Blast from the past at Future Park

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344921/blast-from-the-past-at-future-park

Published: 11 Apr 2013 at 00.00

Future Park will take fun lovers down memory lane to explore the warm atmosphere of the Songkran festival of the good old days.

A vintage-style ancient market is among the highlights of the ‘Future Park Songkran Fun Fever’ festival, which runs from tomorrow to Tuesday.

Running from tomorrow until Tuesday, the “Future Park Songkran Fun Fever” festival will invite visitors to start the day of fun in a blessing way by pouring water onto the Buddha images, which are borrowed from nine famous temples in Bangkok.

They include Maitreya Buddha from Wat Indharaviharn, the Reclining Buddha from Wat Bodhi, Phra Paireepinart from Wat Bowonniwet and Phra Buddha Chinnarat from Wat Benchamabophit. This is also a chance to pay respect to the sacred hair relic of the Buddha, which is on loan from Sri Lanka.

The festival will feature many ancient art and cultural performances, as well as children’s folk plays.

The shopping centre will also transform its Alive Park Hall into a vintage-style ancient market where shoppers can enjoy Thai music while browsing through a variety of craft products, pottery, as well as traditional foods and desserts. Even though there won’t be any water splashing going on at the venue, visitors can enjoy many fun rides and games, and there will be water balloons, a water slider, a ball house, and electric bumper cars.

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Future Park is on Phahon Yothin Road and opens 10am to 9pm. Call 02-958-0011.

Songkran around the Kingdom

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344926/songkran-around-the-kingdom

TRAVEL TITBITS

Published: 11 Apr 2013 at 00.00

Chiang Mai kicks off its first Usa-kane Songkran Festival today by inviting performing troupes from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and China’s Yunnan province to join the celebration.

People from Chiang Mai province get into the spirit of Songkran last year.

Usa-kane, meaning Southeast Asia, is the theme of the water festival hosted by Chiang Mai and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to link the festival to the upcoming Asean Economy Community (AEC).

“We want to have something new this year,” said TAT Governor Surapol Svetasreni. “So, we invited about 60 performers from neighbouring countries to showcase their unique performances.”

The festival’s highlight is a parade this afternoon by international performers. There will also be a stage for performers to showcase traditional dances and plays.

Songkran is celebrated from today until April 15, while some districts such as Phra Pradaeng in Samut Prakan and Si Racha in Chon Buri will host the festival from April 19-21.

“Locals and visitors can enjoy Songkran celebrations for 10 days throughout the Kingdom,” said the governor, adding that the TAT will support celebrations in 12 provinces _ Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Nakhon Phanom, Suphan Buri, Hat Yai, Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

“Hat Yai will host a midnight Songkran, while Phuket will have Songkran on the beach. In Bangkok, Songkran will be in four styles, including the northern style at Wat Pho and the southern style at Wat Suthat,” he said.

TAT expects that festival will generate 11 billion baht and attract about 2.7 million domestic and foreign visitors.

“At least 177 charter flights will fly to Thailand this month and most of them will land in Phuket and Bangkok,” said the governor. The flights will carry more than 30,000 visitors and most of them are from China, Russia and Malaysia. He said more European tourists, especially Russians, travelled to Thailand during the first three months thanks to the extended winter season in Europe.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, about 1.4 million Europeans out of 4.5 million visitors travelled to Thailand during January and February. The number rose 6.7% from the same period last year.

Russians led the group with 393,700 visitors, followed by Germans (162,550) and people from Britain (161,697). The top Asian visitors are from China (725,796) and Malaysia (452,131).

“TAT hopes tourists visiting Thailand during Songkran will have the opportunity to participate in all joyful activities taking place throughout the Kingdom,” said the governor. When asked whether the haze condition in the North would effect the celebration, Surapol said the situation has been improved.

“We had just finished hosting an international Chiang Mai Golf Classic tournament last month and everyone enjoyed the event. No one complained about breathing,” he said.

According to Sawan Kweanthaisong, president of the Association of Northern of Tourism Federation, hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai during the first three months was about 60-70%.

“Fortunately, the boom of the low-cost movie Lost In Thailand has boosted tourism in Chiang Mai.

“We have welcomed a large numbers of Chinese tourists. At first we were worried about the haze, but booking cancellation is not much and so far we haven’t received any complains from hotel operators,” he said.

