Visit Chiang Mai Online

Thailand Tourism - Some Green Shoots at Last!

2009-11-05T07:00:00.005+07:00

BANGKOK, Nov 4 - Thailand's tourism industry, much affected by domestic political conflicts and the global economic slowdown, has now recovered with about 14 million foreign tourists expected to visit the kingdom in 2009 as earlier targeted, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Chumphon Silpa-archa.

Mr Chumphon said that more than 9.8 million foreign tourists visited Thailand between January and September, while an average of 30,000 travellers arrived in the kingdom at Suvarnabhumi Airport every day in October.

He said that for 12 days in October, the country's main airport Suvarnabhumi welcomed more than 30,000 tourists daily.

By the end of December, the minister said, the number of foreign tourists Visiting Thailand for this calendar year will reach or surpass 14 million, the number of visitors the ministry had earlier targeted.

Mr Chumphon added that a number of charter flights landing at the country's renowned seaside resorts of Phuket ,Krabi ,Khao Lak and Koh Samui also increased in the same period, leading to full hotel occupancy in the areas.

In the northern region, especially Chiang Mai ,Mr Chumphon said he has been informed by the president of the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association that the hotel occupancy rate there is between 65 and 80 per cent.

He said it is likely that the number will increase as many interesting events and activities will be held in November and December, the winter season, including the Royal Flora Expo to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the King on December 5.

Source: Enews MCOT 4th November 2009

Chiang Mai Desperate for Strong High Season Tourism

2009-10-26T09:05:00.000+07:00

Tourism operators in Chiang Mai are desperately hoping for promising business in the coming high season as room reservations by foreign tourists are still very low and trips by local travellers are not enough to offset them.

Reservations in Chiang Mai are still very low for the November-April period as some foreign tourists have delayed their decisions due to the lingering impact of the global recession.

However, the Thai Hotels Association's Northern Chapter expects more local tourists to travel to Chiang Mai when the Weather gets Cooler .They may plan their trips a week in advance and that should help the local operators to a certain degree by the end of this year.

Kanog Suvannavisutr, the association's president, said it projected an average high-season occupancy rate at 65% at most, compared with 67% in the same period last year. For the latest off-season (May-September), the rate dropped to 36%.

"Apart from the hotel oversupply problem, global economic problems, local political instability and the H1N1 flu are key factors dragging down Chiang Mai tourism," he added.

Mr Kanog said two-star hotels survived with some bookings because their rates were low, not more than 800 baht per night, and thus attracted local tourists and backpackers.

Four-star hotels with conference facilities are also getting some business because conferences are an important market for Chiang Mai. Their room rates are modest, at about 1,500 per night in the low season. The average occupancy of such four-star hotels wa 50%, which is very good for hotels in Chiang Mai.

Meanwhile, five-star hotels are in deep trouble because they cannot compete with four-star ones that offer room rates at almost half the price. Their occupancy is only 20% as a result.

Mr Kanog said hoteliers in Chiang Mai were also facing tough competition from apartments, which draw travellers during the high season, even though the law prohibits apartments from providing accommodation on a daily basis.

"Despite complaints made by hoteliers, apartments still accommodate guests on a daily basis. This is because the fine is small," Mr Kanog said.

In any case, operators hope that the economy will improve next year. The improvement should increase the purchasing power of tourists, especially foreign ones, and they should return to Chiang Mai, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post - 26th October 2009

At Last Some Good News!

2009-10-21T17:24:00.005+07:00

Total passenger traffic at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport grew by 22.4% year-on-year in September to 3.1 million.

Aircraft movements at Suvarnabhumi, Thailand's main gateway, grew 9.7% to 20,636, says Airports of Thailand. The airport's freight traffic fell 4.9% to 96,580 tonnes.

Apart from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports, AOT also operates airports in Chiang Mai ,Chiang Rai ,Phuket ,and Hat Yai.

Passenger traffic for all six airports grew 18% to 4.1 million in September. Total freight movements fell 6.3% to 101,164 tonnes.

Source: Greg Waldron - 21st October 2009

Nursing Home for Aged Jumbos!

2009-10-20T12:42:00.004+07:00

BANGKOK - Thailand has set up its first nursing home for elderly elephants in Lampang province, already the home of two elephant hospitals, media reports said Tuesday.

The Pang-La Nursing Home for Aged Elephants will be officially opened Nov 21, in Ngao district of Lampang, 490 km north of Bangkok, the Bangkok Post reported.

Situated on a 153-hectare plot with its own small river for elephant bathing, the shelter will be operated by the Forest Industry Organization (FIO), which also runs the Elephant Hospital in the province.

Lampang has another pachyderm hospital operated by the Friends of Asian Elephants Society, a private charity.

“We already have about 30 old and disabled elephants at the shelter,” FIO chief Manoonsak Tantiwat said. The nursing home will be able to handle up to 200 pachyderms when operating at full capacity, he added.

The nursing home will take care of the elephants “until their last breath”, Manoonsak said.

Thailand has more than 2,000 domesticated elephants, which were previously used as beasts of burden in the country’s forestry industry but are now jobless, as a result of government bans on logging.

In recent years, elephant owners have shifted to the tourism sector and begging in Bangkok to earn money off the massive mammals, that were once the national symbol gracing the flag when Thailand was still called Siam.
Source: Bangkok Post - 20th October 2009

The Elephant Nature Park

2009-10-17T05:47:00.003+07:00

"The Elephant Nature Park rescues and takes in abused or abandoned elephants throughout Thailand. It receives no funding whatsoever from the Thai government and depends on the efforts from volunteers and sponsors locally and abroad."

I take a flight from Bangkok heading north to the city of Chiang Mai .Thailand is the seventh stop in my travels – I have been gone 3 months.

The country is rampant with tourists; backpackers formulate a large portion of this demographic. Thailand can be a playground of sorts and I fear that far too many will only know this side of the country. However, long before the illicitness of Thailand wrangled me in, I made a point while still in Canada to look into elephant sanctuaries in South East Asia, and settled on one an hour outside of Chiang Mai: The Elephant Nature Park.

When I was younger I watched Babar with great revelry, made the elephant pavilion the first stop in every zoo visit, and held my breath with great anticipation when the giants would march in the finale of a parade. I suppose this childhood zeal dwindled with time and was replaced instead with more self-indulgent fascinations. Perhaps as an attempted homage to a childhood gone by, my travels bubbled with eagerness as it built up to my elephant encounters.

The Elephant Nature Park rescues and takes in abused or abandoned elephants throughout Thailand. It receives no funding whatsoever from the Thai government and depends on the efforts from volunteers and sponsors locally and abroad.

Lek Chailert is the founder of the park and is a woman of dynamic abilities. She is unwavering in her dedication to the animals and has made it her sole purpose in life to aid and assist the dwindling population of Asian elephants. At present date, she has over 30 elephants, 50 dogs, 30 cats and a number of water buffalo – all of which have sought refuge at her park and in turn, found a home full of love and compassion.

One of Lek's most ardent ventures is that of freeing domesticated elephants from the oppressive confines of the tourist industry throughout the country. The process by which an elephant is domesticated or "broken" is one of gross indecency and cruelty.

Lek allowed me to watch a portion of a documentary she is putting together. The footage was jarring, as it showed hidden camera recordings of a young elephant undergoing this process.

They are taken from their mothers and put into a wooden crate they so affectionately term the "crusher". They proceed to deprive it of food and water for days, all the while hacking and prodding at it with tools designed to carnage the very skin meant to protect them. They are beaten into submission and it is believed that this traumatizing hazing is the only method of ensuring the animals will obey their mahout, or handler.

Once deemed ready for use, the elephants are sold into numerous trades: logging, elephant trekking (riding), street begging and elephant painting, to name a few. All of the elephants at the park, babies exempt, have been broken and all have been used by humans in some way or another.

Many look to you through hazed milky eyes, made blind by rocks flung on slingshots as reminders of who is in charge. All bare scars, evidence of power assertion at the hands of callous mahouts. Many struggle to walk with hips or legs that resemble a clumsy piecing together of joints and bones, mangled by trade-inflicted injuries. Each have a harrowing story – such as Max, who was rescued by Lek after years as a working elephant.

His first role was in elephant trekking and was beaten, chained and abandoned after continually trying to shake off the uncomfortable harness. After escaping he was once again enslaved, this time he remained chained outside a temple for 3 years with a donation box sitting beside him. And finally he was used as a street beggar in Bangkok to entice hoards of heavy-pocketed tourists. One evening after work while being led out of the city he was struck by an 18-wheel truck and dragged 15 feet.

For me, the most shocking part of my time spent at the park was not the gravity of what the animals had endured, it was their ability to love. They treated the visitors with boisterous affection and playfulness. They bound together as surrogate siblings, parents and friends. The mahouts at the park were void of weapons and used instead body language and verbal commands as means to ensure safety.

On the day I left the park, Max lay surrounded by his friends, elephants and humans alike. He had finally succumbed to his long-standing injuries and passed away, I hope, with the knowledge that in the end, he was loved.

I rounded out the remainder of my time in Thailand by doing a Jungle Trek .Included in this two day adventure was elephant trekking. I told my leader I would not be participating and instead stayed back at the base. I wandered around in disbelief that my worst fears had been confirmed. The mahouts mounted the elephants, weapons in hand. Small axes or sticks with nails on the end were swung to and fro in such a cavalier manner I struggled to watch.

One elephant, months old and too young to be used in the treks, sauntered around unchained. I approached her and she reacted with interest and curiosity. I spent a long while with her; she wrapped her trunk around my legs and nudged at me playfully. Once she finished feeding from her mother she would be taken and broken. As she galloped around jovially, flitting a leaf through the air in her trunk, my eyes swelled with tears at the knowledge of what awaited her. I made a silent promise to her that I would do my part to help.

Author: Alison Martin

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 2nd October 2009

2009-10-02T10:57:00.003+07:00

* Bangkok Airways "WOW Chiang Mai for Just 990thb":
One way ticket 990thb and 1,980thb for roundtrip. All Inclusive.
Booking and travelling period is starting from now to 31 October 2009 and valid for booking made on Bangkok Airways website

* Nakhon Phing Bridge:
In the past, Ton Lam Yai and Warorot Market is a trade center of goods from the rural areas. The goods consisted of agricultural produce and handicrafts, especially basketry work. With the fast growing, Nakhon Phing Bridge was constructed to connect the market to Sun Pha Koi area together. In the past, at dawn, merchants from outer districts such as Saraphi, Hang Dong, Sanpatong, Mae Rim, Doi Saket and San Kam Paeng and from as far as Lamphun Province would bring their goods to sell here.

* Tue Ka Ko (Fried Taro and Tofu):
I don't know about the history of this snack. But everybody calls it as "Tue Ka Ko".

Take taro and or black bean mix with flour nd deep fried. Same as Tofu, cut it and deep fried also. Served with tamarind sauce that put minced peanut with coriander too.

* World News : Dancing Baby Hot Hit on YouTube:
This is very hot hot in youtube. A dancing baby that cannot control himself when watching Beyonce’s megahit “Single Ladies,” watch the full version here on the YouTube website.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 1st October 2009

2009-10-02T10:54:00.002+07:00

* OpenChiangmai in Many Different Languages:
We are the best VDO website in Chiang Mai with many languages such as Thai, Chinesse, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew and much more. Please visit the OpenChiangMai website for more information.

* Amazing Tastes of Thailand:
As the government policy to promote Thai food with topic 'Amazing Tastes of Thailand' on 21-25 September 2009 all around the country. For Chiang Mai, TAT with Ruen Kham In Restaurant to present the Northern Local Food by Executive Chef from Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel with 3 dishes; Kaeng Khae, Hin Lay and Spicy Salmon Salad.

* 6th Year Anniversary 20 Karaoke:
Are you ready for a fantasy dress up with the 6th anniversary of 20 Karaoke on this coming October 9. This party will be talk of the town with the Hollywood Star Party theme and magnificent show similar to Broadway show including many famous stars from Bangkok. Proove it by yourself with new modern style at 20 Karaoke Chotana Road.

* World News - Woman with World's Longest Nails (AP News) :
Lee Redmond who held a Guinness World Record for her long fingernails before they broke off in a car crash says it was the most dramatic event of her life.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 30th September 2009

2009-09-30T14:30:00.001+07:00

* The Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai:
The city of Chiang Mai ,officially called Nopaburi Srinakornping Chiang Mai, was constructed and established as the capital city of the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 by King Mengrai the Great in consultation with his two close friends,
King Ramkamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngammuang of Phayao.

Depicting the three kings in a friendly stance, this is one of Chiang Mai's most important monuments. Celebrations often take place in the square beside the monument in the center of the old city.

* Viangbua Mansion 5th Anniversary:
For the 5th year anniversary, Viangbua is delightful to offer special package “pay less stay more” Superior room for 1st and 2nd night 900 THB from the 3rd – 20th night only 700 THB.
This promotion starts from 1st Oct to 30 November 2009. For further details please call Tel No. 053 411 202 or visit the Viangbua Mansion website.

* Major Cineplex Movies:

G-Force

The Time Traveler's Wife

* World News - 2 holes-in-one in same round (AP News):
Ruth Day, a 64-year-old woman from England just did the two holes-in-one in the same round last week, Guiness World Record or not!.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 29th September 2009

2009-09-29T15:46:00.001+07:00

* MADIFESTO Festival 2009:
Media Arts and Design festival(madifesto) to introduce an eccentric manifesto through a unique art scene by artists and designers to create the prologue for revolutionary media art based culturalists.

1.Minimal Gallery, Nimmanhemin soi 13
01-05 October 2009 | everyday 11:00am till midnight

2.Mute Mute Studio, Tapae Rd. (opposite to Wat Uphakut)
01-10 October 2009 | everyday 1:00pm - 9:00pm

For more information please call Tel No. 053 944846

* Khum Khantok welcomed a group of Miss Thiailand Universe 2009:
Last Friday, Khum Khan Toke welcomed a fleet of 60 beautiful women who attend for Miss Thailand Universe 2009. Everybody enjoyed dining on Northern Thai food in the atmosphere of Lanna Khan Tok Dinner with a cultural show.

* Doi Kham Resort Promotion:
Special promotion paid by VISA Card or KTC , get 1 free night including ABF.and get 40% discount for cash payment.Valid until 31st October 2009.

* World News - Dust Storms hit Sydney (AP News):
A dust storm blankets Sydney's iconic Opera House at sunrise September 23, 2009. A huge outback dust storm swept eastern Australia and blanketed Sydney on Wednesday, disrupting transport, forcing people indoors and stripping thousands of tonnes of valuable farmland topsoil.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 28th September 2009

2009-09-29T15:42:00.002+07:00

* Yok Intertrade new seminar room:
Yok Intertrade has a New Seminar Room to serve you for any kinds of food and bakery seminars required.

With capacity for 300 people approximately, full facilities with kitchen equipment for cooking and bakery. For further details please call them on Tel No. 053 248 248 or visit the Yok Intertrade website.

* The Hero Mong @ Japanese Paper Airplane Contest:
Mong Thongdee captured the third place in a Japanese paper airplane contest with a time of 10.53 seconds.

The 12-year-old boy lives just behind Chiang Mai airport. In an earlier exhibition, Mong's airplane stayed in the air for 16.45 seconds.

* BaanGerda - Home for HIV orphans:
BaanGerda is a children's charity that provides homes and care for HIV infected and affected orphans. The small community is based in Lopburi province in Thailand.

Unlike a state orphanage, BaanGerda has a unique family environment with foster parents looking after the children and their daily needs. A medical team is on hand to ensure that they receive the best treatment and medicine. For frther details of how you can help, please visit the BaanGerda website.

* World News: World's oldest man marks 113th birthday (MSNBC):
The Montana resident considered to be the world's oldest man Walter Breuning enjoying the celebration of his 113th birthday on last Monday.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 25th September 2009

2009-09-25T10:32:00.003+07:00

* 2nd Anniversary Tara Pub & Restaurant:
October 16, 2009, with 2nd anniversary of Tara Bar, enjoy the concert from Joe-Kong. Tickets for this event are 1,250 Baht for 4 persons.
Please call for reservation on Tel No. 053 248 059-60.

* Openchiangmai Stand @ Major Cineplex Chiang Mai:
Openchiangmai just put our stand board at Major Cineplex.
This is one of our strategy to let the people know us more.

Because we are the best VDO Clip website for everything in Chiang Mai. Easy and fun with streaming VDO, loading fast and save you time. Chiang Mai is close at your hand. Please come & visit us at the OpenChiangMai website.

* Chinese Mooncake Festival:
The mooncake festival is coming now. You can see everywhere with Mooncake. This is Chinese pastries traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is for lunar worship and moon watching.

Many types of fillings can be found in traditional mooncakes according to the region's culture such as Lotus seed paste, Sweet bean paste, Jujube paste,five kernel, Taro Paste and popular filling in Thailand is Durian.

Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival, one of the three most important Chinese festivals.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
Week Commencing 24th August 2009
Week Commencing 31st August 2009
Week Commencing 7th September 2009
Week Commencing 14th September 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 24th September 2009

2009-09-24T15:30:00.001+07:00

* October Festival from Thailandfreunde Organization:
Thailandfreunde Organization will handle for the First Northern Thailands October Festival for social projects on the 17th of October 2009 at Rati Lanna Hotel Chiang Mai.

With famous TV chef Yingsak Jonglertiesdawong, the original bavarian food with a lots of fun. Entrance tickets is 250 Baht for adults, children under 12 years 100 Baht.

Fireworks starting 10.30 pm, Limbo dance contest, fire dance, magic show and much more. For more information, pls call Tel No. 085-729-4510 or visit the Thailandfreunde Organization website.

* Nakornchai Air Bus Ticket Can Now Pay at 7-11:
One of the most luxurious buses from BKK to CM. With new service you can buy the ticket easily by calling at their call center No. 02 936 0009 and pay by ATM or at counter service at 7-11. And then take the slip to receive the ticket on the departure day. Visit the Nakornchai Air Bus website for more information.

* Chedi Kiew (The white pagoda):
Chedi Kiew is situated in front of Chiang Mai Municipality Office. It is a round-base cone shaped chedi, 6 meters wide and 8 meters high.

