Tours Thailand™

Thai Yoga Massage for Couples

2011-12-24T05:22:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $29.95 Price : $29.95

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Practice yoga and do massage at the same time with your partner!

Inspired by 2,500 years of tradition and a desire to bring peace and domestic harmony into your most intimate relationships, Thai Yoga Massage for Couples is a simple, easy-to-follow practice you can do at home, anytime, in 60 minutes.

Thai Yoga Massage is commonly referred to as passive yoga in the West. In this meditative massage, you can practice familiar yoga poses such as the Tree, Cobra, and Corpse pose. What is unique about Thai Yoga Massage is that its done with a partner and both the giver and recipient receive the benefits of stretching, balancing of Sen (Energy) lines, and experiencing peace of mind.

Tracy Dietz/CMT trained at International Training Massage-ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand, demonstrates a 60 minute massage sequence (which has been abbreviated for the West as in Thailand, this massage is usually 3 hours long -- including a 30 minute Supine or 15 minute Seated position.)

This abbreviated 60 minute version has been specially designed to accommodate the lifestyles of hectic Westerners, their stressed bodies and relationships.

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Abortion, Sin and the State in Thailand (ASAA Women in Asia Series)

2011-12-23T09:16:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $170.00 Price : $144.20

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This book discusses abortion in a non-Western, non-Christian context - in Thailand, where over 300,000 illegal abortions are performed each year by a variety of methods. The book, based on extensive original research in the field, examines a wide range of issues, including stories of the real-life dilemmas facing women, popular representations of abortion in the media, the history of the debate in Thailand and its links to politics. Overall, the work highlights the voices of women and their subjective experiences and perceptions of abortion, and places these 'women's stories' in an analysis of broader socio-political gender and power relations that structure sexuality and women's reproductive health decisions.

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Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides)

2011-12-22T00:14:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $24.95 Price : $14.16

Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides) Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

Lots of detailed info & resources. Sloppy editing., February 2, 2007

TCL (Guilford, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides) (Paperback)

This book is Pre -tsunami. & Pre-enviromental-ban for Sipadan

CONS:
1) This edition is basically the same as the 2nd edition. If you have #2 then you don't really need #3. Just call ahead and make sure the LDS info is correct.

2) Although some of the information may have been updated since the 2nd edition, sloppy editing ruins the book. Maps are not on the page indexed and are not on the page referred to in the paragraph. You'd really expect better editing and not just #2 regurgitated with add-on info.

3) Many of the contributors also have their own Dive Guide/Book published, so you may find some duplicate info.

4) Doesn't list all major dive shops in the area, (but it comes pretty close). Doesn't list dive shops on the smaller islands (not even reputable ones).

5) Publishing company extremely rude (Periplus Singapore) and unhelpful to the public when called at the number listed.

PROS:... Read more

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Really enjoyed flipping through this, June 20, 2010

Paul Lawrence "'EJL'" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides) (Paperback)

Picking this up was a spur of the moment decision and one I'm quite happy with. As only an occasional diver (pesky right eustacian tube) there isn't much chance I'll get to even a quarter of the sites listed here but by golly there are a lot. All sorts of mouth water bits of info are slung the readers way and if you want some inspiration for your next dive holiday then flicking through this book is certainly a great way to make your credit cards quake in fear.

As to specifics, the book is well set out, nicely presented with lots of lovely photos and has plenty of information for budding dive holiday takers. Of course in any work of this kind there is always going to be the issue of information becoming out of date and therefore you really shouldn't take every contact detail etc provided here as gospel, but for heavens sake you are going to do some checking of this sort of stuff before you go so it's unlikely to ruin your holiday.

There is a reference section... Read more

Diving in the South Seas, October 14, 2010

Flashjp (U.S.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Diving Southeast Asia: A Guide to the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand (Periplus Action Guides) (Paperback)

Very informative, nice photos too. Aided me in deciding where I'm going to go in that part of the world next summer. Arrived quickly and suitably priced.

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Financial Systems in Developing Economies: Growth, Inequality and Policy Evaluation in Thailand

2011-12-21T01:38:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $85.00 Price : $64.59

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Unique in its approach and in the variety of methods and data employed, this book is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth evaluation of the financial system of Thailand, a proto-typical Asian developing economy. Using a wealth of primary source qualitative and quantitative data, including survey data collected by the author, it evaluates the impact of specific financial institutions, markets for credit and insurance, and government policies on growth, inequality, and poverty at the macro, regional, and village level in Thailand. Useful not only as a guide to the Thai economy but more importantly as a means of assessing the impact that financial institutions and policy variation can have at the macro- and micro-level, including the distribution of gains and losses, this book will be invaluable to academics and policymakers with an interest in development finance.

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Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason, and Lèse-Majesté (Rethinking Southeast Asia)

2011-12-20T03:10:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $125.00 Price : $104.12

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Since 2005, Thailand has been in crisis, with unprecedented political instability and the worst political violence seen in the country in decades. In the aftermath of a military coup in 2006, Thailand's press freedom ranking plunged, while arrests for lèse-majesté have skyrocketed to levels unknown in the modern world. Truth on Trial in Thailand traces the 110-year trajectory of defamation-based laws in Thailand. The most prominent of these is lèse-majesté, but defamation aspects also appear in laws on sedition and treason, the press and cinema, anti-communism, contempt of court, insulting of religion, as well as libel. This book makes the case that despite the appearance of growing democratization, authoritarian structures and urges still drive politics in Thailand; the long-term effects of defamation law adjudication has skewed the way that Thai society approaches and perceives "truth."

Employing the work of Habermas, Foucault, Agamben, and Schmitt to construct an alternative framework to understand Thai history, Streckfuss contends that Thai history has become "suspended" since 1958, and repeatedly declining to face the truth of history has set the stage for an endless state of crisis.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of South East Asian politics, Asian history, and media and communication.

Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason, and Lèse-Majesté (Rethinking Southeast Asia) Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

Truth tried and yet untried, October 24, 2010

Brian Knight "BK" (Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason, and L�se-Majest� (Rethinking Southeast Asia) (Hardcover)

David Streckfuss is a direct and honest story-teller, describing in this well-researched academic book a compendium of conundrum, Thailand's criminal defamation 'ethic.' With years of research, study and personal experience at the helm, Streckfuss takes the open-minded reader into what seems an intractable problem - how to come to grips with decades of lies and violence perpetrated by a dangerous and yet fearful elite bent on preserving their dominated status quo at all costs, using the revered Thai monarchy as shield and cause-célèbre.
Dr. Streckfuss is joined in an earlier work by FEDERICO FERRARA, Assistant Professor with the Department of Asian and International Studies at the City University of Hong Kong ([...]), who wrote one of the most frank accounts of Thailand's innate character in his book Thailand Unhinged, by Equinox Publishing.
Streckfuss' book, however, is written as an academic work and by having done so the researcher and avid campaigner... Read more

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

for the serious observer of Thai society/politics/law, November 12, 2010

J. Kevin Acers - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason, and L�se-Majest� (Rethinking Southeast Asia) (Hardcover)

Thailand markets itself to tourists as a laid back place with easily accessible charms. Those who have lived there and peered beneath the surface of the veneer (just like anywhere else) have seen some of the warts. Institutionalized warts--codified warts related to a construct of national security/limitations on freedom of speech/opportunistic political exploitation of those limitations--are the subject of this book. It is an academic's piece-de-resistance, a thorough and careful analysis of the conundrum of using the legal code to control speech and loyalty, with disastrous absurdity. Dave Streckfuss knows his stuff. The book is for serious students of what's-wrong-with-this-picture? in the context of Thailand. It is also a clarion call for reform, a wagging of red flags that the authorities in Thailand would be wise to attend to--with a near certainty that they will not, if for no other reason than they have painted themselves into a corner, for to advocate change of the defamation... Read more

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Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches

2011-12-19T21:42:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $19.99 Price : $4.00

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As well as providing practical travel advice, this travel guide includes background information on Thailand's islands and beaches. To assist travellers in transit, this guide also covers Bangkok.

Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

Wait for next version - No tsunami updated, June 27, 2005

Pablo Nicolas Pecora "PnP!" (Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches (Paperback)

Despite all SE Asia - tsunami affected guides - say: "you can update online" you don't get lot of information on their website.
Practically half of the areas detailed by this book is affected by the tsunami. The information is good, but not certain due to all the problems in the area. I've been in the andaman beaches and the guide was usefull, but I would wait for next version of this book. Lonely Planet Thailand (the next version, tsunami updated) is ready in august 2005, I think. So it's worth waiting...

A very helpful guide to a very beautiful part of the world, June 17, 2009

Pretzels! (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches (Paperback)

Although I didn't make it to half the places in this book, I certainly enjoyed reading about them, and more importantly, thoroughly enjoyed the places I did make it to.

Remember: this is the guide to use if you're only going to LOS (the Land of Smiles) to island hop. Use the general Thailand book if you want to see the mainland as well as the beaches (it will detail quite a few of the islands and beaches as well.)

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

A Paradise awaiting the reader and the traveler, August 19, 2007

Dodie Cross (Palm Desert, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Thailand's Islands & Beaches (Paperback)

I started reading Loney Planet years ago when I planned my trip to Thailand and have never been disappointed. I am an author and my memoir, soon to be released, takes place in Thailand in 1993. The beauty then and now has not changed in the outer islands. I would recommend anyone visiting Thailand to read this book first to get a feel of the country and its wonderful people.
Dodie Cross, Author of A Broad Abroad in Thailand: An Expat's Misadventures in The Land of Smiles.

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How To Safely Buy Real Estate In Thailand

2011-12-19T14:22:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $19.95 Price : $17.53

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Buyers of offshore real estate property can be divided into two categories: The fortunate buyers who actually receive the property they paid for and the unfortunate ones who end up losing their money in offshore real estate fiascos or end up with a lemon of a property. Although the fortunate buyers outnumber the unfortunate, ventures in purchasing real estate offshore still end up badly for too many people. Did you know that the difference between fortunate and unfortunate buyers is sheer luck, not more business savvy on one side than the other? Fortunate buyers are lucky enough to buy from one of the reliable developers doing business overseas. Do not let luck dictate offshore real estate purchases. Learn how to buy offshore real estate safely from the author of the Rene Philippe Developer Test, an easy do-it-yourself test designed to help buyers to check the reliability of real estate developers. Learn all about the critical issues and the many pitfalls awaiting the unwary buyer. Rene Philippe approaches the subject in a manner clear, easy to understand and conductive to reflection and questioning. His objective is not only to impart knowledge and experience but also to raise buyers' awareness of the potential dangers that are awaiting them and how to avoid them. A member of the Geneva Bar, Author René-Philippe Dubout has been a lawyer since 1988. He practiced as a litigator in Switzerland for 10 years before moving to Thailand in 1999. In 2002, he founded Rene Philippe & Partners with a group of Thai lawyers. He lectures in several Thai Universities and is a regular favorite at numerous conferences and seminars. In addition to his expertise as an authority in real estate, Rene Philippe Dubout, is also an accomplished Swiss attorney with a background in international business, transactional law and arbitration. As an expatriate living and working in Thailand for more than 10 years, he founded Rene Philippe & Partners Ltd in 2002. A leader in his field, Rene Philippe has been recognized as “the real-estate veteran” (Bangkok Post 29.05.09) and “real estate finance expert and author” (Herald Sun [Australia] 28.06.09). He is also a member of the JFCCT3 Property Meeting and is actively trying to improve the rights of foreign buyers in Thailand. As a lecturer on international private law in the Asia Institute of Technology master degree program, Rene is an accomplished speaker who has been invited to many events in Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. He has also published many articles in local magazines. His books include the must-have and well-received How to Safely Buy Real Estate in Thailand, nominated for the USA Book News National Best Book Award category in business/real estate and well received by the Thai press and numerous readers. He is currently working on his next book, “How to Safely Invest in Thailand” to be published in October of 2010. His email address is: contact@renephilippe.com Follow the author’s blog www.doingbusinessthailand.com

How To Safely Buy Real Estate In Thailand Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Purchasing property in Thailand, June 15, 2009

Skerrett Don "Don Skerrett" (Divonne, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How To Safely Buy Real Estate In Thailand (Paperback)

To own property in a warm,sunny and friendly country is a powerful desire.It can also be a financial trap for the unwary and uninformed. Rene Philippe's book is an easy to read practical guide on what you need to know to make a safe property investment particularly in Thailand. If you want to avoid financial loss and emotional grief, read this book before you buy.

Great Book, November 11, 2010

SMW "SMW" (KSA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How To Safely Buy Real Estate In Thailand (Paperback)

I have read this book cover to cover twice. I currently own offshore real estate and want to buy more. The information provided is directly relevant to Thailand, but also provides good guidelines and practices for purchases elsewhere. The book is put forward in an easy to digest format which is not too technical for the average investor.

Bottom line, I found it extremely informative with current and useful information. If you are considering buying offshore real estate, this book is a must read.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Avoid losing your life savings., October 8, 2010

goulash38dd "goulash38dd" (Ellijay, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How To Safely Buy Real Estate In Thailand (Paperback)

This is the only book I've read concerning buying real estate in Thailand that is written by a lawyer. My Canadian friend and I both have copies of the book and enjoy discussing the sections. Other books on buying an abode in Thailand are written by an English business person and a Thai lady married to an American who lives in the U.S.A. Why trust your life savings to hear say? This book is written by an attorney. Many fine points gone over. I will be purchasing a condominium. Friends have set up corporations, leased land, built houses for their Thai wives. Some are horror stories, but they are true. I will be investing a large part of my nest egg in a condominium. Without a pension, I must not make a mistake. This book can help. For 625 baht at Asia Books, a must. The exchange rate keeps getting worse. This book even mentions not accepting the first exchange rate offered you by the banks, but to negotiate.

Look at downtown Bangkok. See the many unfinished... Read more

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Alternate Routes Koh Samui

2011-12-19T02:49:00.001-08:00

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Tracking the Tigers: Flying Tiger, OSS and Free Thai Operations in World War II Thailand

2011-12-17T21:50:00.001-08:00

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In early 1990, two hill tribe hunters stumbled across airplane wreckage in a remote area of north Thailand. The author's attempt to identify the aircraft and its mission, set him off on a hunt that went on for almost ten years. A lot of history was uncovered in the process - and some old mysteries were solved.

It turned out that the airplane had belonged to the famed American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tigers. The author worked closely with surviving Flying Tiger pilots to identify the aircraft and its mission. Attempting to account for the pilot - a prisoner of the Japanese who was exfiltrated from Thailand under mysterious circumstances - led the author to the Free Thai Movement, Thailand's anti-Japanese underground. Working with Free Thai officers took the author to the OSS, the Office of Strategic Services, America's first strategic intelligemce service, and forerunner to the CIA.

The hunt turned into an adventure in the discovery of history. Interviews with AVG pilots, with Free Thai and OSS officers, gave the author a first hand look at some very colorful aspects of Wortld War II history that were little known in Thailand, and even less so to the world outside.

This book pulls together the pieces of a story that tells the history of AVG Flying Tiger, Free Thai and OSS operations in World War II Thailand - and of the hunt that brought that history into view.

