Volvo unveils S80 2.5FT in Thailand

Volvo Car Thailand unveiled the country’s first and only locally-produced flexible fuel car, the Volvo S80 2.5FT, capable of running on E85 fuel, to the VIPs at the Bangkok Racing Circuit on November 26.

The new model uses less-polluting and renewable biofuels made from homegrown agricultural products. The announcement came in parallel with the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Bangchak Petroleum to sell E85 commercially. This is a step from Thailand in its effort to conserve environment.

The two flex-fuel cars, the Volvo S80 2.5 FT and C30 1.8F, officially went on sale following a public debut at the Motor Expo 2008.

“For Volvo, environment has been core value of our brand for decades, and so we have always fully supported the efforts of the Royal Thai Government, and particularly the Ministry of Energy, in advancing renewable biofuels with an aim of energy security for Thailand from the very beginning,” said Paul Stokes, president of Volvo Car Thailand. “Today, Volvo announces yet another milestone in this journey as we will be the first car company to produce E85-compatible FlexiFuel cars locally here in Thailand.”

How to identify pure Thai silk?

Thai silk are famous around the globe and one thing the tourists make sure is to purchase Thai silk when they visit the country. But, here again you ought to know that there is a lot of fake Thai silk, in the markets, which are made of polyester. So, you should know how to differentiate between pure silk and fake silk.

First of all, real Thai silk is expensive. Where the fake silk will cost a few hundred baht, real silk, however, can be priced starting from a few thousand baht in Thailand. However, some vendors might be a bit unscrupulous and try to charge the high price in hope that you won’t recognize the fake silk.

Again, you should know to verify the weave of the fabric. Thai silk will have small flaws in the thread, since it is handmade and nothing can be perfect. While a silk made from polyester is made by machine, so there will be no flaws, it will look perfect.

The luster of the material can also help you find the difference. If you hold real Thai silk to the light, it will always look different according to the angle you hold it. On the other hand, imitation silk will always look white when you hold it in the light.

Again check the pattern to find pure silk. In pure silkYour browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image.Your browser may not support display of this image., the pattern is printed only on one side and the other side has the outline of the print. When you test the luster of the silk by putting it in the light, only the side where it is printed will change color, not the other side. With polyester, one side has the printed pattern, while the other has plain colors. When in the light, both sides will be white.

Hope after this article, you will not be tricked into buying fake silk any more!

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.

The Danish vote Thailand as the World’s Best Tourist Country

For the second time Thailand has been voted as the World’s Best Tourist Country by Danish people and Danish tourism firms. The result of the vote organized by tourism magazine, Stand By, was announced on October 9 at the Hilton Hotel in Copenhagen.

Manit Boonchim, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Stockholm office, said some 8,000 Danish people and representatives of Danish tourism firms voted Thailand as the best tourist country in the world.

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.”

Exotissimo Travel opens its Phuket branch

Exotissimo Travel, the leading destination management company in Southeast Asia, has opened its office in Phuket. Besides Phuket, Exotissimo has two other offices in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand.

General Manager of Exotissimo Travel Thailand, Edwin Briels said, T”he main reason for Exotissimo to open its own office in Phuket is to be able to offer Exotissimo signature tours on a private basis that will showcase the best of what southern Thailand has to offer and present the real character of Phuket.”

The head of the Phuket office, Operations Manager Christophe Rodriguez said, “Phuket is often deemed by many as a touristy destination, but we beg to differ. On the contrary, this island still has a lot to offer. There are in fact many unexplored pockets in Phuket and the surrounding provinces. We will come up with engaging new tours soon.”

In the coming months, Exotissimo Phuket will develop and operate more Thailand tailor made tours in and around Phuket. The focus will be on individual excursions, either operated by Exotissimo itself or in combination with carefully selected partners to showcase the best of southern Thailand.

Some unique product creations in the pipeline include a sunset cruise on fisherman boat, a comprehensive tour of the local art scene in Phuket, private cooking classes in a beautiful Thai-style bungalow and community-based projects.

Marble temple in Thailand

When you are in Thailand, do not miss out a visit to the Marble Temple or “Wat Benjamabopit” in Bangkok. The temple was constructed in 1899 A.D., during the reign of King Rama the 5th as the source of religious heritage for the future generations of Thais. The main shrine was originally intended to house a highly sacred and revered Budddha image known as Phra Buddha Shinaraja, which at the time was located in the province of Phitsanulok (approximately 300 km north of Bangkok). But when construction of the Marble Temple was complete, a replicate of the Phra Buddha Shinaraja was created and enshrined in the temple instead, due to that the people of Phitsanulok and northern Thailand were unwilling to part with their Buddha image, the main source of their religious inspiration.

The Marble Temple, built entirely out of white marble as its name suggests, manifests the devotion that Thai people have for Buddhism. The architectural and engineering detail put in to the construction of the Wat Benjamabopit is rare by modern standards. Once the visitor enters the temple grounds, he or she will experience a sensation of tranquility and peace.

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.

Pattaya wants to be included in DASTA

Pattaya is trying hard to declare eight zones in the city Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the officials from all these eight zones have already sent the proposal to the Thai Cabinet for official approval.

DASTA was created by the government in 2003 to ensure balanced tourism development in special areas that were considered valuable and potentially under threat. The group’s duties include conserving natural resources and cultural values in existing communities where tourism is an economic mainstay. DASTA is also designed to manage the impact of tourism as sites expand in the future.

So, this move from the officials of Pattaya will not only help as a step towards maintaining the environment, social traditions and cultural values, but will also act as a vehicle for getting government funding for pipedreams and self-serving mega projects.

New master conservation projects are planned for Rayong’s Koh Samet islands, Krabi’s Koh Lanta islands, and the Nongteng-Chakkarat forest in Nakhon Ratchasima. Pattaya’s mayor is trying to get Pattaya City included as one of DASTA’s new areas to ensure sustainable tourism development. One obvious issue would be how to classify the cultural value of Pattaya’s rampant sex industry.

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.

TAT and BMA to revive and recover Thai tourism

The political unrest and protests have caused a severe blow to the tourism industry in Thailand. In order to recover from the setback, The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just announced the launch of a new tourism recovery plan, from online video campaigns to roadshows in the next few months.

A ‘Mega Familiarisation’ is being planned from the 8th of October to the 12th of October involving 800 media and travel trade representatives from all around the world. Participants in the trip will also be attending a tradeshow on the 10th of October in Chiang Mai.

Apirak Kosayodhin, the frontrunner in the Bangkok governor election next month, also said that the message needed to be delivered both to Thai and to foreign tourists that the protests are taking place in a limited area and are non-violent.

As a local administrator of the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has to play the similar role as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to convince international tourists about safety when visiting Bangkok, Mr Apirak said.

”Tourism is the major industry in Bangkok. We are going to promote Bangkok as a tourism capital in the region,” he noted. Mr Apirak said the BMA has also collaborated with the Thailand Management Association to produce more tourism personnel, including chefs to supply the expected increase in hotels and restaurants.

This and a lot more has to be done to revive the dooming fate of Thai tourism as twenty-three countries have issued travel advisories or warnings about visiting Thailand after the clash between anti- and pro-government groups that left one dead and 43 injured.