Experience the demonstration of the Songkran Festival in 4 regions at Wat Pho as well as enjoy demonstrstions of Thai food and local desserts, feast your eyes on cultural performances.

Moreover, in the Songkran Festival, TAT would like to invite you to dress Thai attire, visit and participate in the event of “the 9 Sacred Places “. the 9 royal temples in the Rattanakosin Square. To experience the wonderful treasure and enjoy the Songkran Festival in authentic Thai syle.

Amazing sightseeing in thailand

Wat Phra Kaeo
Motto : Endless Wealth and Prosperity
Visit Wat Phra Kaeo and pay homage to the Emerald Buddha as well as experience the wonderful Royal Palace.

Wat Pho
Motto : Calmness is Happiness
Experince the demonstration of Songkran Festival in 4 regions, enjoy folk plays Thai food and local dessert. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.

Wat Bowonniwet
Motto : Receive the Good Things in Life
Featuring Songkran Festival in Central Region, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, splash cooling water with elephants and experience ancient Thai bazaar.

Wat Saket
Motto : Create Auspicious Vision
Pour some Thai scented water on Buddha relics, Buddha image and monks. Create a sand pagoda and splash!

Wat Suthat
Motto : Enlarge Your Visions and Charm the People
Experience Songkran Festival in Southern style, and its rituals, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks as well as enjoy cultural performances.

Wat Chanasongkram
Motto : Conquer All Obstacles
Featuring Songkran Festival in the Raman style, feast your eyes on the demonstation of Raman culture and hoe to play Songkran in its way. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image, and monks as well.

Wat Kanlayanamit
Motto : Bon Voyage and Have Good Company
Let’s enjoy Songkran along the river, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and experience cultural performances.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Motto : Have a Prosperous Life
Featuring Songkran at Bangkok, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and enjoy various forms of entertainment.

Wat Rakhang
Motto : To Be Admired and Loved
Offering alms to monks, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks and experience cultural performances.

Songkran in Bangkok

Songkran at Sanam Luang, Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sumeru Fortress) Bang Lumphu Square and Khaosan Road.
Date : 11 – 15 April 2009
Featuring the Light and Sound Presentation at Sanum Luang, the Beauty Pageant, Miss Songkran Wisut Krasat and Miss Songkran International on Khaosan Road.
11 April, 2009
08.30 hrs. – Featuring the Buddha image procession from Wisut Krasat Junction to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan. (Phra Sumeru Fortress)
12 April, 2009
07.00 hrs. – Experience the procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing from National Museum to Sanam Luang.
10.00 hrs. – Featuring the Buddha image Procession from Wat Bawonniwet to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sueru Fortress) and pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.
13 April, 2009
07.00 hrs. – Experience the wonderful procession of Buddha image and beautiful float in Bang Lamphu Square.

For more information :
Bangkokn Tourist Division, Tel. 0 2225 7612-4
TAT CAll Center 1672
www.songkran.net

Songkran in Samui(southern of thailand)

Songkran Music Festival
Date : 14^th April 09
Venue : Lake View Dance Arena, Koh Samui, Surat Thani

14th April 09. Lake View Dance Arena, Koh Samui. The very 1st Songkran International Dance Music Festival ever. Be there!!!

This Songkran, come and Join 5,000 ravers at the largest outdoor venue in South East Asia.

Featuring DJ Judge Jules, other DJs’ on the night will include Graham Gold, Gary Gecko, Asambai, Simon Solo, Adam Matson, David Sambor and DJ A.

Alongside inflatable water pools, foam machines and a waterproof VIP area, Revellers can also enjoy traditional Thai and European food, plus a fun cabaret and casino.

Kicking off at 6pm and ending at 6am the following day, guests are guaranteed 12 hours of the finest non-stop music and entertainment. And with tickets at just 400 Baht in advance, the best money you could spend this Songkran.
See you there!!!

Ticket, Travel and Hotel Package is also available.
See www.totalreservation.com for more information.
Or call (66)2- 833- 5555 / (66)86 – 046- 0240

Songkran at Chiangmai(northern of thailand)

Featuring Lanna Thai New Year celebrations and festivities at temples, the city gates and around the city moat throughout the northern capital of Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai province hosts its annual light and sound show that presents insights into the culture and daily life of the Aka hill tribes, resident in hilltop villages in Mae Chan District.

First introduced in 1999, the show is now staged once a month during the tourist high season from January to April.

