한녕하세요! 태국에 오신 것을 환영합니다 .... Welcome to Tourism Thailand's Blog......*Thailand is Safe to Visit. Avoid the obvious protest areas. Those are easy to avoid.Even at the protest areas you will be treated kindly or with indifference. I must suggest at this point to not be lulled. I expect the peaceful protestors will be attacked with deadly force. Combat should be expected at some protest area.For vacations, Thailand remains fine and safe. Hotels are becoming pleasantly affordable, from already great prices. Folks who have never been able to stay in a 5-star hotel, this is your moment........NOT "Occupy" Bangkok. The Whistlers are not a Mob. Mob is a bad word. A mob is a large group that is out of control, such as the Thaksin mob of 2010 who set Central World and about three dozen buildings ablaze, while they shot bullets and grenades downtown. That mob shot the Dusit Thani hotel with an RPG. The Whistlers' Revolution is not a mob but a huge peaceful group who demand change.The Whistlers' are NOT doing an "Occupy Bangkok" in the sense that Americans think of Occupy Wall Street. Back home in America, I saw some of the "occupy" protestors. It was a clown protest led by clowns. The only thing they were missing were giant red shoes. The Whistlers are not clowns. The Whistlers are a serious group of people with just cause for their actions.If you call this "Occupy Bangkok," many of the most serious Americans will think it is a circus led by clowns. This is not the case. This is a serious showdown by serious people.For me, this is the Whistlers' Revolution, January Bangkok Showdown.We all know that provocateurs will attack. They already have begun. Keep the cameras ready and show the world........Thanks for Michael Yon




All VDO for Tourism & Hospitality in Thailand

Friday 30 September 2011

5 small but fantastic Bangkok museums !!


5 small but fantastic Bangkok museums
These Bangkok museums might be low on floor space, but they pack a big cultural punch. Who's up for modern art and tapeworms?

Museum of Siam's "Typically Thai" room highlights all things associated with the average Thai lifestyle.
The city's big tourist sights - the Grand Palace or Wat Pho - get all the hype.

But if you're looking for another perspective on Thai history, an interactive place to take the kids or just a spot to go on a rainy afternoon, check out any of these five small Bangkok museums.

1. Museum of Siam.

A Modern, Interactive Museum in the Heart of the Old City,. The Museum of Siam. Helps grown-up Visitors Grapple with the very definition of Eng-Ness, while Youngersters spend time sorting through the Dirt in the Mock Archeology site or shooting Old-fashioned. weapons.

Open daily except Mondays, 10 am-6 pm.

Sanam Chai Road. Tel. +66 (0) 2622 2599.

2. Silpa Bhirasri Museum.

Insight into the Modern Art Movement for Eng, V. Isit the Office and at the Studio of Florentine Corrado Feroci. Silpa Bhirasri Museum. ,. just a Few minutes away from the National Museum.

Feroci came to the country in the 1920s at the request of King Rama V and changed his name to Silpa Bhirasri when he became a Thai citizen.

He worked on numerous public projects, including Victory Monument, Democracy Monument and Rama IV's statue in Lumpini Park, and later founded Silpakorn University, Thailand's leading fine arts school.

Open Monday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm.

Fine Arts Department, Na Pra Lan Road. Tel. +66 (0) 2223 6162.

3. Bang Khunphrom Palace & The Bank of Thailand Museum.

This colonial-era building on the river has been transformed into an intimate museum dedicated to all things money.

The Bank of United States Khunphrom Bang Palace & Museum. Displays Start with shells and Beads from Ancient civilizations and move to the Country's first minted Coins and currencies.

Call ahead to arrange a visit.

273 Samsen Road. Tel. +66 (0) 2283 5286.

4. Suan Pakkad Palace Museum.

Remaining one of only a Handful of Royal Residences in the City,. Suan Pakkad. has been turned into a Small Culture Museum of Eng.

Just a Few minutes from the BTS Station Phaya Eng,. all on the Lush Grounds Eight Wooden Houses hold. different exhibits, from Musical Instruments to household Items.

Highlights include the Ban Chiang pottery collection and a restored 17th-century lacquer pavilion.

Open daily, 9 am-4 pm.

352-354 Sri Ayudhya Road. Tel. +66 (0) 2246 1775.

5. The Bangkokian Museum.

The mundane becomes fascinating at this little house off of one of Chinatown's main streets, where middle-class life in 1950s Thailand has been carefully preserved.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am-4 pm.

273 Charoen Krung Soi 43. Tel. +66 (0) 2233 7027.

More great Bangkok museums.

Here are a few other unique Bangkok museums that have been featured on CNNGo.

Bangkok's Museum of Counterfeit Goods.

An exhibit at a city law firm shows just how far crooks will go to manufacture fake products, and highlights the dangers the industry creates.

Thailand's Condom Museum.

All the colors of the sexual rainbow are on display inside the Ministry of Health's recently opened condom museum, deep in the bowels of Nonthaburi.

The Corrections Museum.

An intriguing palace of pain and misery offering an exciting journey through "Thai torture techniques and capital punishment through the ages.".

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall.

A high-tech interactive museum, Nitas Rattanakosin recaps two centuries of Bangkok history in one day.

Siriraj Medical Museum.

A dark cluster of a half-dozen museums specializing in anatomy, tapeworms, natural history and autopsy photos

Thursday 29 September 2011

Flood updates for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai (29 September)


The Tourism Authority of Thailand has released the following situation update for 29th September 2011:


Chiang Mai
The level of water in the Upper Ping River has increased rapidly causing overflowing river banks in low lying areas. The water level has risen 4.0 metres exceeding the critical level of 3.70 metres. The measurement of the water levels was taken at Kaeo Naowarat Bridge. The water has overflowed into the local roads from Chiang Mai to Lamphun, in front of the TAT Chiang Mai Office, the Chiang Mai Municipality into Ban Pha Phrao Nok, some parts of the Charoen Prathet Road and the road underneath the Pha Dat Road has been completely shut off. From the floods on 23 September 2011, Doi Fa Hom Pok National Park in Fang District in Chiang Mai is still affected.

Chiang Rai
There is continued rainfall in 80% of the Chiang Rai province, the water levels in the rivers running through Chiang Rai are still at critical levels although the levels have not overflowed. There has been reports of a mud slide onto the road from Mae Suai district to Fang district at Kilometre 17 marker although officials have now cleared the way and this road is open again but take caution when traveling around that area as mud slides are a rather common occurrence.

Sukhothai
The water levels have decreased consistently. The problems en route to tourist attractions on Route 12 from the town centre to the Sukhothai Historical Park have now eased and small vehicles are able to pass through.

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Bangkok Daytrips: At the Beach in Bangkok



People often ask where is the nearest beach to Bangkok. Usually I reply Bangsaen and Pattaya to the East or Cha-am and Hua Hin to the South. However, the answer is nearer than expected as Bangkok itself has its own coastline. Though, to be honest, it is only about 5 kilometers wide and it is mainly mangroves and shrimp farms. The Bangkok district of Bang Khun Thian is sandwiched between the provinces of Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan. Linguists believe that it’s name “Thian” comes from a word meaning a wagon pulled by an oxen. Bang Khun Thian used to be a rich and fertile land with vegetable farms, rice fields and orchards. But a combination of being used as drainage for the city, pollution from new factories and land erosion along the coastline, the area today resembles more of a water world than the Garden of Bangkok.



