Thursday 29 January 2009

AWAY RESORTS THAILAND

AWAY RESORTS THAILAND:
EXPERIENCE REAL THAILAND WITH AWAY TUSITA RESORT IN CHUMPHON


Away Resorts Thailand, one of the four brands of Astudo Hotel and Resort Management, proudly announces the launch of the “Experience Real Thailand” at their Away Tusita Resort in Chumphon, located on the beautiful unspoiled beach of Had Arunothai in one of the most unique provinces in Thailand.


Due to the growing number of tourists demanding authentic holidays with a genuine Thai cultural experience, Away Tusita resort owner Khun Teerawut is hoping to exploit this niche and develop a new approach to excursions in Chumphon.


Teerawut observed that “there is more to Thailand than sitting on the beach, so at Away Tusita Resort we have created a new concept to provide our guests with more of a ‘hands on experience’ to learn the true nature of Thai culture”. The innovative programmes will offer guests a wide choice of activities and cultural insights ranging from fruit carving to night fishing and will go beyond the usual activities and tours to give tourists a deeper perspective into the Thai way of life.


With the ‘Experience Real Thailand’ guests of Away Tusita can now experience it firsthand themselves with active participation and emersion into the local communities and population. Night fishing from a boat with real Thai fishermen; exploring the life of a Thai monk by visiting a local temple; visiting a rubber or coffee plantation to experience the interesting methods of these ancient processes or cycling to the local villages and temples to experience the real local life in the neighbouring village Pak Tako.


These are alternation options of the extended programme of activities around the province for guest to join everyday during their stay at this stunning resort. A unique holiday opportunity to learn, feel and love Thailand in a deeper way than ever before.

About Away Resorts
Away Resorts, managed by Astudo Hotel & Resort Management, are the epitome of peaceful hideaways and tend to be designed in a simple but comfortable manner with a distinctive tropical Polynesian theme and traditional Thai hospitality.


The first Away resort opened in October 2007 in Koh Kood, followed by Away Tusita Chumphon in September 2008 and Away Maerim, Chiang Mai in November 2008. Away Koh Pha Ngan and Away Koh Samui are scheduled to open late 2009.


Astudo Hotel & Resort Management currently manages and operates X2 Resorts (www.X2resorts.com), Away Resorts (www.awayresorts.com) and Le Bayburi (www.lebayburi.com) and The Base Hotels (www.thebasehotels.com).


For more information please contact
Tel: +66 (0) 2696 8239
E-mail: reservations.chumphon@awayresorts.com
Web site: www.resortchumphon.com/REAL-THAI.pdf


http://www.tatnews.org

Saturday 24 January 2009

Thailand Chinese New Year Festival

Chinese New Year is the most important event of the traditional Chinese holidays.
The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month and this year, it falls on 26 January, 2009.

In Bangkok, the Samphanthawong District, is the largest China Town in Thailand. It’s also well–known as the street of goldsmith shops and various tasteful dishes. Its people still preserve their ways of life, tradition and culture. That’s why, the Chinese New Year celebration in this square is a major festival and well organized every year.

In realization of its importance, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to take this opportunity to celebrate this wonderful moment with all Thai-
Chinese both some who live within the country as well as those overseas to be
a part of this period to celebrate this New Year festival with all Chinese around
the world.
We proudly present wonderful events both in Bangkok and in major tourism cities around the country with magnificent performances from the People’s Republic of China, as it’s a way of cultural exchange as well as supports and promotes tourism.

It’s now time to put on a red shirt or blouse and say “Xin Nian Kuai Le, Gong xi Fa Cai” which means, Happy New Year and have a prosperous year!

The Chinese New Year Festival in 7 major cities

1. Bangkok : Chinese New Year Festival at China Town
Date : 26-27 January, 2009
Venue : Bangkok

At China Town, Bangkok
Date: 26 January, 2009
Time: 16.30 hrs. (as per the Royal Official Programme)
- Arrival of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn,
Chairperson of the ceremony.
What to do and see.
- Pay homage to the “Guan Yin” statue from China and enjoy Chinese cultural performances from various regions and provinces of this country as well as wonderful cultural performances from the Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts and fabulous shows by GMM Grammy artists. Pick up your camera and snap the beautiful Chinese decorations and lights in China Town and its neighboring streets.

