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วันศุกร์ที่ 18 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2550

Meditation in Koh Samui






Meditation the key to ture peace of mind.

The beautiful deep sea-green jewel that lies just off the Southeastern coast of Thailand is called the island of Koh Samui. In an effort to provide the most important element to compliment the perfect Spa experience, meditation will now be taught by an ordained Buddhist monk.

Beginning this year, "The Middle Way" team of The Dhammakaya has committed to conduct monthly meditation training session at the beautiful Five Star Rajapruek Samui Resort on the island of Samui.

The owners of the Rajapruek Samui Resort have graciously offered their beautiful facilities to provide a base from which we can introduce, promote, and teach basic introductory meditation session.

Meditation is absolutely essential for the mind and inner well-being to compliment the Spa's wonderful treatment and massage therapies for the body.

Those seeking to develop peace of mind can experience personally, the immediate, marvelous affects, as well as long-term life-changing benefits derived from. Now you can rejuvenate not only your body but your mind as well, by learning the simple meditation method.

วันอังคารที่ 1 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2550

About Thailand

Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels")
Geography: The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.
Neighboring Countries:1) Myanmar - west and north2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast, 3) Cambodia - southeast and 4) Malaysia - south. Area: 513,115 sq. km.
Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions: The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries; The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok; The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.
Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.
People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.
Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)
Government: Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House of Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and senators are elected by the people. A prime minister elected from among the representatives leads the government. The country is divided into 76 provinces. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial governors administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided into districts (Amphoe), sub-districts (Tambon) and villages (Mu Ban).
Head of State: H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)
Prime Minister: Surayut Julanon
Administration: 76 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub-district) and muban (village)
National Flag: The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.
Time: The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).
Climate: Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.
Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.
Tap water: Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended
Clothing: Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area. Weights & Measures: The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed ohmmeters, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometres.
Business hours: Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays. Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
International Roaming Mobile Phone : A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai and foreign customers who are travelling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.
Fax and E-Mail: All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services. Internet Services: Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels and at the many " Cyber-Cafes " that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations. Telephone Services: At present, all telephone numbers (for local calls and long distance calls within the country) have nine digits. For Bangkok calls, 02 is added to the existing numbers i.e. 0 2694 1222. For provincial calls, an area code is added to the existing numbers. For example, area code for Chiang Mai is 053 = 0 5324 8604; area code for Phuket is 076 = 0 7621 1036. For mobile phones, 081 or 089 is added to the existing numbers. The new system has no effect on international phone calls. The international dialing code for Thailand is 66. When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0. When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001+country code+area code+telephone number If calling Laos or Malaysia, there is a special code which is charged at a semi-domestic rate. When calling Laos, first dial 007+856+area code+telephone number When calling Malaysia, first dial 09+06+area code+telephone number Direct assistance: 1133 (local), 100 (international)
Emergency Telephone Numbers: Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191 Highway Patrol : 1193 Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844 Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155 Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672 Immigration Bureau : (662) 287 3101-10

วันพุธที่ 25 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2550

Pattaya again

Pattaya is possibly the best known beach resort in Thailand. Pattaya in fact has just about every activity that one needs when planning a holiday to Thailand. Besides great and often raunchy night life, Pattaya is a family and sportsperson’s destination. Golf in Pattaya is plentiful, varied and cheap for example. A look at www.thailandgolfmaps.com will give keen golfers an idea of what a tremendous selection of golf courses Pattaya can offer. Dining out in Pattaya too offers great possibilities. The selection of cheep and cheerful restaurants in Pattaya is second to none, whilst the resort offers fine dining that equals many other global favorites. And what does Pattaya offer families? Plenty. There are museums and attractions in Pattaya designed to appeal to the whole spectrum of ages and interests. Zoos, wax museums, Ripleys Believe it or Not and many more attractions are Pattaya stalwarts. As well one can rent crewed or bareback boats in Pattaya to visit either nearby or farther a field destinations. There too is diving, swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling in Pattaya. This is a great destination barely two hours by road from Bangkok. For short or indeed longer stays Pattaya is worth a visit no matter what your interests or budget.

Travel Thailand

North
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Chiangmai Chiangrai Mae Hong Son Sukhothai Payao Lampang Lampun Nan Prae Uttaradit Pitsanulok Petchabun Pichit Tak Kampaengpetch Nakornsawan Phitsanulok
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Central
Bangkok Ayutthaya Prachuabkirikhan/HuaHin Petchaburi/Cha-am Ratchaburi Kanchanaburi Nakornpathom Samutprakarn Samutsongkram Samutsakorn Nonthaburi/Korked Pathumthani Angthong Supanburi Singburi Lopburi Saraburi Chainat Uthaithani Prachinburi Nakornnayok Chachoengsao Srakaew
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South
Phuket Krabi Koh Phi Phi Railay Koh Lanta Phang-nga Khao Lak Suratthani Koh Tao Koh Samui Koh Pha-ngan Songkhla / Hat Yai Chumporn Ranong Nakornsithammarat Trang Satun Pattalung Pattani Yala Narathaiwat
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East
Chonburi Pattaya Rayong/Koh Samet Chanthaburi Trat/Koh Chang/Ko Kut / Koh Mak
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Northern East
Loei Nakornratchasima Chaiyaphum Buriram Surin Srisakes Ubonratchathani Amnatcharoen Yasothon Roied Mahasarakam Kalasin Mukdaharn Sakonnakorn Nakornpanom Khonkaen Nongkai Nongbualampoo Udornthani

