Thailand TourismFestival 2009

Thailand TourismFestival 2009
June 3 - 7, 2009
At Challenger Hall 1-2, Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre
Pakkred District, Nonthaburi


Admission is free.
At 40,000 square metres, the Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) is billed as the country’s largest travel and tourism showcase event that includes a vast range of activities to promote the preservation of Thai culture, traditions and local way of life.
Spectacular stage performances and live demonstrations of local arts and crafts add a colourful festive feel to the event as hundreds of professional travel and tourism operators and service providers from all regions of Thailand offer quality tourism products and services and travel specialists help individual travellers and families to plan their trips.
For first-time visitors to Thailand, TTF provides an excellent introduction to the Thai kingdom. A visit to TTF is also a quick and convenient way to get the latest updates on new tourism products and services, as well as to compare prices and shop for the best bargains and attractive deals — all in one stop.
Given the popularity of the event with Thai travellers, especially families, travel and tourism operators and service providers, particularly small and medium enterprise (SMEs) which are noted for their unique one-of-a-kind niche product offerings, turn up in strength.
The domestic travel fair is divided into 3 key zones:
- Exhibition zone
- Tourism Activities zone
- Regional Cuisines zone
TRAVEL AND TOURISM OPERATORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
The 2009 Thailand Tourism Festival will feature the following exhibition categories: Tour operators, airlines, hotels and resorts, car rental and Thai crafts. Travel or tourism-related state agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also be located in this zone.
THE TOURISM ACTIVITIES ZONE
Highlights

- Cultural and Community-based Tourism
Exhibits, cultural presentations and live demonstrations in this zone offer insight into local customs and traditions. Activities undertaken reflect the local way of life. In addition to live demonstrations of traditional village crafts, enjoy the lively scenes presented by the traditional markets and floating markets.
- Ecotourism and Adventure Travel
For nature lovers, Thailand offers a tremendous diversity of natural habitats that includes land-based eco-systems, forests and mountainous landscape, waterfalls and streams, mangrove forests as well as marine eco-systems. Learn about environmentally-friendly travel and ecotourism options that will help to minimize our carbon footprint and help reverse the effects of global warming. Also make the most of this rare opportunity to learn about environmentally-friendly initiatives spearheaded by a selection of award-winning organizations. For adventure seekers, Thailand’s military camps are offering innovative Green Adventure activity programmes.

- Health Tourism
This special activity zone promotes a better understanding of health tourism. Visitors will be able to witness (or experience) a live demonstration of traditional Thai massage and the regional variations of this ancient healing technique. Leading hospitals participating in the fair will be offering visitors a basic health check-up on site. Wellness promotional packages will also be available on offer. In addition to live demonstrations of food for health and yoga for health, health and wellness professionals will also be on-hand to provide health tips and advice.

- Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs
Thai artisans are noted for their tradition of artistic excellence and superb craftsmanship. Enjoy live demonstrations of a range of village crafts from various award-winning communities throughout Thailand and shop for some of the finest hand-crafted items brought together under one roof at the Thailand Tourism Festival.

For more information please call 1672

PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009


June 4 - 11, 2009
Phuket Film Festival to Turn the Spotlight on Taiwanese Film


The Phuket Film Festival is proud to announce a Spotlight on Taiwanese Film will take place during the second edition of the festival which will run June 4 - 11 2009 at the Coliseum Theaters in Phuket Town, on the beautiful international resort destination of Phuket, Thailand.
The 2009 edition of the Festival will screen over 40 award winning movies from 17 countries.
Supporting the Academy Award nominated and other award winning Taiwanese films will be directors, producers, actors and actresses traveling to the Festival from Taiwan. They will join other Festival VIPs on a special tour of the island to raise awareness of Phuket as a world-class film location providing a comprehensive range of international class production services.
Attending will be:

Keeping Watch – Fen Fen Cheng
The Most Distant Course – Liin Jing-Jie
Island Etude – En Chen
Sumimasen Love - Lin Yu-Hsien
Step by Step – Kuo Chen – ti
Producers Patrick Mao Huang and James Liu will also attend the Festival.
A number of "stars" from Taiwan will also attend the Festival in support of the "Spotlight". Talent are still being confirmed however the Festival has learned Joseph Chang and Jani Tsai will probably attend as well as Asian superstar Chie Tanaka who will be awarded the Festival's Asian Talent of the Year Award. Huai-Jhong Wu has also been confirmed to attend.
The Spotlight on Taiwanese Film is being held in line with the Festival's goal to "diversify cultural activities" on Phuket and to mark the growth of the Taiwanese film industry for film lovers around the world.
The "Spotlight" also supports the recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) "Two Islands, One Culture" promotional campaign held to stimulate travel between the two islands of Taiwan and Phuket.
A gala reception will be hosted by the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Thailand on Friday June 5, 2009

8th Koh Samui Regatta

8th Koh Samui Regatta
The Tropical Island Regatta
JUNE 1 – 6, 2009


Now in its seventh year, the Koh Samui Regatta is set to maintain its strong reputation as one of the highlights of the Asian sailing circuit.

The week long sailing extravaganza, now officially recognised by the International Sailing Federation, brings together many of the world’s top sailors guaranteeing a week of fun filled racing action and passionate partying.
The Regatta is organised under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. Racing takes place over five days comprising of a mixture of coastal passages and around the cans.
The event culminates in a VIP gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Central Samui Beach Resort. Evening cocktail parties are held at various locations throughout the Regatta.
RACING
The Koh Samui Regatta includes five days of racing over a mixture of coastal passages and around the cans courses just off the East and North coast of one of Thailand's most beautiful islands. Most of the action will take place within site of the Eastern and Northern Coasts of Koh Samui.
There are five Race Classes:
Racing; Cruising; Sports Boats; Multihulls; Beach Cats
The Koh Samui Regatta, widely regarded as one of the best in the region, offers a truly international event with participants from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, The United States, the United Kingdom, Italy and France. In past years, the event has attracted between 30 to 40 boat entries with an even mixture of keelboats and multihulls.
Koh Samui
At 247 square kilometres, Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. During the last decade the island has become one of South East Asia’s top five most visited tourist destinations.
The neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the breathtaking Ang Thong National Marine Park offer visitors a wide range of activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and adventure excursions.
Along with the island’s established infrastructure including international educational and medical facilities, a wide choice of high street shopping brands, exquisite dining venues, and beautiful white sandy beaches, Koh Samui stands out as one of the jewels in Thailand’s illustrious crown.
Contact
Thailand representative and event organizer
MobyElite
E-mail: ksr@mobyelite.com
Web site: www.mobyelite.com

A Royal Visits Thailand's Royal Phuket Marina




Britain's Princess Eugenie, daughter of the Duke & Duchess of York and granddaughter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was the latest in a line-up of high profile guests visiting Thailand's premier 'luxury lifestyle resort community' the Royal Phuket Marina over the recent Easter holiday weekend.

Pictured (second from left), the young princess was accompanied by four friends for lunch and a boat trip around Phuket's famous Phang Nga Bay which is renowned for its iconic James Bond Island which featured in the 'Man with the Golden Gun' with Roger Moore, as well as Phi Phi Island which appeared in the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Princess Eugenie and her friends were guests of marina developer Gulu Lalvani, a close friend of the British royal family. The tycoon founder of Binatone, the world's second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, is partly based in London and features regularly on the Financial Times' annual Rich List.

Princess Eugenie, 19, is the second daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah, Duchess of York. She is on a gap year before university, having completed her A-levels at Britain's prestigious Marlborough College.

Royal Phuket Marina is becoming a magnet for the world's celebrities and socialites looking to escape the limelight and enjoy the idyllic lifestyle of Phuket. Gulu Lalvani recently welcomed tennis star Martin Navratilova while his Christmas guest list included Hong Kong entrepreneur and Shanghai Tang founder Sir David Tang, model Kate Moss, British heiress and fashion icon Daphne Guinness, London property tycoon Nick Candy, Louis Vuitton CEO Yves Carcelle and Japanese designer Kenzo.

Located on Phuket's eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay, Royal Phuket Marina is Thailand's first world-class luxury lifestyle community rivaling top marina resort communities in Europe and the Caribbean.