Wat Hua Krabeu - Buffalo Head Temple

Recently I decided to go to Bang Khun Thian in order to try and find some new destinations for Bangkok day trips. My first stop was Wat Hua Krabeu which has become famous as the Buffalo Head Temple According to newspaper reports, it was the aim of the abbot to use these skulls to build a giant shrine. Although it is believed that he has now amassed 8,000 skulls, this isn’t apparently enough to start building. I also remember this temple from another newspaper story about the abbot’s large collection of luxurious cars. The Buddhist Council didn’t take kindly to monks keeping a collection of Mercedes Benz cars. He argued that they were being used for novice monks to learn a skill while they stayed temporarily at the temple. The matter was later dropped. However, judging by the poor condition they are now in, there is no-one to look after the classic cars. The temple was quiet the day that I went there, but I was told that there is a small floating market on Sundays and it is possible to rent boats to explore the nearby canals.


Shrine for Prince Chumphon - Father of the Thai Navy

From this temple I drove back out to the main road that runs between Rama II Road and the coast. A short distance south I spotted something strange that looked like a large ship with what looked like a temple on top of it. I decided to stop to take a closer look. It turned out to be a shrine for Prince Chumphon who is regarded as the Father of the Thai Navy The shrine is in the shape of a warship. It is based on the ship Phra Ruang which is now berthed as a permanent memorial at Sairee Beach in Chumphon Province. The replica is 79 meters long and 19 meters wide. On the deck is a replica of a building in Prince Chumphon’s palace. Here there is a museum showing pictures of his life and on the floor above there is a shrine which has a statue of Prince Chumphon and a copy of his naval uniform. I have seen his statue in many coastal areas as I believe it is good luck for fisherman and any seafarers to prayer in front of his statue before going out to sea.


Bang Khun Thian Museum

From the shrine I continued driving south down the main road. I must say they have done a good job of beautifying this road. There is even a dedicated bicycle lane for much of the way with some special bridges too to take cyclists over the canals. At the end of the road I turned right at the intersection and a short distanced later I pulled over to visit the Bang Khun Thian Local Museum This is in the grounds of Klong Phitthayalongkorn School. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is located in two old classrooms towards the back of the school but it will be moved to a new building next to the road soon. The museum was actually a lot better than expected. It details the history of the local community as well as showcasing its unique culture. The labels are all bilingual though the English font was a little small. There is a lot to learn here and it is popular with visiting school parties.



Bike Ride to the Seaside in Bangkok

While I was looking around the museum, one of the office staff suggested that I rent a bicycle in order to explore the nearby shrimp farms and mangrove forests. This sounded like a great idea. It only cost 20 baht for the day though I did have difficulty finding one big enough for me. They obviously don’t get many foreigners here. The Bicycle Trip starts at a small soi on the other side of the road from the school. There is a mini mart here and it is advisable to buy some water first. The path is easy though it sometimes goes over steep bridges that cross canals. Along the way you will pass many shrimp farms before going through a stretch of mangrove forest. After about 45 minutes I came out onto a wooden pier that stretched out into the Gulf of Thailand. There was a wonderful sea breeze here and was really great to have the place to myself even though it was a weekend. There are a couple of shelters here if you want to stop to have a picnic. Some concrete structures in the water reminded me that this area used to be dry land and in the past there were houses and roads here.



Bangkok Seaview Restaurant

A short distance from the school, and back towards the intersection, you will find the Bangkok Seaview Restaurant Though, to be precise, this is the car park and the actual restaurant is some distance away! This district doesn’t have that many roads and most people get around on boats. If they don’t have their own then they will take a taxi boat. From this car park you can take a shuttle boat to the restaurant which is at a location surrounded by the sea You can’t get a better view and sea breeze than that. The return boat ride costs 50 baht and lasts about 15 minutes. They run every day apart from Mondays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. You are not obliged to eat anything and can walk around enjoying the sea breeze until the boat returns 30 minutes later. If you decide to eat there is no rush as there are regular boats. Looking out to sea you should spot the demarcation marker for the boundary between Samut Prakan and Bangkok. Another reminder that this used to be on land. You won’t find much English spoken here and the menus are only in Thai. But, a nice spot to enjoy a meal.


Eat a meal in a restaurant on stilts

Access from Bangkok is via the Rama II Road. There are a number of buses running along this road heading towards Samut Sakhon and beyond. Get off at the first intersection after Big C on your left. From here there are blue songtaews that go up and down the road to the coast. I also saw some empty taxis here but best to arrange your own transport. From Samut Prakan the main road along the coast isn’t finished yet but they have finished the stretch to Samut Sakhon. From Bangkok it is an excellent day out if you like doing boat rides and eating seafood.

Monday 19 September 2011

List of Thai Tourist Attractions Affected by Floods !!


The following is a Situation Update about the Flooding in Thailand issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on 19th September 2011:

Certain areas of some provinces in north and central Thailand, such as Sing Buri, and Kamphaeng Phet as well as a few coastal areas in southern Thailand, have been affected by floods due to seasonal heavy rains. The floods are mainly affecting land in low-lying agricultural areas and adjacent to major waterways such as the Chao Phraya River. Occasional flash floods are occurring in some mountainous areas as a result of runoff from the heavy rains. The flooding is expected to subside within the next several days as weather conditions improve.

The current flooding is having little impact on tourism. Most tourist attractions throughout Thailand, including Sukhothai and Pattaya, have not been affected by the floods and almost all are open for visitors. Although some parts of Ayutthaya province are currently experiencing flooding, major attractions on the island of Ayutthaya, such as the ancient city, Wat Chai Watthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and Ayutthaya Floating Market, are not affected by the floods and are open for visitors. Only a few attractions located outside of the island of Ayutthaya have been temporarily closed due to the rising water levels. Wat Tha Ka Rong remains open.

All airports and major transportation links throughout Thailand are operating as per normal. The crest of the flood is currently passing through Bangkok. Most parts of the city have not been affected by the flood, while some flooding is occurring in suburban areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has comprehensive flood control measures in place and is monitoring the situation closely.



Flash floods and landslide warnings have been issued for 12 provinces: Satun, Trang, Songkhla, Krabi, Chumphon, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Nan, and Mae Hong Son. For tourist safety, access to waterfalls and white-water rafting in flood-prone areas has been temporarily suspended.

Tourists planning to travel to the provinces affected by the floods are advised to check the latest weather forecasts for their destination and confirm arrangements with the transportation providers with which they will be travelling. Tourists can also call the TAT Information Line at 1672 to check local conditions.

Attractions temporarily closed due to flooding:
As of 19 September 2011

Kamphaeng Phet:

Khong Lan Waterfall
Mae Wong National Park
Khlong Wang Chao National Park

Sing Buri:

Wat Muang
Wat Sutthawas
In Buri National Museum
Wat Kudi Thong
Wat Klang Thanarin
Wat Amphawan
Pak Bang Market

Ayutthaya:
Attractions on the island of Ayutthaya, such as the ancient city, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Ayutthaya Floating Market, are not affected by the floods and are open for visitors. Only a few attractions located outside of the island of Ayutthaya have been temporarily closed due to the rising water levels. An updated status of attractions in Ayutthaya is provided as follow.