A legend was told that once a Burmese King led his troops to surround the city and challenged the ruler of Chiang Mai to bring the best diver to compete with the Burmese. “Lung Piang” an old man was a volunteer and he was a winner because he tied himself to the post and was drowned in the river. This Chedi was built to be a monument for his bravery.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 23rd September 2009

2009-09-23T12:08:00.003+07:00

* Prothesis Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother:
Prothesis Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother Donate the trash from aluminium to remake the artificial legs at this foundation. Help the poor amputees to stand for their live. For more information please visit the Prothesis Foundation website.

* Kad Kham Tieng Market(Center of gardening & Landscape):
Kad Kham Tieng Market is the place where you can buy beautiful trees, plants and flowers to decorate your
Chiang Mai garden. Open daily from morning til 5 pm.

* Movies from Major Cineplex,Chiang Mai:

Pandorum: Don’t fear the end of the World - Pandorum!.

Taking Woodstock: A Generation Began in His Backyard - Taking Woodstock!.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 22nd September 2009

2009-09-22T13:28:00.001+07:00

* Promotion Shewe Wana Boutique Resort:
Shewe Wana Boutique Resort Chiang Mai is offering the following deals for visitors to Chiang Mai:
1/ Stay 2 Nights get 1 night free. Stay 4 nights get 2 nights free. Valid from Nov 1, 2009 – Apr 30, 2010.

2/ Package : 4 days/3 nights only 7,900.- for 2 persons.
Valid 1 Sep – 31 Oct 2009

* Talad Tanin (Tanin Market):
Where you can buy a lot of things. Located on Chang Phuek Rd. Enjoy shopping fresh food, fresh vegetable, sweet, snack and go for shopping clothes, bags, shoes and much more.

* Lanna Photo Club:
Where those who love taking photos come together to share tips and technique.Please visit the Lanna Photo Club website for further details.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 21st September 2009

2009-09-21T16:57:00.002+07:00

* Northern Eco & Adventure Travel Mart 2009:
A press conference to introduce the NORTHERN ECO & ADVENTURE TRAVEL MART 2009 at IM Eco Hotel with many activities; Paint Ball, Buggy Car, Bicycle and many performance.

* Bangkok Airway Best Buy Promotion:
Special airfare for 8 domestic routes and 4 international routes. CNX-BKK one way 910thb - CNX-Samui 4,500thb - Call at 1771 for more details or visit the Bangkok Airways website.

* Chaos Art Exhibition:
Chadwick and Spector invite to Chaos Art Exhibition under the concept of “Wood Relief Installations” using different technique such as oil, silkscreen, acrylic, water color. Please visit the Look at This Gallery website for more details.

Elephantstay - Memories to Last a Lifetime!

2009-09-19T22:33:00.006+07:00

What makes Elephantstay different from other elephant camps & tours available all over Thailand is that the guests upon arrival are given THEIR VERY OWN ELEPHANT to care for and accompany in a variety of activities during their stay!.

It's all about the interaction between the guest & THEIR elephant that leads to an unbreakable bond that will stay with you along with the memories for many years to come!.

Please click the link to read the full fascinating article about Elephantstay

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 18th September 2009

2009-09-18T16:25:00.003+07:00

* 60 DAYS Around Thailand Exhibition:
Kad Suan Keaw intives you for Photography Exhibition under the topic '60 DAYS around Thailand’.This exhibition will be taken place from 15-30 September at Kad Suan Keaw Shopping mall.

* Chor Muang Wedding Studio, Chiang Mai:
Last week, Chor Muang Wedding Studio had a grand opening after moving from Suthep road to their new home, located near Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. Please contact them either on Tel No. 085-032 4939 or on the Chor Muang Wedding Studio website.

* Patan Ice Cream – Local Ice Cream:
Patan Ice Cream is the Thai traditional homemade coconut ice cream. Somebody loves Ice Cream Cone but for me I love Ice Cream with bread. Put the sweet sticky rice, put coconut milk ice cream, then topped with peanut and fresh milk.....yummy!.

* Tech2Life:
Share all your information & updates with your friends using FriendFeed .

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 17th September 2009

2009-09-17T11:02:00.002+07:00

* JJ Market:
The no. 9 is the lucky number for Thai people, so that JJ Market held an event to support the government policy to pay respect to our Majesty King by singing Thai Nation Song and Thai Royal Anthem all through the country for the last special 999 day on the 9th,September,2009. 9.09am.

* Bamboo Rafting:
Bamboo Rafting is one the most adventurous tours for those who love in the real nature and prefer to hide away from the city rush. Smell the calm stream, listen to the birds singing, touch with the cold weather of the jungle, and breath the cool natural greenery scent as much as you need. These are very fun to paddle in bamboo rafts. Bamboo Rafting is another one program you should not miss if you visit Chiang Mai.

* Kuay Salaak Festival:
"Tan Kuay Salak" means making merit by the offering items which are contained in a round bamboo basket. It involves making merit by taking necessities to temples without designating which monk is to receive them. For those who are interesting in this festival, you can enjoy at “Kuay Salaak Exhibition” at Chiang Mai City Musuem 8.30 am – 5 pm. For more information please visit the Chiang Mai City Museum website.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 16th September 2009

2009-09-16T13:24:00.002+07:00

* Discounts from Arcobaleno Italian Restaurant:
Arcobaleno presents you the variety of authentic Italian recipes that served through their warm, comfortable, and lovely atmosphere. They offer a 10% Discount for any bill over 1,000 Baht and 5% Discount for any bill over 500 Baht. Please download the coupon at the website at the Arcobaleno Italian Restaurant website.

* First Choice My Card:
First Choice Card had an activity for people to submit the photo contest. 10 winning photos will be shown in new music video by Boyd Kosiyapong.

* Movies from Major Cineplex, Chiang Mai :

District 9
Humans are not allowed here. In District 9 ,aliens show up on Earth, twenty-eight years ago. We got over our initial shock at discovering we're not alone in the universe and wondered what was next. Invasion? Enslavement? Salvation?.

Whiteout
See Your Last Breath. U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko tracks a killer in Antarctica, as the sun is about to set for six months....Whiteout .

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 15th September 2009

2009-09-15T16:34:00.001+07:00

* Computer Sale by Chi Chang:
Chi Chang is one of the leading computer retail company's in Chiang Mai and last week, they had an event for a special sale festival at Central Airport Plaza. Many people came to enjoy shopping for many kinds of computer, notebook and computer equipment.

* Wedding Fair at Shangri-La Hotel:
Can you imagine about the 2nd Wedding Ceremony?, How wonderful if you have your 2nd wedding ceremony with your kids on that day. With this concept, the Wedding Fair that was held at Shangri-La Hotel presented the new trend of 2nd Wedding Ceremony with all family, father, mother and children!.

* Mr. & Ms. Payap University:
Payap University had a "Welcome Freshy Festival" to make every new students felt of the unique and make relationship between junior and senior. One of highlight was Mr. & Ms. Payap University. Enjoy the show from some competitors

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 14th September 2009

2009-09-14T15:31:00.005+07:00

* Mi Casa September Promotion:
Mi Casa September Promotion Guarantees the very best from "2007-2009 Best of Thailand Restaurants" from "Thailand Tatler" for Mi Casa, Mediterranean cuisines.

1.Mi Casa Seafood Paella for with a bottle of Spanish Wine @2,888 .- for 4 persons.

2. Mi Casa 'Happy Summer' Tasting Menu. For 3-8 course, price starts from 490-990 Bht.

Please visit the Mi Casa website for further information.

* Fun Meeting of Chiang Mai Friends Group:
Chiang Mai Friends Group is the people behind "Retire in Chiang Mai" both Thai and Foreigners to promote projects with co-operation between Chiang Mai Friends Group and other organizations or groups. Please visit the Retire in Chiang Mai website for further information.

* 3D Movie @ Major Cineplex Chiang Mai:
Come experience to see a big car jump over from the screen!. Enjoy today with new experience at Major Cineplex Chiang Mai.

Elephant Nature Park

2009-09-12T04:37:00.005+07:00

Best known for their enormous ears, talented trunks, sharp social skills and overall heft, elephants, it turns out, are also fast......very fast.

It was a fact I probably should have had before a pair of 3 1/2-ton female Asian elephants started to rumble in my direction on a wet, grassy plain in a lush valley of northern Thailand. This definitely isn't a petting zoo.

It was a startling (albeit thrilling) reminder that I was on the elephants' home turf. I had traveled on an overnight train from Bangkok to see and experience the curious creatures in the wild - instead of at the zoo or the circus - and was peacefully gazing at several clusters of elephants when the ground started to shake.

Asian elephants still populate parts of Thailand, Burma, India, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, but their natural habitats have dwindled and the beautiful beasts are precariously close to extinction. Travelers now typically experience Asian elephants only on trekking trips where they carry passengers and luggage, or as part of choreographed and unnatural spectacles.

An exception is the Elephant Nature Park .Equal parts pachyderm preserve, health clinic and advocacy organization for the humane treatment of working elephants, the park is a learning center for those who want to get up close: feed, bathe and observe the giants and their babies. There also is a hostel for working vacationers who can help with veterinary care, conservation projects or park maintenance.

There are elephant sanctuaries in Asia, Africa and the United States, but most do not offer direct, hand-to-trunk interaction and immersion into elephant life. And few are situated in a setting as scenic as the Mae Taeng Valley, surrounded by rain-forested hills and blessed by a tranquil river. The valley serves as a dramatic backdrop for gazing over the herd as the sun goes down, as well as for waking to their trumpeting the next morning.

Sell or Beg

The nature park was opened in 1996 by Lek Chailert, who fell in love with elephants while growing up in a nearby Hill Tribe that used them for farming and heavy labor. After the government banned logging in the 1990s - the main source of employment for elephants - many were out of work, and their handlers (or mahouts), who often stay with one elephant for life, lacked options: sell their elephants to a trekking company or take them out to beg on the congested, dirty streets in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

In helping place elephants with small locally owned trekking camps, Chailert encountered animals that were struggling, without enough food or proper veterinary care, and many that were worn down after a lifetime of grueling work. She started a field clinic for treating sick and injured elephants, but it became clear that some needed ongoing medical care and a furlough so they could heal. Among the patients: a female with half of a hind foot blown off by a land mine, and a male that suffered broken bones when he was hit and dragged by an 18-wheel truck.

The need for long-term treatment gave rise to the Elephant Nature Park. Chailert and field clinic volunteers still make emergency calls to remote areas. But the park, which now has about 30 elephants, has taken on a life of its own.
Feeding time

The park is open for day visits, overnights and longer working vacations. Every stay here, however, starts the same way - with food.

Elephants are majestic and charming, but they are the earth's largest land animals and they seem to never stop eating. They ingest 220 to 650 pounds of produce and grass daily, and observing their daily intake provides a clue about the challenges involved in maintaining the herbivores' healthy diet.

So it made sense that my fellow travelers and I were introduced to the herd during their midday meal. To emphasize the weight and volume of produce needed to keep the elephants happy, our guide pulled over at a produce stand and asked us to collect their provisions. After hauling hundreds of bags of corn and bananas, hand-to-hand into a pickup in the hot morning sun, we got the point - they eat a lot.

As we walked out onto an elevated bamboo platform that juts out into the valley, we got our first glimpse of the majestic creatures. Soon about 20 of them had surrounded the platform. A roiling, gray sea of soulful faces, the elephants looked at us with eager anticipation, waved their undulating trunks and ran them along the platform, searching out morsels.

I matched up with a teenage elephant named Jungle Boy and, never having touched a real trunk, tentatively reached out with an ear of corn. He leveled a steady gaze at me as his wrinkly, gray and damp appendage deftly wrapped around the corn and gingerly removed it from my hand, slowly rolled it back toward his gaping maw and plopped it on to his huge, pink tongue.

Before I had time to grab more corn out of a nearby basket, Jungle Boy's trunk was back for more. This routine didn't stop for the next 20 minutes - ending only when the corn was all gone. Meanwhile, I patted and rubbed Jungle Boy's trunk, he kissed me on the cheek (more like a wet suction).

Next, we got our lunch: a large and tasty Thai meal on an adjoining covered platform. While enjoying some fruit and deserts, we saw the mahouts lead some elephants and their babies down to the river for a bath. As we had been told, we'd be the ones doing the washing.

Bath time

Elephants love water because it cools off their thick, but sensitive skin and they like to frolic in rivers and ponds. It turns out they also enjoy a good scrubbing with big bristly brushes and will stand by patiently while they are bathed.

So, armed with some basic instructions, a brush and a bucket, we waded into the gentle current and cozied up next to the elephants. It takes a little time to get comfortable with being close to such big animals, but after a few instructions from the mahouts, we splashed the giants behind the ears, scrubbed their sides and rubbed their foreheads and backs. We also looked at one another in awe. Were we really in a river in Thailand washing elephants?

Afterward, we mingled among the herd on a riverside beach, patting their hides and feeding them bread and learning about typical living conditions for Thai elephants. I became transfixed by a baby who was rambling around, butting people with his hairy little head. Once the baby nudged me, I wanted to take him home but figured he probably would not fit into my carry-on luggage.

As bath time came to a close, the visit became more serious. The park staff encouraged us to watch some films about the declining Asian elephant population and the brutal elephant training practices in Thailand. Mae Taeng and the surrounding Chiang Mai province is home to approximately 20 percent of the 3,000 to 4,000 elephants left in Thailand - down from 100,000 at the start of the 20th century.

If an elephant survives, its life can be painful. Traditionally, elephant owners try to break the creature's spirit through several days of tying it up and prodding it with sticks and other sharp tools until it follows specific commands. In the end, the elephant believes that it can be dominated and controlled by its owner and from then on will comply with his demands.

The films were hard to watch after seeing how intelligent and loving the animals can be. But they served an important purpose by underscoring why Chailert's efforts to change training to a more humane model needs support and funding.
Staying behind

In the late afternoon, I was on my own. I was the only one of my group to stay the night and my friends had packed up and headed back to Chiang Mai.

Soon, a heavy darkness fell over the park. The absence of electric lights outside the park's main compound made it almost pitch black. Ambling down a moonlit dirt road toward my stilted bamboo hut, I could hear elephants rustling in the distance.

The next morning I awoke to more elephant sounds and walked out on my raised deck to see a cluster of three of them tromping through the grass. Jungle Boy and an older female were play fighting and pushing each other around.

Before I returned to Chiang Mai, I was treated to breakfast and a personal tour of the elephants' habitat on what the park calls the elephant walk. My guide Jodi and I strolled out into the valley, and as the morning fog began, she regaled me with stories about the herd and its eclectic personalities.

One female elephant, Mae Elu, hasn't had any babies yet, but she's the auntie of all the calves in the herd; Maximus, who was hit by the truck while working as a beggar with his owner, is believed to be the tallest elephant in Thailand; Mai Lae and Jokia are both disabled and spend all their time together.

Mai Lae has an old leg injury and Jokia was blinded by a cruel trainer. Out on the grassy plain, it turned out that the companions that had been rumbling my way were just playing and apparently decided not to trample me into the dirt - despite everything that humans had done to them.

Sometimes progress comes slowly.

5 Unforgettable Facts About Elephants

While there are different types of elephants, some characteristics seem to be shared by almost all of them, according to "Elephant Reflections" (University of California Press, 2009), a coffee-table book by wildlife photographer Karl Ammann and author Dale Peterson. Among the more, um, odd characteristics, says Peterson, are:

1/ Elephants recognize themselves as individuals in mirrors. The experiment was done recently at the Bronx Zoo on three elephants, who, upon seeing their own image in the mirror, responded with self-referential behaviors. One elephant, Maxine, used it to examine the inside of her mouth and back of her ear.

2/ One way elephants communicate is through infrasound - sound too low in frequency to be audible by humans. Infrasound can travel through the air, through water, through rock, through forest and through the earth. Elephant infrasonic communication can take place over a distance of up to 2.5 miles.

3/ Some elephants live in matriarchies. They have family units consisting of only adult females, young of both sexes, and a leader who is the oldest and most knowledgeable female.

4/ Elephants are emotional animals. They don't weep, but they do pour fluids out of a gland located halfway between the eye and ear in times of great emotional excitement.

5/ Elephants are caring and empathetic animals. When a member of a social group falls - from illness, for instance - or becomes stuck in mud or water, others will move in and try to raise the debilitated animal to its feet and keep it moving. Sometimes adult females will care for - babysit - an infant or young elephant who has been orphaned or temporarily separated from its mother.
If you go

Getting Tere

Elephant Park staff will pick you up from your hotel or hostel in Chiang Mai. Elephant Nature Park, 209/2 Sridorn Chai Road, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand. + 66 (0) 53 818754, 818932, 272855. Email: info@elephantnaturepark.org.

Where to Stay

Those who stay overnight or for longer visits stay at the Elephant Nature Park bamboo huts. Visitors can stay for up to eight days. Volunteers can stay for weeks. The huts are cozy and clean and have mosquito nets. Overnight stays include breakfast, dinner and two lunches, transportation and admission to the park plus a guide for $167.

Where to Eat

At the park. The food was traditional Thai buffet and delicious!.

Source: San Fransisco Chronicle - 12th September 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 11th September 2009

2009-09-11T15:43:00.002+07:00

* The 8th Movie Seminar:
Faculty of Information and Communication, Maejo University, Chiang Mai invites you to "the 8th of Movie Seminar – New Media in Digital World".

The seminar about the important role of technology to adapt and use with movie industry from two famous directors Bandit Rittakol and Prutcha Pinkaew.

Pongsuk Hirunpluek, the guru in digital technology. Mark your calendar on September 19-20, 2009 at Central Airport Plaza Chiang Mai.

* LOVE STORY Concert:
Canon with GFM 89.75 MHZ had a One Night Concert 2 in the theme of LOVE Story at Chiang Mai University Convention Hall.

* Friday Recipe - Khao Kriab Pak Mor :
(Sweet dumplings from the pot's mouth)
This sweet desert is made by steaming dumplings filled with a sweet filling on a piece of white cloth to cover the top of a pot for steaming. The Filling made from minced pork, Shallot, peanuts and sweet radish. It needs some skill to wrap the steaming flour sheet.

Lin Ping - at 100 Days Old

2009-09-11T08:21:00.003+07:00

We'll be the first to admit it: We didn't find "Lin Ping", the giant panda cub born in late May at Thailand's Chiang Mai Zoo ,terribly cute at first. (It's nothing personal -- no giant panda is born looking particularly fetching, but they sure do make up for it as they grow up.)

