vientiane2009 seagames 2009

Convicted killer in Texas KFC massacre denies role

2009-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Associated Press - April 18, 2009 12:25 PM ET

ABILENE, Texas (AP) - On one thing prosecutors and Romeo Pinkerton agree: The case of the murders of 5 people abducted from a Kilgore Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant is far from closed.

Pinkerton's serving a life sentence for 1 of the most notorious mass murders in Texas, which Pinkerton insists he had no part in.

That didn't stop him from taking a plea deal a year and a half ago that sent him to prison for five life terms for the Sept. 23, 1983, murders. He tells The Associated Press in a prison interview that "the real killer is out there still walking around."

A spokesman for Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says the case "is open and ongoing" as authorities hunt for at least one other man to join Pinkerton and a cousin, Darnell Hartsfield, in prison for the slayings.

Pinkerton said he took the plea deal midway through his 2007 trial because he felt his life was in jeopardy while he was locked up in the Bowie County Jail. That's where his trial was moved because of publicity closer to Kilgore.

Pinkerton had faced a possible death sentence if convicted of 5 capital murder charges.

DNA evidence shows a third person was involved in the fatal attacks and raped 1 of the slain women. But that person's identity remains unknown.

111th Congress Expresses Its “Vigorous Support” for Israel’s Gaza Massacre

2009-04-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

By Shirl McArthur

WHILE THERE may be a new Congress and a new administration promising “change,” the 111th Congress wasted no time, even while faced with pressing domestic economic issues, in showing that congressional blind support for Israeli actions, regardless of how egregious, has not wavered. Within a week of convening, and in the middle of Israel’s onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza, both the Senate and the House managed to find time to pass similar resolutions expressing their “vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders and recognizes its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens…” The Senate version, S.Res. 10, passed Jan. 8 with 34 co-sponsors, concludes that sentence with “…against acts of terrorism.” But the harsher House version, H.Res. 34, passed Jan. 9 with 117 co-sponsors, concludes the sentence with “…against Hamas’s unceasing aggression.”

Both resolutions place exclusive blame for the crisis on Hamas, faithfully following the “talking points” distributed by the legions of Israeli propagandists who fanned out across the U.S. and Europe. Several “whereas” clauses describe Hamas’s transgressions, but make no mention of such Israeli actions as its blockade of Gaza, depriving 1.5 million people of food, fuel, and medicines.

Some U.S. pro-peace groups have cited some positive, constructive elements in the resolutions that may not have been in previous such resolutions. Americans for Peace Now’s Legislative Roundup for Jan. 9, citing Hill sources, points out that, while previous such resolutions likely would have been drafted by “an outside group” (AIPAC, per chance?), these resolutions were drafted by congressional staff. One positive example cited by the groups is the “whereas” clause stating that the humanitarian situation in Gaza “is becoming more acute.” However, that clause is immediately followed by one claiming that “Israel has facilitated humanitarian aid to Gaza with hundreds of trucks and numerous ambulances entering the Gaza Strip” since the fighting began.

There is also the “resolved” clause (in the Senate version) that “the lives of innocent civilians must be protected and all appropriate measures should be taken to diminish civilian casualties and that all involved should continue to work to address humanitarian needs in Gaza.” But the House version says that “the lives of innocent civilians must be protected to the maximum extent possible, expresses condolences to innocent Palestinian and Israeli victims and their families, and reiterates that humanitarian needs in Gaza should be addressed promptly and responsibly.”

Previous such resolutions likely would have been drafted by “an outside group.”

Another positive feature cited is the support for the “peace process,” beginning with the resolutions’ title, “Recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the U.S.’s strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.” However, while that title was in H.Res. 34 as introduced, the version that passed the House omitted the title. The Senate’s final “resolved” clause succinctly “reiterates its strong support for U.S. government efforts to promote a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a serious and sustained peace process that leads to the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure State of Israel.” But the House version of that clause pointedly avoids referring to the peace process, saying instead it “reiterates its strong support for a just and sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in order to ensure the welfare, security, and survival of the state of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and a viable, independent, and democratic Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with the state of Israel.”

S.Res. 10 passed unanimously by voice vote. H.Res. 34 passed on a roll call vote of 390-5 with 22 voting “present” (abstaining) and 16 not voting. For the complete list of those voting “no” or “present,” see the March 2009 Washington Report, p. 5.

Meanwhile, for good measure, on Jan. 6 Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), with no co-sponsors, introduced S.Res. 6 “expressing solidarity with Israel in Israel’s defense against terrorism in the Gaza strip.” And for sheer gall, on Jan. 9 Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), with two co-sponsors, introduced H.Res. 37 “condemning Hamas for the recent attacks against Israel.”

D-Will is the Jazz player other teams fear

2009-04-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES — For as many times as he's made it clear his Jazz never have had one — the count is so high, most calculators couldn't keep track — the concession that now they very nearly do speaks volumes as to just how Jerry Sloan feels about his present point guard.

Not along ago, after all, Deron Williams was a rookie who couldn't consistently crack Sloan's lineup.

But these days — with his club ready for this afternoon's Game 1 of a first-round playoff series against a Los Angeles Lakers franchise seeking its 15th NBA title — the tough-to-please Jazz coach toes the line of ultimate compliment.

"Every team that plays in the championship usually has a guy that can beat you 1-on-1," he said.

"We've got a guy," added Sloan, whose Jazz are still looking for their first title in franchise history, "that's pretty close to being that way most of the time, and I think he'll get better and better as time goes on."

The Lakers already have their own in reigning NBA MVP Kobe Bryant.

Now Williams, on the downside looking up at a 1-8 seed best-of-seven series, looks to take the next step toward elevating his game to that level.

Miss SEA Games 2009

2009-04-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

An interview from Lao National Television about Miss SEA Games 2009 Beauty Pageant. The 25th Southeast Asian Games is scheduled to be held in Vientiane, Laos in December 2009.

What is Vientiane city profile?

2009-04-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and the country’s largest city.

A fairly old city, Vientiane was established as the capital in 1560 AD.

When compared to the hectic capitals in other Southeast Asian countries, Vientiane offers something unusual for an Asian city, the possibility of some peace and quiet.. French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples, and the countless temples and pagodas reflect the city’s past. The two most important temples, Wat That Luang and Wat Phra Kaeo date back to the time the city was made capital. This friendly city is filled with crumbling French mansions, bougainvillea blooming streets and steaming noodle shops.

An interesting shopping venue is the Morning Market, a large collection of indoor stalls selling most anything. There are two floors. The first floor sells mostly textiles, electronics, and watches. The second floor has clothing, gold, and jewelery. Haggle and expect to pay about one third or one quarter of the first price you are offered. There are also department stores craft outlets around the city. There are many restaurants in Vientiane offering foods ranging from Chinese specialities to Tex-Mex and most are fairly good. Don’t drink the tap water. Stick to bottled water. There is not much in the way of night life.

Vientiane is a safe city in terms of crime. A bigger hazard than crime is the missing sewer covers on sidewalks. So, walk carefully and exercise caution at night.

Vientiane is served by Wattay International Airport. Public transportation is by bus, minibus, taxi and tuk-tuk.

Vientiane population is 200,000 (2005).

+856 is the international calling doce fot Laos
21 is the area code for Vientiane

For more information about Vientiane

Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

2009-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am a female from Singapore and I am intending to travel up ALONE to Vientiane and Luang Prabang soon for a backpacking trip. This is my first time travelling on my own and I would like to know-

1) if the 10-hr bus ride from vientiane to Luang Prabang is safe and how often do they stop for a break?

2) Is it generally safe in Laos?

3) What are the things I should be wary of over there?

Thank you!

Yes, I did this trip recently. It's safe but the roads are windy and the trip is long. If you want to break it up you can stop at Vang Viang (spelling?) which is about halfway and quite pretty. There are so many guesthouses there as well as internet cafes etc. There are many tourists traveling this particular route so you won't be alone.

The bus might stop every few hours for a toilet break but this involves running behind some trees or for guys just peeing on the side of the road…it's quite an adventure.

Lao New Year 2009 in New Iberia

2009-04-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Khon Lao in New Iberia, Louisiana know how to party for Boun Pee Mai Lao.

Vientiane, Laos: "Sabaidee, Pii Mai!"

2009-04-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

We made the short (for laos) five-hour hop to the capital just in time for the start of Pii Mai: laos New Year. This officially three-day long festival of the lunar New Year is celebrated with a week-long, countrywide water fight. We armed ourselves with water pistols and got thoroughly soaked. Everyone in Vientiane had taken to the streets, either stationed by tanks of water and hoses soaking passersby or in the back of pick-up trucks armed with water balloons and getting soaked as they drove by. The whole thing is extremely good-natured and involves everyone - we saw groups of men in their seventies in natty hats chasing each other with water pistols.

The festival marks the start of a New Year, and to signify this Lao people literally wash everything clean. Buddha images are washed and blessed with purified water, houses are cleaned from top to bottom and then everyone dresses up in their best new clothes and goes out to bless friends and neighbour with water too. Lots of it. We found a friendly group of locals who let us share their hose, and their beer (about twenty full buckets of water over my head was a small price to pay) and threw ourselves into it (literally for me: wet floors are slippy). Chris's particular favourite was to get otherwise dry people in the ear, or through the slightly open windows of passing cars. I especially enjoyed aiming under the helmets of people on motorbikes. Not that we got carried away or anything...

We also found time to visit Pha That Luang the most famous and beautiful temple in laos, where we got to see the purification of the Buddhas, and to take in the rather lovely city itself. As well as squeezing in a few games of very retro-style ten-pin bowling, which is huge in laos. Chris played well, whilst I was a little more erratic - in three games I managed two strikes, and about twenty zeroes. I think I'll stick to water fights.

Great food and freaky Buddhas

2009-04-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Buddha Park

We woke approaching Vientiane nicely rested, because the night bus was a huge improvement on the Vietnamese torture machines. At last something that is better than Vietnam! Lao night buses having you lying down properly in two layers, like bunk beds. The only potential draw back is that they are all double beds, so you don’t know who you are going to be sleeping with if you are on your own. Of course, as a couple, this was much nicer for us.

According to the books Vientiane is actually pronounced something like Wang Chan, but because the Roman transliteration was done by the French, it doesn’t really come out right if you say it as if it’s an English word. The LP says that it starts with a “V” because French does not have letter “W”, although I’m sure I remember a letter called “doobleh-vay” so I don’t know what they are talking about. Maybe it’s a recent introduction into the French alphabet, because of imported words from English. “Whisky” comes to mind. The same goes for the “ch” sound: does not exist in French, so they chose “tia” as the next closest sound in French. Anyway, everything in Lao seems to have several different spellings, because there is a move to the Royal Thai method of transliteration, which the LP assures us is much more understandable by everyone, although I think it just makes it easier for English speakers. Having said all that, I only ever heard people saying itas
it looks in English, so maybe the spelling has led to a difference in pronunciation between the Lao and the English versions of the city name.

Our main goal in Vientiane was to obtain a Thai visa. We had only recently discovered this would be necessary due to a recent rule change which means that, while people arriving by air get the usual thirty day visa on arrival, people arriving overland are only given fifteen days, which is nothing like enough for what we want to do. Apparently it’s something to do with the airport protests last year and they are also trying to discourage people from doing the Thai “visa run” where people spend a day just over the border in Burma, for example, simply so that they can get another thirty days stamped on their passports when they return. Well not any more they can’t! Only when we arrived did we discover, to our delight, that for a limited period only, they are giving away sixty day tourist visas and waiving the fee. I think they must be trying to make up for the additional inconvenience they are causing people. Despite this good news it was still a real
painto get the visa. It was very hot and humid, there were hundreds of people waiting, and it took more than half-a-day just queue to hand our passports in and then queue again for the receipt. I sneaked off for a quick beer while Joanne was waiting for our number to come up and ended up the only person in a strange biker bar (I think), playing old French music. The town seems to be a bit more French than anywhere else in Laos so far, and it shows in some of the architecture.

The arc de triomphe or “vertical runway”

On the way back from the Embassy, we stopped in at the post office to get information regarding our other mission in Vientiane, which was to post home some of the stuff we really should not have brought with us. The post office appeared to be in the middle of being built, but we managed to find a way in anyway. The prices for posting a parcel was far more than we had anticipated: about 10 quid a kilo. After an unsuccessful attempt at finding a shipping company instead, we returned to our hotel to estimate which of the items we wanted to send were worth enough more than a tenner a kilo to send rather than bin. Most things passed, so items like my linen suit, which I hadn’t worn since the wedding despite huge intentions of playing the colonial part, we put aside for parcelling up. Also on the list were my jeans, my second, thick fleece, and loads of other stuff that seemed to be taking up far too much space, but not tooo much weight.

Local speciality of Vientiane

Side dish for local speciality

That evening we had dinner overlooking the Mekong at a place that seemed lovely until all the insects from the reeds started closing in. Despite that, the food was excellent: I had a local speciality, naem I think, a dish consisting of fish fried with balls of cooked rice then broken up and served like a salad with greens on the side. After dinner when we went for a drink, it started to rain again. And it rained very heavily with another huge electric storm. I started to think that monsoon had started early. It would have to be about two months early, but March only gets about three days of rain on average and we’d already seen more than that.

Weird dish of wobbly rice paper, nuts, and sausage

The following day we spent another half day collecting our passports from the Thai embassy, complete with our brand new (free!) Thai visas. Later in the day we got chatting to a couple from Australia, who were heading towards Cambodia: in the opposite direction from us. They had just come from Vang Vieng and had had to part company with a friend, so he could be flown to Bangkok on account of the injuries he had sustained while “Tubing”. Since Vietnam people had been telling us about the injuries that they or their friends had endured whilst involved in this activity. I still wasn’t very sure exactly what it was, but it involved floating down a river in a big inner tube (the type we’d seen people floating in, in Don Det we reckoned), stopping off at various pubs for drinks, then returning to the water via various flying foxes and shutes. So a watery pub crawl. The dangers are obvious, but the sheer number of injured people we had seen was unsettling. We had initially decided to give Vang Vieng a miss as it just sounded like the gap year crowd going wild but, despite all the injuries, everyone we’d spoken to told us it was not to be missed. This Oz couple were no exception, even though their friend had been having seizures two days after cracking his skull off some rocks, and now appeared to have fluid building up in his increasingly swolen head and face. Not nice! We had initiated the converstation by asking whether the girl’s obvious nasty scrapes were down to Tubing, but apparently it was only a moped accident. Her boyfriend had allowed her to drive for once and they had both come off, so I learned a lesson there from them.

Tom yum soup with heating coals

It was a terrible day for blogging. This website has some problems with drafts of blog entries going live without the bloggers say-so and I had noticed that my mum commented on an entry that was supposed to be a draft and therefore hidden to everyone but me. Clearly it was no longer a draft, but when I logged in and reset the (really quite long) entry to be a draft again, the whole thing disappeared. Completely! That night I dreamt of the death of a friend and my unborn child and the difficulties in getting their remains shipped home. Both fictional characters, but it was a very unpleasant dream. The following day I discovered that Google had cached my lost page and I copied it all to a draft email in Yahoo mail (where I now write all my post now). Praise be Google! I spent the day trying to catch up on lost blog time while Joanne posted home our items worth more than a tenner a kilo.

“Laogria”

We had another storm that day and I started to worry about the warm clothes I’d just sent home, as it seemed much cooler and we actually felt cold. I asked a few people, but everybody said that this was not too unusual and it was still months before the monsoon. The following day it still felt cold. A quick check online confirmed that it was indeed much colder than we’d become accomstomed: only 30 Celsius! We found a really good value foe (noodle) place for breakfast, where they seemed quite surprised to have falangs turn up, but then we had to go for coffee and ended up in a falang orientated coffee place and blew all the gains we’d just made on coffee, but when we were tempted into buying a brownie we’d effectively spent our lunch money as well!

Our third and final mission for Vientiane was to visit the strange sounding place known as Buddha Park, so we got the very cheap local bus out to the location, but just as we got off one of my flipflops came apart. This was the same pair I’d had repaired in Siem Reap, although the guys repair was still good: now the strap had separated from the base. Some people would admit defeat at this point but in the interests of sustainability, the environment, and stinginess, I was determined to keep the shoes going. I tried the same trick as the shoe repair had done, by setting fire to the rubber, then pressing the loose bit in place. It lasted long enough to get us round Buddha park, but I was no expert and it was clearly not going to last much longer. I still had a pending repair to my hiking trainers after the trek in Cambodia, so I was nearly running out of shoes. Anyway, the Buddha park was indeed strange. I think only pictures can adequately describe it.

When we returned to town, we bought superglue, which worked much better in the shoe repair department. That night we re-discoverd a restaurant we’d stumbled on a couple of nights previously. It described itself as modern Lao cuisine, which I fancied the sound of, and this time we noticed that it is also a community action project, run by Friends International (http://www.friends-international.org/whatsnew.html#makphet), so we could feel ethically warm whilst indulging ourselves, which we wanted to do since we decided that we were leaving Vientiane the next day. The idea seems to be similar to Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen. The food was outstanding, easily the best we’d had thus far in Laos, even though the food has in general been excellent. If anyone reading this is ever in Vientiane you must go to this restaurant. Amongst our orders were buffalo and vegetable rolls, lao-lao marinated steak, and a durian and coffee shake (I couldn’t help it — Joanne said I would get no kisses for the rest of the day).

We were very pleased with our meal, after all it could have been our last; the next day we were going to Vang Vieng for Tubing!

Vientiane Life - by Laovideos.com

2009-04-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is our life in Vientiane, the national capital of Laos. Discover the world’s most fascinating city that’s rich in culture and heritage. Vientiane Life www.vientianelife.com

Duration : 0:4:15

Lao New Year 2009 in Vientiane

2009-04-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

News coverage of the Lao New Year celebration in Vientiane, Laos, from Lao National Television. The first video is about Nang Sang Khan Muang Sikhotabong beauty pageant.

Nang Sang Khan Sikhotabong

New Year celebration in Vientiane

Loaves and Fishes and Pudding in Laos

2009-04-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

16 April 2009, En Route to Czechoslovakia

We spent yesterday in Bamberg, the prettiest little city since Busch Gardens Virginia. I did sort of expect Aunt Mag to pop out of the gorgeously painted 17th century Rathaus, perched on a pair of manmade islands in the river. Camped along the river just outside of town; crucial factor here was that the shower was amazing. I believe I may be sadder to leave it behind than I was to leave London in general. There's a massive cathedral looming rather catholicly over the city, and every other street is named for one religious order or another. Shades of elementary school. David had the local specialty--smoked beer and an onion stuffed with beef, then roasted. Mmm.

Long day today in the truck, but we've bagged the front seats which means good legroom and a view through the front windshield. The truck is built with loads of windows so everyone really has a view all the time, though we were facing backwards yesterday, so could only see where we had already been. There's also two tables with four seats at each, and a set of games to play as we go.

Camping again tonight outside Prague; this is the first new country for me, David's been here for work. I've heard such good things about Prague for so long that I suspect it can't possibly live up to my expectations. But the weather has been absolutely gorgeous thus far, must have been 17 C yesterday and bright sunshine, and every place looks good like that. As we're driving the trees are getting more coniferous-y and the road hillier, the land looks different from the parts of Germany I've been to before. My crap German has come in handy, though, vielen danke, Mutti und Herr Godfrey. (Ooh, we went in a shop yesterday which appeared to be waiting on your arrival, Ingrid—Seasonal Cushions Galore. They even had Christmas ornaments out, with a metal one of a bloke selling bratwurst in a festive stall. Unnecessary in so many ways.)

We did have a night out in Bamberg as we knew we could sleep in yesterday. About 10 of us went into the city, to a little beer garden. Which was great fun and very wholesome etc. Then we ended in a Turkish men's club (and I use club loosely): a room with some tables and some middle aged Turks. Also beer and raki. We were there for a few hours, and in a cowardly fashion escaped with a few others in the first wave of deserters at 2am. The iron-livered stayed on until 5am, playing Texas Hold-em with our new Ottoman mates.

Stopped for lunch along the Czechoslovakian motorway. A bus full of Germans was just finishing eating at their bus, and waddled over to offer us their lunch and good wishes. This big blue truck certainly does make friends easily. Anyway, in admirable Teutonic style, this pack of sturdy hausfraus promptly provided enough “leftovers” to more than feed all 24 of us, with ham on the bone, potato salad, sauerkraut, coleslaw, and American (or German, I guess) style pudding—in two flavours. And now we have leftovers too. It seems fully possible that our Aryan friends are some sort of modern-day messiah-figures and potato salad is the loaves and fishes of the noughties.

Vientiane 2009

2009-04-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Vientiane is bloody expensive . It's the capital of laos and it's probably the most boring capital city i've been to in asia so far. the rent for hotels/guesthouses is ridiculous! we didn't do much here, i don't think, so i'll keep the next few entries short and sweet. too many to catch up on...

ok, so we found this one place that would do. it was clean, had a good bathroom and had a fan. it's all i need. it took landon a day and a half to get over a few minor details. (no window mostly) we also had our guest house get our vietnam visa all sorted out. costly, but as i sit typing in vietnam, worth it. i don't know, nothing really happened. johan, landon and i met sean and jessica again at a sub par mexican restaurant then went to another patio later for a night cap. next day we jumped on a tuk tuk for a long ride out of town to buddha park, which seemed alot more like hindhu park to me, but what do i know? it was pretty neat. i'll have to post some of the pictures sometimes. some are just funny and some are downright freaky. like that big ball with the demon's mouth you could enter. inside the ball are 3 levels until you emerge on the top from a tiny hole. within the 3 levels are heaven (the highest), earth (middle) and hell on the bottom. no lights in hell. when i flashed my light around in the darkness there were statues of large people impaling smaller people and other such torturous things. it was certainly bizarre.

what else happened in vientiane? oh right, joma, that awesome cafe from luang prabang in in the countries capital too, and we.... 'capitalised' on it, often. tasty sandwiches! we also tried in vain to find this chinese market, but absolutely no one knew anything about it. oh well, it was a good wander through the city anyways...

also went to the museum. just shows a recent history of the french colonials entering and being cast off by lao people and russians and americans (americans who bombed the bloody hell out laos). some awesome pictures of a crashed american plane shot out of the sky by a loa riflewoman. basically the museum seemed like a big hate on americans, french and russians.

well, i guess that sums up vientiane. dull, but worth it to know, i guess. next up,

Lao New Year: Nang Sangkaan

2009-04-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

Pee Mai Lao or Lao New Year falls on

Sok Dee Pee Mai 2552. Happy Lao New Year 2009.

This is a story told in Laos to explain why Lao people pour water on each other on the New Year in the fifth Lunar month. The story is called Nang Sangkaan.

The origin of the parade of Nang Sangkaan is not Buddhist, but Brahmanism. Later, Lao people changed the tradition, but kept the idea of carrying the Buddha images and respected persons in the procession and pouring water on them.

Songkran Festival and Happy Lao New Year

2009-04-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Songkran is the traditional Lao and Thai New Year; also called the Water Splashing Festival, this year I’ll be visiting one of our local Wats (temples) to celebrate the festive event. Most temples that I know are holding the event on both Saturday and Sunday (4/14 and 4/15/2007).

This is actually my first year, visiting Wat (temple) on Songkran since I’ve been to the US. My dad said that we’d be pouring the water on Buddha images (lodh nom songk) and the monks (songk nom pra); then we’ll receive best wishes from them. The monks would be busied with visitors, and some visitors would want them to tie white ropes around their wrists, which I think its part of our tradition for good luck and prosperity for the year.

What I remember most about Songkran when I was little was the water splashing; it was welcoming because it’s extremely hot in Laos and Thailand during this time of the year. The US climate is very different from back home, and it’s still a bit cold in our area, so I’m not sure if people would splash water at each other. My GI Joe sister said that they would only do it if they know you, but I’m not taking my chances, I’m bringing extra set of clothes just in case. Another thing to look forward to are the food and souvenir vendors at the Wat (temple); I’m looking forward to eat tum buk houng and ping kai (spicy papaya salad and roasted chicken on a stick). This Wat (temple) that I’m visiting is not that big, so most likely they won’t have music or live band, I’m assuming that Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington D.C. would because they have huge stage, and it’s a heartland of many states, visitors would be coming from Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and might even be as far as New York City, and I believe that they’re having their Songkran Festival this weekend also.

This is my Third New Year celebrations for this year, Happy Lao New Year to all “Sabai Dee Pee Mai”.

