual festivals and event calendar.

Each year, the festival showcases more than a hundred feature and short films, representing some of the best and the brightest in the current international cinema through its various programme sections. The festival focuses on the works by emerging filmmakers throughout Asia, and in particular those of the Southeast Asian region.

Venues
Official Venues for the Bangkok International Film Festival 2007 at SF World Cinema, 7th floor Central World Shopping Center on July 19-29, 2007

Central World
The new downtown shopping and lifestyle complex of Central World has been designated the official host venue for the 2007 Bangkok International Film Festival. The largest lifestyle-shopping complex in Southeast Asia, the complex also comprises a 550-room, 5-star hotel, and two office buildings. The range of offerings encompasses more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a bowling hall, 2 department stores: Zen and Isetan, and much more.

Situated right in the heart of one of Bangkok’s prime locations, Central World is on the city’s “shopping street”, Ratchadamri Road, and surrounded by several five-star hotels and office buildings within walking distance.

SF World Cinema
The theatres are situated on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the Central World. With an area of 13,500 sq.m, the theatres comprise 15 screens with over 4,000 seats, including a megascreen with 800 seats, first-class theatres with lounges and additional special theatres

Official sitehttp://www.bangkokfilm.org/

WHAT NOT TO BUY OR TAKE HOME WITH YOU

IVORY
Illegal ivory trade is a serious global problem that is driving the slaughter of elephants in Africa and Asia. Taking ivory out of Thailand is illegal. Taking it into your own country is almost certainly illegal. (This is true for at least the 166 signatory countries of CITES, the international convention which prohibits international trade in ivory.)

Despite anything shopkeepers might tell you about where it came from, you should never buy products made from or containing ivory. This includes whole tusks, carvings of various statues, name seals, bracelets, necklaces and rings.

HAWKSBILL TURTLE SHELL
There are five species of marine turtles naturally found in the seas of Thailand both in the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Andaman Sea. All of them are increasingly endangered by the destruction of nesting beaches, entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and the wildlife trade.

Turtle-shell jewelry including bracelets and hair combs is made mostly from the carapace of the hawksbill turtle. All turtles are protected by Thai law and by international law.

You may see some turtle shell products, especially at Chatuchak Market, and in high-end shops in shopping centers and malls. It is illegal to buy turtle shell in Thailand, illegal to take it out of the country, and illegal to take it into most countries of the world.

GIANT CLAM AND TRITON TRUMPET SHELLS
You may think these would look really nice in your home – but they actually look much nicer in their natural habitat underwater, so instead of buying one, why not take a snorkelling or diving trip instead.

All giant clam shells and the triton trumpet are protected by law, and it is illegal to buy them, or to take them out of the country.

SEAHORSES
Seahorses are fascinating creatures that mate for life, and have an unusual reproductive system with the male incubating the eggs. Unfortunately large quantities of dried seahorses are traded each year for traditional medicines. Seahorses are now protected by law. You may encounter them in the form of a dried seahorse on a key chain. Buying a product like this is illegal.

TIGERS AND OTHER LARGE CATS
Tigers as well as all other Asian large cats (including leopards, clouded leopards, snow leopards, Asian golden cats, etc) are all protected by national and international law.

Buying tiger skin rugs, tiger skulls, claws, teeth or medicines containing tiger bone is completely illegal. The same is true for similar products from the other large cats. You may see some products like these in shops in the Sukhumvit area. Do not buy them.

BUTTERFLIES AND BEETLES
Only a very few butterflies and beetles are protected by law. Unfortunately, most people do not know which species are protected, and which are not.

In many roadside stalls around Sukhumvit and Silom, as well as in Pattaya and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, or even in Duty Free shops in the airport, you will see trays of mounted and framed butterflies or other insects for sale. In many cases these are perfectly legal. In some cases a tray of three large butterflies may have two perfectly legal specimens and one protected specimen that shouldn’t be bought or sold. The problem is knowing which is which.

BATS
There are well over 100 species of bats in Thailand. Fruit-eating bats play an vital economic role in pollinating important fruit crops such as durian and bananas, while insect-eating bats help to control mosquito populations and other insect pests. Thai wildlife law now protects all bats.

You may come across stuffed bats mounted and set in frames. Do not buy them. It is illegal.

SHATOOSH
Shatoosh, known as the ‘King of Wools’, is from the Tibetan Antelope, also called the Chiru. The antelopes are killed in order to harvest this wool to make expensive shawls, which has led to a serious decline of these animals. Dealers sometimes give potential buyers false information, claiming that the wool is collected from captive animals or that it is collected from bushes, having been rubbed off from passing animals. The Tibetan Antelope is now listed on CITES Appendix I, which prohibits any commercial trade. These shawls are smuggled into Bangkok and sold illegally.

