Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province .

Hua Hin is the oldest and most traditional Thai holiday resort. It combines the convenience of a modern holiday destination with the fascinating charm of a still active fishing port. In the contrary of the main destinations in Thailand, Hua Hin is very popular with domestic Thai tourists and therefore has kept a very strong local feel to it, avoiding the over-commercialization.

Slogan
City of pure gold, delectable coconuts and pineapples, delightful beaches, mountain and caves, land of spiritual beauty.

History

In 1834, before the name Hua Hin was coined, some agricultural areas of Phetchaburi province were hit by severe drought. A group of farmers moved southward until they found a small village that had bright white sands and a row of rocks along the beach. They settled here and gave it the name Samore Riang, which mean rows of rock.

In 1921 the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel close to the beach. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace there. The palace was named Wang Klai Kang Won ('Far from Worries'). It is now the full-time residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand . His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and he give the name Hua Hin to the beach next to his palace.

In 1932 Hua Hin was part of Pran Buri district. In 1949 Hua Hin was promoted to be a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After the building of southern railway, Hua Hin became the first and most popular beach resort of Thailand.

Hua Hin Town

Hua Hin Town is on the coast of Hua Hin District. With an area around 86.36 km², the town has 50,169 inhabitants. It is a popular beach resort getaway for Bangkok residents. The Railway Hotel, now more generally known as The Sofitel Hotel, is a famous old building which was used as The Hotel Pnom Phen in the film "The Killing Fields".

Climate

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant. Generally, the cool season is from November to February. The hottest months are March thru May. The rainy season begins in June and ends in October, however, since the weather is tropical, the rain outbursts are short, sporadic and heavy.

Location
The district to the north is Cha Am. The district to the south is Amphur Pran Buri.

Administration
Hua Hin district is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and consists of 2 sub-districts; Hua Hin and Nong Khae. At the top of Hua Hin administration is Lord Mayor of Hua Hin Jira Pongpaibul. He is supported by three Vice Mayors Khun Artikhun Bootying, Khun Suwit Liennloongrueng and Dr. Roongroch Srilueng-Swasdi. President of Hua Hin Assembly is Khun Pathom Pudam and Vice President of Hua Hin Assembly is Khun Prapa Nortes.

Transportation

Roads Hua Hin is linked by highway to Petchburi and the rest of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Both central Bangkok and Suvarmabhumi airport are just over 2 hours drive, dependent on traffic.

Rail systems Hua Hin is part of the southern rail route originating in Bangkok. Trains run through to the south of the country and link directly with Malaysia.

Bus There are buses from buses from Bangkok going directly to Hua Hin and others which pass through while on the way to other destinations further south.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle) This kind of the transport is the most preferred mode of around the town and surrounding areas. Hua Hin also has an abundance of tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis.

Airport Hua Hin is served by its own domestic airport. At present these are no scheduled flights to or from the airport, which is used for private flights only.

Tourism
Thailand’s royal family and especially former kings were the first to set this location on the map as the original seashore destination in Thailand. The 5 km long beach itself is pretty and the sea is relatively clean. Besides just sunbathing snorkeling and swimming, it is the place supporting attractions and activities such as golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks.

Hat Hua Hin (ชายหาดหัวหิน) Hua Hin Beach extends some five kilometers southwards from a rocky headland until Kao Takiap, a southern headland where a Buddhist temple clings to the cliffs.

Hua Hin Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟหัวหิน) This is Thailand's most beautiful train station. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom province. It was rebuilt at Hua Hin in 1968.

Nightly Street Market (ตลาดโต้รุ่งหัวหิน) a popular shopping market allowing people the opportunity for shopping, native-style seafood cooked on the spot and to witness local people’s lifestyle.

Khao Takiap (เขาตะเกียบ) This hill, 4 kilometers from Hua Hin town, supports Buddhist temples and offers a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning.

Khao Hin Lek Fai (เขาหินเหล็กไฟ) Situated 3 kilometers west of Hua Hin district, Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flint Mountain is 162 meters high. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Hua Hin and its surrounding area is visible.

Khao Tao (เขาเต่า) 13 kilometers south of Hua Hin, there is a 1- kilometer branch road on the left which leads to the spot with two beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai. Khao Tao is a trditional fishing village that also boasts spectacular temples.

Namtok Pa La-u (น้ำตกป่าละอู) This 11-tier scenic waterfall, some 60 kilometres west of Hua Hin, is located within a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning.

Spirit Houses of Brassiere Beach were, according to legend, built to appease the spirit of a fisherman’s daughter who was once torn to pieces and her breasts fell into the sea. She was killed because she was desired by too many men. Until this day, the locals still hang brassieres to the spirit houses, but now they just pray for good luck.

Wat Huay Mongkol was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat was famed for his ‘miracles’. Commissioned by the Queen of Thailand, Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting. 10. Suan Son Pradiphat Beach, 8 km south of Hua Hin, is a peaceful location which is owned by the Army Welfare Office.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is the only vineyard in the area is located 45 minutes from downtown. It offers spectacular views, a restaurant and wine tasting of the local Monsoon Valley Wines.

Activities : fishing, eco-cruising, kite-boarding, fitness, martial arts, elephant camping, Thai massage, spa, cooking courses, trekking, walking, cycling, diving, snorkeling, creative arts, water sports, pony-riding and golf.

Golf in particular is becoming especially popular, with Hua Hin increasingly being recognized as one of Thailand's premier golfing destinations. The town hosted its first Asian tour event in 2009 at the new Black Mountain course, while other first class courses in easy reach include Royal Hua Hin, Banyan, Palm Hills, Majestic Creek, Lake View and Springfield. There are several driving ranges.

Some foreign tourists go to Hua Hin and learn something like Thai cooking or Thai boxing.

Moreover, Hua Hin is a popular place for shopping including contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery, wood carving, gemstones and jewelry (including sapphires and rubies). There is also a large shopping mall called Market Village.

Nightlife : Most foreign-oriented nightlife is centred on Soi Bintabaht and Soi Selakam, where many typical beer bars are found. There are also the usual discothèques, karaoke bars, live music venues, hotel bars and even a lady-boy cabaret, the Blue Angel. The pace of nightlife is much slower than in the larger western-oriented towns of Pattaya and Patong, while the proximity to the Royal Palace means that there are no go-go bars.

Krabi

Paradise of Andaman Sea

Krabi town is very close to the river mouth that opens to the great Andaman Sea into the Andaman Sea with perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. Krabi river flows about 5 km through the town and opens into the Andaman sea at Tambon Pak Nam.
After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C. In recorded times it was called the 'Ban Thai Samor', and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard. At that time, c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsula's east coast better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat

Population

The architectural splendor excavated from the caves around Krabi reveals that the island was inhabited from the prehistoric times. The cave paintings and other artifact also reveal that the Krabi population has been rich in culture.

Today the population of Krabi is counted as 344,610, according to the 1999 reports. It is expected to have risen to the 4000,000 mark in the recent years. The island is dream destination for the travelers with its serene beauty and exotic locales. The population density of the islands is estimated to be around 71 inh./km².

The present population of Krabi represents a mix of three different ethnic groups who moved from different destinations to settle down in the island. Each of these ethnic groups have captured a golden space in the history of Krabi.

The early inhabitants of the island were considered to be the ‘sea gypsies'. The origin of this group though is unknown. The groups of this nomadic populations preferred living in small groups and have chosen fishing, collecting shells and diving as their mode of livelihood. The best part of their living is that they have retained their own language and the spiritual beliefs strongly.

The general population of Krabi is known to be very friendly and helpful. It is the behavior of the locals that has made Krabi a must visit spot in Thailand. You would be greeted with the famous Thai greeting, ‘Wai'. The hospitality of the locals is truly unmatched. The tourists are always welcomed by the rise smile on the faces of the locals. The Krabi population is very down-to –earth and you are bound to feel ‘at home' after you have spent some time with them.
Many small Muslim communities too love to call Krabi its home. Close proximity to Malaysia has allowed in strengthening the cultural heritage of the Muslim communities in Krabi.

Administration

Krabi is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong.

