2023年6月29日星期四
2020年1月21日星期二
邂逅泰国葵花海与红莲湖
邂逅泰国葵花海与红莲湖
泰国东北部秘藏了美丽，华富里一望无际的葵花园。
谷向东北开往乌隆他尼（Udon Thani），来到距离曼谷129公里的猴城华富里（Lopburi）。当地有名的三峰塔成了猴子聚集的寺庙嬉戏玩闹，它们在菩萨头上搔痒，甚至潇洒地穿行在马路上，爬到电线杆上，坐在饭店前，在民居屋檐上肆无忌惮，大摇大摆，完全无视居民的存在。这里的猴子拿起饮料瓶咕咚咕咚就喝了起来，和人类没什么两样。我们都知道，别把食物装在塑料袋提在手上，万万没想到竟有大胆猴族来抢游伴的小背袋，令她大声惊叫！
用敲碎的大理石、陶瓷片、陶瓷杯装饰的寺庙。
葵花园比北海道的还大
华富里是泰国最大的太阳花种植园区，在这里你可以看到很多大大小小的葵花园。每年的11月到隔年的1月葵花盛开。这里的葵花，比起我在北海道、广州等地看过的葵花园还要大。黄澄澄的，一望无际，非常壮观。沿着花园里的小径走进花园里拍照，人在花丛中，感觉成了葵花仙子。
碧差汶府（Phetchabun）是泰北值得旅游之地。游伴说要宠一宠自己，因而不惜订了山上的住宿。果然，山峦绵连，众山迤逦，山色空朦，深涧急流。晨曦和夕阳美景更是令人陶醉，景色特佳！
涌上考柯享受山间凉爽
一直以为12月的天气凉快，没想到泰国酷热的太阳比在新加坡还要威猛！司机找了另一位司机，天还没亮就开着四轮驱动车载我们去当地人非常喜爱的避暑胜地——考柯（Khao Kho）。考柯位于中北部的碧差汶府，因风景旖旎、气温凉爽怡人著称。每逢周末，当地人开着车子从周边城市涌上考柯享受山间的凉爽、怡人的美景。
来这里住帐篷的游客还真不少。天还没亮，游客已渐渐多了，大家都想找个拍日出的最佳地点。穿着民族服装的少数民族小女孩跟着妈妈与游客合照，赚点儿小钱。萌萌的脸，鲜艳的服装，令人怜惜。
若说考柯山上什么最吸引人，那一定是最负盛名的云海。雨季开始，峰上云雾缭绕，像一条彩带从云间飘落下来，只要运气好才可以观赏到壮观的云海。
年轻憨厚的司机不会说英语，比手画脚地沟通，我们好不容易才明白原来要8、9月的雨季才能见到云海。他载我们去山崖拍照，去看开在山上的醉蝶花，又去山坡上的草莓园品尝甜美的草莓。
他常年带团，什么时候可以看到云海，他怎会不知道呢？于是他载我们去喝咖啡、吃饭，餐馆几乎都建有宽敞的平台面对连绵群山，让食客可以一边喝咖啡，一边观赏云海。可是12月，只能看到青色山峦和山谷。想象一下雨季时节，坐在这里，仿佛身在云端，可真是难得的体验啊。
上万亩的莲湖
泰国东北部乌隆他尼距曼谷约560公里，位于乌隆他尼机场东南40公里处，对于大家来说比较陌生，但是那里却藏着意想不到的美丽。那儿有一个天然湖畔，每年11月到次年2月，湖泊的东南湖面，都会被上万亩的红色睡莲所覆盖，莲叶何田田，嫩红娇绿，非常壮观，因而被媒体评为世界奇观。
由于红莲是在清晨绽放，日照气温高升，中午时分红莲闭合，所以最佳的观赏时间是日出时分。成千上万的红莲绽放，让我想起周敦颐的《爱莲说》：出污泥而不染，濯清涟而不妖，画出了粉红色的地平线。花朵在清晨苏醒，缓缓舒展花瓣，摇首弄姿。开船的都是当地朴实的船夫，虽然语言不通，但是能够了解爱花人和喜欢摄影游客的需求，带领我们深入花丛，观赏莲花。在万亩红莲上，那场景如梦似幻，让人流连忘返。
湖内营养丰富，野生淡水鱼、原生鸟类都把这里视为生长的乐园，因为这原因，红莲的数量得以逐年增加。
鱼与熊掌难以兼得，云海和红莲湖也难以兼得。红莲湖令我们惊艳，让我们此次的泰国游没有遗憾。
~联合早报~
泰国东北部秘藏了美丽，华富里一望无际的葵花园。
谷向东北开往乌隆他尼（Udon Thani），来到距离曼谷129公里的猴城华富里（Lopburi）。当地有名的三峰塔成了猴子聚集的寺庙嬉戏玩闹，它们在菩萨头上搔痒，甚至潇洒地穿行在马路上，爬到电线杆上，坐在饭店前，在民居屋檐上肆无忌惮，大摇大摆，完全无视居民的存在。这里的猴子拿起饮料瓶咕咚咕咚就喝了起来，和人类没什么两样。我们都知道，别把食物装在塑料袋提在手上，万万没想到竟有大胆猴族来抢游伴的小背袋，令她大声惊叫！
用敲碎的大理石、陶瓷片、陶瓷杯装饰的寺庙。
葵花园比北海道的还大
华富里是泰国最大的太阳花种植园区，在这里你可以看到很多大大小小的葵花园。每年的11月到隔年的1月葵花盛开。这里的葵花，比起我在北海道、广州等地看过的葵花园还要大。黄澄澄的，一望无际，非常壮观。沿着花园里的小径走进花园里拍照，人在花丛中，感觉成了葵花仙子。
碧差汶府（Phetchabun）是泰北值得旅游之地。游伴说要宠一宠自己，因而不惜订了山上的住宿。果然，山峦绵连，众山迤逦，山色空朦，深涧急流。晨曦和夕阳美景更是令人陶醉，景色特佳！
涌上考柯享受山间凉爽
一直以为12月的天气凉快，没想到泰国酷热的太阳比在新加坡还要威猛！司机找了另一位司机，天还没亮就开着四轮驱动车载我们去当地人非常喜爱的避暑胜地——考柯（Khao Kho）。考柯位于中北部的碧差汶府，因风景旖旎、气温凉爽怡人著称。每逢周末，当地人开着车子从周边城市涌上考柯享受山间的凉爽、怡人的美景。
来这里住帐篷的游客还真不少。天还没亮，游客已渐渐多了，大家都想找个拍日出的最佳地点。穿着民族服装的少数民族小女孩跟着妈妈与游客合照，赚点儿小钱。萌萌的脸，鲜艳的服装，令人怜惜。
若说考柯山上什么最吸引人，那一定是最负盛名的云海。雨季开始，峰上云雾缭绕，像一条彩带从云间飘落下来，只要运气好才可以观赏到壮观的云海。
年轻憨厚的司机不会说英语，比手画脚地沟通，我们好不容易才明白原来要8、9月的雨季才能见到云海。他载我们去山崖拍照，去看开在山上的醉蝶花，又去山坡上的草莓园品尝甜美的草莓。
他常年带团，什么时候可以看到云海，他怎会不知道呢？于是他载我们去喝咖啡、吃饭，餐馆几乎都建有宽敞的平台面对连绵群山，让食客可以一边喝咖啡，一边观赏云海。可是12月，只能看到青色山峦和山谷。想象一下雨季时节，坐在这里，仿佛身在云端，可真是难得的体验啊。
上万亩的莲湖
泰国东北部乌隆他尼距曼谷约560公里，位于乌隆他尼机场东南40公里处，对于大家来说比较陌生，但是那里却藏着意想不到的美丽。那儿有一个天然湖畔，每年11月到次年2月，湖泊的东南湖面，都会被上万亩的红色睡莲所覆盖，莲叶何田田，嫩红娇绿，非常壮观，因而被媒体评为世界奇观。
由于红莲是在清晨绽放，日照气温高升，中午时分红莲闭合，所以最佳的观赏时间是日出时分。成千上万的红莲绽放，让我想起周敦颐的《爱莲说》：出污泥而不染，濯清涟而不妖，画出了粉红色的地平线。花朵在清晨苏醒，缓缓舒展花瓣，摇首弄姿。开船的都是当地朴实的船夫，虽然语言不通，但是能够了解爱花人和喜欢摄影游客的需求，带领我们深入花丛，观赏莲花。在万亩红莲上，那场景如梦似幻，让人流连忘返。
湖内营养丰富，野生淡水鱼、原生鸟类都把这里视为生长的乐园，因为这原因，红莲的数量得以逐年增加。
鱼与熊掌难以兼得，云海和红莲湖也难以兼得。红莲湖令我们惊艳，让我们此次的泰国游没有遗憾。
~联合早报~
2019年12月1日星期日
Thailand Considers Double Visa, 24-Hr Nong Khai Checkpoint
Thailand Considers Double Visa, 24-Hr Nong Khai Checkpoint
According to reports in the Thai media, the Kingdom of Thailand is set to introduce a double visa, allowing visitors to exit the country and re-enter, and may open the Nong Khai checkpoint 24-hours.
The news comes after Thailand began enforcing strict new visa policies in 2016, allowing foreigners of many nations only two entries by land per year.
The 2016 policy change deeply affected expatriates living in Laos, many of whom had previously traveled to Thailand for leisure or for medical reasons on a weekly or daily basis.
