|
Pattaya Marathon 2009
Date : 19 July 2009
Venue : Pattaya, Chon Buri
The Pattaya International Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in Thailand that is organized yearly. Every year, there are many runners participating from various countries. In all, there are three races ; the full marathon (42 Km), the half marathon (21 Km) and the quarter marathon (10 Km). |
|
|
Thai Airways International (THAI) is determined to complete the transfer of its remaining domestic flights at Don Mueang airport to Suvarnabhumi airport on Sunday, despite continuing opposition from a large number of staff and many travellers. The decision was confirmed on Friday by senior executive vice president Narongsak Sangapong. "THAI will shift 23 domestic flights back from Don Mueang airport to Suvarnabhumi airport on March 29, making a total of approximately 45 domestic round flights operating to and from Suvarnabhumi airport," Mr Narongsak said. Budget airlnes Nok Air and One-Two-Go still fly out of Don Mueang. |
|
TripAdvisor's 2009 Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels (Asia Pacific) |
 |
 |
 |
This report on TripAdvisor is a total disgrace for the Thai hotel industry, there should be regular spot checks by the Thai Hotel Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Ministry of Public Health to ensure fire, safety and health procedures are followed or their licenses invoked. Public establishments such as hotels should be closely monitored because disease can be spread very quickly from one guest to another and cause a major outbreak. Strange how in Thailand it is the private sector that takes the lead .... an example is how one private conglomerate makes it an issue to perform tests on food samples sold on the company premises monthly, the tests are not restricted to food & beverage but nail samples are taken from the vendors also. Controls like this should be in place for hotels & restaurants throughout Thailand.... of course I know it's there on paper, but if it were enacted would we have an issue as this? Dirtiest Hotels - Asia (Pacific) (based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews) - 1.First Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
- 2.Hotel Grand Central, Singapore, Singapore
- 3.The Imperial Hotel, Hong Kong, China
- 4.Royal Peacock Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
- 5.Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel and Resort, Bangkok, Thailand
- 6.Colmar Tropicale, A French-Themed Resort, Bentung, Malaysia
- 7.Oxford Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
- 8.City Gate Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 9.Royal Parkview Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
- 10.Aseania Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia
But what is very surprising is that Singapore which claims itself "the cleanest city in the world" .... has three hotels of their own! |
|
  Splashing blessings on everyone in sight
While the water splashing will flourish, the traditional values of Songkran are the focus of the 2009 celebrations.
Songkran is without doubt the most popular of all Thai festivals and rightly so. It marks the beginning of a new astrological year and its exact dates are determined by the old lunar calendar of Siam. This year the three-day festival falls on 13 to 15 April.
Traditionally, April 13 is known as “Maha Songkran Day” and marks the end of the old year, April 14 is “Wan Nao”, while April 15 is “Wan Thaloeng Sok” when the New Year begins. While the festival has its roots in Buddhist heritage, the washing of Buddha images, merit making, traditional family values and the sprinkling of water in respect for elders, it is best known for the fun and “sanuk” everyone gains from splashing copious quantities of water on all who happen to pass by. Songkran is celebrated with gusto by young and old, throughout the country. City communities and villages in rural Thailand forget their troubles and concentrate on the serious of business of having fun as well as cooling off, during the height of the summer’s scorching tropical temperatures.
Probably of all the national festivals, this is the one that foreigners love to experience the most. They will come across water splashing festivities wherever they travel giving them an opportunity to share in a festival that is immensely popular, while still retaining a link to its traditional roots and values.
One of the traditional values points to the Thai family and the opportunity for family members to express their respect for their elders. Younger members of the family pour scented water on the hands of their parents, and grandparents. They may present them with gifts or tokens of their love. In return, elders wish youngsters good luck and prosperity. |
|
Read more...
|
|
 A splash of sunlight penetrating an ancient temple cloister signals a distinctive celebration at Prasat Phanom Rung.
Knowing the exact moment to witness a spectacular sunrise through the doorway of an ancient Hindu temple requires a detailed calculation. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 3 |
