Stories submitted by Jen
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Handmade Buddhist alms bowls
Ten years ago, the neighborhood of Rattanakosin, in Bangkok’s old quarter, resounded with the sounds of hammers hitting tin, but today the sounds are of tourists talking, dogs barking and children playing. While many monks are now using factory made bowls, artisans in the village still continue with an ancient tradition of making bowls for monks.
Pranee Sutdis is one of the local artisans who has been working on bowls for the last 58 years. "It used to be that every house did this all day, and you would wake up to endless 'ping, ping, ping.' Now, there are only a few, and it's not so noisy," she says.
In fact, the bowl making enclave is relying almost entirely on tourists in order to stay alive and every year, the community is shrinking. Rattanakosin is now known as Ban Baht, or the “House of Bowls. There are approximately 60 people working in the neighborhood, comprising of five families.
But the tradition of bowl making goes back for thousands of years and has deep spiritual significance. Bowls are central to monk’s daily practice of collecting alms and they also symbolize a monk’s first step on the road towards achieving complete spiritual enlightenment.
Sunee Serseeserm is 59 years old and has been making bowls for most of his life. His medium-sized bowls cost about 1,000 baht (USD $32). Bowls made by factories cost about 100 bhat, in contrast.
"If they have been monks for a long time, they know they need to buy a handmade bowl. In some temples, they don't accept factory-made ones," Sunee says.
Somsak Batchart is 51 and operates four stores in the neighborhood that have been in the family for generations. "My customers are Westerners, so I always have business," he says, smiling. "Sometimes I can't even get everything done on time, and as it's handmade, there's no way to speed up the process."
Posted by: Jen on 04 Dec 2007, 13:47 -
New hotel to open on Thailand's border
A one billion bhat hotel project has just been launched on the part of a group of investors from China. The hotel will be located in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai.
The 300-room hotel will be built in the Chiang Khong district along the bank of the Mekong River, according to Nivat Teeprueksa, the project manager for Chie Chou International. The company is based in Yunnan but registered in Thailand in June this year.
The company believes that the North South Economic Corridor will experience an economic boom in the future, partially due to the construction of a new bridge connecting Chiang Khong in Thailand with the Huay Sai sub district in Laos.
The new bridge is currently open for trail service while final construction will be finished in two years. ''It takes only three hours for people who want to travel from Huay Sai to China's border by car,'' Mr Nivat said.
The site for the new hotel is located only three kilometers from the new bridge and will be ready to open in two years. When complete, the hotel will have eight stories and a mini golf course, a resort and a landing pad for helicopter.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 16:18 -
Beaches set to hit Thailand
A new beach resort development is scheduled to being work in Thailand with the major label, the Beaches, ready to open it’s first Thai resort in Bang Saray Bay in three and a half years.
The Beaches resort will offer discerning travelers a water-themed park, private beaches and a boardwalk stretching out over a kilometer past restaurants and shops. The resort will have villas positioned over the water, similar in style to villas in the Maldives.
Every villa in the resort will have access to high speed internet and a cashless payment system.
Chairman and CEO of Pacific Shore Company, Liakat Sultan Dhanji, has been responsible for making the brand a success in Thailand. According to him, Thailand needs something distinctive if it is going to stand out against the stiff competition developing in the region.
"I decided I was going to find space and build an integrated destination resort to compete with our neighboring countries. My strength is big projects, complexity doesn't bother me and big destination resorts are extremely complex," Dhanji said.
Bang Saray is a fishing village located close to the popular resort city of Pattaya. "One day I happened to go to Bang Saray because somebody had invited me there and I said, 'Oh my God, it reminds me of Waikiki (in Hawaii) 32 years ago when my father took me there', and I said, 'Wow, this is right on my doorstep," said Dhanji.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 16:17 -
Second bridge links Thailand and Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Thai counterpart Surayud Chulanont are planning to open a second bridge linking the two South East Asian nations on December 21st.
The cost of the USD$2 million project was shared by the two countries. The bridge connects Bukit Bunga in Jeli, Malaysia and Kelantan and Buketa in the southern district of Waeng, Thailand.
According to the Malaysian ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Shaarani Ibrahim, the work on the bridge would be finished in time for the bridge to open on December 21st. The ambassador spoke about the project at the launching of a commemorative book entitled, ‘Rajaphruek and Bunga Raya: 50 Years Of Everlasting Friendship Between Thailand and Malaysia 1957-2007’ on Thursday evening.
