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Nine Temples Tour in Bangkok (Part 2)

After filling up energy, we are ready to move on the next destination, Chao Pho Sua Shrine (The Shrine of the Godfather Sua). The shrine is located on Tanao road in Thai-Chinese residential area. It is an old Taoist shrine which Thai-Chinese people regard as a must-visit for paying homage. ...

Candle Festival Celebrations Mark the Beginning of Buddhist Lent

Buddhism is the religion of over 90% of the country of Thailand and has broad impact on the lives of Thai people all over the country. Most holidays in Thailand mark important days for the Buddhist religion, including the upcoming Buddhist Lent Day on 8 July, 2009. Buddhist Lent is ...

Paying Homage to Nine Sacred Temples in Bangkok (Part 1)

According to a proverb “a good start is a part of success,” people take advantage of special events such as a birth day or New Year day to gain good luck and get off to a good start. As Thais strongly believe in Buddhism, one of the most popular things ...

Free Visas for Tourists

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: To help boost the Thailand tourism industry the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has waived the fee for all foreigners applying for tourist visas at Thai embassies, consulates and honorary consulates world-wide. The waiver will remain in effect until March 2010 and will allow visitors to Thailand to obtain ...

Time to Run - the Pattaya Marathon 2009

Pattaya Marathon 2009 will be held again on 19 July starting and finishing at Pattaya Beach Road Soi 4---Time to go for a little run! The Pattaya Marathon is being organized to meet international standards of the Asian Athletics Association and event organizers expect a large number of competitors from all ...

Chiang Mai Panda Cub to Named on August 12

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The female panda cub born at Chiang Mai zoo last month will soon have a name after more than 300 different suggestions were submitted in a national naming contest. The 20-day old panda cub is reported to be in excellent health, having put on more than 650 grams ...

Foreign Firms Still Find Thailand Attractive

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s tourism industry might be having a hard time at the moment but foreign businesses still view the kingdom as a desirable place to invest. Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) said 84 proposals worth Bt29 billion ($US848.7 million) were submitted last month, compared to 58 projects valued at ...

Thailand Unlikely to Meet 11 Million Tourist Target

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Travel agents representing inbound travel operators from China and Japan have joined with domestic travel agents to urge the Thailand Government to introduce urgent measures to halt declining tourism arrivals. The Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association (TCTA) and Thailand-Japan Tourism Promotion Association, together with the Association of Domestic Travel ...

Wat Rong Khun - White Temple of Northern Thailand

The city of Chiang Rai in northernmost Thailand is one of the remaining areas where traditional Thai art and culture flourish. Located near the city of Chiang Rai, about 5 kilometers to the south, is the beautiful Wat Rong Khun or White Temple. The White Temple of Northern Thailand has ...

Pattaya Airport to Get $US29 Million Upgrade

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Thai government plans to spend Bt995 million ($US29 million) to upgrade the Vietnam War era U-Tapao-Pattaya International Airport into a modern international air hub. Procurement plans for the military-run airport are expected to be submitted to the government within two months, with construction expected to take approximately ...

Thai Tourist Police Take Down Filipino “Legshaking Gang”

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thai Tourist police have broken up a Filipino "legshaking gang" responsible for a string of robberies against tourists in Bangkok's Silom and Bang Rak areas. Two Filipino men were arrested at the entrance to Soi Silom 28 as they were fighting with good Samaritans after robbing a 54-year-old ...

Export Bank Predicts 20 Percent Fall in Exports

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Narongchai Akrasanee, chairman of the Export and Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM), said, he expects the Thai economy to shrink four percent this year if the government succeeds in applying Bt400 billion ($US11.663 billion) of loans to restore and rebuild the economy as scheduled. Mr Narongchai said he ...

Bangkok Air Introduces Beyond Value Promotion

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In an attempt to increase travel over the summer months, Bangkok Airways has introduced a Beyond Value campaign with round-trip airfares starting at Bt4,600 ($US134) including all taxes and surcharges with free accommodation included. The Beyond Value promotion is valid for travel made prior to July 31st and ...

