Thailand observes many days as holidays and these days are officially declared as Public
Holidays. Thus the list of holidays in Thailand is as follows:
January sees the following holidays:
New Year's Day (January 1st)
Children's Day (January 11th)
Teacher Day (January 16th)
February sees the following holidays:
Chinese New Year (February)
Makha Bhucha Day (February 16th)
There are no holidays in March
April sees the following holidays:
Long Live Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (April 2).
Chakri Day (April 6th)
Songkran Day (April 13th)
May sees the following holidays:
National Labor Day (May 1st)
Coronation Day (May 5th)
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony ( May 8th)
Visakha Puja Day (May 15th)
July sees the following the holidays:
Asalha Bhucha Day( July 13th)
Khao Phansa Day (July 14th)
The Crown Prince's Birthday (July 28th)
August sees the following holiday:
H.M. the Queen's Birthday (August 12th)
October sees the following holidays:
End of Buddhist Lent on October 10th
Piyamaharaj Day on October 23rd.
Halloween Day on October 31st
November sees the following holidays:
Thanksgiving is observed in this month.
Loy Krathong Day is observed on November 8th.
December sees the following holidays:
H.M.the King's Birthday
Thai Constitutions Day (December 10th)
Christmas ( 25th December)
Thus this was the list of all public holidays in Thailand.
While enjoying yourself in the beautiful Land of Smiles, don't forget the basic precautions. Here's a list of some emergency phone numbers of Thailand that you should always carry:
Contact numbers of Tourism Authority of Thailand would be useful phone numbers in Thailand for a tourist. Here are a few TAT phone numbers:
Airport 0 2504 2701, 0 2535 2669, 0 2504 2703
Head office 02250 5500
Chiang Mai 0 5324 8607
Lop Buri 0 3642 2768 to 9
Kanchanaburi 0 3451 2500, 0 3451 1200
Here are some important phone numbers in Thailand if you need information about flights:
Suvarnabhumi Airport (Call Center)
Help Desk 0 2132 3888
Flight Info 0 2132 0000
Emergency Service 0 2132 1911
Thai Airways International 0 2132 0040
If you are faced with trouble, you can call:
Fire Brigade 199
Mobile Police 191
Bangkok Ambulance 0 2255 1133 to 6
AC Bus stations may be called at these different numbers for different locations:
South 0 2435 1200, 0 2434 7192
North and North-East 0 2936 2852 to 66
East 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097
Call Bangkok Railway Station at: 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701
Thailand's islands are rich in hidden treasures and one such is Koh Si Chang, a charming historical island offering a treasure trove of delights such as ruins of summer palaces, great architecture and lots more! Koh Si Chang is the biggest island in the Chon Buri Province, off Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand.The small islets of Koh Kang Kao, Koh Kham Noi, Koh Prong and others surround Koh Si Chang.
About 3 hours from Bangkok, you can get to Koh Si Chang by catching a boat from Charin Pier of Sri Racha in Chonburi. From Sri Racha it's about a 45 min ride to Tha Lang Pier of Koh Si Chang. Plenty of local taxis called Tuk Tuks help you get to other parts of the island from Tha Lang Pier.
Thailand's Koh Si Chang is a rock island with a tropical climate. A vacation place of three former kings of the Chakri dynasty, the island is a popular tourist destination owing to its associations with royalty and beautiful architectural marvels.
Koh Si Chang will charm you with its many attractions, such as:
Chudahdhuj Palace, former summer residence of the royal family. Here there's the octagon stone base which was once the intended site of Vimanmek Mansion that you see in Bangkok.
Wat Thamyaiprig, a peaceful meditation temple where monks and nuns lead their holy life away from the world
Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine of Buddha on a northern hill of the island, some 192 m above sea level from where you can observe the island in all its glory.
Some places connected with royalty worth visiting are: Phra Chuthathut Ratchatan and the intricately designed garden palace of Si Chang.
Mondop atop Buddha's Footprint replica installed by King Rama V on a hill from where you get glorious views of the island
The Assadang Nimit Temple in which a pagoda has been built atop a Western style domed church.