This month, the show will be presented, 10 January, 14 Febuary, 14 March and then finally on 11 April, at the Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan. Aka hill tribe villagers perform at the centre demonstrating authentic renderings of their culture and lifestyle to visitors. There are also handicrafts on display.

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The centre is also considering the introduction of home-stay accommodation that will focus on international tourists to encourage community-based tourism. It will allow visitors, who are interested in Aka traditions, to study the village up close with village elders providing instruction and insights into cottage industry and cultural activities.

The light and sound show is presented in both Thai and English, and runs from 1730 to 1930. Tickets cost Bt150 per person and the show with dinner is priced at Bt300 per person.
For more information, please call
TAT Chiang Rai Office
Tel. 66 (0) 5374 4674-5, 66 (0) 5371 7433
Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12
Tel. 66 (0) 5391 4471
Ref : tourism thailand

The annual Buffalo races, 13 October, are a hotly contested series of sprints across on an open space in front of the town’s municipal offices.
Tourists and the town’s residents turn out for these amazing races that have been featured in the past on CNN and the BBC as a must-see event.

The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favourites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.

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Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
Not exactly the most adhering of titles for an aspiring beauty queen, but it does not seem to deter contestants from seeking the limelight of the catwalk.
Here is a festival that provides photo opportunities to capture an unusual adaptation of the 100-metre dash. Well worth seeing, is always the conclusion of those who make the effort to travel to Chonburi.

If the more traditional version of four-legged races is more appealing then the venue should be the Horse Show, 23 October at the Sanctuary of Truth, also in Chonburi province, on the outskirts of Pattaya The show is organised to commemorate the reign of King Rama V, the Great, on a day set aside as a national holiday to honour a ruler who initiated many of the developments that ultimately encouraged the economic and social transformation of the nation.

There have evolved two different styles of Pad Thai: the version most often found in the streets of Thailand, which is relatively dry and light; and the version that seems dominant in many restaurants in the West, which may be covered in a red oil and can be heavy tasting.

Though the dish had been known in various forms for centuries (it is thought to have been brought to the ancient Thai capital of Ayuthaya by Vietnamese traders), it was first made popular as a national dish by Luang Phibunsongkhram when he was Prime Minister during the 1930s and 1940s, partly as an element of his campaign for Thai nationalism and centralization, and partly for a campaign to reduce rice consumption in Thailand. The Thai economy at this time was heavily dependent on rice exports; Phibunsongkhram hoped to increase the amount of it available for export by launching a campaign to educate the poor in the production of rice noodles, as well as in the preparation of these noodles with other ingredients to sell in small cafes and from street carts.

Outside of Thailand, Pad Thai is one of the best-known Thai dishes, and is very popular in Thai restaurants in America and Australia.

How to make pad thai
Main Ingredient
Narrow rice noodles  400 g.
Water     400 g.
Phad Thai sauce     320 g.
Dried shrimp     60 g.
Chopped Salted white radish  40 g.
Yellow soybean curd     160 g.
Bean sprouts     400 g.
Chinese leek leaves     60 g.
Egg     4 pcs.
Vegetable oil     120 g.
Ground peanut     40 g.

Phad Thai sauce Ingredient
Shallot View ingredient detail     50 g.
Garlic View ingredient detail     25 g.
Palm sugar     125 g.
Sugar     10 g.
Fish sauce     50 g.
Tamarind juice View ingredient detail     25 g.
Vinegar     33 g.
Salt     1 g.
Glutamate     1 g.
Ground dried chilli View ingredient detail     1 g.
Oil     40 g.
* 30 grams = 1oz. , 1kilogram = 2.24 lbs.

Cooking Method
Phad Thai sauce cooking
* Pound shallots and garlic until ground and fry with oil until fragrant, add other mixture, simmer until sticky.
* Fry noodles with water until soft
* Add sauce and mix thoroughly
* Add dried shrimp, Chopped Salted white radish and soybean curd
* Add oil around the pan, break eggs and fry until done
* Add bean sprouts, Chinese leek leaves and fry and serve warmly

Healthy Food (Nutrition Fact)
Energy (kCal.) 216.16
Protein (g.) 7.26
Fat (g.) 10.84
Carbohydrate (g.) 22.39
Fiber (g.) 1.78
Calcium (mg.) 67.98
Iron (mg.) 0.94

Strong point of Phad Thai

High calories, protein, fibers, calcium and phosphorus.

