THAILAND INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL 2007

Thirty top-notch hot air balloon operators from around the world will be participating in The Thailand International Balloon Festival 2007 — a colourful showcase of various types of hot air balloons from all over the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy and the Czech Republic.
Event highlights include a balloon show, a fireworks show, The Magical Night Glow, three hot-air balloon trips into the beautiful Khao Yai sky, performances by police dogs, mini-concerts performed by top artists and an award winning performance from Bua Yai School. The farmer’s fair offers a range of agricultural products and tasty treats. Other fun activities include wine-tasting, fun races and pet contests.
November 7-8: Free admission November 9 – 11: 50 baht for a 3-day pass; 20 baht for a single day pass
Proceeds from the event will go to the Sirindhorniae Magnolia project as well as the purchase of forest-fire fighting equipment for Khao Yai National Park.
Additionally, each admission ticket will be placed in a lucky draw box. Winners of the draw will win any one of the three hot-air balloon rides being offered.
The event organizers expect the five-day festival to attract over 500,000 visitors and generate over 50 million baht in tourism revenue.
Festival Programme http://www.thailandballoonfestival.com/program.htmPlease click to view Web site: http://www.thailandballoonfestival.com/ IMPORTANTEvent dates and programme details may be subject to change.Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel. Contact:Tourism Authority of ThailandEmail: info@tat.or.thWebsite: http://www.tat.or.th/Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

LOI KRATHONG – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & Illuminated Boats Procession

Loi Krathong Highlights and Event venuesAs the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" - the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.
The Loi Krathong tradition we know of today has evolved from the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways.
The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong FestivalDuring the early Rattanakosin period, the royal rituals of Jong Priang, Lote Choot, Loi Khome Long Nam, performed during the twelfth lunar month were based on Brahmin beliefs. These were the court versions of Loi Krathong performed as an act of worship in which the Devaraja or ‘God Kings’ made offerings of light to the Brahmin deities. Lit lanterns were hoisted on to poles for two weeks during the twelfth lunar month and then floated on the waterways as ritual offerings. From its Brahmin roots, the practice has evolved over time and has come to be part of a Buddhist ritual performed as an act of deep reverence and worship of the sacred relics and holy footprints of Lord Buddha.
The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk. Krathong floats are made from basic materials easily found around the village and reflect the simplicity of life beyond the palace walls. They typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology. However krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular.
At dusk, as the full moon begins to rise, the krathong is decorated with fresh flowers and the candles and incense sticks are placed in the krathong. The float is then taken to a waterway where the candle and incense sticks are lit and the krathong set adrift. The floats are carried downstream by the gentle current, candlelight flickering in the wind.
Soon after, attention turns to celebration. The evening's festivities consist of impressive firework displays, folk entertainment, stage dramas, song and dance. Scenes as described in ancient Thai literary accounts are still very much in existence today.
Krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular and are made from materials easily found in each locality. Loi Krathong customs and traditions reflect local beliefs and cultural evolution and interesting regional variations can be seen.
Loi Krathong Sai on the Ping RiverNight of A Thousand Floating LanternsIn Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, "Loi Krathong Sai".
Yi-Peng Festival in Northern ThailandIn the Northern Thai provinces that were once part of the ancient Lanna Thai kingdom, the Yi-peng Northern Lantern Festival is still being celebrated. Tubular lanterns, resembling hot air balloons, are lit and released into the night sky as an offering the Lord Buddha. As hundreds of illuminated lanterns drift into infinity, this conjures the same sense of wistful closure as the krathong float downstream.
The lighting of fireworks is undertaken in the same spirit as when lighting candles in an act of worship so fireworks displays are very much an integral element of the secular and religious rituals performed.
The Origins of Loi Krathong There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbollically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes. Coins are also placed in the krathong as offerings. For the romantic at heart and young couples, Loi Krathong is the time to make wishes for happiness together and success in love.
HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENT VENUES
The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival Splendour on the RiverNovember 21 – 24, 2007, 18.30 – 21.30 hrs The plaza in front of the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall offers the best vantage point to view the Illuminated Boat Procession, celebrating the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s the King 80th birthdayTickets: 999 baht per person For enquiries and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext. 2115-9
Illuminated Boats ProcessionNovember 21 – 24, 2007Along the banks of the Chao Phraya River (Taksin Bridge – Krungthon Bridge)
“Loi Prateep” Illuminated Boats ProcessionThe "Loi Prateep" royal ritual was performed in the royal court on the night of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. The ritual begins with the king making offerings of rice, followed by Buddhist sermons being held in the Grand Palace. The king then placed floral offerings at the "ubosoth" (chapel) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, and the "Ho Phra" scripture hall of the Grand Palace, before setting off to Ratchaworadit Pier to float the giant krathongs. The other notable aspect of Loi Prateep is its water-borne procession consisting of an impressive fleet of no less than five hundred illuminated vessels, each with two lit candles and an incense stick, being carried down-stream.Two royal ceremonial barges serve as the State barges, the third carries a sacred Buddha image and the fourth carries other sacred and floral offerings. Other vessels consisted of escort boats, floating Thai orchestra, police boats, firework boats, and others. Traditional giant krathongs of various shapes were crafted from cylindrical drums or rafts of 4 to 4.5 metres wide and 5 to 5.5 metres high and embellished with ornaments made from a variety of materials found in the immediate vicinity of the residential area.
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival November 22 – 24, 2007 At the Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai province
TAT Northern Office Region 3 Tel: +66 (0) 5525 2742-3, (0) 5525 9907 Fax: +66 (0) 5523 1063E-mail: tatphlok@tat.or.th
Loi Krathong Sai FestivalNight of A Thousand Floating LanternsNovember 23 – 27, 2007 At the Rattanakosin Bridge (Sapan Sompot Krung Rattanakosin 200-Year Bridge), Tak province
TAT Northern Office Region 4 Tel: +66 (0) 5551 4341-3Fax: +66 (0) 5551 4344E-mail: tattak@tat.or.th
Yi-Peng Festival, Chiang Mai province November 23 – 25, 2007 At the following sites – Tha Pae Gate, along the banks of the Ping River, in front of the Chiang Mai Municipal Office
TAT Northern Office Region 1Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607, (0) 5324 1466Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605 E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th
Loi Krathong Festival in the Ancient Capital of AyutthayaNovember 24, 2007In the four corners of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya – under the Pridi-Damrong Bridge, Pompetch Fortress, in front of Chandrakasem National Museum, and in front of Sisuriyothai Chedi.
TAT Central Office Region 6 Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7Fax: +66 (0) 3524 6078E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th
Loi Krathong Tam Prathip November 23 – 24, 2007 Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya provinceTel: (0) 3536 6091
More about Loi Krathong Hope FloatsPlease click to view IMPORTANTEvent dates and programme details may be subject to change.Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel. Contact:Tourism Authority of ThailandEmail: mailto:info@tat.or.thWebsite: http://www.tat.or.th/Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)
FOR EVENT INFORMATION, please call 1672.
Address:1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, RajateveeBangkok 10400Thailand