“Unlike the haze situation in 2006 when people had to wear masks, this year the air pollution is an acceptable level and it has not effected the tourism industry much,” he said. “Also, the haze has subsided after two heavy rains.”

According to the Pollution Control Department, the number of fires burning was reduced from 671 in March to some 200 at the beginning of April.

Air quality in nine provinces in the North has been improved. Only in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Nan do the levels of PM10-dust particles smaller than 10 microns exceed the accepted safe level of 120 microgrammes per cubic metre. There levels stand at 219, 161 and 139 respectively.

TAT expected that the Songkran festival will ease people’s worries about the haze. “Normally, there will be rain during Songkran days so I hope the situation regarding haze will be better,” said TAT governor.

New routes

Thai Smile has launched new international direct flights from Phuket to Malaysia and India.

The Phuket-Kuala Lumpur flight is four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday, while the Phuket-Delhi and Phuket-Mumbai routes are twice a week. The aim is to serve the growing demands of business and leisure travellers, especially wedding and honeymooners from India.

The airline uses Airbus A320-200 with 16 seats for business class and 150 seats for economy class for all of its new routes.

Visit www.thaismileair.com.

Hotels update

Six Senses Hua Hin has recently been merged with Evason Hua Hin. The combined properties now have one website offering 95 private pool villas, 145 guestrooms and outlets for dining and drinks.

After the merge, Sustainable Luxury Thailand, which is the owner of both properties, will invest some 20 million baht to upgrade facilities such as Wi-Fi, in-room entertainment system, a gym and guestrooms.

– Sofitel So Bangkok has introduced So VIP Suite on the 27th floor. Covering 233m2, the two-storey suite features a master bedroom, guest bedroom, living room and dining room for eight to 10 guests. There is also a huge Jacuzzi behind a glass wall.

The suite’s contemporary decor was created by well-known Thai designer Pongthep Sagulkul, with decorative items designed by French couturier Christian Lacroix. The luxury suite is also equipped with high-tech facilities such as electric frosted glass technology and an Apple Mac Mini with a 55-inch LCD TV supporting movies.

Other amenities include an Illy espresso machine, complementary in-room private bar and butler’s pantry for those midnight feasts.

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If you have any comments or news to share, send them to karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th.

Songkran celebrations make a splash

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344930/songkran-celebrations-make-a-splash

AWAY

Published: 11 Apr 2013 at 00.00

Songkran is a centuries-old festival which marks the beginning of the traditional Thai new year. It is a unique fun-filled event during which we splash others with scented water.

People enjoy Songkran in Bangkok.

Freed from routine work for a few days, Thais take the time to perform various rites designed to show respect to their forebears and senior members of the family. Highlights include sprinkling the hands of their elders with scented water, pouring the water on Buddha statues and joining in family reunions.

This year, Great Songkran Day falls on April 14 and the designated symbol is Mahothorn Thewi, a lady who lies down with her eyes closed on a peacock’s back, wears a Java hyacinth flower behind one ear and has a discus in her right hand and a trident in her left.

Every region in the country will celebrate the festival. Here is the list of interesting places where you can enjoy the splendour of Songkran.

BANGKOK

Grand Songkran Festival, taking place from April 12 until April 16 at four different venues, under the theme of the reproduction of the four regions’ Songkran celebrations. The four will allow you to enjoy the occasion in different ways.

The Northern-style Songkran at Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho)

The Central-style Songkran at Wat Saket

The Northeastern-style Songkran at Wat Ratcha Orasaram

The Southern-style Songkran at Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Visitors are encouraged to wear traditional Thai costumes when visiting the temples and making merit.

AYUTTHAYA

The 2013 Old City Songkran Festival will be held during April 13-16 in and around the ancient city area and Wat Thong Bo in Tambon Sao Kradong of Ayutthaya.

Highlights will be splashing water with elephants, seeing the parade of traditional flags and bathing Buddha images at Wat Thong Bo in Tambon Sao Kradong.

KHON KAEN

Dok Khun Siang Khaen Songkran Festival will be held from now until April 15 at Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Khao Nieo. The main venue for water splashing is Khao Nieo Road.

CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival will be held from now until April 16 in downtown Chiang Mai. Activities include the procession and bathing of the Phra Buddha Sihing image on April 13, the parade of local Lanna women riding bicycles while holding umbrellas, paying respect to elders, building sand pagodas, watching local art, cultural shows and beauty contests and water splashing around the city moat.

