Nan villagers defend SONGKRAN rafts
NAN ��� Residents of three remote villages are defending the construction of makeshift rafts with thatched canopies as venues for Songkran celebrations after environmental complaints by the public. The rafts can be seen floating in the Nan River in Ban.
Kerry offers Thais Songkran wishes - The Nation
Kerry offers Thais Songkran wishes. US SECRETARY of State John Kerry has extended his best wishes to Thais for the Songkran Festival, saying he hopes it would provide an occasion for.
TOURIST CALENDAR of EVENTS ABROAD; TOURIST CALENDAR of EVENTS ABROAD
. calendar of events
Among Hill Tribes In Northern Thailand
TRAVELERS to the mountainous rural province of Mae Hong Son, near Thailands northwest border with Myanmar, will find it still wild and exotic, populated by Chinese and Burmese ethnic immigrants and protected by its remote location in the Himalayan foothills. Waterfalls, caves, raft able rivers, working elephants and vast tracts of teak forests make it attractive for adventure travelers, as well as some group tours. Of the several towns in the province, the capital, also called Mae Hong Son, is the most visited, not only for its cool morning mists and temple-fringed lake but also because it is linked to Chiang Mai by Thai Airways. The capital is also a good place to get a look at the various border groups and ethnic immigrants who help make the north so colorful while still providing the resources of a small city.. Martha Stevenson Olson travel article describes trip to remote province of Mae Hong Son in northwest Thailand; photos; maps (M)
SEEING MORE THAN BANGKOK: A BRIEF GUIDE
In 1987, Thailand will celebrate its biggest royal festival year in more than half a century of constitutional monarchy. On Dec. 5, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has reigned since 1950, will reach his 60th birthday. Events will be nationwide, beginning Oct. 16 with a royal barge procession on Bangkoks Chao Phraya River. These magnificent slender boats, built to transport royalty in a country of rivers and canals, are now seldom seen outside their storage wharf. But they have been refurbished for this event. The Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to erect viewing stands at four points along the Chao Phraya, and will sell seats at about $11.50, on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking requests can be directed to its Marketing Development Division, Ractchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10100. On Dec. 3, there will be a Trooping of the Color, and on Dec. 5, the Kings birthday and a national holiday, ceremonies and celebrations are planned for temples in Bangkok and beyond. From Dec. 4 to 6, three royal barges will be on view at Rajaworadit Pier.
Five injured on fourth day of the Phuket SONGKRAN safety campaign, no deaths.
PHUKET: ��� No deaths have been reported during this years Songkran festivities so far this year, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Yesterday (April 12) records found that five injuries took place in road accidents.
SONGKRAN revellers warned against using water from 11.
Songkran revellers warned against using water from 11 sources. PEOPLE HAVE been warned not to use water from 11 sources during the Songkran holidays as they are contaminated with bacteria beyond safe levels.
Songkran week of carnage begins, 25 killed on roads
The seven-day road safety campaign for the Thai new year Songkran festival started Thursday with reports of 25 people killed and 348 others injured in road accidents. Sanit Promwong, inspector-general of the Transport Ministry, said Friday that the .
Road toll hits 25 on first day of SONGKRAN - The Nation
Road toll hits 25 on first day of Songkran. ACCIDENTS claimed 25 lives and left 348 people injured on Thursday - the first of Songkrans so-called seven dangerous days on roads around the.
SONGKRAN/New Year (Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka.
. News, - News, - Browse by Topic, - Archives, Achievements, Announcements, Multimedia, - Videos, - Photos, Social Media Directory, Events, For the Media. Home �� 2015 �� April �� Songkran/New Year (Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka..).
WORLD BRIEFING
ASIA PHILIPPINES: WARRANT FOR EX-PRESIDENT -- A special anti-graft court issued an arrest warrant on corruption charges for former President Joseph Estrada, who was booked, photographed and fingerprinted. Mr. Estrada, who has insisted that he is innocent, posted bond and remained free. Seth Mydans (NYT) VIETNAM: POISON ATTACKS -- Sixty-five more children and teachers were reported to have fallen ill in chemical poison attacks in schools in Dak Lak Province. More than 600 children and teachers have been sickened in recent weeks in Dak Lak, which has been hit by political unrest. Seth Mydans (NYT)
Thais Are Shocked, Shocked by Topless Dancers
A national uproar over several girls who danced topless in public during the recent Songkran water festival has highlighted the nuances of public morality in Bangkok.
Songkran and waterfights on peoples minds - The Nation
Songkran is just around the corner and we are constantly reminded of it on social media. Many people have been sharing photos of them celebrating the Thai New Year at their office. Some pour water to pay respect to��.
SONGKRAN road toll rises to 59 - The Nation
Songkran road toll rises to 59. The second day of the seven dangerous Songkran holidays or Friday saw 399 road accidents happen, killing 34 people and injuring 417 others.
