Long Live the King & Happy Fathers Day



A very happy 82cnd birthday to the king of Thailand today. The King’s birthday is also fathers day in Thailand so a happy fathers day to everyone in Thailand as well. Let’s hope the King continues to recover from his recent illness and that the Thai People can come together for the king and the Kingdom and put aside all the political strife at least for the next few days.

Chiang Mai Images Trip Part 6

 Chiang Mai Images

 Chiang Mai Images
 Chiang Mai Images
 Chiang Mai Images
 Chiang Mai Images


Activity of News blog about Chiang Mai

Free Vacation Certificates as Business Incentives

Free vacation certificates are excellent business incentives that can not only attract customers to your business, but also provide you with a good regular income. You can expect up to a 30% increase in sales by using certificates as part of your marketing strategy, and can also be used as staff incentives.

People love getting things for free. In fact the most used word in internet searches the world over is ‘free’. You can use that fact to improve and expand your business by offering free vacation and ‘get away’ certificates in all your promotions, or as incentives to former customers to continue doing business with you. The response is generally very high due to the psychological effect of the ‘free gift’. Recipients will believe that they have nothing to lose once you have assured them that there is no hidden catch, and that they have nothing extra to pay other than the possibility of a small processing fee and taxes.

Many Companies have found the answer is nothing short of amazing, and vacation allowances have adopted as a large part of their promotional strategy. They are used in online promotions, in newspapers and magazines, direct mail campaigns as well as inserts. You have to try very hard to get, so that they do not increase your profits will be wonders and your sales staff to achieve when they offer as a purchase incentive. Your certificates can be personalized for that unique look.

So,how to take these certificates and what they offer. Basically they have a certificate in one of a number of possible designs. You can select one of a variety of different incentives including hotel holiday, holiday resort, cruises to Mexico or the Bahamas, offering flights, and 2 for 1 action. The beneficiary generally pays only taxes and for a small fee for the administration.

When you play back the certificates for your company, there are vouchers Deal of statutory rebatesDental discounts, gas savings and even golf club membership. There is a wide selection and you can usually find something suitable for your business. However, it is the holidays and flights are popular because they represented too much and the hard-cash savings.

The reason, hotel and leisure companies can make such offers, it is likely that they often have a policy of giving free rooms and flights, advertising companies in order to fill rooms and seats at timesIf the occupancy is not full. Hotels and restaurants usually not filled on weekends, holidays and regular meetings, and use the non-used rooms and places to promote themselves. The same holds true for free seats and cruise cabins.

You could not pay for the seat or a place to stay, but it would not be paid in any event, and giving him free of resorts and hotels have the option of the recipient of money in the restaurant, casino, bars and otherAmenities. There is also a good indicator, and if the visitors enjoy the two nights, could they come back for a longer stay.

The hotels have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and the same holds true for your company and your customers and employees. Also they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It is a breeze, and that is why they are so popular and so successful. The holidays, hotels and cruise lines issued by money and get references fromsatisfied visitors, you get a stronger economy, commissions are used on the certificates, and win loyal employees and your customers through free hotels, cruises and other services.

Also, individuals have the opportunity to spread holiday allowances to companies. This can be a good earning potential opportunity for you because you create an income when you sell these certificates to the companies. Everything you need to do is to choose an online marketing company and couponsOr allowances as incentives for enterprises and contact a dealer.

You can then sell certificates for a wide range of businesses and individuals, and you will receive a commission every time you use it! Just think of the benefits to companies through the use of this promotional offer certificates. By offering a certificate to a household that at home when a salesman calls, a company can more than double its conversion rate is. You may be given by insuranceCustomers who used to a new policy or even as incentives in Internet marketing. The possibilities are endless, and you should just give it to companies with compelling reasons for the purchase.

Free vacation certificates as incentives for businesses are becoming more popular, and whether you are running an individual or a company, they provide a wonderful opportunity, personal or corporate income tax.

Algarve - A Place Where You, Nature and History Meet

Have you been in this part of Portugal?
If you do not, then be ready to receive applications from its astonishing beauty, interesting history and simple elegance.
Algarve is the southernmost part of mainland Portugal, with lush valleys and beautiful beaches. Algarve increase of year-round sunshine filled day and wonderful mild climate. It is a popular destination not only the Portuguese and Europeans, but also by tourists from around the world.
Algarvedivided into 16 municipalities, each of which offer a lot, but the following are the five best destinations.
1. Albufeira - This is the tourist capital of the Algarve. It derives its name from the Arabic word al-Buhayra, which means "lagoon". This place has a unique blend of history and modern comfort. The earthquake of 1755 had leveled most of the old Albufeira to the ground, but an adventurous tourists can find the relics of bygone eras, by theBackyards.
For those who love the water, has 23 most beautiful beaches of Albufeira, you can choose from a white sand, crystal clear sea and the perfect Mediterranean climate.
It also has a marina, world-class golf courses, numerous restaurants and bars and a vibrant and colorful nightlife.
2. Vilamoura - The Heart of Golf Country, it has many world class golf courses and a large marina, which can accommodate up to 1,000 ships can. Not far from the port facilities arevarious water sports like jet skiing, parasailing. You can also charter boats and enjoy a day deep sea fishing or exploring the local caves and grottos.
Resort Reviews 3 to 5 are not rare in this highly developed tourism hotspot. Nightclubs, bars and pubs in Vilamoura makes the nights exciting and full of life.
3. Faro - Faro is the seat of government of the Algarve region. It has a public university, a complete system including the transport an international airport,a seaport and buses, and a marina.
One of the most beautiful places in the Algarve, the Ria Formosa lagoon, which extends over 170 kilometers of coastline and serves as a pit stop for many species of migratory birds traveling in summer and autumn.
If you are a history buff, Faro prides itself on its cultural and historical heritage, a part of this modern metropolis, the section of Roman walls dating from the 9th is Century enclosed. There is also the 16thCentury monastery converted in a museum in the city. Another attraction is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmois a chapel, the "lined with the bones of over 1,200 monks!"
4. Lagos - It is a modern city with an interesting past and an ever-growing location for trade and tourism. Lagos was a busy seaport and has since developed into one of the major seaports of Portugal.
A trip around the city is a nostalgic journey into the past as relics and ruins of the city to distinguishHistory presents itself around every corner of the cobbled streets. A castle, a museum and several churches will certainly spark your interest in history.
Meia Praia, the longest beach in the Algarve, which runs about 4.5 kilometers from the coast of Lagos. Even in the peak summer season, there are no crowds and a piece of beach, anyone can lay claim to even take manufactures. The water is excellent for swimming, surfing and water sports. The beach restaurants and bars are open all day andinto the night.
5. Cape St. Vincent - poetically named "Land's End," is in the southwest is the most points in Portugal and throughout Europe. As with the rest of the region is Cape St. Vincent in the rich history and folklore. It is a milestone for the old sailors and navigators been modern. The lighthouse, the second most powerful in Europe, can be seen 60 kilometers of the sea.
It is home to a thriving marine life and numerous species of birds nest on the Cape'shigh cliffs. The beaches and cliffs are definitely for tourists who love the spirited adventure offers an ideal place.
Such a wonderful list of places to visit, right?
The Algarve is truly a unique destination, a special place where the nature and history and to reacquaint rediscover the fibers of life that connect with each other.