At CentralWorld, Bangkok
Date: 26 January, 2009
Time: 13.00 hrs. onward
What to do and see.
- Welcome the large troupe of more than 100 performers from various regions and provinces of China and feast your eyes on their magnificent shows.
Be the witness of the cultural exchange ceremony between the P.R. China and Kingdom of Thailand, in which the Minister of Culture, P.R. China and Minister
of Tourism and Sports, Thailand will deliver a speech and greet people in the two countries through a live broadcast.

Date: 27 January, 2009
Time: 13.00 hrs. onward
- Enjoy the cultural performances from China

For more information, please contact :
Samphanthawong Administration District Tel. 0 2234 3460, 0 22373345
TAT Bangkok Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext 2991-5

2. Chonburi
2.1 Chinese New Year Festival
Date : 24, 26-27 January, 2009
Venue : South Pattaya Port (Balihai)
What to do and see.
24 January, 2009 : 19.00 – 22.00 hrs.
- Features cultural performances from various regions and provinces of China
at the Central Festival Shopping Center, Pattaya Beach and South Pattaya Port
26-27 January, 2009
- Let’s experience the typical fabulous show of Chinese New Year: the lion dance, Chinese Girl 2009 Contest, and enjoy various form of entertainment.

2.2 Chinese New Year Festival 2009
Date : 26 January – 1 February, 2009
Venue : Najataijue Chinese Shrine
What to see and do.
- Experience religious rituals and refresh your mind in this auspicious moment.

For more information, please contact :
TAT Chon Buri Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750, 03842 3990
Pattaya City Tel. 0 3825 3129

3. Hat Yai Chinese New Year 2009
Date: 26-28 January, 2009
Venue: Sanehanusorn Rd. Hat Yai City and Hat Yai Municipality Public Park
What to do and see?
- Experience the magnificent dragon and lion dances and the wonderful decorations in Chinese style along the road, enjoy various forms of entertainment, Chinese Dolls 2009 Contest as well as purchase various goods and food. Or ahead to Hat Yai Municipality Public Park and pick up your camera to snap the beautiful various styles of lanterns as well as enjoy the Chinese cultural performances from various regions and province of China during 28-29 January, 2009.

For more information, please contact :
TAT Hat Yai Tel. 0 7423 1055, 0 7423 8518

4. Phuket : Chinese New Year – 10th Old Phuket Festival
Date : 31 January - 2 February, 2009, 18.00 - 23.00 hrs.
Venue: Queen’s Park, Thalang Rd., Krabi Rd. and Soi Rommani

What to do and see?
Welcome to Phuket on this wonderful moment!
Enjoy the magnificent ambience like walking in China on the Largest island of Thailand. Experience a Chinese opera, demonstration of Kung Fu fighting, and Chinese cultural performances from China at the Queen’s Park, various activities i.e. watching the animation at Sino-Portuguese House No. 63 and many films that have been shot in Phuket as well as the exhibition of Sino- Portuguese Buildings in downtown. And then! Time to fill up with yummy food while walking along Bangyai Canal.
A thing-not-to-miss on 31 January, 2009 is to be ready for the wonderful parade in downtown (from Sapanhin – Phuket Rd. – Surin Cycle. – Ratsada Rd., Suriyadej Cycle, Yaowarat Rd. and Thalang Rd.) and on 1 February, 2009, there’s a another chance to enjoy Chinese opera, Kung Fu fighting and Chinese cultural performances at the Jangselon Shopping Center, Patong Beach.
On 2 February, 2009, from 22.09 – midnight - Let’s refresh your mind with the religious rituals at Queen’s Park.

For more information, please contact
TAT Phuket Tel. 0 7621 2213, 0 7621 1063
www.tourismthailand.org/phuket
Public Relation Division, Phuket City Tel. 0 7621 2196


5. Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2009
Date: 19-30 January, 2009
Venue: Nakhon Sawan

What to do and see.
On 19 January, 2009, there is the opening ceremony of the Paknampho Chinese New Year Festival 2009 at Hat Sawan Lanboon

19 – 30 January, 2009 – Pay respect to the Chinese gods and goddesses in the Chinese New Year Festival, enjoy food and goods as well as entertainment.
** 28 January, 2009 (nighttime) and 29 January, 2009 (daytime) – features the magnificent parade celebrating the Chinese New Year downtown.

