PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009

PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009
June 4 - 11, 2009
Phuket Film Festival to Turn the Spotlight on Taiwanese Film
The Phuket Film Festival is proud to announce a Spotlight on Taiwanese Film will take place during the second edition of the festival which will run June 4 - 11 2009 at the Coliseum Theaters in Phuket Town, on the beautiful international resort destination of Phuket, Thailand.
The 2009 edition of the Festival will screen over 40 award winning movies from 17 countries.
Supporting the Academy Award nominated and other award winning Taiwanese films will be directors, producers, actors and actresses traveling to the Festival from Taiwan. They will join other Festival VIPs on a special tour of the island to raise awareness of Phuket as a world-class film location providing a comprehensive range of international class production services.
Attending will be:
Keeping Watch – Fen Fen Cheng
The Most Distant Course – Liin Jing-Jie
Island Etude – En Chen
Sumimasen Love - Lin Yu-Hsien
Step by Step – Kuo Chen – ti
Producers Patrick Mao Huang and James Liu will also attend the Festival.
A number of "stars" from Taiwan will also attend the Festival in support of the "Spotlight". Talent are still being confirmed however the Festival has learned Joseph Chang and Jani Tsai will probably attend as well as Asian superstar Chie Tanaka who will be awarded the Festival's Asian Talent of the Year Award. Huai-Jhong Wu has also been confirmed to attend.
The Spotlight on Taiwanese Film is being held in line with the Festival's goal to "diversify cultural activities" on Phuket and to mark the growth of the Taiwanese film industry for film lovers around the world.
The "Spotlight" also supports the recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) "Two Islands, One Culture" promotional campaign held to stimulate travel between the two islands of Taiwan and Phuket.
A gala reception will be hosted by the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Thailand on Friday June 5, 2009
Web site: www.phuketfilmfestival.asia

Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, Thailand

Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, Thailand
Announcing the Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui – the 8th Samui International Yacht Regatta Bangkok, Thailand. February 2, 2009 - The 8th Samui International Yacht Regatta, now with a new title sponsor and known as the Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, will take place in Koh Samui from the 1st - 6th June .
A favourite amongst competitive and social sailors, the five day regatta is one of Asia’s leading sailing events and is also part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championships. Registrations are already being received, with a full fleet expected from Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and further a field.
In addition to the competitive sailing, the Sawadee.com Regatta is also about fun parties and is firmly established as a ‘must attend’ regatta on the international sailing circuit. Its headquarters will again be the Centara Grand Beach Resort, Samui, which has been the home of the regatta since its conception and that has now become synonymous with the event.
Callum Laing is the Chairman of the Regatta for the second year “Every year the regatta has gone from strength to strength and we’re really looking forward to a memorable 2009 event. In 2008 we welcomed over 300 participants from 10 countries and registrations received so far point toward the biggest Samui Regatta to date. The 2009 regatta will also provide great opportunities for individuals, families and groups to join one of the regatta spectator boats and see these races up close whilst enjoying the famous Thai hospitality”.
The Regatta will feature six classes, Racing, Premier Racing, IRC-1, Cruising, Sports Boats and Multihulls – ensuring that the on-water action is both competitive and fun to watch. In 2008, Ray Roberts and ‘Quantum Racing’ won the IRC-1 Class with Matt Allen and ‘Ichi Ban’ taking the IRC-2 honours. Kipsan Beck and ‘Pornstar’ lifted the trophy in the Sports Boats Class with Andrew Short and ‘Constanza’ securing the top Cruising Class placing. Radab Kanjanayanit and ‘Cedar Swan’ came in first in the Multihull Class.
The skipper receiving the most top placings on the eight regatta Asian circuit will also be crowned Asian Yachting Champion Skipper at the end of the sawadee.com Regatta. In 2008, it was Quantum Racing’s Ray Roberts that lifted the trophy and wore the coveted ‘Armani Blue Blazer’ that was presented at the fabulous prize giving dinner on the lawns of the Centara Grand Beach Resort at Chaweng Beach.
The 2009 regatta will also play host to the second running of the ‘Samui Junior Sailing Squadron Challenge’ – giving local children from the island the opportunity to be out on the water experiencing the excitement of competitive yacht racing. The challenge is led by John Stall – one of the original founders of the Samui Regatta in 2001. The regatta also provides on-going support to this initiative, contributing Thai Baht 5,000 every month to pay for sailing equipment.
Web Sawasdee Plc, one of Thailand’s leading inbound travel companies, is the new naming sponsor of the regatta for the next three years. Through www.sawadee.com and www.r24.org, the company provides online travel/tourism-related information along with a user-friendly booking system and a secure payment gateway.
Public tickets will be available for the legendary sailing parties that occur most evenings during the regatta and that will feature bands and DJ’s from around the world.
Koh Samui, rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches and coral reefs, is the perfect location for an international regatta that not only provides great sailing, but that also supports tourism on the island and helps raise the profile of Thailand as an idyllic and exciting vacation destination. The regatta provides the perfect blend of Thai charm and world-class sailing.
Images from the 2008 Samui International Yacht Regatta are available at: www.flickr.com/photos/sawadee-com-regatta-2009-samui
Media Contacts:
Citrus Public Relations or MobyElite Sports
Ian Grundy Siobhan Kennedy
ian.grundy@citrus-pr.com siobhan@mobyelite.com
Tel: +65 83226890 Tel: +66 (0) 8 60028458
About the Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui
The Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, is an annual event that takes place on the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui. Now in its eighth year, this ‘Tropical Island Regatta’ has become one of the main events on the Asian sailing circuit and attracts an international fleet.
For further details see www.samuiregatta.com

