Presently, SEA Games’ Sponsor Over 409 Million Baht

Presently, SEA Games’ Sponsor Over 409 Million Baht
The movement of organizing of the 24th SEA Games, which hosted by Thailand between December 6-15 2007 at Nakhon Ratchasima, recently Dr. Nat Intarapan, the deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Ministry, and acting the Chairman of Follow Up & Expedite Committee, presided over the workshop meeting with all companies that accepted to be sponsor of SEA Games, to realize on how can they proceed, in which Dr. Santipab Taechavanit, the Chairman of Marketing Committee, joining the meeting, at Radisson Hotel Bangkok, October 15 2007.
For the official partner which supported product and service over 40 million baht, had 5 companies such as Nestle (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Siam Sport Syndicate Public Company Limited, Thai Pure Drinks Company Limited, TOT Public Company Limited, PTT Public Company Limited and the official sponsor which supported product and service over 20 million baht, had 4 companies such as Football Thai Sporting Goods Company Limited, Hewlett – Packard (Thailand) Company Limited, Volvo Car (Thailand) Company Limited, and CAT Telecom Public Company Limited. The official supplier had 8 companies, such as Wiraka Pte Company Limited, Mikasa Industry (Thailand) Company Limited, DLP (Thailand) Company Limited, Far East Speciality Company Limited, Active Media (Thailand) Company Limited, Pilot Trans Global Company Limited, MSL Technology Company Limited, Canon Marketing (Thailand) Company Limited and the official sponsor licenses had 8 companies such as Dash International (Thailand) Company Limited, T.R.T. Intertrade Company Limited, Chaiyapan 999 Company Limited, Achieve Pewter Company Limited, Kanoknut Company Limited, Prosper Service Supply Limited Partnership, Song Smai Rajthevee Company Limited, Thai Chamber of Commerce of Nakhon Ratchasima. Dr. Santiparb revealed that formerly we aimed a financial support for 200 million baht but now we received a financial support from all companies both on product, services and cash worth more than 409 million baht which this balance was including 6 products such as Canon, TOT, Volvo, CAT Telecom, HP, and MSL that already discuss the details and only waiting for signing day however not include the insurance company that still having discussion. “We will full protecting the right of all companies which support this SEA Games, which if have someone violated copyright and using SEA Games’ symbol without permission of Department of Intellectual Property which we was registered the copyright, they will get the heavy punishment” Dr. Santipab said.
Source from Naewna Newspaper Date: October 16 2007

Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance

Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region. Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometers that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites. Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time. One of the Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park. Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo, Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian. Geographically, Nakhon Ratchasima borders on Chiyaphum and Khon Kaen Provinces in the north, Buriram Province in the east, Chiyaphum and Saraburi Provinces in the west and Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri Provinces in the south. Khorat is also the largest northeastern province. Inhabitants of the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that include farming of rice and other crops such as sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. There are more than 100 savings and agricultural cooperatives in the province, 35 irrigation projects and 7,122 industrial factories. Most of the factories are rice mills, tapioca product manufacturers, and industrial factories. Khorat's most popular annual event is the Thao Suranari Festival, a celebration of Thao Suranari's victory over the Lao. It's held from late March to early April and features parades.Looking back Khorat used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities. Little is known about the early history of Khorat, except that it used to be part of a kingdom called Sri Janas (Si Janat) an empire that extended its power to the entire Khorat Plateau. Initially the predominant cultural influence in the city was that of the Dvaravati culture, however, it was later replaced by the Khmer culture. The prehistoric site of Ban Prasat is an evidence of this occurrence while traces of both the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at Amphur Sung Noen and Amphur Phimai. Once an administrative and cultural center, Khorat's role today remains unchanged as it is currently the main transportation, industrial and economic hub of the Northeast.

Contact Number
Tourist Police
. 1155, 0 4434 1777-9
Nakhon Ratchasima Airport
. 0 4425 9524
Airport (Thai Airways)
. 0 4425 5425
Public Relations Province
. 0 4425 1818
Maharach Korat Hospital
. 0 4425 4990-1
Transport station
. 0 4424 2889
Transport station
. 0 4425 6006-9
Provincial police Station
. 0 4424 2010
Railway station
. 0 4424 2044
Office of Nakhon Ratchasima Province
. 0 4424 3798