The secluded beach of Haad Saai Kaew on Koh Si Chang and the surrounding islets like Koh Kang Kao offer great snorkeling opportunities and a chance to view a variety of coral and fish.
You can explore Koh Si Chang on a day trip and be back in Pattaya before nightfall. Many tour operators in Pattaya offer such trips. If you want to stay over for the night, there are many hotels with affordable rates on Koh Si Chang itself.
If you want to be touched by royalty, come to Koh Si Chang, the preferred summer destination of kings!How to get to Ko Sichang
Train: There is one train daily from Hualompong Train Station in Bangkok to Siracha town, a journey of 117 Km. Upon arrival in Siracha take a “tuk-tuk” to Ko Loy Pier. Ferries leave every hour to Ko Sichang. The first ferry is at 07.00 and the last is at 20.00. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs 40 Baht per person.
Bus:Air-conditioned buses leave Ekamai Bus Station(East) and Morchid Bus Station(North) in Bangkok to Siracha town, every hour starting at 06.50. The last bus leaves at 21.00.
Source Photo:
Akira Banno
PHUKET: The fourth anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, which was triggered by an earthquake that measured close to nine on the Richter scale.
The tsunami hit Phuket on the morning of December 26, 2004.
More than 5,000 people, mostly international tourists, were killed in Thailand's six Andaman coastal provinces when the killer waves struck. Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka were also hard hit by the waves created by the earthquake.
According to the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification and Repatriation Center in Phang Nga, the bodies of nearly 400 tsunami victims remain unidentified.
Center director Nitinai Sornsongkram said that despite ongoing efforts, 388 of the 3,696 bodies that the center received in February 2005 have yet to be identified and retrieved by relatives. At present, 445 persons are still unaccounted for. Of these, 290 are Thai, 95 are Burmese and 60 are Scandinavian.
Reference: phuketgazette.net
Thailand Government issues tourist visa to applicants wishing to get in to the Kingdom of Thailand for tourism intention. The tourist visa to Thailand is valid for
60 days and can be made 30 days longer after approaching the nearest Immigration office.
The Royal Thailand Government charges a payment of USD 25.00 per entry or approximately 1,900 Baht (as per 2003-08-26) for people interested to visit Thailand. The fee is subject to change as per the will of the Thai authorities. The specific requirements for getting a tourist visa are -
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form completely filled out
- One recent (4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant
- Air ticket or e-ticket paid in full
- Financial means (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)
- Consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents as deemed necessary.
The tourists on obtaining a tourist visa to Thailand need to use it within a period of 30 days. While on your Thailand tour, you can extend the visa validity period after filing an application for authorization at the Office of Immigration Bureau located on Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10.
The Thai Royal Government extends the facility of Visa on arrival to the citizens of 20 countries. There are 32 visa extension counters for such purpose, at different entry points to Thailand. The requirements to apply for the same are -
- The purpose is tourism.
- The applicant must have living expenses of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family along with full paid ticket.
- A recent passport size photograph.
- Such a visa is not subject to extension except in cases of illness preventing travel.