Supaksorn will doing One’s Best for Opening – Closing Ceremony of SEA Games - Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Mr. Supawat Jongsiri or “Supaksorn”, the responsible man of the Opening – Closing of the 24th SEA Games 2007, reveals the progress of preparation that presently we will speed up working against time because had a few days before starting the competition at this period the Com Art Limited, went to schools in Nakhon Ratchasima province to choose 15,000 performers join in the Opening-Closing ceremony and we had the performers from 38 institutes to joining too.
He expected the choosing of performer will completed on this October and next will already starting practice on November 1 2007, then will using real location which is His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Sport Complex to practice on December 1 2007. For the grand rehearsal on December 4 2007, he said that from the primary schedule, the Organizing Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will have the selling of the ticket on the grand rehearsal day on December 4 2007, which same day as Thai football team compete with Cambodia so may be change the grand rehearse day to December 3 2007, and he will rush to discuss this issue in the main meeting on October 26 2007. “I’m very serious because had a few time and must work for all day all night to prepared everything but I’m happy that we got the great cooperation from Korat citizens and every schools. I want to make impressive and beautiful show because I had organized the opening-closing ceremony for the 18th SEA Games at 12 years ago, so presently I’m come back to do again in the 24th SEA Games so I would like to do the best and this SEA Games will be the last for me because in the next 12 years in the future, I’m already out of date” Mr. Supawat said.Supaksorn said about the song for the opening-closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, assigned to Tick Chiro (Mr. Sirisak Nuntasen), the famous singer and songwriter which he is a Korat citizen, to managing the song. For the singer in the opening ceremony we already sound out Tata Young to sing this song which we already send the details of any show for her decision. We expected Tata will response in next week and about torch relay team now we choose Mr. Suriya Prasathinpimai, the boxer who won the bronze medal in Olympic Games 2004 at Greece, and “Nong On” Miss Udomporn Polsak, the women’s weightlifting who won the gold medal in Olympic Games 2004 at Greece, which both is a Korat citizens too. For the opening ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will have 8 shows, first show was Mahassajan Tairomprabaramee, Mahassajan PathapeeakeE-san, Mahassajan Mahanakornchatchawan, Mahassajan Panithankarnkeela, Mahassajan Faiprareaksangsit, Mahassajan Namjaijit Sathidka, Mahassajan Mittraparbtrabdinfa, Mahassajan Mahanakornalungkarn. For the closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will have 7 shows as followsNiramit Dok-mai-ngam-hang-num-jai, Niramit Sai-yai-hang-kwam-fun, Niramit Mo-ra-dok-loke-rueng-a-nun, Niramit Kwam-pook-pan-wan-jak-krai, Niramit Fai-dao-prow-kwam-wang, Niramit Loke-gee-rung-dung-fun-fai, Niramit Kwam-sook-lum-roj-um-pai-plaeng-pla-kod-kwam-ying-yai-ma-ha-na-korn.
SEA Games’ Football Team prepare to go to Korat Mr. Kittirut Na Ranong, the Manager of Thailand Football Team, reveal that Thailand Men Football Team prepared to compete in the 24th SEA Games at Nakhon Ratchasima, which Football will compete on November 30 2007 with Cambodia. Recently, he went to investigate the His Majesty the King 80th Birthday Anniversary Sport Complex December 5 2007, which using for men football competition, he found that it’s being good state and he think he will led SEA Games National Team to training with real stadium to making familiarity between November 3-7 2007 among National Team will compete world championship 2010 in the 2nd qualify round of Asia Zone. For Men Football competition in the 24th SEA Games 2007, Thailand team which the champions for 7 times, was being in group A with Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia. Group B were Vietnam (2nd runner-up) together with Malaysia, Lao and Singapore.
Source from Dailynews Newspaper Date: October 24 2007.