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Charmaine Solomon's Thai Cookbook: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Exciting Cuisine

2011-12-17T05:42:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $21.95 Price : $49.86

Charmaine Solomon's Thai Cookbook: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Exciting Cuisine Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Get the hardcover edition if you can, July 25, 2002

glbb (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charmaine Solomon's Thai Cookbook: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Exciting Cuisine (Paperback)

I own this hardcover edition along with Solomon's Complete Asian Cooking book and her Encyclopedia of Asian Food. This is a physically large book, resplendent with lovely color photos and yummy recipes. I would use it for the Mee Grob alone, which I cannot get for love nor money in the Minneapolis area. The Kaeng Masaman is just like in the restaurants (I'm getting hungry) and the noodles with bbq'ed pork are great. This is a good book for those wanting to delve far into Thai cooking, but for more generic "world" cooks like me I find I actually reach more often for Solomon's "Complete Asian Cooking" book, which also has many tempting Thai recipes as well as recipes from at least 15 other Asian countries. However if it's only Thai you want, this is the book for you, complete with glossary of ingredients and notes on pronouncing Thai words. Beware Pad Thai lovers -- there's no recipe for it in this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Lemongrass, chilli and basil delight., August 9, 2000

Rob (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charmaine Solomon's Thai Cookbook: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Exciting Cuisine (Paperback)

Charmaine Solomon has written a wonderful book for all those interested in the flavours and tastes of Thai cuisine. Charmaine, now a long time resident of Sydney which boasts thousands of Thai restaurants, de-mystifies many of the staples of Thai cuisine. She easily conveys how to make a green curry paste from scratch, how to get the perfect textured fish cake and how to make a wonderful pepper and coriander marinade for chicken.

The only downside to the paperback version of this book compared to the hardback version is the lack of colour photos. I have tried many of the recipes and found her writing style easy to follow and her instructions concise and clear. Charmaine also adds cultural and historical notes to round out the full picture of this great cuisine. I have had the pleasure of attending a Thai cooking class conducted by Charmaine and her husband Rueben. The book is filled with the same infectious love for cooking Asian food as her class was.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Good recipes, not enough photos, August 5, 2000

"drchrisyeo" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charmaine Solomon's Thai Cookbook: A Complete Guide to the World's Most Exciting Cuisine (Paperback)

Charmaine Solomon has some of the best receipes for the novice Thai cook. This book is full of her wonderful recipes that if followed carefully will never fail to help you produce quite an impressive feast. However, this book also comes in a hard cover edition that has not only similar or better recipes but also many more good photographs to inspire you by. This book literally pales in comparison, hence the three stars.

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Complete Book of Thai Cooking

2011-12-16T20:09:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $24.95 Price : $16.69

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Authentic Thai dishes prepared at home.

Thai food is best known for its bold flavors and manages an exquisite balance of spicy, sour, salty and sweet. For home cooks who love Thai food, Linda Stephen demystifies this cuisine and readily brings its authentic flavors to family meals.

Drawing on her extensive travels to Thailand, where she conducts tours and cooking classes, the author captures her love of Thai cuisine and shares her experiences. Her outstanding recipes require a minimum of preparation time, use simplified techniques, and result in colorful, fragrant dishes that seduce the senses.

A sampling of these magical dishes:

Starters: spring rolls with pork and shrimp; pumpkin and coconut soup
Perennial favorites: green mango salad; Pad Thai; garlic shrimp
Dishes to awaken the palate: chili beef with peppers; glazed spare ribs; chicken with asparagus and mint; sweet and sour scallops
Curries: green curry with chicken and eggplant; tofu with red curry; massaman beef curry; stir-fried curried pork satay
Vegetable side dishes: green beans with cashews and chilies; asparagus and tofu with roasted chili paste
Finishing touches: sticky rice with mango; Thai iced coffee.

Linda Stephen also adapts many common dishes to reflect Thai flavors, including Thai-style pulled pork and roasted chicken.

In these 200 delicious and authentic recipes illustrated with lush color photography, the author's expertise truly shines.

Complete Book of Thai Cooking Reviews

Our Favorite Cookbook from Front to Back, April 25, 2011

Terri Hood (Atascadero, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Book of Thai Cooking (Paperback)

My husband and I love Thai food. We purchased several Thai and Asian cookbooks, but their complexity, ingredients, and organization were daunting for 2 newbies to Asian cooking. Then we chanced upon Linda Stephen's Complete Book of Thai Cooking. Attractive features include the color coded organization for each section of the cookbook, colorful photos scattered throughout, the very well designed page layout which clarifies the ingredients, usually 2-4 step directions, variations, and helpful comments. This user-friendly pattern makes it a breeze to follow the recipes. We started with the "Crispy Cucumber Salad" Delightful and easy! Next came "Scallops and Shrimp with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk." Wow! Scrumptious! My husband loves mussels, so "Mussels in Coconut Broth" became a weekly appetizer when mussels were available. We both love the simplicity of the recipes coupled with tasty results.

By adding a few ingredients to our pantry and fridge such as oyster... Read more

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Traditional Thai Yoga: The Postures and Healing Practices of Ruesri Dat Ton

2011-12-16T11:07:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $19.95 Price : $10.55

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A complete guide to the ancient technique of Ruesri Dat Ton, also known as Thai yoga

• Presents 60 step-by-step, illustrated exercises for self-healing and balanced well-being

• Reveals the practice and evolution of Thai yoga, said to have originated with Buddha’s physician, Jivaka Kumarabhaccha

• Explains how the postures allow individuals to rebalance the flow of energy in the body

Traditional Thai yoga--or Ruesri Dat Ton--is an individual yoga practice rooted in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition. It is comprised of exercises that--like the partnered practice of traditional Thai massage--originated with Buddha’s own physician, Jivaka Kumarabhaccha. Enrico Corsi and Elena Fanfani present, for the first time in English, 60 of these postures fully illustrated with step-by-step instructions designed to stimulate self-healing by rebalancing the flow of energy in the body.

Each of the postures works within the sen energy system that underlies Thai medicine. Fundamental to the practice is retention of the breath once the body has assumed the desired posture. The practitioner concentrates the breath on the place where the body is storing tension or dysfunction. When the breath is exhaled the body also expels the negative energy, allowing restorative energy to take its place.

The simple yet highly effective postures in Traditional Thai Yoga address many common ailments--including physical ailments of the back, knees, shoulders, hips, arms, feet, and neck and more generalized ailments such as nausea and shortness of breath--as well as offering exercises that promote weight loss, longevity, and overall balanced well-being.

Traditional Thai Yoga: The Postures and Healing Practices of Ruesri Dat Ton Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

Reusi Dat Ton: Traditional Thai Hermit Yoga/Self-Care, February 1, 2010

mhank (SF, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Traditional Thai Yoga: The Postures and Healing Practices of Ruesri Dat Ton (Paperback)

Although I own a handful of books on the practice of Reusi Dat Ton (Traditional Thai Yoga), many of which I bought in Thailand, this is by far the most accessible manual I have found.

Similar in many aspects to an Indian yoga practice, Reusi Dat Ton exercises bear more resemblance to vinyasas than to static asanas. Rather than simply holding a particular posture for each exercise, you move through several postures in a sequence, using particular patterns of breath. The photographs accompanying each exercise do an excellent job of illustrating these transitions, and the Thai breathing techniques are well-explained. That said, I recommend having at least some experience with either Thai Massage or Yoga to be able to fully appreciate this book.

The book is well-organized and titles exercises according to their benefit (e.g. "Remedy for leg and neck pain"), making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. Since each exercise is therapeutic on its own,... Read more

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

practice, May 27, 2009

Abba Inori (Tohoku, Japan) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Traditional Thai Yoga: The Postures and Healing Practices of Ruesri Dat Ton (Paperback)

Very practical guide for those with interest in a gentle, effective yoga and especially noteworthy for it's discussion of yoga within the Buddhist tradition. The introduction is wonderful.
I had worked through this book for six months with great results and steady practice. Very impressed, bought second copy for family. Give it a try.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Traditional Thai Yoga, April 20, 2009

George Christodoulou "George Christodoulou Ja... (Fairmont Hot Springs, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Traditional Thai Yoga: The Postures and Healing Practices of Ruesri Dat Ton (Paperback)

Well, this is a very good book. It is written very well and the pictures are very good. I encourage people to buy it. The only problem in my opinion is that someone must have some experience of Thai Massage or Yoga. Otherwise will not understand it, but if persists, he/she will feel it!!!!!!