But the cub recently hit a milestone -- 100 days of age -- and now, we're happy to say, she is so adorable it's almost painful to look at her. And the Thai public seems to feel the same way we do about "Lin Ping", the first giant panda ever born in Thailand. To celebrate her one-month birthday, revelers in June enjoyed a giant cake. Thai elephant keepers resorted to an unorthodox protest -- painting their pachyderm charges to resemble giant pandas -- to draw attention to the elephants' plight as the public's interest shifted toward "Lin Ping". And, when it came time to name the cub, more than 20 million votes were received.

The name Lin Ping is representative both of the cub's Chinese heritage (her parents are on loan to the Chiang Mai Zoo from China) and her Thai birthplace. The name, which translates to "forest of ice" in Chinese, honors the cub's mother, "Lin Hui", and calls to mind the name of the Ping, the river that runs through the center of Chiang Mai in Thailand.

Source: L.A.Times - 11th September 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 10th September 2009

2009-09-10T15:30:00.002+07:00

* Franchise Rainbow Fair 2009:
For those who are looking for new business and you want to get new ideas, just go to this fair. Rainbow Fair 2009 gathers more than 50 popular franchises to introduce their advantage and opportunity if you would like to be the business owner.

The Rainbow Fair 2009 takes place from now until the end of September. at Promotion Zone, Kad Suan Keaw Department Store.

* Paper Collage Art Exhibition:
Cornelages – Paper collage by Cornelis Hoek will handle for new style of art work by paper at 116 Art Gallery.

To be presided over by Mr. Peter Van Loo, the proposed honorary consul general of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The exhibition starts from Sep 5-30, 2009. You can join everyday 11 am – 7 pm. Please call Tel No. 053-302-111 or visit the 116 Art Gallery website.

* Yves Rocher Make-Up Workshop:
Central Pattana Co.Ltd. invites you to apply urgently for Yves Rocher Make-Up Workshop of the technique how to make up in new trend at Central Airport Plaza, Conference Room, 4th Floor.

The class will be limited only 25 seats per class. The 1st workshop on Sep 12, 2-5 pm. The 2nd workshop on Sep 13,
11 am-2pm. Please call Tel No. 053 999 199 for reservations.

British Tourist Found Dead in Chiang Mai

2009-09-09T16:27:00.001+07:00

A British tourist died of unknown cause Wednesday morning while travelling in Chiang Mai with his Thai girlfriend, police said.

He was identified as Richard James, 33.His girlfriend, Praweenuch Khahamuk, 33, told police that she woke up at 7 am to find that her boyfriend had already died.

She said she and James owned a restaurant in Mae Hong Son's Pai district and the two traveled to Chiang Mai and checked in a the Sri Phum House guesthouse Tuesday.

She said James drank beer and went to sleep before she found him dead.

His body was sent for an autopsy at the Chiang Mai provincial hospital.

Source: The Nation - 9th September 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 9th September 2009

2009-09-09T16:07:00.003+07:00

* September Promotion @ Tara Bar:
Special promotions for September at Tara Bar. Dewar’s Whisky starts from 799 to 1299 Baht with Free mixer until 10 pm. For beer lover, enjoy Chang Fresh Beer 99/Jar, 259/Tower. Heineken Fresh Beer 149/ Jar, 439/Tower with free snack. For further information please call Tel No> 053-248 059-60 or visit the Tara Bar Website .

* Major Cineplex Movies:

Land of the Lost
Land of the Lost is the comedy adventure movie from Universal Pictures. Story about three adults stumble into a mysterious land populated by dinosaurs and other creatures.

Numero 9
When 9 first comes to life, he finds himself in the world where all humans are gone. He discovers a community of others like him afraid of machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. They must discover why the machines want to destroy them.

* Openchiangmai on USA Cable TV:
We are very glad that our 1st VDO "How to cook Khai Pam" (Egg Grilled in Banana Vessel) was been selected to appear on USA Cable TV.

It has been on air more than 50 times in Penslyvania, California and Montana.12TV Channel features film shorts, animation, video blogs and series. We are proud to promote and bring Thai culture and this is very useful to support Thailand tourism.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 8th September 2009

2009-09-08T15:48:00.004+07:00

* TCDC Chiang Mai Branch:
On Aug 29, at Dusit D2 Hotel Chiang Mai, Lanna Woman Culture Society and TCDC (Thailand Creative & Design Center) had signed MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

TCDC as a center aims to gather knowledge to facilitate the operation of business development. to settle TCDC for Chiang Mai Branch to take care of northen region.

Responsible for being as a center to exchange, study, and develop all of creative thinking. Lead to the development to the highest potential and stimulate a competitive ability of each company to add value to their product.

* Warm Up Album 10th Anniversary:
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Warm Up Cafe, they launched a project with the title “10 Years, 10 Projects, 10 Artists and 10 Thousand.”

With their alubum named "Warm up Surround" which means the co-operation of music and lifestyle from many artists through Warm up Project, Mild, Pit Bull, Dj Shaky, Ska Ranger, Shinobu and much more.

The 1st Project at Baan Piranan, the home for taking care children who had a problem of Brain Disability. 2nd Chiang Mai Foundation for the blind. And the 3rd project to donate Sports equipment and scholarships in rural area in San Kamphaeng district.

* ThreeBB 10Mbs from Maxnet:
Don't waste your time and be moody with a slow download because Maxnet gives you a new service with minimum standard broadband internet 10 Mbs. The monthly fee only 1,490.- not included VAT. Contact them to get a superb speed of ADSL at Call Center No. 1103.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 7th September 2009

2009-09-07T16:43:00.002+07:00

* Levi’s Expert Fit Collection:
On Aug 30, at Robinson Department Store, Chiang Mai. Levi’s introduced ‘Expert Fit’, a new collection of jeans for full-figured women with complete range of sizes from S to XL and introduced Pamela Bowden as a new product presenter.

“The ‘Expert Fit’ collection livens up women’s jeanswear and compliments women’s lifestyle with jeans that let them have more fun with fashion. Featuring added design finesse, new colors, perfect cut and shaping to be a perfect match for full-figured women. Go shopping their collection at Jean dept. Robinson Department Store.

* Bangkok Airways : Best Regional Airline:
Bangkok Airways breaks another record with repeated success in winning the annual assessment of the World Airline Award as the “Best Regional Airline” six times in a row since 2004.

For 2009, the sixth, was announced earlier through the World Airline Awards poll conducted by Skytrax following the airline’s recognition on the top rank in the regional category since 2004.

Mr. Keerati Chantree, from Bangkok Airways’ Frankfurt Office, recently represented the company as he received the award at the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

* Country Song Singing & Dancing Contest @ Payap University:
Every year, the Faculty of Marketing Payap University always has a “Country Song Singing & Dancing Contest”. But this year is a special one as its 25th anniversary. You can see some scene of competitors in this contest.

A Piano Recital by Amandine Habib - Chiang Mai 5th November 2009

2009-09-07T04:24:00.009+07:00

D & M Music Studio proudly presents:
"A Piano Recital by Amandine Habib"

Location: AUA Language Center Auditorium in Chiangmai on Rajadamnern Road
Phone No: 081-682-8000
Date: November 5th, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: adults 300baht and students 200baht available to purchase on the night at the door at 6:30 pm or call 081-682-8000 for advance booking.

Amandine HABIB was born on March 22nd 1979 in Marseilles to a family of special music lovers: her grandmother sang the opera, her father had a passion for jazz and her great grandmother used to sing her Yiddish songs.

She began her musical studies at the Marseilles music Conservatoire where she was awarded the First Piano Prize in Nathalie Lanoe’s class and a First Chamber Music Prize in Edouard Exerjean’s class.

She met Bruno Rigutto just after obtaining her prize in Marseilles and she immediately wished to join his class.

In 2002 she was admitted into Bruno Rigutto’s advanced class where she stayed four years and obtained the Prize for Advanced Studies.She periodically continues to have lessons with him.

All along her years of training Amandine won the Children of the World Golden Trophy ,the Rotary Club Prize,and the prize for Excellence at the Arcachon contest.

Amandine Habib, while continuing her studies at the Conservatoire, decided to go to a faculty of musicology She passed her DEUG (diploma) and her licence.

She has always been very keen on travelling.She undertook studies in Ethnomusicology. In 2002 she went to Laos to study and record the music of the Kammu ethnic group.In 2003, with that master’s thesis she obtained her master’s degree in musicology with first class honours.

Amandine HABIB entered the Superior National Conservatoire in Lyon and obtained her prize.Amandine is a concert performer.She also teaches at the Conservatoire of Annecy.

During the past season Amandine had the privilege of playing a duet with Muza Rubackyte.She was invited to many festivals :

to the Mozart festival at‘Station Alexandre’,to St Victor Abbey in Marseilles, to play four hands with Guillaume Lazaro for Tomorrow’s soloists,and to the Treilles Foundation.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 4th September 2009

2009-09-04T14:30:00.002+07:00

* Chiang Mai is in your hands Conference:
Last week, many organizations from Government and representatives from private companies, shops, restaurants and communities in Chiang Mai attended a meeting to participate in discussions about how to define the future of Chiang Mai tourism.

To discuss and try collect the information that will be lead to settle the first council that is responsible for the actions and activities within Chiang Mai. They aim to grow and maintain the development amid the beginning of economic recovery now.

* New Variations for "Sai-Aouw"(Northern Sausage):
"Sai-Aouw" is local northern Thai sausage. But it’s so boring if you have it every time the same.

Just adapt the sausage with many kinds of food to feel something difference. I give you example like "Sai-Aour Tod" - Fried Deep Sausage served with ginger, lime, peanut and other vegetable. Another menu "Kra Prao Sai-Aour" – Spicy Sausage with Basil Leaves served with warm rice and topped with fried egg. I believe this new idea are kind of mouth-watering dishes.

* JJ Dancing Concert:

* Tech2Life : Easy Piano by KissTunes.com:

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
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A Visit to Chiang Mai

2009-09-04T06:24:00.004+07:00

Bangkok is the immediate choice for most tourists who think of Visiting Thailand .However, Chiang Mai has been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative travel destination. Chiang Mai is the country’s largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand and can be found among the highest mountains in the country.

The roots of the Thai Civilization can be found in the north and has many sites of cultural and archaeological interest. Chiang Mai is the capital of the northern region and many overseas visitors use it as a base for getting to know ethnic tribes, soft adventure activities and shopping.

Thousands of people travel to Chiang Mai annually to take part in the Songkran Festival. This festival is to celebrate the entry of the sun into the Zodiac sign of Aries and is considered by locals as their traditional New Year holidays.

Aside from Songkran, the Loi Kratong or "Yee Peng" festival as it is also known in the north of Thailand is also held in Chiang Mai. The Loi Kratong festival is held around November every year. This is when thousands of people assemble banana leaf containers decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water. Sky lanterns are also launched into the air for luck and to decorate the locals’ houses and streets.

If you are one of those who prefer to get in touch with nature, there at least three national parks in Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Suthep and Opkhan. The Dokmai Garden provides an introduction into the nature and culture of northern Thailand. Hill Tribe tourism and Trekking can also be done here. You can also opt to visit the Elephant Nature Park ,which is home to approximately 30 rescued elephants.

The Tiger Kingdom can be found just outside Chiang Mai, for those who would like to get close to these giant cats. It is a small tiger park that offers various packages depending on how you like to interact with these creatures. You can choose to view them safely behind fences. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can touch or play with tigers from different age groups, from cubs to adults.Tiger Kingdom is definitely a place that is worth a quick visit.

Chiang Mai houses more than 300 Buddhist Temples ,dating as far back as the 13th century. Museums, ancient ruins, national parks, waterfalls, mountain trails and other unique and beautiful attractions can be found within a half hour’s drive in all directions.

The city has something to offer everyone from nature lovers, culture vultures, adrenaline junkies and even those who just want to lie back and get pampered!.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 3rd September 2009

2009-09-03T14:21:00.002+07:00

* Ben Chalatit @ Tara Bar:
WBC Boxing Pongsaklek VS Takahesa Last Friday, Toyota Lanna in co-operation with Yamaha Thailand handled for a WBC Boxing Champion which was a big match between Pongsaklek Kratingdaengyim and Takahesa Mattsuda at Kad Cheung Doi which was on air on Channel 7. After the match, people enjoyed the fighting of Muay Thai from 8 famous Muay Thai Boxers including the selling product and free concert from Clash, Zeal and actors from Dan Dara.

* Nok Smile Package Thai Boxing @ CNX:
Nok Smile Package 3 Days 2 Nights with Air ticket only 6,000thb. Learn the ancient art of the world’s famous Thai Boxing in Chiang Mai. With Nok Smile Package.

Experience the real Thai Boxing or Muay Thai taught at Lanna Muay Thai Boxing Camp or Kiat Busaba boxing camp. Learn techniques of correct and safe fighting from the professional trainers and stay in the defined selective hotel.

Let your exclusive holidays be an unforgettable one. For further details & reservations, please contact Tel No. 02631-3444 ext 2

Tech2Life : Asian Movie & Drama Feeder .

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
Week Commencing 24th August 2009
Week Commencing 31st August 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 2nd September 2009

2009-09-02T14:57:00.002+07:00

* Pai:
T.A.T.(Thailand Authority of Tourism) Mae Hong Son office organized a trip to share experience of Mae Hong Son in the theme of “Amazing Green, Amazing Travel in Mae Hong Son”. This trip featured to remind the travelers that they can visit Mae Hong Son throughout the year with different feelings in each season.

"Warm your body with your lover in Winter", "Touch the bright sunny and clear sky in Summer" & "Feel the amazing green in rainy season". Because this is a paradise for the natural lover.

* One-Two-Go Airline Promotion:
Buy any round trip tickets with One-Two-Go by normal fare, you can get one way ticket free. And other special free conditions. Free Seat Selection. Free food & drinks. Free Telephone & Online Reservation. Free hold Baggage and Fuel Charge. Everything Free at One-Two-Go . Make a reservation today at One-Two-Go Airline or call Tel No. 1126

* Movie from Major Cineplex Chiang Mai:

1. Gamer
The brand new movie Gamer is a Science Fiction action thriller set in the not too distant future when gaming and entertainment have evolved into a terrifying new hybrid. Humans control other humans in mass-scale, multi-player online games: when people play people

2. Final Destination 4
This is the 4th of famous horror movie series, Final Destination 4. After a teen's premonition of a deadly race-car crash helps saves the lives of his peers, Death sets out to collect those who evaded their end.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
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Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 1st September 2009

2009-09-01T14:06:00.002+07:00

* ETC Concert @ Warm Up Cafe:

* Asia Books Invests to Celebrate it's 40th Anniversary:
Asia Books, Thailand's finest English language bookstore chain plans to mark it's 40th anniversary by investing over 20 million baht to kick off its celebration campaign, entitled “Asia Books on Chapter 40”.

They will open 2-3 new bookstore outlets this year, including Asia Book branch in Central Lad Prao and Bookazine branch at Chiang Mai Airport. It also plans to penetrate the North-Eastern region in the near future.

* 6th Anniversary of 20 Karaoke:
Prepare yourself for fantasy dress up with the 6th anniversary of 20 Karaoke on October 9 with the concept of Hollywood Star Party.

This party will be the talk of the town because of the magnificent show similar to Broadway show including many famous stars from Bangkok. The new modern style of 20 Karaoke is waiting to arouse your body and soul!. See you there on October.

* Tech2Life: Jet Audio - Ezy Record Sound:
Use JetAudio to record your favourite music from the Internet. Just down load from the Jet Audio Website Start with record button, click at Stereo Mixer and then start recording, it couldn't be simpler.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
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Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 31st August 2009

2009-08-31T14:28:00.001+07:00

* 12th Japan Exhibition:
Last week, Chiang Mai Ratchaphat University, Japanese Program had and event of the 12th Japanese Exhibition at Central Airport Plaza. Featured to acknowledge for art and culture of Japan such as Music, paper folding, game and painting.

* Book Fair Festival:
Last week at The National Library of Chiang Mai there was a Book Fair Festival. In this fair, there were a lot of people who love reading with many activities such as Book Sale, creative paper cutting, and drawing. Good reading is a great wisdom. The more you read the more you open your world.

Tuk-Tuks in Thailand

2009-08-31T09:52:00.003+07:00

No self-respecting photo gallery of Bangkok would ever be complete without showing at least one photo of Tuk-Tuks.

These 3-wheeled motorbikes are used as a mode of public transportation in major cities throughout Thailand, much like you would use a taxi. Tuk-tuks in Thailand are named so because of the sound that their engine makes.

To read the full article about "Tuk-Tuks in Thailand" please click the link.

Dokmai Garden - Food for Mind and Body!

2009-08-30T16:08:00.004+07:00

Dokmai Garden is a new venture that has recently opened it’s doors in Chiang Mai, Thailand and aims to offer a gastronomic feast for both your body & mind!

Situated in southern Chiang Mai (in the Hang Dong district), Dokmai Garden covers 24 rai (4 hectares, 10 acres), and displays 800 tropical plant species,130 edible plant species, and a pond containing 25 types of Mekong fish.

The garden itself is the brainchild of the Seehamongkol family, and on any given day you could bump into members of at least three generations of the family around the gardens.

To read the full article about Dokmai Garden,Chiang Mai please click here.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 28th August 2009

2009-08-28T15:31:00.004+07:00

* Wat Chedi Luang:
Even today some 450 years after being damaged severely in an earthquake, Wat Chedi Luang stills cuts an imposing figure across the Chiang Mai skyline.

This temple is also home to the "Pillar of the City",a totem used in ancient Thai fertility rites, because the temple itself marks the exact center of Chiang Mai.

The tree is inhabited by a guardian spirit known as "Prueksa Thevada", an all knowing sage. The Inthakhin Festival fertility rite lasting for 7 days takes place each year during the months of May or June.

This observance ensured unity within Lanna society gave protection from siege and warfare and made certain that the rains would fall at the proper time so that farmers’ crops would be abundant in the fertile fields. Rumour has it that IF the tree should ever die or be removed, Chiang Mai will suffer a disaster of biblical proportions!!.

* Khao Lam:
Khao Lam is the sticky rice, mixed with coconut milk and grilled in a bamboo trunk. There are different recipes. You can use either black or white sticky rice. Some will also have black beans. The white in this picture is egg custard. This dessert is flavoured with coconut milk & is utterly delicious!.

* Tour Business & Guide Conference:
The Office of Tourism Development in cooperation with Tourist Business and Guide Register Office, Ministry of Tourism and Sports will handle for a conference of 4 regions to clarify the standard of tourist business and guide.