Opening – Closing’s Ticket of SEA Games between 600-1,500 Baht - Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Mr. Bancha Pimsomboon, the director of Sport Authority of Thailand at Nakhon Ratchasima and acting the Secretary of Organizing Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, reveals that the Organizing Committee informed to coordinate center of the 24th SEA Games about the price of ticket for the opening ceremony of the 24th SEA Games 2007 on December 6 2007 at His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Sport Complex from 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm and the closing ceremony on December 15 2007 and all sports already assigned which will start the selling from October 27 2007.
At coordinate center and government agencies in Nakhon Ratchasima, which the price of ticket as follows opening – closing ceremony ticket were 1,500 baht , 1,000 baht and 600 baht and the stadium had contain of 21,659 seats and we must separate around 5,000-6,000 seats for VIP guests. Ticket of any sports are as follows Athletes 50 Baht for all rounds, Swimming 100 baht per seat and 40 baht per cement seat, Badminton 20 baht except in final round 150 baht, Basketball 100 baht except in final round 150 baht, Snooker 100 Baht, Boxing 20 or 50 Baht, Sepak Takraw 100 Baht except in final round 150 Baht, Shooting 50 Baht, Taekwondo 50 Baht, Tennis 50 Baht for all round. Indoor Volleyball 150 Baht per seat and 40 or 100 Baht per cement seat, Beach Volleyball 100 Baht except in final round 150 Baht, weightlifting 50 Baht, Gymnastic 100 Baht per seat and 40 Baht per cement seat, Futsal 20,50 and 100 Baht, Muaythai 20,50 and 100 Baht, Dance Sport 150 Baht, Football 50,100,200,300,400 and 600 Baht. For 28 sports will open free watching which as follows Archery, Baseball, Bowling, Canoeing, Rowing, Cycling, Equestrian, Polo, Fencing, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Karatedo, Rugby Football, Squash, Sailing-Windsurfing, Skeet and Trap Shooting, Softball, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Wrestling, Wushu, Bodybuilding, Lawn Bowls, Petanque, Pencak Silat and Traditional Boat Race. For the students who wearing the uniform to watch the competition, will pay only 20 baht so which academy that teacher lead the student group to watch the competition, they can contact at coordination center of the 24th SEA Games, will get free charge, Mr. Bancha said. Dr. Sakchai Tapsuwan, the Chairman of Sports Technical Department in the Organizing Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, reveal that they investigated the venues after the flood became lower which the stadiums not damage until to improvement so he assured all training and competition venues will completed for system testing on November 15 2007. "I already informed to every sport association and some associations was response to testing the system which I assured all venues will complete within November 15 2007” the Chairman of Sports Technical Department said.
Source from Matichon Newspaper Date: October 24 2007