A report in The Thaiger today quotes Deputy Secretary-General to the Thai PM, Kobsak Pootrakul, as saying a double-entry tourism visa will be introduced. The new visa will allow visitors to enter, leave, and then re-enter Thailand during their stay in the Kingdom.
According to other reports, Mr. Kobsak has even said that a multiple entry visa may be considered in the future.
Thailand hopes to bring 42 million visitors to Thailand in 2020, after various factors, including an ultra-strong baht, have slowed tourism in the land of smiles.
The new double visa could help the country see more visits from expatriates in neighboring countries, including Laos, and entice tourists to re-enter Thailand after visiting other countries.
24-Hour Visa Checkpoint at Nong Khai
Reports from Thai media are also stating that the border checkpoint at Nong Khai could be set to open 24-hours.
The new hours would be trialed for three months, and if successful would continue. So far, no official statement has been made by Lao authorities in regard to 24-hour operations at the border.
~Laotian Times~
According to reports in the Thai media, the Kingdom of Thailand is set to introduce a double visa, allowing visitors to exit the country and re-enter, and may open the Nong Khai checkpoint 24-hours.
The news comes after Thailand began enforcing strict new visa policies in 2016, allowing foreigners of many nations only two entries by land per year.
The 2016 policy change deeply affected expatriates living in Laos, many of whom had previously traveled to Thailand for leisure or for medical reasons on a weekly or daily basis.
A report in The Thaiger today quotes Deputy Secretary-General to the Thai PM, Kobsak Pootrakul, as saying a double-entry tourism visa will be introduced. The new visa will allow visitors to enter, leave, and then re-enter Thailand during their stay in the Kingdom.
According to other reports, Mr. Kobsak has even said that a multiple entry visa may be considered in the future.
Thailand hopes to bring 42 million visitors to Thailand in 2020, after various factors, including an ultra-strong baht, have slowed tourism in the land of smiles.
The new double visa could help the country see more visits from expatriates in neighboring countries, including Laos, and entice tourists to re-enter Thailand after visiting other countries.
24-Hour Visa Checkpoint at Nong Khai
Reports from Thai media are also stating that the border checkpoint at Nong Khai could be set to open 24-hours.
The new hours would be trialed for three months, and if successful would continue. So far, no official statement has been made by Lao authorities in regard to 24-hour operations at the border.
~Laotian Times~
2019年11月11日星期一
Laos, Thailand To Build Another Friendship Bridge
Laos, Thailand To Build Another Friendship Bridge
Laos and Thailand are considering the construction of one more friendship bridge to connect the two countries in a move that would link Vientiane Province and Loei.
The governor of Vientiane Province, Mr. Khamphan Sithidampha told reporters on August 16 that Vientiane provincial authorities had proposed the project to the government for its consideration.
“We are conducting a study on the location of the bridge, to decide whether it should be in Sanakham or Meun district,” Mr. Khamphan, as quoted by Vientiane Times.
It is unclear when the construction of the bridge would begin.
The first friendship bridge to connect the two nations was built in 1994, with help from the Australian government.
Since then, the two governments have constructed a total of four Lao-Thai bridges across the Mekong River and have signed an agreement to build another bridge linking Borikhamxay province with the Thai province of Bueng Kan.