Air Canada (AC)
14th fl. Tower3, Sindhorn Building, 130-132 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10330
Tel: (+662) 253-0263-66
Fax: (+662) 253-0268
British Airways (BA)
Unit 1402, 14th Fl., Abdulrahim Place 990, Rama IVe Rd., Bangkok 10500
Airport: (+662) 535-2220
Ticketing: (+662) 636-1770
Air India (AI)
12th Fl.One Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok 10110
Airport: (+662) 535-2121
Ticketing: (+662) 235-0557
Mandarin Airlines (AE)
Chiangmai Airport, Room IA, 2nd Fl,
Chiang Mai 50200
Tel (053) 201-268
Fax (053) 922237
THAILAND'S NATIONAL CARRIERS:
THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
Bangkok (Town Office)
Reservation & Ticketing
Office: THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL (TICKETING)
Address: LARN LUANG TICKET OFFICE
6 LARNLUANG RD. BANGKOK 10100
THAILAND
Phone: (66-2) 288-7000
Fax: (66-2) 280-1748
Reservation & Ticketing
Office: THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL (TICKETING)
Address: VIBHAVADI RANGSIT TICKET OFFICE
89 VIBHAVADI RANGSIT ROAD, CHATTUCHAK, BANGKOK 10900
THAILAND
Phone: (66-2) 545-3690-92
Fax: (66-2) 545-3199
Reservation & Ticketing
Office: THAI CONTACT CENTER (RESERVATION)
Address: 6 LARN LUANG ROAD, BANGKOK 10100
THAILAND
Phone: (66-2) 356-1111
Fax: (66-2) 356-2222
Reservation & Ticketing
Office: THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL (TICKETING)
Address: SILOM TICKET OFFICE
Bangkok Union Insurance Building (BUI)
1st fl. 175-177 Soi Anumanrajchathon 1, Surawong road, Bangkok 10500
THAILAND
Phone: (66-2) 232-8000
Fax: (66-2) 232-8277
BANGKOK AIRWAYS (Head Office)
99 Mu 14, Vibhavadirangsit Road, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
Airport: (+662)132 0331-39 (International)
(+662) 132 0342-54 (Domestic)
Ticketing: (+662) 265-5555
For online booking, go to: www.bangkokair.com
The Thai are traditionally peace loving people and therefore their diplomatic relations with other countries is rather friendly. They believe in spreading the values of peace, harmony and prosperity throughout the world. Mostly all the countries around the world have their Embassies in Thailand's capital, Bangkok. The names and addresses of a few embassies are listed below:
Arab Republic of Egypt Embassy
49 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd, Bkk 10330
Tel: 253 0161, 253 8138; Fax: 256 9310, 254 9489
Republic of Argentina Embassy
Prommitr Villa, 20/85 Sukhumvit Soi 49/1, Bkk 10110
Tel: 259 0401-2, 259 9198; Fax: 259 0402
Email: embtail@mozart.inet.co.th
Austrian Embassy
14 Soi Nandha, Soi Attakarnprasit, South Sathorn Rd, Bkk 10120
Tel: 287 3970-2, 287 3925; Fax: 287 3925
Australian Embassy
37 South Sathorn Rd, Bkk 10120
Tel: 344 6300, 344 6400, 344 6455-7; Fax: 344 6593, 344 6341, 344 6310
Email: austembassy.bangkok@dfat.gov.
Royal Belgian Embassy
17th Fl, Sathorn City Tower, 175 South Sathorn Rd, Tungmahamek, Sathorn, Bkk 10120
Tel: 679 5454; Fax: 679 5467; Email: Bangkok@diplobel.org
Royal Bhutanese Embassy
Room 107, 19th Fl, JTC Bldg, 919 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bkk 10500
Tel: 237 3315-27, 237 3600-3; Fax: 237 7541
Slovakian Embassy
Pantip Court, 68 South Sathorn Rd, Bkk 10120
Tel: 285 0220-2; Fax: 285 0223
Souh African Embassy
6th Fl, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Bkk 10330
Tel: 253 8473-6; Fax: 253 8477
Spainish Embassy
Lake Rajada Office Complex, 23rd Fl, Suites 98-99, 193 Ratchadapisek Rd, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 661 8284-6; Fax: 661 9220; Email: embespth@mail.mae.es
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Embassy
13th Fl, Ocean Tower 2, 75/6-7 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bkk 10110
