Fantastic Manohra Cycling Tour at Bang Nampueng Floating Market

dusitD2 baraquda pattaya: Asia’s only Finalist at
FX Awards 2009
The dusitD2 baraquda pattaya was recognised as one of the Best Hotel Designs worldwide at the FX International Interior Design Awards 2009 ceremony organised by FX Design Magazine of the United Kingdom and held on 24 November 2009 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
 

FX Magazine selected dusitD2 baraquda pattaya as a finalist in the hotel category, the judging panel of industry experts declaring the resort hotel to be “creative, functional and welcoming, especially for its size”. The other 2009 finalists included W Hotel downtown, Atlanta; The W, New York; Andels’s Lodz; Andel’s Berlin; and Boundary, London, which was the winner. Finalists were selected based on aesthetic appeal, practicality and functionality of design.

We are honoured to have been selected as a finalist for the FX International Interior Design Awards 2009,” said Mr. Paolo Randone, General Manager of dusitD2 baraquda pattaya. “We strive to be as distinctive as we can and we appreciate that our efforts are recognised.”

The prestigious FX International Interior Design Awards is organized by FX Magazine, the leading UK commercial interiors publication. The FX International Interior Design Awards have been celebrating excellence in design for the last ten years, with previous winners including some of the biggest names in international design.

Just a 90-minute drive from Bangkok and located within Pattaya’s entertainment and shopping district, the 72-room hotel is at the doorstep of Pattaya’s exciting caf? scene and a short ferry ride to the white sand beaches of Koh Larn (Coral Island).

For further information or for reservations for an award-winning experience, contact tel: +66 (0) 3876 9999 or email: d2pa@dusit.com
 

“Tour de Thailand 2009”
The 7th year of an annual charity bicycle ride

Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring Company Limited has very gratefully received much appreciated assistance Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dtac, Chevron, Toyota, Tilleke & Gibbins, TQPR, and FBT as the sponsors of the “Tour de Thailand 2009”. This ride will raising funds for The Operation Smile Thailand; to repair childhood facial deformities by delivering safe, effective surgical care directly to patients and The Skills Development Centre For The Blind; a Thai registered charity.
 

Tour de Thailand will be held from
Dec 8th, 2009 – Jan 3rd 2010

From Chiang Mai down to Phuket. This annual charity bicycle ride attracts both local and foreign cyclist to participate in a 2,000-kilometer journey for a good cause and to experience the country’s beautiful countryside, sights, and Thai culture. Schedule as below:

08/12/2009 CHIANG MAI – LAMPHUN
09/12/2009 LAMPHUN – LAMPANG
10/12/2009 THOEN – TAK
11/12/2009 TAK - SUKOTHAI
12/12/2009 DAY OFF
13/12/2009 SUKOTHAI – KAMPHAENG PHET
14/12/2009 KAMPHAENG PHET - NAKHONSAWAN
15/12/2009 NAKHONSAWAN – SINGBURI
16/12/2009 SINGBURI - AYUTTHAYA
17/12/2009 DAY OFF
18/12/2009 AYUTTHAYA– BANGKOK
19/12/2009 AYUTTHAYA– SUPHANBURI
20/12/2009 SUPHANBURI – KANCHANABURI
21/12/2009 DAY OFF
22/12/2009 KANCHANABURI – RATCHABURI
23/12/2009 RATCHABURI – PHETCHABURI
24/12/2009 PHETCHABURI – HUA HIN
25/12/2009 HUA HIN – PRACHUAB KHIRI KHAN
26/12/2009 DAY OFF
27/12/2009 PRACHUAB KHIRI KHAN – BANG SA PHAN
28/12/2009 BANG SA PHAN – CHUMPHON
29/12/2009 CHUMPHON – LANG SUAN
30/01/2009 LANG SUAN – SURATTHANI
31/12/2009 SURATHANI – KHAO SOK
01/01/2010 DAY OFF
02/01/2010 KHAO SOK – KHAO LAK
03/01/2010 KHAO LAK - PHUKET

For further information for Tour de Thailand 2009, please visit www.tourdethailand.com, or call Christopher Byrd at 081-1734469.
 

A cautionary tale:
Canadian gay couple detained in Dubai for one month

A gay couple planning to spend a day in Dubai before returning to Toronto after a trip to India were detained at Dubai airport for carrying the  prescription arthritis drug Celebrex which is banned in the United Arab Emirates.

The couple, Rocky Sharma and Stephen Macleod, who have been together for 10 years, were stopped upon arrival in Dubai on August 2.
 

In Stephen's suitcase there was a bottle of the prescription arthritis medication Celebrex and on it's discovery he was told Celebrex is a controlled substance in UAE. The partners were then detained even though they did not present themselves to border officials as a couple.

“I think they thought we were gay and we would have some party drugs with us,” says Sharma.  “They were definitely targeting people who are young, from the western world and nicely dressed, like they are going to party.”

The UAE has very tough drug laws. Even over-the-counter medications that include traces of codeine are restricted. Possession can result in lengthy jail sentences, heavy fines or the death penalty, according to an advisory issued by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).

They were not given an opportunity to contact a lawyer or consular officials but Sharma managed to contact friends at home on his Blackberry, which he had on him at the time of his arrest. Those friends gave him the emergency contact number of the Canadian embassy in Abu Dhabi, which Sharma called before his Blackberry was confiscated. Sharma’s family also contacted DFAIT in Canada but their efforts were stymied by the long weekend.

“When I sent the message, we were thinking we were going back home,” says Sharma. “That’s when I took it out of my bag and sent the SOS message. They were taking us toward the airport, but I’m glad I sent it because they were taking us to the detention centre. We were very lucky about that.”

Sharma and Macleod were forced by their captors to submit urine samples for drug testing. Sharma says they were told they were being held pending the results of the urine tests. They were kept in a filthy prison cell with eight other prisoners for 10 days before they were sent to separate prisons.

“If you get a blanket and a pillow you’re very lucky,” he says. “For the first few days we slept on the floor. The bathroom conditions were just a hole in the ground for 200 people. Food was just rice with some kind of sauce on it three times a day.”

For the next 18 days, Sharma and Macleod could only communicate with each other via the case worker provided by the Canadian consulate.

“That was one of the worst parts, because I had no idea how he was doing, he had no idea how I was doing,” says Sharma. “We were told by the embassy not to even hint that we were a couple, to act like we were only friends, and that’s what we did.”

Homosexuality is punishable by death in UAE.

Even when the couple was formally declared innocent by the Dubai prosecution on Aug 18, they were kept another 11 days while their paperwork was processed.

DFAIT currently advises travellers to the UAE to “exercise high degree of caution” but does not issue an official warning against travel. Anyone carrying personal medication is advised to consult the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department before travelling to confirm that the medication is allowed in the country.

Sharma says he and his partner will never return to the Emirates after their experience.

Article from NewGayTravelGuide.com
 

Etihad opens new Premium Lounge at
London Heathrow

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently opened a new premium lounge at London Heathrow as part of the airline’s flights moving from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 on 30 September 2009.

First and business class customers and Etihad Guest Gold and Silver card holders will have access to the new lounge, conveniently located opposite the gates most commonly used by Etihad Airways for flight departures.
 