The conference for North region will be taken place at Chiang Mai University on September 4th 2009.Please either visit Their Website or call Tel No. 02-259-8595-7.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 27th August 2009

2009-08-27T15:43:00.002+07:00

* Google Seminar:
Last Saturday, Openchiangmai attended the Seminar under the topics "Welcome E-Business World", "Social Media Marketing" and "Google… I’m Feeling Lucky". In this seminar, it was an honor from many famous experts; Porntip Gongchun, Marketing Director of Google Thailand, Aphisit Trunganon, deputy secretary general for Thailand Webmaster Organization, and Trawut Luengsomboon, Managing Director of Infogination Com. This seminar was interesting for students, business owners, shops, spa, hotel and people from Chiang Mai. Follow up the next seminar from their website at the I.T.For City website.

* Jaran Monophet Memorial Concert:
Jaran Monophet was Art & Culture Project in-cooperation with many organizations invites you to memorize the song of Jaran Manophet. The famous Folk Song artist from Chiang Mai. Enjoy the nice music from Suntaree Weachanon, Patinya Tangtrakul, Mai Muang,and many other Lanna singers. In that day, you can remind with the exhibition to show the famous work collection of Jaran Manophet and get free CD of his Master Piece. Jaran Manophet Memorial Concert will take place at Chiang Mai Cultural Art Center, Nimmanhaeminda Rd. On September 3, 2009.

* Video Contest 2009 by T.A.T:
Sharing your own fantastic Thailand travel video for worthy prize!.

If you have any amazing Thailand videos, share it and stand an even better chance of becoming one of our lucky winners! Upload your Amazing Thailand Experience Videos and stand the chance of winning one of three coolest prizes worth a total of 59,000 Baht! ...Wait!...No video to share? Just sit back, enjoy and simply vote for your favorite videos to participate in a fun lucky draw to win superb hotel packages, all valued at 29,000 Baht.Please submit your VDO's at the Video Contest Website.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
Week Commencing 24th August 2009

Anyone for Pad Thai ?

2009-08-27T06:37:00.005+07:00

Traveling has its perks. First, you get to travel to a place that you’ve always dreamed of going to. Second, you get to interact with the natives and maybe learn something about their culture and society. Third, you get to taste the local food and wine.

Traveling to Thailand is a “must do” if you want to experience first-hand Thailand’s exceptional food culture, especially Pad Thai as this is one of Thailand’s national “signature” dishes and is considered one of the most popular Thai foods internationally. Yes, I say food culture for Thai dining is a far cry from the typical Western dining. As a general rule when eating out, Thai’s order the same number of dishes as the people present. The more people there are, the more dishes there will be. The food will be shared between everyone. For this reason alone, it is best to eat with more people than a few, so you get to sample the widest range of dishes.

In Thailand food culture, the food is a very important part of any social event as more often than not, the food itself is a cause for celebration. A typical Thai meal would consist of four main flavors: salt, sweet, sour and spicy. Each dish should more or less represent one of the four flavors or a combination thereof. Anything less flavorsome is considered unsatisfactory.

Rice is a staple in Thai dining so is a noodle dish like Pad Thai. Pork, beef, chicken, fish, or any other seafood could be cooked the Thai way. Delicately and meticulously prepared, Thai Food is an explosion of subtle yet very distinct flavors. As with other Asian countries, a meal is not complete without the numerous little bowls of condiments: herbs, chili oil, spices and sauces.

One of the more popular dishes you will find in your travels to Thailand is Pad Thai. The word literally translates to – Thai style frying. It is a stir fried dish of Thai rice noodles, egg, and tamarind extract, red chili pepper, and shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and banana flower. The dish topped is with roasted peanuts, raw bean sprout and squeezed lime.

The dish has evolved over the years as Thai Street Food vendors have added & changed a few ingredients. Even today the Pad Thai you will sample on the streets of Bangkok is markedly different from the dish served in Thai restaurants in the United States and other temperate continents.

One recommendation though when eating the noodle dish: eat at once when served. The literally hot dish flavored with red hot chili peppers is one dish-to-die for! Try twisting some lime on it for added flavor.

Your travel to Thailand and exposure to its wide & varied food culture will almost certainly satisfy the gourmet in you!.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 26th August 2009

2009-08-26T15:28:00.003+07:00

* JJ Photo Contest No.1:
JJ Market in collaboration with T.A.T(Tourism Authority of Thailand) has initiated the project to stimulate Chiang Mai tourism by the 1st JJ Photo Contest under the theme of "Green Chiang Mai". It’s time to carry your camera and make a photo shoot of Green Season and submit your photos until October 30th, at "Green Chiang Mai" for more information please contact Tel No. 053-231520-5

* Thai Massage to Worldwide:
Thai massage involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor in comfortable clothes that allow for movement and no oils are used. In North America and Europe, an increasing number of practitioners and teachers of Thai massage have emerged since the 1990s. In the United States, Thai massage is a growing modality among clients of massage clinics and massage therapists.

* Movie Update:

Ponyo
An adventure Animation movie from Walt Disney. From the Academy Award??-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes "Ponyo" ,a story inspired by fairy tale The Little Mermaid. The story of on a 5-year-old boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human.

Bandslam
The comedy film casted by Vanessa Hudgens.
Plot: A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band -- together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year,"Bandslam" is a battle of the bands.

* Tech2Life : TubeMogul VDO Upload Helper:
Tube Mogul is a site where you can upload your video once, then it will send out to a dozen different video sharing sites such as Youtube, Google VDO, MetaCafe, Yahoo VDO, DailyMotion and other famous sites. This will save you about a half day’s worth of work per video you upload and have pie charts and graphs tracking each of your videos across each site. You can even email these reports to anyone you choose in order to compare notes. For further details please visit the Tube Mogul website.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
Week Commencing 24th August 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 25th August 2009

2009-08-25T15:24:00.003+07:00

* Punna Place @Nimman:
The grand opening of Punna Place @Nimman took place last Saturday with many activities such as Fashion Show, LIVE music, Latin dancing show, free spa. Panna Place is a new shopping center on Nimmanhaemin Road with many famous shops in there. For more information please call Tel No. 053-400300.

* 1 X Suitcase Exhibition:
1X Suitcase Exhibition has a concept of showing baggage that contained the emotional expression of art, thoughts and mental condition during the journey of artists from Singapore and Thailand. Starts from Aug 20th – Sept 11th at CMU Art Center, for more information please call Tel No. 053-218 280,053-944 833.

* Flight of the Gibbon:
Flight of the Gibbon was created by a bunch of guys keen to enable everyone access to the rainforest in the most exciting way possible. Come and experience the Flight of The Gibbon here in Chiang Mai.

* Tech2Life : Amazing Google Translation:
Just type a web URL or copy and paste the text then you can translate from any language to another. Now Google Translation supports 22 different languages including Thai. And the upcoming feature, just upload your MS word file document then let’s Google work it out for you.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009
Week Commencing 24th August 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 24th August 2009

2009-08-24T11:58:00.001+07:00

* Mother’s Day @ Central Airport:
Central Airport Plaza had many activities for mothers and children on the last Mother’s day. This is another way to express the love between mother and child.

* Amazing Lanna Jao:
Recently, Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association in co-operation with TAT(Tourism Authority of Thailand), Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai Zoo Aquariam, Thai Airways and other organizations invited all the business and shops in Chiang Mai to attend a signing ceremony in co-operation agreements in Amazing Lanna Jao Project.

* Amazing E-Game:
E-game: Questionnaire is coming to your door. Just fill in the questionnaire about your travel style, you will be eligible to win accommodation worth total 7,000 USD. The questionnaire starts from August 12th to October 12th, 2009. Please visit the Amazing Thailand website for further details.

* Tech2Life : PBS Kids (web for your children):
PBS Kids has a huge selection of interactive kid’s games, showcasing TV characters that kids love. The website is designed in flash and is one of the best children website out there. There’s so much to look at and play with on this site and your kids will be kept busy for hours

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 21st August 2009

2009-08-21T13:11:00.001+07:00

* 2009 Wedding Fair - Love Life & Diamonds:
We take you to see feel romantic atmosphere from "The 3rd Wedding Fair 2009" that happened on August 15 at Grand Nantra, Holiday Inn Hotel under the concept of "Love Life & Diamonds".

It was an honor to have Chalermsak Suranan, Director of Tourism autority of Thailand Chiang Mai office as a chairman. This fair featured the new style of Wedding with fashion show of beautiful diamond presented by Chiang Mai celebrities. Many businesses came to attend such as Wedding Studio, Cosmetics Booths, Beauty & Salons, Jewelry shops and much more.

* Air Asia:
While other, older airlines are struggling, Air Asia passengers have increased by 20 percent in the first half of 2009, he told a business conference at Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket City. He would also like to fly daily direct from Phuket to Chinag Mai, to open up travel between the north and south in Thailand. Air Asia is offering a 750 baht promotion for people to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to visit the cute baby panda, and the ticket can be used to gain discounts at resorts, too. Kaeng Ho

* Gaeng Ho - Famous Northern Local Food:
This is a dish combining an array of leftover from other Northern dishes.

This dish originated when people made a "merit"(Buddhist religious offering) for religious festivals, when they would cook, there would always be some foods left, which were then mixed together to form a new dish, instead of abandoning them. Put green bean, vegetable and glass noodle and seasoning the taste as you like. It is not that spicy and taste good even though it's made from leftovers.

* Google Seminar:
On August 22, a seminar managed by IT For Society Club. Meet with Porntip Kongchoon MD Google Thailand with lots of knowledge of Google and how to make e-Business World by using Social Media Marketing. At Pantip Plaza between 1pm-4pm. More information and reservation can be made at the IT for Society Website.

10 Top Tips - for Travelling on a Budget

2009-08-21T12:50:00.005+07:00

Paradise doesn't need to break the bank!
Traveling on a budget does not need to be considered as challenging, it can actually be great fun, not only the enjoyment of the actual holiday, but also the process of all the booking & organisation.

If when travelling on a budget you bear these tips in mind you are almost guaranteed to have as good a holiday as the people paying full-price for everything!:

To read the full article about 10 Top Tips - for Travelling on a Budget please click here.

5 Tips to Help You Successfully Book Travel Online

2009-08-21T12:42:00.004+07:00

The whole world is now just a click away!
Booking travel online has never been easier, internet spending on travel is nearly 50% of ALL internet purchases, so it's HUGE business!!.

This move to internet booking & away from the traditional travel agencies has placed a lot of power in the hands of the consumer to make their own decisions & reserve their own travel arrangements.

However, in this new age of internet traveling choice it's really important that you are "savvy" to the in's & out's of the industry inorder to get the very best deals and discounts available.

Please click here to read the full article about
5 Tips to Help You Successfully Book Travel Online

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 20th August 2009

2009-08-20T14:35:00.002+07:00

* 1st Anniversary The Steak House by Le Crystal:
"Congratulations" for The Steak House by Le Crystal that celebrated it's first anniversary on last Saturday.

The Steak House Pub and Restaurant is the modern style steak house serves you various kind of steak, French cake bakery. The Steak House opens daily from 11 am – 1 AM at JJ Market Chiang Mai.

For further information or reservations please call Tel No. 053 224 123.

* Payap Music Festival:
Last Sunday, there was a concert to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Payap University at Somsawali Building, E.C.Court Auditorium, Kaew Nawarat Campus Somsawali Building, ‘The First Asian Traditional Music Forum 2009 features performances Traditional Music from 6 countries, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippine, and Karen.

* JJ Talent Contest 2009:
Please check out the OpenChiangMai website to view the performances, vote and make comments.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 19th August 2009

2009-08-19T14:03:00.002+07:00

* Mother Day Workshop at JJ Market:
For the occasion of HM Queen Sirikit’s Birthday, JJ Market in Chiang Mai held an activity of candle lights to celebrate the Queen to bless for Her Majesty long life.

Moreover, there was a workshop how to make a garland for Mothers Day by the teachers from Chiang Mai Vocational College.

* Asian Ladies Golf Tournament in November:
Chiang Mai will stage a new Asian ladies golf tournament in November. Ms Rae-vadee unveils new development in Chiang Mai as the three new golf courses - the Chiang Mai Highlands, the Alpine Resort and the Gassan Khuntan Golf Club - will be christened with the first Asian Ladies Invitational Interport from November 2-4.

One hundred and seventy golfers from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will play on the three layouts.

This tournament will be a big draw in many ways and it will play a major role in promoting tourism in Chiang Mai also.

* Movie Update:
Orphan:
Can you keep a secret?, Orphan is an INTENSE drama. Full of surprises and a bit of suspense. There's something wrong with Esther. A husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she claims to be!.
Inglourious Basterds:
Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France. In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as
"The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. "The Basterds" soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 18th August 2009

2009-08-18T15:32:00.003+07:00

* Elephants Plowing Paddy Fields:
Last Saturday, at Baan Saen Doi Resort & Spa in cooperation with TAT(Tourism Authority of Thailand) an “Elephants Plowing Paddy Fields” event was held. The highlight of this activity was on the theme "No.8" meaning that 8 elephants from Maetaman Elephant Camp were ploughing on an 8-rai paddy field on the 8th day of the 8th month at 8.08 am!.

* Maejo University Short Film Contest:
The Faculty of Information and Communications, Maejo University in association with Thai Film director Association invites you to their Short Film contest under the topic of “Remind us of Chiang Mai” to express the comparison of Chiang Mai in the past and present.

For more information, pls call the Faculty of Information and Communications on Tel No. 053-873297 or visit the Maejo University website.

* Gymnastic Toy More Than Just PlayableToys :
Today, let’s go to see uncle “pleng” processing a toy at Ban Boh Heaw, Lumpang. Uncle Pleng is an interested handicraftsman. He can make various toys from bamboo!.

It is a creative toy and useful toy. This toy will cheerfully somersault! And it helps to children that play this toy to exercise muscle. It’s an intelligent Thai folk wisdom.

The Ancient Craft of Batik-Making - Inspiring a Hmong Revival

2009-08-18T05:00:00.011+07:00

"Hmong craftswomen in Chiang Mai revive an ancient art for a brighter tomorrow"

For the Hmong Hill Tribes people of the North, keeping their traditional art of batik-making alive is a key to their survival.

Each piece of cloth, coated in beeswax then dyed with an exquisite design, sells for between Bt1,500 and Bt1,800 at the Doi Pui community in Chiang Mai.

"It takes me at least one week to paint the pattern on each piece," Pra Fuangfukij-jakarn says.

Expertly drawing an intricate design on white cloth, this 58-year-old woman reveals that she has practised the art since the age of seven.

"Our ancestors have passed on the batik-making tradition to younger Hmong for generations. It's a useful money-spinner," Pra explains.
Switching from opium

The Hmong around Doi Pui used to grow opium poppies, says Pra. They switched to farming several decades ago after His Majesty the King visited the area and offered them advice and Bt200,000 to fund the development of their land.

"Since then, my family has grown fruits and vegetables. We've also promoted our village as an eco-tourism destination. That's when we began to focus more on the batik making."

Repertoire of designs:
The local artisans have built up a repertoire of more than 100 designs.

"Beginners have to follow traditional patterns but more experienced craftswomen can create their own designs."

The patterns on the fabric are drawn using a small brush and liquid beeswax. The wax-painted fabric is then dipped into indigo dye. As the dye doesn't penetrate the wax, the pattern appears after the wax is removed.

"For a cloth of a metre and a half square, the whole task takes me 15 days," Pra explains.

Source: The Nation 18th August 2009

A Piano Recital by Robin Zebaida - Chiang Mai 4th November 2009

2009-08-18T04:25:00.007+07:00

D & M Music Studio proudly presents:
"A Piano Recital by Robin Zebaida"
Location: AUA Language Center Auditorium in Chiangmai on Rajadamnern Road
Phone No: 081-682-8000
Date: November 4th, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: adults 300baht and students 200baht available to purchase on the night at the door at 6:30 pm or call 081-682-8000 for advance booking.

Described after a Liszt recital as 'a pianist of Herculean stamina', British concert pianist Robin Zebaida enjoys a flourishing international career. His work has taken him around the world, and particularly to the Far East, for performances and masterclasses.

Other recent engagements have included visits to Canada, Central America, South Africa, Europe and Australia, where his Sydney recital was reported as achieving 'a warmth and empathy with the audience rarely seen'. At home in London he has performed at venues including St John's Smith Square and the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

His wide ranging and versatile recital performances encompass not only standard repertoire from Bach to Gershwin but also many unfamiliar or neglected composers. Particular areas of interest include Russian music, orchestral and vocal transcriptions, and music for the left hand; these are reflected in a CD," Off the Beaten Track", on the Regent label.

In a career which embraces many aspects of music making, he also makes appearances as an accompanist, chamber music partner and concerto soloist. He founded and directs Classical Cornucopia, a group of freelance professional musicians, which made its debut in January 2007.

Away from the concert platform, Robin Zebaida's broadcasting experience includes studio recordings and live appearances on radio and television for several national and foreign networks. As a Steinway Artist he was specially chosen to demonstrate the qualities of the 'Rolls Royce of the piano world' in an interview for the BBC World Service to mark the publication of a new history of Steinway pianos.

A former recipient of awards from the Ann Driver Trust, which supports musical education, Robin Zebaida also enjoys the opportunity to combine recital tours with teaching. As well as individual coaching for pianists and chamber groups, he has given masterclasses around the globe in English, French and German for various educational establishments and under the auspices of the British Council. He also works as an international adjudicator and as an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Robin Zebaida was born and educated in London, England, later winning an Exhibition to read music at New College, Oxford, from where he graduated with maximum distinction in performance. He completed his formal studies with a postgraduate year at the Royal College of Music.

Programme:
Variations serieuses, op 54 Felix Mendelssohn (1809-47)
Visions and Prophecies (1936) Ernest Bloch (1880-1959)
12 Etudes d'execution transcendante, op 11 Sergei Liapunov (1859-1924)
no.1 Lullaby
no.2 Dance of the Ghostsno.3 Carillon

INTERVAL

Polonaise in A flat (Heroique), op 53 Fryderyk Chopin (1810-49)

Prelude in C# minor, op 45
53 Studies on Chopin Etudes: Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938)

no.5 (op 10, no 3)
no.22 (op 10, no 12 - "Revolutionary")

2 Etudes d'execution transcendante, op 11 Sergei Mikhailovich Liapunov

no.7 Idylle
no.8 Chant epique

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 17th August 2009

2009-08-17T10:31:00.008+07:00

* Lin Ping Baby Panda:
Thailand’s latest and greatest tourist attraction baby Panda is finally given the name as ‘Lin Ping’ after receiving the highest votes. Chiang Mai Zoo made the announcement last week.

