Bamboo Worms : a special dish.
Yummy..Yummy...A special dish for local people of the upper Northern part of Thailand.
They are sold at 500 Bath / kg. in Chiang Mai.
Yummy..Yummy...A special dish for local people of the upper Northern part of Thailand.
They are sold at 500 Bath / kg. in Chiang Mai.
Thai traditional food.
Soft-boiled rice named "Kaow Tom Mud". Cultivated banana embed in coconut milky sticky rice.
Wrapped in banana leaves.
Fruit in leaves. "Look Jan in Bai Larn"
Thai fruit called "Look Jan" with good smell was carefully wrapped in palm leaves.
Rarely seen now a day.
Sugar cane traditional packaging.
Sugar cane wrapped in cane leaves (above) and banana leaves (lower).
Seen at Burirum province, Northeast (Esarn).
Seen at Burirum province, Northeast (Esarn).
Crown Prince in Thailand
12 June 2006- His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday afternoon at 2:30 pm local time for a two-day official visit to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the Throne.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon of Thailand and senior government officials received His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The Crown Prince with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon
His Royal Highness is accompanied by the foreign minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, the Thai Honorary Consul to Bhutan, Dasho Ugen Tshechup Dorji and senior foreign ministry officials.
Foreign monarchs and their representatives from 25 countries will attend a ceremony at the Ananta Throne Hall today where they will offer their best wishes to the Thai King.
In the evening His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, will preside over the opening of the exhibition "The King and the Development of Thailand".
Tomorrow, His Majesty will host a banquet for the foreign monarchs and their representatives at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
By Karma Choden in Bangkok
kchoden@kuensel.com.bt
University offers Trongsa Penlop Scholarships
University offers Trongsa Penlop Scholarships
Dasho Bap Kesang and Dr. Arthit Qurairat signs the MoU
27 August, 2007 - The Rangsit University in Thailand will provide 15 full scholarships and 30 short-term courses in a span of ten years as part of what it calls the ‘Trongsa Penlop Scholarships’. In addition, the university will also provide 10 scholarships in civil engineering in 2008, to commemorate the accession of Bhutan’s 5th king to the throne.
A memorandum of understanding was signed this week between the university’s president, Dr. Arthit Qurairat, and the Royal Civil Service Commission’s secretary, Dasho Bap Kesang.
The scholarships will be activated this year. They include programmes for masters, bachelors, post-graduates, and other short-term courses in areas such as engineering, education, management, information technology, and human resource development.
Dr. Arthit Qurairat said that the scholarships were a contribution towards Bhutan’s nation-building.
“It is also a gesture of great reverence to both the fourth Druk Gyalpo and His Majesty the King for their noble intention to lead Bhutan towards Gross National Happiness (GNH),” said Dr. Arthit Qurairat.
The scholarships will include expenses for books and study materials, insurance, accommodation and living expenses, apart from tuition fees.
His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in philosophy, politics and economics from the Rangsit University last year.
Dr. Arthit Qurairat also spoke on the Thai-Bhutan relationship at the Royal Institute of Management.
Dr. Arthit Qurairat said that the “visionary transition” of Bhutan under the “revolutionary” new concept of GNH by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was inspiring.
The Thai National Economic and Social Development, Dr. Arthit Qurairat said, has adopted the GNH’s noble principles to formulate an Human Achievement Index aside from Gross National Product (GNP).
“Education meant nurturing and socializing the citizens from childhood throughout their lifetime,” said Dr. Arthit Qurairat. “The way we paint this lifelong learning picture of development will decide the future of our nations, the future of our world. And that is an immense responsibility we have in our hands.”
By Kinga Dema
kinga_d@kuensel.com.bt
Rights Group Documents Brutality Of Insurgents in Southern Thailand
By Nora BoustanyWashington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, August 28, 2007; Page A09
Separatist militants in Thailand's mostly Muslim southern provinces have stepped up a decades-long, low-intensity insurgency into a wave of brutal bomb attacks, assassinations, machete hackings and, in some cases, beheadings and mutilations in the past three and a half years, an extensive Human Rights Watch report said today.
Interviews with witnesses, family members, academics, lawyers, journalists and human rights activists painted a bloody picture of the predominantly ethnic Malay provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla from January 2004 to last month.
Of the 2,463 people killed in attacks during that time, a total of 2,196, or 89 percent, have been civilians. "Violence against civilians is being used by separatist militants to scare Buddhist Thais away from these provinces, keep ethnic Malay Muslims under control and discredit the Thai authorities," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
Village-based militants who call themselves the Patani Freedom Fighters have emerged as the core of a more violent generation of separatists bent on carving up the southern border provinces between ethnic Malay Muslims and so-called "infidels." They claim the land is a religious "conflict zone" that must be freed from what they term a Buddhist Thai occupation.
