Koh Phangan Full Moon Party & Dates 2012

The Full Moon Party has changed massively over the years, my first Full Moon Party was 18 years ago, so just imagine how much it has changed since then. Back then there was not even a road from the port to Haadrin, and if the crowds hit 1,500 we knew we were in for a big one! But one thing is for sure, everyone enjoys it massively, and come from all over the world to experience it.

Koh Phangan has a wide variety of hotels, resorts and bungalows, some with online reservation and special discounts, for others it is still fine to turn up without reservation. But as always, if you are coming for the Full Moon Party try arriving at least 3 days prior to the party. Places do fill up, and you don’t want to be scratching around for a tent, or staying on someone’s balcony.

The number one rule is always to be on your guard. The worldwide popularity of the Full Moon Party has unfortunately attracted some undesirables whose only intention is to profit from other people’s misery, definitely not in the spirit of the Full Moon Party, and how and why it has developed.

A few basic words of advice:

- Use a money belt, don’t have any handbags, rucksacks etc, you will lose them.

- Keep all valuables in a safety deposit box, phones, ipods, passports, credit cards, extra money etc, keep in a safe place until the next day.

- Wear something on your feet, glasses and bottles do break, and the last thing you want is a cut foot.

- Don't be under the assumption drugs are tolerated. This island has changed a lot over the years, and certain things that went on in the past, are not tolerated now. Thailand has had a severe crackdown and the police will come down hard on you. Expect a hefty fine and possibly a jail term if caught.

- DO NOT attempt to drive a jeep or motorbike to or from Haadrin. The road has always been terribly dangerous, and VERY difficult to navigate, even for a local. People die who neglect this advice, DO NOT be the next statistic.

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE TIME, BUT REMEMBER YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DON'T HEED THE ADVICE

Koh Phangan, Thailand – Memories of a life time

Full Moon Party Dates 2012

Tuesday 05, June
Tuesday 03, July
Saturday 04, August
Saturday 01, September
Sunday 30, September
Tuesday 30, October
Wednesday 28, November
Tuesday 25, December
Friday 28, December
Monday 31, December

Xmas 2012 Party Date
Friday 25, December 2012: Christmas Party

New Year 2013 Party Date
Thursday 31 December 2012:
New Year Party
Saturday 01 January 2013:
New Year's Day After Party

Half Moon Party Dates 2012

Monday 11, June
Wednesday 27, June
Wednesday 11, July
Thursday 26, July
Friday 10, August
Friday 24, August
Saturday 08, September
Saturday 22, September
Monday 08, October
Monday 22, October
Wednesday 07, November
Tuesday 20, November
Friday 07, December
Friday 21, December

Black Moon Party Dates 2012

Monday 18, June
Wednesday 18, July
Friday 17, August
Saturday 15, September
Monday 15, October
Tuesday 13, November
Thursday 13, December

Thailand rushes second phase of airport

The Airports of Thailand PLC are rushing ahead with their expansion plans for Suvarnabhumi Airport, to accommodate more passengers. They are expecting the visitor count to exceed 60 million in 5 years’ time.


This construction acceleration has been widely criticised, but the AoT insists the increased size is much needed to accommodate the growing number of tourists to the Kingdom.
AoT President Anirut Thanomkulbutr has revealed that the first phase of the national airport has the capacity to hold 45 million passengers per year. However, the total passenger count in 2011 has already exceeded this and is expected to reach 51 million this year.


The second phase of Suvarnabhumi Airport, worth 62.5 billion baht, is scheduled to be completed by 2017.


Meanwhile, the AoT has recently signed a contract with EPM Consortium who will be in charge of the management of the Suvarnabhumi Airport’s second phase during 2012-2018.


Let's hope this means a much improved airport for all visitors to Thailand.

Thailand International Tours website

Safe Motorcycle Riding in Thailand

Motorcycle riding in Thailand can be dangerous for novice riders not familiar with driving on the left-hand side of the road and with riding a motorcycle in general to be honest.

Numerous foreign tourists are killed in motorcycle accidents every year. Many of these deaths are admittedly due to the riders being drunk, but a massive amount of accidents are caused by car drivers who do not care about motorcyclists.

• Always wear a helmet, bring it from home if you intend to ride a big bike since Thai helmets offer only next to no protection.
• Wear protective clothing even if your leather gear from home will make you look ridiculous in Thailand.
• Sunglasses enhance vision and with Thailand being very sunny, essential.
• Never rely on your right-of-way.

