‘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.

Rice goddess worship gets revived in Thailand

The relationship between rice and the Thai people is inextricable. In fact it has been grown in the kingdom since ages. According to many, growing rice is more than a crop or a livelihood. It gives rise to culture and traditions. Thus, it came as a pleasant surprise to most of the Thais, when the country announced the revival of the ceremonial worship of the Rice Goddess.

To boost the morale of the country’s 3.7 million rice-farming families, and to commemorate the queen’s upcoming birthday on Tuesday the 12th of August, The Ministry of Agriculture on Saturday held a ritual to worship Mae Phosop, or the Rice Goddess, at a demonstration farm in Ang Thong province. The ceremony was presided over by Queen Sirikit, the royal consort of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Worship of Mae Phosop was once common among Thai rice farmers, but the practice had greatly waned in recent years as Thailand’s rural population had become more modern and educated. The resurgence of the ceremony clearly portrays the strong undercurrent of Hindu and animism that suffuses Thailand’s traditional belief system and ceremonies.

Agriculture Minister Somsak Prissananatakul said the last time a Rice Goddess ritual was performed in front of a royal audience was in 1961. According to him the practice will help heighten the self-esteem of rice farmers all over the country.

Gays compete at the Pride festival

Heard of the Dragoncastle’s Sexy Swimsuit Contest, the dinner cruise party, the Karaoke contest or the Miss Jumbo contest? Well it all happens at the infamous pride show in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. It is Bangkok’s annual celebration of gay and lesbian identity which has grown to encompass a broad range of activities including art, film, sport, the Pride in the Park party and a parade. There are also several sporting events (volleyball, bike rides, badminton, and bowling), drag acts and plenty of parties in the Silom Soi district.

The show which began on a much smaller scale back in 2001, has by the year gained a lot of popularity. People from all over the country, flock to Bangkok to witness this week long extravaganza which usually takes place in November. Some of the more famous events at the venue are

* Pride Night Kick Off Party
* Pride Dinner Cruise
* White Nights Party
* Karaoke Contest
* Isaan Party
* Swimsuit contest

These are usually sponsored by famous night clubs, cafes and clothing companies, sport groups or fitness centers. The contests are usually followed by awards and trophies for the winners. Come here to witness some of the funkiest night parties with gay men dressed in the most bizarre fashion…something you wont get to behold elsewhere!

Your comprehensive guide to Thai holidays 2008-2009

National holidays in Thailand are celebrated with great pomp and show. Whether it’s the King’s birthday or the Songkran [traditional Thai New Year], the entire county is adorned like a bride. All the shops and offices are closed down. So, it is extremely important for you to know which dates fall on Thailand’s national holidays, so that you can avoid traveling at those times. Here is a list of all the national holidays from July ‘08 to May ’09.

18th July: Buddhist Lent [Friday]

This day marks the beginning of a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.

12th August: Queen’s Birthday [Tuesday]

Also celebrated as Thailand’s Mother’s day.

23rd October: Chulalongkorn day [Thursday]

Celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand’s most revered kings.

13th November : Loy Kratong [Tuesday]

An evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelite. Not exactly a national holiday.

5th December : King’s Birthday [Friday]

Also serves as the nation’s Fathers Day.

10th December: Constitution Day [Tuesday]

Celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.

31 December 2008 : new’s year’s eve (Wednesday)

1 January 2009 : new year day (Thursday)

The beginning of the western new year is a national holiday in Thaland.

26 January 2009: Chinese New Year (Monday)

The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand.

9 February 2009 : Makha Bucha (Monday)

Celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon given to his disciples.

6 April 2009 : Chakri Day (Monday)

Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.

13 – 15th April 2009 : Songkran (Monday)

Thai new Year

1 May 2009 : Labour Day (Friday)

5 May 2009 : Coronation Day (Tuesday)

Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.

8 May 2009 :Visakha Bucha (Friday)

Celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.

The list has been prepared to the best of our knowledge. Do remember to re verify before planning your trip as the religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict.

Classical Thai Dances

Khon, Lakhon and Fawn Thai are three distinct types of classical Thai dance forms which are extremely popular with the Thai audiences. While each of them has a style of its own, the common string attaching all these dance forms is that they are a mixture of dance, play and dramatizations.