Tel: 261 1934-5; Fax: 261 1936
Swedish Embassy
20th Fl, Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 254 4954-55; Fax: 254 4914
Swiss Embassy
35 Wireless Rd, Bkk 10500 (GPO Box 821, Bkk 10510)
Tel: 253 0156-60, 254 6855; Fax: 255 4481
Taiwan (Republic of China) Embassy
10th Fl, Kian Gwan Bldg, Wireless Rd, Bkk 10330
Tel: 251 9274-6, 251 9393-6; Fax: 254 9276
Republic of Turkey Embassy
61/1 Soi Chatsan, Suthisarn Rd, Phayathai, Bkk 10310
Tel: 274 7262-3; Fax: 274 7261
Consulate General
138/5 Soi Thonglor 11, Sukhumvit Rd 55, Klongtan, Wattana, Bkk 10110
Tel: 391 6848, 712 8883; Fax: 391 3323; Email: ankhor@uzbinbkk.org
Apostolic Nunciature
217/1 South Sathorn Rd, Bkk 10120
Tel: 233 9109, 212 5883-4; Fax: 212 0932
Socialist Republic of Vietnam Embassy
83/1 Wireless Rd, Bkk 10500
Tel: 251 7202, 251 5835; Fax: 251 7201, 251 7203
People's Republic of Bangladesh Embassy
727 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bkk 10110
Tel: 381 1144, 391 8069-70; Fax: 391 8070
Federative Republic of Brazil Embassy
23rd Fl, Lumpini Tower, 1168/66 Rama 4 Rd, Bkk 10120
Tel: 679 8567-8; Fax: 679 8569
Brunei Darussalam Embassy
154 Ekamai Soi 14, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Luksorndang, Prakanong, Bkk 10110
Tel: 381 5914-6; Fax: 381 5921
People's Republic of Bulgaria Embassy
33/15 Soi Charoenchai, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bkk 10110
Tel: 391 6180-1; Fax: 391 6182
Republic of Philipines Embassy
760 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 259 0139-40, 261 6869; Fax: 259 2809
Polish People Republic Embassy
8 Sukhumvit Soi 5, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 258 4112-3; Fax: 251 8895
Portuguese Embassy
26 Captain Bush Lane, New Rd, Bangrak, Bkk
Tel: 234 0372, 234 2123, 238 4275; Fax: 236 1954
Romanian Embassy
20/1 Soi Rajakhru off Soi 5, Phaholyothin Rd, Phayathai, Bkk 10400
Tel: 617 1551-4; Fax: 617 1113; Email: romembnk@ksc.th.com
Russian Federation Embassy
78 Sap Rd, Suriwongse, Bangrak, Bkk 10500
Tel: 268 1169, 234 9824; Fax: 237 8488; Email: rosposol@cscoms.com
Saudi Arabia Royal Embassy
10th Fl, Sathorn Thani Bldg, 90 North Sathorn Rd, Bkk 10500
Tel: 237 1938-41, 266 3888; Fax: 236 6442
Republic of Singapore Embassy
129 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bkk 10120
Tel: 286 2111, 213 1261, 287 5115; Fax: 287 2578
Republic of Chile Embassy
15 Sukhumvit Soi 61, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 391 4858, 391 8443; Fax: 391 8380
Canadian Embassy
15th Fl, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bkk 10500
Tel: 636 0560; Fax: 636 0568
Cambodian Embassy
185 Rajadamri Rd, Patumwan, Bkk 10330
Tel: 254 6630, 253 9851; Fax: 253 9859
Republic of Colombia Consulate
9th Fl, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bkk 10330
Tel: 254 5105-6; Fax: 254 5109
Republic of Cuba Embassy
Mela Mansion apt. 3C, 5 Soi 27, Sukhumvit Rd, Klong-Toey Neur, Bkk
Tel: 665 2803; Fax: 661 6560; Email: cubaemb1@loxinfo.co.th
People's Republic of China Embassy
57 Ratchadapisek Road, Dindang, Bkk 10310
Tel: 245 7030-45; Fax: 246 8247, 247 2214
Royal Danish Embassy
10 Soi Attakarn Prasit, South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bkk 10120
Tel: 213 2021-5, 679 9349-50; Fax: 213 1752
Czech Republic Embassy
71/6 Ruam Rudee Soi 2, Ploenchit Rd, Bkk 10330
Tel: 255 4978, 255 3027; Fax: 253 7637
Dominican Republic Consulate
92/6 Changwattana Rd, Laksi, Bangkhen, Bkk 10210
Tel: 521 0675, 521 1282, 521 5000; Fax: 521 0737
European Commission Delegation
19th Fl, Kian Gwan House 2, 140/1 Wireles Rd, Bkk
Tel: 255 9101, 255 9106-11; Fax: 255 9113-4
Republic of Finland Embassy