Attractions temporarily closed due to flooding (outside the island of Ayutthaya):

Floating market at Khlong Sa Bua
Floating market at Wat Tha Ka Rong
Wat Choeng Tha
Wat Mae Nang Pluem
Wat Pichai Songkram
Ayutthaya Royal Elephant Kraal
Gong Khong Market, Bang Pa-in
The Portuguese Village in Ayutthaya

Attractions unaffected by flooding (on the island of Ayutthaya) that remain open:

Wat Chai Watthanaram
Wat Thammaram
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol
Wat Phanan Choeng
Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit
Wat Na Phra Meru
Wat Thammikarat
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Chandrakasem National Museum
Million Toy Musuem
Ayutthaya Historical Study Center
Ayutthaya Tourism Center
Ayutthaya Elephant Camp
Wat Mahathat
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Wat Phra Ram
Bang Pa-in Palace
Bang Sai Arts and Craft Center
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
Lad Chado Market
Ayotthaya Floating Market

RAP BUA CEREMONY October 11, 2011 Samut Prakan



At the close of the monsoon season, the thunderstorms that have lashed Bang Phlii become a flower shower, and a time for celebration.

A barge moves slowly down the town’s waterway, Khlong Samrong. Worshippers along the banks loft lotuses into it, so many that they nearly engulf its principal passenger: a large Buddha image. The image, a replica of the Luang Pho To in the nearby monastery, is the focus of this, the Rap Bua ceremony. Its journey recreates one of almost mythical proportions two centuries ago. Thousands of Thais flock here each year at the end of the rainy season to honour it.

And to have fun. In Thailand, solemn rituals are generally leavened with … well, levity, as though to relieve the sombreness of the rite. Folk dramas, sea boxing, his and her beauty contests, boat races, light-and-sound extravaganzas, food, and fairs are all an integral part of the rap bua festivities.


Wat Bang Phlii, the main Buddhist monastery in a village of the same name, lies near the rivermouth town of Samut Prakan (Paknam), an hour south of Bangkok. Entering the monastery’s ordination hall, one encounters a large bronze, Sukhothai-style image that folk legend says miraculously came to rest here.

According to village tradition, two centuries ago, three sacred Buddha images floated down the Chao Phraya, Bangpakong, and Ta Chin Rivers. Upriver villagers struggled to pull the images to shore, but they seemed to have distance destinations and resisted all efforts to dissuade them. The Luang Pho Sothon image eventually came to rest at Chachoengsao, the Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem in Samut Songkhram, and the Luang Pho To, in Bang Phlii.

Three competing old stories consider the origins of the rap bua fete itself. While they contain the normal folktale inconsistencies and contradictions, there are also commonalities. All agree that rap bua is a Mon celebration — likely brought from southern Burma by Mon war refugees — and that Bang Phlii produces an abundance of beautiful lotuses. Moreover, the village has long been a pilgrimage spot for upriver residents to collect lotuses for the awk phansa observances. This special October day marks the end of the three-month ‘rains retreat’, during which monks have remained in their monasteries to avoid trampling rice plants on their daily walks, a practice that dates from the Buddha’s time. Awk phansa marks the end of their confinement and of the rainy season.

The lotus is a powerful symbol in Buddhism. Representing the purity of Buddha’s teaching, it rises pristine from the mud in ponds and lakes to shine resplendently. Lotuses appear throughout Buddhist lore. When the baby Buddha took his first seven steps, lotuses sprang up beneath his feet. Buddha images rest atop symbolic lotuses and the finial of every monastery column is a lotus or a water lily.

In the past, Bang Phlii accommodated its lotus-gathering guests by picking the lotuses for them hours in advance of their arrival. The guests’ boats would hove into port late at night, the passengers singing, dancing, and playing instruments. In the morning, the Bang Phlii villagers would present the newcomers with the lotuses (bua) they had picked and the visitors would receive (rap) them with grateful thanks.

To commemorate the event, villagers organise a two-day celebration that begins on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the eleventh month of the lunar calendar (October 20 - 22, 2010). The following morning, a replica of the famed image is placed on a barge and towed down the canal where worshippers toss lotuses to honour it.

After offering food to monks and listening to a sermon, celebrants turn to leisure, and there is no shortage of amusements: phleng rua (traditional singing in boats), folk plays like saba thoi and saba bon, beauty contests, traditional water sports, boat races featuring the mat (dugout boats) and ancient boats, a tug-of-war involving boats, and a boat-decorating competition with prizes awarded for beauty, creativity, and humor. A highlight is muay talay (sea boxing) where two combatants perched on wooden frames erected over the ocean try to knock their opponents into the water below.

Of course, no Thai festival would be complete without food, lots of it. Chefs vie to see who can prepare the tastiest gourami (a local fish) and Thai dishes from various periods in history. The festivities end in the evening with the spectacular "Life on the Samrong Canal Bang Phlii" sound-and-light show.

The next day, after the crowds have departed and the air has stilled, the lotuses return to their quiescence to grow undisturbed until the following year.

In 2011, the festival is scheduled for 8-11 October with the Lotus Throwing festival taking place on 11 October, starting from Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai.

Related link:
http://www.paknam.com/festivals/rub-bua-festival.html#ixzz1XQHRrxOC

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Office
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511
E-mail: tatbangkok@tat.or.th

IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

Wat Mahathat is perhaps the most striking of all of the temples in Ayutthaya and is located the very heart of the city. !!




History

According to tradition, Wat Mahathat was built in 1384 by King Rachatirat to house a relic of the Buddha, but it is more likely it was built during the reign of King Boromaraja I (1370-88).

In about 1625 the top portion of the prang broke off; it was rebuilt in 1633 some 4 m (13 ft) higher than before. Later it collapsed again, and only the corners survived.

In 1956 a secret chamber was uncovered in the ruins; among the treasures found inside were gold jewelry, a gold casket containing a relic of the Buddha, and fine tableware.
What to See

Wat Mahathat is typical of the Ayutthaya ruins: large crumbling stupas surrounded by low laterite walls and rows of headless Buddhas. One Buddha-head is in a tree trunk.




The temple's prang, at 46 m (150 ft) high, is one of the old city's most impressive edifices. With its picturesquely ruined stupas, Wat Mahathat is a great place to be at sunset.

Scattered around the temple are some important remains of variously shaped prangs and chedis, in particular an octagonal chedi with a truncated spire in the Ceylonese style. Nearby, the head of a still much-revered statue of the Buddha lies on the ground.

A great big mini-guide to Koh Samui !!


Where to eat, where to sleep, what to do and where to party. An in-depth look at Thailand's most popular island in the Gulf

Thailand's Ang Thong Marine Park is reachable on a day trip, deserted enough to offer that unspoiled Crusoe charm and a stunning spot to snorkel, dive or kayak.


Koh Samui is a schizophrenic version of paradise. Each of the island's beaches, bays, tourist strips and local villages has a distinct personality that collectively caters to a riot of tastes and holiday pleasures.