The lounge gives passengers an opportunity to relax in style and enjoy a range of services and facilities. These include individual treatment rooms where therapists from Six Senses Spa will offer facials, foot and leg massages. Customers can also enjoy five-star dining facilities in the lounge with a selection of foods from around the world, all cooked in an open kitchen.

A modern timber panelled business centre provides individual workstations and privacy for those with laptops. Other features include a prayer room, a relaxing seating area with Poltrona Frau leather chairs and a bathroom and shower facilities for customers to freshen up in prior to departure.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “We are proud that we will soon be offering one of the best customer lounges available at London Heathrow.

“Our new premium lounge at the airport represents a major investment and demonstrates the airline’s continuing commitment to deliver world-class premium products and services to its first and business class customers on the ground as well as in the air.”

Etihad Airways unveiled its first new premium lounge outside the UAE in July 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Etihad Airways also provides a complimentary limousine service for its first and business class passengers flying in and out of London Heathrow. First class customers flying to London Heathrow are also the first to take advantage of the airline’s new first class product.

The airline’s highly-anticipated new first class suite entered into service between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow on Wednesday 25 August.

The new private suite provides first class customers with an extra-large leather seat, upholstered by world-renowned leather company Poltrona Frau, which extends to a fully-flat bed, 80.5 inches in length.

Within the cabin customers also have access to a large and luxurious changing room with a full length mirror, wash basin and leather fold-down seat to allow passengers to freshen up at any time during the flight.
 

Wolf Blass Wine Dinner 24th October 2009 at
Mantra Restaurant & Bar

Prepare to be tempted by exquisite South Australian wine in the latest Global Exploration Wine Dinner on 24th October at Mantra Restaurant & Bar.

roduced from first-class grapes which are perfected in the ideal climate of South Australia and picked by the hands of dedicated passionate winemakers, Wolf Blass has had a long and proud history of making award winning wines of outstanding quality, character and consistency.
 

Experience the velvet texture and delicate scent of these refined wines, coupled with Chef Supachai’s gastronomic creations that delight! Swirl the glass, clink together and toast to another fabulous wine dinner at only 2,500Bah+ per person.

Open 5pm - 1am Daily
*Advance reservations recommended
For reservations and more info, call +66 (0) 3842 9591 or email an enquiry and be sure to visit
www.mantra-pattaya.com

Mantra Restaurant & Bar is open on the Beach Road in Pattaya with a dynamic concept in dining. The Restaurant, with its awe-inspiring architecture and its eclectic and unique décor, is open from 6pm and the Bar, equally as impressive and provocative, opens from 5pm til 1am. Enjoy a pre-dinner or post-work drink, before settling in to enjoy a fabulous culinary journey, through various mouthwatering Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Mantra Fabulous Sunday Brunch is also available from 11am to 3pm.
 

The Royal Cliff Beach Resort hosts the Columbia Winery Gala Dinner

This past Saturday (26th September) the Royal Cliff Wine Club, Asia’s leading wine club, played host to a very special event in the Columbia Winery Gala Dinner which featured uniquely privileged selection of very exclusive wines from the esteemed Columbia Winery.

his grand gala dinner was sold out within hours of tickets going on sale and it was co-sponsored by Canpac Beverages Ltd, took place at the Grill Room & Wine Cellar of the multi award winning Royal Cliff Beach Resort, where a multi-course gourmet menu crafted by the culinary experts of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort was highlighted by a showcase of fabulous wines.
 

Mr. Ranjith Chandrasiri, the Wine Club President and Deputy General Manager of the Hotel Resort opened the evening and gave a speech to the exclusive Royal Cliff Wine Club members highlighting a detailed overview of evening’s proceedings.

The Royal Cliff Wine Club was proudly launched on the 28th of April, 2001 and with well-trained and efficient staff is just one of the many reasons of the resort’s enthusiasm in promoting wines and hosting wine-related events.

The Royal Cliff Beach Resort has once again broken its own world record by being bestowed five “Best of Awards of Excellence 2009” awards for the second successive year from New York's Wine Spectator magazine – and making it the first hotel resort anywhere in the world to do so! This astounding achievement already been acknowledged by many wine enthusiasts, winemakers and wine writers around the world.

The Royal Cliff Wine Club currently has a wide base of membership with inquiries still pouring in almost everyday and is open to a limited number of new memberships. For applications or enquiries, email to: wineclub@royalcliff.com
 

Amazing new wine and seafood buffets every Saturday at
Elements Restaurant, Sheraton Pattaya Resort

Elements, the smart-casual restaurant at Sheraton Pattaya Resort where the world of gastronomy meets in a stylish tropical seaside ambiance, has launched two new buffet concepts offered every Saturday evening – Wine and Seafood - combining abundant selections of refined cuisine with equally stimulating wines.

The new “Ocean Feast” Seafood Buffet is another special Saturday evening occasion with the finest and freshest product prepared in ways inspired by the world’s great seafood cuisines. Prime rock lobster, crab, mackerel, and more are barbecued on fiery coals or steamed with herbs and complemented by myriad hot and chilled gourmet seafood dishes. Super fresh seafood specimens on ice range from Alaskan king crab legs to oysters, giant crab and shrimp.
 

From the appetizers, diners can select the likes of succulent marinated smoked salmon and creamy corn & crabmeat platter. Plus meticulously mixed salads with cat fish, rock lobster, mussels, calamari and more.

The seafood and other savoury selections are rounded off with desserts, including a gushing chocolate fountain, lots of fruit dishes and a generous cheese board.

The Wine Buffet offers free-flow of a wide array of specially chosen wines from the world’s top wine-growing regions in Chile, Argentina, Australia, France, Italy and South Africa. Among the selections are both well-known established wines and wines from smaller wineries specially chosen by the hotel’s sommelier for their unique qualities.

Seafood Buffet is at Baht 1,499++/person Wine Buffer is at Baht 1,000++/person

For more information or reservations, please call 038 259888 or Email: sheraton.pattaya@sheraton.com Address: 437 Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150. Website: www.sheraton.com/pattaya
 

Prime Pitch Band ‘live’ at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya
Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya is proud to present Prime Pitch, a 7-piece Band specially flown-in from Philippines to rock 'live on stage' during August. Theirs repertoire of music includes classic Ballads, R&B, and Top-40 hits to Funk, Rock and Alternative. On top of that, they will mesmerize you with their energized dance moves.

Performing nightly from Monday to Thursday from 9pm and Friday to Saturday from 9.30pm. Enjoy the very best music and dining experiences only at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya.

Let the party begin!
And there’s definitely something for everyone at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya, whether you're looking for mouth-watering classic American favorites or savoury Thai specialties, you will not be disappointed.

Visit their website: www.hardrockhotels.net or call
038 - 426 -635 for more information and reservations
 

Laying down the law
By Pakamard Jaichalard, Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation (Published on July 29, 2009)

New regulations on karaoke, Internet gaming, film ratings set to take effect

The Cabinet has approved new regulations that prohibit karaoke parlours from providing drinking or singing partners to customers, with their business licences being revoked if they do.
 

