Festival & Event (july 2009) - International Wax Sculpture

International Wax Sculpture

International Wax Sculpture

Date : 1 - 31 July 2009
Venue : Thung Si Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani

Join the alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony. Participate in the ceremony of welcoming His Majesty the King’s royal candle and the international candle-carving competition from various countries, as well as taste “Pha Khao Laeng” , a local food especially prepared for tourists.

Hi Light of Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2008 & the 3rd International Wax SculptureContact : TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4525 4827Website : www.tatuboon.org , www.guideubon.com

Festival & Event (July 2009) - Phi Ta Khon Festival 2009

Phi Ta Khon Festival 2009

Phi Ta Khon Festival 2009

July 26-28, 2009

Dan Sai District, Loei District and Province

A HAPPY GATHERING OF FUN-LOVING SPIRITSThe Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the "Boon Luang" festival.

The origins of the Phi Ta Khon Festival can be found in the tale of Lord Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, it was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth to join the welcoming parade. This very colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession is the central focus of the celebrations.

In a lively re-enactment of the tale, the young men of the community dress up as "spirits" wearing long trailing costumes made from colourful strips of cloth sewn together.

The hideous-looking Phi Ta Khon mask which is made of dried sticky rice husk is painted in bright red, green or other colours, and features the characteristic long pointed nose. This completes the transformation. The clanging sound of the square cowbells worn around the waist announces the presence of the spirits who wield phallic-shaped long-handled swords decorated with red paint. The good-natured, fun-loving spirits mingle among the crowd, teasing and amusing all who take part in the procession. Spectators and visitors are welcome to join in the fun.

There are two types of "spirits" featured in the Phi Ta Khon procession namely the "Phi Ta Khon Yai" — the supreme Phi Ta Khon, and the "Phi Ta Khon Lek", the ones that are commonly found. The making of the Phi Ta Khon Yai involves the performance of a sacred ritual to seek the blessings of the supreme powers before work on the Phi Ta Khon Yai masks can be initiated. It is also a task reserved exclusively for the descendants of families in which the tradition of making Phi Ta Khon masks has been practised for several generations. The Phi Ta Khon Yai is made of bamboo and is dressed in either male or female attire.

Contact information:Accommodation in Dan Sai District- Phu Pha Nam Resort Tel: 042 078078-9

- Rang Yen Resort Tel: 042 809511 – 3, 042 809514
- Lay Leelawadee Resort Tel: 042 801277
- SB Resort Tel: 042 891918
- Na Thum Nam Taeng Homestay Tel: 042 892339,891583, 042 086 8624812

Accommodation in Phu Ruea District- Phu Dara Resort Tel: 042 801138-9
- Phu Ruea Busba Tel: 042 899330, 042 899229
- Phu Ruea Resort Tel: 042 899048, 042 899042
- Baan Thongchai Resort Tel: 042 899116

Contact information:Tourism Authority of Thailand, Loei OfficeTel: +66 (0) 4281 2812Fax: +66 (0) 4281 1480E-mail: tatloei@tat.or.th

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS - QUICK REFERENCE

Loei is a border town adjacent to present-day Laos, formerly known as the Lan Xang Kingdom in the past. Many of the temples and archaeological sites in Loei thus reflect the influence of the Lan Xang artistic style, particularly the sloping roof covered with wooden tiles commonly found in Loei. Other distinctive features can be seen in the Ubosot or ordination hall and the Viharn, the assembly hall.

* PHRA THAT SI SONG RAK STUPA The temple which was built in 1560 is of special significance as it symbolizes the fraternal relationship between two kings, namely Somdet Phra Maha Chakkaphat of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and Phra Chao Chaiya Chetthathirat of the Lan Xang Kingdom, who took a pledge of peace at the stupa that neither would encroach on the other's territory, and to unify their forces against the invading army.

The Lan-Xang style stupa is located on a hill by the Man River and marks the borderline between the two kingdoms. The stupa is a 30-metres high brick-and-concrete structure in the shape of a "cubical lotus", similar to the Phra That Phanom stupa in Nakhon Phanom Province, Phrat That Luang in Vientianne and other such stupas found along the banks of the Mekong River.

* WAT PHO CHAI TEMPLE The temple was built in the late Ayutthaya period and has served as the town's sanctuary and moral refuge for generations.

Assumed to be of the Chiang Saen period, the temple houses a magnificent statue depicting the meditating Buddha with an elongated face and a flamboyant top-knot. The mural paintings in the Viharn or assembly hall depict the Jataka, the ten previous lives of the Lord Buddha. An inscription on the northern wall suggests that the mural paintings were completed in 1852 during the reign of King Rama IV. Mural paintings on the outer walls of the viharn were completed in 1916.

* PHRA THAT SATCHA STUPA Phra That Satcha literally means the temple of truthful pledge.

One year following the collapse of the Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom, considered to be the most revered Buddhist stupa in Northeastern Thailand, this 33-metre high stupa was constructed on a large rocky foundation.