Bangkok Administration Smiles Program

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In an attempt to get visitors to Thailand to spend more time in the nations capital and explore the many attraction on offer, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is to introduce two value added initiative schemes. The two promotions were announced at the annual Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) currently ...

Thailand Still a Favorite with Brits

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: UK tour operators visiting the Thailand Travel Market in Bangkok have said the kingdom remains a favorite destination for British tourists. The reassurances and praise come despite political protests last year and earlier this year which saw airports closed and a state of emergency being declared in the ...

TAT Segments Market in Attempt to Reverse Tourism Slump

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Inbound tourist arrival figures for the first five months of 2009 have fallen to just 3.2 million, a 19 percent drop compared to 2008. However, while the overall number of people visiting Thailand on holiday has fallen, inbound tourist numbers from the Middle East have increased by 11.5 ...

Macabre Thai Ceremony - Pu Sae - Ya Sae Ceremony in Chiang Mai

Pu Sae - Ya Sae Ceremony is one among several macabre Thai ceremonies. Held in Chiang Mai annually every May or early June, at the beginning of the rainy season (in 2009 the ceremony will be held on June 7), the ceremony of Pu Sae Ya Sae is believed to ...

New Home for Pandas Nears Completion

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s panda family will move in to a new Bt 60 million ($US1.757 million) purposely built snow house later this year. The Chinese design enclosure is currently under construction behind the existing panda habitat at Chiang Mai Zoo and officials expect the new structure to be completed by ...

Japan to Help Clean Thailand’s Air

THAILAND TOURIST NEWS: Thailand tourists and residents could soon be enjoying better quality air as the result of a new partnership scheme between the governments of Thailand and Japan. Japanese ambassador to Thailand, Kyoji Komachi, yesterday said the Cool Earth Partnership would help developing countries such as Thailand create effective technology ...

Hollywood Actor David Carradine Dead in Bangkok

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Three time Golden Globe Award nominee actor David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room early today (June 4, 2009). Carradine will be well remembered for his roles as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s television series Kung Fu, as well as 'Big' Bill Shelly in ...

Emirates Starts Daily A380 Flight to Bangkok

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In a vote of confidence for the Thailand tourism industry Middle East airline Emirates has commenced a daily superjumbo service from Dubai to Bangkok. Emirates Airline, the national flag-carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), commenced the daily service on June 1. In 2008 Emirates was ranked the eighth-largest ...

New Thailand Visa Rules Crackdown on Border Hoppers

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In an attempt to stop people abusing Thailand visa laws, the Immigration Bureau have issued new limitations on the use of Thailand’s visa exempt entry rules. Effective June 1, 2009 a foreigner who has entered the kingdom four consecutive times using the 15-day tourist exemption stamp rule, will ...

GM Thailand Not Affected by US Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Despite the US Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by General Motors (GM), GM (Thailand) says its business remains solid and it is now negotiating with banks regarding loans to be invested in a new diesel engine plant. Stephen Carlisle, president of GM Southeast Asia Operations Ltd, said GM in ...

Royal Vets Despatched to Assist Injured Elephant

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s Queen, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Phra Borommarachininat, has dispatched a team of royal veterinarians to assist in the treatment of an elephant injured in a road accident last Friday. The royal veterinarians were dispatched over the weekend on the orders of the Queen to assist veterinarians at ...

Kanchanaburi Safari Park & Open Zoo: Africa in the West of Thailand

Visitors to Africa don’t find exotic Asian animals on their holidays there but the opposite is the case with Thailand where tourists can get up-close-and-personal with a number of African animal species. Just 40km from the town center, Kanchanaburi Safari Park & Open Zoo is a man-made habitat for several African ...

