Beach in Thailand

Patong Beach

2008-12-20T01:40:00.001-08:00

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the most famous of Phuket's beaches and it has the largest concentration of tourists. It is located on the West Coast of Phuket. The tropical beach is 4 km long deep inside a protective bay, ringed with high green lush green mountains. The white sand and the water is very clean despite this is the most developed beach on the island. The bungalow complexes, restaurants, shops and vibrant nightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. This beach is not recommended for those in search of solitude, but definitely suitable for those looking for a lively holiday, this is the party beach. There is a wide variety of Beer bars, Discotek, Cabaret shows and go-go bars. Patong also has a very lively gay scene, concentrated to Paradise complex area on Rath-U-thit Road in front of Royal Paradise Hotel.

Rawai Beach

Situated 17 km to the south of Phuket town. Many locals go to this beach for the excellent and cheap Thai food available here. This long quiet beach is an ideal place to stay if planning an offshore jaunt to Ko Hae (Coral Island), Ko Bon, and Ko Lone. It is also close to the spectacular cape Laem Promthep and Wat Chalong. There are a number of nicer beaches also within easy striking distance of Rawai. Rawai is about a 20 minute bike ride from Phuket town or can be reached by bus from Phuket town.

Nai Harn Beach

This very nice beach with crystal clear water on the south end of Phuket is home to the prestigious Phuket Yacht Club. Before the explosion of tourism you could find very cheap backpacker huts here and you can still find some reasonable priced places to stay. This beach is still neither touristic nor crowded. The middle of the beach is dominated by the Samnak Song Nai Han monastery, which has obstructed excessive development.

Kata Beach

Of Phuket's highly developed beaches (Kata, Karon and Patong), Kata 17 km from Phuket town, is probably the quietest. The beach is split in two with Kata Noi to the south and the much longer Kata Yai to the north. Kata Yai is the home of Club Med, and Kata Noi has a number of very up-market places as well. Both the beaches are nice and the water crystal clear. You have many restaurants to chose from and some entertainment. A couple of Phukets most exclusive restaurants, the Boat house and Gallery grill are also found here. More quiet than Patong and Karon.

Karon Beach

South of Patong is Karon Beach, the second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches. The majority of package tour tourists will end up on this beach. Large resort complexes line the road behind of the shoreline, but the long, broad beach itself has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked upon. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata Beach. There is a regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Ka Lim Beach

Is the continuation of Patong Beach on the northern coastline just north of the rocky cliffs that separate it from Patong beach. Ka Lim is a small charming beach with rocky points and coral. Ka Lim is a quiet alternative to the busy Patong Beach, yet conveniently near to tourist services and night life.

Laem Sing

North the coastline after Ka Lim is a beautiful small beach without bungalows or hotels, only a few small restaurants huts. You can go here by boat from Patong or climb down from the road on the hill top if you are going by motorbike or car. This is the most beautiful beach on Phuket yet very near to Patong, only 15 minutes by tuk-tuk or motorbike. The name means Lion's Point but so far I have never seen any lions here.

Freedom Beach

A ride in a long tail boat from Patong Beach out and around the headland on the southern tip of Patong Beach brings you to one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches on Phuket. This is an isolated private beach with dazzling white sand and a small restaurant that is open the public, but the owner drives off visitors arriving by jet ski. The coral reefs are among the best on the island so don't forget your mask and fins. When you want to go to Freedom Beach ask one of the locals on Patong beach about renting longtaill boat and soon the owner will appear and you can bargain for a price.

Kamala Beach and Phuket FantaSea

Phuket FantaSea entertainment complex Phuket FantaSea's attractions combines Thai culture with high-tech special effects in culture shows, magical illusions, circus acts, indoor pyrotechnics and four-dimensional in-theatre effects. The construction of FantaSea World on Kamala Beach begun with a 1.6 Billion Baht budget. The opening was targeted for December 1997 but the economic downturn and weakened Baht boosted the cost to at least 3.3 Billion Baht. The grand opening of Phuket FantaSea was held in January 1999. The tourism industry hopes "Amazing Thailand" will attract 3.5 million foreign visitors to Phuket and that 2.4 million of them will visit FantaSea. Kamala beach itself is 2 km long with soft white sand.

