Zoom Pattaya Festival 2012 March 30 – 31

In conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Pattaya City hall the Zoom Pattaya Festival will be taking place Bali Hai Beach Pattaya on the 30th and 31st of March 2012. 

There will be 3 stages, with each stage hosting a distinct music style such as Hip Hop, R&B, House, and Dub Step. More than 50 Djs will participate in the event, featuring Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, DJ Domination – the world’s best Video DJ winner 2012 – Teddy O, Slick, Eddie Pay and Thailand’s own top DJs Dome Pakorn Lum, Monton Jira, and many other notable personalities. 

Tickets will be 200 Baht per person. 
Fore more information on this festival please visit the Zoom Pattaya Festival 2012 website and for more information on all upcoming Thailand events please visit the Thailand Event Calender.

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Sak Yant Thai Tattoos

Sak Yant Tattoos

Sak Yant is the Thai name for sacred geometrical designs inked into the skin. Sak is the Thai word for tattoo and Yant, or Yantra as it is known elsewhere in the world, is the Thai name for a geometrical design believed to posses magical powers of protection.

The Sak Yant tattoos are normally inked by Buddhist Monks or Brahmin priests/holy men. Each of the different Sak Yant tattoo designs is said to carry a certain protection, some Thai’s believe that when a design is inked onto your skin by a Buddhist monk you then become imbued with that protection. Some designs are meant to give the owner the power to charm a lover or become wealthy while others offer protection against enemies.

Yant tattooing is an ancient Buddhist tradition practiced in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The prayers tattooed around the Yant are written in Pali Sanskrit, the original language of Buddha, using ancient Khom or Khmer lettering. The use of magic Yantras and the sacred alphabet to wrtite them has been a common practice with the Khmer race for thousands of years.

Local beliefs in Nature Spirits, Animism, and other sub-belief systems have been incorporated into the vast array of Yant designs used in traditional Thai Sak Yant Tattooing. The Sak Yant tradition in ancient Thailand times had warriors being given Sak Yant tattoos as it was believed that the Sak Yant would protect them by making their bodies more slippery and harder to grab in battle.

This particular ancient tradition of Sak Yant tattoos for warriors saw the development over time of new Sak Yant Tattoos that would be inked to protect against penetrative weapons such as guns and knives. Some Thai’s believed that if you were covered with Sak Yant tattoos it would make your skin slippery and hard to penetrate by these types of weapons.

Thai Sak Yant tattoos represent the myths of Himmaphan. The unique designs depict the images of the gods Shiva, Brahma, Rahoon, Rama, Lak, Ramayana and Hanuman who Thai’s believe are celestial beings. Having the images of these gods inscribed on ones body is thought to bring good luck.

Each Sak Yant tatto has it’s own particular design, method and meaning Each Sak Yant tattoo also has a prayer ( Kataa ) that accompanies it and is the final step of the tattooing process as the monk speaks the Kataa and blows it’s words into the newly inscribed tattoo, awakening it’s power. The Sak Yant is said to become alive and to continue growing with it’s owner for the rest of their lives.

Sak Yant tattoos have a very strict application method that must be adhered to and takes many years to master at the training of Yant masters. The tattooist must concentrate very hard while inscribing the tattoo as he must silently chant a mantra that changes with each new element of the design while inscribing the ancient Khmer lines.The recitation helps to pass on the magic onto the Sak Yant Tattoo.

Sak Yant Tattoo Tools & Inks

The tools and preparation of  inks used in traditional Sak Yant tattooing today vary from temple to temple and with every Yant Master. In ancient times monks used a very hard , sharpened to a point Rattan tree thorn which would be up to three feet in length. As time went on monks found other suitable objects used to inscribe the Sak Yant tattoos such as sharpened umbrella spikes and often coffin nails that were picked up after a traditional cremation would be sharpened and attached to the end of a stick to use.

Whatever instrument was ultimately used by the monks they would have to be prepared as well by singing and chanting matras that would be blown into the new tool by the monks to give it magical powers.

The preparation of the inks used also vary from Yant Master to Yant Master with some preferring to prepare their inks the ancient ways from the sap of a rare tree found in the North East area of Thailand ( issan ). The sap is cooked into a black pigment to which a small amount of snake venom is added. While other Yant masters prefer to use Chinese ink mixed with aromatic oils and whiskey.