Deputy government spokesman Phumin Leetheeraprasert said the Cabinet also assigned the Office of the Council of State to adjust some of the wording before the regulations are implemented.

The new rules, which also cover Internet cafes, allow children to play computer games for more than three hours and up to six hours a day, says Culture Minister Teera Salakpetch.

Those under 15 will be allowed to use the service from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 8pm during holidays and school breaks, while those aged 15 to 18 can play games until 10pm, Teera says.

The Cabinet also agreed that an IT system to keep kids under 18 from playing computer games for more than three hours a day should be ready before a ministerial regulation amendment is proposed later, he added.

Seven movie categories
Other regulations approved concern film ratings. The minister said there were seven categories: educational films people are encouraged to see; films suitable for the general audience; films suitable for those over 13; films suitable for those over 15; films suitable for those over 18; films restricted for persons under 20, and films banned from being screened in the Kingdom.

Teera also said that the ministry has finished making the six rating symbols and would submit them to the National Committee on Film and Video in mid-August before they are implemented.

The symbols are: "Sor" (from the Thai word song serm that means "promoted") for educational films people are encouraged to see; "Thor" (from thua pai meaning "general") for films suitable for the general audience; "Nor 13+" (Nor is from naenam meaning "advisory") for films suitable for those over 13; "Nor 15+"; "Nor 18+", and "Chor 20+" (Chor is from chapor that means "specific") for films restricted for persons under 20.

The two regulations should take effect in mid-August.
 

Lightning Strikes in Thailand
By Richard Barrow

Experts are warning people how to avoid lightning strikes, which have increased to 100,000 occurrences a month in Thailand. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) says at least 1.3 million lightning strikes occurred nationwide last year, up from 1.2 million the year before, or more than 100,000 strikes a month on average.
 

About 100 people are hit by lightning each year, and 30 of them die. Most lightning strikes occur in the South, followed by the Northeast and eastern provinces, particularly Chanthaburi and Trat, Egat said.

Prawit Leesatapornwongsa, director of the Telecommunications Customer Protection Institute, said people should avoid trees, and stay low when lightning strikes, especially if in an open field. Komson Petcharaks, from the High-Voltage Research Laboratory at Chulalongkorn University, said contrary to popular belief, wearing metal or even talking on a mobile phone during a storm would not attract lightning strikes. The lower part of a cloud has negative ions, which try to connect with positive ions on the ground.

"People can be injured from strikes themselves, or strikes which hit the ground then run from the ground to people," Mr Komson said. Most people were injured not from lightning strikes directly, but from objects close to them which conduct electricity. Risk areas include open fields (45%), trees (23%) and water sources (13%).

Lightning also causes problems for power transmission grids, which can affect energy security. "About 32% of power transmission line errors are caused by lightning," said Kitti Petchsanthad, Egat's transmission line technology unit chief. Egat has 11 lightning detection systems nationwide to help protect the grid, though sometimes they are not enough.

Source: Bangkok Post   Photo Source: flickr.com/photos/visbeek
 

Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand's Third Gender
by Susan Aldous with Pornchai Sereemongkonpol
A book review by James Eckhardt - The Nation
from www.gayaffairspattaya.com
A recent newspaper story reported that a high school in Loei has set up a separate bathroom for kathoey students, 200 out of an enrolment of 1,200. Two hundred? In Loei?

As in American movies about high school, there are similar factions in Thai schools: the jocks, the brains, the nerds, the cheerleaders. In Thailand you also have the kathoeys.

Given their great numbers, there's been several academic studies about ladyboys. But reading them would be like chewing marbles. A few years ago, a readable account called "The Third Sex" was published. The author followed three friends from high school in Chiang Mai through their respective careers: cabaret performer, prostitute and bank clerk.

Ladyboys casts a wider net. Subtitled "The Secret World of Thailand's Third Gender", the book presents intimate profiles of nine kathoeys ranging widely in age and occupation. Authors Susan Aldous (who wrote "The Angel of Bang Kwang Prison") and Pornchai Sereemongkonpol spent many hours in interviews with the nine and have written their stories in the first person. Of their impressions about their interview subjects, they write:
 

Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand's Third Gender
Author: Susan Aldous Pornchai and Sereemongkonpol,
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781905379484
Published: 15 May 2008
Publisher: Maverick House
Available from all leading bookshops

"There were certain outstanding qualities that never ceased to amaze and delight us, and they were the willingness, warmth and openness shown to us by all the ladyboys we met. They often seemed way ahead of their Thai nontransgender counterparts in their ability to openly discuss such sensitive and personal issues. We were truly humbled to have been admitted onto what felt like sacred ground - the naked and vulnerable hearts of our subjects."

The first is Mali, a Patpong gogo dancer and prostitute. She grew up as a buffalo herder in Isan but as her sexual life bloomed, headed for Bangkok and a job as a waiter and, eventually, a dancer in a bikini and high heels. "Kathoeys are like trees that grow wild," she concludes. "I don't know what else lies in store for me, but I'm proud of this: I'm my own gardener, watering, pruning and shaping my own tree - my own life. How could I ask for more?"

On the other end of the social scale, Mimi is a fashion columnist. She grew up in a supportive SinoThai family in Bangkok and graduated from a prestigious university. Her first job was as a translator for a woman's magazine and she began taking hormones and dressing as a woman full time. "Whatever the term, I'm proud to say that I've finally found myself," she reports. "I see myself as a psychologically heterosexual female. I know physically what I am, but in my mind I am absolutely female and desire a romantic relationship with a straight man."

Pui is a star performer at Bangkok's Calypso Cabaret, a profession that demands a great deal of talent, practice and discipline. "Being a part of Calypso is a privilege," she says. "Not only have I learned to be an artist instead of a mere imitator, but I have also gained a family. Here, we help and accept each other."

A sadder case is Lily who has been a Bangkok streetwalker all her life and now at age 60 is still plying her trade hand-to-mouth on Khao San Road.

Patchara is unique among the others who became aware of their sexuality young in life. "My story is different to that of the other ladies because my desire to become a woman does not come from within. I regret having my penis removed." He moved from Ubon Ratchathani to live with his mother in Bangkok and fell into a relationship with a gogo boy who encouraged his feminisation. Under peer pressure from fellow kathoey dancers, Patchara had the operation: "It took two months for my body to recover from the operation, but my mind was a different matter altogether."

Sarah also had a sex change and ran a gay hotel in Pattaya. Nicky became the first transgender air hostess. Nong Toom became famous as "The Beautiful Boxer".

With fame and fortune, however, Nong Toom became disillusioned by sponging kathoey friends. "In my opinion, ladyboys need to start listening to each other before we can expect others to do so," she says. "We've already been isolated by the first two genders so we need to unite and work together. We have enough obstacles to overcome as it is."

Finally, providing a sense of history is Auntie Nong, who was born in 1934. Kathoeys were a rougher looking lot in her day before the era of hormones and surgery. Many were well educated and held day jobs as men, only venturing out as woman at night. Nong rose from streetwalker to traditional Thai and Bolllywood dancer. She has retired in the care of the gay and transgender community.

