Phuket has undergone a number of name changes over the years. One commonly used was Junk Ceylon, which can be found on most old maps.
On a major trading route and a port of call for many over the years, Phuket has been influenced by passing merchants some of which have remained to shape the island into what we see today, a cultural melting pot. Chinese, Malay, Portuguese, Burmese, they have all left their mark on the culture and religious make-up of Phuket and also in its architecture, as can been seen in the old sector of Phuket Town and the Chinese temples and Muslim mosques dotted around the island.
Probably Phuket’s most significant event was the stand by Phuketians against an invasion from the Burmese.Khunying Jan, wife of the recently deceased Phuket Governor, and her sister, Mook, assembled forces, mainly women, and held the Burmese off for over a month, until they finally left on 13th March 1785. With a small male population at the time and lack of weapons, the women cut their hair short to look like men, made “fake” weapons and created the illusion of a sizeable army. As a result of this, King Rama I bestowed titles of nobility on the two sisters.Today on the bypass road north of Phuket Town south of Thalang, you will see a monument in memory of the two sisters and their bravery. This is known locally as the heroines monument and is an island landmark.
The 19th century saw the arrival in numbers of Chinese immigrants. They came to work in the tin mines, a booming industry, and later established businesses and their own community on Phuket.Signs of Chinese influence can be found around the island today, with the older communities still in Phuket Town.
Due to the multi-cultural nature of Phuket people, there are numerous festivals from a variety of religions and cultures throughout the year. Today, the majority religion is Buddhism, with significant populations of Malay Muslims, Thai Chinese Buddhists and Christians from the early Portuguese presence, but more recently from expatriates who have made Phuket their home.
2009-02-23
1ST ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS GAMES 2009
1ST ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS GAMES 200925 Apr 2009 - 3 May 2009 The Thai Cabinet together with the Olympic Council of Asia made an announcement during the 52nd OCA Executive Board Meeting in Bangkok for Thailand to host the 1st Asian Martial Art Games 2009 during 25 April - 3 May, 2009. This Asian Martial Art Games is the latest games set up by the Olympic Council of Asia. In order for this event to be a success, a number of committees have been established in which the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been appointed as the Committee for Public Relations.Being the first country to host the Asian Martial Art Games will also help promote Thailand’s image as a sports tourism destination to the world. There will be approximately 2,500 people from 45 countries participating in these Games. The competition will take place in 4 different venues: Indoor Stadium Hua Mark Sports Authority of Thailand, Nimibutr Gymnasium Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japanese) Stadium, and Sports School Suphan Buri province. However, the opening and closing ceremony will take place at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark on 28 April and 3 May, respectively. Moreover, there will be 9 different kinds of sport over a 9-day period, which include Karatedo, Kickboxing, Muai, Wushu and Kungfu, Jujitsu, Pencak Silat, Judo, Taekwondo, and Kurash.Further information on the details of the history, important information of the training, Games, and details of the stadium of the 1st Asian Martial Art Games 2009 will be posted on the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) or the official Olympic Council of Asia’s website.
Contact information: Sports Authority of Thailand Ramkhamhaeng Rd., Huamark Bangkapi Bangkok 10240, ThailandTel: 0-2369-0999Fax: 0-2319-3883Web site: sat.or.th or www.ocasia.org (The Olympic Council of Asia)
Contact information: Sports Authority of Thailand Ramkhamhaeng Rd., Huamark Bangkapi Bangkok 10240, ThailandTel: 0-2369-0999Fax: 0-2319-3883Web site: sat.or.th or www.ocasia.org (The Olympic Council of Asia)
World Comedy Film Festival 2009
Fact SheetTitle : World Comedy Film Festival 2009Concept : Laughter’s Beyond FrontiersTime frame : April 23-29, 2009Venues : Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon and SF World Cinema, Central WorldObjectives : 1. Improving the image of the country after the political, economic, and social crisis of the past two years.2. Regaining the confidence of foreign tourists and investors.3. Bringing in income during the time of recession.4. Creating an atmosphere of harmony and reducing tension among the people.Target Groups and Beneficiarie:1. Foreign tourists.2. Foreign investors and film industry operators: Fortifying the country‘s strength as an investment and production base.3. Thai people: Increasing consumer spending and stimulating the economy.Main Activities: 1. Opening Ceremony Welcoming guests from various foreign film industries, beginning with a fancy parade of local comedians dressed as the world’s well - known comedians and characters.2. Closing Ceremony A gala night for comedians and festival participants, joining to pay tribute to one of the world’s renowned film comedians with an honorary award for his or her contribution to the art and world of comedy.3. Film Screenings 55 films in total.