From:http://www.2007seagames.com

Korat’s Polices Speed up on Security for the 24th SEA Games 2007

Korat’s polices had been checking all areas and eliminate the crime for the security of SEA Games under Prime Minister’s policy, which the Commander of Royal Thai Police, urged to reduce the crime which Thailand is the host to organizing the 24th SEA Games 2007, held from December 6-15 2007, at Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatkanok Keawsangsong, the Commander of Provincial Police Region, Nakhon Ratchasima, which responsible in area of the 24th SEA Games competition, reveals that, the Provincial Police Region of Nakorn Ratchasima, give precedence to the policy of Prime Minister about the security very much, and he had a policy to eliminate the crime for the 24th SEA Games 2007, by set up the checkpoint in all areas starting from November. “We will set up the checkpoint and mobilize all polices to eliminate the crime such as drugs, criminal and gang which an aim to clear Nakorn Ratchasima province more safety before starting the 24th SEA Games 2007” The commander of Provincial Police Region, Nakhon Ratchasima, reveals that Pol.Gen. Sereepisut Temeeyavet, the Commander of Royal Thai Police, and act for the Chairman of Security & Traffic Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, urged the police officers in Nakhon Ratchasima to suppress all of the crime before starting the 24th SEA Games 2007, which the Provincial Police Region, Nakhon Ratchasima, received the policy and plan to perform follow the command and He believed that the 24th SEA Games 2007 will be absolutely safeness.
Source from Siamrath Newspaper Date: October 15 2007.

Testing Cycling’s Venues

Testing Cycling’s Venues
Maj.Gen. Decha Hemkrasri, the Secretary of Thai Cycling Association Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King Founded 1959, reveals the association will organizing the cycling competition which invited Downhill and Cross Country cyclists joining the competition to testing for the 24th SEA Games, on November 3 2007 at Kao Yai Thiang.
This competition had an aim to testing all systems in SEA Games such as transportation system, judge, reckon time and process data therefore this venue will be the same one for SEA Games and actual distance especially Downhill category will cycle through the Bridge which cross Mittapab Road to get finish line at Suranaree Park. Besides, they will test the Cross Country venue which will be actual competition and all athletes who attend to the competition will get the prize and trophy similar to Thailand Championship. The athletes who interest to attend the competition please contact Thai Cycling Association under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King Founded 1959 for more information number 0-2718-4580-1 or www.thaicycling.or.th
Source from Khaosod Newspaper Date: October 15 2007.

Nakhon Ratchasima Radio Amateur Ready to be the Host of SEA Games

On October 13 2007, the representatives of Public Relations Committee joined the meeting with the committees of Nakhon Ratchasima Radio Amateur Association (HS3AN) to discuss on the cooperation to jointly being the good host by publicize the 24th SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games via amateur radio network and coordinate among these competitions in addition to discuss on the making of reserved communication network in case of the main communication network have been fault.
After finished the meeting, the representatives of Public Relations Committee had given the souvenir to Miss Boonyapha Sritan, the Chairman of Nakhon Ratchasima Radio Amateur Association (HS3QX), who represents Nakhon Ratchasima Radio Amateur Association.
Source from National News Bureau Date: October 15 2007

7 Countries Attend SEA Games’ Basketball Competition - Monday, October 15, 2007

7 Countries Attend SEA Games’ Basketball Competition
Mr. Suthep Benjaphokee, the Chairman of Basketball Association of Thailand, reveal that the Sports Technical Committee of the 24th SEA Games, inform that had 7 countries send the Entry Form by Name divide into men category of 7 teams are Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia, women category of 6 teams are Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.
In this tournament using round robin system which the team who got the highest score and arrange to third ranking will respectively get gold, silver and bronze medal. The Basketball Association had an aim to win gold medal for women team which finally they won in the 18th SEA Games 1995 at Chiangmai. The basketball’s women team will attend the Woman Basketball ASEAN Championship at Phuket, between October 14-20 2007 afterwards will go to training at Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China between November 9-29 2007. For men team, the association aims to get silver medal which recently went to training at Guangzhou, between September 28 to October 10 2007.
Source from Matichon Newspaper Date: October 15 2007.