For more information, please contact:
The Organizing Committee Tel. 0 5621 3614
TAT Uthai Thani Tel. 0 5651 4982

6. Chiang Mai Chinese New Year 2009
Date: 26-27 January, 2009
Venue : Kuang Meru, China Town

What to do and see?
Start your new day with Chinese exercise at 06.00 hrs. and enjoy Chinese cultural performances and music, various forms of entertainment, and Chinese food from evening until midnight.

For more information, please contact :
TAT Chiang Mai Tel. 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607
Chiang Mai Municipality Office Tel. 0 5325 9365

7. Nakhon Ratchasima Chinese New Year Festival 2009
Date: 26-27 January, 2009
Venue: Thao Suranari Statue Area

What to do and to see.
Enjoy the wonderful decorations in the city, feast your eyes on the
Chinese cultural performances and music, enjoy Chinese food and goods.
(26 January, 2009 : enjoy the dragon and lions dance; 27 January, 2009 : Chinese Acrobatics Show)

For more information, please contact :
TAT Nakhon Ratchasima Tel. 0 4421 3030, 04421 3666
Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality Office Tel. 0 442 42007

A thing-not-to-miss!
As it’s the celebration of the Chinese New Year, let’s experience authentic Chinese cultural performances from the various regions and provinces of P.R. China and welcome the performers who come to celebrate this wonderful event with us here.

Where do they come from?
1. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Located in the South of China with its border close to Vietnam.
Its people are Zhuang, who has a way of life and language similar to Thailand and Lao PDR. The performers are from Nanning the capital and largest city, and they will perform various cultural performances, acrobatics and Chinese opera (changing masks).

2. Hainan Province
It is the second largest island located in the South China Sea with a population of around 10 million. Thai people know it as “Hai Lam” which is the sister city of Phuket. As it’s an island, we will enjoy island culture and folk plays.

3. Shandong Province
Are you ready to be excited? The Shandong performers, who come from the Northeast – Central, will stimulate your heart with performances from Yantai City, another sister city of Phuket, with demonstrations of Kung Fu fighting and martial arts.

4. Anhui Province
Located in the centre near the Yangtze River, the hometown of Bao Qingtian, the Justice of the Supreme Court of the province who is well-known for being loyal and honest. Anhui performers will present their wonderful typical show and Chinese opera in the act of Bao Qingtian.

5. Heilongjian Autonomous Region
Talking about one of the coldest cities in the world, “Harbin” will always be on the top rank as it’s located at the northernmost part of the country where its temperature is sometimes -40 degrees. In this connection, they will bring wonderful music and chorus accompanying folk instrument to present to you.

6. Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
If you know Genghis Khan or Kublai Khan, it’s now time to welcome people from their region Inner Mongolia. As the geography is steppes and highland,
their performances derive from their way of life and tradition.

7. Jilin Province
It maybe a little bit strange to hear “Jilin Province”, but you will feel familiar if you’re informed that, its people are Manchu. To celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival, they will perform a wonderful magic show.

Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.

Why we wear red on the Chinese New Year’s Day?
Chinese believe that red is a lucky colour, so, that’s why they wear red on New Year’s Day. Furthermore, it can chase away bad luck.

Thailand Chinese New Year Festival

http://www.tourismthailand.org

Tuesday 20 January 2009

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009 CELEBRATIONS AROUND THAILAND

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009 CELEBRATIONS AROUND THAILAND
23 January - 4 February 2009

Sino-Thai trade and cultural ties span the centuries. In times past, sea-farers, marine merchants and traders sailed up the kingdom’s rivers with vessels laden with merchandise and precious goods including Chinese tea, silk and fine porcelain. As trade between the two countries flourished, permanent settlements of peoples of various ethnic Chinese origin were soon established. While the early settlers quickly adapted to their new way of life and adopted Thai ways, they also continued to maintain strong cultural ties and practiced the customs and traditions diligently observed by their forefathers. Of these, the celebration of the Chinese New Year remains the most important of annual festivals on the Chinese lunar calendar observed in the various regions of Thailand.