Surin Beach

This very nice beach is worthwhile a day trip from Kama or Patong as the beach has a number of good restaurants to choose from and the water is very clear. You are also allowed to camp on the beach for free. On Sundays a lot of Thai locals go here for a picnic on the beach.

Bang Tao Beach

This is one of Phuket's longest beaches dominated by the Laguna Complex. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a luxury resort with no less then 5 high class hotels with golf course and. There are, however, alternative accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end.

Nai Thong Beach

Naithon Beach is 400 meters long and usually safe to swim at even during monsoon. White and clean sand and only a few trees where you can search for shade from the sun. All buildings are separated from the beach by the road. Very quiet, No shopping, No entertainment only a few restaurants and only one resort. Next to Nai Thong are three beautiful, secluded beaches. This is one alternative if you are looking for a quiet and secluded holiday.

Nai Yang Beach

This 13 km long and unspoiled beach south from Sarasin Bridge is a part of Nai Yang National Park. It was established on 13 July 1981, and cover 90 sq. km. On 13 April every year there is a turtle release festival when baby turtles are related back to the sea by Fisheries Department. At the same place throughout November to March turtles come here to lay eggs.

Mai Kaho Beach

This is Phuket's northernmost and largest beach with no real development. The turtle releasing festival also takes place here so it is worth coming up in mid April. Ask at the National Park Office for further details.

Phuket and Patong Beach

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Welcome to Phuket and Patong Beach. (update 12 November 2008) Upcoming events: 15-20 December, 2008 This year's Phuket Carnival will take place from December 15 to 20 at Patong Beach,

December 15: Fireworks performance after dusk

December16: Beach cleanup and a longtail boat competition off Loma Park, 9 am;

December 17: Adventure Competition, Loma Park, 9 am;

December 20: Fancy Parade along the beach road at 5 pm, finishing at Loma Park.

TAT news According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the number of tourist arrivals to Phuket almost doubled to 4.7 million in 2007 from 2.4 million in 2005. Total foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand in 2007 were 14.5 million, of whom one-fifth or 3.1 million went to Phuket In its 4 March 2006 update, the TAT reported that Phuket has 532 establishments offering 31,778 hotel rooms, half of which are three star accommodations. Infrastructural improvements have also helped to fuel demand for property. Phuket now has three existing marinas, with another three slated to be completed in the near future. The island’s six golf courses comprise 135 holes and include The Blue Canyon Country Club, the three-time host of the Johnnie Walker Classic. Also factors in buyers’ decisions to invest are the major retail facilities, multiple international schools and top-quality hospitals in Phuket.

Patong Patong Beach is the most popular and well-developed beach on Phuket Island. Long recognized as one of the world's Top 10 diving sites, Phuket is now Thailand's most important tourist destination, offering a variety of beaches, attractions and exciting night life.

Phuket Island

Phuket Island has 17 sandy beaches.

This photo is from Patong Beach. Take a look in our photo gallery for more beach photos. Koh Phuket is Thailand's largest Island. It is 50 km long north to south and 21 km wide and joined to the mainland by Sarasin bridge. Phuket has been inhabited since the early days of mankind by ancient tribes and this still keeps archaeologists occupied to find out the history from the early days. On the ancient maps of the region around Thailand's South West coast, the name Junk Ceylon can be seen describing a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. This Island is today known as Phuket.

Phuket Island was assumed by geologists to be once part of the mainland in the form of a cape sticking out into the Andaman Sea but millions of years later the cape was gradually eroded by natural forces and finally detached from the main land.

One of the first known traces of Phuket is from a book written around the year 157 by Claudius Ptolemy, a famous Greek philosopher, that to travel to Malay Peninsula by ship, the travelers had to pass a cape known as Junk Ceylon. Located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (which is the present site of Phuket Island), Junk Ceylon was at that time visited by merchants of several nations including India, Persia, and Arabia. The island offered a bay that protected its harbor from the wind and monsoon, making it a good stopover. Moreover, it had plenty of tin ore deposits that fetched high prices at that time.

A memorable moment in Phuket history was when a passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, Thao Thep Krasattri, wife of Phuket's recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook, Thao Si Sunthon. There was a shortage of men so she allegedly ordered 500 women to dress as soldiers with coconut palms daubed in soot to look like weapons. This tactic seemed to delay a full-on Burmese attack. After a month's siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense. The Burmese attacked Phuket three more times between 1809-12 but armed forces from Bangkok arrived in time to repel further Burmese onslaughts. With Burma's capitulation to the British, ensured that there would be no more Burmese invasions of Thailand.

