Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Around Thailand

80 Days For The King Of Thailand

ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is the most significant annual tourism promotional event in Asia, hosted on a rotational basis among the member countries of ASEAN. Thailand is honored be the host for ATF 2008,   more...which will be our 5th time since its establishment.

The Kingdom of Thailand, one of the worldûs most vibrantand fascinating tourism destinations, has captivated travellers and businesspeople from around the world. A rich cultural tradition, a wealth of natural beauty and wildlife,geographical and cultural diversity add to its allure.  less

In 2007, Thailand celebrates the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Throughout the year, there are numerous events planned to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Among them is the “Royal   more...Initiative Discovery” campaign being jointly arranged by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Thai Airways International PCL.

Based on His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy model, the new campaign favors a quality over quantity philosophy under which equal attention is paid to ensuring both sustainability and grassroots benefits from tourism. Under the Royal Initiative Discovery campaign, for the first time, a number of rural development and poverty-alleviation projects created by His Majesty, as well as Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother and other members of the Royal Family, are being opened to the public in the form of unique travel packages.

These projects, located in remote parts of the Kingdom, are in line with His Majesty’s philosophy that poverty can best be eradicated through improved health, steady income through honest work, and knowledge and understanding through education. They have not only changed the lives of those who were meant to be helped but also those who helped to make them possible.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see and learn about the many successful royal projects initiated by His Majesty the King of Thailand. These projects, covering a wide range of agricultural development activities from organic farming and sustainable fisheries to reforestation and income generation, have greatly contributed to Thailand’s sustainable economy and will no doubt continue to play a major role in implementing the sufficiency economy concept.

His Majesty the King of Thailand is known as the working Monarch of the world. During his long reign, the King has worked tirelessly to help his people achieve a better standard of living. Throughout the country, thousands of royally-initiated projects have been launched to improve the quality of life of the people of Thailand.

His Majesty’s wish to help the people in remote areas has also been taken to heart by Her Majesty the Queen who has accompanied the King on multiple royal visits to every region of the country. Through Her Majesty’s Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) established in 1976, family members of farmers and villagers have been trained in various handicraft arts which they then use to make articles that can be sold. Family income is thereby increased along with the individuals’ self-esteem. Today, handicrafts from the SUPPORT Foundation are not only widely consumed domestically but also provide welcome sources of export revenues for Thailand.

In recognition of His Majesty’s tireless work and the global relevance of his call for a sufficiency approach to development, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday, 26 May 2006, presented His Majesty the King with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the United Nations Development Programmer’s first ever Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award and it was presented by Mr Annan to His Majesty at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Not only do these royally-initiated projects enable people in remote areas to stand on their own feet, they also give rise to new tourist attractions which in turn enable local people to raise their income levels. At these royally- initiated projects, visitors can appreciate and gain insights into local crafts while also enjoying beautiful scenery. They can also tour plantations and buy the fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers that are grown and cultivated there. A visit to the projects in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai also present opportunities to understand the lifestyles of hilltribe minorities.  less

Thailand-Japan Relationship 120th Anniversary Celebration @ Central World By www.ozonetv.net

Seventytwo Hours Amazing Thailand By www.ozonetv.net

Hau Hin Jazz Festival 2008 is Back.
JAZZ ON THE BEACH and JAZZ IN THE TOWN.The long-awaited lively and unique jazz experience is here again at Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2008 from 13-14 June 2008 at Hua Hin   more...Marriott Resort & Spa and Hua Hin Jazz in Town from 15-21 June 2008 at Hua Hin Railway Station.

Enjoy live music performances from local and international jazz artists among the backdrop of beautiful sea and clear blue sky.  less

One of the best places to experience Songkran is in Khao San Road,Bangkok,Thailand,where it is celebrated on a grand scale with a flavour uniquely and entirely its own,attacting visitors from far and   more...wide.This year,Songkran Thai New Year festivities scheduled fro April 12-15,will be held at Khao San Road,in the vicinity of the city's gates and around the city moat.One of the highlights of the festival is the "Songkran Khao San Road Beauty Queen Procession" that takes place on Songkran Day itself-April 13.It is here that the visitor gets to see various aspects of Khao San Road,first hand,-its culture,cuisine,arts, and crafts as well as the friendly  less

Deriving from the Sansakrit language, the word "Songkran" means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and the other   more...planets into one of the zodiacal orbit. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India which comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects supporting this belief such as the blooming flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all the living creatures.


