2,433 Chinese citizens return safely from Thailand

After the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) besieged and shut down two main airports of Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang, nearly 1,00,000 passengers missed flights including many Chinese citizens.

This Monday, China brought back 2,433 Chinese citizens by 8:30 a.m. (0030 GMT), the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. A China Eastern Airbus-300 arrived at the Utapao Airport near Pattaya, about 150 km east of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. According to a statement on the ministry’s website, the government will send two more charter planes to Thailand, to fetch home the remaining citizens still stuck there. About 600 people from the Chinese mainland were still estimated to be trapped in Thailand.

The statement said the Foreign Ministry will keep coordination with relevant departments such as Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and China’s National Tourism Administration, and direct the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok to closely watch the development of the event, so as to assist all the stranded Chinese citizens back safely as soon as possible.

Phuket - The ultimate paradise for scuba diving

The largest and the most beautiful island in Thailand, Phuket is undoubtedly one of the top tourism destinations in the world. Southern Phuket has remarkable coral islands like Similan and Phi Phi which are suitable for scuba diving.

Scuba diving uses underwater apparatus for breathing and is used for viewing underwater spectacles like floras, faunas, beautiful fishes, coral reefs, especially in coral islands. ‘SCUBA’ is the short form of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Scuba diving is the main attraction of tourists in Phuket. There are many agencies which provide scuba diving gears and packages for tourists. Day trips as well as night trips to diving areas are also included in the packages. There are dive boats which will take you to the diving destinations.

Coral reefs in Phuket are some of the best spectacular reefs in the world. Over 200 species of hard corals in Phuket create an amazing underwater ecological kingdom. Some of the exotic fish varieties that are seen in Phuket are dolphins, whale shark, manta rays, pelagic and numerous reef fishes and some of the turtle varieties that enchant the Phuket are Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Green Turtles and Leather Back.

Scuba diving in Phuket can be done all the year round except during rainy season spanning from month of May to October. The best time though is December when the water temperature is normally of 26-29 degrees. In March- April it can plunge to 10 degrees temporarily due to thermo clines. Visibility in water of Phuket in dry season is around 40 metres. While the visibility range changes according to the rain during rainy season. Scuba diving in Phuket is an experience of a life time which you can cherish.

‘Shop Full Blast’ from Best Western International

Now you have a special package to have a shopping spree in the top tourist destinations of Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai from the world’s largest hotel chain, Best Western International (BWI). The “Shop Full Blast” promotion features a special rate as low as US$66 for a three-day/two-night stay in any participating Best Western hotels and is available until February 28, 2009.

The package includes: three day/two-night accommodations for 2 persons; welcome drink upon arrival; one hour Thai massage for 2 persons; and a free shuttle bus service to downtown. Guests can also enjoy a privileged 10 % discount coupon for shopping at the King Power Downtown Duty Free Mall located on Sri Ayuthaya-Rangnam Road in Bangkok.

For a stay in the Best Western Mayfair Suites, package rate is at US$120.  The new hotel is located within close proximity to Bangkok’s leading shopping centers: Gaysorn Plaza, Central World Plaza and Pratunam.

In Pattaya, Best Western Bella Villa Cabana Hotel and Best Western Pattaya Hotel offer US$169 package rate for an option to choose from its varied room accommodations: deluxe, deluxe ocean view or the poolside room.

At Chiang Mai, Best Western presents an attractive package rate of US$66 for superior room accommodations.

Chiang Mai opens the world’s largest tunnel aquarium

On Sunday, Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, saw the opening of world’s largest tunnel aquarium. This Zoo’s aquarium, set on a 10-rai (1.6 hectares) plot of land, is made up of freshwater and ocean sections. It is 133 meters long and 66.5 meters wide. The aquarium, being built by the Zoological Park Organization (ZPO), features the world’s longest tunnel aquarium which houses about 8,000 aquatic animals of 250 different species.

The opening ceremony was presided by the Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Somchai visited the northern province of Chiang Mai after he returned home from Beijing, where he attended the Asia-Europe Meeting. Chiang Mai is also expected to be the venue of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit to be held in December.