Location
About half way down the Thai penisula you'll find Krabi: southern Thailand's most picturesque province. Halfway between Phuket (2.5 hours drive) and Samui Island (around 2 hours drive to the Samui ferry terminal) with pristine beaches and an amazing interior.

The province Krabi is renowned for the limestone 'karst' scenery that can be seen throughout the province which gives it a dramatic natural beauty unlike anywhere else.

The 170 km coastline is coastline is dotted with bays, coves and outcrops of limestone mountains jutting up from the sea, creating a fascinating seascape of tropical islands. Inland, the limestone mountains support a rich reserve of plant and animal life.

Rubber palm oil, coconut and coffee have traditionally been Krabi's main crops in what has always been a mainly farming province.

However, with natural attractions like tropical islands, palm fringed beaches, forest waterfalls and caves attracting more and more sunseeking tourists, and for the more adventurous traveller; rock climbing, kayaking, elephant treking and much much more, Krabi has begun to turn more towards its tourism industry.

Population

Krabi's estimated population, as of September 1999, is 344,610 but has risen to easily over 400,000 in recent years. Due to the increasing visitors we have experienced many more jobs for the local inhabitants and many expatriates who are partly or permanently living and working at this beautiful place.

History

At the start of the Rattanakosin period, about 200 years ago, when the capital was finally settled at Bangkok, an elephant kraal was established in Krabi by order of Chao Phraya Nakorn (Noi), the governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which was by then a part of the Thai Kingdom. He sent his vizier, the Phra Palad, to oversee this task, which was to ensure a regular supply of elephants for the larger town. So many followers emigrated in the steps of the Phra Palad that soon Krabi had a large community in three different boroughs : Pakasai, Khlong Pon, and Pak Lao.

In 1872, King Chulalongkorn graciously elevated these to town status, called Krabi, a word that preserves in its meaning the monkey symbolism of the old standard. The town's first governor was Luang Thep Sena, though it continued a while as a dependency of Nakhon Si Thammarat. This was changed in 1875, when Krabi was raised to a fourth-level town in the old system of Thai government. Administrators then reported directly to the central government in Bangkok, and Krabi's history as a unique entity separated from the other provinces, had begun.

Geography

Railay BeachesKrabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland. The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts, and coffee. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.

Climate

Weather in Krabi is typically that of the tropical monsoon, providing the province with just two seasons, the hot season from January to April, and the rainy season from May to December. Monsoon winds, which change according to season, blow from the southeast, the southwest, and the northeast. Temperatures range between 16.9 and 37.3 degrees Celsius and the yearly rainfall averages 2,568.5 millimeters.


Politics

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, the merchants, and the population generally of Krabi and nearby provinces have together organized construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape for presentation to His Majesty the King. This lies thirty kilometers to the west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast.

Traffic

Since 1999 the town is served by the Krabi Airport west of the town. Passing through the town is Phetkasem Road (Thailand Route 4). Many tourists only travel through Krabi town to go to the more popular locations nearby, like Ko Phi Phi, Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Had Yau, Ko Jum, Phuket and Ko Lanta.

Transportation

By Air

Thai Airways International operates flights from Bangkok to Krabi 3 times a week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday). Flight tickets can be reserved by calling: +66 2280-0060, +66 2628-2000.

By Bus

Buses leave Bangkok for Krabi daily in the evening. The journey takes about 12 hours. The fare for a 240-seat, air-conditioned bus is 655 Baht, 421 Baht for 40 seat air-conditioned bus and 234 Baht for non air-conditioned bus.
Contact Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Borommaratchonnani Road) on +66 2435-1199, +66 2435-5061 (air-conditioned bus) and +66 2434-5557 (non air-conditioned bus).

By Car

Drive from Bangkok on Highway 4 via Phetchaburi, Prachuab Khiri Khan- Chumphon - Ranong - Phang Nga to Krabi, a total distance of 946 kilometers. In the other hand, Drive from Bangkok on Highway 4 to Chumphon then turn to Highway 41 via Lang Suan, Chaiya, Surat Thani and Wiang Sac before changing to Highway 4035 to Ao Luk and then return to Highway 4 to Krabi. This route distance is just 814 kilometers.

By Train

From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong) take the train to one of the following stations: Trang, Phun Pin in Surat Thani Province, or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. From any of these places a bus may be taken onward to Krabi.
Regarding train schedules and costs, contact Bangkok Railway Station on +66 2223-7010, +66 2223-7020.

Islands

Phi - Phi Islands

Krabi's main attractions are the numerous and yet unspoiled beaches nearby that offer a wealth of snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The most important is Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, better known as Phi-Phi Island, due west and south of Phuket Town. The park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which have become the symbol of the perfect tropical island. The boat ride to Phi Phi Lea and Phi Phi Don from Krabi Town's Chao Fah Bridge Pier, at the right time of year, November to April, is a pleasant journey and can take anything from an hour and a quarter to three hours depending on the size of boat taken. The rest of the year conditions in the Andaman Sea can be choppy and the weather can cause involuntary changes of travel plans while at sea.

Phi Phi Lea covers an area of just six square kilometer and is characterized by rugged, steep and lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing small pristine beaches and calm clear water whose colour is a kaleidoscope of greens and blues. Its Viking Caves gets its name from the ancient murals depicting Viking-like sailing vessels. The caves are home to sea swallows whose nests are much sort after for the Chinese delicacy Birds Nest Soup.

Krabi Beach two kilometers north is the larger Phi Phi Don covering an area of 28 square kilometers. The island is famed for its palm fringed white sand beaches protected by the mountain masses. Beach side bungalows and chalets are available. The area immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains bars with live music; restaurants specializing in western and Thai cuisine; cabarets; souvenir shops; dive shops and charter boat operators offering game fishing and day trips to Ko Paid (Bamboo Island) a half an hour boat ride from Phi Phi Don and claimed by many locals to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited islands in the area.

Yachtmen and scuba divers that can discover and enjoy peaceful anchorage, tranquility and privacy in various locations favouring the Phi Phi group of islands. It has become the start and finishing point for Phuket's prestigious King's Cup yacht race each December. And was recently the location for the film "The Beach" staring Leonardo di Caprio.

The Other Islands

Muh Ko Lanta Marine National Park is a one and a half-hour boat ride east of Phi Phi Don and comprises many islands; several fringed with spectacular coral reef. Those who seek idyllic peace and tranquillity increasingly favour the major island, Koh Lanta. Resort accommodation is available on the northwestern coastline. The 26 kilometre long, from four to six kilometres wide, contains many unspoiled beaches with golden sands and rugged headlands. The park office on the southern extremity of the island, and only accessible by boat, is situated near to the village of Chao Lay or sea gypsies who sustain an existence on mainly fishing for seafood.

Krabi BeachHat Noppharat Thara, some 18 kilometres west of Krabi Town is an extensively scenic beach lined with casurina trees, and offering a commanding view of offshore islands. The beach is popular with those who prefer swimming and sun bathing in tranquil surroundings.

A few kilometres south, the palm fringed Ao Phra Nang Beach is fronted by resort accommodation, guest houses and bungalow complexes, dive shops and restaurants that offer Swiss, Italian, Thai and Chinese food, windsurfing clubs and souvenir shops. This beach is popular for snorkeling and wind surfing.

Due south and only accessible by boat, is the secluded Ao Phra Nang Bay. A mountain cave, containing a shrine to the spirit of a resident goddess (Phra Nang) marks the southern extremity. The beach is a popular venue for swimming and sunbathing, for rock climbers who scale the sheer limestone mountain for the exhilarating views.

Two noteworthy islands are Ko Poda and Ko Gai. They can be reached in half an hour from Ao Phra Nang Bay by long tail boat or in an hour by fishing boat from Krabi Town. Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters, and offers chalet accommodation nestling amid palm trees, with beach side bar and restaurant facilities. Ko Gai, twenty minutes to the west has excellent waters for snorkeling and diving.

Susan Hoi Shell Cemetery is some 17 kilometers from Krabi Town and, comprises of granite-like slabs of grey fossilized shells, estimated to be 75 million years old and the only one of its kind in Asia.