Elephants Banned on Bangkok Roads

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has joined forces with the Livestock Development Department (LDD) to try and remove all elephants from the streets of Thailand’s capital. A recent survey by the BMA and LDD found there are regularly as many as 74 elephants wandering Bangkok’s congested roadways, mostly ...

Thailand Tops CNN Survey for Asia-Pacific Region

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: An Online Consumer Survey (OCS) by CNN International has revealed that Thailand represents the best value for money for travelers in the Asia-Pacific region. The survey conducted across CNN English websites received more than 5,000 respondents globally. Thailand came out as the best value in Asia-Pacific for respondents ahead ...

Thailand PM Predicts Economy to Recover This Year

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is confident that the Thai economy will recover from its current contraction and become positive late this year or early next year. He said the ongoing global economic crisis had affected trade, finance and investment activities, but Thailand has an advantage over other ...

Laguna Phuket Marathon to Boost Occupancy/Economy

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: One of Phuket’s largest resort operators, Laguna Resorts and Hotels, is predicting average occupancy for its properties could be down by as much as 25 percent in the second and third quarters of this year. The average occupancy rate at Phuket’s largest resort complex fell 27 percent in ...

Chiang Mai May Get Second Panda Cub

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Veterinarians and panda experts from China are keeping a close eye on Lin Hui, the female panda that gave birth to a panda cub at Chiang Mai Zoo on Wednesday, as she may deliver a second cub. The team monitoring Lin Hui said yesterday all they could do ...

Resort Staff and Resident Pitch in to Clean-up Phuket Beaches

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors to the island resort of Phuket should enjoy the regions beaches even more now following a massive clean-up of Nai Yang beach last week. More than 200 residents and resort staff armed with rakes, gardening gloves and more than 300 garbage bags descended on picturesque Nai Yang ...

Baby Panda Born at Chiang Mai Zoo

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitor’s to Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north will soon have another attraction to add to their list of things to see when Chiang Mai zoo puts its latest addition, a baby giant panda, on display. Chiang Mai zoo currently have two adult giant pandas on loan from China ...

Popular Dive Spots Turned into Garbage Dumps by Thoughtless Divers

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Each year hundreds of thousands of tourists to Thailand are lured to venture below the surface of the country’s magnificent coastal waters to explore the vast array of resident and transiting marine life. However, while Thailand offers a range of choices for novice and experienced divers alike to ...

Thailand in War of Words with Burma over Suu Kyi Trial

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: A war of words has erupted between Thailand and it’s northern neighbor Burma, over the ongoing trial of Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On May 18, Thailand, as the current rotating chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), issued a ...

4th Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2009

The forth annual Laguna Phuket International Marathon, also dubbed ‘Run Paradise!’, will take place along the scenic coastlines of Phuket Island, starting at the resort complex on 14th June at 5.00 am. The Marathon will feature races of many categories, including Marathon, Half Marathon, 10.5 Km Run, 5 Km Walk ...

World Acrobats Show 2009 Live in Bangkok

Directly from Las Vegas to Thailand, the world-class acrobatic production, Balagan, will put on its dazzling acrobatic acts, entitled World Acrobats Show 2009, for the first time in Bangkok at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on 10th-14th June, starting 7.30 pm. The World Acrobats Show 2009 will embrace a ...

Northern Thailand Hill Tribe Children Get Education Boost from American Benefactor

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: An American businessman and a Serbian social worker and engineer have joined together to provide children from four of Thailand’s hill tribes with a better future through the establishment of a residential village in Phrao, northern Thailand. The Hill Tribe Children’s Village will house 40 boys and 40 ...

Ozzies Asked to Invest in “Mega-Projects”

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: A trade delegation from Australia has been urged to consider investing in mega-projects in the kingdom, which will be contained in the second economic stimulus package being finalised by the Government. The trade delegation from Queensland consisted of seven Australian organizations involved in the water management, transport and ...

Thailand Economy Plummets

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has reported that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 7.1 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2009, with the consumer spending index (CSI) falling for the first time since the Asian financial crisis of 1997. The government ...