“Chinese New Year in China Town in Thailand” will take place from 23 January to 4 February 2009. Festive celebrations are typically staged in areas where there is a significant Thai-Chinese community such as the Yaowarat district in Bangkok and in the provinces of Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri in Central Thailand; in Chon Buri/Pattaya on the Eastern Seaboard; Phuket and Songkhla (Hat Yai district) in the South, Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, Nakhon Sawan and Chiang Mai in the North.


During the event, there will be seven amazing performances from seven regions and provinces of China, namely, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China, Hainan Province bordering the South China Sea, Shandong Province, Anhui Province, Heilongjiang Autonomous Region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province, with the installation of the “Kuan Im Goddess” being presented as an additional highlight. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening ceremony at Yaowarat — Bangkok’s China Town — on 26 January, 2009.


With the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receiving the full support of the public and private sector and the active involvement of the Chinese Embassy, airlines, and other related organizations, the Chinese New Year festivities being held in Bangkok’s Chinatown and the following key provinces, namely, Phuket, Nakhon Sawan, Songkhla (Hat Yai district), Chon Buri (Pattaya district), Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima are being hosted on a grand scale.


While a variety of contemporary elements have been incorporated through the passage of time, Chinese New Year celebrations throughout Thailand are a reminder of the rich cultural and artistic legacy and wealth of history preserved in these ‘living museums’.


The 2009 Chinese New Year Festival is being jointly organized by TAT, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Embassy Of The People’s Republic Of China in Thailand in Bangkok on behalf of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China, Bangkok’s Samphantawong district, Samphantawong community and Thai-Chinese associations throughout Thailand.


CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009 CELEBRATIONS AROUND THAILAND
Please click to select:
CENTRAL THAILAND
BANGKOK CHINA TOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
Yaowarat district of Bangkok
26-27 January 2009
BANGKOK: CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT CENTRAL WORLD
At CentralWorld, Bangkok
26 January 2009 from 13.00 hrs. onwards
AYUTTHAYA CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
District of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya province
27-31 January 2009
Along Naresuan Road from Talat Chao Prom market to the Chao Ai Chao Yee Shrine
RATCHABURI CHINA TOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
23- 31 January 2009
Along the main city streets in the Ratchaburi provincial centre
SUPHAN BURI CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
At the Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine in Suphan Buri
25 January - 8 February 2009
EASTERN SEABOARD
PATTAYA CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
At the Central Festival Shopping Center by Pattaya Beach and South Pattaya Port (Bali Hai Pier) in Pattaya
24, 26-27 January 2009
SOUTHERN THAILAND
PHUKET CHINESE NEW YEAR - 10TH OLD PHUKET FESTIVAL
31 January - 2 February, 2009/ 18.00 - 23.00 hrs.
At Queen's Park, Along Thalang Road, Krabi Road, and Soi Rommani
SONGKHLA: HAT YAI CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009
At the Hat Yai Municipality Public Park and Sanehanusorn Road, Hat Yai city centre
26-28 January 2009
NORTHERN THAILAND
NAKHON SAWAN – PAK NAM PHO – CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
Downtown, Amphoe Mueang (provincial centre), Nakhon Sawan
19-30 January, 2009
CHIANG MAI CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009
Along Kuang Meru Road., China Town in Chiang Mai
26-27 January 2009
NORTHEASTERN THAILAND
NAKHON RATCHASIMA CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
Thao Suranari Monument, Nakhon Ratchasima provincial centre (Amphoe Mueang)
26-27 January, 2009

http://www.tatnews.org

Thursday 15 January 2009

Free food to promote ecotourism

Free food to promote ecotourism
Date : 27 - 28 January 2009
Venue : Ranong


Villagers pitch in to create an amazing eating festival to entice visitors to explore nearby ecotourism trails.


It sustains life and it is certainly a pleasure very few can deny so it kind of makes sense to celebrate the simple task of eating. Villagers in La Un district, some 80 km northeast of Ranong provincial town, believe their culinary skills are up to the test as they launch into their very own Eating Festival scheduled 28 January.


We can understand their enthusiasm as Thailand is certainly a top notch destination for superb food and every village appears to have secret recipes.


Like other Andamam coast provinces, Ranong is blessed with fine sandy beaches, off shore islands and opportunities to go deep sea fishing or scuba diving at incredible bargain prices.