16th Fl, Amarin Plaza, 500 Ploenchit Rd, Patumwan, Bkk 10330
Tel: 256 9306-9, 256 9511-3; Fax; 256 9310
French Embassy
35 Soi Rong Phasi Kao 36, New Rd, Bangrak, Bkk 10500
Tel: 256 9306-9, 285 6104-7; Fax; 256 9310
Ethopian Consulate-General
962/14 Prannok Rd, Bkk 10700
Tel: 411 0218, 412 1068
Republic of Iceland Consulate
59 Soi Navin, Chuaploeng Road, Bkk 10120
Tel: 249 1300; Fax: 249 1253
Republic of Gambia Consulate
610/5-6 Songwad Rd, Samphantawong, Bkk 10100
Tel: 224 0091; Fax: 224 6212, 224 6894
Germany Embassy
9 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bkk 10120
Tel: 285 6627-8, 679 1120; Fax: 287 1776
Greece Embassy
99 Rama 9 Rd, Huay Kwang, Bkk
Tel: 247 1068, 254 9729; Fax: 247 1068
Republic of Gabon Consulate
13 Soi Pradipat 10, Pradipat Rd, Samsennai, Payatai, Bkk 10400
Tel: 279 2800-1; Fax: 271 1142
Republic of Honduras Consulate
4A Phirom Mansion, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 41, Bkk 10110
Hungarian Embassy
28 Soi Sukchai, Sukhumvit Soi 42, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 661 1150-2; Fax: 661 1153
Indian Embassy
46 Soi Prasarnmitr, Sukhumvit Soi 23 , Bkk 10110
Tel: 258 0300-6; Fax: 258 4627
Ireland Consulate
28th Fl, (High Zone), Q.House Lumpini Bldg, 1 South Sathorn Rd, Tungmahamek, Sathorn, Bkk 10120
Tel: 677 7500; Fax: 677 7501
Indonesian Embassy
600-602 Phetchaburi Rd, Bkk 10400
Tel: 252 3135-40; Fax: 255 1267, 255 8199
Islamic Republic of Iran Embassy
602 Sukhumvit Rd (between Soi 22 and 24), Bkk 10110
Tel: 261 9790-3; Fax: 259 9111
Republic of Iraq Embassy
47 Pradipat Rd, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bkk 10400
Tel: 278 5335-8; Fax: 271 4218
Israel Embassy
25th Fl, Ocean Tower, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bkk 10110
Tel: 260 4854-9; Fax: 260 4860
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Consulate
47 Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 391 7142; Fax: 391 9180, 381 1314
Japan Embassy
1674 New Petchburi Rd, Huay Kwang, Bkk 10310
Tel: 252 6151-9; Fax: 255 6999, 258 6877
United States of America Embassy
95 Wireless Rd, Bkk 10500
Tel: 205 4000; Fax: 205 4131
Uzbekistan Embassy
77 Soi Thonglor 8, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Prakhanong, Bkk 10110
Tel: 391 3397, 714 9838-9; Fax: 391
Royal Netherlands Embassy
106 Wireless Rd, Bkk 10500
Tel: 254 7701-5, 254 1265; Fax: 254 5579
New Zealand Embassy
93 Wireless Rd, Bkk 10330 (P.O. Box 2719, Bkk 10500)
Tel: 254 2530; Fax: 253 9045
Royal Norweigen Embassy
18th Fl, UBC II Bldg, 591 Soi Sukhumvit 33, Bkk 10110
Tel: 261 0230-5; Fax: 262 0218
Sultanate of Oman Embassy
7th Fl, 134/1-2 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bkk 10500
Tel: 236 7385
Italian Embassy
399 Nang Linchee Rd, Thungmahamek, Bkk 10120
Tel: 287 2054-7, 285 4090-3; Fax: 285 4793
Democratic People's Republic of Korea Embassy
14 Moo Ban Suanlaemthong 2, Pattanakarn Rd, Bkk 10250
Tel: 319 1442-3; Fax: 318 6333
Lao People's Democratic Republic Embassy
502/1-3 Ramkamhaeng Rd, Bangkapi, Bkk 10310
Tel: 539 6667; Fax: 539 6678
Lebanese Embassy
15th Fl. CTI Tower, 191/67 Ratchadapisek Rd, Bkk 10110
Tel: 261 1013, 261 1015, 261 5091; Fax: 261 1026
Malaysian Embassy
33-35 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bkk 10120
Tel: 679 2190-0; Fax: 679 2208
Maltese Consulate
485/14 Silom Rd, Bkk 10500
Tel: 235 9423-4; Fax: 235 6293
Mexican Embassy
21/60-62 Thai Wah Tower, 20th Fl. South Sathorn Rd, Bkk 10500
Tel: 285 0815; Fax: 285 0667
Moroccan Embassy
5th Fl, Ban Chang GlasHouse, Sukhumvit Soi 25, Bkk 10110
Tel: 260 6410-1; Fax: 260 6412
Union of Myanmar Embassy
132 North Sathorn Rd, Bangrak, Bkk 10500
Tel: 236 6899, 234 4789, 233 2237; Fax: 236 6898
