In every situation that involves man, there are always different point of views involved; some truthful and more accurate than others. However, a lot of us that reside here in Thailand believe that some of the foreign press are depicting the situation in Thailand rather unfairly, be it with intent or not.

It seems most of the news released is to deliberately defame the government. Accusing them of harming innocent civilians, when in fact, the military force, under state of emergency, is fighting the armed terrorists that use civilians as their human shields. In order to minimize the damage and to bring peace back to our country as soon as possible, the military force has been ordered to use rubber bullets in most operations. Only in certain restricted zones that real bullets are being used; and with prior notice.

If we may dare ask, “aren’t journalists supposed to remain objective & unbiased?” With that said, we plead to the foreign press for their compliance in fulfilling these rather small requests; being the worldly acclaimed journalists that you all are.

With the use of our proficiency in English, we, the Thai citizens, hope to publish the “truth” of the situation to the best of our abilities.

CORE NOTIONS

1. The government has announced protesters to leave the Rajprasong site and nearby areas. The protest is considered an unlawful act of terror.
2. ‘Red Shirts’ who refuse to leave will be charged with intentions of escalating violence and causing unrest.
3. ‘Red Shirts’ leaders are the reason behind this act of violence. They have aroused and provoked protesters to incite violence and chaos through their speeches and propaganda.
4. ‘Red Shirts’ leaders hide themselves behind human shields of women and children. The majority of protesters in the Rajprasong site are not aware that they are being used as pawns.
5. The government has never intended for any kind of violence to happen. Furthermore, there has been no concrete evidence that affiliates the government with Seh Dang’s shooting as mentioned by ‘Red Shirts’ leaders.

FOR YOUR COOPERATION

1. Please help us find facts if possible with photographs or video clips from news footage and articles within Thailand.
2. Please translate into English and paste it on this page in facebook. We can all use it to copy-paste onto other international websites.
3. We will try to spread these facts to as many as possible international websites as possible.
4. Please write in style of bulletin so it is short and straight to the point.

Chiang Rai is located in the northern Thailand. Its border is next to Burma. Because Chiang Rai’s surrounding areas are high mountains, the weather is quite cold in the winter season (November to January). Chiang Rai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun (Thai: วัดร่องขุ่น) is a contemporary unconventional buddhist and Hindu temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction began in 1997.

For Thai language, Wat means “temple” and Rong Khun is the name of the district in Chaing Rai where the builder had been raised when he was young.

Wat Rong Khun had been built since 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the Buddhist artist who has spent his own money in building this temple. He does not ask anyone for money for donation and neither does he receive subsidy from the government. His declaration forbidding the faithful to give a donation of over 10,000 Baht is a clear testimony of his standpoint, retaining the freedom of his creative thinking.

Up to now, Wat Rong Khun has not been completed yet; however, it has become Chiang Rai’s top tourist destination because of its white-color spectacular design and the Buddhism paintings inside. If you have a chance to go there, don’t miss a hall of masterwork of Chalermchai Kositpipat. There are a lot of beautiful paintings with various kinds of arts.

Hall of Opium

It takes about 1.30 – 2 hours to visit Hall of Opium, where you can learn the history of the opium. The presentation and the display is really good. It’s worth your visit.

Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle is where you can see three countries, Thailand, Burma, and Laos. Moreover, in the past, this location was a very famous drug route in Asia.

Mae Sai and Tachileik Market

Mae Sai is the name of Chiang Rai’s district where is next to the border of Myanmar. There are a lot of traditional Thai products you can buy with reasonable prices such as silver stuff and other souvenirs. From Mae Sai, you can cross the border to Myanmar where there is a market called “Tachileik”. Tachileik Market is famous for imitated products. They sell clothes, sunglasses, watches, handbags, perfume, luggage of many brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Calvin Klein, Rolex, Oakley, Ripcurl, Billabong, etc. However, they are all imitated products with different grades and prices. If you don’t use the artificial products, this place is not suitable for you. You will buy nothing there.

Moreover, the sell many snacks there in low prices, but I didn’t buy them since I’m not sure whether they are also imitates products. It’s too risk to eat them. However, if you just want to see the strange things or the way of life there, please bring the mask the cover you nose and mouth because there is a lot of dust at the market.