Mr. Khamphan said the construction of the bridge and the upgrade of border crossings between Vientiane province and Loei Province would provide a significant boost for domestic and foreign investment.
Laos and Thailand have beefed up their efforts to improve connectivity between two nations in recent years.
The first freight train service to and from Laos was launched in early August, which will carry cargo from a container yard at Thanaleng Railway Station in Vientiane, Laos, to as far as the Laem Chaban seaport in Thailand.
Trains to and from Vientiane used to be only able to carry passengers only across the 3.5km track, while freight was carried across the border to Nong Khai by truck.
Meanwhile, Thailand is preparing to launch the country’s first bullet train that will run between Bangkok and Beijing, China, with Laos as one of the intermediate stations.
In particular, the first route, a Thai-Sino project linking Bangkok and Nong Khai in the far Northeast, is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed by 2023.
In July, Laos and Thailand also signed an agreement to extend road and rail connections between the two countries worth more than THB 3 billion (USD 98.2 million).
Under the agreement, the two countries plan to improve the R11 road linking the Phudu border checkpoint in Uttaradit province in Northern Thailand with the Lao capital, Vientiane. The two-lane road will be paved with asphalt and will cost about THB 1.8 billion (USD 59 million).
~Laotian Times~
Laos and Thailand are considering the construction of one more friendship bridge to connect the two countries in a move that would link Vientiane Province and Loei.
The governor of Vientiane Province, Mr. Khamphan Sithidampha told reporters on August 16 that Vientiane provincial authorities had proposed the project to the government for its consideration.
“We are conducting a study on the location of the bridge, to decide whether it should be in Sanakham or Meun district,” Mr. Khamphan, as quoted by Vientiane Times.
It is unclear when the construction of the bridge would begin.
The first friendship bridge to connect the two nations was built in 1994, with help from the Australian government.
Since then, the two governments have constructed a total of four Lao-Thai bridges across the Mekong River and have signed an agreement to build another bridge linking Borikhamxay province with the Thai province of Bueng Kan.
Mr. Khamphan said the construction of the bridge and the upgrade of border crossings between Vientiane province and Loei Province would provide a significant boost for domestic and foreign investment.
Laos and Thailand have beefed up their efforts to improve connectivity between two nations in recent years.
The first freight train service to and from Laos was launched in early August, which will carry cargo from a container yard at Thanaleng Railway Station in Vientiane, Laos, to as far as the Laem Chaban seaport in Thailand.
Trains to and from Vientiane used to be only able to carry passengers only across the 3.5km track, while freight was carried across the border to Nong Khai by truck.
Meanwhile, Thailand is preparing to launch the country’s first bullet train that will run between Bangkok and Beijing, China, with Laos as one of the intermediate stations.
In particular, the first route, a Thai-Sino project linking Bangkok and Nong Khai in the far Northeast, is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed by 2023.
In July, Laos and Thailand also signed an agreement to extend road and rail connections between the two countries worth more than THB 3 billion (USD 98.2 million).
Under the agreement, the two countries plan to improve the R11 road linking the Phudu border checkpoint in Uttaradit province in Northern Thailand with the Lao capital, Vientiane. The two-lane road will be paved with asphalt and will cost about THB 1.8 billion (USD 59 million).
~Laotian Times~
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~
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~
2015年8月31日星期一
美食街走进12府 边玩边吃大过瘾
美食街走进12府 边玩边吃大过瘾
卫生部、观光与体育部于昨天（27日）联合召开新闻发布会，宣布携手通过举办美食街和果蔬市场活动促进国家旅游业发展，向游客展示泰国特色美食，计画在全国12个府治、17条主道路、13个果蔬市场展开。卫生部长比亚萨功、观光与体育部长果甘女士共同出席新闻发布会。