Rayong Funkky Fruit Festival

Rayong Funkky Fruit Festival
Date : May 15th - 19th 2009
Venut : Rayong City
We welcome all to the brand new "Rayong Funky Fruit Festival"-a borderless celebration of heritage, nature & culture in this stunning province of Rayong. We celebrate Rayong's natural gifts with "StarFruit", an exhibition and promotion of Rayong's great agricultural tradition as well as "Rayong in Pictures". The heritage & peoples of Rayong are given new life in Live Poetry in the "Suntorn Pu Lives!" performances as well as "the Originals"-musical performance by artists from the original peoples of Thailand's East - the Khmers, the Tai, even the rare Chong peoples. To this festival of great food, culture and exhibition we add a full-blown Funky Fruit Musiq Festival featuring the Best of Thai Musiq & our own original World Musiq recipes...
Come join the Funk 'n Fun right here in Rayong. Call us at 0 2733 2709 for details or email us at toddeastwest@yahoo.com
for a full schedule of shows and activities, go to toddeastwest.com or call Jeep at 08 9666 1184
Funky Fruit & Culture-Rayong Rocks He!

Wat Pho (Wat Chetupon)

This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace on Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high. Its soles are inlaid with mother of pearl. The temple is regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes call Thailand's first university.
Once inside this complex you can't help to wonder what is the purpose of all these buildings. There are many reason behind that. Come and find out for yourself. Wat is the Thai Term meaning Religious Complex.
A view from one of the largest Chedis where there is an entrance. Chedi usually contain a relic of the Buddha or the ashes of a king or an important monk. The function is similiar to the pyramids in Egypt.
The large Wiharn (building that houses Buddha images) in this image houses the Reclining Buddha. The other name for Wat Pho is Wat Phra Chetuphon.
The Reclining Buddha and the mother of pearl. Other than the Buddha statue the walls surrounding it are covered with beautiful Thai paintings.
The head side of the Reclining Buddha. The Wiharn which houses the Reclining Buddha is a large building from the outside but when inside feels small. You know why now.
The Chedis are decorated chinese ceramic tiles. Very carefully detailed. There are 95Chedis in Wat Po.
Address:
2 Sanamchai Road Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Telephone: (662) 222-5910 226-2942 226-1743 225-9595
Fax: (662) 225-9779
Bus:1 3 6 9 12 25 32 43 44 47 48 53 60 82 91 123
Air-con Bus: 8 9 25 44 82 91 506 507 512
Pier:
1.Chao Phraya Express Boat Rajini (Pakkhlong Talat) Pier Tha Chang Pier Tha Tien Pier
2. Ferry: Rajini (Pakkhlong Tolat) Pier Tha Chang Pier Tha Tien Pier
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 8 am-5 pm Ubosot: Daily 8 am-5 pm
Admission Fee:
Foreigner 50 Bht

