Kaeng Krachan The Winner of the 2006

KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK
Winner of the 2006 Thailand Tourism Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site - Central Region

Nestled on the western brink of the country four-hours drive from Bangkok is a wilderness unparalleled for its rich diversity of birds, large mammals and flora. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand's largest national park (2,914 sq km) and part of a continuous forest complex covering 30,000 sq km of land spanning the border with Myanmar. The park lies at the junction of biogeographic zones so biodiversity in the area is a mix of Indo-Burmese and Malaysian forms.

At middle and higher elevations in the forest, two major watersheds fed by the Phetchaburi and Pranburi Rivers support wildlife. In the lowlands beyond the forest, they sustain agricultural activities. The waterways turn from trickles at their sources to raging water columns in mid-course, to gentle meandering wide streams in the lowlands. Along these waterways lie mineral licks and wallows fed by smaller forest streams where a plethora of fauna including Fea's barking deer, Tapir, Asian elephant come to feed. Tiger, Asiatic leopard, and wild dog lurk along trails leading to the mineral licks waiting for these prey species to emerge in the dead of night. Endangered Siamese crocodile nest along the banks of the Phetchaburi River. The Banded leaf monkey is also commonly seen.

Spanning altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,513m, Kaeng Krachan hosts a diversity of vegetation and is home to a rich bird fauna. Over 400 species are recorded, including the rare Ratchet-tailed treepie, found nowhere else in Thailand. Yellow-vented and White-bellied Pigeons, Grey Peacock Pheasant, six species of hornbill and seven kinds of broadbill are also present.

FLORA
Forest covers 80% of the park and comprises dry dipterocarp, mixed deciduous, and evergreen types.

source : tatnews.org

Thai Massage for Health

Once enjoyed only by Thais but now gaining a worldwide following thanks in part to its popularity in the ever-increasing number of Thai spas, legions of visitors to Thailand are discovering the holistic benefits of traditional Thai massages.

First time recipients are often amazed at its rejuvenating abilities, especially after a cramped, long-haul plane ride or a tense day hunched over their computers at work. Many people may think of massages as self-indulgent pampering, but Thai massage’s surprising rejuvenating abilities come from the fact that it is actually a holistic therapy with ancient roots in traditional medicine and has been practiced over the centuries as a form of healing.

Like many aspects of Thai culture, traditional Thai massage derives its origins from ancient India, and arrived in Thailand through Buddhist missionary monks who were also trained as healers. Along with the spread of Buddhist faith, the traditional massage techniques gained popularity for their abilities to relieve ailments like backaches, headaches, tension, and fevers.

Thai massage technique is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running along our bodies. It is linked to the ancient Indian yoga philosophy that our life energy is supplied to our bodies along 72,000 lines that run along our bodies. That’s why some of the stretching poses of Thai massage resemble the stretching poses of yoga – to give the body the same holistic benefits. Thai massage focuses on ten key energy lines along our bodies and uses pressure techniques to release the blocked energy along those lines.

Statues at Wat Phra Chetuphon (or Wat Pho) temple illustrate various postures featuring methods of self-massage known as 'Hermit's Self-massage' techniques evolving from yoga poses.

Along with releasing blocked energy, there’s a spiritual element to Thai massage as well. It’s believed that the masseuse is healing the recipient by giving love to the patient through his or her hands. Back in ancient times, the masseuse would say a prayer to centre the mind in a meditative mood before performing a healing massage. This meditative awareness gives the masseuse the power to sense the energy flow and blockages in the recipient’s body so that the ailing parts can be healed. When done properly, the masseuse should feel as relaxed as the recipient, because Thai massage is supposed to be a spiritual act that nourishes both the giver and the recipient.

source : tatnews.org

Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand

General Information

Doi Inthanon National Park covers the areas of Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and Toi Lor Sub-district of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 482 square kilometers. The National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand and the source of many rivers such as Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power. The National Park has beautiful natural scenery such as waterfalls, particularly Mae Ya Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

Historically, the mountain of Doi Inthanon was refered to as Doi Ang Ka. Prince Intharawichayanon, the last ruler of Chiang Mai, realized the importance of the country’s forests, especially in the north, where the forest serve as the watershed for the country. He was interested in helping and supporting people who were investigating the history in his area. So he requested that his body must be placed on the summit of Doi Ang Ka. After his death, the mountain was renamed Inthanon, a short version of his name. Today, visitors can see the Inthanon Wichayanon stupa on the summit of Doi Ang Ka.