Ladyboys succeeds as the first comprehensive portrait of a determined tribe that marches, or sashays, to the beat of a different drummer.

Source
 

New Social Network Opens - For Smokers ONLY
From www.gayaffairspattaya.com
Imagine having the world at your fingertips and being able to find just like that a place where smoking is allowed! SMOKERS-SPACE.COM opened today (June 24 2008) and promises to become that place. The SMOKERS Social Network. Populated by smokers for smokers!
 

Smokers Space a new social network website opened its doors today to users. The purpose of this website is to inform smokers of places they can go and indulge in their habit without feeling like social outcasts.

A little over six months ago, a friend and I were sitting around talking about what type of website was missing from the net. I reach over to get my pack of smokes when it hit me like a ton of bricks.

A social network for smokers, where smokers could go and post where they can and cannot smoke in their home town or city.

This information is important to others who may visit this town or city. Here in Thailand for example there is a smoking ban in bars and restaurants but a few bars and restaurants bend the rules a little. Bet you want to know where, well now smokers can give other smokers that information.

This website is not just for the grey areas but also can contain information of where we can legally smoke in airports. I travel a lot and before I leave I'd like to know where the smokers sections are in a particular airport. If this site takes off like I know it will smokers from around the world will populate the site with this kind of relevant information.

Hey we pay taxes too and all the governments in the world love to tax us to death. We all know smoking is not good for us and we all know its a stupid habit but hey we like it and we pay for it. Now we have a forum to share this esoteric information with others like us.

Smokers Space www.smokers-space.com a new social network, for smokers by smokers
 

“Take Time to be Kind” by Hard Rock

On May 21, 2009, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya celebrated the completion of their ‘Take Time to Be Kind’ project of Baan Hin Wong School.

Baan Hin Wong School was first adopted by Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya during their 7th Annual Charity Christmas Light-Up event last year December which raised a total of THB 720,000.
 

“At first, we were thinking to buy some computers, but when we looked at the condition of the place, we realised that this school needed more than that,” commented George Hazard, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

It was then decided that improving the learning environment and providing a better facilities for the students was a top priority.

Three months later, this ‘old’ school had been given a total new look, and most of the work was undertaken by the Band Members of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

The exterior building and main facilities of the school were given a new coat of paint, the gardens were re-planted and trimmed and most importantly, the installation of a new water system necessary to provide the appropriate water pressure to pump the water everywhere within the school. With this, hygiene standards for the students were drastically improved with the makeover of new water sinks and toilets.

The common play yard areas were also upgraded and new games were purchased for the students to play on.
 

BTS Sky Train route to Thonburi now in operation

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), the operator of Bangkok's SkyTrain — a rail based mass transit system, has launched the new 2.2-kilometre extension linking the Saphan Taksin Bridge Station to Krung Thonburi Station and Wong Wian Yai Station on the Thonburi side of Bangkok.
 

Thailand’s Prime Minister, HE Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva, presided over the inauguration ceremony held on Friday May 15, 2009.

This new service links Sathorn Road, one of Bangkok’s prime business districts, to Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The extension is the first of its kind across the Chao Phraya River and provides commuters with a welcome alternative to having to drive bumper-to-bumper across the bridge during the rush hour.

The service to and from Krung Thonburi Station and Wong Wian Yai Station operates from 6 am till midnight daily. The Wong Wian Yai station is the last station on the Silom Line.

During this initial three-month period, passengers will be able to travel on the new extension of the BTS free-of-charge from now through to August 12, 2009. Fare collection will start on August 13.

Krung Thonburi Station and Wongwian Yai station in the Khlong San District of Bangkok are both on the Silom Line of the SkyTrain service.

Krung Thonburi Station is located on Krung Thon Buri Road and is surrounded by residences, small shops and office towers. It is the first station of the rapid transit rail system on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Wongwian Yai station is located on Krung Thon Buri Road to the west of Taksin intersection, about 20 minute walk from Wongwian Yai where the statue of King Taksin is situated.

According to BTS sources, between 430,000 to 460,000 commuters currently use the SkyTrain on weekdays and 300,000 a day on weekends. The opening the 2.2-kilometre extension over the Taksin Bridge is expected to boost the estimated number of SkyTrain trips by an additional 50-60,000 trips per day.

Anat Arbhabhirama, adviser to the BTS board of directors, also indicated that BTS is in the process of constructing the 6.7-kilometre extension from Onnut station to Sukhumvit 107. This is expected to be ready within two years. Another section of 12.8-kms to connect to Bang Pu district in Samut Prakan province has also been planned for a later stage. Additionally, a 4.5-kilometre route from Taksin Bridge to Nong Khaem district is also expected to begin service within two years.

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS)
Web site: www.bts.co.th
 

Agoda and SGA Airlines partner to
Showcase Thailand's Small Towns

Agoda.com, an online travel company specializing in discount hotel bookings in Asia, recently announced a partnership with SGA Airlines to offer flyers special deals on hotel bookings.

SGA is a Thailand based commuter airline that provides flights to the beautiful and welcoming small towns of northern Thailand. Travelers can find these new hotel deals via a new joint web portal at http://sga.partners.agoda.com/.
 

One stop, online booking service
Agoda is pleased to partner with SGA Airlines. Our unique and extensive selection of hotels in the lesser known destinations in Thailand and throughout Asia, as well as our great bargains, will help SGA's customer discover more exciting travel destinations.
The partnership gives passengers a quick "one stop, online booking service" for both flight and hotel accommodations in all of Thailand's beautiful small towns where SGA flies. Agoda has secured preferred rates in areas like Pai in Mae Hong Son province, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai where large airlines have now reduced or discontinued service entirely.

Mr. Robert Rosenstein, Chief Operating Officer of Agoda.com said, "Agoda is pleased to partner with SGA Airlines. Our unique and extensive selection of hotels in the lesser known destinations in Thailand and throughout Asia, as well as our great bargains, will help SGA's customer discover more exciting travel destinations."

Dr.Jain Charnnarong, President of SGA Airlines commented, "We specialize in serving smaller cities in Thailand, placing the emphasis on flight frequency rather than aircraft size. We have been providing flight services to Thailand's northern region for more than 2 years. The majority of our passengers are both Thai and international tourists who prefer to explore Thailand's charming and smaller towns. Partnering with a leading online hotel booking website such as Agoda, allows our clients to find the lowest prices on hotels within those areas and to access special rates without leaving our site."

Agoda.com markets hotels throughout Asia with locally branded Agoda sites supporting 21 languages including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai and other European languages. The new joint portal sites are supported by a multilingual customer service team, operating 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.

Enjoy great hotel deals today or contact the Agoda customer service team via telephone at +66 2 625 9100 or e-mail at info@agoda.com.
 

Mantra’s Marvellous 3rd Anniversary

The Bangkok celebrities, such as Khun Patcharasri ‘Kalamare’ Benjamas, Khun Wuttitorn ‘Woody’ Milintajinda, Khun Sikarintarn ‘Nok’ Plaituean, Khun Pornprom ‘Summer’ Saibua and Khun Sitthichock ‘Gun’ Plengpanich, recently celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of one of Pattaya City’s hottest, most chic and dynamic spots, Mantra Restaurant & Bar, on the North Beach Road, Pattaya.

