Chulada Choir " Thai Royal Anthem "

Chulada Choir " Thai Royal Anthem "

Thai AirWays

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited is the national carrier of the Kingdom of Thailand. It operates domestic, regional and intercontinental flights radiating from its home base in Bangkok to key destinations around the world and within Thailand. The company's fully

paid up share capital amounts to 16,988,765,500 Baht (9 May 2005) and is 53.77% owned by the Ministry of Finance, the Thai Government. At the end of September 2004, consolidated total assets of the company amounted to 193,211 million Baht. In its operations, THAI has achieved profitability every year for the last 40 consecutive years.

Thai Airways International was founded in 1960 as a joint venture between Thailand's domestic carrier, Thai Airways Company (TAC) and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) with the Scandinavian carrier initially providing a 30% share capital of two million Baht. SAS also provided operations, managerial and marketing expertise, with training assistance aiming at building a fully independent national airline within the shortest possible time. Thai nationals, through training and experience, were gradually able to assume full managerial responsibility and the number of expatriate staff duly reduced until, in 1987, expatriates accounted for less than one percent of staff based in Thailand.

On April 1, 1977, after a 17 - year capital participation partnership with SAS, the Thai Government bought out SAS remaining 15 % holding and THAI became fully owned by the Thai people.

In 1960, flights were inaugurated from Bangkok to 9 overseas destinations all within the Asian region. Intercontinental services were launched in 1971, to Australia, followed by flights to Europe in 1972, and to North America in 1980.Thai Airways International growth was greatly accelerated on April 1, 1988 as a result of its merger with Thai Airways Company (TAC), the domestic airline, which raised the Company's share capital from 1,400 million to 2,230 million Baht . Under the Cabinet policy, as authorised by General Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister at the time, Thai Airways International would be responsible for commercial aviation, both international and domestic. Thai Airways International can now rightfully be called Thailand's only national carrier. On June 25, 1991, Thailand Cabinet approved a resolution enabling THAI to list its shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The resolution authorized THAI to convert Baht 10.77 billion of retained earnings into capital, and increase its capital by an additional Baht 3 billion with a first issue of 100 million shares. Of those 100 million shares, five million shares were reserved for THAI employees at par Baht 10 and 95 million shares were to be offered to the public.

The listing of THAI shares was commenced on July 19, 1991. By converting retained earnings into capital and increased its share capital upon the Cabinet approval, THAI registered share capital has risen from Baht 2,230 million to a total of Baht 14,000 million. This has made the total amount of THAI share listing to be the largest in the history of SET. Moreover, THAI public offering of shares is the single largest one ever undertaken in Thailand.

The main purposes in listing on the SET and offering shares to the public are to obtain the additional funds needed in keeping the airline competitive edge in the international market and to allow member of the general public and THAI employees to become shareholders in this national flag carrier of Thailand.On November 20-21, 2003. THAI offered for sale the Company's 442.75 million ordinary shares, comprising 285 million capital increase ordinary shares and 157.75 million existing ordinary shares held by the Ministry of Finance upon the Cabinet approval.Proceeds generated by the sales will be used as investment in the Suvarnabhumi Airport project, and for upgrading inflight services ranging from passenger seats to other amenities. Since September 2004, the company has sold THAI shares to its employee through the Employee Securities Option Plan (ESOP) in a total of 13,896,150 shares at 15 Baht per share. The company will continue to sell its shares to those employee who are holding the warrants until the end of the plan in April 2007.

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa is one of the preeminent first class resorts in Phuket. It is located just 700 meters off the beach in Kata, which is widely regarded as one of Phuket's most beautiful places due to its white sandy beach, lush green hills, variety of venues and relaxed pace. The resort's natural setting and high level of comfort makes it one of Phuket's finest destinations for couples, singles, and families. Enjoy our friendly and personalized service and enchanting Thai hospitality in a well designed, yet casual atmosphere that will ease your senses. Relax at our fee form pool amidst a tropical garden, have a chat with friends at the pool bar, just daydream while looking over the lotus pond or sip a cocktail in the cozy CLEF Lounge.

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Chiang Mai : Doi Suthep

There are plenty of legends surrounding the mountaintop temple of Doi Suthep. Stories from long ago tell tales of a wandering 14th-Century monk and a dying elephant, a hermit and of villagers coming together to build a road to a holy shrine. Combined with the physical aura of the place, these stories weave a magic concoction for northern-bound travellers.

