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Thailand Travel Notes
Los Angeles Edition
  August 2009
Vol. 5, No. 8

IN THIS ISSUE
:: Director's Message
:: Get Inspired by a Myriad of Thai Trends
:: Auspicious Thai Food
:: Thailand in the News
:: Festivals & Events
:: Promotional News
:: Product Spotlights
:: TAT on the Road
:: Useful Links
Director's Message

elephants
Dear Travelers

August is quite a delightful month in Thailand as we celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. Ratchadamnoen Road, near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, is decorated with many lights and images of Queen Sirikit throughout the month. That's why August is one of the best times for an evening stroll in these historic and beautiful areas.

Many special celebrations and festivities are held in August. It is also the best time for shopping as the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009 continues and will finish at the end of the month. In this issue, you will find more information on Thai food and the culinary programs through the featured story and packages. We hope these will inspire you to explore and visit Thailand soon.

Finally, TAT Los Angeles has said goodbye to Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, our beloved assistant director. This issue details Sirivajjakul's plans and welcomes new assistant director Mrs. Orasa Awutkom.

Enjoy the warm spirit of the summer. Cherish the experience of a lifetime traveling to Thailand!

Warm wishes,

elephants

Chanchai Doungjit
Director
Western United States and Latin America
 
7 Wonders of Amazing Thailand

Wonder No. 6 - Get Inspired by a Myriad of Thai Trends


Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin

To inspire you, the Myriad Thai Trends campaign provides the choice of new and trendy boutique hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, nightlife, golf courses, entertainment and much more. [more]

Featured Article

Auspicious Thai Food
By Suthon Sukphisit

Auspicious Thai Food








In Thailand it is believed the good things which occur only once during a person's lifetime, or are happening for the first time, are auspicious. Events of this kind include weddings, ordination into Buddhist monkhood, and the ceremonial blessing of a new home. [more]

Thailand in the News
WSJ Logo
Wall Street Journal Features Story on Cooking Class in Thailand


A Moveable Feast - Learning to Cook Local in Thailand, by Robyn Eckhardt

Chiang Mai - "OK guys, this is not the supermarket," says Naomi Duguid to the three women beside her. They're at the entrance to Chiang Mai's morning market, a sprawling grid of lanes lined with vendors selling everything from seasonal vegetables to prepared curries. [more]


TAT LA Bid Farewell to Chuwit and Welcomed Orasa
Assistant Directors Image

TAT Los Angeles bid farewell to outgoing assistant director Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul and welcomed Mrs. Orasa Awutkom as its new assistant director for the next four years. Chuwit, promoted as the director of the Tourism Products Division, will return to Bangkok by the middle of August. Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work.  Orasa has extensive experiences in Thailand tourism and is more than ready to serve all of you.


Amazing Taste of Thailand to Lure Tourists
Thai Cuisine

TAT will host the Amazing Taste of Thailand Festival as part of its strategy to promote Thai cuisine and local tourism in foreign markets. Food fairs, exhibitions, competitions and seminars are highlights of the event that will take place September 24 - 28 at Central World Plaza in Bangkok. Chefs and Thai restaurateurs from the U.S. are among the invitees for the special Famtrip. Contact TAT offices in your area for more details.


Patients Beyond BordersPatients Beyond Borders Thailand Edition to Launch in September

Produced in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and supported by hospitals and related government and private organizations, the 222-page guidebook will feature 32 pages of color inserts and offer an in-depth overview of Thailand's international hospitals, select health travel agents, nearby recovery and guest accommodations and area travel information. [more]


Golf in a Kingdom LogoThailand Extends Royal Golf Invitation

TAT has partnered with eight premium golf properties, six of the country's premier hotels and the Web site, Golfasian, to form 'Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience.'  [more]



Two Major Thai Airlines Launch New Campaigns
TG Branding Logo
Bangkok Airways Logo
Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways have introduced special promotional campaigns, "Fly THAI Get More" and "Flyer Pass" respectively, to boost international and domestic travel to, from and within Thailand. [more]



Chiang Mai Zoo Snow Dome Opens
Chiang Mai Zoo Snow Dome
The newly opened 580-square-meter Snow Dome is the latest attraction in the northern city of Chiang Mai. It will soon be the new home and play pen for Chiang Mai's famous panda family - Chuang Chuang (the male panda), Lin Hui (the mother) and their cub, born on May 27, 2009. [more]

Festivals & Events
Longboat RaceTraditional Long Boat Race
Great Fun and Excitement

September, 2009
Venue: Nationwide
[more]
Dance and Music FestivalInternational Festival of Dance and Music
World-class Performing Arts

September - October 2009
Venue: Bangkok
[more]
Illuminated Boat ProcessionIlluminated Boat Procession
Majestic 'Fire Boats' Set Alight & Floated along the Mekong River

September 29-October 5, 2009
Venue: Nakhon Phanom
[more]
Naga FireballNaga Fireball Festival
Discover the Legend of the Naga Rockets

October 4, 2009
Venue: Nong Khai
[more]
Tak Bat Devo - Uthai ThaniTak Bat Devo Festival 2009
Commemorate the end of the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat

October 5, 2009
Venue: Uthai Thani
[more]
Promotional News
Thai Airways International
Special Offer: Bangkok Special Summer Fare
Fares starting at USD 900 plus tax
[more]

The Oriental Thai Cooking School, Bangkok
Package: Hands-On Thai Cooking Class
Rates starting at THB 4,000
[more]

Amita Thai Cooking Class, Bangkok
Special Offer: Half-Day Cooking Class
Rate THB 2,800
[more]

Manohra Cruises
Package: Thai Cooking Class
Rate THB 2,800
[more]

Anantara Golden Triangle
Package: Sesame Mania Spa Package
Rate THB 3,900
[more]

Product Spotlights
Amphawa Bike Ride - Bike & TravelAmphawa Bike Ride
Bike & Travel


Discover truly local Thai life while biking through the Amphawa Village, a charming, hidden agrotour spot. [more]

Elephantstay - AyutthayaElephantstay
Ayutthaya


Stay in the most exciting, innovative working elephant village in Asia. [more]
Ayudhara Village - AyutthayaAyodhara Village
Ayutthaya


Relax, recharge and reconnect with nature in a Thai-styled private villa, overlooking a scenic view along the Lopburi River. [more]
Iudia - AyutthayaIudia
Ayutthaya

Within walking distance of the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya Historical Park. A great way to soak up the peace and quiet of the old capital.[more]
Baan Amphawa - Samut SongkhramBan Amphawa Resort & Spa
Samut Songkhram

Immerse yourself in natural beauty and serenity, a Thai way of life. The perfect hideaway for those in search of tranquility.[more]
TAT on the Road
Asia Fest
August 7, 2009
Redondo Beach, CA
www.aclassictour.com

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

17th Annual Thai Cultural Day
September 20, 2009
Barnsdall Art Park
Los Angeles, CA
www.thaiculturalcenter.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

1-800-THAILAND