It was developed by tycoon Gulu Lalvani, founder of Binatone, the world's second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, whose vision is to promote Phuket as a world class yachting hub in one of the world's most scenic and assessable locations.

Royal Phuket Marina has become a popular entertainment and lifestyle hub with open air restaurants and bars overlooking mega yachts moored in the Mediterranean-style marina.

Following the successful completion and sale of Phase I with its luxury condominiums and penthouses, Royal Phuket Marina has just completed its unique 'Aquaminium' penthouse apartments which come complete with their own integral boat berth as well as a series of ultra luxury private villas, also with private berths, which complete Phase II of the complex.

More than half of the Royal Phuket Marina development is devoted to leisure, shopping, recreation, and dining set amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the 350-berth marina.

For more information about Royal Phuket Marina, visit http://www.royalphuketmarina.com

Source: http://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

ThailandBestSpas.com



The Hottest Discount for the Hottest Season at ThailandBestSpas.com

ThailandBestSpas.com together with Mulberry Spa has launched a special promotion for web visitors of ThailandBestSpas.com. Visitors can enjoy 50% discount on the listed price, when they print out the Mulberry Spa page from http://www.thailandbestspas.com and present it upon arrival. The campaign is from now until 31 May 2009. Please go to the website to check the
listed price.

For more information, contact Khun Manida at 66-2237-9800 ext 212

THE BARAI PICKS UP TWO AWARDS


THE BARAI PICKS UP TWO AWARDS
AT ASIA SPA & WELLNESS FESTIVAL 2009


Hua Hin, Thailand, April 2009 … THE BARAI recently received another achievement at the Asia Spa & Wellness Festival 2009, winning two Gold Awards in the categories of “Best Resort Spa”, which emphasises guests’ experiences, and “Best Spa Ambience”, which recognises THE BARAI’s unique interior design, where the art of architecture affects guests’ feelings while they embark on a THE BARAI Journey. THE BARAI is the latest residential spa in the Hyatt Pure Spa family and a pioneer in the spa industry in terms of design concept, being the first of its kind.

The Asia Spa & Wellness Festival 2009’s Awards are dubbed the most prestigious recognition of spas and wellness centres in Asia.
The Festival is organised by AIC Exhibitions Sdn Bhd, the Thai Spa Association and the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Promotion Council, with the support of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

THE BARAI was selected from a pool of 212 nominees that were judged by a panel of independent judges comprising spa personalities, travel writers and tour planners. In deciding the winners, the judges took into consideration both the “hardware” component of the spa, namely its ambience, design and equipment, and the “software” component - therapist skills and qualifications, treatment menus and service quality.

These latest awards will increase recognition of THE BARAI as a very special destination spa, not only helping it to gain a strong foothold in Thailand’s competitive spa industry, but also promoting Hua Hin in the international market as a true luxury pampering destination and emphasising Thailand’s status as the spa capital of Asia.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts was a big winner at the Festival overall, taking a total of five awards, including “Best Spa Group” for Hyatt Pure Spa.

“These awards are considered particularly valuable for THE BARAI as they enhance our reputation, bring even greater recognition and help increase awareness of the unique properties of this destination spa. They also strengthen THE BARAI’s positioning throughout Asia and emphasise how uniquely different and special THE BARAI is when compared with other spas in Asia. In addition, the achievement of Hyatt Pure Spa being name ‘Best Spa Group’ guarantees that our clients, especially spa goers, enjoy a high level of standards that always exceeds guests’ satisfaction and delivers great spa experiences,” said Mr. Mikael Svensson, the hotel’s general manager, about the recent achievements.

THE BARAI provides eight exclusive residential spa suites and 18 exotic treatment rooms located on more than 4.5 acres (18,500 sq m) of serene beachfront land adjacent to Hyatt Regency Hua Hin.

For Suites reservations and more about our spa offerings, please contact THE BARAI at +66 3251 1234 or call your local Hyatt hotel, Hyatt Worldwide Reservations Centre, or log on to www.thebarai.com.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
Date :
11 May 2009
Venue : Sanam Luang, Bangkok

Signs of the times.