More than 3,000 attacks have targeted civilians since January 2004, including attacks on schools. Teachers, public health workers, hospital staff and infants in their mothers' arms have been victims of violent rampages that have terrorized inhabitants.
Summary executions based on ethnicity have been carried out by green-clad gunmen with assault rifles, who ambush victims along country roads, the report said.
Ethnic Malay Muslims suspected of collaborating with Thai authorities or known for their opposition to the militants have also come under attack. Those Malay Muslims are treated as "traitors or hypocrites" for betraying what Human Rights Watch described as "a radical blend of Malay nationalism and Islamist ideology."
One example was the killing of the son of one Muslim Malay village chief. Usman Jaema told Human Rights Watch that his 15-year-old son was hacked with machetes and axes in January 2004 by separatists who wanted to warn the chief not to oppose their operations.
"There are around 10 Muslim youths in this village who join the militants. They have been trained to become guerrilla fighters. They do not like me," Jaema was quoted as saying. "After the attack, my villagers look down on me. They said I could not protect my own son, then how could I be able to protect them? Some of them even said that it might be practical to give support to the militants to ensure their safety."
Getting the right balance with a Thai yoga massage
Getting the right balance with a Thai yoga massage
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| Thai yoga therapist Alison Waverley (wearing black) giving Carolyn Collins a Thai yoga massage |
Feeing a little bit lethargic after Christmas and the New Year? A Thai yoga massage could give you more energy and iron out any tightness says Lindi Bilgorri.
When I told a colleague that I was having a Thai yoga massage, he replied: "I had one in Thailand and the therapist walked on my back."
Alison Waverley admits that she doesn't go to that extreme when she gives Thai yoga massage, but she does follow the rhythmic acupressure massage of this ancient art of healing that is 2000 years old.
I got along to her home where the massage takes place. She has devoted a small room, painted in a soothing purple, to the treatment. There is no bed, as Thai yoga massage is done entirely on the floor on a mat. And unlike other Western massages, it is done fully clothed without oils.
But if I thought I was just going to lie back and let Alison knead away the aches and pains while I drift off, Alison has another idea. As the name suggests Thai yoga massage uses yoga stretches to ease out the stiffness and to improve the flow of energy (or chi) through body.
Alison says: "Thai yoga massage is so much more than a massage. It is an energising treatment that is balancing with the mind, body and spirit. And with the assisted yoga positions it stretches the body to increase flexibility, reduce tension in the muscles and corrects the right and left side imbalances in the body."
Thai yoga massage is good for treating back, neck, shoulder and knee pain; headaches and migraine; sciatica, menstrual pain, IBS and chronic muscle tension.
"If you are sitting at a computer all day you become imbalance. Thai yoga massage is to balance the body."
Alison became interested in Thai yoga massage when she was travelling in Thailand and became fascinated with the holistic therapy. She was so impressed with the benefits of Thai massage that she took a course in the village where she was staying. Later, when she returned to England, she did another year-long course at the British School of Thai Bodywork.
Alison begins my treatment by pressing the acupressure points along my legs to remove any energy blockages where it is painful, that is where I have a blockage. During the one hour and 30 minute treatment, Alison moves my body into different positions pulling and stretching out my body. The postures have yogic names downward facing dog, cobra and cat.
"I am working on the subtle energy lines of the body. You get a very relaxing, rhythmic and nurtured feeling."
Traditional Thai massage is an ancient form of healing which spread from India, along with Buddhism, to other parts of Asia more than 2000 years ago.
The founder of Thai massage was an Indian doctor Jivaka Kumarabhacca. He was the physician to the Buddha and Bimbisara, the king. He introduced the manipulative techniques, along with dietary change and the use of herbs, which were taught to monks and nuns in the temples. These temples then became a place of both medical and spiritual healing.
Because of its roots, Thai yoga massage is so much more than a therapist kneading away the tension.
"It is given and received in a medative state. It provides a space where the receiver can let go' not just of physical aches and pains, but mental, emotional and spiritual blocks as well. It is a truly holistic experience," says Alison.
After having a Thai yoga massage it will help to increased energy levels, increased flexibility and mobility, improved circulation of the blood and lymph systems and helps to clear waste and toxins from tired or stressed muscles.
It is indeed a very relaxing therapy. Even though Alison didn't walk on my back and just used her hands during the session, she did manage to release the knots in my shoulders and neck, and the next few days I had bags of energy.
Alison Waverley at Healing Thai: 01494 636801 or www.healingthai.co.uk
4:45pm Wednesday 11th January 2006
Phi Phi islands
Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world,
The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in
The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral formations. Above average tourist facilities and accommodations are available along two beautiful curved bays, namely
About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le. Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited as there is no beach area as the island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is prohibited by the administrative body. The main attraction is a large cave about 3.2 square kilometers in size known as
Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the
Ko Yung, an island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Ko Phai, another island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.