Rising 1676 metres above the city of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is one of the most revered religious destinations in Thailand and is often packed with interested onlookers, especially when the weather is cooler and the days crisp and clear.

But first a legend. A 14th-Century monk from Sukhothai had a vision one day - he saw a fire and when he followed it, he found a relic (apparently a bone) from the Buddha himself. He took the relic to his king, but it failed to reproduce its magical powers and the king lost interest.

However, King Keu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom heard of the monk and invited him north to Chiang Mai and offered to enshrine the relic. The building was completed and preparations were made to house the relic. When the time came to do this, the relic broke in two, leading the king to make a new plan.

At the northern gate of the city, now known as Chang Puak (white elephant gate), he placed half of the relic on the back of a sacred white elephant and sent it off into the wilderness.
The elephant headed due west, climbed slowly up the slopes of Doi Suthep, trumpeted a last call and then dropped dead.

On that spot, legend goes, the temple was built in 1383. Doi Suthep is actually named for a legendary hermit, named Sudeva, who lived on the slopes. Before this, about 1,000 years ago, it was still known as Doi Aoy Chang (Sugarcane Elephant Mountain).

It is easy enough to get to Doi Suthep. Public transportation may be used to travel the road 16 kilometres northwest out of Chiang Mai, past Chiang Mai University and ascend the winding road up the mountain to the base of the temple.

There are two choices once you have reached the base of the temple - either hike up the 300 steps to the temple gate (admiring the longest Naga staircase in Thailand on the way) or, hop on one of the cable cars and get conveyed to the top. Most opt for the walk.

Once inside Wat Suthep, you are free to wander the grounds, admiring what each section has to offer. Like many temples in Thailand, there are elements of Hinduism mixed in with Buddhism and an intriguing array of statues, including the god Ganesh, peek out from corners, cubby holes and from the sides of temple buildings.

Metal bells, double-stacked, line a couple of walls and are kept busy throughout the day. Signs above the bells admonish visitors "not to push the bell."

The lookout area is the other side from the entrance gate and viewers can gaze down at the city of Chiang Mai and its international airport far below. From here, you have a clear view of the winding Ping River and the surrounding mountains.

In the middle of the temple is the sacred square cloister area, where, upon shedding shoes and ascending another dozen steps, visitors can see the Lanna-style, copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tiered gold umbrella. It is considered one of the holiest areas in Thailand. Monks inside are kept busy blessing the devout with holy water and the smell of incense and burning candles fill the senses as you circumnavigate the cloister.

Another more recent legend about Doi Suthep concerns a monk in the 1930's. In 1934, there was still no road leading up the mountain and the faithful had to make the arduous climb in order to visit the temple. Pra Krubra Srivichai, a local monk, thought that the temple needed better access and organized the local villages in order to build a road.

He asked each village to construct 10 metres and with this plan in hand, the locals finished the job in just six months. A recent expansion of the road covered over plaques honouring each village, but a statue honouring Srivichai still remains, at the base of the mountain. It is believed to be good luck to pay homage to him before ascending Doi Suthep.

Many who visit don't realize that Doi Suthep is actually one part of the larger Doi Suthep National Park. The National Park encompasses 261 square kilometres. Evergreen hills, mixed deciduous and pine forest are all represented at the park and there are over 300 bird species and nearly 2000 species of fern and flowering plants that thrive there. During the late day and early morning, the bird species are much in evidence, flitting around the periphery of the temple.

Phra Tamnak Phu Phing, the vacation palace for the royal family, is also in the immediate area and is often included in tours to Doi Suthep, along with a visit to a local Hmong hill-tribe village.Thanks to the industriousness of Srivichai, it is now easy to pay a visit to Doi Suthep, although the old hiking trail does still exist for those yearning for a more difficult challenge. Either way, the beauty, the holiness and the legends of Doi Suthep wait to be explored.

Flag of Thailand

The flag of Thailand shows five horizontal stripes in the colours red, white, blue, white and red, with the middle blue stripe being twice as wide as each of the other four. The three colours red-white-blue stand for nation-religion-king, an unofficial motto of Thailand.[citation needed] The flag was adopted on 28 September 1917, according to the royal decree about the flag in that year. The Thai name for the flag is ธงไตรรงค์ (Thong Trairong), which simply means tricolour flag.