The name can be confusing to western visitors. There never was a woman called Susan Hoi who built a shell cemetery 75 million years ago. The two words Su San are the English translation of the Thai word meaning cemetery. Once someone happened to write them together unaware that they read as Susan a western girl name.


Waterfalls and Caves


Khao Khanap Nam has caves filled with stalactites and stalacmites, and can be reached by longtail boat from the pier in Krabi Town.

Krabi CaveTam Sua (Tiger Cave) is nine kilometres from Krabi town and home to a meditation monastery. It has a collection of Thai Buddhist and Chinese objects.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park covers an area of 50 square kilometres of forested mountains, streams and waterfalls. It is a 30-minute drive from Krabi Town
Two waterfalls, Namtok Huai Sad and Nomtok Huai To, number among the major park attractions. A popular cave, Tam Khao Phung, is filled with stalagmites and stalactities.

Nature lovers will also enjoy the Tam Bok Korani Arboretum, a 40-minute drive from Krabi town. This natural reservoir home to hundreds of birds provides an ideal setting for picnics and swimming.

Shopping

Souvenirs of Krabi are turtle-dove cages, Toei Panan mats made from pandanus trees, shrimp paste, dried fish, and dried shrimp. They are sold in shops on Uttarakit Road.

Cuisine and Restaurant

- Krabi Pla Pao : Uthornkit Rd.
- Kaew Jai : 256 Uthornkit Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1241
- Kodung : Kongka Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1522
- Kaomok Kai Bunghem : 7/6 Sri Phang Nga Rd.
- Chon Thong : Uthornkit Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1028
- Diamond : Nawarat Hotel
- Talay Thai : Uthornkit Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1028
- Nong Joke : 47 Kongka Rd. (towards the bay's mouth)
- Bai Toey : Kongka Rd., Tel: 0-7561-1509
- Paknam : Kongka Rd., Tel: 0-7561-2722

Hotels

Ao Nang Paradise Resort
Ao Nang Princeville Resort
Ao Nang Sea Front Thai Resort
Ao Nang Sunset Hotel
Ao Nang Terrace Hotel
Ao Nang Villa Hotel

Festivals & Events

Andaman Sea Festival

This Festival takes place in November and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in Krabi. Water sport competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.

The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats

Takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon night of the sixth and eleventh lunar months. This is a religious rite performed by Sea Gypsies or "Chao Le" who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round the boats to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. The reason for the fest is to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

Pattaya

Pattaya

Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chonburi.

Meaning the 'south-west monsoon wind" and pronounced "Putt-tuh-YAH", it ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Increasing numbers of tourists come from the former Soviet Union and East Asia.
The city of Pattaya is a self governing municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chon Buri.
Pattaya is also the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, the conurbation in Chonburi Province.

Pattaya is Asias premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays.

Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities Water Skito simple guesthouses. Sporting opportunities abound both on land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, game fishing, and scuba-diving anywhere in Asia.
Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members.

And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets.Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international beach resort can.

History

Pattaya was a small fishing village until it was discovered by Bangkok residents in the 1960s. Soon thereafter, servicemen from all over Southeast Asia, including the United States Air Force base at U-Tapao in neighbouring Rayong province began using the area for "rest and recreation" (R&R), causing a huge boom in prostitution. When the Americans left following the end of the Vietnam War, the city fell into a crisis.

The rapid growth of tourism brought about many negative consequences, such as pollution and petty crime. In 1976, the Pattaya City Act was passed by the Thai legislature, making Pattaya a self-administrating municipality governed by a Council-manager government. However, many argue that this administration system has drawbacks (for example, the mayor may disagree with the city manager). Critics have recommended abolishing the system.

In recent years the city has pushed hard to clean up its image, however the core sex-industry has ensured that Pattaya retains its position as one of the world's most visited party destinations. Despite these efforts, Pattaya's sex industry is the city's raison d'être.

Demographics

The city had 104,318 registered inhabitants in 2007. But that figure excludes the large number of people who work in Pattaya but remain registered in their hometowns, and many long-term expatriate visitors. Including non-registered residents, the population numbers around 300,000 at any given time. Other estimates put the figure as high as 500,000.


Geography

Pattaya, located off the Gulf of Thailand, is approximately 145 km south of the city of Bangkok.
"Greater Pattaya" occupies most of the coastline of Banglamung (one of the eleven districts that comprise Chonburi Province). It is divided into a larger northern section which spans the areas to the east of Naklua Beach (the most northern beach) and Pattaya Beach (the main beach) plus the Buddha Hill headland (immediately south of Pattaya Beach), and a smaller southern section covering the area to the east of Jomtien Beach (which lies directly south of Buddha Hill) including Dongtan Beach. Jomtien's beaches are much broader and generally in better shape, and the atmosphere locally is more sedate and family-oriented, than at Pattaya Beach.

Administration

Pattaya city has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to a municipality and is separately administered by the mayor of Pattaya city who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services and supervising all employees of Pattaya city administration.


Beaches

Pattaya Beach is situated alongside the city centre. The over-abundance of jet-skis and speedboats has contributed to the pollution of the water along the beach, as has the practice of dumping sewage in the ocean. The section of beach from Central Road (Pattaya Klang) south to the harbor is adjacent to the core of Pattaya's abundant nightlife area. Most sections of the beach are covered by rented deckchairs run by local beverage vendors during daylight hours.

Bangsaen

Bangsaen Beach is a famous beach near Pattaya, Thailand, that has enjoyed lasting popularity. Approximately 13 kilometers from the city of Chon Buri, it branches off to the right-hand side from Sukhumvit Highway, at kilometers 104, for a distance of 3 kilometers. Stretching along the beachfront, is a 2.5 kilometer Road.
Bang Saen BeachAlong the beach, one finds vendors offering drinks and seafood snacks such as squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale. One can rent deck chairs and rubber rings for swimming. Fresh water bathing facilities are also available. The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly.
Bang Saen is ideal for visitors with limited time who wish to relax with their family and friends. It also offers several hotels and bungalows for overnight lodging.


Jomtien Beach

Jomtien Beach is divided from the main part of Pattaya by Pratumnak Hill, just south of the city. Jomtien is essentially a residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants. A wide array of watersport activities can be found, including jet skis, parasailing and small sail boat (Hobie Cat) rental. Dongtan Beach, just past the Avalon Beach Resort in Jomtien, is known as the gay beach, and is busy every day of the year.
Jomtien's most visible landmark is the 56-story Pattaya Park tower, part of the Pattaya Park entertainment complex which also features a water park, roller coaster, monorail. This may soon be overshadowed by the proposed 91-floor Ocean One Tower ("O1") Tower. With an overall height of 367 meters, it would be the tallest building in Thailand and one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. The Jomtien district is already home to one of the largest resorts in Asia, the 4000+ room Ambassador City Jomtien.

Islands

Island groups

Off Pattaya there are some small islands and island groups. They are the primary scuba diving destinations in and around Pattaya, especially the "Far Islands":

* Mu Ko Lan : The "Near Islands", Ko Lan (main island), Ko Sak and Ko Krok located 7.5 Km from the western shores of Pattaya.
* Mu Ko Phai : The "Far Islands", Ko Phai (main island), Ko Man Wichai, Ko Hu Chang and Ko Klung Badan, located offshore further west of the "Near Islands".
* Ko Rin, located offshore to the southwest, south of Mu Ko Phai.

Ko Lan

Ko Lan, or "Coral Island", is a small island situated 7.5 km west of Pattaya. Ko Lan is accessible by speedboat and ferry. The ferry departs hourly, and is a 45-minute ride costing just 20 baht each way. Speedboats are more expensive, but can reach the island in less than 15 minutes.

Transportation

Pattaya is about 1½ hours, or 120 km by road from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Pattaya is also served through U-Tapao International Airport which is 45 minutes drive from the city. By road, it is served by Sukhumvit Road and Motorway 7 from Bangkok. Intercity transport is usually through one of two bus stations, one for Bangkok and one for other destinations.

Until recently the only transport within town were private or shared songthaews and taxi via motorbike. However, a public bus service has begun in 2006, and a metered taxi service began in late 2007.