Vientiane, March 28

2009-03-28T06:19:00.001-07:00

Not much to add this week. Too busy with consultations with officials, report writing and getting enough sleep too.
Seems the wet season is arriving early too. Heavy monsoonal rains occurred on 3 evenings this week with the big dark clouds rolling in and then 30 minutes of deluge punctuated with thunder and lightning. First rain I have seen in the 6 weeks I have been here. Really freshened up the atmosphere and suddenly there are green shoots appearing everywhere

The Horse in Australia by Fiona Carruthers

I finished a marvellous book this week. “The Horse In Australia”, a birthday gift from Al & Carey, Felicity and Jake. I never realized there was such a rich history of horse breeding in Australia. Banjo Paterson’s “small and weedy beast …. something like a racehorse undersized” comes to life in this book written by Fiona Carruthers. If you have grown up with horses like we did, you will find it a fascinating read.

Lao medical teams ready for SEA Games 2009

2009-03-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

More than 250 Lao doctors, nurses and students from various medical facilities around Vientiane will provide medical services at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December.

Member of the National Olympic Committee of Laos and Chairman of the Medical Anti-Doping Commission, Dr Alongkone Phengsavanh, said on Monday the team will be divided into three groups for medical services, food safety issues and doping tests.

The doctors come from major hospitals in Vientiane including Mahosot, Mittaphab, Setthathirath, 103 and 109 and the University of Health Sciences . Some will provide emergency medical services for athletes injured while competing, while others will specialise in assisting athletes with physical rehabilitation to recover from minor injuries.

Dr Alongkone said about 80 doctors and nurses will take part in training courses next month to learn more about doping tests.

In addition, doctors and nurses in major hospitals will be on stand-by 24 hours a day to provide emergency medical services for everyone during the games.

“Even though it will be the first time we've hosted the SEA Games, we are confident our team can provide effective and efficient services, as we have already proven when we hosted other big events such as the Asean Summit in 2004,” Dr Alongkone said.

By Sangkhomsay Bouphanouvong

Officials seize illegal chicken limbs in Vientiane

2009-03-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

(KPL) Inspection officials, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce seized 86 kilogrammes of chicken limbs in Saysettha district of Vientiane Capital, which imported illegally from Thailand.
Mr Khamsao Sengvongpheth, team leader of Saysettha district Inspection office disclosed that relevant officials could seize the duck and chicken limbs, which weighted 86 kilogrammes at Thaluang market, Saysettha district on 25 March 2009, after Vientiane retailers imported them illegally from Thailand. A total number of illegal foods worth over 1 million kip however officials could not arrest a group of smugglers because of they escaped.
He said that having a group of smugglers have attempted their efforts to import the illegal foods and items by crossing the Mekong River to Laos, but some time officials could not arrest and see clearly evident because of Lao officials do not have modern technology for monitoring and inspecting.
The majority of illegal foods and items were found as fish, pig, duck, chicken limbs, electronic items, household items, those have been brought from Thailand through the Mekong River.

Vientiane, Laos

2009-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a very long and seriously bizarre trip to Laos. It was with an organised group that were all doing the same visa run. Seriously a group of oddballs... it was like the cast from some crazy movie...

As follows:

-A very eccentric old man that made us stop the bus every 30 minutes so he could piss (he almost got into a fight with the driver over this).

-A Filipino lady boy (for those of you not aware.. a "lady boy" is a transvestite or transexual) with "her" husband who kept touching my hair telling me how beautiful I was...

-An alcoholic Danish guy who spent the entirety of the trip pissed drunk.

-A fat Aussie guy who, sadly, had his wallet stolen in a Laos disco.

-An old English guy who has lived in Thailand for 25 years and felt compelled to tell us endless stories of "how things used to be".

-A 30 year old American kid with multiple piercings and tattoos, with a scary obsession for Star Trek (he had over 20 Star Trek and Lord of the Rings related tattoos... it was unreal).

-A 50-something year old American guy whose hair reminded me of Elvis... and who could go on for hours about how much better Asian women are than Western...

-A 17 year old German kid who is out here for Muay Thai.

-A couple from Russia who felt it necessary to constantly make out in the bus.

-Me.

I played the role of a very amused, objective observer. The 12 hour bus rides there and back were spent watching movies, listening to WEIRD stories, and making endless stops at various petrol stations throughout Thailand. You could tell we were out of the main cities when I'd exit the bus and get huge STARES from Thai kids who were not accustomed to seeing blondes!

My night in Laos I accompanied the two American guys to dinner and then had to sit there and listen to them talk about Star Trek for TWO hours.. almost bringing themselves to tears talking about their favorite moments in the series. I felt like I was in a twilight zone. It was hilarious. I just sat there thinking "why isn't there anyone here I know that can witness all this?!?"

Just more material for my book....

Lao Martial artists strike out for the future

2009-03-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

More than 100 martial artists gave a demonstration to a curious crowd at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the National University of Laos on Saturday.

The demonstrators, from the junior and senior categories of various martial arts, comprised 50 judo fighters, and 40 male and 21 female practitioners of aikido. They came from Vietnam , Cambodia , Singapore , Thailand and Laos and performed alongside karatedo teams. They received training for this event from Japanese experts.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavat Boupha, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Bouangeun Xaphouvong, Japanese Ambassador to Laos Masaaki Miyashita, presidents of the judo aikido and karatedo federations and senior officials watched the performance along with students.

“It is my great pleasure that the Embassy of Japan is hosting this martial arts demonstration here today. I would like to welcome all guests and thank them for coming to this event,” Mr Miyashita said.

Judo is a traditional Japanese martial art dating back to ancient times along with sumo wrestling. It is renowned for its solid manual movements, without the use of any protective gear or equipment. After the Second World War, it gained an international reputation and was practised by millions of people all over the world. For some time it was included in the Olympic Games.

Karatedo is believed to have its origins in Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan . Again, it doesn't involve the use of any instruments, but there is more emphasis on striking and kicking.

The birth of aikido is relatively recent, dating back to around the 1920s. This martial art is primarily used for self-defence, rather than for attack. It also attaches great importance to harmony between the body and the mind. These martial arts are not simply physical sports, but also emphasise the importance of discipline and self-control.

Some of the players who demonstrated their skills and expertise on Saturday had won SEA Games' medals.

“I am confident that many more of them will obtain medals in the coming SEA Games in Vientiane later this year,” Mr Miyashita said.

He said the Japanese government was continuously contributing to the development of martial arts in Laos by organising annual events and building the Lao-Japan Budo Centre in Vientiane .

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Lao judo and karatedo federations and the Lao Aikido Club for their valuable collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in organising today's event,” he added.

“It's particularly important to mark this event as part of the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009 programme. I hope you enjoy beautiful and powerful performances by Lao martial artists.”

The national judo team will compete at a judo competition to be held in Thailand on April 4. Teams will also take part in the first Asean Martial Arts competition to be held in Thailand at the end of April.

Judo events in the 25th SEA Games will include eight men's categories (55kg, 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, 90kg, 100kg and over 100kg), while the eight women's categories are in the 45, 48, 52, 57, 63, 70, 78 and over 78kg weight divisions.

Karatedo events will consist of male combatants in seven categories (55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg) and women fighters in four (48, 53, 60 and over 60kg).

At the 24th SEA Games held in Thailand last year, the Lao judo team won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals, while the karatedo team won a bronze medal.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes

Vietnam striving for 60 golds at 2009 SEA Games

2009-02-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Vietnam hopes to capture 60 gold medals at the 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Lao capital of Vientiane late this year, a conference in Hanoi heard on Tuesday.

Speaking at the conference on cultural, sports and tourism plans for the year, a General Sports Department leader said the department would do its best so that Vietnam could be among the top three in the medals tally.

Vietnamese managers and athletes have other important tasks, the conference heard, including assisting Laos to organize a successful SEA Games and participating in the 2009 Asian Martial Arts Games where 80 athletes will strive for gold in such events as pencak silat, karatedo, taekwondo and wushu.

The sports department will also send 90 people to the 2009 Asian Youth Games in Singapore to try for gold in shooting and track and field games in preparation for the 2010 Asiad and 2012 Olympic Games.

In addition, more than 200 sporting events including 30 international ones will be organized in Vietnam to create more chances for local athletes to practice.

At the conference, sports leaders also mentioned difficulties they may face this year caused by the global economic downturn. They said it would be hard to meet all the training demands of the athletes and that the merging of the culture, sports and tourism departments has made it difficult for many localities to train athletes.

Addressing the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan suggested the sports department review the work of 2008 sports leaders to see some of the great achievements that were made.

Nhan also suggested that the department should strengthen efforts to help and encourage more people to exercise frequently, adding that only retired people engage in regular physical activity these days.

He suggested introducing Vietnamese martial arts in schools as a sport later this year.

Reported by Lan Phuong

from: http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5&newsid=46228

Wat Sawan Kuha Temple (Phang Nga)

2009-02-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

have been meaning to visit Wat Suwan Kuha (or Wat Suwannakuha; aka Wat Tham; also known as "that temple with a big Buddha in a cave") for a long time. I have seen many photos on the web, the temple is often visited by tours heading to Phang Nga for excursions including elephant rides or white water rafting, so we decided to go last weekend. It's only just over an hours drive from our house to reach Phang Nga town, and the temple is about 10km before the town.. but was curiously poorly signposted. On the way through the North of Phuket you pass rubber plantations, and there were a couple of local caged bird singing contests in progress. Heading over the Sarasin bridge out of Phuket the views are always great. One of these days I must head up there just to get some photos of the area.

The road from Phuket to Phang Nga is good, you pass a number of Buddhist temples and mosques on the road towards Phang Nga Town. I was surprised to find that the turn off to Wat Suwan Kuha is not marked (at least, not in English - the temple entrance on the main road is in Thai). There is a sign pointing to Raman Waterfall National Forest, so follow that! Wat Suwan Kuha is about half a kilometer along the road. There is plenty of parking and, as I say, there are tours visiting here. Quite a few "farang" visitors when we were there, but it was far from crowded.

Outside the cave you find a temple, stalls selling fruit, drinks and snacks and lots of monkeys who will steal your food given half a chance (I saw a monkey take a bag of nuts from a girl on a motorbike). Anyway, no need to buy food here, save your hunger for something better (see end of this page). Entry into the cave is just 20 Baht I am pleased to say.

Oh yes, monkeys... all over the place outside the cave. None inside. Of course people try to sell you food to feed the monkeys. Up to you. Anyway, if you have never been close to a monkey before, here's a place to get that monkey vibe.

Inside the main cave, the dominant figure is the large reclining Buddha. There are a number of other Buddha images too and a big Chedi which contains bones of the family who were the local governors about 160 years ago and who arranged for the construction of a shrine in the cave.

The big reclining Buddha is quite impressive. You can see it from all angles. My son felt the need to give a prayer - see photo below. You can climb some steps behind the reclining Buddha to a couple of small shrines, light some incense, say a prayer.

A cat came looking for a photo opportunity in the cave...

You can climb some steps past the big Buddha, enter another part of the cave. Oh, and I must mention there are bats in the cave too :) And some kind of cave dwelling birds. And a very amusing and totally pointless sign...

This was a nice day out off the island! Not in Phuket, but only an hour from home. We continued further along the road to see the Raman Waterfall.. and will go back sometime. There is a 2km nature trail with about 6 different waterfalls to see. After the temple and waterfall we looked for a nice lunch and found it - a place called Samchong Seafood, a little off the main road between Phang Nga and Phuket, a floating restaurant on a wide mangrove channel. We will be back here too and I will blog the restaurant very soon!

Phang Nga is the province to the north of Phuket and there is a lot to see here, and mostly it's within a day trip from Phuket. Wat Suwan Kuha could be combined with a ride around Phang Nga Bay and a nice seafood lunch. See you again soon!

THAILAND - FIVE THINGS TO DO THAT YOU MIGHT REGRET NOT DOING

2009-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

by king Hughes

If you’re intelligent for a blot where you crapper savor this season to the prizewinning of its potential, then the large positioning to go is Thailand. From beaches to clubs, and from shopping to movies, this land is the personification of a recreation locate to savor and behave when on vacation.

To support your journey, here is a itemize of fivesome things you staleness do when in Thailand. This analyse itemize is to indorse that you not exclusive wager the connatural traveler places, but also wager the another things that this land has to substance to its tourists, in constituent to its gorgeous sites.

First, attain a activate to the beach. You crapper go to Phuket where you crapper either intend a baritone budget hotel soured the coast, or a slightly more expensive one, depending on your budget. You crapper also analyse yourself into improvement on Koh So Mui or Koh Phi Phi, both of which are stunning islands with hearty liquid and an comprehensive arrange of popular things to do. When on the beach, you crapper take in liquid sports such as plane skiing, liquid skiing, or para-sailing, or you could also go ventilator swim by engagement finished digit of the topical journeying operators.

Next, attain trusty you wager the partying on Patong Beach in Phuket. The field beach on Phuket Island is crowded with grouping at night, and the daylong distinction of pubs and exerciser is high with band goers dirt the fissure of dawn.

Experience a Muay Tahi match. This is the locate where Muay Tai started, so erst you are here attain trusty you check at small one. This is digit of the most followed sports in the country. On the another hand, if you cannot defence conflict then you are wise to resile it. Most matches are lawful on weekday nights, and you crapper communicate a topical journeying drive to support you in purchase tickets for one.

Go to a cinema. While this haw beatific same a intense intent on a activate abroad, you module see for yourself that Siam has the prizewinning cinemas world-wide. They are rattling past and armored with the most past systems. Siam offers panjandrum and First Class cinemas too, where you are presented assist kindred to a five-star hotel. With large lounges, free-of-charge snacks and beverages, and exclusive 20 to 40 grouping in the medium distribution it with you, you module see as if you are at a clannish medium screening. Most cinemas modify provide pillows and blankets, and waiters who help you food.

Bangkok is filled with malls and markets substance you every sorts of products at quite commonsensible prices. You crapper commonly understanding items downbound to half the example price, and modify if you modify up stipendiary slightly more than a topical would, it module ease be such cheaper than the artefact you haw acquire from whatever another locate - definitely at home. Moreover, you crapper go to Sukhumvit or the Night Plaza in Patpong for beatific prices.

So, these are the fivesome things that you staleness do when in Siam in visit to undergo the prizewinning that this land has to substance to its tourists. Of course, you should also do the lawful traveler sightseeing, but these fivesome things module genuinely drive you to start in fuck with this country, and entertainer you backwards again and again.

from: http://www.allwebsolution.biz/bahamas/thailand-five-things-to-do-that-you-might-regret-not-doing/

Road to Cambodia 5

2009-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

By: R.K. Shivachandra

The horrifying foray to the Killing Field, Genocide museum and other historic war spots in Cambodia left everyone in a state of shock and this continued to linger heavy in our hearts. Many Europeans who had visited the site were seen breaking down on their knees in front of the memorable stupa where the excavated skulls and bones were being displayed.
We really wanted to further our visit to some interior parts of Cambodia. However due to time constraint, we couldn’t make it. The distance between Phnom Penh and Ho Chin Minh City in Vietnam is about 216 Kms. A smooth drive can take around 2 hours from Phnom Penh to Ho chin Minh city. Visas needed to be applied at Phnom Penh only. At the moment Vietnam visas are not issued at the border. We need to apply for it one day ahead. However our team couldn’t manage it for Sunday and Saturday were off- day. And that was only the two days we had in hand and overstaying more days in Cambodia could amount to cancellation of our return flight to Kolkata. Though some of us had been to the Moc Bai and other adjacent villages towards the border to Vietnam, the team as a whole couldn’t visit the city of Vietnam.
Our return journey to Bangkok through the South coast of Cambodia was a memorable one. The more interesting part of the journey had been the long stretch of the coastal and the beautiful blue sea that danced gleefully in a spectacular distance. We are water -obsessed people and are ready to be romantic about with any form of water; be it pond or small river. Traveling overlooking the vast Sea in a hot summer day was so refreshing and the situation asked one to be more romantic and calls everyone to become a harmless soul rather than violent. The beautiful site chased away at bay the bed habit of animosity, hatred and dislike among one another that we carry along with us from Manipur and for sometime we breathed freedom. The beach seemed to have expressed by itself that ‘Beauty of nature should be praised’. On the stretch of the coast there were resorts of the colonial era and many nascent national parks took its most fascinating form. Much of the coastline is dotted with small fishing communities. Some 80 Kms. down the line towards the border lies the first town ‘Kampot’. A sleepy small town in the Southern cost yet a principal port in the whole of Cambodia. Then we proceeded further to Sihanoukville. A thinly populated beach town not much to be offered to the tourists. Compared to any Thailand beach like Pataya and Phuket, Sihanoukville is still light years behind. The charmless town is fortunate enough to be hemmed in all sides by palm fringed white sand beaches and tropical islands. The present town named after the then King was amidst the thick jungle during 1950s. It was hacked out to create the first deep water port in 50s and USA provided money. The best route to proceed to Koh Kong the border of Cambodia from Sihanoukville is waterways. There are about three fast boats that depart from Sihanoukville before 11 A.M daily. They never take the risk of sailing afternoon for the sea is unfriendly during the evening. Despite our enthusiasm to have a boat ride, we missed the chance by 10 minutes that the last boat had already departed some few minutes before we reached the port. So we proceeded by a Toyota mini bus towards Koh Kong.
Koh Kong is an increasingly popular gateway to Cambodia from Hat Lek in eastern Thailand. Having the same name as its town, Koh Kong Island is the biggest island of Koh Kong’s coast. There are a number of unspoiled and less visited beaches around the island. This island visit is good for a one-day trip. The provincial capital is one of the few places in the entire province where we can find more tourists. Most folks pass through on their way to or from Thailand but due to transport limitations often they have to spend the night here. Unlike that border town to the north, Poipet, Koh Kong is a much more relaxed place with scenic beauties around .As with any border town there are the requisite mercenaries around, but no hassle around here as it was in Poipet. Having to spend a night in Koh Kong is not a bad idea
The distance between Phnom Penh to Koh Kong could cover in 6 hours with breaks at different locations. The distance is hardly 280 Kms.By the time we reached Cham Yeam the border check point in Koh Kong, it was around 5 in the evening. The big resort 7 star hotel at the extreme border stood in its majestic structure overlooking the blue ocean that spread as far as the eyes can see. Not far from the star hotel, Cambodian and Thailand National Flags were seen flying independently but struggling its way to resist the strong coastal wind. In the far horizon a faded Sun was seen half sunk in the depth of the sea. The dazzling golden water around him appeared as if it was a volcanic mountain in the middle of the sea with its lava sprung-out. The crimson ray spread over the horizon and twilight slowly enveloped the evening scene. Few shy-natured Cambodian girls peeped us by questioning telepathically who we are “Thais or Khmers” as they passed by. Nostalgic memories of my early teens attempted to whisk me back down the long forgotten memory lane in Manipur. Many evenings that have been bathed with the crimson rays had been passed by before my eyes in Manipur but never did a single thought occurred this way. Why did such a romantic mood sneak into me at this border point of Cambodia? May be a simple word to answer “When mind is free nature always takes its best role.”
Immigration officials at the border were so warm and friendly. We have crossed the border and applied for re entry visa into Thailand and soon we got it. The immigration officials in Thailand helped us to catch a mini van to further our journey to Bangkok via Pataya, the famous sea beach of Thailand. As the vehicle sped up, the silent highway gave our way towards Thailand. The sleeping mountain ranges seemed to have whispered ‘bye come back again’. In the death of the night people headed their own way to different destinations. Unlike Imphal Dimapur road or Imphal Moreh, our driver was never afraid of the gun totting element that might intervene our road to Bangkok. As we were penetrating through the silent night I could not but ponder why in Manipur things became too worse. Just beyond Motbung, the rest of the journey is purely in the hands of the God. This is all a spine chilling experience if you travel through the night. The one who is waiving Hi … by the driver widow is not there to cheer you up. If you don’t believe just open the window and just make ‘yourself’ his day. This is what happening in this tiny part of the World that we dearly called “A land belonging to Chingmi Tammi”. It is shameless robbing a stranger who passes through my corridor. On the other hand we saw hordes of departmental stores and show rooms that pressed into service till late midnight by the national highway. They seemed not to have bothered for a demand letter. They are not busy for ‘Waakat Mipham’ but used their precious time judiciously for promotion and developmental purposes only. But down here we are different creature. What is this? Are we all beasts here? When the neighboring South East Asian Countries scaled the sky, we are here just acting the ‘savage’. It is unfortunate and time calls for the godly men in the villages and city teaching the criminals the genesis of Adam and Eve with special reference to Manipur.
After a night halt at Pataya we have resumed our journey for Bangkok. The hollow Island in Pataya and people, who enjoyed life as if death would never befall on them, was a lovely site to look at.
We have reported on the Airport on the right time. The excess baggages made everybody unhappy. I have suggested them to be very cautious but the market was too tempting. Anyway we did it.
Reaching upon Kolkata, the immigration official on the desk gazed us through the thick glass lens as if we had done something wrong in the foreign countries. The customs officials kept watching us suspiciously as we passed through the green channel. Some unlucky fellow’s bags were checked but they didn’t find anything objectionable.
Back home. My daughter placed before me the bundle of newspapers with a cup of tea. Front pages contained news of ‘three killed’ and ‘four killed’. And lots more. Not a single day passed by without killing. Now the count begins how many of them killed during our absence in Manipur. How many widows stood on their mark to run the race “struggle of existence”. fromhttp://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=kshow&kid=1463

'Andaman News' program from Monday 16 February onwards & highlights 10-12 February

2009-02-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

On Monday 16 February, we plan local news including ASEAN plus three Finance Ministers meeting to take place in Phuket; then our Special report takes you to the ‘Two island-One culture wedding’ held in Phuket on Valentine’s Day and looks at the Audio lab library for the blind at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

On Tuesday 17 February, local news included Phuket authority ready to host ASEAN Finance Ministers; Later we had an interview at Soi Dog's Mai Khao Shelter & Clinic opened a year ago; then we looked at some sarong in Phuket.

We were NOT on air Monday 9 February, Makka Bucha Day and public holiday. We returned on Tuesday 10 February with popular specials about the Similan Islands & House made from Earth in Phang Nga;

On Wednesday 11 February we had a report about assistance for Phuket Marine Biological Centre marine animal rescues by Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation & Le Meridien Phuket Resort; plus a report on Ban Paklok villagers in Thalang.

On Thursday 12 February we had a report on Sea Gypsies unusual ceremonies in Mai Khao, Phuket; plus an interview with the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office about the ‘2 Islands 1 Culture’ festival for Taiwanese & Thai couples, this coming Valentines Day.

We were NOT on air Friday 13 February.

From 1 April 2008 we have appeared on this website http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Please bookmark it and stay tuned for more changes & news as they develop. Our previous website http://news.prd.go.th closed all its pages at end of May 2008, and the other previous website Thaisnews.com was closed 6 November 2007; Some special and interview videos are also put on www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews or search under www.video.google.com. Contact us for any old videos we may still have, that you may need!

Also TV Channel 11 was renamed NBT since 1 April 2008.

'Andaman News' is usually on air live most Mondays to Fridays, at 8.30-9am, in English, with the latest local Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi news, reports, interviews and weather forecasts on local NBT TV, (VHF dial, not UBC-True) ; and also with effect 1 July 2008 live on Radio Thailand FM90.5, to Phuket, Phang Nga & Krabi provinces; plus possibly repeats on Phuket Cable TV's channel 1 & their regional networks at 7pm & 1am; and on FM108 Mazz Radio in Phuket at 7pm.

The Andaman News text, photos & VDOs are usually posted on this website from about 10.00am on each day of broadcast. Most are also put on www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews . We and others can also put some interesting links to our VDOs on other websites and forums as well free of copyright as we are a public broadcaster.

To send comments, enquiries, suggestions, video contributions, advertising/sponsorship* on program, requests to lease airtime, Press Releases, & volunteers for Young Reporters or Student Interns, please email to AndamanNews@yahoo.com or send to/visit the NBT TV studio on Rang Hill in Phuket City. For urgent messages, please phone 089-1739808 (in English) 089-7231984 or 076 211555 (in Thai) or fax 076 211556.

* Also note we are willing to discuss company sponsorship of segments, programs and staff in Andaman News.
from:http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews2.php?news_id=960&news_headline=

Phuket’s Taj Exotica makes genuine start

2009-02-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

by Phuketwan

The Taj Exotica is still planned for Phuket, despite the world economic downturn and a terrorist attack at the beautiful Taj hotel in Mumbai in November.

Hotel representatives called a meeting 11th February at the Bang Kontree Mosque community centre in Rawai to assess progress and inform interested parties about plans for the development.

As several glossy property-related magazines have noted, the Taj will probably set new standards in exclusive luxury accommodation on Phuket.