The first flag used for Siam was probably a plain red one, first used under King Narai (1656-1688). Naval flags later used different symbols on the red ground—a white chakra (the weapon of god Vishnu which use as the symbol of the House of Chakri), or a white elephant inside the chakra.

Officially the first flag was created in 1855 by King Mongkut (Rama IV), showing a white elephant (a royal symbol) on red ground, as the plain coloured flag was not distinct enough for international relations.

In 1916 the flag was changed to the current design, but with the middle colour being the same red as the outer stripe. The story goes that during a flood King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) saw the flag hanging upside-down, and to prevent this from happening again created a new flag which was symmetrical. In 1917 the middle color was changed to dark blue, the auspicious colour for Saturday in Thai astrology, the day King Vajiravudh was born. According to other sources, the blue colour was also chosen to show solidarity with the Allies of World War I, which also had the colours blue-red-white in their flags.

The flag resembles the flag of Costa Rica, which was adopted 11 years prior to Thailand's. The main difference is that the blue and red colors are inverted.

mai roo jak chan mai roo jak ter

ไม่รู้จักฉัน ไม่รู้จักเธอ
This song is called "mai roo jak chan mai roo jak ter"
from the album Ost. Sailub
by Pop Calories Blah Blah ft. Da Endorphine.

นั่งคนเดียวแล้วมองกระจก ที่สะท้อนแสงจันทร์วันเพ็ญ
nang kon dieow laew mong gra-jok tee sa-ton saeng jan wan-pen
Sitting alone and then look at the mirror, the reflections of the full-moon's light.

โดดเดี่ยวกับความเหงา อยู่กับเงาที่พูดไม่เป็น
doht dieow gap kwaam ngao yoo gap ngao tee poot mai bpen
All alone with loneliness, living with the shadows that can't speak.

ฟังเพลงเดิมๆที่เรารู้จัก แต่ไม่รู้ความหมายของมัน
fang pleng derm-derm tee rao roo jak dtae mai roo kwaam maai kong man
Listening to the old songs that we knew, but without knowing their meanings.

หากฉันจะหลับตาลงสักครั้ง เพื่อพบกับเธอผู้เป็นนิรันดร์
haak chan ja lap dtaa long sak krang peua pop gap ter poo bpen ni-ran
If I should shut my eyes for once, so as to meet with you, the eternal one.

หากความรักเกิดในความฝัน เราจุมพิตโดยไม่รู้จักกัน
haak kwaam rak gert nai kwaam fan rao joom-pit doi mai roo jak gan
If love happens in the dream, we would kiss through without knowing each other.

ปฏิทินไม่บอกคืนและวัน ดั่งที่ฉันไม่เคยต้องการ
bpa-dti-tin mai bok keun lae wan dang tee chan mai koie dtong gaan
Calender don't tell the nights and days, as if like I never needed them.

แต่อยากให้เธอได้พบกับฉัน เราสมรสโดยไม่มองหน้ากัน
dtae yaak hai ter daai pop gap chan rao som rot doi mai mong naa gan
But want to let you meet up with me, we would marry through without seeing each other's face.

จูบเพื่อร่ำลาในความสัมพันธ์
joop peua ram laa nai kwaam sam-pan
Kiss for farewell in the relationship,

ก่อนที่ฉันจะปล่อยเธอหายไปโดยไม่รู้จักเธอ
gon tee chan ja bploi ter haai bpai doi mai roo jak ter
Before I would release you to disappear, through without knowing you.

ทบทวนเรื่องราวต่างๆ ทุกๆครั้งที่ฉันตื่นนอน
top tuan reuang raao dtaang-dtaang took-took krang tee chan dteun non
Pondering through the various stories, every time that I wake up.

บทกวีไม่มีความหมาย ฉันงมงายสวดมนต์ขอพร
bot ga-wee mai mee kwaam maai chan ngom-ngaai suat mon kor pon
The poems are without meaning, I credulously prayed for blessings.