Roads

1. By the Bangkok-Chon Buri-Pattaya Motorway (Highway No.7) The motorway is linked with Bangkok’s Outer Ring Road., (Highway No. 9) and there is also another entrance at Si Nakharin and Rama IX Junction.
2. By Bang Na-Trat Highway (Highway No. 34) From Bang Na, Bang Phli, across the Bang Pakong River to Chon Buri there is a Chon Buri’s bypass that meets Sukhumvit Road., (Highway No. 3, passing Bang Saen Beach, Bang Phra to Pattaya.

Pattaya roads

* Pattaya 1 Road ("Beach Road"): this street runs parallel to the beach
* Pattaya 2 Road: this street runs approximately 400 meters parallel to Pattaya 1 Road.
* Pattaya 3 Road: this is Pattaya’s outer-ring road which connects North, South and Central Pattaya.
* Thap Phraya Road: this street connects Pattaya 2 to Jomtien Road.
* Thep Prasit Road: this street connects Sukhumvit to Jomtien Road.

Car : Pattaya can be reached in a comfortable 2-hour drive from Bangkok. Drive along the Bang Na-Trat and Sukhumvit Highways (Highway No. & Highway No 3) via Bang Pakong, and Si Racha. One can also avoid a lot of traffic on Bang carNa-Trat Highway by opting for Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri - Pattaya route).
Rail :There is one train a day to Pattaya leaving from Hualumphong Station in Bangkok. The State Railways of Thailand offers daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 6.55 a.m.
The journey takes about 3.30 hours. Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020
Monorails :The city plan to contruction 3 lines of monorail system, by a budget of 4,000 million baht.
Air :There is no public airport in Pattaya city. The nearest airport to Pattaya city is U-Tapao.
Bus :Buses to Pattaya leave very frequently from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Morchid) and the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekhamai). There are buses from Pattaya which go to every nearby provincial town. There are also some buses available to major towns in the north-east. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned coaches regularly leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and the Mochit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road throughout the day.
Departure times and fares may be obtained by calling the Eastern Bus Terminal (391-9829) for air-conditioned coaches and 391 -2504 for regular coaches and the Mochit 2 Bus Terminal at 936-3509 for air-conditioned coaches.
Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle) : Popularly nick-named ‘Baht-buses’ in Pattaya, songthaews are the most popular mode of public transportation in Pattaya. Normally, the price is different for locals and foreigners (double the local price). Yet, however the cost is still comparatively low and foreigners are advised to avoid confrontation with the drivers.
Motorbike-taxi : These are found mainly in the town areas and are used mainly for very short distances.

Tourism

Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R&R spot during the Vietnam War and got itself a bit of a bad image, but things have certainly improved since then and the city has been turning its location into a family-orientated destination. So besides only bars and pubs, there is plenty more to do and see these days. Currently, Pattaya is booming again: TAT claims 5,338,000 visitors for 2005 (up 6.5% from 2004), of which two-thirds were foreigners who came to enjoy the exciting sea-shore activities.

Other activities include golfing at the area's many golf courses, and there are 21 golf courses within 1 hour of Pattaya, go-cart racing, visiting the construction site of an elaborate private wooden temple known as Sanctuary of Truth, and different theme parks and zoos such as Mini Siam, and Elephant Village.

The national symbol of Thailand, these amazing animals have been part of Thai culture for centuries. Demonstrations of training methods and ancient ceremonial re-enactments plus entertaining performances and wild elephant round-ups daily between 2:30 and 4:00.

The private Sri Racha Tiger Zoo features several hundred tigers and thousands of alligators as well as some other animals. It has often been criticized for the animals' living conditions, and a worker was killed by tigers in 2004. There was a major bird flu outbreak at the zoo later that year.

The Vimantaitalay tourist submarine takes customers underwater to see corals and marine life just a few kilometers offshore. There are many boat trips from an hour to all day trips available, mostly leaving from Bali Hai Pier, near Walking Street.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is located some 15 kilometers east of Pattaya. The 500-acre (2.0 km2) site has well maintained botanical gardens and an orchid nursery. Moreover the facility has lively cultural shows in a Thai village setting. In addition trained chimpanzees and elephants are seen at the garden.

Other attractions in Pattaya: The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Elephant Village, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park and Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, Underwater World Pattaya (world class aquarium), Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya(cultural show), Bottle Art Museum, Mini Siam, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and Walking Street.

Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya presents Thai performing arts in a panoramic concept. The entire project includes a prototype Hexa Stage Theater with 2,000 seats in tiers, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant with 1,000 seating capacity. Open daily except Wednesday, show time 18.00 hrs.


Underwater World is an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones. The aquarium is home to a multitude of local marine life, including sharks and stingrays. Moreover, there is marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone.

Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat : This small hill is located between South Pattaya and Chom Thian. It is a vantage point for a panoramic view of the whole city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. Locals and visitors come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is resgared the “founding father of the modern Thai navy.” and Suan Chaloemphrakiat; Khao Phra Tam Nak Road., This is a fitness park at the foot of Khao Pattaya.

Sanctuary of Truth : This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981. With exquisite architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth.

Mini Siam is located at km. 143 on Sukhumvit Road., Highway No. 3, North Pattaya, Mini Siam is one of famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai etc. Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “mini world”.

Cabaret Shows : There are two venues of transvestite cabarets (lady boys) in Pattaya.

* Alcazar Cabaret , Pattaya 2 Road
* Tiffany Show, Pattaya 2 Road

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan covers an area of 366 rai. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch and later was supported by His Majesty the King. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret.

Koh Larn is a little tropical island located about 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach. The Island is around 4km long and 2km wide and is home to approximately one thousand residents. Most of the locals reside in the main village, Naban. There are six beaches on the island that has white sand and clear blue water. The terrain is mainly mountainous which is covered in most part with jungle.

Some tourists take daytrips to nearby Rayong for beautiful beaches, as well as Koh Samet island.

Activities

Sports

Bungee Jump:

* Jungle Bungee Jump has arrived in Pattaya and is found near the fishing pond of the Jomtien Fishing Park.

Flying for entertainment: at major places such as

* Pattaya Air Park (พัทยา แอร์ พาร์ค)
* Chon Buri Flying Club (ชลบุรี ฟลายอิ้ง คลับ)
* CMT Flying Club (ซีเอ็มที ฟลายอิ้ง คลับ)

Horse Riding:

* Jo Jo Horse Club is a training place for horse riding.
* Horseshoe Point Club is a place of horse riding training and accommodation. It covers an area of 300 rai. There are horse riding training fields for both indoor and outdoor, cross-country jumping and polo, which are up to an international standard. The Thai Polo Club offers polo lessons and opportunities to play polo.

Motor Sports: Car Racing Circuit

* Pattaya Cart Speedway is a cart racing circuit where there are separate lanes for professionals and amateurs.
* Thailand International Motor Sport Complex (TIMC)
* Pira International Circuit
* KR Go-cart Grand Prix

Fitness and sports:

* Fairtex Sport Club and Hotel is a sports complex comprising artificial cliff climbing, boxing, yoga, squash, tennis court, etc.

Spa Pattaya has an abundance of massage shops. The most common types of massage include Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage and reflexology massage.

Proper spas however, of a very high world-standard can be found at the city’s top resorts and hotels.

Diving : The most popular destination in Pattaya for diving buffs is the Hardeep Wreck which was sunk by the allies in the Second World War. The wreck lies on its starboard side at a maximum depth of 26 meters. Other popular dive destinations near Pattaya include:

* Ko Rin
* Ko Lan
* Ko Man Wichai
* Ko Hu Chang
* Ko Khrok
* The Wreck of HTMS Khram
* Ko Sak

Shopping

In recent years, new shopping malls, outlet stores and jewelry stores have opened up. Among the shopping malls are:

* Central Center Pattaya, Pattaya Second Road – Indoor mall anchored by a Big C; also has a SF Cinema City branch.

