2016年12月24日星期六
2016年12月18日星期日
巴蜀旅游新亮点 三百峰360度观景山超美
巴蜀旅游新亮点 三百峰360度观景山超美
巴蜀府龟武里县县长察迪昨天（18日）表示，三百峰国家公园即将推出新的旅游亮点，包括考登山360度观景、考登漂流等喜迎更多游客前来旅游。
察迪表示，三百峰国家公园是巴蜀府著名的旅游景区，为进一步推动旅游景区的发展以吸引更多游客前来旅游，龟武里县组织各有关单位和考登镇地方行政管理机构、乡村长、三百峰国家公园管理人员对各个景点进行实地考察，并研讨出开发计画，其中包括海拔320米的考登峰，该山峰位于三百峰国家公园北面400米处，在山顶可以360度观赏周围风光。
察迪表示，该县计画推出考登山360度观景峰供游客登顶观光，对登顶成功游客颁发荣誉证书，以吸引游客前来旅游。
此外还将推出三百峰国家公园漂流观光项目，因为沿河自然风光非常秀丽。游客到此除了观光外还可以选购当地一镇一特产商品，包括著名的椰子香水等。
《泰国世界日报》
巴蜀府龟武里县县长察迪昨天（18日）表示，三百峰国家公园即将推出新的旅游亮点，包括考登山360度观景、考登漂流等喜迎更多游客前来旅游。
察迪表示，三百峰国家公园是巴蜀府著名的旅游景区，为进一步推动旅游景区的发展以吸引更多游客前来旅游，龟武里县组织各有关单位和考登镇地方行政管理机构、乡村长、三百峰国家公园管理人员对各个景点进行实地考察，并研讨出开发计画，其中包括海拔320米的考登峰，该山峰位于三百峰国家公园北面400米处，在山顶可以360度观赏周围风光。
察迪表示，该县计画推出考登山360度观景峰供游客登顶观光，对登顶成功游客颁发荣誉证书，以吸引游客前来旅游。
此外还将推出三百峰国家公园漂流观光项目，因为沿河自然风光非常秀丽。游客到此除了观光外还可以选购当地一镇一特产商品，包括著名的椰子香水等。
《泰国世界日报》
新摩七车站一点也不新 环境脏乱差遭吐槽
新摩七车站一点也不新 环境脏乱差遭吐槽
泰国一名网友昨天（17日），在网络上吐槽称「为何新摩七车站一点都不新」，并附上几张新摩七车站（摩七2）内部的照片，地面、座椅上满是垃圾，整个车站简直可以用脏乱差来形容。
大量网友看到该则消息后，留言表示赞同，希望车站的工作人员能尽快解决问题。该网友表示由于工作原因，经常在新摩七车站乘车往返呵叻府。第一次使用
新摩七车站服务便感觉非常不方便，且留下了非常差的印象。如果乘坐BTS或MRT前往车站，必须在摩七站下车然后在转乘公交车或其他车辆前往，不熟悉路况的话会非常麻烦。
等到达车站后会觉得被吓到，因为不仅电梯无法使用，整个地面、座椅上都是垃圾，包括厕所也非常脏乱，在咨询相关信息方面也十分不便。
《泰国世界日报》
泰国一名网友昨天（17日），在网络上吐槽称「为何新摩七车站一点都不新」，并附上几张新摩七车站（摩七2）内部的照片，地面、座椅上满是垃圾，整个车站简直可以用脏乱差来形容。
大量网友看到该则消息后，留言表示赞同，希望车站的工作人员能尽快解决问题。该网友表示由于工作原因，经常在新摩七车站乘车往返呵叻府。第一次使用
新摩七车站服务便感觉非常不方便，且留下了非常差的印象。如果乘坐BTS或MRT前往车站，必须在摩七站下车然后在转乘公交车或其他车辆前往，不熟悉路况的话会非常麻烦。
等到达车站后会觉得被吓到，因为不仅电梯无法使用，整个地面、座椅上都是垃圾，包括厕所也非常脏乱，在咨询相关信息方面也十分不便。
《泰国世界日报》
2016年11月29日星期二
Ancient Thai city is protected but still crumbling
Ancient Thai city is protected but still crumbling
Sprawling urban growth and water management problems are threatening conservation efforts at Thailand’s ancient city of Ayutthaya, experts say.
The Unesco World Heritage site located some 80km north of the capital, Bangkok, was once among the world’s wealthiest cities and a major trading port from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Today, the city attracts tourists from around the world who come to admire the ruins and stone Buddha statues at Ayutthaya, once the ancient capital of Thailand, then known as Siam.
However, poor urban planning and its impact on water management in the low-lying area pose a threat to the historic park, said Montira Horayangura Unakul, National Professional Officer with Unesco’s Culture Unit.
“Half the island is protected as a historic park and is also a world heritage site and the eastern half is where a lot of the modern development has taken place,” Montira said in an interview.
Rapid development has fuelled concern over the area’s capacity to defend against floods.
A view shows the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
Devastating floods in Thailand in 2011, which killed more than 900 people and cost billions of dollars, hit Ayutthaya. Dozens of temples were inundated for weeks, although most suffered little damage.
“Once the waters receded there didn’t seem to be too much damage,” said Montira.
“However, after that we found residual effects for example to mural paintings.”
The remains of a Buddha statue is seen in the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya
A headless Buddha statue is seen in the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya
Headless Buddha statues sit among the ruins of Ayutthaya.
A lack of knowledge about traditional materials used at some sites is another problem that besets Ayutthaya and other heritage sites, including the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex in neighbouring Cambodia.
“An issue we are trying to address now is knowing what the ancient materials used in Ayutthaya were and what the composition of them was,” Montira said.
Thailand held an international conference, in collaboration with Unesco, in October to discuss conservation of brick monuments at the site.
~News courtesy of Reuters~
Sprawling urban growth and water management problems are threatening conservation efforts at Thailand’s ancient city of Ayutthaya, experts say.
The Unesco World Heritage site located some 80km north of the capital, Bangkok, was once among the world’s wealthiest cities and a major trading port from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Today, the city attracts tourists from around the world who come to admire the ruins and stone Buddha statues at Ayutthaya, once the ancient capital of Thailand, then known as Siam.
However, poor urban planning and its impact on water management in the low-lying area pose a threat to the historic park, said Montira Horayangura Unakul, National Professional Officer with Unesco’s Culture Unit.
“Half the island is protected as a historic park and is also a world heritage site and the eastern half is where a lot of the modern development has taken place,” Montira said in an interview.
Rapid development has fuelled concern over the area’s capacity to defend against floods.
A view shows the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
Devastating floods in Thailand in 2011, which killed more than 900 people and cost billions of dollars, hit Ayutthaya. Dozens of temples were inundated for weeks, although most suffered little damage.
“Once the waters receded there didn’t seem to be too much damage,” said Montira.
“However, after that we found residual effects for example to mural paintings.”
The remains of a Buddha statue is seen in the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya
A headless Buddha statue is seen in the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya
Headless Buddha statues sit among the ruins of Ayutthaya.
A lack of knowledge about traditional materials used at some sites is another problem that besets Ayutthaya and other heritage sites, including the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex in neighbouring Cambodia.
“An issue we are trying to address now is knowing what the ancient materials used in Ayutthaya were and what the composition of them was,” Montira said.
Thailand held an international conference, in collaboration with Unesco, in October to discuss conservation of brick monuments at the site.
~News courtesy of Reuters~
2016年10月16日星期日
Laos, Thailand enhance tourism cooperation
Laos, Thailand enhance tourism cooperation
Laos and Thailand have agreed on enhancing their cooperation in the tourism sector, aiming to jointly promote the tourism potentials of the two countries and implement the connectivity plans of Asean.
Prof. DrBosengkhamVongdara and MsKobkarnWattanavrangkul shake hands after signing the MOU.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the cooperation plan was signed yesterday in Vientiane between Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. DrBosengkhamVongdara and Thai Minister of Tourism and Sport, MsKobkarnWattanavrangkul.
An official from the Lao ministry's Department of International Cooperation revealed that under the MOU, the two countries will assist each other in the development of tourism products and tourism services.
They aim to connect tourism programmes through joint tourism packages and market the two countries one destination model between the two countries, as well as enhance the exchange of information in the sector.
The idea of the cooperation is to strike for the tourists who enter Laos and attract them to also visit Thailand, as well as enticing those who visit Thailand to also visit Laos, encouraging longer stays in both of the countries he said.
According to the coo peration plan, the two sides will also advertise tourism destinations, tourism products and the services of the two countries internationally, which they will do together through regional and international tourism fairs, aiming to ensure the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in the two neighbouring countries .
The cooperation will also involve tourism management and a tourism strategic plan, while tourism businesses from the two countries will be encouraged to enhance their cooperation.
More than 2.3 million Thai people visited Laos, and around 1.5 million Lao citizens went to Thailand last year. This number of Lao people visiting Thailand was just recorded through the first Lao-Thai Friendship bridge linking Vientiane and Nongkhai, Thailand.
Our general objective is to increase tourist travel between the two countries, as well as visitors from third countries, the official said.
Thailand also proposed the enhancement of tourism links with Laos at talks between the heads of the Lao and Thai governments during an official visit of a Lao high level delegation to Thailand led by Prime Minister ThonglounSisoulith in July.
As the outcome of the talks, the two countries will work on a joint master plan on tourism to boost the number of travellers to the region.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
Laos and Thailand have agreed on enhancing their cooperation in the tourism sector, aiming to jointly promote the tourism potentials of the two countries and implement the connectivity plans of Asean.
Prof. DrBosengkhamVongdara and MsKobkarnWattanavrangkul shake hands after signing the MOU.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the cooperation plan was signed yesterday in Vientiane between Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. DrBosengkhamVongdara and Thai Minister of Tourism and Sport, MsKobkarnWattanavrangkul.
An official from the Lao ministry's Department of International Cooperation revealed that under the MOU, the two countries will assist each other in the development of tourism products and tourism services.
They aim to connect tourism programmes through joint tourism packages and market the two countries one destination model between the two countries, as well as enhance the exchange of information in the sector.
The idea of the cooperation is to strike for the tourists who enter Laos and attract them to also visit Thailand, as well as enticing those who visit Thailand to also visit Laos, encouraging longer stays in both of the countries he said.