Chosen as the result of a national competition to select a name for the baby panda, more than 22 million postcards were received with over 60 percent of those voting for Lin ping - a name that means “ice forest” in Chinese.

The lucky draw of 4 people voting for Lin Ping was hold on 10 August to receive the jackpot worth more than 10 million baht, and 15 more prizes were handed to those voting for the other 3 names.

* Chiang Mai - Phitsanulok Trip by TAT:
Thank you TAT or Tourism Authority of Thailand for providing a special trip for mass media to experience an adventure route Chiang Mai - Phitsanulok.

Phitsanulok is situated on a strategic location dividing Thailands Central and Northern regions, and connecting to the Northeastern region. Phitsanulok City spans the banks of Nan river and has Kwae Noi River running through it.

Therefore, it is locally known and historically referred to as Song Kwae City means The city of 2 rivers. Most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, with one third of the area being mountain ranges on the north and the east.

It's unique natural endowments including natural parks and waterfalls make a trip to Phitsanulok worthwhile.

* Lao Jow Street at Warorot Market:
Lao Jo or Lao Jow Street is the one of shopping street in Chiang Mai located in Warorot Market or Kad Luang as it is also known meaning large market in Thai.

This street is entitled as Chiang Mai Chinatown with Chinese people living & working all around there. This is one street of business and trade for local people.

Almost all of the visitors to this market will be Thai as it is not popular for foreigner because they haven’t know there is this kind of street in Chiang Mai. With lot's of local fabric, cloths, and other gadgets for local and traveler, you should find some free time to visit and feel the real local Chinese scent and enjoy the reasonable price there.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Archives

Week Commencing 10th August 2009
Week Commencing 17th August 2009

Chiang Mai News Clips - Friday 14th August 2009

2009-08-14T09:52:00.003+07:00

* Northern Village (Handicraft Shopping Center):
Northern Village is a shopping section which is certainly worth a visit for an excellent source of high quality interior-decor products, furniture, jewelry, handicrafts, fabrics, ornaments, and art.

In contrast to the Night Bazaar ,all vendors display affordable goods of a high level of style and quality. It is an initiative to support the nationwide One Tambon One Product (OTOP) campaign to promote small business development in Thailand. Enjoy your free time shopping at Northern Village on the 1st and 2nd floor, Central Airport Plaza,Chiang Mai.

* Som Tam (Papaya Salad):
Som Tam means Papaya salad in English. This is popular in most areas of Thailand. It is made from unripened papaya sliced, green long beans, tomatoes, sugar, garlic, fish sause, peanuts, and of course hot chili peppers.

Then it is mashed up with a pestal and mortar. The two most popular types of green papaya salad have either dried shrimp or salted crab. Som Tam with dried shrimp and peanuts is called "som tam Thai". The green papaya salad with salted crab is called "som tam pbooh". But the majority of the ingredients are the same.

For a vegetarian version of som tam, omit the dried shrimp and substitute light soy sauce for fish sauce. Some people use tamarind in place of lime. Regular sugar can be substituted for palm sugar.

It is yummy dish but watch out... Because this is one of the spicier dishes in Thailand.

* Exclusive Night 21st Aug - Le Crystal:
Le Crystal, the fine French cuisine restaurant invites you for "Unlimited Exclusive Night Wine Dinner" on Friday, 21 August 2009.

Experience a degustation menu (a menu in which a series of small portions of unusual dishes is offered for tasting...) with a complimenting wine only 1,800thb net per person. The exclusive night starts from 7-10 PM.

Another promotion throughout August 2009, Free 1 bottle of French Wine when advance reservation of 4-10 persons. For more information please visit the Le Crystal Restaurant website.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Thursday 13th August 2009

2009-08-13T13:22:00.003+07:00

* Thailand Art of Stucco 2009:
Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Campus in co-operation with the PTI Polene invites you to attend
The exhibition of the winner from Thailand Art Stucco Contest.

This project aims to support the development of arts and culture for the social quality of life. To promote and encourage young generation to pay attention to stucco art. The exhibition starts from 6th-26th August at Chiang Mai University Art Center, Nimman Road.

* Kruba Sriwichai Monument:
Kruba Sriwichai is the holy monk of Northern Thailand. He was called as “the developer monk” because he always led people to construct and refurbish religious buildings, chedis and temples more than 100 places around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang and Mae Hong Son.

In addition, Kruba Sriwichai and followers built the first road to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in 1935. To honor the holy monk, there is a monument that is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain on the way to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Every day from early morning till late night, you can find people from young to old worship for their good fortune and fate as is the traditional belief of Thai's.

This is the place that local people and tourists come to worship and bless for the good life & along with the Doi Suthep Temple is one of the most revered places in the whole of Thailand for Buddhist followers.

* Promotion from Janrawee House Detox and Spa:
Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body. For good heath, Janrawee House Detox and Spa offers a 3 weeks Detox Program only 5,900 Bhat.

The 1st week with The colonic Detox, herbal steam, and detox massage.The 2nd week with Colonic Detox and rejuvenix detox foot spa. And the last week with colonic Detox with Skin Detox.

For further details please call Janrawee House Detox and Spa on Tel No: 053-212541 .

Chiang Mai News Clips - Wednesday 12th August 2009

2009-08-13T12:52:00.004+07:00

* 28th Lanna Flower Festival 2009:
Chiang Mai Municipality co-operates with Chiang Mai Orchid Organization Under Royal Patronage to handle the 28th Lanna Flower Festival 2009. Enjoy the beautiful Orchid, Bonzai and a variety of other flowers and trees. Start from 10th-12th August 2009 at the the Suan Buak Had Public Garden.

* Love of Mother and Child Exhibition:
Lanna Aritists will exhibit their collection for the new gallery named ‘116 Gallery’. This exhibition presents the expression of love from children to mother in occasion of the Queen’s Birthday on 12th August.

The exhibition runs from 1st-31st August 2009 at 116 Gallery, on Charoenprathet Road. Join them everyday from 11.00 a.m.- 7.00 p.m. or please their their website at "116 Gallery" or call them at Tel No. 053 302 111.

* Movie Update:
"The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3"
Directed by Tony Scott and casted by Denzel Washington and John Travolta. The plot is about armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Tuesday 11th August 2009

2009-08-11T15:42:00.001+07:00

* Chiang Mai Handicraft Fair:
To commemorate the birth of H.M. Queen Sirikit, NOHMEX in cooperation with Chiang Mai Arts and Crafts Centre and Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation are managing a handicraft fair “Craft Design by NOHMEX”.

There are more than 400 booths of quality products from all around the country. This fair starts from 7th – 12th August 2009 at Chiang Mai Arts and Crafts Centre on Huay Keaw Road. Opposite Chiang Mai Zoo and next to Phu Ping Police Station.

* Google Seminar by IT for Society Club:
IT for Society Club invites you for Seminar under the topics Welcome E-Business World, Social Media Marketing and Google… I’m Feeling Lucky.

In this seminar, it is an honor from many famous experts; Porntip Gongchun, Marketing Director of Google Thailand, Aphisit Trunganon, deputy secretary general for Thailand Webmaster Organization, and Trawut Luengsomboon, Managing Director of Infogination Com.Join them on Saturday Aug 22, 2009 From 1pm–4.30pm at Pantip Plaza 5th Floor.

* Mother Day Promotion at Oasis Spa:
1. The most beautiful way to make your mother feel precious with a premium treatment. Give your mum a sweet pampering and make her day full of love a Sweet Pan-Darling package only 3,900++ THB.
2. Buy 1 for mother get another 1 Free.
Please contact Oasis Spa for further details.

Chiang Mai News Clips - Monday 10th August 2009

2009-08-11T07:33:00.011+07:00

* Her Royal Highness Princess Siripa Chutaporn:
A shirt especially designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Siripa Chutaporn is now available at the Information Counter, Central Airport Plaza - Tel No. 053-999-199.

* Mother Day Promotion at Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium:
Special promotion for every mom can buy ticket only 100 Baht. Free ticket for mom who has a child height of less than 135 cms. This promotion starts from 12th-16th Aug 2009. For more information - Tel No. 053-893-013-7 or visit Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium website.

* Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens:
FREE visit throughout August and get the promotion for 70% discount for accommodation at the Botanic Resort until the end of September. For more information - Tel No. 053-841-234 or visit the
Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens website.

Chiang Mai Zoo - Giant Panda Cub Finally Named!

2009-08-11T03:39:00.003+07:00

A panda cub born in Thailand after years of artificial insemination and efforts to get its celibate parents to mate has been named in a competition, a government official said Monday.

The female cub has been called "Lin Ping" -- which means "forest of ice" in Chinese -- the name voted for by 60 percent of 22 million people who sent in postcard entries to the contest.

The cub was born in May when eight-year-old giant panda Lin Hui surprised workers at Chiang Mai zoo by giving birth, just three months after receiving semen from nine-year-old partner Chuang Chuang.

The cub's new moniker is a mixture of the first half of her mother's name with the name of the main river in Chiang Mai, said Suvit Khunkitti, minister of natural resources and environment.

"It is a very appropriate name because it has a good meaning, both in Thai and in Chinese," said Suvit.

The panda pair had shown no interest in reproducing the traditional way since they both arrived on a 10-year loan from China in 2003. The cub will officially belong to China but will stay with Thailand on a two-year loan.

In 2006, Chuang Chuang, who had been deemed too heavy to mate with Lin Hui, lost weight on a low-carbohydrate diet and was then shown 15-minute video clips of successful panda couplings, but to no avail.

Lin Hui was first artificially inseminated in April 2007 but failed to become pregnant.

The zoo tried a different approach in January, when a cold snap in the northern city prompted an unusually frisky response from Lin Hui, but again without any luck.

Giant pandas, notorious for their low sex drive, are among the planet's most endangered animals. Nearly 1,600 pandas are believed to survive in the wild in China and about 180 are being raised in captivity in zoos worldwide.

Source: AFP 11th August 2009

How to Get More FREE Traffic for Your Travel Website / Blog

2009-08-08T08:45:00.004+07:00

Hey Google I'm Over Here!!!

Our travel SEO tips are a series of FREE anecdotal notes, written in plain English terms which are designed to help improve your search results & therefore your internet visibility to others.

In the “good old days”, the most important adage for any bricks & mortar based business (offline business) was always LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!, any business that was NOT located in a position whereby it was highly visible would be lucky to survive, let alone thrive!! .

The internet “online” revolution that has swept the world over the last 5 years has completely re-defined the adage to now being INFORMATION, INFORMATION, INFORMATION!, interestingly though the “visibility” issues are even more important today than they were back in the good old days.

You can have the most beautifully designed creative website or blog, but if nobody can see it, what is the point!!.

What we have tried to do is to build a simple 5 point check-list of the key areas that you need to work on to get yourself into the top 3% of all websites & blogs, all written in PLAIN ENGLISH.

* Basic SEO

* Content,Content,Content

* Link Building Tips

* Finding FREE Traffic

* Monetisation Tips

To read the FULL articles about Our FREE SEO Tips please just click the link.

The Loy Krathong Festival - Chiang Mai

2009-07-30T12:08:00.004+07:00

The world famous Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand this year takes place between 1st & 2nd November 2009.

If you are planning to be Visiting Thailand & even more importantly Chiang Mai during this period, make a note in your diary to attend this truly magnificent event.

It's a time of year when the nights are getting a little cooler & the magic that is Chiang Mai comes alive!!.

To read the full article, please CLICK HERE .

The X-Centre - Chiang Mai, Thailand

2009-07-28T12:00:00.003+07:00

“Be there if YOU Dare!”
The X-Centre Chiang Mai is the ultimate metropolis for all adrenaline junkies visiting northern Thailand.

The centre is located at Mae Rim some 20kms (12 miles) north west of the centre of Chiang Mai and takes around 20 minutes to reach from town.

The X-Centre at Chiang Mai are very proud of their slogan “Be there if YOU Dare!”, and I suppose the Xtreme sport that best typifies this from the considerable range on offer is the bungee jump at over 50 metres (150 feet) from the raised platform to the ground below!!. The centre has been operating the jump since 1990 under the confines of the stringent New Zealand Standard, and your personal safety is always of paramount importance.

The full range of activities are:* Off-Road Buggies
* Trail Bikes
* Go Karts
* Paintball
* Bungee jump
* Zorb Ball - more a little later!.
* Sports Bar & Restaurant

Please click the link to X-Centre, Chiang Mai to read the full article.

Stunning Lotus Wall Panel - FREE SHIPPING

2009-07-24T05:55:00.014+07:00

The Lotus flower is a symbol of prosperity, fertility and enlightenment.

Lotus flower carved panels are highly prized in Thai homes and usually take centre stage in the main living area of the home.
For ease of shipping, handling and mounting ,all our Lotus Panels arrive in 30cm wide sections ready for assembly.

Once home these can be either assembled together directly next to each other, or slightly apart for a more contemporary feel.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL prices quoted are for the item set, and include FREE SHIPPING.

Item No: 286
Description: 6' Round Handcarved Lotus Wallpanel Set
Item Price:US $699.00

Beautiful square handcarved teakwood lotus wall hanging set in a stunning modern whitewashed finish.

The set contains 6 individual panels and can be displayed either with slight gaps in between the panels, or altogether.

Handcrafted by the highly skilled artisans around Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, this set will add beauty & tranquility to any room within the home.

The set measures approximately 180cm wide x 180cm high x 3cm deep (72"wide x 72" high x 1.5"deep).

This item is shipped by FedEx / DHL, deliveries worldwide within 7 days.

PLEASE NOTE: Any taxes or charges levied within the destination country are NOT included within the selling price, and are therefore the responsibility of the buyer.

Thailand Tourism Plunges 22%

2009-07-23T16:37:00.002+07:00

Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 23/07/2009 at 03:07 PM

The tourism industry has suffered its deepest slump in many decades with the number of visitors expected to be down 22 per cent on last year, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Kongkit Hiranyakij.

It was the biggest plunge in tourism growth in 49 years, he said.

Besides the global economic crisis, the country's continuing political turmoil had contributed to the sharp decline in tourism, Mr Kongkit Hiranyakij said on Thursday.

The expected number of tourist arrivals had been reduced from the expected 14.1 million to 11 million, he said.

The A(H1N1) flu outbreak could make tourism contract by three to four per cent, causing the country to lose up to 200 billion baht of tourism revenue this year, he said.

Last year, Thailand gained 540 billion baht in tourism revenue.

"If the government can solve its political problems and is able to host the Asean meetings successfully, tourism should be revived by the end of this year or the beginning of 2010," Mr Kongkit predicted.

However, he said Thai tourists would help generate an estimated 430 billion baht in revenue this year.

Source: Bangkok Post - 23rd July 2009

Thousands Gather to Watch Solar Eclipse

2009-07-23T16:20:00.003+07:00

Thousands of enthusiasts gathered at various spots across the country yesterday morning to grab a glimpse of the much publicised solar eclipse.

The cheers grew in just a few provinces, though!!.

Thanks to the Rainy Season ,only the sky over Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and a few other areas was clear enough for people to watch the crescent sun.

In Thailand, yesterday's solar eclipse was just partial. But other Asian countries like India and China were able to witness a total eclipse, the longest of the century.

"Here in Chiang Rai, the sun was obscured by about 69 per cent," Prayong Huaklang said yesterday in his capacity as the head of the Chiang Rai Rajabhat University's observatory.

He said the eclipse lasted from 7am to 9.14am.

His observatory also provided free devices for keen gazers.

In Udon Thani, about 500 students and people crowded Rajabhat University's basketball court to watch the eclipse.

After rain fell throughout Monday night, the sky was clear in this northeastern province yesterday morning.

"From here, the partial eclipse obscured about 54 per cent of the sun," university president Natthep Pitaksanurak said.

In Chiang Mai, over 300 enthusiasts gathered on the rugby field of the Chiang Mai University to watch the eclipse.

Clouds blocked a clear view of the sun from time to time.

"I was so excited. I came here because I saw news reports about this phenomenon on TV," Grade3 student Kittipong Suwaeng said. "But I was a bit disappointed that the clouds kept obstructing my view."

LtColonel Sompong Pornsee, 70, said that although the sky was "not quite open", he was impressed to see the eclipse.

"I am already old. I don't know whether I will be able to witness this phenomenon again," he said.

In Uttaradit, hundreds of students could watch the solar eclipse for just 10 minutes because of hovering clouds.

"Although the sky was not clear, I felt this was a very valuable experience," Grade7 student Kanokwan Panjakabut said.

Locals in Songkhla, Lampang, Sukhothai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and several other provinces did not see the solar eclipse at all.

"More than 100 people registered to watch the solar eclipse with us but clouds spoiled it all," Lampang Science Centre for Education director Jamrern Moonfong said.

However, while many people were clearly disappointed that they missed an opportunity to see the partial eclipse, others never wished to watch the phenomenon.

According to some superstitious beliefs, the solar eclipse is a bad omen.

Source: The Nation - 22nd July 2009

Chiang Mai Cookery Schools

2009-07-14T15:08:00.006+07:00

Cookery Schools over the last few years have become an ever increasing & important element of MANY tourists planned visits to the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai.

With the burgeoning global popularity for all Asian dishes & particularly that of Thai Cuisine ,a host of cookery schools have sprouted up all around the area.

We have spent time looking at the various choices so that we could provide a useful guide to the Chiang Mai Cookery Schools and suggest an option that provides the best quality of instruction, facilities & overall value for money to the visitor.

Please Click Here to read the full article.

World's Best Cities - Chiang Mai Achieves Recognition!

2009-07-14T04:48:00.005+07:00

Udaipur in India has been named the World's Best City, taking over from last year's winner Bangkok, in Travel + Leisure magazine's fourteenth annual World's Best Awards.

Results from the magazine's poll of readers show that Bangkok has slipped to third behind Udaipur and Cape Town in the Top 10 Cities Worldwide category, but that Chiang Mai is a newcomer, in at No 5. Cities are judged for their sights, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping and value.

City of Lakes
Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is located in the state of Rajasthan in northwestern India.

It was once the capital of the kingdom of Mewar, ruled over for centuries by kings of the Rajput dynasties.