CROCODILE SKIN
Every year around 300,000 crocodiles are commercially bred in legally registered crocodile farms in Thailand for their meat and their leather.

Almost without exception, any crocodile skin product you buy in Thailand will have been legally produced. However, please remember that to take crocodile skin products out of the country you need a CITES export permit. The shop should be able to arrange this for you, but it may take some time. EU countries are considering a new agreement that would allow tourists to bring home a small amount of crocodile skin products for personal use without the need for permits.

To be sure of the regulation applying in your country, please contact your Customs Office. For more information in Thailand, contact the Department of Fisheries.

Contact information:
Department of Fisheries
Tel. +66 (0) 2567 4690
Fax. +66 (0) 2579 9528
E-mail: fishtradeins@fisheries.go.th

SNAKE SKIN
Many snakes are very common and are not protected by law. However pythons and cobras are protected by Thai and International laws. Products made from the skins of these snakes currently on sale in Thailand are illegal.

However, a recent change to Thai law now allows captive breeding in snake farms. A large snake farm in Sukhothai, will soon be providing a legal source of snakeskin products in Thailand. However, remember, as with crocodile, that python and cobra products can only be taken out of the country with CITES permits.

For more information in Thailand, contact the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Contact information:
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant ConservationWildlife Trade
Hotline Call 1362
Fax: +66 (0) 2579 6886
Forestry Police Hotline Call 1136
Web site: http://www.dnp.go.th/

HELP STOP THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE To report traffickers, please call 1362
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Remember, you do have a choice, and if in doubt, it may be better to choose not to buy at all, than to become a victim of illegal wildlife crime and risk the penalties imposed.

Reference http://www.tatnews.org/special_interest/Wildlife/3315.asp

Pattaya Marathon 2007, July 15, 2007

As a tourism centre for the Thailand's eastern seaboard and one of the region's premier beach resorts well-served by an extensive range of facilities of international standards, Pattaya is a complete destination with land and marine attractions within easy access.

Pattaya, home to the "Pattaya Marathon", an annual international event which features a marathon, Half-Marathon, and a 10.550 km. Quarter Marathon offers a picturesque running route. The event attracts participation from world-class runners and locals.

For more details, please contact:

Pattaya City Tel: (038) 429407-8

TAT Central Region Office - Region 3 (Chon Buri)
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th

Evason Phuket Raceweek, July 19-22, 2007

Image Asia Events is gearing up for the fourth Evason Phuket Raceweek, held at Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa with racing from 19 – 22 July 2007. Registration and the opening ceremony/party take place on 18 July.

Online registration is now open and the Notice of Race has been posted this website. http://www.phuketraceweek.com/

Approaching its fourth year as Thailand’s only ‘Green Season’ regatta, the event organizers are expecting a record number of entries, including the biggest Phuket-built Firefly One Design fleet ever to set sail. The impressive Classic yachts are also expected to be there in even greater numbers than last year, going all-out for the second ‘Seraph Perpetual Trophy’. The Seraph Trophy was inaugurated in 2006 by Tom Howard, Seraph’s owner, to commemorate the Danish schooner’s 100th birthday.

Evason Phuket Raceweek has grown steadily from 19 entries in 2003 to 31 in 2006 and the organisers are optimistic that the ever-increasing number of boats in Phuket will contribute to the regatta’s continued growth. While Raceweek does draw boats from Malaysia and Singapore, it is more of a local event than most other regional regattas, with Ao Chalong Yacht Club members as its mainstay. The club members, however, welcome the opportunity to pit their skills against visiting boats – in their own back yard.

Raced over five or six classes this year, Raceweek incorporates 4 days of great racing in the southwest monsoon, topped off by five nights of fun parties.
Following the same format as 2006, with a total of six parties, four parties will be held at Evason’s ‘Into the Beach’ deck, a venue that regular participants hail as the best regatta party venue in Asia. Two parties will be held off site: the Raimon Land party in nearby Kata Beach and the Big ‘A’ pig roast party just up the road in Rawai.

View programme click here

For more information visit http://www.phuketraceweek.com/

GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL

VENUE Ubon Ratchathani

DATE July 1 - 30, 2007

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following activities will be held during the month-long festival from 1-30 July.

• Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival


• Visits to the candle-crafting communities of Ubon Ratchathani


• An exhibition of wax sculptures by nine international artists representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand


• Light-and-Sound presentation


• Traditional I-San style palaeng set dinner


• Beauty contest


• A grand procession of 80 Lenten candles


• Presentations of I-San folk culture by 80 traditional Northeastern folk dance troupes

More info click here