Whether your idea of a beach break is playing lost in the tropics with your sweetheart, down-timing with the family, cleansing out your system on a five-day detox or getting hammered every night and sleeping it off on the beach, Samui delivers.

Some parts of the island are saturated and sleazy. But if you surf through the marketing spin you'll find a cookie jar full of tempting vacation choices.

เชียงใหม่ (Chiang Mai - Thailand - En Thaïlande.!!)



เชียงใหม่ (Chiang Mai - Thailand - En Thaïlande.!!)

เชียงใหม่ (Chiang Mai - Thailand - En Thaïlande.!!) No.II



เชียงใหม่ (Chiang Mai - Thailand - En Thaïlande.!!) No.II

เชียงใหม่ (Chiang Mai - Thailand - En Thaïlande.!!) No.III



เชียงใหม่ (Chiang Mai - Thailand - En Thaïlande.!!) No.III

Wednesday 14 September 2011

Thailand hotel rates set to rise With Thailand's political situation stable, hoteliers plan to hike rates to offset rising costs Read more: Thailand


The Thai Hotels Association says Bangkok occupancy rates for the year to date are at 62 percent, up from 52 percent for the same period last year.



Now that tourists are returning to Thailand in response to perceived political stability, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) says accommodations will likely raise room rates by 8-10 percent next year to offset rising costs.

According to a report in the Bangkok Post, it will be the first time in four years they've hiked rates.

"Normally hotel room rates go up around 5-10 percent on average per year, but political turmoil from 2008 to 2010 caused Thai hoteliers to freeze their room rates to survive," said the report.

In the first seven months of this year, international tourist arrivals to Thailand reportedly rose by 27 percent year-on-year to 12.8 million. Key markets were China, which grew by 68 percent to 1.15 million, Russia was up 78 percent to 619,723, India was up 34 percent to 627,670, South Korea grew 40 percent to 720,510, and Taiwan by 41 percent to 346,548.

The THA projects international tourist arrivals to Thailand will reach 19 million this year, signalling tourism is improving so it's a good time to raise rates.

Thai Village Homestay | accommodations and contact information for Homestays in Thailand-Thai Village Homestay




Thai Village Homestay | accommodations and contact information for Homestays in Thailand-Thai Village Homestay

Individual Homestays



The Experiment in International Living pioneered the homestay concept over 75 years ago. Today, living with a family in another country is universally accepted as one of the best ways to meet new people and to appreciate and understand the cultural diversity that makes up our world.

Host families open up their homes and hearts to people who wish to immerse themselves in another culture, share in the everyday life of a family and feel part of a community. They provide meals, accommodations and friendship as well as an introduction to their community, country, culture, language, and local customs.

The host family may be a couple with or without children, a single parent, or a single person interested in other cultures. EIL offices around the world maintain networks of local coordinators who select, screen, and monitor host families and provide assistance and information to insure a good match between family and participant. Within each family there is a different dynamic, but they are all motivated by the idea of making cross-cultural friendships.

Participants travel independently and are not bound by the schedule of any group. They pick the start date and the length: one, two, three, or four weeks. Participants will find ample time to explore on their own and make their homestay a truly memorable and personalized travel experience.


The fees for the Independent Homestay Program typically will include: family accommodation, 3 meals per day, 24-hour emergency help, and pre-departure orientation materials. Not included in the fee: air travel, visas, insurance, in country transportation, phone calls or internet access, activities or entertainment, souvenirs, and personal spending money. Fees also cover the administrative costs of the program including any payment to the local EIL representative and in some cases a small stipend to the host
family to cover food, linens and the like. Costs vary depending on the country that is.

More infomation ..let's see as http://thaivillagehomestay.com/

TOURISM News as TAT promotes 'slow travel'


TOURISM News as TAT promotes 'slow travel'

TAT promotes 'slow travel'

Published: 14/09/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Business

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting "slow travel", a new approach to exploring destinations and cultures in a relaxed way, to create sustainability among local tourists.

The agency says many travellers want a less hectic pace for their holidays because of the rising pressures of daily urban life. The campaign, called "Travel with a New Heart for a Sustainable Thailand", urges domestic tourists to make social and environmental responsibility a part of their journey.

The TAT is promoting nine provinces for slow tours in the North under the My Slow Day campaign from September to December. They are Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

"We think the slow travel campaign can serve the demand of tourists, who are looking for value and real happiness, not value-for-money tours," said TAT governor Surapol Svetserani. "Our research found that new-generation tourists between 25 and 45 have begun paying attention to a balance between technology and simplicity."

The agency has promoted the campaign online and via social media such as SlowTravelNorth.com and Facebook. Tourists can share slow travel experiences on the website.

Mr Surapol said slow travel experts have their own fan clubs. The well-known author Roundfinger, for example, has 73,415 fans on Facebook.

"We expect Thai people to try slow travel like they tried organic foods for some meals," he said. "We want to raise the awareness of responsible travel, rather than targeting income."

This project seeks to increase the length of stay of domestic tourists by at least one day from an average of three now.

The TAT said 65% of people in the Bangkok vicinity are familiar with the project, including over 500,000 via fan pages of Amazing Thailand, Go North Thailand, Thaitraveler and Cameralove.

Monday 12 September 2011

The best of Thailand – Everything for your trip in Thailand



The Best of Thailand – All for your trip in the Land of smiles
Grand Palace Bangkok
The Grand Palace occupies an area of over 218,000 sq. meters adjacent to the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Rama I on ascending the throne moved the palace from its location in Dhonburi on the other side of the river to its present site. The walls were built in 1783 and after erecting public monuments, like the fortifications and monasteries, the palace was built. Within the walls the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha, the palace offices and the royal residence were placed.

Today’s visitors are treated to a magnificent display of history and artefacts of the legendary Siam. Buildings adorned with ornate carvings and mystical figures are the norm as are statues of these mystical figures and shrines honouring numerous different things are common. You can spend hours and hours walking the grounds of the Grand Palace and still not have your fill of its beauty.

Within the walls of the Grand Palace are many buildings and temples, over 30, to enjoy. As shown by the pictures (above) many are elaborately decorated and have ornate roof structures. Many others contain (below) shrines to various revered entities.

The people of Thailand seem to be very religious. Wats, or local Buddhist temples, were located throughout the country and very accessible to the population. Every one we visited was crowded with people and not just tourists. The faithful brought offerings to the shrines and could be seen praying often. Elephant shrines were common throughout Thailand as the elephant is a revered animal there. Not only have they played an important role in building much of Thailand they have also been important to the history and culture of Thailand. It is said that the kingdom will fall when the last white elephant dies and, we were told, only one white elephant remains today.

Throughout the Grand Palace many statues of mystical figures can be found. Most, like above and below, combine animal features with human forms. From what I understand these figures evolved from the imaginations of the artist and are valued for their aesthetic inspiration. Others, like below, are more elaborately decorated or covered with a brilliant gold.

The Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha houses a beautiful statue of Buddha that is the object of national veneration. While it is made of jade and not emeralds, the statue attracts huge crowds who come to pay their respects to the memory of Buddha and His Teachings on those days of the week it is open. The main building consists of all the features of a monastery except living quarters. Monks do not live within the chapel as they do in others. The Emerald Buddha was first discovered in 1464 and brought to Lampan where it remained until King Tilok of Lannatai brought it to Chienmai, the ancient capital. Power eventually passed to King Jayajettha of Luan Praban, whose mother was a Chienmai Princess, and he took the statue with him back to Luan Praban. King Jayajettha moved the capital to Wiencand and took the Emerald Buddha with him. It remained there until the King of Dhonburi sent an expedition to Wiencand which brought the effigy back with them. When King Rama I built the city of Bangkok and the chapel royal and grand palace the Emerald Buddha was installed in the chapel. There is only one other effigy that the Thai people hold with as much veneration as the Emerald Buddha. That is the Sambuddhabarni Buddha cast by King Monkut, Rama IV. The building contains murals depicting the life of Buddha, a painted middle-aged conception of the universe, birth stories and nursery rhymes. Some of the door panels contain beautiful inlaid work in mother-of-pearl.

The Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha is, perhaps, the most beautiful of the buildings at the Grand Palace. It is so elaborately decorated on its outside walls with hundreds, if not thousands, of small golden statues of mystical figures. Pictures inside the chapel are not allowed, but the real beauty (besides the statue of Buddha) is outside.

http://tourismandthailand.blogspot.com/


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Creative King & Long Live The Kingbr/(English Version)


Creative King & Long Live The Kingbr/(English Version)

Creative King & Long Live The King No.IIbr/(English Version)


Creative King & Long Live The King No.IIbr/(English Version)

Friday 9 September 2011

Weather in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand

Weather in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand.




Waterfalls are most impressive after monsoon rains
The weather of Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, differs from the traditional divisions of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Instead, the region has three distinct seasons: the cool season, hot season and rainy season. Chiang Mai is known as the 'cool capital', and in comparison to the sweaty heat of Bangkok, the climate is far more agreeable. Chiang Mai weather, month by month.

Cool season in Chiang Mai
The most popular time for visiting Chiang Mai ( weather wise) is the cool season, which runs from December to the end of February. It is in fact pleasantly chilly in the evenings, and if you are planning on visiting Chiang Mai at this time of year, it would be wise to bring all-weather gear along; particularly if you intend hiring a motorcycle to get around, or going on a mountain trek. However, don't leave out your summer clothes, as midday temperatures can climb well into the 30s (Celsius).



Hot season in Chiang Mai
The weather starts heating up in Chiang Mai around early February, and by mid-March, the nippy nights of December are nothing but a pleasant memory, with daytime maximums regularly reaching 40°C. Try to avoid a holiday to Thailand during this time (April-June) as unless you are completely accustomed to tropical heat, you will find the humidity utterly draining. Despite all the moisture in the air, however, there is virtually no rain during this period.

With the lack of water, along with blazing heat and slash-and-burn agricultural practices, the usually lush green jungle that covers the city's surrounding hills turns a charred brown from fires that burn almost constantly from January until the rains arrive. Not only does this affect the vegetation, but a trademark 'hot season haze' hangs over the entire city and its surrounds, obscuring the otherwise beautiful vistas.

Rainy season in Chiang Mai
The southwest monsoon usually arrives from India at the end of May, and from then until November the weather in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand is very wet. The rainy season is characterized by torrential downpours, but they tend to be sudden bursts that only last for an hour or so rather than a steady stream of water.


Rice planters enjoy a hard day's sweaty graft
Although mosquitoes are rife during this time, the rainy season is otherwise a pleasant time to visit the north. The rains bring respite from the heat, and the landscape returns to its strikingly-gorgeous shade of green. Rainfall is usually heaviest in September, with an average precipitation of 250mm.

Murky March health hazards
Chiang Mai has a particularly chronic problem with burning (and resulting haze) in March. The mountain views disappear as the Ping River valley chokes under a dusty haze that can often be a health hazard. This is the result of indiscriminate burning by ill-educated peasant farmers, couple with stagnant breeze-less weather. Authorities have failed in recent years to tackle the issue, as tourists are advised to stay away and locals remain indoors on days when the dust particle levels far exceed accepted international health thresholds.

Generally speaking, the weather of northern Thailand is far more temperate than central or southern Thailand. The area is more than 2,000kms from the equator and much closer to the Tropic of Cancer. This, coupled with its mountainous terrain and location in the Asian interior, brings cooler temperatures and less humidity. However, there is still quite a bit of precipitation during the rainy season and the weather gets very chilly once you leave Chiang Mai and head up into the mountains.



Chiang Mai weather in January
January is a very popular month to visit the North as it experiences Thailand’s coolest weather, making Chiang Mai and the mountains a novelty with Thai tourists. Expect temperatures similar to a sunny European summer day, somewhat hazy, and chilly at night.

Chiang Mai weather in February
The weather and temperatures are still very agreeable in Chiang Mai in February, though it still gets quite hot around midday in the valleys. It never rains, but by now the landscape is quite dry and the vistas hazy. Tourist services remain busy.

Chiang Mai weather in March
March is one of the worst times to visit Chiang Mai (weather wise), since the air is thick with dust and micro-particles from widespread rural burning. The haze removes any view of the mountains, there’s no breeze, and the results can be a health hazard on certain days.

Chiang Mai weather in April
The weather in Chiang Mai gets very hot in April as temperatures peak in the mid 30s (Celsius); the rain has yet to cool the region down and the landscape remains dry. A popular reason to visit is the annual Songkran water splash festival, which is best enjoyed in Chiang Mai - hotels fill up by mid-month.

Chiang Mai weather in May
From May onwards the tourist season in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand is in decline, but the weather improves as the rains arrive. This means sunny skies and afternoon storms to cool things off.

Chiang Mai weather in June
It’s still hot in June in Chiang Mai as the weather moves into the full rainy season, bringing with it 90 per cent humidity, adding to the immense feeling of warmth. It’s still cooler than Bangkok and the South.

Chiang Mai weather in July
July is low season in northern Thailand; cloud cover in the rainy season cools the weather in Chiang Mai but you also get plenty of sunshine in between the showers. It remains hot, though could be cloudy and warm for days. Room rates are cheaper, tourist numbers far less, but the experience is just as pleasant.

Chiang Mai weather in August
Mainly backpackers come to Chiang Mai in August, while most other tourists prefer the Northern Hemisphere summer. This means the budget travellers get out-of-season deals, see the province when it's at its lushest and still get plenty of sunshine... even if it’s humid and sometimes cloudy!

Chiang Mai weather in September
September is one of the quietest months for tourism in Chiang Mai and usually the wettest weather. Expect showers almost every day, along with cloud cover (but warm temperatures), a good chance of sunshine, and high humidity. Best bargains on prices this month.

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Legal Structure of the Dual Pricing at National Parks in Thailand

Legal Structure of the Dual Pricing at National Parks in Thailand


1. National Park Act, B.E. 2504 (1961)
2. Regulation on the Permission of Tourism and Accommodation Conduction in National Park, B.E. 2536 (1993)
3. Announcement of the Royal Forest Department on National Park Entrance Fee, B.E. 2543 (2000)

NATIONAL PARK ACT,
B.E. 2504
-------------------
BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ, REX.