A Brahmin ceremony seeks a sign to guide the nation to a healthy harvest.

Economists have their own ideas on how 2009 will pan out. They take stock of the rice crop, the inbound flow of tourism and fluctuations on the foreign exchange market to provide a peep at where we might be heading.

There is a much more colourful way to reach the same conclusions and it is at the heart of a century old custom, the annual Ploughing Ceremony.

Held at on the spacious grounds of Sanam Luang against the backdrop of imposing government buildings and the Grand Palace, this ancient Brahmin ceremony takes place 9 May at an auspicious time set even to the seconds hand of the clock by custodians of this custom.

Having their origins in India, the rites of the Ploughing Ceremony can be witnessed in Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.

Once the Brahmin priests have set the auspicious time after consulting the stars and interpreting omens, the stage is set for Bangkok to turn the pages back from modern commercial endeavour to a ceremony that touches the soil and essence of life itself.
To the sound of tambourines and flutes the royal ceremony draws various players to a pegged area of “Sanam Luang” where omens will be interpreted to chart the course of the nation’s economy and wellbeing.


One of the players is a high ranking official of the Ministry of Agriculture dressed in ancient regalia -- a white tunic sparkling with precious stones and wearing on his head a long pointed crown.
Two oxen covered in scarlet and gold cloaks wait to be attached to a plough.
Brahmin guards dressed in green officiate over the first of three important ceremonies.

At the Royal pavilion, three golden Pa Nungs (sarongs) of different length are presented to the Minister. He dons one of them and his choice is considered an omen that gives the Brahmin priest a hint of the year’s prevailing weather and its impact on the harvest.
If the minister chooses the shortest of the Pa Nungs it suggests abundant rain, while the longest hints of drought and hard times. The medium length Pa Nung is considered the most appropriate for the economy. It suggests harmony in nature, perfect conditions for a bumper harvest.

Emerging from the pavilion the Minister is led to the two oxen tethered to the plough. In front of a vast crowd he carefully ploughs three circular furrows to the sound of conch shells and trumpets.
Four maidens carrying baskets with blessed rice, follow the Minister as he begins the ploughing of three more furrows. They sprinkle the rice seeds in the furrows, while Brahmin priest sprinkle lustral water.

As the Minister completes the third furrow the crowds burst through the flimsy barrier to snatch the seeds from the earth. Farmers believe that mixing them with seeds bought from the market will guarantee a handsome harvest.
Finally, the oxen are led to the pavilion where they are offered seven bowls full of rice, corn, millet, beans, grass, rice wine, and water. Their choice is considered a vital omen that will assist the Brahmin priests to divine the year’s outcome for the nation.
If the oxen choose rice, it signals a plentiful harvest. If they ignore the rice it hints of scarcity. If they lower their heads towards the bowls of water, this suggests abundant rain.

Wisely, there is no evidence that the oxen have ever sipped the rice whisky, but on many occasions, the oxen lose their appetites and have to be encouraged to lower their muzzles to the bowls.

Once the oxen have made their choice, the Brahmin priest evaluate all the omens, which are then read to the representative of HM the King by a civil servant of the Ministry of Agriculture. As the crowds disappear some will remain to search the earth for a little longer in the hope of finding a blessed rice seed and possibly a promise of a better year to come.

Amarin Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009

Amarin Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009
Amazing Thailand Adventure Race
Date : 9 May 2009
Venue : Chiang Mai

Adventure on the holiday menu

Taking up the challenge in Chiang Mai’s multi-discipline race requires team work.

Those who study travel trends up close, marvelling at the twists and turns, have concluded that sports sometimes called lifestyle tourism is now the cool holiday option. People are increasingly seeking an experience, or an opportunity to pursue a hobby, while on holiday.

There are plenty of examples of this trend in Thailand’s monthly calendar, so it comes as no surprise that Chiang Mai is the host of a fascination race and rigorous test of endurance, 9 May. The event gets underway during the one of Thailand’s public holidays that starts Friday 8 May with the Buddhist Visakha Bucha Day.