CMU Freshmen Walk Up Doi Suthep

On 4th July 2009, Chiang Mai University (CMU) held their annual welcome walk up Doi Suthep for their freshmen, or as the locals call them: freshy. It probably sounds like a great idea - building friendship and comaradarie among the new students by doing an activity together. But like any mass group activity anywhere in the world, there are problems. Here in Chiang Mai, the main problem is the traffic. You see, the road to Doi Suthep is not closed off for this event. They remain open to tour buses, cars, songthaews. Songthaews are the worst: spewing black and smelly fumes all the way up the mountain side. So instead of getting fresh air, you have to breathe in all these toxic fumes. Many of the senior students hire songthaews as their logistic and support vehicles, and sometimes as ambulances.
Well, enough of my own views. Let’s look at this mega event in photos!
Start point: CMU. A parade in traditional costumes.
One of the beauties of the faculty.
From CMU, they’ll walk to the Kru Ba monument and pray and receive blessings before they commence their walk up the mountain. They start of their walk in good spirits.
The hero of the day!
Along the way, there are many rest stops. And many drink companies giving out free drinks as part of their marketing campaign. This is a chance to try many strange drinks. This Soy Peptide drink is one of them. The reaction upon the 1st taste is almost universal. No photos of the looks on the faces, but here’s the graveyard of unfinished drinks.
Here is a major rest stop, with food and drinks stalls.
Traffic jam! Highlight of the event!
All lined up neatly at the final stretch of the walk. First some cheers, then the final dash to the summit!
For freshies, you got to leave your shoes here, even before going up the Naga steps.
Finally! You’ve reached the temple!

CMU Freshmen Walk Up Doi Suthep

On 4th July 2009, Chiang Mai University (CMU) held their annual welcome walk up Doi Suthep for their freshmen, or as the locals call them: freshy. It probably sounds like a great idea - building friendship and comaradarie among the new students by doing an activity together. But like any mass group activity anywhere in the world, there are problems. Here in Chiang Mai, the main problem is the traffic. You see, the road to Doi Suthep is not closed off for this event. They remain open to tour buses, cars, songthaews. Songthaews are the worst: spewing black and smelly fumes all the way up the mountain side. So instead of getting fresh air, you have to breathe in all these toxic fumes. Many of the senior students hire songthaews as their logistic and support vehicles, and sometimes as ambulances.
Well, enough of my own views. Let’s look at this mega event in photos!
Start point: CMU. A parade in traditional costumes.
One of the beauties of the faculty.
From CMU, they’ll walk to the Kru Ba monument and pray and receive blessings before they commence their walk up the mountain. They start of their walk in good spirits.
The hero of the day!
Along the way, there are many rest stops. And many drink companies giving out free drinks as part of their marketing campaign. This is a chance to try many strange drinks. This Soy Peptide drink is one of them. The reaction upon the 1st taste is almost universal. No photos of the looks on the faces, but here’s the graveyard of unfinished drinks.
Here is a major rest stop, with food and drinks stalls.
Traffic jam! Highlight of the event!
All lined up neatly at the final stretch of the walk. First some cheers, then the final dash to the summit!
For freshies, you got to leave your shoes here, even before going up the Naga steps.
Finally! You’ve reached the temple!

Chiang Mai Bar

Chiang Mai Bar
Some week a go week able dink in Chiang Mai BAR BA BA Bor

Chiang Mai Markets, Thailand - Handicraft Shopping Paradise

Chiang Mai is shopping paradise for most travelers because of its unequaled abundance of handicrafts and quaint local goods sold at very affordable prices. Shopping venues are scattered around the city both at day and night; the range of products for sale is vast and many visitors to Chiang Mai include an extra empty bag to their shopping list in order to haul the bounty home. Each of several famous markets has gained recognition and nationwide popularity as the best overall place for buying quality hand-made products at very reasonable prices. As Chiang Mai is a well established tourist destination, finding accommodations and getting around the city are not something to worry about.

Chiang Mai is recognized as one of the handicrafts centers of Asia because it has a very large system of street markets and local markets that are very easily accessible. The markets trace down many blocks along bustling streets and that sometimes seem to have no end. The limiting factor in how much market you will be able to cover may often depend on how far you want to go before your feet tire out. The products are available in a vast variety including a wide range of wood work, silk products, silver art and jewelry, clothing, ceramics, interior decor, antiques, Buddhist art, lacquer work, and the list goes on…

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most well known night market in Thailand, taking up about 10 square blocks centered on Chang Klan road in central Chiang Mai. It is easy to spend a whole night just strolling past hundreds of street-side stalls and indoor arcades. The Night Bazaar is a great place to shop for exotic and beautiful handcrafted goods created by local artisans and skilled crafts-persons from the surrounding villages. The quality is generally high and some very good values can by found, especially if you are skilled at bartering a good deal.

Chiang Mai Walking Street can be a very nice alternative to the more hectic Night Bazaar and prices are aimed more at the locals so prices are generally low; so much that often there is no room to negotiate a bargain. The Walking Street Market is open only on Sundays and is a definite must see because the atmosphere is very relaxed, the market street is quite beautiful and this is an excellent place to mingle with the wonderful Thai people and to find fantastic bargains. The entire Walking Street is about 1 kilometer long and runs the entire length of Ratchadamneurn Road beginning at Thapae Gate and ending at Wat Prasing. Apart from a wide range of hand-made products on offer, one can also enjoy many Thai food stalls, street performances of a traditional nature, and also some much need massage and foot massage.

More serious shoppers can go directly to the villages and factories that manufacture handicrafts and other products and offer for wholesale at San Kamphaeng. Borsang village, just before San Kamphaeng, also has many shops offering a range of handicrafts and is renowned for its unique Borsang umbrellas. Baan Tawai just south of Chiang Mai is home to a wide range of wood carving, wood décor, and other handicrafts.

Chiang Mai is also popular for the diverse ethnic arts that you can find many hill tribe shops across the city. One recommended hill tribe shop is the Hill Tribe Products Promotion Center on Suthep Road next to Suan Dok Temple. It was established by His Majesty the King to promote the products created by 6 different tribes in Chiang Mai including Akha, Karen, Yao, Hmong, Lisu, and Lahu. This is aimed at generating alternative income to replace a reliance on opium cultivation in the past. Shop here for unique ethnic goods and help the hill tribe people.

Those who are interested in modern shops of the much more commercial variety, there are two big shopping centers: Kad Suan Kaew Plaza and Central Airport Plaza. The latter is relatively new and less than 5 minutes from the Chiang Mai International Airport. Panthip Plaza on the same road as Night Bazaar is ideal for techy people who are looking for computers and electronic gadgets with many discounts and a wide range of technical product available at good prices.

Chiang Mai offers more than shopping venues. It is a friendly and beautiful city with rich history steeped in Thai Lanna culture. Hundreds of temples and historical sites are found everywhere across the city and it is very easy to head out of the city to some spectacular natural areas. When not shopping, a visitor can enjoy waterfalls, elephant shows, and trekking tours. Some may be attracted by the more adventurous activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and paintball battle. Whatever you could ask for in a trip, Chiang Mai can offer… plus a whole lot more.

