Join the 12th Aerobics marathon for AIDS infected

Here is one event which brings charity and enjoyment jointly. Bangkok’s famous 34 storey Amari Watergate hotel’s Hatch Fitness centre is all set to host their fun filled annual ‘12th Aerobics Marathon for Aids Charity”. Purely aimed at encouraging people to make donations for the education of children whose parents have passed away due to HIV infection and HIV infected orphans, this 3-hour aerobics marathon will be led by fitness experts like Bankchart Kaewchompoo, Jirayu Somyoo, Ladda Pramote, Yodchai Ymmakup, and more.

The hotel’s Ballroom situated on the 8th floor, which will witness the event on the 28th of September, 2008, is being done up in style. Part of the proceeds which will be raised during the entire event will be distributed to ‘Chalerm Prakiat HRH Princess Sirindhorn School’ and the second beneficiary ‘Baan Gerda Children’s Project’, an Aids orphanage in Nongmuang, Lop Buri.

With more than 900 participants, who participated enthusiastically last year, the no. is bound to increase manifold for the 12th Aerobics Marathon. What’s more is that there will be various competitions like best female & male dancer, the most creative costume and the team with most participants. You can win grand prizes for your ardent moves!

If this really sounds interesting to you, then you still have the time to chip in. The tickets for the event are priced at 300 Bahts and are available with the reception desk of Amari Watergate Hotel’s Clark Hatch Fitness Center, on the 8th floor. So go ahead and prove your mettle!

Get wooed at Bangkok’s Fashion & Leather Fair

The Thai capital is fast becoming the pulse of the newer generation and in this effort to brand Bangkok as the “ASEAN Fashion Center”, the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) under the Ministry of Commerce is planning to draw attention to the Thai fashion and leather industry by showcasing the “23rd Bangkok International Fashion Fair and 21st Bangkok International Leather Fair 2008″ (BIFF & BIL 2008).”

To be held from the 27th to 31st of August 2008, this fashion & leather extravaganza, is expected to get bigger and better this year with its foremost regional sourcing and networking platform for both local and overseas fashion trade professionals. Being held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, it is going to be a treat for the fashion connoisseurs to eye some of the magnificent range of services including design, manufacture and merchandise, with emphasis on a strategy of value-added performance in every segment of the fashion and leather industries alike.

BIFF and BIL is unique in its activities. More than 40 amateur designers (with less than 8 years of experience) and 10 designers (with their own brands) from countries like India, Australia, Mexico, Japan and Spain, will showcase their stunning collections. Some of the other attractions of the event will be

* Resort Wear : summer and travel wear.
* BKK SMITH : acknowledging new wave jewellery designers and entrepreneurs.
* Bag &Totes : leather bags made for party, leisure and work.
* Material &Tanning: Leather Materials & Tannery for fashion & lifestyle products
* Exotic Asia : Crafted Textile & Clothing in Asian Styles

Last but not least, BIFF & BIL 2008 will also be the platform for the Asia Fashion Federation Conference 2008 under the theme “Today Asian Fashion Lifestyle”. Participating will be some 200 representatives of the five member countries of the Asia Fashion Federation: China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand. With more than 850 booths and 550 companies, and free entry (except on trade days), the entire show is certainly going to be Thailand’s most exciting trade and fashion experience and a must for all committed to some serious fashion.

Claiming your vat refund in thailand

Like most countries, Thailand also offers VAT benefits to its tourists. This means that when you buy certain commodities from the country, you will be given a certain amount of cash refund depending on the amount you have spent. This VAT refund will only hold good if you have purchased materials from a shop displaying “VAT refund For Tourists” sign.

Here are some of the pros and cons while claiming your VAT refund in Thailand:

* A VAT refund will only apply if the goods purchased are taken out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase.
* When you purchase the goods, ask the sales assistant to complete a VAT refund form, known as the P.P.10, and attach the original tax invoices to that form. Each P.P.10 must show a value of 2,000 Baht or more.
* The total amount claiming for refund must not be less than 5,000 Baht, including VAT.
* You need to show your passport to the sales assistant when you purchase the goods, so that he/she can fill in the above mentioned form.
* When you are requesting the refund, the goods will be thoroughly inspected by customs officers prior to check in.

There are other things you must take care of. Firstly, you will be charged approximately 100 Bahts as fee if you request a cash refund. While for a draft refund an additional drafting fee also applies, for credit card refunds, a 100 Baht fee plus money transfer fee at the rates charged by banks will be charged.

So how will the refund be paid? Well there are two ways. If the refund does not exceed 10,000 Baht then you can have the refund made by cash (Thai Baht), draft, or a credit to your credit card and if the refund total does exceed 10,000 Baht then, refunds will be made by either draft or a credit to your credit card.