Good work guys..

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Dancing Shrimp: Favorite Thai Recipes for Seafood

2011-12-16T01:28:00.001-08:00

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List Price : $30.00 Price : $69.95

Product Description

Thai cuisine, regarded by many as one of the best in the world, is known for its original combinations of spicy, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, and its seafood recipes display this culinary artistry to its purest extent. In Dancing Shrimp, Kasma Loha-unchit shares with us her ingenious techniques for preparing all types of fish, mollusks, and shellfish according to the traditions of her native cuisine. The more than 100 recipes in Dancing Shrimp show the full range of the Thai palate, with curries like Salmon Poached in Green Curry Sauce with Baby Eggplants and Thai Basil; stir-fries like Spicy Southern-Style Stir-Fried Squid; salads like Hot-and-Sour Shrimp Salad with Roasted Chilli Sauce, Lemon Grass, and Mint; steamed dishes like Steamed Fillet of Sea Bass with Ginger, Green Onions, and Sesame-Soy Sauce; soups like Spicy "Broken Fish Trap" Soup; and many more. Thai people, as Kasma reminds us, are warm, welcoming, and playful, and this is evident in the food they prepare. While a dish like Shrimp Cooked in Turmeric-Coconut Sauce might taste sweet on the tip of the tongue, you also will be warmed and surprised by the heat that slowly emerges from the chillies. There is also a real reverence for the bounty of the sea and earth; many of the fish recipes call for a whole fish, and the cooking techniques, such as steaming a fish wrapped in a banana leaf or poaching it in a spicy sauce, preserve the full flavor. Along with the recipes, Loha-unchit provides cooking tips, inspirational ideas for adapting the recipes to different techniques or ingredients, and warm, revealing stories of her homeland. With her charming personal tone and detailed cooking instructions, she guides cooks simply and easily through techniques that may involve unfamiliar fishes or herbs but never fail to result in a mouthwatering delight. As every recipe reflects her years of experience in teaching Americans to re-create the exquisite flavors of Thailand on their own, Dancing Shrimp is suitable for beginning and experienced cooks alike.

Amazon.com Review

More than a cookbook, Dancing Shrimp is both a rumination on how Thai food--the original fusion food, says author Kasma Loha-unchit--developed as a cuisine and a very thorough manual on how to properly prepare fresh fish, crustaceans, and mollusks in the Thai tradition. Filled with 125 tantalizing and sometimes challenging recipes, Loha-unchit covers not only basic cooking tenets but explores how to create dishes that balance the Thai people's love of the five primary flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy.

Many of the recipes feature flavors not common in Western cooking, but Loha-unchit teaches you how to create a savory meal in which the disparate tastes work in harmony. In addition to the recipes, there are chapters on Thailand's seafood culture, how to select and prepare seafood, preserved foods and flavoring ingredients (like fish sauce, a staple item), and techniques and equipment. For those unfamiliar with fish sauce or shrimp paste, she explains how they are made, her favorite brands, and where you can purchase them (there's a store index in the back).

The recipes themselves are mouth-watering: Hot-and-Sour Shrimp Salad with Roasted Chilli Sauce, Lemon Grass, and Mint, Curried Mussels on the Half Shell with Flaked Crab, and Ginger-Tamarind Fish Soup, to name only a few. Though some of the recipes may seem daunting at first, Loha-unchit reminds us that "the wide range of variables makes Thai cooking exciting and Thai food both a simple and complex blend of invigorating flavors." After all, it's hard to resist Garlic-Black Bean Pan-Fried Red Snapper. Be sure to serve with a big pot of sticky white rice. --Dana Van Nest

Dancing Shrimp: Favorite Thai Recipes for Seafood Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

Let the True Taste of Thailand enter Your Kitchen, October 26, 2000

Curt R. Chamberlain (Salem, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing Shrimp: Favorite Thai Recipes for Seafood (Hardcover)

I love Thai food, in fact, Thai cooking has become a passion of mine now for over ten years. I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to this incredible cuisine by Kasma Loha-unchit. Over the years I have taken numerous cooking classes from Kasma and have participated in two, month long tours of Thailand with her where I was able to taste and savor the delights of the country's cuisine and be introduced to the rich and varied culture. I particularly enjoy the complexity and variation in Thai cuisine. Having now sampled innumerable dishes, I can still be surprised by a new dish and a new combination of flavors and ingredients. I often anticipate with delight the burst of taste sensations that accompany a well balanced dish. Thai cooking has become a staple of my cooking and I routinely cook Thai dishes at home to the delight of my family and friends.

Unfortunately, it is rare for Americans to taste authentic Thai flavors. Many Thai restaurants erroneously prepare their... Read more

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

Please reprint this book., December 3, 2006

Dwight (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing Shrimp: Favorite Thai Recipes for Seafood (Hardcover)

I'm not going to buy ANY Thai cookbooks by other authors until her books come back into print. There is no point in assessing Thai cookbooks if this book and It Rains Fishes are not included in the mix. I can't encourage anyone to pay nearly a hundred dollars each for second hand copies. And who ever heard of cooking from a Palm Pilot ebook? I really mind that old fashioned cooks who as recently as less than five years ago were recognized authorities are now fallen by the wayside because they are not on Food Network. If not for Sara's Secrets, one wouldn't see masters like Jacques Pepin and Madhur Jaffrey outside of PBS reruns. That means our food intellect is shaped by name brands instead of quality earning a brand.

The secondhand prices are outrageous. Since Thai cuisine is now more popular than ever, there are more interested readers who would love to have authentic instruction.

p.s. I contacted the author through her website and received the... Read more

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

Authentic delicious Thai food!, October 17, 2001

Bay T. (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing Shrimp: Favorite Thai Recipes for Seafood (Hardcover)

I bought this book based on the reviews here and really have to thank the reviewers who gave 5 stars for this book. I am a native Thai and I have to say that Kasma's recipes really give you authentic Thai food. I have tried at least 10 recipes from her book and have enjoyed my home-made cooking with no MSG (that I would mostly get at restaurants). What I like best about her book is the ingredients and tips section where she describes properties of Thai spices and Thai ways of cooking such as steaming, 'yam' salad making, etc.. Reading through her recipes is quite enjoyable since she usually gives a bit of history about the food along the way. The trick to get delicious dishes is to make sure you can acquire all ingredients you need (some are hard to find, but she has a web site that directs you to some online Thai groceries if you can't find the spices from your local stores).

› See all 11 customer reviews...

Invitation to the "Thai Route to 3 World Heritage Sites" caravan

2009-08-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

3-6 September 2009, 3 nights 4 days, special price of only 2,699 Baht

TAT Sukhothai, Uthai Thani and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Offices invite everyone to participate in the "Thai Route to 3 World Heritage Sites" caravan that will follow the route from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya-Kamphaeng Phet-Uthani. See the wonderous beauty of ancient sites of the nation that have been designated World Heritage by UNESCO, pay homage to important Buddha images, the priceless heritage of Ayutthaya, follow in the footsteps of King Rama V, pay homage to the city shrine of Kamphaeng Phet, experience the fresh nature of Mae Wong Nation Park, see the local lifestyle of both sides of the Sakae Krang River, as well as the beauty of Wat Chantharam or Wat Tha Sung one of the attractions of Unseen Thailand, excellent tasty food and more along the route for those who participate in this activity.

For further details, please contact:Distribution and Income Section,
TAT Head Office Tel.:0 2250 5500 ext.2115-9
TAT Sukhothai Office Tel.:0 5561 6228-9
TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office Tel.:0 3524 6076-7
TAT Uthai Thani Office Tel.:0 56514982

ROYAL PROJECT 40 @ CENTRAL WORLD, BANGKOK

2009-08-19T01:28:00.000-07:00

August 10-16, 2009
Visitors to Bangkok between 10-16 August, 2009, will get a unique opportunity to stop by at a spectacular exhibition of farm, herbal, and houseware products manufactured by village communities under the Royal Project Foundation.