For information about vacation planning or traveling in Chiang Mai, please visit www.chiangmai-vacations.com.

Singapore Lifestyle Franchise With No Frills But Quality Massage

“Rush” and “living in the fast lane” are typical descriptions that characterise the Singaporean lifestyle. In terms of cost of living, the city state ranks among the most expensive cities in Asia to live in. This is one reason why it is hard to find quality services at affordable prices.

But the paradox of it all is that everybody aspires for their own little world of relaxation and indulgence despite the “fast and the furious” lifestyle, and most of them yearn for top quality services at reasonable prices.

The TT Quick Massage concept was born on May 2006 to fill in this longing by the market for a no frills yet high quality lifestyle massage services at reasonable time and cost. Two of the most valued resources by every individual are time and money, and TT Quick Massage provides everyone their own little world of relaxation and indulgence in the time and price they are willing to spare.

Founded by three partners, they desire to provide luxurious Original Traditional Thai Massage in a clean comfortable and hygienic environment. As a member of "The School of Thai Massage Shivagakomarpaj (The Old Medicine Hospital)" Chiangmai, which is supported by Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Education, Thailand, TTQM is committed to promote the Original Traditional Thai Massage to Asia and Worldwide.

TT Quick Massage is a new open-concept massage that caters to people from all ages and walks of life. Families and their children, executives and professionals, expatriates and tourist, and even ordinary masses can enjoy the instant massage providing relief from stress after a hard day's work (or play, for kids). All that they need to do is walk in the cosy hub, get a ticket from the hassle-free Automatic Payment Machine, and immerse in a relaxing authentic Thai massage experience.

Derrick Lim, one of the young founders of TTQM sums it up when he said, “TTQM strives to bring the luxury of Thai Traditional Massage to the mass at very affordable price"


“TT Quick Massage is ready to share the experience through business franchise plans,” said Hsien Naidu, Director of business consulting firm, Astreem that consists of a team of franchise consultants, business consultants, branding consultants and marketing consultants. “TT Quick Massage is set to develop and share their franchise business concept with investors seeking Singapore franchise opportunities through Singapore lifestyle franchise for their business investments.”

Unseen Picture Of Night Life Of Pattaya

Although most of travel destinations in Thailand are about natural resources such as beaches, mountains, caves, historical sites etc. but for many of us who have visited Thailand for several times realised that there are more and more interesting things to see in this interesting country. That is city life or Night Life . One of the most entertaining activities for both Thais and foreigners. When we talk about Night Life in Thailand, we usually think about Bangkok, Chiangmai and Phuket, which are major cities and these cities already gain global reputation. However, let's have a look at the east coast region of Thailand, there is a province called "Chonburi" where the location of Pattaya city. Unlike any other city, Pattaya has number of tourists as equal as big major cities of Thailand. For example, Chiang Mai may have large number of tourists only in peak season or during winter season. But for city like Pattaya , travelers can visit throughout the year and that's why the number of tourists of Pattaya are as many as many of major city in Thailand. Somebody has mentioned that Night Life in Pattaya is endless. You will find that the people in this city always active and do their job regardless the time. No matter in the daytime or at night, there will always be things for tourists to enjoy. Bar and night clubs in Pattaya are very well attractive to visitors. Some kind of fantastic shows such as Tiffany shows and Thai boxing shows. Apart from that, you will gain experience of Thai and seafood cuisine in Pattaya . This city located on the coast line, so it is naturally become very famous for seafood market. There are also several province in eastern region such as Rayong or in the south like Phuket where the capital of seafood market is there, but all people who visited Pattaya are really appreciated the taste and freshness of sea foods. Also, as the city is considered as central hub for foreign tourists, great international food also available by many of hi-class restaurant. For some of you who want to enjoy Night Life in Pattaya with pleasure of Thai and international cuisine, you have just come to the right place!! Pattaya is also the idea place for romantic couple who want to get great private atmosphere to enjoy most favourite time. Beautiful island where five stars resorts and hotels are located do you are able to enjoy your honeymoon private time. In case if you are family who want to join activities together, there are all kinds of indoor games and outdoor activities such as paintball game and rock climbing to try out. In summary, Pattaya is not only the city for nigh life, but also including all kind of pleasure and activities that everyone can find the most suitable to your preference. No matter you are the person who only wants to get very relax moment privately on the beach or enjoying activities together with family or even you are the person who not much appreciate nature but shopping, it is also the place for you.

Festive Thailand

Festivals in Thailand are either Buddhist, Chinese, animist, or associated with the monarchy. Buddhist and Chinese festivals are lunar and generally fall on a full moon, animist festivals such as Songkran or Loi Krathong can be solar or lunar, while royal holidays fall on special historical days such as the founding of the current Chakri dynasty or the birthdays of the reigning monarchs. The most deeply spiritual of the Thai holidays is Visakha Bucha held on a full moon night in May. It commemorates the date on which the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died. Visakha Bucha day is marked with sermons and alms-giving culminating in an evening candlelit procession known as wien thien in which celebrants circle the temple three times in honour of the triple gem of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of monks). Songkran , the most vigorous of Thailand 's festivals, was the official Thai New Year until 1941. Formerly tied to the movement of the sun, modern Songkran takes place from 13-15th April. Songkran began as a ceremonial bathing of Buddha images as part of a new year's spring cleaning ritual. However, it has degenerated over the years into a free-for-all water fight in which the streets are filled with revellers armed with water guns, jars and buckets. Though Songkran is celebrated nationwide, it's probably done with most gusto in Bangkok’s tourist centre of Khaosan Road and in the northern capital of Chiangmai. The southern island of Phuket with its large Chinese population is the scene of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival held during the ninth lunar month each year. The event lasts ten days and other than participants observing a vegetarian diet, involves ceremonies at Chinese shrines and temples along with firewalking and other acts of self-mutilations carried out by devotees known as Ma Song. These Ma Song are in ecstatic trances and oblivious to pain as they clamber up ladders with bladed rungs, walk barefoot over hot coals, and plunge skewers through their cheeks. The event Phuket Vegetarian Festival dates back to 1825. At that time, many immigrant Chinese worked in Phuket's tin mines. A visiting Chinese opera troupe cured their sickness with a vegetarian diet. This much impressed the local population who started the vegetarian festival. The afternoon before the festival, celebrants raise a high pole (the Go Teng pole) at each temple. This is to invite the gods to descend. Then at midnight, they adorn the pole with nine lanterns to mark the opening of the festival. Over the next ten days, ceremonies such as invocation of the gods Lam Tao and Pak Tao, processions of images of the deities, and the feats of the Ma Song. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at the temples and the send-off of the gods. Thailand is a land rich in culture and tradition and the best and most moving way to experience the delights of this eastern kingdom is to attend one of the many festivals and ceremonies that adorn the calendar. Richard Greaves Richard has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers cheap Thailand hotels.