During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work for the tin mines that the ethnic character of the island's interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated essentially by Muslim fishermen.

In Rama V's reign, Phuket became the administrative center of a group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933, with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

It was not until 1967 that Sarasin Bridge was built to connect the main land with Phuket.

Tin mining industry has played a specially important role in the economic development of the island province but it has declined especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half. Other important products of Phuket are marine products, latex, rubber, fuel oil and frozen fish.

With the opening of an international airport in 1976, Phuket effectively became a tourist economy. Over 4 million tourists arrived to Phuket in year 2002 and they spent about 72 billion baht on the island.

The permanent Island Population consists of a total of 292,245 (end 2005) with 140,703 males and 151,542 females. They consist of Thai-Buddhist, 71%; Muslim 25%; and Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) 4%. The majority of population live in Phuket town and at Patong Beach.

Thalang National Museum If you want to learn more about the history of Phuket we recommend a visit to the Thalang National Museum. This museum was established in 1985 in Thalang just 200 meters from the Heroines Monument. Built in a southern architectural style, the museum exhibits the Battle of Thalang, the way of life, culture and history of Phuket and the South.

Patong Beach is a beach on Phuket's west coast. It is the main tourist resort in Phuket and contains the centre of Phuket's nightlife and cheap shopping on the island. The beach became popular with western tourists, especially Europeans, in the late 1980s. Numerous large hotels and chain hotels are located in Paton

Patong Beach is maybe more famous for its nightlife than the 2-kilometer beach that runs the entire length of Patong. Nightlife is centered on two main areas Bangla Road and Paradise Complex, with Bangla Road being predominantly straight and Paradise Complex being predominantly gay. Much mixing of the two scenes occurs due to Phuket Island's tolerant nature.

On December 26, 2004, Patong Beach along with many other areas along the western coast of Phuket and Thailand were struck by a tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The wave caused a great deal of destruction to the waterfront of the beach although the destruction was not nearly as bad as nearby in Khao Lak. It took probably less than 6 months to rebuild 80% of what was destroyed and 1 year after you could hardly not see any traces of destruction caused by the Tsunami.

Patong Beach - History Official permanent population is 14797 (2006) persons but the real number is probably as high as 60,000 in high season. 1827 Baan Kathu and Baan Patong are small villages without convenient transportation 1898 The Island is organized into five grades of local administration. 1947 The government approves 60,000 THB for a basic road over the hill to Patong 1969 Patong is upgraded to a "sanitation district" and taxes of 20,000 THB a year are collected. 1976 A sealed road is built to Patong. 1979 Electricity arrives 1994 Patong sanitation district is upgraded to a municipally 2004 Patong was hit by the Asian Tsunami 26 December 2005 Recovery year, tourism back to 80% at end of the year. Opening of Patong OTOP Shopping Paradise, Thanon Rat-U-Thit 200P (south end). 2006 Jungceylon, Patong's first full-fledged modern air-con shopping mall, complete with 200 shops, integrated hotel, etc. Still under construction and the opening has been postponed several times, but will probably launch some time in end of 2006

Pattaya City

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Pattaya City is still becoming top destination in Thailand. Tourist keep visiting the City of Nightlifes enjoying Pattaya Attractions , Activities, Entertainments, Pub, Bars around the this City of Heaven like Pattaya Walking Street. With its fascinating, the City of Pattaya never being forgotten by Tourists who visiting Kingdom of Thailand. PattayaHoliday.biz is a site that giving out the most useful travel guides as well as accommodations reservation services of Pattaya Hotels and Pattaya Resrts with quite really amazing low prices and secured payments transaction, Enjoy Pattaya City.

Pattaya Beach, With Curved bay of about 3 kilometers long, lay itself along the west side of city. Pattaya beach is well known by most of Tourists, with it new developed clean beach and well manage by City governor. All beachs of Pattaya beach from north Pattaya to south Pattaya were decolated by beautyful flowers.On Pattaya beach you can find many activities offers to you such as Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Parachute-Skiing etc.

Pattaya Beach is situated along the central city in close proximity to shopping, hotels and bars. The over-abundance of jet-skis and speedboats has contributed to the pollution of the water along the Pattaya beach, as has the practice of dumping sewage in the ocean. The section of beach from Central Road south to the harbor is adjacent to the core of Pattaya's abundant nightlife area, it is less family-oriented than the North Pattaya, Na Klua and Jomtien beach.

