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Thailand Travel Notes
Los Angeles Edition
March 2009
Vol.5, No.3 
IN THIS ISSUE
Songkran Thai New Year
Elephant Polo Tournament
Poi Sang Long Ceremony
Phuket Bike Week
1st Asian Martial Art Games 2009
Thailand Waives Visa Fee
7 Wonders TV Ad Wins Golden City Gate Award
Phuket - The Best Island Escape in Asia
Discover a New Taste of Thailand
WONDER#1
 
- THAINESS -
 

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THAINESS refers to the traditional Thai way which includes Thai lifestyle and hospitality served by Thai heart and smile.
 
Experience the art of Thai living through various packages, tours, accommodations and traditional food at several locations in Thailand. [more]
 
TRAVEL,HOTELS             AND PROMOTIONS

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100,000 Smiles at Laguna Phuket
 
Six Laguna Phuket hotels have jointly  launched the "100,000 Smiles in Laguna Phuket" promotion, offering up to 100,000 complimentary room nights. [more]   

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Easter Fun at Amari Hotels & Resorts
 
Amari offers fantastic packages, as well as fun for the whole family during the Easter holiday. [more]

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Luxx to open new property in April 2009 
 
Luxx is reinventing itself with the opening of the new Luxx XL in April 2009, located along the posh and stylish Langsuan Road. [more]

 

ACTIVITIES
TAT LA ACTIVITIES 
 
Ships and Trips Travel Show
March 18, 2009
Sacramento, CA
 
Agents Seminar for Ships & Trips Travel Company
March 20, 2009
Sacramento, CA
 
Travelstore's Asia Travel Expo
March 21, 2009
Sacramento, CA
 
11th Expo Mayoristas Tourist Fair
March 10 - 19, 2009
Mexico (Monterrey, Leon, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Puebla)
 
Thailand New Year Festival
April 5, 2009
Hollywood, CA

 

LINKS
Dear Friends,
 
Director Photo
March has become an exciting month for us at TAT LA. Phuket, a popular beach paradise in southern Thailand, was ranked the best island in Asia and 8th best in the world by TripAdvisor. Our "7 Wonders of Amazing Thailand," the 60-second English language TV commercial, won the Sliver Das Goldene Stadttor (Golden City Gate) Award at the annual International Tourism Fair in Berlin, considered the "Oscars" of the tourism industry.
 
Thailand has also launched its free visa program to continue its efforts to drive the revival of the Thai tourism industry. From March 5, 2009 to June 4, 2009, U.S. passport holders who wish to stay longer than 30 days can apply for visas for free!
 
Moreover all visitors will experience a new taste of Thailand, with our new signature cocktail, Siam Sunrays, which is sure to cool you down in the up coming summer season. Right now is really a perfect time to experience Thailand.
 
Warm wishes,
 
Chanchai Doungjit
Director
Western United States and Latin America

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Songkran Thai New Year
The spirit of good-natured fun permeates the holiday season
 
Songkran 3
Date: April 6 - 19, 2009
Venue: Nationwide
 
Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year celebrations, take place during April 6 - 19. Across the country, it's a time for laughter & entertainment; religious ceremonies & merit making; families & friends; and of course splashing water - from dusk till dawn. [more]
King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament
Polo isn't only meant to be played with horses 
Elephant Polo 
Date: March 23 - 30, 2009
Venue: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, Chiang Rai 

What started with six teams playing for two days, has now become an ever-popular annual event featuring 12 teams from four continents and bringing together 40 players from at least 15 countries. Polo has never been more exciting! [more]
Poi Sang Long Ceremony 2009
Follow the Buddhist legend at the unique event of Mae Hong Son 
 
Poi Sang Long
Date: March 31 - April 3, 2009
Venue: Mae Hong Son
 
Unlike any other ceremony of its type in the country, young boys aged between 7 and 14, are ordained as novices to study Buddhist doctrines. A colorful spectacle to witness, it is perhaps one of the most delightful festivals in Mae Hong Son. [more]
Phuket Bike Week 2009 & Songkran Festival
Bike & splash - only in Phuket
 
Phuket Bike Week 2009 Logo
Date: April 10 - 13, 2009
Venue: Patong Beach, Phuket
 
Meet and greet 20,000 visitors and bikers from all over the globe in the Phuket Bike Week 2009, featuring a bike show, bike competition, gifts and souvenirs and entertainment. Moreover, join local residents in Thai New Year merit-making activities and experience up close and personal the colorful Phuket culture. [more]
 
1st Asian Martial Art Games 2009
Expression of a true Asian culture 
Martial Art Games Mascot
 
Date: April 25 - May 3, 2009
Venue: Bangkok & Suphan Buri
 
Get excited and amazed by all kinds of Asian martial arts at the 1st Asian Martial Art Games 2009 in Bangkok and Suphan Buri with participation from 45 countries and 2,500 athletes. Featured games include Karatedo, Kickboxing, Muay, Kungfu and Beltwrestling. [more]
THAILAND IN THE NEWS
Thailand Waives Visa Fee 
 
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Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three-month period, effective March 5, 2009 to June 4, 2009. U.S. passport holders who wish to stay longer than visa free period of 30 days can apply for visas at the Thai embassies  before their arrival in Thailand. [more]
 
7 Wonders TV Ad Wins Golden City Gate Award 
 
Passport Photo
"7 Wonders of Amazing Thailand," the 60-second English language TV commercial produced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, won the Sliver Das Goldene Stadttor (Golden City Gate) Award in the TV and Cinema Spot awards category at the annual International Tourism Fair in Berlin. The award is considered to be one of the "Oscars" of the tourism industry. The commercial ad introduces to international audiences the seven "wonders" of the Thai kingdom - Thainess, Treasures, Beaches, Nature, Wellness, Trends and Festivals. [more]
Phuket - The Best Island Escape in Asia  
TripAdvisor Logo
 
TripAdvisor has ranked Phuket, beach paradise in southern Thailand, as the best island in Asia and 8th best in the world. Phuket's natural resources, including rocky capes, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays, and tropical inland forests contribute to making it the Asia's most visited and most popular island. 
Discover a New Taste of Thailand
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Siam Sunrays, Thailand's new signature cocktail, is perfect for any time of the day and any place - by the pool, with family and friends, as the sun sets, special celebrations, parties, large functions - or just with a relaxing soak in the bath tub after a long, hard day at work. The options are endless. Siam Sunrays is now available at hotels and resorts in key tourist destinations around Thailand. [more]

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