The Meanings of Thai Sak Yant Tattoos

  

Each Thai Sak Yant Tattoo has it’s own particular meaning and purpose. The beliefs stem from ancient Thai peoples and culture. While not all Thai people today subscribe to the belief in the power of the Yant tattoos, there are still many Thai’s from every walk of life who not only believe but practice the ancient art often.

The following are just a few of the more popular Sak Yant designs and their meanings.

Hanuman Soong Rith ( White Magic Monkey ): In the Ramayana Indian tale, Hanuman is immortal, lucky in game and lucky in love. If you want success in life, protection from weapons and want to be lucky in love, then this is the Sak Yant tattoo for you.

Gao Yord ( Nava Horakoon ): This is probably the most popular of the Sak Yants for newcomers. Also known as the nine spires the Gao Yord is is explained by the 9 magic abilities of Lord Buddha that appear in 9 lines of the tattoo’s inscription. This is a good Sak Yant for protection.

Matchanu ( Semi God’s Monkey & Fish ): Matchanu is the son of Hanuman and Suwanmadcha ( mermaid ) This Tatoo looks very similar to Hanuman except if you look closer it has a tail like a mermaids. This is a popular Yant with the fishermen.

Ganesh ( Pra Pikanesha ): Ganesh is the god of wealth and success and very recognizable by the elephants head on a human body. This Yant is considered good for artists, actors, singers and technicians, and, of course, people who want to be wealthy.

Erawan Elephant: The Erawan Elephant is a god elephant with three faces. He is the largest and most powerful of all elephants in heavan and is the mount of Indian God Indre. This Yant is particularly sought out by travelers and politicians as it protects the owner from harm.

Rules of the Sak Yant

After you receive your sak Yant tattoo and it is blessed by the monk you are usually given instructions or rules to follow in order for your you to make sure the Yant’s magical powers remain. Some monks may tell you that you must recite a certain Buddhist mantra every morning or that you must closely follow the 5 precepts of Buddhism closely as not to devalue your Yant and lose it’s power.

Buddhism is the most profound and wholesome education directed by the Buddha towards all people. Five precepts are the curriculum of Buddhist teaching, which are embraced in the moral code of Buddhism. By observing precepts, not only do you cultivate your moral strength, but you also perform the highest service to your fellow beings. The Five Precepts are:

1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
4. Do not make false speech
5. Do not take intoxicants

It is believed that if you do not follow the 5 Buddhist precepts that your Yant will not only lose it’s power but the wearer will also lose their moral strength.

There is also the question of women. Some monks believe that woman should never touch the Sak Yant while other monks believe it is okay as long as the woman in question asks and is given permission first. When the touching occurs the Yant wearer should be in a lower position than that of the person touching the Yant.

Where to get a Thai Sak Yant Tattoo

Most Wats ( temples ) have at least one monk who can inscribe the Sak Yant but there are several popular Temples such as Wat Bang Phra in Bangkok where the faithful go daily to have Yant’s done. There are also Yant Masters around Thailand that are not monks and also do Sak Yant Tattoos. Some of these Yant Masters such as Ajarn Noo Kanphai are very popular for their work and that of their students. Ajarn Noo is the Yant Master that gave Angelina Jolie her Sak Yant tattoos.

Sak Yant Tattoo Cost

If you are having the Yant done at Wat then the cost is very inexpensive. You will be required to make a spiritual offering which usually consists of a pack of cigarettes, candles and incense which usually rins about 80-100 baht ( around $3.00 ). You will also be required to give a monetary donation that is usually between 50-200 baht ( $1.50-$$6.00 ). Done at a Wat the Sak Yant not only is inexpensive but you get the whole experience.

Sak Yants done by Yant Master outside of the Wats are usually more expensive and if done by someone like Ajarn Noo then we are talking serious money. It’s said he now charges over 100,000 baht to anyone wanting g the Tiger Yant like the one he gave Angelina Jolie, that’s over $3000. The one reason many seek out individual Yant Masters as their work is usually of a finer detail and much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

No matter what you choose, make sure you have thought through your decision to get a Sak Yant Thai Tattoo, because like any tattoo it will be for life. If it’s definitely on your agenda then I would suggest going to Wat Bang Phra in Bangkok to get your first Sak Yant.

