Gear up for the upcoming festivals and events around Thailand

This annual event, Butterfly Watching will take place at Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani from June 3 to 7 which will bring together wealth of sales and marketing. The showcase is divided into different zones, among them are Gourmet Tourism, Rustic Thailand, Health & Spa, Adventure and Eco Tourism.

The annual “Amari Watergate Hotel & BMW Thailand Charity Midnight Run” will kick off at midnight at Amari Watergate Hotel on Phetchaburi Road and continue through the city’s streets. Southeast Asia’s unofficial nightlife capital, will host the Charity Midnight Run on October 10, and the good news is that you don’t have to be the fastest to have fun.

The rainy season is here, and it’s about time to swap your summer sandals for hiking shoes. The butterfly watching season in Sa Kaew coincides with the fruit picking season in the eastern provinces, so don’t forget to stop off on your way back and stock up with your favorites. Pangsida National Park in Sa Kaew, beckons the butterfly-watchers to pitch up their tents in the park, more than 400 butterfly species can easily be captured for posterity even with the camera.

Celebrating the Vesak day festival in Thailand

The Day of Vesak, or Visakha Puja, is the celebration, the birth enlightenment and passing away of the Lord Buddha. It falls on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month of Vesak, which falls in May 8 this year. About 2,000 Buddhist leaders from all over the world have joined an International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak in Thailand. The Day of Vesak was first celebrated during the Sukhothai period. An extraordinary aspect of the occasion is that the three incidents took place on the same day but different years.

The General Assembly of the United Nations took into consideration the fact that Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest religions. The Buddha taught mutual loving-kindness and forbearance for the sake of peace and happiness in society. Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35 and passed away at the age of 80. He spent 45 years propagating his principle of freedom from suffering. This still continues to make, a significant contribution to human spirituality, and therefore as a consequence, sixteen Buddhist countries jointly agreed to organize activities on the Day of Vesak at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, U.S.A. from 2000 onwards. In this way Buddhism began to make its way into Thailand. Buddhism gained wide acceptance because of its emphasis on tolerance and individual initiative, which complemented the Thais’ cherished sense of inner freedom.

At present, Thailand is the location of the headquarters of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an international Buddhist organization which promotes coordination and cooperation to enhance Buddhism throughout the world. There are currently around 32,700 Buddhist monasteries and more than 350,000 monks across the country.

Thailand – The City’s Most Popular Western Restaurant

The most popular restaurant for western food in Bangkok is, The Bourbon street. It is probably the most popular restaurant in Bangkok with expats and tourists. It lies on Sukhumvit in downtown Bangkok. Its best thing about the restaurant is the ambience and the atmosphere which gives a cozy and friendly feeling, with burnt orange walls, very comfy rattan and leather fabulous furniture and subdued lighting. They also have a pretty area outside stocked full of huge leafy plants, where you can wait if your table isn’t ready. This is a perfect place to have western food and mind relaxation with its atmosphere. Its bar area is comparatively nice, where you can really hang out.

Thailand’s Bourbon street is really unbelievable, and just not worth missing. Bourbon Street is American owned and operated (a rarity in Thailand) and serves authentic Cajun, Creole and Mexican food in a very cool atmosphere. Food arrives quite quickly, it’s still piping hot. Bourbon Street is also always packed full of people every time for its goodness and delicious food. Even the staffs are the most efficient staffs of any other restaurant. They are so friendly and sweet, which is actually a given in Thailand but that doesn’t usually come with efficiency too!

Coronation Day – a special event in Thailand

In Bangkok, the Coronation day is celebrated every year for his Majesty king Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was crowned as Rama, the ninth King of Chakri dynasty on 5th may 1950. This event includes commemorative sport, dance, gun salutes and other cultural events across Bangkok. On this event, there are religious rites that last for three days.

On the very first day (3 may) there is a Buddhist ceremony at Amarindra Vinichai Hall, in which scriptures are chanted and a sermon is delivered by a high monk. On the second day, the ceremony includes two pars-  a Brahmanic one and a Buddhist one.