Scope and Contents:1. The screenings of comedy films from all over the world. Tentative program includes twenty films from Asian countries; such as, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Syria, twenty films from Europe, America and Africa, ten Thai classic and contemporary films, and some internationally regarded shorts. The goal is to bring together highly successful comedy films, directors and actors with a special focus on Asian cinema.2. There are seven comedy film festivals existing internationally. This is the first one to be held in Asia. 3. This is the first time the Comedian Association, the Federation of National Film Associations, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand co-operate together to showcase the local prowess of comedy acts in films and other kinds of media.Expected Results: 1. Atmosphere of fun and pleasant feelings between the Thai people and foreigners touring the country.2. Consumer spending with more jobs and income for those involved in the film industry and tourism generated from having 1,000 expected participants, film industry operators, and the press from various parts of the world, joining the festival.Organizers: 1. The Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand2. Tourism Authority of Thailand
Scope and Contents:1. The screenings of comedy films from all over the world. Tentative program includes twenty films from Asian countries; such as, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Syria, twenty films from Europe, America and Africa, ten Thai classic and contemporary films, and some internationally regarded shorts. The goal is to bring together highly successful comedy films, directors and actors with a special focus on Asian cinema.2. There are seven comedy film festivals existing internationally. This is the first one to be held in Asia. 3. This is the first time the Comedian Association, the Federation of National Film Associations, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand co-operate together to showcase the local prowess of comedy acts in films and other kinds of media.Expected Results: 1. Atmosphere of fun and pleasant feelings between the Thai people and foreigners touring the country.2. Consumer spending with more jobs and income for those involved in the film industry and tourism generated from having 1,000 expected participants, film industry operators, and the press from various parts of the world, joining the festival.Organizers: 1. The Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand2. Tourism Authority of Thailand
The North Face River Kwai Trophy 2009
The North Face River Kwai Trophy 2009Date : 28 February 2009Venue : Saiyok district, Kanchanaburi
Under the banner of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the event will attract 120 teams comprising of two participants in each team, who will tackle an adventure course that includes running, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking. The race route travels along scenic trails and explore the mountainnns and farmlands of western Thailand.Backing the event are the Tourism Authority of Thailand and North Face, while the actual running of the event comes under sports activity specialist, Active Management Asia.
Extreme adventure racing, that test stamina and team work, has grown in popularity in Thailand with the Kanchanaburi event attracting nearly 60% of its participants from neighbouring countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, as well as participants from even Europe. The 2006 augural event gained 46 team registrations, while the 2007 event grew to attract 80 teams and 120 teams in the 2008 event. Now 120 teams, of two participants in each team, will participate in the 2009 event.
There are three signature events in the 2009 series. The season kicks off with the River Kwai Trophy in Kanchanaburi, followed by the inaugural Chiang Mai Challenge, 10 May and the second Bangkok Challenge, hosted in Nong Chok district, on the outskirts of the capital, this November.
For more information, visit www.riverkwaitrophy.com
Under the banner of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the event will attract 120 teams comprising of two participants in each team, who will tackle an adventure course that includes running, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking. The race route travels along scenic trails and explore the mountainnns and farmlands of western Thailand.Backing the event are the Tourism Authority of Thailand and North Face, while the actual running of the event comes under sports activity specialist, Active Management Asia.
Extreme adventure racing, that test stamina and team work, has grown in popularity in Thailand with the Kanchanaburi event attracting nearly 60% of its participants from neighbouring countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, as well as participants from even Europe. The 2006 augural event gained 46 team registrations, while the 2007 event grew to attract 80 teams and 120 teams in the 2008 event. Now 120 teams, of two participants in each team, will participate in the 2009 event.
There are three signature events in the 2009 series. The season kicks off with the River Kwai Trophy in Kanchanaburi, followed by the inaugural Chiang Mai Challenge, 10 May and the second Bangkok Challenge, hosted in Nong Chok district, on the outskirts of the capital, this November.
For more information, visit www.riverkwaitrophy.com
Honda LPGA Thailand 2009
Honda LPGA Thailand 2009Date : February 26 – March 1, 2009 Venie : Pattaya’s Siam Country Club, Chon Buri
Following the successes of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2006 and 2007, Mr. Kenji Otaka, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Ltd. announces Honda’s continued support of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 “Since its inauguration in 2006, the Honda LPGA Thailand has now become one of the highlights in the LPGA Tournament, and forms an integral part of the LPGA calendar. The tournament was a huge success last year which attracted more than 25,000 spectators at the golf course and secured the participation of world-class LPGA golfers.”