Festive Thailand

Festivals in Thailand are either Buddhist, Chinese, animist, or associated with the monarchy. Buddhist and Chinese festivals are lunar and generally fall on a full moon, animist festivals such as Songkran or Loi Krathong can be solar or lunar, while royal holidays fall on special historical days such as the founding of the current Chakri dynasty or the birthdays of the reigning monarchs. The most deeply spiritual of the Thai holidays is Visakha Bucha held on a full moon night in May. It commemorates the date on which the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died. Visakha Bucha day is marked with sermons and alms-giving culminating in an evening candlelit procession known as wien thien in which celebrants circle the temple three times in honour of the triple gem of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of monks). Songkran , the most vigorous of Thailand 's festivals, was the official Thai New Year until 1941. Formerly tied to the movement of the sun, modern Songkran takes place from 13-15th April. Songkran began as a ceremonial bathing of Buddha images as part of a new year's spring cleaning ritual. However, it has degenerated over the years into a free-for-all water fight in which the streets are filled with revellers armed with water guns, jars and buckets. Though Songkran is celebrated nationwide, it's probably done with most gusto in Bangkok’s tourist centre of Khaosan Road and in the northern capital of Chiangmai. The southern island of Phuket with its large Chinese population is the scene of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival held during the ninth lunar month each year. The event lasts ten days and other than participants observing a vegetarian diet, involves ceremonies at Chinese shrines and temples along with firewalking and other acts of self-mutilations carried out by devotees known as Ma Song. These Ma Song are in ecstatic trances and oblivious to pain as they clamber up ladders with bladed rungs, walk barefoot over hot coals, and plunge skewers through their cheeks. The event Phuket Vegetarian Festival dates back to 1825. At that time, many immigrant Chinese worked in Phuket's tin mines. A visiting Chinese opera troupe cured their sickness with a vegetarian diet. This much impressed the local population who started the vegetarian festival. The afternoon before the festival, celebrants raise a high pole (the Go Teng pole) at each temple. This is to invite the gods to descend. Then at midnight, they adorn the pole with nine lanterns to mark the opening of the festival. Over the next ten days, ceremonies such as invocation of the gods Lam Tao and Pak Tao, processions of images of the deities, and the feats of the Ma Song. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at the temples and the send-off of the gods. Thailand is a land rich in culture and tradition and the best and most moving way to experience the delights of this eastern kingdom is to attend one of the many festivals and ceremonies that adorn the calendar. Richard Greaves Richard has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers cheap Thailand hotels.

A Beautiful, Amazing Must-see Place in Thailand -- Chiangmai

Among the many places in Thailand,

Chiangmai
comes well recommended, and for very good reasons. Travelers point to the many amazing sights and things to do in this laidback city situated in the Himalayan foothills. For visitors exploring Thailand,

Chiangmai
never ceases to amaze. Small wonder luxury hotels (like Shangri-La Hotel,

Chiangmai

) near this destination are frequented by travelers who want to be near where the popular sights and activities are. With Buddhist temples and other historic sites to the majestic mountains, the handicrafts, the shopping finds, people, the food and bustling night life,

Chiangmai
offers no dull moment for the curious and adventuresome traveler.

While in Thailand,

Chiangmai
is the kind of place that will strike you as serene because most of the people are not rushing about as they do in other key cities around the world. It may as well be referred to as a pastoral paradise, the kind you are likely to read about in books. Imagine getting all cozy in a nice, well-appointed villa that looks out to hushed paddy-fields and lush hills and mountains beyond them. It's a perfect place to commune with nature and feel close to God.
Actually, for people who visit Northern Thailand,

Chiangmai
offers respite as a spiritual haven. Pilgrims visit one of the most revered temples of the Thais - the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is actually an awe-inspiring 14th century Buddhist architectural showcase. The temple was erected in 1386 by King Keuna the Great. Legend has it that the temple's site was chosen when an elephant carrying half of a holy relic ascended the mountains after several days and circled the temple spot before kneeling down and dying. A visit to Thailand,

Chiangmai
particularly, will not be complete without seeing the sacred temple.

There are other lovely temples in

Chiangmai
. You can explore the oldest to the noblest ones, including the Wat Suan Dok, which holds the ashes of

Chiangmai


Chiang Mai
's former Royal Family members. In another chapel lies one of Thailand's largest icons in metal - a 500-year old bronze Buddha. You may also want to visit the temple compound where the divine Lai Kham chapel, with its remarkable murals and woodcarvings, is situated,

For a dose of history, there is another must-see while exploring Thailand.

Chiangmai
National Museum will fascinate you no end with its collection of Lanna Thai artworks, ancient, war weaponry, and antique Buddha images.

Shopaholics are also bound to have a heyday at Thailand's night bazaars. For those who would rather watch artisans at work in the villages, a number of cottage industries and handicrafts ranging from parasols, silk weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, silverware, and lacquerware, to name a few, may suit you fine.

Are you raring for an anthropological adventure? Try a river cruise that travels down The Chang pier. This is where elephants used to haul logs from the river in the old days. The pier derived its name from the king's elephants, which used to bathe on that site. You will see some of Thailand's firsts - first bridge, first post office, and other interesting sites and get a whiff of the including lifestyles of the locals who dwelled on opposite sides of the river, plus some historic spots along the riverbanks. All these you can enjoy at a leisurely pace. Check out online travel resources for Thailand and you are bound to have a fantastic experience you will be able to delightfully recount to your family and friends.
Stephan Suttikarn
Destination Article - Thailand

Chiangmai
Website Article - luxury hotels thailand, thailand hotel deals

Japanese Restaurants in Chiangmai Map

Japanese Restaurants in Chiangmai MapJapanese Restaurants in Chiangmai Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Blog

Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Blog
Bill's only goal today is to watch the Australian F1 race.

I was able to have raisins, peanut butter and bananas with my cornflakes. YUM! Bill went wild and crazy and had the American breakfast again. I guess he never tires of scrambled eggs and bacon...

We walked to the internet cafe to call Mom, it is her Birthday (9 pm while it is 9am the next day here). We surprise her with the call and hear all the latest news. It sounds like everyone has taken good care of her this week!

After that we watched a movie in our room and I did some reading.

We walked to the pharmacy (Boots) and bought some cold medication (not for me, I am healthy and strong!). I guess a steady diet of rice and beer is not the cure for the common cold. I looked at a couple of dress shops, but they were quite pricey. The store with less expensive dresses and tops that had styles that I liked better was closed today though. I did manage to find a nice ring and chain at a jewelery store though.

At Ratana's I had Thai iced tea and steamed sea bass with garlic and lime and Bill had a coke and chicken stir fry.

We headed to a pub-like place that we had seen yesterday to watch the F1 race. We were able to get a table up front and ordered some drinks. I decided to have a vodka and soda (something was floating with my ice). After a while we shared a chicken, chili, basil and pepper dish (had one bad tomato) and then Bill ordered the apple cake with ice cream and whipped topping (that had some gross stringy thing in it too). The food in Chiang Mai can be very good or very below average (usually the restaurants that try to serve Western food too).

Bill did enjoy watching the race during the afternoon instead of the middle of the night and we did meet a nice guy and his son that were from Perth, Australia.

We stopped in at the internet cafe so I can do blogging while Bill is surfing the net.

