Thailand national flower

The national flower of Thailand is the Ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula Linn) tree bears beautiful yellow cluster-shaped flowers. The Thai people regard its yellow hue as the colour of Buddhism and the colour of glory. Ratchaphruek blooms annually from February to May and symbolises the unity and harmony of the Thai people. While the flowers are blossoming, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only bright yellow flowers hanging on its branches. The Ratchaphruek is widely known in Thailand and is grown in abundance along the roadsides. Source : ASEAN

The Royal Sky Diamond Jubilee 2006

"450 World team sky divers to set new world records in Thailand" Throughout 2006, Thailand celebrates the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th Anniversary or the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. An inspiration to his subjects, and highly respected by world leaders around the globe, the King of Thailand, the ninth ruler of the Royal House of Chakri and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history, is the world’s longest reigning, living monarch. Date: -January 30 - February 9, 2006, at Udon Thani, Thailand -February 11, 2006 at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

An amazing story of cooperation

"These next few weeks will demonstrate the spirit of uncommon imagination and international cooperation toward a common goal, culminating in two world records." -- Kevin Gibson, World Team The World Team '06 - Royal Sky Celebration is a collaborative effort by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and World Team, a highly skilled international team of skydivers, camera flyers, pilots, judges, and support personnel from around the world who have established multiple world records since the team's genesis in 1994. World Team '06 and the Royal Thai Air Force plan to achieve two new world records to honor His Majesty during the Royal Sky Celebration in 2006. The first will be to break World Team's own current Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Largest Freefall Formation record, with 400 skydivers linked together thousands of feet above Udon Thani. The second will be 960 parachutists conducting the Largest Mass Freefall Jump for the inauguration of Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport. A total of 700 freefalling sportsmen and women will join 260 paratroopers representing all services of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, to set this amazing new Guinness Book World Record. In addition to pursuing sporting achievements, World Team strives to enhance global knowledge and interaction between its own culturally-diverse team members—who themselves represent 40+ nations—and its host nation. During the past eight years, World Team has forged an enduring relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand and its people. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has a long and colorful history in support of international skydiving events. In addition to the many skydiving festivals that have taken place at RTAF bases over the years, the RTAF was the significant force in developing and supporting the first Royal Sky Celebration in 1999 – both on the ground and in the air. The RTAF, especially its air crews, are vital members of World Team. Without their precise skills of flying aircraft in tight formation at high altitudes, it would not be possible for World Team to make large formation world record skydives. Five years after the first Royal Sky Celebration, the RTAF pilots again pushed the envelope with the World Team skydivers. On their first jump in five days, World Team set a new world record by successfully linking 357 skydivers in freefall. This record still stands today in the FAI and Guinness record books. Joining forces for a final Royal Sky Celebration, World Team and the Royal Thai Air Force are meeting again in 2006 to raise the bar on their joint aerial exploits. The RTAF will become the first air crews in the world to drop skydivers while flying five C-130s in tight formation at high altitude. World Team requires five C-130s to be able to launch 400 skydivers quickly enough so they can all link together in freefall to build the world’s largest freefall formation. In honor of His Majesty the King and the citizens of Thailand, the color pattern of the formation has been designed to precisely match the color pattern of the Thai flag. If the Thai flag is drawn together between the top centre and bottom centre, and is then fanned out to form a circle, it looks remarkably like the color pattern of the formation. Get more information: Tourism News

Huai Nam Dang-Panoramic View

Huai Nam Dang National Park (ห้วยน้ำดัง) is the famous sea fog views of Thailand, located between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Today it was formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initiated by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hilltribe people. As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watersheds, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14 August 1995. Huai Nam Dang National Park covers four districts: Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai province including Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, covering an area of approximately 1,247 square kilometers. Later on it was designated as the National Park for commemorating 100th year establishment of the Royal Forest Department and also for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 50th year on the throne.

Topography

Huai Nam Dang National Park is situated on top of the ridge of hills and the same range as Chiang Dao mountain range. The highest peak-Doi Chang peak (at 1,962 metres above sea level) is the vital source of important streams which flow into the Pai River, Ping River, and Taeng River.