“Asiatique The Riverfront” : The Unique Riverfront Destination

“Asiatique The Riverfront” : The Unique Riverfront Destination





TCC Land is launching a new lifestyle shopping development in Bangkok known as "Asiatique the River Front" along the Chao Phraya River which will be the largest of its kind in Asia. With a total land area of over 72 rai (22 acres) and based on the theme "Festival Market and Living Museum," the developers are hoping to attract both Thai and foreign shoppers. The center will be highlighting over 1,500 stores, theaters and panoramic restaurants and will be opening by December 2011.

For the Asiatique the River project, the company will open the first phase at the end of this year and plans for its grand opening next March. The project has now already succeeded in booking 90 per cent of the total retail space for rent. The company offers prices of between Bt1,000 and Bt2,000 per square metre a month. The project is close to the Chao Phraya River and about five minutes by car from the Krung Thon Skytrain station.

The two target customer demographics are young working people aged 25 years or more with a middle-income and an independent lifestyle. They like new places, socialize with friends after work and love to shop. The other group is tourists and expatriates living in Thailand who prefer purchasing a variety of products as souvenirs and desire the ability to explore the art and culture of Thailand, including activities and entertainment in the same location.

The project is divided into four main areas.

1. Charoenkrung district – Includes a souvenir shop for tourists. More than 700 home decoration stores, including a theater that supports over 400 seats audience. For those who love Thai arts and culture a small puppet play by Joe Louis company or Calypso, cabaret

2. The center district. Over 2,000 square meters of outdoor area and International Food Circus Zone that includes foods from many different countries.

3. Industrial Zone – include pubs, restaurants, fashion shops and more than 1,000 Decorative stores.

4. Waterfront district and a range of restaurants include Italian, Thai, Chinese Japanese-style and seafood with a panorama view and so on.

The additions mean the group's retail businesses would reach a combined 700,000 square metres next year when Asiatique the Riverfront opens in March and Digital Gateway at the end of 2012. Half of the total 700,000sqm will be retail space and the other half for car parks, event areas and other project facilities.

TCC Land Group has six property businesses: retail, hospitality, office buildings, golf courses, exhibitions, and residential. This group has total revenue of nearly Bt10 billion a year.

Currently, the company has combined retail space of about 650,000 sqm. This total includes the Pantip shopping centers, The Market, Digital Gateway at Siam Square and Tawanna. Along with the new project, "Asiatique The River Front," the company is also developing another Digital Gateway Center on Ekamai Road off Sukhumvit Road.

The group's annual rental fees from retail businesses has been hovering between 1.2 billion and 1.5 billion baht ($40-50 million). When both Asiatique and Digital Gateway at Ekamai are completed next year, the company expects that rental fees from retail businesses will reach Bt2 billion in the next two years.

Sum Rap Thai A Guide To Ordering Thai Food

        
Sum rap Thai literally means “a Thai set,” and applies to the correct serving and pairing of Thai dishes. 

Popular Thai food critic and writer Mom Luang Sirichalerm Svasti, who goes by the pen name Chef McDang, writes in his book Principles of Thai Cookery, “We think of all parts of the meal as a whole – sum rap Thai (the way Thais eat), is the term we use for the unique components that make up a characteristically Thai meal.” 

In essence, sum rap Thai conveys firstly how a meal is served and eaten, including for class and regional variations; and secondly how particular dishes are paired with others. 

Thais have become more sophisticated in their eating habits over the past two centuries, explains McDang, and “Sum rap Thai is a fairly new invention in Thai food culture. It came about as the country is the land of plenty and people have become richer, and the abundance of raw materials to cook with has expanded.” 

“In ancient times we considered rice a meal.” McDang continues. “We ate it with fruits and fish sauce; or something as simple as just sticky rice and jaeow (a northeastern Thai or I-San style dip). This would still constitute a meal. So do not mistake the ancient way of eating with sum rap Thai,” reiterating that sum rap Thai was “invented by sophisticated Thai diners later on in Thai culinary history.” 