Hypermarkets

* Carrefour - Pattaya Central Road
* Big C - Pattaya Second Road
* Tesco Lotus - Pattaya North Road

Local Products in Pattaya consist of:

* Chaeng Lon: This is a local delicacy where coconut is hand molded into small buns on a stick and charcoal-grilled.
* Hoi Cho: This Chinese delicacy is Chon Buri's famous dish because a special kind of sea crabs is used as the main ingredient.
* Khao Lam: This specialty is made with sticky rice, sugar and coconut cream cooked in specially-prepared bamboo rods.

Shopping Malls

* The Village Shopping Centre, Sukhumvit Rd - Pattaya's newest shopping centre due to open in October.
* Mike Department Store , Beach Road
* Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road – Three-story indoor mall with a Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum and an SF Multiplex cinema. Also has a Sizzler restaurant, Au Bon Pain, KFC, McDonald's, Auntie * Anne's Pretzels, ZEN Japanese restaurant, Swensen's, Haagen Daz, Pizza Company, Delice de France, and a large food court. The Marriott Hotel is adjacent.
* The Avenue, Second Road (near Royal Garden) is in the midst of a soft opening with the following either open or their spaces being fitted out: a 22 lane Bowling Alley, Au Bon Pain, McDonalds, Thanachart Bank, 8 Major Cineplex theatres, Boots, California Wow! a major gym/fitness spa (open for subscriptions), Shenanigans, Iberry, Pizza Pizza, 20 Nails Spa, Starbucks, Kasikorn Bank, Bank of Ayudhaya, and a 24/7 Villa Market, which carries imported goods difficult to find in other supermarkets.
* TukCom, Pattaya Tai (South) Road, boasts a large computer/IT complex offering reasonable prices.
* An outlet mall is next to the Tesco Lotus selling discount clothing from many European and American brands.

At least one other new large mall is under construction between sois 9 and 10..

Pattaya has many large home improvement stores including Home Mart, HomeWorks, Home Pro, Kanyong and True Value.

The closest department store to Pattaya is Robinson's, located about 30 minutes away in Sri Racha.

There are several large nightly markets in different parts of town.

There are big Thai markets at soi bua kao each Tuesday and Friday.


Nightlife
Pattaya is known for its nightlife. The city has hundreds of beer bars, go go bars, and night clubs/discotheques. The world famous Walking Street is the center of Pattaya's nightlife.

Many bars, discos and nightclubs, as well as several large massage parlours, are venues for sex workers. Other massage parlors exist which provide traditional non-sexual Thai massages.

Since the "social order" crackdown of 2004, there are fewer sex shows (such as the ping pong shows). Depending on the enforcement climate, go go dancers may be seen fully nude, topless or in bikinis on different days or weeks. However, with the political crisis, there is little incentive to be strict about the former laws.

Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches aimed at tourists can be seen at several open-air beer bar complexes.

Boyztown (Pattayaland Soi 1-3), Sunee Plaza, and the Jomtien Complex are famous for their many beer bars, cabarets and go-go clubs catering to a gay clientele. Pattaya has the second largest concentration of gay oriented establishments in Thailand with about 110 venues, after Bangkok with about 200 venues. Many bars specialize in specific types of hosts (slim, muscular, effeminate, etc.), while others have a broad range of men available. There is very little in the way of gay nightclubs or bars in the Western sense; the vast majority of places are no different than the venues that target heterosexuals, both feature sexual entertainment.

Pattaya is known for its cabaret revues featuring kathoeys (male-to-female transsexuals), with Alcazar and Tiffany's being the largest and most elaborate.

Major Hotel operates restaurants, cocktail lounges, discotheques, nightclubs and supper clubs which offer food, drinks, music and international entertainment.

Major Events

● Wan Lai Festival
The heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April comes. People of old were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai New Year. In the central region, the festival is usually held on the 13th, l4th and 15th of April while in the East there is a difference as the water throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th or 19th known as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day).
Chonburi Buffalo Races Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners alike.

● Pattaya Festival
usually held at the middle of April to promote tourism and Pattaya's reputation. Floral floats are paraded along the streets. The Miss Pattaya Beauty contest is held as well as traditional aquatic sports competitions and construction of sand castles. A spectacular fireworks display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also set off. Simultaneously, there are arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale.

● Chonburi Buffalo Races
is held in Chon Buri during October every year. The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing the local fields, such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. Beauty contests add to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.

Thai Food

Thai Food, the taste of magic

Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively blands, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.

With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese. Chillies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America.

Thais were very adapt at 'Siamese-ising' foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other daily products. Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.


Eating & Ordering Thai Food

Thai food is eaten with a fork and spoon. Even single dish meals such as fried rice with pork, or steamed rice topped with roasted duck, are served in bite-sized slices or chunks obviating the need for a knife. The spoon is used to convey food to the mouth.

Ideally, eating Thai food is a communal affair involving two or more people, principally because the greater the number of diners the greater the number of dishes ordered. Generally speaking, two diners order three dishes in addition to their own individual plates of steamed rice, three diners four dishes, and so on. Diners choose whatever they require from shared dishes and generally add it to their own rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with other dishes, not independently. Spicy dishes, not independently. Spicy dishes are "balanced" by bland dishes to avoid discomfort.

The ideal Thai meal is a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally satisfying to eye, nose and palate. A typical meal might include a clear soup (perhaps bitter melons stuffed with minced pork), a steamed dish (mussels in curry sauce), a fried dish (fish with ginger), a hot salad (beef slices on a bed of lettuce, onions, chillies, mint and lemon juice) and a variety of sauces into which food is dipped. This would be followed by sweet desserts and/or fresh fruits such as mangoes, durian, jackfruit, papaya, grapes or melon.

Sweet, Sour, Salt and Heat

What makes Thai food so delicious and distinctive among other Southeast Asian food is the unique blend of fresh herbs, spices and other ingredients that combine for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salt and heat that leaves your mouth feeling clean and your tastebuds popping in the afterglow. Among its many appeals, travel in Thailand should be rated as the world's top destination for a culinary adventure!

I had never been a breakfast eater, but I found the food in Thailand so irresistable that I was soon happily eating three meals a day, and taking full advantage of the street food found everywhere! I often indulged in the traditional Thai breakfast of rice soup with seafood or pork, seasoned with ginger, chiles, cilantro and the omnipresent fish sauce, and crested with crispy fried onion flakes and garlic; on many mornings, on the way to the train or bus or a wat, I joined the throngs of city dwellers for a sweet snack of fresh, juicy papaya spiced up with a salt, sugar and chili dip from a street vendor.

Thai food is now popular in restaurants around the world: green curry with chicken, red curry with beef, pad thai, and irresistably aromatic creations with thai sweet basil, chili and cilantro lording over seafood, chicken or pork. If you want to experience the truly authentic versions of these and less familiar dishes and street food while you travel in Thailand, understanding a few Thai food terms will get you started on your culinary adventure.

Alot of Thai recipes are fairly easy to create in your own kitchen, with the fresh ingredients and cooking utensils now widely available in Asian markets and local produce markets even outside of major cities.

More and more supermarkets are carrying brand name curry powders, curry pastes and other prepared mixes and frozen meals replicating popular Thai dishes, and some are quite good.

But, if you enjoy authenticity, adventure and creativity in your kitchen, try some of the food recipes from the Recipe Box. Once you have a few of the essentials mastered, you'll be infusing the flavours and aromas of Thai cooking into your meals on a regular basis.

Thai Boxing

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV—the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation

The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country’s most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.
In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations. In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states. In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.

An International Passion



Muay Thai, along with soccer, is certainly the most passionately followed sport in the country. Television networks broadcast fights five days a week, and the fight results at major stadiums are reported in all major newspapers. International boxing is also very popular, and the country has produced dozens of world champions, but they all started out as Muay Thai fighters. So it is not surprising that a boy as young as seven or eight would start training to become one—and many do, at stables across the country. Most provincial capitals have a boxing ring, but the ultimate dream of young boxers is to fight at Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen, the biggest and most famous stadiums in the country. Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen alternate, so there is a fight program every night. Tickets on an average evening are 220, 440 and 1,000 baht, but on big nights prices of ringside seats may go up to 2,000 baht. Ratchadamnoen’s Sunday Special rates are good bargains, with ringside tickets going for 500 baht each. Fights usually begins around 6:30 p.m., with preliminary bouts featuring younger, less experienced boxers, and build up towards the main event, usually around nine o’clock.