The existing bridge between Malaysia and Thailand links the Sungai Golok district in Narathiwat, Thailand and Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, Malaysia.
Three thousand copies of the commemorative book celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relationships between Thailand and Malaysia have been printed in both Thai and English.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 16:16 -
Bangkok: stop over supreme
Stopping in South East Asia has becoming increasingly popular for long haul travelers and all the more so since British Airways, Qantas and Thai Airways began offering stops in Bangkok en route from Europe to Australia.
Over the past ten years, Bangkok has transformed itself from a city with a seedy reputation to an international capital with refreshing spas, great shopping and a host of cultural treasures to explore.
Boutique hotels are now abundant, offering comfortable places to stay with chic décor and cutting edge design.
Transportation around Bangkok has gotten much easier in recent years although the challenge is still to avoid getting stuck in the smog. The best way to get around is on the elevated monorail, known as the MRT. Getting across the city takes minutes and costs as little as one pound.
A trip on a canal boat is another way to experience the city and get around. The city operates a ferry service along the Chao Phraya River for pennies. Those staying at the trendier riverside hotels should charter their own long tail boat to fully explore the river and the back canals. A 90 minute tour should cost about £20 per boat.
Bangkok is studded with cultural treasures but the biggest jewel is by far the Grand Palace. The palace is now used only for ceremonial occasions, but the compound with its gilded paintings and beautiful adornments is worth the visit. Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal temple is a great part of the tour.
There is no lack of spas or therapeutic treatments in Bangkok but some of the best treatments are offered by the Bangkok Marriott and the Oriental hotels. But by far the best way to end the day is with a lychee daiquiri in hand on one of the outdoor sofas on the 63rd floor of the Lounge Terrace bar near the Oriental Hotel.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 13:48 -
Celebrating the King’s 80th birthday
On Sunday, the streets of Bangkok were lined with loyal supporters of Thailand’s King, dressed in yellow shirts to celebrate His Majesty’s 80th birthday. Sunday’s parade was one element of a series of events which will take place over the next week in order to celebrate the birthday of King Bhumipol Adulyadej.
The dress parade took place at the Royal Plaza in downtown Bangkok. Sunday’s parade included displays of traditional Thai culture. ‘Elephant knights’ paraded down the streets showing onlookers what war elephants of ancient times looked like. The procession was led by a rare sight indeed, an auspicious white elephant.
Royal Guards also marched in the parade, wearing ceremonial uniforms and under the lead of the Thai Royal Armed Forces Supreme Commander as well as other officials from the Army, Navy and Air forces. The forces all swore their loyalty to the King.
Queen Sirikit marched with the parade as it went to be inspected by the monarch himself. King Bhumibol is the world’s longest reining monarch, having served in the position for the last 61 years. He will celebrate his birthday on December 5th.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 13:48 -
Thailand Property Awards recognizes 13 winners
Saturday night, the Royal Orchid Sheraton hosted the 2007 Thailand Property Awards with a lavish Gala Dinner to announce the winners in 13 different categories. The event was attended by 350 elite members of Thailand’s real estate industry.
In order to select the winners, judges chose from a list of nominated groups.
“The 2007 awards saw a very high level of competition and the winners truly deserve this recognition. There was a good spread of winners from around Thailand, with strong showings from both Phuket and Samui, as well as Bangkok,� said Duncan Worthington, Managing Director of organizers Ensign Media Co. Ltd.
“Thailand’s real estate industry has faced a number of challenges this year with growth being slower than previously expected. However, the success of the 2007 Thailand Property Awards and acknowledgment of the winners by their peers here tonight is a good indicator of the underlying quality and dynamic of the industry throughout the country,� added Worthington.
The winner in the category of Best Developer was won by Raimon Land PLC, based in Bangkok. Dhevatara Properties Co Ltd won the award for the Best Boutique Developer. The Best International Agent, an award sponsored by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, was won by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Best Thailand Agent, on the other hand, was awarded to Samui Villas & Homes Co. Ltd.
The Best Resort Condo Development was awarded by Royal Phuket Marina. Phuket-based West Sands picked up the Green Development Award. Siam Real Estate picked up the award for the Best Agent Website.
This year was the second year that the awards were given out and this year had more entries than the first year’s event. The categories of Gaggenau Best Architect, Best Agent Website and Best Resort Condo Development received the most number of entries.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 13:45 -
Foreign flights could go back to Don Mueang
Airports of Thailand (AoT) announced recently that they would like to see the return of international flights to Bangkok’s old airport, Don Mueang.