PHUKET

Songkran On The Beach Festival will last from now until April 15 in Soi Bangla on Patong Beach. Activities include the procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image around Patong Beach, a floral parade, Little Miss Songkran beauty pageant, an art and cultural exhibition and water splashing.

HAT YAI

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran will be celebrated from now until April 14 at Odeon Intersection on Saneh Anusorn Road and Niphat Uthit 3 Road.

Apart from water splashing, activities include the procession of Phra Buddha Sihing, a floral parade, Miss Songkran beauty pageant, free concerts and the midnight parade, a foam party and the Kon Prok Mueang prayer ceremony, among others.

Contact Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Call Center 1672 or visit www.songkran.net

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Any comments or news to share?
Email pichayas@bangkokpost.co.th.

Embassy warns Thais in South Korea

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344885/embassy-warns-thais-in-south-korea

SOUTH KOREA

Published: 11 Apr 2013 at 00.00

The Thai embassy in Seoul has warned Thais staying in South Korea to have their travel documents ready amid fears the country will be attacked by North Korea.

The warning was posted on Wednesday on the Thai embassy’s website.

The site said Thais who are staying, travelling or working in South Korea should prepare their documents in case of an emergency.

They include passports, identity cards or house registration papers to show they are Thais.

The site also warned they should secure air tickets, enough clothes for at least two days, cash, medicines and mobile phones with chargers.

The embassy said the situation in South Korea is still normal and the South Korean people were not in a state of panic.

However, in the case of an emergency, the fastest way to evacuate people is by air.

South Korea has two international airports with flights to Thailand, in the north and the south – Incheon International Airport and Gimhae International Airport in Busan.

There are 192 flights a week between Thailand and South Korea, and no flights have been cancelled.

If the airports cannot operate, evacuations will be carried out by ship. The nearest port is Incheon, in the northwest. Ships will sail to 10 cities in China.

Ships from Busan port, located in the south, will go to five cities in Japan. Boats from Pyeongtaek port, in the west, will head to four cities in China. Vessels from Donghae, in the east, will go to Russia.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Manasvi Srisodapol said embassy staff were on standby during the Songkran festival.

Those who wish to travel to South Korea can follow news updates from the Thai embassy at http://www.thaiembassy.or.kr, Facebook at Royal Thai Embassy, Seoul, or Twitter at @RTE_Seoul.

Laos water festival begins on Sunday

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344815/laos-new-year-celebration-begins-on-sunday

Published: 10 Apr 2013 at 13.57

People across Laos will celebrate their traditional New Year from Sunday to Tuesday, a Lao diplomat said.

Lao teenagers make a splash in Vientiane last year. The Pi Mai Lao celebration this year runs from Sunday to Tuesday. (File photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

Viroth Sundara, Minister Counsellor of the Lao embassy to Thailand, said the water festival in Laos, locally known as Pi Mai Lao, this year will be celebrated one day after Thailand’s Songkran Day, which falls on Saturday.

The official public holiday in Laos, when all offices are closed, will be from Sunday to Wednesday, he added.

Vientiane, alng with the old capital of Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Pakse, the capital of Champassak province, are key cities famous for the festival of the Lao traditional New Year.

Champassak, opposite Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, expects Thai visitors to join the celebration and the province will invite tourism officials from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam for the holiday festival, Mala Chanthalam, an official of the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, told the Vientiane Times.

“I believe a lot of Thai people will come here for the traditional water festival, as we’ve been announcing it on the radio since the start of the month,” she said.

The Laos Meteorology and Hydrology Department forecast temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius during the holiday.

The Lao New Year is the biggest traditional festival in the country.

New bus service to Mae Sot‏ from Samut Sakhon

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344807/new-bus-service-between-samut-sakhon-and-mae-sot

Published: 10 Apr 2013 at 12.41

A new public bus route was launched on Wednesday to help migrant workers returning home to Myanmar travel from Samut Sakhon to Mae Sot on the border.

A new public bus service begins running between Samut Sakhon and Mae Sot district, Tak. (Photo by Pawat Laopaisarntaksin)

Sawit Kaewvan, secretary general of the State Enterprises Workers Relations Confederation of Thailand (SERC), said the 54-seat bus travels directly between Mahachai in Samut Sakhon’s Muang district and Mae Sot district in Tak.