Pattaya's main beaches are popular and busy places. For the thrill-seekers, activities include banana-boat rides, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and the like and anyone who just wants to enjoy a simple swim or a good splash around with a frisbee or rented inner tube will always find themselves with plenty of company. However, while in and beyond the surf, a wary eye does need to be kept on the more frenetic elements of the passing traffic.

Patong Beach

2008-12-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Patong Beach

Upcoming events: Sep 29- Oct 7, 2008 Phuket Vegetarian Festival 1-3 November, 2008 Phuket Carnival in Patong marks the start of the official high season in Phuket. 12 November, 2008 Loy Kratong festival Phuket's busiest resort area, Patong has the greatest concentration of bars, restaurant and shops on the island. Patong has suffered from a lot of negative publicity in recent years for being over-developed and its hedonistic party scene. However, the majority of visitors to Phuket still choose to spend their time in Patong and for good reason. Patong has much to offer and despite its reputation for naughty nightlife, Patong is also very popular with families. The 3km long beach still possesses beautiful white sand and clear water, which is now visibly clearer after the tsunami. The deck chairs and umbrellas are now back in force, providing an ideal place to relax and soak up the sun with all the conveniences you could want nearby. You'll find everything here you could need on your holiday. There are numerous shops and stalls, as well as other leisure and recreational activities. However, if you are looking for a quiet beach retreat, you probably won't find it in Patong. Accommodation Patong is where you will find the most varied selection of hotels in Phuket. There is somewhere to suit every budget. From cheap and simple guesthouses to resort-style four and five-star hotels, and everything in between. There are even a few hotels right on the beach. You can choose to stay near the nightlife or stay further away. The beauty of staying in Patong is that everything is only a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away. Activities Patong is the busiest beach on the island and you will never be short of something to do here. If you like watersports, then this is the place. There's jet-skiing, water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, or parasailing. You can snorkel on the reef at the southern end of the bay or take a longtail boat round to Freedom beach for better coral viewing. Further inland you can try bungee jumping, go bowling or cross over the hill into Kathu for a spot of go-karting. If you are feeling more sedate, rent a sun lounger for the day, slap on plenty of sun screen and watch the show while you soak up the rays. The sea is generally calm all year round and the seabed shelves gently making it quite safe to swim in. For even more relaxation, there are usually plenty of masseuses nearby who give massages right on the beach. Dining There is a huge variety of restaurants in Patong. Cuisines you can choose from include Thai, seafood, Italian, Scandinavian, Japanese, French and British pub food to name but a few. Some restaurants offer menus with a combination of different cuisines, usually a selection of European and Thai. There are also plenty of hawker stalls, where if you are brave, you can sample authentic Thai cuisine and eat like the locals do. If you aren't staying in Patong, it is definitely worth the effort to spend a few evenings eating out here. Nightlife Patong's lively nightlife scene is what draws many people to the island. All the action is centred around Bangla road. There are also many places where you can enjoy a quiet drink, listen to live bands or go dancing with friends. Banana Disco on the beach road is a Phuket institution and is usually packed late into the night. Shopping There are stalls all the way along the beach road (Thaweewong road). Stalls operate during the day but it is in the evening that it really gets going. You can buy all kinds of clothes, souvenirs, sunglasses, CDs and much more. Always haggle at the roadside stalls. As a very rough guide, try and get the price down to about 50% of the quoted price. Situated on Rat-U-Thit road nearly opposite Bangla road is the newly opened Jungceylon. Officially opened on 20th Dec 2006, this large complex houses a hotel, Robinsons department store, Carrefour, a SFX cinema, bowling alley and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. At the time of opening, not all shops and facilities were open but quite a few such as Carrefour and a number of dining outlets had opened for business. Patong also has two Ocean department stores, one towards the Rat-U-Thit road end of Bangla road, Ocean Bangla and the other along the beach road, just past the Holiday Inn. Although quite small, they have a good selection of clothes.