It is indeed an honour for Honda, in its capacity as title sponsor, to team up with our partners in organizing this Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 which will be held at Siam Country Club, Pattaya. For fans and enthusiasts, they will be treated to four days of world-class golf, watching their favourite players in action as they attempt to beat their personal best scores to win the top cash prize from US$ 1.45 million prize purse.
As well as thrilling the golf fans with a keenly fought contest, the tournament allows them to see top-ranked professionals of the Ladies Professional Golf Association competing this year. Honda is delighted to confirm the participation of the world’s leading female golfers, Ms. Lorena Ochoa, and Ms. Paula Creamer, who will both take part in next year’s exciting tournament. The Honda LPGA 2009 will be spiced up with an additional Hole-in-one prize of the new Honda Accord 2.4 EL valued at 1.5 million baht.
The player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 will comprise of 50 leading LPGA Tour players and 10 sponsor invites, competing for a purse of US$1.45 million over 72 holes stroke play with no cut in the field. The strong player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 will ensure the Thailand crowds experience the most exciting actions at Pattaya in the weekend of February 26 to March 1, 2009.
For More InformationTAT Pattaya Office Tel. 66 (0) 3842 8750, 66 (0) 3842 7667http://www.lpgathailand.com
Following the successes of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2006 and 2007, Mr. Kenji Otaka, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Ltd. announces Honda’s continued support of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 “Since its inauguration in 2006, the Honda LPGA Thailand has now become one of the highlights in the LPGA Tournament, and forms an integral part of the LPGA calendar. The tournament was a huge success last year which attracted more than 25,000 spectators at the golf course and secured the participation of world-class LPGA golfers.”
It is indeed an honour for Honda, in its capacity as title sponsor, to team up with our partners in organizing this Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 which will be held at Siam Country Club, Pattaya. For fans and enthusiasts, they will be treated to four days of world-class golf, watching their favourite players in action as they attempt to beat their personal best scores to win the top cash prize from US$ 1.45 million prize purse.
As well as thrilling the golf fans with a keenly fought contest, the tournament allows them to see top-ranked professionals of the Ladies Professional Golf Association competing this year. Honda is delighted to confirm the participation of the world’s leading female golfers, Ms. Lorena Ochoa, and Ms. Paula Creamer, who will both take part in next year’s exciting tournament. The Honda LPGA 2009 will be spiced up with an additional Hole-in-one prize of the new Honda Accord 2.4 EL valued at 1.5 million baht.
The player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 will comprise of 50 leading LPGA Tour players and 10 sponsor invites, competing for a purse of US$1.45 million over 72 holes stroke play with no cut in the field. The strong player field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2009 will ensure the Thailand crowds experience the most exciting actions at Pattaya in the weekend of February 26 to March 1, 2009.
For More InformationTAT Pattaya Office Tel. 66 (0) 3842 8750, 66 (0) 3842 7667http://www.lpgathailand.com
2008-11-08
2008 Phuket King's Cup Regatta
Date : 29th November - 6th December 2008Venue : Phuket, Thailand
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.
Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. In 2006, the event was voted as Yatching Event of the Year at the Christofle Asia Boating Awards. This honour follows a record year in December 2006 with over 100 boats entering the event and with a record media turnout. It is the second consecutive year the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta won this prestigious award.
With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.
For more information contact :Regatta Office, Tel. +66 (0) 7627 3380e-mail : info@kingscup.comwebsite : www.kingscup.com (The regatta is where further information and Notice of Race can be found.)For racing inquiries, contact Simon James on racing@kingscup.com
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.
Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. In 2006, the event was voted as Yatching Event of the Year at the Christofle Asia Boating Awards. This honour follows a record year in December 2006 with over 100 boats entering the event and with a record media turnout. It is the second consecutive year the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta won this prestigious award.
With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.