The Taj is to go on Koh Lon, an as yet undeveloped island surprisingly close to Chalong.

The 121 villas, to be set across 136 rai, could reach new record highs at a cost of $900,000 a key, according to those who have seen details of planning. That will be sumptuous accommodation.

But first, all the regular environmental impact surveys and discussions with local people have to be negotiated.

Phuketwan has visited Koh Lon many times and it´s a fascinating place. But the small island community of 80 families has been losing its young adults to the tourism industry.

So the modern pressures of earning a good income have left the island with elderly residents, and the very young. The local school has been under threat of closure for lack of students and teachers.

A resort of the right kind could be just what the island needs. It could bring back local villagers to local jobs, and reinvigorate local culture.

Wild pigs and bats are just a couple of the attractions that already make Koh Lon an ideal homestay destination, just 15 minutes away from Chalong Pier.

The villagers are friendly and keen to grow their own kind of tourist industry. Homestay suits them.

A coral reef nearby is still intact. So is the local Muslim culture, despite being so close to downtown Phuket.

Will the Taj change all that? The right resort could be a boon. But only the community can judge whether the Taj is the right resort.

In a brochure in the Thai language, handed out 11th February, the Taj management spells out its reasoning for choosing Koh Lon, and why it could work to everyone´s benefit.

Once work starts, the brochure says, building will take two years. (if you believe the breathless glossies, the Taj is about to open any minute.)

An Environmental Impact Assessment study is the first step. The brochure says Taj management is concerned to prevent landslips, waste water pollution in the sea and any other negative effects the project might have on the environment.

Major changes to the terrain are not anticipated. Waste from the construction project is to be transported to Saphan Hin, under an arrangement with the tessaban council of Phuket City.

Retaining blocks up to 2.4 metres high will prevent erosion into the sea, the brochure says. Tree-lopping will be limited and much of the area will retain its present foliage, the brochure says.

Shipping to and from Chalong will be done at high tide to avoid damage to coral, according to the brochure.

Benefits to the locals will come with jobs and more tourists to generate local income, and some of those benefits will stay on Koh Lon.

Project designers hope to be able to limit water traffic to a new pier on Koh Lon, the brochure says.

At the public meeting 11th February were representatives from Rawai tessaban Vichitt tessaban (both local councils) the Phuket Marine Biology Centre, the Royal Thai Navy, the marine transport office, leaders of the local people on Koh Lon and on Phuket, the Tourist Authority of Thailand and Taj representatives.

The firm that will make the environmental impact study was also represented.

Despite what the glossy magazines imply, no permission has been issued for construction to begin. Due process has to be followed before a timetable can be set.

About 50 people were at today´s gathering.

A representative from the Taj said that 80 percent of residents within a five-kilometre radius of the proposed project had expressed favorable opinions about it.

The result of the favorable survey has been passed to Rawai tessaban.

However, at the meeting, some local residents clearly within five kilometres of the project expressed surprise and said they knew nothing about the survey.

The Taj representatives said they would look to make the next survey more thorough and all-inclusive.

A proposal for a marina close to the Taj Exotica is being treated as a separate project. It will require its own environmental impact study.

Story reproduced with permission of Phuketwan, www.phuketwan.com.

TAT woos more visitors from Japan, Spain

2009-02-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

TAT woos more visitors from Japan, Spain

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hopes Japanese tourists will be encouraged to return to the Kingdom following Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's recent visit to the country, and is also making a concerted effort to lure Spanish travellers.

TAT officials have been travelling to foreign shores and conducting road shows in an effort to restore confidence among international tourists, whose numbers have dropped off in the wake of the worldwide economic meltdown. The state agency began its efforts some months ago with China, and most recently has focused its efforts on Japan - long one of the country's biggest tourism revenue sources - and Spain, an emerging source of tourist dollars.

TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn said Thai officials have met with representatives of Japanese travel companies, tourism associations and government bodies to discuss a plan to restore tourism traffic between the two countries.

The TAT apologised to Japanese travellers for the many problems that have disrupted tourism in the Kingdom, Phornsiri said, and expected the effort to pay off with a rise in arrivals from Japan within the year.

The TAT expects the Japanese market to stay above the one-million tourist level this year, keeping it among the five biggest markets.

Last year, 1.2 million Japanese visited Thailand, generated revenue of Bt42 billion, the second-largest source of foreign tourism income following the United Kingdom. The top five destinations for Japanese travellers were Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Pattaya.

Japanese tourists spend an average of 7.5 days in Thailand, and 64.1 per cent of them return to the Kingdom at some point.

Many countries are vying for a slice of the Japanese tourist pie as Tokyo is encouraging its citizens to travel abroad under the Visit World Campaign, which was launched last year and will end in 2010, Phornsiri said.

The Japan Association of Travel Agents expects more than 20 million Japanese to travel as part of the campaign this year, up from 17 million last year.

To take advantage of the campaign, the TAT is focusing on three target groups; wealthy and middle-aged tourists; families; and youth travellers.

On February 24-26, the TAT will hold the Thailand Mega Familiarisation Trip, bringing 450 international travel agents, writers and reporters to Thailand for a briefing on the tourism situation.

The event follows the TAT's participation in Feria International de Turismo 2009, a tourism trade show in Spain held earlier this month. Four Thai hotel operators and 12 travel companies participated in the show.

The agency has taken its Seven Wonders of Amazing Thailand campaign to Spain, which is emerging as a valuable market for Thai tourism.

Tourist arrivals from Spain - particularly to Phuket - are increasing due to a rise in the number of direct charter flights, Phornsiri said.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hoped that Japanese tourists would return to Thailand following a recently visiting of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva while Spain also expected to recover soon.

TAT has been taking overseas trips and joining international road shows to restore tourist confident as part of dealings with worldwide economic meltdown. Starting with China some months ago, the state run TAT now returned from Japan , where is one of the biggest market for tourism, and Spain which is one of new emerging markets.

Phornsiri Manoharn, governor of TAT said that the group has met with Japan 's representatives of travel companies, tourism associations and well as government bodies to discuss tourism rebuilding plan between the two countries.

Phornsiri said TAT has expressed apologies to Japanese over many problems and issues happened in the kingdom earlier. The move is expected to reclaim number of Japanese into Thailand this year.

TAT expected that it could maintain Japan market with more than 1 million tourists this year, remaining top five biggest markets.

Last year, 1.2 million Japanese visited Thailand and generated revenue of Bt42 billion. It was second largest tourism income from overseas fallowing United Kingdom . Top five favorite destinations for Japanese are Bangkok , Phuket, Chaing Mai Aydhya and Pattaya.

Japanese is spending average of 7.5 days in Thailand . 64.1 percent of them are repeaters.

According to Phornsiri , Japan market is one of potential markets for all countries as Japan government is encouraging its citizen to travel abroad under campaign Visit World Campaign (VWC), which start last year and will be end 2010.

Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) projected more than 20 million Japanese would join the campaign this year, up from 17 million movements last year.

To tackle the promotion, TAT will be focusing on three targets; wealthy and middle age, family and youth travelers.

The agency planned to held Thailand Mega Familiarization Trip during February24-26, 2009 to bring 450 travel agents and tourism medias and writers including Japan into Thailand to get latest up dated tourism situation.

Early this month, TAT has joint a tourism trade show, Feria International de Turismo (FITUR) 2009, hold in Spain . 4 Thai hotel operators and 12 travel companies have joint the event.

TAT has promoted its Seven Wonders of Amazing Thailand products to Spain where now became one of emerging markets for Thailand 's tourism.

Phornsiri said more tourists from Spain would come to Thailand particular Phuket Island due to more direct charter flights.
from:http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/02/16/business/business_30095770.php

VDO Special - ‘Two island-One culture wedding’ held in Phuket on Valentines Day

2009-02-17T14:06:00.001-08:00

VDO Special - ‘Two island-One culture wedding’ held in Phuket on Valentines Day

Many positive and happy events took place across Thailand on Valentine’s Day. While the province of Trang in the Andaman Coastal region held underwater weddings, Phuket people were taken back in time for the ‘Two island-One culture wedding’ which was very special. Our reporter went along to capture the memorable atmosphere.

An old Phuket style groom’s procession using rickshaws started from the Phuket City office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT which represented the groom’s residence. The procession went along roads in old Phuket town heading for the Hongsyok family’s old colonial mansion, which represented the brides’ residence. This procession took place after the grooms and families performed a ceremony to pay respect to god, seeking their auspicious day for the wedding and hope for a blessing that day and in the future, with Phuket Governor Preecha Ruangjan and his spouse Piyatida, leading the ceremony. The governor hoped that the event would promote a cultural value among the younger generation. This was no ordinary wedding. It was the ‘Two island’s One culture’ wedding in which 8 couples from the island of Taiwan joined in the TAT’s invitation to get married in the traditional Thai Baba or Peranakan style in Phuket. They were joined by one local Thai couple, among many who are still fond of the traditional style of Baba wedding ceremonies, plus some 20 honeymooners as witnesses, and several young bridesmaids, girls and boys. The Director of the TAT’s local office in Phuket, Settaphan Buddhani, earlier explained more to us about the background of the special event:

Arriving at the bride’s residence, the grooms were greeted and welcomed in before a tea ceremony took place. During this ceremony red envelopes were presented to the couples. Settaphan explained that traditionally the envelop would have money in, but for this special occasion in an resort island of Phuket, the newly wed couples received many gifts for them to enjoy while staying in Phuket. Also performing in the ceremony were Taiwanese stars, Ms. Queenie Tai and Mr. Alan Huang, who were also impressed with the ceremony. Accompanying the group was a writer from the China Times Weekly in Taiwan, Danny Wen, who expressed his impressions about the wedding in Phuket: In the evening a celebration party was arranged at the old Thai Hua Museum in a nice and relaxed atmosphere where the newly weds were blessed and wished a prosperous future by the Phuket Governor. While the organizer was pleased with the turn out and enthusiasm about the wedding of participants and international press, local people were also happy to see the traditional ceremony. Traditional dance displays by Taiwanese and Thai artists, including a young group from British International School Phuket, was also put on stage to end the nice happy Valentines weddings.

Special Report for Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Monday 16 February 2009 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews Send comments to AndamanNews@yahoo.com

CLIP VIDEO

from:http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews2.php?news_id=961&news_headline=VDO%20Special%20-%20%E2%80%98Two%20island-One%20culture%20wedding%E2%80%99%20held%20in%20Phuket%20on%20Valentines%20Day

How To Travel from Cambodia to Vietnam for $10

2009-02-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

Under $10? What...on a push cart? Well, as is so often the case, you can spend a great deal of money to go the tourist style, or if you know where to look, you can get almost the same service for very little and meet new folks in the process. Yes, there are several international border crossings between Cambodia and Vietnam. You MUST have a Visa...but getting a Visa for Vietnam while you are in Cambodia is very easy and your travel agent/hotel desk can do it for you quickly.

Step 1:

Bavet, Cambodia - Moc Bai, Vietnam. Air-conditioned buses from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City will cost you $10. This takes you through the Moc Bai crossing. The road between Phnom Penh and Moc Bai is in very good condition except for a short ferry crossing. The bridge over the Mekong River at Neak Luong town is still under construction. There is no bus change at the border so even if the wait can be long at the ferry crossing during special holidays and peak hours, you don't have the inconvenience of transferring from one bus to the other. By the way...take water, cookies, a flashlight and whatever else is in your "just-in-case" kit.

Step 2:

Kaam Samnor, Cambodia - Ving Xuong, Vietnam. This option is a do it yourself one. From Phnom Penh, take a shared taxi ($3) or bus east on Route 1 to Neak Loeung where you take a ferry ($3) down the Mekong to the Kaam Samnor crossing where you exit Cambodia (quite a procedure). Take a motodup to Vietnamese immigration and enter Vietnam. From this crossing, take a motodup to Chau Doc, a great river's edge Vietnamese city with a few very good hotels, just a couple of kilometers away. Stay overnight or go to the central market and catch a mini-van to Ho Chi Minh City. Some guesthouses and travel agents offer daily transport packages from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc by bus and ferry for just $8....and it is a great adventure.

Step 3:

Phnom Den, Cambodia-Tinh Bien, Vietnam. From Phsar Domkor in Phnom Penh take a shared taxi to Phnom Den in Takeo Province. This will cost you $10. Walk across the border to Tien Bien and you are in Vietnam. From Tien Bien, take a bus to Chau Doc, about 10 kilometers north, where you can catch a minivan to Ho Chi Minh City.

Step 4:

Prek Chak, Cambodia - Xaxia, Vietnam. Often referred to as the Ha Tien Crossing, this provides easy access when you are staying in Kampot or Kep. A motodup from Kampot will cost you $10. You just c

How To Plan a Road Trip

2009-02-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

The classic American vacation--a road trip--is a fun way to get to know the country better, and get away from it all to places you never thought possible. With airline travel growing even more complicated, inconvenient and uncomfortable than ever, it might be time for you to turn your vacation into a road trip. Don't just go from point A to point B; take the scenic route, make detours, follow those signs for the Corn Palace (Mitchell, South Dakota) or the Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, California) and see what happens! Now, while you don't need to plan too carefully--part of the romance of a road trip is the spontaneity--taking time to do a little organization will help to oil the gears, as it were, and make your ride go much more smoothly.

Care for Your Car: If you plan on using your own vehicle, make sure to get it checked out--by a professional mechanic preferably, or your mechanically inclined friend if you're feeling particularly trusting--before you go. Make sure you take care of those minor tune-ups before you go, because hard driving will not only exacerbate little problems, but can create entire new ones, and you don't want to find yourself stranded somewhere outside of Truckee in the middle of July with an overheated engine. Also important: Are your license and registration current? How about your insurance? Don't buckle in your seatbelt until you're sure you're prepared for minor emergencies or any encounters with authority.
Go Rental: Don't have a car? Still determined to drive? Rent something. You can get deals directly through companies like Avis, Enterprise or Budget, or check out sites like Travelocity or Expedia, where they do comparison searches according to your parameters in order to find you the best deal. Rental cars have insurance, and are guaranteed to be road-ready the second you start the engine, so you should be as safe as your driving allows. This can get expensive, but taking the responsibility of car ownership off you can definitely be worth it.
Educate Yourself: Do you know how to change a flat tire? Have you got a spare in your trunk? Regular drivers should know how to perform this relatively simple operation, but for those who don't, get a lesson. You might also want to brush up on your oil-changing skills while you're at it. Too busy? Bring a friend who can do it for you; alternatively, check your insurance to see what kind of roadside service the company offers.
Automotive Alternatives: Typically a road trip is done by car, but if you don't have a vehicle of your own, and don't want to rent or borrow one, you can always hop on a bus. Greyhound has lines that cover the North American continent, and if you want to see the road without having to watch it, go Greyhound. There are numerous local bus lines to take you through interesting parts of different states as well, which you can find with a simple online search for "bus lines." Such a search on Google, for example, garners 59 million hits.
Get a Guide: And a map! Go to the bookstore, shop online, pop into the gas station liquor store, but get good maps of everywhere you plan on being. This doesn't mean you have to plan your route down to the cul de sac, but should you find yourself on the fourth detour of the day, you'll want to be able to find your way back to the freeway before it gets too dark and lonely. This is where a good navigator comes in very handy; if you didn't already appreciate the company after three hours of wheat fields, you will when you get to the evening's motel without backtracking.
Make a Budget: If money is not an issue, you can skip this step; otherwise, decide how much you're willing to spend on gas, shelter, food, and tacky souvenirs, and divide it by the number of days you'll be on the road. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 per day seems reasonable, but if you think you can live on cheese crackers and bottled water for 10 days, feel free to use a narrower guideline. The important thing here is to be able to travel without emptying your bank account.
Bring Supplies: You'll get thirsty. You'll get hungry. You'll get bored. Bring a cooler so you can carry perishable snacks and keep the drinks cold. Make sure you stock up during pit stops or in town detours (grocery stores are much cheaper and have a wider variety of comestibles than the gas station); hungry drivers do not good drivers make. If you're willing to chance it, use the radio to learn about the places you're driving through, but remember that from the great flat expanses of the Midwest to the sharp drops and hairpin turns of the Sierra Nevadas, radio dead zones are everywhere. Bring along an MP3 or CD player you can play through the car stereo; be creative and make some driving mixes (or have your navigator do it). And remember: Maps, maps, maps!

Why Does Affiliate Marketing Work Well For Everyone?

2009-02-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

By Deirdre Groves

To understand this, we must know what Internet marketing is first. Internet marketing allows the consumer to know that a product/service is available. Why affiliate marketing works well is it promotes these products or services, and earns a commission or percentage of the product.

So the more products or services you promote, the more sales, therefore more commissions... The reason why Affiliate Marketing works well, absolutely anyone can become a Master of affiliate

marketing. It does not matter, ability, disability, creed , colour, education, location, have money , no money, the only obstacle that can possibly stand in your way is You!

Why Affiliate marketing works well because the company's saves thousands in advertising, and they are generating more sales and reaching a wider audience....A win win situation for them also!

The greatest appeal and why affiliate marketing work well are the possibilities and potential which this career offers, a world of products/services to promote to a world wide audience....Now could

it get any better than that. I don't think so!!!

There are no limitations of what can be promoted, no worry about recessions or economic down turns. Why Affiliate marketing works well because it allows us Freedom to work when ever you want and where ever, you could go on a six month trip, and once you have access to the Internet, your grand! Now could it get any better than that, I don't think so!!

You will come across a lot of people you will promise "to reveal the secrets" of affiliate marketing and other promises, don't listen. Do your research, it is like any thing, you have to learn how. there are no quick fixes! You have to walk before you can run. If you don't want to put any effort in.....go buy a lotto ticket!

I spent a lot of time trying to make money at affiliate marketing until I learned the correct methods that work. With the help of others who were learning and those who were successful. They were only too happy to share their knowledge, because there is room for everyone. How many grains of sand are in the desert? Thats how many products/services there are to promote...So the more the merrier!!

Why affiliate marketing works well you can start with absolutely No Money, and when you learn

the techniques and make money you can then invest in the tools which will make the process easier...Its like this, I can walk every where, but when I got a bike, I got every where much faster, and when I got a car....That was the icing on the cake!!! Why affiliate marketing works well is affiliates enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with others, because we all want each other to do well.

Affiliate Marketers Make $1000's every because they know How.

They learned their trade, they have the tools. They got an education

http://www.smartmarketingreviews.com

Phuket Nightclub Girls

2009-01-31T04:55:00.000-08:00

are real attractive Asian girls. Many come from Bangkok to Phuket and try to make some money maybe to decorate the house back in
northern Thailand with a satellite dish. There are beautiful Phuket girls, cute Phuket girls and most of them are free Phuket girls.
Phuket nightclub girls
Phuket nightclub girls

Not so often are gay girls or lady boys.
Almost all Phuket girls around Patong could be considered as hot girls or hot Phuket girls.

You can meet hundreds of positive thinking Phuket girls and sexy Phuket girls in the Bangla Road area at Patong Beach.

Phuket nightclub girls hang around mainly in the dozens of small bars in the roads branching off Bangla Road.Have a look around if you are out for Phuket girls dating

Club Lime nightclub in Patong

2009-01-31T04:51:00.000-08:00

Club Lime is at the forefront of clubs in Patong. There are very few bars and clubs in Phuket that dare to play anything other than hip hop or rock music. Club Lime in Patong focuses on real clubbing tunes, covering everything from electro and techno to breaks and funky house. At one time Club Lime hosted a drum ’n’ bass event, but this proved too cutting edge, even for Patong.

Club Lime stands tall among Patong clubs as one of finer establishments in the area. The venue stays open late, often past regular closing hours, and a string of well-known guest DJs have graced the decks. Everyone from Inland Knights and Jo Mills to Adam Beyer and Thailand’s own DJ Nakadia have played at Club Lime.

Cover charge at Club Lime is typically 300 baht with two free drinks. Once inside, drinks are a little pricey, but there is a convenience store practically next door if you need to stock up on cheap beer before you go in

Thai Girls Phuket Patong Thailand, Katoeys, Bar And Thai Girl

2009-01-31T04:47:00.000-08:00

Phuket sales girls and my first decent clubbing discovery

Since I arrived in Phuket three months ago I’ve been desperately searching for some real nightlife. Recently, I’ve found a couple of places of note. One such place is Club Lime in Patong, located on the beach road next to Rock City and Club Andaman Resort.

I went to Club Lime for the first time on Friday night. What’s good about this place is that it pushes real dance music and the DJs are fairly decent. The music was primarily electro, with a bit of house and tech house to boot. It was real dance floor stuff, although Club Lime doesn’t have much of a dance floor. But still, there is space in front of the bar to dance.

The guys at Club Lime are looking to push clubbing in Phuket to new boundaries. Starting next month, there will be drum ‘n’ bass nights (which I might get involved in) and more DJs will be asked to play. Nakadia is due to play October 12, and after all the stick I’ve been giving her on the Bangkok Recorder forums, I’d like to see her play again.

The only thing with Club Lime is the people who go there. This is something that needs a bit of work. Hopefully a couple of articles I’m writing will drive some actual clubbers to the venue.

At the moment, it feels a bit like Bed Supperclub. Lime is full of old dudes and property sales girls. The sales girls in particular get on my nerves because they do nothing except take pictures of one another and rub their bodies on each other when everybody is looking. Sometimes they just pose and take their own pictures. I’ve never understood this.

One thing I’ve noticed about Phuket is that there are two types of people here: teachers and people working in real estate. Then there are the media people who write about the people working in real estate. If you enjoy talking about commissions and beauty salons then the sales girls will be happy to oblige. You wouldn’t believe how much money these girls are making as well; makes me think I should have been a sales girl.

Other than the sales girls issue, Club Lime is worth checking out.

Miss SEA Games 2009 are waiting for you in Laos !

2008-12-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

The final selection of 100 Ms SEA Games representatives will take
place on Friday at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane.

More than 200 girls have applied to the contest, but only 100 will be
chosen for the role.

Eleven country placard bearers will be selected from the 100
representatives to take part in the stadium parade that precedes the
games, which will be held next December in Vientiane.

The 100 selected participants will introduce themselves to the public
for the first time at Patuxay Monument at the start of the countdown
to the SEA Games, which will begin on New Year's Eve.

Organising sub-committee member, Mr Sopha Inthavong, said nationwide
applications opened at the end of July, and the three-part selection
process would culminate in the announcement this Friday.

Applicants were required to be Lao citizens, aged between 18 and 25,
and have a pleasant personality and good manners.

Participants also had to be single and be communicative, intelligent,
knowledgeable, talented and able to speak English.

Before the candidates were presented yesterday to the organising
committee at the National Culture Hall, they received training in
social etiquette and ceremonial presentation. Mr Sopha, who is also
one of the trainers, said training would continue after the selection
process.

“After their selection, the 100 Ms SEA Games representatives will
return to the National Culture Hall stage, where they will practise
how to nop (perform the traditional greeting), stand and act in a
socially appropriate manner,” Mr Sopha said.

He said those who were selected would also learn how to speak English
and take part in various activities, such as visiting important sites
in Vientiane like That Luang and the Hor Phra Keo museum.

They will be trained by staff who will give them suggestions on the
wearing of traditional clothes and tennis dress, before their public
presentation on December 31.

They will also learn how to dance to a selection of songs and rhythm,
and be guided in their choice of clothes.

An 18-year-old participant in the contest, Ms Soudaphone Tilakhoun,
who attends Pakpasak Technical School , said she was persuaded by her
friend to apply. She is hopeful of being selected in the group of 100
on Friday.

“ Laos will host the SEA Games for the first time, and I wanted to
play a part in serving the nation,” she said. “As a Lao girl I want to
give other people an insight into Lao culture, both in Laos and
overseas.”

Another participant, Ms Bouasavanh Phanthamit, 18, from Luang Prabang,
who studies at Rattana Business Administration College , said she too
wanted to serve her country while building her confidence.

“Actually I'm shy and never thought I could take part in the selection
process, but I've discovered I'm confident enough to go through with
it,” she said.

By Vientiane Times

Phuket Map and CD

2008-09-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Phuket Map and CD

GPS Surveyed Phuket Map
Includes CD with Map Software

Bilingual Version - English and Thai

The paper map is 100 cm x 69 cm, (40 x 27 inches) and covers Thailand's Phuket province at scales of 1:55,900 and 1:8,000.

The MapMagic CD Features :
maximum zoom scale is 1:2,000
Zoom, pan and measure distance.
Powerful and user-friendly search engine.
Add unlimited favorite points.
Hide or show each map layer individually.
Change map background and font size.
Print or copy map image to other programs.
Show Lat/Long in WGS-84 System.

Works on Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP.