Topography

The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.

Climate

Since the National Park is located at 2,565 meters above the sea level, it has cold weather and high humidity throughout the year, particularly on the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.

Flora and Fauna

The forest in the park is one of the country’s very significance and valuable heritage. Forests include Moist Evergreen Forest, Pine forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest, worth in economic like teak and mountain pine. Dipterocarp spp. Xylia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus, macrocapus Terminalia sp. and Lagerstroemia sp. to name a few. In addition to these, there are many beautiful flowers including vanda orchid, phycastylis and rhododendron. Sphagnum Moss and osmanda fern are found at higher levels in the park. fifty years ago, the mountain peaks were home of hill tribe people. The biggest village was Ban Khun Klang, whose agriculture method was often destructive to the forest ecosystem. Currently the several Royal Projects, assists the villagers in growing cold-climate fruit such as strawberries, grapes and apples as well as flowers. The number of wild animals in the park is decreasing the encroachment. The animals are hunted and their habitats are destroyed for agriculture. The remaining animals include serpent, gibbons, tigers, deer, wild boars, Siamese hares and Red Jungle fowls.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects addition many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green-tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush and the Yellow-bellied Flower pecker are known to over summer and probably breed.

source : dnp.go.th

Gem & Jewelry Museum

The establishment of Gem and Jewelry Museum constitutes the institute's plan with expectation to promote the knowledge and understanding, and encourage the youth and people in general to realize the value of Thai gem and jewelry. The museum also serves as the place for preserving samples of gem and jewelry for next generations onwards.

For the abovementioned reasons, in 2001 the institute established the Committee on Implementation of Gem and Jewelry Museum Establishment Project, co-chaired by Professor Sakda Siripant, the former director, and Dr. Sunee Sriorathaikul, the then president of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association. The committee lent cooperation in procurement of gem, jewelry and precious metals, as well as production equipment, sufficient to an extent for exhibition at the museum. Subsequently on February 22, 2002, the institute held the preliminary exhibition for the museum. The exhibition was presided over by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce. The preliminary exhibition was purported to enable the public relations on the museum establishment project to wider public. From that period onwards, Gem and Jewelry Museum has welcomed the continual visits by students, course participants, as well as general public.

Bearing the determination to develop the museum into the preservation site for samples of gem and jewelry for the purpose of continual education for next generations, which will lead to the development of personnel in the Thai gem and jewelry industry, during 2003-2004, the institute improved and adjusted the exhibitions for further progress through adding in the permanent exhibitions of Gem and Jewelry Museum. The permanent exhibition comprises the demonstrations of gem mining and production process, exhibition of pre- and post-cutting gems, categorization of gems by varieties and properties and designs and manufacturing of jewelry, as well as the video presentation on the gem and jewelry industry and the gem and jewelry trade statistics. In addition, the computer aided instruction has been installed in the exhibition room for self-study.

Gem and Jewelry Museum was officially opened on Thursday 26 August, 2004. Its grand opening was presided over by Her Royal Highness Galayani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra to celebrate the 80th Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Galayani Vadhana and for the lasting propitiousness of the museum, officers and its co-founders.

source : git.or.th

Ruen Come In Thai Restraurant , Chiang Mai

Ruen Come In is one of Chiang Mai's finest Thai and northern Thai restaurants, combining traditional and classical Thai dishes with a beautiful contemporary Lanna Thai environment.

Set in a majestic Northern Thai Style Teak Wood House, Ruen-Come-In Restaurant Chiang Mai serves your appetite with Thai and Northern Thai food along with local fruit juices. Enjoy yourself in Chiang Mai-Lanna Contemporary Thai House and indulge the Taste of our recommended dishes.