Phuket Thailand

Phuket Thailand. A unique mixture of hustle and bustle and at the same time great and awesome beauty. And do you know what? It all depends on which part of Phuket Island you choose. Patong Beach for example is Phuket's capital of nightlife, noise and just about any vice or virtue you might care to indulge in. Kata, Karon beaches on the other hand are largely unchanged and retain much of their natural beauty. Laguna Phuket is a collection of first class hotels and activities closer to the Phuket International Airport than to either Phuket Town or Patong. While if this is your first trip to Phuket or indeed your first visit in a while, you will surely be amazed at the development of Surin Beach. On this section of Phuket Island you will find first rate hotels and eateries and some of the seclusion you probable were looking for in the first place. There is more, of course; Kamala, Rawai, Chalong, Nai Harn and others offer much to Phuket visitors. For a complete list of stories and activities see the list on this page.
Interesting and informative stories about Phuket

Bangkok

Krungthep or BangkokCall it what you will, this is a city for participants Bangkok, Krung Thep (Thai name) is a city where, once you step outside of you hotel you are a participant. You cannot possibly be anything else.
Out the door, and wham! The pollution hits you, the traffic hits you, the noise hits you, the smell of the city hits you. God. It's awful. Maybe. But you're here, you're alive, you're bitchin' and complainin' but you are in the most full of life city on the face of the earth.
Forget what you've heard. Forget what you expect. Forget what it. This Bangkok, expect the unexpected. Bangkok is action. Every-where you go, 24 hours a day there is something going on. Bangkok is safe, no matter what TV stations say to the contrary. One can venture almost anywhere, anytime with-out apprehension. Get out. Get involved. Bangkok is sightseeing, and you know what brother? You are one of the sights.
Bangkok is eating (not dining, bloody eating, the Thai's never stop). Bangkok is party city, big time. It is many things to many people more than we can cover here, of course, but read on and get your appetite whetted.
If you have a bit of time, and some dollars in the pocket, the entertainment world, to coin a cliche, is your oyster in Bangkok. Of course, fun can be had at any roadside stall selling cheap food and blasting out Thai pop songs, but if the mood calls for a wee bit more sophistication, venture out, and sample some delights.
This is assuming that one has already exhausted the in-house entertainment provided by any five-star hotel worth its spurs.
Not too far from Patpong, the raunchy collection of girlie bars for which Bangkok is unjustifiably infamous, and the leading riverside hotels, is Soi Sarasin, a genteel, tree-lined avenue sided by the expanses of Lumpini Park. It boasts a cluster of bar and restaurants catering to Bangkok's fast lane set. Most serve food, some have live music and on Friday and Saturday nights it's standing room only, probably on the pavement outside.
Mid-week, though, it's well worth a visit for a tipple in a less crowded environment. In this neck of the woods, Brown Sugar has staked its claim as the place to be seen sipping a Corona or Chivas-Coke. Live jazz is provided by the best resident jazz bands in the region, with patrons occasionally jamming along. The suds are not cheap at 180 baht a beer-street price 22 baht-but the atmosphere is good, and the music always excellent. Dress is consciously underdressed.
Moving on a bit, Soi Lang Suan is home to several bars, and clubs. The Dom Perignon is a first- class French restaurant. Moscva is the only Russian restaurant in town and theme pubs abound. Dux, on Soi Lang Suan 5 is a nifty, but understated little place to see and be seen in, with the theme of.. yep you guessed it.Around midnight has long been popular spot. the live music is jazz/pop. Most of the restaurants and clubs are within 100 yards of Soi Sarasin, so take a stroll. You may even end up at an authentic sidewalk Thai restaurant: sip a cold beer or whisky beneath the trees while you ponder your next move. The prices may amaze you - they are a wad cheaper than hotel bills with their plus totals at the end of the night.
In the past few years, Bangkok has positively bloomed in terms of one-stop entertainment night spots. These usually feature a restaurant, a disco, pub, karaoke bar and night club under one roof, Their inspiration lies in New York, but practically, they have caught on with the in crowd in a major way because of Bangkok's appalling traffic, where a visit to more than two destinations in one night is a major undertaking.
Among the hotels, Spasso at the basement level of The Grand Hyatt Erawan in Rajadamri Road, near Ploenchit, and Cheers Pub in the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, on Silom Road have caught on as the place to be. Catching on quick with the local expat scene is Sharon Woods at the Pan Pacific on Rama 4 Rd. World class is how I could best describe this lady, she is well worth a visit.
The list goes on, but by now one should be exhausted. If not, invest a few baht in a local newspaper, and explore some more

Pattaya

Pattaya Thailand. fun, sun, shopping, and Pattaya golf second to none
Pattaya is possibly the best known beach resort in Thailand. Pattaya in fact has just about every activity that one needs when planning a holiday to Thailand. Besides great and often raunchy night life, Pattaya is a family and sportsperson’s destination. Golf in Pattaya is plentiful, varied and cheap for example. A look at www.thailandgolfmaps.com will give keen golfers an idea of what a tremendous selection of golf courses Pattaya can offer. Dining out in Pattaya too offers great possibilities. The selection of cheep and cheerful restaurants in Pattaya is second to none, whilst the resort offers fine dining that equals many other global favorites. And what does Pattaya offer families? Plenty. There are museums and attractions in Pattaya designed to appeal to the whole spectrum of ages and interests. Zoos, wax museums, Ripleys Believe it or Not and many more attractions are Pattaya stalwarts. As well one can rent crewed or bareback boats in Pattaya to visit either nearby or farther a field destinations. There too is diving, swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling in Pattaya. This is a great destination barely two hours by road from Bangkok. For short or indeed longer stays Pattaya is worth a visit no matter what your interests or budget.
Pattaya Thailand FeaturesPattaya BoatingPattaya's Islands
Pattaya JomtienPattaya Accommodation