Given on the 22nd day of September, B.E. 2504;
Being the 16th Year of the Present Reign.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is graciously pleased to proclaim that;
Whereas it is expedient to have a law on national park ;
Be it, therefore, enacted by the King, by and with the advice and consent of the Constituent Assembly acting as the National Assembly, as follows:

Section 1. This Act shall be called the "National Park Act, B.E. 2504"

Section 2. This Act shall come into force as and from the day following the date of its publication in the Government Gazette.

Section 3. All other laws, rule and regulations in so far as they are already provided by this Act, of are contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be replaced by this Act.

Section 4. In this Act:
(1) “Land” means surface of land in general, and includes mountain, creek, swamp, canal, marsh, basin, waterway, lake, island and seashore;
(2) “National park” means the land which is determined as national park under this Act:
(3) “Woody plant” includes all kinds of plants which are trees, brushwoods or creepers, including all parts thereof:
(4) “Animal” means all kinds of animals including all parts thereof, and things obtained from or produced by the animals;
(5) “Competent official” means the person appointed by the Minister for the execution of this Act;
(6) “Director-General” means the Director-General of the Forestry Department;
(7) "Minister" means the Minister who takes charge and control for the execution of this Act.

Section 5. The Minister of Agriculture shall take charge and control for the execution of this Act, and shall have the power to appoint competent officials and to issue Ministerial Regulations for the execution of this Act.

Such Ministerial Regulations shall come into force upon their publication in the Government Gazette.


CHAPTER 1
Determination of Land to be National Park

Section 6. When it is deemed appropriate to determine any area of land, the natural features of which are of interest and to be maintained with a view to preserving it for the benefit of public education and pleasure, the Government shall have the power to do so by a Royal Decree, A map showing the boundary lines of the determined area shall be annexed to such Royal Decree. The determined area shall be called the “National Park."

The land to be determined as national park must not be owned or legally possesed by any person other than public body.

Section 7. The extension or the cancellation for the whole or a part of the national park shall be made by a Royal Decree. In case of cancellation not for the whole of the national park, a map showing the changing area shall be annexed to the Royal Decree.

Section 8. The competent official shall provide the boundary posts and signs or other marks sufficiently for enabling the public to know the boundary of the national park.


CHAPTER 2
National Park Committee

Section 9. There shall be a committee called the “National Park Committee” consisting of the Under-Secretary of State for Agriculture as chairman, Director-General of the Forestry Department, representative of the Department of Interior, representative of the Land Department, and other members not more than eleven in number appointed by the Cabinet.

Section 10. The member appointed by the Cabinet holds office for a term of two years. The retired member may be reappointed.

Section 11. Apart from retirement on account of expiration of the term of office under Section 10, the member vacates his office upon :
(1) death;
(2) resignation;
(3) being removed by the Cabinet;
(4) being incompetent or quasi-incompetent;
(5) being imprisoned by a final judgment, except for a petty offence or offence committed through negligence.

When a member vacates his office before the expiration of the term of office, the Cabinet may appoint another person to fill the vacancy. The member appointed under the preceding paragraph remains in office only for the term of office of the person he replaces.

Section 12. At the meeting of the committee, of the chairman does not attend it or is absent therefrom, the committee shall elect one of its members to preside over the meeting. Any decision of the meeting shall be taken by a majority of votes. In voting, each member shall have one vote. In case of a tie, the presiding chairman shall have an additional vote as casting-vote.

Section 13. At every meeting there must be an attendance of not less than one half of the total members in order to constitute a quorum.

Section 14. The committee may appoint a subcommittee to consider or perform any activity as assigned by it,

Section 15. The committee has the duty to give advice to the Minister in the following matters :
(1) Determination of land to be reserved as national park and extension or cancellation of the national park;
(2) Protection and maintenance of the national park;
(3) Matters consulted by the Minister


CHAPTER 3
Protection and Maintenance of the National Park

Section 16. Within the national park, no person shall :
(1) Hold or possess land, or clear or burn the forest;
(2) collect, take out, or do by any means whatsoever things endangering or deteriorating woody plant, gum, yang, wood-oil, turpentine, mineral or other natural resources;
(3) Take out animals or do by any means whatsoever things endangering the animals :
(4) do by any means whatsoever things endangering or deteriorating soil, rock, gravel or sand;
(5) change a water-way or cause the water in a river, creek, swamp or marsh to overflow or dry up;
(6) close or obstruct a watercourse or way;
(7) collect, take out, or do by any means whatsoever things endangering or deteriorating orchids, honey, lac, charcoal, barks or guano;
(8) collect or do by any means whatsoever things endangering flowers, leaves or fruits;
(9) take in, take out any vehicle or drive it on the way not provided for such purpose, unless permission is obtained from the competent official;
(10) cause any aircraft to take off or land in the place not provided for such purpose, unless permission is obtained from the competent official;
(11) take cattle in or allow them to enter;
(12) take in any; domestic animal or beast of burden, unless he has complied with the rule prescribe by the Director General and approved by the Minister;
(13) carry on any activity for benefit, unless permission is obtained from the competent official;
(14) post up a notification or advertisement, or scratch or write on any place;
(15) take it any gear for hunting or catching animals or any weapon, unless permission is obtained from the competent official and the conditions on prescribed by the latter have been complied with;
(16) fire any gun, cause any explosive article to be exploded or let off any fireworks;
(17) make a noisy disturbance, or do other act causing trouble or nuisance to any person or animal;
(18) discharge rubbish or things at the place not provided for such purpose;
(19) leave any inflammable article which may cause fire.

Section 17. No person shall remove, deface, damage or render useless the boundary posts, signs or other marks furnished by the competent official under this act.

Section 18. Any person entering the national park must comply with the order of the competent official given in compliance with the rule prescribed by the Director-General and approved by the Minister.

Section 19. The provisions of Section 16 and Section 17 shall not apply to the official carrying out any works for protection and maintenance of the national park for education or technical research, or for facilitating tourism or sojourn, or rendering safety or giving knowledge to the public provided that it be in accordance with the rule prescribed by the Director-General and approved by the Minister.

Section 20. In suppressing illegal activities according to this Act, the competent official shall be the administrative official or police under the Criminal Procedure law.

Section 21. The competent official shall have the power to order the person committing the offence under Section 16 to get out of the national park or to refrain from doing any act therein.

Section 22. In case any violation of this Act has caused anything into being or rendered a change in condition to anything in the national park, the competent official shall have the power to give the offender an order to have such thing demolished, removed from the national park, or restored to its former condition, as the case may be. In case the offender fails to comply therewith or the offender is unknown or for prevention or alleviation of the national park from damage, the competent official himself may take any of the said actions as may be appropriate. The expenses incurred thereby shall be borne by the offender.


CHAPTER 4
Miscellaneous

Section 23. If the Director-General thinks it appropriate to require from the public any payment for services of facilities given by the competent official in the national park, or to require any person to pay fee of remuneration for permission to carry on any activity or to sojourn therein, he is empowered to fix the rates and lay down rules concerning the collection of the said service charge, fee or remuneration, with the approval of the Minister.