But Ranong is probably the greenest of all Thailand’s provinces blessed with abundant rain that keeps national parks in pristine condition for visitors who want to journey down the eco-tourism trail.


That trail leads north of Ranong to Lamnam Kraburi National Park and the famous Punyabun Falls just off Highway 4. After admiring the beauty of the 6 km wide Kraburi River estuary that separates Thailand and Myanmar, travellers can head 20 km inland to La Un district that lies at the end of the rural highway 4091. Here villagers hope to draw visitors to sample eco-tours that will ultimately supplement the district’s income.


To draw attention to their forest tours they created an eating festival. It promises a scrumptious display of snacks and heavy-duty dining delivered to the village stalls by no less than 35 villages that make up the La Un district.


No duplications are allowed. Villages have drawn on southern culinary skills to showcase a wealth of down-to-earth cooking skills delivering a selection of spicy main dishes to eat with rice and an array of sweet deserts and snacks.


All this is feasting and snacking is absolutely free, a sign that La Un’s villagers recognise that the way to a visitor’s heart is via the stomach.


Efforts to open the district to tourism begin a day earlier, 27 January, with villages introducing eco-tour options. They hope to convince travellers who journey on Highway 4, between Chumphon and Ranong, to make a diversion inland to stop for a meal and learn a little about the district’s natural beauty, forest trails and even three hot springs near the village of Bang Phra Nua, in La Un district.


You will have to admit the buffet spread has a remarkable price tag. And if their tours are as tasty as the food, eco-tourism will be on the map at La Un thanks to a day of hospitality.


Call the district office at Tel: 077 899 058.
http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/forprint.asp?npid=77&lg=2
http://www.tourismthailand.org

Tuesday 13 January 2009

Bor Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival

Bor Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival
Date : 16 to 18 January 2009
Venue : Bor Sang village, Chiang Mai


Bor Sang, on highway 1006 heading east from Chiang Mai, appears to be a typical sleepy rural village, the kind the tour bus speeds by giving you just a fleeting glimpse of its two-storey wooden houses. But hidden in the tiny lanes, villagers have perfected a craft that creates the country’s most famous umbrellas.

For more than 100 years, the village has been associated with the production of umbrellas made from Saa paper derived from mulberry tree bark. According to local history, a monk travelled to neighbouring Myanmar, where he came across Saa paper umbrellas that offered protection against both the sun and rain.


He returned with the production technique and introduced the umbrella to the elders of Bor Sang village, who added their own artistic skills to create a distinctive colourful, but very practical, umbrella. At first it was just a profitable hobby that supplemented the villagers’ earnings from the annual rice crop. However, with time production of the Saa paper umbrellas prospered, prompting villagers to establish a handicraft cooperative in 1941 that now organises the annual festival.


Using silk and cotton, weaved at neighbouring Sankampaeng, villagers eventually added a second line of umbrellas decorated with images of the north, its flowers and birds, all intricately hand-painted.


Today, Bor Sang village exports both Saa-paper and silk umbrellas. They are seen at trade shows in a variety of sizes, from giant parasols that offer a shady canopy from the sun, to miniscule variations that adorn popular cocktail drinks.


To celebrate success the village hosts a three-day festival every January. Streets are illuminated by lanterns, while hundreds of umbrellas are hung from the rafters and beams of houses and shops. Bands play, while villagers compete to design the year’s most attractive umbrella. Concerts, a food festival and beauty contest all compete for the attention of the audience, a mix of both tourists and residents, who gather here to celebrate Bor Sang’s innovative handicraft skills.


Throughout the year, tourists visit the village, a short 6 km drive from Chiang Mai, to buy umbrellas and study the process and skills that go into making a handicraft entirely from natural products. But nothing quite compares with the buzz that permeates the village during this colourful three-day handicraft festival, every January. It is a scene that represents village hospitality and charm at its very best.

For more information
TAT Chiang Mai Office, Tel. 66 (0) 5324 8604, 5324 8607, 5324 1466

http://www.tourismthailand.org

Wednesday 7 January 2009

Dairy and cowbow festivals

Dairy and cowbow festivals


Saraburi province’s Muak Lek district surprises visitors with its own version of country western culture.


Dairy farming has been associated with the rolling hills of Saraburi since the 50s when pioneering farmers experimented with imported cattle. Today it is an important industry that supplies most of the popular milk products that are sold in supermarkets across the country.