How to order Thai food 
A typical Thai meal set today includes a curry; a stir fry vegetable usually with meat; a fried dish; soup; a tart salad-like yum; and a dipping sauce (kreung jim) with cooked and/or fresh vegetables. In this list, McDang calls such dipping sauce condiments “perhaps most important of all”. But surprisingly, it is the dish least known to foreigners, and relatively rare to find in an overseas restaurant menu. Likened to a chilli jam or condiment, examples like nam prik, lohn and jaeow highlight the simplest of set menus. For example, a farmer packs his plaid pha khao mah cloth ‘lunchbox’ with rice and nam prik for protein, plus some local fruits and vegetables – a uniquely Asian version of a ploughman’s lunch. But that is not sum rap Thai. 
In a more formal setting, the composition of all dishes is important. Soup, for example, clears the palate and washes things down. The remaining dishes all add contrasting yet complementary flavours and textures, but each one is individually different. 

Presumably the reason so many tourists complain Thai food is too spicy-hot or too sweet is because they don’t marry or pair dishes of contrasting flavours. Simply put, not all Thai dishes are uniformly chilli-hot, so match a spicy yum or hot kaeng pa jungle curry with blander fried foods that coat the mouth. Likewise, sweet-savoury offerings foil chilli as do cooling soups and neutralising rice. 

How Thais Eat 
“Kin khao”, the colloquial invitation to dine in Thai, means ‘‘eat rice’’. Every Thai meal’s main glory is that grain, whether white, coloured, blended, sticky or standard. One can go so far as to state that all other dishes, known collectively as kap khao (which literally means with rice), are mere accompaniments. 

“In Thailand everything is served all at once, and you eat it with rice,” explains McDang. “There are no courses.” Likewise, there is no appetizer, although there are snacks aplenty, especially for those grazing market stalls. 

Hawker food aside, don’t order a single dish to consume on your own. Thai dining is the essence of relaxed conviviality, and the sharing of several dishes is part and parcel of the ritual. Rather, Thai diners communally portion dishes from the middle of the table. You are quite likely to see Thais doing the same thing when eating at fine French restaurants in Bangkok – it is ingrained in their culture. 

A typical place setting features rice on individual plates for eating main dishes. Sometimes the rice is served separately in small bowls or from large communal bowls, then portioned on to a plate. While each person is served his own grain, other foods are served from bowls or small platters placed in the centre, then on to personal plates. Food is not scooped atop a rice bowl as in China. 

More importantly, as individual dishes are consumed together as a set, uninitiated foreigners are cautioned not to dive into each dish when it first comes to table. Thais are seemingly lethargic until all the dishes are put before them — a full set or sum rap, so to speak. Even then, take only a small portion of one dish to consume at a time, before a second morsel from another platter. And unlike, say, an Indian meal where rice reigns at the plate centre with ‘courtier’ side servings ringed around, in a Thai meal one never takes everything at the same time. 

One reason for this is Thai concepts of food temperature – or lack thereof. “Thais have no concept of hot food served hot, and cold food served cold, ’’ explains McDang. “It’s all room temperature. We live in the tropics, and we serve hot rice and ‘cold’ main dishes.” 

Harried cooks will value the fact that preparing a Thai meal does not mean precise timing from stove to table. Although soups are invariably hot (“When hot food is eaten, it opens the pores in your mouth, giving you fresher tastes,” says McDang) and stir-fries easily cooked to order, other dishes like kaeng (or gaeng) curries are commonly served at room temperature. Granted, tropical room temperature may prove much warmer than in other parts of the world. Once a curry cooks, for example, it can sit well away from the stove until ready to eat or sell, and in fact, the flavour of many of these dishes improves during this slow steeping. 

Spoon and Fork 
In regional areas like Lao Isan and in the Lanna North, both where sticky rice prevails, locals still eat with their hands. But nearly two centuries ago Thais were introduced to forks and spoons. With most of the food cut or chopped into small mouth-sized pieces, knives remain an anomaly and are not provided outside of international restaurants. Likewise, chopsticks are reserved solely for streetside noodle dishes or dining in Chinese eateries. Consequently, Thai servings are pre-cut into portions small enough for a spoon, or tender enough to break apart using just a fork and spoon. In Thailand, never put your fork in your mouth – that is what spoons are for. 
“The fork and spoon are well-suited to Thai food: the fork shepherds the food onto the spoon, which is then used to lift the food to the mouth,” McDang explains. By contrast, when eating rice and curries with a fork (as in the West) “you miss out on all the great juices and curry that are an integral part of the taste experience ”. 

