Baan Sukhothai Hotel located in the heart of Patong, in the tropical green oasis, Baan Sukhothai Hotel is world apart from others resorts. Combining ideal location-walking distance to the beach, shopping and entertainment district-with classical Thai architecture, Baan Sukhothai Hotel is unique on Phuket Island.

The steep sloping Thai roofs, wood panelling and floors, walkways over lotus ponds and waterway is no longer something of the past. Here at Baan Sukhothai Hotel the feeling of Thailand past is still strong.

The Sukhothai Spa

The Sukhothai Spa blends harmoniously with its surrounds. A two story structure, its distinct Thai-Style design is in keeping with its Classic Thai Architecture. The outside world is forgotten as you enter the alluring ambience; give yourself up to unique Thai rituals that refresh and rejuvenate. The hotel offers a number of dining options. Breakfast is served on the Garden Terrace under the shade of trees. The Balcony Restaurant serves Thai and International food either indoors or under the stars. Green House is a street-side bakery serving daily, fresh, homemade pastries and breads.

The Sukhothai Spa offering a complete range of massage and treatment services, the spa is spread over two floors and includes single and double private oil massage suites, Thai massage area, reflexology centre, steam and sauna rooms.The spa is set in the lush grounds of the hotel and is a serene oasis.

The Baan Sukhothai Hotel with the tropical beach front area will provide a relaxing atmosphere of the Lobby Lounge, Garden Terrace, with a large swimming pool and Pool Bar or the pleasure dining of Thai cuisine International cuisine and the finest seafood on the island at The Balcony Restaurant. Delicious Japanese Cuisines are awaiting for your experience at Miko Restaurant.

 

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The Rayong fruit festival held on 27 April-3 May,2007at Tapong Agriculture & Fruit Market. Also you can join the fruit festival on Rayong main fruit areas such as Ampher Muang,Ampher Pluagdang,Ampher Wang Chan and Ampher Baan Kai during 27 April - 13 May, 2007.

Those fairs consist of the agriculture exhibition,fruit contest, fruit parade, beauty pageant and OTOP(One Thambon One Product) bazar.
During the fruit season (May-June) the orchard offer tourist activities. Visitor could also pick tropical fruit from the orchard and purchase product at resonable price.

The Rayong fruit festival held on 27 April-3 May,2007at Tapong Agriculture & Fruit Market
The Pineapple Festival held on 28-29 May,2007 at Pluagdang School Ampher Pluagdang.

The Fruit Street Fair held on 5-13 May,2007 at Km No 85-86th on Ban Bung-Klang Road No 344 Ampher Wang Chan. The Nong Tha Phan Fruit Fair held on 4-10 May,2007 at Nong Tha Phan Tourist Information Center Ampher Baan Kai. The Muangklang Fruit Fair held on 10-13 May,2007 at Porn Chai Market on Ban Bung-Klang Road Ampher Klang.

 

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Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. The game arrived in the county a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and the fashionable. Among the first sponsors of the game were the armed forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the county.

About 350,000 visitors are believed to have played golf in Thailand in 2002, generating an expenditure of nearly 6.2 billion baht. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is planning to raise these figures to one million golfers, generating an estimated 18.45 billion baht by 2007. In 2004 alone, the plan is to attract 400,000 golfers. Who will generate an estimated 7.1 billion baht, an increase of 14.29% over 2002.

There are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide, many of them championship standards. The world’s top designers have made a significant contribution. Jack Nicklaus, Roboert Trent Jones Jr, Pete De Gar Player and many others have perfected modern layouts, using the best grasses and latest techniques.

The result is some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and regular maintenance to keep them in top-class condition. Every course has its caddies; it's mandatory to empoly one caddie for your round. They are Thailand’s secret weapon in making golf such good fun. These brightly clad ladies, in smart uniforms and straw hats, know lots about the course, smile almost all the time, and very good at reading putts.