Farms are concentrated mainly northeast of Saraburi town in Muak Lek district all the way to the Pak Chong intersection on Highway 2 heading towards Nakhon Ratchashima.


With the mountains of the famous Khao Yai National Park in the distance, diary meadows nestle between hills on both sides of Highway 2.


Not surprisingly, this undulating country is the home of the National Dairy Cows Festival that runs from 16 to 25 January. All of the celebrations and activities that will interest visitors will take place at the foot of Tapan Hill in Muak Lek district, approximately 39 km northeast of Saraburi, or 145 km from Bangkok.


Festivities begin with a royal visit from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who will graciously open the event which will feature seminars, a fair and concerts.


Visitors are probably most familiar with Chok Chai Farm one of the pioneers of the cowboy culture in Thailand. Today the farm has expanded to offer farm tours with various attractions including a zoo that appeals to families and groups. In the grand tradition of the cowboy the ranch is proud of its rustic timber restaurant serving up tender T-bone steaks.


While individual farms in Saraburi run fine restaurants and adopt a country western themes, come 20 January they unite to host the annual Cowboy Night at the Tapan Hill venue in Muak Lek district.


The event launches with dairy cow contests, but quickly takes on a carnival atmosphere with light hearted rivalry to declare who is sporting the best cowboy or cowgirl costumes.


According to Saraburi province’s tourism office the cowboy festival evolves into an amazing scene as hundreds of “Thai cowboys travel from different parts of the country to enjoy country western music, an exhibition of dairy and beef cow farming, cow contests, whip-cracking, roping and lariat show, and fancy gun handling. The festival venue even uses haystacks instead of tables and chairs.”


Muak Lek district has three resorts, a health spa and a couple of campsites catering to international visitors. The district is best known for its picturesque landscape, vineyards, river rafting, ATV expeditions, hot air ballooning, mountain bike trails and even a farm where children can learn to ride horses. Most of the resorts are in Muak Lek district on the rural road 2089 that winds around 300-metre high hills from the intersection on Highway 2.


http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/grand-content-5635.html

Monday 5 January 2009

The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship 2009

The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship
Date : 9 -11 January 2009
Venue : Amata Spring Country Club, Chonburi

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 best players from Europe play against the best players from Asia to compete in a spectacular series of matches for stewardship over the perpetual Royal Trophy – graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand.


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, 22-year old Thai player Prom Meesawat coming of age, 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 was honored by the presence of His Excellency General Prem Tinsulanonda, President of the Privy Council of His Majesty the King who delivered the Key Note Speech at the Gala Banquet and officially presented the Royal Trophy to the European Team Captain, the legendary Seve Ballesteros who led his Team to success for the second year.


In the words of Ballesteros himself: “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.”


For more information :
Entertainment Group Limited, Tel : +852 2834 0060
Entertainment and Sports Co., Ltd., Tel : +662 651 9499
Website : www.theroyaltrophy.com
E-mail : info@eg-rt.com


http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Saturday 3 January 2009

Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation

Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation
Date : Saturday 10 January / 14 Febuary / 14 March /11 April 2009
Venue : Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road
in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai


Chiang Rai province hosts its annual light and sound show that presents insights into the culture and daily life of the Aka hill tribes, resident in hilltop villages in Mae Chan District.


First introduced in 1999, the show is now staged once a month during the tourist high season from January to April.

This month, the show will be presented, 10 January, 14 Febuary, 14 March and then finally on 11 April, at the Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan.



Aka hill tribe villagers perform at the centre demonstrating authentic renderings of their culture and lifestyle to visitors. There are also handicrafts on display.


The centre is also considering the introduction of home-stay accommodation that will focus on international tourists to encourage community-based tourism. It will allow visitors, who are interested in Aka traditions, to study the village up close with village elders providing instruction and insights into cottage industry and cultural activities.

The light and sound show is presented in both Thai and English, and runs from 1730 to 1930. Tickets cost Bt150 per person and the show with dinner is priced at Bt300 per person.

For more information, please call

TAT Chiang Rai Office
Tel. 66 (0) 5374 4674-5, 66 (0) 5371 7433

Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12
Tel. 66 (0) 5391 4471

http://www.tourismthailand.org