In an article he wrote for CNNGo, McDang goes on to discuss this concept of kluk (pronounced ‘klook’). “Use a spoon to get a real snapshot of what Thai food is about. Mixing different dishes into your rice with your fork and spoon, getting your own personal measures of each dish on your spoon each time. This is very important to Thai food: it's part of our culture and makes eating so interesting because you get so many flavours and textures.” 

When eating a Thai dish, counsels McDang, “Just shut your eyes, stick it in your mouth and just experience the flavours and textures blending in your mouth. You mix everything in your mouth and when you chew it you blend it all together.’’ We hasten to add, he is talking about eating one specific dish at a time, albeit with rice; not a combination of several dishes scooped together. 

“This absolutely contrasts to French cuisine, where it is all blended before you put it in your mouth,” he explains, using the example of steak au poivre – with its pre-seasoning and sauce. “When you eat Thai cuisine, you can’t approach it like a Western meal.” 

McDang notes that there are is also a sum rap-style set for Thai desserts, but warns that Westerners over the past century have not been especially enamoured of them. Thai desserts are essentially dumplings made from coconut milk or cream, palm sugar, salt, fruits, rice flour and sticky rice flour. They are generally very sweet. With Thailand offering some of the best tropical fruits in the world, many restaurants and households, especially those hosting foreigners, offer fresh fruits at the end of a meal as a refreshing palate cleanser. 





Regional Flavours: 
Regional examples of sum rap include northern khan toke, and northeastern I-san Palaeng – or dinner set, served from short-raised tables with guests sitting phub phiab cross-legged on the floor. Both are served with sticky rice, and in the case of Chiang Mai in the north, local specialties like nam prik num or nong chilli dip, crispy fried pork skins, Indian-spicy kaeng hunglay or herbal kaeng kae, and haw mok custard. “But for the Central Plains, a set meal means a lot more, because it means ‘what goes with what,’” says McDang. Central Thailand, which includes the capital Bangkok, is a trade entrepot. Consequently, it reflects the riches of a kingdom, not just one region. “So it’s why we started eating different dishes, with fusion included, from all the trade.” 

In essence, the origin of sum rap Thai.   

Do’s and Don’ts 
        Select a range of cooking styles and flavours: a soup, a curry, a salad, fried and deep fried dishes, for example. 
 
        Order several dishes to share; not per person. 
 
        Place dishes in the centre of the table, and serve communally. 
 
        Eat with rice. 
 
        Dish yourself a minimal portion of one item at a time; not all together. 
 
         Eat with your spoon, pushing food on to the spoon with the fork. 
 
        Be adventurous! 
Perfect Pairing 
“To a Thai, certain pairings are known innately,” states Chef McDang, noting that the variety of “accompaniments necessary for each dish depends on how rich or poor you are and whether you are able to procure these ingredients to accompany the dish.” Here are his recommended couplings of dishes “that have to be accompanied by other things to improve taste”. 

Sour Curry (Kaeng Som) 
Accompanied by: 
Thai Omellette (Kai Jeow) or Fried Crispy Salty Fish (Pla Krop) 

Kaeng Pa Jungle Curry "any style with any type of protein" 
No coconut milk in these curries 
Accompanied by: 
Fried Salted Fish (Pla Khem Tot) or Salted Pork (Moo Dat Deow Tot) 

Green Curry "with any kind of protein" (Kaeng Kheow Wan) 
Accompanied by: 
Crispy Fried Sun Dried Fish (Pla Salit Tot) 
or Salted Fish (Pla Khem Tot) 
or Salted Egg (Khai Khem) 

Yellow Curry "with any kind of protein" (Kaeng Karie) 
Accompanied by: 
Toasted Coconut Chips (Maphrao Kua) or Fried Ripe Bananas (Kluay Tot) 