Khon, is a unique dance style wear the performers wear elaborate costumes, masks and often use swords an shield as props. Khon characters are usually demons, monkeys and celestial beings depicting instances from Ramakein, the Thai version of the Indian epic, Ramayana. The uniqueness lies in their emoting strong messages without a single dialogue.

Lakhon has dance movements more subtle than Khon. The performers do not wear masks and the stories are taken from mythological Jataka tales (stories of life of lord Buddha). Usually female dancers carry out the Lakhon, emoting gracefully.

The Fawn Thai is a folk dance form of Thai culture and the main feature here is not the story but folk music which is greatly inspired by Burmese songs and dance.

There are five distinct kinds of Fawn dances. They are:

1. Fawn Leb (Fingernails Dance from Chiang Mai)
2. Fawn Ngiew (Scarf Dance from Chiang Rai)
3. Fawn Marn Gumm Ber (Butterfly Dance)
4. Fawn Marn Mong Kol (Happy Dance)
5. Fawn Tian (Candle Dance)

All these types of dances are performed throughout the year for those interested in exploring Thai culture. There are other types of Thai dances as well adhering to religious beliefs and regional influences. Keep watching this space for more on Thai dances and where in Thailand can you see them.

Meditation in Thailand

If work load, stress and peer pressure has been taking a toll on you lately, its time you indulge in some soul searching. Thailand is a land of Buddhist meditation, with more and more people flocking from different parts of the world to find answers to the most difficult questions of existence.

Buddhist meditation is of two types: the Vipassana or the insight, stressing more on mindfulness and Samatha or calmness and concentration. Both of them are inter related and train one’s mind to attain eternal peace. As a part of Vipassana sessions, an opening ceremony ensues where the student offers incense sticks, flowers and candles as a mark of respect to the masters. Thanking the teacher at the closing ceremony is equally important too.

Mantra meditation is yet another form of Thai meditation. In this, one has to chant “Buddh” while inhaling and “Dho” while exhaling. The sole purpose of this is to increase concentration of the mind thereby enhancing the person’s focusing abilities. Kasinas is yet another technique where the meditator is asked to concentrate at an external object

Before you enroll yourself for a long mediation session, try out the 1 or 2 day classes to understand what kind of meditation will suit your needs. Buy yourself white pair of clothes beforehand. Food and accomodations are usually provided free at the monasteries.

Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival in Chaiyaphum

If you are a sucker for greens and delicate flowers, then this is the best time for you to visit Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum Province of Thailand. Chaiyaphum Province (342 km northeast of Bangkok) from 1 June to 1 August has the seasonal flower “Krachiao” in full bloom.

Krachiao or curcuma is in the ginger family and is widely found in Pa Hin Ngam National Park of Thep Sathit County and Sai Thong National Park of Nong Bua Raheu County. During the rainy season, the flower blooms in abundance and carpets the forest in Pa Hin Ngam National Park with its mauve and pinkish colours. Known as the “Siam tulip”, the sight of these pinkish-purple flowers in bloom is a wonderful spectacle. Held over two months each year, the Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival celebrates the blooming of this flower in rainy season.

Getting to Chaiyaphum province is not a big problem. From Bangkok, drive along Highway 1 and go past Saraburi. When you reach Ban Phu Khae Village, turn right onto Highway 21. When you arrive at Chai Badan County, continue driving on Highway 205. You will go past Sonthi Sub-county. Before getting near Thep Sathit County, turn left onto Highway 2354. Drive for 17 km and turn left onto an asphalt road. Go on for about 13 km. The park office will come in sight. There are also regular bus services from Bangkok to Chaiyaphum.

The unique geographical landscape of Chaiyaphum Province in the northeast of Thailand gives rise to a range of natural attractions of exceptional beauty. Besides enjoying the flowers and beautiful surroundings, travelers can visit the Phang Hoei viewpoint, which commands a fine panoramic view of the Central Plains and the Northeast. Lan Hin Ngam, is a nearby area full of beautiful stone formations in different shapes and sizes. The rocks are in many different shapes resembling castles, animals and the FIFA World Cup.