welcome to Kohchang

Koh Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the nation's second largest island, after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 sq. kms., it features fine beaches, coral reefs, and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. Dotting the island are many fruit orchards.Koh Chang
Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending from the north to the south. They include Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill in the south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.
On Koh Chang itself are several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong Phlu waterfall is located 3 kms. from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes walk from the parking lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall is a 4-km. walk from the park headquarter, while the Khiriphet and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3 kms. from Ban Salakphet.
Second in size to Koh Chang, Koh Kut is located in the southernmost point in Trat territorial waters. A speedboat transport visitors to the island within one hour. The inhabitants grow rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants, while others are fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees mostly located on the western shores, it is also blessed with rich mangroves.
There is plenty of Accommodation available on Koh Chang and most of the surrounding islands and ranges from 5 star hotels to simple bungalows.

Hua Hin Thailand

Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin)
The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.
Hua Hin
281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.
The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.Hua Hin's consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country's first standard golf course.Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand's oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

Doi Pui tour

The Little Tour Guide of Doi Pui
Today we will take you to Doi Pui in Chiang Mai province, only a couple of kilometres from Doi Suthep, which is considered landmark of Chiang Mai. Doi Pui might not be as famous as Doi Suthep.
In this small village, there are a lot of wonderful things to do, such as sightseeing the beautiful pristine scenery, impressed with the hill tribe’s culture or listen to interesting stories from old people of the village. Since Doi Pui is located in the northern part of Thailand, where the weather is always cool, the agricultural products are their main income. In the past, most of the area was used to grow opium, the villagers were educated on how to earn a living according to the theory of sufficient economy (- a theory introduced by HRM King Rama IX, people will be able to stand on their legs and depend less on the outsiders. -) by doing agriculture or making handicrafts to replace opium growing.
Despite being a key tourist attraction in Chiang Mai, Doi Pui offers an insight into how the hill tribes live in Thailand. The villagers wear traditional Hmong clothes, sell traditional Hmong handicrafts, and live in traditional Hmong-style homes. With the unique tradition of the hill tribe villagers and the preserved way of life, the tourists who visit Doi Suthep often visit Doi Pui as well. It’s only 10 kilometers far from Doi Suthep. Upon our arrival at Doi Pui, one of the very first impressive things that catch our eyes is “The Little Guides of Doi Pui”
As we enter the Hmong village, we see these little guides running to greet us and two of them offer to be our guides. We ask about the price, and they say “Up to you, sir” That’s how we meet our tour guides.
The little guides are children in the local village; they volunteered to be members of “Doi Pui Little Guide Club”. As the number of tourists has been increasing recently, the local school created this club for their students to earn extra money. Their job is leading the tourists in a sightseeing trip throughout the village, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and their charming culture.
Our journey starts at a shopping area. Many shops sell local products or hill crafts, such as tea, silver accessories, crossbow, etc. Suddenly catch our eyes is a shoe shop, selling colourful handmade shoes in Chinese style, only at 350 baht. Now I’ve got a souvenir for my girl. After that, we have a chance to chat with a hundred-year-old man, the oldest man in the village. Another must-see in this village is the garden that exhibits models of the hill tribe’s daily life in the old time, including the collection of wooden tools and the opium.
I’m sure you don’t want to miss this. We rent a native costume to wear as our tour guide’s recommendation. There are many type of costumes for you to choose including ornaments that match the costumes. Here, the silver ornaments infer to status of the wearer. We choose their formal costume to try on. Since the climate in Doi Pui is quite cool, all the native costumes are made from thick material to protect the cold breeze and to keep them warm.
As we experience the beauty of this village, we find some children interrupt the charming atmosphere by keep asking money from the tourists. However, it’s only a small detect comparing to the spectacular mountain views and breathtaking scenery as well as being able to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the Hmong hill tribe.
Finally, we hope that you have fun reading our story. Don’t forget to visit our website, to see where our next trip will be. See you soon!!