Chili Dip in a Boat (Nam Prik Long Ruea) 
Accompanied by cooked and raw vegetables such as cucumber or Curcuma (Khamin Khao) 
or Crispy Flaky Fried Catfish Meat (Pla Duk Foo) 
or Sweet Tender Pork Belly Pieces (Moo Wan) 
or Salted Egg (Khai Khem) 

Green Beef Curry with Fresh Garden Thai Chilli Peppers (Kaeng Kheow Wan Nuea Prik Kee Nu Suan) 
Accompanied by: 
Fried Roti (Roti Tot) 
Chef McDang’s Suggested menu 
Sum Rap # 1 
        Beef Jungle Curry with Pumpkin (Kaeng Pa Nuea Kup Fak Thong) 
        Stir Fried Chinese Broccoli and Salted Fish (Pat Kahna Pla Khem) 
        Coriander Roots, Thai Garlic and White Peppercorn Marinated Deep Fried Fish 
(Pla Tot Kratiem Prik Thai) 
        Pork Broth with Vegetable, Ground Pork and Egg Custard (Kaeng Jued Look Lawk) 
        Fermented Soybean and Coconut Cream Dip with accompanying vegetables 
(Lohn Tao Jeow) 
        Wing Bean Salad (Yum Tua Plu) 

Sum Rap # 2 
        Green Curry with Pla Grai Fish Balls (Gaeng Kheow Wan Look Chin Pla Krai) 
        Hearts of Coconut Stir-fried with Chili Garlic and Prawns (Yot Maprao Pat Koong) 
        Spicy Vegetable Soup (Kaeng Liang) 
        Marinated River Prawns fried with Garlic, White Peppercorns and Cilantro Roots 
(Koong Mae Nam Tot Gratiem Prik Thai) 
        Thai Beef Salad, Plah Style (Plah Nuea) 
        Fresh Young Tamarind Chili Dip with accompanying vegetable, sweet pork, and salted egg (Nam Prik Makham Sot Gup Pak Ruam, Moo Wan, Lae Khai Khem)

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A Valentine's Day marathon: Gay Thai couple break TWO-DAY world record for longest kiss

A gay couple celebrated Valentine's Day by breaking the world record for the longest ever kiss after managing to keep their lips locked together for an incredible 50 hours, 25 minutes and one seconds. 
Nontawat Jaroegenasornsin, 31, and his partner Thanakorn Sittiamthong, 28, beat the previous winners of the Guinness World Record longest continuous kisstoday by just over four hours. 
They were one of just seven Thai couples to enter the annual Ripley's Believe It or Not longest kissing challenge in the resort town of Pattaya, Thailand, which started on Sunday. 

Winners: Couple Tanakorn Sittiamthong, 28, right, and Nonthawat Charoengaysornsin, 31, left, after wining the Guinness World Record longest continuous kiss 

Locked lips: Tanakorn Sittiamthong, 28, centre right, and Nonthawat Charoengaysornsin, 31, centre left, kissing during the competition 
Competing couples had to keep their lips locked throughout the contest - even during bathroom breaks, eating meals and drinking through a straw. 
The toilet is off-limits for the first three hours of the contest but after that, lips still together, they must be accompanied by a referee for any bathroom breaks. 
  
More... 
Kate's happy Valentine's: William may be away in Falklands but there is no shortage of admirers for the Duchess of Cambridge 
So who needs a man? On Valentine's Day, girls, not guys, are happy to go solo 
Mr Jaroegenasornsin said: 'We are happy about the result. We won because we supported each other. 
'Last year we only lasted 22 hours. So we decided to come to this competition to compete again.' 
The couple won $6,500 worth of diamond rings, cash and a voucher for a five-star hotel in Thailand. 

Former record holders: Ekkachai Tiranarat, 42, right, and his wife Laksana, 31, kissed for 49 hours before calling it a day 
Lakkana Tiranarat and her husband Ekkachai won last year's contest after kissing for 46 hours, 24 minutes and nine seconds. 
They were back again this year and speaking before the start of the competition, Mrs Tiranarat said: 'We'll try to do better than last year but maybe just for a little longer. We'll see how tough the other competitors are but we'll do our best.' 
But she said the couple decided to call it a day 'because we want to keep our love' leaving Mr Jaroegenasornsin and Mr Sittiamthong to win. 
Somporn Naksuethrong, general manager of Ripley's World Pattaya, said: 'The world record last year of 46 hours, 24 minutes and nine seconds is very difficult to beat. Contestants have to be patient to prove their love. 