Royal Nepal Embassy
189 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Klongtoey, Bkk 10110
Tel: 391 7240, 390 2985, 392 4741; Fax: 381 2406
Islamic Republic of Pakistan Embassy
31 Soi Nana Nua, Sukhumvit Rd, Bkk 10110
Tel: 253 0288-9, 254 9702; Fax: 253 0290
Republic of Panama Embassy
1168/37 Lumpini Tower Bldg, 16th Fl, Rama IV Rd, Tungmahamek, Sathorn, Bkk 10120
Tel: 679 7988-9; Fax: 679 7991; Email: ptybkk@ksc.th.com
Republic of Peru Embassy
16th Fl, Glas Haus Bldg, #1 Soi Sukhumvit 25, Sukhumvit Rd, Wattana, Bkk 10110
Tel: 260 6243, 260 6245, 260 6248; Fax: 260 6244; Email: peru@peruthai.or.th
As a tourist it becomes important for you to be in constant touch with your country's embassy. In any trouble it is advisable to contact your embassy immediately.
Know about Thailand before you plan to visit it. There are plenty of things that you must care to know for your own benefit. It will definitely make your trip more comfortable!
Here is some information that will help you with your trip.
You are required to have a valid passport for entering Thailand.
No need to fuss about the currency. The Thai currency is either Baht or Satang and you can easily exchange them with foreign currencies in all Thai hotels and banks.
Thailand is a hot tropical country and its better if you wear comfortable cotton clothes.
Tipping is a custom in Thailand.
Most government offices in Thailand are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm. However, you can exchange currencies in banks from 7am to 9pm.
It is best to visit Thailand between the months of November and February. The weather is pleasantly cool in most of the regions during this time.
Know something about he Thai culture so that you don't find yourself in an awkward and unpleasant situation. Don't fumble when a thai greets you by saying "wai". It's their way to greet and respect strangers. "Wai" them back!
The other thing to know about Thailand is that the Thais are very sensitive about their monarch. Any disrespectful action or word regarding the king or queen of Thailand may get you into disputes with the locals.
Dec 15 - 20, 2008 The 23rd year of Patong Carnival is organized and funded by Patong Municipality. There will be One Tambon One Product (OTOP) sales, arts and culture displays, spa and massage services, and food and beverage services.
The entertainment will display traditional Thai culture from various regions across the country.
Highlights of the carnival include:
- Dec 15: Fireworks after dark.
- Dec 16: Beach clean-up and longtail boat competition, off Loma Park at 9am.
- Dec 17: Adventure Competition at Loma Park at 9am.
- Dec 20: Fancy Parade along the beach road at 5pm.
Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Pattaya
www.varuna.org
Located on an exclusive bay in South Pattaya, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club is one of the world’s leading beach sailing clubs, and has hosted numerous world championship events. The club’s main focus is dinghies and beach catamarans, but it is also a treasured stop for many yachts cruising in the Gulf of Thailand. The club has 24 rooms, full bar and restaurant services, and offers sailing instructions for both beginners and advanced sailors.
Ocean Marina, Jomtien, Pattaya
www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com
Ocean Marina Yacht Club boasts a five-star hotel and is the largest world-class yachting centre in Asia, providing a full range of marina facilities, services and water activities. With an enormous u-shaped wave breaker, the marina covers 50 acres, or 80 rai, and has berthing for 500 yachts. It also provides dry docks for 200 boats of up to 35 feet.