比亚萨功表示，政府给今年的旅游主题定为「泰式旅游年」，卫生部、观光与体育部合作筹办美食街和果蔬市场促旅游活动，通过泰式美食文化吸引游客，打造美食街，提高路边摊食品卫生等级，让游客吃到既卫生又美味的泰式料理。
这项活动将在全国12个府治推出，包括喃邦Lampang、难府Nan、碧差汶Petchabun、黎府Loei、武里喃Buriram、尖竹汶Chantaburi、哒叻Trat、叻丕Ratchaburi、夜功Samut Songkhram、春蓬Chumporn、呵叻Korat以及董里府Trang。
比亚萨功说，目前已经达到食品卫生标准、获得卫生许可证的餐饮店和街边摊，不包括曼谷市的有超过13万家，占总数的87%。而卫生达标的果蔬市场有1000多个，占总数的86%。而加入美食街计画的餐饮店和街边摊，至少连续3年达到食品卫生标准5颗星或3颗星。
果甘女士指出，独具特色的泰国美食有着很大的魅力，外国人对泰国美食也十分喜爱，这次的计画能让外国游客走进泰国本土市场，品尝街边美食，真正感受到泰国的风土人情。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
卫生部、观光与体育部于昨天（27日）联合召开新闻发布会，宣布携手通过举办美食街和果蔬市场活动促进国家旅游业发展，向游客展示泰国特色美食，计画在全国12个府治、17条主道路、13个果蔬市场展开。卫生部长比亚萨功、观光与体育部长果甘女士共同出席新闻发布会。
比亚萨功表示，政府给今年的旅游主题定为「泰式旅游年」，卫生部、观光与体育部合作筹办美食街和果蔬市场促旅游活动，通过泰式美食文化吸引游客，打造美食街，提高路边摊食品卫生等级，让游客吃到既卫生又美味的泰式料理。
这项活动将在全国12个府治推出，包括喃邦Lampang、难府Nan、碧差汶Petchabun、黎府Loei、武里喃Buriram、尖竹汶Chantaburi、哒叻Trat、叻丕Ratchaburi、夜功Samut Songkhram、春蓬Chumporn、呵叻Korat以及董里府Trang。
比亚萨功说，目前已经达到食品卫生标准、获得卫生许可证的餐饮店和街边摊，不包括曼谷市的有超过13万家，占总数的87%。而卫生达标的果蔬市场有1000多个，占总数的86%。而加入美食街计画的餐饮店和街边摊，至少连续3年达到食品卫生标准5颗星或3颗星。
果甘女士指出，独具特色的泰国美食有着很大的魅力，外国人对泰国美食也十分喜爱，这次的计画能让外国游客走进泰国本土市场，品尝街边美食，真正感受到泰国的风土人情。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
2015年7月29日星期三
昆明-曼谷-廉差邦铁路 拟2020年通车
昆明-曼谷-廉差邦铁路 拟2020年通车
针对中国昆明-曼谷-廉差邦火车铁路建设项目，交通部预测，该项目可望在2020年完成施工并启动服务，包括考虑将原来的昆明-曼谷公路运输线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦线。
泰国交通部长巴金上将昨天（27日）与寮国公共工程与运输部长本占，主持召开泰国-寮国交通部长级会议。
巴金上将于会后表示，此次会议主要讨论两国基础设施建设互联互通问题，以及两国公路和铁路运输问题，是两国就此类问题召开的第2次会议。两国之间相互连通的铁路线将有两条，包括越南-寮国-泰国以及中国-寮国-泰国铁路线，尤其是从中国延伸出境的1.435米标准轨距铁路，从昆明连通寮国的铁路线，还有长达520公里的距离没有铺设铁路，再加上从寮国边境到永珍也有417公里的距离未建铁路，预计将于今年年底启动施工，以跟得上将于今年10月启动的泰-中双轨铁路项目进展。由此可以预估，玛达普-曼谷-昆明铁路线将于2020年竣工。
对于将连接铁路线的泰-寮新友谊大桥建设项目，该座新友谊大桥将与现有的泰-寮友谊大桥距离仅30米，泰寮双方将共同研究各自负责的境内区域，在泰-中铁路线启动运营后，将立即开放服务。
此外，巴金上将指出，还将更仔细地研究泰国-寮国-中国的公路运输路线，可能会将原订的昆明-曼谷路线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦运输线，同时泰方还需要与寮国运输经营商进行协商，运输货物时必须经过泰国边境码头，预计双方将会在8-9月期间展开讨论，具体工作包括修订泰国、寮国的相关法律条例，因为两国法律范畴存在差异。对此，两国特别设立工作小组，共同研究两国法律修订方案。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
针对中国昆明-曼谷-廉差邦火车铁路建设项目，交通部预测，该项目可望在2020年完成施工并启动服务，包括考虑将原来的昆明-曼谷公路运输线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦线。
泰国交通部长巴金上将昨天（27日）与寮国公共工程与运输部长本占，主持召开泰国-寮国交通部长级会议。
巴金上将于会后表示，此次会议主要讨论两国基础设施建设互联互通问题，以及两国公路和铁路运输问题，是两国就此类问题召开的第2次会议。两国之间相互连通的铁路线将有两条，包括越南-寮国-泰国以及中国-寮国-泰国铁路线，尤其是从中国延伸出境的1.435米标准轨距铁路，从昆明连通寮国的铁路线，还有长达520公里的距离没有铺设铁路，再加上从寮国边境到永珍也有417公里的距离未建铁路，预计将于今年年底启动施工，以跟得上将于今年10月启动的泰-中双轨铁路项目进展。由此可以预估，玛达普-曼谷-昆明铁路线将于2020年竣工。
对于将连接铁路线的泰-寮新友谊大桥建设项目，该座新友谊大桥将与现有的泰-寮友谊大桥距离仅30米，泰寮双方将共同研究各自负责的境内区域，在泰-中铁路线启动运营后，将立即开放服务。
此外，巴金上将指出，还将更仔细地研究泰国-寮国-中国的公路运输路线，可能会将原订的昆明-曼谷路线，改为昆明-曼谷-廉差邦运输线，同时泰方还需要与寮国运输经营商进行协商，运输货物时必须经过泰国边境码头，预计双方将会在8-9月期间展开讨论，具体工作包括修订泰国、寮国的相关法律条例，因为两国法律范畴存在差异。对此，两国特别设立工作小组，共同研究两国法律修订方案。
~以上新闻转自世界日报~
2015年7月14日星期二
蜡烛上的艺术节 邬汶将迎守夏盛会
蜡烛上的艺术节 邬汶将迎守夏盛会
泰国与寮国交界的邬汶叻他尼府(Ubon Ratchathani)，也是泰国俗称伊善的东北部，每年7月的蜡烛节是当地最大庆典活动，园区内壁画国家公园是必游风景区。
泰国的邬汶叻他他尼府，距离曼谷约600公里，是泰国最东的一个府治，与寮国交界，18世纪时仍属于寮国，后来被泰国占有成为泰国76府之一，由于有湄公河流经区内，是个鱼米之乡。
要到邬汶府旅游最便捷的方式是自曼谷搭机，航程约1小时，除传统的泰国节日外，当地最著名的就是蜡烛节，每年7月下旬举行，在邬汶市中心封街大游行，除了传统泰式舞蹈外，最特别的是将巨型的蜡烛雕刻成传统神话故事主角和佛像，每座都超过数公吨的蜡烛所雕刻而成，栩栩如生的神佛身形和脸孔，是游人相机标的。
若错过蜡烛嘉年华盛会，其实邬汶省也珍贵的国家公园资源供你享用，与寮国隔着湄公河的壁画国家公园（Pha Taem National Park），在泰语中Pha是指着悬崖的意思，Taem则是指的绘画，这是在湄公河畔的一处超过1公里长，高约150公尺的大岩壁，上头有史前时代人类所留下的红色壁画，有湄公河的鲶鱼，大象野猪等和人类活动的壁画。
这里也是泰国最早见到日出的地区，泰国民众在新年假期会选择到此隔着湄公河观看从寮国境内山头升起新年的第一曙光，当地也有类似台湾野柳的蕈状岩地形。整个国家公园有分6个区域，大约有140平方公里，包括有森林、瀑布和野生动物，全区完整游览大约需要一天的时间。
~以上新闻转载自世界日报~
泰国与寮国交界的邬汶叻他尼府(Ubon Ratchathani)，也是泰国俗称伊善的东北部，每年7月的蜡烛节是当地最大庆典活动，园区内壁画国家公园是必游风景区。
泰国的邬汶叻他他尼府，距离曼谷约600公里，是泰国最东的一个府治，与寮国交界，18世纪时仍属于寮国，后来被泰国占有成为泰国76府之一，由于有湄公河流经区内，是个鱼米之乡。
要到邬汶府旅游最便捷的方式是自曼谷搭机，航程约1小时，除传统的泰国节日外，当地最著名的就是蜡烛节，每年7月下旬举行，在邬汶市中心封街大游行，除了传统泰式舞蹈外，最特别的是将巨型的蜡烛雕刻成传统神话故事主角和佛像，每座都超过数公吨的蜡烛所雕刻而成，栩栩如生的神佛身形和脸孔，是游人相机标的。
若错过蜡烛嘉年华盛会，其实邬汶省也珍贵的国家公园资源供你享用，与寮国隔着湄公河的壁画国家公园（Pha Taem National Park），在泰语中Pha是指着悬崖的意思，Taem则是指的绘画，这是在湄公河畔的一处超过1公里长，高约150公尺的大岩壁，上头有史前时代人类所留下的红色壁画，有湄公河的鲶鱼，大象野猪等和人类活动的壁画。
这里也是泰国最早见到日出的地区，泰国民众在新年假期会选择到此隔着湄公河观看从寮国境内山头升起新年的第一曙光，当地也有类似台湾野柳的蕈状岩地形。整个国家公园有分6个区域，大约有140平方公里，包括有森林、瀑布和野生动物，全区完整游览大约需要一天的时间。
~以上新闻转载自世界日报~
呵叻蜡烛节将至 工匠筹备精心之作
呵叻蜡烛节将至 工匠筹备精心之作
即将进入守夏节，呵叻府(Nakhon Ratchasima)直辖县卧佛寺内工匠正筹备月底的守夏节蜡烛盛会，这是10年来该寺庙的工匠再次相聚，全心打造一根长19米、高4.5米的大型工艺蜡烛。
呵叻府直辖县卧佛寺内43岁的工匠乃天表示，参与雕刻的除了寺庙日常工匠外，还有寺庙附近的村民和年轻人，20多人合力打造大型工艺蜡烛。此次在蜡烛上雕刻的花纹主要讲述古老文明，讲述佛家文化的传承。届时将有法师乘坐游行船只各处传法、有僧人行善施救等。