We are hashing again Sunday March 29th, 2009

Hares: Hollow Leg and Injection Infection

Where is the hash: See Hash directions

Hash directions: From Canal / Samoeng Road intersection drive south along Canal Road for 3.4 km. Turn right and follow the HHHH or HHH signs from there for 4.6 km.

See you there.

For those of you, who have a GPS, the coordinates for the “A” Bucket are not known.

Notes:

  • The run will be @ 17:00 and the bus will leave the Number 1 Bar, Bistro & Cafe @ 16:00.
  • Want or need more info? Use the form in the sidebar to contact us or make yourself familiar with the location by looking at the map below, if there is one. You can click on the pin and the location will be shown. Zoom in or out to get your bearings.

From ChiangMai to China

Budget airlines do not do baggage transfer service for you even when it's the same airplane you'll be catching"

I spent my first two days of this trip arriving at ChiangMai Airport, drove straight to Chiang Rai (3 hours), checked out some tea estate, went for a hair-do, then shopping.
All these were done one after another and it was alright towards the end of the night.

BUT, having wasted one whole good day just to get from one place to another is just, I can't explain..exhausting?
Today's Agenda was:

Check in-wait-fly-arrive-collect luggage-check in again-wait-fly-arrive-collect luggage-wait for taxi-someone cut queue mom told her off-40 mins to hotel-hotel gave away room at 6pm even when we told them our flight was at 11pm-went hunting for hotel at midnight-checked in-go to room to freshen up-go out nearby for food-came back showered-watched tv til I fall asleep.

Perhaps I am just bored from waiting. Both me and mom were in grouchy moods. -.-"
My throat hurts :( Where's my baby?

Oh well, looks like mom's laptop's bluetooth isn't working. Would like to put atleast ONE picture of the rabbits I saw at ChiangMai Night Bazaar.

Greetings from ShenZhen.

Happy Earth Hour everyone~ Do your bit of contribution for that hour. You're closer to nature than you think. I will continue about my excitement over Earth Hour next, k? Before that happens, share with me your opinion on what are the objectives of Earth Hour?

Green areas to be created throughout Chiang Mai province

pAmornpun Nimanun, the governor of a href=”http://1stopthailand.com/chiangmai”Chiang Mai/a, has announced a new policy that calls on each provincial village to plant 3,000 trees, in an effort to create green areas totalling 60,000 rai. /p

pDuring a meeting this week with officials from the province’s environment and animal department, the governor noted that water supply was a concern currently. He asked all agencies cooperate to ensure the availability and quality water from all sources. /p

pIn addition to provincial departments, the governor also asked Royal Projects officials for information and guidance on water sources and management. He has asked authorities throughout the province to help prevent the illegal destruction of natural resources, including streams and trees. /p

pIt was in this framework that he introduced the plan to increase the province’s green areas, and proposed that each village plant 3,000 new trees. The governor added that as there are more than 2,000 villages in Chiang Mai province, if 100 trees were planted per rai, 60,000 rai of green space would result./p

Link to the original site

Making a Pattaya hotel reservation

Since Pattaya attracts a great deal of tourists and travelers of all kinds every year, there are numerous hotels in the area. Many people consider Pattaya to be a small gem in the Siam Bay, or in the Thai crown as it is said, due to the serenity and beauty of the landscape. However, this natural beauty is not the only attraction that Pattaya has to offer; in fact most of its visitors are mainly coming to participate and experience in person the famous Pattaya nightlife. Pattaya is an Asian city, but as many westerners live and work there, the standards of services provided are similar to the Western Europeans and Americans.

If you are considering visiting the place but you think that a Pattaya hotel reservation is going to be a daunting task then you should definitely check online, as there are numerous directories and websites that offer you detailed information on the hotels, their services and amenities, as well as their location. There are many places offering accommodation around the city and it’s quite easy to locate a hotel and make a reservation online, provided that you have a credit card or even PayPal account in some cases. Pattaya hotel reservations are easily made, no matter where you choose to stay, in a five star hotel resort or in a more budget solution.

There is actually no dearth of hotels in the city, both in the heart of Pattaya or at the beaches and suburbs. Most of them offer packages to travelers and make sure that everything, from the reservation to the arrival and stay are easy and pleasant.

Pattaya Resorts - The Striking Thailand Destination

Situated in the eastern coast of Thailand Gulf, Pattaya resorts are heralded as among the topnotch tourist destinations there is in Asia these days. The city ranks in the same level as that of Bangkok, the country’s capital. With the diversity of beach resorts nestled in Thailand, this is yet so far the nearest to the capital city so the guests make it a point to drop by and feel the wonders that it keeps within its midst.

Pattaya resorts boast of a complete package. You can splurge in various activities such as sightseeing, water sporting, swimming, dining, and shopping. The hotels and dining amenities and facilities are so great that many of the guests are inspired to engage in them. Indeed, this destination has become one of the favorites of the travelers. Not only that. Pattaya does not only stand as a great vacation spot but also as a venue for conventions, parties, seminars, conference, and other special personal and business events.

Another reason for travelers to stop by Pattaya is due to the festivals that come around. They are the Pattaya Festival and Wan Lai Festival, to name a few. Active people have a good cause to feel exuberant given the fact that there are numerous activities to keep them occupied. Among of which are shooting, carting, bungee jumping, horseback riding, windsurfing, jet skiing, kite surfing, scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, water skiing, and many others.

Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses are adamant in the Pattaya resorts. The service of each is truly commendable. Budget rentals are available to suit the needs of those who want to bag the great savings. Nevertheless, a holiday vacation in Pattaya is surely going to be significant.

Exercise in Thailand shows multilateral partnership

KORAT, Thailand (AFNS) — Approximately 20 military members from Thailand, Singapore and the United States are working together to coordinate the aerial missions throughout the region for Exercise Cope Tiger 2009 March 9 through 20 here.

Cope Tiger is a two-week exercise including both flying and humanitarian missions conducted by U.S., Thai and Singaporean military forces in Korat and Udon Thani, Thailand.

In the live fly cell, a group of Singaporean personnel works at computers while Thai and U.S. servicemembers transcribe information onto a large board tracking aircraft in the air. The information flows to the live fly cell from aircraft in the air, Airmen on the ground, and from control towers at both Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai air force bases. It is in multiple languages before eventually appearing on the main wall in English for all to see.

“This is the live fly cell, but back home we call this ‘base operations,’” said Singapore air force Warrant Officer Naranasamy Samyual, an air traffic controller and the officer in charge of the Singaporean contingent. “This is very similar to what I’d be doing back home. It is slightly different because we’re working with the different countries, but we mix and match very well to get the job done.”

Radio frequencies, airfield status and other special instructions are posted to their left. To their right is weather information. Behind them sit two groups of airmen working at computers made up of Thais and Americans.

“We plan the schedule and issue it out to every unit. That is our first job,” said Royal Thai air force Wing Commander Arnon Charusombat, the officer in charge of the live fly cell and its Thai contingent. “Then we track the aircraft that are flying in the area, sortie achievement and any deviation from the sortie plan. We have all the information in the live fly cell, and we know if this or that aircraft is good to go, or there is a problem with the tower or the weather and it can’t go.”

“We coordinate the operations side of the exercise and flying-related activities,” said Capt. Jeff Watts, the live fly cell liaison officer deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan. “We coordinate everything from scheduling, airspace, and pushing the schedule to the tower.”