Preah Vihear National Park Set to Reopen

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Authorities in Thailand are preparing to reopen Preah Vihear National Park to tourists following a temporary closure earlier this year due to clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops. Si Sa Ket Governor Rapee Pongbuppakit visited Preah Vihear National Park yesterday, May 24, and said plans were currently underway ...

Government Committed to Tourism Revival

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has committed his government to restoring foreign tourists confidence in the Thailand tourism industry. He said the recent domestic political disputes had caused tourists to loose confidence in Thailand as a tourism destination and this was damaging a vital part of the Thai ...

Thailand Free of Influenza A(H1N1)

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand continues to remain free of the influenza A(H1N1) virus sweeping the globe after laboratory tests showed a German tourist who died at Hua Hin, had succumbed to common flu and pneumonia. Deputy permanent secretary for public health, Dr Paijit Warachit, announced yesterday that laboratory tests confirmed the ...

Phuket Jet-Ski Rental Companies Mull Insurance

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Phuket Provincial Government has established a working party to investigate the feasibility of requiring all Phuket jet-ski rental operators to take-out compulsory insurance. Comprising representatives of Phuket jet-ski rental operators and officials from the Marine Department, Kathu Police and the provincial insurance office, the proposal is an ...

A Celebration of Chiang Mai City Pillar – Inthakhin Ceremony 2009

The annual Chiang Mai City Pillar Ceremony, or Inthakhin Ceremony, will take place this year from May 20-27, 2009 at Wat Chedi Luang in the center of the old city. Chiang Mai annually celebrates Inthakhin for seven auspicious days starting from the 12th night of waning moon in the 8th lunar ...

Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei – Thailand Ghost Festival

As the most well-known event of Loei province in the Northeastern Thailand, Phi Ta Khon is the ultimate yearly celebration. The Thailand Ghost Festival is well regarded as an annual event where revelers put on rather hilarious, yet ghostly, masks made of bamboo and wicker and join in the Ghost ...

Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2009

The Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2009 is scheduled to kick-off this year’s annual event from 12 to 14 June 2009. The Festival boasts 2 tremendous main stages: one on the beach and another in the town of Prachuab Khiri Khan. There will be free entrance for all three-day performances, which ...

Miss Tiffany Universe 2009, Thailand Transvestite Beauty Pageant

Miss Tiffany Universe has grown from a local contest and recently become an international phenomenon. Organized yearly in Pattaya, one of the world’s most infamous cities of hedonism, Miss Tiffany Universe Beauty Pageant is the nation’s biggest transvestite beauty contest. This year the final round of Miss Tiffany will be ...

Wonderful Thailand 2009 and Thailand Dive Expo 2009

During May 14-17, 2009, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center will be hosting two of Thailand’s most anticipate exhibitions - Wonderful Thailand 2009 and Thailand Dive Expo 2009 (TDEX). The events are aimed towards the promotion of Thailand as a tourist destination and to help stimulate a sagging tourism ...

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day at Sanam Luang, Bangkok

No matter how touristy Thailand has grown to be, Thailand remains a country of agriculture. Rice is still a staple food of Thailand and also the country’s most-exported commodity. The importance of rice cultivation for Thai people is reflected in a long-practiced ceremony that takes place at the beginning of ...

Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009

On May 9, 2009, Tourism Authority of Thailand and The North Face sporting goods company are sponsoring the second year of the Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009. The event is being organized with help from sports activity specialist, Active Management Asia. The second year of the Outdoor Unlimited Chiang ...

Boon Bangfai Rocket Festival in Northeastern Thailand

The northeastern region of Thailand is impacted by drought and rain shortage every Summer season – March to May. Most impacted are Thai farmers who have to rely on the weather for the success of their harvests. Many Thais hold onto an ancient belief in animism, where natural phenomenon such ...

