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Thailand Travel Notes
Los Angeles Edition
July 2009
Vol. 5, No. 7

IN THIS ISSUE
:: Director's Message
:: Preventive and Curative Therapy Culture
:: Natural Health and Beauty - The Thai Way
:: Thailand in the News
:: Festivals & Events Around Thailand
:: Promotional News
:: Product Spotlights - Condé Nast Traveler "Hot List Spa 2009"
:: TAT on the Road
:: Useful Links
Director's Message

Dear Travelers,

elephantsIn this summer edition, I am delighted to introduce the new look of our e-newsletter, making it more attractive and easier to navigate. We have also added a new section, "Product Spotlights," which features the hottest products and services.

For travelers, July is a very spiritual month - a time of Buddhist rain retreats. The seasonal rains offer a particular joy and bring renewal, as well as a special brilliance, to the nation's blossoming plants and trees.

There is no better time to visit Thailand than now. The Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the visa fee exemption for tourist visa applications until March 4, 2010. Also, Thai Airways International has increased its non-stop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Bangkok (BKK) to 5 days per week. Get your visa fee waived, enjoy the beauty of a renewed landscape and bring back experiences you will cherish for a lifetime.  

Warm wishes,
elephants
Chanchai Doungjit
Director, Western United States and Latin America

7 Wonders of Amazing Thailand
Health & Wellness - SpaWonder No. 5 - Preventive and Curative Therapy Culture

Thailand, considered "Land of the Healthy Smile," introduces you to the miracles of medical procedures and the holistic treatment of mind and soul. Being exposed to health and wellness includes enjoying a wide variety of world-renowned day spas, medical spas, clinics and hospitals. [more]
Featured Article
Natural Health and Beauty - The Thai Way
By Chamni Jotisalikorn

Natural Health & Beauty - The Thai Way








Thai spas may be known the world over for their pampering and rejuvenating treatments, but what few people realize is that the feel-good factor of these Thai spa treats comes from their origins as ancient health and beauty therapies in the Thai healing tradition that have been practiced by local people for centuries. [more]

Thailand in the News
Logo Amazing Value
TAT Seeks Marketing 'Bright Spots" in Difficult Global Tourism Environment


The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled a multi-pronged strategic marketing campaign for 2009-10. The strategies range from increased online-marketing efforts focusing on social media to short-duration packages and an intensive pursuit of new markets and niche-products. TAT will also maintain the "Amazing Thailand Amazing Value" campaign.  [more]


NBC's "TODAY" Show Featured T+L's 2009 "World's Best Awards"
elephants

Travel +Leisure revealed the results its 14th annual "World's Best Awards Readers' Survey" on NBC's "TODAY" Show. Bangkok and Chiang Mai were featured in the Top 5 of the World's Best Cities Overall. Click here to watch the video. T+L will feature all the winners of the 2009 "World's Best Awards" in its August 2009 issue. Hotels, resorts and destinations throughout Thailand proved to be favorites in a variety of categories. [more]


elephantsT+L Picks the Hottest New Hotels Around the Globe

In compiling Travel + Leisure's fourth annual "It List," its editors once again visited hundreds of new hotels around the globe. Two of Phuket 's properties included on the list, which appeared in the June issue, are Six Senses Destination Spa and Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa [more]

Passport Photo
Thai Government Extends Visa Fee Waiving to One Year


The Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the visa fee exemption for tourist visa applications until March 4, 2010. The exemption will apply to all visa applicants on arrival, as well as those applying at Thai embassies and consulates abroad. [more]

72 Hour Hou Hin Logo
72 Hours Amazing Thailand - Hua Hin & Beyond


TAT, together with MasterCard Worldwide, announced the launch of the "72 Hours Amazing Thailand Hua Hin & Beyond," campaign. It includes guidebooks with generous discounts of up to 50 percent at 100 participating merchants from now through December 2010. [more]



Thai FoodThai Culinary Art Goes International

Long gone are the days when Thai Cuisine could be simply identified by carved vegetable garnishes, or a basic flavoring of fish sauce and chili. Today's culinary auteurs have raised the benchmark - and there's no looking back! But what defines "Thai cuisine"? Is it the flavor? The technique? Or the ingredients? [more]

Festivals & Events
Around Thailand
elephantsHua Hin Regatta 2009
Great Fun in a Quiet and Relaxing Resort Town

July 30 - August 3, 2009
Venue: Hua Hin
[more]
elephantsThe 8th Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival 2009
The Festival for Golf Lovers

August 1 - September 30, 2009
Venue: Hua Hin/Cha-am
[more]
elephantsBhumibol Dam Invitation
International Mountain Bike Championship 2009

August 29 -30, 2009
Venue: Bhumibol Dam, Tak
[more]
elephantsAmazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009
The Great Shopping Experience

June 1 - August 31, 2009
Venue: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai [more]
Promotional News
Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa, Phuket
Package: Enjoy the Best of the Anantara Spa
Rates starting at THB 28,000
[more]

Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket
Special Offer: 3 Night Package
Rate THB 11,750 per person per night (double occupancy) [more]
 
Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Trang
Package: Wellness 360 Purify Me Journey
Rates starting at THB 47,500
[more]

Le Méridien Bangkok
Package: Exclusive Getaways
Rates starting at THB 5,888
[more]

Product Spotlights - Spa
Condé Nast Traveler "Hot List 2009"
Le Meridien Bangkok - SpaThe Spa
Le Méridien Bangkok


Beyond traditional Thai massage to a multi-sensory encounter, integrating deep healing and relaxation treatments [more]

elephantsAnantara Spa
Phuket


Tropical charm with the best elixirs, treatments, wraps and massage techniques from around the world [more]

Viranda Chiang Mai - SpaVeranda Spa
Chiang Mai


Be pampered with Veranda's signature spa treatments and enjoy the relaxing ambience of the forest setting [more]

Six Senses Phuket - SpaSix Senses Destination Spa
Phuket

Multi-day, integrated health programs focus on preventative wellness, helping to enrich lifestyles, healthy and mindful living [more]
TAT on the Road
Bite of Seattle
July 17 - 19, 2009
Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
www.biteofseattle.com

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
July 25 - 26, 2009
Sloan's Lake Park, Denver, CO
www.cdbf.org

THETRADESHOW (Booth #915)
September 13 - 15, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
www.thetradeshow.org

World Medical Tourism Congress
October 26 - 28, 2009
Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
www.medicaltourismcongress.com
 
Useful Links
logo amazingTG Branding Logo

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