With the great influence from the Indians, the Songkran Festival portrays the typical ways of life of the Thais which involve the agricultural aspects. Free from their regular routine work, the Thai citizens will find time to perform their annual rites of showing respect to their ancestors. The highlight of the festival will include the younger Thais paying respect to their elders by sprinkling their hands with scented water. And in order to welcome the New Year, the celebration will include the delighted colourful local entertainment which, in fact, suitably unite the mutual relationship between members of the family, the society, the nature and surrounding. Therefore, this Songkran Festival has proved to be the most important and grandest festival of the year. Moreover, our neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have also organised this type of festival.


Since the old days during the Sukhothai period, the Songkran Festival had been practised both in the royal court palace and among the ordinary citizens. However, the size of the celebration had not been as elaborated as of today. Back in those days, civil servants and other government officials would pay homage to the king, and would drink the oath of allegiance to the king or the government, while the king would provide annual salary to all officials. Later on in Ayutthaya period, the festival had been expanded by including  less

Tourism Authority of Thailand and Nakhon Nayok Province is pleased to invite you to take part in the Canoe Slalom Championship & Olympic Qualification Competition 2008 to be held at Nakhonnayok   more...Province, Thailand from May 17th to 18th,2008.For more information please visit website:www.
http://www.nasoc2008.com/  less

The province of Petchaburi and Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 2 will host the 10th Thailand International Kite Festival 2008"Coloring the Sky". At the fair, you can see the world’s   more...biggest kite and many other interesting and beautiful kites from all over the world.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 2 together with Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Petchaburi Provincial Administration will hold the 10th Thailand International Kite Festival 2008. The event will help publicize and promote cooperation between various sectors in preserving and restoring Thailand’s unique cultures and traditions. Moreover, the event is aimed at drawing in more tourists to Petchaburi Province.

Visitors will be able to see kite displays from the four regions of the kingdom as well as from every corner of the globe. Some of the highlights include Chula and Pak Pao Kites Competition, Sai Raew, Kite Contest, Kite-making tutorial, and painting contest. Tourists can buy many souvenirs and also participate in many fun rally activities.
In addition, GISTDA will prepare other activities for the participants to enjoy such as assembling triangular pyramid kites, decorating Pak Pao kites, viewing the presentations about Theos Satellite and the technology to investigate distant information. Tourists can also see many types of satellite pictures in this event.Hi-light of this event :1. Thai Kites form 4 Regions, Kites from Rattanakosin Era.2. Chula and Pak - Pao Kites competition, The World Largest Chula Kite Show.3. Fast Kite Flying and exhibition workshop International Kite Show.4. Kite Show from more 16 countries with Giant 3D flying : Maple Kite train, Sexy Legs Kite, Giant Gecko Kite, Giant Octopus Kite, Free Willy Whale Kite, Smiling Sun Kite, Teddy Bear Kite, Mermaid Kite, Banner Art Kite etc.5. Night Kite Show. 6. Stunt Kite Show, Activities and Workshop
7. THEOS Satellite Kite, Tetrahedron Kite Show, Science for Kids Activities by
Geo - Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency
(public Organization) (GISTDA).8. Kite Stall Contest, Arts Activities, Kite Workshop, etc.9. Parachuting Show.10. Remote-controlled Small Airplane show.11. Balloon Show.12. Visit the summer seaside palace of H.M. the King Rama VI.13. OTOP Fair, Food Fair.14. Safe Energy Global Warming Caravan  less

The Asean Tourism Forum or ATF is the annual summit and trade show of the association of South East Asian Nations or Asean,one of the world's fastest growing tourism regions.The ten countries have combined   more...population of approximately 567 million and combined GDP of over US$1 Trillion in 2006, Asean attracted an estimated 56 million
visitor or an 8 % growth over 2005  less

Chachoengsao or Paet Rio is located on the east of Bangkok. Its fertility is due to Bang Pakong River. It is an important venue for agricultural products in the Central Region, with mango as the most   more...popular fruit of the province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra Phutthasothon Buddha image.

Derived from Khmer, the name Chachoengsao means deep canal, while the name of Paet Rio (Paet means eight and Rio means stripes) has been believed to have come from the way dried fish (which are abundant in the area) were being pierced into eight stripes.

The history of Chachoengsao dated back since the Ayutthaya Period during the reign of King Phra Borom Tri Lokkanat. Most people live along the banks of Bang Pakong River and canals. Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon is the center of beliefs and faith. In the past, Chachoengsao was a small town, and was upgraded to a province in 1916.

Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok, with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King Amphoe (sub-district), namely: Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap, and King Amphoe Khlong Khuean.  less

Over 60 community-based tourism projects,40 environmentally frinedly hotels and 4 tour operators were conferred Thailand Tourism Awards 2007 at gala dinner organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand   more...(TAT)
on 13 December 2007,at the Dusit Thani Hotel,Bangkok.
On 26 April,2007,the TAT Excutive Board agreed to organise the
Thailand Tourism Awards 2007 in a special way to commemorate His
Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007.
All three award catagories are designed to promote the professionalism,
standards and image of the Thai tourism industry,recognised as one of
the country's most important contributors to economic and social development.
The Award of Outstanding Performance: These awards recognise local
communities for their management in line with the priciples of economic
sufficiency,marketing and promotion activities,strong future potential,and
proper facilities to welcome visitors.
A total of 62 communities from 5 regions received the Awards including
central region(21),Bangkok(3),Northern region (14),Southern region (13)
and northeast region (11).
The Awards of Environmental Friendly Hotel.These awards recognised
the winning hotels for their culture of environmental conservation and management.A total of 40 hotels were awarded out of 141 nominess from all over Thailand.
Tour Operator Awards of Honour: These awards recognised tour operator
were awareded,both inbound and domestic.
The award-winners were selected by panel of senior public and private sector executives and related officials.The nominees were checked and
analysed between March to December 2007.
TAT Governor Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn said " I would like to warmly congratulate all the award winners for their efforts and commitment.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is demonstrating its seriousness in promoting sustainable tourism by upholding the standards of products and services.We want the awards to be recognised as a certificate of high standard environmental management."  less

http://www.netmarketingcourse.net/conquest-authority-bonus - Conquest Authority Bonus

I and my Korian friend drive a club car into the jungle, along the way 7 elephants appear! Extremely close to us..! Really rare experience, once in your life try it when come to Chiangmai at www.thejunglerider.com

While I&my Korian friend are driving a golf car into the Eco-trail of the Jungle Rider project, an elephant appear! He stand eatting bamboo leaves on the off road!!! Very wild!! 5555 visit www.thejunglerider.com

http://www.ALLFRUMTHAI.COM Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. Learn More about Destinations in
Asia - Start Planning Your Trip!

Hidden deep in a valley ringed by misty mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son whose charming misty panoramas gave it the name “City of the Three Mists” is a real discovery trip. Thailand’s second northern most   more...provincial city, and also one of the most sparsely populated (with about 300,000 inhabitants ). Sheltered by several high mountains and enjoying a cool climate almost all year round it is also one of the most environmentally protected. Over 75 percent of the entire province comprises mountains, forests and jungles.  less

Kiteflying had become a popular sport and is enjoyed by people worldwide.The history of its evolution has spanned over centuries.Nowadays,the development in its pattern or natural use is interesting.The   more...shape of the kite is currently more beautiful than before,and its structure is grander.New technology is prominently involved in t he process of its production.This is an important factor that creates a variety of figures and structures,which makes kiteflying more spectacular and exciting.It is believed that kite making was initialed around 400 B.C. with purpose of pleasure and recreation.A documentary record states that a Chinese engineer,Kung Fu Shan,had made a wooden bird that could float in the air for 3 days.This is historically considered as the first kite in the world.In Thailand,Kiteflying has been popularly adopted since the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.Its enthusiastists have ranged from monarchs,the nobility as well as commoners.However,there was a law forbidding flying kites above the royal palace compound.The punishment for any violator was to have his/her cut off.Pakpao and Chula Kites were found in the Ayutthaya period.Contest were held throughout and King Rama II of the Rattanakosin period was very fond of the contest.He flew his Chula Kite into battle against his brother's Pakpao Kite.Westerners have compared the Chula and Pakpao with the male and female since the man evidently dominated the woman at the time.Kiteflying was mostly enjoyed and encourage in the 4th reign since King Mongkut gave permission to kite fliers to use th Thoong Phra Mane Ground,presently knows as Sanam Luang,as a flying ground.In the King Rama V's reign,Kiteflying was promoted to be one of the national annual events.Tourism Authority of Thailand organized the first kite festival in 1989 and has continued to do so at Sanam Luang,Bangkok and Muang Thong Thani,Nonthaburi and Phrachuap Khiri Khan Province. In 2008 Tourism Authority of Thailand in collaboration with the goverment and private sections organize the 10th Thailand International Kite Festival during 8-9 March 2008 at Phetchaburi Province.Hi-Light Thai Kite Show for this year is Thai Kites from 4 regions,Kites from Rattanakosin Era,Chula and Pak Pao Competition,The world largest chula kite show,fast kite flying and exhibition workshop.International Kite Show is kite show from more than 16 countries with Giant 3D Flying:Maple Kite Train,Sexy Legs Kite,Giant Gecko Kite,Giant Octopus Kite,Free Willy Whale kite,Smiling Sun Kite,Teddy Bear Kite,Mermaid Kite,Banner Art Kite etc And Night Kite Show,Stunt Kite Show and Hot Ballon Show.  less