HISTORY OF THE SEA GAMES

HISTORY OF THE SEA GAMES
The origins of athletic competition lie in the mists of time when tribal members competed in the everyday skills of survival. The fastest and strongest were lauded, for it was they who ensured the tribe’s continued existence, in times of peace and in times of war. Certainly, Laung Sukhumanaipradit is hardly a household name, yet as a vice president of the Olympic Committee, he first floated the idea of a smaller sports event comprising the nations of the Southeast Asian peninsula, during the Third Asian Games held in Tokyo in 1958. At a meeting held on 22 May the same year, representatives from Burma (Myanmar), Laos and Malaysia met with their Thai hosts to explore the possibilities. There was a certain logic to the idea. The countries of the region had many similarities. Modest of population and on a comparable economic footing, they shared common sports participation as well as roughly equal standards of achievement. Such an event would serve as a stepping stone for Southeast Asian athletes to raise their standards so as to be more competitive when they met more advantaged athletes in the larger arenas of the Asian and Olympic Games. The meeting resulted in the formation of the Southeast Asian Peninsula (SEAP) Games Federation in June 1959, the founder members being Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam - hence the six interlocked rings which formed the Games logo. The first president of the Federation was General Prabhas Charusatiara of Thailand and Luang Mayapradit was elected vice president with Dr Kalya Israsena taking the role of honorary secretary. Other pioneer members of the committee included Ms U Paing of Burma, His Highness Sisowath Essaro of Cambodia, Mr Nakkhla Souvannong of Laos, Mr Thong Poh Nyen of Malaysia and Mr Bguyen Phuoc Vong of Vietnam. In deference to their efforts in bringing the whole concept to fruition, Thailand was given the honour of hosting the inaugural SEAP Games in 1959. Formally declared open by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in Bangkok’s National Stadium, some 800 athletes and officials took part in 12 sporting disciplines: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Football, Tennis, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting. The atmosphere of friendly competition added to the whole experience and the SEAP Games were definitely ‘off and running’. The Federation had already decided that in future "the honour of hosting the SEAP Games shall be entrusted to the member organisation of each country in rotation in alphabetical order". Thus the hosts for the II SEAP Games were the Burmese, and President Win Maung of the Union of Burma inaugurated the 1961 meet at Rangoon. Cambodia did not take part in the inaugural Games but joined the fray in the second Games at Rangoon in 1961 which had a full turnout of the seven countries. Again, more than 800 athletes and officials took part and shared in the friendly ambience of athletic rivalry and social interaction. The year 1963 saw a hiccup in planning though, as due to unsettling in-country conditions - and a disagreement with the International Amateur Athletic Federation - the designated hosts Cambodia were not able to host the event. The III SEAP Games then passed to Laos as hosts, but they begged off the 1965 event citing financial difficulties. Fortunately though, Malaysia steeped into the breach which, by right, should have been held in 1963 and the eight days sporting extravaganza was held in Kuala Lumpur with around 1,300 athletes and officials taking part. By now the SEAP Games Federation had gained another member with Singapore’s independence from the Malaysian Federation in August that year. The incapability of Cambodia, Laos and South Vietnam to take on the job of hosting the Games in the foreseeable future raised some concern among the other member countries. Even the participation of these countries was limited to token squads. In 1967, Cambodia again declined to host the Games, but Thailand took over and some 1,200 participants gathered in Bangkok. The next scheduled hosts were Vietnam, but they too had to reluctantly inform the Federation that troubles in the country prevented them from fulfilling their obligations, and the V SEAP Games returned to Rangoon. Singapore, the youngest member of the family, made the first move to alleviate the situation. In 1969 at Rangoon the Fifth Games were held, they proposed changing the SEAP Games name to SEA (South East Asia ) Games. No names were mentioned but it was clear that Singapore thought of reinforcements from Indonesia and Philippines to help lift the sagging fortunes of the series. These two countries, which were more advanced in the affairs of international sport that the original members of the SEAP Games Federation, would not only be able to help out in the hosts job which was going abetting but also enter contestants of a higher standard in some events. Thailand held on to their belief that the SEAP Games should be a small family affair and that going out of the peninsular would defeat the original purpose of the Games. An expanded Games would also not be in the real spirit of close neighbours. Two years later, when Kuala Lumpur’s turn to officially host the VI SEAP Games for the second time in six years, Malaysia joined hands with Singapore to resubmit the name change proposal. Again, there was no success. The Games continued in their original framework but the serious competition was provided only by Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Singapore. Cambodia, and later Khmer, Laos and South Vietnam sent competitors who were mostly full time soldiers with little or no training in the events they were entered. The four "active" countries who had carry the burden of hosting the Games were further depleted when Burma showed no further interest in helping out after hosting the 1969 Games, due to the deteriorating economy in their country. Singapore hosted the VII SEAP Games for the first time with a full turnout of seven countries being held at the new and modern National Stadium in 1973. However, when Bangkok took its turn as host for the VII SEAP Games two years later, only four members organisations turned up - political problems in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam prevented their participation and cast serious doubts on their ability to take part in