According to the coo peration plan, the two sides will also advertise tourism destinations, tourism products and the services of the two countries internationally, which they will do together through regional and international tourism fairs, aiming to ensure the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in the two neighbouring countries .
The cooperation will also involve tourism management and a tourism strategic plan, while tourism businesses from the two countries will be encouraged to enhance their cooperation.
More than 2.3 million Thai people visited Laos, and around 1.5 million Lao citizens went to Thailand last year. This number of Lao people visiting Thailand was just recorded through the first Lao-Thai Friendship bridge linking Vientiane and Nongkhai, Thailand.
Our general objective is to increase tourist travel between the two countries, as well as visitors from third countries, the official said.
Thailand also proposed the enhancement of tourism links with Laos at talks between the heads of the Lao and Thai governments during an official visit of a Lao high level delegation to Thailand led by Prime Minister ThonglounSisoulith in July.
As the outcome of the talks, the two countries will work on a joint master plan on tourism to boost the number of travellers to the region.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
2016年10月15日星期六
2016年10月14日星期五
国丧期间赴泰旅游 这些规矩要遵守
国丧期间赴泰旅游 这些规矩要遵守
泰国国王普密蓬驾崩后，政府宣布全国降半旗30天，官员哀悼1年。
泰国国王普密蓬驾崩后，泰国政府宣布全国降半旗30天，官员须穿著暗色服装服丧1年。在进入国丧期间，预计前往泰国旅游的民眾恐將受到影响。
综合报导，在举国哀戚期间，建议即將赴泰旅游民眾，除了出入公共场合须穿著庄重，不可任意评论王室。声色场所如酒吧与夜店，將会缩短营业时间或关闭，酒类贩售时间会更严格，开放购买时间变得更短。
而英国外交部已发出旅游建议，要民眾赴泰旅游注意公共场合穿著，尽量保持庄重。
清迈大学学者说，其他像是大型庆祝会或是音乐表演都会延期，另外为了举办普密蓬国葬，泰国国內將对外关闭一阵子，经济会社会活动也会受影响。
据了解，泰王逝世后全民哀悼，许多知名观光景点像是大皇宫，可能宣布暂不营业，有计划到泰国旅游的民眾近日需多加注意相关消息。
此外，泰国电视台13日宣布泰王死讯时，也全部转成黑白画面，接著由主播郑重说出消息。
~以上新闻转自马来西亚东方日报~
泰国国王普密蓬驾崩后，政府宣布全国降半旗30天，官员哀悼1年。
泰国国王普密蓬驾崩后，泰国政府宣布全国降半旗30天，官员须穿著暗色服装服丧1年。在进入国丧期间，预计前往泰国旅游的民眾恐將受到影响。
综合报导，在举国哀戚期间，建议即將赴泰旅游民眾，除了出入公共场合须穿著庄重，不可任意评论王室。声色场所如酒吧与夜店，將会缩短营业时间或关闭，酒类贩售时间会更严格，开放购买时间变得更短。
而英国外交部已发出旅游建议，要民眾赴泰旅游注意公共场合穿著，尽量保持庄重。
清迈大学学者说，其他像是大型庆祝会或是音乐表演都会延期，另外为了举办普密蓬国葬，泰国国內將对外关闭一阵子，经济会社会活动也会受影响。
据了解，泰王逝世后全民哀悼，许多知名观光景点像是大皇宫，可能宣布暂不营业，有计划到泰国旅游的民眾近日需多加注意相关消息。
此外，泰国电视台13日宣布泰王死讯时，也全部转成黑白画面，接著由主播郑重说出消息。
~以上新闻转自马来西亚东方日报~
2016年10月13日星期四
2016年10月11日星期二
天秤星号回归槟城．甲米普吉游启航
天秤星号回归槟城．甲米普吉游启航
丽星邮轮“天秤星号”回归槟城，启航槟城、甲米（Krabi）与普吉岛的4天3夜旅程，集娱乐、休闲、度假、美食之旅的海上游，邀你来体验全新的感觉。
丽星邮轮旗下的天秤星号回归槟城，再次启行槟城、甲米及普吉岛服务。（图：星洲日报）
丽星邮轮“天秤星号”回归槟城，启航槟城、甲米（Krabi）与普吉岛的4天3夜旅程，集娱乐、休闲、度假、美食之旅的海上游，邀你来体验全新的感觉。
楼高10层的“天秤星号”，载客量达1436人，客房718间，长709.64尺，阔107.09尺，服务员工800多人。
“天秤星号”在阔别槟城为母港1年4个月，再次停泊在槟城瑞典咸邮轮中心，提供服务至明年（2017年）12月31日。
10月预定半价优惠
配合天秤星号回归槟城，丽星邮轮的特别促销是10月内预定，享有半价1050令吉的优惠（不包括港务税及服务税）。
丽星邮轮市场助理经理梁鸿毅向媒体说，“天秤星号”这次回归增加了节目，无论是一家人出游、情侣、夫妻、公司旅游、团体游等，绝对有甜密、欢乐之旅。
“当你踏上邮轮开始，邮轮就已为你准备了多姿多彩的节目，老少咸宜。泳池、卡拉ok、免税商店、美容购物、体育健身等，就让你放松心情，尽情享受。”
美食中西式都有
邮轮上的国际特色美食，西式、中式佳肴都由70多名国际厨师为你准备，厨师团队不时参加亚洲厨艺大赛，得奖连连，从中证明厨师团队实力超群，加上厨房员工多达百多人为客户准备每天的佳肴美食，在特定区的餐厅都是免费享用，包括早餐、早茶、午餐、下午茶、晚餐及宵夜，一天多达六餐。
“天秤星号”的餐厅包括航海家自助餐厅、海华宫、四季餐厅、香味轩、大班、蓝湖咖啡座、池吧及椰子威利吧等。
开拓穆斯林新市场
梁鸿毅说，“天秤星号”回归槟城之前是在中国厦门海口停泊，川行日本、台湾、越南之间，公司常接到许多客户询问“天秤星号”几时回归。
丽星邮轮除了在本地促销，也极力开拓穆斯林新市场，包括印尼、新加坡、泰国及国际游客市场。
星洲日报《大北马》社区报记者日前受丽星邮轮之邀，随团体验槟城、甲米、普吉岛的4天3夜海上之旅。
最先进技术
船身平稳
来自瑞典的船长伦纳杰克富及副船长克里斯托夫说，槟城至泰国沿海的风景线绝佳，少有大风浪，而且“天秤星号”采最先进的航海技术，船底有平衡器辅助，让船身能平稳在海面上川行。
驾驶舱每一时刻都有三名负责驾驶员在操作，确保安全航行。克里斯托夫说，槟城海域常可看到海豚在海面上跳跃，泰国海域虽没有海豚，但偶而可遇见鲸鱼。
备岛上游配套
“天秤星号”在星期日下午5时准时启航，隔天上午10时抵达美丽的泰国甲米海边，丽星邮轮也准备了多个配套岛上游让游客选择。
泰国甲米有许多著名景点区，包括虎穴寺、蛇园、Than Bok Khorani国家公园、Khao Khang Nam（大螃蟹地标供游客拍照留念）、美丽的南湾海边等。
甲米也有许多周边的美丽小岛与珊瑚礁，包括帕南海滩、管子岛（Tup Island）、鸡岛（Chicken Island）、波达岛（Poda Island）等。
“天秤星号”于当晚7时离港。周二中午12时抵达泰国普吉码头，邮轮可直接靠岸，让乘客下船在岛上游，午夜12时前回到邮轮。
普吉岛景点多
泰国普吉岛是其中国际闻名的旅游中心，岛上景点多，包括巴东海滩，这里酒店、商店、餐馆、酒吧林立，近年还建了多间大型商场。
媒体受邀踏上普吉环岛旅游，参观了Promthep海角、查龙寺、腰果店、Wang Talang珠宝中心、Jungceylon购物区等等。
天秤星号邮轮在其中的两个晚上也特别安排了两场精彩的魔术与歌舞表演。
更多资讯，可联络丽星邮轮热线03-23021288预定及询问。
甲板开放式的泳池，有大人与小孩，让你轻松畅游。（图：星洲日报）
文章来源：星洲日报
丽星邮轮“天秤星号”回归槟城，启航槟城、甲米（Krabi）与普吉岛的4天3夜旅程，集娱乐、休闲、度假、美食之旅的海上游，邀你来体验全新的感觉。
丽星邮轮旗下的天秤星号回归槟城，再次启行槟城、甲米及普吉岛服务。（图：星洲日报）
丽星邮轮“天秤星号”回归槟城，启航槟城、甲米（Krabi）与普吉岛的4天3夜旅程，集娱乐、休闲、度假、美食之旅的海上游，邀你来体验全新的感觉。
楼高10层的“天秤星号”，载客量达1436人，客房718间，长709.64尺，阔107.09尺，服务员工800多人。
“天秤星号”在阔别槟城为母港1年4个月，再次停泊在槟城瑞典咸邮轮中心，提供服务至明年（2017年）12月31日。
10月预定半价优惠
配合天秤星号回归槟城，丽星邮轮的特别促销是10月内预定，享有半价1050令吉的优惠（不包括港务税及服务税）。
丽星邮轮市场助理经理梁鸿毅向媒体说，“天秤星号”这次回归增加了节目，无论是一家人出游、情侣、夫妻、公司旅游、团体游等，绝对有甜密、欢乐之旅。
“当你踏上邮轮开始，邮轮就已为你准备了多姿多彩的节目，老少咸宜。泳池、卡拉ok、免税商店、美容购物、体育健身等，就让你放松心情，尽情享受。”
美食中西式都有
邮轮上的国际特色美食，西式、中式佳肴都由70多名国际厨师为你准备，厨师团队不时参加亚洲厨艺大赛，得奖连连，从中证明厨师团队实力超群，加上厨房员工多达百多人为客户准备每天的佳肴美食，在特定区的餐厅都是免费享用，包括早餐、早茶、午餐、下午茶、晚餐及宵夜，一天多达六餐。
“天秤星号”的餐厅包括航海家自助餐厅、海华宫、四季餐厅、香味轩、大班、蓝湖咖啡座、池吧及椰子威利吧等。
开拓穆斯林新市场
梁鸿毅说，“天秤星号”回归槟城之前是在中国厦门海口停泊，川行日本、台湾、越南之间，公司常接到许多客户询问“天秤星号”几时回归。
丽星邮轮除了在本地促销，也极力开拓穆斯林新市场，包括印尼、新加坡、泰国及国际游客市场。
星洲日报《大北马》社区报记者日前受丽星邮轮之邀，随团体验槟城、甲米、普吉岛的4天3夜海上之旅。
最先进技术
船身平稳
来自瑞典的船长伦纳杰克富及副船长克里斯托夫说，槟城至泰国沿海的风景线绝佳，少有大风浪，而且“天秤星号”采最先进的航海技术，船底有平衡器辅助，让船身能平稳在海面上川行。
驾驶舱每一时刻都有三名负责驾驶员在操作，确保安全航行。克里斯托夫说，槟城海域常可看到海豚在海面上跳跃，泰国海域虽没有海豚，但偶而可遇见鲸鱼。
备岛上游配套
“天秤星号”在星期日下午5时准时启航，隔天上午10时抵达美丽的泰国甲米海边，丽星邮轮也准备了多个配套岛上游让游客选择。
泰国甲米有许多著名景点区，包括虎穴寺、蛇园、Than Bok Khorani国家公园、Khao Khang Nam（大螃蟹地标供游客拍照留念）、美丽的南湾海边等。
甲米也有许多周边的美丽小岛与珊瑚礁，包括帕南海滩、管子岛（Tup Island）、鸡岛（Chicken Island）、波达岛（Poda Island）等。
“天秤星号”于当晚7时离港。周二中午12时抵达泰国普吉码头，邮轮可直接靠岸，让乘客下船在岛上游，午夜12时前回到邮轮。
普吉岛景点多
泰国普吉岛是其中国际闻名的旅游中心，岛上景点多，包括巴东海滩，这里酒店、商店、餐馆、酒吧林立，近年还建了多间大型商场。
媒体受邀踏上普吉环岛旅游，参观了Promthep海角、查龙寺、腰果店、Wang Talang珠宝中心、Jungceylon购物区等等。
天秤星号邮轮在其中的两个晚上也特别安排了两场精彩的魔术与歌舞表演。
更多资讯，可联络丽星邮轮热线03-23021288预定及询问。
甲板开放式的泳池，有大人与小孩，让你轻松畅游。（图：星洲日报）
文章来源：星洲日报
2016年8月31日星期三
小心禽流感 清迈塔佩门喂鸽子后赶紧洗手
小心禽流感 清迈塔佩门喂鸽子后赶紧洗手
清迈畜牧办事处主任萨哇表示，塔佩门是当地受国内外游客欢迎的经典之一，游客欣赏完风景后，喜欢在摊贩那里买鸟食喂塔佩门附近的鸽子，由于这些鸽子常年被游客喂食，根本不怕生，它们还会跳到游客的手上、身上，让游客觉得非常开心。
但是提醒游客在接触鸽子后立即去洗手，因为这有可能会让游客染上禽流感病菌，导致身体不适。
~以上转自世界日报~
清迈畜牧办事处主任萨哇表示，塔佩门是当地受国内外游客欢迎的经典之一，游客欣赏完风景后，喜欢在摊贩那里买鸟食喂塔佩门附近的鸽子，由于这些鸽子常年被游客喂食，根本不怕生，它们还会跳到游客的手上、身上，让游客觉得非常开心。
但是提醒游客在接触鸽子后立即去洗手，因为这有可能会让游客染上禽流感病菌，导致身体不适。
~以上转自世界日报~
2016年8月29日星期一
A slow boat to China
A slow boat to China
Asian cruise operator Pandaw is all set to launch the RV Laos Pandaw, a 10-cabin cruiser, on the Mekong River.
Asian cruise operator Pandaw is all set to launch the RV Laos Pandaw, a 10-cabin cruiser, on the Mekong River.