Tourist Attractions

- Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint high from sea level about 1,700 meters, morning the tourists will touch beautiful sea fog and cold weather. -Doi Chang Viewpoint Its locate high from Huay Nam Dang National Park about 20 Kilometers and 1962 meters of sea level. There is a famous viewpoint in the morning. You can look around a sea fog, mountainous scenery and birds point. - Huay Nam Dang Waterfall The fall originates from a Huay Nam Dang canal, the waterfall are rock, passing through 4 levels and height around 50 meters and width 10 meters.

Climate

The climate is comfortably pleasant. The average year-round temperature is 20๐c, dropping to 10๐c in October to February and soaring to 25๐c on March to April. The wettest months being May to September.

Flora and Fauna

The healthy natural condition of Huai Nam Dang National Park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types. Main plants found in this park are Hopea sp., Dipterocarpus spp., Tectona grandis (Teak), Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Michelia floribunda, Pinus kesiya, Pinus merkusi, and orchids especially, Dendrobium infundibulum which charmingly blooms during January to March. Many wild animals dwelling in this richest forest are elephants and some rare animals such as Salamanders. Source : National Park

Destination of Lovely Diving, Ko Kradan

One of the most beautiful islands in Trang, South of Thailand, Ko Kradan is located about 40 minutes by boat from the mainland or one hour by boat from Chaomai and Pakmeng. The best time to visit Ko Kradan between November to May. Ko Kradan has area about 600 rai (240 acres), most of the island belongs to Hat Chao Mai National Park. The island is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The rest are privately owned rubber and coconut plantations. This island is famous for beginning the world’s first underwater group wedding ceremony in 2000, which has continued to be a tradition since every Valentine’s Day. The island offers good restaurants and accommodations for tourists. The most striking feature of Ko Kradan is its powdery, white sandy beaches and crystal clear water that permits a great view of the coral reef under the sea can be seen. The reef stretches from the beach’s northern end to the coast. A variety of colorful fish inhabit the shallow water corals making the site perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Ko Kradan is to the west of Ko Muk and Ko Libong. These island are all five star diving site, if you choose to stay in this area, there is one resort on Ko Kradan providing rooms and bungalows as well as major resort facilities.

How to get there

- By plane Thai Airway and PB Air are service daily direct flights from Bangkok to Trang with a travel time of 1.30 hours. - By train Express trains depart from the Bangkok Railway Station to Amphoe Katang daily, used the time about 14 hours. - By Bus Air-condition buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Amphoe Muang of Trang province every day. - By car Route 1: Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Highway No. 41 (Surat Thani-Thung Song- Huai Yot-Trang), total distance of 828 kilometers. Route 2: Highway No. 4 (Bangkok-Chumphon) to Ranong-Phannga-Krabi-Trang, total distance of 1,020 kilometers. Route 3: Highway No. 404-416 (Satun-Palian-Trang), total distance of 140 kilometers. Route 4: Highway No. 4-407 (Hat Yai-Phatthalung-Trang), total distance of 148 kilometers. Route 5: Highway No. 4-402 (Phuket-Phang-nga-Krabi-Trang), total distance of 312 kilometers

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand

One New Year is behind us but another - the Year of the Dog, according to the Chinese calendar - is on the way. In Bangkok there isn't a better place to mark the occasion than in Yaowaraj, the famous Chinatown in the city's Samphanthawong District. The district is also using the event, January 29-30, to celebrate 60 years of His Majesty the King's reign during which Yaowaraj will be draped in brilliant colours of red and gold to complement lanterns that will be flown in specially for the occasion from Foshan Folk Art Research Institute in Guangzhou, southern China, together with its all-conquering lion and dragon dance troupes and award winning cuisine that's sure to appeal to the Thai palate. Similar celebrations will take throughout the country. Here is a brief run-down of events in major tourist attractions.

Phuket's Chinese New Year:

The province will celebrate the event January 31-February 2 at the Thai Hua Phuket Museum on Dibuk Road. Phuket has a large Chinese community mostly of Peranakan ancestry whose lineage goes back to early Chinese settlers who migrated from the mainland to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Their descendants made Phuket their new home. They took up native customs in order to assimilate with the local community. You can enjoy watching Sino-Portuguese architecture along Dibuk Road that will be illuminated in the evening. Exhibition and seminars on Peranakan culture are also on the cards. Other highlights include fashion show, costume contest, food fair and cultural performances. A dance troupe from Xian and exponents of Shaolin martial arts will also be there to regale visitors. For more details, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Phuket at 076-211-036, 076-212-213.