upcoming events anytime soon. An idea that had flamed so boldly into life less that two decades before now seemed liable to be extinguished, crippled by regional political problems and the increasing cost burden of hosting the event so regularly - Thailand had already hosted the Games three times, and Burma and Malaysia twice apiece. A lifeline was needed. Malaysia tendered a suggestion - extend the Federation to include other countries in the Southeast Asian region. To back up its proposal, Malaysia offered to again host the Games on the proviso that Brunei, Indonesia and Philippines be invited to take part. A solution had been found and on 5 February 1977, these three new members were officially welcomed into the Federation. Present on this occasion were Ferry Sonneville of Indonesia and Colonel Nereo Andolong of the Philippines. Still, it was not plain sailing. Behind the scenes persuasion on the eve of the meeting by Olympic Council of Malaysia President, Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah got Thailand to withdraw some reservations about a change in name for the Games. Thailand, with good reason, viewed the Games with some sentiment. They were instrumental in starting the series and did not wish to let their early work go to waste. With fresh life breathed into the biennial event, the only cosmetic change required was to drop the word "Peninsula" from the federation’s title - the emblem and the sequential numbering of the Games would remain to perpetuate the objectives, aspirations and contributions of the original founders. The IX SEA Games (the first to bear that title ) was held in Kuala Lumpur in 1977 with seven countries participating. Indonesia and the Philippines have been of full value to the movement since becoming members. As new members of the club, Indonesia hosted the X SEA Games in Jakarta in 1979, and the Philippines hosted for the first time in 1981 in Manila when over 2,000 athletes and officials took part. The XII Games were to be held in Brunei to start anew the alphabetical schedule of hosts, but Singapore took over when the tiny nation begged off because of its preparations for the celebration of its forthcoming independence from the United Kingdom. Since that time the Games have gone from strength to strength, the XIII being held in Bangkok, XIV in Jakarta and the XV in Kuala Lumpur in 1989, which saw the return of Laos and Vietnam for the first time under the new title. With nine out of the ten member countries participating, it was not only the largest in the history of the Games to date but also in the number of athletes and officials with a total 3,160 on hand. Manila hosted the next SEA Games, followed by Singapore when 4,6ll athletes and officials were on hand. The XVIII SEA Games in Chiang Mai broke new ground in that it was the first time the Games had been held outside the capital city of the host nation; it was also the first time that all 10 member nations - the last re-entry being Cambodia - turned up to compete. The XIX SEA Games was held at Jakarta with a record number of 6007 athletes and officials participated. A total of 34 sporting disciplines with 1,432 medals were offered in this Game. It was a far cry from the first Games held in Thailand 38 years ago, when 800 pioneers turned up to contest 12 sporting events. After much coaxing from the Southeast Asia Games Federation Council, Brunei Darussalam accepted to host the XX SEA Games for the first time. In view of the facilities available, a total of 21 sporting disciplines will be offered during the Games from 7th - 15th August 1999. Polo will be introduced for the first time in the Games. The XVIII SEA Games in Chiang Mai saw the full turn-out of 10 member nation for the first time, but the progress in improving the quality of participation in the Asian and Olympic Games from the SEA family is slow. Since the birth of SEAP Games, Thailand , the Philippines and Malaysia have won a Silver and Bronze medal each and Indonesia a Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Olympic Games. Whether this successes would had been achieved if there were no SEAP / SEA Games is difficult to say but there are more people knocking on the door for Asian and Olympic selection after participating in the SEA Games. Another welcome development in the prominence given to the region’s endogenous sports and its potential in being accepted for competition in the Asian Games. Sepak Takraw was accepted for SEAP Games competition in 1965 and it has been in every Games programme since then except in 1969 when the Games were held in Rangoon. The name Sepak Takraw itself was coined at a Federation Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in 1965, combining the Malaysian and Thai names for the traditional sport. It has since enjoyed international status as a competitive sports and been a demonstration sport in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. Silat Olahraga, a martial art of the region, and traditional boat races were SEA Games event for the first time in Jakarta in 1987. They are in the program since then. Silat Olahraga has made giant strides outside the SEA Games framework and there are World Championships with good participation from European countries as well. In 1989 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, body building has been paired off as one event with weight lifting and the traditional boat race taking refuge under yachting. Wushu another martial art and squash, were first introduced in the Manila XVI SEA Games 1991. In 1989 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, body building has been paired off as one event with weight lifting and the traditional boat race taking refuge under yachting. Athletics and swimming are compulsory sports. For the first thirteen SEAP/SEA Games (1959 - 1985), the average number of events in the Games is 16. Since then, the average rose to 28 event which Jakarta offered the highest number in 1997. The lowest number of events is 12 with 67 gold medals made up for the first Games in 1959 while the highest is 34 with 438 gold in the 1997 programme in Jakarta. Somewhere up above, Laung Sukhumanaipradit must be smiling contentedly. His vision has grown into not only the region’s major sporting attraction but, despite problems along the way, has done much to foster a closer, mutual understanding between the nations of Southeast Asia.
Source: Olympic Thailand