Sai Thong Waterfall is also worth visiting. You should not miss walking along the natural trail to the “end of the land” viewpoint which is a cliff at the edge of the mountain range. Standing there and looking down, you will get a fine panoramic view of the Central Plains and the Northeast.

Thai boxing aka Muay Thai

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing matches have always been related with Thailand’s culture. With powerful boxers weighing almost 200 pounds, it makes for an interesting game for both the locals and the tourists alike.

A typical boxing match includes two fighters with specific tactics of kicking, punches, standing grappling to knock out the opponent. Being accompanied by typical thai music, makes it all the more fun to watch.

Though these matches get violent at times, these matches are quite entertaining for the audiences. It includes ten bouts of five three-minute rounds of the match and the tickets are available on the spot an hour before the event.

Muay Thai is also considered to be an act of self defense and the methods include superb cardio vascular endurances with is good for both the body and the soul. It is held almost every night thanks to its popularity. So if you are in Bangkok and want to witness this form of Thai culture, then some of the venues are:

The Lumpini Stadium: Rama IV road

International Stadium:Amphoe Muang, Chachoengsao.

The Tickets are also reasonably cheap ranging from 200 Baht to 1000 Baht, depending on where you want to be seated. Remember that only adults are allowed to enter the stadium. So keep your children engrossed in other activities while you enjoy the Thai boxing match.

Phuket regatta race week

One of the most fascinating events in Phuket Island’s marine sporting calendar is definitely the “Sixth Sense Phuket Race Week”. Scheduled to begin on the 23rd of July, 2008, this 4 day long event is strongly recommended for those of you looking for a relaxed yet fun filled yatching regatta.

The Phuket Race Week begins from the eastern coast of the Phuket island and is a professionally run, international standard racing experience. Attracted by excellent sailing in reliable breezes of 15 knots, this year, there is an event within an event. For the first time the NRG Cup will also be a part of this festival honouring those in the oil and gas industry.

News is that for the very first time, again, the entire competiton will be closely covered by the electronic media and will be broadcasted in Eurosports, Star Sports and CNN Main Sail with an expected viewer ship of more than 140 million!

With only a few weeks more to go before the competition, the registration response has been more overwhelming than ever. So if this sounds like what you always wanted to do, then don’t miss this life time experience. Just register online before July 9th and avail special entry discounts too!

The Thailand Grand Sale

If it is shopping that turns you on, then this is the best time for you to plan your trip to the Thailand which gets transformed into a shopper’s paradise for a full three month stretch with its Grand Sale. During this annual three-month shopping extravaganza, Thailand offers a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of 10 - 70 per cent and promotional offers being extended by participating department stores, shopping complexes and retail outlets along designated ‘Shopping Streets’ in Bangkok and the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai. In addition to discounts, there are also special promotional offers like free gifts, gift vouchers and lucky draws by the retail and service outlets. This year the Thailand Annual Grand Sale is from 1 June to 31 August, 2008. So, what are you waiting for? Get your bags packed before you miss the opportunity.

Phuket - Month wise events and festivals at a glance

Phuket is undoubtedly a happening place in Thailand - always on celebration, be it the traditional Thai festivals or wet, wild and bizarre celebrations. With Phuket, you will never have to wonder what to do and what is on… With a variety of tournaments and festivals each year featuring international competitors in surfing, volleyball, rugby, jazz and blues festivals, boat shows, art exhibits, there is always enough to keep you as busy as you want to be.

January

January is happening with colorful and lively New Year celebrations with decorations and fireworks as well as shows all the month round.

February

The large Chinese population of the island celebrates its new year this month. The Chinese shrines are decorated and there are food festivals, and again fireworks and decorations. Also Phang Nga Bay Sailing Regatta falls in this month.

March

March 13 is the commemoration of an important historical event in Phuket history, when two sisters led the defense of Phuket against Burmese invaders in 1785.
The Phuket Gay Pride Festival, comprising of lively parties and events for gay locals and visitors, is held here at the end of March and beginning of April. This flamboyant festival began in 1999 and has grown each year as word spreads. Ao Yon Sailing Event also often takes place at the end of March.