Cops aim for lowest Songkran accident toll
Meanwhile, roadside repair points have been established nationwide to fix vehicles which break down during the Songkran exodus. Standing by at the points are mechanic students from local vocational schools with the repairs free of charge, according to.
Water-splashing scrapped for SONGKRAN festival amid drought
TAIPEI--The annual Songkran water festival was held Sunday as usual in New Taipei City but the organizers decided to forego the customary water splashing activities this year in favor of a foot-washing ritual, as Taiwan remained in the grip of its.
In Thailand, Keeping the Festive in Festival
Ancient traditions for those in search of sanuk (fun) or spirituality.
Celebrating Songkran at Ancient Siam | Richard Barrow in.
The five day Songkran Festival at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan kicked off with a parade. The park will be free for everyone until 15th April 2015. Normal price is 700 Baht. If you havent been, this is a great place to experience��.
Chiang Mai moat safe for Songkran
Mongkhol Wallasewee, manager of the Provincial Waterworks Authoritys Chiang Mai branch, said 12 tap water vending machines had also been placed in various locations to serve Songkran revellers. Water mist sprays had also been installed at Nawarat .
Many Cambodian and other migrant workers heading home.
Many Cambodian and other migrant workers heading home for Songkran holiday. MIGRANT workers are heading home to Cambodia in droves as they prepare to celebrate the Khmer New Year, which occurs at the same��.
Smart money tips for SONGKRAN travellers - The Nation
Smart money tips for Songkran travellers. APRIL is the month of Songkran, the traditional new year holidays and, for many of you, travel.
Songkran in Hong Kong: get very wet at Thai communitys New Year parade
During Songkran, this whole area is buzzing, says Lam Ka-kwan, whose mother owns Little Thai, which sells traditional Thai street food. Business will be quiet, but when the parade ends we get huge queues. Everyone comes in soaking wet, and the floor .
Weekend Fare
The ’wichcraft ice cream kiosk reopens for the spring and summer on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. in Bryant Park, north of 40th Street and east of Avenue of the Americas. A scoop of ice cream or an ice cream sandwich will be handed out free.. Food-related events around New York.
SONGKRAN 2015: Fewer deaths and accidents reported
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said although the number of accidents over the past 10 years at Songkran had dropped to 27,000 accidents with 300 deaths in the capital, the government could not be complacent as no accidents should be .
Songkran water festival
The Songkran festival, also known as the water festival, marks the start of Thailands traditional New Year and is believed to wash away bad luck. Sponsored LinksSponsored Links · Promoted LinksPromoted Links. More From Reuters. Nordic nations agree on .
FOUR MONTHS OF NEW YEARS IN ASIA
LEAD: One Dec. 31 I wore a silly hat at the American Club in Tokyo. Revelers were tooting into horns, pecking cheeks at midnight, turning prosaically tipsy. In this expatriate stronghold - with its aerobic classes, basketball courts, bottomless coffee - we were saluting the incoming year in classic Western fashion.
Myanmar bans condoms, Viagra for SONGKRAN | Bangkok Post: news
YANGON ��� Myanmar has come up with Southeast Asias most unique water festival ban yet: police have outlawed sales of Viagra, birth-control pills and even condoms during Thingyan, the countrys version of Songkran. A police force special project.
A TOURISTS CALENDAR OF; COMING EVENTS
. calendar of events
Songkran: How to soak up the worlds biggest water fight
(CNN) Its inevitable. If you venture outside during Thailands annual Songkran new year festival, which kicks off April 13, you stand a very good chance of getting wet. But were here to help you make sure your time in the splash zone is fun, safe and .
Electricians shocked, fall at Phitsanulok Songkran fest
A short circuit injured three electricians while they were installing and checking light effects at the venue of Waterland 2015 which was supposed to be the biggest Songkran celebration event of Phitsanulok province last Sunday night. Pracha Niam-ua.
Bangkok
Thailands tourism industry is still struggling, eight months after a political crisis dealt a blow to a business worth billions of dollars a year to the nations economy. Large numbers of foreign travelers canceled vacations in Thailand after seeing the news coverage last May, when troops in Bangkok opened fire on Thai demonstrators demanding a more democratic government.
A SAMPLING OF FESTIVALS FROM BALI TO BANGKOK
LEAD: While the modern world has adopted a modified Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, many cultures retain ancient religious calendars. In the beginning, these were based on phases of the moon or other astronomical aspects. Life itself depended on the shifting sky, which told you when to plant and when to harvest, and so calendars took on spiritual significance.
Sacred Buddha image taken out for Songkran - The Nation
Sacred Buddha image taken out for Songkran. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will transport the sacred Phra Buddha Sihingh in a parade from the National Museum to Sanam Luang at 8am on.