An E-3 Sentry maintenance issue sends Captain Watts over to talk to Wing Commander Charusombat to coordinate bringing up the alternate air battle manager. A few phone calls later, Wing Commander Charusombat returns with the thumbs up and everything is ready to fly.

In addition to a mix of countries, languages and cultures in the live fly cell, the three men in charge of their countries’ contingents bring a wide range of experience to the mix.

Wing Commander Charusombat is a veteran of Cope Tiger, having participated for eight years as a pilot and now for his third year as a planner. Warrant Officer Samyual is a first-time participant, but three days into the exercise he already hopes it will not be his last. Captain Watts is a three-year Cope Tiger veteran.

The three are representative of the team members they lead, whose backgrounds and experience vary greatly. However, all three agree that Cope Tiger is an excellent training opportunity.

“This is a large scale, multiplatform aerial training exercise,” said Warrant Officer Samyual. “There is a great training benefit to working with the other countries. (The United States) actually has warfighting experience. We do not. We can learn from your experiences.”

It is also an excellent opportunity to practice English, Wing Commander Charusombat said.

“As pilots, we use English as a common language while we are flying, but when we do our planning it’s not in technical terms,” the wing commander said. “You know, ‘Break right,’ ‘Break left,’ that’s easy.”

“These guys are very professional, very mission-focused and very accommodating when we need things,” Captain Watts said. “They’re very intelligent, but they’re very modest. I’ve been very impressed by them.”

Elephant Art, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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A jumbo feast to trumpet Elephant Day in Thailand

Thai elephants enjoy various kind of fruits during an elephant buffet held to mark the National Thai Elephant Day at an elephant camp,

Chiang Mai Elephants tuck in to a variety of fruit at a buffet laid out for them on National Elephant Day in Thailand yesterday.

Huge bunches of bananas and tonnes of sugar cane were on the menu for the all-you-can-eat treat at the Maesa Elephant Camp sanctuary in the northern province of Chiang Mai.

More than 70 elephants took part in the festivities, which have been held since 1998, when the Government declared March 13 National Thai Elephant Day.

Hundreds of tourists watched the animals as they paraded around the camp, played sports matches and even painted pictures. Elephants at the sanctuary are taught to play sports such as football, bowls, baseball and basketball.

One elephant used its trunk to blow darts to burst balloons.

The elephant is Thailand’s national animal and government officials hope that events such as National Elephant Day will make people revere them as it tries to conserve its elephant population, now around 4,500.

“The Government declared March 13 to be National Elephant Day. We hold the ceremony to let people know how important Thai elephants are,” Chuchart Kallamapichit, the owner of the Maesa Elephant Camp, said. (Reuters)

from: www.timesonline.co.uk

After getting retrenched, she goes travelling with granny

MS CHEN Meiwen was a manager with an IT company in Singapore. Last December, she was told that her company was restructuring and she was one of those to be let go.
Click to see larger image
PICTURE:LIANHE ZAOBAO

Recounting that moment to Lianhe Zaobao, Ms Chen, 31, said she was quite calm at the time.

'I think it was because my boss had mentally prepared me for the possibility. The communication process was very good, so the news did not come as a shock.'

After she lost her job, Ms Chen did not wallow in self-pity. After gathering up her stuff from the office, she packed her bags and decided to go on a long vacation.

'I've always wanted to travel, but never found the time. After being let go, I felt this was the best time to do it.

'So I spent two weeks in Thailand. Besides signing up for a cooking course, I also went up to Chiangmai, to distance myself from all my woes.'

Ms Chen also visited Taiwan with her 78-year-old grandmother. 'Granny had asked me to take her on a vacation before, and I had the time to grant her wish,' she said.

She also felt that it was a good time for her to find herself all over again. Besides travelling, she also spent time reading and started dancing again, signing up for jazz dance lessons.

'When the financial crisis finally reached my doorstep, I felt a bit down initially. But I felt my loss could be turned into some form of gain.'

She said she had put her heart and soul into her work. But after losing her job, she realised that no matter how hard she worked, big businesses always put their own survival as priority.

She finally understood that she had to love herself more and start spending more time with her family and friends.

She said: 'Now I'm going to smell the roses more, to take note of things around me, and to go to places I didn't have the time to visit.'

Ms Chen was lucky enough to find a new job recently. But she set herself some rules, like stopping work at 7pm, to take part in activities like dancing and chilling out with friends as much as possible. She is even planning to take part in a marathon this year.

'My attitude towards work and life now is totally different,' she said. 'As employees, of course we have the responsibility to do our jobs well. But it's important to love yourself and to be happy, too.'
from: newpaper.asia1.com.sg

Panda Linhui may soon have baby or two

from : nationmultimedia.com

Hopes are running high that the giant pandas, Chuang Chuang and Linhui, at the Chiang Mai zoo may soon have a baby or two.

"There's a possibility that Linhui might have ovulated twice. She may give births to twins," Zoological Park Organisation director-general Sophon Damnui said Monday.

According to him, two artificial inseminations have just been conducted for the panda couple.

"Every step in the process went on smoothly because we have extensively monitored the pandas' behaviours for a long period of time," Sophon said.

The Nation

List of airports in Thailand

Airport names show in bold indicate the airport has scheduled service on commercial airlines.