Offering cruises on the upper and lower Mekong, the first trip through Laos, Thailand and Myanmar is sold out but bookings for its maiden excursion on the upper Mekong into China are now open.
The expedition cover seven nights, beginning in Chiang Saen in Thailand's North. The journey continues and stops over along the border of Myanmar and Laos on its way to Jinhong in Yunnan Province.
The Old Mandalay Road in Shan State, the Xiang Kok Akha Village in Laos and a tea plantation and botanical gardens are also on the itinerary. Visit www.Pandaw.com.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
Asian cruise operator Pandaw is all set to launch the RV Laos Pandaw, a 10-cabin cruiser, on the Mekong River.
Asian cruise operator Pandaw is all set to launch the RV Laos Pandaw, a 10-cabin cruiser, on the Mekong River.
Offering cruises on the upper and lower Mekong, the first trip through Laos, Thailand and Myanmar is sold out but bookings for its maiden excursion on the upper Mekong into China are now open.
The expedition cover seven nights, beginning in Chiang Saen in Thailand's North. The journey continues and stops over along the border of Myanmar and Laos on its way to Jinhong in Yunnan Province.
The Old Mandalay Road in Shan State, the Xiang Kok Akha Village in Laos and a tea plantation and botanical gardens are also on the itinerary. Visit www.Pandaw.com.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
New shuttles bus service tested in capital
New shuttles bus service tested in capital
A new shuttle bus service connecting Bangkok’s Victory Monument area and key bus terminals such as the Southern Bus Terminal, the Mo Chit Bus Terminal and the Ekkamai Mo Chit Terminal, has been tested after passenger vans were banned in the area.
Speaking as chairman of the committee in charge of regulating public transportation vans, Colonel Suwit Ketsri, deputy commander of the Second Cavalry Division King's Guard, said the test had been arranged to calculate the travelling time for each route's round trip to provide a proper number of shuttle buses.
The Second Cavalry Division King's Guard chief of staff, Colonel Sombat Thanyawan, said four buses head to the Mo Chit Bus Terminal, six to the Southern Bus Terminal, and four to the Ekkamai Terminal every 20 minutes.
"Shuttle buses will be added when there are too many passengers," he said.
Traffic Police deputy commander Colonel Teerasak Suriwong said the trip between Victory Monument to the key bus terminals would normally take about two hours, while the shuttle buses running on the expressway would take about 20 minutes.
The service is in response to the National Council for Peace and Order's mandate to better regulate traffic in the capital.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
A new shuttle bus service connecting Bangkok’s Victory Monument area and key bus terminals such as the Southern Bus Terminal, the Mo Chit Bus Terminal and the Ekkamai Mo Chit Terminal, has been tested after passenger vans were banned in the area.
Speaking as chairman of the committee in charge of regulating public transportation vans, Colonel Suwit Ketsri, deputy commander of the Second Cavalry Division King's Guard, said the test had been arranged to calculate the travelling time for each route's round trip to provide a proper number of shuttle buses.
The Second Cavalry Division King's Guard chief of staff, Colonel Sombat Thanyawan, said four buses head to the Mo Chit Bus Terminal, six to the Southern Bus Terminal, and four to the Ekkamai Terminal every 20 minutes.
"Shuttle buses will be added when there are too many passengers," he said.
Traffic Police deputy commander Colonel Teerasak Suriwong said the trip between Victory Monument to the key bus terminals would normally take about two hours, while the shuttle buses running on the expressway would take about 20 minutes.
The service is in response to the National Council for Peace and Order's mandate to better regulate traffic in the capital.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2016年7月19日星期二
甲米府─贝壳墓冢
甲米府─贝壳墓冢
贝壳墓冢位于甲米府班郎坡海岸（Ban Laem Pho）的东北边，离市区17公里，该地聚集密密麻麻2公分长的淡水贝壳，其中绝大部份是田螺，千百年来，贝类遗骸不断在页岩层上堆积，经过风化，形成贝壳墓冢奇景。
而这些贝壳化石因地壳隆起而「浮出海面」，是一个非常重要的考古研究场所。该化石墓冢刚被发现的时候，推测其有7,500万年的历史，但随着大量化石的发现和研究的不断进展，推测出该贝壳墓冢约有2,000-4,000万年的历史。
甲米府的贝壳墓冢曾是一大型淡水沼泽，有各种淡水贝类栖息，其中2公分长的田螺居多，由于地质改变，海水入侵，贝类与海底的石灰石融为一体，形成厚达40公分的贝壳墓冢(Shelly Limestone)，由于地壳隆起，这些贝壳化石便浮出水面，而这种具上千万年历史的贝壳墓冢全球仅3处，分别是美国（芝加哥）、日本及泰国。
参观门票：
本地人：儿童10铢、大人20铢；外国人：儿童100铢、大人200铢。
开放时间：
每天08:30至17:00
交通：
自驾车：从甲米市区使用4034号公路往班赛泰(Ban Sai Thai)行驶，在班赛泰三叉路左转往4024号公路行驶，往奥南茅(Ao Nam Mao)码头直行即可。
共公交通：双条车(白色)甲米(Krabi)-奴帕拉特塔拉沙滩(Nopparat Thara Beach)-奥南(Ao Nang)-贝壳墓冢(Su-san Hoi )线，服务时间： 07:00-17:30。
最佳旅游时间：整年，但雨季的时候应多加小心，因海岸会长青苔，容易滑倒。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
贝壳墓冢位于甲米府班郎坡海岸（Ban Laem Pho）的东北边，离市区17公里，该地聚集密密麻麻2公分长的淡水贝壳，其中绝大部份是田螺，千百年来，贝类遗骸不断在页岩层上堆积，经过风化，形成贝壳墓冢奇景。
而这些贝壳化石因地壳隆起而「浮出海面」，是一个非常重要的考古研究场所。该化石墓冢刚被发现的时候，推测其有7,500万年的历史，但随着大量化石的发现和研究的不断进展，推测出该贝壳墓冢约有2,000-4,000万年的历史。
甲米府的贝壳墓冢曾是一大型淡水沼泽，有各种淡水贝类栖息，其中2公分长的田螺居多，由于地质改变，海水入侵，贝类与海底的石灰石融为一体，形成厚达40公分的贝壳墓冢(Shelly Limestone)，由于地壳隆起，这些贝壳化石便浮出水面，而这种具上千万年历史的贝壳墓冢全球仅3处，分别是美国（芝加哥）、日本及泰国。
参观门票：
本地人：儿童10铢、大人20铢；外国人：儿童100铢、大人200铢。
开放时间：
每天08:30至17:00
交通：
自驾车：从甲米市区使用4034号公路往班赛泰(Ban Sai Thai)行驶，在班赛泰三叉路左转往4024号公路行驶，往奥南茅(Ao Nam Mao)码头直行即可。
共公交通：双条车(白色)甲米(Krabi)-奴帕拉特塔拉沙滩(Nopparat Thara Beach)-奥南(Ao Nang)-贝壳墓冢(Su-san Hoi )线，服务时间： 07:00-17:30。
最佳旅游时间：整年，但雨季的时候应多加小心，因海岸会长青苔，容易滑倒。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
2016年7月5日星期二
Wonders in wax
Wonders in wax
Thailand marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent with candle carving, merit-making and folk dancing
With the monsoon season now in full swing and the rains nourishing the delicate rice seeds sowed not so long ago, it's time for Thailand to mark the Khao Phansa Festival. Held across the country in the middle of July, this spiritual event sees devotees of the Buddhist faith offering beautifully carved candles to the temples in a gesture reminiscent of the days when the monks would use the candles to provide light as they chanted Buddhist texts throughout the night.