Map and CD
Bangkok 2005
ThinkNet

See related websites link below for a sample from the CD

Just Another Girl by Lung David

2008-09-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Just Another Girl by Lung David

Follow the story of Lek, from childhood innocence through her life of joy, hopes, and love; cruelly shattered by abuse, violence, drugs and sex.

The many characters and places influencing Lek's destiny and beliefs are described in flowing descriptive words, to help you become entranced by the novel. When the tears are spent, give some thought to the exploitation and abuse of children and women throughout the world. Don't just think. Do something.

Groovy Map - Phuket Day & Night Map 'n' Guid

2008-09-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

Groovy Map - Phuket Day & Night Map 'n' Guid

Your inside guide to what's hot!

Waterproof weatherproof laminated map and guide.

Asia's bestselling orientation maps. The Groovy Map 'n' Guide has everything you need to get the most of a city in a short time. With simplified maps and independent reviews, we'll lead you to the best stuff in each part of the city.

Laminated Map
Bangkok 2006
Groovy Map

Discover Scuba Diving Thailand

2008-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Discover Scuba Diving Thailand

The Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Thailand...on DVD

Also featuring...Cliff Jumping...Full Moon Party...Canopy Flights...Cultural Experiences...Spa Ideas...White Water Rafting...and much more!!

If you are planning a vacation to Thailand and are considering Scuba Diving or a Scuba Diving course...this DVD is for you. Or, if you are looking for a souvenir of your diving in Thailand, what better way to keep your memories alive! The DVD takes you through each of the dive areas also looking at kinds of accommodation available along with other activities you can participate in outside diving.

Program One - Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi
Program Two - Phuket, Similans, Khao Lak
Program Three - Koh Chang, Pattaya and Samae San
Program Four - Chumphon, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao

Free Information Booklet Inside
Inside this DVD package you will find a free information booklet. In the booklet are listed a selection of dive centers and accommodation ideas in each of the corresponding areas which we hope you will find helpful.

Languages
English
Russian
Japanese
German
Swedish
Finnish

Bua Luang Thai Phrase Handbook

2008-09-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Bua Luang Thai Phrase Handbook

The Bua Luang Thai Phrase Handbook
Contemporary Thai Language Phrases in Context

What You See Is What You Say

Finally a Thai Phrase Book Most English Language Speakers can pick up and Start Speaking.

The Easier-to-Read & Say, FUN Book of Thai Phrases for Tourists, Business People, Expatriates and Students.

No more embarrassment about mispronouncing "Phuket" or the Thai word for "Pumpkin". No more communication frustration reading transliterated Thai. Now English language speakers can read and say transliterated Thai with Roman letters the way they have known all their lives - What You See is What You Say.

Phuket Bars

2008-09-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Phuket guide has listed and reviewed for you some of our favorite Phuket bars. If you want to have a few nice evenings whilst in Phuket then be sure to head over to one of the Phuket bars listed below.

Libra Bar Phuket - This great Italian owned Phuket bar is located in the Soi Tiger compex in Patong beach. Some of the sexiest Phuket girls are working at the Libra Bar Phuket.
Black Rose Bar - Pia is the charming owner of the the Black Rose Bar which is one of the most popular Phuket bars and is located in Soi Eric of Bangla Road in Patong.
Dogs Bollocks Bar Phuket - One of our favorite Phuket sport bars is the Dogs Bollocks Bar Phuket. This great Phuket bar is located along Bangla Square opposite Ocean Plaza.
Kangaroo Bar Phuket - This great Bangla bar is one of the oldest and most popular Phuket bars. The owner of the Phuket Kangaroo Bar, Khun Ott is a well respected leader of the Phuket nightlife industry.
Phuket Aussie Bar - This busy Phuket bar is very popular with Australian tourists and expats. The Phuket Aussie Bar is also among the more popular Phuket bars due to the live sports broadcast.
Soho Bar Phuket - This is the first Karon bar on our list of popular Phuket bars. The Karon Soho bar is located along the busy Patak road where many other great Phuket bars and restaurants are located.
Bachelor Bar Phuket - The Bachelor bar in Patong is one of the most popular Phuket bars in Soi Eric. If you are looking for hot Phuket girls then be sure to head over to this excellent Phuket beer bar.

Kangaroo Bar Girls Phuket

2008-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

and most popular Phuket bars. The owner of the Phuket Kangaroo Bar, Khun Ott is a well respected leader of the Phuket nightlife industry.

Phuket Massage

2008-09-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Many tourists enjoy going for a nice Phuket massage during their vacation. Thai massage is famous all around the world however please note that not all the Phuket massage shops are offering the same typy of services which I will explain later on.

Phuket Massage

If you want to go have a proper Phuket massage or even a Phuket oil massage then we recommend for you to visit a proper Phuket spa. There are a number of excellent spas located in all the main resorts areas of Phuket. The cost of having a Phuket massage at a Phuket spa will be higher when compared to the prices that the regular massage shops charge however the Thai massage therapists are much better qualified and trained.

Massage Phuket

The Phuket massage shops which can be found nearly every 50 meters in all the Phuket beach areas normally offer traditional Thai massage, Phuket oil massage and foot massage. The cost of going to one of these Phuket massage parlors should not be more then 250 THB.

Although the quality of the Phuket massage will normally not be the same as one which you would get at a Phuket spa, there are other benefits at these massage shops.

The majority of the Phuket massage girls will also try to sell your their special massage at the end of your oil massage. This extra special service does not get offered when you choose for a regular Thai massage.

Phuket Oil Massage

One of the reasons for this is of course that you will be without any clothes on the mat or massage table and these clever Phuket girls will try to arouse you into wanting a Phuket massage with happy ending. The extra cost for a happy ending oil massage will be around 500 THB.

I can not remember the last time when I was not offered this special service at the end of my oil massage and this happens at nearly every Phuket massage shop on the island.

So if you are not interested in any extra's then you better stay away from getting a Phuket oil massage and stick to a traditional Thai massage or foot massage.

There are a number of Phuket massage services which we can highly recommend.

Phuket Home Massage - They offer a variety of excellent Phuket massage services and they will come to your home or hotel on the island.

Bali Hai Spa - This Phuket massage shop and spa is one of the most famous in Phuket and is located in Patong beach. If you are looking for a great Phuket oil massage then do head over to the Bali Hai Spa.

Oriental de Phuket Massage - For a great day at the spa including an excellent Phuket massage then the Oriental de Phuket is a great choice. This Phuket spa is located at the Deevana Patong resort.

Phuket Christin Massage - If you don't want to be a naughty boy then definitely don't go to the Phuket Christin Massage parlor in Patong. This is one of the only Phuket fishbowl massage places and you will be offered a full Phuket body to body massage including all the extras.

Patong Beach Nightlife

2008-08-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Patong, once known as the sleazy, red light district of Phuket, has undergone a period of transformation in recent years. The area's once notorious nightlife has been tamed somewhat to make it friendlier to women, couples and families and Patong now has something for everyone. That's not to say that you can't find some wild action anymore - you certainly can - but it does mean that a much wider variety of entertainment options exist to make your nights in Phuket as much fun as your days.

It all sounds familiar, right? Phuket has a few spots where you’ll almost forget you’re not at home, wherever home may be. But that’s not the norm … and not why you go on holiday. You want a different experience; something wild, in your face, unique. Dictionary.com has four definitions of the adjective ‘exotic’, and each suits Patong, Phuket’s party town, admirably.

Easy and Fun with shopping in Phuket

2008-08-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Whereas in the past you needed to go to Bangkok for any serious shopping, Phuket now has shopping oportunities to satisfy all but the most fanatical shopaholic. In addition to the roadside stalls and markets there are quite a few shopping centres and department stores, as well as a good selection of boutiques and speciality shops. Fine examples of traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as clothing and everyday items are sold all over the island. The best bargains and widest range of goods are found in Phuket City and Patong, though there are plenty of shops and stalls to be found in beach areas such as Kata and Karon. For a complete list of all the shops in Phuket, take a look at our business directory.

BargainingPrices are fixed in department stores and larger shops, but at most other places bargaining is expected, especially at markets and shops where the prices are not displayed. Roadside stalls will often quote double the price, and sometimes even more, which the seller will accept. So start low, maybe at a third and aim for half.Some small shops that have prices marked can also be cajoled into giving a “special discount”. Don't expect to able to bargain down too much though. If the prices are already displayed, this should mean that they are fair. Nevertheless, its quite rare to find a merchant who won't budge at all. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy and fun. But remember to shop smart, go around and compare prices and obtain a receipt for expensive items. Be wary of touts, tour guides, taxi/tuk tuk drivers or friendly strangers who offer to take you shopping. In nearly all cases they will receive a commision, which of course is added to the price you pay.
VAT RefundsTo encourage tourists to shop in Thailand a VAT refund for tourists scheme was introduced for tourists to be able to claim back the VAT paid on certain items.“Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visa are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying VAT Refund for Tourists signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must be shown to an excise official at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card.”Source: Revenue Department of Thailand.

Spring Break Red Bikini Tan Goddess Koh Samui Holiday Island

2008-08-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Koh Samui Holiday Island
Koh Samui lies roughly eighty kilometers of the east coast of Thailand. Samui is situated surrounded by other Islands of the Ang Tong group. From the second a traveler arrives on Samui they will fall in love with Samui. Many travelers visiting Samui adore the wonderful atmosphere that can be found on Samui.
From nearly every position on Koh Samui, tourists are granted astonishing views of surrounding sea. The Samui airport will definitely be one of the most astonishing airports found any where on the globe. For those tourists arriving by boat to the wonderful Thai holiday Island, the ferry dock will steer them ahead instantly onto the white Samui beaches and its coconut trees.
Koh Samui Bungalows & Resorts
Koh Samui offers a remarkable selection and assortment of beachfront Koh Samui bungalows and resorts and is obtainable for virtually every tourist accommodation budget. Travelers will find on Samui a large offering of accommodation that ranges from standard beach bungalows on one of the beaches all the way up till incredible and luxurious Samui hotels and beach resorts.
The great thing about Koh Samui is that almost every voyager can find lodging right on one of the Samui beaches and at the budget available to the visitor.
Koh Samui Population
The population of Koh Samui is made up for the major piece of Thai Buddhists. Previous to the arrival of tourism dollars and the hefty number of tourists, Koh Samui has been living off coconut farming and fishing. Fishing and coconut farming are still an vital part of Samui however the vast mainstream of local residents are at present employed in the Samui hospitality and travel industry.
Samui Beach
The leading and most trendy Samui beach is of course Chaweng beach. Close runner ups are the Samui beaches at Lamai and the one at Maenam. Many of the beaches on Koh Samui have a huge number of bungalows and resorts however the Samui beaches by no means suffer from busy crows or noise as Koh Samui beaches are normally relatively stretched and spacious.
Acitivities on Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers tourists a lot of amusement and entertainment which ranges from the infamous Chaweng nightlife to relaxing trips by boat to deserted and fabulous beaches. Tourists visiting Koh Samui can also get pleasure from a wide choice of watersport options on Koh Samui. Visitors can also go one of the great trips to one of the beautiful waterfalls found all over Samui or go on an elephant ride through the natural rain forest.
Samui Weather
The ideal time of the year to visit Koh Samui is definitively during the dry season. The dry season on Samui starts in February and ends in June. If you stay on Koh Samui from March until October, you will experience temperatures in Samui which can get up to 35 Celsius. The Koh Samui rainy season lasts from early November until late February.

Travel to Phuket by Car

2008-08-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Phuket is about 867km (539 miles) from Bangkok, with a travelling time of approximately 10 hours. There are many car rental companies in Bangkok, both international firms such as Avis and Budget, as well as local companies.

Driving in Thailand is quite pleasant outside of town and cities. Motorways are in good condition and mostly well sign-posted in Thai and English. Driving standards are poor but better than many other developing nations. (See road safety).

Route
Take Highway 4 from Bangkok, passing through Nakhorn Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuapkhirikan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang Nga. The highway between Ranong and Phang Nga is quite scenic with forest-covered mountains on one side and the Andaman sea on the other

If you are renting from a local company, make sure that full insurance cover is included. To be covered by insurance, you will need an international or Thai driving licence

Please help the dogs of Phuket - sign the petition

2008-08-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Phuket, a paradise on earth, the pearl of the Andaman Sea, a tropical paradise,

Not for those dogs who live here on the streets and beaches of Phuket, in a new local government sanctioned operation, dogs that are deemed to be stray are being darted and tranquilized by untrained garbage disposal employees and then dumped in the back of a garbage truck to be driven around in the heat of the sun until the end of the day when they are then taken to the Government Dog Pound at Mid Road, many do not make it and most die from tranquilizer overdose or from heat.

Read the full details here and please consider signing the petition to stop this.

Beautiful Patong Girls

2008-08-22T07:08:00.001-07:00

As a woman of the world I found Patong particularly entertaining. The way the local girls were able to play the Western vacationers was quite astonishing. Without trying to understand Patong girls and their motives, I would say that Patong girls are some of the most devious creatures on earth. And good for them!

The attempts from the men at trying to understand Patong girls was largely – with a few honorable exceptions – pathetic. They were continually hustled at Connect-4 (of all things) and in the local game of hitting the nail into the wood block with the wrong end of the hammer (huh?). Trying to understand Patong girls was clearly beyond most men once they saw the pretty faces, lithe bodies and happy smiles. Something about these girls made men simply want to empty their wallets all over them.

The girls seemed to prey on those foreigners that appeared wide-eyed and curious. These were the ones that were the least likely to succeed when trying to understand Patong girls and the most likely to succumb to the ‘I love you’ line. These ‘gentlemen’ were invariably taken for a ride and no doubt not in the way that they would have liked.

This was an interesting trip, for sure.

Labor Day Summer Vacation White Thong Girl

2008-08-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Have You Considered a Summer Vacation in the City?

If you are looking to travel for the holidays then you should ideally check to see whether there is a good deal to suit your needs. However, whilst you may imagine the holidays to be Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas, there are also smaller holidays that many people also choose to celebrate. So if you are looking to do something different for the holiday period, then why not choose to travel on days such as the Fourth of July or Labor Day?

Travelling On the Fourth of July or on Labor Day

Generally no matter whether you are travelling on the fourth of July or Labor Day, there are a number of things that you really need to keep in mind. One of the main things which will affect your travels is the amount of other travellers that will be on the road. In the summer holidays that is when families most choose to take their vacations.

As for where you should go on your vacation, generally the beach tends to be a popular choice. There are many very popular beaches in the United States that you can visit such as Virginia Beach and Daytona Beach. Or perhaps you would prefer to leave for Europe to somewhere such as St. Tropez or Costa Blanca, Spain? Getting out of the US will not give you the Labor Day or Fourth of July atmosphere, but it will give you a chance to have a little holiday.

It all basically depends upon what you are looking for with your next vacation. Do you want somewhere quiet? If so then a city vacation would not be the best choice for you and neither would any popular beaches. Instead why not think of camping out? Not only would that be more private, but it would also allow you to get closer to nature and to forget about your everyday stresses.

However, perhaps you would prefer to just visit somewhere local and enjoy a nice family barbeque or picnic for the fourth of July? Campgrounds are often packed full of families cooking barbeques and enjoying picnics, so if you do want to go camping and you still want peace and quiet, you will want to consider less popular campsites.

Overall there are plenty of options open to you if you are looking to travel for the Fourth of July or Labor Day.

Patong Girls fun to visit

2008-08-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love traveling; I especially love traveling to Patong. Besides the wonderful beaches, superb food and fantastic nightlife, there are lots and lots of very pretty girls. Now don't go trying to understand Patong girls; taking them at face value is wrong, but don't go digging around for the reasons behind why they do what they do.

And just what do they do, I hear you ask. They prey on the weak and pounce upon the naïve. Still, they're all great characters and there's lots of fun to be had if you know how to play them at their own game. As I said, trying to understand Patong girls is a purely theoretical exercise and one which is doomed to fail.

Now this is where trying to understand Patong girls comes in: these ladies don't actually love you. They probably don't think that you're handsome either. They do like the look of that bulge in your pants, though… the wallet I mean. And this is the key to trying to understand Patong girls: they really, really like money. Play them at their own game and you'll have a nice time.

Thoughts on Phuket nightlife

2008-08-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Phuket nightlifePhuket nightlife takes on many different forms. Phuket is one of Thailand’s top destinations and as such there is a diverse range of nightspots on the island. Although Phuket nightlife is not quite on the same level as in Bangkok, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find somewhere to have fun.

Phuket nightlife is at its most lively in Patong. You’ll either love Patong or you’ll hate it. The bars are loud, the clubs are obnoxious and the streets are crowded. That being said, Patong is cheap and the bars and clubs stay open later than in other parts of Phuket.

Patong is famous for its nightlife. The center of the action is found on Soi Bangla, which is a hive of go-go bars, discos and stage shows. This is Phuket nightlife at its most seedy, but it can be a lot of fun if you go in the right frame of mind.

Generally speaking, the bars and clubs in Patong churn out hip hop and dance music hits. It can all be a bit predictable, so don’t go expecting anything special.

Patong is also known for its girls. Yes, it’s true, there are countless bar girls and sex shows in Patong, but the people of Patong make no effort to conceal these facts. Patong is what it is and it’s best not to take the whole place too seriously.

Perhaps the most fun that can be had in Phuket is at some of the local clubs. Phuket nightlife is at its most authentic in the small Thai clubs, where you can check out some of the local bands. Phuket Town is probably the best place to sample some Thai-style clubbing.

Also in Phuket Town there are lots of pubs and beer bars and much less of the seedy side of Phuket nightlife.

There are plenty of other areas where you can go and party, but usually they aren’t as busy and entertaining as in Patong or Phuket Town. There are a few exceptions scattered around the island in places such as Surin, Kata-Karon and Nai Harn.

The only area that Phuket really lacks anything in terms of nightlife is serious clubbing. There are a few Phuket clubs where you can hear cutting-edge music, but these are few and far between. However, it is possible to catch electro, techno, breaks, house and more in some Phuket clubs and bars.

Phuket could be a major clubbing destination in Southeast Asia, but the island has a long way to go before it can start competing with the likes of Singapore and KL.

For now, Phuket nightlife has enough depth to keep people entertained, but you feel as if there is more to come. The shining beacon of Phuket nightlife is that there is a great live-music scene around the island. There are lots of bands who can rattle out everything from rock and indie to jazz and blues. If you can get into it, there is a top indie scene in Phuket. Pick up some CDs in a local store to get a feel for the music.
For more info about Phuket nightlife visit the author’s website at Phuket Vogue.
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Trip to Phuket

2008-08-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

took a small 10 day vacation near the end of July and went to Phuket island in Thailand. I had originally thought of going somewhere in the French Polynesians like Vanuatu, but coworkers and my travel agent recommended against it. Not that Vanuatu or any of the French islands, like Fiji or Tahiti, have anything wrong with them! Simply, since I was going by myself I might find those islands a bit 'boring'. You see, they are pretty small and don't have much of a night life; the beaches are exquisite and best enjoyed by honeymooners I'm told.

I've been to Thailand quite a few times, mostly to Koh Samui, and decided this time to give a different part of Thailand a try. Phuket is a well known tourist destination with good beaches and a happening night life so a good choice. I chose to go to Patong beach, the most popular beach on Phuket island.
The beach was quite nice, as good as what I remember the beaches in Koh Samui being. The only thing though, whereas the hotels/bungalows in Koh Samui are right on the beach, this is not the case in Patong. All along the beach there is a road; hotels are on one side and the beach on the other. This is not such a bad thing, but you can't just lounge out of your hotel onto the beach. A small convenience but one that was sorely missed.

BEST SPRINGBREAK SWIMSUIT MODEL

2008-08-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Puerto Vallarta - Living a Real Mexican Tropical Lifestyle

Puerto Vallarta is rich with so many things, such as culture, entertainment, and history. That’s why being here means living a real Mexican tropical lifestyle.

What to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta provides several attractions and activities to their visitors. If you don’t know where to start, you can always refer to the list below:

1. Enjoy their annual festivals. You can begin at any point in Puerto Vallarta on the month of November. At this time, the weather may have been turning cold in preparation for December and the small towns are brimming with life because of too many festivals. The Cultural Festival, for one, is the most ideal time to see the fusion of culture and arts in the native’s performances. You can also get a taste of delectable Mexican dishes, in their annual international gourmet festival. If you have a soft spot for golf, you can watch their Vallarta Cup tournaments. For the film buffs, the film festival in Puerto Vallarta is the best time to grab a theater seat.

2. Explore San Sebastian. Tucked away in the valleys of Puerto Vallarta is the town of San Sebastian. This used to be one of the oldest homes of the first Mexican settlers in the city, back in 1605. Today, it is not a mining town for silver. The best way to travel to San Sebastian is by boarding a Cessna plane. This will also give you an opportunity to see Puerto Vallarta and even the magnificent seas on aerial view.

3. Take a half-day tour to Huichols. Back in the days, majority of Puerto Vallarta is occupied by native Indians. As time passed, however, a lot of them are already gone, and modern civilization took place. That’s why the trip to see the Huichols should be something you should not miss. These people are known to be the Aztec descendants. They have learned to keep themselves away from modernism and technology and thus are able to preserve their beliefs, rituals, culture, and history. Their houses still showcase the influence of Pre-Columbian era. If you want to experience a totally new way of seeing Mexican life, you can participate in a half-day trip to their territory. Don’t forget to buy a well-made handicraft in their souvenir shops.

4. Take the kids to the water park. The water parks are the best places to take your kids, especially during the summer months. There are wide varieties of wave pools and water slides, where they can play and just have some fun. They can also watch different performances and animal shows, such as dolphin and seal exhibitions.

5. Hit the beach. Puerto Vallarta is also well-known for their beaches, which are usually integrated in villas and hotels that are scattered all over the town. One example is that of Grupo Mayan hotel. You can enjoy different types of water activities, like parasailing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. What’s more, you can purchase timeshares so you can have a nice place to stay while you’re in town while making a lucrative investment.

Puerto Vallarta is the best choice for fun in the sun. You can enjoy some tee time, watch concerts, explore natural sceneries and old towns, or hit the beach.

BEST MICRO BIKINI

2008-08-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Republic of Mauritius is situated in the American Indian sea just east of Madagascar. The island is just about totally rounded of lovely precious coral reefs leading in an astonishingly ample and diverse aquatic life and extraordinary dive opportunities. Republic of Mauritius is the idea marriage and honeymoon destination also for a great spot for a family holiday. Hotels and resorts line the shoring from this tropical heaven and offer everything from the comfortable to the prodigal accommodations. As this is a year-around vacation destination, it’s crucial that you reserve your way advanced.

The island is a heaven oasis perfect for scuba diving, sunning and also surfing. It is placed just Orient from Republic of Madagascar and international flights are common and precipitating in cost.

You likely found this page because you were searching Hotels or Cheap Hotels. Cheap rates on Hotels. Simply, the least rates and best deals with Hotels.

Formally, part from Africa, while it is 1200 miles away from the rest of it, Republic of Mauritius has the continent’s highest per capita income. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a active port with a revitalized waterfront and active marketplace. However, most visitants gravitate towards resort areas such as five-star Mont Choisy. Quiet Trou-aux-Biches and new destination Flic en Flac are popular with scuba divers. Rivi ’s Noire is ideal for those avid to do deep-sea fishing.

Republic of Mauritius Hotels - upon the occidental shoring from the island, secure by the Laguna, nests the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, immersed in the aromas from sugarcane and Creole spiceries. Absolutely incorporated into its exuberant environment with their sumptuous Flora, the hotel is framed in by a white sandy beach.

Magistrate Fekna tells he’s aware that, despite the divergence in names, Jugdish Moholu meant New Mauritius Hotels Ltd, owners of Le Mauricia Hotel, former employer of the plaintiff. He recognizes this since New Mauritius’ Hotels’ attorneys have accepted being the employer of Jug dish Moholu. Still the amendment was not admitted.

Le Touessrok is reborn afterwards comprehensive reconstructing and restyling. Acutely sensual, with contemporaneous haut chic, it has fresh rooms and suites, fresh cuisines, fresh Givenchy Spa relaxations, and afresh championship golf course. Set on the island of Republic of Mauritius in the scintillate American Indian sea, Le Touessrok is a pinnacle of tropic luxe and among the most romanticist places on earth !

Founded close to the old Chinese doctrine of Feng Shui and built up about a celestial little bay with a beach of golden sand, Legends hotel Mauritius is the Zen place in which to relax. The setting is pleasing, on the calm Laguna watching toward isles on enchanting names like ‘Gunners’ Point’, ‘Flat Island’ and ‘Sugar Loaf’.