Don Kham Resort at Sangkhlaburi District

Don Kham Resort at Sangkhlaburi District
Today let us introduce you to a nice Resort, closed to Songkhalia river, called “Don Kham” resort. This resort is famous for the peaceful atmosphere and the magical sight of natural greenary, high mountains behind and Songkhalia river close by, this Don Kham Resort is an ideal place for your vacation.
Don Kham Resort is over 220 kilometers far from Kanchanaburi, located in Sangkhlaburi district. This town stands at the confluence of three water ways: Songkhalia, Bikli and Runtee.
There are a lot of activities for tourists to enjoy, such as rafting, visiting Luang Poh Uttama of Wat Mon, or Three Pagodas Pass. Also, you can enjoy the charming view of the Mon way of life. From morning to evening, they paddle boats in Songkhalia river to go to work or to catch fish. A famous dish of this town is “Pla-Soi-Dad-Deaw”, made from a local fish. Don’t forget to taste it.
At Don Kham resort, with the harmonious construction of the building and the nature, the tourists can admire the beauty of the town from their room balcony which is also a perfect spot for gazing the beautiful sunset. Besides, the design and decoration of the room also emphasize the atmosphere of the enchanting nature, such as the wooden head bed or the big clear glass window that gives a full view of Songkhalia River.
Moreover, they also have a rafting and elephant riding package with full accommodation for 1,500 baht/person only. The trip starts with the rafting and then elephant riding in the forest. For those who are in love with the nature, we’d bet that this true 100% natural trip will capture your heart.
Finally, with special thanks to the owner of Don Kham Resort for the information of the resort including the attractions in Sangkhlaburi district, we have a lot of photos of this fantastic town to show you. If you have a chance to travel to Kanchanaburi, don’t forget to visit Don Kham Resort.
See you on our next trip!!

A Royal Visits Thailand's Royal Phuket Marina

Britain's Princess Eugenie, daughter of the Duke & Duchess of York and granddaughter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was the latest in a line-up of high profile guests visiting Thailand's premier 'luxury lifestyle resort community' the Royal Phuket Marina over the recent Easter holiday weekend.
Pictured (second from left), the young princess was accompanied by four friends for lunch and a boat trip around Phuket's famous Phang Nga Bay which is renowned for its iconic James Bond Island which featured in the 'Man with the Golden Gun' with Roger Moore, as well as Phi Phi Island which appeared in the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Princess Eugenie and her friends were guests of marina developer Gulu Lalvani, a close friend of the British royal family. The tycoon founder of Binatone, the world's second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, is partly based in London and features regularly on the Financial Times' annual Rich List.
Princess Eugenie, 19, is the second daughter of Prince Andrew,having completed her A-levels at Britain's prestigious Marlborough College.
Royal Phuket Marina is becoming a magnet for the world's celebrities and socialites looking to escape the limelight and enjoy the idyllic lifestyle of Phuket. Gulu Lalvani recently welcomed tennis star Martin Navratilova while his Christmas guest list included Hong Kong entrepreneur and Shanghai Tang founder Sir David Tang, Louis Vuitton CEO Yves Carcelle and Japanese designer Kenzo.
Located on Phuket's eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay, Royal Phuket Marina is Thailand's first world-class luxury lifestyle community rivaling top marina resort communities in Europe and the Caribbean.
It was developed by tycoon Gulu Lalvani, the world's second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, whose vision is to promote Phuket as a world class yachting hub in one of the world's most scenic and assessable locations.
Royal Phuket Marina has become a popular entertainment and lifestyle hub with open air restaurants and bars overlooking mega yachts moored in the Mediterranean-style marina.
Following the successful completion and sale of Phase I with its luxury condominiums and penthouses, Royal Phuket Marina has just completed its unique 'Aquaminium' penthouse apartments which come complete with their own integral boat berth as well as a series of ultra luxury private villas, also with private berths, which complete Phase II of the complex.
More than half of the Royal Phuket Marina development is devoted to leisure, shopping, recreation, and dining set amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the 350-berth marina.

