The Illuminated Boat Procession
Date : 29 September – 15 Octorber 2009
Venue : Mekong River, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom
Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
Date : 31 October - 2 November 2009
Venue : Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
 |
 |
Yi Peng Festival
Date : 27 October - 2 November 2009
Venue : Tha Phae Gate, banks of Ping River, Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang Mai
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival
Date : 1 - 4 October 2009
Venue : Sanam Ming Mueang, Suan Somdej Phra Srinagarindra, Sakon Nakhon
 |  |
The 10th Lunar Month Making Merit
Date : 5 - 19 September 2009
Venue : Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan and Suan Somdej Phra Sinagarindra 84
(Thung Tha Lat Park), Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Features a large and splendorous event of Nakhon Si Thammarat, experience the spectacular procession from Sanam Na Mueang to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. Purchase various local products on sale and enjoy various forms of entertainment.
 |  |
You could be forgiven for thinking that a domesticated buffalo is not built for sprinting, but in Chonburi town, the gateway to resorts along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, farmers have managed to tweak a turn of speed from these working animals that is nothing short of amazing.
The annual Buffalo races, 28 September - 4 October 2009, are a hotly contested series of sprints across on an open space in front of the town’s municipal offices.
Tourists and the town’s residents turn out for these amazing races that have been featured in the past on CNN and the BBC as a must-see event.
The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favourites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.
Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
Not exactly the most adhering of titles for an aspiring beauty queen, but it does not seem to deter contestants from seeking the limelight of the catwalk.
Here is a festival that provides photo opportunities to capture an unusual adaptation of the 100-metre dash. Well worth seeing, is always the conclusion of those who make the effort to travel to Chonburi.
For more information
TAT Call Center 1672
TAT Pattaya Office Tel. +66 (0) 3842 7667
Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series
 | The Ibis Koh Samui Trophy brings the new, spectacular and fast growing sport of Adventure Racing to the South of Thailand. Supported by Ibis, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Thai Hotel Association of Koh Samui, this inaugural Adventure Race is set to attract 150 teams from around the world. Scheduled on September 19 and part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the race will start and finish from the magnificent Bohput beach in front of the IBIS hotel in Bohput. Adventure Racing is a highly visual and dynamic sport genre, stretching competitors to their limits. It is a sport that is rapidly capturing the imagination of sport people in Thailand and around the world. |
20% of the sponsor’s donations will go to environment friendly initiatives brought by “The Green Island Project”, a local green association.
“Despite 10 years of unbelievable development, we wanted to show that the Island has a lot to offer and is still a paradise destination”continues Henkens. “Well-known for its magnificent beaches, Samui also offers fantastic opportunities for Adventure and Great Outdoor lovers. The Island has all the ingredients for a memorable race: the blue ocean, forests, mountains, water falls, sandy beaches and a very rich fauna and flora. The perfect recipe for great Adventure Racing” concludes Henkens.
The Koh Samui Trophy will offer 4 disciplines: Running, Cycling, Kayaking and Swimming.
The competitors will hike and run through unspoiled jungle, paddle and swim on the turquoise waters of the gulf of Thailand and cycle over the hills with spectacular views on the ocean.
 | As we offer 2 divisions, Adventure (easier course) and Extreme (longer course), the race is really accessible to everyone! continues Henkens. The winners of the extreme division are expected to complete the course in approximately 4:30. The fastest team in the Adventure division is planned to finish in around 3:30h. |
Disciplines: Running, Kayaking, Biking, Swimming and other mystery tests
Teams of 2 racers
Categories will be: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters Men (over 80 years combined) and Seniors Men (over 100 years combined)
About IBIS:
Ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value.
Ibis Samui is the 4th Ibis hotel opened in Thailand after ibis Phuket Patong, Ibis Pattaya and Ibis Bangkok Sathorn.
Ibis is also reinforcing its presence this year in Bangkok with the Ibis Bangkok Nana, opened in March and Ibis Phuket Kata opening end of the year.
About Active Management Asia
Adventure racing is a new sport that has exploded in popularity across Asia and Thailand. Active Management Asia is leading that growth in Thailand with its highly popular Amazing Adventure Race Series.
Now in its third year of operation, Active Management Asia has established an international reputation
for solid logistics and challenging race courses. These non-stop races, ranging in length from 4-8
hours, require teams to run, trek, mountain bike and paddle, while navigating a course through the wilderness.
Likened to an expedition with a stopwatch, adventure racing requires teamwork, perseverance, strategy and determination.
For more information:
Active Management Asia Co., Ltd
Khun Ying (Thai-English)
Tel: 02 7189581-2
Fax: 02 7189583
Email: info@active-asia.com
Website: www.kohsamuitrophy.com www.active-asia.com
Tee of time at the annual Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival.
It could be tagged the best golf offer in Asia and it is perfect timing as the bargains on the greens are now matched by superb discounts offered on air travel and accommodation.
Hua Hin and Cha-am, twin resorts on the west side of the Gulf of Thailand, annually host the Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival that runs throughout August and September.
For golf enthusiasts it is pure magic. The option of playing eight competition level golf courses all within easy reach of the two resorts, at incredibly low green fees, is undeniably an offer too good to refuse.
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s offices in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, in co-operation with the Phetchaburi- Prachuap Khiri Khan Golf Course Association, host the annual event to support tourism and promote golfing, a valuable niche market that helps the resorts to generate substantial business during the traditional low-season.
Over the last three years, the festival has been fine-tuned to the point it is now recognised as a premier event for Asia’s golfing community.
The promotional offers include the opportunity to play golf at any of the eight selected golf courses, throughout August and September, for only Bt800 — without doubt the lowest green fees of the year.
The exception is Springfield Golf Course, which will increase its green fee for September.
There are also invitations to compete in organised tournaments every Sunday for just Bt1,200 (includes caddy fee and dinner), with lots of lucky prizes. The player achieving a hole-in-one at designated holes will win a car on the last day of the festival.
There are also prizes presented for the 'longest drive' contests and an opportunity to shop for specially-discounted golf products with 10 to 30% reduction on Pro Shop prices at all courses.
Of course, specialised golf travel firms are keen to tap the potential of this popular festival by offering “Golf Lovers” packages at the “heavenly seaside resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-am”.
Approximate prices for all-inclusive golf packages range from Bt11,000 for two nights’ accommodation, two rounds of golf and transfers. A five-night stay with four rounds of golf sells would cost approximately Bt19,000. Trips offered by travel companies can usually be confirmed and paid for online.
For detailed costs and hotel rate information contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand offices in Prachuap Khiri Khan, or Petchaburi provinces.
The following eight golf courses are participating in the festival :
Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin
Tel +66 (0) 3261 6200
Fax +66 (0) 3261 6222
Email: Stacey@banyanestatehuahin.com
Imperial Lake View Hotel and Golf Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3245 6233 - 40
Fax: +66 (0) 3245 6244
E-mail: lakeview@imperialhotels.com
Springfield Village Golf and Spa
Tel: +66 (0) 3270 9222
Fax: +66 (0) 3270 9233
E-mail: playgolf@springfieldresort.com
Majestic Creek Golf and Resort
Tel: +66 (0) 3261 9168 - 70, (081) 942 3619
Fax: +66 (0) 3260 2784
Sawang Resort and Golf Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3256 2555 - 7
Fax: +66 (0) 3256 2558
Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country club
Tel: +66 (0) 3244 2460 - 1, (0) 3252 0801 - 9
Fax: +66 (0) 3244 2463
E-mail: sales_huahin@palmhills-golf.com
Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club
Tel: +66 (0) 3242 2145
Fax: +66 (0) 3242 2146
E-mail: info@kkcgolf.com
Royal Hua Hin Golf Golf Course
Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2475, (0) 3253 1070
Fax: +66 (0) 3251 3038
E-mail: royal_golf@hotmail.com
Thailand International Swan Boat Races 2009
Date : 19 - 20 September 2009
Venue : On the Chao Phraya River, in front of the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre,
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
|
|
Teams compete for prizes in the 21st annual swan boat races at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centre, 19 to 20 September.
Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya province, is worth visiting any time of the year, but it has a special fascination for visitors in September, when the riverside complex hosts the annual international swan boat races.
Now in its 21st year, the dates were changed this year to 19 to 20 September moving back a week from its usual mid-month slot. But it still promises to be a tough, contested, series of races with nine international teams, mainly from around Asia, vying for the annual trophy.
Teams that have already confirmed their attendance include Penang Municipal Park Club Malaysia, Singapore Barbarian A, Singapore Barbarian B, Philippines National Dragon Boat Team, China Nanhai Zhonalian Dragon Boat Team, Dragon Boat and Boat Racing Federation of India and Thailand A, B, and C squads. Two teams surviving the knock-out races will compete for the Prime Minister’s Cup on the final day.
So what’s the fascination for spectators who turn up in their thousands to enjoy the festive spirit and rivalry
For starters it is photogenic and amateur shutter bugs attend in the droves, determined to “catch the moment” in their fancy digital cameras equipped with enormous zoom lens.
Families dominate the spectator profile. They set out their mats on the banks of the river to enjoy a picnic lunch, or just lean back against the trunk of shady tree to watch the races.
They will witness the incredible enthusiasm and energy of the paddlers, who require considerable skill and teamwork to keep their boats stable enough to slice smoothly through the water at incredible speeds.
Swan boats defy the usual logic required to build race-fit craft. They are heavy and built to last. Their long, narrow, round-bottom hulls have high sweeping bows and sterns carved with the head and tail of a mythical swan.
There are actually two categories that can be seen at the races.
The traditional version’s hull is 29 metres long weighing 2268 kg and is often carved from a single trunk of a thakien tree. Manned by 50 paddlers and two helmsmen they are difficult to manoeuvre requiring exceptional navigational skills and team coordination to keep them on course.
International races use a modified version of the Swan boat, usually 15 metres long and powered by a team of 20 paddlers and a paddling helmsman, who uses a whistle to set the cadence rhythm, which can easily exceed 120 paddles a minute in the heat of a race.
The lighter craft weigh in at slightly over 900 kg. They usually race over a measured 650-metre course on rivers, but village races are often held on canals adjacent to temples.
Adding to the excitement, teams in the international races at Bang Sai face the swift flowing currents of the Chao Phaya River, in full flood.
Swan races are a traditional sport in Thailand and Southeast dating back 700 years. Youngsters race the boats during the rainy season on any available stretch of water in competitions that attract bigger crowds than seen at the country’s football matches.
Linked to the Buddhist lent, the races continue through late September to the full moon celebrations in early October, when the three-month lent comes to a close.
Enthusiasts in Asia would like to see this authentic Asian sport in the Olympic and Asian Games. Until that happy day arrives, visit Bang Sai to experience a traditional sport that requires team spirit, endurance and precision all of which guarantees unrivalled spectator appeal.
And for a bonus, hire a car and take the Michelin Map’s green scenic route that follows the Chao Phaya River, just a couple of kilometres up Highway 347 from the junction with the Rangsit- Pathum Thani highway. You can make a stop at Wat Phai Lom, a refuge for migratory storks and follow the minor road that weaves under Highway 9 and brings you to Bang Sai’s handcraft centre.
At the close of the races journey on for another 20 km to Ayutthaya to admire this World Heritage site in the evening as the temple and palace ruins are illuminated. It is also the classic route for weekend cyclists who turn out in their hundreds to enjoy these quiet lanes. There are three-star hotels and riverside restaurants in Ayutthaya making it an ideal stop on a tour northbound Thailand’s heritage towns.
Race highlights:
The 21st Thailand International Swan Boat Races will be held from 19 to 20 September at Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya province. Free admission. The event takes place from 0930 until 1700. Contact TAT Ayutthaya at 035 246 076 to 7
Event :
Enjoy the boat races and activities
Live broadcast via www.tourismthailand.org
International Swan Boat Race (22 paddlers)
Traditional Thai Long Boat Races (30 and 55 paddlers)
Purchase the Thai handicrafts and souvenirs.
Make a big splash with tourists and visitors alike.
Contact:
- Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand,
Tel. : 66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext : 3475-77
- TAT CALL CENTER 1672
- TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Tel : 66 (0) 3524 6076-7
Spotlight on Bangkok’s Film Festival
Curtain rises on the 7th Bangkok Film Festival, 24 to 30 September.
Now in its seventh year the curtain will rise on the annual Bangkok Film Festival, 24 to 30 September, in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown swank shopping district. The spectacular event promises to deliver more than 80 exciting films with the focus on a new generation of film makers particularly from throughout Asia.
The event is co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, with the gala opening set in the forecourt of the upscale Central World shopping mall.
The opening ceremony promises to be an extravagant affair reflecting classical art and Thai heritage, while the welcome dinner will be hosted near the Chao Phraya River to accentuate the city’s rich and historical ambience.
Other events and film showings will be at various venues including Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon Shopping Complex, SF World Cinema and Central World.
Thailand has for decades earned a reputation as superb location for shooting international movies. A Google search of movies shot on location, in part or whole, in the country confirms its popularity with over 700 examples. Its popularity as movie location has helped to ensure that the local film industry has also prospered and improved in quality.
This development is reflected in comments made recently to Hollywood’s foremost entertainment publication, Variety, which interviewed, Jareuk Kaljareuk, chairman of the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, who also acts as the festival director.
He said: "The Thai film industry has expanded both in its technological advances, its professional skills and its artistic development. It is ready to take its place as a leading member of the international filmmaking community."
Although still to be confirmed, the possible contenders for the Golden Kinnaree Awards, according to Variety, are: Canadian helmer Xavier Dolan's "I Killed My Mother," which won three out of four prizes at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight; Jacques Audiard's Cannes' Grand Prix winner "A Prophet"; Lukas Moodysson's thriller "Mammoth"; and "Burma VJ" by Danish documentary maker Anders Ostergaard.
The Golden Kinaree Awards will be held at Chatrium Suites, a Dusit Group hotel in Bangkok.
Popular action actor, Jean Claude Van Damme, will attend the festival. He is no stranger to Thailand having first visited the country to star in the movie, The Quest, shot on location at the Mountain Inn hotel in Mae Hong Son back in 1996. At this year’s film festival he will introduce his latest film “Until Death”.
Other international movie stars attending the event include Byung-Hun Lee, the Korean star who had a role in the blockbuster movie G.I. Joe and Armand Assante, well known for his action movies over the last two decades.
For more information, please visit www.bangkokfilm.org
The 11th Annual Central International Watch Fair 2009
25 Aug - 27 Sep 09 For more information, please contact Public Relations Department, Central Chidlom |
Learning to give a good foot massage is one of the nicest gifts you can give to your own two feet, or to those of a friend! The ultimate study in this area is called "reflexology," and is something you may want to delve into further if you wish to use foot massage as a health care treatment. This article, however, explains the basics of a general, tension relieving rub for feet. Some benefits of reflexology will happen automatically simply by virtue of massaging the soles of the feet and paying special attention to tender places, but please do not take the information here as anything other than general guidelines for helping tired feet feel better. These instructions are wonderful for achieving that!SUPPLIES you will need are two or three big towels and some form of lubricant. Rich cream works better for a foot's tough calluses and hardened skin than hand lotion or oil, but any will work. You may wish to use one scented with eucalyptus or mint (marvelous for refreshing tired, stale feet) or ti tree oil, which is a natural disinfectant. You can make your own by mixing a couple drops of essential oil into an unscented cream.You can find lotions, creams or oils designed for massage at a health food store or massage supply house. If hand lotion or baby oil is what you have on hand, feel free to use it, but remember that it will need to be applied more often than the products designed especially for massage.If you are working on a friend, have their knee and foot supported while you work; a recliner chair with the foot rest up is an ideal place for the recipient, with the giver either on the floor or on a small stool in front of them.
(The reason for this directional movement is that, as we age, the skin and tissue in our feet tend to migrate toward our toes, leaving our ankles bony and without proper support. That affects our balance; we can help to prevent this by carefully moving things back the other direction.)
After the massage, wipe the soles of your feet with a towel to prevent your feet from being slippery. Slip into some wonderful heavy cotton socks or favorite (clean) slippers.
Your feet will thank you for taking the time to learn an effective way to give a foot rub!
If you have chronic foot pain that is not relieved by a thorough foot massage, or any pain that is made worse, PLEASE see your health care professional for further advice or treatment
Thank you : http://www.yobler.com
So what are the benefits of a Thai Foot Massage?
Other benefits include:
Are you interested in visiting a Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand? Do you want to master the art of Muay Thai for a championship fight or simply learn a new self defense technique? Either way you should arrange to join with on the many Muay Thai Training Camps in Thailand right away. But why travel all the way to Thailand to learn this martial art? This is a very common question, consider the answer below.
Right now Muay Thai is becoming an international craze with training infrastructures popping up throughout the world. So why is Thailand the place to go to learn Muay Thai? Because Muay Thai holds a special position in Thailand. While Muay Thai may have moved to other countries with top classes being taught in these countries the status of Muay Thai in Thailand is still extremely special.
While this excellent martial art started in Thailand is also enjoys a mass popularity in this country. Nearly every Thai individual is crazy about Muay Thai. The depth of this passion is important for two reasons when it comes to Muay Thai training. First there are a large number of Muay Thai events in the country which allow you to observe the techniques in action. Second no matter how successful of a Muay Thai fighter you are you are viewed highly in Thai society.
As Muay Thai becomes more popular the high status of those who practice it is being seen in other countries as well. However, the level of honor and respect you get in Thailand can't be found in any other country. This honor and respect factor can give you an edge over a regular Muay Thai Training Camp in other countries. Also knowing that you are learning an ancient martial art in its land of origin can help charge you up during your training sessions.
Another inspiring factor is the special status of Muay Thai in Thailand and the status of its players in Thai society. You will feel a depth of love and affection in Thailand that you won't get in other countries. This will help boost your own love and passion for learning Muay Thai as well. It will improve your ability to identify yourself with the Muay Thai Training Camp.
Learning Muay Thai in Thailand also allows you to take in the environment of true Muay Thai culture as well. This makes your success at Muay Thai training easier. So look into enrolling in a Muay Thai Training Camp in Thailand today. Don't waste your time looking into other Muay Thai Training Camps. Rather consider travel to Thailand where learning Muay Thai can also give you a new personality. And don't worry about a language barrier since most Thai individuals speak fluent English.