Pattaya's Chinese New Year:

The walking street in South Pattaya will be the scene of celebrations during January 27-29. The festivity formally kicks off at the Pattaya City Hall with a homage to King Taksin. It will feature the traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance, beauty pageant, and concerts by leading singers and DJs.

Hat Yai's Chinese New Year:

This district of Songkhla will celebrate the Chinese New Year during January 28-29 at the compound of Si Nakhon School with a lion dance, a demonstration kung-fu martial arts and other events.

Nakhon Ratchasima's New Year:

The province will mark the Chinese New Year from January 28-29 at the Statue of Thao Suranari and the city hall.

Nakhon Sawan's Chinese New Year:

Celebrations are scheduled January 23-February 2 by the Chao Phraya River and Sawan Nong Sombun Park. Among the events scheduled is an exhibition that traces the roots of famous Chinese families in the province, a stage performance titled "The Legend of Chao Pho Pak Nam Pho", dragon dance, Chinese opera and sales of OTOP products.

Chiang Mai's Chinese New Year:

A dance troupe from Kunming, China, will perform there during January 29-31 at Trok Lao Cho near Warorot market. There will be parades, stage performances and more. For details, call TAT office in Chiang Mai at 053-248-604 and 053-248-607, or Chiang Mai Municipality Information Office at 053-259-366 and 053-233-178. Get more information about Chinese New Year in Thailand Written by Thanin Weeradet

Do's and Don't in Thailand

The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children. Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. Social Norms : Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Special Advice : - Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4. - Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155. - Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas. - Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand. - Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand. Source : Tourism Authority of Thailand

Doi Inthanon, the summit of Thailand

Doi Inthanon is best known as the highest mountain of Thailand at the elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level. Nowadays, Doi Inthanon has become an increasingly booming tourist attraction of Chiang Mai. Up on this hill there is not only magnificent scenery, lush beautiful forests, and comfortably cool weather, but also hundreds of species of wildlife and birds to study and preserve.

Doi Inthanon National Park general

Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 1,005 sq.km. on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 above sea level. In old days it used to be a conservation area until it was declared the 6th national park of Thailand on October 2nd, 1972. After that on January 16th , 1674, His Majesty King Bhumibol and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit paid a visit to this park and advised that the national park area should be Therefore, from then on until today, Doi Inthanon National Park also covers as area in Mae Na Jon, Ban Chang Keng, and Tha Pha sub-districts in Mae Chaem, and Yang Kram, Ban Luang, Sob Tia sub-districts in Chom Thong districts. Due to the very high elevation, the weather on the top of Doi Inthanon is generally cool and comfortable all year round, with an exception of cold season when it is freezing cold. Ranges of mountains of Doi Inthanon give birth to many tributaries of Ping River and formed many beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya Waterfalls. The dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids and is also one of the largest bird feeding grounds of for thousands of travelers who look for a fantastic retreat in the middle of pristine natural settings.

Attractions of Doi Inthanon National Park

- Brijinda Cave (Km 8.5) - Doi Inthanon Rayal Project Research Station - Beauty Spot (km 41) - Phra Mahathat Noppamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Nopponphumsiri (km 41) - Yod Doi, the Roof of Thailand - Other attraction of Doi Inthanon is Waterfalls, example Mae Ya waterfall is one of largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Get more information Click here

Location of Doi Inthanon

The national park office is at the km marker 57 on highway 108. The park covers an area in Chom Thong district, Mae Chaem district, and San Pa Tong district in Chiang Mai.

Recommended Accommodations

Apart from the lodging houses and tent ground of the national park, there are plenty of private resorts and hotels around the km 7 on Chom Thong-Inthanon Road.