乃天指出，每年守夏节庆典活动的主要关注点都是在巨蜡工艺上，今年也不例外，而今年巨蜡游行花车出行肯定会引起轰动，因为从蜡烛身上民众可以看到一幅幅栩栩如生的画面，也能感受到美轮美奂的场景，深刻体验佛家文化的传承。
~以上新闻转载自世界日报~
即将进入守夏节，呵叻府(Nakhon Ratchasima)直辖县卧佛寺内工匠正筹备月底的守夏节蜡烛盛会，这是10年来该寺庙的工匠再次相聚，全心打造一根长19米、高4.5米的大型工艺蜡烛。
呵叻府直辖县卧佛寺内43岁的工匠乃天表示，参与雕刻的除了寺庙日常工匠外，还有寺庙附近的村民和年轻人，20多人合力打造大型工艺蜡烛。此次在蜡烛上雕刻的花纹主要讲述古老文明，讲述佛家文化的传承。届时将有法师乘坐游行船只各处传法、有僧人行善施救等。
乃天指出，每年守夏节庆典活动的主要关注点都是在巨蜡工艺上，今年也不例外，而今年巨蜡游行花车出行肯定会引起轰动，因为从蜡烛身上民众可以看到一幅幅栩栩如生的画面，也能感受到美轮美奂的场景，深刻体验佛家文化的传承。
~以上新闻转载自世界日报~
2015年7月1日星期三
Candles in the wind
Candles in the wind
Ubon Ratchathani is all set for its famed Candle Festival this month, marking the start of Vassa, the annual Buddhist Lent retreat.
The festival, which runs throughout July, culminates with huge, decorated candles being formally presented to local temples in a form of merit making for khao phansa, the Buddhist Lent.
Ubon Ratchathani prepares for the grand event with a series of showcases and activities to draw the visitors to the northeastern province. Arriving at Ubon Ratchathani airport, visitors are treated to a photo exhibition of amazing candle carvings.
The Buddhist Lent, the start of which coincides with the middle of the monsoon season, spans three lunar months during which monks are not allowed to stay overnight outside their own temples.
The retreat was the idea of the Lord Buddha, goes the history, and was intended to keep the monk at the temples rather than travelling around and walking on the rice crop during the rainy season. The community thus offers huge candles to their temples, allowing the monks sufficient light by which to meditate and recite the scriptures.
If you visit the temple on July 31, you may see Buddhists offering energy-saving light bulbs to the monks - they last longer.
The offering of the candles nonetheless continues, drawing more than 100,000 of tourists to Ubon Ratchathani alone.
The highlights are the demonstrations of candle carving, an international candle carving competition and the procession of the candles.
From July 18 to July 31, international artists will compete in a wax-carving competition. Some is avant-garde, while many are forward-looking pieces of candle. The artists will exhibit their pieces of art Thungsrimyang public square in Ubon Ratchathani.
A sightseeing tour of the candle-making communities is a must. Wat Sripradoo, Wat Thungsrimuang, Wat Pholphaen communities, for example, will show how the big floats of candle are taking shape. There, along with many local artist and Buddhist devotees, visitors will see the residents cut up and melt beeswax and pour it into moulds to form components of the huge, elaborate candles and their decorations.
On July 31, the parade begins at Thung Sri Muang Park in front of City Hall, where a giant wax pillar stands. More than 50 local temples each prepare a float.
If you go
<< Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani are bridged by many daily domestic flights. Public buses also leave Bangkok daily. Accommodation is always fully booked during the candle festival, so you’re advised to reserve in advance.
<< For more about the festival, call (04) 524 3770 or visit www.TATUbon.org or www.GuideUbon.com.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
Ubon Ratchathani is all set for its famed Candle Festival this month, marking the start of Vassa, the annual Buddhist Lent retreat.
The festival, which runs throughout July, culminates with huge, decorated candles being formally presented to local temples in a form of merit making for khao phansa, the Buddhist Lent.
Ubon Ratchathani prepares for the grand event with a series of showcases and activities to draw the visitors to the northeastern province. Arriving at Ubon Ratchathani airport, visitors are treated to a photo exhibition of amazing candle carvings.
The Buddhist Lent, the start of which coincides with the middle of the monsoon season, spans three lunar months during which monks are not allowed to stay overnight outside their own temples.
The retreat was the idea of the Lord Buddha, goes the history, and was intended to keep the monk at the temples rather than travelling around and walking on the rice crop during the rainy season. The community thus offers huge candles to their temples, allowing the monks sufficient light by which to meditate and recite the scriptures.