Kuoni India launches luxury packages to Thailand

In association with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Mumbai, Kuoni India has launched luxury tour packages to Thailand offering various luxury destinations of Thailand including unexplored places like Koh Samui, Krabi, Chaing Mai and Hua Hin. The packages start from Rs. 54,500 per person and include a variety of options of beaches, spas, inland forests and world class hotels. The packages to Thailand include ‘Cultimo’ – a culture based package for short trips and ‘Ananea’ – packages related to responsible and eco-friendly tourism.

Speaking at the launch on Oct 22, Zubin Karkaria, CEO AND Managing Director, Kuoni India and South Asia said, “We have unveiled the luxury packages when the world is facing A global meltdown. I think this is the best time to travel as people are not busy with their business and are upset with their work opportunities. These luxury holidays will definitely make the travellers feel good and fresh.”

Kuoni India had introduced the luxury packages concept way back in 2006 with three destinations and today have about 16 luxury destinations to offer. “We are planning to introduce luxury packages to Egypt, Turkey and Spain by next year. These luxury packages are receiving amazing responses and the segment is growing at almost 25 per cent every year,” added Karkaria.

According to Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director – India, TATA, a new office will be opened in Mumbai by year end to cater to Southern parts of India along with Maldives and Sri Lanka. “We have seen phenomenal growth since we opened our office in New Delhi five years ago. This year about 5.1 lakh Indians visited Thailand and we expect the figure to touch six lakh for 2009. We expect India and China to propel our growth in tourism.”

Countries raise their level of alarm for Thailand tourists

When the protests had started in Thailand, 24 countries had issued a ”travel advisory” for Thailand but later eased the warning when the state of emergency was cancelled last month. But the recent blood shed of the protestors has made ten of these 24 countries raise the level of alarm. The countries are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom, all of which account for a huge chunk of Thailand’s tourism revenue.

On the other hand, the Government is trying its level best to save the tourism of the country from the blow. Tourism and Sport Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said the government needs to work harder to regain the confidence of foreign tourists.

The conflict between the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and groups of politicians, according to Mr Weerasak, might continue but the extent of the dispute would not be as dramatic as Tuesday’s clashes. Addressing 1,090 foreign travel agents and media representatives yesterday, the minister said foreign visitors could travel in other areas of Bangkok and around Thailand without worry.

The group of travel operators and reporters are touring the north, northeast, and southern regions of Thailand until Monday. The ministry and TAT would jointly conduct roadshows abroad to convince international travellers to book for tourism packages to Thailand next year, Mr Weerasak said.

Khaosan Road offers cheap accommodation in Thailand

If you have stepped in the land of Thais and are looking for a cheap accommodation, this one is the best place for you. Located at the Banglamphu, Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok, Thailand, Khaosan Road is just a 10-minute walk from Sanam Luang and The Grand Palace. Slowly but steadily, Khaosan Road has become one of Thailand most well-known destinations with relatively cheap accommodation.

Khaosan Road is the scene for “backpackers” looking for cheap hotels or for those who are arranging transport to their next destination in Thailand. There are many direct coaches from Khaosan Road to all major tourist destinations in Thailand.

At night, the street has stalls selling cheap clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, second-hand books and many other items are useful for backpackers. The lights are turned on at many pubs, bars and restaurants where the travellers tell tales of the days adventures and discoveries and the plans for tomorrow. The pubs and bars found in abundance offer places for tourists where they can enjoy dancing and partying.

Not only with the tourists, Khaosan Road, in recent years, has also become popular among local people. During Songkran festival (Thai New Year) on April 13 to April 15, People wander all the streets with containers of water or water guns and drench each other and passersby.

Poorly-regulated ‘Motorbike for hire’ industry in Patong

According to the reports of Thai News Agency, there has been an alarming number of motorcycle accidents in Kathu district, where more than half of the 500 accidents reported to Kathu Police involved unlicensed foreign motorcyclists, all thanks to the poorly-regulated “motorbike for hire” industry in Patong.

Kathu Police Superintendent Col Grissak Songmoonnark was quoted as saying, “About 60% of motorcycle accidents are from unlicensed foreign motorcyclists, but there are so many unlicensed foreign motorcyclists that we can’t check the exact number. We can count only when accidents occur.”

At the motorcycle rental shops in Patong, foreign tourists and expats can easily rent a motorcycle without having a license. The rental of a motorbike for a 24-hour period – about 150 baht, is more or less the same as for just a single ride in a tuk-tuk in the resort town.