Don Mueang was closed in 2006 when Bangkok opened its larger, more modern airport, Suvarnabhumi. Flights resumed at Don Mueang on a domestic level after the new airport began experiencing some problems in March 2007, and crowding at the airport is causing the AoT to call for a reopening of Don Mueang on an international scale.
Chirmsak Pinthong, a spokesperson from the AoT board and a former senator said that the AoT board approved plans to reopen Don Mueang for international traffic during a meeting held last Saturday. He added that airlines would be able to decided for themselves which airport to use.
The meeting also discussed expansion plans at Suvarnabhumi. The second phase of construction at the airport may be speeded up and the time line for the second phase of expansion at Phuket International Airport was also discussed. According to the AoT, both Phuket International and Suvarnabhumi suffer from congestion.
Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen is expected to discuss these issues at a weekly cabinet meeting with other government officials.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 13:43 -
More seats on domestic flights for Thai holidays
Residents of Thailand are getting ready for the holidays but instead of celebrating Christmas, they will be getting of work and traveling for Constitution Day and New Year. In order to accommodate the anticipated demand in travel from December 8th to 10th and from December 26th to January 6th, 2007, Thai Airways International has made some changes to their flight schedule, particularly on routes to Chiang Mai and Phuket.
During the holiday period, Thai Airways will be adding an additional 35 flights to routes to Chiang Mai and Phuket, offering an extra 13,140 seats, an increase of 9.12 per cent in their usual operations.
Two more flights will be available from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for the Constitution Day holiday and two flights will be added on the route from Bangkok to Phuket over that period as well.
During the New Year period, Thai Airways will use larger aircrafts on three flights on the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai as well as adding a total of ten new flights to the schedule. Between Bangkok and Phuket, one flight will use a larger aircraft than usual and 17 additional flights will be available to travelers in addition to the regularly scheduled services.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 13:42 -
Design hotels open in Thailand
A new chain of ‘design resorts and hotels’ has just been launched in Thailand, designed to cater to those travelers with an eye for aesthetics. The chain has been called X2 and is becoming referred to as ‘cross to’ and will focus on style and design.
The new company described the concept in a recently released statement. “The X2 owners recognized that those individuals who appreciate style and design were becoming less satisfied with the traditional tropical resort designs that, while well executed, proliferate the Asian region.�
The brand will focus their designs around three main themes: soul, freedom and simplicity. Using these brands, the new company hopes to branch out and break free of the traditional tropical resort concept many travelers to Thailand are all to familiar with.
The location of the first X2 resort to open will be in Kui Buri, located near the popular beach resort of Hua Hin, just a three hour drive south from Bangkok.
Each villa on the new property is identical in its construction, however, each unit has a unique way of placing its terrace, pool and garden area and a different orientation.
All of the X2 resorts will also include a 4K (fork) restaurant which will serve western, eastern and fusion cuisine. X2 plans to expand and open resorts in Koh Samui and Koh Kood which will open in summer 2008 and late 2009.
Posted by: Jen on 02 Dec 2007, 13:44 -
Tattooing in Thailand: Tourists, Beware
Thailand is littered with tattoo parlors from well established locations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai employing legitimate artists, to small booths set up at traveling fairs. While the price might be right, especially compared to the prices charged for permanent inking in many Western countries, the cost can sometimes be much higher than expected.
One man, whom we shall call Sam, recently went into a tattooist with detailed designs of his dream tattoo in hand. The paper with the design for his right arm was labeled “right arm� and the one for his left labeled “left arm.� Mistaking these instructions for part of the tattoo, the tattooist obediently reproduced the words in permanent ink on the man’s arms.
At first, when the tattooist showed Sam the finish product, he didn’t notice. That’s because he was drinking 15 beers while getting his ink done. He said he saw the pictures and didn’t pay any attention to the words.
Unfortunately, the words are a major part of Sam’s current problem. In addition to having “left arm� and “right arm� tattooed on his left and right arms respectively, the tattooist also made a mistake when tattooing the words “Day Premiers� above the emblem of the Geelong Football club.
Instead, the tattoo on Sam’s arm reads: “Gay Premiers.�
When he noticed that, Sam was shocked. “Once they'd written right arm, I told them you may as well have left arm on the other one make it a bit of fun,� he said.
Actually it was Sam’s son-in-law who noticed the blunder, walking into the five and a half hour tattoo session after Sam had already consumed 15 beers.