They left behind grand palaces which, along with the beauty of Udaipur's many lakes, have made the historic city the world's favourite this year.

"For a number of top-ranked cities - Udaipur, Cape Town, Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang - value ratings were sky-high," says Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure. "And while many far-flung metropolises made a strong showing, old favourites like T+L's hometown, New York City, as well as Florence, Rome and San Francisco remain in the top 10 overall.

Holidays on a budget
"This year's results reflect our readers' travel interests in this challenging economic reality - value, intimacy, service and discovery are top priorities. As for that old-fashioned sounding word, luxury, it's all about enclaves that shelter 'stealth wealth', from Amankora Paro in Bhutan to San Ysidro Ranch in California, where 'casual' and 'laid-back' are the names of the game."

The 2009 results will be announced in Travel + Leisure's August issue, which comes out on July 24. The winners will be honoured at an awards ceremony on July 21 at the Cooper Square Hotel in New York.

For full details of all the top World's Best Cities, please click on the link.

Source: The Nation - 14th July 2009

Chiang Mai Zoo - Giant Panda Cub - Photos & Video

2009-07-12T05:34:00.008+07:00

Latest Video & Photos of Chiang Mai's Top Tourist Attraction!
The giant panda cub at Chiang Mai Zoo continues it's high profile beginning to life, and is still featuring daily on the front pages of several of the Thai national newspapers.

The cub is very much being used as the "bait" to entice tourists to visit the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai during the current world economical downturn which has seen visitor numbers to the city dwindle to under half last years figures.

In addition to this the current fears about the global spread of H1N1 flu are also applying additional pressures upon an already beleagured tourism industry.

But anyway, that's enough gloom & despondancy!, here we have the Latest Giant Panda Cub Photos showing a geat collection of photos of the first 6 weeks of the baby cubs life.

A Piano Recital by Juyeon Kang - Chiang Mai July 15, 2009

2009-07-07T15:36:00.013+07:00

D & M Music Studio presents A Piano Recital by Juyeon Kang

Location: AUA Language Center Auditorium in Chiangmai on Rajadamnern Road
Phone No: 081-682-8000
Date: July 15, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: adults 300baht and students 200baht available to purchase on the night at the door at 6:30 pm or call 081-682-8000 for advance booking.
---------------------------------
Concert artist and educator Juyeon Kang is described by Natalya Antonova, distinguished professor at the Eastman School of Music, as a pianist of
"formidable technique & exquisite sound."

Dr. Kang has appeared extensively as soloist and chamber musician in the United States and abroad, including Spain , Finland , Italy and Korea .

She launched a performance career that included her debut solo recital in Boston's Jordan Hall after winning two first prizes in 1998: the Heida Hermann's Young Artists Competition in Connecticut and the Josef Hofmann Piano Competition in South Carolina.

The latter led to an invitation to perform at the Embassy of Poland in Washington , D.C.,where she presented the Chopin Commemorative Piano Concert on the 150th anniversary of Chopin's death.

Her solo appearance with orchestras include South Dakota Symphony Orchestra ,Hingham Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts),
Augusta Symphony Orchestra (Georgia) , and Korean Symphony Orchestra, and her performances have been aired on television in Korea and on National Public Radio in New York, Massachusetts, Georgia and South Carolina .

A native of Korea , Dr. Kang earned a doctor of musical arts in piano performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester,New York.She also received the prestigious Artist Diploma in piano performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston , where she was on the faculty in the college division.

In 2003, she was appointed assistant professor of music at Northwestern College in Orange City,Iowa, where she teaches private piano, class piano, music theory lab, and coordinates the accompanist.

Evening Programme Includes Works By:
Partita No.3 in A minor, BWV 827 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Polonaise in C Major, Op. 89 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Tango Suite by Astor Piazzolla. Arr. by Kyoko Yamamoto and Davidsbündlertänze (Dances of the League of David), op. 6,by Robert Schumann.

Cash Bonanza for Chiang Mai Zoo

2009-07-07T09:06:00.004+07:00

Panda Cub Helps Rake It In

The Chiang Mai Zoo took in more than Bt1 million last weekend, thanks to the panda cub going on direct public display for the first time.

Panda project chief Prasertsak Boontrakulpoontawee yesterday said 4,078 tickets were sold to visitors wanting to see the cub on Saturday and another 3,779 on Sunday. The number of tickets sold was much higher than the maximum of 2,000 a day that had been expected.

However, he insisted the baby panda's direct display would not be extended even with the long holiday lasting until tomorrow.

"We're concerned about the panda's health and safety, and taking the cub from its mother, Lin Hui, too many times will reduce Lin Hui's trust in her caretakers," Prasertsak said.

The cub weighed 2.07 kilograms yesterday, 40 grams more than on Sunday.

Prasertsak expects her right eye to open in the next two days. Her left eye opened last Saturday, and the cub should see clearly with it soon.

A poll conducted by Chiang Mai's Maejo University showed about 92 per cent of respondents believed the cub's direct public display and activities celebrating its birth helped tourismrelated business in the province.

A total of 1,100 visitors to the zoo were surveyed on Saturday. Of those, 60.5 per cent came from outside of Chiang Mai.

64% said they wanted to buy souvenirs decorated with panda logos. Also, 76.5 per cent wanted to see another direct public display organised after the cub was older and stronger, while 23.5 per cent did not think that was a good idea, due to the risk of infection.

Source: The Nation 7th July 2009

Tough Times for Thai Tourism

2009-07-05T15:49:00.005+07:00

Facing its worst crisis in years, Thailand's tourism industry is going to great lengths to drum up business that has plunged thanks to political upheaval, the global recession — and now swine-flu fears.

Thai Airways is trying to lure passengers from outside Asia with free domestic flights. Hotels on Thailand's resort island of Phuket are offering a fourth night free. And mountain lodges around Chiang Mai in the north are offering free golf and spa pampering.

Facing its worst crisis in years, Thailand's tourism industry is going to great lengths to drum up business that has plunged thanks to political upheaval, the global recession — and now swine-flu fears.

Foreign-traveler arrivals have fallen 16 percent so far this year, while hotel occupancy across the country has dropped to 44 percent, down from 66 percent last year. Luxury hotels in Bangkok have even lower occupancy rates.

Business is normally slower from June through October because of Rainy Season, but this year is particularly sluggish. And for those who do visit Thailand, there are plenty of deals.

Thai Airways is offering its inbound passengers from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand a free round-trip domestic ticket through October. Budget carrier AirAsia is selling tickets from Bangkok to points around the country for as little as $10 for trips after October.

As part of a nationwide campaign called "Amazing Thailand Grand Sale," Bangkok's glitziest shopping malls are slashing prices on many goods by 20 to 70 percent.

High-end hotels are offering extra incentives rather than cutting rates.

The Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok is offering a special package that includes a 3,500-baht ($100) bar and restaurant credit — and a free second night at any Peninsula hotel around the world.

The luxury hotels seem to be hit hardest, with many in Bangkok reporting occupancy of around 40 percent.

Budget travel hasn't suffered as badly, with Thai Street Food Sellers and hostels along Bangkok's Khao San Road and other havens for backpackers still bustling.

"We are still fully booked every day and are offering no special deals," said Bern Poednie of Julie's Guest House in the northern city of Chiang Mai.

Thailand's image as an easygoing tropical getaway has been marred by political upheaval.

The troubles started last November when anti-government protesters shut down Bangkok's two airports for a week, stranding thousands. Then in April, a rival group of demonstrators broke into a summit of Asian leaders in the beach town of Pattaya and later clashed with riot police in Bangkok's streets, leaving two dead.

The turmoil has calmed down and most of the country is quiet — save flares of violence in the Muslim insurgency in the far south of the Buddhist dominated country. But the recent outbreak of flu in the region has added to the gloom.

Thailand has reported three swine-flu deaths and some 1,300 cases, most of whom have recovered. The tally is one of the highest reported in the region but less than Australia's 3,500 swine-flu cases and a fraction of the 21,000 in the United States.

Source: The Seattle Times 5th July 2009

Panda-monium at Chiang Mai Zoo!

2009-07-04T17:47:00.008+07:00

Thousands flock to Chiang Mai Zoo
to catch glimpse of baby Panda

Chiang Mai: Thousands of people have flocked to a zoo in northern Thailand for the first public viewing of a baby panda cub.

The cub was born six weeks ago and has been featured on local front pages almost every day since.

The panda's coming out party Saturday at the Chiang Mai Zoo includes a parade led by an Orangutan.

Zoo officials stood beside the cub's incubator and tried to position her head so visitors streaming past could get a good look.

Thais have been captivated by the cub since her birth on May 27, which came after years of attempts to breed the rare mammal by the Chiang Mai Zoo.

Source: Gulf News - Dubai 4th July 2009

The Great Black & White Hope for Chiang Mai

2009-06-28T16:11:00.006+07:00

Forget about Elephants, Buddhist temples and exotic Hill Tribes. The great hope for tourism in Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North" and fountainhead of Thai culture, is a small, mouse-like baby panda of Chinese descent.

On May 27 Lin Hui, a female panda on loan to the Chiang Mai Zoo from China, gave birth to a tiny, rat-like pink female panda. It has since gained its distinctive black and white colours.

The birth was the result of artificial insemination, which the zoo had to resort to after Chuang Chuang, an 8-year-old male panda also on loan from China, refused to copulate with Lin Hui.

Chiang Mai Zoo vets at one point resorted to showing Chuang Chuang panda pornography, but to no avail.

Thailand is the only South-East Asia country to have been provided a panda pair from China. With Chiang Mai's tourism industry in a slump, the birth is being milked for all it is worth.

"The baby panda is Chiang Mai's big hope," Chiang Mai Zoo's assistant director Wanchai Tunwattana said.

The city is planning "welcome baby panda" parades on July 4-6, with marching bands from various Chiang Mai schools, and in mid-August will sponsor a special naming event for the little cub, to be held in Bangkok.

The cub, which is still kept in a nursing room with its mother, will be put on public display by October.

While Chiang Mai used to earn about 40 billion baht (1.16 billion dollars) from tourism five years ago, similar to amount then earned by Phuket and Pattaya beach resorts, last year the city's tourism revenues fell to less than 30 billion, compared with Phuket's 100 billion baht and Pattaya's 70 billion, Vorapong said.

In the first five months of 2009, arrivals have been down 20 per cent, he said. Hotels are operating at occupancy rates of less than 20 per cent.

Chiang Mai's great black-and-white hope now rests with a baby panda.

"This is our marketing tool to bring people back to Chiang Mai," Kanog said. "This might spark the mood for people to travel here."

Source: The Nation 28th June 2009

The Rainy Season in Thailand

2009-06-24T08:26:00.005+07:00

The most frequently asked questions I receive through the various forums I am involved with are "What is the best time of year to visit Thailand?" and "when is the rainy season in Thailand?". Both questions are inextricably linked to the South-West Monsoon that sweeps in from India & across Thailand between the months of May-October each year bringing with it potentially high winds & heavy rains!.

The "rainy season" in Thailand tends to start up in the northern provinces around Chiang Mai in early May and last through until the end of October.The rains descend on Bangkok & Pattaya by mid-May & tend to start by early June on both the Andaman Coast(Phuket,Krabi) & the Gulf Coast(Koh Samui,Koh Phangan & Koh Tao).

The heaviest downpours across all of Thailand tends to be between August-October, with the Gulf Coast still prone to heavy storms right through until early December.

What Can You Expect During Thailand's Rainy Season:
• No rain for a week at a time.
• Night rains and clear days.
• Cooler more pleasant early morning’s & evenings.
• Torrential rains that last 30 minutes to 2 hours, then clearing and brilliant sunshine.
• Overcast days with little to no rain.
• Two to three days of partial day rain in a week,especially later in the rainy season.

But don't despair, this doesn't mean that it is not advisable to visit Thailand during the rainy season, there are a range of both positives and negatives.

The positives that the rainy season can bring are:
• Accommodation is cheaper, as it's viewed as the "low season".
• Weather is cooler in the evenings & early mornings.
• There will be fewer tourists.
• Around the whole country all the vegetation & trees becomes lush,fresh & vibrant once more.
• White water rafting becomes even more "awesome" in the later part of the rainy season as the heavy rains runs throughout the country
• Waterfalls become fantastic visitor attractions as the heavy waters rush down them.

The negatives that the rainy season can bring are:
• You might get wet and need to change/dry out.
• Temporary interruption or delay of itinerary and travel plans.
• Trekking tours can become more difficult due to mud & slippery surfaces.
• Planning outdoor activities is more difficult and requires flexibility.
• Rough seas may make ferry travel to some islands unpleasant.
• Flooding, landslides & beaches littered with debris are all possibilities.
• Renting motorcycles during the rainy season should be well thought out and riding style modified to suit the weather & road conditions.

Taking all of the above information, you need to make an informed decision as to whether you feel the weather will adversely affect your plans to visit Thailand.

Personally speaking there is just so much to do here that providing you approach your holiday with flexibility & an open-mind you will STILL have the greatest travel memories of your time in Thailand!.

Chiang Mai Giant Panda Cub - Naming Competition Update

2009-06-24T01:55:00.005+07:00

Three million postcards have been submitted in voting on a name for the Chiang Mai Zoo panda cub - a response so enthusiastic the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology will consider publishing more postcards for an even wider distribution, ICT Minister Ranongruk Suwanchawee said yesterday.

With the voting deadline on August 5, and the lucky draw scheduled for August 10, it was expected many more people would buy cards to send in early August.

Down South, the post office in Narathiwat's Muang district had sold nearly 70 per cent of its 24,000-postcard quota while the rest would be sent to other district post offices.

One buyer, Wannaita Jaemu, said she wanted to be part of the name competition for the panda born in Thailand - and also because there were so many attractive awards.

The zoo's name contest for the panda cub will reward the most voted for name with Bt1 million cash, one car, and a Bangkok- Chengdu package tour for two persons.

Second prize would be given to two winners, each with a car and the Bangkok- Chengdu package tour for two, while there would be 12 third-place awards, each of the Bangkok-Chengdu package tour for two. Some money from postcard selling would go to funding the panda family's care by the Zoological Park Organisation.

Yesterday morning, Chiang Mai Zoo staff brought food to distract mother panda Lin Hui and grab the cub for a regular check-up. They took only 20 minutes before returning the cub to Lin Hui as the female panda began looking for her baby.

Veterinarian Kanikar Nimtrakul reported the cub was chubbier and currently weighed 1,270 grams, a daily increase of 60 gms. Though its body length remained at 30 centimetres, its feet had grown by 0.5 cm to the current 4.5 cm, she added.

The cub can now stay in an incubator without crying or showing it felt the cold, she said. Zoo staff would take the cub from Lin Hui again later in the day, to get the panda used to separations.

Prasertsak Boontrakulpoonthawee, chief of the panda research project, said that since the cub would soon be too large to be pulled through the cage's bars, the staff would try lifting it from Lin Hui's arms while she was eating food.

They would stay inside the cage to gain Lin Hui's trust until they could eventually separate the cub from her. This was to prepare for the July 4-6 display period when the public could see the panda cub.

If Lin Hui insisted on keeping hold of the cub, they would enlarge the cage's bars to take the cub out and put it in the incubator, leaving Lin Hui in the panda display section, he said.

Source: The Nation 24th June 2009

Movie Studios & Theme Parkto be Built in Chiang Mai

2009-06-23T07:53:00.006+07:00

Integrated Development Aims to Become Hub of the Asian Film Industry, Complete with Unique Residential Housing, Tourist Facilities and Diverse Entertainment

Creative Kingdom, the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations, including Dubai’s Palm Island and World Island, today unveiled plans for Chiang Mai Wood (CNX-Wood), a 175-acre mixed-use movie studio and residential development in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Once completed at an estimated cost of 8 billion Thai baht($650 million), the sprawling complex will house the state-of-the-art CNX Movie World Studios, as well as an integrated network of self-sufficient residential neighborhoods, a wide variety of entertainment offerings, cultural venues, museums and world-class restaurants.

"CNX-Wood is sure to become one of the most advanced mixed-use destinations in the world, and we are extremely excited by its potential," said Eduardo Robles, chief executive officer, Creative Kingdom, Inc. “The new CNX Movie World Studios will serve as the hub for Asia’s booming film industry and become one of the premier destinations for the world’s movie makers. In addition, the integrated nature of the facilities will be unrivaled in providing its residents, from those looking for a vacation or second home to those seeking an unmatched luxury lifestyle, with the perfect mix of entertainment, culture and life balance.”

The CNX Movie World Studios will feature a series of state-of-the-art film production studios, animation facilities and special effects laboratories. The facilities will provide film makers with the most advanced tools and technologies for developing and producing top quality domestic and international movies.

The development includes multiple residential neighborhoods, including villa and luxury housing, that will be connected to the film facilities via an integrated network of bike and walking paths. Each neighborhood will be fully independent, with its own infrastructure, stores, libraries, schools, medical facilities, water/electrical services, shopping, parks, entertainment and cultural venues.

In addition, a wide variety of entertainment offerings will be spread out over nine specially-themed areas in the complex. Movie theaters, a water park, theme parks, beach club, a man-made lagoon and a Japanese-themed amusement center are just some of the diverse features residents and visitors alike will discover.

For businesses, the complex will offer brand new corporate office buildings for international headquarters or regional bureaus. It will also be fully equipped to host corporate gatherings, conferences, events, product launches and other important functions.

The CNX-Wood development will be completed over five stages, beginning with the film studios. For additional details, please visit Creative Kingdom website.

About Creative Kingdom:
Creative Kingdom, Inc. (CKI) is the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations. In addition to its architecture and master planning expertise, the multi-faceted company conducts cutting edge work with CGI 3-D architectural video animation, 2-D/3-D cartoon animation, and video, film and music production. When designing themed projects, the company seamlessly integrates its expertise in architecture, design, entertainment and leisure development to create unique, visually stunning destinations.

Creative Kingdom’s global headquarters are based in Los Angeles, with offices on Dubai, UAE; Beijing, China; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Pasig City, Philippines. More information on Creative Kingdom and its subsidiaries can be found at Creative Kingdom website.

Source: The Business Wire 22nd June 2009

Wai Khru Day - Chiang Mai

2009-06-17T05:18:00.006+07:00

Wai Khru Day - The youngest pay respects to their teachers at Wachirawit Primary School, Chiang Mai ,Thailand.