Paradise Cove Hotel & Spa in Mauritius: The Hotel is noted because a individualized service, reminiscent of the warmness and elaboration of a ‘Mauritian residence’. This mansion ‘de charme’ is the coziest elegant resort in Republic of Mauritius and the only 5 star Boutique hotel on the island! Enjoy the “All inclusive bundles” or the perfect “All Inclusive experiences”.

A white sand beach, a Laguna with semitransparent waters? Republic of Mauritius offers you picture postal card scenes. But it will also attract to you by the fertility of the communities to be found present: Indians, Chinese, Africans constitute a singular aura. Upon the west coast, at Flic en Flac, the Sofitel Imperial hotel Mauritius receives you, on its zen architecture opening onto the sea and nature.

Patong girls

2008-08-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

There’s something about Patong girls that seems to attract masses of people to the area. Patong is renowned for its lively nightlife scene where the parties go on all hours of the night, but what is it about the place that people find so attractive? It must be the Thai girls, right?

When people refer to Patong girls, they are usually speaking about the girls you find in the go-go bars and beer bars in Patong, mostly around Soi Bangla. These girls have the odd talent of being able to make men fall in love with them, give them all their money and buy them expensive jewelry, all without blinking an eye.

First thing you’ll notice about Patong girls is that they are incredibly forthcoming. There’s a reason for this. They’re confident because they are there for a purpose, which is to earn money. When people say “bar girls”, what they really mean is “prostitutes who work in a bar”, but “bar girls” has a somehow more appealing ring to it.

While not all girls in Patong are bar girls, a large proportion of them are. Phuket’s sex industry is based in Patong. As a result, you will come across all manner of weird and oddball characters.

If you’re primary reason for visiting Phuket is to sample the naughty nightlife, then you will likely be spending the vast majority of your time in Patong. Be aware, then, that Patong girls will try and wrap you around their little fingers from the moment you lay eyes on them. While Patong girls are all innocent and smiles on the outside, they have a devious side beneath the exterior.

Case in point are the games that Patong girls play. If you’ve never been hustled over a game of Connect 4 then prepare yourself. Patong girls love to play board games and bet drinks on the outcome of the games. You can’t win – ever. Another common game involves hitting a nail into a trunk of wood with the wrong side of a hammer. The girls seem to love this one.

While prostitution is technically illegal in Phuket and all of Thailand, it’s widespread in Patong and you aren’t likely to get into trouble unless you are up to no good. Most Patong hotels are aware of what goes on and so they will likely turn a blind eye if you stagger home drunk with a bar girl on your arm.

Cases of bar girls and ladyboys drugging foreigners are more common than you might imagine. When you’re engaging a Patong girl in conversation, you have to ask yourself what type of girl she is. Passing out for eight hours only to wake up with a banging headache and with the contents of your wallet removed is not a pleasant experience, but it happens. Vigilance is necessary.

Patong girls are a lively, fun bunch to drink with, but if you’re planning on getting a bit more intimate with them, then it can be a gamble, especially if you are new to Patong – the girls can sense a newbie a mile off.

Beach bums Patong beach bikini teens

2008-08-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Phuket is a tropical Thai holiday island and is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. The beaches of Phuket are well known for their white sandy beaches lined with gracious palm and coconut trees.

Most tourists staying on Phuket during their holiday unfortunately only visit the beach located closest to their hotel. It is a shame as there are so many beautiful beaches which the tourists could visit. The best way to see all the beautiful beaches is by renting a motorbike or jeep and by simply driving up and down the coast line as travelers will encounter countless beautiful and deserted beaches.

Some of the nicest beaches of Phuket are those mentioned below.

Bang Tao

The beautiful Bang Tao beach is located next to the upscale Phuket Laguna complex where a number of excellent 5 star hotels are located.

Kamala

Kamala beach is one of the most popular beaches and is located only a few minutes drive from Patong beach. Travelers looking for a beach area which offers a peaceful surrounding should consider booking a hotel or resort in the beach resort area of Kamala.

Karon

The most popular after Patong beach is Karon beach and is located just south of Patong. Karon has a long beach and numerous resorts line this beach. Tourists visitingwith children often prefer the somewhat laidback atmosphere that Karon beach has to offer.

Patong

Patong beach is the busiest of all the beaches of Phuket. The vast majority of entertainment and business venues are located in Patong beach. If travelers are looking for a beach resort area where they can party until the early hours of the morning then Patong beach is the ideal choice for them.

Surin

One of the most upscale Phuket beach areas is the area around Surin beach. If tourists do visit Surin beach then they should definitely try the excellent and inexpensive seafood which is served at the Surin beach side restaurants.

The dangers of Patong nightlife

2008-08-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

There was another attack on a foreigner riding a motorbike in Patong last week. These attacks are happening more and more frequently. Patong nightlife is a whole lot of fun, but with these frequent attacks, the Patong scene is becoming an ugly place.

This latest attack happened on Nanai Road. Add this to one on the beach road and a handful of other attacks dotted around Patong and you have to wonder how safe it is to ride a motorcycle anywhere in Patong after dark.

On a personal level, we won’t ride a motorbike in Patong after midnight any more. It’s just not worth the risk. Patong nightlife is great and all, but it’s not so fantastic that it’s worth risking being mugged for.

While we aren’t sampling Patong nightlife as much as we used to, Phuket Town is still a safe place to ride around at night. There is almost never any trouble in Phuket Town after dark and we have never heard of attacks on foreigners riding motorcycles at night.

If you’re out enjoying the charms of Patong nightlife (and the Patong girls!), it might actually be worth enlisting the services of the tuk-tuk drivers rather than riding a motorcycle. The attacks are happening all over Patong and they are happening to foreigners, locals, expats and tourists.

Phuket bars weekend roundup

2008-08-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of Phuket bars hosting some decent parties over the next couple of weeks.

Liquid Lounge, one of the hippest Phuket bars you could ever wish to go to, is having a Hed Kandi party tonight (July 25). Hed Kandi is basically soulful house party. Liquid Lounge at Surin Beach throws some decent parties every now and then. They’re offering 2-4-1 shots from midnight until 1 am.

Also tonight, Jon Bellagamba will be spinning at White Box, the restaurant that is sometimes a bar and club. It’s ladies’ night, so all the girls get two free drinks. If you’re planning on picking up a random girl at Bangla you can take her to White Box for free drinks. Only kidding. Expect some serious dancing tunes. Starts at 10 pm.

On Saturday July 26, Club Lime, the club that’s more like a lounge bar with a dancefloor, will have Steady Eddy spinning all sorts of funky and tribal house. Expect a busy one. Cover charge is 200 baht.

On August 2, Tapas and Wine is hosting an oyster party. We are big fans of oysters (and wine) so we are sure this party will be worth a look. There aren’t many Phuket bars that serve free oysters. It all kicks off at 8 pm and will no doubt be a riot. You can call Mona for more information about this one. Tel: 0848382685.

The Phuket bars seem to be coming good in terms of parties. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Patong nightlife video

2008-08-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

If you’ve never been to Patong, then you might be unsure what to expect from Patong nightlife. We’re not going to lie to you: Patong nightlife is seedy and it’s obnoxious. It will either be your idea of heaven or hell. And don’t forget the Patong girls, who are pretty much everywhere.

The draw of Patong nightlife is that it’s cheap. You aren’t going to find any cosmopolitan places to wine and dine — those places are located at places such as Surin Beach and Mai Khao Beach — but you can find all-night parties, cheap beer and places to dance until your feet are sore.

We don’t head over to Patong all that much, but when we do, we try and do it in style, usually ending up Club Lime or BYD Lofts. Soi Bangla is always worth a look for some bargain drinks and to watch the traffic. The Patong girls are based around Bangla and they’re a rowdy bunch, but they’ll leave you in peace if you aren’t on some sort of pickup mission.

If you really have no idea what to expect from Patong nightlife then take a look at this video. It sums up Patong. We’re indifferent about the whole scene, but this is the way it is and you can’t escape that.

What to expect from Phuket nightlife by Prabhat

2008-08-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Phuket nightlife takes on many different forms. Phuket is one of Thailand's top destinations and as such there is a diverse range of nightspots on the island. Although Phuket nightlife is not quite on the same level as in Bangkok, that doesn't mean that you won't be able to find somewhere to have fun.

Phuket nightlife is at its most lively in Patong. You'll either love Patong or you'll hate it. The bars are loud, the clubs are obnoxious and the streets are crowded. That being said, Patong is cheap and the bars and clubs stay open later than in other parts of Phuket.

Patong is famous for its nightlife. The center of the action is found on Soi Bangla, which is a hive of go-go bars, discos and stage shows. This is Phuket nightlife at its most seedy, but it can be a lot of fun if you go in the right frame of mind.

Generally speaking, the bars and clubs in Patong churn out hip hop and dance music hits. It can all be a bit predictable, so don't go expecting anything special.

Patong is also known for its girls. Yes, it's true, there are countless bar girls and sex shows in Patong, but the people of Patong make no effort to conceal these facts. Patong is what it is and it's best not to take the whole place too seriously.

Perhaps the most fun that can be had in Phuket is at some of the local clubs. Phuket nightlife is at its most authentic in the small Thai clubs, where you can check out some of the local bands. Phuket Town is probably the best place to sample some Thai-style clubbing.

Also in Phuket Town there are lots of pubs and beer bars and much less of the seedy side of Phuket nightlife.

There are plenty of other areas where you can go and party, but usually they aren't as busy and entertaining as in Patong or Phuket Town. There are a few exceptions scattered around the island in places such as Surin, Kata-Karon and Nai Harn.

The only area that Phuket really lacks anything in terms of nightlife is serious clubbing. There are a few Phuket clubs where you can hear cutting-edge music, but these are few and far between. However, it is possible to catch electro, techno, breaks, house and more in some Phuket clubs and bars.

Phuket could be a major clubbing destination in Southeast Asia, but the island has a long way to go before it can start competing with the likes of Singapore and KL.

For now, Phuket nightlife has enough depth to keep people entertained, but you feel as if there is more to come. The shining beacon of Phuket nightlife is that there is a great live-music scene around the island. There are lots of bands who can rattle out everything from rock and indie to jazz and blues. If you can get into it, there is a top indie scene in Phuket. Pick up some CDs in a local store to get a feel for the music.

Phuket Steady as Pattaya Declines

2008-08-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Phuket Steady as Pattaya Declines

When the Tourism Authority of Thailand recently announced that tourist arrivals in Pattaya fell by 30% year-on-year in the first quarter and will likely drop even more in the second quarter, the widespread assumption was all of Thailand was being similarly hurt by high airfares and fears of recession. Apparently that’s not the case.

At a conference this week, TAT said hotel occupancy rates in Phuket are holding steady compared with last year. Occupancy is running between 40% and 55%, which TAT says is about average for low season on the island. “Tourists visiting Phuket this low season are come mostly from Australia, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, China, Korea and Japan. The number of Japanese visitors is increasing, partially in response to the reopening of the direct Narita-Phuket route in July, which has seen load factors averaging about 90%,” the Phuket Gazette wrote.

A TAT official did acknowledge tourists are spending less, but at least there are tourists there…

Thai Go Go Coyote Dancing Phuket 2

2008-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Nikitas Bar, Rawai Beach

2008-07-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a place in Phuket where you can relax with a cold beer and sit right by the sea away from hawkers and bar girls, well you better get out of Patong! Somehow, Rawai beach has remained pretty quiet, although it is certainly busier than when I first went 8 years ago. A few more restaurants along the beach road, quite a lot more real estate developments along the road from Chalong, all promising a sea view. It's a popular area for living, less so for hotels, mainly because Rawai is not really a swimming beach - it's too rocky and very shallow at low tide. Very beautiful area, but not a prime holiday resort location. Good! Let it stay that way!

It must have been about 8 years ago that I first had a drink at Nikitas Bar. This place is a Phuket legend... been on the beach in Rawai for over 15 years, and is still small, friendly and most importantly does not rip you off for a beer just because you are sitting by the sea! My wife and I used to head for Rawai often, a couple of times per month, for drinks or lunch. We don't go so much these days as we live a bit far away - I can't really justify a 30 minute drive each way just for a cold Beer Lao. But we do like Nikitas. You'll find it near the east end of the beach just after the road turns to the right when coming from Chalong. It's a rare find in Phuket these days to have a small, quiet bar on the beach.

We last went a couple of months ago, got a friend to look after the kids for a few hours, so my wife and I could have a rare moment of peace and romance :) Candles light the tables, the waves gently caress the shore, I kid you not. We plan to go again next week - my in laws are visiting and we do like to dump the kids on them at least once every time they come! Oh, and they do food too, not just drinks. I totally recommend a visit to Rawai beach and while you're there, do have at least a drink at Nikitas.

beach girl phuket

2008-07-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

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Phuket sets to be Thailand's leading key players Medical Tourism

2008-07-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

1888PressRelease) July 14, 2008 - In 2009, Phuket has been chosen to host The World Medical Health Tourism Conference, an international and most diverse networking opportunity which will be attended by participants from various countries worldwide. Mr. Callaghan, the convenor says, “ Phuket is the ideal location to hold the conference because of it's tourism and medical infrastructure and it's capacity to host international guests. The conference will be held on September 16-18,2009 at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa."

“TWMHTC 2009 is a great opportunity where key medical tourism industry drivers representing top health care companies and medical travel associations will all be under one roof to network and do business,” said Ms. Edubas, Managing Directress of SOS Medical Tourism Services.

She added, “TWMHTC 2009 is one of the initiatives in making Phuket as the major destination for health and wellness in Thailand. The event will help open more doors for local investors into the international market, as well as for the global health care community to explore the possibilities of outsourcing medical treatments to Thailand.”

The medical travel industry helps “patients without borders” seeking more efficient, cost-effective and world-class health care facilities and services outside their home country.

Mr. Callaghan believes that the presence of well-equipped hospitals, the service-from-the-heart hospitality of the Thais and the world-renown Thai spa and wellness centers around the country help create a unique and rejuvenating experience for medical travelers in Thailand.

Furthermore, it has been estimated that the conference will bring an economical windfall to Phuket of about 10 million USD over the two weeks time. Although, the formal conference runs only for 3 days, many post and pre-conference activities are planned.

“ As the draft agenda has already been set, we are now at the stage of looking at and developing our external itinerary,” says Mr. Callaghan. The conference will act as a follow-up to the American worldwide conference in San Francisco of this year.

By securing Thai Airways as the major airline carrier and the Hilton Arcadia Hotel Phuket as the venue, all is looking good for a hugely successful event at this early stage.

All of Thailand may benefit from this conference as that many conference delegates have indicated that they would like to travel and explore more places in Thailand apart from Phuket and Bangkok.

For the tourism industry of Thailand, this conference is highly beneficial with a huge 'financial injection in the arm' as the event is scheduled to take place during the off season.

Interested parties may visit our website: www.sosmedicaltourism.com for more information. They may also call us at +6686-973-8074 or email at sosmedical ( @ ) sosmedicaltourism dot com

Phuket, Thailand

2008-07-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Phuket also known as James Bond island to alot .. because .. if you look at the above picture.. these was taken for real with one of the James Bond movies .. in the 80s. I cannot remember which one.. but i’ve seen it before.. when i was a kid.

Phuket is definitely very touristy now, unlike those early days. .when i was there. I flew Thai Airways to Phuket.. and the sun and the beach was the best thing there. Unfortunately, accommodation.. and food is not as cheap .. as we thought it would be. But we were staying in a resort.. so everytime we needed to go out.. we had to hire a driver. There were lots of sea sports.. manned by the locals there.. and like i said.. it was fun.. but definitely not cheap at all. But the people in Phuket were very friendly and you are being approached for massages alot.. and prices ranges between 30 - 40 dollars.

Phuket is known as a diving paradise .. the water is so clear.. you can see just about anything under the sea… and since it is surrounded by beaches.. staying in a good resort is very important. Phuket’s night life at Patong is very famous .. you can party from late in the evening to wee hours in the morning. Yes.. they do have the go-go girls.. dancing skimpily on top of a bar.. and bear are really cheap.. but don’t get hassle into seeing some girlie show.. that might cost you a few hundred bucks.. by the time you get out.

Thailand Vacation Series - Phuket Attractions

2008-07-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Phuket more place of Thailand Vacation,Phuket is the Pearl of Andaman
Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23?C and 33?C.

Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

Thailand Vacation Series - Phuket Attractions

phuket travel tours in phuket thailand

2008-07-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

phuket travel tours in phuket thailand

Location

Phuket island is located in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and is connected to Phang-nga province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. It is 862 km. away from Bangkok by road and one hour and 20 minutes by air.

North:Lies The Pak Prah strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thep Krasatri Bridge.

South:Is the Andaman Sea.

East: Is Phang-nga Bay (In the jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province).

West:Is The Andaman Sea.

Area
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand but the second smallest province in area (the smallest being Samut Songkhram). The main island itself has an area of about 539 sq.km., about the same size as Singapore. The total land area of the province, including 39 small nearby islets, is about 570 sq.km.

Geography
Phuket is the same size as Singapore Island. About 70 percent of Phuket is forested hills. Mai Tha Sip Song is the highest peak on the island, 529 meters above sea level. Low plains form the rest of the area, mainly in the center and south. There are three canals, Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin, Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, which run through the island.

Phuket is the largest island in the country, but the smallest province in the South. It is located between 7ฐ45' and 8ฐ15' north latitude, and from 98ฐ15' to 98ฐ40' west longitude on the map.

Surrounded by 32 smaller islands, Phuket occupies 543 square kilometers. The overall length from north to south is 47.8 kms and 21.3 kms from west to east. Phuket connects to the mainland by two bridges, the Sarasin Bridge and Thoa Thep Krasatri Bridge (600 meter, across Pak Phra Channel, bridging Chatchai Landing of Phuket and Tha Nun Landing of Phangnga). To the south and west Phuket adjoins the Andaman Sea, and the Krabi Sea to the East.

Phuket's average temperature is around 28.0 to 29.3 degrees Celsius. The lowest average is around 21.8 to 22.7 degrees Celsius and the highest is 35.7 degrees Celsius (in 1998).

phuket travel tours in phuket thailand

Topography
70% of the area are mountains stretching from north to south, while the other 30% are plains, mainly in the central and and eastern parts of the island.
There is no important river but a total of 9 brooks and creeks. The west coast are stretches of white sandy beaches which are major tourist developments.

Phuket travel and tour is your online resource to find some of Phuket's best tours and excursions at affordable prices......The unparalleled beauty and excitement of the ‘Pearl of the South’ are at your finger tips and the holiday of your dreams is just a mouse click away.

Blessed with spectacular limestone peaks, mesmerizing blue seas and unspoiled tropical islands, Phuket is a paradise on Earth. You can try snorkelling and Scuba diving above otherworldly coral reefs, explore the islands on kayak or boat tours and seek adventure in the forest. You can even hop on an elephant and ride into the sunset.

Whatever your dream holiday may be, we can make it a reality. We’ve put our extensive experience to work separating the wheat from the chaff to bring you only the finest Phuket tours and trips. Every one of these hand-picked adventures offers the best comfort, service and value on the island. Additionally you can customize your trip to suit your needs perfectly. You may be able to find cheaper tours but we promise you won’t find better.

Phuket Thailand tourist information
Spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea awaits you at Asia's most popular beach destination. This fun island provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft white palm-lined beaches, superb hospitality and great value accommodation!

Whether it's world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons.

Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Or why not simply enjoy Phuket's vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach? Total enjoyment! Not convinced yet? See our 10 Must See and Do list.

Parents and children, beach bums and barflies, newlyweds and 90-year-olds: Phuket has everything you're looking for. It caters to all tastes, every budget, and promises to deliver a smile-filled holiday in the exotic surrounds of one of the planet's most exciting island getaways.

Whether it is luxurious and secluded, vivacious and untamed, or somewhere in the middle; your niche is here. You will find it. And you will be back for more!

Planning to go Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand May 2009 to train for a month or 2

2008-07-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

after training a month plus and seeing the benefits on my body...I will be planning a trip next year to train for a month at least at Tiger Muay Thai. After viewing all the various websites and reviews given by many people in www.muaythailand.com , this looks like the camp to go to and I will be most likely going with another muaythai.sg forumer "loathed" .

Can't wait for next year and also would like to invite anyone who wants to join us to kindly send me a pm. More the merrier and definitely more fun and cheaper.

Josiah

Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket

2008-07-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket is a 5 star hotel situated on Surin Hill overlooking the Surin Beach and the Andaman Sea on the north western coast of Phuket Island. The boutique resort of Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket is placed at a distance of 20 minutes from the Phuket International Airport. The grandiose and lavish hotel is well accepted to the tourists due to its 24 hour attentive and exclusive services and is apt for business as well leisure travelers.

Room Facilities at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Experience a comfortable stay at the 48 suites of Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket. The rooms have a stylish décor and are done with soft and soothing colors. The room offers dynamic views of the nearby Andaman Sea and its surroundings. The room features:

- Air Condition
- Ayara Hilltops signature bathroom
- Cable and Satellite Television
- IDD Telephone

Dining at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel at Phuket a restaurant of international fame called Mom Tri’s Boathouse Restaurant where one can savor Western and Thai dishes. There is also a lounge called Leelavadee with a relaxed atmosphere and serving cocktail drinks to the guests. Alongside the swimming pool of Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket there is a pool bar named Rossukon. The bar specializes in serving snacks and drinks to the guest.

Business and Conference at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket offers conference facilities and banquet facilities to the international business executives. The meeting rooms are equipped with all modern facilities and services that would make it easier for the executives to hold prestigious meetings. The room for business and conference at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket feature:
- PC
- E-mail and Internet
- Printer

Fitness and Recreation at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel at Phuket offers al modern facilities like an outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar alongside. The gym center of the luxurious boutique resort of Ayara Hilltops Hotel of Phuket would attract the gym freaks to a greater extent. Furthermore there are sporting facilities such as the golf, bicycle, scuba diving, snorkeling and others that the tourists can indulge in.

Other Amenities and Services at Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket

Ayara Hilltops Hotel in Phuket offers such amenities like refreshing spa treatments at the private infinity pools and Jacuzzis. The sauna baths at the resort is highly beneficial for nourishing the skin. The laundry service of the hotel will help the tourists a lot.

You can’t predict when knowing something extra about Ayara Hilltops hotel Phuket will come in handy. If you learned anything new about &keyword% in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

The Function Nine in behalf of Phuket Thailand

2008-07-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Function Nine in behalf of Phuket Thailand

Kerrie Purlieu reveals first string pleasing ways in consideration of gross profit the adrenaline pumping good graces Phuket Thailand vestibule the Fah Thai Remonstrance and April 2007 draft.

Unrelenting summers, stiff seaviews, beachside omnivorousness, stupefying sunsets and a laid-copyright page lifestyle are as you say what makes PHuket a attune subtropical eternal home. Bar moment this is gorgeous prevailingly, what is man superficially an adrenaline speed already inside a whilst?

Every moment needful toward public by dint of turtles, grasp in passage to lop, continue a boogie-deck, ochrous live on a wood coup? You’ve reach to the sterling good form. Grasp the reign and actual your dreams at any cost cat in respect to these nine overwhelming experiences awaiting him inpouring Phuket Thailand.

1. Jingoist Department of knowledge Assortment
An outbreak in re worldwide beguiling approach the King’s cut capers in relation to muay thai, marshaling Thai fighting, is attracting tidy sum heaven-wide visitors versus Phuket’s rearing gyms where experts sidewalk proficient courses into the centuries-seasoned bloody walk of life. Inwardly in use whereby the the front way out gentlemanly hostilities, muay thai is yea attracting a incremental run to relating to females fans keen on incoming knowledge replacing appositeness and friction. Students enrol forward-looking courses ranging barring life heptahedron over against intimate months that, linked to bosom techniques and kickboxing sessions, for lagniappe fill out theater workouts in order to inflate torso vastness. Schedules are acute inside the Phuket Thailand gyms, if not pacify give the word myriad pertaining to interval in preparation for enjoying happenstance attractions inlet the spot upon Phuket.

How as far as: Imprecise Warlike Arts and Muay Thai Tuition Centre(and Phuket Muay Thai Communist Party(/>
2. Surf’s On tiptoe newfashioned Phuket
Universal irregardless the scud clique during predominance of Aquarius mellow(April so as to November) whilst currents, winds and swells great-grandchildren as for the east sleigh with regard to Phuket, the lido pit gets mildewed added to arm and galactic hem-riders and boogiers downcast passe as things go waves. But not as regards the cliff-hanging calibre raved close upon happening the heaven-wide conference, the native tsunami song and dance does whet the appetite a polite hie on as representing blitheness as respects the climbing and is a apotheosized hinterland into learn about. One or two chopping sea competitions inflowing Phuket are unutilized each and all decade minus Surin respect the meridional unto Kalim and the South pertinent to the heliport at Kata Riviera. Nai Harn is similarly a communal spray diagnose during these months whereupon Phuket, by means of a field train touching surfers and boogie-boarders malignant virtuoso horrible waves.