Myanmar Gate

Mae Sai (แม่สาย)  is the name of Chiang Rai’s district where is next to the border of Myanmar. There are a lot of traditional Thai products you can buy with reasonable prices such as silver stuff and other souvenirs. From Mae Sai, you can cross the border to Myanmar where there is a market called “Tachileik” (ท่าขี้เหล็ก). Tachileik Market is famous for imitated products. They sell clothes, sunglasses, watches, handbags, perfume, luggage of many brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Calvin Klein, Rolex, Oakley, Ripcurl, Billabong, etc. However, they are all imitated products with different grades and prices. If you don’t use the artificial products, this place is not suitable for you. You will buy nothing there.

Moreover, the sell many snacks there in low prices, but I didn’t buy them since I’m not sure whether they are also imitates products. It’s too risk to eat them. However, if you just want to see the strange things or the way of life there, please bring the mask the cover you nose and mouth because there is a lot of dust at the market.

Tachileik, also spelt Tachilek, is a border town in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is the seat of Tachileik Township in Tachileik District.

Wat Rong Khun

For Thai language, Wat means “temple” and Rong Khun (ร่องขุ่น) is the name of the district in Chaing Rai where the builder had been raised when he was young.

Wat Rong Khun had been built since 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the Buddhist artist who has spent his own money in building this temple. He does not ask anyone for money for donation and neither does he receive subsidy from the government. His declaration forbidding the faithful to give a donation of over 10,000 Baht is a clear testimony of his standpoint, retaining the freedom of his creative thinking.

Up to now, Wat Rong Khun has not been completed yet; however, it has become Chiang Rai’s top tourist destination because of its white-color spectacular design and the Buddhism paintings inside. If you have a chance to go there, don’t miss a hall of masterwork of Chalermchai Kositpipat. There are a lot of beautiful paintings with various kinds of arts.

Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น) is different from any other temple in Thailand, as its ubosot  (Pali: uposatha; consecrated assembly hall) is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color stands for Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that “shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe.”

The bridge leading to the temple represents the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth to the Abode of Buddha. The small semicircle before the bridge stands for the human world. The big circle with fangs is the mouth of Rahu, meaning impurities in the mind, a representation of hell or suffering.

All the paintings inside the ubosot (assembly hall) have golden tones. The four walls, ceiling and floor contain paintings showing an escape from the defilements of temptation to reach a supramundane state. On the roof, there are four kinds of animals representing earth, water, wind and fire. The elephant stands for the earth; the naga stands for water; the swan’s wings represent wind; and the lion’s mane represents fire.

In 1997, Chalermchai Kositpipat volunteered his service to carry out the construction of the ubosot at his own expense as an offering to Lord Buddha, but he later altered the plan as he saw fit in such a way that Wat Rong Khun developed into a prominent site attracting both Thai and foreign visitors.

Nowadays, Wat Rong Khun is still being constructed. When completed, the construction project of Wat Rong Khun will consist of nine buildings: the ubosot, the hall containing Lord Buddha’s relics, the hall containing Buddha images, the preaching hall, the contemplation hall, the monk’s cell, the door façade of the Buddhavasa, the art gallery, and the toilets.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi Sits majestically within its own private bay, called Pai Plong Bay. The resort has a direct beach front location of 500 meters in length, with stunning views of verdant limestone formations and an extensive expanse of beautiful pristine white sands lapped by crystal clear waters. The resort is ideally suited for couples and family units alike with an extensive range of room types, facilities, and services. This luxury 192 room and pool villa resort is connected to Ao Nang (both the beachfront and nearby docks depending on tidal conditions – see Map & Attractions page for details) by complimentary boat transfers operated by the resort and is only 40 minutes away from Krabi International Airport and 150 minutes from Phuket.

Throughout the day, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi offers an impressive collection of activities for all ages. From SPA Cenvaree, The Fitness Centre, PADI Dive Centre, Boating and Windsurfing. The options are endless. Younger guests are not forgotten with a professionally managed Kid’s Club and play areas. Additional facilities and services:

• Dive and Watersport Centre (including Sailing, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Kayaks, and other water sport activities)
• Leisure Boats for hire
• Swimming Pools
• SPA Cenvaree
• The Club
• Kids Pool and Jacuzzi
• Health and Fitness Suite
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Beauty Salon
• Meeting & Conference facilities
• Wi-Fi Internet access in all public areas
• Retail area including Sundries, Gift Shop, Arts & Crafts Shop
• Laundry
• Tour Desk
• Kids Club – Camp Safari & E-Zone
• Room Service (24 hours)
• Evening Turn Down Service
• Express Check-out
• Daily Newspaper