Amazing Kayak Rally Family in Krabi

Krabi Province, in cooperation with the Office of Tourism and Sports in Ao Luk District and Tourism Authority of Thailand (Krabi Office), invites kayak lovers across the globe to the “Amazing Kayak Rally Family Ao Luk, Krabi”. The event will take place on 3 May in the world-famous beach and ...

1st Asian Martial Arts Games 2009

Asia is home to many of the most dangerous forms of martial arts in the world. Thailand will be the first to host the 1st Asian Martial Arts Games 2009, which will feature 9 different types of Martial Arts, from 25 April – 3 May in Bangkok and Suphan Buri. The ...

Fascinating Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand Rain Forest Reserve

Khao Sok national park in southern Thailand remains one of the most unique and beautiful areas in Thailand. Khao Sok Park, one of the largest tracts of virgin rain forest remaining in southern Thailand, is believed by some people to be older and more diverse than even the rain forests ...

Thailand’s Best Spas Compete for Awards in Bangkok

The Barai, Hyatt Hua Hin is awarded Best Spa Ambiance and Best Resort Spa; Spa Cenvaree at Central World in Bangkok wins Best New Spa; and RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort in Bangkok wins Best Day Spa at the Asia Spa & Wellness Festival Gold Awards 2009. Out of 28 spas and ...

Seven Things to Do in Chiang Mai - Favorite Chiang Mai Activities (Contest Winner – 3rd Place)

There are many different things to do when visiting Chiang Mai and this helpful article give us a good mix of some favorite Chiang Mai activities, from the perspective of a Thai student. This essay was submitted to us by Thanawuth Kittiwan (Champ). Champ is an English Major at Payap ...

Driving in Thailand – For a Real Adventure

When I first came to Thailand a good friend of mine described Bangkok traffic as being similar to a school of fish. If one moves the others simply need to adjust course and everyone can arrive safely. In my five years of driving in Thailand, including two years ...

Thailand Songkran 2009: Get wet and wild for Thailand’s New Year

This article was sent by Agoda Ready...Aim...Songkran is just around the corner! Thailand Songkran 2009, the nationwide wet t-shirt contest is also the Thai New Year and it's a welcomed relief during the hottest month of year (Thailand Songkran is held from April 13-15th). Based on the belief that water cleanses ...

Akha Hill Tribe - Mini Light and Sound Presentation

Event: “Akha Khon Phu Khao” - Akha Hill Tribe, Mini Light and Sound Presentation Venue: Chiang Rai Social Development Center 12 on the Doi Mae Salong Road, Pa Sang Sub-District of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai To witness to wonders of Akha, you are welcome to attend the upcoming annual light and sound ...

Magic moments of Khmer heritage: Astro-archaeological Phenomenon at Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung

Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung (Phnom Rung) is one of the most significant Khmer era temples in Thailand. Highly regarded as a well preserved example of Angorean style architecture, Phanom Rung is also famous for an extraordinary magic moment. Yearly there is a phenomenon that is marked by festival and many ...

What is a Tuk-Tuk? Come to Thailand for a Tuk-Tuk Ride and Find Out (Contest Winner - 2nd Place)

This essay was submitted to us by Ms. Niphaphon Sithakarn (Nina) who is a Bachelor of Public Administration student at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The tuk-tuk is a popular form of Thailand street transport and Niphaphon has written a light and informative essay about this very unique transport. What is a ...

Songkran Music Festival 2009 at Koh Samui

Songkran Music Festival 2009 is launching its first stage for international dance music festival on April 14, 2009 during the hottest time of Thailand for traveling, Songkran Festival. Make your move and join with more than 5,000 guests to the first and hottest event of Songkran Music Festival at the biggest ...

2009 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Chiang Rai

Thailand’s biggest Polo match (and I mean big... as in elephant sized!), the 2009 King’s Cup Polo Elephant Tournament, will be held during 23-29 March at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. The tournament will kick off in the morning when the elephants will be ...

