Director’s Message

Sawatdi khrap.

Time does fly when we are having fun and it only seemed like yesterday that we were ushering in the year 2011. Now we are already at the tail end of the year and this is the last copy of the Amazing Thailand Travel Talk for the year.

Be that as it may, we hope to provide you with as much information as possible to help you plan your trip to Thailand in the few remaining months leading up to the new year. There is of course the King's Birthday, celebrated nationwide on December 5, when our beloved Monarch turns 84- years-old. It is both celebrated as the National Day and Father's Day in Thailand.

The end of December come the Christmas celebrations and New Year countdown. While Christmas is not a public holiday in Thailand, the festive spirit is certainly felt in most of the major shopping complexes and malls that are decorated to celebrate the occasion and usher in a brand new year.

This year the full moon night in November comes early in the month, on the 10th to be exact. As usual, on the that day, the Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide. If you happen to be anywhere in Thailand on that day, head down to any river or waterways and you would surely be greeted with one of the most spectacular events in the country.The biggest celebrations are usually held in Bangkok, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.

Apart from that there are various other events and festivals all over the country. Closer to home in Hat Yai, the annual Lantern Festival will be held from early December to March next year.

Those who love elephants will have a chance of watching the Surin Elephant Round-up at the city's Si Narong Stadium at end of November. Not too far from Bangkok in the province of Kanchanaburi is the stage for the River Kwai Bridge Week where light and sound shows depicting the events of World War Two would be re-enacted.

There are also events for the sports enthusiasts as the Bangkok Marathon 2011 would be held on November 20 at the Sanam Chai Road. Those who prefer water sports, however, can head down to Phuket instead for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon or the Phuket King's Cup Regatta.

As you can see many events and festivals await you in Amazing Thailand.

Thank you and see you soon.

MR WIBOON NIMITRWANICH
Director
Malaysia & Brunei