Invite to Join the SEA Games Day on this Sunday at Indoor Stadium Hua Mak

Invite the people to join the SEA Games Day, on Sunday 28th October 2007 at Indoor Stadium, Hua Mak, which provide SEA Games’ souvenirs more than 1,500 pieces for the persons who jointly play the game including watching the Best Cheering Team Championship Cup from Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.
Public Relations Committee of the 24th SEA Games 2007, will organize the SEA Games Day on October 28 2007, 10.00 am – 7.00 pm at Indoor Stadium Hua Mak, in order to invite all Thai peoples jointly for being the host of the 24th SEA Games 2007, in which provide many activities such as the duplication of sport park which had many playthings for example highest hike game, Powerful Athletes, Sport Intelligent, SEA Games Kang Thong, Pro Golf SEA Games, SEA Games Painting, include taking photograph with Nong Can and Nong Ka Rom that blowing of 3 meters, other than will distribute the Sea Games souvenirs such as Nong Can mascot, rocking doll, SEA Games T-shirt, Telephone Floppy and Caps more than 1,500 pieces with athletes’ signature to persons who jointly play the answer questions of SEA Games. At 2.00 pm. It will have announcement of the readiness of the 24th SEA Games from 19 committees and watch the Best Cheering Team Contest of SEA Games 2007, compete for a cup of Princess Siriwanawaree Nareeratana, and compete for a scholarship more than 200,000 baht, 4.30 pm. at Indoor Stadium. Besides, the official sponsors of the 24th SEA Games, will set up a booth to selling the SEA Games’ souvenirs with a special price such as Thai Pure Drinks Limited, Chaiyaphan 999 Limited, Kanoknat Limited and Dash International Limited, so in the SEA Games Day, the visitors can attend for free.
Source from Government Public Relations Department Date: October 24 2007

History of Thailand

The region known today as Thailand has been inhabited by human beings since the paleolithic period (about 500,000 - 10,000 years ago). Due to its geographical location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by India and China as well as the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia. Prior to the 12th century various Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms thrived in differing regions, as seen through the numerous archaeological sites and artifacts throughout the country. However, the first Thai or Siamese state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai, which was founded in 1238, following the decline and fall of the Khmer empire in the 13th - 15th century AD.
A century later Sukhothai's power was overshadowed by the larger Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya, established in the mid-14th century. After the sack of Angkor by the Siamese armies in 1431, much of the Khmer court and its Hindu customs were brought to Ayutthaya Kingdom, and Khmer customs and rituals were adopted into the courtly culture of Siam.
After Ayutthaya fell in 1767 to the Burmese, Thonburi was the capital of Thailand for a brief period under King Taksin the Great. The current (Rattanakosin) era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.
European powers began traveling to Thailand in the 16th century. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonised by a European country. Two main reasons for this were that Thailand had a long succession of very able rulers in the 1800s and that it was able to exploit the rivalry and tension between the French and the British. As a result, the country remained as a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that were colonised by the two colonial powers. Despite this, Western influence led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions, most notably being the loss of large territory on the east side of the Mekong to the French and the loss of three predominantly ethnic-Malay southern provinces, which later became Malaysia's three northern states (Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909).
In 1932, a bloodless revolution resulted in a new constitutional monarchy. During World War II, Thailand was allied with Japan, while at the same time having an active anti-Japanese resistance movement known as the Seri Thai. After the war, Thailand emerged as an ally of the United States. As with much of the developing nations during the Cold war, Thailand then went through decades of political transgression characterised by coups d'états as one military regime replaced another, but eventually progressed towards a stable democracy in the 1980s.
In 1997, Thailand was hit with the Asian financial crisis and the Thai baht for a short time peaked at 56 baht to the U.S. dollar compared to about 25 baht to the dollar before 1997. Since then the baht has regained most of its strength and as of May 23, 2007, is valued at 33 baht to the US dollar.
The official calendar in Thailand is based on Eastern version of the Buddhist Era, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian (western) calendar. For example, the year AD 2007 is called 2550 BE in Thailand.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TAT TO LAUNCH “SEVEN AMAZING WONDERS” OF THAILAND CAMPAIGN