Popular Thailand.
Travelling Thailand: 5 Top Destinations
by: Robert Thatcher
With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.
Bangkok – Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.
Phuket – Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.
Chiang Mai – The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.
Pattaya – Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.
Krabi – In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.
About The Author
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides thailand travel resources on http://www.your-thailand-travel.info.
Mountain top cabbage field.
Do you know where is the biggest cabbage field of the world?
Mountain top at one district located in Phetchaboon named "Phu Tab Berg" is the place of world biggest cabbage field. Over there it is one of Thai royal projects promoted by the Queen of Thailand to help Thai mountain people living in a sufficiently economic life. From the height of 1,614 m. from sea level you feel like standing on cloud and can't see any thing far from 10 feet. There is no summer season there , no need to do watering for any cabbage, no chemical , no toxic , all natural things you will find.
At night all tourist stay in their tents surrounding by shining star fulfill night sky and on ground star from electric light in town down mountain.
Phuket Fantasea
Phuket Fantasea
Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme-park packed with loads of activities and entertainment. The theme-park is inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage. However, Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with cutting edge technology and special effects. Not to be missed during your holiday in Phuket, especially if you have kids.
Main Attractions
Palace of the Elephants:
The magnificent Palace of the Elephants is a state-of-the-art theater fronted by a reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace with intriguing elephant statues.
There are nightly performances of “Fantasy of a Kingdom”, a theatrical extravaganza which combines Thai culture, magical illusions, aerial performances, acrobatics, indoor pyrotechnics, special effects and elephants. There is a very loose story line which is more of a pretext to the impressive stunts and special effects.
Gate Opens: 20:30 Show Starts: 21:00
Festival Village:
A stroll through the enchanted Festival Village is like a journey through Thailand's architectural history. Each fascinating facade promises a unique shopping experience, where visitors can buy high quality locally made products from 15 different shops offering silk, leather, handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, souvenirs, unusual items about elephants and Siamese twins, and much more!
Home to the Kamala people, Festival Village is a wonderful introduction to the theme park, where the accent is on fun and entertainment coupled with Thailand’s legendary hospitality. Marvel at the skills of the villagers demonstrating a range of traditional arts and crafts. Enjoy cultural parades, pageants, street shows and elephant rides.
Park Operating Hours: 17:30 - 23:30
Iyara Spectacular:
Iyara Spectacular is an outdoor light, sound and dance spectacle celebrating the return of the Prince of Kamala, featuring laser, giant projection, animatronics, special effects, inflatables and fireworks. (Performed only on special occasions).
Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme-park packed with loads of activities and entertainment. The theme-park is inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage. However, Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with cutting edge technology and special effects. Not to be missed during your holiday in Phuket, especially if you have kids.
Main Attractions
Palace of the Elephants:
The magnificent Palace of the Elephants is a state-of-the-art theater fronted by a reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace with intriguing elephant statues.
There are nightly performances of “Fantasy of a Kingdom”, a theatrical extravaganza which combines Thai culture, magical illusions, aerial performances, acrobatics, indoor pyrotechnics, special effects and elephants. There is a very loose story line which is more of a pretext to the impressive stunts and special effects.
Gate Opens: 20:30 Show Starts: 21:00
Festival Village:
A stroll through the enchanted Festival Village is like a journey through Thailand's architectural history. Each fascinating facade promises a unique shopping experience, where visitors can buy high quality locally made products from 15 different shops offering silk, leather, handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, souvenirs, unusual items about elephants and Siamese twins, and much more!
Home to the Kamala people, Festival Village is a wonderful introduction to the theme park, where the accent is on fun and entertainment coupled with Thailand’s legendary hospitality. Marvel at the skills of the villagers demonstrating a range of traditional arts and crafts. Enjoy cultural parades, pageants, street shows and elephant rides.
Park Operating Hours: 17:30 - 23:30
Iyara Spectacular:
Iyara Spectacular is an outdoor light, sound and dance spectacle celebrating the return of the Prince of Kamala, featuring laser, giant projection, animatronics, special effects, inflatables and fireworks. (Performed only on special occasions).
Hua Hin.
Hua Hin
Krabi.
Located approximately 814 kilometers from
Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through
Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts): Amphoe Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous
Phuket
Phuket View and Sightseeing
Laem Phrom Thep
Situated between Rawai and
Nai Harn beaches, Phrom Thep Cape is a dramatic headland that stretches out to sea at the southwest end of Phuket Island. The cape has spectacular views of the small island of Koh Kaew Yai and the Andaman Sea, and is a particularly popular place to enjoy the sunset.