Never rely on anyone stopping before entering the road from the right and especially from the left.

Motorcycles are at the bottom of the vehicle hierarchy prevalent in Thai traffic.

On the positive side Thai 4-wheel drivers are more accustomed to dealing with motorcycles in traffic than their counterparts in the colder countries of the west and east. Also, most have experience with motorcycles themselves.

In most cases of a crash the fault lies with the inexperienced foreigner with insufficient control over his bike. 

Do not be the next victim! Lots of fun can be had exploring Thailand on your motorbike, just don’t expect the same road laws as at home. Be always on the side of caution – if you think that car ahead ‘might’ pull out in front of you, in most cases he will!!

High Speed Railway: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Thailand’s Transport Minister has announced Thailand will finally look seriously into a high speed railway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. He expressed confidence the high-speed link will be ready by 2018.

While most tourists, and Thai people alike would love to cut the 12 to 14 hour journey to under 3 hours, most know it will be longer than 6 years away.

However, Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan has announced that Thailand and China have agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the country’s first high-speed rail project. With Chinese experts surveying the planned route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai high speed rail construction, which spans over 745 km, it has been suggested that the railway should be constructed to support a speed of approx 250 km/hour and focusing on passengers primarily.

The feasibility study of the project will take a year to finalize before construction can commence. The Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed rail is expected to be ready in service by 2018.

The source of fund remains to be determined based on public interest whether it should solely come from the Thai government's budget or a government-to-government cooperation.

Under a total budget of 983.47 billion baht, the Transport Ministry has plans to construct 5 high-speed rail routes, including Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Nong Khai, Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani, Bangkok-Rayong, and Bangkok-Padang Besar.

Thailand International Tours Website 

Lady Gaga hits Calypso Cabaret in Bangkok

The world famous Lady Gaga spent her first night out in evocative Bangkok down at the Ladyboy show at the Calypso Cabaret at the Asia Hotel.

This is the biggest transvestite cabaret show in Bangkok, Thailand, and the amazement value is shown by one of the current world’s leading pop stars going straight for this show upon her arrival in Bangkok.

Amid the gossip about fake Rolex watches, Lady Gaga had a fantastic time at the Calypso Cabaret. Khun Nipon, the manager of Calypso Cabaret, said Lady Gaga's had reserved at least 20 seats for the cabaret show but not many at the show thought she would really show up. Luckily for all those who work tirelessly to put on nightly shows at the Calypso Cabaret, they were in for a once in a lifetime treat.

"I feel proud and excited because millions of people spend their money to see her concerts but the pop superstar spends her money to see our Calypso Cabaret show," reported Khun Nipon, obviously extremely proud.

Lady Gaga was so impressed with the one-hour show that she went backstage afterwards to congratulate all the ladyboy performers.

Lady Gaga lands at Bangkok Airport in Latex

At the airport, Gaga was welcomed by thousands of fans in fancy costumes. With a ginger-dyed bouffant hairstyle and face hidden by black sunglasses, the singer herself wore a snug-fitting floor-length black latex dress designed by Atusko Kudo Latex Couture London. The outfit was accessorised with a diamond necklace and matching bracelets. 

Accompanied by bodyguards and police, she briefly greeted fans and posed for photos before getting into a car under police escort.

For the biggest concert ever put on by the promoter BEC-Tero, Lady Gaga’s props and gear have been transported by three 747 aircraft and in 23 shipping containers by sea.

So when you are next in Bangkok, allow one of Thailand International Tours’ concierge drivers to whisk you down to one of the Calypso Cabaret shows for a night you will never forget. What’s first on the list of the Queen of Pop must be fun!!

Lady Gaga hits Bangkok

Sick & Tired of Knowing You Are NOT Properly Clean After THE Bathroom?

Do You Want a PROVEN SOLUTION To That Itchy Butt, 

Less Than Shower Fresh Clean For Good?

YOU NEED THE BUM GUN BIDET SPRAYER

http://www.thebumgun.com/store/

Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has this week unveiled a new digital media campaign with Fox Kalomaski Crossing.

The ‘Thailand Reunited’ activity targets key audiences, including weddings and honeymoons, family, photography, golf, eco and alternative tourism; and includes Facebook advertising, media and brand partners, relevant travel experts, bloggers, and monthly competitions.

Gary Jacobs, Fox Kalomaski Crossing’s CEO, said: “Our core proposition for Thailand Reunited is to re-connect people who have visited Thailand in the past (850,000 British visitors annually of which 65% are repeat), inviting them to share their experiences with fans of the Facebook page 'Thailand Fan Club', which has been newly designed to allow story and image uploading and interaction via an app.”