Quick sip: Laksana Tiranara, left, takes an energy drink while kissing her husband Akechai Tiranarat during the World's Longest Continuous Kiss Competition in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand 

Dedication: A judge prepares to close a curtain as contestants Akechai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranara, right, attempt a bathroom stop while still kissing each other 
Meanwhile, couples across the globe were celebrating their love for one another in some very unique ways. 
A one-minute kissing competition earned participants a free Valentine's Day dinner in Shanghai. 
And in Taiwan, 101 individuals proclaimed their love by paying thousands of dollars to have a message displayed on the side of Taipei's tallest building. 
In Paris, the City of Love, couples attached personalized padlocks to a fence along the Pont des Arts Bridge over the River Seine - dumping the key in the river. 
A new poll has found that 63 percent of people in marriages or domestic partnerships had a happy Valentine's Day - saying their partners bring them the greatest happiness in life. 
It is unclear where Valentine's Day first originated from but there are several myths surrounding three separate Saint Valentines that vary around the world. 

Passionate: Non Wittayanuch and her partner Tanasuk Ariyadej, right, kissing during the World's Longest Continuous Kiss Competition

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Essential Sweet Temptation @ Centara

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya invite you to celebrate St.Valentine Day, with “Romantic St.Valentine’s Buffet” at Oasis restaurant. Our Executive Chef, Peter Held, will provide various of international food. 

Just only THB 1,399.- net per person including a glass of sparkling rose, sweet cup cake and photo memorial. Or more than sweet with our pastry, an exquisite heart shaped strawberry mousse cake with a passionate pink glaze and a light dusting of white chocolate snowflakes clustered around the base. A bite of something sweet will trigger romantic emotions for some to pop that all important question to that significant person in their life.

For more information or table reservations, please contact 038-301 234 or email : cmbr@chr.co.th

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the premier island destination in the Gulf of Thailand; Samui is easily accessible, features beautiful beaches and a variety of activities, and caters to visitors on any budget.

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second most popular island destination, is located in the Gulf of Thailand roughly 700km south of Bangkok and 80km from Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and the largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands that includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking paradise and top day trip from Koh Samui. While Samui is small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car, the island features such a variety of beaches and activities that it would be impossible to experience everything in a single visit. However, this was not always the case.

Until the late 20th century, Samui was home to a small community engaged primarily in fishing and harvesting coconuts. There were not even any roads on the island until the early 1970s. However, once foreign visitors discovered this island gem, lush with tropical forest, fringed with palm tree lined stretches of golden sand, and surrounded by pellucid, aquamarine water, development quickly followed.

Today the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are bustling beach towns with fabulous beach resorts, internationally acclaimed restaurants, and world-class nightclubs; activities around Koh Samui include cooking courses, yoga instruction, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and even golf. While there are a few quieter beaches that are ideal for relaxation, particularly those that feature some of the finest 5-star resorts in the world, and some that exude old world charm, such as Bo Phut, which features converted, old Chinese shop houses, Samui is far from the unspoiled island it was a few decades ago. Nonetheless, Koh Samui has developed into its own style of island paradise, retaining much of its natural beauty while offering nearly every imaginable activity or service for the ultimate beach holiday.


Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand, is the second most popular island destination in the kingdom, thanks in part to its airport that connects the island to a number of Thai and international destinations. Koh Samui features spectacular beaches, outstanding dining, and a comprehensive array of activities including cooking courses, yoga instruction, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and even golf. Koh Samui has secluded beaches that are the exclusive domain of luxury 5-star resorts, family friendly beaches with shallow shores, and shopping, dining, and nightlife venues that make the island a paradise both day and night.

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony Marks Its 16th Anniversary This Year

A unique event for Valentine’s Day was initiated 16 years ago in Trang Province in the South, with former divers tying their knots underwater, witnessed by Thai officials who issued them marriage registration certificates. Trang residents warmly congratulated them and celebrated their wedding in their traditional style.

