Welcome to Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009

Date : 1 June to 31 August 2009
Venue : Department stores, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attraction nationwide

Thailand’s annual “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” got underway this month and continues to offer visitors great bargains right through to 31 August.

This year, as fuel prices escalate, both visitors and residents are looking for more value and bigger discounts when they are shopping. Thailand never disappoints. Most mega stores and shopping malls are offering discounts of between 10 to 70%, so there are bargains galore for the shopper prepared to browse around the stores.

Fortunately, most of Bangkok’s major shopping malls and stores are located close to the city’s skytrain or metro transport systems, making it very convenient to hop from one store to the next. Both the Skytrain and the Metro, offer day use stored-value cards for visitors to make it even more convenient to use the two systems.

Bangkok’s main shopping districts and streets are to be found along Ploenchit and Sukhumvit roads. Many of the department stores have direct bridge linking them to Skytrain stations. Just a short walk from the Skytrain stations and visitors discover some pretty impressive department stores and shopping plazas namely Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Centre, Central World Plaza, Erawan Bangkok, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn, Central Chidlom, Home Pro Plus, Robinson Department Store, The Emporium and The Mall Department Store.

Discounts are also available in King Power duty free shops, both at Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown locations. There are even discount deals on luxury treatments at spas, a round of golf at a selection of courses at all major tourist destinations, travel packages and even medical check-ups at world-class hospitals.

The three-month campaign also embraces a variety of destinations beyond Bangkok such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udorn Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and Samui Island.
Grand Sale prizes are offered in conjunction with the campaign sponsor, Visa Card, and include bargain holiday packages to premier destinations such as Phuket and Samui.

Contact : Tourism Investment Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2951
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Koh Kret - Nonthaburi

Koh Kret located in Pakkret district of Nonthaburi province (Changwad), north-west of Bangkok. Koh Kret is reasonably accessible from Bangkok. A small island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, Koh Kret was founded in the Thonburi era and is home to ethnic Mons whose ancestors set up ‘Kwarn Ar-marn’ (pottery village) on the Island after their capital was attacked by the Burmese.

Koh Kret actually it is mostly the communities of Thailand’s Mon people. Mon-style pottery called ‘Hai’ which is still made on the island today. The islanders’ produce is regarded as the most beautiful of all unglazed pottery available and is, of course, hand made. Visitors can attend demonstrations of craftsmen’s skills at the island’s earthenware museum. The island is also famed for its Thai sweet desserts (‘Khanom’) and houses a number of Mon style temples.

Koh Kret’s museum is located near Wat Poramai-yikawat and has a number of interesting collections, including a ground floor exhibition of pottery made by the islanders. Photos are permitted in the museum. A tourist boat runs around the island at the weekend.

Probably the quickest way to get to Koh Kret is by Express Boat which goes directly to the island on Saturdays and Sundays. Getting there by car or taxi could prove a little tricky. Most people park their cars at Sanam Nua pier and take the ferry.

I think this is a great place to get away for a day from busy Bangkok, spend a day exploring by foot or even ride a bike around. Read More...

Exotic orchids on show - Thailand

Date : 24-26 July 2009
Venue : Hall 8 of the Impact Exhibition Centre, Muang Thong Thani

Thailand’s status as a major source of orchids allows Bangkok to host an international show.

The Thailand International Orchid Innovative Show is billed as the first major, or full-fledged show, organised in the capital Bangkok offering growers and buyers an opportunity to network and exchange information.

Scheduled 24 to 26 July at Hall 8 of the Impact Exhibition Centre, Muang Thong Thani, in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, the show will underscore Thailand’s role as a leader in orchid cultivation and export.

Organisers say the event will present the innovation of Thai and foreign orchids. It will also introduce new species and consider the next decade’s research on orchid plantings, flower decorations and the challenges for growers during hosted seminars.

The event’s organiser, Department of Agricultural Extension, expects more than 500 representatives of orchid growing enterprises to attend the show, which will feature both sales and educational components. It also involves the Royal Horticultural Society of Thailand, orchid associations, private sector farms and foreign exhibitors, who will showcase orchid related innovations through the show and seminars.

Although there have been shows before, such as the International Orchids 2007 held in Bangkok, this is the first time that all stakeholders in the orchid growing business have shared the same platform.

Orchid growing in Thailand has its origins in hobby farms dating back to 1913, when individuals cultivated rare orchids as a pastime, but it was not until 1957 that the Orchids Society of Thailand was formed.

Since then orchid farms and exports have flourished mainly in central Thailand. Bangkok and its suburbs emerge as the main location for farms that concentrate on exports.

Overall, Thailand has 1,000 species of orchids and cultivation covers more than 2300 hectares, with the bulk of the land dedicated to growing is still in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces such as Nonthaburi, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani and Chonburi. About 54% of all orchids are exported.

The most common species, the Violet Orchid, is associated with a welcome gesture from the country’s national airline, Thai Airways International, which gives this particular orchid to thousands of passengers, daily, as flights prepare to land in Bangkok.

For more information please call 1672
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International Wax Sculpture - Thailand

Date : 1 - 31 July 2009
Venue : Thung Si Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani



Join the alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony. Participate in the ceremony of welcoming His Majesty the King’s royal candle and the international candle-carving competition from various countries, as well as taste “Pha Khao Laeng” , a local food especially prepared for tourists.

Contact :
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714
Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4525 4827
Website : www.tatuboon.org , www.guideubon.com

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Thailand Information

Full Country Name: Thailand

Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep)

Geography: The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Neighboring countries:
1) Myanmar - west and north
2) Lao - north and northeast
3) Cambodia - southeast
4) Malaysia - south

Area: 513,115 sq.km.

Topography:Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:
1) The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-colored orchids, festinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;
2) The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;
3) The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colorful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;
4) The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Population: Thais are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 66 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 10 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)

Government: Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House of Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and senators are elected by the people. A prime minister elected from among the representatives leads the government. The country is divided into 76 provinces. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial governors administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided into districts (Amphoe), sub-districts (Tambon) and villages (Mu Ban).

Head of State: H.R.H. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)

Administration: 76 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub-disrict) and muban (village)

National Flag: The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.

Time: The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).

Climate: Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).

Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.

Tap water: Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended

Clothing: Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.

Weights & measures: The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed meters, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometers.

Business hours: Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.

Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Fax and E-mail: All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services.

Telephone services: At present, all telephone numbers (for local calls and long distance calls within the country) have nine digits.
• For Bangkok and provincial calls, all telephone numbers have nine digits. i.e. 0-2694-1222, 0-5324-8604 and 0-7621-1036.
• For mobile phones have ten digits.
• The international dialing code for Thailand is 66.
• When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0.
• When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001 + country code + telephone number
• Direct assistance: 1133 (local), 100 (international)

Emergency Telephone Numbers
• Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
• Highway Patrol : 1193
• Crime Suppression : 195 or 0-2513-3844
• Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672
• Immigration Bureau : 0-2287-3101-10

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