If you visit the temple on July 31, you may see Buddhists offering energy-saving light bulbs to the monks - they last longer.
The offering of the candles nonetheless continues, drawing more than 100,000 of tourists to Ubon Ratchathani alone.
The highlights are the demonstrations of candle carving, an international candle carving competition and the procession of the candles.
From July 18 to July 31, international artists will compete in a wax-carving competition. Some is avant-garde, while many are forward-looking pieces of candle. The artists will exhibit their pieces of art Thungsrimyang public square in Ubon Ratchathani.
A sightseeing tour of the candle-making communities is a must. Wat Sripradoo, Wat Thungsrimuang, Wat Pholphaen communities, for example, will show how the big floats of candle are taking shape. There, along with many local artist and Buddhist devotees, visitors will see the residents cut up and melt beeswax and pour it into moulds to form components of the huge, elaborate candles and their decorations.
On July 31, the parade begins at Thung Sri Muang Park in front of City Hall, where a giant wax pillar stands. More than 50 local temples each prepare a float.
If you go
<< Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani are bridged by many daily domestic flights. Public buses also leave Bangkok daily. Accommodation is always fully booked during the candle festival, so you’re advised to reserve in advance.
<< For more about the festival, call (04) 524 3770 or visit www.TATUbon.org or www.GuideUbon.com.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2015年1月12日星期一
2014年7月14日星期一
Growth of Udon Thani brings thrills, new style
Growth of Udon Thani brings thrills, new style
The two rubber ducks at the famous Prachak Pond in Udon Thani carry the national flags of Germany and Argentina, who met in the 2014 World Cup final.
Old 'GI City' now a major hub in Northeast
From being known as a "GI City" due to the US Airforce base that was once there, Udon Thani has transformed from a simple peaceful town into a leading hub in the Northeast, buzzing with businesses catering to investors, locals, and traders from neighbouring provinces and nearby Laos. As urbanised as any other major Thai city, Udon is flooded with brand-name goods and malls and people there, especially teenagers, have leisure choices equal to those of their peers in Bangkok.
A 17-year-old high school student, "Pop", said that rapid development had vastly improved Udon. "If I want to go eat, shop and do things it is very convenient," she said. "We can just hop on motorbikes and go to malls without asking to be driven there by our parents."
The pressure on the wallets of the youngsters, however, balances out this convenience.
"Now we have plenty of choices but we don't have enough money to buy them," complained Pop. "We have to spend carefully as the earnings of our parents and the money they give to us remains the same. Sometimes we just hang out in malls without buying anything."
Aum, a graduate from Udon Thani Rajabhat University, said that more people are spending their leisure time clubbing or watching football matches and drinking at pubs.
As he prefers shopping, he admitted that his personal expenses are high because he buys tempting, and often unnecessary, things. He claimed that crime has become more of an issue as people were robbing and stealing in order to get the things they want. Heavy traffic has also become a problem as more locals take to their vehicles to get places. The roads are also packed with visitors from nearby provinces and from Laos. Fortunately the jams only occur at certain periods of day and cannot be compared to the ones in Bangkok.
"Udon Thani used to be a peaceful place and people were not so selfish," said Aum. "The appearance of all these malls and condos have changed that. People feel pressure to dress more fashionably and spend more money at malls such as Central Plaza and UD Town, which are both beautifully decorated and offer brand-name goods."
Aum's fellow-student Thanyalak Woranoi, 24, said the city has become a real hub for entertainment. The two main malls often host events and there are many restaurants where she and her friends can go and split the bill. "Before our choices were limited to Nong Prachak and parks where we eat picnic-style or ride bicycles together," she said.
Although Udon Thani is now more urbanised, people are still kind and welcoming, hence many visitors from Laos liked to visit and make large purchases, she said.
A Laotian tourist, identified only as Noi, said she liked to shop at air-conditioned Udon Thani malls because of the large selection of products.
In addition to shopping, Udon Thani is a favourite destination for Laotians seeking medical treatment due to its profusion of trustworthy private hospitals.
Meanwhile, those with money to spare can also take advantage of the many services from Udon Thani International Airport, including flights to Phuket, Koh Samui or even South Korea.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
The two rubber ducks at the famous Prachak Pond in Udon Thani carry the national flags of Germany and Argentina, who met in the 2014 World Cup final.
Old 'GI City' now a major hub in Northeast
From being known as a "GI City" due to the US Airforce base that was once there, Udon Thani has transformed from a simple peaceful town into a leading hub in the Northeast, buzzing with businesses catering to investors, locals, and traders from neighbouring provinces and nearby Laos. As urbanised as any other major Thai city, Udon is flooded with brand-name goods and malls and people there, especially teenagers, have leisure choices equal to those of their peers in Bangkok.
A 17-year-old high school student, "Pop", said that rapid development had vastly improved Udon. "If I want to go eat, shop and do things it is very convenient," she said. "We can just hop on motorbikes and go to malls without asking to be driven there by our parents."
The pressure on the wallets of the youngsters, however, balances out this convenience.
"Now we have plenty of choices but we don't have enough money to buy them," complained Pop. "We have to spend carefully as the earnings of our parents and the money they give to us remains the same. Sometimes we just hang out in malls without buying anything."
Aum, a graduate from Udon Thani Rajabhat University, said that more people are spending their leisure time clubbing or watching football matches and drinking at pubs.
As he prefers shopping, he admitted that his personal expenses are high because he buys tempting, and often unnecessary, things. He claimed that crime has become more of an issue as people were robbing and stealing in order to get the things they want. Heavy traffic has also become a problem as more locals take to their vehicles to get places. The roads are also packed with visitors from nearby provinces and from Laos. Fortunately the jams only occur at certain periods of day and cannot be compared to the ones in Bangkok.
"Udon Thani used to be a peaceful place and people were not so selfish," said Aum. "The appearance of all these malls and condos have changed that. People feel pressure to dress more fashionably and spend more money at malls such as Central Plaza and UD Town, which are both beautifully decorated and offer brand-name goods."
Aum's fellow-student Thanyalak Woranoi, 24, said the city has become a real hub for entertainment. The two main malls often host events and there are many restaurants where she and her friends can go and split the bill. "Before our choices were limited to Nong Prachak and parks where we eat picnic-style or ride bicycles together," she said.
Although Udon Thani is now more urbanised, people are still kind and welcoming, hence many visitors from Laos liked to visit and make large purchases, she said.