The "Royal Project 40 @ CentralWorld" features more than 3,000 types of quality products from the Royal Projects in an atmosphere of a modern supermarket covering an area of 3,000 square metres at CentralWorld.

The CentralWorld shopping complex is located in downtown Bangkok and accessible from either the Chit Lom or Siam SkyTrain Stations.

Since this year marks the Foundation's 40th anniversary, the fair is being held on a grander scale than normal. It is also being organised around Her Majesty the Queen’s 77th birthday, which falls on 12 August.

The motto of the fair is "The Royal Project Goes Global" and the aim is to bring the Royal Project's products up to international standards in order to promote their exportability.

For the first time, the fair will feature a garden of spectacular blue hydrangea flowers blooming right in the centre of Bangkok.

Among the highlighted items for this year is peach in syrup that features the Foundation's high-quality fresh peaches. The product is special because of its pure freshness since it is produced and sold in the same year.

Artichoke tea is another popular product known as a mineral source to nurture the liver and gallbladder and help prevent hepatitis. Normally, this plant is grown only in cold countries, but the Royal Project has successfully grown it in Thailand.

The fair includes the following shops:

1. The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques under the royal patronage of H.M. the Queen offers handicrafts, woven materials, and carved-sculpture products.

2. Chitrlada Shop sells wickerwork, embroidery, and royal handicrafts.

3. Silapachip 904 has specially woven materials, Thai desserts, and various snacks.

4. Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit sells ceramic pieces.

5. Sai Jai Thai Foundation has hand-painted cloth and glass sculptures.

6. Phu Fa Shop presents items made from pakakayo materials.

7. Chulabhorn Research Institute has toiletries, tableware, spa products, and furniture.

8. The Royal Chitrlada Project offers rice and diary products.

9. The Princess Pa Foundation presents liver paste made by Thailand’s Islamic communities.

10. To Be Number One Project features polo shirts and wristbands.

The Lifestyle Supermarket is beautifully decorated to offer all products from the Royal Project at special prices. The Royal Gourmet features specially-prepared food using ingredients from the Royal Project by 15 well-known restaurants.

The Royal Project was initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1969. It was introduced to encourage hill-tribe villagers to shift from the cultivation of opium poppies to alternative crops. The project was also intended as a highland agricultural development centre. The villagers grow temperate climate fruit trees, and cultivate flowering and nutritious plants.

As a learning centre, it provides education to hill-tribe people to improve their quality of life, promotes settlement in certain areas instead of moving from place to place and discourages the practice of shifting cultivation and slash-and-burn methods, and conserves watershed areas.

It conducts research on plants to be grown, promotes them, controls their quality, and helps with the marketing, at the same time as protecting the environment and the hill-tribes’ welfare and culture.

Currently, the Royal Project Foundation supports more than 100,000 people in 36 projects in five Northern provinces: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son. Involved are permanent staff volunteers, officials from various government agencies, farmers and tribal groups, mainly Hmong, Yao, Karen, Lahu, Akha, Lisu, and Chinese Haw.

Each Royal Project Development Centre promotes the conservation of local culture and tradition among the people in the area, and encourages villagers to participate in ecotourism activities.

Admission to the fair is free of charge. For more information, please contact CentralWorld on 02-640-7000 ext 1303 and 1321.

IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

5 REGION THAI TRAVEL FEST

2009-08-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever!

...stepped your feet to the fresh orchard where various kinds of fruit are ready to pick and enjoy its tase.
...walked on the narrow trail to see white water fall down to hit the rocks and soaked in the cool pond.
...eperince the underwater world where lively corals and colourful fish perform their dances around yourself.
...said goodbye to sunset and spend your nightlife in the vibrant city.
And the most important, have you ever experienced all of these wonderful things in one trip.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's newly-launched "5 Region Thai Travel Fest" features a series of five regional travel fairs targeting Thai consumers in the various regions of Thailand.

Designed to promote the cross-selling of Thai tourism products and services, “5 Region Thai Travel Fest” brings together a great diversity of regional highlights and unique selling points for each of the destinations.

Each of the regional travel fairs will highlight travel destinations and attractions, and feature colourful presentations of culture, traditions and way of life, as well as live demonstrations of folk art and craft, regional cuisine and opportunities to savour local delicacies. Unique ‘signature’ products and village crafts from each of the sub-districts (tambon) of each of the 76 provinces of Thailand presented under the OTOP – One Tambon, One Product theme will also be showcased.

May 1 – 3, 2009 Colours of the East
Venue: Along the Pattaya beachfront in Chon Buri province

July 17 – 19, 2009 Colours of I-San
At Thung Sri Muang in Ubon Ratchathani

August 21 – 23, 2009 Colours of the South
At Thung Ta Laat in Nakhon Si Thammarat

July 31 – August 2, 2009 Colours of the North
At the Rajabhat Pibun Songkhram University in Phitsanulok

September 18 – 20, 2009 Colours of the Central Region
At the Bang Sai Folk Arts and Crafts Training Centre in Ayutthaya

HIGHLIGHTS
- A showcase of travel destinations and attractions around Thailand.
- Colourful presentations of culture, traditions and way of life.
- Live demonstrations of folk art and craft, regional cuisine and opportunities to savour local delicacies.
- Unique ‘signature’ products and village crafts from each of the sub-districts (tambon) of each of the 76 provinces of - Thailand presented under the OTOP – One Tambon, One Product theme will also be showcased.
- Best bargains and deals will also include package tours and travel offers from participating exhibitors.

Although the event has been designed for Thai travellers and families, a visit to one or more of the regional travel fairs will provide insight into the local colour and the flavour of the local landscape.

Each of the above regional travel fairs opens up new opportunities for individual consumers and first-time travellers who in the past might not have considered travel to alternative destinations by providing them with convenient access to information and travel planning options.

The fairs will also enable visitors to take advantage of a much wider range of attractively priced promotional packages and value-added travel offers.

“5 Region Thai Travel Fest” kick-offs with the official opening ceremony for “Colourful East”, the first in the series of regional consumer travel fairs, on May 1st, 2009.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

LIVERPOOL TO PLAY THAILAND

2009-07-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Kop Comes to Asia
22 July 2009: Kick-off 8.00 pm at Rajamangala National Stadium
(Hua Mak Indoor Stadium), Hua Mak, Bangkok

Billed as the most successful team in the history of English football, Liverpool Football Club team members will play the Thai national team on Wednesday 22 July at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium in Hua Mak.
Tickets costing 600, 1,350, 1,750, 2,500 and 3,000 baht are available from the following outlets:

* All Adidas outlets
* Central Department Stores (Bangna, Rama 3, Rattanathibet, Phuket, Pattaya)
* The Esplanade
* Major Ratchayothin
* Seacon Square
* Factory Outlets
(Piyarom Place, Petchkasem, Chaengwattana and Sukhaphiban 3)

Football fans willing to pay 1,350 baht per ticket will be seated in the stadium’s west wing where a special ‘Kop Zone’ modelled after Spion Kop, the famous banked stand at Anfield, has been recreated. A limited number of Liverpool FC scarves will also be handed out to fans.

The match can also be seen live on Thai TV Channel 3.

Liverpool enjoys a large and loyal fan base in Thailand, where the English Premier League is closely followed.

“Both Thai football and Liverpool fans will be thrilled to see the return of their favourite team and welcome the opportunity to see their heroes play live in the Thai capital again,” said Mr Worawi Makudi, President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) under Patronage of His Majesty the King.

The team’s last visit to Bangkok was in 2003 and they first came in 2001. Gérard Houllier was club manager during that period.