Honda LPGA Thailand 2007

The Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 is one of three LPGA-sanctioned events in Asia, and it's an integral part of Asian events on LPGA calendar.
The player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will be comprised of 50 leading LPGA Tour players and 10 sponsor invites, competing for a purse of US$1.3 million 72 holes. The tournament will be stroke play format with no cut.
It marks the second year of Honda's title sponsorship for the event, which could draw top names such as Paula Creamer, Annika Sorenstam and Thailand's own Virada Nirapathpongporn to participate the tournament. More

September 26, 2007 - Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, Thailand’s greatest ladies’ golf tournament is set to be held once again. Superstars from the LPGA Tour led by Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer, and “Pro Oui” Virada Nirapathpongporn, along with leading Thai players are confirmed to compete for a historical 45 million Baht (US $1.3 million) on 25-28 October at the Siam Country Club, Pattaya Old Course. Building on the success of last year’s Honda LPGA Thailand, Honda Automobile (Thailand) and Channel 7 join together to host the event for the second year, giving a great opportunity for Thailand to welcome back 60 of the world’s leading female golfers, who will battle for the prize money of US$1.3 million or around 45 million Baht. Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Director, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. said, “The fact that we have been able to host this event in Thailand for the second year is the result of the hard work and sincere efforts of the many people involved, and they are very happy to see it become a reality. It is a good opportunity for young golfers to develop their game by closely observing the technique of some of the world’s golf experts and it will inspire more young people to get interested in golf. Furthermore, for the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, we have prepared a special hole-in-one prize for any golfer who can make a hole in one on the par 3,16th hole at the Siam Country Club, Pattaya Old Course. The prize is a new 2.4 EL Honda CR-V worth 1,470,000 baht. “Besides the golf tournament, another activity we are doing in conjunction with it is to plant trees for the “Plant the Planet” project of Honda, in an effort to join in the campaign to stop global warming and celebrate the auspicious 80th birthday of His Majesty the King. The money earned from the auction of some of the famous golfers’ personal items at the Charity Night function on 24th October will be used to buy golden shower trees and plant them on Cheejan Hill, Nongpreu district and Pong district in Pattaya City and Chonburi province,” added Pitak.Many LPGA stars have confirmed to compete in Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, including Sorenstam, the former world number one from Sweden; “Pink Panther” Creamer, who is the fastest player in LPGA Tour history to earn US$ 3 million; Japan’s Ai Miyazato; , Morgan Pressel, who is an American rising star and the youngest to win an LPGA major championship; along with Stacy Prammanasudh, Julieta Granada, and Angela Park, all well-known among Thai fans.
“It’s only a month until the world’s biggest ladies’ golf tour will return to Thailand for the second time. The names ‘Thailand,’ ‘Pattaya,’ and ‘Chonburi’ will appear on every media channel around the world for four days throughout the tournament. It is because 60 of the world’s leading players will compete in the tournament. Daily news reports will be covered by every media. Therefore, during the last weekend of October, golf will create great boost to Thailand’s tourism industry,” said Surang Prempree, Managing Director, Bangkok Broadcasting and Television Co.,Ltd., authorized promoter of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007.“Thai golf and sports fans from every age group will have a great time watching both on the course and from live coverage by Channel 7. This is because top players like Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer, Ai Miyazato, and Morgan Pressel have committed to play in this year’s tournament. As for fans who would like to observe the development of Asian players, they can follow Jennifer Rosales from the Philippines, Lim Siew Ai from Malaysia, and Virada Nirapathpongporn. All of them are playing on the LPGA Tour this year. We will also witness Thailand’s Onnarin Sattayabanphot’s progress. Onnarin, who has won on the Duramed Futures Tour this year, had the best result among Thai players last year in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2006,” added Surang. Additionally, in order to give amateurs a chance to be part of Honda LPGA Thailand 2007, “Road to Honda LPGA Thailand 2007” was held to recruit female amateurs from all over Thailand, whose handicap was not more than 9 to compete in the prestigious “Honda LPGA Thailand 2007.” Road to Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 will be played for 10 days and divided into three stages. After the completion of two stages, Patcharajutar “Ply” Kongkraphan and Thidapa Suwannapura are the leaders.Hee-Won Han, the reigning champion from Korea, is ready to defend her title. Last year she was red hot, shooting 14 under par 202 and pocketed 7 million Baht. Chris Higgs, LPGA senior vice president and chief operations officer said, “We are excited Morgan and Ai have committed to play in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 and join the strong field of LPGA stars who are returning to Thailand. This will be the first time for both young stars to compete in the LPGA’s Thailand event, which offers a first-class venue in the Siam Country Club, Pattaya Old Course.” Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President, Director of Golf, Asia, IMG said, "We are delighted to see the strong field of players participating the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007. This will be a great opportunity for golf fans in Thailand and around Asia to see the best women's professional golf players competing in Pattaya." Siam Country Club, Pattaya, one of the best golf courses in Thailand, has been opened for more than 35 years, located among breathtaking view on an 800 rais, east of Sukhumvit road, 15 minutes from Pattaya beach, Chonburi.
Major renovations to the course and clubhouse were completed in May. The original layout has been preserved, but modifications were made from tees to greens to be ready to host international tournaments. The clubhouse has been upgraded to a modern look that offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere to view all 18 holes.The Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 is one of the three LPGA events in Asia. The field comprised of the top-50 available players from the LPGA Official Money List and 10 exemptions. It is 72-hole, stroke play event with no cut. Honda is also holding warm-up activities leading to Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 by organizing golf events for Honda customers from every age group both for family and individuals, such as the Honda Junior Golf Championship, Honda Amateur Tournament and Honda Short Game Clinic.For golf fans who do not want to miss watching world class players, tickets are available at all branches of ThaiticketMajor. Thursday, Friday passes are 200 Baht (US $6) , Saturday pass is 300 Baht (US$10), Sunday pass is 400 Baht (US$13). Four-day passes are 700 Baht (US$22). Golf fans 60+ years old can buy a four-day pass for only 500 Baht (US$16) and admission is free for children under 20! For more information about the tournament, visit www.hondalpgathailand2007.com