How to go there

- From Chiang Mai town, take highway 108 in the direction to Chom Thong district, and then turn right at the km marker 57 into Highway 1009. The national park office is at the km marker 31. - Chiang Mai-Jomthong route The minibus leaves Chiang Mai gate bus station every 30 minutes from 06.00 am to 05.00 pm. The journey takes around 1 hour and the fee is 15 Baht. - The minibus leaves to Doi Inthanon National Park from 08.00 am to 05.00 pm. The bus fee is 20 Baht. - Jomthong-mae Jam Route The minibus starts from Phrathat Si Jomthong Temple to the national park office. The bus fee is 25 Baht. Tourists could also hire a whole minibus from Jomthong district to Doi Inthanon, the price depends on the amount of passengers and duration (Entrance fee to the national park not included). Source : Trips Magazine (Vol.10, No.111)

The Wonder Calcite Cave in Thailand

Located between Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang districts, Mae La Noi is a small district that highway 108 cuts through. The most interesting attraction of this district is Kaew Komol Cave or Calcite Cave, which is said to be the most beautiful Calcite cave in Thailand. Moreover, similar to other districts in Mae Hong Son, there are many Karen villages to visit in this district.

Kaew Komol Cave

Kaew Komol Cave (or Tham Kaew Komol or Calcite Cave) is the highlight of Mae La Noi district. The cave is located on Doi Tham, near Ban Huai Mafia. From the main highway 108 from Khun Yuam district, turn left along the way to Ban Toong Sarapee for 5 kilometers. Although this cave is accessible by car, you should drive carefully especially at the last part of the road where the road is steep and winding. This cave was discovered by a mining engineer in 1993. At that time it was still an uncharted area, until the Department of Mineral to the cave, built metal props to support the roof of the cave, built metal props to support the roof of the cave, put in electricity, and paved concrete path throughout the cave. This cave was set up as Tham kaew Komol Park under the National Park Department since 1995. The outstanding feature of kaew Komol Cave is that it is a cavern as deep as 30 meters down in the ground. Inside there are Calcite crystals that are said to be the most beautiful in Thailand. In Asia, such Calcite cave was found first at China, and second at this cave in Mae La Noi district. In order for calcium carbonate to crystallize, it will need suitable hot steam to melt calcium substance until it becomes saturated and sets solid inside the cave. This is an unusual phenomenon and thus makes Kaew Komol cave a very rare and precious cave. Kaew Komal cave could be divided into 5 halls. All linked together by the 120 meter long pathway. The most interesting halls are the fourth and the fifth ones, where pure Calcite crystals are shaped like corals and most crystals are in perfect condition. The best time to visit kaew Komol Cave is between December to February, because since the cave will be completely dry. However, since the cave is a cavern deep underground and the atmosphere might not be very airy; those who are not healthy of for enough should not enter this cave. Also, for your own safety, be sure to ask for the officer’s help in case you want to visit this cave.

Attractions nearly Kaew Komol Cave

- Ban Mae La Oup (Lawa village) (หมู่บ้านละว้าแม่ละอูบ) Ban Mae La Oup is situated in Huay Hom sub-district, 32 kilometers away from Mae La Noi downtown. After visiting Kaew Komol Cave, it is a good opportunity to visit some Karen villages, and one of the very interesting choices is Ban Mae La Oup. - Huai Hom Karen Village (หมู่บ้านกะเหรี่ยงห้อยห้อม) Approximately 4 kilometers away from Ban Mae La Oup is Huai Hom Karen Village. This village is the location of the Hilltribes Development Center. Villagers here do not only work in the rice farms. They also weave beautiful cloths from wools and keep orchards. So in cold season, tourists can visit these orchards and buy some fresh products from the villagers. - Mae Sa Kua Karen Village (หมู่บ้านกะเหรี่ยงแม่สะกั๊วะ) Apart form the two villages mentioned, there is another interesting Karen village located in Tha Pha Pum sub-district, 13 kilometers away from Mae La Noi downtown; That is Mae Sakua Karen Village. You can get there by driving uphill along highway 1266. Drive carefully; the road is pretty steep and winding. The highlight of this village is the way the houses are charmingly built along the hillside. Similar to other Karen villages, people in this village still maintain their own tradition, culture, and simple lifestyle very well. Other Cave in Thailand - Fantastic Cave in Pang Mapa, Mae Hong Son Source : Trips Magazine, Vol.9

Fantastic Cave in Pang Mapa, Mae Hong Son

Nam Lod Cave actually comprises three fantastic caves. As it is a water cave, the only way to explore those caves inside is to raft along on the bamboo raft. Located around 77 kilometers before reaching Mae Hong Son town, Nam Lod Cave is the most well-know water cave in Pang mapa district, Mae Hong Son, North of Thailand.