Modelled after the original Phra That Phanom, the Phra That Satcha was constructed to continue the religious symbolism represented by the original stupa in Nakhon Phanom. This helped to heal the sense of loss following the tragic collapse of the original stupa and re-proclaimed the pledge to preserve Buddhism in the region.

Relics of the Lord Buddha and his followers and soil from the original Phra That Phanom were consecrated within the new stupa. A gilded Buddha's footprint is housed within the stupa.

Festival & Event (June 2009) - Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Date : 12 - 14 June 2009
Venue : Hua Hin Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Jazz lovers know exactly where they should be come mid-June. They are catching an invigorating sea breeze and dining on fresh sea food at Hua Hin’s famous beachside restaurants.But only when they are not soaking up the serious stuff – musical concerts delivering the very best in jazz, compliments of a variety of local and international bands.

Hua Hin shakes off its low season blues, 12 to 14 June, every year for its international jazz festival at sites on the beach and in the centre of this laid back resort town that graces Thailand’s western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.Hua Hin is approximately 220 km from Bangkok and is noted for being the country’s first beach resort discovered by royalty and nobility in the post war years when the only feasible way to reach its golden beaches was by steam train.

Today, it is popular beach town with more than its far share of five-star hotels. One of the main jazz festival stages is set up close to the Sofitel Central Resort, a heritage property dating back to early 1900s and Marriott.

In all, there are three stages for the jazz festival on the beach and in the town near the historical railway station and another near Phone Kingpet complex.Of course, the beach venue serves up a winning ambience as thousands of jazz lovers sit on deck chairs or mats laid out on the sand and enjoy the very best selections of traditional and modern jazz.

All performances during the three-day festival are free and continue from 1530 until midnight. No wonder this “Royal Town” is sometimes renamed “Jazz Town” when its streets are packed with music lovers of all ages, who gather to enjoy the best of jazz from both international and Asian musicians. Definitely, this is a festival that adds value for any holiday maker visiting Hua Hin during the 12 to 14 June weekend.

Contact : TAT Phetchaburi Office, Tel : 66 (0) 3247 1005-6

source: tourismthailand.org

Festival & Event (June 2009) - Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009
Date : 1 June to 31 August 2009
Venue : Department stores, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attraction nationwide

Thailand’s annual “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” got underway this month and continues to offer visitors great bargains right through to 31 August.This year, as fuel prices escalate, both visitors and residents are looking for more value and bigger discounts when they are shopping. Thailand never disappoints.

Most mega stores and shopping malls are offering discounts of between 10 to 70%, so there are bargains galore for the shopper prepared to browse around the stores.Fortunately, most of Bangkok’s major shopping malls and stores are located close to the city’s skytrain or metro transport systems, making it very convenient to hop from one store to the next.Both the Skytrain and the Metro, offer day use stored-value cards for visitors to make it even more convenient to use the two systems. Bangkok’s main shopping districts and streets are to be found along Ploenchit and Sukhumvit roads.Many of the department stores have direct bridge linking them to Skytrain stations.

Just a short walk from the Skytrain stations and visitors discover some pretty impressive department stores and shopping plazas namely Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Centre, Central World Plaza, Erawan Bangkok, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn, Central Chidlom, Home Pro Plus, Robinson Department Store, The Emporium and The Mall Department Store. Discounts are also available in King Power duty free shops, both at Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown locations. There are even discount deals on luxury treatments at spas, a round of golf at a selection of courses at all major tourist destinations, travel packages and even medical check-ups at world-class hospitals.

The three-month campaign also embraces a variety of destinations beyond Bangkok such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udorn Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and Samui Island.Grand Sale prizes are offered in conjunction with the campaign sponsor, Visa Card, and include bargain holiday packages to premier destinations such as Phuket and Samui.

Contact : Tourism Investment Department, Tourism Authority of ThailandTel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2951

Festival & Event (June 2009) - PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009

PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009

PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009 June 4 - 11, 2009

Phuket Film Festival to Turn the Spotlight on Taiwanese Film

The Phuket Film Festival is proud to announce a Spotlight on Taiwanese Film will take place during the second edition of the festival which will run June 4 - 11 2009 at the Coliseum Theaters in Phuket Town, on the beautiful international resort destination of Phuket, Thailand.

The 2009 edition of the Festival will screen over 40 award winning movies from 17 countries.

Supporting the Academy Award nominated and other award winning Taiwanese films will be directors, producers, actors and actresses traveling to the Festival from Taiwan. They will join other Festival VIPs on a special tour of the island to raise awareness of Phuket as a world-class film location providing a comprehensive range of international class production services.

Attending will be:

Keeping Watch – Fen Fen Cheng

The Most Distant Course – Liin Jing-Jie

Island Etude – En Chen

Sumimasen Love - Lin Yu-Hsien

Step by Step – Kuo Chen – ti

Producers Patrick Mao Huang and James Liu will also attend the Festival.

A number of "stars" from Taiwan will also attend the Festival in support of the "Spotlight". Talent are still being confirmed however the Festival has learned Joseph Chang and Jani Tsai will probably attend as well as Asian superstar Chie Tanaka who will be awarded the Festival's Asian Talent of the Year Award. Huai-Jhong Wu has also been confirmed to attend.