PROMOTION / SPECIALS

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Dear Guests and friends, We would like to take this opportunity to offer special rates and privileges for booking with us as detailed below. A-ONE Pattaya has created a few interesting packages to enjoy your stay for the same price and get extra value for your trip or holiday. When you want to take advantage of one of these packages just book the same amount of nights and put the CODE (like PTYMSP01) in the comment box of your booking, we will then automatically turn your booking into a promotion package so you can enjoy all the extras that we mention above and hereunder. Special Privileges. Special for long stay or honeymoon guest 1. Private Check-In 2. Daily buffet breakfast 3. Late Check-Out till 2 pm (subject to room availability) 4. Welcome drink and fruit plate upon arrival 5. Daily in-room newspaper Thai or English 6. Free shuttle bus service to beach, shopping area & working street 7. Free Wi-Fi internet in the lobby 8. Baby Cot provided for infant

: attaya Hotel Promotions of the A-One The Royal Cruise Hotel

Emerald Beach

2008-12-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Everything you need to know about Emerald Beach

Snuggled into the headland south of Patong, Emerald Beach ('Hat Tri Tra' in Thai) is the perfect place for sun lovers and those who are dead serious about going for the maximum tan. There is a long line of northern-facing sunbeds along this 500-metre beach and it is popular with guests from the nearby Merlin Beach Resort, being the nearest large beach to it. This lovely beach is recognised on the Internet as being a peaceful haven of tranquility but ask the man in the street in nearby Patong where it is and he'll more than likely not know. North-facing Emerald Beach has an open feel to it because, instead of the usual shade-providing palms and casuarinas, there is hinter beach vegetation and rough grass for over half of its length. You can relax in the shade near the restaurant or at the resort end but most of the beach basks in direct sunlight. How to get there Emerald Beach is to the southwest of Patong and is reached by going south along the last part of Patong's Beach Road. and taking a left turn at the Amari Coral Beach Resort. Go past Baan Yin Dee then turn down the road that leads to the Tri Trang Resort. Alternatively, carry on the road past the Merlin Beach Resort until you come to Naik Rang at the foot of a hill and a restaurant on the sea side of the road called 'Windsulf' (this is really how it is spelled). You can access Emerald Beach by parking here and walking through this restaurant during high tide. Facilities on the beach Sun loungers go for the normal 200 baht for a set, and you can have an hour's beach massage for 400 baht and a pedicure for 300 baht. Both oil and foot massages are 400 baht and girls, if you want your hair braided it will cost 1,500 baht. Jet-skis operate from here and cost 1,500 baht an hour and you can parasail for 1,200 baht. Snorkel sets are 300 baht an hour and going out on a sea kayak to explore the environs will cost 400 baht. There are toilets at both ends of the beach; one in the 'Windsulf' restaurant and at the Tri Trang Resort. Beach Eats 'Windsulf' is a very attractive looking place overlooking the sea. It has basic Thai and European food and its interior décor is wooden, quirky and unusual. You can rent snorkeling gear here too. There is a restaurant serving both Thai and international food at the resort end as well. Beach activities The waters off Emerald Beach are not deep and are also quite rocky so this makes swimming a little difficult except at high tide. The best place for swimming is the end of the beach closest to Patong. Emerald Beach is more of a quiet destination - especially when compared with busy Patong Beach, visible in the distance. Beach vendors Beach vendors occasionally pass by from Patong Beach but Emerald Beach is not on their priority list as it is quiet and isolated. If approached, a simple 'no thanks' and a smile is usually enough if you would prefer not to be disturbed. If you see something you like, make sure to bargain with them and to not accept their original asking prices.

Welcome to Thailand

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Welcome to Thailand The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions Neighboring countries: 1) Myanmar - west and north, 2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast, 3) Cambodia - southeast and 4) Malaysia - south. Area: 513,115 sq. km. Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions: The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries; The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok; The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing. People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity. Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide. This region extends southward along a narrow peninsula lying between the Andaman Sea its west side and the South China Sea on the east. It is a rich land in terms of the abundance of its natural resources, the fertility of its soil, the diversity of its people and its commercial viability. The east coast on the Gulf of Thailand always seems to be more relaxed, with long, wide bays and calm seas; the Andaman Sea coast tends to be more rugged and exhilarating, with its strange limestone rock formations and cliffs. The coastline attracts most tourists, though Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand is growing in popularity as a laid-back holiday spot with first class diving opportunities nearby on Tao and Pha-ngan islands. The Andaman Sea coast offers more sophisticated choices in the island province of Phuket , Thailand’s premier holiday resort. However, the fascinating rock formations and offshore islands at Phang-nga, Krabi , Patong , koh phi phi and Trang are extremely popular for the diving and sailing opportunities they offer.