At the top is a shrine dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, whom the cape is named after. (Phra Phrom is the Thai name for Brahma, laem means “cape”, while thep means “god”). To get an even better view, climb up a couple of flights of stairs to a raised platform in the Golden Jubilee Lighthouse. The lighthouse also contains a small nautical museum.
The viewpoint attracts a lot of tourists and locals at sunset, so if you want to avoid the crowds consider going earlier in the day. There is an open-air restaurant with fantastic views from the cape which can make for a memorable dining experience.
Laem Phrom Thep is located between Rawai and Nai Harn. Head south from Rawai for a couple of kilometres. There is a large car park and quite a few souvenir shops so you won't miss it. The road is steep and windy so take extra care, especially if its wet.
Kata Viewpoint
A large sala or pavillion by the side of the road between Kata and Nai Harn marks the spot for this viewpoint. On a clear day, the view of the bays of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, Karon and Pu Island all strung out before you is nothing short of magnificent.
The viewpoint is about five minutes drive south of Kata on the way to Laem Phrom Thep.
Rang Hill
This hill is located at the northwest edge of Phuket City, providing lovely views across Phuket's capital. At the top is a fitness park as well as a statue of Phuket's most famous governor, Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong, who presided over the city's early development at the turn of the twentieth century.
The best reason to visit Rang Hill (Khao Rang in Thai), is to dine at one of the hill-top restaurants. The view, particularly at night, is a perfect accompaniment to a tasty meal.
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.
The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly th
A gateway to
Phuket’s limestone cliffs
Phuket’s limestone cliffs and palm-fringed tropical beaches are its biggest attractions. Sunseekers flock to its blue waters, with many enjoying the shopping and nightlife of vibrant Patong. A few quieter beach to investigate are Karon, Kata, Rawai and Surin. Situated in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a world-class dive destination with countless pristine sites and just as many operators, mostly around Patong. Experienced yachtsmen looking for all-inclusive charters will find fair-to-excellent craft with great facilities at the Phuket Boat Lagoon (Ao Sapam) and the Yacht Haven Phuket (Laem Phrao).
Beach in Samui
Lamai Beach: sand, sea, and the two phallic rocks
Taling Ngam Beach: best beach in the west
The private beach of Taling Ngam Beach, with its fine, white sand and safe swimming, is considered by many to be the premier beach on Samui’s western coast. Situated 10 km south of Na Thon, this is the location of Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam a five-star resort that enjoys world acclaim. The beach overlooks the nearby island of Koh Ha and is a great place to watch sunsets.
A tranquil and peaceful location, with added color from local folk’s cottages dotted along the beach, it is quite easy to access other parts of Samui from Taling Ngam Beach via the coast road.
Chaweng beach
Chaweng Beach; the longest and most beautiful beach
Of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, Chaweng Beach gets top votes among tourists for its length and beauty, with many places to swim, sunbathe and enjoy various water sports, or stop by the shopping markets, bars and restaurants.
Situated on the island’s east coast, Chaweng Beach divides into several beachfront areas such as Chaweng Neu Beach (North Chaweng), Chaweng Klang Beach (Middle Chaweng), Chaweng Noi Beach (Little Chaweng), and Chaweng Tai Beach (South Chaweng). The first two are good for swimming, diving, and nighttime action; the others are quieter and more peaceful. Visitors need to take note that skin-diving in this area is best between May and October.
As the sun slowly ducks under the horizon of the Gulf of Thailand, daytime fun gives way to nighttime pursuits along this two-kilometer beach helped by light and sound from nearby pubs, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that stay open till lateMae Hong Son
Temple Architecture
Although tourism is increasing in Mae Hong Son, the town remains reasonably serene. The townspeople are mostly Shan, and local temple architecture shows their influence: one exquisite example is the picture-perfect Wat Jong Kham, set beside a large pond. Another is Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which offers charming views from its hilltop location.
Hill Tribes
Various ethnic groups are scattered throughout the province, including Karen, Lisu and Lahu, and guided treks from Mae Hong Son pass through their villages. Some are near the town and easy enough to reach by yourself. Of all the hill tribes, the long-necked women of the Padaung from Myanmar are probably the most photographed: they wear brass coils that make their necks and limbs appear unusually long. Nai Soi, Hawy Sen Thao and Huay Ma Khen Som are well-frequented Padaung villages.
Festivals
In March, the colorful Poi Sang Long festival celebrates the ordination of Shan boys into the monkhood. The elaborately dressed boys are carried around the temple, usually Wat Jong Kham or nearby Wat Jong Klang. Folk dancing and drama are a major part of the Buddhist Jong Para festival in October, and local people release small decorated floats onto ponds and rivers during Loi Krathong in November.
Soft Adventure
A quaint place to visit in Mae Hong Son province is the small, endearing town of Pai. The surrounding area offers trekking, bamboo rafting and elephant riding. After a trek, you could try the services of Pai Traditional Massage, close to the Pai River.
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