Money collected under the preceding paragraph, fund donated for maintenance of the national park, fine accruing from settlement of the case conducted by the competent official under Section 28 and other kinds of income shall be exempted from any tax or duly, and kept as the expenditure for maintenance of the national park according to the rules and methods prescribed by the Director General and approved by the Minister.


CHAPTER 5
Penalty

Section 24. Whoever violates Section 16 (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding five years or fine not exceeding twenty thousand baht,. or both.

Section 25. Whoever violates Section 16 (6), (7), (9), (10), or (11), Section 17 or Section 18 shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding one month or fine not exceeding one thousand baht, or both.

Section 26. Whoever violates Section 16 (2), (3), (4), or (7) shall, in case the animal or property collected or taken out is of small value or a slight damage is caused thereby, be punished with fine not exceeding five hundred baht.

Section 27. Whoever violates Section 16 (8), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18) or (19) shall be punished with fine not exceeding five hundred baht.

Section 28. The competent official shall have the power to settle the case in respect of offences under Section 25, Section 26 and Section 27.

Section 29. All weapons, instruments, utensils and vehicles used by any person in committing the offence of clearing or burning the forest under Section 16 (3) or offence of endangering animals under Section 16 (3) or offence of endangering or deteriorating soil, rock, gravel or sand under Section 16 (4) shall be forfeited regardless of whether they belong to the offender, and whether any person is convicted.


Transitory Provision

Section 30. Any concession or licence for working timber or collecting forest product under the law on forest, licence for residing in or exploitation of a protected of reserved forest under the law on protection and reservation of forest, prospecting licence, mining concession or licence under the Land Code which was granted or issued to any person before the day of enforcement of the Royal Decree valid issued under Section 6 shall be valid only for the remaining period of such concession, prospecting licence, mining concession or licence.


Countersigned by
Field Marshal S. Dhanarajata
Prime Minister


Regulation on the Permission of Tourism and Accommodation Conduction in National Park, B.E. 2536

(text unavailable)

Announcement of the Royal Forest Department on National Park Entrance Fee

In addition to all issued announcement of the Royal Forest Department, it is deemed to set up the National Park Entrance Fee for foreigner. The Director General of the Royal Forest Department, by an authority under the Regulation on the Permission of Tourism and Accommodation Conduction in National Park, B.E. 2536, Section 1, Item 6, has issued the following;

1. Rate of Entrance fee for foreigner
1.1 Adult 200 Baht each person
1.2 Child (under 14) 100 Baht each person
(No entrance fee for children under 3 years old)

2. This announcement is enforced in addition to all issued announcements relating Entrance Fee of the National Parks under National Park Division, Natural Resource Conservation Office.

This announcement is effective from issued date.

Issued on the 6th June B.E. 2543
(signatory) Plodprasop Suraswadee (Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadee)
Director General, The Royal Forest Department.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Elephant polo – colossal fun in Thailand




If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary for your next trip, Thailand's coastal town of Hua Hin is celebrating the tenth King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, and it promises to be mammoth fun.


There are three elephants on each team
Each animal is ridden by a player and a mahout
The event is one of the highlights of the Thai social calendar
Elephant polo, the popular Thai sport whose international rules were established in the early Eighties, offers a unique experience for spectators from around the world. This year is a particularly good opportunity to join in the fun as the royal seaside town of Hua Hin is holding the tenth King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament from 5th-11th September, and they're pulling out all the stops to make it a jumbo event.

Guided by their Thai mahouts, the huge, two-ton beasts lumber down the field, the earth shuddering under their weight. Behind the mahout, the pith-helmeted player wields a long cane with a polo mallet head at the end and shouts his instructions. Suddenly there is confusion in the middle of the field. The massive bulks collide and the ball – a standard polo ball – disappears amid a cloud of dust and a tangle of tree-trunk legs.


Neither fast nor violent, the game is played in Thailand under the strict rules of the World Elephant Polo Association and at the end of the match sugar cane or rice balls packed with vitamins are given to the elephants while their 'drivers' enjoy a cold drink. 


This year, the event promises to be one of the highlights of the Thai social calendar and many international celebs are expected to attend to raise funds for the National Elephant Foundation, an organisation that provides medical care, food, training and work for the animals' caretakers and trainers. It's also hoped to give a boost to the funds and public profile of the Thai Elephant Therapy Project, a project that uses elephants in therapy treatments for autistic children.


The week-long event will kick off with a blessing ceremony and an opening parade with brass bands, and will offer a range of other attractions besides the competition: there will be an Asian spice market, music and folk dancing as well as plenty of food stands offering tempting local dishes.
In addition, the Anantara hotel chain, organiser of the championship, is offering an extra special VIP experience, where the temptations include accommodation at the Anantara Hua Hin, VIP access to the polo matches, meals, transfers, photos with players and elephants on the field, and a spa treatment.

Further information:
Anantara Elephant Polo 

Tourism Authority of Thailand

the Monkey Feastival, Thailand

A trip to the City of Lopburi was on our agenda, to witness the Monkey Feast at their Khmer temple. Lopburi isn't too far from Bangkok, it takes two hours by train or one hour by car or bike. Since we had our toddler coming along, we choose the quicker minivan option to get there. 85 Baht per person is a good price for this speedy service, they took us there via Saraburi in a short time. Since we knew Lopburi and it's temple well, the proclaimed Monkey Festival drew our attention. Some research beforehand about their timing and schedule must have been ignored, two weeks prior to the event. No one had time to give any details or answers to our question. The website was also a big void on information, so we took our chances. Macaque monkeys occupy this temple compound, it seemed to be their refuge when the City of Lopburi developed around this 1.000 year old ruin. The animals are not so welcome with the merchants near here. When they venture around, they snatch food. The humans keep the monkeys with slingshots and sticks at bay all year round. We witnessed that on several occasions prior to this day.

Today was their big "Thank You" day and a feast was arranged for them. Several dozen concrete monkeys were scattered around the compound. The venue is fenced in and accessible from the south, where a stair leads to the lawn, surrounding the ancient Khmer temple. There is also a ticket booth to the left of the stairs, but today admission was free to anyone!

Friday 2 September 2011

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Thursday 1 September 2011

Pattaya 2011




Pattaya Today is a magnet for All kinds of people. Unfortunately, not all of 'em are wanted by all groups. The nightlife Here Is Without Any comparison Elsewhere in Asia , aim the red-light presence, accounts for a Majority of the tourists here and That Is very visible. We do not want to carry on the Thousands of sex workers in town, on the GoGo bars, sleaze-shows or perversions of the sex trade, as media Already That HAS year of overflow. We Want to Give You a Detailed Report on the situation here, Regarding tropical beaches. After all, Pattaya Is not Marketed as a huge whore house, intended as a beach holiday destination Some community with character. So we Looked Deep into this matter and visited all the major shores in 2011:


The seaside resort of Pattaya lot of attractive to visitors, tourists and holiday guests from Many Nations on this planet. The beaches and untouched Were Almost free of people, When the cam US soldiers here in the 60's and 70's on a break from the fighting zones in nearby Vietnam and Cambodia . The birth of Pattaya as a touristic destination Fell Into this time frame. Coconut trees, sand and shallow shores Provided everything, the soldiers and early FEW backpackers needed.