The Royal Barge Procession Full Dress Rehearsals

The Royal Barge Procession Full Dress Rehearsals On the Chao Phraya River October 26 and 29, 2007 Please click to view
Three and twenty Mandarins of the lowest Order of the Palace appeared first, every one in a Balon [barge] of State…These were followed by fifty other balons of his Majesties Officers...[which] had from thirty to sixty oars apiece...After these came twenty balons more, bigger than the former...Next, the king appeared in his, raised upon a throne of a piramidal figure and extraordinary well gilt...and...rowed by six score watermen... We reckoned in all one hundred and fifty nine, of which the biggest were near six score foot long and hardly six foot over at the broadest place. — A description of the royal barge procession of 1685 by French Jesuit, Père Guy Tachard
Over three centuries have since passed, yet this breathtaking spectacle remains awe inspiring, not only in its majestic beauty but also the grace with which the fleet of 52 barges solemnly glides down the Chao Phraya River — the ‘River of Kings’.
When the gilded paddles of the principal barge, the swan-prowed Sri Suphannahongse, are raised in unison, it is as though a mythical bird is about to lift from the water.
The other 51 barges, arrayed across the river in what is traditionally termed a battle formation, create a panorama of rare regal splendour. The blare of conches and trumpets, the songs of the coxswains, and the stentorian chants of the paddlers provide the right cadence for the oar strokes, enhance the spectacle, and mesmerize spectators into respectful silence – much as these same rare sounds have done for hundreds of years.
The Royal Barge Procession is the ultimate reflection of the Thai fascination with water, the central element in Thailand’s rites of passage, festivals, and religion. An aerial view of Thailand’s northern and central plains reveals why. A vast silvery labyrinth of natural and hand-dug waterways slices through the lowland plains. Villages hug banks of rivers and canals and draw from them the life-sustaining water that nourishes lush crops and harbours fish, the two staples of the Thai diet. It is along these liquid highways that a variety of water processions have travelled over the centuries.
In descending order of importance, they include:
Coronations It was only appropriate that a prince travel in the most exalted vessel available to the most important event in his life: his coronation. Although wheeled vehicles have replaced barges, records of their magnificence abound in ancient manuscripts.
A Water-borne Procession with a Buddha image Since ancient times, barges have carried revered Buddha images. When King Naresuan the Great (1590-1605) rode to battle, the Suphannahongse royal barge bearing the Phra Chai Buddha (Victory Buddha) image containing relics of the Lord Buddha led the flotilla. In 1781, barges transported the Emerald Buddha from Ayutthaya to its final home in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaeow. The famous image that now occupies the nave of Wat Suthat was transported from Sukhothai to Bangkok on a raft.
Royal River Tour of the Great Capital In the former capital of Ayutthaya and also in Bangkok, kings embarked on royal river tours along the moats that embraced their stout city walls. It was for this reason, as well as defensive considerations, that until the late 19th century, no permanent bridges were erected over the moats, and the royal progress on these annual circuits went unimpeded.
The Royal Kathin Procession to Present Monastic Robes The progenitor of the Royal Barge Procession as we know it today dates from the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai (1275-1316 AD). The Lanna Chronicles note that the King was conveyed by night in a fleet of barges to present robes to the monks to mark the end of the three-month Buddhist Rains Retreat, a ceremony known as the Kathin ritual. By the mid-Ayutthaya period a few hundred years later, these processions were conducted during the day.
By the reign of Rama I of Bangkok (1782-1809), the rite had been combined with those for waterborne Buddha images. As it is celebrated today, the Praratcha Phithi Phra Yuha Yatra Cholamak (Royal Waterway Procession) involves barges carrying the deeply revered Phra Buddha Singha image and the Royal Family to present robes to the monks at Wat Arun to mark Awk Phansa, the end of the three-month Buddhist Rains Retreat in October.
The Petch Phuang Major Battle Formation The Petch Phuang Major Battle Formation, dating from the reign of King Narai the Great, is employed by the reigning king in the waterborne Royal Krathin Ceremony, the Royal Barge Procession of the Buddha Image, or in important occasions such as the Royal River Tour of the Great Capital.