The Management Team of Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya, led by Mr David Cumming, General Manager (4th left), welcomed the crowd to Pattaya’s most spectacular dinner party event of the year!
 

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Retreat East: The only boutique web address in
Asia for the style-conscious traveller

Are you in search of a one-of-a-kind experience in Asia?

Be it jungle retreat or tropical paradise, golf outing or romantic getaway, Retreat East (www.retreat-east.com) allows you to explore everything that Asia has to offer –
in style.
 

Clean design, easy navigation and stunning photography of over 300 of the best design hotels and luxury villas in the region mean a plethora of options for the discerning traveller intent on fashioning a holiday his or her own way, while paying the best rates in Asia.

How to stay ahead of the fray? First, Retreat East only features properties hand-picked by expert location scouts with finely tuned eyes for individuality, good design and luxurious detail. Next, users can search these properties by location (from beach villa to island hideaway; forest hut to lakeside palace) and purpose (food, shopping, romance, or anything else that strikes your fancy), enabling users to unearth hidden gems with the simple click of a finger.

Selections include handy travel guides and insider tips on where to go and what to do, while a cooperation with Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia – one of the world’s leading travel magazines – will produce a series of travel features on the region’s most exciting destinations, making Retreat East a “one-stop shop” of travel ideas and information for the travel connoisseur.
 

Finally, because Retreat East’s booking process is powered by Agoda.com, users get Retreat East’s astute travel expertise, plus Agoda’s first-rate reservation system and optimum security. Any booking garners points worth up to 7 percent of the room, usable at any time for discounts off hotel rooms anywhere in the world. The more points you save, the deeper the discount. Need more reasons to turn to Retreat East? Aside from its stunning selection and booking benefits, Retreat East is committed to social and environmental responsibility.
 

Tuning into our increased desire to reduce our impact on the environment, the site highlights the ecologically conscious credentials of the majority of its featured properties. What’s more, for every booking made, Retreat East will donate US$2 to children in need in that country.

Founder and designer Punyo Sakharet moved to Bangkok a year ago. An avid traveller and owner of Maek, a digital design agency in London, he spotted a gap in the market for a well-designed website that focused on Asia’s luxury market. He has set up Retreat East as a portal to the region’s most fabulous boutique hotels, breathtaking resorts and luxurious villas.

Log on and be inspired by the magical retreats that Asia has to offer.

www.retreat-east.com
 

New hotel in Pattaya

Frasers Hospitality, a world leader in serviced residences now adds Resorts to its portfolio. The first property in the Fraser Resort series, Fraser Resort Pattaya reflects the vibrancy of the famous beachside city with brightly coloured interiors, signature spa touches, indoor pool and a roof sundeck.
 

A short stroll from the beach, Fraser Resort Pattaya’s courtyard design provides the best of both worlds; a quiet intimate setting for rest and relaxation after a day at the beach; and the best of Pattaya’s shopping, dining and sports literally on the doorstep.

Complete with the signature Gold Standard service, Fraser Resort Pattaya invites you to indulge in a level of excellence designed to meet and exceed your every expectation.

http://pattaya.frasershospitality.com/
555/55 Moo 10,
Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya,
Chonburi 20260, Thailand
 

Raimon Land boosts Pattaya tourism by supporting
Top Of The Gulf International Regatta

Luxury property developer Raimon Land has signed on to continue as a key supporter of Pattaya’s annual Top of the Gulf International Regatta 2009 aimed at boosting the destination’s tourism prospects and fulfilling the company’s long-term corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

This year’s event will take place from April 30 to May 4 at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club located south of Jomtien Beach, and will again feature the HM The King’s Platu Coronation Cup and the Optimist Thailand Nationals for single hull dinghies.

Pattaya City Mayor Ittipol Khunpleum said that it is important for the government, community and private sector to join hands in supporting important international events such as this regatta to show the world that Pattaya is operating as normal.
 

“Pattaya is one of Asia's finest beach resorts, and sporting events like the Top of the Gulf International Regatta enable us to make use of our valuable natural surroundings and showcase the great outdoors lifestyle on offer here. We appreciate Raimon Land’s continued support of this event,” Mr Ittipol said.

Raimon Land Director of Marketing, Henri Young, said: “We remain committed to supporting high-end lifestyle events in Pattaya – of which this is an excellent example – and to helping boost tourism during the ongoing political crisis and stagnating world economy.

Raimon Land will return to the 2009 Platu Coronation Cup on the sails of The Lofts Southshore skippered by last year’s winner, Scott Duncanson, who will face an expected fleet of 17 platus from six countries.

The Optimist Thailand Nationals anticipates an entry list of more than 130 dinghies, and among the more than 25 top racing keelboats competing in the international IRC race are Neil Pryde in Hi Fi, Peter Churchouse onboard Moonblue 2, and Olivier Pou skippering Le Berrige III.

Among Raimon Land’s Pattaya developments is Northpoint, the winner of the Thailand Property Awards 2008 Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard). The project’s 54- and 46-storey towers on North Pattaya’s Wongamat Beach were topped off in December 2008 and construction continues on schedule.
 

No plastic bags on Earth Day

To mark Earth Day on April 22nd, Central Food Retail is encouraging the use of natural cloth bags instead of the plastic shopping bag.

For any natural bag used at Tops or Central Food Hall will receive 200 SPOT Money Back to redeem for a cash voucher worth 20 Baht. Also with co-promotion “Central No Bag Day” every shopper with a natural bag on the 15th, 16th and 17th day of every month throughout this year will receive 200 SPOT Money Back.

Enjoy shopping and saving our world at Tops Super, Tops Market and Central Food Hall nationwide.
 

Cleaning The Planet Together – Amari Big Cleaning Day

A Big Cleaning Day was recently organised at Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya, with the staff and management team, lead by khun Prarinya Charoenrat, Director of Housekeeping. This team effort event is held regularly to maintain tidy and spotlessly clean facilities and to help keep Pattaya looking beautiful.
 

Pattaya business seminar calls for foreign
quota increase in Thai condos

Panellists called for an increase in the amount of condominiums foreigners can buy in developments in Pattaya during a recent half-day seminar, “Approaches to Bolster the Tourism and Real Estate Sectors in Pattaya”, organised by luxury property developer, Raimon Land, and the Pattaya city administration.
 

The seminar, held on Friday, 27 March, acknowledged the double-barrel effect that the global financial crisis and Thailand’s political and social instability is having on Pattaya’s economy, and encouraged businesses to adjust their strategies to successfully weather the storm.

Pattaya City Mayor Ittipol Khunpleum opened the forum, stating that his first priority is the tourism sector, and his administration has been urging businesses to stay up to date on the policies designed to boost tourism in Pattaya and help the residents of the city.

“Pattaya is a well known tourism destination not only in the region but throughout the world. The challenge for us now is to entice tourists to stay for longer and visit us more frequently,” Mayor Ittipol said.

“To do this we need to keep working hard to develop the city and its infrastructure to make them feel comfortable and welcome so they feel like they want to extend their stay with us.”