The North Face,Tha Toursim Authority of Thailand and Active Management Asia Co.,Ltd. are pleased to announce the next River Kwai Trophy adventure race at Saiyok,Kanchanaburi .Scheduled for Saturday,March   more...1,this three to eight hour wilderness adventure race will take teams of two through a 40 k to 50 k unmarked course of running,mountain biking,swimming,and paddling. "The River Kwai Trophy course is very exciting as the route travels along scenic trails exploring the montains,farmlands and the magnificence of the Kwai River valley in the Saiyok District,"said Serge Henkens,Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series Manage."The Kwai river valley is an ideal location for this type of event.it's the perfect recipe for a great race;this jungle,steep mountains,lakes,caves and picturesque trails,all very challenging terrain indeed."Thailand's beautiful and stunning scenery are showcased to perfection at the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi province.The Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series is attracting attention and participation from sports tourist from over the world,said Mr.Jamlong Rattanaphan,Exclusive Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand."We are very excited to see that a record 200 competitors made up of both Thais and foreigners are seeing Thailand from this totally new perpective." For more details please take a look at www.riverkwaitrophy.com  less

This year's popular Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade and Art Festival 2007 organized by Hua Hin Hotelier's Club led by Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin,Vintage Car Club of Thailand,Tourism   more...Authority of Thailand,Hua Hin Municipality and Hua Hin Market Village,held on 1-16 December 2007.
The purpose of this year event is to assist in creating the destination awareness,product and brand loyalty to communities over Thailand and
aboard,to display the charming vintage cars and various kinds of the valied arts.Furthermore,this occasion is th mark His Majesty the King's
80th birthday anniversary on December 5th 2007.All proceeds will go to
the Chaipattana Foundation  less

LOI KRATHONG – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & Illuminated Boats
As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands   more...of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.

The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways.

The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival
During the early Rattanakosin period, the royal rituals of Jong Priang, Lote Choot, Loi Khome Long Nam, performed during the twelfth lunar month were based on Brahmin beliefs. These were the court versions of Loi Krathong performed as an act of worship in which the Devaraja or ‘God Kings’ made offerings of light to the Brahmin deities. Lit lanterns were hoisted on to poles for two weeks during the twelfth lunar month and then floated on the waterways as ritual offerings. From its Brahmin roots, the practice has evolved over time and has come to be part of a Buddhist ritual performed as an act of deep reverence and worship of the sacred relics and holy footprints of Lord Buddha.

The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk. Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular.

At dusk, as the full moon begins to rise, the krathong is decorated with fresh flowers and the candles and incense sticks are placed in the krathong. The float is then taken to a waterway where the candle and incense sticks are lit and the krathong set adrift. The floats are carried downstream by the gentle current, candlelight flickering in the wind.

Soon after, attention turns to celebration. The evening's festivities consist of impressive firework displays, folk entertainment, stage dramas, song and dance. Scenes as described in ancient Thai literary accounts are still very much in existence today.

Krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular and are made from materials easily found in each locality. Loi Krathong customs and traditions reflect local beliefs and cultural evolution and interesting regional variations can be seen.

Loi Krathong Sai on the Ping River
Night of A Thousand Floating Lanterns
In Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, "Loi Krathong Sai".

****Yi-Peng Festival in Northern Thailand
In the Northern Thai provinces that were once part of the ancient Lanna Thai kingdom, the Yi-peng Northern Lantern Festival is still being celebrated. Tubular lanterns, resembling hot air balloons, are lit and released into the night sky as an offering the Lord Buddha. As hundreds of illuminated lanterns drift into infinity, this conjures the same sense of wistful closure as the krathong float downstream.

The lighting of fireworks is undertaken in the same spirit as when lighting candles in an act of worship so fireworks displays are very much an integral element of the secular and religious rituals performed.

*The Origins of Loi Krathong
There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also beli  less

Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade & Art Festival 2007 Press Conference,At Vibhavadee Ballroom Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok.