Phuket Diving Highlights

#Underwater visibility often exceeds 30 metres, and can extend to 45 metres.

#The water is sufficiently warm to make wetsuits unnecessary.

#There are hundreds of varieties of hard corals and hundreds of species of reef fish, not to mention tens of thousands of species of other reef creatures.

#This is one of the best places in the world to seek opportunities of swimming with whale sharks and manta rays.

#There are dozens of scenic island destinations within range of daytrips and liveaboard cruises from Phuket.
#Weather permitting, daytrips and shorter liveaboards are possible all year 'round.

#During the late-October to mid-May peak season, comfortable liveaboards with great food and expert supervision roam from four days up to two weeks as far as the Similan Islands, (which enjoy the reputation of being among the world's top 10 diving destinations), the Burma Banks and the Andaman Islands in India.

#A number of first-rate Dive Shops offer affordable scuba accreditation all the way from absolute beginner up to master instructor. What better souvenir to take home than a PADI Open Water ticket as a scuba diver, or, if you're already qualified, accreditation from a specialty course such as Natural History?

5 Easy Ways to Travel Thailand and Make a Difference

On the Streets (Thailand)

Increasingly, children in Thailand are kidnapped. After having limbs amputated, they are put on the streets to tug at the heartstrings of tourists. If in doubt, please give food, not money, as none of it will go to them or the families they've lost.

On the Road (Thailand)

Numerous big or small towns that you pass whilst journeying through Thailand will house an orphanage. Why not visit one and simply donate your time? Even if funds are short, you're still guaranteed to make the children's day and leave with a smile.

In the Shops (Thailand)

Last year, the government launched 'OTOP' (One Tambol One Product), a scheme designed to promote celebrated handicrafts of individual communities. Many 'tambol' (communities) need help after the tsunami, so by buying OTOP, you'll be doing just that.

In the Community (Thailand)

If you have stayed in Thailand long enough to be familiar with the locals, you can further immerse yourself by speaking the same language, and I don't mean Thai. English makes money for Thais, and what could be easier than teaching a few phrases?

On Departure (Thailand)

Last but most definitely not least, try to remember all of your wonderful experiences in Thailand - the delicious food, the friendly people - and tell everyone about them when you return home. Tourism is invaluable for Thais. You can do your part.


WorldGuide : THAILAND

Festival for the month of January 2007

Ubon Ratchathani Countdown 2007
(3 Dec 2006 - 31 Jan 2007 : Ubon Ratchathani City Hall, Ubon Ratchathani Province)

The New Year Countdown at Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani offers a truly unique cultural experience. Watch the last sunset of 2005 as you cruise along the Mekong River as it flows through the city of Ubon Ratchathani in Northeastern Thailand.


Phuket New Year Countdown 2007
(31 January 2006 - 1 February 2007 : Phuket )

New Year Festivities on the world renowned resort island
New Year Countdown festivities include food festival, gifts festival and shopping streets featuring sales of OTOP products, demonstrations of fruit-carving and other local crafts, music festival and New Year Countdown and fireworks display.

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006

Introducing
ROYAL FLORA RATCHAPHRUEK 2006
International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King

* The Significance and Symbolism of Ratchaphruek, an auspicious tree
* Exposition of Celebrations



In 2006, the Thai nation comes together to celebrate the most auspicious occasions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th Anniversary or the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne together with His Majesty’s 80th Birthday Anniversary.

To mark this momentous occasion, “Royal Flora Ratchaphruek” is one of the grand celebrations being hosted by the Royal Thai Government in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the ninth ruler of the illustrious Chakri Dynasty and the world’s longest reigning monarch. His Majesty is ‘Father of the Nation’ and ‘Beloved King’ to the Thai people.



Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 represents a concerted effort of the Thai people to create one of the world’s most beautiful international horticultural expositions as an expression of deep love and respect for their Beloved King who has won the hearts of Thai people across the Kingdom through His Majesty’s tireless dedication to bringing about a better quality of life of for the Thai people through His Majesty’s gifts in agricultural projects as well as valuable lessons in life.

Through Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 -- International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King, the Thai people come together to express their utmost gratitude for His Majesty’s benevolence, care and concern. Time-honored traditions will be observed; only the very finest available will be presented to the ‘Devaraja’ or ‘Divine King’. This will be an exposition that deserves the name “International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King.”

Thailand will be joined by her international friends -- nations with whom Thailand has shared history, cultural, diplomatic and trade ties, many spanning the centuries. Over 30 countries are expected to participate in ‘Gardens for the King’. The International Gardens will feature unique or innovative landscaping and horticultural highlights from the participant’s homeland.

The expo site is situated on 80 hectares of land at the Royal Agricultural Research Center in Mae Hia sub-district, Muang district, Chiang Mai Province in Northern Thailand. Set amidst the lush landscape of the surrounding mountains, the location provides a picture-perfect setting for Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006.



A one-of-a-kind event, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 is being organized to present to the world the marvels of plants and breeds of over 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers. 2,500,000 plants in total will be enriching the land and the minds of onlookers.

Presented under the theme of ‘To Express the Love for Humanity’, conceptual designs and layouts of the event have been conceived to function seamlessly with and to complement the remarkable geographical surroundings.

The foundation of the Kingdom of Thailand lies in the glory of Buddhism and the Monarch whose kindness towards His people is like the comforting shade of a big tree with a canopy that extends incessantly to provide sanctuary for His people.

Destined to be a wondrous spectacle, during the 92 days of the expo, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 is expected to draw an audience of over 2 million visitors from around the world.

Celebrations of this magnitude happen only once in decades. So mark your calendar and join us in Thailand for this historic event not to be missed. We warmly welcome you to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Exposition of Celebrations
Please click to view
Please click on the item to select

* The Significance and Symbolism of Ratchaphruek, an auspicious tree
* Exposition of Celebrations
* Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Highlights
* Fast Facts
* Program & Activities
* Site Plan
* Participant Opportunity & Partner Program

ROYAL FLORA RATCHAPHRUEK 2006
International Horticultural Exposition
for His Majesty the King
At the Royal Agricultural Research Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand
1 November 2006 – 31 January 2007

About Thailand

Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels")

Geography:

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

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.



Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Population:

Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

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.

Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)