A Laotian tourist, identified only as Noi, said she liked to shop at air-conditioned Udon Thani malls because of the large selection of products.
In addition to shopping, Udon Thani is a favourite destination for Laotians seeking medical treatment due to its profusion of trustworthy private hospitals.
Meanwhile, those with money to spare can also take advantage of the many services from Udon Thani International Airport, including flights to Phuket, Koh Samui or even South Korea.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2014年5月25日星期日
军方严守边境关口 限制通行
军方严守边境关口 限制通行
自陆军总司令巴育上将宣布政变后，军方组织团队进驻泰北与、北部与寮国边境及泰东北部与柬埔寨边境，严格把守位于廊开府的泰-寮友谊大桥进出关口，敦促当地寮国民众尽快出境返回自己的国家，同时禁止任何泰国人出境，也禁止寮国民众入境泰国。而当地寮国民众获悉泰国局势大变后，也纷纷返回寮国。
据悉，军方在22日发动政变之后，廊开府首座泰-寮友谊大桥的气氛立刻紧张起来，一组军人持枪进驻并看守所有出入境关口，边境海关负责人以及出入境人员检查负责人均依照军方指示，要求在边境地区逗留的寮国民众立刻返回其国家，并协助控制当地局势，避免出现混乱及冲突。
在军方的驻守下，每一名排队出境的民众必须经过泰国军人的检查，避免国内重要民间组织安排成员出境，在国外发动抗争集会，将战火延伸到境外。而从早上就入境泰国的寮国民众，获悉泰国军方发动政变并全国宵禁后，纷纷返回自己的国家。
据悉，限制令预计将持续数天时间，在此期间寮国民众及所属车辆均不得出境，泰国民众及车辆也不允许进入寮国境内，其他国籍的人员可以持有效护照证件通过友谊大桥。泰国至寮国的班车也已全部停运。至于何时恢复通关，则须等待军方下达新的指示。
无论如何，目前军方只允许寮国患病的民众或已经与廊开府境内医院预约看病的人士入境，患者仍可按照原计画前往治疗。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
自陆军总司令巴育上将宣布政变后，军方组织团队进驻泰北与、北部与寮国边境及泰东北部与柬埔寨边境，严格把守位于廊开府的泰-寮友谊大桥进出关口，敦促当地寮国民众尽快出境返回自己的国家，同时禁止任何泰国人出境，也禁止寮国民众入境泰国。而当地寮国民众获悉泰国局势大变后，也纷纷返回寮国。
据悉，军方在22日发动政变之后，廊开府首座泰-寮友谊大桥的气氛立刻紧张起来，一组军人持枪进驻并看守所有出入境关口，边境海关负责人以及出入境人员检查负责人均依照军方指示，要求在边境地区逗留的寮国民众立刻返回其国家，并协助控制当地局势，避免出现混乱及冲突。
在军方的驻守下，每一名排队出境的民众必须经过泰国军人的检查，避免国内重要民间组织安排成员出境，在国外发动抗争集会，将战火延伸到境外。而从早上就入境泰国的寮国民众，获悉泰国军方发动政变并全国宵禁后，纷纷返回自己的国家。
据悉，限制令预计将持续数天时间，在此期间寮国民众及所属车辆均不得出境，泰国民众及车辆也不允许进入寮国境内，其他国籍的人员可以持有效护照证件通过友谊大桥。泰国至寮国的班车也已全部停运。至于何时恢复通关，则须等待军方下达新的指示。
无论如何，目前军方只允许寮国患病的民众或已经与廊开府境内医院预约看病的人士入境，患者仍可按照原计画前往治疗。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
2014年1月28日星期二
友谊大桥20周年庆 廊开办纪念会
友谊大桥20周年庆 廊开办纪念会
东北部廊开府联手寮国永珍市，将于4月初举办泰国-寮国友谊大桥建成20周年纪念活动。
廊开府副府尹塔纳哇昨天（27日）表示，泰寮首座友谊大桥于1994年4月8日正式投入使用，直到今年即将到来的4月8日，该座大桥为两国边境贸易服务整整20年，也为两国边民的友好往来做出了贡献。为了庆祝这一有意义的时刻，廊开府政府决定与寮国永珍市共同举办一场大规模的庆祝活动。本次纪念庆典将于今年4月5-7日纷呈登场，举办地点位于廊开府直辖县友谊大桥底的宗玛尼沙滩附近。
至于庆祝活动的开幕仪式，届时将有廊开府尹以及永珍市官员、寮国驻泰大使馆代表等相关官员出席。活动形式及内容将包括声色表演、烟火表演、各色产品展销、泰寮文化艺术表演、体育友好竞赛、自行车环赛等。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
东北部廊开府联手寮国永珍市，将于4月初举办泰国-寮国友谊大桥建成20周年纪念活动。
廊开府副府尹塔纳哇昨天（27日）表示，泰寮首座友谊大桥于1994年4月8日正式投入使用，直到今年即将到来的4月8日，该座大桥为两国边境贸易服务整整20年，也为两国边民的友好往来做出了贡献。为了庆祝这一有意义的时刻，廊开府政府决定与寮国永珍市共同举办一场大规模的庆祝活动。本次纪念庆典将于今年4月5-7日纷呈登场，举办地点位于廊开府直辖县友谊大桥底的宗玛尼沙滩附近。
至于庆祝活动的开幕仪式，届时将有廊开府尹以及永珍市官员、寮国驻泰大使馆代表等相关官员出席。活动形式及内容将包括声色表演、烟火表演、各色产品展销、泰寮文化艺术表演、体育友好竞赛、自行车环赛等。
～以上新闻转载自世界日报～
2014年1月16日星期四
Cold weather and strong wind forecast
Cold weather and strong wind forecast
People in the upper half of the country should brace for another cold snap this week. "There will be strong wind too," the Meteorological Department forecast yesterday.
The North, Northeast, Central region and the East will see the mercury drop by five to seven degrees Celsius from today until Thursday due to the influence of a high-pressure ridge.
The lowest temperatures recorded yesterday in the North, Northeast, Central Region and East was four, 11, 18 and 16.
The ridge has already covered southern China and would likely cross into Thailand's upper part today.
Small craft were warned against going out into the Gulf of Thailand from today till Thursday, because of heavy seas whipped up by the Northeast Monsoon.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
People in the upper half of the country should brace for another cold snap this week. "There will be strong wind too," the Meteorological Department forecast yesterday.