Muay Thai is fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fight is preceded by a wai khru dance, in which each contestant pays homage to his teachers. Besides the symbolic meaning, the dance is a good warm-up exercise. You will notice that each boxer wears a headband and armbands. The headband, called mongkhol, is believed to bestow luck to the wearer since it has been blessed by a monk or the boxer’s own teacher. Since Buddhism and the teacher play important roles in the life of Thais, the headband is both a lucky charm and a spiritual object. It will be removed after the wai khru dance, and only by the boxer’s trainer. The armbands, meanwhile, are believed to offer protection and are only removed when the fight has ended.

A match is decided by a knockout or by points. Three judges decide who carries the round and the one who wins the most rounds, win the fight. The referee plays a very important role, since boxers’ safety depends on his decision.

To one side of the ring is the band section, comprising a Javanese clarinet, drums and cymbals. They accompany the fight from the homage dance to the conclusion. The tempo goes up as the action inside the ring intensifies. The musicians are mostly old-timers who have seen just about anything, yet their music always makes the heart race faster. It is said that the tune is a siren song that the true Muay Thai devotee can never resist.

On fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, tourists fill up a sizable portion of the seats, and the number is growing. Most opt to sit at ringside, to see the action up close. On nights of major events, usually advertised days in advance, it can be hard to get tickets. You might want to book through your hotels or travel agents.

Equipment used in Thai Boxing Match

Equipment that is necessary for Muay Thai matches must be provided by the stadium. There are a stopwatch, a signal gong, a warning bell, boxing gloves of various sizes according to the rules, equipment to provide water for boxers, and other additional personal accessories for boxers who have not prepared their own such as boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords. Thai boxing can be classified into two major types, the first is muay lak which puts the emphasis on caution and patience, and is very rare nowadays. Theo- ther is muay kiew which is full of tricks and feints performed to catch the opponent off guard.

Basic rules of Thai boxing matches

A 'Muay Thai' match formally have no more than 5 rounds, each round take 3 minutes to last, with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional rounds is allowed.
Boxers must regularly wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 gramm).

The gloves must not be squeezed, kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.

Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.
O Contestants must wear only trunks (red or blue according to their corners) appropriately fit their bodies.
O Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin,Gum shield may be used.
O Wear no shirts nor shoes, but ankle cap is permitted.
O A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight ritual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start of the fight.
O Metal or other equipments that will be harmful to the opponent is prohibited.

Learning Muay Thai

Muay Thai, with its emphasis on both offense and defense as well as on stamina, is a martial art anyone can learn: men, women, young or old. With the interest in Muay Thai growing fast, martial-art schools in Europe, America and Asia have added it to their curricula. Some hire former Muay Thai champions as instructors, others have trainers who studied with Thai teachers. These schools may teach all the right moves and maneuvers, but Muay Thai isn’t just about punches and kicks.

To learn Muay Thai is to learn about its roots and its purpose, and there’s nowhere better to do that than in its homeland. In the past, foreigners wanting “the real thing” would go to one of the stables, where training focuses on professional competition. For those not so inclined, there wasn’t much choice, and language was sometimes a problem. Not anymore, since Thailand now has a school for total Muay Thai education for both professionals and amateurs.

Muay Thai Institute

The Muay Thai Institute was established with the goal of preserving and promoting the art of Muay Thai and making it accessible to all. The Institute, which is located in Rangsit, just north of Bangkok International Airport, offers accredited training courses for boxers, instructors and referees. Opened in 1997, the Institute is run by a professional team of Muay Thai instructors, promoters and officials. Its staff instructors are all former champions, hold at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and speak English. Graduates will received a certificate recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education and the World Muay Thai Council. Since its opening, the school has trained hundreds of amateurs and professionals. Students have come from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and other parts of the world. Thai students, many of them girls and young women, also come for recreational and professional courses.

The Fundamental Muay Thai Program consists of Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Professional levels and takes 120 day to complete. The program was designed to provide students with the historical and cultural background to Muay Thai as well as the physical skills and fitness training. The course includes a study tour to Bangkok’s major stadiums, so students can experience the real thing live.

Muay Thai for Instructors is ideal for those who want to become Muay Thai instructors or to run training schools. The program comprises three 15-day courses.

Muay Thai for Referees and Judges is divided into three levels of proficiency: local, national and international, each taking 15 days.

The Muay Thai Institute occupies a complex next door to Rangsit Stadium. Classes take place in the classroom and in the well-equipped gym. Students have access to the in-house fitness facilities and Muay Thai library. Dormitory-style accommodation, with five bunkbeds to a room, TV, and fridge, and meals are available. The Institute can arrange visa and paperwork for applicants to any of the courses.

Tuition and Fees
Fundamental Muay Thai 1-3: US$ 160 per course
Fundamental Muay Thai 4 (Professional): US$ 1,200
Muay Thai Instructors 1 & 2: US$ 288 per course
Muay Thai Instructors 3: US$ 320
Amature Muay Thai Referees & Judges (International): US$320
Professional Muay Thai Referees & Judges (International): US$320

credit : sawadee

Bangkok

Information

The city of Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep for short, it was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and came to the forefront of Thailand when it was given the status as the capital city in 1768 after the burning of Ayudhya, the former kingdom seat and capital of the Ayuthaya province. It was also ranked by "Travel and Leisure," as the best city in the world for the year 2008.
However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom did not begin until 1782 when the capital was moved across the river after being sacked by the Burmese. The Rattanakosin capital is now more formally called "Phra Nakorn", pertaining to the ancient boundaries in the metropolis' core and the name Bangkok now incorporates the urban build-up since the 18th century which has its own public administration and governor.
In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has been the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for much of South East Asia and Indochina as well. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education and entertainment as well as being a business, financial and cultural center of Asia has given Bangkok the status of a global city.
Bangkok is the world's 22nd largest city by population with approximately 8,160,522 registered residents (July 2007), but due to large unregistered influxes of migrants from the North East of Thailand and of many nations across Asia, the population of greater Bangkok is estimated at nearly 15 million people.[citation needed] This has in turn shifted the country from being a rather homogenous Thai population to increasingly a more vibrant mix of Western, Indian and Chinese people. The capital is part of the heavily urbanized triangle of central and eastern region of Thailand which stretches from Nakhon Ratchasima along Bangkok to the industrialized eastern seaboard.
The Bangkok Province borders six other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom, and all five provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area.

History
The town of Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River before the establishment of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. The etymology of the town's name is unclear. Bang is the Central Thai name for a town situated on the bank of a river. It is believed that "Bangkok" derived from either Bang Kok, kok (กอก) being the Thai name for one or more olive-bearing fruits (olive in Thai is makok [มะกอก]); or Bang Koh, koh meaning "island," a reference to the area's landscape which was carved by rivers and canals.
After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese Kingdom in 1767, the newly declared King Taksin established a new capital in the area of then-Bangkok, which became known as Thonburi. When Taksin's reign ended in 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke reconstructed the capital on the east bank of the river and gave the city a ceremonial name (see below) which became shortened to its current official name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (which, like "Los Angeles", means "city of angels"). The new city, however, also inherited the name Bangkok, which continued to be used by foreigners to refer to the entire city and became its official English name, while in Thai the name still refers only to the old district on the west bank of the river. The city has since vastly modernized and undergone numerous changes, including the introduction of transportation and utility infrastructure in the reigns of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn, and quickly developed into the economic center of Thailand.

Full name
The full ceremonial name of the city given by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, and later edited by King Mongkut, is:
Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
This ceremonial name is composed in combination of two ancient Indian languages, Pāli and Sanskrit. According to the romanisation of these languages, it can actually be written as Krung-dēvamahānagara amararatanakosindra mahindrayudhyā mahātilakabhava navaratanarājadhānī purīramya utamarājanivēsana mahāsthāna amaravimāna avatārasthitya shakrasdattiya vishnukarmaprasiddhi. It translates to "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam".
Local school children are taught the full name, although few can explain its meaning because many of the words are archaic, and unknown to all but a few. Most Thais who do recall the full name do so as a result of its use in a popular song, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (1989) by Asanee-Wasan Chotikul and will often recount it by recalling the song at the same time, much in the same way that English speakers might sing the alphabet song while reciting the English alphabet.
The full name of the city is listed by Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest place name.