The last third day is Coronation day, in which the king is dressed in full regalia, and a feast is given to Buddhist monks. They hear their Royal Thai Army and Navy each fire a salute of 21 guns. This day is very special and is enjoyed by the Civilians.

Thailand banking On Fishing to Promote Tourism

Fishing can be used as an activity to promote tourism between Satun in Thailand and Langkawi in Kedah, Satun deputy governor Chusak Maneechayangkoon said here. He said the Langkawi-Adang-Satun International Fishing Challenge (Lasifc) could help realize that objective.

“Lasifc can be the bridge to strengthen ties and cooperation in various fields including tourism,” he said at the conclusion of Lasifc 2009 last night.

Statistics of the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) show that more than 60,000 Thai tourists visited Langkawi last year, being among the most number of foreign tourists who traveled to the resort island.

At Lasifc 2009, Sharir Ismail, Azli Kamal, Asri Saaban, Basiron Saad, Jamaluddin Hashim and Zaini Musa of Tourism Malaysia bagged the top prize in the team category by landing 55.15 kg of catch. Lada employee Ku Ishak Ku Aziz won the individual category with a 7.98-kg catch.

Lasifc 2009, the third edition in the series, attracted 124 anglers representing 23 teams from India, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. They landed more than 1,000 kg of catch in the effort to win the total RM32, 000 prize money offered.

The new intervention scheme in rice starts from March 16

The commerce Minister of Thailand revealed that the country will buy rice from farmers at 11,800 baht ($328) per tonne and will keep the grain in stocks under a new intervention scheme which will start on March 16 and will run until July. However, this new intervention price is just a slight reduction from the 12,000 baht per tonne set under a scheme that ended in February

“The Rice Committee agreed that the intervention price should not be pegged at a very high level as global prices are not that high,” Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasia told reporters.

The new intervention price equates to an export price of around $580-$620 per tonne, exporters said. The government aimed to buy 2.5 million tonnes under the scheme. After previous intervention schemes, the government was believed to be holding around 4 million tonnes of milled rice.

Thailand to dispose 5m tones of rice from its stockpile

Thailand is the world’s largest rice exporter and the country has decided to sell upto 5m tonnes from its stockpile. This amount is equal to a fifth of the world’s annually traded rice. The stockpile has built up as a result of its policy of buying surplus production at above market prices in an effort to protect agricultural incomes.

Now, the question arises here that such a large disposal could lower the price further, which have already halved since hitting an all-time high of about $1,100 a tonne last year.

Supported by fresh demand from importers in Africa, Thai medium quality rice, at present, trades at $580 a tonne, more than double the price in 2007.

The ministry of commerce, which controls the rice reserve, has yet to decide whether to release the stocks on to the open market, which could hit world prices, or try to dispose of it in a government-to-government deal.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said that if Bangkok decided to sell rice from the stockpile, the government would have to absorb the losses, estimated at a minimum of $100 per tonne.

“The question is, are they willing to lose that sort of money?” he said.

However, Mr Chookiat said a sale might be the best option in the long term because the existence of the stocks was capping prices. “If the government keeps the rice in Thailand, I don’t think the world price will increase,” he said.

How to relish the best of Thai food?

Having Thai food is a heavenly experience and when you are in Thailand, you have a vast range to choose from. To make sure that you get to experience all the wide varieties of Thai cuisine along with not compromising on your health, you can follow these tips:

Go for the lighter, stir-fried dishes and the fresh spring rolls instead of fried spring rolls.

Steer clear of heavy sauces and deep-fried entrees.

Ask that your meal be cooked with vegetable oil rather than coconut oil or lard.

Choose chicken over duck, but limit meat, poultry and seafood portions.

Limit dishes with coconut milk, which is high in saturated fat.

Avoid soy and other sauces if you are watching your sodium intake, and ask that MSG be left out.