From Ubon Ratchathani to Nan provinces, from boats on the canals to rides on elephant-back, the festival is celebrated in many different ways with floats, cultural shows, folk music, traditional dance and parades forming the main theme.
We take a look at some of the most delightful candle festivals.
UBON RATCHATHANI
When: July 18-20
Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand's lower Northeast is the champion when it comes to candle carving and spectacular floats and parades. Tourists and devotees are lured to the provincial capital to admire the amazing wax and candle carvings, many of them shaped into Buddha images and angels. In more recent years, the festival has incorporated a candle contest, with international artists and college students competing to show off their artistic creations. This year's event kicked off at the beginning of this week and runs through July 20 with artists from Russia, the US, Taiwan and Spain exhibiting their works in Thungsrimuang square. A sightseeing tour of the candle-making communities of Wat Sripradoo, Wat Thungsrimuang and Wat Pholphaen allows visitors to watch as residents cut up and melt the beeswax then pour it into moulds to form components of the huge, elaborate candles. The event culminates on July 20 when thousands of spectators line the streets to witness the colourful candle float parade.
NAN
When: July 20
If extravagant candle floats are not your cup of tea, then check out the humble wax-offering rite in Wiang Sa, Nan Province. On July 20, two days after the full moon, residents of Wiang Sa district will offer small dice and sticks of candle and wax to the Buddhist monks at Wat Buen Yeun. Like almsgiving, this unique yet original candle offering has been an act of virtue since the early 1800s. With the monks staying in their temples for three months during the Buddhist Lent, the candles will be used for learning and practising Buddhism by night.
NAKHON PHANOM
When: July 20
Nakhon Phanom Candle Festival takes place at Phra That Phanom, one of the most revered pagodas along the Mekong River. As elsewhere in the country, the ceremony will be celebrated in a devout yet festive fashion. The colourful procession of exquisitely carved candles, Miss Candle Beauty Contest, classical dancing, a mass merit-making ceremony will take turns to brighten up the spirit of Khao Phansa on the river bank.
SURIN
When: July 18-19
Temple murals reveal a lot about the elephant's great contribution to Buddhism, and the pachyderms of Surin once again underline their important role in religion at the beginning of Vassa. Surin pays homage to its traditional beasts of burden with 100 elaborately decorated elephants carrying some of the city's most revered monks around the town in a unique and memorable ceremony. There's also a candle procession and an elephant-back merit-making rite at the Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang.
SUPHAN BURI
July: 19-20
Suphan Buri Province holds its candle festival at Wat Pa Lelai Woravihara with a showcase of beautifully carved candles. The colourful procession along with performances of folk and traditional dance by local art students takes place on July 20 starting from the Clock Tower in Muang Suphan Buri District and continuing through the downtown area. The candle showcase and dance is staged at Wat Pa Lelai. Suphan Buri natives are famous for laying on good entertainment, so visitors to the festival won't be disappointed as folk dances add fun to the festival.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA
When: July 19-20
Nakhon Ratchasima Candle Procession Festival takes place at the Tao Suranaree Monument and promises a procession of floats bearing carved candles as well as a range of other merit-making activities. Ahead of the province's grand celebration, Phimai and Chokchai districts will hold the candle festivals to mark the start of the Buddhist Lent.
SARABURI
When: July 19-20
The annual Tak Bat Dok Mai, or Flower Offering festival, returns to Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi to mark the beginning of the three-month-long rains retreat. Thousands of Buddhist monks, mostly from Phra Dhammakaya temple, are expected to attend this year’s event. The festival celebrates the bloom of the local flower known as Dok Khao Phansa at the beginning of Vassa. The flower offering takes place twice daily at 9am and 3pm on both July 19 and 20.
AYUTTHAYA
When: July 19
The riverside community of Ladchado, Ayutthaya Province, will be celebrating the annual Candle Festival along the river on July 19 and thanking the rain for replenishing its canal. Like many things in Ladchado, the candle festival is celebrated on the water with hundreds of small sampans decorated with flowers and colourful parasols making their way downstream from the far side of canal. Tucked away in Phak Hai district, Ladchado is about 40 kilometres west of downtown Ayutthaya.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
Thailand marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent with candle carving, merit-making and folk dancing
With the monsoon season now in full swing and the rains nourishing the delicate rice seeds sowed not so long ago, it's time for Thailand to mark the Khao Phansa Festival. Held across the country in the middle of July, this spiritual event sees devotees of the Buddhist faith offering beautifully carved candles to the temples in a gesture reminiscent of the days when the monks would use the candles to provide light as they chanted Buddhist texts throughout the night.
From Ubon Ratchathani to Nan provinces, from boats on the canals to rides on elephant-back, the festival is celebrated in many different ways with floats, cultural shows, folk music, traditional dance and parades forming the main theme.
We take a look at some of the most delightful candle festivals.
UBON RATCHATHANI
When: July 18-20
Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand's lower Northeast is the champion when it comes to candle carving and spectacular floats and parades. Tourists and devotees are lured to the provincial capital to admire the amazing wax and candle carvings, many of them shaped into Buddha images and angels. In more recent years, the festival has incorporated a candle contest, with international artists and college students competing to show off their artistic creations. This year's event kicked off at the beginning of this week and runs through July 20 with artists from Russia, the US, Taiwan and Spain exhibiting their works in Thungsrimuang square. A sightseeing tour of the candle-making communities of Wat Sripradoo, Wat Thungsrimuang and Wat Pholphaen allows visitors to watch as residents cut up and melt the beeswax then pour it into moulds to form components of the huge, elaborate candles. The event culminates on July 20 when thousands of spectators line the streets to witness the colourful candle float parade.
NAN
When: July 20
If extravagant candle floats are not your cup of tea, then check out the humble wax-offering rite in Wiang Sa, Nan Province. On July 20, two days after the full moon, residents of Wiang Sa district will offer small dice and sticks of candle and wax to the Buddhist monks at Wat Buen Yeun. Like almsgiving, this unique yet original candle offering has been an act of virtue since the early 1800s. With the monks staying in their temples for three months during the Buddhist Lent, the candles will be used for learning and practising Buddhism by night.
NAKHON PHANOM
When: July 20
Nakhon Phanom Candle Festival takes place at Phra That Phanom, one of the most revered pagodas along the Mekong River. As elsewhere in the country, the ceremony will be celebrated in a devout yet festive fashion. The colourful procession of exquisitely carved candles, Miss Candle Beauty Contest, classical dancing, a mass merit-making ceremony will take turns to brighten up the spirit of Khao Phansa on the river bank.
SURIN
When: July 18-19
Temple murals reveal a lot about the elephant's great contribution to Buddhism, and the pachyderms of Surin once again underline their important role in religion at the beginning of Vassa. Surin pays homage to its traditional beasts of burden with 100 elaborately decorated elephants carrying some of the city's most revered monks around the town in a unique and memorable ceremony. There's also a candle procession and an elephant-back merit-making rite at the Monument of Phaya Surin Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang.
SUPHAN BURI
July: 19-20
Suphan Buri Province holds its candle festival at Wat Pa Lelai Woravihara with a showcase of beautifully carved candles. The colourful procession along with performances of folk and traditional dance by local art students takes place on July 20 starting from the Clock Tower in Muang Suphan Buri District and continuing through the downtown area. The candle showcase and dance is staged at Wat Pa Lelai. Suphan Buri natives are famous for laying on good entertainment, so visitors to the festival won't be disappointed as folk dances add fun to the festival.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA
When: July 19-20
Nakhon Ratchasima Candle Procession Festival takes place at the Tao Suranaree Monument and promises a procession of floats bearing carved candles as well as a range of other merit-making activities. Ahead of the province's grand celebration, Phimai and Chokchai districts will hold the candle festivals to mark the start of the Buddhist Lent.
SARABURI
When: July 19-20
The annual Tak Bat Dok Mai, or Flower Offering festival, returns to Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi to mark the beginning of the three-month-long rains retreat. Thousands of Buddhist monks, mostly from Phra Dhammakaya temple, are expected to attend this year’s event. The festival celebrates the bloom of the local flower known as Dok Khao Phansa at the beginning of Vassa. The flower offering takes place twice daily at 9am and 3pm on both July 19 and 20.