Thailand Drives by Budget Rental Car – Phuket, Samui & Krabi Loop - Part 1

If you are interested in booking your Phuket car rental in advance please check out our partner website and let us make your booking with Budget Car Rentals at most cities and popular destinations in Thailand. To find out more, please Proceed to Our Thailand Car Rental partner page featuring ...

My Thailand… My Buddhism (Winning Essay - 1st Place)

“I, your father, am called Phra Ya Tak. I swear I will devote my heart and soul to liberate our beloved Kingdom. The freedom of this honorable land will be faithfully dedicated to the Lord Buddha and be a symbol of worshiping our sublime Buddhism” (authors translation). Appearing in the Temple ...

The Multicultural Path of Khao Soi - Northern Thai Noodle Curry (Contest Winner - 2nd Place)

Khao Soi is northern Thailand’s most renowned fare. Can it really be more than just a bowl of noodles? What is it that gives this soup spirit? What is the mystery that is hidden in the scent and taste of this hallmark northern Thailand specialty? What is it that makes ...

Thailand Songkran Festival 2009: World’s Biggest Water Fight (Part 2)

The Festival of Water – Grab your ‘gun’ and get ready to splash ‘em! Throughout the three days of the Songkran Festival (technically April 13-15, 2009) plus a few days before and after, Thailand sets the stage for what is undeniably the World’s Biggest Water Fight. There is absolutely no way ...

Songkran Festival in Thailand – Water Festival 2009 (Part 1)

Held annually on 13-15th April, Songkran Festival is undoubtedly the most festive and celebrated event of the year in Thailand. Songkran marks the Thai New Year (Thai Lunar Calendar year) and is the biggest and most fun-filled time of the year. Songkran (Song Kran) is an important holiday for Thai ...

Different Charms of the Chiang Mai Walking Street (Contest Winner - 3rd Place)

The Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street is one of the renowned Northern Thailand tourist attractions, well-known among both Thai and foreign travelers. This essay submitted to us by Mr. Komwich Wannavijit, English Major at Chiang Mai University, provides a nice description of this famous area of Chiang Mai, from one ...

My Top 5 Favorite Thai Desserts

Thai desserts are more than just something sweet to eat after a meal but have also been used in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies and are very popular gifts for special occasions. The names of each dessert also represent positive symbolic meanings to promote prosperity and success to participants in such ...

BIG+BIH 2009 Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2009 – Impact Arena Bangkok

One of Asia’s top exhibitions BIG+BIH 2009 or Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2009 is going to be launched again during 21 -26 April 2009 at Bangkok’s Impact Arena – Muang Thong Thani district. This year’s event again promises to display some of the finest ...

Doi Pha Tang - A Paradise from Chaotic Life (Contest Winner – 3rd Place)

This essay is a 3rd prize winning entry submitted by Orachorn Saechang (Yee), a Humanities student from Chiang Mai University. The story describes for us some of the beauty that can be found in far northern Thailand at Doi Pha Tang, near the Laos border. Doi Pha Tang - A ...

Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2009

Getting ready for its third year, the Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2009 will launch again on 20 – 21 February 2009 along the beach-side of The Hilton Phuket Arcadia. The third Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2009 guarantees music enthusiasts will be treated to a bigger and more entertaining than ...

Spectacular Khao Yai National Park (Contest Winner - 2nd Place)

Mountainous forest areas in Thailand are protected from logging and development, ensuring that the beauty of these areas is preserved for generations. Thailand also has a host of parks and protected areas, the second largest in the country being Khao Yai National Park located mainly within the northeast province of ...

Life as a Gift of the Sea (Contest Winner - 3rd Place)

We are pleased to publish this heart felt essay written by Ms. Kamkaeo Maneerot, an English student from Chiang Mai University. In this story Kamkaeo recalls her memories of her southern Thailand home and of her very close and spiritual bond with the sea. This essay is full of imagery ...