Koh Chang Marina
www.kohchangmarina.com
Currently the only yacht marina in Koh Chang Marine National Park, it offers launching and retrieving services, wet and dry berths, supplies and maintenance services. Gulf Charters operates from here on the island.
Yacht Haven Marina, Phuket
www.yacht-haven-phuket.com
Situated on Phuket’s northeast coast and only fifteen minutes from the international airport, Yacht Haven Marina markets itself as “the perfect port-of-call” to base oneself for sailing expeditions in the area. It can handle craft of up to 80 metres. The marina accommodates over 200 vessels, and features newly renovated docks and boardwalks, and all manner of landside facilities. The marina overlooks Phang Nga Bay, and enjoys steady fresh breezes all year.
Royal Phuket Marina
www.royalphuketmarina.com
Tucked away quietly, but strategically located on the centre of Phuket's eastern flank, Royal Phuket Marina is on the doorstep of Phang Nga Bay and close to the international airport, as well as Phuket’s main town, a number of top golf courses and other attractions. Covering over 30 hectares, or 190 rai, the marina has 350 berths for yachts of up to 35 metres. Apart from its size, Royal Phuket Marina has a boat lock, a non-tidal deepwater basin and private moorings on the doorstep of residences. Alongside are 400 luxury villas, penthouses and condominiums. Further dining, shopping, park and club areas, hotel and convention facilities are being developed.
An exhibition centre is opening in December in time to host “Asia’s favourite boat show,” the annual Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX). The initiative is a joint venture between Royal Phuket Marina and Informa (www.informa.com). The largest publicly-owned organizer of conferences and courses in the world, Informa stages over 10,000 events annually.
PIMEX (Phuket International Marine Expo)
www.phuketboatshow.com
Now in its sixth year, Pimex 2008 is a marine and lifestyle exhibition held at the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference centre in a 2,500-square-metre airconditioned display space located adjacent to the marina basin with over 40 yachts in the water. The show is one of the largest on-water boat shows in the region, and a major showcase for boating and marine leisure. Even with the economic downturn, event organizer Andy Dowden is forecasting the largest PIMEX event yet (4-7 December).
Big Buddha Marina
www.bigbuddhamarina.com
The Thai government is reviewing the possibility of installing a 100-berth marina on Koh Samui near Big Buddha Beach. This new development is a response to the success of the Koh Samui Regatta, which attracted 33 boats and over 300 crew in 2008
The annual King’s Cup yacht regatta will take place in early December off the south end of Phuket. It attracts the very best yachts and sailors from all corners of Asia, but one salty sailor who has more than half a million sea miles under his belt, says there is a place for the classic yacht. Managing Editor Roger Foley talks to Christopher Edwards about his life time at sea with some of the world’s great sailors, and why he donated the Xiphias Trophy.
The trip fuelled Chris’s interest in the maritime tribes of the region, and he got Indian Government permission to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The latter are still closed to general yachting traffic. Chris says the trip was fascinating as the Nicobar’s are home to one of the most ancient tribal people. “Genetically, these people are some of the purist tribal groupings in the world, but they face extinction. Going there was like the gold chest at the end of the rainbow. And on one occasion, we did see a group of the Shompen forest dwellers. It was a wonderful experience.”Reference : Phuketmagazine | Read more : file.pdf
KATA: In fresh winds gusting up to 20 knots yesterday morning, Ray Roberts' Quantum Racing team snatched victory from Neil Pryde's Hi Fi and Winkelman and Dodd's Island Fling to win the final race of the Racing class in the 22nd annual King's Cup Regatta.In one of the tightest competitions ever in the King's Cup, the win moved Quantum Racing into first place overall in the class and the right to have her name etched on the coveted King's Cup trophy.
Hi Fi finished second, relegating Neil Pryde and his crew to second place overall.
As an example of the high standard of sailing in this year's Cup, which had seven of the 11 race classes still up for grabs before yesterday's final races, Island Fling, who led the class just the day before, finished fifth by just 16 seconds to place third overall in the Racing class.