It was a cheap, convenient alternative for the many migrant workers employed in factories in Samut Sakhon.

On average, about 200 people a day catch a bus from Bangkok’s Mor Chit station bound for Mae Sot. This number swells during Songkran and other long holidays, said Mr Sawit.

Only one bus a day was planned for the Mahachai-Mae Sot service at first, to test its viability.

The service would be of benefit not only to migrants in Samut Sakhon but also neighbouring provinces such as Petchaburi, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, said Mr Sawit.

If migrants in Ranong were interested in a direct route to Myanmar, then maybe it could be worked out with the Transport Company later on, he added.

Wuthichart Kalayanamitra, president of Transport Co, said the new Mahachai-Mae Sot route was the result of collaboration between the SERC and Transport Co. If it proved propular it would be continued.

Transport Co was also negotiating with Myanmar to open two cross-border routes, between Mae Sot-Myawaddy and Chiang Rai-Keng Tung in Myanmar, said Mr Wuttichart.

He hoped agreement could be reached on one of the two routes this year.

He said the bus on the new Mahachai route was relatively new and should provide both safe passage, comfort and convenience for travellers.

Maung Maung, 30, a worker at a Charoen Pokphand affiliate, arrived to by buy five tickets, for himself and family members, for Wednesday 8pm departure.

He said the big bus was not only cheaper but safer and more convenient.

The other options were a shuttle bus service from Mahachai to Mae Sot, which cost about 600 baht a person. The new public bus costs 500 baht. The VIP bus from Mor Chit to Mae Sot costs 666 baht and normal buses 333 baht and 428 baht.

“It is awkward for us if we have a lot of stuff carry back home. The shuttle bus operators do not want us unless we rent the whole vehicle.

“And if we travel to Mor Chit, the ticket maybe be cheaper but it is time-consuming and very tiring, especially with children,” said Maung Maung, who has been working in Thailand for five years and returned home twice.

At the bus launch on Wednesday morning included Andy Hall, who is facing two lawsuits due to his research on the plight of migrants at a canned fruit juice producer. (Photo by Achara Ashayagachat)

Sein Htay, adviser to the Migrant Workers’ Rights Network (MWRN), said the 54-seat public bus was a welcome alternative for migrants. The shuttle buses had been involved in some accidents.

With the public bus launched, competition should also result in better service, said Mr Sein Htay.

Importantly, migrants could now travel with some dignity as they would face only one or two checkpoints along the way, and officials would get on a bus to check their documents. When traveling on the shuttle bus or by pickup truck they had to get off the vehicle for checks at five or six stops, or even more, said Mr Sein Htay.

“Some are also harassed and humiliated, as if migrants are mere objects for discrimination even of they carry proper documents,” he said.

The new bus service is the result of collaboration between the SERC, MWRN and the Transport Company, which is a state enterprise.

Migrant rights activist Andy Hall, who is facing two lawsuits due to his research on the plight of workers at a canned fruit juice producer in Prachuap Khiri Khan, also took part in the launch of the bus service on Wednesday morning.

Mr Hall said on his Twitter page that he he’d had a “productive” meeting with British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent.

He said the ambassador made clear the embassy’s support and commitment to his personal safety and for his many years of work on behalf of migrants in Thailand.

A customer shows the ticket for the new bus route. (Photo by Pawat Laopaisarntaksin)

Family holiday package, Cape Dara resort Pattaya

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/344781/family-holiday-package-cape-dara-resort-pattaya

PR

Published: 9 Apr 2013 at 09.46

1st April – 31st May 2013

Package Deluxe Room:              4,599 net include breakfast/room/night
Package Deluxe Corner Room:   5,099 net include breakfast/room/night
Extra bed for 3rd adult:             1,000 net include breakfast/night
Selling channel:                        For direct reservation to our reservation office only

Value added:
Stay minimum 3 nights receive 10% discount
COMPLIMENTARY Extra bed includes breakfast for child less than 12 years old, maximum 1 extra bed in room.
COMPLIMENTARY breakfast for 2nd child less than 12 years old sharing parents’ room in existing bedding. Maximum 2 children in room

Conditions
For direct reservation hotel only
Subject to availability
Full prepayment at the time of booking
The booking is not able to amend or change once the booking is confirmed
Nonrefundable if cancelled or changed.