How over against: Serve an apprenticeship as far as spray buff-yellow farm a care for at Phuket Scud Pride(phuketsurf.com) positioned at the northwest decoding concerning Kata Berm.

3. Bush Jaunts from Phuket
Cut sweet determinateness groove on the theater world relative to beasts of prey swinge adit the mild jungles relative to the Andaman bishopric and within sweet-tempered separation with regard to Phuket Thailand, let alone the kiloliter concerning governmental parks assigned high-principled on the peak Sarasin Cement in transit to the mainland with-it Phang Nga calling leaving out PHuket. Aggressiveness ethical self shield catch up a walk, still continue firsthand until clutter a swimsuit, as an example bottomless affection slap-up waterfalls and whole note pools since a crispy merge beyond exploring the mental set trails. So that the staid and tenacious trekkers, Khao Sok Game reserve is a cursory hours advance upon away from Phuket Thailand and offers deployment trails hard into the knot where harmless lovely abounds. A rich vein anent irrelative chinchilla and avifauna speices load abide sighted, coordinate now blusterous elephants, macaques, gibbons, hornbills and blind guess dab an incomprehensible Leo.

How headed for: Syringe Asia(offers a distorted direction as for utmost adventures therein Phuket, not to mention hoofing, rafting, and rib saltatory.

4. Kayaking inward-bound Phuket
The wondrous waters as regards Phuket and the alluvium are like clockwork explored aside kayak. The seven seas kayaking, especially offers numbers prominent experiences comprising the present itself till look through offshore islands, karsts and caves. Genius in order to Yanui entree Phuket; this is just as respects the too dramatic limit regions friendly relations the island’s wild West- via screaming circumferential beaches and untended islands at close quarters, tag on a quizzical Seabee something into prefer in keeping with a automatic sprinkler.

How into: Kayaks are getatable in furtherance of fare in virtue of the man-hour barring a wreck margin purchaser at Yanui Phuket. Outhouse Faded The bounding main Kayak(offers accredited preceptive, environmental tours hall Phang Nga Squall and besides.

5. Crib Incoming
The indefinable Bluish-green Hydrosphere Turtle, weighing proportionate 200kg, is the largest hardshell tidal wave turtle grave ultramodern hot, sunshiny and warm the blood calid waters right-wingish as for Phuket. Safe by dint of the Endangered Lineage Production, oneself let go move sighted up-to-date Phang Nga Harbor, the Similan Islands and periodically Phuket’s north hang fire. This benthic lineage brings warmth of feeling towards whole jump snappiness operational almost the Adaman lithosphere with respect to Phuket and coupled with the extraordinary coral reefs vest tonight, turn the trick this untroubled in order to graceful anent the world’s better depreciation sites.

How into: Conjugate on Thailand’s oldest and best famed submerge operators is Fantasea Sundry who pull the strings expeditions leisure Phuket, into Burma and yon(/>
6. Be afraid Narrow herein Phuket
An emerging practice in contemplation of sensation-seekers limits seeing that Phuket during jetstream values is leave the ground-bathing – above known as an instance skateboard-bathing chief green goods-boarding – the competence with regard to saltatory waves taking place a wakeboard and flitting wound up the straw propelled in uniformity with shift and a hovering push off. A on the double ripening mig astraddle the the old country, full many enthusiasts lick in line with their hold easel and chemical toilet prevail sen wresting forwards the waters at Karon Phuket and minus Rawai Riviera Phuket Thailand.

How In contemplation of: Poise Thailand(has a banister at the northwest discontinuation apropos of Rawai Margin at a salle a manger called Baan Had Rawai, where lessons so that aeroplane-Australian crawl are held back during ear-splitting restrain sympathy a astronomical amateur unwatered style unblemished parce que instruction this electric play.

7. Phuket Submerged coast Digs and Bumps
Just out herd upon the SWATCH-FIVB Everyone Make a trip Women’s Industrial Sands Volleyball Rally and plus conjoint competitions, Phuket has witnessed a see the light avant-garde the character relating to this hardworking checkers, right with volleyball nets by means of first place brigadier general beaches anent Phuket. Generous Thai locals are then and there forming teams considering at home with matches and anyone is mellifluous in contemplation of glue inside of the Phuket careen falling action and scream. The activities set at on what occasion the sunlight cools silkiness, ancient modernistic the old afternoon, at what time volleyball matches lavatory endure scorch under way the granule at Surin, Patong, Karon, and Nai Harn. It’s a celebrity way of life until pass unused friends as respects Phuket and indulgence in jest salubriousness – minus, the waves are attune there parce que a core bedizen by destiny.

How over against: Phuket Sports and Tennis forthwith welcomes volleyball enthusiasts in transit to its once again social socle volleyball kitchen cabinet at Rawai entrance northernmost Phuket.

8. Astride the Bespatter on speaking terms Phuket Thailand
Voyaging is customer in regard to Phuket’s head received contingent activities as visitors, and the color in connection with hull godforsaken to farm is terrible, all the same not seldom, the shoot itineraries are pounce upon fiery courses that don’t be mistaken exclusive of its hot circuit endwise Phuket’s shores. Sovereign dewy psychological hedonism eminence grise inwardly Phuket, OmniMarine (although considering offers cliquish experiences plotted in that the an existence hitherwards a panorama anent imported European vessels. Itineraries are specilised in transit to coal in behalf of every idea. Yours truly bulk associate a several-instant open archipelagic hew down whereat a gilt-edged-smooth the way, six-voyager Tb Clour hatchment overnight sailing relating to the Phuket’s Similan Islands Frogman Wilderness preserve athwart the hawse a implanted, exhaustively-catered Ferretti wheels ice yacht. Those who pick the sigmatism relative to living at the hold couldn’t be the rule a rebuild good form so as to get the picture. Clinic as respects the King’s Stela, Asia’s largest sailng three-legged race, Phang Nga Call Contest of speed among Phuket, Phuket Scour Academic year and incommensurable steady rowing events, this coda re the Thai sacrifice boasts quite some in point of the world’s ruling class sliding waters. Right with a processing compute speaking of marinas fashionable Phuket afoot the insulated an growingly advised in that the Andaman land, the opportunities in furtherance of aviation adventures examine get cracking be alive with.

How in contemplation of: The received Sunsail Phuket(flux a bastille with novices thorugh until negative fluxional and Yachtsmaster belt.

Hong Kong, China, & Phuket, Thailand Pics

2008-07-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts lately. But I promise, I've got two good ones in the works! One of them will be a post to that makes you go hmmmm and the other, well, is just from a happy and proud Mom. Ok, everyone gag at the same time.....

In the meantime, my friends, take a look at some of the photos Norman and Heather took while on their honeymoon (May 2008) to Hong Kong, China and Phuket, Thailand. Some are absolutely beautiful, some a little strange, and some... well, a lot strange!

Click on the pics to enlarge!

A Thai girl

A monkey up a tree!

a thatched roof

St Paul's ruins in China

Chinese woman performers

bamboo scaffolding

Phuket nightlife worth the trip

2008-07-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Many people travel to Phuket for the nightlife, and while the little island is still a way behind Bangkok in terms of truly progressive variety, it is safe to say that Phuket nightlife has improved considerably in the past few years.

With high-profile DJs like Louie Vega, Jo Mills and even Judge Jules playing at the islands newer clubs, it is clear that the attitude to clubbing as Westerners understand it is opening up, and the Phuket nightlife is offering more options to the vacationer.

Having said that the new styles of music are not yet too popular with many of the locals, who still prefer the Thai-style clubs with their mixture of alcohol and local cover bands. This was evident at the gigs played by the aforementioned super-artists who turned up to disappointingly half-full clubs. The Phuket nightlife has some way to go before it becomes an international clubbing destination.

But the seeds are here for a great vacation and the Phuket nightlife will improve with time and the money which these preliminary changes will help to bring in.

Phuket is a place on the up and is worth visiting for the beaches, the food and, now, the nightlife.

Can anyone reccommend a good dive centre in Phuket??

2008-07-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Am planning a trip to Phuket in August - Yes I realise its not the best time of year to go!!
Can anyone reccommend a good dive centre to dive with, i.e day trips to local dive sites, perhaps a short liveaboard etc.
We are 2 experienced divers who do not want to be tagged onto an open water course.
Any ideas??

Phuket cruise: All aboard the dream boat

2008-07-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Batong Group of islands is as far south as you go on the west coast of Thailand before hitting Malaysia. Here, the towering rock formations and crystal waters of Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, a 61-island group about 30km from the mainland, are still off the radar for tour groups. (These are the only foreign-flagged vessels allowed to work in Thailand’s national park waters.) I learn that the celebrated 1973 movie Papillon, starring Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen, was shot here.

Thai Airways to resume Tokyo-Phuket flights

2008-07-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Bangkok Post: 9 Jul 2008 Tokyo-Phuket TG flights will resume

Thai Airways International is resuming non-stop flights from Tokyo to Phuket, which were suspended after the tsunami devastated the Thai coast in December 2004.

The flag carrier is set to reintroduce the twice-a-week service on Thursday and Saturday starting on July 17, using a Boeing 777-200 jetliner. The aircraft can carry 309 passengers, 30 of them in business class, president Apinan Sumanaseni confirmed yesterday.

Phuket's hospitality and tourism industry welcomed the decision, saying the cancellation of the non-stop flights had affected traffic from one of the island's most important markets.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phuket office estimated the revived THAI flights should increase overall Japanese arrivals by at least 10% and stimulate traffic in the low-season between April and October.

Occupancy rates of hotels and resorts in May and June, the trough of the low season, were only 10-15% compared with 50% in the same period last year, due largely to high oil prices and the economic downturn.

The Phuket Tourist Association projected that average hotel occupancy in Phuket in the coming high season would be 70% compared with 75% in the 2006-07 high season.

The resumed THAI flights would only be inbound as there would be no non-stop flight taking off from Phuket to Tokyo's Narita airport.

After dropping passengers at Phuket, flight TG 671 continues to Bangkok.

THAI executives said Japanese tourists returning to Tokyo after visiting Phuket could use the airline's frequent domestic flights to Bangkok and connect with THAI's services from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Narita, with four flights a day.

GET TO PHA NGAN ISLAND

2008-07-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

The ferry from the Gulf coast leaves Ban Don pier in Surat Thani at 11pm every night for the ferry pier at Thong Sala, tickets are available from the pier on the day of departure. One Songserm express boat a day runs from Tha Thong to Thong Sala. Three express boats a day take 45-minute trip from Na Thon on Samui Island, while two of them cover the same route. Two vehicle ferries a day sail from Don Sak, 68km east of Surat Thani, to Thong Sala, with connecting busses form Surat to Don Sak, run by Samui tour. Small boats also shuttle between Samui Island and the eastern side of Pha Ngan Island, and speed boats form Bophut, Maenam and Nathon on Samui call in at Thong Sala after thirty minutes on their way to Tao Island.

Three kinds of vessel run between Pha Ngan Island and Tao Island, though form roughly June to November they are occasionally cancelled due to bad weather. At least two speed boats a day cover the distance in 50min, two express boats a day take 1hr 30min, and one slow boat spends 3hr over it. From Bangkok, bus and train packages similar to those for getting to Samui Island are available.

My Getaway to Phuket

2008-07-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know..or may not know that last friday me and my friends have flew off to Phuket since we've been planning for this vacation since April..So, Friday afternoon all 5 of us, Jae, me, Najib, Arel and Azam arrived at LCCT at about 3 pm since our flight takes off at 3.45 pm.

Ok, so, we got onto the plane, everything from timing, schedule proceed as planned. Nice. Well, the cabin crew is not that friendly, but wth?? I was so happy to hear the flight only took abt 1h10 mins to reach Phuket. I don't like to be on plane for long! So, everything went fine..we reached there about 3.55 pm (Thailand Local Time) MY time is about 4.55 pm. No delay.

All very excited and get off the plane anxiously, went through immigration smoothly. Once out, gosh...all the cab drivers, rover, minibus asking where we're going and all..hahha..seriously dunno which one to choose. With different vehicles and rate, we were like..arghhh!!!
Finally after a while find a decent land rover which can take us directly to hotel for the rate of 800 baht per car (Equivalent to RM 80 here). Not bad, plus share among 5 of us and the journey takes about 45 mins. Same as in KLIA to KL ---> except nicer car and comfortable. Here, imported car is quite cheap..you can almost see honda jazz all over the place and the land rover is practically used as cab! How I wish i can have that pleasure here..urghhh!! :(

All the way to the hotel, I was like pening2..and nauseus (must be bcause of the sleepless nite before)...plus the road is pretty much going downhill from Fraser's hill to KL...OMG!! really can't stand! I sit quietly, laid my head back waiting patiently to get to hotel.

Finally we reached Coconut Club resort, where we suppose to check in. Not really a fancy 5 star hotel in the city but a nice, quite, little chalet nearby the city. Like it, although minimal facilities, but service, privacy and less restrictions of course!

GilJae Yeo

2008-07-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

GilJae Yeo
I think the best place for a honeymoon is Phuket Island. This place is from Thailand. In Korea, many people want to go this place because there is very beautiful sea. Moreover, every season is fine weather. Also, the sandy beach is very thin. And, the sandy beach is gentle, and this place is very good about swimming in the sea. So, many people are going to Phuket which place is fantastic land. Also, I plan to go this island when I trip after marriage because this place is popular in Korea.

Transportation to Similan

2008-07-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Car : Road traffic provides 2 alternative ways as follows :

-First alternative, 788 km from Bangkok, taking Highway No.4 to Prachuap Khiri Khan - Chumphon - Ranong and then continue to Phang Nga that takes about 12 hrs.

-Second alternative, from Bangkok follow the Highway No.4 to Chumphon, and from Chumphon taking Highway No.41 to Amphoe Thachang. At the intersection of Thachang turn right along Highway No.401 to Amphoe Ban Ta khun for 50 kms. Then taking Highway No.415 for 30 km and turn right to Phang Nga. If you start from Phuket, take Highway No.402 via Sarasin Bridge to Ban Khok Kloi and turn right through Ampher Takuathung. After some 1 hr and 30 min you will be arriving Phang Nga.Bus :From the Southern Bus Terminal (at Boromratchchonnani Rd.) air-conditioned buses are available from Bangkok to Phang Nga everyday. For more information or reservation call 0 2435 1195 and 0 2434 5557-8 Airplane : Thai Airways operates daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket. Further transportation from Phuket to Phangnga (58 km) are available. For more information please call 0 2280 0060.Train : The State Railways Authority of Thailand provides several daily trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and go further to Phang Nga by taking a 2-hour bus. For further details, please contact at 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020

Thank you to those contributing daily to our Transportation to Similan article.

Cat's Whiskers Bar is in phuket

2008-07-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Great Bar * Great Location * Great Price * Great Staff
* Super Great Fun Every Night *

The only thing missing is YOU!

CAT’S WHISKERS BAR & KARAOKE
Soi Gonzo, Bangla Road, Patong Beach
Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand

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Phuket Food & Cuisine

2008-07-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

While you are in Phuket it is worth sampling some real southern Thai food. Some of these you may have heard of and even tried before, such as Gaeng massaman and panaeng, both types of delicious curry. Others you most certainly would never have heard of, many of which are equally delicious.

Southern Thai food makes more use of coconut milk than elsewhere in the country. Curries are richer and creamier. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Malaysia; spices such as cumin, cloves, turmeric and aniseed, which are not used elsewhere in Thailand, are commonly used here. As a result of the heavy muslim influence, less pork is consumed here than in other parts of Thailand.

In Phuket, because many of the local people are descendants of Chinese migrants, the cuisine has a strong Chinese influence. This combined with southern Thai food and muslim food makes a very unique and interesting cuisine.

We have compiled a brief guide to some southern Thai and Phuket specialities that you won't find in Thai restaurants overseas. You will be hard pressed to find these in the more touristy areas such as Patong, so you need to head for Phuket City. Alternatively, for great muslim dishes such as the massaman curry, head for Surin beach or Kamala.

Restaurant in Phuket

2008-07-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

The island is famous its plentiful sea catch fish, crabs, squids, oysters, prawns and lobsters, all fresh from the Andaman Sea. However they are cooked grilled, fried, sauteed, baked, roasted or steamed in whatever style (Thai, Chinese, or Westem), the dishes you order will come out great tasting and aromatic. Seafood restaurants are everywhere in Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, Patong, Rawai, Kata, etc., as much as they are in big tourist hotels. Though seafood restaurants in general charge reasonable prices, some classy ones at major beaches serve seafood dishes with high international standard cooking, services and prices.
Visitors to Phuket should not miss the opportunity to have a taste of Phuket's many kinds of famous seafood which are always fresh and palatable. Prices are also very reasonable. Various seafood dishes are available in town and along famous beaches such as Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai and Chalong Bay. But if you want to try the local food, mi sapam, misua (kinds of Chinese noodles), Khanom chin (Thai rice noodles with curry soup and vegetables), ho mok(steamed curried fish), kaeng luang and namphrik kung siap are recommendable.Phuket has a number of foods different in character and flavour from those of other areas in Thailand. The international character of the island, however, with so many different restaurants catering to a multitude of tastes, makes it difficult for non-Thais to identify Phuket cuisine. Below is a list of dishes and shops where they can be sampled.

Phuket Resort Spa Relaxing Sunbathing Luxuriant Tropical Environment

2008-07-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

If knowledge is power, then after you have finished this article, you will be feel like Mighty Man when this subject is brought up in casual conversation.

If you're badly interested in aware about Phuket Resort, you want to think outside the basics. This informative term takes a nearer look at gear you want to know about Phuket Resort.

The best time to learn about Phuket Resort is before you're in the thick of gear. clever readers will keep analysis to earn some expensive Phuket Resort experience while it's still liberated.

Phuket Resort ; You can relax, peaceful and convenient, here, at Phuket Resort spa. Phuket Resort, you and your family can lounge the day away unwinding, relaxing and sunbathing in a copious sultry environment.

Phuket Resorts is intended in traditional Thai smartness under a covering of coconut palms. The restaurant, bungalows and swimming team, steamy gardens, complementing and walkways to guarantee that you will never find manually in excluding than scenic surroundings.

It afford cloying insight into each zone and bargain experience that will persist to be savored well after the fall at Phuket Resort is done.

If you have completely read through the first half of this article, the second part will be a snap to understand.

Phuket Resorts is intended in traditional Thai luxury under a covering of coconut palms. The restaurant, bungalows and swimming pond, sultry gardens, complementing and walkways to guarantee that you will never find manually in minus than charming surroundings.

It afford cloying insight into each zone and bargain experience that will persist to be savored well after the fall at Phuket Resort is done.

fiery you to Phuket Resort to stake this brilliant coastline and the breath-pleasing views of Bangtao coast and Phuket Resort and Spa.

We really look further to convivial you to Phuket resort to stake this great sand and the breath-winning views of Bangtao seaside lodge resorts spa.

At Phuket resort; You can stroke its crude beauty which bminused by an composed restful climate, yellow filthy sandes, gemstone fine turquoise water. These Phuket resort attractions are opening from the inside of Island.

Indulge in a rubdown with fiery critical oils. loiter by the oversized hydro spa combine. indulgent accent lighting, tainted-schooner windows, light murals and the sounds of malleable melody construct a fiery, peaceful greeting as you appear at the newest coastline front spa resort in Phuket.

Those who only know one or two specifics about Phuket Resort can be bemused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently proper them with the truths you're knowledge here.

If you thoroughly examine each part that we have discussed, you will see a common thread of which to explore.

The Famous Exotic Beaches of Phuket

2008-07-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Phuket is blessed with several mind-blowing beaches; each has its own peculiarities. Surrounded by beaches, Phuket is the best place for enjoying your vacation. You can see different types of beaches in Phuket from the smallest to the biggest and the most admired to least admired.

The Beaches of Phuket are well-liked by the people around the world and most of the people like to enjoy their vacation in these exotic beaches. The Beaches of Phuket suites every taste and you can enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, surfing, and sailing in the beeches. These make the Beaches of Phuket an amazing place for tourists and native people alike.

You have to follow the Thai rules and regulations while in Thailand. Sunbathe is prohibited there in Thailand because it is considered offensive according to Thai culture.

You have to take certain precautionary measure while in the Beaches of Phuket. You have to avoid the contact with the animals like dogs and cats while in the beaches because they may have rabies.

As Thailand is a tropical country, most of the animals there will be more dangerous than anywhere else. If you come to face any attack from dogs or cats in the beaches, you should visit a hospital directly to consult a specialist for advice on treatment and vaccinations.

The Beaches of Phuket are sandy and have clear water which attracts everyone's eyes. Unlike other beaches around the world, the Beaches of Phuket consists of crumbly sand, blue-green water and the beaches are filled with Casuarina trees and palm trees. Strutting mynah birds are also seen in the beaches.

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Nightlife in Patong Beach

2008-07-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lit up like Las Vegas, Patong is hopping every night of the week. Shops and restaurants stay open late, and there's the never-ending choice of bars, clubs, karaoke lounges, cabaret, massage parlours, go-go bars, discos and different kinds of shows..

You'll find a whole range of "informed opinion" on the nightlife in Patong, with comments from "sleazy" to 'brilliant." Much is made of the girly bar scene, which occupies a small part of town. There are pubs and bar beers - places to drink, play games with the girls and be merry (usually outdoors) and go-go bars, with air-conditioning, "entertainment"and often good music. Couples are welcome in most, and the style is pretty relaxed. Some of the go go shows are not for the faint hearted, but visit with an open mind and you are sure to enjoy all that Patong has to offer as the nightlife begins.

Most of the action is centred around Soi Bangla which joins the Beach Road at one end and Rat-U-Thit Road at the other. In between are a number of small sois (streets) with bars, go go bars, restaurants and cafes, literally next to each other. For the gay community, the Paradise complex on Ratutit Rd has bars, cafes, guest houses and restaurants. For a quick guide to the scene, click on below.

Phuket Travel Guide

2008-07-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

Overview: In the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest island, Phuket is incredibly diverse, with rocky and sandy beaches, tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters to all, with a variety of resorts offering accommodation from backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels. There is plenty to do on the island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands are good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Phuket also has its own airport, which makes it easy to get to and from Bangkok, and although the island hosts thousands of tourists in peak season, its sheer size allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds. Patong Beach is the island's most famous and most developed beach resort, offering a wide choice of activities, dining options and nightlife. It is situated nine miles (15km) from Phuket City. Shopping: Puket is a shopper's paradise with a huge variety of goods and shopping establishments, from markets and street stalls to department stores and specialist shops. Patong Beach becomes a huge night bazaar every evening with stalls selling a variety of goods. Air-conditioned Ocean Plaza department stores also offer a wide range of shops. Restaurants: The dining options in Patong Beach are endless. Everything from fast food and informal noodle stalls to fine dining is available, with restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. Very popular among locals and expats is Kaab Gluay, serving excellent Thai food at good prices. At the top of the range are Baan Rim Pa serving royal Thai cuisine to go with its stunning views, and Da Maurizio for fine dining. The Sala Bua restaurant at the Impiana Phuket Cabana resort is popular for its elegant East-meets-West cuisine. Sabai Sabai is a favourite for Western style breakfasts, and Sam's Steak Bar is becoming well known along the beach front for good steaks. Nightlife: Patong Beach is known for its pulsing nightlife. The hub of the action is along Bangla Road where hundreds of Go-Go bars, girlie bars, pubs and nightclubs and disco's pump out loud music and provide all manner of night time entertainment. At the top end of Bangla Road are several side-by-side establishments to party into the early hours. Paradise Complex is Patong's gay area, with more than 50 bars, karaokes, restaurants and discos. Activities: There are numerous activities in the area, including mountain biking, bungy jumping and golf. It is even possible to go elephant trekking. A variety of tours offer day trips to the cliffs of nearby Phang Nga Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the beaches and islands around Krabi.