หากจะมีโอกาสอีกหน จะร่ายมนต์กับสายน้ำจันทร์
haak ja mee oh-gaat eek hon ja raai mon gap saai naam jan
If I would have the chance again, I'll enchant with the moon's stream of light,

เพื่อจะได้หลับตาลงสักครั้ง แล้วพบกับเธอผู้เป็นนิรันดร์
peua ja daai lap dtaa long sak krang laew pop gap ter poo bpen ni-ran
So as to be able to shut my eyes for once, to meet with up you, the eternal one.

หากความรักเกิดในความฝัน เราจุมพิตโดยไม่รู้จักกัน
haak kwaam rak gert nai kwaam fan rao joom-pit doi mai roo jak gan
If love happens in the dream, we would kiss through without knowing each other.

ปฏิทินไม่บอกคืนและวัน ดั่งที่ฉันไม่เคยต้องการ
bpa-dti-tin mai bok keun lae wan dang tee chan mai koie dtong gaan
Calender don't tell the nights and days, as if like I never needed them.

แต่อยากให้เธอได้พบกับฉัน เราสมรสโดยไม่มองหน้ากัน
dtae yaak hai ter daai pop gap chan rao som rot doi mai mong naa gan
But want to let you meet up with me, we would marry through without seeing each other's face.

จูบเพื่อร่ำลาในความสัมพันธ์
joop peua ram laa nai kwaam sam-pan
Kiss for farewell in the relationship,

ก่อนที่ฉันจะปล่อยเธอหายไปโดยไม่รู้จักเธอ
gon tee chan ja bploi ter haai bpai doi mai roo jak ter
Before I would release you to disappear, through without knowing you.

(Interlude)

หากความรักเกิดในความฝัน เราจุมพิตโดยไม่รู้จักกัน
haak kwaam rak gert nai kwaam fan rao joom-pit doi mai roo jak gan
If love happens in the dream, we would kiss through without knowing each other.

ปฏิทินไม่บอกคืนและวัน ดั่งที่ฉันไม่เคยต้องการ
bpa-dti-tin mai bok keun lae wan dang tee chan mai koie dtong gaan
Calender don't tell the nights and days, as if like I never needed them.

แต่อยากให้เธอได้พบกับฉัน เราสมรสโดยไม่มองหน้ากัน
dtae yaak hai ter daai pop gap chan rao som rot doi mai mong naa gan
But want to let you meet up with me, we would marry through without seeing each other's face.

จูบเพื่อร่ำลาในความสัมพันธ์
joop peua ram laa nai kwaam sam-pan
Kiss for farewell in the relationship,

ก่อนที่ฉันจะปล่อยเธอหายไปโดยไม่รู้จักเธอ
gon tee chan ja bploi ter haai bpai doi mai roo jak ter
Before I would release you to disappear, through without knowing you.

Thai king world's wealthiest royal

NEW YORK (AFP) - With a fortune estimated at 35 billion dollars, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's richest royal sovereign, and oil-rich Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi is far back at No. 2, Forbes magazine reported Thursday.

King Bhumibol, 80 and, at 62 years on the throne the world's longest-serving head of state, pushed to the top of the richest royals list by virtue a greater transparency surrounding his fortune, Forbes said.

It said that the Crown Property Bureau, which manages most of his family's wealth, "granted unprecedented access this year, revealing vast landholdings, including 3,493 acres in Bangkok."

Forbes called it a good year for monarchies, investment-wise. "As a group, the world's 15 richest royals have increased their total wealth to 131 billion dollars, up from 95 billion last year," Forbes said on its website.

With oil prices soaring, the monarchs of the petro-kingdoms of the Middle East and Asia dominate the list.

Sheik Khalifa, 60, the current president of the United Arab Emirates, was estimated to be worth 23 billion dollars, on the back of Abu Dhabi's huge petroleum reserves.

In third was the sovereign of the world's biggest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, 84, who inherited the Al-Saud family throne in 2005, came in with a fortune of 21 billion dollars.

The previous king of kings, wealth-wise, 62 year old Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of tiny, oil-endowed Brunei on the Southeast Asia island of Borneo, fell to fourth place with 20 billion dollars.

"The sultan, who inherited the riches of an unbroken 600-year-old Muslim dynasty, has had to cut back on his country's oil production because of depleting reserves," Forbes explained of his dwindling fortune.

Fifth was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, 58, of another Emirate, Dubai, with a net worth of 18 billion dollars.