Geography
The Bangkok special administrative area covers 1,568.7 km2 (606 sq mi), making it the 68th largest province in Thailand. Much of the area is considered the city of Bangkok, therefore making it one of the largest cities in the world.[3] The Chao Phraya River, which stretches 372 km (231 mi), is Bangkok's main geographical feature. The Chao Phraya River basin, the area surrounding Bangkok, and the nearby provinces comprise a series of plains and river deltas that lead into the Bay of Bangkok about 30 km (19 mi) south of the city center. This gave rise to Bangkok's appellation as the "Venice of the East" due to the number of canals and passages that divide the area into separate patches of land. The city once used these canals, which were plentiful within Bangkok itself, as divisions for city districts. However, as the city grew in the second half of the 20th century, the plan was abandoned and a different system of division was adopted.
Bangkok lies about two meters (6.5 ft) above sea level, which causes problems for the protection of the city against floods during the monsoon season. Often after a downpour, water in canals and the river overflows the banks, resulting in massive floods. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently installed higher banks alongside some canals to keep water levels from reaching street level. There are however some downsides for Bangkok's extensive canal routes, as the city is rumored to be sinking an average of two inches a year as it lies entirely on a swamp.
Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification system. Average temperatures in the city are about 2 °C (3.6 °F) higher than the ones shown for the Don Mueang Airport during the 1960-1990 period. Absolute maxima is 40.8 °C (105.4 °F) and absolute minima is 9.9 °C (49.8 °F). The coldest temperatures were recorded in January 1924, January 1955, January 1974 and December 1999. The coldest daytime maximum temperature was 22.3 °C (72 °F), recorded in December 1999. Hailstorms are virtually unheard of in the city, with only one having been recorded in the past fifty years.

Districts
Bangkok has 50 districts or khet, which mark the administrative subdivisions under the authority of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. These are further subdivided into 154 khwaeng , roughly equivalent to sub-districts tambon in the other provinces.
1. Phra Nakhon
2. Dusit
3. Nong Chok
4. Bang Rak
5. Bang Khen
6. Bang Kapi
7. Pathum Wan
8. Pom Prap Sattru Phai
9. Phra Khanong
10. Min Buri
11. Lat Krabang
12. Yan Nawa
13. Samphanthawong
14. Phaya Thai
15. Thon Buri
16. Bangkok Yai
17. Huai Khwang
18. Khlong San
19. Taling Chan
20. Bangkok Noi
21. Bang Khun Thian
22. Phasi Charoen
23. Nong Khaem
24. Rat Burana
25. Bang Phlat
26. Din Daeng
27. Bueng Kum
28. Sathon
29. Bang Sue
30. Chatuchak
31. Bang Kho Laem
32. Prawet
33. Khlong Toei
34. Suan Luang
35. Chom Thong
36. Don Mueang
37. Ratchathewi
38. Lat Phrao
39. Watthana
40. Bang Khae
41. Lak Si
42. Sai Mai
43. Khan Na Yao
44. Saphan Sung
45. Wang Thonglang
46. Khlong Sam Wa
47. Bang Na
48. Thawi Watthana
49. Thung Khru
50. Bang Bon

However, these district areas might not accurately represent functional divisions of Bangkok's neighborhoods. Throughout the years, Bangkok has grown from a city scattered along the river to a metro area that spans as many as six provinces. The city's main business districts and residential areas are continuously expanding. The influx of foreigners from Western countries as well as immigrants from neighboring Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and many other Asian countries along with the growth of the Thai population has stemmed hundreds of housing projects around the metro area, developing communities along the outskirts. Within years, these communities are engulfed by the greater Bangkok and become another part of this urban jungle.
The most important business districts of Bangkok include Silom, Bangrak, Pinklao, Sathon, Phra Ram 2, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon, Pathumwan, Chatuchak (new central business district), and Phra Ram 3 (new financial center).
As the city expanded on the outskirts, the inner city has nowhere to grow but up. The city has a registered 1,000 skyscrapers and ranks 17th as the world's tallest city.This does not include hundreds of new buildings predicted as part of the construction boom in 2007 and the coming years. Areas such as Silom-Sathon and Asok have for decades been Thailand's business center. From 1985 to 1996, Thailand experienced the world's highest growth rates and underwent an economic transformation, Bangkok went through dramatic changes.[citation needed] The Ratchadaphisek area was turned into a business district which continued through the Asok area up north for five kilometers (3 mi). The Sukhumvit area, stretching 15-20 km (9–12 mi), gradually turned into a mixed commercial and residential area. Wireless Road and Chitlom are where some of Bangkok's most expensive land plots exist. Part of the British Embassy on the corner of Wireless and Rama I Roads, nine rai or approximately 14,400 m2 (155,000 sq ft) in area, was sold for USD 92 million or THB 3.24 billion.
Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district alongside Dusit is where most governmental agencies and ministries have their offices. Most of the well-known tourist attractions are also in this particular area due its cultural & historical heritage. This part of Bangkok is perhaps the most popular for tourists as most notable attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Democracy Monument, the Giant Swing, Sanam Luang and other venues are located here. Thon Buri also has its fair share of historic monuments mainly located near the river, such as Wat Arun. The Victory Monument in Bangkok is one of the city's biggest bus destinations. Although not officially a bus depot, its location in the center of city transits as many as 20 bus lines as well as a BTS Skytrain station. Starting from Victory Monument, Phahonyothin road early sois are occupied by ministries, government agencies, commercial buildings as well as upper-middle class residential areas. Further to the north, after the Lat Phrao/Phahonyothin intersection, the Northern Corridor is an expanding business district, where the famous Elephant Building can be found.
Bangkok's north and eastern areas are primarily residential areas for middle class residents of Bangkok. Whereas the inner city often has small apartments and low rises for poor immigrants, Lat Phrao and Si Nakharin offer residential compounds and townhouses. The two areas cover as much as 100 km2 (40 sq mi) to 150 km2 (60 sq mi) each, and have turned into what is now part of Bangkok as more suburban housing developments sprawl further out to the east and north. The west of Bangkok in Thon Buri is another growing area, approaching the degree of development experienced by the north and east. Suvarnabhumi Airport in the east is seen as a jump start for the eastern expansion of Bangkok as Don Mueang was for the north.
Ratchaprasong is at the forefront of Bangkok's shopping scene. The newly renovated Central World Plaza intends to serve as a square to Bangkokians. Just up the street is Siam Square, similar to Shinjuku in Tokyo and Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus in London. The Sukhumvit area also serves as a shopping district for foreigners. The popular Chatuchak Weekend Market in the north of the city is where many people head for cheap, used and high quality products.
Bangkok's poorest districts are spread throughout the city. However, the most concentrated area is just north of the Port of Bangkok at the turn of the Chao Phraya River. For an area of 10 square kilometres (4 sq mi), the Khlong Toei district houses one of the poorest areas in the country with half-built houses and midrises for immigrants and workers from the northeast Isan provinces.

Green zones and major parks
Bangkok has large sections of greenery either preserved by the Department of National Forestry or designated as green zones. The city however, continues to lack a green belt development as economic activity continues to pour into the capital, resulting in massive housing projects along the suburbs.
Bangkok is known for its large green sections within the city centre, including the large forest park between Yannawa and Samut Prakan. This part of the city covers an area of over 50 km2 (19 sq mi). and is intended to buffer the CBD from the large industries of the west and south of Metropolitan Bangkok. Other areas include Bung Makkasan, an urban city buffer for residences, sections of many major roads which have unbuilt swamps and green fields. Some of these areas are intentionally undeveloped for protecting against urbanization, while others are land lost during the Asian Financial Crisis.
Lumphini Park is regionally famous. Renowned as Bangkok's Central Park, it was built in the early 1920s by Rama VI with this intent. It has since been used to hold grand pageants, ceremonies of the Thai constitution, and was a camp for Japanese soldiers during World War II. On Sundays, the western gates are open for runners to run on to Silom Road. The park is normally closed at night due to the incidences of vandalism, robberies and murders reported. Chatuchak Park and Rama IX Park are two of Bangkok's largest parks. The two, built in the past 50 years cater to Bangkok's suburban population are enormous and include botanic gardens, sports clubs and complexes, English/French/Japanese gardens and parks as well as large ponds and lakes. Other famous parks include Queen Sirikit Park near Lat Yao, Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit, Saranrom Park across the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, Suan Romaneenat, and Dusit Park.