The Petch Phuang Procession was originally the grandest of all royal barge processions. Based on a formation from ancient times, the Petch Phuang Major Battle Formation serves as a reminder of the time when barges served as Siamese battleships.
The rationale for adopting the battle formation for the Royal Kathin ceremony was because during times of peace, soldiers still needed to be prepared for emergencies or surprise attacks. The season of high water was normally the most suitable time for this since the tides made it easier for the complex manoeuvre. Young men were also free from farming obligations.
Boats in the Petch Phuang Major Battle Formation are arranged in five columns. The Royal State Barges occupy the centre flanked on each side by two columns of war barges. With the minor battle formation, barges are arrayed in three columns. The formations were used long after their original battle purpose had been superseded by peace and the advent of more modern naval vessels.
Procession to Welcome Foreign AmbassadorsLetters from foreign kings were borne in grand ceremony by barges to upriver palaces. Among them was one sent by France’s Louis XIV to King Narai (1657-1688) at his palace in Lop Buri.
The honours conferred on letters were later extended to welcome foreign ambassadors. In 1855, Sir John Bowring, Queen Victoria’s envoy, arrived in the Chao Phraya estuary to negotiate a new trade treaty. He was delightfully astonished to be greeted by a convoy of gilt barges which conveyed him to Bangkok to meet King Mongkut.
Extended Journeys into the CountrysideKings travelling to the countryside on royal inspection trips slept aboard boats sumptuously fitted out with the comforts of floating palaces, as polemen silently paced back and forth on the gunwales propelling the craft upstream.
PilgrimagesJust as royalty today travels in motor convoys through Bangkok’s streets and beyond, kings of yore rode on waterways to distant religious sites. King Narai partook in a grand annual pilgrimage procession of 324 barges to pay homage to the Phra Phuttabat image in Saraburi.
Boat Races The boat races conducted each October on Thailand’s rivers have roots in royal tradition. Early Ayutthayan palace records show that races were used to predict rice yields during the coming harvests. The Asayucha race pitted the King’s Samathachai Barge against the Kraisoramuk Barge belonging to the Queen. It was the Queen’s barge the spectators cheered, for if it won the harvest would be abundant.
Chong Priang Ritual The ancient Chong Priang ritual performed on the full moon night of November is the predecessor to today’s beautiful Loi Krathong, or Festival of Lights, when floral floats bearing candles and incense are launched along the waterways. Then, royalty rode barges to place lit lanterns on the river, making a delightful spectacle.
The magnificence of today’s Royal Barge procession amply conveys the mystique of the myriad processions of times past, a beautiful reminder of another age when rivers were roads and life was more fluid.
Chong Priang-Lote Chut-Loi Khome Long Nam Ancient Royal RitualThe Jong Priang-Lote Choot-Loi Khome Long Nam royal ritual begins with an assembly of Buddhist monks for the recital of evening prayers. The next morning, the monks receive offerings from the King. Special priests then perform a ritual in the Brahmin Hall. Candles and the priang receptacle, which contains oxen fat or butter, are presented to the King. The candles to be presented as sacred offerings are anointed with oxen fat or butter, lit by the King and placed in three distinct types of lanterns. Each denotes the rank and social status of the individual.
The khome chai lantern with its nine-tiered umbrella is symbolic of the King. Its bamboo frame is covered with white fabric decorated with stained glass or coloured mirrors. The khome chai lantern was fixed to a wooden lantern pole with swan-shaped hooks adorned with dainty bells. In contrast, the khome pratiab lantern of the royal concubine, features a seven-tiered umbrella, and the tubular-shaped bamboo khome boriwarn lantern of the royal entourage and attendants had a three-tiered umbrella.
The lit lanterns are hoisted on poles lining the palace walls as well as along the outer walls of the palace and the living quarters of the court attendants. At the end of the designated period, the lanterns are taken down from the poles and floated in the waterways.
Story by Steve Van Beek
GUIDE TO THE ROYAL BARGESThe Royal State Barges and the Royal Kathin CeremonyIntroducing The Principle Royal BargesThe Royal Barges in the Rattanakosin Period: A Precious HeritagePlease click to view A BRIEF HISTORY Please click to view
ROYAL BARGE PROCESSION FULL DRESS REHEARSALS OCTOBER 26 and 29, 2007Please click to view
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From: Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Hidden Wonders - Bangkok’s 9th International Festival of Dance and Music