April

Songkran, the wet and wild Thai New year celebration is held in April. On this day the baby sea turtles are released on many beaches throughout Thailand.

May

The Phuket International 10s Rugby Tournament is held each year in May at Karon beach.

June/July

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale is held for two full months and features deep discounts at hundreds of shops throughout the island with special discounts on goods made in Thailand. Phuket Race Week in late July is a week full of international-standard yacht racing. Parties every night are open to all.

August

There is the three-day Kata Surfing Contest in April. The Por Tor Festival is a 15-day festival celebrated at the Chinese shrines on the island. Chinese make offerings to the spirits of the dead who are released from the underworld during this time. Cakes in the shape of turtles are a popular offering.

October

The Vegetarian Festival, held over nine days in October, is the largest and most colorful of all the year’s festivals. This celebration features daily processions at the many Chinese shrines throughout the city and features vegetarian food and ancient rituals by devotees.

November

The first week of November holds the annual Phuket Carnival with parades, activities, and nightly entertainment light up Patong. The festival of Loy Krathong is held on the full moon night in November. Thai people send their bad luck out on lotus-shaped floats (krathongs) made from banana tree trunks and leaves and decorated with flowers, candles, and joss sticks.

December

On December 5, the island celebrates the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, an international sailing event that attracts the world’s best yachtsmen, is held the week of December 5. The party scene is in high gear every night after the races.

With this annual calendar at your help, you will definitely be able to plan your trip to Phuket in a better way.

12 August in Thailand

If you happen to be in Thailand on 12 August, expect to see decorations and celebrations everywhere, for this day is a public holiday in Thailand marking the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. To make the day even more special Thailand marks this day as Mother’s Day, a day for appreciation of the most important person in anyone’s life.

Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Banglampoo (the part of Bangkok where you can find the Grand Palace, Wat Prakaew and tourist venues like Khao San Road) looks dazzling with a spectacular display with coloured lights and masses of bunting – particularly impressive in the evening. The area is festooned with colorful lights, flowers and portraits for this special occasion. Individual people and organizations raise flags and portraits of Her Majesty in Bangkok and all over the kingdom.

Born M.R. Sirikit Kitiyakara in 1932, Her Majesty the Queen holds a high and respected place in the hearts of Thai people. She can be aptly credited for improving the welfare and well-being of her subjects. Her Majesty’s SUPPORT Foundation (Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques) has expanded progressively since its establishment in 1976 to include craft shops in the city and popular tourist areas, and two Thai Folk Arts and Crafts Training Centers at Chitralada Villa and at Bangsai in Ayutthaya.

Pattaya Gay Festival

Have you heard of the Pattaya Gay festival? No? Then I’ll tell you that this illustrious series of events, is one of the most exciting and fun filled experience for the audience as well as the participants and a must visit for all you party animals.

From dinner to street parties and stage concerts, the lively events round the year have attracted thousands of gay travelers from across the globe. The PGF, as it is called began in 2000, as a fund raising event and till today it has proudly donated over 2 million Bahts to the HEARTT foundation.

From July, the Gay festival will host more than a dozen competitions, shows and parties till the end of the year. The “Boyz Town party” and the “Midsummer Madness”, are two of the shows scheduled for the 6th of July.

Those of you who believe in unadulterated dancing, drinking and merry making are all welcome at an entrance fee of 300Baht per person. Here many international artists will perform and part of the money collected, will be donated as charity.

The PGF Football Tournament and the PGF Mr. Body Beautiful contest in the coming months, will also be eagerly awaited by many.

The Pattaya Gay party, which ends with a 4 day long dancing fiesta in December, is a not-to-be-missed event. With energetic performers and bouncy music, it will be one of the most memorable events of the year end. Go ahead, give it a try.

New source: Pattaya Gay Festival

Happening events in Thailand!

The spirited and lively cities of Thailand have played host to diverse kinds of events every year and this time too it’s no different. The coming months of the year will see Thailand hosting an array of shows and events which have been long awaited by one and all throughout the year!