For more information contact :Regatta Office, Tel. +66 (0) 7627 3380e-mail : info@kingscup.comwebsite : www.kingscup.com (The regatta is where further information and Notice of Race can be found.)For racing inquiries, contact Simon James on racing@kingscup.com
21 st Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon
Venue : Sanam Chai, Phra Nakhon District, BangkokNovember 23, 2008Marathon, Quater Marathon, 5 km. Walk & Fun run
The starting point is at Sanam Chai, in front of the Royal Palace, passing many fascinating tourist attractions. The race is divided into 36 categories ; 42.185 kilometre-marathon, 21.10 kilometre-half-marathon and 10.55 kilometre-quarter-marathonContact: The Running Association of Thailand : Tel. (662) 280 7667-8Contact center : Tel. (662) 277 6670-1, Fax (662) 277 2567Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Call Centre 1672Website : www.bkkmarathon.com www.thailandmarathon.org www.tourismthailand.orgEmail : info@amazingfield.org
The starting point is at Sanam Chai, in front of the Royal Palace, passing many fascinating tourist attractions. The race is divided into 36 categories ; 42.185 kilometre-marathon, 21.10 kilometre-half-marathon and 10.55 kilometre-quarter-marathonContact: The Running Association of Thailand : Tel. (662) 280 7667-8Contact center : Tel. (662) 277 6670-1, Fax (662) 277 2567Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT Call Centre 1672Website : www.bkkmarathon.com www.thailandmarathon.org www.tourismthailand.orgEmail : info@amazingfield.org
Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Color of Streams
Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Color of Streams
Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Color of Streams Dates: 9-12 November, 2008Venue: Banks of the Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge), Bangkok Highlights: Enjoy viewing the illuminated float procession to win the prize more than 1,500,000 Baht during 8-12 November, 2008, 19.30-22.00 hrs. along the banks of Chao Phraya River: Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon BridgeExperience an amazing atmosphere of the Loi Krathong Festival of the Rattanakosin style during 18:30 – 21:30 hrs. at Santi Chaiphrakan Fort, Bangkok. The illuminated float procession will be best viewed from this area. Also, you will be entertained by the country’s most unique cultural performances apart from experiencing the old market atmosphere, mouth watering array of food as well as participating in the event of the 9 Sacred Places.For more informations, please visit: www.loikrathong.net , call 1672 or Events Planning Division, TAT Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext 3470-3474
Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Color of Streams Dates: 9-12 November, 2008Venue: Banks of the Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge), Bangkok Highlights: Enjoy viewing the illuminated float procession to win the prize more than 1,500,000 Baht during 8-12 November, 2008, 19.30-22.00 hrs. along the banks of Chao Phraya River: Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon BridgeExperience an amazing atmosphere of the Loi Krathong Festival of the Rattanakosin style during 18:30 – 21:30 hrs. at Santi Chaiphrakan Fort, Bangkok. The illuminated float procession will be best viewed from this area. Also, you will be entertained by the country’s most unique cultural performances apart from experiencing the old market atmosphere, mouth watering array of food as well as participating in the event of the 9 Sacred Places.For more informations, please visit: www.loikrathong.net , call 1672 or Events Planning Division, TAT Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext 3470-3474
Yi Peng Festival
Yi Peng FestivalDate : 11 - 13 November 2008Venue : Tha Phae Gate, banks of Ping River, Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang MaiHIghlights :An amazing procession of hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, Miss Yi Peng beauty contest, light and sound presentation in Ping River, the ancient Thai Lanna Krathong activities, local cultural performances, and local handicrafts market in Lanna style.Contact :- TAT Chiang Mai, Tel : 66 (0) 5324 8604, 66 (0) 5324 8607Website : www.loikrathong.net www.tourismthailand.org www.tatchiangmai.org
Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Loi Krathong Sai Festival
Loi Krathong Sai FestivalDate : 8 - 12 November 2008Venue : Banks of Ping River,TakHighlights :An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy. Other remarkable activities will include the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products.On Saturday 8th November 2008 at 18.00 hr.The Parades of invitation His Majesty the Royal lamps, Royal Krathong, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup, and 15 teams of Krathong Sai parades. Opening ceremony of competition on Floating Krathong Sai with A Thousand lights at Mae Ping River Centre Stage.On Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 November 2008Compitition on floating Krathong Sai with a thousand lights to be awarded His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup 4 teams each night.Contact: TAT Tak, Tel : 66 (0) 5551 4341-3Website : www.loikrathong.net , www.krathongsaitak.net www.tourismthailand.orgE-mail : tattak@tat.or.th
Tags : Loi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, Tak
Loi Krathong Sai FestivalDate : 8 - 12 November 2008Venue : Banks of Ping River,TakHighlights :An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy. Other remarkable activities will include the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products.On Saturday 8th November 2008 at 18.00 hr.The Parades of invitation His Majesty the Royal lamps, Royal Krathong, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup, and 15 teams of Krathong Sai parades. Opening ceremony of competition on Floating Krathong Sai with A Thousand lights at Mae Ping River Centre Stage.On Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 November 2008Compitition on floating Krathong Sai with a thousand lights to be awarded His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup 4 teams each night.Contact: TAT Tak, Tel : 66 (0) 5551 4341-3Website : www.loikrathong.net , www.krathongsaitak.net www.tourismthailand.orgE-mail : tattak@tat.or.th
Tags : Loi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, Tak
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