Information reference : thai food to world

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Promotion
Firstly, Thai and Tourist shoppers will enjoy a wide range of quality products and services on offer at special prices with discounts ranging from 5-70% at more than 1,000 participating merchants in selected provinces and:

Enjoy discount and other benefits at over 1,000 special locations. Simply spend 500 Baht with your Visa card and double your chances to win an all expense paid holiday back in Thailand. “7 packages for 7 days each”

Bonus : Enjoy a special treat from McDonald’s for every qualifying Visa transaction.

Welcome to the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2008

During the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale period, Thai and Tourist shoppers from all over the world will find a wide range of quality products and services on offer at special prices with discounts ranging from 5-70%

Thailand is truly fortunate to have a rich variety of attractions and destinations waiting to be discovered. This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has its own campaign “Amazing Thailand” with the theme of “Seven Amazing Wonders” of Thailand covering products and services in many different market segments which include:

Hua Hin is considered the traditional home for the country’s sailing community, due to HM the King’s keen interest in the sport.
A Southeast Asia Games winner in the sailing category, HM the King built his own racing dinghy and helped to establish the Super Mod class and is an enthusiastic patron of sailing resulting in this annual regatta being held in his honour off the coast of Hua Hin in sight of the palace.

A different kind of yachting can be enjoyed at the  Phuket Raceweek 2008, from 23 to 27 July hosted by the Evason Phuket Resort and Spa. Here keel boats from around the region will compete for the honours in races that will see them tacking against the strong seasonal winds of the annual monsoon that promises lots of action and fast turns of speeds for a fleet of ocean- going racers.

The countdown clock is ticking as Pattaya prepares to welcome thousands of joggers and competitive runners for the annual Pattaya International Marathon. It’s the 15th year of a successful event that is now firmly in the sports calendar of thousands of joggers. It is also probably the oldest international marathon in the country and attracts as many as 3,000 runners many of them serious competitors, especially in the full and half-marathon events. There are sub-events to ensure that beginners can have as much fun running as the competitive semi professional runners, who will hope to beat the course’s best time at two hours and 37 minutes. Even youngsters and families are encouraged to run so the event takes on the characteristics of a carnival.

This year’s marathon will take place Sunday 20 July on the same popular course that is considered one of Asia’s most scenic from a runner’s perspective.

The event breaks down into five categories. The starter’s gun shatters the pre dawn calm for the runners on the full marathon at 04.30, a good hour or more before sunrise. The wheel chair competitors depart even earlier at 04.20.

Half marathon runners have a starting time of 05.00, while the quarter marathon runners set out 30 minutes later. A shorter fun run for high school students begins at 06.00.

The staggered starts means that spectators have lots to fun cheering off the various participants from the very serious elite runners of the marathon, who will be back at the finish line in around two hours and 30 minutes to families and senior citizens jogging shorter courses for health and lifestyle reasons.

Pattaya’s marathon course has been fine-tuned over the years to present a challenging route for runners. All the categories follow a similar route, but double back at different spots on Sukhumvit Highway depending on the prescribed distance.

From Soi 4 the route takes runners along Pattaya North Road to Sukhumvit Highway, where they turn left towards Bangkok.

After running along the highway, they double back following a route on the other side of the divided highway south towards Jomtien and Sattahip. They swing right at Chayapruk Road at the southern end of Jomtien beach. Here they follow the beach road until the 36 km mark, when they climb over the Pattaya hill and then descend to the main bay. From here the pace lifts for the last few kilometres as spectators cheer the runners through the walking street and bar district to the beach road and the finish line at Soi 4.

First impressions suggest this is a tough route, but those who make the trip to Pattaya annually, claim the varied terrain helps keep spirits high. Hills are gentle and the long stretches, next to the beach, are blessed with strong sea breezes that help to refresh runners.

July is a rainy season month with high temperatures, but clouds rolling in from the Gulf of Thailand that providing a respite for the strong sun. However, as with all Asian marathons runners will need to consume huge quantities of water and cool themselves down at every station to keep the pace for a sub-four time.

The full marathon is certified for runners finishing within six hours and for three hours for the half marathon. The event uses the latest timing systems with chips provided by Go Adventure Asia.

More information :
Patayta City Hall, Tel. (+66) 0 3825 3129
SY Senorita co.ltd, Tel. (+66) 0 2711 5500, (+66) 08 6994 4448
tourismthailand.org , pattaya-marathon.com

DJs.Worth looking out for is DJ A, who also holds residency at the Backyard, possibly the most famous after party venue in the world, starting at 11am as Haad Rin’s beach shuts shop, licks its wounds and counts the casualties. The Backyard also puts on three cracking nights per week, each catering for the full spectrum of dance music heads in a totally refurbished, two-floor club with mind bending fluoro sculptures.