Local residents are also bitter about the fact that some foreign motorcyclists resort to reckless riding ignoring all the Thai traffic rules. Motorbike rental is also popular among some Thai criminals, who use the vehicles when carrying out crimes such as “snatch and runs” thefts.

However, the Land Transportation Department on Phuket insists tourists and expatriates can ride motorcycles in Thailand only when they have been issued a motorcycle license by the department. Motorbike licenses are obtained by submitting identification documents and a work permit or an address guaranteed by the Thai Immigration Office, then passing written and practical tests. The process can be done in a day.

Koh Kong has more to offer than casinos

At the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) workshop on biodiversity conservation and tourism development in Bangkok, Mayuda Mang, deputy chief of the Tourism Department of Koh Kong, reminded the tourists that the 11,000 sq km province of Koh Kong had a wide variety of tourist attractions apart from its casino.

“Koh Kong is home to the country’s largest mangrove areas and we still have several small pristine islands eligible for ecotourism development,” said Ms Mayuda.

Though, situations have been tense between Thailand and Cambodia, Mayuda said Koh Kong and the opposite province of Trat have remained on good neighbourly terms. Trat has sent experts to help Koh Kong villagers preserve mangrove forests, said Ms Mayuda, adding: “We appreciate that cooperation and would like to see deepened collaboration on nature conservation in our country.”

However, she conceded that Road No 48, which was jointly opened by then-deputy prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, with a bridge linking the Thai border to Koh Kong and on to Phnom Penh, would inevitably attract all kinds of investors, traders and gamblers to Cambodia. The owners of the casino projects are Thais and Cambodians and gamblers come not only from Thailand, but also from China and Taiwan, as well as a few locals.

Emergency lifted from Bangkok

The state of emergency in Bangkok has been lifted away by Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat who said that it did nothing but to scare away tourists. However, the political turmoil continues as anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) remaining firm on continuing its protest.

“We should bring back the smile to the country once again, as we are called ‘The Land of Smiles’,” Somchai said. “We have to restore outsiders’ confidence, especially tourists, that we are a peaceful country and have no more conflict.”

It is estimated that Thailand suffered a drop of 30 per cent in tourist arrivals since the political crisis began, with some countries, including Singapore and South Korea, issuing travel advisories.

With the lifting of the emergency, Thai police will again be responsible for security in the capital city, which was being overseen by the army.

Analysts and observers said that the lifting of the emergency could at least trigger a temporary rally for the Thai economy. “A lasting resolution of the political problems is months away at least. The market will step up but any (rally) will be short,” said analyst Kongkiat Opaswongkarn from Asia Plus Securities, one of the country’s leading brokerages.

Phi Phi Don voted among Top 100 World Destinations?

Phi Phi Don in Krabi was voted as one of the Top 100 World Destinations on www.tripadvisor.com, a tourism website owing to its virgin natural beauty and tranquility winning the 82nd rank. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi Director Pornprapa Lorsuwan is overwhelmed and said tourists voted through this website which has over 25 million visitors per month. Phi Phi Don ranked 5th in the top 25 for Asia Tourist Destinations. Other Thai destinations which were also rated in the top 25 included Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pha-Ngan Island, Koh Tao in Surat Thani and Krabi province itself, which ranked 25th.

Have you visited the Uthai Thani in Thailand?

Uthai Thani province in Northern Thailand is less traveled but is richly endowed by nature with its large resource of forest and wildlife. “Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve” which has forests, plains, many streams, and many rare and endangered animals was proclaimed a Nautral World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991.

Other attractions include the different lifestyles of locals, such as the life of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from all directions congregate in the province for a major merry-making festival called Tak Bat Thewo at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri.

The province is divided in to 8 Amphoe (districts), as follows:

Amphoe Muang Uthai Thani
Amphoe Lan Sak 58 kms. from the city
Amphoe Nong Kha Yang 11 kms. from the city
Amphoe Nong Chang 21 kms. from the city
Amphoe Thap Than 16 kms. from the city
Amphoe Ban Rai 79 kms. from the city
Amphoe Sawang Arom 30 kms. from the city
Amphoe Huai Khot 51 kms. from the city

North borders of the province are Amphoe Phayuha Khiri, Amphoe Krok Phra and Amphoe Lat Yao of Nakhon Sawan.