The latest visit is part of the Liverpool FC tour of Asia. Speaking on behalf of the club, Steve McMahon, the former England midfielder who is now Commercial Director of The Profitable Group, said that Liverpool players are extremely excited about their Asian tour. The match in Bangkok is expected to be a lot of fun to watch, and Thai fans are unlikely to be disappointed.

Liverpool Football Club Schedule for Bangkok

20 July:
Team arrives in Bangkok and takes up residence at the Grand Hyatt Erawan.
12.00 noon: Practice session at Rajamangala National Stadium.

21 July:
Practice sessions in the morning and evening with a press conference in the afternoon.

22 July
Practice sessions in the morning, followed by a press conference in the afternoon. Kick-off at 8.00 pm at Rajamangala National Stadium.

After appearing in Bangkok, Liverpool heads off to Singapore.

Liverpool FC History
Liverpool FC is based in England’s famous northwesten port city of Liverpool. The club was founded in 1892, and quickly became a strong force in English football.

The club plays in the English Premier League, and has won more trophies than any other club there. The club has won a joint-record eighteen league titles, seven FA Cups, seven League Cups, and the European Cup five times — a record for an English club.

As the most successful team in the history of English football, Liverpool is often featured when football is depicted in British culture and has appeared in a number of media "firsts."

Liverpool FC has played at Anfield since its formation, but plans to move to a new stadium in Stanley Park. The capacity of the existing stadium is 45,362. On 30 July 2004, the Liverpool City Council granted the club planning permission to build a new 60,000-seat stadium just 300 yards (270 m) away from Anfield at Stanley Park.

The Kop at Anfield
Liverpool fans often refer to themselves as "Kopites" — a reference to supporters who once stood, but now sit, in the Kop section at Anfield.

In 1906, the banked stand at one end of the ground was formally renamed the Spion Kop after a hill in Natal. The hill was the site of the Battle of Spion Kop in the Second Boer War where over 300 men of the Lancashire Regiment died, many of whom were from Liverpool.

Many stadiums in England also had stands named after the Spion Kop, but Anfield's was the largest Kop in the country at the time. Indeed, it was able to hold more supporters than some entire football grounds.

The Liverpool Badge
The Liverpool badge is based around the city's liver bird, which is placed inside a shield. Above the shield is a representation of the Shankly Gates with the title of club's famous anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone. The twin flames at either side are symbolic of the Hillsborough memorial outside Anfield, where an eternal flame burns in memory of the football spectators who died in the disaster.

The Hillsborough Disaster occurred during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989, and saw hundreds of Liverpool fans crushed in a crowd surge. Ninety-four fans died at the scene, and a 95th victim four days later in hospital. A 96th person died nearly four years later without regaining consciousness.

You'll Never Walk Alone — The Club's Anthem
The song You'll Never Walk Alone originally comes from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel. It was later recorded by Liverpool musicians Gerry & The Pacemakers and became the club's anthem. It has been sung by the Anfield crowd since the early 1960s and become popular with fans of other clubs all around the world.

IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

Free! Thailand visa until 2010

2009-07-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the exemption of the visa fee for tourist visa applications until 4 March 2010.

The exemption will apply to all applicants for visa on arrival at all international airports in Thailand as well as those applying at Thai embassies and consulates abroad for stays longer than the period for which they are normally eligible.

Thailand presently gives a Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days.

Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in Thailand.

The extension is one of several measures taken by the Thai tourism industry to revive itself in the wake of a number of global and local events that have led to a temporary decline in visitor arrivals.

According to TAT Chairman, Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, “As a result of the global economic downturn, the worldwide travel and tourism sector has declined as people have become more cautious about spending on leisure and business travel. Hence, the government has implemented many measures to enhance Thailand’s competitive advantage and strengthen our country’s unique qualities.”
Read the complete post

The Best Thailand Party Beaches

2009-07-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Patong Beach (Phuket): This busy beachside strip is not sophisticated by any means, but for many young, first-timers in Asia looking to party, it is seen as the place for shopping, dining, and naughty nightlife. If you want to avoid the sordid stuff, the most upmarket area is the new JungCeylon mall, with great late-night dining and famous fast food and coffee outlets. Beyond this, there's a shantytown of small bars and concrete bunker clubs, where it's a lot seedier but where the younger frat-crowd will get their kicks.

Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui): If you like the beach, and love to be social, Chaweng has all the action you want. With countless dining and nightlife choices, plus endless vendors and beach boutiques, you'll never walk alone here.

Had Rin (Koh Phangan): The now infamous Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan's Had Rin have been attracting crowds of raving revelers for years, but they are not the hippy-trippy events of yore, since parties are taking on a more "packaged" experience. Drug busts are on the rise and, despite the warnings, plenty of over-chilled partygoers continue to come undone with serious consequences.
Pattaya (Pattaya, Eastern Seaboard): The once infamous red-light capital of Thailand, promiscuous Pattaya invites adulation as much as disdain with the dubious flavor of some of its late-night shenanigans. However, it's cleaning up slowly, and outwardly obscene "attractions" are making way for cleverer, cleaner entertainment. The clubs and bars attract a range of motley characters, giving it an air of a human zoo. Go to watch, and to be watched.
Article Source : http://www.frommers.com

Chang and Ling, Mythical Elephant and Monkey of Thailand

2009-07-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

Ling, the Monkey

Thailand's love of the monkey is probably best illustrated by the epic tale of the Ramakien. The Ramakien is a myth of genuinely historic proportions, but the main story concerns Prince Rama and his search for his beloved wife, Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by an evil ten-headed demon called Ravana. Throughout the story our hero is aided by monkeys and most notably the magical white-faced monkey-general Hanuman and his army. With Hanuman's help Prince Rama successfully defeats Ravana and rescues Princess Sita.

The Ramakien portrays the monkey as being helpful, clever and brave and this may explain why their image adorns temples, paintings, carvings, ceremonial barges and even helps to support traffic signals.

Hanuman's living relatives can also be found all over Thailand. They live freely in the jungles and on beaches, but they can also be found in towns, temples and parks. Lopburi in central Thailand is famous for having many more monkey residents than it does human.

The wilder monkeys found in the forests aren't used to people and so can be aggressive if approached, but those found in temples and parks will not be scared and will cheekily grab food from you (if you let them!)

Chang, the Elephant

The elephant has been held in high regard by the Thais ever since the eve of the Buddha's birth, when his mother dreamed that a white elephant gave her a lotus blossom (the symbol of purity and wisdom). Even today, a white elephant is seen as a symbol of good luck, and for a Thai king, it is believed that owning a white elephant will bless the Kingdom with peace and prosperity. However, if you are not a Thai king, receiving a gift of a white elephant could be a blessing and a curse: a blessing because the animal is an honored gift, and a curse because being unable to put it to work, it would be a pretty expensive animal to keep.

Traditionally, the greyer cousins of the white elephant were employed as beasts of burden; hauling logs and clearing forests, but they were also extensively used as machines of war. At one time, Thailand boasted a 20,000-strong army of war elephants, and ancient records detail great battles fought from the back of these mighty beasts.

Today, with less work in the forests the elephants are now mainly employed in 'Jumbo tourism', giving tourists rides, posing for photos – and even painting pictures.

The elephant appears in many Thai proverbs and is used as an emblem on regalia such as flags, coins and royal insignias, but most importantly, the elephant is the national symbol of the Kingdom of Thailand.

About the Author
Article by Christine Oatley, copyright 2008 Asia Products LLC. All Rights Reserved. Christopher Snyder is the Founder and Managing Director of Asia Products LLC and currently is living in Bangkok, Thailand. He manages an e-commerce store buying products to sell on www.asiaproductsllc.com. He is documenting some of his more interesting travels in his Asia Travel Ideas website : www.apllc-connect.com.

Thailand extends royal invitation

2009-06-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

In an bid to tell world golfers what Asian golfers already know, the golf establishment in Thailand has launched ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’, a cooperative itinerary that matches the country’s top courses with its most desirable hotels.