AYUTTHAYA
When: July 19
The riverside community of Ladchado, Ayutthaya Province, will be celebrating the annual Candle Festival along the river on July 19 and thanking the rain for replenishing its canal. Like many things in Ladchado, the candle festival is celebrated on the water with hundreds of small sampans decorated with flowers and colourful parasols making their way downstream from the far side of canal. Tucked away in Phak Hai district, Ladchado is about 40 kilometres west of downtown Ayutthaya.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
猜也奔暹罗郁金香 月底开满林
猜也奔暹罗郁金香 月底开满林
猜也奔府(Chaiyaphum)农布拉合县塞通国家公园和贴沙提县巴欣南国家公园的暹罗郁金香已开放了10-20%，预计本月底暹罗郁金香将绽放满林区，游客可以在守夏节期间（本月底至8月初）前往参观。
巴欣南国家公园工作人员昨天（4日）称，暹罗郁金香林区已开花了约10-20%，预计本月底将全部盛开，因为受到雨季的影响，花卉盛放时间会延迟至下月底。而塞通国家公园工作人员称，现在森林里的暹罗郁金香也已经盛放了20%，预计全部开放还需等到本月底，而两座公园绽放的暹罗郁金香都比往年多得多。
猜也奔府在雨季期间的旅游亮点就是欣赏绽放的暹罗郁金香，该类花卉与姜科相似，只要到了冬天，就只剩下根茎埋在地里，等到夏天后就会生根发芽，特别是雨季期间。
游客想咨询更多信息，可以拨打泰国旅游局呵叻(Nakhon Ratchasima)办事处电话：0-4421-3030、0-4421-3666，或者塞通国家公园电话：0-4405-6141-2，巴欣南国家公园电话：08-9282-3437。
~以上新闻转自中国报~
猜也奔府(Chaiyaphum)农布拉合县塞通国家公园和贴沙提县巴欣南国家公园的暹罗郁金香已开放了10-20%，预计本月底暹罗郁金香将绽放满林区，游客可以在守夏节期间（本月底至8月初）前往参观。
巴欣南国家公园工作人员昨天（4日）称，暹罗郁金香林区已开花了约10-20%，预计本月底将全部盛开，因为受到雨季的影响，花卉盛放时间会延迟至下月底。而塞通国家公园工作人员称，现在森林里的暹罗郁金香也已经盛放了20%，预计全部开放还需等到本月底，而两座公园绽放的暹罗郁金香都比往年多得多。
猜也奔府在雨季期间的旅游亮点就是欣赏绽放的暹罗郁金香，该类花卉与姜科相似，只要到了冬天，就只剩下根茎埋在地里，等到夏天后就会生根发芽，特别是雨季期间。
游客想咨询更多信息，可以拨打泰国旅游局呵叻(Nakhon Ratchasima)办事处电话：0-4421-3030、0-4421-3666，或者塞通国家公园电话：0-4405-6141-2，巴欣南国家公园电话：08-9282-3437。
~以上新闻转自中国报~
旅游局向中国客介绍泰文化
向中国客介绍泰文化 旅游局赠旅行社【享受泰国之旅小贴士】
泰国旅游业联合会副主席塔叻、泰国旅游局芭堤雅办事处主任安塔蓬，于昨天（4日）一同向春武里府芭堤雅市旅游企业、旅游景点赠送中文版「享受泰国之旅小贴士」宣传字牌，通过该牌子向中国游客介绍泰国的文化传统习俗，同时推动当地旅游业的健康发展。 此次活动共有芭堤雅旅游公会、东部地区酒店公会、春武里府旅游景点协会、东芭乐园、是拉差龙虎园、芭堤雅四区水上市场、皇权免税中心等企业代表出席。
塔叻表示，每年大约有800万名中国游客来泰国旅游度假，今年有望突破1000万人次大关，而芭堤雅属于大多数中国游客必游的旅游目的地，且逐渐取代以往的欧美、欧罗斯游客。但随着大量中国游客的增加，也给当地民众带来了诸多的不便，特别是中国游客的诸多习惯不符合泰国的文化传统，从而造成一些负面影响。但是这也不能单纯地责怪中国游客，因为主要是对当地传统风俗和生活习惯不了解而造成。
塔叻还表示，当前芭堤雅旅游市场依然需要中国游客的支持，但为了避免上述问题的发生，泰国旅游议会联合国家旅游局印制了中文版的「享受泰国之旅小贴士」宣传字牌，发放给芭堤雅各旅游企业和旅游景点，让中国游客可以了解当地的文化传统和生活习惯，同时在旅游过程中避免再次发生误解和影响当地民众的正常生活，也避免给中国游客自身带来不必要的麻烦。
~以上新闻转自中国报~
泰国旅游业联合会副主席塔叻、泰国旅游局芭堤雅办事处主任安塔蓬，于昨天（4日）一同向春武里府芭堤雅市旅游企业、旅游景点赠送中文版「享受泰国之旅小贴士」宣传字牌，通过该牌子向中国游客介绍泰国的文化传统习俗，同时推动当地旅游业的健康发展。 此次活动共有芭堤雅旅游公会、东部地区酒店公会、春武里府旅游景点协会、东芭乐园、是拉差龙虎园、芭堤雅四区水上市场、皇权免税中心等企业代表出席。
塔叻表示，每年大约有800万名中国游客来泰国旅游度假，今年有望突破1000万人次大关，而芭堤雅属于大多数中国游客必游的旅游目的地，且逐渐取代以往的欧美、欧罗斯游客。但随着大量中国游客的增加，也给当地民众带来了诸多的不便，特别是中国游客的诸多习惯不符合泰国的文化传统，从而造成一些负面影响。但是这也不能单纯地责怪中国游客，因为主要是对当地传统风俗和生活习惯不了解而造成。
塔叻还表示，当前芭堤雅旅游市场依然需要中国游客的支持，但为了避免上述问题的发生，泰国旅游议会联合国家旅游局印制了中文版的「享受泰国之旅小贴士」宣传字牌，发放给芭堤雅各旅游企业和旅游景点，让中国游客可以了解当地的文化传统和生活习惯，同时在旅游过程中避免再次发生误解和影响当地民众的正常生活，也避免给中国游客自身带来不必要的麻烦。
~以上新闻转自中国报~
2016年5月28日星期六
Public Bus to Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok
From Changwattana Road/Vipavadee Rangsit Junction
Bus No. 29, 59, 95 and A/C bus no. 4, 10, 13, 19 (to the North of IMPACT)
Bus No. 29, 52 and A/C bus no. 4, 10, 29 (to south)
Bus No. 59, 95, 150 and A/C bus no. 13 (to east)
From Pakkred
Bus No. 33, 90, 367 and 359 (to north)
Bus No. 32, 33, 51, 90, 104, A/C bus no. 56 and special A/C Bus no. 1 (to south)
From Changwattana
Bus No. 52, 150, 356 and A/C bus no 150, 356 and 166
Bus No. 166, 166 (blue) Nam Non Quayside-Muang Thong)
Bus No. 29, 59, 95 and A/C bus no. 4, 10, 13, 19 (to the North of IMPACT)
Bus No. 29, 52 and A/C bus no. 4, 10, 29 (to south)
Bus No. 59, 95, 150 and A/C bus no. 13 (to east)
From Pakkred
Bus No. 33, 90, 367 and 359 (to north)
Bus No. 32, 33, 51, 90, 104, A/C bus no. 56 and special A/C Bus no. 1 (to south)
From Changwattana
Bus No. 52, 150, 356 and A/C bus no 150, 356 and 166
Bus No. 166, 166 (blue) Nam Non Quayside-Muang Thong)
2016年5月25日星期三
2016年5月16日星期一
2016年5月15日星期日
清迈机场-市区空调巴士开通
清迈机场-市区空调巴士开通
简介：不用议价全程20铢，能为抵达清迈旅游的国内外游客提供便利，减少游客对私家车的依赖，缓解交通堵塞问题。
清迈市区「绕城观光巴士」路线23日正式开通，由民间业者经营红色21座冷气大巴，可从清迈机场搭乘进入市区。
清迈市区23日新开通「绕城观光巴士」路线，由民间业者经营红色21座冷气大巴，可从清迈机场搭乘进入市区，并途经清迈市中心多处主要街区，为观光客带来方便。该观光巴士收票费仅20铢。
清迈运输局主任参猜及当军方、警方和民营企业代表昨天主持新的「绕城观光巴士」服务启动仪式，由民间业者运营的红色空调巴士「冷气10线」正式投入运营。该巴士从凌晨5时半起发车，一直运营至晚上10时，每天服务，每10分钟发出一趟车。初期有8辆21座型冷气空调中型巴士投入服务，运营路线为﹕挽侃元、昌堪路、诗东猜路、清迈城门市场、清迈国际机场、清迈-航东公路，全程票价统一20铢，学生及僧侣收15铢。
参猜表示，这条巴士服务将能为抵达清迈旅游的国内外游客提供便利，减少游客对私家车的依赖，缓解交通堵塞问题，而且不用议价全程20铢，又是冷气空调车，是观光客往返机场与清迈市区的便利选择。未来还将增加服务车辆班数，并实现每5分钟发出一辆车，满足更多游客需求。
～以上新闻转自世界日报～
简介：不用议价全程20铢，能为抵达清迈旅游的国内外游客提供便利，减少游客对私家车的依赖，缓解交通堵塞问题。
清迈市区「绕城观光巴士」路线23日正式开通，由民间业者经营红色21座冷气大巴，可从清迈机场搭乘进入市区。
清迈市区23日新开通「绕城观光巴士」路线，由民间业者经营红色21座冷气大巴，可从清迈机场搭乘进入市区，并途经清迈市中心多处主要街区，为观光客带来方便。该观光巴士收票费仅20铢。
清迈运输局主任参猜及当军方、警方和民营企业代表昨天主持新的「绕城观光巴士」服务启动仪式，由民间业者运营的红色空调巴士「冷气10线」正式投入运营。该巴士从凌晨5时半起发车，一直运营至晚上10时，每天服务，每10分钟发出一趟车。初期有8辆21座型冷气空调中型巴士投入服务，运营路线为﹕挽侃元、昌堪路、诗东猜路、清迈城门市场、清迈国际机场、清迈-航东公路，全程票价统一20铢，学生及僧侣收15铢。
参猜表示，这条巴士服务将能为抵达清迈旅游的国内外游客提供便利，减少游客对私家车的依赖，缓解交通堵塞问题，而且不用议价全程20铢，又是冷气空调车，是观光客往返机场与清迈市区的便利选择。未来还将增加服务车辆班数，并实现每5分钟发出一辆车，满足更多游客需求。
～以上新闻转自世界日报～
2016年5月13日星期五
Praying for rain
Yasothon - Praying for rain
In response to this year's drought and the higher-than-usual temperatures, visitors to the annual Rocket Festival in Yasothon can expect plenty of fast-flying missiles in the sky.
Taking place on May 14-15, the Yasothon Rocket Festival serves as a wake-up call for the Rain God and pleads with him to give Earth more water so that the rice will grow.
Led by monks, rural rocket engineers place gunpowder inside long plastic pipes of varying sizes.
The rockets are then launched into the clear blue skies with varying degrees of success.
The festive event always draws locals and visitors and you don't have to be a quantum physicist to enjoy the show.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
In response to this year's drought and the higher-than-usual temperatures, visitors to the annual Rocket Festival in Yasothon can expect plenty of fast-flying missiles in the sky.
Taking place on May 14-15, the Yasothon Rocket Festival serves as a wake-up call for the Rain God and pleads with him to give Earth more water so that the rice will grow.