Enthusiasts from around Thailand and international participants will gather in this northern city for a fascinating test that focuses on fitness and relies heavily on team spirit

Tagged the Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009, the day’s competition will start at the city’s landmark 700-Year Stadium, a popular venue for sports events and concerts.

But this all-day event spreads far and wide through the city and surrounding countryside, giving participants a completely different perspective on this northern heritage town.


Participants will bike on mountain trails, followed by woodland trail running, kayaking and swimming on a lake with a few obstacles thrown in to make the task even more challenging. Overall, the race runs from 0900 to 1400 covering around 35 to 50 km of trails plus the addition of the swim and kayak sections.

Chiang Mai’s outdoor challenge is actually part of a wider series of adventure style events in Thailand organised by Active Management Asia, a company that markets team building and sports events in the region.

Now in its second year, the Chiang Mai Challenge is based on multi-disciplines of biking, running, kayaking and swimming so it appeals to people with a high fitness level who are comfortable competing in triathlons, off-road bike races, orienteering and marathons. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the difference is the rules require teams of two to compete ensuring popularity with families and couples who can muster their team spirit.

The official contact location for the Challenge is at Green Lake Resort - Royal Thai Army's Lanna Recreational Home, Chollapathan Road, Chang Puek

For more information, Contact the organiser: Active Management Asia Company, at 02 718 9581-2 or visit www.chiangmaichallenge.com or www.active-asia.com

From : TAT

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
Date : 8 - 10 May 2009
Venue : Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon



The underlying logic and science behind the famous rocket festival, scheduled for 8 to 10 May, in the unassuming northeast town of Yasothon, is not to be found in a chemistry laboratory.
While the rocket owners pack as much as 25 kg of black powder into plastic or bamboo pipes to give their homemade missiles take off, the blueprints for this exceptionally noisy festival are traced in the mystical skies ruled by gods. Approaching rain clouds signal the start of the rice planting season, but according to northeastern folklore the first raindrops fall only when the gods are in the mood for love. They need encouragement hence the importance of the Bun Bang Fai, or rocket festival, to stir the mythical community, resident in the heavens, to bless earth with fertility and rain.
One mother of all rockets shoots high into the sky possibly for a kilometre or more stimulating the gods to action. Its vapour trail and height is seen as an omen. The higher it goes, the more rain will fall on the northeast plateau bringing good fortune and a bumper rice harvest.
None of these lofty goals prevent Yasothon’s residents and thousands of visitors from the more earthly pleasures of merry making associated with their homemade rockets.
All sizes and shapes are built around a simple plastic or bamboo pipe packed solid with black powder and fuses. They can be up to 10 metres, or more, in length, as long as they are capable of powering into the skies at blast off. Anything short of that spectacle prompts a chorus of laughter from the crowd and even a few missiles of mud aimed at the head of the hapless rocket owner.
While the rockets compete, the crowd is entertained with comedy, often bawdy with a smattering of dirty jokes and raucous country music. It’s a genuine farming community excuse to have fun and get the planting season off to a good start.
Accidents are few and far between, but as the beer and rice whisky flows, missiles may stutter, wobble or even do some low flying antics over the tents and entertainment stages.
Rocket festivals are held throughout the region and in neighbouring Laos, but Yasothon residents, noted for their sense of humour, inspire an event that draws international visitors attracted by a hilarious three-day party. It embodies I-san’s ability to rise above the hardships of tilling the land.
Ironically, at any other time of the year, Yasothon is a sleepy northeast town that hardly warrants a second glance. Rarely visited by tourists, it is overshadowed by its neighbour Ubon Ratchathani, 98 km to the southeast. Considered the prime tourism gateway to the lower I-san region, Ubon Ratchathani’s airport is served by both the national airline, Thai Airways International, and low-cost airlines. It is possible to hire a car at the airport and drive northwest on Highway 23 to Yasothon.
The town’s hotels are full during this short festival and hotels will double their rates to cash in on the festival’s popularity. There are also hotels in Roi-et, 60 km northwest of Yasothon, while some visitors may decide to stay in Ubon and embark on a daytrip returning after sunset.



Contact :
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4571 1397 Ext. : 112

From : Tourism Thailand