Joanna Cooke, TAT’s head of consumer marketing, said: “We were pleased and impressed by the response to FKC's target-smashing Thailand photography promotion last year. Our campaign objective for 2012 remains to build our database and raise awareness and increase the number of fans to our Facebook page as we grow and develop our social media communications. I am confident, given their track record with us and in the travel business, that FKC’s new campaign will deliver successfully.”

Bangkok Ladyboy Party

There is a big Ladyboy Party at Silom, Soi 4, Bangkok tonight. Head on down for a wild night of fun & fantasy.

Save Your Marriage With The Bum Gun Bidet Sprayer

Welcome to the Firehouse!

Best Burgers in Bangkok

Relax at the Firehouse, where you can enjoy your favourite beverages with their delicious home-cooked style bar dishes prepared to order from only the freshest ingredients.  Their signature FIREHOUSE burgers could be the very best in the Bangkok. Scores of customers can attest to that for sure. All burgers are custom made to order and grilled to juicy perfection, just like you luv them!.  

Fish n Chips Bangkok

The special FIREHOUSE fish and chips are also awesome and might even take the crown as the tastiest in town. Many of our English & Australian clients do agree they are amazing!!

Starting today, are some exciting new dishes!  Tasty new burgers, like the 911 Burger, the FIREHOUSE Mini-Burger. Not sure why they call it mini, weighing in at a whopping 110g.

Just as tasty is the Premium Burger, for smaller appetites, and the new Veggie Burger. Delight all round for burger lovers!!.

Also starting today is their new FIREMAN Menu, featuring comfort-food home cooked dishes. Take the Texas style 100% beef Hot Chili, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mac n Cheese, Clam-Chowder, Cajun Shrimp, and Pork Short Ribs, you will struggle to decide which one to go for. 

Wash all this down with ice cold beers, bottled or on tap. There is also a wide selection of wines for all budgets.

Firehouse Location & Hours

They are easy to find, located on the ground floor of the Seasons Boutique Hotel, directly across the street from Q Bar.

Opening hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 12-midnight.  They are closed on Mondays.

Thailand International Tours Concierge 
 

New Honorary Consul in for Finland in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI: Finland's new Honorary Consul in Chiang Mai is Mr. Narong Kongpraser. He will start his duties this May after Thailand and Finland have accepted his nomination. His predecessor Dr Supavat Poovakul retired from the position after having nurtured Thai-Finnish relations for the last decade and a half.

Mr. Narong is a local powerhouse with good connections. He runs his own business and is a chairman of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce.

Besides Chiang Mai, Mr. Narong's nomination covers also the provinces of Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Sot, Nan, Phayao and Phrae.

This is especially good news for Finnish tourists and Finnish businessmen who are interested in doing business in and around these Northern Thai provinces.

Admittedly, Thailand International Tours does not have too many Finnish clients, but we have had a selection over the years. Hopefully, this development in the Consul will encourage more Finnish tourists and businessmen to try Thailand.

http://www.thailandinternationaltours.com/

Lufthansa: Haute cuisine on the fly

Fly Lufthansa's First and Business classes

Fly Lufthansa's First and Business classes, and dine in style. Part of the Star Chefs programme, Germany's flag carrier brings haute cuisine to the air for passengers onboard its daily flights from Bangkok to Frankfurt and Singapore to Frankfurt. The food is orchestrated by Executive Chef Leonardo Concezzi of St Regis Hotel Bangkok.

Lufthansa: One of Thailand International Tours’ preferred business partners

http://www.thailandinternationaltours.com

Chilling with Crispy Baguette at D'Sens

D'Sens Bangkok Experience

The acclaimed musical trio known as Crispy Baguette DJs will be adding their blend of carefully chosen music to the ambience in the lounge area of Dusit Thani Bangkok's top floor French restaurant, D'Sens. Led by DJ Lom, the music will set the mood from 6.30pm until 10pm everyday except Sunday. The female DJs will be taking it in turns to add flair to the flavour in D'Sens half-moon shaped lounge area, an ideal location for relaxing with friends. The hotel is a short walk from Silom MRT and Saladaeng BTS stations.

For more info on D’Sen, check out our website:

http://www.thailandinternationaltours.com/index.php/guides/things-to-do/dining-out/136-d-sen-bar-and-restaurant.html