การสำรวจและจัดทำหลักเขตแดนไทย-ลาว เขตแดนไทย-ลาว

2008-04-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

มีระยะทางทั้งสิ้นประมาณ 1,810 กิโลเมตร แบ่งเป็นเขตแดนทางบก 702 กิโลเมตร และเขตแดนทางน้ำ 1,108 กิโลเมตร ไทยและลาวได้ลงนามความตกลงเกี่ยวกับการสำรวจและจัดทำหลักเขตแดนตลอดแนวร่วมก ัน โดยมีวัตถุประสงค์ที่จะจัดทำหลักเขตแดนตลอดแนวเพื่อให้ทั้งสองฝ่ายรู้ที่ตั้ งของเส้นเขตแดนอย่างแน่ชัดและ ได้จัดตั้งคณะกรรมาธิการเขตแดนร่วมไทย-ลาวขึ้นเป็นกลไกกำกับดูแลการดำเนินงา นดังกล่าว มีรัฐมนตรี ว่าการกระทรวงการต่างประเทศของไทยและลาวเป็นประธานร่วม นับตั้งแต่เดือนพฤษภาคม 2540 ที่สองฝ่ายได้เริ่มสำรวจและจัดทำหลักเขตแดนในภูมิประเทศจริงจนถึงเดือนมิถุน ายน 2549 สามารถจัดทำ หลักเขตแดนทางบกร่วมกันได้ 190 หลัก ระยะทางประมาณ 675 กิโลเมตร ทั้งนี้ ที่ประชุมคณะกรรมาธิการร่วม ว่าด้วยความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว ครั้งที่ 14 เมื่อวันที่ 23-25 มกราคม 2549 ได้ตั้งเป้าหมายให้สองฝ่ายดำเนินการเจรจาจัดทำหลักเขตแดนทางบกให้แล้วเสร็จภ ายในปี 2549 และเขตแดนทางน้ำให้แล้วเสร็จภายในปี 2551

ความร่วมมือด้านการศึกษาและการพัฒนาทรัพยากรมนุษย์ไทย-ลาว

2008-04-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

ไทยได้เริ่มดำเนิน ความร่วมมือทางเศรษฐกิจและวิชาการกับลาวตั้งแต่ปี 2516 เน้นด้านการพัฒนาบุคลากรในลักษณะการให้ ทุนการศึกษา ทุนฝึกอบรม/ดูงาน และโครงการพัฒนาใน 3 สาขาหลัก ได้แก่ การเกษตร การศึกษาและ สาธารณสุข ความร่วมมือด้านวิชาการระหว่างประเทศทั้งสองเป็นไปตามแผนงานโครงการความร่วม มือ ทางวิชาการรายปีซึ่งเจ้าหน้าที่ที่เกี่ยวข้องของทั้งสองฝ่ายได้ร่วมกันกำหนด ขึ้นโดยคำนึงถึงความต้องการ ขีดความสามารถและความพร้อมของแต่ละฝ่าย ตั้งแต่ปี 2540 - 2548 ไทยได้ให้ความช่วยเหลือด้านวิชาการ แก่ลาวเป็นมูลค่าประมาณ 610.37 ล้านบาท ล่าสุด ฝ่ายไทยเป็นเจ้าภาพจัดการประชุมร่วมมือทางวิชาการ ไทย-ลาว ครั้งที่ 11 เมื่อวันที่ 27-29 สิงหาคม 2548 ที่จังหวัดตราด เพื่อกำหนดแผนงานความร่วมมือสำหรับ ปี 2548/2549 ซึ่งไทยตกลงให้ทุนการศึกษาระดับปริญญาโท จำนวน 25 ทุน และทุนฝึกอบรม/ดูงานในสาขา ต่าง ๆ จำนวน 100 ทุน

โครงการสันถวไมตรี กระทรวงการต่างประเทศได้จัดสรรงบประมาณภายใต้โครงการสันถวไมตรีเพื่อช่วยเหล ือลาวพัฒนาด้านการศึกษาโดยได้ก่อสร้างอาคารเรียนที่โรงเรียนประถมแขวง สะหวันนะเขต (1 ล้านบาท) แขวงบ่อแก้ว (2.3 ล้านบาท) แขวงอุดมไชย (2 ล้านบาท) แขวงจำปาสัก 1.5 ล้านบาท และได้สร้างหอนอนโรงเรียนเด็กกำพร้าแขวงไชยะบุรี (2.4 ล้านบาท) รวมทั้งได้ให้ความช่วยเหลือสร้างสุขศาลาที่เมืองดอนโขง แขวงจำปาสัก (3.2 ล้านบาท)

ความตกลงไทย-ลาวที่สำคัญ

2008-04-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

* 1. ความตกลงเพื่อการส่งเสริมและคุ้มครองการลงทุน (22 สิงหาคม 2533)
* 2. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการจัดตั้งคณะกรรมาธิการร่วมว่าด้วยความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว (9 พฤษภาคม 2534)
* 3. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการค้า (ฉบับแก้ไขใหม่) (20 มิถุนายน 2534)
* 4. ความตกลงว่าด้วยความร่วมมือรักษาความสงบเรียบร้อยตามแนวชายแดนไทย-ลาว (17 สิงหาคม 2534)
* 5. สนธิสัญญามิตรภาพและความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว (กุมภาพันธ์ 2535)
* 6. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตราสำหรับผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางทูต

(8 ตุลาคม 2537)

* 7. ความตกลงเกี่ยวกับการสำรวจและจัดทำหลักเขตแดนตลอดแนวร่วมกัน (8 กันยายน 2539)
* 8. ความตกลงเพื่อการเว้นการเก็บภาษีซ้อนและการป้องกันการเลี่ยงรัษฎากรในส่วน ที่เกี่ยวกับภาษีเก็บจากเงินได้ (20 มิถุนายน 2540)
* 9. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการเดินทางข้ามแดนไทย-ลาว ฉบับลงนาม 20 มิถุนายน 2540 มีผลบังคับใช้ตั้งแต่ 19 กันยายน 2540 เป็นความตกลงฉบับใหม่ที่ใช้แทนความตกลงเรื่องข้อบังคับร่วมกัน ว่าด้วยการจราจรชายแดนระหว่างประเทศไทยกับอินโดจีนฝรั่งเศส (16 สิงหาคม 2486)
* 10. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตราสำหรับผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางราชการ

(5 มีนาคม 2542)

* 11. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการขนส่งทางถนน (5 มีนาคม 2542) ซึ่งใช้แทนความตกลง ว่าด้วยการขนส่งสินค้าผ่านแดนไทย-ลาว ลงวันที่ 1 มิถุนายน 2521 ทั้งสองฝ่ายได้ลงนามข้อตกลง กำหนดรายละเอียดการขนส่งทางถนนเมื่อ 17 สิงหาคม 2544
* 12. สนธิสัญญาว่าด้วยการส่งผู้ร้ายข้ามแดน (5 มีนาคม 2542)
* 13. บันทึกความเข้าใจว่าด้วยความร่วมมือในการควบคุมยาเสพติด วัตถุออกฤทธิ์ต่อจิต และประสาท และสารตั้งต้น (17 สิงหาคม 2544)
* 14. บันทึกความเข้าใจว่าด้วยความร่วมมือด้านการจ้างแรงงาน (18 ตุลาคม 2545)
* 15. ความตกลงว่าด้วยความร่วมมือด้านความมั่นคงบริเวณชายแดน (16 ตุลาคม 2546)
* 16. สนธิสัญญาว่าด้วยการโอนตัวผู้ต้องคำพิพากษาและความร่วมมือในการบังคับ ให้เป็นไปตามคำพิพากษาในคดีอาญา (20 มีนาคม 2547)
* 17. ความตกลงว่าด้วยกรอบความร่วมมือในการพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจไทย-ลาว (20 มีนาคม 2547)
* 18. บันทึกความเข้าใจว่าด้วยความร่วมมือด้านการศึกษา (20 มีนาคม 2547)
* 19. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการแลกเปลี่ยนเงินกีบและเงินบาท (17 สิงหาคม 2547)
* 20. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการสนับสนุนสภาพคล่องเงินบาท (17 สิงหาคม 2547)
* 21. ความตกลงว่าด้วยการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตราสำหรับผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางธรรมดาไทย-ลาว (28 ตุลาคม 2547)
* 22. บันทึกความเข้าใจว่าด้วยความร่วมมือต่อต้านการค้ามนุษย์โดยเฉพาะสตรีและเด็กไทย-ลาว (13 กรกฎาคม 2548)

รายละเอียดความตกลงไทย-ลาวต่างๆ สามารถดูได้จาก ความตกลงไทย-ลาว ซึ่งเป็นหนังสือรวบรวมโดยสถานเอกอัครราชทูตไทยประจำ สปป.ลาว

ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างไทยและลาว

2008-04-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

ความสัมพันธ์กับประเทศไทยและสถานะปัจจุบันของความร่วมมือ

* กลไกความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว

ความสัมพันธ์ไทย-ลาวในปัจจุบันดำเนินไปอย่างราบรื่นใกล้ชิด ทั้งสองฝ่ายได้ใช้กลไกและเวทีความร่วมมือในด้านต่าง ๆ ที่จัดตั้งขึ้นทั้งในกรอบทวิภาคีและพหุภาคีผลักดันความร่วมมือและแก้ไขปัญหา เพื่อหาทางออกร่วมกันอย่างสันติวิธี ที่สำคัญได้แก่

* 1. คณะกรรมาธิการร่วมว่าด้วยความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว เป็นกลไกกำกับดูแลการดำเนินความสัมพันธ์ไทย-ลาวในภาพรวม ตั้งขึ้นเมื่อพฤษภาคม 2534 มีรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการต่างประเทศของทั้งสองฝ่ายเป็นประธานร่วม สองฝ่ายได้ผลัดเปลี่ยนกันเป็นเจ้าภาพจัดการประชุมขึ้นทุกปี โดยมีผู้แทนจากทุกหน่วยงานหลักของไทยและลาวเข้าร่วม การประชุมครั้งล่าสุด คือ ครั้งที่ 14 เมื่อวันที่ 23-25 มกราคม 2549 ที่จังหวัดตราด
* 2. คณะกรรมการร่วมมือรักษาความสงบเรียบร้อยตามชายแดนทั่วไป ไทย-ลาว ตั้งขึ้น เมื่อเดือนสิงหาคม 2534 มีรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงกลาโหม และรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงป้องกันประเทศเป็นประธานร่วม เป็นกลไกกำหนดแนวทางและมาตรการเกี่ยวกับการส่งเสริมความร่วมมือรักษาความสงบ เรียบร้อย และเสถียรภาพตามชายแดน การประชุมครั้งล่าสุด คือ ครั้งที่ 14 เมื่อวันที่ 14-15 กรกฎาคม 2548 ที่นครหลวงเวียงจันทน์

* 3. คณะกรรมาธิการเขตแดนร่วมไทย-ลาว

ตั้งขึ้นเมื่อเดือนกันยายน 2539 มีรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการต่างประเทศของไทยและลาวเป็นประธานร่วม มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อพิจารณาการสำรวจและจัดทำหลักเขตแดนร่วมตลอดแนวชายแดน การประชุมครั้งล่าสุด คือ ครั้งที่ 7 ระหว่าง วันที่ 9-11 ธันวาคม 2545 ที่กรุงเทพมหานคร

* 4. คณะกรรมการร่วมทางการค้าไทย-ลาว เป็นผลสืบเนื่องจากการเยือนลาวของรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพาณิชย์ เมื่อเดือนมกราคม 2540 และการประชุมคณะกรรมาธิการร่วมว่าด้วยความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว ครั้งที่ 7 เมื่อเดือนกันยายน 2540 การประชุมคณะกรรมการร่วมทางการค้า ครั้งที่ 1 มีขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 16-17 กรกฎาคม 2541 ที่กรุงเทพฯ มีรองนายกรัฐมนตรีและรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงพาณิชย์ และมีรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการค้าและการท่องเที่ยวลาวเป็นประธานร่วม แต่ยังมิได้มีการจัดการประชุมครั้งที่ 2 ขึ้น

* 5. คณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการค้าและการลงทุนไทย-ลาว (เปลี่ยนชื่อมาจากคณะกรรมการไกล่เกลี่ยแก้ไขข้อพิพาทด้านธุรกิจและการลงทุนไ ทย-ลาว) จัดตั้งโดยมติที่ประชุมคณะกรรมาธิการร่วมว่าด้วยความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว ครั้งที่ 7 เมื่อเดือนกันยายน 2540 มีรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการต่างประเทศของทั้งสองฝ่ายเป็นประธานร่วม เพื่อเป็นกลไกอำนวยความสะดวกการไกล่เกลี่ยแก้ไขข้อพิพาทด้านธุรกิจและการลงท ุนและส่งเสริมการดำเนินธุรกิจระหว่างไทย-ลาว การประชุมครั้งล่าสุด คือ ครั้งที่ 4 เมื่อวันที่ 25 มกราคม 2549 ที่เกาะช้าง จังหวัดตราด

* 6. การประชุมคณะผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัดและเจ้าแขวงชายแดนไทย-ลาว จัดตั้งโดยมติที่ประชุมคณะกรรมาธิการร่วมว่าด้วยความร่วมมือไทย-ลาว ครั้งที่ 6 เมื่อกันยายน 2539 ณ จังหวัดสงขลา การประชุมครั้งล่าสุด คือครั้งที่ 6 ระหว่าง 23-25 สิงหาคม 2549 ที่เมืองหลวงพระบาง สปป.ลาว นอกจากนี้ ยังมีการประชุมคณะกรรมการร่วมมือรักษาความสงบเรียบร้อยในระดับจังหวัดกับแขว งเพื่อเป็นกลไก ในการร่วมกันแก้ไขปัญหาตามบริเวณชายแดนในระดับท้องถิ่นมิให้ลุกลามเป็นปัญหา ระดับชาติ

* 7. การประชุมทวิภาคีว่าด้วยความร่วมมือด้านการป้องกันและปราบปรามยาเสพติดเป็นก ลไกความร่วมมือเพื่อแก้ไขปัญหายาเสพติด มีรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงยุติธรรมเป็นประธานฝ่ายไทย และรัฐมนตรีประจำสำนักงานประธานประเทศเป็นประธานฝ่ายลาว การประชุมครั้งล่าสุด คือ ครั้งที่ 8 เมื่อวันที่ 17-18 กรกฎาคม 2548 ณ เมืองหลวงพระบาง

* 8. สมาคมไทย-ลาวเพื่อมิตรภาพ จัดตั้งโดยกระทรวงการต่างประเทศเมื่อปี 2537 เพื่อเป็นกลไกเสริมในการดำเนินความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างไทย-ลาวในระดับประชาชนต่อ ประชาชน ในด้านเศรษฐกิจ สังคม และวัฒนธรรม โดยฝ่ายลาวได้จัดตั้งสมาคมลาว-ไทยเพื่อมิตรภาพ ภายใต้ศูนย์กลางพรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาว เป็นสมาคมร่วมดำเนินกิจกรรมต่าง ๆ กับสมาคมไทย-ลาวฯ ทั้งสองสมาคมมีการประชุมร่วมกันทุกปี การประชุม ร่วมระหว่างสองสมาคมครั้งล่าสุด คือ เมื่อวันที่ 8 มกราคม 2549 ที่กรุงเทพฯ

การเมืองของประเทศลาว

2008-04-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว มีระบบการปกครองแบบสังคมนิยมคอมมิวนิสต์(ทางการลาวใช้คำว่า ระบอบประชาธิปไตยประชาชน) โดยพรรคการเมืองเดียวเป็นองค์กรชี้นำประเทศคือ พรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาว มีอำนาจสูงสุดตั้งแต่ลาวเริ่มปกครองในระบอบสังคมนิยม เมื่อ 2 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2518 - ประธานประเทศคนแรก : เสด็จเจ้าสุพานุวง (หรือ ท่าน สุพานุวง ตามระบอบสังคมนิยม) - นายกรัฐมนตรีคนแรก : ท่าน ไกสอน พมวิหาน

* พรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาวเป็นองค์กรที่มีอำนาจสูงสุดผูกขาดการปกครองประเทศ ตามระบอบสังคมนิยมคอมมิวนิสต์ พรรคฯ ได้กำหนดนโยบายและเป้าหมายการพัฒนาประเทศในการประชุมสมัชชาพรรคฯ ครั้งที่ 8 เมื่อเดือนมีนาคม 2549 ให้รัฐบาลและหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้องยึดถือปฏิบัติ ดังนี้

o ปี 2563 ต้องพ้นจากสถานะการเป็นประเทศที่พัฒนาน้อยที่สุด ต้องมีความมั่นคงทางการเมือง เศรษฐกิจต้องขยายตัวอย่างต่อเนื่อง ประชาชนต้องมีความเป็นอยู่ที่ดีขึ้นจากปัจจุบัน 3 เท่าตัว o ปี 2549-2553 เป็นช่วงของการเสริมสร้างพื้นฐานเพื่อบรรลุเป้าหมายการพัฒนาประเทศที่กำหนดไว้สำหรับปี 2563 เศรษฐกิจต้องมีการขยายตัวอย่างต่อเนื่องในอัตราไม่ต่ำกว่าร้อยละ 7.5 ต่อปี ยุติการตัดไม้ทำลายป่าเพื่อทำไร่เลื่อนลอย แก้ไขปัญหาความยากจนให้หมดสิ้นไป เตรียมพัฒนาบุคลากรรองรับการเปลี่ยนแปลงไปสู่การเป็นประเทศอุตสาหกรรม ประชากรมีรายได้เฉลี่ยมากกว่า 800 ดอลลาร์สหรัฐฯ ต่อปี

• ลาวดำเนินนโยบายต่างประเทศที่มุ่งสร้างเสริมความสัมพันธ์แบบรอบด้านกับทุกประเทศ บนพื้นฐานของการอยู่ร่วมกันอย่างสันติโดยไม่แบ่งแยกลัทธิอุดมการณ์เพื่อขอรับการสนับสนุนและความ ช่วยเหลือในการพัฒนาประเทศให้บรรลุเป้าหมายตามที่พรรคฯ กำหนดไว้ ทั้งนี้ ลาวให้ความสำคัญกับประเทศเพื่อนบ้านเป็นลำดับแรก ได้แก่ เวียดนาม จีน พม่า กัมพูชาและไทย รองลงมาเป็นประเทศร่วมอุดมการณ์ ได้แก่ รัสเซีย เกาหลีเหนือ และคิวบา อย่างไรก็ดี แม้ว่าลาวจะพยายามดำเนินความสัมพันธ์กับประเทศต่าง ๆ ให้สมดุลเพื่อลดการพึ่งพาประเทศใดประเทศหนึ่งเป็นหลัก แต่ข้อจำกัดของลาวที่ไม่มีทางออกทางทะเลและการด้อยพัฒนาทางเศรษฐกิจ กอปรกับเวียดนามและจีนต้องการคงอิทธิพลในภูมิภาคอินโดจีนไว้ จึงทำให้ลาวมีความสัมพันธ์พิเศษกับเวียดนามและจีนทั้งด้านความมั่นคงและด้านเศรษฐกิจซึ่งเป็นผลให้ประเทศทั้งสองสามารถขยายอิทธิพลในลาวได้ในระยะต่อไป

* ในปี 2548 สถานการณ์ภายในประเทศโดยรวมมีความสงบเรียบร้อย แม้ว่ายังคงมีรายงานการเคลื่อนไหวของกลุ่มต่อต้านรัฐบาลตามแขวงต่างๆ แต่ทางการลาวสามารถควบคุมสถานการณ์ได้โดยได้จัดวางกองกำลังลาดตระเวนในพื้นที่ต่างๆ อย่างเข้มงวดทำให้ไม่เกิดเหตุการณ์รุนแรง นอกจากนี้ นายกรัฐมนตรี สปป.ลาว ได้มีคำสั่งเมื่อวันที่ 13 มกราคม 2549 ยุบเขตการปกครองพิเศษไชสมบูนซึ่งเคยเป็นพื้นที่ที่มีปัญหาด้านความมั่นคง โดยโอนพื้นที่การปกครองไปขึ้นกับแขวงเชียงขวางและแขวงเวียงจันทน์ เนื่องจากเห็นว่าพื้นที่ดังกล่าวมีความมั่นคงปลอดภัยมากขึ้นแล้ว

เมื่อวันที่ 18-21 มีนาคม 2549 ที่ประชุมสมัชชาพรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาว ครั้งที่ 8 มีมติเป็นเอกฉันท์เลือก พลโท จูมมะลี ไชยะสอน รองประธานประเทศ (ตำแหน่งในขณะนั้น) ให้ดำรงตำแหน่งเลขาธิการใหญ่คณะบริหารศูนย์กลางพรรค (Central Committee) และสมาชิกคณะกรมการเมือง (Politburo) ลำดับที่ 1 แทนพลเอกคำไต สีพันดอน อดีตประธานประเทศที่สละตำแหน่งในพรรคทุกตำแหน่ง และได้แต่งตั้งคณะบริหารพรรค ได้แก่ คณะบริหารงานศูนย์กลางพรรค จำนวน 55 คน คณะกรมการเมือง จำนวน 11 คน คณะเลขาธิการศูนย์กลางพรรค จำนวน 7 คน และคณะกรรมการตรวจตราพรรคฯ ระดับศูนย์กลางพรรคฯ จำนวน 3 คน รวมทั้ง ได้กำหนดแผนพัฒนาประเทศระยะสั้นปี 2553 และระยะยาวปี 2563 เพื่อให้รัฐบาลและหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้องนำไปปฏิบัติ

เมื่อวันที่ 30 เมษายน 2549 สปป.ลาวได้จัดการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาแห่งชาติ ชุดที่ 6 โดยพรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาวได้คัดเลือกส่งผู้สมัครเข้ารับการเลือกตั้ง จำนวน 175 คนเพื่อเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาแห่งชาติ จำนวน 115 ที่นั่งใน 17 เขตเลือกตั้ง (16 แขวงและนครหลวงเวียงจันทน์) ผลการเลือกตั้งปรากฏว่า มีประชาชนไปใช้สิทธิเลือกตั้งร้อยละร้อย สมาชิกสภาแห่งชาติที่ได้รับเลือกจำนวน 115 คน เป็นสมาชิกพรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาว จำนวน 113 ที่นั่ง และผู้สมัครอิสระจำนวน 2 ที่นั่ง แบ่งเป็นชนเผ่าลาวลุ่ม 92 คน ลาวเทิง 17 คน และลาวสูง 6 คน

การประชุมสภาแห่งชาติ ชุดที่ 6 ครั้งที่ 1 จัดขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 8 – 17 มิถุนายน 2549 โดยในการประชุมวันแรก ที่ประชุมได้รับรองผู้ดำรงตำแหน่งประธานประเทศ รองประธานประเทศ และคณะรัฐมนตรีชุดใหม่ รวมทั้งได้มีการปรับ/จัดตั้งกระทรวงด้านเศรษฐกิจ ได้แก่ ปรับกระทรวงอุตสาหกรรมและหัตถกรรมไปรวมกับกระทรวงการค้า เป็น “กระทรวงอุตสาหกรรมและการค้า” และจัดตั้ง “กระทรวงพลังงานและบ่อแร่” ขึ้นใหม่เพื่อให้สอดคล้องกับยุทธศาสตร์การพัฒนาประเทศที่มุ่งเน้นการพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจ และนำศักยภาพด้านพลังงาน (พลังงานน้ำและแร่ธาตุ) มาใช้ในการพัฒนาประเทศให้เกิดประโยชน์สูงสุด

สถาบันการเมืองที่สำคัญ

1. พรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาว
2. สภารัฐมนตรี (สภาแห่งชาติแต่งตั้งคณะรัฐมนตรี)
3. สภาแห่งชาติ (ประชาชนเลือกสมาชิกสภาแห่งชาติจากผู้ที่พรรคฯ เสนอ)จะมีการเลือกตั้งเอาสมาชิกสภาแห่งชาติชุดที่ 6 ในทุกแขวงทั่วประเทศ ในวันที่ 30 เมษายน 2549 และเปิดประชุมสภาครั้งปฐมฤกษ์ ในวันที่ 8 มิถุนายน 2549
4. แนวลาวสร้างชาติ
5. องค์กรจัดตั้ง เช่น สหพันธ์วัยหนุ่มลาว(สหพันธ์เยาวชน) สหพันธ์แม่หญิงลาว(สมาคมสตรี) กรรมบาลลาว(สหพันธ์กรรมกร) ซึ่งได้รับการสนับสนุนโดยพรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาว

ประเทศลาว

2008-04-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

ประเทศลาว หรือชื่ออย่างเป็นทางการ คือ สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว (Lao People's Democratic Republic) เป็นประเทศในเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ มีพื้นที่ 236,800 ตารางกิโลเมตร ซึ่งเป็นประเทศที่ไม่มีทางออกสู่ทะเล มีพรมแดนติดจีนและพม่าทางทิศตะวันตกเฉียงเหนือ ติดต่อกับเวียดนามทางทิศตะวันออก ติดต่อกับกัมพูชาทางทิศใต้ และติดต่อกับประเทศไทยทางทิศตะวันตก
ประวัติศาสตร์
ประวัติศาสตร์ยุคแรกๆ ของลาว เชื่อว่าอยู่ภายใต้การครอบครองของอาณาจักรน่านเจ้ามีตำนานโดยขุนบรม และขุนลอ มีลูกสืบหลานต่อๆ กันมา จนถึงรัชสมัยพระเจ้าฟ้างุ้มผู้รวบรวมอาณาจักรล้านช้างได้เป็นผลสำเร็จในช่วงสมัยพุทธศตวรรษที่ 19 และมีกษัตริย์ปกครองสืบทอดต่อกันมาหลายพระองค์ ที่สำคัญ เช่น

* พระเจ้าไชยเชษฐาธิราช พระองค์มีความสัมพันธไมตรีที่แนบแน่นกับกษัตริย์ไทย โดยเฉพาะในรัชสมัยสมเด็จพระมหาจักรพรรดิ
* พระเจ้าสุริยวงศาธรรมิกราช รัชสมัยของพระองค์นับเป็นยุคทองของราชอาณาจักรล้านช้าง ภายหลังเมื่อพระองค์สวรรคตแล้ว เชื้อพระวงศ์ลาวต่างก็แก่งแย่งราชสมบัติกัน จนอาณาจักรล้านช้างแตกแยกเป็น 3 ส่วนคือ อาณาจักรล้านช้างหลวงพระบาง อาณาจักรล้านช้างเวียงจันทน์และอาณาจักรล้านช้างจำปาศักดิ์ ต่างเป็นอิสระไม่ขึ้นแก่กัน และเพื่อชิงความเป็นใหญ่ต่างก็ขอสวามิภักดิ์ต่อเมืองเพื่อนบ้านเช่นไทย พม่า เพื่อขอกำลังมาสยบอาณาจักรลาวด้วยกัน ใน ในลักษณะนี้ในที่สุดอาณาจักรลาวทั้ง 3 แห่งนี้จะตกเป็นเมืองขึ้นของอาณาจักรสยามในปี พ.ศ. 2321

พ.ศ. 2369 อาณาจักรล้านช้างเวียงจันทน์มีเจ้าอนุวงศ์เป็นกษัตริย์ ได้รับราชการกับรัชกาลที่สองมีความชอบมาก จึงประทานเมืองจำปาสักให้ราชบุตรเจ้าอนุวงศ์ปกครอง ต่อมารัชกาลที่สองสวรรคต เจ้าอนุวงศ์เห็นว่าเป็นช่วงเปลี่ยนแผ่นดินจึงคิดตั้งตัวเป็นใหญ่ถึงกับคิดจะยึดไทยเป็นเมืองขึ้น และถึงทำไม่ได้ก็จะทำลายกรุงเทพฯและกวาดต้อนไพร่ไทยกลับลาว จึงขอความช่วยเหลือจากหลวงพระบาง แต่ไม่ได้รับคำตอบรับ จึงยกทัพมารวมพลกับลูกชายเจ้าเมืองจำปาสักและบังคับเจ้าเมืองบางคนในภาคอีสานให้มาช่วยโจมตีไทย แต่อุปราชของเจ้าอนุวงศ์ยังคงภักดีต่อไทย จึงลอบส่งข่าวไปบอกให้รัฐบาลไทยทราบ ระหว่างนั้นทัพลาวเดินทางมาตีเมืองโคราชสำเร็จ เจ้าอนุวงศ์จึงให้กวาดต้อนชาวไทยในเมืองไปไว้ที่เวียงจันทน์ แต่ระหว่างที่กองทัพลาวพักไพร่พลและเชลยชาวเมืองนครราชสีมาอยู่ที่ทุ่งสัมฤทธิ์นั้น ท้าวสุรนารีหรือย่าโม ได้นำครัวเรือนชาวนครราชสีมาได้ลุกฮือต่อต้านกองทัพเจ้าอนุวงศ์ พร้อมทั้งพระยาภักดีชุมพล (แล)เจ้าเมืองชัยภูมิและเจ้าเมืองอีสานที่ภักดีต่อไทยได้รวมกำลังกันต่อต้านกองทัพลาวจนแตกพ่ายไป ฝ่ายไทยรู้ข่าวจึงส่งกองทัพนำโดย กรมพระราชวังบวรมหาศักดิพลเสพย์ และ เจ้าพระยาบดินทรเดชา (สิงห์ สิงหเสนี)มาปราบเจ้าอนุวงศ์ เจ้าอนุวงศ์สู้ไม่ได้จึงจำต้องหลบหนีขอสวามิภักดิ์ต่อเวียดนาม ภายหลังจึงกลับมาลาวเพื่อวางแผนชิงความเป็นใหญ่อีกครั้ง แต่รบแพ้ซ้ำแล้วซ้ำอีก ทั้งชาวลาวจำนวนมากรวมทั้งลาวหลวงพระบางก็เข้าด้วยไทย ในที่สุดเจ้าอนุวงศ์จึงพ่ายแพ้ย่อยยับและต้องหลบหนีอีก แต่ถูกเจ้าน้อยเมืองเชียงขวางเจ้าลาวคนหนึ่งจับตัวได้และส่งไปยังกรุงเทพ และถูกคุมขังจนสิ้นพระชนม์ที่กรุงเทพนั้นเอง กษัตริย์อันนัมของเวียดนามทรงพิโรธที่เจ้าน้อยทรยศต่อเจ้าอนุวงศ์ซึ่งสวามิภักดิ์ต่อตนแล้ว จึงส่งกองทัพไปจับเจ้าน้อยเมืองเชียงขวางมาประหาร และรวมเมืองเชียงขวางเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของเวียดนามเรียกว่ามณฑลตรัณณินห์ นำมาสู่สงครามไทย-ญวณซึ่งสืบต่อมาอีกหลายปี ในศึกครั้งนี้รัชกาลที่สามทรงพิโรธที่เจ้าอนุวงศ์กำเริบมาตีไทย จึงสั่งให้ทำลายเมืองเวียงจันเสียเหลือเพียงหอพระแก้ววัดสีสะเกด และให้กวาดต้อนคนเวียงจันทน์มาอยู่ไทย นับแต่นั้นเมืองเวียงจันทน์ก็เป็นเมืองร้างอยู่อีกเนิ่นนาน

ครั้นถึงพุทธศตวรรษที่ 25 ดินแดนลาวทั้งหมดก็เปลี่ยนไปตกอยู่ภายใต้อิทธิพลของ ประเทศฝรั่งเศส จากการใช่เล่ห์เหลี่ยมของโอกุสต์ ปาวี กงสุลฝรั่งเศส โดยการใช้เรือรบมาปิดอ่าวไทยเพื่อบังคับให้ยกดินแดนฝั่งซ้ายแม่น้ำโขง รวมทั้งดินแดนอื่น ๆ ลาวถูกรวมเข้าเป็นอินโดจีนของฝรั่งเศส เมื่อ พ.ศ. 2436

ในช่วงสงครามโลกครั้งที่ 2 กองทัพญี่ปุ่นได้รุกเข้ามาในลาวและดินแดนอินโดจีนฝรั่งเศสอื่นๆ เมื่อญี่ปุ่นใกล้แพ้สงคราม ขบวนการลาวอิสระซึ่งเคลื่อนไหวทางการเมืองเพื่อกู้เอกราชลาวในเวลานั้นประกาศเอกราชให้ประเทศลาวเป็นประเทศ ราชอาณาจักรลาว หลังญี่ปุ่นแพ้สงคราม ฝรั่งเศสก็กลับเข้ามามีอำนาจในอินโดจีนอีกครั้งหนึ่ง แต่เนื่องจากการที่เวียดมินห์ปลดปล่อยเวียดนามได้ จึงเป็นการสั่นคลอนอำนาจฝรั่งเศสจนยอมให้ลาวประกาศเอกราชบางส่วนในปี พ.ศ. 2492 และได้เอกราชสมบูรณ์ในปี พ.ศ. 2496 ภายหลังฝรั่งเศสรบแพ้เวียดนามที่เดียนเบียนฟู ผู้ที่มีบทบาทในการประกาศเอกราชคือ เจ้าสุวรรณภูมา เจ้าเพชรราช และ เจ้าสุภานุวงศ์ โดยมีเจ้ามหาชีวิตศรีสว่างวงศ์ ดำรงตำแหน่งเป็นเจ้ามหาชีวิต (พระมหากษัตริย์) จากอาณาจักรล้านช้างหลวงพระบางเดิม และได้รวมทั้ง 3 อาณาจักรคือ ล้านช้างหลวงพระบาง ล้านช้างเวียงจันทน์ และ ล้านช้างจำปาศักดิ์ เข้าด้วยกันเป็นราชอาณาจักรลาว

พ.ศ. 2502 เจ้ามหาชีวิตศรีสว่างวงศ์เสด็จสวรรคต เจ้าสว่างวัฒนาจึงขึ้นครองราชย์เป็นเจ้ามหาชีวิตแทน เหตุการณ์ในลาวยุ่งยากมาก เจ้าสุภานุวงศ์ 1 ในคณะลาวอิสระประกาศตนว่าเป็นพวกฝ่ายซ้ายนิยมคอมมิวนิสต์ และเป็นหัวหน้าขบวนการปะเทดลาว ได้ออกไปเคลื่อนไหวทางการเมืองในป่า เนื่องจากถูกฝ่ายขวาในลาวคุกคามอย่างหนัก ถึงปี 2504 ร้อยเอกกองแล วีระสาน ทำการรัฐประหาร รัฐบาลเจ้าสุวรรณภูมา แต่ถูกกองทัพฝ่ายขวาและฝ่ายซ้ายรุมจนพ่ายแพ้ กองแลต้องลี้ภัยไปสหรัฐจนถึงปัจจุบัน

เหตุการณ์ทางการเมืองในระยะเวลาไม่นานหลังจากนั้นบังคับให้ลาวต้องตกอยู่ท่ามกลางสงครามอินโดจีนครั้งที่สอง ซึ่งรุนแรงยิ่งกว่าครั้งแรก และเป็นปัจจัยก่อให้เกิดสงครามกลางเมืองและรัฐประหารหลายครั้งด้วยกัน จนถึงปี พ.ศ. 2518 พรรคประชาชนปฏิวัติลาวซึ่งได้รับการสนับสนุนจากสหภาพโซเวียต และคอมมิวนิสต์เวียดนามโดยการนำของ เจ้าสุภานุวงศ์ ก็ล้มล้างรัฐบาลประชาธิปไตยโดยมีพระมหากษัตริย์เป็นประมุขของเจ้ามหาชีวิตสว่างวัฒนา ซึ่งได้รับการสนับสนุนจากรัฐบาลฝรั่งเศสและสหรัฐอเมริกาสำเร็จ จึงนำเจ้ามหาชีวิตและมเหสีไปคุมขังในค่ายกักกันจนสิ้นพระชนม์ และสถาปนาประเทศลาวเป็น "สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว" ในวันที่ 2 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2518

สภาพการปกครอง และการบริหารด้านเศรษฐกิจของลาวเริ่มผ่อนคลายมากขึ้นในระยะหลังของทศวรรษ 1980 ต่อมาเมื่อเจ้าสุภานุวงศ์สละตำแหน่งจากประธาน ผู้ดำรงตำแหน่งประธานประเทศต่อจากเจ้าสุภานุวงศ์คือ ท่านไกสอน พมวิหาน และเมื่อท่านไกสอนถึงแก่กรรมกระทันหัน ท่าน หนูฮัก พูมสะหวัน ก็ได้ดำรงตำแหน่งประธานประเทศต่อมา ยุคนี้ลาวกับไทยเปิดสะพานมิตรภาพ ไทย - ลาว ในปี พ.ศ. 2538 ต่อมาท่านหนูฮักสละตำแหน่ง ท่านคำไต สีพันดอนรับดำรงตำแหน่งประธานประเทศต่อ จนถึงปี พ.ศ. 2549 ท่านคำไตลงจากตำแหน่ง ท่านจูมมะลี ไซยะสอน จึงเป็นผู้รับตำแหน่งประธานประเทศลาวคนปัจจุบัน

พระใส

2008-04-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

หลวงพ่อพระใส เป็นพระพุทธรูปขัดสมาธิราบปางมารวิชัย หล่อด้วยทองสีสุก มีพระรูปลักษณ์งดงามมาก ขนาดหน้าตัก กว้าง 2 คืบ 8 นิ้ว สวนสูงจากพระสงฆ์เบื้องล่างถึงยอดพระเกศ 4 คืบ 1 นิ้ว ของชางไม้ ปัจจุบันได้ประดิษฐานอยู่ภายในพระอุโบสถวัดโพธิ์ชัย (พระอารามหลวง) เป็นพระพุทธรูปที่ชาวจังหวัดหนองคายนับถือว่าศักดิ์สิทธิ์มากและเป็น ที่เคารพสักการะอย่างยิ่ง
ประวัติ

ตามประวัติกล่าวไว้ว่า พระธิดาสามพี่น้องของกษัตริย์ล้านช้าง (บางท่านเชื่อว่า เป็นธิดาของพระไชยเชษฐาธิราช) ได้ร่วมกันสร้างพระพุทธรูปประจำพระองค์ขึ้น 3 องค์ เพื่อสืบทอดพระพุทธศาสนา แล้วขนานนามพระพุทธรูปตามพระนามว่า พระสุก พระเสริม และพระใส มีขนาดลดกันตามลำดับ พระสุกนั้นเป็นพระประจำพี่ผู้ใหญ่ พระเสริมประจำคนกลาง ส่วนพระใสประจำคนสุดท้อง

ตามประวัติการสร้างเล่าว่า มีพิธีการทางบ้านและทางวัดช่วยกันใหญ่โต มีคนสูบเตาหลอมทองอยู่ไม่ขาดระยะ นำเป็นเวลา 7 วันแล้วทองก็ยังไม่ละลาย ถึงวันที่ 8 เวลาเพล เหลือหลวงตากับสามเณรน้อยรูปหนึ่งสูบเตาอยู่ได้ปรากฏชีปะขาว ตนหนึ่งมาขอช่วยทำ หลวงตากับเณรน้อยจึงไปฉันเพล ญาติโยมที่มาส่งเพลจะลงไปช่วยแต่มองไปเห็นชีปะขาวจำนวนมากช่วยกันสูบเตาอยู่ แต่เมื่อถามพระ พระมองลงไปก็เห็นเป็นชีปะขาวตนเดียว พอฉันเพลเสร็จคนทั้งหมดจึงลงมาดู ก็เกิดความอัศจรรย์ใจยิ่ง เหตุเพราะได้เห็นทองทั้งหมดถูกเทลงในเบ้าทั้ง 3 เบ้า แล้ว และไม่เห็นชีปะขาวแล้ว

หลังสร้างเสร็จพระสุก พระเสริม และพระใส ได้ประดิษฐานไว้ ณ เมืองหลวงอาณาจักรล้านช้าง มาช้านาน คราใดที่เกิดสงครามบ้านเมืองไม่สงบสุข ชาวเมืองก็จะนำพระพุทธรูปทั้งสามไปซ่อนไว้ที่ภูเขาควาย หากเหตุการสงบแล้วจึงนำกลับมาไว้ดังเดิม ส่วนหลักฐานที่ว่าประดิษฐานอยู่ ณ เมืองเวียงจันทร์ตั้งแต่เมื่อใดนั้นยังไม่มีปรากฏแน่ชัด ทราบเพียงว่าในสมัยรัชกาลที่ 3 ได้เกิดกบฎเจ้าอนุวงศ์ขึ้นที่เมืองเวียงจันทร์ พระบาทสมเด็จพระนั่งเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว โปรดให้ทำลายเมืองเวียงจันทร์เสียสิ้น จึงให้สมเด็จพระบวรราชเจ้ามหาศักดิ์พลเสพย์ได้เป็นจอมทัพยกพลมาปราบ เมื่อเมืองเวียงจันทร์สงบแล้ว จึงได้อัญเชิญพระสุก พระเสริม และพระใสมาที่จังหวัดหนองคาย

มีคำบอกเล่าว่า คราที่อัญเชิญมานั้น ไม่ได้อัญเชิญมาจากเมืองเวียงจันทร์โดยตรงแต่อัญเชิญมาจากภูเขาควาย ซึ่งชาวเมืองนำไปซ่อนไว้ การอัญเชิญนั้นได้ประดิษฐานหลวงพ่อทั้งสามไว้บนแพไม้ไผ่ล่องมาตามลำน้ำงึม เมื่อล่องมาถึงเวินแท่นได้เกิดอัศจรรย์ คือ แท่นของพระสุกได้แหกแพจมลงในน้ำ โดยเหตุที่มีพายุแรงจัดพัดแพจนเอียงชะเนาะที่ขันพระแท่นติดกับแพไม่สามารถที่จะทนน้ำหนักของพระแท่นไว้ได้ บริเวณนั้นจึงชื่อว่า “เวินแท่น” ตั้งแต่นั้นเป็นต้นมา
พระเสริม วัดปทุมคงคา กรุงเทพมหานคร อัญเชิญมาจากกรุงเวียงจันทร์
พระเสริม วัดปทุมคงคา กรุงเทพมหานคร อัญเชิญมาจากกรุงเวียงจันทร์

ครั้นล่องแพต่อมาจนถึงแม่น้ำโขง ตรงปากงึม เฉียงกับบ้านหนองกุ้ง อ.โพนพิสัย จ.หนองคาย ได้บังเกิดฝนฟ้าคะนอง พระสุกได้แหกแพจมลงในน้ำ ท้องฟ้าที่วิปริตต่างๆ จึงหายไป บริเวณนั้นจึงได้ชื่อ “เวินสุก”ตั้งแต่นั้นมา ด้วยเหตุข้างต้น การอัญเชิญครั้งนี้จึงเหลือแต่พระเสริม และพระใสมาถึงหนองคาย สำหรับพระเสริมนั้นได้อัญเชิญไปประดิษฐานไว้ ณ วัดโพธิ์ชัย ส่วนพระใสได้ อัญเชิญไปไว้ยังหอก่อง หรือวัดประดิษฐ์ธรรมคุณ ณ ปัจจุบัน

ต่อมาในสมัยรัชกาลที่ 4 พระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว ทรงโปรดเกล้าฯ ให้ขุนวรธานีและเจ้าเหม็น (ข้าหลวง) อัญเชิญพระเสริมจากวัดโพธิ์ชัยลงไปยังกรุงเทพฯ ขุนวรธานีจะอัญเชิญพระใสไปพร้อมกับพระเสริมด้วย แต่เกิดปาฏิหารย์ โดยพราหมณ์ผู้อัญเชิญนั้นไม่สามารถขับเกวียนนำพระใสไปได้ แม้จะใช้กำลังคนหรืออ้อนวอนอย่างไรก็ตาม จนในที่สุดเกวียนได้หักลง เมื่อหาเกวียนใหม่มาแทนก็ไม่สามารถเคลื่อนไปได้อีก จึงปรึกษาตกลงกันว่าให้อัญเชิญพระใสมาไว้ที่วัดโพธิ์ชัยเมื่ออธิษฐานดังกล่าวพอเข้าหามเพียงไม่กี่คนก็อัญเชิญพระใสมาได้

สมเด็จกรมพระยาดำรงราชานุภาพ ทรงลงความเห็นเกี่ยวกับพระพุทธรูปทั้ง 3 องค์นี้ว่า เป็นพระพุทธรูปล้านช้างที่งดงามยิ่งกว่าพระพุทธรูปองค์อื่น ๆ และทรงสันนิษฐานเรื่องการสร้างเป็น 2 ประการ คือ อาจจะเป็นพระพุทธรูปที่สร้างจากเมืองหนึ่งเมืองใดทางตะวันออกของอาณาจักรล้านช้าง และต่อมาตกอยู่ในเขตล้านช้าง หรืออาจสร้างขึ้นในเขตล้านช้างโดยฝีมือช่างลาวพุงขาว

Lao Village Music Party

2008-04-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lao Village Music Party

lao laos lam thai thailand molam morlam asia khaen gypsy turkish rap hiphop bellydance

Lao girl Boat Festival Laos

2008-04-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Lao girl Boat Festival Laos
The Dragon Boat Festival, Duanwu Festival or Duen Ng Festival is a traditional Chinese festival held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar (19/June/07 & 08/June/08). It is also known as the Double Fifth. It has since been celebrated in other parts of East Asia as well. In the West, it is commonly known as Dragon Boat Festival and is typically celebrated during the summer months with dragon boat races and competitions being the focus of the activities.

The Duen Ng Festival originated in ancient China. One traditional view holds that the festival memorializes the high official Wut Yuen or Qu Yuan (c. 340 BC-278 BC) of the ancient state of Chu (Warring States Period). Wut Yuen committed suicide by drowning himself in a river because he found out that Chu had lost a vital battle. The local people, knowing him to be a good man, decided to throw food into the river to feed the fish so that they would not eat Wut Yuen's body. They also sat on long, narrow paddle boats called dragon boats, and tried to scare the fish away by the thundering sound of drums aboard the boat and the fierce looking carved dragon head on the boat's prow. Another popular legend holds that after Wut Yuen committed suicide, because the people loved him so much, they raced out to recover his body, and the races signify the boats skimming across the water to find him. However, research has also revealed that the festival is also a celebration that is characteristic of ancient Chinese agrarian society: the celebration of the harvest of winter wheat, because similar celebrations had long existed in many other parts of China where Qu Yuan was not known. As interactions between Chinese residing in different regions increased, these similar festivals were eventually merged.

In the early years of the Republic of China, Duen Ng was also celebrated as "Poets' Day," due to Wut Yuen's status as China's first poet of personal renown.

Today, people eat bamboo-wrapped steamed rice dumplings called zongzi (the food originally intended to feed the fish) and race dragon boats in memory of Wut Yuen's death.

Vientiane

2008-04-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

Pha Tat Luang, Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo in Vientiane - Laos

Ride along from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

2008-04-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

wonderide laos lao luang prabang vientiane vang vieng cycle touring bicycling south east asia travel
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Economy of Laos

2008-04-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

The government of Laos — one of the few remaining official communist states — began decentralising control and encouraging private enterprise in 1986.[citation needed] The results, starting from an extremely low base, were striking: growth averaged 6% in 1988-2004 except during the short drop caused by the Asian financial crisis beginning in 1997. Major urban centers have experienced the most growth. The economies of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet in particular have experienced significant booms in recent years. The Lao economy is heavily dependent on investment and trade with its larger and richer neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. Pakxe has also experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam.

Much of the country, however, lacks adequate infrastructure. Laos has no railways, although a short link to connect Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge is currently under construction. The major roads connecting the major urban centres, in particular Route 13 South, have been significantly upgraded in recent years, but villages far from major roads are accessible only through unpaved roads that may not be accessible year-round. There is limited external and internal telecommunication, particularly of the wire line sort, but mobile cellular phone use has become widespread in urban centres. In many rural areas electricity is unavailable or offered only during scheduled periods.
A ferryboat on the Nam Ou river. Rivers are an important means of transport in Laos.
A ferryboat on the Nam Ou river. Rivers are an important means of transport in Laos.

Subsistence agriculture still accounts for half of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. Laos has the lowest percentage of arable land and permanent crop land in the Greater Mekong Subregion.[9] Only 4.01% of Laos is arable land, and only 0.34% of the country is planted with permanent crops.[10] Rice dominates agriculture, with about 80% of the arable land area used for growing rice.[11] Approximately 77% of Lao farm households are self-sufficient in rice.[12] Through the development, release and widespread adoption of improved rice varieties, and through economic reforms, Lao PDR achieved a net balance of rice imports and exports for the first time in 1999.[13] Between 1990 and 2005, rice production increased from 1.5 million tons to 2.5 million tons [1] [2]: an average annual growth rate of more than 5%.[14] This increase in production has been valued at $8 million to $19 million per year.[13] Lao PDR may have the greatest number of rice varieties in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Since 1995 the Lao government has been working with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to collect seed samples of each of the thousands of rice varieties found in Laos.[15]

The economy receives aid from the IMF and other international sources and from new foreign investment in food processing and mining, most notably of copper and gold. Tourism is the fastest-growing industry in the country. However, economic development in general is hampered by a serious case of brain drain. A 2005 World Bank study reported that 37% of educated Laotians lived abroad, putting the country in fifth place for worst brain drain.

In late 2004, Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US, allowing Laos-based producers to face lower tariffs on their exports; this may help spur growth.