With events like the Marathon. Sea food festivals and candle carving competitions, there is much more than you could have expected out of the people of Thailand! In fact, at some of the world famous shows, people from all across the globe are enthusiastic to join in.

The “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2008” which began on the 1st of june, will go on till the 31st of august 2008. here tourists will enjoy an alluring discount of 5-70% in selected outlets across the country. Other attractions include a chance to win an all expense paid holiday in Thailand, if you happen to spend 500bahts or more with your Visa card!

Starting on the 15th of june,2008 the Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008, which is expected to attract more than 1500 particapants from across 40 countries, will include a 42km marathon, a half marathon and a 5km walk down some of the scenic beaches of Thailand.

Come the 1st of July, and the Ubon Rathchathani candle and International Candle Carving Festival will commence along with the alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony.

The Phi Ta Khon is an utterly unique celebration during the Bun Luang Festival, the biggest yearly merit-making ceremony of entertainment. Starting on the 4rth of july, this 3 day long event will feature participants parading down the streets in the most colourful clothes, masks and props.

By now you must have understood that Thailand is a land of mixed cultures….and to get a sneek peek and the post event review of the events of Thailand……..you now know where to look right? So stay hooked!

IIFA awards, 2008, at the amazing city of Bangkok

Bangkok has always been a lure for Indian film fraternity. This year, the IIFA Weekend, was held in the Amazing City of Bangkok. The event will culminate on June 8th with the Idea IIFA Awards and has an action-packed schedule endorsed by the Indian film industry’s biggest names. IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan, in the company of the Thailand Sports and Tourism minister, Khun Weerasak Kowsurat and the Indian Ambassador, Latha Reddy, kicked off the festivities in the presence of Indian cinema biggies and other dignitaries including Sanjeev Aga Managing Director Idea Cellular, Mehul Choksi, Chairman of Gitanjali Lifestyle and Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd.

Welcoming IIFA to Bangkok, Khun Weerasak Kowsurat, Sports and Tourism Minister said,

“Thailand is honoured to be the host of this prestigious event. As we witness the most memorable events & proceedings over the next 3 days, Bangkok is geared up to offer the best hospitality and play perfect host to this magnificent event. IIFA is a movement that provides a global pedestal to encourage international interaction and further business opportunities. We are optimistic that both the countries will create a stronger bond through this relationship.”

This year, the IIFA World Premiere at Siam Pavalai, Paragon Cineplex, Bangkok, showcased the much-hyped ‘Sarkar Raj’, starring Indian film icons Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and directed by one of the most sought after Indian directors, Ram Gopal Varma. The other films promoted at the IIFA Weekend were Mission Istaanbul, Acid Factory, Love Story 2050 and De Taali.

IIFA Brand Ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan said,

“IIFA is very special to me and we are committed to enhancing the IIFA phenomenon every year. This year, the Weekend activities range from high-end fashion to the ground-breaking FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum. I am confident that the Idea IIFA Awards will live up to its expectations and that audiences will experience yet another incredible IIFA, this year.”

The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza scheduled for the 7th June, with leading fashion designers showcasing their creations. The Indian couture line is designed by Rohit Bal, Vikram Phadnis, Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Some of the popular stars of Indian cinema like Kareena Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Ayesha Takia and Riteish Deshmukh will walk the ramp as the showstoppers. To add sparkle to the glittering show, DIAMRUSA, a jewellery designer from Thailand and Gitanjali Lifestyle from India, will present their dazzling jewellery collections. The proceeds from the show will go to the IIFA Foundation, which was set up to raise funds and support families that are adversely affected while working for the production of a film.

The Idea IIFA Awards on June 8th will close the IIFA Weekend. The Awards have a stunning performer line-up that include Indian Cinema’s biggest names: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Govinda amongst others. The star casts of De Taali, Mission Istaanbul, Love Story 2050 will also put up amazing performances. The star-studded event promises to be a never-seen-before spectacle. The awards night will be hosted by the glamorous Urmila Matondkar, Ritiesh Deshmukh and Boman Irani.

The IIFA Weekend, 2008 in association with Gitanjali is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The IIFA World Premiere is powered by PVR and the Venue Partner in Bangkok is the Siam Pavalai, Paragon Cineplex.