One of two Europeans on the list, Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, 63, ranked six on the list with 5 billion dollars in wealth. However the bank that is a key source of his family's wealth, LGT, is under investigation by the United States for helping wealthy people evade taxes.

Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, 56, came in at seventh, worth two billion dollar; eighth was King Mohammed VI of Morocco, 46, his 1.5 billion dollar fortune based on phosphate mining, agriculture and other investments.

Number nine was Prince Albert II of Monaco, 50, his diverse fortune in the southern European principality put at 1.4 billion dollars.

Tenth on the list was Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, 67, worth 1.1 billion dollars.

Rounding out the top 15 were: The Aga Khan Prince Karim Al Hussein, 71 (1.0 billion); Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, 82, 650 million dollars; Kuwait's Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 79, 500 million dollars; Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard of the Netherlands, 70, 300 million dollars; and King Mswati III of Swaziland, 40, with 200 million dollars.

Forbes noted that because many of the royals inherited their wealth, share it with extended families, and often control it "in trust for their nation or territory," none of those on its list would qualify for the magazine's famous annual world billionaires ranking.

"Because of technical and idiosyncratic oddities in the exact relationship between individual and state wealth, these estimates are perforce a blend of art and science," it added.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun (Thai: วัดอรุณ, Temple of the Dawn, perhaps so named because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence) is a buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara (วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร).

Architecture
The outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower). Steep steps lead to the two terraces. The height is reported by different sources as between 66,80 m and 86 m. The corners are surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. Around the base of the prangs are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.

At the riverside are 6 pavilions (sala) in Chinese style. The pavilions are made of green granite and contain landing bridges.

Next to the prangs is the Ordination Hall with the Niramitr Buddha image supposedly designed by King Rama II. The front entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a central spire, decorated in coloured ceramic and stuccowork sheated in coloured china. There are 2 demons, or temple guardian figures in front.

History of the temple
The temple was built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya and originally known as Wat Makok (The Olive Temple). In the ensuing era when Thonburi was capital, King Taksin changed the name to Wat Chaeng.

The Wat had a brief period as host of the Emerald Buddha, which was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1784.

The later King Rama II. changed the name to Wat Arunratchatharam. He restored the temple and enlarged the central prang. The work was finished by King Rama III. King Rama IV gave the temple the present name Wat Arunratchawararam.

As a sign of changing times, Wat Arun officially ordained its first westerner in 2005. Sean Patrick from America.

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King of Thailand

King Bhumibol Adulyadej's
Thai title is: Phrabat Somdet Phra Poraminthara Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej
In Thai : พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช

The literal translation of the title :

Phra ("sacred," cognate of the Indian word vara, "excellent")

Bat ("foot," from Sanskrit pāda, cognate of Latin pes, pedis, French pied, English "foot")

Somdet ("lord, excellency")

Phra ("sacred," cognate of the Indian word "vara", "excellent")

Poraminthara ("the great")

Maha ("great," from Sanskrit, "maha", cognate to Latin magna, Greek mega, English "much")

Bhumibol ("Strength of the Land," "bhumi" means land and "bol" means strength)

Adulyadej ("Incomparable power," "adulya" means incomparable and "dej" means power)

Siam Ocean World

Inside Siam Paragon is Siam Ocean World is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia where featuring marine animals which include; Penguins, Grey Nurse Sharks and Giant Spider Crabs etc. The aquarium also offers a “Dive with the Sharks program” where visitors can scuba dive in the Open Ocean side by side with the sharks and rays. The aquarium also features “Sanyo 4D X-venture” a state of the art 4D Theater.

Siam Paragon, an Australian company, uses a two tier pricing system. Thai looking customers are charged 450 baht for adults and 250 baht for children, others are charged 850 baht and 650 baht respectively.

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Banpu Koh Chang Hotel

Welcome to Banpu Koh Chang Resort. A private resort on a white sand beach with the most breathtaking view of Koh Chang. For your personal pleasure, all rooms have a seaside view and are surrounded by lush tropical garden, Every house is created by crafted woodsmen, utilizing different arrays of fine choice wood, baked ceramic tiles, small stones and local trees of Trat province.

Imagine the sea breeze blowing on the white sand beach, and the warmth of the sunlight. Release the tension, and floating it away amongst the tide and the blue waves.