Nam Lod Cave (ถ้ำน้ำลอด)

Of all caves in Pang Mapa district, Nam Lod Cave is the most beautiful and the easiest to visit. Located at the kilometer marker 141 on highway 1095 (Pai-Pang Mapa Road), turn right and go straight on for 8 kilometers, there you are at Nam Lod Cave. Nam Lod Cave is under Tham Nam Lod Nature and Wildlife Research Center. From the checkpoint, ones need to walk in for 230 meters with guide and lamp. The reason that there are no electric lights in this cave is to maintain the natural condition and the beauty of the cave as much as possible, and to create job for local people as guides for tourists. Nam Lod Cave means a cave with a stream running through. And it is so indeed. From the entrance to the exit, the stream runs in circular route for almost 500 meters high. This route has been eroded by water for more than million years. Nam Lod Cave actually consists of 3 separate caves, Sao Hin Cave, Tukta Cave, and Pi Man Cave. In order to visit these caves, tourists need to board a raft through the cave. The total distance is 1,600 meters.

Sao Hin Cave (ถ้ำเสาหิน)

Only 300 meters from the entrance of Nam Lod Cave, you will find the first cave, Sao Hin Cave. Here there is a beautiful Man – Hin – Yoi (curtain of white stalactites) which is made of calcite from subterranean water. Also in the middle of this cave there is a soaring stone pillar standing 21.45 meters high, formed by stalactite and stalagmite. From this cave you can go further on to two other caves or simply return the same route to the entrance. The raft fee so far is 20 Baht/person.

Tukta Cave (ถ้ำตุ๊กตา)

From Sao Hin Cave, raft further down the stream for around 80 meters, you will find Tukta Cave (meaning a cave with dolls). The most outstanding feature of this cave are, as the name suggests, stalagmites that look just like dolls around the place. Nearby there are some ancient paintings in red and black. Most paintings are of human figure, animals, and plants. The raft fee to this cave is 100 Baht/raft.

Pi Man Cave (ถ้ำผีแมน)

Pi man cave is the last cave in this circular course. It is located around 450 meters from Tukta Cave there are many ancient objects, for instance, pottery, human skeletons, stony tools, and Long-Pi-man (wooden coffins).Pi man Cave is the last cave in Nam Lod Cave, inside there is as ancient coffin called Long Pi-Man. Actually there are as many as 74 caves with similar characteristic to Pi Man Cave, but this cave in Nam Lod Cave is the convenient to visit.

Service Rates in Nam Lod Cave

- Lamp and guide rate: 100 Baht/ 3-5 persons - Raft rate from the entrance to Sao Hin Cave: 20 Baht/ person - Raft rate from Sao Hin Cave to Tuukta Cave: 100 Baht/ 3-4 persons - Raft rate from Tukta Cave to Pi Man Cave: 200 Baht/ 3-4 persons Caution: In rainy season it is not possible to visit Tukta Cave and Pi Man Cave since the water level in the cave will be too high Facilities: Around the parking lots there are food stalls and stores for tourists. You can also pitch a tent for free in the area of Nam Lod Cave Nature and Wildlife Research Center. Contact: Nam Lod Cave Nature and Wildlife Research Center: 0 5361 7218 Get more information about Mae Hong Son - Mae Sa-nga Klang Waterfall, Mae Hong Son Source : Trips Magazine

Safari World, Bangkok

Safari World commences its operation on Feb 17, 1988 with a total area of 480 acres for its open zoo and 180 acres for its bird park.

Attractions

- Sarari Park : The ultomate safari experience features hundreds of animals from all over the world. Highlights include Wildlife feeding Show. You are welcome to take your car or ride on one of Safari's luxury coaches into the park. English-speaking guides are axilable on request. - Spy War - Sealion Show - Jungle Cruise - Feeding Show - Hollywood Cowboy (Stunt Show) - Boxing Show - Bird Show - Dolphin Show

Safariworld Service

- Coach Service: More40 brandnew super-duluxe (44 seats), Deluxe (30 seats) and Mini (25 seats), coaches service 24 hours a day. - Car Park: 2 parking aresa can accommodate over 2,000 car and coaches at one time. A train shuttle service between Car Park 2 and Marine Park is aviliable free of charge.