Led by monks, rural rocket engineers place gunpowder inside long plastic pipes of varying sizes.
The rockets are then launched into the clear blue skies with varying degrees of success.
The festive event always draws locals and visitors and you don't have to be a quantum physicist to enjoy the show.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2016年5月2日星期一
2016年4月12日星期二
2016年4月10日星期日
2016年4月9日星期六
世界最大摩天轮将落户普吉
世界最大摩天轮将落户普吉
泰国商业发展公司、PAX GROUP公司和ANUPHAS GROUP公司联手将在普吉府建设世界最大摩天轮，希望能打造成为普吉府地标。
目前正在研究相关法律，预计2年内完工，之后还将考虑建设游乐园。
泰国商业发展有限公司董事长伊戈与PAX GROUP集团董事长瓦拉迪米于本月29日，在普吉府Grand Supicha City酒店召开「世界最高摩天轮项目」新闻发布会。
伊戈表示，在与PAX GROUP公司和ANUPHAS GROUP公司的领导人协商后，三方决定合作在普吉府建造世界最高摩天轮。
普吉府是世界知名的热门旅游城市，深受全球游客的喜欢，拥有美丽的自然风光，同时也具有独特的文化习俗，但3家公司经协商后认为，普吉府缺乏地标性建筑，因此认为投资该项目能大力促进当地旅游业发展，并计画以后在岛上投建大型游乐场。
伊戈还称，新加坡摩天轮是目前世界最高的摩天轮，高达165米，该项目完成后将打破此记录，预计将花费1年半时间建完，摩天轮将采用全透明玻璃观景舱，游客可360度观赏到普吉岛的风景，每个观景舱可容纳大约20人，对于恐高的人来说也是一种挑战。
目前3家公司正在与政府相关部门就该项目进行具体研究，在建设之前必须通过环境影响评估。
之前已经将该项目方案提交至普吉府府尹，各方对该项目表示赞同，因为该项目能吸引更多游客来到普吉旅游，为该府带来更多的经济效益。
～以上新闻转自世界日报～
泰国商业发展公司、PAX GROUP公司和ANUPHAS GROUP公司联手将在普吉府建设世界最大摩天轮，希望能打造成为普吉府地标。
目前正在研究相关法律，预计2年内完工，之后还将考虑建设游乐园。
泰国商业发展有限公司董事长伊戈与PAX GROUP集团董事长瓦拉迪米于本月29日，在普吉府Grand Supicha City酒店召开「世界最高摩天轮项目」新闻发布会。
伊戈表示，在与PAX GROUP公司和ANUPHAS GROUP公司的领导人协商后，三方决定合作在普吉府建造世界最高摩天轮。
普吉府是世界知名的热门旅游城市，深受全球游客的喜欢，拥有美丽的自然风光，同时也具有独特的文化习俗，但3家公司经协商后认为，普吉府缺乏地标性建筑，因此认为投资该项目能大力促进当地旅游业发展，并计画以后在岛上投建大型游乐场。
伊戈还称，新加坡摩天轮是目前世界最高的摩天轮，高达165米，该项目完成后将打破此记录，预计将花费1年半时间建完，摩天轮将采用全透明玻璃观景舱，游客可360度观赏到普吉岛的风景，每个观景舱可容纳大约20人，对于恐高的人来说也是一种挑战。
目前3家公司正在与政府相关部门就该项目进行具体研究，在建设之前必须通过环境影响评估。
之前已经将该项目方案提交至普吉府府尹，各方对该项目表示赞同，因为该项目能吸引更多游客来到普吉旅游，为该府带来更多的经济效益。
～以上新闻转自世界日报～
清迈庆宋干 中国客将成为主力军
清迈庆宋干 中国客将成为主力军
清迈市政府加紧调整市区河渠水质，以迎接宋干节的到来，并宣导宋干节期间须节约用水。泰国旅游局预估将吸引20万名游客前来清迈过宋干节，为该府创造将近10亿铢的流动资金。
清迈政府工作人员昨天（8日）将氯粉倒入市区河渠内，让水质更加干净，强调足以满足宋干节的泼水活动，但还是希望民众和游客节约用水，因为受严重干旱的影响，今年市区也不能向市区以外的地区输送水。
泰国旅游局北部办事处预估，今年清迈宋干节将吸引约20万名游客前来观光，外籍游客约占30%，中国游客最多，约为4万人。现在酒店住宿的预订率已高达90%，预计节庆期间将创造9-10亿铢的流动资金。
～以上新闻转自世界日报～
清迈市政府加紧调整市区河渠水质，以迎接宋干节的到来，并宣导宋干节期间须节约用水。泰国旅游局预估将吸引20万名游客前来清迈过宋干节，为该府创造将近10亿铢的流动资金。
清迈政府工作人员昨天（8日）将氯粉倒入市区河渠内，让水质更加干净，强调足以满足宋干节的泼水活动，但还是希望民众和游客节约用水，因为受严重干旱的影响，今年市区也不能向市区以外的地区输送水。
泰国旅游局北部办事处预估，今年清迈宋干节将吸引约20万名游客前来观光，外籍游客约占30%，中国游客最多，约为4万人。现在酒店住宿的预订率已高达90%，预计节庆期间将创造9-10亿铢的流动资金。
～以上新闻转自世界日报～
2016年4月3日星期日
2016年3月10日星期四
Ban on Songkran splashing would be impossible: PM
Ban on Songkran splashing would be impossible: PM
THE Prime Minister has rejected a suggestion that the government ban Songkran revellers from splashing water during the festival because of severe shortages nationwide.
"I will not ban water throwing, because it is impossible,'' he said.
"Parents should teach their children to use less water and not to transport water in trucks and splash it for three days and three nights. If there is not enough water for consumption in May, who will take responsibility?'' he said. "It will be the government."
Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was responding to a proposal that the government strictly control water usage. Prayut said the government could make an announcement but people did not seem to listen. "That is our problem," he said
He also blamed past governments for a failure of water management.
"We should have had water distribution and piping systems linked nationwide. Why did we not invest in this project long ago? We will fight over water. Soldiers will have to hold guns monitoring water pumps. It should not be like that," he said.
Prayut has ordered four major dams to release not more than 18 million cubic metres of water for agriculture and also asked local residents to build small dams to store water.
Meanwhile, a road in Pathum Thani's Nongsua district has been blocked after land subsidence linked to the drought made it impassable.
Klong Rangsit 14 Road collapsed between kilometres 400 and 500, leaving a three-metre hole that a taxi fell into.
The stretch of road had been fixed, but another 25-metre stretch was affected by subsidence, again making the route impassable.
The road is normally heavily used by farmers to transport their produce to market.
Thitinan Charoen-art, municipal clerk of Muang Sananrak, said the road would be blocked while the subsidence-affected area was repaired, adding that officials would meet to discuss the problem of the drought.
Phayao Governor Supachai Iam-suwan said there was only 14 million cubic metres of water in Phayao Lake even though water had been diverted from Mae Tam reservoir. He said the lake lost about 10,000 cubic metres of water per day, which officials were investigating.
Phayao's Provincial Waterworks Office branch manager Krit Ketcharal said officials were installing pipes to pump water to the lake.
The office has reserved water in Nong Kwang reservoir to be used for tap-water and built a mobile water production plant that can process up to 200 cubic metres of water per hour.
He said raw water in Phayao Lake could produce tap-water for not more than two months. "We are waiting for a miracle of rain during Songkran or we will divert water from Nong Kwang as the last resort,'' he said.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
THE Prime Minister has rejected a suggestion that the government ban Songkran revellers from splashing water during the festival because of severe shortages nationwide.
"I will not ban water throwing, because it is impossible,'' he said.
"Parents should teach their children to use less water and not to transport water in trucks and splash it for three days and three nights. If there is not enough water for consumption in May, who will take responsibility?'' he said. "It will be the government."
Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was responding to a proposal that the government strictly control water usage. Prayut said the government could make an announcement but people did not seem to listen. "That is our problem," he said
He also blamed past governments for a failure of water management.
"We should have had water distribution and piping systems linked nationwide. Why did we not invest in this project long ago? We will fight over water. Soldiers will have to hold guns monitoring water pumps. It should not be like that," he said.
Prayut has ordered four major dams to release not more than 18 million cubic metres of water for agriculture and also asked local residents to build small dams to store water.
Meanwhile, a road in Pathum Thani's Nongsua district has been blocked after land subsidence linked to the drought made it impassable.
Klong Rangsit 14 Road collapsed between kilometres 400 and 500, leaving a three-metre hole that a taxi fell into.
The stretch of road had been fixed, but another 25-metre stretch was affected by subsidence, again making the route impassable.
The road is normally heavily used by farmers to transport their produce to market.
Thitinan Charoen-art, municipal clerk of Muang Sananrak, said the road would be blocked while the subsidence-affected area was repaired, adding that officials would meet to discuss the problem of the drought.
Phayao Governor Supachai Iam-suwan said there was only 14 million cubic metres of water in Phayao Lake even though water had been diverted from Mae Tam reservoir. He said the lake lost about 10,000 cubic metres of water per day, which officials were investigating.
Phayao's Provincial Waterworks Office branch manager Krit Ketcharal said officials were installing pipes to pump water to the lake.
The office has reserved water in Nong Kwang reservoir to be used for tap-water and built a mobile water production plant that can process up to 200 cubic metres of water per hour.