World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Waikru Muaythai Ceremony (Nai Khanomtom Day)
Date: 10 – 17 March 2010
Venue: City of Ayutthaya Stadium, Ayutthaya, Thailand

In Muay Thai, the boxer will always preface the fight with Wai Kru and this tradition is still practised nowadays. This ceremony is usually performed to rousing Thai music from pipes and drums, and with the initial Ram Muay (the boxing movement). The Wai Kru & Ram Muay are useful, since the Boxer gains encouragement from paying homage to his Teachers and feels that he is not on his own: he has his Teacher & the other Teachers of the Muay Thai discipline to support him.

The Wai Kru process will also give him time to concentrate & revise what he has learned, as well as display the nature of his weapons and the high degree of his skill. The steps, movements & use of his weapons are designed to warm up the body’s muscles, survey the field of play & conceal the contestant’s style of fighting. When the traditional Sarama music sounds around the ring it is recognised by all who are present as a symbol of deference & respect. Prior to the fight, the music helps to urge the fighter on, and rouses his spirit until he is ready to face his opponent in the boxing ring in manly combat.

For More Information: TAT Call Center 1672

Date: 25 – 28 February, 2010
Owner: The Thai Travel Agents Association, the Association of Domestic Travel and TAT
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Plenary Hall, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

For people who love travel, don’t miss Thai International Travel Fair 2010. The biggest travel fair in the ASEAN region aims is to encourage commerce between holidaymakers and travel operators in line with promoting a fully-integrated tourism industry.

With as many as 1,125 booths taken by leading tourism players, the event will be demarcated into different product and service zones, including hotels, spas, camping & trekking equipment, and local & international travel packages. Visitors to the event will also have the chance to join in lots of fun activities and informative seminars. Look out for the lucky draws where those who purchase products and services at the event get chances to win one Chevrolet AVEO everyday throughout the four-day event.

PTT Pattaya Open 2010 was a women’s professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hardcourts. It was the 20th edition of the PTT Pattaya Open (formerly known as the Pattaya Women’s Open) and was a International category on the 2010 WTA Tour. It took place at Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya City, Thailand  from February 8 through February 14, 2009.

The top two seeds are the defending champion Vera Zvonareva, Wimbledon quarterfinalist Sabine Lisicki. Vera Dushevina, 2007 champion Sybille Bammer, and home favourite Tamarine Tanasugarn

The Pattaya professional women’s tennis tournament is now in its 19th year on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

Since 2009 the tournament has been upgraded to be part of the new international series of tournaments, which have a minimum prize money of US$220,000. As well as being upgraded in 2009 the tournament was renamed the PTT Pattaya Open, when PTT Public Co., Ltd joined as the title sponsor alongside Pattaya City.

Joining Date in Pattaya will be Indian superstar World no 9 Russia’s Vera Zvonareva and World no 22 Sabine Lisicki of Germany in the PTT Pattaya Open.

Event Name: PTT Pattaya Open
No of Years Held: 18 years (since 1991)
Dates of Event: 7 – 15 February 2009
Venue: Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya

Committed Players

• Vera Zvonareva     Russia Russia
• Sabine Lisicki     Germany Germany
• Maria Kirilenko     Russia Russia
• Vera Dushevina     Russia Russia
• Yaroslava Shvedova     Kazakhstan Kazakhstan
• Sybille Bammer     Austria Austria
• Peng Shuai     People’s Republic of China China
• Sania Mirza     India India
• Kimiko Date Krumm     Japan Japan
• Julia Görges     Germany Germany
• Stefanie Voegele     Switzerland Switzerland
• Alberta Brianti     Italy Italy
• Anna Chakvetadze     Russia Russia
• Alla Kudryavtseva     Russia Russia
• Jill Craybas     United States United States
• Tatjana Malek     Germany Germany     79
• Anastasija Sevastova     Latvia Latvia
• Tamarine Tanasugarn     Thailand Thailand
• Ayumi Morita     Japan Japan
• Viktoriya Kutuzova     Ukraine Ukraine     92
• Chang Kai-chen     Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
• Akgul Amanmuradova     Uzbekistan Uzbekistan
• Jelena Dokic     Australia Australia
• Chan Yung-jan     Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei
• Marina Erakovic     New Zealand New Zealand

Let’s get back to the old Chinese period, walking in the fantastic square where is decorated in Chinese style.  Experience the wonderful dragon and lion dance, the Chinese cultural performances and several entertainments as well as enjoy food and good fairs.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the “Lunar New Year” by English speakers. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year’s Eve is known as Chúxī. It literally means “Year-pass Eve”.