There are many restaurants that offer Thai food in Chiang Mai and when you take a tour in the city, you can find many eating venues in Chiang Mai. However, if you try to taste our delicious Thai-Northern Thai Cuisine offerings that have been passed along as family recipes, you will be pleased with your experience and yourself. The followings are what recommended by us and other food critiques.

source : ruencomein.com


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Thi Lo Cho and Umphang Back to nature , Thailand

Thi Lo Cho and Umphang Back to nature in the western forests of Thailand

Introduction to Umphang
Umphang has a mountainous topography. It is the largest among the eight counties of Tak Province. A large number of Karens have been inhabiting here for ages.

In the old days, Umphang was a west garrison town under Uthai Thani Province's jurisdiction. It served as a passport checkpoint where Burmese merchants entered Thailand. These merchants kept their travel documents in a bamboo section with a lid. These documents were called "umpha" in Karen, which later was changed to Umphang.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Part of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Thi Lo Su is a limestone waterfall with a height of 900 m above sea level and a width of 500 m. Thi Lo Su in Karen means a waterfall with a loud noise. Its water source comes from Klo Tho Stream supplying water for the waterfall all year round but the water will be more plentiful in the rainy season. Situated in the embrace of charming luxuriant vegetation, Thi Lo Su is the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand and is ranked among the six most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Here, white foaming water jumps down the sheer cliff. And since Thi Lo Su faces east, rainbows will appear when water spray reflects the sunlight at a perfect angle. The air is real refreshing. You can swim to your hearts' content in its large pond with pleasant cool water. Camping is allowed in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary.

To get to Thi Lo Su, you can sail along the Mae Klong River and disembark at Tha Sai point. Then, continue travelling on a pickup for about 45 minutes to arrive at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. After that you are required to walk to Thi Lo Su Waterfall for about 45 minutes. However, automobiles cannot access the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in the rainy season (June-October). During this period, you have to walk right from Tha Sai to the waterfall which takes about 3 hours.

Thi Lo Re, part of the East Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, means rainbow waterfall as in the morning, rainbows appear in the area. The water jumps down the 80 m high cliff amidst the greenery. It can be reached by dinghy sailing along the Mae Klong River. You are recommended to be there not later than 10:00 a.m. to be able to see the rainbows.

It is not far from Thi Lo Re. The name means the rain drop waterfall. It comprises two levels. The upper level gushes from the sheer cliff while the lower one flows down to the Mae Klong River. The water bursts into drops looking like those of rain. You can go there by trekking or dinghy sailing.

source : thaiwaysmagazine.com

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Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2007

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony
The Trang Chamber of Commerce – in association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International as well as other participating local authorities and private sector organisations – have cooperatively launched the 11st Anniversary of “Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2007” event to promote tourism opportunities in the province. The event will be held during 13-15 February 2007 at Pak Meng Beach – one of the best known sand beaches with the peaceful atmosphere and the aligned Koh Meng as its background. The project is aimed to further promote the truly spectacular natural seaside and marine resources - with the warm atmosphere of love giving to each other under the concept of “Romantic Destination”, as well as the beauty of a symbolic flower of the province named “Sri-Trang”, whose pale violet blossoms in season are pleasantly ubiquitous everywhere.

Trang is the province endowed with charming tourism treasures combining several chests of jewels given by the nature – numerous tropical rain forest valleys, distinctive and endorsing-imagination limestone stalactites and stalagmites, and spectacular waterfalls with purely natural water rushed from limestone caves. Being located along the coast of the Andaman Sea, Trang is an origin of an amazingly well-endowed coral reef, where is the habitat of aquatic plants and marine creatures. During the Trang Underwater Wedding event, when no disturbing monsoon emerges, the province’s splendidly scenic resources simultaneously show their natural beauty, especially the sweet blossoms of “Sri-Trang” flowers, to warmly welcome tourists worldwide.