South borders include Amphoe Wat Sing and Amphoe Han Kha of Chai Nat and Amphoe Doem Bang Nang Buat of Suphan Buri.

East borders are Amphoe Phayuha Khiri of Nakhon Sawan and Amphoe Manorom of Chai Nat. The Chao Phraya River divides the provinces.

West borders are Amphoe Um Phang of Tak and Amphoe Sangkhla Buri and Amphoe Si Sawat of Kanchanaburi.

Experience the best of nature at Khao Lak

Khao Lak is famous for its spectacular natural surroundings which consist of a variety of landscapes. On one side of Khao Lak are the dazzling white sandy beaches of Andaman  and the famous Similan Islands, as well as abundant coral beds and wonderful marine life. On the other side are the rich and vibrant jungles, the home to the rare species of wildlife animals and plants.

Khao Lak offers a variety of activities and sightseeing opportunities for nature lovers. Here are some of the wonderful things to see and do there.

Large sandy beaches shaded by casuarinas and palm trees.

Offshore, coral forests are perfect for diving and snorkeling. You can reach here via long-tail boat, about 45 minutes from the shore.

Khao Lak National Park offers go trekking, swim in a waterfall, bird watch or have a picnic in the forest.

Located only one hour offshore from Khao Lak, there is an archipelago of nine islands called the Similan Islands.  Rated within the top ten dive spots in the world, it has to offer the reefs that surround the islands, which are home to giant sea turtles, manta rays as well as a huge variety of fish and sharks.  The islands are numbered Koh 1 - 9, with camping facilities and a restaurant on Koh 4.

There are a number of beautiful temples in Takua Pa, only 30 minutes drive north of Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a diving heaven offering easy access to many outstanding diving spots in nearby marine parks such as Koh Surin and Koh Similan, two of the best diving spots in Thailand. Most dive companies offer ‘live-aboard’ trips (spending the night on the boat) and day trips.

The local bay is extremely sheltered, ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns and hidden caves here, which are not possible to be explored through other boats.

You can also go trekking or elephant riding to discover the areas wild flora and fauna by trekking or riding on an elephant through the forest.

Mekong River Under Threat

It is believed by critics that the north and north east regions of Thailand have always been affected by dry climate. To do away with this difficult situation, Thailand has come up with no less than eight water diversion projects in the past 20 years, out of which at least two have affected the neighboring countries of Burma and Laos.

This time the Thai plans are expected to threaten one of the world’s largest and longest rivers Mekong, which runs through China’s Yunnan province, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Apparently, the Royal government has revived controversial plans to divert water from tributaries of the Mekong River to help agricultural production in the drought affected north east of the kingdom. This water diversion is not for small scale farmers but is to support the large scale farms too.

According to Dr Philip Hirsch from the Australian Mekong Resource Centre, the government’s rush to revive the projects is a political ploy. It is just a way of securing votes of northeastern Thailand by promising to green the region. Certainly some of those concerns from downstream countries about the impact of diversion of water on dry salinity in the delta area and particularly on the availability of irrigation water in the delta area and on the flow situation in the dry season are matters of grave concern.

The Mekong River Commission or the MRC is the body tasked with managing development along the river, and no project can proceed without an environmental assessment and neighbouring government approvals.

South Thailand under bomb attacks!

Various shops and restaurants located in the southern parts of Thailand’s tourist hubs were severely targeted with as many as seven small bomb explosions! Two bombs hit Hat Yai and five exploded in Songkhla Town within hours of each other late on Saturday the 2nd of August. While two people were killed in separate attacks, two women aged 16 and 18 were also hit by shrapnel but are expected to recover from their injuries soon.

At about 9:00pm (1400 GMT), the first blasts were heard by the locals. The attacks have affected 7-Eleven convenience stores, a restaurant, a tea shop and a police checkpoint.

Hat Yai is the main tourist hub in the southern region and is particularly popular with Malaysian and Singaporean tourists. It has been a soft target of sporadic bombings over the last 2 years. Since then it has been struggling to fight back. Songkhla province borders Pattani and Yala, two of three southern Muslim-majority provinces. The unrest here has killed more than 3000 people since 2004!

Who could possibly be connected to these blasts is yet to be figured out though Songkhla’s police chief, Major General Viroon Aiempaijit, said police were collecting evidences to zero down on the guilty.