Location ↓ ICAO ↓ IATA Airport Name
Bangkok VTBD DMK Don Mueang International Airport (Old Bangkok Int'l) [1] [2]
Bangkok (Bang Phli, Samut Prakan) VTBS BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport (New Bangkok Int'l) [3] [4] [5]
Buriram VTUO BFV Buriram Airport [6]
Chanthaburi VTBC
Chanthaburi Airstrip (Royal Thai Navy) [7]
Chiang Mai VTCC CNX Chiang Mai International Airport [8] [9] [10]
Chiang Mai VTCM
Ban Thi Airport (Lanna Airfield) [11]
Chiang Mai VTCY
Nok Airfield [12]
Chiang Rai VTCT CEI Chiang Rai International Airport [13]
Chiang Rai VTCR
Chiang Rai Airport [14]
Chonburi VTBS QHI Sattahip Airport
Chonburi VTBT
Bang Phra Airport
Chumphon VTSE CJM Chumphon Airport [15]
Hat Yai / Songkhla VTSS HDY Hat Yai International Airport [16] [17]
Hua Hin / Prachuap Khiri Khan VTPH HHQ Hua Hin Airport [18]
Kamphaeng Saen VTBK KDT Kamphaeng Saen Airport [19]
Ko Samui VTSM USM Samui Airport [20] [21]
Khon Kaen VTUK KKC Khon Kaen Airport [22]
Krabi VTSG KBV Krabi Airport [23]
Lampang VTCL LPT Lampang Airport
Lamphun VTCO
Lamphun Airport [24]
Loei VTUL LOE Loei Airport [25]
Lom Sak / Phetchabun VTPL PHY Phetchabun Airport [26]
Lopburi VTBL KKM Khok Kathiam Air Force Base [27]
Mae Hong Son VTCH HGN Mae Hong Son Airport [28]
Mae Sariang VTCS
Mae Sariang Airport [29]
Mae Sot VTPM MAQ Mae Sot Airport [30]
Nakhon Phanom VTUW KOP Nakhon Phanom Airport [31]
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) VTUQ NAK Nakhon Ratchasima Airport [32]
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) VTUN
Khorat Air Force Base [33]
Nakhon Sawan VTPI TKH Takhli Air Force Base
Nakhon Si Thammarat VTSF NST Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport [34]
Nakhon Si Thammarat VTSN NST Cha Ian Airport
Nan VTCN NNT Nan Airport [35]
Narathiwat VTSC NAW Narathiwat Airport [36]
Pai, Mae Hong Son VTCI
Pai Airport
Patong Beach, Phuket
PBS Patong Beach Airport
Pattani VTSK PAN Pattani Airport [37]
Phetchabun VTPB PHY Phetchabun Airport
Phi Phi Island
PHZ Phi Phi Island Airport
Phitsanulok VTPP PHS Phitsanulok Airport [38]
Phrae VTCP PRH Phrae Airport [39]
Phuket VTSP HKT Phuket International Airport [40] [41]
Phumipol (Bhumipol) Dam, Tak VTPY
Phumipol Dam Airport (Bhumipol Dam Airport) [42]
Photharam VTPR
Photharam Airport (Photharam Ratchaburi Airport) [43]
Prachuap Khiri Khan VTBP
Prachuap Khiri Khan Military Airport
Ranong VTSR UNN Ranong Airport [44]
Rayong / Pattaya VTBU UTP U-Tapao International Airport (Utapao/U-Taphao) [45] [46]
Roi Et (Roiet) VTUV ROI Roi Et Airport (Roiet Airport) [47]
Roi Et (Roiet) VTUR
Rob Muang Airport [48]
Sakon Nakhon VTUI SNO Sakon Nakhon Airport [49]
Songkhla VTSH SGZ Songkhla Airport
Sukhothai VTPO THS Sukhothai Airport [50]
Surat Thani VTSB URT Surat Thani Airport [51]
Surin VTUJ PXR Surin Airport [52]
Tak VTPT TKT Tak Airport [53]
Trang VTST TST Trang Airport [54]
Trat VTBO TDX Trat Airport [55]
Ubon Ratchathani VTUU UBP Ubon Ratchathani Airport [56]
Udon Thani VTUD UTH Udon Thani International Airport
Uttaradit VTPU UTR Uttaradit Airport [57]
Watthana Nakhon, Sa Kaeo VTBW
Watthana Nakhon Airport [58]


chiang mai motor scooters

chiang mai motor scooters
Motorcycles & Motor Scooters-Supplies & Parts
Address.: Tumbol Amphoe Mueang Kamphaeng Phet Kamphaeng Phet
Tel.: 055917
Categores.: Motorcycles & Motor Scooters-Supplies & Parts

Address.: Tumbol Wiang Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai Chiang Rai
Tel.: 053701 , 053886 , 053137
Fax.: 053837
Categores.: Motorcycles & Motor Scooters-Supplies & Parts

chiang mai airport

chiang mai airport
Chiang Mai is a major gateway to Northern Thailand that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination and its international airport welcomes over 2 million visitors per year, receiving 130 flights a week from Bangkok as well as Singapore, China, Taiwan, Myanmar and Laos. The airport has a full range of facilities to offer to its visitors.

Located less than 10 minutes by taxi from the city center, Chiang Mai International Airport consists of a domestic and international terminals in a single building.

There are travel agent offices at the airport and customer service desks for Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Nok Air, One-Two-Go and a number of other airlines. There are several exchange bureaus and ATMs in the terminal as well.

Chiang Mai Airport has several food outlets, including two coffee shops, a deli and a fast food outlet. There are also a number of shops selling silk, handicrafts, fresh produce and souvenirs.

Within the departure lounge there are additional food and merchandise shops.

coyote bars chiang mai that Coyote Dancing Chiang Mai

coyote bars chiang mai

chiang mai girls Bar girls and go go bars in Chiang Mai

chiang mai girls Bar girls and go go bars in Chiang Mai
Bar girls: where to find bar girl in chiang Mai
Most of the Chiang Mai bar scene is confined to the Western end of Loi Kroh road, There is also a small cluster of bars at rear of the Night Market in the Peak Entertainment area near the Foxy Lady Go Go. It’s small compared to other tourist centres but offers a decent choice.

Like every tourist place in Thailand Chiang Mai has its bar girls scene, catering to foreigners and visiting Thais. It’s a prominent attraction in the city, with some areas given over to bars full of girls for hire. Compared to Bangkok, Pattaya or Patong it’s far more casual, less raunchy or intense and generally cheaper.

chiangmai-bar-girls

The most obvious place to head is Loi Kroh road at the moat junction, where you’ll have trouble walking down the street without being distracted by ‘helloooo, you’re welcome’. If you cross over to the inside (Old Town) you’ll find another cluster as you walk towards Thapae Gate, these are bit more tame. One of the go go bars, Spotlight, is on the outside of the moat, near Thapae gate.

The other area, in the Peak Complex (Northern end of the Night Market street, left side), is a bit neglected and many are gay, but the best go go bar in town, certainly with the sexiest girls, is Foxy Lady. You can find it behind the D2 hotel or by exiting the rear of the Vieng Ping Night Bazaar arcade. It has by far the sexiest girls, and a decent atmosphere, no drinks rip offs either.

You can also try your luck with karaoke bars. This appeals mostly to Asian men who hire girls to sing with them, usually in private rooms. The girls are generally very young, very pretty, speak very little English and don’t often agree to ‘go with customers’. Some do but the bar fine (on top of the 200 baht hourly ‘singing fee’) is 500 baht or more. There are some of these on the inside of the moat near Loi Kroh, but the biggest selection is found at the bottom end of Chang Klan road (south of the Night Bazaar) and down Chiang Mai Land avenue. It’s a fun experience for the shy.

When you enter a bar you can site alone until you’ve spotted a girl you like (they’ll make eye contact), and if you don’t make any moves one will come up and sit with you. There’s no pressure (like Bangkok’s Nana Plaza), the girl will ask for a drink - known as a ‘lady drink’ which is watered down and a set price (about 120 baht - some of it goes to the girls). Buy them a beer if you want to get them drunk. They’ll play pool with you, make light conversation in their limited English and wait for you to ask them to go home with them. It’s that simple.

Go go bars: are slightly different in that girls also dance on a stage in bikinis and costumes and are far more sexy. When not dancing they come and sit with you, or you can ‘order’ them from off the stage. These places are more discreet, not open to the street like most others and have a darker atmosphere. Some have private rooms upstairs. You can sit and watch, or blend into a corner.

How much
The basic cost of ‘hiring’ a girl is about 1500 baht. It can get cheaper for short time sessions or freelancing street girls but as a tourist you’ll probably not want to risk an unsatisfactory experience. Obviously you get cheap and nasty girls and you get expensive and sexy girls, and the less they are receiving the less likely they are to give you a really good time. They’re selling their souls so don’t expect to bargain hard and still get a smile on her face.

