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

In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires grandeur can still be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.
When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban Don and required that it report directly to Bangkoks administration. The name Ban Don was, at the time, changed to Kanchanadit. It was with the establishment of the Monthon, a former administrative unit, that all three cities were merged into one under the name Chaiya. In 1915, King Rama VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.

The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.

Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub for rubber and coconut trading.

referer : tourism thailand

High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.

The numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. The ideal destination for many is the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand’s third largest island, and its neighbour Ko Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs.  To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. The best time to enjoy one of these islands to the fullest is from April to November.

Phi Ta Khon Festival
Date : 4-6 July 2008
Venue : Dan Sai District, Loei Phi Ta Khon is an utterly unique celebration during the Bun Luang Festival, the biggest yearly merit-making ceremony of entertainment, the locals believe that it is also rain-making ceremony. The most interesting part of the festival is the uniqueness of the costumes. The participants wear a ghost mask, made of a colourful bamboo sticky rice steamer, and dress in a costume made of many pieces of fabric sewn together. The masked “ghosts” have a special bell that they wear around their waists.

The first activity, which normally starts in the Phra Uppakhut image. In the afternoon, many colourful parades commence. Both small and large Phi Ta Khons will participate in the procession of Budhisattra Vessantara, the Buddha’s penultimate incarnation into the city. There is also a rocket procession. Each village will make their own parade for the competition and other cultural performances.
Contact:
TAT Northeastern Office : Region 5
Tel : +66 0 4232 5406
Loei Tourism Coordination Centre
Tel : +66 0 4281 2812