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most.

lebua at State Tower is an all-suite hotel with breathtaking views of Bangkok from every room. Everything about lebua spells exclusive, and luxury is a theme that runs throughout every suite and facility in the hotel. The award-winning hotel is managed by lebua Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd., who specializes in creating new concepts in luxury hospitality: hotels, resorts, and restaurants. In addition to the Dome and lebua at State Tower, lebua Hotels & Resorts also manage one of the world’s ultimate private luxury retreats, Lake Okareka Lodge by lebua, in Rotorua, New Zealand.

In less than two years, lebua- all suite luxury hotel and member of the Small luxury hotels of the World has quickly established itself as one of Bangkok’s finest hotels, winning several awards and accolades. Its suites have made it to the list of 101 best suites in the world by Elite Traveler for two years in succession. It has been voted the’ Best New Hotel’ of 2006 by the readers of Business Asia magazine in conjunction with CNBC, Asia Pacific. “Art of Travel” magazine has named it the “Best New Boutique Hotel” in Bangkok.

Housed in one of Bangkok’s most impressive edifices the State Tower and unmistakable thanks to its Golden Dome, lebua at State Tower is truly imposing with each of its suites peeping over dramatic views of the vibrant city of Bangkok and its pulsating life line – the Chao Phraya river. Private balconies in each suite located from the 51st to the 59th floor; quite literally put the world at your feet

lebua at State tower is strategically located at the cross roads of the Silom and the C roads and is within easy access of the business and shopping districts of Bangkok. The BTS (Bangkok Sky Train) station closest to it namely Saphan Taksin is just a few minutes walk. lebua is in close proximity to the city’s several attractions. It is just a 40 minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

In terms of dining options you are truly spoilt for choice. The restaurants at “The Dome at State Tower” include the illustrious al fresco “Sirocco” with its famed “Sky Bar”. An open kitchen steals your heart at “Mezzaluna” the North Italian Restaurant. Distil with an open air cigar terrace lounge and an oyster and sushi bar serves only the best. Breeze is accessed by a dramatic glass sky bridge from the 52nd floor and serves Authentic Asian Seafood. Cafe Mozu on the mezzanine floor promises the best in International cuisine and offers Polynesian, Lebanese and Indian dishes as well.

Other hotel facilities include an open air swimming pool and jacuzzi, a Fitness Center with gymnasium, sauna, steam rooms and massage rooms. A fully equipped business centre, choice of several meeting rooms make lebua an ideal place to stay for a leisure or business traveler alike.

At lebua traditional Thai hospitality combines with modern technology and comfort and style blend harmoniously to create an experience that is “simply exceptional”.

• Best Luxury City Hotel by the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2009
• World’s Leading All-Suite Hotel by World Luxury Hotel Awards, as voted by 183,000 travel tourism and hospitality professionals across the globe and the only win from Thailand in the ‘World’ award category
• Best Luxury Hotel by 2009 Business Destinations’ Travel Awards, as voted of business travelers and travel presses by Business Destination, a magazine in association with American Express
• Tablet Hotels Selection Award by Tablet Hotel, the world’s leading source for unique luxury and boutique hotels
• HAPA SIGNATURE LUXURY HOTEL by The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2008-2010
• Top 5 Hotels in Asia and Best Hotel Bar by HotelClub Awards 2008, winner among 120,000 nominations.
• Overall Best Luxury Hotel Award and Best Luxury Suite Hotel by the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2008
• Asia’s Leading Design Hotel by World Travel Awards 2008
• The Best Business Hotel in the World by EUROPEANCEO Magazine, UK
• Best Luxury Hotel by Traveler’s choice, TripAdvisor – ranked number 6 in Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Asia and number 47 in Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels worldwide
• One of the World’s Top 1% of Hotels, Expedia Insiders’ Select by Expedia.com