Given the clear link between tourism and property investment in Pattaya, the natural consequence of attracting visitors to stay longer is for them to live in the city – with the retirement market presenting a key opportunity.

Panellists, including executives from Raimon Land PLC., Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Central Pattana PLC. and the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, suggested that increasing the foreign quota at condominium developments would stimulate the property market and the economy, and create the structure to attract investment from the home retirement market.

They said increasing the quota could attract an additional THB6 billion in sales across ten current projects, while pointing to the strong international demand that still exists, as seen in the jump in foreign enquiries into projects in Thailand, many of which have filled their 49% foreign quota.

Raimon Land Director of Sales and Marketing, Henri Young, said: “In 1999, the government put a special policy in place that opened up the foreign quota for a limited time to encourage investment. Perhaps the current administration could consider doing the same in response to current market conditions.”

Participating in the seminar are (from left) Pattaya Business and
Tourism Association President, Jamroon Vitsavachaipan;
Pattaya City Mayor, Ittipol Khunpleum; Tourism Authority of
Thailand Chairman, Weerasak Kowsurat; Knight Frank Chartered
(Thailand) Director of Residential Department, Frank Khan;
Raimon Land Director of Sales and Marketing, Henri Young; and
Chulalongkorn University Head of Research Division for
Elderly-Friendly Housing Environment, Department of Housing Faculty
of Architecture, Assoc Prof Trirat Jaruthat.
 

Next hot destination for gay travelers… Iowa?

by Julie Schwietert, Matador Pulse

In a decision passed down this morning (030409), Iowa’s Supreme Court ruled that the definition of marriage should not apply solely to the union of a man and a woman, but could also apply to same-sex couples.

The ruling gives the green-light for gay and lesbian couples to tie the knot as early as April 24.
 

And the right to marry doesn’t just extend to Iowans: because the state has no residency clause regarding marriage on the books, couples from out of state can come to Iowa to marry legally.

Might Iowa see a sudden surge in its number of annual visitors? Though it’s not exactly known as a tourism magnet, the state may just see its tourism industry boom this year.
 

Mobile phone check-in is now available for British Airways customers in Thailand

As Thailand’s summer holidays heat up, high flying customers of British Airways can now enjoy remote check-in through their mobile phones with wireless connectivity service.
 

It’s quick and free, without any need to download accompanying software. By visiting http://ba2go.com using any mobile device with wireless connectivity, customers can access the British Airways timetable in real time, as well as select seats and check-in individuals, groups and families for departure or return flights.

Stephen Limbrick, regional manager South East Asia said: “Our customers have busy lifestyles, so we’re offering greater accessibility, and convenience to enhance their overall travel experience. We are delighted to be the first UK airline to offer this service in Thailand, supporting the same languages as those on the website ba.com.”

The new mobile service offers four options for checking-in. Customers can collect the boarding pass at the British Airways check-in desk at the Suvarnabhumi airport, send the boarding pass to a fax machine, email the boarding pass for printing later, or log into online check-in from a computer with a printer.

But the tech-savvy customers must also be aware of their time zone. The airline is urging customers to check and double check their flight itineraries if they are taking flights leaving after midnight, including Flight BA0010 scheduled to depart Bangkok at 12:20 a.m. every night for London. It says that some passengers have missed their flights by arriving at the airport 24 hours late due to misinterpretation of departure times and dates. As a further safeguard when booking flights on ba.com, passengers are sent an e-mail to confirm the booking, and another e-mail reminder before the flight.
 

HSBC sponsors Thai rugby football team in the
HSBC Asian Five Nations Rugby Tournament

HSBC in Thailand provides the sponsorship support to Thai Rugby Football team in the HSBC Asian Five Nations (A5N) Rugby Tournament 2009.

The flagship competition, organised by the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) will be played across Asia with a total 26 countries and territories participating in the tournament including the top five from Japan, Korean, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and Singapore. The rugby sponsorship is aimed to promote and develop the competitiveness of Rugby Football sport in Thailand and the region.



Photo shows Mr Willie Tham, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC in Thailand welcomed Mr Pornchai Prachaniyom (far left), General Manager, Thai Rugby Union Under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The King; Mr Atapol Wongratana, Thai Rugby Football Coach; and representatives of Thai Rugby Football players in an occasion of their courtesy call before journeying to Dubai, The United Arab Emirates to compete in Division I match, the HSBC Asian Five Nations, between 8-11 April 2009.

Phuket will become Second Airport hub for
Airasia in Thailand

Phuket International Airport becomes Airasia Second Airport hub, new low carrier connections will mean a better and cheaper connection with other Asian cities.
 

AirAsia, Southeast Asia's largest low-cost carrier, is turning Phuket into its second hub in Thailand, a move that will support its plan to open a series of new routes directly linking the island resort with other Asian cities.

Phuket is looming large on AirAsia's radar screen, along with Medan in Indonesia's North Sumatra, Bandung in West Java and Penang in Malaysia where it will set up bases as part of its aggressive expansion.

The Phuket base, scheduled to be up and running in the second half of this year, will serve as a springboard for the carrier to embark on new flights from the island to cities in China and Hong Kong initially.

"Having a hub in Phuket means you can operate more new routes using Phuket as a base, and bring in more traffic from overseas," Kathleen Tan, AirAsia's regional head of commercial flights, said in an interview.

The plan requires its Thai sister airline, Thai AirAsia, to hire ground staff, engineers for jet maintenance and initially to keep at least one aircraft on standby, she explained.

Phuket is one of AirAsia's top ports of call,in terms of traffic volume, and the no-frills carrier intends to further exploit the potential of the budget-conscious leisure travel segment.

Passenger volume through Phuket International Airport was almost stagnant last year, up 0.46% year-on-year, due largely to Thailand's political turmoil including the seizure of Bangkok's two airports.

However, international passenger last year rose 10% to 2.4 million, underlining Phuket's international popularity, while domestic numbers shrank 5.48% to 3.32 million, according to figures from Airports of Thailand Plc.

The AirAsia group has been speeding up the development of sub-hubs in the region as it is strengthening its network that now stretches across the 10 Asean countries to complement its original main hubs: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Jakarta.

It operates 114 routes covering 64 destinations, all within only seven years of operation.

Last year it opened a facility in Bali in Indonesia as a new base, in addition to Kota Kinabalu and Johor Bahru, both in Malaysia.

AirAsia is reviewing the possibilities of new services to Chinese cities including Chengdu and those lying in central region of the mainland.

But adding new routes is not the key to AirAsia's strategy, at least this year, when raising frequencies on existing routes is a higher priority, said Ms Tan.

The airline group hopes for 30% capacity growth this year.

In spite of a general slowdown in global air travel demand triggered by the economic crisis, the carrier has no plans to delay taking delivery of new aircraft from Airbus this year.

"For the last few months, demand has been good for us," Ms Tan said.

But it is monitoring traffic demand trends to see whether there is a need to defer receiving new jetliners over the next few years.

Its current aircraft orders include 175 narrow-body A320-200s and 25 wide-body
 

Emirates to launch A380 service to Bangkok

Closely following the successful deployment of Emirates’ A380 to Sydney and Auckland, the Dubai-based airline today announced it will introduce the revolutionary product to Bangkok, effective 1st June 2009.