Demographics
The 2005 Statistics report by the BMA Data Center notes a registered population of 5,658,953. However, this figure does not take into account the many unregistered residents. Recently, Bangkok has experienced a large influx of foreign immigrants, long-term residents, and expatriates. Long-term foreign residents include 250,000 mainland Chinese, 85,000 Indians (most of whom are Sikh), of whom more than 80% have dual Thai citizenship, 30,000 Japanese (the largest Japanese population in Asia outside Japan), 25,000 Americans, 45,000 Europeans, 15,000 Taiwanese, 20,000 South Koreans, 6,000 Nigerians, 7,500 Australians, 12,000 people of Arabic speaking countries, 20,000 Malaysians, 4,000 Singaporeans, 5,000 Filipinos, and 800 New Zealanders. A vast majority of the population, 92%, is Buddhist. The rest are Muslim (6%), Christian (1%), Jewish (41 residents), Hindu/Sikh (0.6%), and others. There are some 400 Buddhist temples, 55 mosques, 10 churches, 2 Hindu Temples, 2 synagogues and 1 Sikh gurudwara in Bangkok.

Transportation

-River and canals network
An elaborate network of canals known as khlongs gave Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East" at a time when most transportation was by boat. Today, nearly all of the canals have been filled in and converted into streets. While many khlongs still exist with people living along them and markets often being operated along the banks, most are severely polluted. A notable khlong market is the floating market in Taling Chan district. Through downtown Bangkok runs the Khlong Saen Saeb, which has a canal boat service, the most extensive of which is the Chao Phraya Express Boat with as many as thirty stops along the both banks of the Saen Saeb. However, there are limitations as the further north the route is the farther apart the stations are, impeding the ability of this water taxi to function as a true mass transit system.

-Roads
Several elevated highways, newly rebuilt intersections, and many partially finished road and rail projects dot the landscape around greater Bangkok, but have done little to overcome the notorious traffic jams on Bangkok's surface roads as private vehicle usage continues to outstrip infrastructure development.
Bangkok also includes many shopping and business roads like the Sukhumvit Road which includes highrise business buildings, apartments, and shopping malls, Sukhumvit Road is where many foreigners like to come shopping. The Wireless Road or Thanon Wittayu include the Stock Exchange of Thailand and many business buildings like the All Seasons Place Complex which includes the Conrad Bangkok, a shopping mall, and many other business offices. The Thanon Khaosan or Khaosan Road is also well-known by foreigners. One of the popular shopping roads for teenagers is Rama I road, which has the Siam Paragon, Siam Square, and the Siam Discovery Center.

-Inner-City Buses
A regular bus service is provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and it operates throughout Bangkok as well as to adjoining provinces around the clock on certain routes. Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 7 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 13 and 25 baht, respectively.A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops.

-Rail systems
On the birthday of HM King Rama IX, 5 December 1999, an elevated two-line Skytrain (officially called BTS) metro system was opened. The remains of the failed BERTS (Hopewell) project can still be seen all the way from the main railroad station out towards Don Mueang Airport. Due to the Asian financial crisis of 1997 construction was halted and the concrete pillars were left unused.
The MRT subway system opened for use in July 2004. The MRT connects the northern train station of Bang Sue to the Hua Lamphong central railway station near the city centre, while also going through the eastern part of Bangkok. It connects to the BTS system at BTS stations Mo Chit, Asok, and Sala Daeng.
Currently, transit and development projects initiated by ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin are gaining in popularity with the currently elected government, and have a possibility of being resumed and extended.
A new high speed elevated railroad called the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link, currently under construction, will link the city with the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. The announced opening date has been pushed to back to 2009. The Airport Express railway is to be operated by the State Railway of Thailand. It will provide a 28.5 km (17.7 mi) link between the new airport and the City Air Terminal (CAT) at Makkasan with connections to the BTS at Phaya Thai and MRT at Petchburi. There are plans to extend the line to Don Mueang and Rangsit, but again, this is very dependent on the political situation.
Plans have been approved for a further extension of the BTS Silom line from Wong Wian Yai to Bangwah (4.5 km/2.8 mi), Sumrong to Samut Prakarn (8 km/5.0 mi), Mo Chit to Saphan Mai (11.9 km/7.4 mi) and the National Stadium to Phran Nok (7.7 km/4.8 mi). This includes five underground stations in the Rattanakosin area. The State Railway of Thailand has also been given approval to complete the Dark Red and Light Green lines. Alongside, MRT has also begun construction on two new lines, the Purple line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue, and the Blue line from Hua Lampong to Bang Khae and Ta Pra.
For intercity travel by train, most passengers begin their trips at Hua Lamphong at the southern end of the MRT. Here, trains connect Bangkok to Malaysia in the south, Chiang Mai to the north, and Nong Khai to the northeast and beyond to Laos which due to open within 2008.

Airports
Bangkok is one of Asia's most important air transport hubs. In 2005, more than ninety airlines served Don Mueang International Airport (IATA: DMK; ICAO: VTBD). It was the 18th busiest airport in the world, second busiest in Asia by passenger volume, 15th busiest in the world and fourth busiest in Asia in international passenger volume. Don Mueang consistently ranked 19th in the world in cargo traffic, and seventh in the Asia-Pacific region. Don Mueang is considered to be one of the world's oldest international airports, its opening in March 1914 making it almost twenty years older than London Heathrow. It has three terminals and is located about 30 km (19 mi) north from the heart of Bangkok.
On 28 September 2006, Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK; ICAO: VTBS), became Bangkok's official international airport, replacing Don Mueang. Pronounced Suwannaphum (RTGS), or loosely Su-wan-na-poom, the airport is located southeast of the city center in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province.
The progress of Suvarnabhumi Airport dates back to the early 1970s when a large plot of land 8,000 acres (32 km²) was bought. A student uprising in October of the same year prevented further progress with the development when the military government of Thanom Kittikachorn was subsequently overthrown. After several military coups and the Asian financial crisis of 1997, construction finally began in 2002, after five years of clearing the site. The first flights landed in September 2006, shortly after another military coup. Its two parallel runways are connected by the five concourses of the main terminal building. The airport features a 132.2-metre (434 ft)-tall control tower, the tallest in Asia and one meter (3.2 ft) taller than Kuala Lumpur International Airport control tower. It is the tallest stand alone purpose built control tower in the world.Airports of Thailand Plc. (AoT) have announced another terminal to accommodate a further fifteen million passengers. This will be part of Phase 2 of the airport, which is expected to begin construction in three to five years. The main airline of Suvarnabhumi is Thai Airways International.
Much of the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport took place during the premiership of Thaksin Shinawatra, who took personal responsibility for its timely completion. Despite a "ceremonial" opening on the planned date, construction was over a year late. Continuing controversy surrounds the quality of planning and construction; accusations include cracks in the runway, overheated buildings, a severe shortage of toilet facilities and lengthy passenger walks to departure gates. The fact that the airport is already overcrowded and near its maximum capacity less than a year after opening is another concern.
Don Mueang remains in use as a base of the Royal Thai Air Force. Thai Airways and most of the low-cost airlines now use the airport for domestic flights, in an effort to ease congestion at Suvarnabhumi, until the next terminal is opened.

Festivals and Events

-Bangkok Songkran Festival 12 April-14
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city where locals and tourists play water by the water-throwing activities.

-Royal Ploughing Ceremony May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe, is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

-H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration 12 August
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.

-Trooping of the Colours December
Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.

-H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations 5 December
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.