Full Moon Party in Thailand: There are about 10,000 to 20,000 people attending every month at this Koh Phangan beach party. It is of course known as the Full Moon Party. International and Thai DJ’s are entertaining the party until the crowd go wild. Paint yourself in UV colours and let your body lose control. The DJ’s play all kinds of music; techno, trance, goa, drum n’ bass, dub, reggae, commercial hits, house etc. on about 15 sound systems along Haad Rin beach. There are also many small tables on the beach where you can sit down with your friends or meet new friends from all corners of the globe. You can order drinks and food from the restaurants and bars next to the Haad Rin Nok beach.

Next party

Saturday 19 July, 2008

Location

Fullmoon party is at the south-eastern part of the island at Haad Rin Beach, Koh phangun, Suratthani, Thailand.

Referer : fullmoon-party.com

In its 4^th year, this annual contest aims to promote the sport of surfing to the general public, to encourage sustainable tourism to the island of Phuket (particularly during the low season), to raise the level of surfing amongst the Thai community, and to perpetuate education and ocean safety awareness.

The contest has grown in size and interest every year and continues to draw participants from around Thailand and the world, including the United States (and Hawaii), Europe, Australia, South Africa, and our Asian neighbors from Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

The event will feature 3 divisions: the open shortboard division, the longboard division (for boards over 8 feet in length), and the grom division for competitors 14 years of age and under.

Having gained popularity over the years, the Kalim Surf Contest appears on the calendars of surfing-related websites around the world. In addition to staging several competitions each surf season, the Boardriders have actively participated in such charitable activities as beach cleanups, tsunami aid, and youth sponsorships.

This year’s Kalim contest promises to be the best ever, with several big name sponsors and government supported, strong community backing, and of course, the renowned and entertaining awards party.

Competitors, supporters, and spectators are encouraged to come out and support the event. More details including schedule and entry information can be found at http://www.phuketboardriders.com or by contacting Khun Joob at +66 0819565854

Goals of the Contest

• To encourage the people of Phuket and the community of Kalim to participate in the sport of surfing for health and fitness, as well as discouraging the use of drugs amongst Thai people, especially our youth.
• To promote sustainable tourism to the island of Phuket, particularly during the low season.
• To introduce surfing to the Thai public at large and encourage interest in the sport and ocean safety.      

• To raise the standard of Thai surfing and lifesaving to an international level.

 Date and Time

July 18-20 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) – subject to suitable surf and weather conditions.

Competition Details*

• Open Division – Maximum of 64 competitors in 16 first-round heats. Competitors must use a shortboard shape no longer than 7 feet long. The Open Division heats will span all 3 days of the contest.
• Grom (youth) Division – Maximum of 16 competitors in 4 first round heats. Competitors must be 14 years of age or younger and may use any kind of surfboard. The Grom Division heats will be held for 2 days on Saturday and Sunday.
• Longboard Division – Maximum of 24 competitors in 6 first round heats. Competitors must use surfboards longer than 8 feet with a longboard shape. The Longboard Division will span all 3 days of the contest.
  

* Note: contest and heat times are subject to change by the organizers in order to take advantage of prevailing weather, surf, and tide conditions.

Schedule Kalim Surfing Contest 2008

July 18-20, 2008 Kalim Beach, Phuket, Thailand.

Friday 18 July 2008

07.00 – 07.30 Organizers Meet

07.35 – 08.25 Contestants Meet/Registration

08.30 – 10.30 Open Division, Round 1, Heat 1-8 (15min Heats)

10.40 – 11.25 Opening Ceremony

11.30 – 13.00 Long Board Division, Round 1, Heat 1-6 (15min Heats)

13.00 – 15.00 Open Division, Round 1, Heat 9-16 (15min Heats)

Saturday 19 July 2008

08.00 – 08.30 Organizers Meet

09.00 – 09.45 Contestants Meet

10.00 – 11.00 Open Division, Round 2, Heat 1-4 (15min Heats)

11.00 – 12.00 Grom Division, Round 1, Heat 1-4 (15min Heats)

12.00 – 13.00 Break

13.00 – 13.45 Longboard Division, Quarter Final, Heat 1-3 (15min Heats)

