Table of Contents
Fantastic Thai Events
- Loi Krathong Festival
- 2008 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
- H.M. the King’s Birthday
- Thailand International Balloon Festival 2008
- Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
- Bangkok Countdown 2009
- Sweet Memories with Escape! Romance PackageAt Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
- Cultivate Heritage Package
- Amita Thai Cook Class
- TAT Officially Launches "Visit Amazing Thailand 2009"
- Bangkok, Chiang Mai Ranked Asia's Best Cities by Leading U.S. Travel Magazine
- Luxury Travel Expo
- USTOA Conference and Marketplace 2008
I hope all is well. I have finally settled into my post here in Los Angeles and am honored to be here for my first American Thanksgiving. As the holiday is upon us, it is also my chance to thank you for letting us share the culture of Thailand with you, our travel partners.
As many of you may know, November in Thailand has been a time of magnificent cultural celebrations. Visitors witnessed the illumination of the northern sky and the many rivers throughout the country as we celebrated Loy Kratong and Yi Peng. This was also the month that the whole nation payed our last respects to H.R.H. Princess Galyani Wattana – The King’s older sister. Her memorial procession was internationally broadcast in over a 100 countries.
In December, our major celebration is the 81st birthday of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5th. Visitors may celebrate this royal occasion including watching the honor guard march and the trooping of the colors, plus a magical light display. December's cooler weather in Thailand is a delight for visitors, who will also find many of the year's best values on hotels and tour packages. Stay to ring in the New Year with the Bangkok Countdown 2009.
I wished to use my monthly letter to share many of the special activities taking place in Thailand, but also to welcome your questions about this week's protest disturbance at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. We are monitoring this situation and working closely with our colleagues in Bangkok. The safety and comfort of tourists visiting Thailand remains our first priority.
If you have any travel inquiries regarding Thailand, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1-800 THAILAND or email tatla@ix.netcom.com.
Best regards,
Chanchai Doungjit
Director of the Western United States and Latin America
More Information:
www.tourismthailand.org
Dates: 9-12 November, 2008
Venue: Banks of the Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge), BKK
You will be entertained by the country’s most unique cultural performances and you will see rivers filled with small candlelit vessels.
More Information:
www.tourismthailand.org
Date: 29 November- 6 December 2008
Venue: Phuket, Thailand
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. It is a week long event consisting of festivities.
More Information:
www.tourismthailand.org
Date: 5 December 2008
Venue: Sanamluang Bangkok
This auspicious celebration commemorates His Majesty’s 81st birthday. Although major festivities will take place within Bangkok, the day is observed and celebrated nationwide. There will be an alms giving ceremony in the morning followed by a joyous festival of music and culture at Sanamluang. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the elaborate décor presented throughout the country as a testimony of the Thai people’s love and devotion for their beloved King.
More Information:
www.tourismthailand.org
Date : 3 – 7 December 2008
Venue : Khao Yai (War Dog Battalion, Pak Chong), Nakhon Ratchasima
The Thailand International Balloon Festival builds international awareness of Thailand, showcasing the wonderful weather conditions for balloon flying and the country’s unique and beautiful hinterland, proving that Thailand is more than a sunny beach!
More Information:
www.tourismthailand.org
Date: 13 - 19 December 2008
Venue : Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
The breathtaking sights and sounds will leave spectators speechless. A must see!
More Information:
www.tourismthailand.org
Date: 31 December 2008
Come and countdown in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Don’t miss it!
Romance Package
At Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
--Escape Romance Package from the Bangkok Marriot Resort and Spa! Rates for our Deluxe rooms are starting from Baht 6,400++ per room per night in a single room or double room, valid from now to March 31, 2009.Rates for our Deluxe River View rooms are starting from Baht 7,200++ per room per night in a single room or double room, valid from now to March 31, 2009. For special room rates call Central Reservation Office at (66) 2 477 0755 or email at reservemarriott@minornet.com.
The Five Star Sukhothai Heritage Resort has launched a new package from now until April 2009. Packages range from 8,800-9,400 and are inclusive of the 3 day 2 night accommodations, special meals, airport transfers and activities. For further information email reservations@sukhothaiheritage.com or visit www.sukhothaiheritage.com.
This school caters to all. They will transfer students from any hotel/residence within the Bangkok center to the Maharaj Pier for a boat ride to the school itself. Upon arrival, students are introduced to the various herbs and spices utilized in Thai cuisine. Classes are interactive and accommodate no more than 10 students per session to ensure individual attention. For more information, visit www.amitathaicooking.com.
More Information:
www.tatnews.org
TAT, THAI Airways International and partners joined forces to welcome more than 1,000 delegates in early October, who toured Kingdom in line with the Invitation to Visit Amazing Thailand 2009 project.
More Information:
www.tatnews.org
Bangkok and Chiang Mai have been rated as the Best Cities of Asia 2008 from American readers of Condé Nast Traveler, an US leading travel & lifestyle magazine. The award was conferred at the Readers Choice Awards 2008 Ceremony & Gala Dinner held at The New York Public Library, New York City, USA on 15 October 2008. It was accepted on behalf of the entire Thai travel and tourism industry by Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism & Sports.
More Information:
www.luxurytravelexpowest.com
2-4 December 2008
Venue: Las Vegas, Nevada- Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
TATLA will be participating in the Luxury Travel Expo, to be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. The expo helps instruct agents on how to successfully sell the luxury travel market, and provides a venue for them to meet directly with suppliers.
More Information:
www.ustoa.com
3-5 December 2008
Venue: Desert Springs JW Marriot Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California
TATLA will be participating in this year’s USTOA Annual Conference and Marketplace. This function brings together tour operators and suppliers from all around to inspire new packages and development for the industry.