From small straw huts to Two-floor-hotels to mega-towers for Thousands at a time, the Transition Period WAS Relatively short. Today's Pattaya hotels Have Every thinkable option of accommodation for you, to follow Offerings Every taste and budget.

The Three Major beaches are Wong Amat, Pattaya and Jomtien beach. Wong Amat in the North just HAS Developments Witnessed Some huge, predominantly for visiting Russian Their clientele. Russian holiday seekers do now control the northern share of Pattaya, Naklua Also Known As. This Used To Be a holiday ghetto for German and Austrian tourists, drank Their numbers continue to dwindle further Top. Some older buildings on signage remind onlookers of Those Times When Deutsche Marks and Austrian Shillings, Were the currencies of choice here. Marks Have vanished and Along Came the Euro, Which of the Russian tourists Bring big bundles. Nobody likes Their Own, Communist worthless currency, So They Bring stacks of US-$ and €. The Russians scored big with Any vendor here and gladly pay the inflated Prices Asked. Most visible signage These Days, Is in Russian or Thai, Even the Germanic form food temples, now feature Cyrillic (Russian) signboards.




Part 2: Pattaya City Beachfront

Pattaya Does Have a wide beachfront, Which is fully Developed and commercialized. The So Called Beach Road, Pattaya Beach Along the stretches and the bumper-to-bumper traffic here, IS a sheer nightmare.

Seventeen pedestrian traffic lights Along the main roads, are Supposed to Reduce Fatalities and injuries in the Pattaya. Located on goal although zebra-striped crossings, Their sheer existence IS wildly Being ignored and the law enforcement Does absolutely nothing about That. Is not a red light signal to stop for a Thai driver, It Is Merely a colorful dot of light That Is to Be ignored. We Observed Even police pickups and motorcycles, running a red light clear. THEY make great Model Citizens To Others!

Once pedestrians make the dash across Beach Road in one piece, They face a concrete path, flanking the road on the beach side, Before the forests of umbrellas on the beach for itself. The beach IS making headlines as a crime scene to weekly and IS Noted Further Disappear. Ocean Currents Their toll and take away massive flush Amounts of sand daily.

The thin stretch of coarse sand Did not APPEAR as dirty, as on previous visits. DURING the day, sun worshipers Some come here for a tan. The Jet Skis are here for world famous Their Prices and extortion of inflated tourist's cash compensation with fake damage Demands, read Our Own Jet Ski Scam report on this matter!

Powerboats twin outboard engines with oversized, new ferry tourists to outlying islands, like in the old days. The Few swimmers, That do not Have Concerns about heath water contamination, are now restricted to cordoned off sections of the water. Hardly anyone brave the purpose floods here. I do not blame 'em at all! Occasionally, Some Arabs or Indian tourists Can Be seen swimming, drank the warm water HAS lost it's appeal to guests MOST.


The beach and nightlife form GI R & R resort of Pattaya, Is Now One of Thailand's foremost cash generators for international tourism. The Thousands of hotel beds Offered, are fighting hard for occupancy rates. The sleazy red-light districts ATTRACT Probably more touristic interest, the mediocre beach Than Itself. Hence Pattaya's public image Remains Low in the western world and lots of violent crimes Rather, Discourage families to come. Police here HAS sincere long left the "to serve & protect" standpoint, As Is Accused with corruption and extortion Frequently too. That turn a blind eye THEY Openly visible to underage prostitution, child pornography and Other side effects from society here, IS Known and Documented well. At times, law enforcement importé commandos from the capital Bangkok , do large raid discos, Entire whore house golden avenues run So Called sting operations. Their success Goal Is Always very temporary and limited Therefor. Entire loads of night club visitors Were Forced to Give urine samples to check for substance abuse in the Most Recent Past and road accidents with serious Injuries or Fatalities outscore the counts of Much larger cities. Local transport IS a big scam in Itself. Inner city bus lines Were Forced out of business and Passengers Were Bullied by the omnipresent blue "bahtbus" society. Except for A Few fixed routes, They charge 150 Baht As Much as for 2 or 3 km. That is for wrinkles in the back of a pickup truck! Extortion scams and follow the visitor here at a closed space, the hotels Have a hard time to fill Their rooms outside the peak season short.

International hotel chains run Some objects here. While Some Have Their guests built a new place to stay, Others Have resorted to a quick-cash operation and refurbished a year older beach road tourist hotel. One Of Those Is The Hard Rock Hotel (shown below), that 'tries hard to hawk the Well-Known brand Amongst the newcomers with bigger budgets.

Cafes, restaurants and gourmet temples all want piece of the profits Their here, while A Few Accomplish Their Goals and Their Customers Satisfy well, Others go for a quick buck and rake in whatever THEY can.

Discos Have free drinks for cheap or single ladies to lure the Abundance of girls for the night Into Their halls, guests order pay way above average for Their drinks. GoGo Bars and Beer Bars with "hostesses" are Offering sex and drinks, and citywide Often Until late. Our own sleep in a very remote from of town (North Pattaya) Until 4 AM WAS disturbed by Some ultra-loud Karaoke Bar nightly.



Part 3: Jomtien Beach Chomtien gold (South of Pattaya)

The only real share of Pattaya, the beach Where we clean Considered Enough for our baby, WAS SEVERAL km south of Pattaya at Jomtien. Here the red light seemed to Be sleaze and less dominant, we enjoyed Spent time here very well. Plenty of Others liked it here too and the beach Appeared Fairly full. If ever We Have to stay in Pattaya again, it sure Will Be clear away from the city. At least Pratamnak up hill on the way to Jomtien.

The sand here est aussi Fairly coarse, That Was Actually better purpose for our youngster. He found kids to play with Other, anytime we needed a break. We Did not Have a boring minute here. Chairs are 30 Baht per day and drink Prices Were reasonable. The water Appeared clean and free of trash and plastic Any oil slicks.

Nothing real nice, if Compared to the beaches Much prettier island of Koh Chang for example. Surely good enough goal for a picnic at as well as Some Beach Some chillout and fun in the sand.

As gasoline a year, we Would Like to state - That UNLESS you are a single traveler, looking for a male or female Hired company, Pattaya Can not Be a serious choice holiday destination or for anyone. Pattaya's public image as Asia's biggest whorehouse, IS a very true statement by some. A Few man-made attractions around (zip-lines or wooden temples) do not change this. Public transport IS very substandard and mafia-style exaggerated in terms of fares. Send Pattaya's Politicians to Penang or Georgetown to learn about this. Location of your accommodation Makes a big difference here, a wrong choice and your nightly sleep There Goes. If you want to party wild, this May Be a place to hang around. Order if you want to Spend a holiday by the sea, There Are Hundreds of better options alone in Thailand . A positive aspect for Some Is The availability and selection of ethnic foods from all over the globe, we aim like Thai food and That Is Being sold here only in Remote Areas. Folks That fancy Couscous African, Arab or Russian dishes Shaowarma Can really dig in here. Pizza, schnitzel and steaks are aussi HAD To Be everywhere.



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