This is Grades 1-6 in the English language class. The native English-speaking foreign teachers are placed by EFL Chiangmai, and most have earned their TEFL training certification from SEE TELF (Siam Educational Experience).

Background Information:
The wai khru (pronounced way-kru)ceremony is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the student–teacher relationship.

It is regularly held near the beginning of the school year in most schools in Thailand. Wai khru has long been an important rite in the traditional martial and performing arts, as well as in astrology and other traditional arts; students and performers of Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong, as well as Thai dance and classical music, will usually perform a wai khru ritual at their initiation as well as before performances to pay respect and homage to both their teachers and the deities who patronize their arts.

The wai khru ceremonies which take place in most educational institutions in Thailand today generally follow the same form. The ceremony usually begins with a Buddhist prayer ritual in institutions where Buddhism is observed as the official religion, followed by the student's recitation of the wai khru chant, which expresses respect for and gratitude to the teachers, and asks for the teachers' blessing of their studies.

Following this, a select number of students, usually the representatives of each class, will present the teachers with offerings of flowers, candles and incense sticks.

This is usually followed by a speech by the head-teacher offering the students guidance in their academic career. Many institutions also present student awards and honours during the ceremony.

The traditional offerings for wai khru represent a symbolism of student qualities, namely:

* Ixora flowers - which while closed form pointed buds, symbolizing sharp wit.

* Cynodon dactylon(Bermuda grass) - the rapid growth and resilience of which symbolize perseverance and the ability to learn.

* Popped rice - which symbolizes discipline.

* Eggplant flowers - which bow low when nearing fruiting, symbolizing respect and humility.

Giant Panda Cub - Let the Serious Voting Begin!

2009-06-16T05:48:00.009+07:00

A contest to select a name for a female baby panda born in Thailand's Chiang Mai Zoo on May 27 is nearing the end with a 1 million baht ($29,300) prize to the winner.

From the thousands of entries received, the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand has narrowed the selection down to four names:

Ying Ying - Chinese meaning is "Cherry Flower".

Thai-Jeen - Lao meaning is "Chinese Candy".

Lin Ping - Chinese meaning is "Beautiful Jade", "Ping" is the name of the river that runs through Chiang Mai.

Khwan Thai - Thai meaning is "Axe Thai" which I can only assume is a reference to the "loose" shape of Thailand which looks like an axe!.

Each of the four contestants who submitted these names will receive 400,000 baht ($11,700) and an airfare ticket to China to tour panda sites.

People can vote for their favorite name by sending in a postcard that will be available for purchase starting June 19. The winner will be announced on August 12, which is Mother’s Day in Thailand.

The zoo is also currently constructing a 60 million baht ($1.76 million) snow house for the pandas that is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The panda cub was bred by artificial insemination and is the first to be born in Thailand.

Source: The Epoch Times, New York 17th June 2009

Driving in Thailand - "The Rules of Engagement"

2009-06-15T05:22:00.003+07:00

Having lived in Thailand for nearly 5 years, and covered some 100,000+kms in that time I feel that i am reasonably qualified to make these personal observations.

You might feel that I am being a little disparaging towards my hosts, but believe you me, this is not JUST about the local drivers, foreign drivers seem to slip “seamlessly” into this mode of driving when in Thailand !!.

I have tried to portray each “event” as a small interesting “sound bite”, and welcome Visitor Feedback on this highly emotive subject.

Please click HERE to read full article

Chiang Mai's Giant Panda Cub - First Public Dates Announced!

2009-06-12T14:35:00.003+07:00

The Chiang Mai Zoo will be putting the giant panda cub on public show on July 4, 5 and 6, a veterinarian said Friday.

Kannikar Nimtrakul, the veterinarian in charge of pandas the zoo, said visitors will be allowed to see the panda baby inside a glass room in two shows a day from July 4 to 6.

She said those who would come for the show should refrain from touching their animals and pets for fear that would carry virus from their pets to the exhibition area, and later spread to the baby panda.

Source: The Nation 12th June 2009

2009 Cost of Living Survey - Chiang Mai

2009-06-12T11:14:00.004+07:00

The annual cost of living comparative survey has just been released by ECA (the worldwide leader in re-locating personel & staff around the globe).

The main variable in the 2009 charts versus the 2008 ones are the global effects of the current recession, which has further depressed major currencies such as the GBP£ & US$ against the Thai Baht, which has actually also increased slightly in strength over the last 12 months. The overall performance of the Thai Baht versus these two currencies is now in the region of +20%, affecting mainly property purchasing & the cost of living for ALL Western Expats!.

ECA’s cost of living data compares a basket of 125 consumer goods and services commonly purchased by international assignees in over 370 locations worldwide. The data is used by ECA clients to calculate cost of living allowances for assignees.

The survey covers:
Food: Groceries; dairy produce; meat and fish; fresh fruit and vegetables
Basic: Drink and tobacco; miscellaneous goods; services
General: Clothing; electrical goods; motoring; meals out

Not surprisingly the top 4 most expensive cities in Asia are all in Japan(Tokyo,Nagoya,Yokohama & Kobe), followed by the next 4 most expensive being in China(Beijing, Shanghai,Hong Kong & Shenzhen), completing the top 10 are Singapore & Taipei(Taiwan).

Bangkok is 28th most expensive & Chiang Mai is 33rd most expensive in Asia. In most expensive on a global scale out of 370 worldwide cities that make up the measure, Bangkok is 174th & Chiang Mai is 192nd.

So the major cities of Thailand are still comparatively speaking "good value" for Expat living, however the costs have crept up due to the diminishing value of both Sterling & the US Dollar rather than by the increase in prices caused by Thai inflation, this has had quite a profound effect on the purchasing of property in Thailand, which is currently completely in the doldrums.

From Small Acorns - The Thai Red Bull Story

2009-06-12T08:02:00.006+07:00

Did you know that Red Bull the world's leading energy drink, which sells more than ONE BILLION CANS a year in nearly 100 countries actually originates from Krating Daeng a Thai beverage energy drink?.

Dietrich Mateschitz an Austrian on a visit to Thailand in 1982 took home with him several bottles of Krating Daeng primarily because he claimed it took away his jet lag.

Krating Daeng, which is Thai for "Red Bull," was a drink popular among cab drivers and other blue collar workers. It had been produced since the early 1970s by the T.C. Pharmaceutical Co., founded in Thailand in 1962 by Chaleo Yoovidhya, a Blendax licensee. (T.C. Pharmaceutical eventually formed the subsidiary Red Bull Beverage Co. Ltd.)

Mateschitz founded Red Bull GmbH in Austria in 1984 as a 49 percent partner with Chaleo Yoovidhya and his son. The company began marketing its namesake drink in Austria in 1987; a million cans were sold in the year.

The original formula was altered for Western palates. Some ingredients were dropped and carbonation was added. Components of the legendary elixir included "B" vitamins, glucuronolactone, sodium, and caffeine. One ingredient, the amino acid taurine, was derived synthetically, not from bull testicles, as rumour had it!!.

Red Bull's selling proposition was that it increased stamina and mental concentration, making it a natural for one of the original target users, long-distance drivers. The taste of the thick yellow beverage, said to be akin to liquid gummi bears, lent added distinction to the brand.

Red Bull's distribution expanded into neighboring countries Hungary and Slovenia in 1992. Red Bull was introduced in Germany in March 1994. By June, it was claiming a quarter of the sports drink market there, reported the Associated Press, putting it ahead of Gatorade. It was priced about three times as much as a can of Coca-Cola. Red Bull was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1994 and marketed there as Red Bull Stimulation after 1996.

Red Bull entered the United States in 1997, focusing at first on four western states: California, Oregon, Texas, and Colorado. It was marketed to Americans as a non-corporate alternative to Coke and Pepsi, and both packaging and pricing helped set it apart. The drink was sold in unique, narrow 8.3-ounce cans for $2 a pop.

Red Bull associated itself with the nascent extreme sports movement. The company sponsored snowboarding and freeskiing contests and Flugtag, a homemade flying machine challenge (Mateschitz was an enthusiastic collector of vintage aircraft).

While Red Bull had appealed to athletes and, in the United States, tired white collar workers, the real story of Red Bull's growth lay in the promise of further endurance at clubbing, giving it a special appeal for young people exhausted from working hard all week. The Los Angeles Times reported that the beverage appeared to glow green under the fluorescent light of nightclubs. The drink became a very popular mixer, especially with vodka. Red Bull deepened its involvement with the club scene by sponsoring a month-long school for deejays in New York City called the Red Bull Music Academy.

Worldwide sales were logged at 300 million cans in 1998 by Beverage World. By the end of 1999, Red Bull was sold in more than 50 countries, and sales estimates varied between 600 million and one billion cans worldwide. Red Bull led the energy drink category in the United States and the United Kingdom, where it displaced the venerable Lucozade brand owned by pharmaceutical company SmithKline Beecham (later GlaxoSmithKline).

The company promoted the lift the beverage offered with the slogan "Red Bull gives you wings." Traditional advertising was limited, as the company focused heavily on getting product samples into the right hands. The company sometimes put up edgy, graffiti-style billboards. In the late 1990s, Red Bull produced animated TV ads for mature markets.

By this time, Red Bull GmbH was the most highly valued company in Austria, worth about $11 billion according to one estimate. This made Mateschitz, with his 49 percent holding, the country's richest individual.

Mammoth beverage marketers such as Coca-Cola Co. and Anheuser-Busch were pouring out new drinks designed to capture a share of the success of "cult" energy drinks, a $300 million market. PepsiCo acquired South Beach Beverages, maker of the SoBe brand, in 2000, and Quaker Oats, owner of Gatorade, the next year. Liquor distributors were also eyeing Red Bull's share of the mixer market, introducing pre-mixed premium drinks such as Smirnoff Ice. Former Red Bull employees launched a competitor, Roaring Lion, in 2001, its marketing and distribution tailored for the nightclub market.

Red Bull sued a number of bars for surreptitiously substituting knock-offs when customers ordered mixed drinks specifying Red Bull. Red Bull's Australian distributor rolled out its own competing beverage called LiveWire. A court later found Sydneywide Distributors copied Red Bull's packaging too.

Source: Red Bull GmbH

Chiang Mai Zoo - Giant Panda Cub- Latest News

2009-06-10T14:47:00.006+07:00

Anyone desperate to get a glimpse of Chiang Mai Zoo's giant panda cub will have to wait in line -- for the rest of the year!.

"The 65,000 advanced tickets for this year to see the panda in its snow dome have already been snapped up," said Pradit Pankaew, an official at Chiang Mai Zoo. "The queues last until January next year!."

Visitors sometimes book beforehand to visit the koalas and the aquarium, but never on this scale, Pradit added. Panda fever has also reached Chiang Mai Airport, where posters of the cub are luring tourists to the zoo.

People across the country have been busy thinking up names for the new arrival. Tai Tai, Lin Lin, Ching Ching and Tai Na are popular suggestions, while others prefer Lanna-dialect names such as Uang Phueng, Uang Luang and Uang Doi.

Chinese veterinarians and panda expert Wei Ming managed to separate the cub from mother Lin Hui for a 15-minute health check-up yesterday. After Lin Hui got wise to their trick of offering a bamboo snack to get her to let go of her cub, the staff shifted to bread, which distracted her long enough for them to snatch the tiny panda.

Veterinarian Kannikar Nimtrakul said that the fast-growing cub's weight had increased by 105 grams in two days to 500 grams. It is now 22cm-long and getting black fur around its ears and front and back legs. Kannikar confirmed that Lin Hui is producing enough good-quality milk for her offspring.

Prasertsak Boontrakulpoonthawee, chief of the zoo's panda research project, said thousands of names had been submitted to the cub-naming contest ahead of the deadline for suggestions this Friday.

They would be narrowed down to four, he said, then the public can vote for their favourite name using specially made postcards, with some of the proceeds going to the Panda Fund. The winning name will be announced on August 12, said Prasertsak.

Source: The Nation 10th June 2009

Chef Robert Danhi- "Cuisine within Context"

2009-06-04T09:44:00.007+07:00

"Cuisine within Context”"

Chef Robert Danhi: Has been working as a professional chef for over 20 years. Specializing in Asian cuisine ,he is a culinary consultant, & dynamic presenter...

"When I began writing Southeast Asian Flavors years ago I always had the vision of a multimedia element being a huge part of it. I began to photograph and record videos of my journeys around Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore."

"The people, places and foods of these cultures captured my heart over twenty years ago and the love affair continues to grow as I gain a deeper understanding of the culinary culture that makes each country, region, city, town and village form a unique Culinary Identity."

Please click here to read the full article: "Cuisine within Context" it's a great story of intrepid travel through Northern Thailand.

Care for Dogs - Chiang Mai

2009-06-04T04:14:00.006+07:00

"Dogs, Dogs & More Dogs!"

Thailand sure has it’s fair share of dogs!. These Street Dogs or "Soi Dogs" as they are known, have an estimated population that could be as high as 6 million!.

Left to roam the neighbourhoods without any proper breeding control, many of these soi dogs are starving, sick, dying, abused, frightened, homeless, alone and unloved.

Something had to be done! In June 2006, "Care for Dogs"
was established by some kind and willing individuals with a vision to alleviate the suffering of at least some of these animals in Northern Thailand.

Please click here to read the full article on "Care for Dogs" - its a great read!.

New Thai Visa Rule - "Visa on Arrival"

2009-06-02T06:37:00.004+07:00

For NEW "Visa on Arrival" rule, please see addendum lower down page.

"Visa on Arrival" - The new definition for the Visa on Arrival is that IF you arrive "overland at a Thai border, rather than by International flight,you will be granted a visa enabling you to stay for just 15 days. The reason for this change I think is to cut down on the "visa runs",that have enabled people to stay in Thailand almost indefinately by just leaving the country at a border, then re-entering immediately.

The criteria of this visa are:

* The purpose of visit is strictly tourism.

* Must be in possession of a confirmed international flight ticket to show they will be flying out of Thailand within 15 days of entry,exiting Thailand via train, bus etc to neighbouring countries IS NOT accepted as proof of leaving.

* Having access to living expenses of the equivalent of 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family.

There are also a group of 19 countries that the "Visa on Arrival" rules also apply for, this visa is required upon arrival at Bangkok Airport:

Bhutan,China,Cyprus,Czech Republic,Estonia,Hungary,India, Kazakhstan,Latvia,Liechtenstein,Lithuania,Maldives,Mauritius,Poland,Saudi Arabia,Slovakia,Slovenia,Taiwan & Ukraine.

For the above countries, a fee is payable for this visa - 1,900 baht – upon entry, subject to change without notice.

Addendum: as of 1st June 2009 the Thai Immigration Bureau has issued a new regulation to be enforced from today:

"Any foreigner who has re-entered the kingdom on four (4) consecutive times on 15 days tourist "Visa on Arrival" stamps, will not be allowed to leave the country and re-enter Thailand. The only option is to exit Thailand and re-enter via an international airport, which will allow a further "Visa Exemption" 30 day stay".
Please Click Here to see Full Article .

Giant Panda Baby - Chiang Mai Zoo - Latest Update

2009-06-02T01:26:00.005+07:00

BANGKOK, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Jin Yilin, acting Consul-General at the Chinese Consulate in Thailand's northern province of Chiang Mai on Monday went to congratulate and thank the Chiang Mai Zoo concerning the recent birth of the female baby panda.

On Wednesday morning, May 27, Lin Hui, the female panda in the zoo in the city of Chiang Mai, delivered her first baby, which has become the first panda born in Thailand and the world for 2009.

Also, the Chinese Consulate in Chiang Mai will cooperate with the Chiang Mai Zoo to hold a birthday ceremony for the newly-born panda, Thai-language newspaper Matichon newspaper quoted as Jin Yilin saying.

The birthday ceremony for the newly-born panda will strengthen the Sino-Thai relations, according to Jin Yilin.

Tentatively, the birthday ceremony for the newly-born panda will be organized on July 11, Prasertsak Boontragoolpoontawee, head of the zoo's panda section.

The birthday ceremony will be organized in Thailand's northern traditional way, according to Prasertsak.

Meanwhile, the six-day-old baby panda is now increasingly getting black hair around its ears, front and back legs, while the black patches are forming around its eyes.

It weights 260 grams, which is considered the superb development, he said.

Currently, the zoo's visitors, who visit the zoo, will see the newly-born panda and its mother Lin Hui through closed circuit television.

Lin Hui and male panda Chuang Chuang, the father of the newly-born baby panda, have been on loan from China to the Chiang Mai Zoo since 2003, as part of a panda research program. The loan agreement will see the two pandas returned to China after 10 years.

On Feb. 18, 2009, Lin Hui was impregnated with artificial insemination after all efforts to arouse male Chuang Chuang's interest in mating had failed.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - 2nd June 2009

Fast Facts on Thailand

2009-05-31T14:52:00.011+07:00

Fast Facts on Thailand is a section made up of lots of interesting "snippets" of information that we decided to publish rather than just stumble-upon,digest & then forget.

We will continue to update & remove the older less interesting facts as we go along, but this is not just about US, we also need your help!.

If you have other interesting fast facts on Thailand that we have not yet published, please Contact Us we would love to hear from you, and will publish your suggestions with your name & country.
Please Click Here for lots more Fast Facts on Thailand.

Date Added: 31st May 2009

The most popular Thai food dish eaten outside of Thailand is probably Pad Thai, which is quite bizarre, as the origins of this dish are not even from Thailand, but instead from China!.

Date Added: 30th May 2009

The total amount of foreign visitors to Thailand during 2008 was 14.5 million, an increase of just 0.5% over 2007.Of that total 52% of the visitors were from Asia, with Malaysia having the highest number, then Japan, China & Korea. The most foreign visitors from Western countries, came from the U.K., the U.S.A., Australia and then Germany.

Date Added: 29th May 2009

The average pay for a manual worker in Thailand is approximately 185baht/day($5.30/day), in China it is 110baht/day($3.15/day)& in the U.S.A. it is 1,650baht/day($47/day).

Of the 2005 estimate of 39 million working population in Thailand,agriculture employed 42%, manufacturing industry 21% & consumer services 37%.

Please Click Here for lots more Fast Facts on Thailand.

American Schoolkids to the Rescue!

2009-05-31T14:22:00.004+07:00

An endangered baby elephant may soon be off the streets of Bangkok, Thailand thanks to some compassionate second-graders at Upper Blue Elementary School.

The students raised $2,000 this semester and hit their goal Wednesday — less than a week shy of the last day of school.