Old versus new at Thailands SONGKRAN Festival - The Nation
Old versus new at Thailands Songkran Festival. Thai New Year has become a three-day, water-soaked street party, much to the chagrin of those who would prefer a return to the holidays quieter.
Day Long SONGKRAN Parade in Bangkok | Richard Barrow in.
The Songkran Parade in Bangkok started at 7:30am at the National Museum and continued all day around the city for ten hours until it reached Sanam Luang. Leading the parade was the revered Phra Buddhasihing image.
Agenda 2013
A blithe look at events that will shake, or gently rattle, the world in 2013.
70 die Sunday, but Songkran carnage down on year
Seventy people died and 527 hurt as Songkran travellers smashed their way into 520 traffic accidents on Sunday. Yesterdays carnage brings the April 9-12 total to 191 dead and 1,808 injured in 1,735 traffic accidents, but all three figures showed .
SONGKRAN traffic jam - The Nation
Songkran traffic jam. Mo Chit bus station on Saturday is packed, as people head to their hometown in the North and the Northeast to celebrate the Songkran festival.
Songkran car accident caused by fatigue
After getting initial treatments at Nakhon Ratchasima Maharat Hospital, driver Anek Thienphimai, 31, told police that he and four passengers were traveling back to Phimai hometown to celebrate Songkran. Anek said the passengers included his father, .
Northern Thai Steamed Rice with Pork Blood (������������������������������������)
Ive been away from the blog for a few weeks due to some travels and other things. But Id be remiss if I didnt come back in time to at least wish you all a happy Thai New Year���Happy Songkran, everyone! Songkran wont��.
Weekend Fare
The Brooklyn Beefsteak returns to The Bell House, 149 Seventh Street (Second Avenue), on Sunday with copious amounts of beef and beer. Tickets for the 5 to 8 p.m. seating are still available online at $50 for one ticket or $45 if four or more tickets are bought. Platters of steak and all-you-can-drink McSorleys beer will be served.. Food-related events around New York City.
Songkran Thai New Year tourism season begins with a.
Todays explosion occurred at the start of the five-day Songkran Thai New Year holiday, as hundreds of thousands of travelers are in Thailand to experience this unique New Year festival, also known as water festival. Hotels��.
Songkran activities more popular in South: research - The.
Songkran activities more popular in South: research. THAIS in the Southern region are more likely to indulge in Songkran festivities than Bangkokians, according to new research by Dunnhumby, a UK-based.
Girding for Songkran transport crush | Bangkok Post: news
There may be tight security because of the Friday night bomb explosion, but Songkran revellers are more focussed on firing their water guns at beauty queens on a parade float celebrating the three-day national holiday. (Photos by Thanarak Khunton, .
Thai Government Fears Violent Backlash if PM Removed From Office
Thailands government said on Thursday it fears a violent backlash if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is removed from power as figures for March show consumer confidence slipped to a new low, illustrating the heavy toll of months of unrest.
Bangkok
Just 14 degrees north of the equator, nestling cozily into the crooked arm of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok blends the allure of tropical latitudes with the languor of royal Siam. It is a dynamic business hub, the glint of skyscraping steel tempered by the Theravada Buddhism practiced by 95 percent of the population. But in Bangkok, no day is too busy for a foot massage. THE MOOD Bangkok is buzzing, despite the proliferation of empty tower blocks thrown up during the boom years preceding Thailands catastrophic 1997 currency crisis. (The monumental Sofitel that glowers Ozymandias-like on the river, for example: a fully furnished hotel that has never welcomed a guest, warning instead of the perils of hubris -- or, at least, of slap-happy foreign investment.) The horrors of 1997 still lurk in the hinterland of the urban psyche, but while economic growth has never returned to its whopping precrisis 8 percent, Bangkok is back on its feet, and if its footing is more cautious now, well, perhaps thats a good thing.. Sara Wheeler article on culture, food and mood of Bangkok, Thailand; map; photos (The Sophisticated Traveler, part 2 of 2-part section) (L)
Turmoil Stalls Phuket Vacation Home Boom
Rampant development has ground to a halt since the onset of the global financial crisis and political unrest from a coup in 2006.
Songkran 2015 water festival, Thailand: details and guide to the Thai New Year
In other parts of Thailand, especially in the northern city of Chiang Mai, Songkran is celebrated for as long as a week. Local versions of Songkran are also observed in Cambodia, Laos, Burma and amongst ethnic minorities in Yunnan, southern China and .
Round the Globe the Long Way
WE were stranded in the Australian outback with a graduate student from Maryland. A California woman wed met on a boat in French Polynesia turned up at our motel in New Zealand.. We shared a beach in Bali with two New York schoolteachers and their children.. Larry Simonberg article on round-the-world trip through 24 countries in 11 mos; drawings (L)