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Bangkok University International College

being education with an international prospective is a bag advancetage in today's society. join our international students from over thirty countries who share the same vision with you

Bangkok University, one of the oldest and largest private institutions of higher learning in Thailand, offers international programs taught by highly-qualified faculty. Academic affiliations and exchange programs have been established with worldwide leading universities. Credits from overseas colleges and universities are transferable.

If your English is good, everyone wants you

Nearly forty years of experience has shown that our graduates find jobs more easily than others because they are proficient and able to fluently communicate in English.

If your English is good, graduate studies become easy

Innumerable graduates today desire to further their education either in Thailand or abroad. Proficiency in English will easily enable them to study at graduate level.

If your English is good, you will have more chance to be successful in you career

English language has become a vital link in global communication. Proficiency in English will help you succeed. In Thailand, there are numerous organizations that use English as a medium of communication.

Why go abroad when you can improve your English at Bangkok University

Bangkok University International college (BUIC) was established initially as an international program to prepare students for success in this highly demanding, competitive world. Students are able to choose their own fields of study. Courses are offered in four fields of studies and entirely taught in English. Not only will the students acquire knowledge in the field of their choices, but they will also increase their knowledge and skills in the usage of English. Our distinguished professors include Thai and foreign nationalities.

Bangkok University is affiliated with many highly reputed American universities which have given their full support in terms of exchanging ideas regarding the educational format and development, curriculum and teaching methods, including relevant materials as well as research work.

In addition, several aspects of collaborative agreements have been initiated with Ohio University, Southern Illinois University, University of New Orleans, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pittsburg State University, University of Montana, and Hawaii Pacific University in U.S.A.; Instituto Technologico Y De Estudios Superiores De Monterrey or ITESM in Mexico; Dohto University, Kansai Gaidai University and Osaka International University in Japan; Deakin University in Australia; Satakunta Polytechnic and Mikkeli Polytechnic in Finland, Ecole superieure Des Sciences Commerciales D'Angers in France as well as Hubei Correspondence University in the People's Republic of China.

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Olympic heroine returns, but no party

Olympic weightlifting gold medallist Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon was given a very warm welcome when she returned home yesterday, but all the functions to celebrate her victory were suddenly put on hold until Aug 25.

Grand processions from the Chiang Mai airport and a red carpet reception at a hotel in the province were cancelled last night after Prapawadee, who is better known by her nickname of Nong Kae, and her team-mates were whisked away from the airport shortly after their plane from Bangkok touched down, leaving a large crowd at the airport dumbfounded.

They had gathered to welcome the 24-year-old, who won a gold medal in the women's 53kg weightlifting division in Beijing.

Speculation was rife that Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (Tawa) president Bussaba Yodbangtoey and her husband Maj-Gen Intharat, the association's chief adviser, wanted to protect her from media attention.

Prapawadee spent a few hours in Bangkok yesterday afternoon after flying in from Beijing and was then flown to Chiang Mai, the training base for Thai weightlifters and the stronghold of Maj-Gen Intharat, a deputy leader of the Matchimathipataya party.

Bussaba said in Chiang Mai yesterday Prapawadee could not attend the reception because she was exhausted and needed to rest. She also denied suggestions the Tawa bosses were overprotective of the gold medallist.

She said Prapawadee would appear on TV on Aug 18 on two news shows.
At Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday, hundreds of journalists and fans, mostly from her hometown Nakhon Sawan, greeted their Olympic heroine.

"Thank you for all your support," said a tired but smiling Prapawadee to her supporters, mostly students who waited for her outdoors on a very hot day at Suvarnabhumi airport.
"I am happy and proud to have made the Thai people happy."

Among the supporters were her parents and younger brothers and sisters who went to greet her on the plane. Her slightly overwhelmed parents, Chankaew and Phawadee, posed for the cameramen. Chankaew did better than his wife, who reportedly fainted minutes before seeing her beloved daughter.

Prapawadee will not accept any invitations from TV shows or sponsors until all the Thai squad have returned.

"I am sorry for not being able to take up your invitations,"she said. "Hopefully, all of you will understand. Some Thai competitors are still vying for glory in the Beijing Games. It is better to wait and celebrate together," she added.

Prapawadee will reportedly get an estimated 20 million baht from the public and private sectors.