For reservation, please call 038-933-888

Thai islands rank top in Asia

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/343826/thai-islands-rank-top-in-asia

TRAVEL TITBITS

Published: 4 Apr 2013 at 00.00

Koh Tao has been listed among the Top 10 Island Destinations in the World and the top Island Destination in Asia, according to the inaugural Travelers’ Choice Islands awards of TripAdvisor, a global travel review website.

According to TripAdvisor Chief Marketing Officer Barbara Messing, the winners were based on the feedback of millions of travellers who rated the quality of the most highly-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions listed for each island on TripAdvisor during a 12-month period.

The awards recognised more than 100 islands across the globe, she said.

Heading the list is Ambergris Caye in Belize, followed by St John in the US, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, San Juan Island in Washington, USA, Santorini in Greece, Isla Mujeres in Mexico, Moorea in French Polynesia, Koh Tao in Thailand, Easter Island in Chile and Nosy Be in Madagascar.

Thailand boasts four of the top 10 islands in Asia _ Koh Tao (1st), Koh Lanta (3rd), Phuket (6th) and Koh Samui (7th).

“Whether you are looking for idyllic palm-lined islands, or islands that offer a more cultural experience, you will find inspiration in these lists,” she said.

For the complete list of winners from the 2013 Travellers’ Choice Islands, visit tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Islands.

Bangkok to host 2013 Pata Summit The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) will organise the 2013 Pata Annual Summit on April 26 in Bangkok.

The one-day summit will address the theme “Embracing the Complete Visitor Economy” with four key sessions: “Why the visitor economy is key for jobs and societal development”, “Public sector challenges and opportunities inherent in politically advancing the complete visitor economy”, “Private sector connecting the complete visitor economy” and “Strengthening weak links in the visitor economy”.

The event will be held at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre. Registration can be done online at http://www.regonline.com/2013PAS.

Visit www.PATA.org/2013PAS or email events@PATA.org.

Spicy food and wet fun

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Visa International (Visa) have

joined hands to launch the “Thailand Splash and Spice 2013” campaign to offer special prices on hotels and restaurants in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya.

According to TAT governor Surapol Svetasreni, the campaign builds on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign and this year the programme covers not only Bangkok, but also other major tourism cities to benefit millions of travellers, especially during the upcoming Songkran festival.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Visa on this exciting campaign, which will showcase Thai food at its best to a worldwide audience. The variety and unique flavours of Thai food have won fans around the world and is one of the great draws of Thailand,” he said.

More than 50 five-star hotels are participating in the campaign to offer special packages on rooms and restaurants while at least 10% discounts are offered to both Thai and international Visa cardholders at 30 dining outlets at Suvarnabhumi airport and other dining places.

Visa country manager Somboon Krobteeranon said Visa is committed to assisting the TAT, supporting the tourist industry with a variety of campaigns throughout the year.

“More and more tourists come to Thailand to enjoy our world famous Thai New Year festival. We are delighted to be able to support the tourism authority and connect Visa cardholders with special offers at the country’s most sought-after restaurants, hotels and shopping outlets,” he said.

The campaign will end on May 31.

Finnair launches entertainment tablet

Finnair has launched a two-month trial for guests to use HP Windows 8 tablets as the new in-flight entertainment system.

“We want to enhance our customers’ in-flight comfort,” said the airline’s Vice President Customer of Experience Peter Gabrielsson, adding it would also want to test the functionality of the wireless network on intercontinental flights and how passengers use the equipment during the flight.

The pilot testbeds have taken place in Business Class on scheduled flights and in Comfort Class on charter flights while participating passengers can use the HP Windows 8 tablet to watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, play games, connect to the internet and try wellness-related programs such as a relaxation app to cope with jet lag.

The result of the survey will be used to further develop Finnair’s in-flight entertainment service.

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If you have any comments or news to share, send them to karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th.

Sand pagodas in Suphan Buri

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/343829/sand-pagodas-in-suphan-buri

AWAY

Published: 4 Apr 2013 at 00.00

U Thong Ancient City Special Area Office, the Fine Arts Department, Tambon Thao U Thong Municipality, Tambon U Thong Municipality, local temples and stores, as well as local leaders invite interested people to help build sand pagodas at Wat Khao Tam Thiam in Suphan Buri’s U Thong district, today and tomorrow in preparations for Songkran.

Venue for the sand pagoda building.