Luckily for Sam, there’s a tattoo shop in his hometown of Geelong that’s willing to help. Ricky Johnson of Xtreme Ink Tattoo said he could fix the “Gay Premiers� mistake and cover up the “left arm� and “right arm� blunder with something more appropriate.
Mr. Johnson said that he has already corrected the tattoos of six people who were inked in Thailand or Bali this year. He warns all travelers to seriously reconsider getting tattooed while abroad. When getting a tattoo, sterilization is extremely important. And, Mr. Johnson advises, stay away from the alcohol.
Posted by: Jen on 28 Nov 2007, 11:11 -
It’s dolphin time!
Just one hour east of Bangkok, the waters of the Bang Pakong River meet the Gulf of Thailand. An easy day trip from the bustling metropolis, the area is home to a rare breed of river dolphins.
The Irrawaddy dolphin, known to scientists as the Orcaella brevirostris, is one of the most endangered dolphins in the world.
With the monsoon waters receding, now is the perfect time to charter a fishing vessel from the coast and go looking for the elusive creatures. If nothing else, the three hour cruise along the river is a beautiful way to spend the day, but the dolphin watching this year has already exceeded expectations.
“I never would have thought I could see such wildlife close to Bangkok,� said an excited Thai woman who came along with her 9-year-old daughter “I never even knew there were dolphins living in these rivers.�
The rare dolphins are generally found in rivers, estuaries and coasts in South East Asia and northern Australia. In this area of Thailand they are most often sighted in November, but this year the dolphins arrived early and have been seen as early as October.
The dolphins follow a certain breed of catfish into the estuary, mimicking their migration patterns. They tend to be shy and can stay underwater to hide for up to 12 minutes at a time. Seeing even one of the creatures is a special treat for many of the tourists who make the journey to the estuary.
“It was indeed a pleasure to be able to see one up close,� said Dr. Susan Lieberman, Director of WWF’s Global Species Programme who was in Bangkok attending an International Conference on Wildlife Trade. “It makes discussions in a conference hall over their fate really come alive.�
The International Conference was held in Bangkok in early October and discussed giving the Irrawaddy Dolphin a special status which would ban international commercial trade of the species.
The best time of the day to see the dolphins is early in the morning, before 9:00. At that time, the dolphins are engaged in feeding and are more likely to be seen. It is also a good idea to go dolphin watching during high tide. When a dolphin has been spotted, boats can approach quietly from downstream, however, boats should be discouraged from ever chasing or pursuing dolphins. Experts advise against jumping into the water or trying to touch or swim with the dolphins.
To get to dolphin watching cruise on the Bang Pakong River, follow the Bang Na-Trat expressway east from Bangkok.
Posted by: Jen on 28 Nov 2007, 11:10 -
Live luxuriously and save sea turtles
The Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket has set up a foundation in order to help protect the endangered marine turtles in Thailand. Travelers who stay at the hotel can help contribute to the company’s environmental efforts and stay just 15 minutes north of the area where the turtles hatch on the beach.
Annually, Aleenta donates 100,000 baht to the Turtle Sanctuary in the nearby Haad Thauymuang National Park. In addition, each guest donates 40 baht per night of their stay to the sanctuary, a gift matched by an equal donation from the hotel. Finally, the hotel employs one full time staff member to work at the sanctuary. This staff member helps patrol the beach, care for baby turtles and assist with the treatment of sick turtles.
The resort was founded and is currently owned by Anchalika Kijkanakorn. When she first started the development in 2005, she heard about the sea turtle sanctuary. “We immediately decided to set up a fund to project them, and to make sure we are part of the solution rather than contributing to their declining numbers,� Ms Kijkanakorn said. “We’ve hired a full-time employee to work at the Haad Thauymuang National Park where the Turtle Sanctuary is located, and have launched an educational program for local schools including field trips to the sanctuary and coloring books for children.�
The hotel is currently offering a five night ‘Adopt a Turtle’ package. The package includes five nights stay in a villa or luxury suite with full breakfast each day. The package includes a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary complete with a gourmet picnic lunch. Because visiting Thailand should always be a relaxing experience, the package also includes a treatment for two at the Aleenta Spa and one candle-lit dinner for two. Daily tropical fruit baskets are provided and transfers to and from the Phuket International Airport are included.
Package prices start at 72,672 baht ($2590) for double occupancy in a Beachfront Suite.