PakWan Ban Restaurant

Pak Wan Ban Restaurant, The Supreme Addictive Restaurant on Kanchanaburi – Saiyok Waterfall Route
Pak Wan (- sweet leaf bush vegetable -) was known among local people for many years before getting more popular in both Thai and foriegn kitchen, until now it is sold in The Mall Department Store under the name “Pak Wan Ban Narubodin”. Today we will take you to taste the original recipe of Pak Wan at “Pak Wan Ban Restaurant”.
Located on the Kanchanaburi – Saiyok waterfall route, the origin of the famous Pak Wan starts from Pak Wan Seed from the Suan Chitralada project (- the royal project of King Rama IX, aiming to support the theory of sufficient economy-). Pak Wan Ban or full name “Sauropus androgynus merr” is a typical bush plant with leaf blade and branchlets green slender, easily grows in rainy season. It is a toxic free vegetable naturally and safe from any kind of insects.
Even though the restaurant isn’t located on the best spot, it is always full with customers. With its distinctive taste and good quality product, Pak Wan Ban has become the recommended dish of this restaurant. The most famous dish that you should not miss is “Pak Wan Ban Fai Daeng”. Recently they just opened their first branch in Bangkok at Rama II road.
Behind the restaurant is a large farm with over a hundred Rai (- unit of area; one rai is equal to 1,600 square meters -). Pak Wan Ban in this farm is sold to department stores while some are kept for this restaurant. The farm has been regularly checked to ensure the quality of the product; therefore, the freshness and the toxic-free are guaranteed.
Despite the similar name, Pak Wan Ban (House Pak Wan) is quite different to Pak Wan Pa (Wild Pak Wan) both in taste and color. Comparing to Pak Wan Pa, Pak Wan Ban is deeper in color and has chubby stem in. Both kinds have their own advantage. Pak Wan Ban is a good ingredient for fried dish, while Pan Wan Pa is suitable for curry, such as Pak Wan Pa curry with ant eggs, or dipping with tasty Nam Prick (- traditional Thai spicy sauce-).
As its name, Pak Wan Pa is found growing in the rich forest, especially in rock cranny. It can not be cultivated in the farm like Pak Wan Ban, that’s why Pak Wan Ban is now more popular than Pak Wan Pa, which is hard to find.
A must-order dish that we extremely recommend is “Pak Wan Fai Daeng” (- Pak Wan Ban stir with chili or oyster sauce -). Two thumbs up to this simple yet delightful taste!! But if you’d like to try something else, “Whisker Sheatfish with Curry Sauce” and “Spicy Fried Barking Deer” would be other delicious options. Some interesting fact is that Spicy Fried Barking Deer is made from calf meat, since the taste is very similar to the barking deer meat.
At the restaurant, you will be impressed by its cool and pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful greenery. The restaurant is decorated with wooden furnitures, such as coconut lamps,giving the fantastic feeling like dining in the middle of forest. With the greenery atmosphere and the distinctive taste of famous wild dishes, I bet you will fall in love with this restaurant like we did!!.
There are two ways to reach the restaurant; by private car and by train (at Kanchanaburi station – Nam Tok station or Death Railway), you can stop and buy many local fresh products from vendors along the way, such as salucca, rambutan and fresh mushroom (see more detail of Kanchanaburi – Saiyok route in our next story). Thus, you may ask the restaurant to cook it for you. If you go by train, you will experience another excitement (More details of the Death Railway route is available in this website). So, choose your style and enjoy!!