13.45 – 14.45 Open Division, Round 2, Heat 5-8 (15min Heats)

14.45 – 16.00 Break

16.00 – 18.00 Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Contest

Sunday 20 July 2008

08.00 – 08.30 Organizers Meet

09.00 – 09.45 Contestants Meet

10.00 – 11.20 Open Division, Quarter Final, Heat 1-4 (20min Heats)

11.20 – 12.00 Grom Division, Semi Final, Heat 1-2 (20min Heats)

12.00 – 12.40 Longboard Division, Semi Final, Heat 1-2 (20min Heats)

12.40 – 13.20 Open Division, Semi Final, Heat 1-2 (20min Heats)

13.20 – 14.00 Break

14.00 – 14.25 Grom Final (25min)

14.40 – 15.05 Longboard Final (25min)

15.20 – 15.45 Open Final (25min)

18.30 – 22.00 Award/Dinner at Jungceylon

22.00 – 24.00 Closing Party at Clublime Patong

Note:      - Contest and heat times are subject to change by the organizers to take advantage of prevailing weather, surf, and tide conditions.

                -  Miss Phuket Boardriders Contest/Fashion show is our special event, time and date will confirm on the surfing contest day.

Prizes

Open Division (short board)

 1^st place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 10,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from Patong Paragon Hotel for 1 Deluxe Room for two persons with Breakfast at the Hotel for one night worth 8,000 Baht

-          5’7” Logreco Fish Short board from Cobra International

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

-          Gift Voucher from Clublime Patong

 2^nd place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 8,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

-          Gift Voucher from Clublime Patong

 3^rd place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 5,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

-          Gift Voucher from Clublime Patong

 4^th place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 4,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

Long Board Division

 1^st place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 7,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from Patong Paragon Hotel for 1 Deluxe Room for two persons with Breakfast at the Hotel for one night worth 8,000 Baht

-          9’1” Bonga MII Longboard from Cobra International

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 2^nd place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 5,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 3^rd place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 3,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 4^th place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 2,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

Grom Division

 1^st place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 5,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from Patong Paragon Hotel for 1 Deluxe Room for two persons with Breakfast at the Hotel for one night worth 8,000 Baht

-          NSP 5’4” grom shortboard from Cobra International

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 2^nd place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 3,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 3^rd place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 2,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 4^th place

-          Trophy

-          Cash price of 1,000 THB

-          Gift Voucher from SFX cinema and SF bowling by Jungceylon

 referer :  phuketboardriders

Week 1 : 1 – 6 July 2008  “Visit the Artisan Community”
Activities
- Opening the 3rd International Wax Sculpture
- Visit to candle crafting communities and learn the insights into an ancient artistic
tradition and local culture.
- Gathering of art students from all art institute in Thailand.
- Activity “I-san Tourism Year”
- Start of wax sculptures by International artists.
- Displays of local flags, performances, pottery, etc.

Week 2 : 7 - 13 July 2008  “Global Cooling by Wax Sculpture”
Activities
- Wax sculpture made by representatives of 9 countries from Germany, China,
Japan, Turkey, Mexico, Ukrain, Luxembourg, Italy and India including
Ubon Rachathani local artist, work under concept “Global Cooling @ Thailand”
  at Ubon Ratchathani National Museum.

Week 3 : 14 - 20 July 2008  “A Touch of Buddhism And Arts”
Activities
- 18 July 2008, The Buddhist Lenten Candle Procession parade.
- Wax Sculpture by International Young Artists from the Greater Mekong Subregion
: China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
- Enjoy light and sound Show, Miss candle beauty contest.
Broadcasting via tourismthailand.org on 18 July 2008

Week 4-5 : 21 - 31 July 2008  “Wisdom on Buddhism Land”
Activities
- Display of the Buddhist Lent Candle created by Ubon Ratchathani’s local artist
- Presentations of I-san flok performances and various kinds of food.
- Exhibition of 10 masterpieces created by 9 international artists plus 1 local artist at
the Ubon Rachathani National Museum. The exhibition will be until 31 July 2008.
- Melting the Candle Cerenony ; “Back to Emptiness” on 31 July 2008

For any further information
- TAT Northeastern Office : Region 2
Tel. : 0 4524 3770-1,  Fax. 0 4524 3771
Email : tatubon@tat.or.th
- Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Tel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 3475-77
Email : eprodiv@tat.or.th
- TAT call center 1672
Referal : tourism thailand