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has segmented and regrouped its core national tourism products into a seven-point package that will be marketed worldwide under the banner of “Seven Amazing Wonders” of Thailand.
Approved after the annual marketing meeting of TAT in the beach resort of Cha-am last week, the new campaign is designed to help attain a target of 14.8 million international visitor arrivals in 2007 and 15.7 million in 2008. The domestic tourism target is 82 million trips in 2007 and 83 million trips in 2008.
TAT Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn said, “The new planning focus takes into account the many influencing factors at the global, regional, and local levels, ranging from changes in consumer behaviour, the impact of oil prices to branding and low-cost airlines.”
An exhaustive SWOT analysis of the Thai tourism industry indicated that while there were a number of issues to be addressed, “the good news is that Thailand has a generally very positive image in the world, which gives it a significant competitive advantage.
Mrs Phornsiri said, “In many travel magazines and lifestyle surveys, we are consistently ranked in the Top Ten for the quality of our beautiful beaches, entertainment and dining, value of products, recreational facilities, and shopping. Every year, we reap many awards in each of these categories.”
She noted that the new campaign will be underpinned by the strong branding slogan “Amazing Thailand” which proved hugely successful in 1998/99 and underscores the country’s image as a peaceful, hospitable country and a year-round tourism destination with high quality of value-for-money products and services.”
The “Seven Amazing Wonders” theme products are as follows:
Thainess“Experience the Art of Thai Living” — which refers to traditional Thai hospitality, lifestyle and friendliness of the people
Treasure products“Land of Heritage and History” — covering the World Heritage sites and historical places, temples, and Thai museums
Beaches“Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches” — the long-standing popularity of Thai beach resorts for international and domestic tourism
Nature“Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature” — focus on conservation and environment, and market Thai products within the framework of the worldwide attention being paid to global warming
Health and Wellness“Land of Healthy Smile” — a rapidly growing market, highlighting Thailand’s preventive and curative therapies
Trendy“Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends” — targetted at the new generation of young travellers, and covering the new boutique hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment
Festivities“Enchant Yourself with International Festivities in Thailand”— the ‘sanuk’ (fun) factor, featuring popular Thai events and festivals such as the Phuket Regatta, Elephant Polo, etc.
The 18 main markets which are targeted for intensive promotions are mainly in the Asia-Pacific, East Asia and Europe regions. Among the 20 emerging markets with strong growth potential are Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and CIS countries, East Europe, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
This year, TAT is to open offices in Dubai, Moscow and Vietnam, all of which are generating promising growth. It is also working actively in China which is projected to become Thailand’s top source of visitor arrivals by the end of this decade, overtaking both Malaysia and Japan.
Mrs Phornsiri said the core focus will be on attracting “quality tourists with high yield.” A lot of time and effort is to be directed at enhancing TAT’s e-marketing abilities through websites, blogs, discussion forums, travel clubs, mobile phone messages, etc, especially to reach the high-end target group in places like Japan, Australia and the US.
She said, “The fact that 60% of total arrivals are repeat visitors opens up excellent opportunities to attract more visitors by getting our loyal guests to recommend Thailand to more friends and colleagues.”
One key component of the campaign will be the nine Royal Discovery Initiative projects, all conceptualised and created by His Majesty the King and members of the Royal Family as part of Thailand’s “sufficiency economy” practise.
Mrs Phornsiri said, “This year, we are commemorating His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary. His Majesty is now the world’s longest reigning monarch and within two years, will become the longest reigning monarch in world history. This will be another cause for glorious celebration.”
The nine Royal Discovery Initiative projects epitomise the pride of Thailand. They cover areas such as agriculture, occupational training, education, traditions and culture. More details are available on the web site www.thairoyalprojects.com

Map Opening –Closing ceremony venue The 24th SEA Games

Opening –Closing ceremony Seagames 24th (2007) at Nakhonratchsima Province using Main Stadium, 333rd Anniversary Nakhonratchasima

The 24th SEA Games Hockey Competition will be held from December 7 – 14, 2007

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The competition will be held at the Synthetic Hockey Pitch, Queen Sirikit Sports Center, Pathumthani Province. Training Site Training venues will be provided at the same as competition site. The Training schedule for each team will be given upon the arrival.

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The 24th SEA Games Handball Competition will be held from December 8 - 15, 2007.

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The competition will be held at Nimibutr Stadium, National Stadium, Bangkok. Training Site Training venues will be provided at Chantanayingyong Gymnasium, National Stadium, Bangkok. The Training schedule for each team will be given upon the arrival.

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