Choose srit-fired dishes instead of dishes with coconut milk. Say for example, go for Tom yam goong (hot and sour shrimp soup) instead of Tom ka gai (chicken in coconut milk soup with mushrooms and lime juice).

Go for steamed rice instead of fired rice. Say, Khao newo kaew (sweet sticky rice) instead of Gluay kaeg (banana slices dipped in coconut batter and fried).

When you are out on a holiday try to keep in light on your stomach, coz it may take some time to adjust to the new climatic conditions and cuisine.

Tips for diving & snorkeling in Thailand

There is a great diversity of the coral reefs and outcrops of all shapes, sizes and colors extend over the large offshore areas in the seasonally calm and clear Thai seas. Some grow to very impressive sizes, such as the spectacular giant sea-fans.

However, for the maximum enjoyment, accessibility and travel time are also important for considerations. The dive sites around Thailand are within easy reach and are easily accessible by air, by sea or overland by road and rail in a matter of hours. The best time to dive in the Gulf of Thailand is between May and September while the Andaman is at its best between October and April. With access to one of the two locations at various times of the year, snorkeling and diving conditions are ideal all year round.

When diving, you should always keep in mind to exercise utmost precaution as the corals are highly vulnerable and can be damaged simply by a single touch. Here are some diving safety and environmental-friendly tips:

- Choose the diving operator who do mind on your safety and is environmentally aware by using safe mooring and anchoring procedures.
- Always plan your diving route before leaving the shoreline.
- Always observe: surf, current, wave sets, surge on reefs/ rocks.
- Be careful not to touch or step on coral reefs.
- Bring along the first-aid kit including peroxide, aspirin for sunburn and cigarettes. Tobacco can help soothing most stings.
- Enter and exit the sea from a sandy beach area.
- Do not swim against the current, swim diagonally across it.
- Snorkeling at dusk is not recommended.
- If drunken, better take a rest than swim, snorkel or any other activities.

The legend behind Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held in the ninth lunar month of every year for nine days. During this time the participants eat no meat, wear white clothing, and focus on the cleanliness of their mind and body. The ceremonies sometimes include gruelling activities such as walking over hot coals or puncturing their own cheeks with items such as knives and skewers.

This festival has its roots back in 1825 when a group of travelling Chinese entertainers became ill and in an effort to heal themselves, took up a vegetarian diet and prayed to their emperor gods. When the local people saw them getting better they attributed it to the diet and the religious ceremonies. So, to ensure good health and fortune for themselves they then began to celebrate the festival each year.

Famed for its picturesque views and natural beauty, Phuket boasts some of the most stunning locations to watch sunsets from and prides itself in its forests, waterfalls and a jungle to explore.

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.

Government to buy 40 per cent more rice from farmers

Thailand’s ruling government is facing tough times. Now, in an attempt to please rural voters the government has agreed to buy 40 per cent more rice from farmers this year. The plan says that the government will buy 3.5m tonnes of unprocessed paddy rice from farmers at a guaranteed price, up from an original planned 2.5m tonne.

The decision to help prop up rice prices was made as parliament appointed Prasopsuk Boondet, a former judge and now the speaker of the Senate, to mediate between the government and protesters occupying the Government House in Bangkok.

The protestors have threatened to occupy Government House until Samak resigns. In addition to Samak’s removal, the PAD also wants an overhaul of the political system – with the creation of a mainly appointed parliament – so as to reduce the power of the rural electorate.

Thailand – What they love and what they dont

Before hitting an unknown country like Thailand, it would be wise to know what the routine practice of that place is and what you should not do to avoid getting into trouble. Here we give you the dos and donts that will make your journey smooth and trouble-free. Thought the list is endless, these tips will be a lot of help especially to the first timers.