The Spotlight on Taiwanese Film is being held in line with the Festival's goal to "diversify cultural activities" on Phuket and to mark the growth of the Taiwanese film industry for film lovers around the world.

The "Spotlight" also supports the recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) "Two Islands, One Culture" promotional campaign held to stimulate travel between the two islands of Taiwan and Phuket.

A gala reception will be hosted by the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Thailand on Friday June 5, 2009

Web site: www.phuketfilmfestival.asia

Source: http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Festival & Event (May 2009) - 5 Region Thai Travel Fest

5 Region Thai Travel Fest

"Thieo Thai Kruk Kruen, Setthakit Thai Kuek Khak" (Enjoy a wonderful travel in Thailand for the better Thai economy) is a newly domestic campaign that Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched to express an invitation to tourists to experience the wonderful country, visit the beautiful tourist attractions both natural and historical sites and participate in various kind of cultural activities and events. Moreover, travel does not only refresh your body while taking a deep breath along the white sandy beach or climb up a high hill, it also stimulates economy through shopping the OTOP ; products of the Thai wisdom or tasting regional delicious food and fresh fruit.


In this connection, 5 Region Thai Travel Fest is organized to promote "the Best" of each region i.e. the outstanding tourist attractions as well as magnificent cultural performances. Furthermore, the consumer fair ; where special price of accommodation, package and spa from tourist private sectors, are avialable in the events of 5 Region Thai Travel Fest 2009, which is held in the major cities of each region :

5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ Season of The East 1 - 3 May, 2009 at Pattaya, Chon Buri

5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ Amazing Mythical I-san17 - 19 July, 2009 at Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani

5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ The Charming Serene North13 July - 2 August 2009 at Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, Phisanulok

5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ The Zestful Splendid South21 - 23 August, 2009 at Suan Somdej Phra Si Nakarindra 84 (Thung Tha Lad Park), Nakhon Si Thammarat

5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ The Central Paradise18 - 20 September, 2009 at The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Public Organization) - SACICT, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

For more information, please call- Tourist Hotline Tel. 1672- Events Department, (Events Planning Division & Events Promotion Division) Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext 3464-3468- TAT offices nationwide

(N.B : The information is subject to change without prior notice. To ensure you will experience the wonderful event, kindly check before going, For more information, please call Tourist Hotline Tel. 1672 or Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext 3464-3468

source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Festival & Event (May 2009) - Miss Tiffany Universe 2009

Tiffany in the TV spotlight

Contestants vie for the Miss Tiffany Universe crown and raise cash for charity.

Spotlights and TV cameras will focus on Pattaya, mid-May, as the resort’s most famous transvestite show hosts the annual Miss Tiffany Universe contest.It started off as a local contest, a natural extension of the fantasia that acts out, nightly, on the stage of the Tiffany theatre. But largely due to the attention it gained from the likes of CNN and BBC it quickly grew into a well organised beauty contest. TV channels love it for its obvious shock and entertainment value. It’s a reality show that takes our minds off an otherwise slate of bad news.

Miss Tiffany Universe is on the map and it helps to provide Pattaya with miles of media promotion.The five-day contest plays out with elements of grandeur that could justify comparisons with global mainstream contests such as Miss Universe or Miss World. Contestants spend nearly a week in the warm up stages struggling to be noticed and eventually it all narrows down to a single evening of entertainment and extravaganza on stage, 15 May, that continues well past midnight.While its organisers claim the event champions the rights of people who have crossed the line to a transgender or transvestite lifestyle, visitors to Pattaya view it as superb entertainment and choreography, spiced with comedy that would be at home on the stages of Las Vegas.

Tiffany Show has been entertaining tourists in Pattaya for over 35 years with more than 1000 visitors a night enjoying the three nightly performances. Over 100 performers dance and lip-snyc their way through popular songs from musicals and international pop charts. From this make-believe world a brainwave emerged to go a step further and organise a Miss Tiffany’s Universe contest. Now it is one of the highlights of Pattaya’s annual calendar with an estimated live audience of 15 million viewers glued to their televisions as the pageantry unfolds.

Miss Tiffany’s Universe winners have even visited the US to participate in the “Miss Queen of the Universe” contest and came home with the first prize. With such worldwide media coverage, Tiffany’s viewers and the live audience, attending the final rounds of the contest, marvel at the achievements of medical science and the cosmetic industry. Some will even be tempted to question their ability to discern between genders as the contestants strut their stuff on the runway.This year’s event will again support the Royal Sponsored AIDS Foundation; a charity programme, which Tiffany’s Show has been part of for many years.

Held at the Tiffany Show Theatre, Pattaya II Road, Pattaya City, the final round of the contest will run from 2030 to 0030.Judges will first select Miss Congeniality, Miss Best Costume, Miss Photogenic and finally Miss Tiffany Universe 2009. In between the rounds, the Tiffany Shows will perform. Tickets are priced at Bt2,000 for VIP seats and Bt1,000 for Mezzanine seats. For more details visit www.misstiffanyuniverse.com or www.tiffany-show.co.th

Source : http://www.tourismthailand.org