He said raw water in Phayao Lake could produce tap-water for not more than two months. "We are waiting for a miracle of rain during Songkran or we will divert water from Nong Kwang as the last resort,'' he said.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2016年3月9日星期三
廊曼机场第2航厦全面启动
廊曼机场第2航厦全面启动
曼谷廊曼机场第二航厦于昨天(8日)正式启用,泰国机场公司(AOT)总裁尼迪奈主持启用仪式以及廊曼机场建设102周年纪念日活动。
尼迪奈表示,去年廊曼机场每天接待游客数量高达2000万人次,或每年约2900万人次,平均每天升降620个航班,这可谓是已经超出机场接待乘客的承受能力。廊曼机场第2航厦的全面启动,足以应对日益剧增的客流,预计该航站楼每年可接客4000万人次。
廊曼机场第2航站楼占地面积约10万6000平方米,3层机场服务楼提供服务,即第1层为抵达大厅、第2层为机场办公大楼、第3层为出发大厅和270多家商店。
不管怎样,预计启动第2航站楼后将为廊曼机场带来额外收入,将不仅仅是每年约10亿铢的航空业务收入,或计为每年增长20%,促使使用廊曼机场服务的乘客增加到3000万人次。至于今年泰国6座机场的经营成果,预计乘客数量可扩大16-18%。
泰国机场公司董事会主席帕颂表示,廊曼机场第3期发展计画和整修第1航站楼枢纽通道,以联通至机场大楼和廊曼机场捷运站,进而兴建可容纳3000多个停车位的停车楼。廊曼机场是全球低成本廉价航空进驻最多的机场,如果机场第3期发展计画施工完成后,将可提升机场的接待能力,有望每年突破4000万人次。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
曼谷廊曼机场第二航厦于昨天(8日)正式启用,泰国机场公司(AOT)总裁尼迪奈主持启用仪式以及廊曼机场建设102周年纪念日活动。
尼迪奈表示,去年廊曼机场每天接待游客数量高达2000万人次,或每年约2900万人次,平均每天升降620个航班,这可谓是已经超出机场接待乘客的承受能力。廊曼机场第2航厦的全面启动,足以应对日益剧增的客流,预计该航站楼每年可接客4000万人次。
廊曼机场第2航站楼占地面积约10万6000平方米,3层机场服务楼提供服务,即第1层为抵达大厅、第2层为机场办公大楼、第3层为出发大厅和270多家商店。
不管怎样,预计启动第2航站楼后将为廊曼机场带来额外收入,将不仅仅是每年约10亿铢的航空业务收入,或计为每年增长20%,促使使用廊曼机场服务的乘客增加到3000万人次。至于今年泰国6座机场的经营成果,预计乘客数量可扩大16-18%。
泰国机场公司董事会主席帕颂表示,廊曼机场第3期发展计画和整修第1航站楼枢纽通道,以联通至机场大楼和廊曼机场捷运站,进而兴建可容纳3000多个停车位的停车楼。廊曼机场是全球低成本廉价航空进驻最多的机场,如果机场第3期发展计画施工完成后,将可提升机场的接待能力,有望每年突破4000万人次。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
吴庆康：天生技能
吴庆康：天生技能
在泰国的海边沙滩，可以享受到非常当地大妈型的沙滩按摩。（吴庆康摄）
总觉得泰国人的身体里有按摩基因，这是他们天生的一种技能，是天分。我很相信天分。
总觉得很多泰国人是天生的按摩高手，随便一出手总是按中要穴，让你欲仙欲死，很是神奇。而且，你可以只花八块钱，就享受一个小时很实在的全身按摩，物超所值。
泰国有很多很独特的扬名海外产品，从变装秀、四面佛、酸辣汤、友善亲切的笑容、芒果糯米饭，到按摩，我都喜欢。
尤其是按摩，从大街小巷到海边沙滩，从最奢华到最简陋的，大多很有水准（除却色情按摩），尤其是那种在海边非常当地大妈型的沙滩按摩，根本不必任何语言，你全身最酸痛的部位让她们一按就放松，按摩过后有种想拥抱她们感谢救了一命的冲动。
按摩这项技能多少需要天分，按哪个部位，出手多重，按多久，经验是一回事，但不是学学就会，而且舒服与否因人而异，还得看缘分。有时腰酸背痛，想找个身边人帮忙舒缓一下，按不到两下就喊停，因为位置不对，力道不对，越按越痛。
但在泰国，随便一家按摩院，随便一个按摩师傅，不论男女，都像是按摩机器，精准得很。尤其是颈肩和腰部，他们神奇的双手总是一点即中，1个小时下来你全身放松，很甘愿给超过按摩收费双倍的小费。
近几年发现上海、北京和台湾也都有不少按摩高手，但提供的服务已经被美化商业化，少了泰国的原汁原味，少了那种“天生”感。
我在外消费很少给小费，但在泰国按摩很愿意给，不仅是对服务超满意，而是觉得这要付出体力的工作，收费不仅应该合理，应该比合理更合理。
我也试过为友人按按肩膀，不到2分钟，手掌已经不能再出力，那真不是任何人能胜任的任务。
偶尔与这些按摩师傅聊上两句，老的少的，1天平均为6个客人服务，每次1到2个小时，我想象不到他们双掌在这样的劳力轰炸下怎么还能保持灵活度。
所以我总觉得泰国人的身体里有按摩基因，这是他们天生的一种技能，是天分。
我很相信天分，你可以逼孩子去学各种乐器，学各种运动，学各种手艺，他们最终也许都可以在课程结业考中考获很高分，但仅此而已，不会因此散发异彩，因为他们没有能将所学发扬光大的天分。
就像会写字不代表会创作，会唱歌不代表能成为歌手；会写影评不代表你能拍电影当导演，会开车并不表示就懂车；就算你是专门医老人病的医生，也不意味着你就会心甘情愿、有要照顾老人家的慈祥善良心。
相比之下，我们新加坡人最明显的基因特点就比较“生活化”，我们很自然完全不必任何训练就会永无止境地对生活和工作投诉，抱怨政府，在路上容易动怒发脾气，又很自私怕输，当然还有很多明知程序不合逻辑但还是照章行事丝毫没有灵活性的“官方”，都是我们独有的“天生技能”。
说回泰国按摩，在大街小巷的众多按摩店，随眼一望，不缺年轻男女，我也被一些很年轻的按摩师傅“服侍”过，年纪轻轻手艺很好。
当然，有得选择，这些年轻人也许也不愿意在这样的环境中付出这样的劳力来讨生活，但至少在这过程中，他们没有欺场。
这样的情景不可能在新加坡发生，我们的年轻人很幸运不必生活在艰苦的环境，也很幸运没有这种天生技能。我们只能在幸福中，不断埋怨我们有多不幸福，这是我们开始扎根的本能与“天分”。
（本文刊在3月9日《联合早报》·四方八面）
在泰国的海边沙滩，可以享受到非常当地大妈型的沙滩按摩。（吴庆康摄）
总觉得泰国人的身体里有按摩基因，这是他们天生的一种技能，是天分。我很相信天分。
总觉得很多泰国人是天生的按摩高手，随便一出手总是按中要穴，让你欲仙欲死，很是神奇。而且，你可以只花八块钱，就享受一个小时很实在的全身按摩，物超所值。
泰国有很多很独特的扬名海外产品，从变装秀、四面佛、酸辣汤、友善亲切的笑容、芒果糯米饭，到按摩，我都喜欢。
尤其是按摩，从大街小巷到海边沙滩，从最奢华到最简陋的，大多很有水准（除却色情按摩），尤其是那种在海边非常当地大妈型的沙滩按摩，根本不必任何语言，你全身最酸痛的部位让她们一按就放松，按摩过后有种想拥抱她们感谢救了一命的冲动。
按摩这项技能多少需要天分，按哪个部位，出手多重，按多久，经验是一回事，但不是学学就会，而且舒服与否因人而异，还得看缘分。有时腰酸背痛，想找个身边人帮忙舒缓一下，按不到两下就喊停，因为位置不对，力道不对，越按越痛。
但在泰国，随便一家按摩院，随便一个按摩师傅，不论男女，都像是按摩机器，精准得很。尤其是颈肩和腰部，他们神奇的双手总是一点即中，1个小时下来你全身放松，很甘愿给超过按摩收费双倍的小费。
近几年发现上海、北京和台湾也都有不少按摩高手，但提供的服务已经被美化商业化，少了泰国的原汁原味，少了那种“天生”感。
我在外消费很少给小费，但在泰国按摩很愿意给，不仅是对服务超满意，而是觉得这要付出体力的工作，收费不仅应该合理，应该比合理更合理。
我也试过为友人按按肩膀，不到2分钟，手掌已经不能再出力，那真不是任何人能胜任的任务。
偶尔与这些按摩师傅聊上两句，老的少的，1天平均为6个客人服务，每次1到2个小时，我想象不到他们双掌在这样的劳力轰炸下怎么还能保持灵活度。
所以我总觉得泰国人的身体里有按摩基因，这是他们天生的一种技能，是天分。
我很相信天分，你可以逼孩子去学各种乐器，学各种运动，学各种手艺，他们最终也许都可以在课程结业考中考获很高分，但仅此而已，不会因此散发异彩，因为他们没有能将所学发扬光大的天分。
就像会写字不代表会创作，会唱歌不代表能成为歌手；会写影评不代表你能拍电影当导演，会开车并不表示就懂车；就算你是专门医老人病的医生，也不意味着你就会心甘情愿、有要照顾老人家的慈祥善良心。
相比之下，我们新加坡人最明显的基因特点就比较“生活化”，我们很自然完全不必任何训练就会永无止境地对生活和工作投诉，抱怨政府，在路上容易动怒发脾气，又很自私怕输，当然还有很多明知程序不合逻辑但还是照章行事丝毫没有灵活性的“官方”，都是我们独有的“天生技能”。
说回泰国按摩，在大街小巷的众多按摩店，随眼一望，不缺年轻男女，我也被一些很年轻的按摩师傅“服侍”过，年纪轻轻手艺很好。
当然，有得选择，这些年轻人也许也不愿意在这样的环境中付出这样的劳力来讨生活，但至少在这过程中，他们没有欺场。
这样的情景不可能在新加坡发生，我们的年轻人很幸运不必生活在艰苦的环境，也很幸运没有这种天生技能。我们只能在幸福中，不断埋怨我们有多不幸福，这是我们开始扎根的本能与“天分”。
（本文刊在3月9日《联合早报》·四方八面）
2016年2月9日星期二
Discovering Dvaravati
Discovering Dvaravati
A visitor takes a close look at the Dharmachakra Wheel at the U Thong National Museum in Suphan Buri.
The U Thong National Museum in Suphan Buri takes the visitor back through the millennia to an ancient Mon Kingdom
Suphan Buri province, 130 kilometres northwest of Bangkok, never lack ideas to attract visitors. The province continuously promotes various activities and attractions, among them the Suphan Buri Flower Festival showcasing tulips and other cold--climate flowers, the Promise of Love to celebrate Valentine's Day and the Candle Festival marking the Buddhist Lent. Those wanting to escape Bangkok for the weekend can enjoy the 100-year-old Samchuk Market, Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan, an old temple that is mentioned in the famous Thai literary work "Khun Chang Khun Pan" and the recently built Dragon Descendants Museum, which symbolises the close relationship between the Thais and Chinese.