DOS:

* Firstly do learn a few Thai words to greet the locals. They consider it polite and it will also help you communicate well. Words like “Swadee Khrap” [hello] are always a delight to hear!
* Wear yellow T-Shirt on Monday and Friday. Thai people have great love for the king and the royal family. Thai people pay tribute to his majesty by wearing yellow T-Shirt on Monday and Friday. Make sure you wear one.
*  In the theatre, the audience will stand up to show respect to the king, so do stand up and shower that respect.
* Do pay tips to waiters. It’s a custom here more than a passing gesture!
* Always be cautious. There are notorious people round eager to cheat the tourists of their money!

DONTS

* Don’t litter the streets. It’s illegal and punishable under the law. You may end up paying 2000 Bahts!
* Similarly even smoking in public areas is considered an offense. Look out for smoking zones to do that.
* Don’t wear objectionable clothes like bikini tops, short skirts or hot pants in sacred areas like the Temples or religious shrines. You may be outrightly denied entry for being barely clad.
* Criticism of the king and royal family is not just frowned upon in Thailand; it is against the law – a punishable offence that is taken very seriously.
* Do not engage in purchase of wild animals whether protected or not. Aside from the moral issues, punishments are very harsh.
* Thais do not shake hands; they ‘wai’ – a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face a bowing a little. Generally, you should not wai to a child and a younger person should wai an older person first.
* Public Display Affection are frowned upon. It is rude to make out in public. So be careful before showering your love to your beloved on the streets of Thailand.

No smoking in Thailand – A hard to believe fact

In Thailand, where about 17% of the nationals; that is 65 million people are smokers who consume 110 million cigarettes daily, a complete ban on smoking especially in Thailand’s nightlife entertainment centres has come as a pleasant surprise to all the non smokers who, till now had to suffer breathing problems inhaling secondary smoke.

With effect from February 11, 2008, all air conditioned bars, pubs, discotheques and clubs are covered by the regulation. Owners of open air eating places and markets will also have to mark out smoking and no-smoking areas. Care will be taken that smokers only use the designated areas to puff the smoke. Individual violators can be fined as much as 2,000 baht (US$65). If any public places violate the rules, they will be fined 20,000 baht as well.

For all those of you who feel that smoking is your way of busting stress, take heed when traveling to Thailand. Make sure you recognize the smoking zones which are clearly marked in English, Thai, Korean, Chinese and Japanese and not end up paying heavily for this addiction.

Thailand street foods- Love them, hate them!!

No other place in the entire world has such a wide range of aroma and sights of food with such a casual display than the ‘Land of Hospitality’- Thailand. There are at least 43,000 street food vendors in Bangkok, the municipal government says, a legion of operators of food carts crammed into every available nook of urban real estate.

Bangkok alternately loves and hates its food vendors. The city government banned them from certain areas because they cause traffic jams, block sidewalks and result in growth of cockroaches and vermin in the sewers where they dispose off their trash. One recent article in The Nation, a Bangkok daily, even described street vendors as “parasitic elements” whose presence spawns “organized beggars, street-children gangs and hooligans who are responsible for many of the petty crimes in the city center.”

But it is difficult to imagine Bangkok without its vendors. Inexpensive but delicious street food fits into the mosaic of Bangkok’s luxuries. To foreign tourists and wealthy Thais, this city represents cheap modernity: skyscrapers and swank hotels.

Food stalls in Bangkok are a great social equalizer. A typical noodle stall can feature shirtless manual workers eating beside well-dressed middle-class Bangkok Thais. The choice of Thailand street food is immensely large and it would be difficult to shortlist some of the top Thai street foods. Just for a quick glance, some of them holding the top notch can be listed as:

1. som tam – a spicy salad with shredded papaya
2. khao mun gai tod – fried chicken served on rice cooked in chicken broth
3. rat naa – noodles and pork in a thick gravey
4. ba mee nam – egg noodle soup with wonton
5. pad thai – fried noodles with dried shrimp and tofu
6. johk – a thick rice soup excellent for breakfast
7. pad see iew – pan-fried noodles
8. khao pad – fried rice
9. moo pad krapow – pork fried in basil
10. khao moo daeng – red pork with rice

What is your list of favorite Thai street foods? Do not forget to post in the list of your favorites…