The Kingdom of Thailand has for decades been the destination of choice for Asian golfers, thanks to its stellar courses, superb year-round climate and welcoming culture. By banding together to form ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’ (www.golfinakingdom.com), these courses and hotels mean to cement a place for Thailand alongside the world’s premier golf destinations.

“I think golfers in North America have an inkling that golf is played in Thailand; Europeans have slightly more of an inkling, but I don’t think golfers on either continent fully realize that this is a country with more than 250 courses, many of them as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world,” said Mark Siegel, president of Bangkok-based tour operator Golfasian.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with eight premium golf properties, Golfasian and six of the country’s premier hotels to form ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’.

The cooperative effort has been in the planning since 2007, but its launch this month is timely. According to TAT, some 3.2 million visitors arrived in Thailand the first quarter of 2009 — a 19 percent decrease from the previous year. It’s unclear whether this drop is attributable to the peaceful-but-ongoing political disquiet in Thailand or the worldwide economic slump.

“I live here and the reality is, the political issues in Thailand haven’t had any effect on the day-to-day lives of citizens or tourists — but the economic slowdown has surely affected tourists: prices have dropped across the board,” Siegel asserted. “I don’t think there’s ever been a more economical time to visit here. That’s not hype; it’s a fact. Launching ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ now has allowed us to offer value we could not have offered in 2008.”

In May 2009, a CNN International tourism poll asserted that Thailand, among first-world nations, represents the best value for travelers in the entire Asia Pacific region. Conducted across CNN English websites, the survey had more than 5,000 respondents globally.

“The world gets a bit smaller every day,” Siegel continued. “We hope to shrink it just enough with ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ to give North American and European golfers a taste of Thai culture and hospitality, because one visit is normally all it takes. The number of golfers who try Thailand then return for a second and third helping is pretty extraordinary.”

From the mystical hill country of Chiang Rai in the northwest corner to the breathtaking beaches of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’ takes in some of the most lush and varied terrain on the planet. That sort of real estate — linked by Thailand’s enviably modern transportation infrastructure — translates into the Kingdom’s stunning golf properties, including:

* Banyan Golf Club, a new hillside course just outside the charming coastal town of Hua Hin, preferred holiday retreat of the Thai Royal Family for almost a century.
* Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort, an inventive Schmidt/Curley design 1,000 feet above sea level in the cool, northern region.
* Muang Kaew Golf Club, the closest course to bustling Bangkok, with sterling greens and a par 3 that looks eerily similar to the 12th at Augusta National.
* Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club, where Robert Trent Jones II crafted 18 dramatic holes that either skirt a chain of lakes or flow over the low hills of Bang Bor.
* Santiburi Samui Country Club, site of the newest Asian Tour event, the Queen’s Cup, and traversing a jungle of towering coconut trees at the foot of Khao Pom Mountain.
* Siam Country Club, Plantation Course, this 27-hole Schmidt-Curley design played host to the 2009 Honda LPGA Thailand just two years after opening
* Siam Country Club, Old Course, always immaculately maintained, it hosted the 2007 Honda LPGA event and features perhaps the toughest closing stretch in the country.
* Thai Country Club, site of Tiger Woods’s 1997 Asia Honda Classic victory and the ‘Best Championship Course in Asia’, as voted by Asian Golf Monthly readers in 2008.

Thailand also harbors the Asia’s newest and broadest collection of 5-star accommodations -— at prices North Americans and Europeans may not believe at first. ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ embraces that development by bridging rounds of golf with nights at posh, brand-name resorts, including:

* Anantara Phuket, a collection of 83 private pool villas set within indigenous gardens of jasmine, orchids and birds of paradise. Conde Nast Traveller magazine just named this property to its coveted worldwide “Hot List” for 2009.
* Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, located across the Chao Phraya River from the city center but with all the tranquility and kick-back appeal a traveler could wish for in an urban setting.
* Anantara Golden Triangle, a luxury nature retreat set amid 160 acres of tropical jungle, all of it hewing to the winding Mekong River and a border dividing three countries.
* Anantara Hua Hin, nestled in 14 acres of luxuriant tropical gardens along the white sand beaches on the Gulf of Thailand.
* Anantara Koh Samui, serenely perched above a quiet stretch of sand, and just steps from the shimmering waters that lap Samui Island.
* Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, whose architecture combines space, color and natural light with traditional Thai design themes to create a sense of harmony and grandeur.

“The beauty of this marked shift toward high-quality lodging, which has been taking place here for 20 years actually, is that Thailand remains affordable,” said Boyd Barker, Hua Hin Marriott’s general manager. “If there’s a positive to the hit tourism has taken here, of late, it’s that prices reflect this drop in demand. There’s no better place to go on holiday, and there’s no better time than right now.”

The attraction extends beyond golf and resorts. Never colonized by foreign powers and known as Siam until 1939, Thailand remains a constitutional monarchy. But during the past half century it has managed to seamlessly blend Western influences and Buddhist beliefs, producing a first-world destination with an Old World feel.

Six distinct geographical regions — ranging from 8,000-foot-high mountains in the north to a maze of limestone islands rising out of the Andaman Sea in the south — only add to the country’s diverse allure.
“Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand provides the greatest value,” said Santi Chudintra, Director of TAT Los Angeles. “The people are welcoming, the culture is unique and the scenery is spectacular. Thai food, which everyone wants to talk about, is just a small part of the menu.”
http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/

Ideas for Camping With Your Baby

2009-06-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

Camping with your baby can be a lot of fun, and can be a special time between you and your baby. Babies adjust easily and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds of camping.

You can use the items made for babies on your camping trip. These items help make camping with your baby convenient, which leaves more time for you to spend doing fun activities with your baby.

Most babies enjoy the water, and many campgrounds have baby pools. Take your baby swimming and keep your eyes open for the excitement he/she will show. If there is a beach where you camp, you can take baby with you. It is important to protect your baby from the sun and heat. Sunscreen is a must to protect baby's delicate skin. Shade is always a good idea for baby when he/she is not in the water.

Backpack baby carriers are a good idea when camping with baby, since there are frequently places that are hard to push a stroller. If you like hiking, or going for a walk around the campground, a baby backpack carrier could be just the thing for you. Baby backpack carriers are used for babies who can sit up on their own. Some of these backpacks are available with a hood to help protect your baby from the sun. Most babies love the closeness of Mom or Dad while riding in their baby backpack.

Backpack diaper bags are also very useful when camping with your baby. Backpack diaper bags are comfortable and can generally hold more supplies than an traditional style diaper bag. Some of these backpacks are available with an insulated pocket that aides in keeping bottles and snacks cool for baby. Also, when walking long distances or hiking, it is better to wear a backpack diaper bag that evenly distributes the weight across your back and is better for your body and balance, than to carry a heavy diaper bag that hangs from one shoulder. Taking walks and/or hikes with your baby can be a fun, exciting, and interesting time together.

A child locator is a great item to bring while you are camping. Child locators come in different styles. One style of child locator has a whimsical device which clips to your child's clothing while you hold a small hand held device, and if you lose track of your child you push a button on your handheld device causing the clip on your child to emit a friendly beep. Another style of child locator has a fun device to clip onto your baby's/child's clothing and one for the parent, and operates by using a distance zone, so if your baby/child is outside of that distant zone, a continuous beep goes off. These devices are very helpful in helping you keep an eye on your baby/toddler during times when you may get distracted. As every parent knows, it only takes a few seconds for your baby/toddler to disappear out of your sight.

There are many available items on the market to help make camping a more convenient, enjoyable, and fun for you and your baby!
Author:David Cummings

A Guide to the Food of Thailand and the Islands

2009-06-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Think Thai food and the first image that comes to your mind is usually a spicy dish or one with a lot of curry. This is partly true – to an extent. Believe it or not, you might have probably had Thai food at least once in your life without knowing it, or maybe you do. Thai food is internationally famous, and for many a reason. All Thai dishes are rarely ever bland and always have that one special ingredient that makes you wonder how it's done.