Operating Hours

Open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. * park operating day and hours are subject to change

More information

Safari World Public Company Limited 99 Ramindra 1 Rd Minburi Bangkok 10510 Tel : (662)9144100-19, 5181000-19 Website: Safariworld

Thai Pleasures

Sanuk, a Thai term usually translated as “Fun,” is a much-valued pursuit and covers a wide range of activities. Prominent among them are various traditional sports that despite such innovations as Western football and bowling have never lost their appeal to the vest majority of Thais, especially in rural areas. During leisure time, almost any open field or festival offers a display of some kind, from the balletic ferocity of Thai-style boxing to more esoteric amusements such as a struggle between two giant horned beetles or multicolored Siamese fighting fish.

National Sports Museum

A collection of sports medals and torches are kept in the National Sports Museum located at the main hall of the west wing of Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok. Exhibit Presentation The area of exhibition is divided into 9 parts as follows: 1. Reception Hall 2. Evolution of International Sports in Thailand 3. Sports Organizations 4. Sportsmen’s Hall of Fame 5. Thailand National Sports Associations and Traditional Games 6. Hall of Fame 7. Prince Birabongse Bhanudej 8. The Royalty and Sporting Activities 9. His Majesty the King and Sports Website: www.sat.or.th

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

In modern Thai-Style boxing, gloves are used but in most other ways it is similar to the sport of the past. Any part of the body, except the head, can be used as an offensive weapon. Some professional matches give rise to a fair amount of betting. This very popular sport is now practiced all over the world.

Muay Thai Stadium (Boxing Stadium)

Lumpinee Stadium Located on Rama IV Road Open every Tuesday and Friday, Time 06.00 - 10.00 p.m. and Saturday, Time 05.00-00.30 a.m. Tel: 02-251-4303 and 02-280-4550 Ratchadamnoen Stadium Located on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue (next to TAT) Open every Monday, Wednesday at 06.00 p.m., Thursday at 05.00 p.m. and 09.00 p.m., Sunday at 04.00 p.m. and 08.00 p.m. Tel: 02-281-4202 and 02-281-0879

The Martial Arts

As this old illustrated manuscript shows, boxing was an important part of self-defense. In the old days, no gloves were used and both hand and feet were bound in cloth that often constrained bits of ground glass for added effect. Several Ayutthaya kings were famed for their skill in this graceful yet lethal art.

Takraw

In its traditional form, the game of takraw, which is also popular in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, involves keeping a hollow rattan ball aloft as long as possible. The circle of players can used their feet, knees, elbows and head but not their hands. Group of young men start a casual takraw game almost anywhere during a break from work or school, demonstrating remarkable grace and footwork.

Professional “Takraw”

Over the years, more professional forms of takraw have evolved, using nets to separate opposing teams or high baskets through which the ball must be sent, along with strict rules of play. Takraw competitions of this kind are often held in Bangkok at Sanam Luang and also at the Asian Games. The sport has been as Olympic event since the Atlanta Games.

“Chula” Kites

The detail above, from an old mural printing, show a chula, or “male”, kite caught in a temple roof. On breezy afternoons during the hot season, kites of all kinds can be seen in the sky above Sanam Luang, the great oval field across from the gold spires of the Grand Palace.

Kite-Fighting

Kite-fights in Thailand are actually a symbolic battle of the sexes. The “Female” is a small diamond shaped kite called a pukpao, while the “male”, called a chula, is a huge star-shaped creation that requires teams of up to seventy men to send it aloft and maneuver it. The object is for one of the chula to snare a pukpao with a bamboo hook and bring it down in “male” territory; alternatively, the more agile pukpao often succeed in looping their lines around a chula and bring it crashing it crashing to earth on their side of the field.

Beetle Battles

The large male horned beetle, commonly found in the Thai countryside, becomes aggressive when confronted by another member of his sex in the presence of a female. The ensuing battle, which ends when one of the contestants is overturned, is a popular spectator sport in villages, with wagers on the outcome. Source from: Thailand A Traveller's Companion Book