They announced their success through a video teleconference Friday with Lek Chailert, founder of Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park.

“I would like to give you a big hug,” Chailert said. “I wish you all could come and visit us some day.”

The time in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province is 13 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time, so she was leaving work as the students began their school day.

Chailert said she plans to purchase a baby elephant and lead it into a truck with bananas for an eight-hour ride back to the nature park. She plans to take the elephant’s mother along, too.

The population of Thailand’s Asian elephants has been in decline since the country banned logging in 1989. Many of the giant animals walk the streets of large cities, earning money for beggars. Often, the beggars sell people a $1 banana to feed the elephants.

The nature park purchases the animals and provides a safe, more natural environment for them. Some 34 are living in the park today, Chailert said.

The kids decided to help save an elephant while learning about peacemaking through International Baccalaureate curriculum in Ellie Coakley and Cheri Fisk’s classes. Lisa Ferguson, a para-professional at the school, had told the classes about her trip to the nature park.

Funds were raised through hand-decorated coin jars placed in businesses across Summit County, as well as other student activities.

Fisk said about $800 was raised through an event when the kids stayed late after school and their parents made donations. She said the participation was impressive, with everyone in her class and nearly all of the other class participating.

The students participating in Friday’s teleconference greeted Chailert with “sawadeeka,” a greeting in Thai. The face-to-face gave students a chance to ask such questions as “How many babies are at the elephant park?”

Chailert said there are seven calves. A boy was born last week and a girl was born last month.

“We have two baby ones now in the park — so cute,” she said.

Before the conference ended, Chailert held up a couple of cats for the children to see from the other side of the planet.

Source: Summit Daily News - Breckenridge, Colorada, USA - 31st May 2009

Giant Panda Baby - Chiang Mai Zoo - Update

2009-05-31T14:01:00.005+07:00

THAILAND: Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the cub was a favourite with children and he would consult with Chiang Mai Zoo on how to allow children to visit it as much as possible without harming it.

Asked if he would negotiate about the cub during his visit to China in late June, the premier said he would first check the contract to see whether the Chinese government could relax certain terms and, if so, would bring the matter up for negotiation at an appropriate time.

Zoological Park Organisation director-general Sophon Damnui said
Chiang Mai Zoo would hold a traditional northern blessing for the birth on a date to be set.

On Tuesday Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti will visit the cub and hopes to give a press conference on the negotiation progress, Sophon said.

On June 8 the zoo will report to HM the Queen on three breeding projects - for clouded leopards, eastern sarus cranes and pandas - chosen to mark her 72nd birthday.

Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka has donated Bt10,000 to China's Panda Fund.

Chiang Mai Zoo's head panda keeper Prasertsak Boontragoo-poontawee reported that Lin Hui and her baby were healthy and Lin Hui's excretory system was functioning normally for the first time since giving birth on Wednesday morning.

Lin Hui has been fed bread, bamboo leaves and apples every two hours and will keep her cub in her cage for a whole month to prevent stress. Veterinarian Kannikar Nimtrakul massaged Lin Hui to ease muscle strains from cradling the cub in her arms. Chiang Mai Zoo has installed more CCTV screens for real-time observation of the mother and cub, and the number of visitors to the panda section has been reduced to prevent disturbance of keepers' work.

The Chiang Mai Land Transport Office responded to the panda fever with an announcement yesterday that it would put a picture of the cub on car registration plates to be auctioned in November.

Office chief Assathai Rattanadilok na Phuket said it was also asking the Land Transport Department to allow Chiang Mai drivers to apply for smart-card licences with a background of the panda family, including father Chuang Chuang.

In Chiang Mai, panda dolls have become a hot sales item and prices have risen in the wake of Thailand's first panda birth.

"Thanks to the cub, the number of tourists should rise at least 10 per cent this year," said Chalermsak Suranant, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office.

Last year, 5 million tourists visited Chiang Mai, generating Bt38 billion in revenue.

Although tourism in Chiang Mai has slumped 50 per cent during the first five months of the year, an uptrend is now in sight.

"This is good news for Chiang Mai, and we're delighted," said Chalermsak.

Following failed efforts to have the panda pair mate naturally, Lin Hui underwent artificial insemination on February 18 and was not confirmed pregnant despite suggestive signs until Wednesday morning, when she produced the 230-gram female cub.

Source: Asia One News 31st May 2009

Jumbo Ban for Bangkok

2009-05-31T10:45:00.004+07:00

New Elephant Act set to block Bangkok's mahouts with big fines, microchip implants

BANGKOK: -- After surveys found 74 elephants wandering the streets of Bangkok, the Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has joined forces with the Livestock Development Department to arrest anyone bringing an elephant into the city.

Deputy BMA governor Theerachon Manomaipibul said yesterday that repeat offenders would be warned three times after which they would be fined up to Bt50,000 and have their elephants sent home.

Theerachon spoke after a meeting of related agencies had agreed to survey the number of Bangkok's elephants again next month. This followup survey will check the elephants for the BMA's microchip devices and give Chulalongkorn and Mahidol universities the chance to test elephants' DNA to find out if any have been smuggled in from neighbouring countries.

Back to Nature:
Theerachon added that Ayutthaya's Wang Chang elephant camp and Pattaya's Suan Nong Nuch park have offered to buy elephants and hire their mahouts, while the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation has said it will pay Bt500,000/Bt1 million for any elephant whose mahout can not afford to keep it.

On June 23rd-25th the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry will consult the public ahead of drafting the new Elephant Act, a longterm solution to the problem that will legislate for microchipping elephants and make it illegal to use them for human transport.

The BMA also has plans to host a concert to promote elephant welfare. Artists and musicians including AssaneeWasan Chotikul, Paula Taylor and Yeunyong "Add Carabao" Opakul have already accepted invitations, said Theerachon.

Source: The Nation 30th May 2009

Chiang Mai City Pillar Festival

2009-05-30T14:11:00.011+07:00

The annual Chiang Mai City Pillar Ceremony, or Inthakhin Ceremony, has just taken place at Wat Chedi Luang in the center of the old city, the event took place between 20th - 27th May, and is revered as one of the most important festivals in the Chiang Mai calender.

Chiang Mai annually celebrates Inthakhin for seven auspicious days starting from the 12th night of the waning moon in the 8th lunar month, which usually falls during the 2nd half of May & the 1st week of June.

Legend has it that the ceremony will bring good blessings to both participants at the festival and the city of Chiang Mai itself, and that the rains will fall in abundance to bring a bountiful harvest.

On the first day of the festival, a Buddha image of Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha will be paraded around Chiang Mai city while locals wait along the street side to sprinkle blessed water (Nam Som Poi) to the statue.

When the Buddha image returns to Wat Chedi Luang Temple, the ritual of flower offerings begins. People in Chiang Mai know Inthakhin ceremony as Tam Boon Khan Dok or Sai Khan Dok.

The name of the ceremony is derived from the ritual of Making Merit to the city pillar by offering flowers, incense and candles to 32 trays that lay around a Viharn of Inthakhin.

Chiang Mai City Pillar-Inthakhin Ceremony 2009-Offering Flowers
Apart from offering flowers to the thirty-two trays, making merit by donating money to your own Buddha image (based on day of birth) is also believed to bring good luck to the donor.

There are also evening traditional events featured every night within the temple, including traditional performances of sword dancing and lance dancing. Visitors will also enjoy listening to local Northern Thailand traditional music.

The ceremony ends on the seventh day with closing chants from 108 monks gathered at Wat Chedi Luang.

Jumbo Fatality

2009-05-30T07:39:00.004+07:00

A man looks at a dead elephant which is believed to have died from eating cabbages contaminated with chemicals in Chiang Mai’s MaeTaeng district yesterday.

Two elephants were caught up in separate tragedies yesterday. One was poisoned to death after eating crops in Chiang Mai, while the other suffered for 12 hours without help after having its legs broken in a road accident in Sa Kaeo.

Officials rushed to Sa Kaeo province's Chong Tako mountain at 2pm where they used a crane to lift the pachyderm, weighing about two tonnes, on to a military vehicle which transported it to an elephant hospital in Surin province.

Veterinarians said the elephant, "Pang Taen", suffered severe injuries to the legs and head,but she was now safe. They are planning further treatment.

"Pang Taen", a 10-year-old female elephant, was thrown from a truck and crushed by it when the driver lost control of the vehicle while driving down Chong Tako mountain in Sa Kaeo's Ta Phraya district yesterday.

Lying on one side, Pang Taen frequently shrieked in pain. Only the tears coming out of her eyes seemed to offer a break of relief in her long, desperate wait for rescue.

The accident killed Liang Sala-ngam, 57, on the spot while six others, including a boy, was wounded.

They were all travelling in the 10-wheel truck en route to an elephant camp in Pattaya to take Pang Taen for breeding.

Somsak Salangam, the elephant's owner from Surin province, was not injured because he was not in the truck when it slid down the hillside.

Earlier, the driver stopped the vehicle and asked Mr Somsak to block its wheels with logs and rocks. The accident occurred just before he finished the job.

Hema Sapmak, village head of Pon Ngern in Buri Ram's Satuk district, which is famous for elephant training camps, was deeply saddened when he learned of Pang Taen's tragedy.

He called upon the government to make more serious efforts to help Owners & Mahouts countrywide who cannot earn enough money to feed their elephants and are forced to earn more by taking them to work in distant provinces.

He said more than 60 elephants had left his neighbourhood for work, leaving only three in the village.

In Chiang Mai, officials are searching for two further elephants who had eaten cabbages believed to be contaminated with pesticides after "Plai Somjai", a 16-year-old male pachyderm from an elephant camp in Mae Taeng district, died after eating the vegetables at a local farm.

The two had reportedly fallen sick and escaped deep into a local forest, it is not known at this point their condition, but it is feared they may also suffer the same fate as "Plai Somjai"!.

Source: Bangkok Post 30th May 2009

The Bridge of Life - Northern Thailand

2009-05-28T06:17:00.004+07:00

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A retired American businessman, and a Serbian engineer have joined together to provide children from four of Thailand’s diverse rural hill tribes with a better future through the establishment of a residential village in Phrao, northern Thailand.

The mission statement of the Bridge of Life is quite simple. "We try everyday to make a difference in the lives of children. Our goal is for children to be allowed to be children.We want to preserve this magic time of life".

"Children of all color, religion, ethnicity - just let kids be kids!".

Please click here to read the full article: The Bridge of Life

Giant Panda Gives Birth at Chiang Mai Zoo

2009-05-27T18:27:00.008+07:00

Bangkok - A Panda, on loan from China, gave birth to a healthy cub Wednesday at Thailand's Chiang Mai Zoo, officials said. "Today Lin Hui delivered a cub at 10:10 am," Chiang Mai Zoo director Thanaphat Pongphamon said in a telephone interview with German Press Agency dpa.

The sex and weight of the baby panda was not immediately known as Lin Hui, the mother, refused to allow zoo officials near the baby, Thanaphat said.

The birth was hailed as a success for the Chiang Mai Zoo ,700 kilometres north of Bangkok, which has pursued every means over the past six year to make Lin Hui, 7 years old, and her mate Chuang Chuang, 8, conceive.

At one point, frustrated zoo officials resorted to showing "panda porn" videos to the bear pair in an effort to stir their passions.

Finally, artificial insemination was resorted to.

Lin Hui was pregnant for 93 days, and the birth was without complications, Thanaphat said.

The panda couple have been the zoo's main attraction since their arrival from China in October 12, 2003.

The zoo has done a profitable sideline selling panda paraphernalia, including panda poop that was snapped up like hot cakes when it was first was proffered to the public.

Source: Earth Times 27th May 2009

The Patara Elephant Farm - "Elephant Owner for a Day"!

2009-05-21T20:01:00.003+07:00

While planning our trip to Thailand, I was looking for a wildlife adventure that would allow us to interact with the animals rather than just view them in a zoo type setting -- or even worse interact with them in a carnival/circus type atmosphere.

Whilst "surfing the net" one day I came across the Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai. After investigating the site further I found a "tab" headed "Elephant Owner for a Day" and thought, this is it, this is the program we have been looking for!, I quickly emailed the farm owner Theerapat Trungprkan(Pat for short)to reserve our spot and adjusted our itinerary to spend a few days in Chiang Mai.

Please click here to read the full article: The Patara Elephant Farm.

Plant With Purpose - Northern Thailand

2009-05-21T15:18:00.007+07:00

From their humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic back in 1984, Plant With Purpose, an environmental non-profit organization, has grown tremendously through the visionary guidance of its American custodians.

The ethos of the company is to bring a holistic approach to the fight against poverty that includes environmental, economic, as well as spiritual transformation.

"We believe that this three-part approach is the key to creating lasting, sustainable change, and we use a variety of techniques such as micro-credit loans, business skills training and community development to empower the poor to solve their own problems," said Scott Sabin, Plant With Purpose’s Executive Director.

Plant With Purpose programs now cover more than 230 villages worldwide, and since 1984 they have helped more than 100,000 under-privileged people in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Thailand, Burundi and Tanzania.

Please click here to read full article:

Chiang Mai - Tourism Fair Announced

2009-05-11T08:20:00.002+07:00

The public and private sectors are getting together to offer a tourism fair and golf promotion in Chiang Mai in a bid to lure visitors during the low season.

The province and private operators will hold the Chiang Mai Grand Sales 2009 event from May 31 to August 2, Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanant said.

Department stores, hotels, restaurants and shops in Chiang Mai will offer 30- to 70-per-cent discounts during the three-month fair.

"There will be about 300 participants, with 100 hotels, 50 restaurants, 50 spas, 30 golf courses, 20 tourist attractions and others joining the promotion. The province will spend Bt1.5 million to host the event," Amornphan said.

The fair is aimed at encouraging tourists to visit Chiang Mai in the coming low season, as well as to revive the tourism business, which has suffered from declining numbers of visitors due to the economic crisis.

It is expected to generate Bt100 million in revenue for the province.

Chalermsak Suranant, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office, said the agency plans to launch a golf campaign from May 1 to June 30.

Golf course operators will offer a single green fee of Bt800 per time during the promotion. TAT is developing Chiang Mai to become a major golf destination.

Source: The Nation 11th May 2009

Friends for Asia - Chiang Mai

2009-05-07T12:01:00.005+07:00

The aim of Friends For Asia is to provide both short and long term volunteer projects that benefit local communities with their development and volunteers with the valuable experience they gain from their service to the local communities.

The mission of Friends For Asia is as follows:
We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Northern Thailand.

Please Click Here to read the full article.

Massive Shopping Mall in Chiang Mai Still Going Ahead !

2009-05-06T15:22:00.004+07:00

ECC Group, a Netherlands-based retail developer, strongly believes Chiang Mai has room for up to two retail newcomers and that the company will achieve success as one of these operators.

CEO Tjeert Kwant recently said Chiang Mai had been developed in many respects such as residential projects, hotels and resorts and entertainment business over the past decade - but not so in the shopping-mall sector.

Only Central Retail Corp had announced plans to add another mall in Chiang Mai, while plenty of property developers, tourism and entertainment operators have continued to arrive in the northern city.

ECC Group early this year announced a plan to invest Bt3.1 billion to build the Promenada Chiang Mai shopping mall in the province. The plan remains on track despite the uncertain economic situation.

The company is adapting its latest design to accommodate local residents' requirements. Construction is expected to start in the final quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2010, said Kwant.

Central Retail Corp operates two Shopping Malls in Chiang Mai - Central Airport Plaza and Central Kad Suan Kaew Department Store. The company had planned to create new malls in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai this year, but this was deferred due to gloomy economic situation.

ECC Group is encouraged by the fact that developers such as Land and Houses have constructed many residential projects in Chiang Mai. Besides, there are many foreign companies established in the city. For example, one overseas movie production firm recently announced plans set up a studio.

So, the Dutch group believes the city in the near future will again attract many tourists and plenty of money.

In addition, Chiang Mai has as international airport, with many airlines flying directly to the province. Many Bangkokians also go to Chiang Mai in the holidays. More than 4 million tourists travel to Chiang Mai each year.

"It's a little bit confusing about Chiang Mai. It is the second-largest city in Thailand and many businesses are established there, but not for retail business. Most retailers are interested in expanding their malls in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket only. Now there are a lot of foreigners, both expatriates and tourists, in Chiang Mai.

"Therefore, Chiang Mai is big enough and ECC Group is confident that there is an opportunity for other retailers to enter this market," Kwant said.

He said the group had established an office in Chiang Mai in 2006, after which it began to conduct market research in the city. It found that retail business growth in Chiang Mai over the past couple of years had been about 5 per cent per annum. When the economy recovers, sales growth per year may reach 10 per cent, he added.

Kwant said it was, however, hard to predict growth in this business in the near future because many factors - not least the global economic crisis and the Bangkok airport closures at the end of last year - have affected retail business in Chiang Mai, with many tourists steering clear of Thailand.

ECC Group is designing the Promenada shopping mall to have a higher proportion of local entrepreneurs than existing malls, as this fits the needs of the local population. The proportion of brand-name products and local ones will be 60:40, with the company's priority target group being local people.

Kwant said the retail business in Thailand was more dependent on tourists than ECC's shopping malls in Central and Eastern Europe. This may be a weakness amid the global economic crisis and the uncertain political situation.

He said Thai retail sales over the past six months had dropped by 20-25 per cent, whereas in the Polish capital Warsaw, where ECC Group operates a Promenada shopping mall, its sales had declined by only 4-5 per cent.

"About 95 per cent of our clients in Poland are local residents. People in Poland may pay less for luxury goods amid the economic crisis, but they still have to pay for essential goods. So, our sales show only a slight drop," he said.

He added that focusing on tourists, however, could turn out to be strength for retail businesses in Thailand when the global economy recovers, because the country is recognised internationally as one of the best shopping destinations in the world.

The key to the ECC Group's retail success in Central and Eastern Europe, where it is the leader in some countries, is its cooperation with local partners, companies and individuals, plus dedication and listening to the local people's requirements.

These factors will also be crucial to a successful operation in Chiang Mai, said Kwant.

"We're the newcomer that brings new things to locals. We always cooperate with local parties such as manufacturers, partners and individuals and do everything to meet their requirements.

Moreover, dedication is another factor leading us to success.

"We cannot operate our shopping operation from Europe. I've already moved to live in Thailand. So, these factors will bring us success," he said.

Source: The Nation - 6th May 2009

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D & M Music Studio proudly presents:
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