Rice is the main staple food of Thailand and this is usually what accompanies a set meal, if weren't a meal on its own (eg. fried noodles). There are two kinds of rice the Thais love: standard white rice and glutinous sticky rice. Glutinous rice is more loved by the northern Thais as you see it more frequently in their meals. Thai food differs from one place to another. Spice is famous in most dishes but the Thai's balance out their spicy food with ingredients such as lemon, lime and lemon grass.

For the northern areas, apart from the glutinous rice, a lot of their food has influence from neighbouring countries like Laos with most of their food highly seasoned and spicy e.g.: spicy roast pork. A favourite dish of the northerners would be khanom chin nam ngiao (Thai vermicelli in spicy soup). Vegetables are seen a lot in the dishes here as well because most northerners are agriculturists.

If you're in the Central region, the cuisine is somewhat "Royal cuisine", as some dishes are inspired by the kitchens of the Royal Court back when Thailand was known as Siam. The dishes are more elaborate and tend to look like beautiful masterpieces that took hours to make instead of something that's whipped up in 5.

For the southern region the dishes get really interesting. Coconut is a prominent ingredient in many dishes. It usually is present to offset the heat of curries and chilli based soups and its oil is widely used for frying. As the southern bit tends to be near the coastal regions, fresh seafood such as crab, lobster and prawns are usually the centre of many dishes and curries.

The most popular Thai dishes of today include those such as Tom Yam Kung (spicy shrimp soup), Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai (green chicken curry), Phanaeng (meat in coconut cream) and Pad Thai (fried noodles) which is probably Thailand's most famous noodle dish.
Author:OrsonJohnson

Discover the Top Thailand Beaches

2009-06-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Asian countries are known for its beautiful beaches and Thailand has many of those relaxing and white sand beaches that you should not miss when visiting Thailand. I will list some of its beautiful beaches for you to choose from when visiting Thailand

White Sand Beach, Ko Chang – being the second largest island Thailand, Ko Chang or some called it as the Elephant Island is the most popular in Thailand. It is located near the border of Cambodia or over 180 miles east from Bangkok. If you have enough time, you explore the whole island and see some hidden bays in the place..

Hat Sai Kaeo in Ko Samet – if you like other activities other than swimming, you can go to Hat Sai Kaeo in Ko Samet. This is also called as Diamond Beach or Crystal Sand Beach. With is size of around one third mile long, you can enjoy jet skiing, windsurfing, and riding the exciting banana boat.

Ao Manao in Prachuap Khiri Khan – also called as the Lemon Beach, Ao Manao is located six miles away from the border of Myanmar. Despite of it being a battlefield for Thai and Japanese forces, Ao is now one of the quietest beaches in Thailand. When in Ao Manao, grab the chance to try on their freshest seafood offered by their restaurants.

Phranang Bay and Railay Peninsula in Krabi – professional and first time rock climbers will surely love the Railay Peninsula, because it is known for its extraordinary rock climbing opportunities, and from Railay East Beach, one can take a 15 minute walk and they will reach the Phranang Bay that is perfect for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring.

Ao Nang Beach in Krabi – its well-developed beach, a chance to do street shopping, affordable rate, with top western and Thai restaurants are just a few of the reasons why Ao Nang is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand.

Tonsai Bay in Ko Phi Phi – Ko Phi Phi is one of the world’s famous islands. It composed of two separate islands, the larger one called the Don and the smaller one called Leh, and Tonsai Bay is located on the southern side of Ko Phi Phi Don.

Noppharat Thara in Krabi – also in Khrabi, Noppharat Thara was then a free public beach until 2008. However, today, tourists are already charged with 400 Thai baht as the entrance fee. The Noppharat Thara is located at the western part of Ao Nang also in Khrabi.

Tong Takien Bay in Ko Samui Island – another great place for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking is the calm and secluded bay in the southeast side of Ko Samui called the Tong Takien, which is also called as the Silver Beach.

Sairee Beach in Ko Tao – Ko Tao is a remote beach in Thailand that became the choice of tourists who wanted to get away from crowded Ko Phangan and Ko Samui. It can be reach via two to three hours boat ride from Chumpon. When In Ko Tao Sairee is the popular spot because they offer massage, drinks, and all types of food and services. Author:Amit kumar

TAT WELCOMES MISS POLAND 2009 CONTESTANTS TO PATTAYA AND PHUKET

2009-06-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Contestants competing in the 2009 Miss Poland contest will gather in Pattaya and Phuket in October 2009 to participate in the “Polonia Preparation Camp” — a segment of the contest that features a special programme of extra-curricular activities organized in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and EXIM Tours, a travel wholesaler, and one of twelve Polish tour operators offering Thailand tourism products.

The hosting of the Miss Poland 2009 campaign in Pattaya and Phuket is in line with TAT’s destination marketing and tourism promotion strategies to further raise the visibility and awareness of Pattaya and Phuket as world-class travel and holiday destinations among the Polish travel audience, especially first-time visitors to Thailand.

TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Mr. Santichai Euachongprasit, had an opportunity to be interviewed together with Miss Poland 2008 on the “Pytanie na Sniadanie” Morning Show, a popular Polish television show, on 28 May, 2009. During their stay in Thailand, contestants will be presented with an opportunity to participate in various activities. These include learning Thai cooking, experiencing first-hand relaxing traditional spa treatments, and enjoying water sports.

Mr. Santichai said that “Pattaya and Phuket, as beach resort destinations, are both very well-known among European visitors. With the very significant growth potential of the tourism industry in Pattaya and Phuket, this helps to stimulate the Thai economy overall. We plan to continue our heavy and extensive promotion of these world-renowned seaside resort cities”.

From 1-14 October 2009, 24 contestants from the various cities in Poland, together with the members of the film crew, will arrive in Bangkok by charter flight from Warsaw. They will be in Pattaya and Phuket for the “Polonia Preparation Camp”. During their two-week stay, a TV programme will run a documentary about the beauty pageant with segments in Pattaya and Phuket to be telecast via the Miss Poland 2009 final contest on 24 October 2009. Given the broad spectrum of media channels covering the Miss Poland 2009 campaign in Phuket, TAT hopes that the extensive media coverage will inspire Polish travellers to choose Thailand as their next holiday destination.

For years, Poland has remained one of the most important Eastern European markets for Thailand’s travel industry, along with the Czech Republic and Hungary. The Polish travel and tourism industry has registered positive growth since 2006. This growth is largely attributed to Poland’s accession to the European Union (EU) in May 2004, which has paved the way for numerous positive social and economic developments. The ongoing social and economic integration of Poland into the EU results in the westernisation of Poland’s travel and tourism market as well as consumer habits and preferences, which in turn influences trends in outbound leisure travel and the choice of travel destinations.

In 2008, Polish visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 27,800, representing an increase of 29.36 per cent. They had an average length of stay of 12 days, and average daily expenditure of 4,200 Baht or US$120 or 91 Euro (US$ 1 = 35 Baht, 1 Euro = 46 Baht) per person. This resulted in approximately 6.5 billion baht (equivalent to US$ 186 million or 141 million Euro) in tourism revenue and foreign exchange earnings for the Thai economy.

While first-time visitors from Poland opt for Pattaya as their first destination of choice, beach and island resorts in the Andaman region have proven to be a favourite with return visitors. Samui, Krabi and Koh Lanta are gaining popularity. There has also been a rapid increase in the number of Polish divers. Golfing in Thailand is also on the list of popular activities.

According to statistics from the Immigration Bureau, the number of tourist arrivals to Pattaya in 2007 is over 4.48 million people — an increase of 9.61 per cent from the previous year. On the other hand, Phuket welcomed over 3.28 million international tourists in 2007, an increase of 14 per cent from 2006.

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org

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