It has been nine years since Bangkok took its first steps towards establishing itself as a Southeast Asian cultural hub. Its been nine years since Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance & Music set the ball rolling. Today the festival has garnered a reputation for excellence presenting only the best from around the world to discerning audiences in Bangkok. In keeping with this tradition the ninth edition (Sept 9-11 Oct) of the festival has in store acts that will find favour even with the most demanding of patrons.
As Thailand celebrates His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday this year, the festival in effect is dedicated to Him and opens with a spectacular performance paying homage to the musician in His Majesty. During his reign His Majesty has penned some 48 compositions, many in the blues style and the opening act, ‘His Majesty’s Blues Concert’, has 25 of Thailand’s leading singers giving voice to some of these compositions. Accompanied by an orchestra, singers like Ford Sobchai Kraiyurasen, Jennifer Kim, Radklao Amaradit, Ta Surachai Wongbuakao and Ben Chalatit Tantiwut among others, will more than do justice to the compositions. Pongprom Sanitwong Na Ayuthaya, producer, composer and musician is the man behind this amazing project. It was in 2006 that over a 100 Thai artists, cutting across label lines came together in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. A four set CD album was also released which soon became a collector’s item. This blues concert is another opportunity to hear rare compositions in concert and makes for a fitting opening to a spectacular festival.
More in Music
Music has been central to the festival through the years and this edition too has a lot to offer: a percussion ensemble from India, a symphony concert and an evening devoted to jazz. On Sept 12, an all-female percussion ensemble, Stree Shakti will take the stage. Led by Anuradha Pal it is one of India’s leading percussion ensembles and Anuradha Pal is arguably one of the sub-continents best percussionists. Using traditional percussion instruments like tabla, ghatam, kanjira, pakhawaj and mridangam the ensemble churns out powerful beats. The music finds its basis in the classical traditions of India but is in no way out of context in the modern era.
Moving to another classical tradition, Sept 23 sees a symphony concert by the Ekaterinburg Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra dates back to 1912 and is one of the best operatic and Ballet orchestras in Russia. In honour of His Majesty (Rama IX)’s Birthday the orchestra will tackle Symphony No. IX in D minor, Op. 125 by Ludwig Van Beethoven. This symphony by Beethoven was a landmark event, for the first time a composer used the human voice like he would an instrument. So expect a full chorus with four soloist singers. Also on the programme is Scheherazade Op. 35 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Conductor Mikahil Granovsky from the Bolshoi Theatre, one of the most looked-forward to conductors in Russia will take the baton.
On 8th October jazz and popular music fans will hear all permutations and combinations possible, First on is Coda Jazz Group from Australia which effortlessly blends classical, rock, electronic, operatic with jazz, creating a rich tapestry of music, With three albums to their credit the group popular on the Australian festival circuit, will delight with its heady mix.The same evening Saskia Laroo band from The Netherlands takes the stage next. Saskia Laroo has been hailed by the American press as ‘Lady Miles’. A trumpet stylist, Saskia’s multi-national unit pulsates with contemporary sounds, groovy rhythms, exciting solos, and rap vocals. Saskia has performed with the likes of George Benson and is a name well received all over the world including at festivals like Montreux. The last act of the evening is Monsieur Camembert which has been at the forefront of ‘Gyprock’ explosion in Australia for the past eight years. A triple Aria Award winning ensemble, with Yaron Hallis leading from the front the group promises the ultimate in music.
The Opera Quotient
When it comes to music Operas are the ultimate expression and this festival sees two: Eugene Onegin (Sept 22) and La Traviata (Sept 24) both staged by Ekaterinburg Opera Theatre, Russia, one of the oldest and most respected companies in Russia. The staging of Eugene Onegin is a remarkable event; it is the first Russian opera to be staged in Bangkok ever. An opera in three parts the story centres around a selfish hero who lives to regret his blasé rejection of a young woman's love and his careless incitement of a fatal duel with his best friend. It is the perfect example of a lyric opera and closely follows Pushkin’s original work. Around 180 artists (cast and orchestra) will bring to stage this, Tchaiovsky masterpiece.
The second opera of the season is a Verdi favourite: La Traviata. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ play La dame aux Cameilas it is an intimate work dealing with the conflict between the ‘real’ world of love and the ‘false’ world of societal expectations. The hero is tricked into giving up his love because she is well below his ‘station’. Playing Violetta is soprano Natalia Margrit, Italy’s most well-known soprano and a regular performer at La Scala and the Paris Opera House (she has also performed with Jose Carreras), while Alfredo is tackled by Dmytro Kuzmin, a soloist with the Kiev Opera House.
From: http://www.thailandwonders.com/Bangkok’s-9th-International-Festival-of-Dance-and-Music-168G.aspx