Welcome to Thailand

2008-11-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

THE POTENTIAL PERILS OF MARRYING A FOREIGN HUSBAND

Marrying a foreign husband is seen by many Thai females as being a passport away from dire poverty and into a life of luxury. This is particularly true of Isarn women, specifically in the more remote villages, where these aspirants see their peers with fabulous houses, built with the funds of their farang husbands and sporting the accoutrements of a lavish lifestyle, like cars, swimming pools, home theatres, washing machines and designer clothes, albeit copies! However, for many Isarn women, these are often fond dreams, pure hype, nourished by rural legends; the reality is very different, the unfortunate women often being lured into prostitution and comparative sex slavery in their husbands' countries, where they were taken under false pretences. According to Mrs.Prakaikaew Ratanaka, local mayor and Chairwoman of the Association of Community Development Women Leaders Udonthani Province, there are 2 districts in Udonthani where the whole village only has foreign husbands. A foreign husband's house was conspicuous by its beautiful architectural style, well-dressed people and expensive cars. Very few foreign husbands were prepared to live a traditional Thai lifestyle, pursuing farming, however. The provinces with the majority of transnational marriage are Udonthani and Kon Kaen, followed by Maha Sarakham, Chaiyaphum, Srisaket, Buriram, and Loei respectively. Searching for partners via the internet is one of the favourite means of finding foreign husbands. More than 20 Thai women in Pako sub-district, Kutchab district, Udonthani, were charged around 60,000-100,000 baht by the brokerage agent for searching for foreign partners.

The National Operation Center on Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking, reporting on the human trafficking situation, stated that from 2002-2008, there had been 4,208 transnational marriages between Thai women and foreign men. Confirming the report, the Office of House Registration, the Ministry of Interior revealed that within a period of four years, almost twenty thousand Thai women and foreign men had registered for marriage licenses, with a considerable further number unregistered. As stated, some of them are victims of human trafficking gangs operated by Thais and nationals of the destination countries, including Germany, Switzerland, the Netherland, France, and Austria.

In Nongwuasor district, Udonthani, for instance, there are 2,800 transnational marriages, but only 500 possess marriage licenses. The rest of them are unsure about their future and a considerable proportion were lured into human trafficking groups. Educationally, 45% of the Thai women graduated at primary level, 41% at secondary level, 11%, securing a normal and high vocational certificate and 2% a bachelor's degree. Because of high incidence of forced prostitution, the Public Media for People Participation for Human Security in Prevention and Remedy Human Trafficking 2008 Project, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) organized a mobile forum to attempt to solve the human trafficking problem, with the title of "Foreign Husband, the Way to Heaven or Hell" at Udonthani.

Assoc.Prof.Dr.Supawatanakorn Wongthanawasu, an instructor in the College of Local Administration, Graduate School, Khonkaen University, related that the highest number of transnational marriages occur in Udonthani and, at the same time, there is the also highest incidence of divorces. This could be seen as a result of community changes in lifestyle and core values. Their parents favour foreign husbands and recommend their children marry foreigners to have a better life. They only consider the positive side, disregarding the negative elements. In some cases, women had to live with 4-5 men before they found the right one. "After marrying, the Thai women moved to their husbands' countries. Several Thai women in Germany, for instance, had to prostitute themselves to support their husbands or risk being harmed. Some of these had even had to pay a brokerage agent to find foreign partners. One woman paid forty thousand baht to the broker and tried to live with a foreign husband before marrying. The prospective husband, however, later decided to opt out of the deal and returned to his native country never to return. Consequently, the woman wasted her brokerage fee and her 'intended' had free sexual intercourse.

There are a great number of matching agencies available in the Water Gate area, run through the postal service as well as through the internet. The number of Thai applicants is sufficiently large to warrent a pro-active approach by the government who could issue warnings of the potential pitfalls inherent in transnational marriages. Assoc.Prof.Dr.Krittika Saenpot, Rector Assistant of Rajabhat Udonthani University stated that a survey of students' attitudes towards having foreign husbands had revealed that the majority of participants wanted to have a foreign husband, primarily because of the economic dimension, including cars and money. The attitude could lead to potential human trafficking and corruption as well as illegal matching by unscroupulous agents.