The first thing you have to take care of is the ‘bar fine’ - a common fee for all bar girls in Chiang Mai and Thailand. This is paid to the bar for taking the girls away, it’s how they earn the money to pay off officials, and it ranges from 200 to 500 depending on the place. In Chiang Mai bar girl fines are usually about 300 unless you’re in a go go bar.

Then you have to negotiate with the girls. This is done in the bar before you pay the bar fine, and usually starts with ‘you go with me?’, ‘You pay bar fine, how much you pay for me’. Girls will go back to a hotel with you for as little as a 1000 baht if its ‘slow’ (ie lots more girls than tourists in the bar), or you’re not too old and ugly. They will also offer you ‘short time’ (a few hours) or long time (all night) depending on what you’re willing to pay. The more sexy and popular the girl is the more she’ll ask for, so it’s worth trying your luck with several girls to get an idea first. Of course this involves buying quite a few ‘lady drinks’, so you might not save anything, and it depends on how new you are, as bar girls are good at sensing when you’re fresh off the plane.

chiang mai massage by Lila Thai Massage

Large Massage Building in Chiangmai, situated next to the Park Hotel on the Changklan road, Soapy or Thai Trad
Lila Thai Massage Shop has been established by the Director of Chiang Mai Women’s Prison from 2001-2008, Naowarat Thanasrisutharat, to support the released inmates to earn a legal living. Mrs. Naowarat strongly believes that the participation of the community can contribute to the successful reintegration of the prisoners. Over 40 years of dealing with people who made a wrong move in their lives, she realized that the endless circle of correction works is the public’s un-acceptance of the former inmates and the inmates’ difficulty in adapting themselves into the community. We can not deny the fact that some types of employment still refuse to admit them, even though they are well trained and skillful. This is reason why they back into the circle of crime. Then, we hope that Lila Thai Massage shop is one of the efforts to eliminate such problem.
Due to the cooperating of Chiang Mai Women’s Prison and Institute of Skill Development, our masseuses gained skill from 180 hours massage training course during their imprisonment and have been through satisfactory assessment by Chiang Mai Public Health. Thus, we certainly trust that you will receive fully trained professional massage services and have a more positive attitude toward the former inmates. Furthermore, you will have a chance to support them in starting new lives and make them feel proud of earning a legal living.

ASEAN leaders want forex swap pact ready in April

from: http://uk.reuters.com/home

HUA HIN, Thailand (Reuters) - Leaders of Southeast Asian nations want to see a $120 billion currency swap pact put in place in April, a month earlier than their finance ministers had agreed, a top ASEAN official said on Sunday.

"I have detected some sense of impatience among the leaders at the summit. Why is it taking so long?" Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of the Association of South East Asian Nations, told Reuters in an interview.

Asian finance officials agreed last weekend in Thailand to enlarge a foreign currency pool to $120 billion from $80 billion proposed last year, to help defend their currencies from the fallout of the global economic crisis.

The 10 ASEAN nations would participate in the fund, which was to be operational by May along with China, South Korea and Japan.

Surin said leaders of the 10 Southeast Asian nations would prefer to see remaining issues resolved and the pact to be signed at an April summit between ASEAN and leaders from China, South Korea and Japan in Thailand.

But Surin said ASEAN finance ministers and their counterparts from South Korea, China and Japan would need to meet earlier and sort out their difference before May.

The 10 members of ASEAN plus Japan, China and South Korea -- known as ASEAN+3 -- pledged last year to pool bilateral currency swap arrangements under the so-called Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) within a multilateral fund that could be tapped in emergencies.

Asian currencies have been battered in recent months, and analysts said that made the swaps pact all the more urgent

Chiangmai Tourism Shifting to Mice

From: Bangkokpost.com:

CHIANG MAI : Local tourism businesses are committed to repositioning Chiang Mai as a destination for the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (Mice) business in place of leisure travel in an effort to address a tourism slowdown in the province.

The northern province has been seen as a leisure tourism destination for 30 years but few new tourism products have been developed to attract return visitors, according to Kanok Suwansutr, president of the Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association.

”The private sector hopes that the repositioning of Chiang Mai will help attract Mice visitors to revisit throughout the entire year, not just for [the October-February high] season at present,” said Mr Kanok.

Full report here.

Particles from outdoor fires pose health hazard in North

By The Nation on Sunday
Published on March 1, 2009



The fine dust in northern provinces is eroding air quality, posing a threat to respiratory health and prompting the authorities to beef up measures to prevent forest and outdoor fires.

The Natural Resource and Environment minister is scheduled to discuss outdoor-fire prevention and air pollution with eight northern provincial governors at Chiang Mai City Hall tomorrow.

The Pollution Control Department's air-quality stations reported that dust particles of 10 microns in Chiang Mai, Lampang and other northern provinces yesterday at 9am were above 120 micrograms per square metre (mpsm) and the Air Quality Index (AQI) score was higher than the safety standard of 100.

Central Chiang Mai's air-quality station at Yupparaj School measured 10-micron dust at 149.6 mpsm and an AQI score of 113, while Lampang reported 272.5mpsm and an AQI score of 166. Chiang Rai had 181mpsm, Nan 141.3mpsm, and Phayao 145.6mpsm.

A 15-per-cent increase of respiratory patients was reported at Lampang Central Hospital in the past week, hospital director Songwuth Sabthavisin said.

Chiang Mai environment officer Phuchong Insompan said the hotline 05 34... on outdoor fires had received 60 calls since January 1, with roadside forest fires the most frequently reported, especially in Mae On, Chiang Dao and Chaiprakan districts. In March fire-prevention officials will be dispatched to Hot district, where farmers are expected to burn some 10,000 rai of woodland to plant maize.

from: Thai Nation

Asean Urges World to Keep Opening Trade

HUA HIN, Thailand -- Leaders of Southeast Asia's struggling economies met on Sunday to urge major trading partners, such as the U.S. and the European Union, to continue opening up trade, even as many countries in the region grapple with protectionist legacies amid the global economic slowdown.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations signed a free-trade agreement with Australia and New Zealand on Friday during its annual summit to add some meat to its pitch, which it intends to take to the Group of 20 nations' meeting in London in April. The pact with Australia and New Zealand, to take effect in December, is projected to expand trade among the 12 countries by $48 billion by 2020. But Asean leaders say they are eager for more.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who hosted the summit, on Saturday urged Asean to take the lead in resisting protectionist policies. "If we start going down the route of protectionism, everybody will go down. It doesn't help anybody at the end," he said.

Several Asean members -- notably Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore -- are heavily dependent on exports. Since the onset of the global financial crisis, they have seen their economies contract or sharply slow as the economic situation in the U.S. and other major nations deteriorates.

Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Pangestu said in an interview on the sidelines of the summit that the world's biggest trading powers need to re-engage in the stalled Doha round of free-trade talks at the World Trade Organization "as soon as possible" to help offset a deeper global downturn. Ms. Pangestu noted that none of Asean's member nations had adopted tougher trade barriers in response to the onset of the global crisis last fall.

But some countries in Asean are turning to other, nontariff measures to aid their local businesses, sometimes at the expense of foreign competitors. Malaysia, for example, offers companies based there financial incentives to lay off foreign workers instead of Malaysians.

Write to James Hookway at james.hookway@awsj.com