The initiative is perfectly timed to support the Thailand government’s efforts to revive the tourist industry after last year’s closure of Bangkok's international airport.
 

The new Emirates service represents the aviation world’s first A380 operation to Bangkok and promises to usher in a whole new, luxury air travel experience to/from the Kingdom.

The existing EK 372/373 daily service will be operated by Emirates’ A380. EK 372 departs Dubai at 09:40 hours, arriving in Bangkok at 19:00 hours. It turns around as EK 373 departing Bangkok at 21:25 hours and arriving in Dubai at 00:30 hours the following morning.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, East Asia and Australasia noted: “Thailand is pulling out all the stops to revitalise inbound tourism. Its travel and tourism industry fully intends to get back to business with excellent deals, publicity campaigns, and marketing support to trade partners. Emirates will join forces with the government to put the country back on the list of leading Asian destinations for international tourism.

“The introduction of the A380 on the Dubai-Bangkok-Dubai route will boost available capacity by 30 % and contribute to increasing tourist arrivals from Dubai and the larger Middle East - already an attractive inbound market for Thailand with steady year-on-year growth.”

Thailand’s latest announcement to withdraw fees for tourist visa applications up to 4th June 2009 will be welcomed by Middle East and other international visitors.

United Kingdom is a key inbound market for Thailand and Emirates’ A380 network also includes London Heathrow. The airline’s new Bangkok service will facilitate a seamless A380 experience for UK tourists travelling to/from Thailand.

Emirates A380’s ground-breaking in-flight product includes onboard shower spas in the First Class cabin featuring signature products by the airline’s premium spa brand, Timeless Spa. The onboard lounge for First and Business class customers mirrors the ambience of an executive club and includes a bar with a wide range of beverages and canapés.

With flat-bed massage-equipped private suites in First Class, a new generation of intelligent seating and flat-beds in Business Class, mood-lighting, and a second-to-none in-flight entertainment system featuring over 1000 channels of on-demand entertainment, the Emirates’ A380 heralds a whole new level of comfort and luxury. It is set in a three-class configuration (14 First, 76 Business and 399 Economy Class) and spread over two levels with the whole of the upper deck dedicated to Premium Class passengers.

Billionaires Lead Phuket’s “top 5 Rich And Famous’’ Villa Owners List

Thailand’s resort island of Phuket is fast becoming the place for the rich and famous in search of tropical island living coupled with great investment.

According to the latest story by the leading hotel and real estate BLOG thephuketinsider.com, two of Forbes Magazines leading billionaires have uber luxury villas in Phuket.
 

The Top 5 List is:
1. New Zealand’s wealthiest brothers, Richard and Christopher Chandler (one brother formerly CEO of the Sovereign Group) with a fortune valued at over US$ 2 billion according to Forbes.

2. Canadian Robert Friedland, of Ivanhoe Energy and Mines, with Forbes reporting a net worth of US$1.4 billon.

3. Hong Kong’s Allan Zeman, who is regarded as the Father of Lang Kwai Fong. While his personal worth remains undisclosed he is highly ranked amongst Asia’s most wealthy and influential businessmen.

4. Finnish Formula One star Kimi Raikkonen, is the latest addition, earning a reported US$ 44 million per year and ranked by Forbes as the 5th highest paid sports star and 26th highest paid celebrity.

5. The British Binatone Founder, Gulu Lalvani, rounds out the list with his globetrotting celebrity and multi-million dollar personal fortune.

thephuketinsider.com blog ‘The Source for All Hotel & Real Estate News’, was launched this week by Bill Barnett, the well known property columnist, hospitality consultant and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks who is based in Phuket.

“Our passion is to provide independent and intelligent news and commentary on the rapidly developing Greater Phuket storyline. You won’t find banner ads, hotel bargains, condos for sale or Google AdWords on the site, it is purely relevant information as it happens without the mass commercialization,’’ commented Bill Barnett.

Rolls-Royce delivers first car to Thailand

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has delivered its first car to Thailand. Dr Nikorn Hongsrisook, a prominent Thai businessman based in Bangkok, received his Phantom Extended Wheelbase car from Rolls-Royce Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Colin Kelly.
 

At the handover ceremony, Colin Kelly said, ”It is a great pleasure to be able to deliver this first car into Thailand to such an appreciative customer and automotive enthusiast. We look forward to being able to deliver more Rolls-Royce cars to customers in Thailand, in a market where we believe there is growing demand for ultra-luxury motor cars.”

Dr Nikorn Hongsrisook, President of Gems Gallery International Manufacturer Ltd, added, “As a person who is truly fascinated with super-luxury cars, Phantom is a very special car which I have always aspired to own. I feel very proud to have become the owner of the first Phantom in Thailand”.

Dr Nikorn specified his bespoke car to feature a Diamond Black exterior and an interior finished with piano black wood and contrast stitching. Amongst other Bespoke features, the car comes with the award-winning starlight headlining, an optional feature that incorporates 800 fine fiber optics in the ceiling, creating the impression of a star-filled night sky.

Dr Nikorn’s car was built at the state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Motor Cars manufacturing facility in Goodwood, West Sussex, England.

The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya has raised the bar with the New Cabana Beach Party, the hottest pool party in town. The Beach club pool is transformed into massive outdoor party.

 

Now, everyone knows the best nightlife in Pattaya is daytime poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. Get ready for Rock Agents activities, resident DJ with a wide variety of music, the live band & tropical cocktails at the The Shack Bar. The Party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, it continues throughout the property to our fabulous Starz diner restaurant and into the nights at Hard Rock Cafe. The Cabana Beach party, is staged every Friday from 3.00 PM till 6.30 PM, Only at the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

What: The New Cabana Beach Party
Where: Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya – Beach Pool Area
When: Every Friday at 3.00 pm-6.30 pm

Young Thais loving the mobile lifestyle

A new study has highlighted the dependency of Thai people to their mobiles, finding that young Thai people are so fond of their mobiles that they dedicate an estimated 15% of their monthly budget on mobile phone expenses, second only to food.

 

The study, conducted by Telenor Research & Innovation Centre Asia Pacific (TRICAP), amongst 1,148 urban Thais aged between 15 and 29 years also uncovered some interesting facts and trends about the way young Thai people use their favourite communications companion – the mobile phone.

A standout finding was the remarkable preference of young Thais to communicate with their friends via voice calls rather than sending SMS messages. In Thailand, the average number of SMS messages sent per day was just 3 compared to 18 in Malaysia, 6 in Pakistan and 5 in Bangladesh. Furthermore, 93% of Thai respondents mentioned that they preferred to call rather than send an SMS.

Jens Olav Bjornson, Managing Director, TRICAP explained, “This preference of Thais to make calls rather than sending SMS messages is indicative of the strong sense of togetherness amongst young Thais. It is evidence that they highly value the personal touch of a voice call over the less intimate method of SMS communication which is preferred by young people in other countries.”

