Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Date : 28 September – 7 October 2008
Venue : Various Chinese shrines, Mueang District,

Phuket The Thai-Chinese in Phuket have long passed on the vegetarian festival to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating. Symbolising the presence of the deities throughout the festival are 9 lanterns lit up and placed aloft on Ko Teng poles. On the 6th day of the festival, there will be religious processions and incredible displays of face-and-body piercing. On the last day, there will be a “Koi Han” ceremony to exorcize ill fortune and a farewell ceremony for the deities at night.

Contact:
TAT Phuket, Tel : 66 (0) 7621 1036, 66 (0) 7621 2213
Website : www.tourismthailand.org

Ko Hong, Than Bokkhorani National Park

The Tourism Training Network Division, Product Promotion Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), cooperated with Than Bokkhorani National Park, Ao Luek District, Krabi Province, in the survey of the Than Bokkhorani National Park on 16-17 December 2007. This aimed at collecting data on tourism marketing, its potential and difficulties. After that, the data were analysed in order to obtain guidelines for the promotion of tourism product quality and marketing in the area as an ecotourism destination for foreign tourists. As a result of the survey, TAT will work together with relevant stakeholders to initiate a model of quality tour programmes focusing on expanding value-added tourism products and services of Krabi Province. This will contribute to the creation of the tourism marketing position and brand for the province to be a quality destination.Then, the quality tourism products and services will be proposed to proper and quality tourism markets. At present, Than Bokkhorani National Park occupies a variety of attractions including natural trails, waterfalls, mangrove forests, Tham Lot, Tham Phi Hua To (a cave with prehistoric paintings) and Mu Ko Hong (limestone islands with crystal clear water, fine beaches and coral reefs). The islands are suitable for snorkelling and sea-canoeing and open only for one-day trippers. Visitors can get more information at the Visitor Centre of Than Bokkhorani National Park at telephone number 0-7568-1071, 0-7568-2058 or www.dnp.go.th

Suan-Silp Baan Din All About Arts # 1

Suan-Silp Baan Din, located in the small village of Ratchaburi, is an art centre nestled peacefully in a mango tree orchard. The residences are made out of clay molding created by the famous clay sculptor, Nai Dee. Suan-Silp Ban Din, meaning clay hut, is both a performance venue and an institute for performing arts based on Thai traditional dance, music, and folk arts. Suan-Silp Baan Din actively preserves and develops old Thai arts, dance, literature and music. It is supported by the Patravadi Theatre, Bangkok. Suan-Silp Baan Din is an ideal place to observe, study, and create art in a scenic and relaxing environment. It is also an ideal place for a weekend getaway. Suan-Silp Ban Din is run by Manop Meejamrat, a wellknown and highly respected dancer, choreograher and director who has worked with Patravadi Theatre for many years. He had studied with many masters of Thai Classical Dance, Modern Dance, Javanese, Balinese, Butoh, and Acrobatics.Manop has won various scholarships and awards including the Best Contemporary Performer in the Year 2005 from Thai Ministry of Culture. His work has been seen in many festivals in Europe and Asia.
COURSES OFFERED: Thai Classical Dance, Mask Dance, Folk Dance, Modern Dance, Drama, Thai Music & Drums, Martial Arts, Physical Theatre, Body Movement.

HOMESTAY

Our Homestay Program is a unique opportunity to enjoy the peaceful artistic environment of Suan-Silp Baan Din in the mango orchard, engage in artistic workshops and classes, create art pieces, or just relax on the weekend and enjoy upcountry atmosphere.

more information : http://www.patravaditheatre.com

Thailand Grand Sale 2008

If your hobby is shopping, you have to visit the country from 16 June to 15 August. During the sale, we have goods from all over the world from renowned brand names of clothing and accessories to new collections of Thai handicrafts for home decorations. Products made of Thai silk will also be on sale. Moreover, the beautiful folk-designed and hand-woven fabrics can fill your heart with joy. Sports equipment, sportswear and electrical appliances are reasonably priced, too.To make your stay more convenient, different services are meticulously arranged to ensure luxurious convenience while you do your shopping here. We have a wide selection of hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants of various cuisine, theme parks, and travel agencies, to name just a few.

Contact:
Tourism Investment Department, Tourism Authority of ThailandTel : 0 2250 5500 ext. 2951Website : www.tat.or.th/festival

Phuket International Blues Rock Festival

Now in its third year the Phuket International Blues Festival gets underway, 22 to 23 February, at the beachside Hilton Phuket Arcadia on the island’s west coast Karon Bay. It promises to be bigger than ever with at least 12 acts performing on stage during the two-night event. Now a firm fixture in Phuket’s annual entertainment calendar, the festival attracts top blues bands from around Thailand, while two popular bands from Australia and the US return once more. Bangkok’s popular blues bands take centre stage with performances from Cannonball, Georgia, Full House and Soi Dogs beating out the rhythm to a packed house of blues fans

For more information:
Hotline: 086-682 2639
International: +66 86682 2639

www.phuketbluesfestival.com