The study also found that some families which have foreign husbands would likely have household commodities imported from Europe, such as washing machines, mobile phones, or sanitary ware. Although the family members are only employed to harvest peas, they are materialistic and extravagant. Thai culture, language, and eating habits inevitably also have to give way to Western culture. Instead of eating Somtam for breakfast, for instance, many Thai wives eat sausages, eggs, and fast food. The majority of foreigners are retired and many have health problems, so Thai wives are responsible for taking care of them, not always with favourable outcomes, however. There was a diabetic foreigner, for example, who also suffered from psychological problems, that was inclined to severely beat a child of the Thai wife's former marriage with a stick. Nevertheless, the Thai wife was forced to continue to look after him, despite his sadistic tendencies.

There are many Thai women who are lured illegally into foreign countries like Germany. Some of those women are sent to brothels and are unable to ask for help because they could not communicate in German. Because of this serious problem, the Thai Embassy and Thai temples in Germany are 24-hour on stand by to help the victims. However, it is for the Thai government and NGOs to take pro-active measures, immediately, to pre-empt the traffickers and warn potential victims of the possible consequences of their avarice. Only by such concerted efforts will the dire trafficking problem be solved.

Welcome to Thailand

2008-11-24T10:21:00.001-08:00

WHITE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION BY THE SEA! AT SHERATON PATTAYA RESORT

Make believe it’s somehow snowing in Pattaya with our wonderful White Christmas celebrations. What could be better than having a wonderful evening with your loved ones on a unique cliff side location? Enjoy an array of culinary delights from around the world, special shows for kids including clowns and magic shows. Carol singers fill your Christmas spirits with their beautiful songs, complement to a perfect evening. X-MAS EVE: Wednesday.24th December 2008. Time 19.00-22.00 hours. ELEMENTS RESTAURANT – INTERNATIONAL BUFFET Great for family and seafood lovers as we prepare a wide range of Christmas dishes and World Cuisine favorites including Traditional Roasted Turkey, BBQ Seafood, Alaskan King Crab, Lamb Shank “Pot Au Feu”, and much more! Price: THB 3,000.- / person INFINITI RESTAURANT- A GLORIOUS SET MENU For ones who prefer intimate atmosphere will love this ocean front restaurant – Infiniti. Our chef has specially prepared a special set menu, featuring festive occasion-inspired Mediterranean cuisine such as Feuilleté of Turkey Breast, Smoked Salmon Tartar and Traditional X’Mas Log. Price: THB 2,000.- / person

PAYAYA Restaurant

Infiniti Restaurant

X- MAS DAY: Thursday, 25th December 2008. Time 12.00-15.00 hours ELEMENTS RESTAURANT- TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS BRUNCH The Christmas holidays reach their peak with a magnificent interactive traditional Christmas brunch, featuring delectable dishes from all over the world including Special Cheese Corner, Japanese, Dim Sum, Grill and Carving Station, Asian Noodle Station and lots more. Santa drops in with gifts for the children plus plenty more entertainment for all in the family. Price: THB 1,700.- / person

Elements Restaurant

Romantic dinner by the beach

Prices are inclusive of tax and service charge.

Thai Food at PAPAYA Restaurant

Latitude - Asian Tapas

WHITE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION BY THE SEA! AT SHERATON PATTAYA RESORT

2008-08-02T01:21:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Thailand

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions

Neighboring countries: 1) Myanmar - west and north, 2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast, 3) Cambodia - southeast and 4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;

The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;

The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;

The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

This region extends southward along a narrow peninsula lying between the Andaman Sea its west side and the South China Sea on the east. It is a rich land in terms of the abundance of its natural resources, the fertility of its soil, the diversity of its people and its commercial viability.

The east coast on the Gulf of Thailand always seems to be more relaxed, with long, wide bays and calm seas; the Andaman Sea coast tends to be more rugged and exhilarating, with its strange limestone rock formations and cliffs.

The coastline attracts most tourists, though Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand is growing in popularity as a laid-back holiday spot with first class diving opportunities nearby on Tao and Pha-ngan islands.

The Andaman Sea coast offers more sophisticated choices in the island province of Phuket , Thailand’s premier holiday resort. However, the fascinating rock formations and offshore islands at Phang-nga, Krabi , Patong , koh phi phi and Trang are extremely popular for the diving and sailing opportunities they offer.