Let’s Sea®Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort

Romance designed for two at
Let’s Sea®Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort

Let’s Sea® Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort combines unique romance, intuitive service and thoughtfully designed facilities to create a memorable yet accessible escape. Look forward to unparalleled style and relaxation on the gentle shores of the Gulf of Thailand.

By-gone Inspiration
Let’s Sea ® captures the quiet charm of Hua Hin. Long a favorite seasside destination, the town still retains much of its unassuming appeal. Architects Gaia and Agaligo referenced this and other chararacteristics of the Thai holiday lifestyle to create a unique resort environment along one of the most desirable and peaceful stretches of beach. Let’s Sea ® enjoys a premier location midway between Hua Hin town and the distinctive Takieb Mountain with a wide foreshore and fine sand ideal for barefoot strolling.

Individual Charm
Let’s Sea ® 40 spacious retreats include unforgettable vantage points. In ‘Studio Piers’ on the first floor, guests can enjoy their own personal pier to access the canal-like swimming pool while staying in ‘Moon Deck Suite’ upstairs, guests have their own romantic moon deck as well as easy access to the swimming pool.

Beach holidays are for relaxation and a ‘holiday host’ is provided for each guest to ensure an effortless stay.

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Full Moon Party

Full Moon Party is not just a normal party but monthly Haad Rin's dance music festival which is famous worldwide, with everything from drum and bass to full-on psy-trance. Paradise Bungalows, the site of the original Full Moon Party, consistently puts on the biggest show with inspired decor and a combination of superb resident and international guest DJs.

Koh Phangan is a unique and very special Island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is sheltered from heavy weather and maintains one of the best climates in the region.

Full Moon Party Schedule 2008

JULY, 19TH

AUGUST, 16TH

SEPTEMBER, 14TH

OCTOBER, 14 TH

NOVEMBER, 12TH

DECEMBER, 12TH

DECEMBER, 25TH -- Christmas Party

DECEMBER, 31ST -- New Year Party

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Analay Resort in Thailand

Analay Resort ,
Koh Kood ,
Trat ,
Thailand

" Analay Kokood Resort " For the natural lover like you,especially lightly wind,warm sun shine,crystal water and blue sky ,you will never let the time go by.To appreciate all of this,you need to join several special activities that we provide to you such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, fishing, riding motorbike and bicycle, island sightseeing, trip to waterfall and fisherman village. All special activities we can offer to special guest like you.

Thai lifter Prapawadee wins women's 53kg gold at Beijing Olympics

Prapawadee Jaroenrattanatarakoon of Thailand waves to spectators after winning the women's 53kg final of weightlifting at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 10, 2008. Prapawadee claimed title in this event and set a new Olympic record with 126 kilos in clean and jerk lift.

Koh Chang National Park

A stretch of long white sandy beach dotted with coconut tree orchards is a common sight on Ko Chang the largest and busiest island in Trat and the second largest island in the country after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 square kilometers, Ko Chang, boasts several amazing natural wonders that blend magnificently with the traditional way of life such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest,steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island.

Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west side spreading from the north to the south they include Ao Khlong Son , Hat Sai Khao , Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there is a nature trail passing through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat and meandering through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community on the foot of the hill in the south.

To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated and Ao Salak Khok. In addition, along the eastern shoreline is a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier to the south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands south of Ko Chang.

In addition to sea-based attractions Ko Chang has numerous inland attractions including several waterfalls with reasonable access. They are the Khlong Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometers from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall, a 4-kilometre walk from park headquarters; and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls, which are about 3 kilometers from Ban Salak Phet.

As well as the obvious activities Ko Chang offers many other attractions including waterfalls, temples, the National Park and Museum or the beautiful scenic lookout points, which are all worth a visit. Divers will find fascinating diving areas off of the shores of Ko Chang and the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral reefs, sunken warships, a reminder of times past, can be visited in the Salak Phet Bay.

Welcome to Hua Hin, Thailand's Royal Beach Resort.

Hua Hin welcomes you to an unforgettable holiday experience.

The oldest and most traditional Thai resort combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm and fascination of a still active fishing port.And while most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for foreigners and Thais.

Besides it's great 5 mile long beach Hua Hin provides the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand while it's yet virtually undiscovered as an international Golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are currently among the lowest in the world while course maintenance and services are superb.

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