In another nail-biting finish, David Ross's Macquarie - Frangipani Girl beat Peter Cremers' Shatoosh to move into first place overall in the Premier class. The day before, Shatoosh had led the class.
John Wardill's Australian Maid, a long-term regular in the King's Cup, finished third in the class.
In a fine display of competitive sailing, Scott Duncanson and his crew on Raimon Land The Heights held off rival Kenichi Takahashi on Motor Net to place second and third respectively in the Sports boat class.
By focusing on keeping Motor Net in their wake instead of going for an outright win, The Heights, which is better known in Phuket as Somtam Express, held on to their first place overall and won the Sports boat class.
Matt Allen on Ichi Ban dominated the IRC 1 class throughout the regatta with six "bullets" (sailing jargon for "first place") and one second-place finish, and needed only a mediocre result to win the class.
Ben Copley's Phuket-based Katsu finished second overall in the hotly contested class.
Sailing proud for Thailand in the IRC 2 class were Royal Thai Navy 1 and Royal Thai Navy 2, which finished first and second overall.
In the Firefly 850 class, comprising only the high-speed, Phuket-built Firefly catamarans, Peter Dyer's SEA Property claimed top honors in the class, with Hans Rahmann's Voodoo Child finishing second overall and Brent Gribble on Twin Sharks placing third.Despite Thailand's recent political upheaval and the temporary closure of Bangkok's two international airports just days before this year's King's Cup opened on November 29, the regatta attracted a fleet of 94 boats and well over 1,000 people.
Unlike some previous years, this year's regatta was graced with near perfect sailing conditions throughout, providing some of the most memorable racing maneuvers and results. Many of the racers told the Gazette that they look forward to returning to contest the cup again next year.
For more results from today's final races – and for the finalized overall results – visit www.kingscup.com.
4-7 December at the Royal Phuket Marina
PIMEX 2008 is a marine and lifestyle exhibition held at the Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference centre with 2,500 sq metres of air conditioned display space adjacent to the marina basin with over 40 yachts in the water.
In it's sixth year the show is the largest on water Boat Show in the region and is the regions most effective showcase for boating and marine leisure.
Informa Yacht Group, organisers of the Monaco Yacht Show have recently acquired PIMEX and the world wide marketing of the show has risen to another level.
Fully supported by The Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thailand Conference and Exhibition Bureau.
90 exhibiting companies and close to 50 yachts are booked in 2008
PIMEX 2008 update 24th November
Record number of yachts in water: 43
Companies exhibiting: 85
Luxury motor yachts afloat in 2008 include Sunseeker; Gulf Craft, Chris Craft, Formula, Princess, Riviera, Pershing, Maritimo, Crowneline, Cranchi, Sunnav, Horizon, Posillipo, Rodman, Tiara, Mustang, Bondway, Sea Ray, Seatboat, and Silkline International. Three of the yachts are over 60 feet long. For sailing enthusiasts Jeanneau, Bavaria Yachts, Elan and Hanse will be represented as well as a number of catamarans. A new development in 2008 is the emergence of new brands from mainland China some of which are exhibiting this year. And of course the electronics, all the outboard engines and other accessories and equipment that go with the marine lifestyle will be on show.
Several property and residential marina projects are also exhibiting.
A full list of exhibitors booked to date can be found in the exhibitors section.
With less than a week to go organizers are working overtime to fit in latecomers.
Only two spaces are left in the hall and the water display is fully booked and it looks like PIMEX 2008 is heading for 100% sold. .
The marina site is in a beautiful setting with five restaurants on the boardwalk overlooking the marina.
Kayak displays, music on the boardwalk and fun activities make this the perfect day out for the family. Sail training for kids and adults, Yacht charter, and Regattas.
Whether interested in boating or simply curious about how Phuket has become one of the most sought after luxury destinations in the world, visiting Royal Phuket Marina and PIMEX is a must during the 4th to 7th December.
Exhibitors… Still an opportunity to join.
Visitors… Register on line on this site.
For more information:
Andy Dowden, Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 7670 or info@phuketboatshow.com
Piyawan Songsawas,Tel +66 (0) 76 360808 or Piyawan@phuketboatshow.com
( Thai & English )