The North, Northeast, Central region and the East will see the mercury drop by five to seven degrees Celsius from today until Thursday due to the influence of a high-pressure ridge.
The lowest temperatures recorded yesterday in the North, Northeast, Central Region and East was four, 11, 18 and 16.
The ridge has already covered southern China and would likely cross into Thailand's upper part today.
Small craft were warned against going out into the Gulf of Thailand from today till Thursday, because of heavy seas whipped up by the Northeast Monsoon.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2013年12月20日星期五
冬季来临 呵叻考艾公园游人如织
冬季来临 呵叻考艾公园游人如织
呵叻府考艾国家公园负责人彭达昨天（15日）表示，每年的这个时候都会有很多游客前往考艾山旅游，欣赏冬季山光美景，在近3-4周内，仅星期六、星期天的游客就达7000-8000人次/日。目前考艾山晚间的温度已经持续下降至13-14摄氏度，白天则在18-26摄氏度，再加上交通方便，距离曼谷并不远，自然成为民众短途旅游的最佳选择。
彭达指出，在旅游旺季到来之前，该公园已经接到指示，要求在整个12月内做好迎接游客人数增加的准备，同时也包括即将到来的辞旧迎新，届时该公园将迎来游客最高峰。而该公园也是全泰旅游创收最高的国家公园，超过7600万铢。
面对庞大的游客数量，山顶帐篷搭建地将十分抢手，可谓是「一地难求」，但巴真武里府和呵叻府一侧的上山路线，目前并未关闭以控制游客人数，因为园方认为不能因场地不够而扫了游客的兴致。由于新年期间上山车辆和游客人数众多，希望游客能改变出行计画，前往巴真武里府一侧的梗欣蓬公园、呵叻府喃乔宫或者那空那育府观光，因为这几处旅游景点的冬季风光并无太大区别。
~以上新闻转载自世界日报~
呵叻府考艾国家公园负责人彭达昨天（15日）表示，每年的这个时候都会有很多游客前往考艾山旅游，欣赏冬季山光美景，在近3-4周内，仅星期六、星期天的游客就达7000-8000人次/日。目前考艾山晚间的温度已经持续下降至13-14摄氏度，白天则在18-26摄氏度，再加上交通方便，距离曼谷并不远，自然成为民众短途旅游的最佳选择。
彭达指出，在旅游旺季到来之前，该公园已经接到指示，要求在整个12月内做好迎接游客人数增加的准备，同时也包括即将到来的辞旧迎新，届时该公园将迎来游客最高峰。而该公园也是全泰旅游创收最高的国家公园，超过7600万铢。
面对庞大的游客数量，山顶帐篷搭建地将十分抢手，可谓是「一地难求」，但巴真武里府和呵叻府一侧的上山路线，目前并未关闭以控制游客人数，因为园方认为不能因场地不够而扫了游客的兴致。由于新年期间上山车辆和游客人数众多，希望游客能改变出行计画，前往巴真武里府一侧的梗欣蓬公园、呵叻府喃乔宫或者那空那育府观光，因为这几处旅游景点的冬季风光并无太大区别。
~以上新闻转载自世界日报~
2013年10月3日星期四
Threat from typhoon eases
Threat from typhoon eases
Heavy rain expected, cabinet gives green light to establishment of water ministry
WITH TYPHOON Wutip rapidly heading for a downgrade to a low-pressure ridge yesterday, some Thais heaved a sigh of relief but many remained on the lookout for another coming storm.
Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who chairs the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC), yesterday confirmed that Wutip's threat had diminished.
"The severity of Wutip is less than initially expected," he said.
But he added that Wutip would still cause heavy rain in some provinces.
Still at risk of possible natural disasters were Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Nong Khai, Beung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
Heavy inundation
Floodwaters in Chaiyaphum have reached between 50 and 70 centimetres since the arrival of Wutip.
"We are now facing the worst floods in half a century," Poj Piromkij said on behalf of more than 200 families in Tambon Talad Laeng in Chaiyaphum's Ban Khwao district.
All three main roads to the local villages had been under floodwater several metres deep for two weeks, he said.
"And now Wutip comes with more downpours," Poj said.
He said the torrents of floodwater were so strong that boats without engines could hardly move.
According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, floods have now ravaged 25 provinces.
Flood-related deaths during the past few weeks have reached 23 and more than 2 million rai of farmland have been flooded.
One of the hardest-hit provinces is Prachin Buri, which was visited by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday.
Plodprasop said flooding in Prachin Buri should ease within one week, if no more rain arrived.
However, he said a monsoon trough was now hovering over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing more rain.
"If the wind is strong, it may affect Chanthaburi and Prachin Buri," Plodprasop said.
He remained confident that floods would not hit Bangkok, however.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
Heavy rain expected, cabinet gives green light to establishment of water ministry
WITH TYPHOON Wutip rapidly heading for a downgrade to a low-pressure ridge yesterday, some Thais heaved a sigh of relief but many remained on the lookout for another coming storm.
Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, who chairs the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC), yesterday confirmed that Wutip's threat had diminished.
"The severity of Wutip is less than initially expected," he said.
But he added that Wutip would still cause heavy rain in some provinces.
Still at risk of possible natural disasters were Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Nong Khai, Beung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
Heavy inundation
Floodwaters in Chaiyaphum have reached between 50 and 70 centimetres since the arrival of Wutip.
"We are now facing the worst floods in half a century," Poj Piromkij said on behalf of more than 200 families in Tambon Talad Laeng in Chaiyaphum's Ban Khwao district.
All three main roads to the local villages had been under floodwater several metres deep for two weeks, he said.
"And now Wutip comes with more downpours," Poj said.
He said the torrents of floodwater were so strong that boats without engines could hardly move.
According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, floods have now ravaged 25 provinces.
Flood-related deaths during the past few weeks have reached 23 and more than 2 million rai of farmland have been flooded.
One of the hardest-hit provinces is Prachin Buri, which was visited by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday.
Plodprasop said flooding in Prachin Buri should ease within one week, if no more rain arrived.
However, he said a monsoon trough was now hovering over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand, bringing more rain.
"If the wind is strong, it may affect Chanthaburi and Prachin Buri," Plodprasop said.
He remained confident that floods would not hit Bangkok, however.
~News courtesy of The Nation~
2013年9月7日星期六
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