The research confirmed that style is an important consideration for young Thais when choosing mobiles. Many respondents remarked that they are looking for handsets that set them apart from their peers with 50% commenting that they are looking to upgrade their phones within the next 6 months. The average length of time respondents keep their mobiles for is 1.52 years while the main reason given for changing phones was “the style is out of date” (49%).

Additionally, the study showed that Thai youth keenly embrace new technology with 78% believing that technology makes their life easier and 67% believing technology is an integral part of their lives. On a regional level, young Thais are among the most advanced when it comes to technology adoption with Thai youth using their mobiles for much more than simply communicating: 52% use their mobile for gaming, 29% for listening to music and 55% share files between mobiles through Bluetooth technology. 16% of respondents also claimed to use their mobile phone to interact with TV programs either by calling or sending SMSs to vote for TV reality shows.

“Typically, young people are adventurous and enjoy testing the latest gadgets. Young people are also likely to teach and convince their parents, aunts and uncles and even their grandparents to try out new technologies,” said Jens Olav Bjornson, Managing Director, TRICAP.

Finally, the social networking habits of young Thais were also explored. The main reason for using social networks was for sharing information with some respondents noting that they find online tools as a great way to make friends with people who share similar interests. Many also perceive social networking as another hobby to pursue in spare time and to help enhance computer skills with one respondent commenting “I think its fun and ask my friends to teach me about it after school. Reasons for joining social networks included “it is a way of bonding with friends who I don’t have the chance to see very often.” and “I use MySpace to upload my pictures when I travel up country so that my friends can find out what I am up to.”

Reasons given by a minority of respondents for not joining social networks were “it is too complicated” and another young man claimed “It (social networking) is a girl thing. Guys like us are not keen to write small, insignificant things down.”
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Fantastic Manohra Cycling Tour at
Bang Nampueng Floating Market

Manohra Luxury Cruises have just launched a new, exciting and totally different way to see Bangkok and discover the real Thailand. The fantastic one-day cycling tour combines the beauty and elegance of a Manohra Cruise with a visit to the picturesque Bang Nam Peung floating market and a gentle ride in a beautifully-preserved natural environment. This package is available every weekend from now onwards.

This unique trip is designed to allow visitors to experience traditional river life as well as offering a chance to see a part of real Bangkok that is well away from the usual tourist trails.
 

The day begins on board a Manohra converted rice barge that departs from the pier at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa. Guests will be able to savor a superb continental breakfast whilst enjoying the morning sun and beautiful views along the Chaophraya River. For a bit of fun, staff will offer lessons in the delightful Thai arts of napkin folding and lotus flower folding.

Upon arrival at Prapadaeng Pier in Samutprakarn province, guests will cycle around the calm island boarded by tropical gardens and Thai fruits orchards and stop to visit temple before dropping in at Bang Nam Pueng Floating Market. Here, guests will discover a colorful cornucopia of traditional Thai foods, snacks and homemade products. Professional guides will explain the history and culture of traditional local river life. A mouth-watering Thai Tapas lunch will be served on the canal bank at the floating market before everyone gets back on the bicycles for a short ride around the local park.

Back on the Manohra boat, a traditional English afternoon tea will be served during the blissful return journey to the pier at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa.

The excursion runs from 9:00 to 14:30 hrs every Saturday and Sunday and costs Baht 3,300 net. The price includes continental breakfast, snacks, drinks, fruits, water, bike rental, tour guide, floating market tour, lunch at floating market and afternoon tea.

Minimum booking of six persons for the cycling tour is required. Please make your reservation three days in advance.

For further information, call Manohra Luxury Cruises on (66) 2-477-0770; or email: manohra@minornet.com; or visit our website: www.manohracruises.com
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Department of Intellectual Property joins Airports of Thailand to warn tourists who carry counterfeit and pirated products into European Countries

Penalty for carrying counterfeit and pirated products to European Countries - Up to 3 years in jail and 300,000 € Fine (Approximately 14,100,000 Thai Baht!!!)

 

Mr. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, Deputy Minister of Commerce, presides over the opening ceremony and handing over the documents requested for the collaboration from the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) to warn both Thai residents and foreigners about the penalties of importing, exporting and carrying counterfeit and pirated products to some European countries. Mrs. Puangrat Asavapisit, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, and Mr. Serirat Prasutanound, General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport and acting president reveals that this project is a part of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, section 86, that the state shall protect intellectual properties. In some European Union countries, they already have the policies to protect intellectual properties by giving the highest penalties to importers, exporting or even who carry counterfeit and pirated products into their nations. Therefore this collaboration will result in protecting the intellectual properties.

Mr. Alongkorn explained that “The objective of today’s collaboration between the Department of Intellectual Property and the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited is to warn Thailand residents and foreigners to respect others the intellectual properties by not importing, exporting or carrying counterfeit and pirated products especially to countries in Europe. These warning sign can be used as a tool to warn both Thai and foreigners in protecting themselves from being the offender and to promote Thailand as country that considers the importance of protecting the intellectual properties.

Finally, Mr. Alongkorn stated that different countries got different legal actions to the importers, exporters and the person who carry infringing and pirated products. For example, up to 3 years in jail/ 300,000 € fine in France (approximately 14,100,000 Thai Baht), yet for Italy the fine is up to 10,000 € (approximately 470,000 Thai Baht).
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Thai men consider a ‘good night's sleep’ the best way improve overall health

Bayer Schering Pharma recently organised a press conference to reveal the latest Asia Pacific Men’s Health Awareness Survey conducted by Millward Brown with the support of Bayer Schering Pharma Asia Pacific to provide holistic health care solutions for men above 45.
 

The survey covered 1,000 men above 45 years of age in five countries – Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

Its findings show Thai men consider a ‘good night's sleep’ the best way improve overall health. 67 per cent of Thai men give importance to illness prevention, while 47 per cent of men in other countries give priority to this benefit.

When asked about the Testosterone-Deficiency-Syndrome (TDS) symptoms including loss of sexual desire and function, fatigue, increased body fats, reduced muscle mass and strength and/or depression, 1 in 2 (52 per cent) of the respondents claimed to be suffering from one or more symptoms, while only 17 per cent of them say they are taking supplements or medications as a therapy. The majority of the men surveyed (79 per cent) have either not heard about TDS before or are not sure what it is.
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TAT launches Special Brochure: Bike Travel Manual “Cycling in Amazing Thailand”

The Tourist Attractions Division, Product Promotion Department in collaboration with the Promotional Material Production Division has produced a bike travel manual: "Cycling in Amazing Thailand: Cycle and See Thailand at Your Own Pace”.

This aims at publicizing bike travel activities to both Thai and international tourists. This manual is of A4 size with 32 pages. It includes recommendations to travel by bike, 12 cycling routes and suggested bike tour companies. These routes range from 25 kilometres to 880 kilometres long.
 

The routes contain, for example, real local Thai life at Amphawa, journey back in history in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, explore the beauty of Thai life in the rich agricultural areas of the Central Plains, from the vibrant floating market to the serene beach of Hua Hin, challenge your heart around the mountains of Northern Thailand and exotic ride from the Central Plains to a Southern Paradise.

Tourists or interested persons can collect this manual from the TAT Head Office and 35 local offices around the country or download it from http://www.tourismthailand.org

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