It is also home to one of Thailand's less famous gems, the U Thong National Museum, which sits solemnly and largely unadvertised on Malaiman Road in U Thong district. Established in 1966, it houses precious artefacts from the Buddhist kingdom of Dvaravati.
Compared to the busy National Museum in Bangkok, which sees swarms of Chinese and European tourists, the U Thong National Museum is peaceful and laid back. The lack of tourists allows visitors to appreciate the artefacts at their own pace and there are no restrictions on photographs though the flash is not allowed.
The significance of U Thong, which literally means golden cradle, was recognised when Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, the Father of Thai History, visited Suphan Buri in 1903. He surveyed the ancient city of U Thong and later wrote about it in his official report and in his book, "Nithan Borankhadee".
Prince Damrong worked closely with French scholar Georges Coedes to classify unearthed artefacts from various historical sites in Thailand and the two historians came to the conclusion that the land on which present-day Thailand is situated was much older than the Khmer period.
They suggested that the artefacts were associated with the Dvaravati Kingdom, which was mentioned by Chinese Buddhist monk Hiuan-tsang in ancient chronicles, where he referred to the Buddhist kingdom of To-lo-po-ti (Dvaravati) as being situated to the west of Isanapura (Cambodia).
Specialists of ancient Chinese texts had already surmised that the "To lo po ti" - sometimes rendered "Duoluobodi" - probably derived from the Sanskrit word Dvaravati (meaning "with doors"), a name used for a town in Indian mythology.
The term Dvaravati was then used to indicate a kingdom - or a collection of city-states - encompassing a large part of the territories of what is today modern Thailand.
Coedes also suspected that Dvaravati art might have influenced Southeast Asian art and that its people were Mon, as traces of the language were evident in Lop Buri, Haripunjaya and perhaps even on an inscription discovered in Ratchaburi. He surmised that the Dvaravati Kingdom, which may have existed as early as the fifth century, declined under the pressure from both the Khmer and the Thai in the 11th century
In 1961, the Fine Arts Department further excavated and restored old structures scattered around U Thong. French art historian Jean Boisselier later excavated and studied the ruins in U Thong between 1964 and 1966, paving the way for U Thong to become a rich resource for Dvaravati studies.
Some of the artefacts excavated from the ancient city led academics to believe that U Thong, rather than Nakhon Pathom as previously thought, was where Buddhism was first introduced to Thailand. It is also believed to have been the centre of Buddhism, culture and the international marine trade port some 2,500 to 3,000 years ago.
Housing various excavated artefacts from the U Thong ancient city, the museum is thus a major learning centre for anyone interested in archaeology and history.
Two galleries in the first building display artefacts dating from the prehistoric era to the Dvaravati era. Of particular interest is a terracotta relief portraying three Buddhist monks carrying their alms bowls. The oldest Buddhist artefact to be found in Thailand, it is so beautifully rendered that the delicate pattern of the flowing robe transmits a sense of the breeze cooling the three monks.
"This set of Wheels of the Law or Dharmacakra, the rectangular supporting base and the eight-edged pillar is very precious and absolutely unique as it is the only complete set found in perfect condition in Thailand. Dharmacakra with protective or beneficent motifs and deer represent the first preaching of Buddha at Benares. We are very lucky to have excavated this piece from U Thong ancient city and exhibit it here," the museum officer tells the small group of tourists from Bangkok.
The Mon art of Dvaravati results from the synthesis of local cultural traditions and certain fundamental elements of India such as religion, languages and concept of royalty. These elements were transmitted to Southeast Asia along the commercial routes that linked these regions to the Indian sub-continent.
"The Sanskrit inscription engraved on copper is evidence that ancient people in this area were influenced by Indian culture. Roman coins and other ancient coins from China and Arabia are excellent archaeological indicators of ancient trade as they often give an idea of the place and the time they were created. Native coins with images of a conch and the sun were also found here. These coins are evidence that U Thong was an international marine trade hub," the officer continues.
One of the artefacts in perfect condition is the Gutu or Chandra Sala, a terracotta slab in the form of a window frame or arch. It is a part of the temple superstructure of ancient Indian design and represents paradise where the gods and goddesses live. The face in window motif has thick facial features characteristic of Dvaravati sculpture, curly hair, and an unalome on the forehead suggesting a combination of local and Indian art.
Also on show is a permanent exhibition of beads made of gold, baked coloured clay, Carnelian stones and accessories like earrings and pendants. The sophisticated technique used to produce those accessories underlines U Thong's position as a commercial hub as well as the fine craftsmanship in that era.
The second building features information on ethnic groups in Suphan Buri and the marine trade routes around ancient Thailand and while not as breathtaking as the first, is certainly well worth a trip out from Bangkok.
IF YOU GO
< The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9am to 4pm. Call (035) 551 040 or (035) 551 021
~News courtesy of The Nation~
A visitor takes a close look at the Dharmachakra Wheel at the U Thong National Museum in Suphan Buri.
The U Thong National Museum in Suphan Buri takes the visitor back through the millennia to an ancient Mon Kingdom
Suphan Buri province, 130 kilometres northwest of Bangkok, never lack ideas to attract visitors. The province continuously promotes various activities and attractions, among them the Suphan Buri Flower Festival showcasing tulips and other cold--climate flowers, the Promise of Love to celebrate Valentine's Day and the Candle Festival marking the Buddhist Lent. Those wanting to escape Bangkok for the weekend can enjoy the 100-year-old Samchuk Market, Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan, an old temple that is mentioned in the famous Thai literary work "Khun Chang Khun Pan" and the recently built Dragon Descendants Museum, which symbolises the close relationship between the Thais and Chinese.
It is also home to one of Thailand's less famous gems, the U Thong National Museum, which sits solemnly and largely unadvertised on Malaiman Road in U Thong district. Established in 1966, it houses precious artefacts from the Buddhist kingdom of Dvaravati.
Compared to the busy National Museum in Bangkok, which sees swarms of Chinese and European tourists, the U Thong National Museum is peaceful and laid back. The lack of tourists allows visitors to appreciate the artefacts at their own pace and there are no restrictions on photographs though the flash is not allowed.
The significance of U Thong, which literally means golden cradle, was recognised when Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, the Father of Thai History, visited Suphan Buri in 1903. He surveyed the ancient city of U Thong and later wrote about it in his official report and in his book, "Nithan Borankhadee".
Prince Damrong worked closely with French scholar Georges Coedes to classify unearthed artefacts from various historical sites in Thailand and the two historians came to the conclusion that the land on which present-day Thailand is situated was much older than the Khmer period.
They suggested that the artefacts were associated with the Dvaravati Kingdom, which was mentioned by Chinese Buddhist monk Hiuan-tsang in ancient chronicles, where he referred to the Buddhist kingdom of To-lo-po-ti (Dvaravati) as being situated to the west of Isanapura (Cambodia).
Specialists of ancient Chinese texts had already surmised that the "To lo po ti" - sometimes rendered "Duoluobodi" - probably derived from the Sanskrit word Dvaravati (meaning "with doors"), a name used for a town in Indian mythology.
The term Dvaravati was then used to indicate a kingdom - or a collection of city-states - encompassing a large part of the territories of what is today modern Thailand.
Coedes also suspected that Dvaravati art might have influenced Southeast Asian art and that its people were Mon, as traces of the language were evident in Lop Buri, Haripunjaya and perhaps even on an inscription discovered in Ratchaburi. He surmised that the Dvaravati Kingdom, which may have existed as early as the fifth century, declined under the pressure from both the Khmer and the Thai in the 11th century
In 1961, the Fine Arts Department further excavated and restored old structures scattered around U Thong. French art historian Jean Boisselier later excavated and studied the ruins in U Thong between 1964 and 1966, paving the way for U Thong to become a rich resource for Dvaravati studies.
Some of the artefacts excavated from the ancient city led academics to believe that U Thong, rather than Nakhon Pathom as previously thought, was where Buddhism was first introduced to Thailand. It is also believed to have been the centre of Buddhism, culture and the international marine trade port some 2,500 to 3,000 years ago.
Housing various excavated artefacts from the U Thong ancient city, the museum is thus a major learning centre for anyone interested in archaeology and history.
Two galleries in the first building display artefacts dating from the prehistoric era to the Dvaravati era. Of particular interest is a terracotta relief portraying three Buddhist monks carrying their alms bowls. The oldest Buddhist artefact to be found in Thailand, it is so beautifully rendered that the delicate pattern of the flowing robe transmits a sense of the breeze cooling the three monks.
"This set of Wheels of the Law or Dharmacakra, the rectangular supporting base and the eight-edged pillar is very precious and absolutely unique as it is the only complete set found in perfect condition in Thailand. Dharmacakra with protective or beneficent motifs and deer represent the first preaching of Buddha at Benares. We are very lucky to have excavated this piece from U Thong ancient city and exhibit it here," the museum officer tells the small group of tourists from Bangkok.
The Mon art of Dvaravati results from the synthesis of local cultural traditions and certain fundamental elements of India such as religion, languages and concept of royalty. These elements were transmitted to Southeast Asia along the commercial routes that linked these regions to the Indian sub-continent.
"The Sanskrit inscription engraved on copper is evidence that ancient people in this area were influenced by Indian culture. Roman coins and other ancient coins from China and Arabia are excellent archaeological indicators of ancient trade as they often give an idea of the place and the time they were created. Native coins with images of a conch and the sun were also found here. These coins are evidence that U Thong was an international marine trade hub," the officer continues.
One of the artefacts in perfect condition is the Gutu or Chandra Sala, a terracotta slab in the form of a window frame or arch. It is a part of the temple superstructure of ancient Indian design and represents paradise where the gods and goddesses live. The face in window motif has thick facial features characteristic of Dvaravati sculpture, curly hair, and an unalome on the forehead suggesting a combination of local and Indian art.
Also on show is a permanent exhibition of beads made of gold, baked coloured clay, Carnelian stones and accessories like earrings and pendants. The sophisticated technique used to produce those accessories underlines U Thong's position as a commercial hub as well as the fine craftsmanship in that era.
The second building features information on ethnic groups in Suphan Buri and the marine trade routes around ancient Thailand and while not as breathtaking as the first, is certainly well worth a trip out from Bangkok.
IF YOU GO
< The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9am to 4pm. Call (035) 551 040 or (035) 551 021
~News courtesy of The Nation~
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