In addition to the projects with sea turtle conservation, the Aleenta hotel also contributes to responsible tourism by offering English language lessons to local people and providing employment opportunities to local staff. Aleenta purchases most of its seafood from local fisherman and uses local market gardens to get fresh vegetables.
Posted by: Jen on 27 Nov 2007, 11:16 -
Cheap flights from Bangkok to Tokyo with United
There are only three days left to book a ticket from Bangkok to Tokyo with United Airlines on their special Tokyo promotion.
Until November 30th, the airline is offering a special fare of just 9,500 baht for a round trip ticket from Bangkok to Tokyo-Narita. The economy-class fare is applicable on travel dates until December 10th and travel with this promotion must be completed by December 16th.
Thailand’s General Manager for United, Eric Wilson, said: “This special fare allows Thailand residents to cost effectively visit Japan for Christmas and New Year shopping, visit family and friends and take in the winter sights in and around Tokyo.�
United offers daily flights between Thailand and Japan. Every morning at 06:40, a flight takes off from Suvarnabhumi Airport, arriving in Tokyo at 14:15. The return flight leaves Narita at 18:35, arriving in Bangkok at 23:45.
Once purchased, the ticket is non-refundable. The ticket price quoted does not include taxes and surcharges.
Posted by: Jen on 27 Nov 2007, 11:08 -
Chiang Mai wins top spot in regional survey
A recent survey by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine of the top tourist destinations in Asia put a number of Thai destinations high on the list.
The nation’s capital, Bangkok, received 85.8 per cent of the votes and won the top prize as the most popular vacation spot in Asia. Hong Kong placed in second.
In third place, Chiang Mai won the support of 79.9 per cent of those who voted, making it another of the region’s best places to head on vacation.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Singapore came in fourth place, while Kyoto, Japan came out fifth.
Although much smaller in size than Kyoto or Singapore, Chiang Mai is a city rich in culture. The city offers a range of accommodation from the luxurious to the spartan and a pace of life that is laid back and relaxed. Many tourists enjoy wandering the streets, exploring the city’s many temples, taking in the sights and sounds of the night markets and listening to live music by the river. More adventurous travelers like to get out into the surrounding countryside for hiking, elephant camps and to explore the culturally rich and amazingly beautiful mountains around the city.
More information about visiting Chiang Mai.
Posted by: Jen on 27 Nov 2007, 11:08 -
Helicopter provides better emergency care in Thailand
Medical tourism in Thailand got a boost last week when the operator of the largest hospital chain in the country launched its first emergency medical services by helicopter. Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BGH) is now the first company offering helicopter health services in the country.
"The new helicopter service is something we have wanted for a long time," said Dr Chatree Duangnet, CEO of Bangkok Hospital Medical Center. "Our own new helicopter medical service is another step for the hospital to bring doctors as quickly as possible to save and transport patients to our hospital network."
The hospital network operated by BGH includes Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok Heart Hospital, Wattanosoth Hospital and Bangkok International Hospital at New Phetchaburi Road. There are 18 hospitals included in the BGH operation including some of the most popular hospitals for medical tourism in Bangkok: Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej and BNH hospital.
The helicopter purchased by BGH came at a cost of 250 million baht and is specifically designed to provide emergency medical services. It may also be used to provided chartered VIP flights for operations in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The cost to use the helicopter will be around 120,000 baht per hour. Within the first 12 months of its operations, officials are expecting that the helicopter will operate for around 600 hours, generating a total revenue of around 72 million baht.
Posted by: Jen on 27 Nov 2007, 11:06 -
Thailand wins prizes for responsible tourism projects
At the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards during the World Travel Market earlier in November, The New Forest project in Thailand won the top prize.
The New Forest has been operating in Thailand for the last 15 years. The destination works together with visiting tourists as well as with the local community and industries to improve environmental conditions for the benefit of all.
The competition considered 1,700 nominations for the prize. This year’s awards were organized by responsibletravel.com, an online travel directory. The Times and Geographical Magazine and WTM also contributed to the organization of the event.
Every year since 2004, the awards recognize groups in the travel industry who have significantly contributed to improving responsible tourism. The awards are generated from nominations from tourists who select companies and organizations providing outstanding holidays that also benefit local people and the local environment.
The New Forest won the prize for the Best Destination due to its ability to demonstrate how all stakeholders can participate in the achievement of economic, social and environmental components of responsible tourism.
The New Forest’s Anthony Climpson won an award for the Best Personal Contribution to responsible tourism.
In Thailand, Lamai Homestay & Guesthouse was highly commended in the category of the Best Small Hotel/Accommodation. Andaman Discoveries was awarded the prize for the Best Conservation of Cultural Heritage. The group won the award for their ability to empower local communities and develop tourist activities in collaboration with local groups.
Posted by: Jen on 26 Nov 2007, 11:12 -
Phuket gears up for national elections
Travelers to Phuket now and in the weeks to come are likely to notice groups of cheering people walking through the city’s streets singing, chanting and yelling, often accompanied by trucks and loudspeakers. The city’s residents are merely getting ready for the first national election since the military took power last September.
On Monday, crowds of people were in the streets supporting candidates who registered for the election at Phuket Community Hall.
Registration closes on Friday which means that the crowds are likely to continue all week. Eight candidates from four political parties have already registered.
There are five political parties competing in the elections which are scheduled for December 23rd: the Democrat Party, Thai Nation Party, Palang Prachachon, Ruamjai Thai Chart Pattana Party and Puea Pandin Party.
Each party is expected to put forward two representatives in Phuket.
Analysts say that neither of the two major national parties, the Democrat Party and the People’s Power Party, are likely to will an outright majority in the upcoming election.
On September 19th, 2006, the Royal Thai Army made the first non-constitutional change of government in Thailand in 15 years, deposing of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The former Prime Minister now lives in exile in the UK where he owns Manchester City Football Club. In Thailand, his allies form the People’s Power Party and will participate in the upcoming elections.
Posted by: Jen on 15 Nov 2007, 18:41 -
Manchester coach lands in Bangkok
Coach of Manchester City Football Club, Sven-Goran Eriksson flew into Bangkok on Thursday afternoon to the delight of both fans and media personnel. The man was immediately swamped by photographers and cameramen.
Despite all the media attention, the footballer failed to make a statement or speak with any members of the press.
Eriksson was accompanied by Panthongtae Shinawatra, the son of Thailand’s former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is now the owner of the football club. Panthongtae is fighting charges in Thailand for tax fraud.
It is rumored that Eriksson is in the country in order to sign Suree Sukha with the British club. The Thai international player would be the first Thai national to play with a top European club if the proposal is extended by Eriksson on Friday and accepted by Sukha.
Sukha currently earns about $300 a week playing for the domestic league but all that could change if he moved to Europe.
Eriksson is also visiting Bangkok in order to raise the profile of the team in Asia, but if that was his primary goal, he may have been disappointed. Although some fans turned out, the scene was dominated by media, security guards and Thaksin’s political supporters.
At least two dozen airport security guards accompanied Eriksson through the airport and into a luxury German sedan while around 50 cameramen tried to capture him on film.
Posted by: Jen on 15 Nov 2007, 18:38 -
Asian Tour promises big purses in 2008
On Monday, organizers of the 2008 Asian Tour announced that next year’s purses will be $3 million higher than last year. Eleven tournaments on the tour are offering a purse of over $1 million each with several prestigious tournaments in the Tour taking place in Thailand.
The Asian Tour is the fastest-growing golf circuit and next year will include tournaments in 16 different countries. The game has become increasingly popular both for participants and for spectators in the Asian region.
First opened in 1994, the Asian Tour in 2008 is currently offering a total prize fund of $27 million according to executive chairman Kyi Hla Han.
"Many of our events will raise their prize funds to record figures and this clearly signifies the growing strength of the game across the region and the support from corporate Asia," Kyi Hla Han said in a statement. "Negotiations are also in the final stages for a number of other events to be added to the schedule."
This year two new events joined the Tour. The Pine Valley Beijing Open and the Johor Open will participate again in 2008 and will offer more than double the prize pots awarded this year. The Malaysian Open is offering $2 million for the 2008 Tour but it is the Singapore Open which draws the world’s top players.
Thailand, which boasts some of the regions finest golf courses, will host the Bangkok Airways Open from June 5th to 8th, 2008 in Santiburi Samui. The purse being offered is $300,000.
Later in the year the Volvo Masters of Asia tournament will take place at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok from December 18th to 21st, 2008. The prize is $750,000.
Seven of the events already scheduled will be co-sanctioned with the European Tour. Nine tournaments in 2008 will be hosted within Chinese territories.
The Tour is scheduled to begin on January 24th although the location and prize purse have not been revealed.
Posted by: Jen on 08 Nov 2007, 12:27