Phuket film Festival 2009

Film-lovers are in for a treat as we all anticipate the 2nd Phuket Film Festival – 2009 (to take place from June 4 to 11, 2009) as a follow-up to the very successful 2007 Phuket Festival. The June timing is very strategic in that it allows film-makers an opportunity to ...

Backpacking in Thailand - Traveling on a Low Budget

Tips for Backpacking in Thailand From the famously cheap shopping in Bangkok to the affordable paradise of the idyllic southern islands, Thailand is a backpacker’s dream. Now the most popular destination for travelers in Southeast Asia, there’s so much to see and do that it can be hard to know where ...

Panya Project Eco-Village – Sustainable Living in Northern Thailand

This article was written for TTO by Ross Green (Trvlbum) In Northern Thailand, two hours north of Chiang Mai there is an ambitious project underway to study sustainable living principles and practices. The Panya project, brainchild of American Christian Shearer and a close group of family and friends, is gaining notoriety ...

2008 ThailandTravelOnline.com Essay Contest Winners

Last month we invited university students from across Thailand to join our first ThailandTravelOnline.com Essay Contest with the goal to help foreign visitors learn more about Thailand and make an effort to boost sagging Thailand tourism through journalistic effort. We were excited to receive registrations from about 65 students, though the ...

Thailand Underwater Wedding 2009

Each Valentine’s Day since 1996 the world renowned Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony has become one of Thailand’s most unusual annual events. The 2009 event promises to be more popular than ever and is expected to eclipse the existing Guinness Book World Record for underwater weddings, already held for the same ...

Bangkok Airport Reopened

December 3, 2008 - Bangkok Airport Reopens The week-long PAD occupation of Suvarnbhumi International Airport was officially over after Thailand’s Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat, was removed from his premiership yesterday while the Airport operation will be back to full capacity this Friday, reported the Nation. Although the seizure of Thailand’s main airports ...

Chiang Mai Ratchaphruek Exposition and Floral Show 2008

Visitors to Chiang Mai in early December should mark on their calendars that the site of the Ratchaphruek floral show that astounded visitors for 3 months in 2006 will be re-opening for a limited time exposition beginning December 1, 2008. Few foreign visitors may be aware that a magnificent outdoor floral ...

Is It Safe to Travel to Thailand?

Yesterday I wrote about the absurdity of forcing a political agenda by closing off the Bangkok International Airport as a form of public demonstration (view article). I predicted a terrible backlash will affect Thailand tourism in the short-term (beginning with International Travel Safety Advisories) and harm Thailand’s reputation in the ...

Closure Of Bangkok Airport - Certain to Harm Tourism Industry

Chiang Mai, November 26, 2008 - The mob actions of Thailand's PAD party that resulted in the temporary closure of the Bangkok International Airport is certain to harm an already struggling tourism industry - and surely very little can be gained politically. I am a Canadian living in Thailand and operating ...

Bangkok Airport Closure

Bangkok – Several thousands anti-government protesters, People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), blocked the entrance of the $US3 billion international Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok and ordered the officials to close the airport at 9.00 pm last night, reported The Nation. The actions left up to 10,000 passengers stranded inside the facility. More ...

Thailand New Year Gift Exhibition 2009

Department of Export Promotion is welcoming you to Thailand New Year Gift Exhibition 2009, an exhibition featuring a variety of gifts from food and beverage to home and garden. Thailand New Year Gift will be held this year at Muang Thong Thani – Impact Arena on November 28 – December ...

1st Pai International Film and Animation Festival 2008 in Mae Hong Son

Tourism Authority of Thailand of Mae Hong Son and Pai municipal district gladly welcome you to the “1st Pai International Film and Animation Festival 2008,” an open air cinema, from November 28 to December 7, 2008. The event will take place along Pai River in Pai, Mae Hong Son Province where ...