Application and Registration

For Diver Couples:
Please fill in the Application Form and Diver Registration Form enclosed herewith and submit to:

For Non-Diver Couples:
Please fill in the Application Form enclosed herewith and submit to:

Trang Underwater Wedding 2007
43 Tanasan Building, Chiangmai Road, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600
Tel: +662 863 3288 (automatic) ext. 246, 304 Fax: +662 437 8123 Or

Trang Chamber of Commerce (Trang Underwater Wedding 2007)
188 Kantang Road, Aumphur Muang, Trang, Thailand 92000
Tel: +667 522 5353, +667 521 0238 Fax: +667 521 1380

Email address: info@underwaterwedding.com
Please visit our website at www.underwaterwedding.com


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Bangkok International Boat Show - Boat Thai 2007

Bangkok International Boat Show - Boat Thai 2007






Boat Thai 2007 Cruises Forward with Firm Support from the Industry Bangkok, 9 January 2007 – The first international boat show to be held in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, has the boating industry in Thailand abuzz with excitement. Boat Thai is on track for a successful first show, having already garnered many firm reservations despite being more than three months away. Support from leading marine companies located in Thailand includes Lee Marine, Blue Wave Watersports, Simpson Marine, Kingfisher Marine, Go Boating and many more, making this an event not to be missed.

Suntec Integrated Media, organiser of Boat Thai 2007, scheduled for 27 to 29 April 2007 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), is targeting a strong showing of well-heeled visitors from Bangkok and around the region. As boating becomes increasingly linked to affluence and grows in popularity as a leisure pursuit, the organisers are confident that Boat Thai will satisfy exhibitor and consumer demands for an international boating platform in the heart of Thailand

For further information please contact:
Tom Van Blarcom / Kitti Tharmapornpilas
TQPR Thailand
Tel: 0 2260 5820 ext. 161
Fax: 0 2260 5847-8
E-mail: tqprthai@tqpr.com

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BO SANG UMBRELLA & SANKAMPHAENG HANDICRAFTS FESTIVAL , CHIANG MAI

BO SANG UMBRELLA & SANKAMPHAENG HANDICRAFTS FESTIVAL
January 2007
Chiang Mai


Bo Sang near Chiang Mai is renowned for its exquisitely hand-painted parasols made from mulberry paper and silk. The dainty parasols are decorated with beautiful floral motifs painted in dazzling colours. The designs are very distinctive and are instantly recognizable.

During the festival, brightly decorated craft shops and stores line both sides of the 'high street' transforming Ban Bo Sang into a picturesque village decorated in the Lanna Thai style. Colourful umbrellas and traditional lanterns liven up the handicraft fair.

In addition, there are contests, exhibitions, cultural performances, local entertainment, and a variety of shows by day and night. There is a grand procession of parasols and local products, a variety of handicrafts for sale, northern-style "Khan Toke" meals, and the Miss Bo Sang pageant.

Bo Sang parasols are popular decorative and gift items sought after by visitors from all over the world. Its international appeal is confirmed by the fact that the Bo Sang parasol won the "Best Souvenir" prize at the International Tourism Seminar held in Los Angeles, USA.

For more information, please contact:
TAT Northern Region Office: Area 3 (Chiang Mai)
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607, (0) 5324 1466
Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th


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ALLAMANDA LAGUNA PHUKET

ALLAMANDA LAGUNA PHUKET offers a comprehensive selection of services that will make your holiday so easy to enjoy. Dining is a pleasure at the resort's Lagoon Grill, where you can dig into scrumptious barbequed meats under the stars; and of course there is the Courtyard Café, an informal restaurant that serves all-time favorites from around the world. If you are itching for a shopping spree, spend some time at the Canal Village with some lovely designer boutiques and handicrafts shops.For a selection of books, magazines and play stations, visit the Library. Craving for a swim? With three swimming pools in the resort, there is a pool close to you wherever you are. Yet if you prefer a stroll along the beach or trying out the facilities of the other resorts at Laguna Phuket, regular pontoon* and shuttle bus services will take you there in no time. Read more





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Kate Moss to be marrying in Thailand

Kate Moss is staying at the luxury Amanpuri resort in Phuket, Thailand and newspaper reports say that Pete Doherty joined her there to see in the New Year – and get married today.
'Senior management at the hotel have been told that the couple are having a romantic, bohemian-style beach wedding,' an insider at the Amanpuri tells The Daily Mail. 'Family and friends have been invited.'
The ceremony may have no legal significance in the UK and could simply be a romantic ritual to endorse the couple's long-standing relationship.

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