Since then, the underwater wedding has become institutionalized as an annual festive event for the province, joined by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and various organizations and agencies both in the public and private sectors. Divers and non-divers from all over the world take part in the event each year.

This year, Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony marks the 16th anniversary of the event, with 40 couples registered to take part, and all involved prepared to make the occasion the most spectacular and impressive for all. The event has been moved up to 10 – 12 February, to avoid clashing with other Valentine’s Day celebrations in the Province and elsewhere.

President of the Chamber of Commerce of Trang Province, Salil Tohtubtiang, says that the Underwater Wedding Ceremony has become established in the tourism calendar and has brought fame as well as tourism income to the province. This year, the event emphasizes flowers and smiles , Thai culture and local lifestyle as the theme.

Wedding couples will be welcomed in the morning of 10 February at Trang International Airport. They will then be taken on a procession to join the planting of the Si Trang or Jacaranda trees, the symbol of the province, at the Garden of the Trees of Love, within the Botanical Garden of the South in Yan Ta Khao District.

In the evening, a traditional Thai wedding ceremony is performed for them at the open space in front of the Governor’s residence, with a procession taking them from the Trang Municipality along Rama VI Road to the Trang Railway Station, a distance of one kilometer, to visit the walking street there, before taking Tuk Tuk to Tubtiang Park, where the Underwater Wedding Ceremony is inaugurated, along with the reception for the wedding couples.

On 11 February in the morning, couples travel to Pak Meng Pier. Those who are not divers are taken to tour Tham Morakot and Ko Kradan, while divers take speedboats to Ko Kradan, the prime dive site in the Andaman Sea to take part in the underwater wedding at the depth of about 10 meters. A party takes place along with a spectacular firework display in the sea at the Srivijaya Ratchamongkhon University of Technology, Trang Campus.

On the next day, the wedding couples tour various tourist attractions in Trang Province before departing for their homes.

Trang , or the city of Tubtiang, was formerly a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first place where rubber was planted in Thailand. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber saplings from Malaysia and planted them here in 1899. The Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range, and the Palian River flows from the Banthat mountains.

With its rich natural resources and strong link to foreign trade, Trang is welcoming lovers from all over the world to its marvelous dive site in the Andaman Sea and to partake in its unique tradition and lifestyle.

Pattaya Burapa Bike Week 2012

The 15th annual Pattaya Burapa Bike Week will be happening February 10th and 11th at the Pattaya Sports Arena in Jomtien. This is one Pattaya event you don’t want to miss. There will be bikes and riders from all over South East Asia and hundreds of the coolest custom bikes you will ever see.

The weekend long event is filled with stunt shows, great live music and tons of great food. There is literally something for everyone at Pattaya Burapa Bike Week. There will be vendors from all the major bike retailers and shops around SE Asia selling everything from t-shirts to full custom rides. There are usually a few tattoo shops set up to do custom ink all weekend and the Main Stage will host great rock music all weekend long from acts such as: Lam Morrison, Carabao, Job to Do, New Raggae Man, Pink Acid, Firasah, Bannbodo and Nuclear Strikes. If you like your music hard then you will be right at home.

As always the theme for the Pattaya Burapa Bike Week is “Love Ride for Peace and there will be a few rides set up as well as more than a few bike parades through and around the sports arena grounds.

And while this may be South East Asia’s biggest and baddest bike week it also plays host to Cowboys and Indians with the Pattaya Ice Tara barrel racing team who will be having horse riding exhibitions and contests all weekend long. There will also be exhibitions by the Thai army and para gliders soaring over head to complete the general circus like atmosphere. Add hot Asian women and tons of great food and Pattaya will literally become Heaven on earth over the weekend of the 10th and 11th. Did I mention there will be awesome bikes all over? Everything from vintage Harley’s to state of the art Ducati’s and everything in between as well as some serious custom bikes for show and sale.

Trust me, this is always the event of the year in Pattaya and not one to be missed. Just take a look at the pics from Last years Pattaya Burapa Bike Week for a general idea. I will definitely be attending Pattaya Burapa Bike Week this year and will be sure to get a lot of great photo’s for those of you that won’t be here to attend.

For more information on upcoming Events and Festivals throughout Thailand please visit the Thailand Calender of Event.

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