The 19th Lampang Ceramic Fair 2008

The province of Lampang in the North of Thailand has been long renowned for its craftsmanship in ceramic arts and crafts and its reputed “Tra-Gai” or Rooster-painted ceramic bowls. The 19th Lampang Ceramic Fair in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne will be ...

KylieX2008 World Tour Live in Bangkok

After giving audiences in UK and Europe such an impressive vibe, Kylie Minogue continues her KylieX2008 World Tour concert and will rock Thai fans with her one night only performance at Impact Arena, Bangkok on 23rd November. As one of the best dance singers and performers who has been exciting and ...

Thailand: A paradise of bike tour

Feeling the rush of fresh breeze touching the skin and enjoying the sights and sounds of the unrolling countryside is what many biking enthusiasts long for. Well recognized by the biking community as a destination that offers some of the finest biking adventures available, Thailand has a wide variety of ...

Fortrop II International Conference 2008

Kasetsart University Faculty of Forest or KUFF is going to arrange their Fortrop II International Conference in an issue of “Tropical Forestry Change in Changing World” during November 17 – 20, 2008 The conference aims to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of forestry education in Thailand and furthers a good willingness to ...

Borsang (Bosang) Handicraft Festival 2009

Chiang Mai and Sankampaeng district will be set to welcome visitors to this 26th annual event. The “Borsang Handicraft Festival 2009” will be held on January 16-18 within the Borsang Handicraft Village and along the street of Samkampaeng road. This is a great chance to shop for some local handicrafts while enjoying this unique local ...

Another Hidden Heaven: Ang Thong Marine National Park

This post was sent to us by Sukanya Na Nan, Thailand. It is a wonderful day, the day after our journey to Ratchaprapa Dam. We have come back to the same old bus station at Surat Thani and this time we have another escape planned with a relaxing weekend on the ...

H.M. the King’s Birthday 2008

The grand celebration of His Majesty the King’s 81st Birthday Anniversary or Father Day will be celebrated nationally on December 5, 2008. The majestic celebration of Father Day will feature a joyous music festivity and culture exhibition at Sanam Luang, Bangkok during day time. During the celebrations of His Majesty the King’s ...

Markets of Chiang Mai - Handicraft Shopping Paradise

Chiang Mai is shopping paradise for most travelers because of its unequaled abundance of handicrafts and quaint local goods sold at very affordable prices. Open markets and shopping venues are scattered around the city and accessible throughout the day and into the night. The range of products for sale is ...

Sustainable Agriculture: Happiness of Living

Sustainable agricultural and organic farming is an alternative way to live life, preserve a culture, and protect nature in Northern Thailand. Ek-ii-aek-aekkk…the Thai language call of the roosters aroused me from my warm, comfortable mattress. I can glimpse the sun beams seeping through the walls and under the wooden door. I ...

Crazy Motorbike Trip to Pai

Northern Thailand is beautiful with its many mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests, and rice fields dotting the land. The most popular way for visitors to see Thailand is by bus. I see buses everywhere, from the large plush tour buses to the pint size mini-buses, whipping past me while cruising ...

Ratchaprapa Dam: Hidden Heaven in Surat Thani

This post was sent to us by Sukanya Na Nan, Thailand. It was a beautiful morning when we got to Surat Thani bus station in the Surat Thani province about 650 kilometers south of Bangkok. Above us hanged a sign “to Ratchaprapa Dam and Khao Sok National Park” - the destination ...

White Water Rafting in Thailand – Chiang Mai Adventure

It often surprises me that so many people are unaware that northern Thailand offers some of the most thrilling white water rafting in Southeast Asia. Being born and raised at the foothills of the Rockies in Alberta, Canada I am no stranger to white water rafting and, while the Mae ...

Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music

The Bangkok’s 10th International Festival of Dance & Music is taking place in Bangkok and the series of shows will be performed until October 13th. The festival is dedicated to the memory of Her Royal Princess Galyani Vadhana, the beloved sister of His Majesty the King. The event will feature ...