On April 17, big celebrations for the festival will take place at various venues in the ancient city. Starting from 9am, a religious ceremony to present saffron robes, or pha pa in Thai, will be performed at Wat Khao Phra Sri Sanphetchayaram. From 10.30am-12.30pm parades will take to the streets from U Thong Ancient City to U Thong Market, Pathom Chedi Road to Wat Tha Phraya Chak. There will also be a parade contest and beauty contests for the titles of Songkran King and Queen.

Call the U Thong Ancient City Special Area Office on 084-163-7599.

Worshipping Phra Boromthat

The Worshipping and Splashing Water at Phra Boromthat Kaeng Soi Tradition takes place annually in Sam Ngao district, Tak province, before the Songkran Festival. This year, the event will be held from April 7-8.

On April 7, participants will travel by raft from Bhumibol Dam in Tak starting to Phrathat Chedi Sri Khong Kham from 7am. The temple can be reached only by boat. From 4pm, all will participate in the installation of a royal umbrella, or chatra in Thai, for Phrathat Chedi Sri Khong Kham. At 7pm, monks will perform the chanting for the candle (wian thian) ceremony, deliver a sermon and light candles to worship the Lord Buddha.

On April 8, monks will recite the Phra Dhammachak Kappawattanasutra prayer starting from 4am. At 5.30am, Buddhists will present Mathupayas rice to the monks. An hour later, alms giving will begin. At 9am after the longevity ceremony, monks and novices will lead Buddhists to splash water at Phra Boromthat (the Lord Buddha’s relic).

At 11am, participants will present lunch to monks and novice and then leave the temple. At 9pm, all will arrive at the Bhumibol Dam safely.

Wat Nai Muang Soi is one of the 99 remaining old Buddhist temples in the ancient city of Soi while many others were submerged under water. According to legend, Muang Soi was an abundant waterside city established by Phraya Uthum and once visited by the Lord Buddha who received food and flowers, mostly a local species called Dok Soi, from local people. The Lord Buddha gave a lock of his hair to the villagers who built a pagoda called Phrathat Kaeng Soi to enshrine the hair.

Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Tak Office during office hours daily on 055-514-341_3, email tattak@tat.or.th or visit http://www.facebook.com/taktravel.

Visakha Bucha celebrations

The Sangha Council of Nakhon Ratchasima, the Second Army, Nakhon Ratchasima province, The Mall Ratchasima and the TAT’s local office invite all to the annual Visakha celebrations to be held from May 1-June 2 at MCC Hall, Floor 3, The Mall Ratchasima.

The main objectives are to disseminate the Lord Buddha’s teachings, make merit in honour of Their Majesties the King and Queen and boost the strength of Buddhism under the concept of Preserving Dharma, Preserving Thailand, Paying Back to the Kingdom.

Activities will include the candle (wian thian) ceremony, listening to sermons by respected monks, an exhibition on mindfulness, presenting Khao Mathupayas rice to monks at 10.30am on May 24 and practicing meditation daily.

Call the Mall Ratchasima on 044-231-000 or visit http://www.themallkorat.com or call TAT’s local office on 044-213-666 or visit http://www.facebook.com/tat.korat or http://www.tourismthailand.org/nakhonratchasima.

Any comments or news to share?

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Email pichayas@bangkokpost.co.th.

Youth forum to discuss tourism trends

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-update/343651/youth-forum-to-discuss-tourism-trends

Published: 3 Apr 2013 at 00.00

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) is organising a one-day Youth Forum later this month at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus.

Thammasat University is hosting the Pata Youth Forum on April 25.

The theme is “Search, Connect, Experience _ The Future of Tourism” and the forum should provide ample opportunities for hospitality students and travel professionals to engage with industry leaders. Insights and forecasts will be provided by speakers from globally recognised digital, social media and search brands that are transforming the online travel space. Several “quick-fire” question-and-answer session are also being organised, with senior executives from local hospitality industry leaders in the hot seat.

During the afternoon session, speakers from private-sector hospitality companies in Thailand will be sharing their take on challenges and opportunities.

The forum will be held in the university’s Sri Burapa Auditorium on April 25 (from 9am to 3pm), one day prior to Pata’s Annual Summit. The registration fee is US$50. A package price covering admission to the Pata Annual Summit, the Pata Youth Forum and Digital Innovation Asia (which takes place that same week) is available.

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For registration forms visit www.pata.org/news/pata-youth-forum-2013.
For more information, email Angkana@PATA.org.