There are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cites. Most of the newer courses offer accommodation on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family.

For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in remote areas around the courses in remote areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand, all offering good value. So for golfers who not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically different one too, there is an extraordinary choice.

The best time to plan a golfing trip is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October it is hot and wet, but even in the rainy months the downfall usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. Most courses have good drainage systems, and the rains should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through your club or your hotel, and advance booking is recommended for weekends. Greens fees continue to be very reasonable, as are the fees for caddies.

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With the growing number of spas worldwide offering an extensive range of treatments, it is interesting to know that massage is still the most frequently requested spa therapy. Massage is primarily about touch, and touch in itself has healing qualities. Despite the many techniques and principles, the effects, psychological and physiological, remain the same. Massaging the muscles relaxes and stimulates the circulation so that blood flows freely, carrying oxygen and nutrients to where they are needed. By working on the circulation, regular massage can help normalise blood pressure, easing the pressure on overburdened arteries and veins. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system which is responsible for nourishing cells, carrying waste products out of the body and defending the body against infection. At the same time bodywork improves muscle and skin tone, stimulates the nervous system and improves overall body health. The treatment menu at a good spa will invariably include several types of massage. Many of the more popular ones including Thai Massage originated in the East. But whether Western or Eastern there are similarities in the techniques used, and often they consist of a combination of the different forms of bodywork.

Thai Massage

Nuad pan boran is the name for traditional Thai Massage which dates back at least 2,500 years. It is recognised as a practical application of the Buddhist concept of metta, or loving kindness. Thai Massage is a known healing technique that places emphasis on the mind and body connection and, with a skilled therapist, it is also used as a tool in the treatment of emotional and spiritual disorders. Thai Massage is based on the principle that invisible lines of force run through the body. The focus is on 10 lines called “sen”.  The massage seeks to release blockages that may exist along the sen to allow the free flow of energy throughout the body. The client is clothed and lies on a floor mattress.  The therapist applies pressure using the thumbs, fingertips, hands, feet, arms and legs. Compression using the therapists’ body weight is also applied to large areas of the body, such as the back and hips. Pressures combined with manipulations stretch the spine and pull on joints to leave the body feeling loose and relaxed, ultimately maintaining flexibility and relieving tension. The therapist works kneeling or sitting on the floor alongside the client, working from the feet up to the shoulders and neck, over the face and onto the scalp. Thai Massage is a deep-massage technique that can be very relaxing. However, it can go beyond pampering and relaxation and the more advanced practitioners are trained to treat ailments and diseases as well.

TUI NA
Tui Na is an Oriental bodywork therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. It uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. Tui Na is a varied technique that uses many different strokes such as rolling, pressing, kneading, plucking and vibrations that are applied to acupoints, channels and muscle groups. When done correctly there is an exchange of qi energy between the practitioner and the patient, resulting in ultimate
healing. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tui Na focuses on the flow of qi through the system of channels, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tui Na methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of qi and manipulation techniques. As with Shiatsu and Thai Massage, the client wears loose clothing and lies on a table or floor mat. Sessions last from 30 minutes to one hour. Tui Na is recommended for the treatment of specific musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.

SHIATSU
Although its roots lie in China, Shiatsu was developed in modern-day Japan. Also known as acupressure, the term Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure” but similar to Thai Massage, in practice hands, knees, elbows or even feet are used by the practitioner to apply pressure to the body. Shiatsu is based on the principle that energy runs through the meridians which are said to govern the internal organs and our entire metabolism. The pressure is placed at precisely located points on the meridian lines of the body through which energy flows – there are 14 main meridians and there are approximately 600 Shiatsu points. Applying pressure on the points has the effect of balancing that energy to help maintain or restore the body’s natural vitality, working on the principle that depleted energy requires toning to give relief whereas excess energy needs sedating. In addition to localised pressure points, Shiatsu can also involve stretching and manipulations which also require the client’s participation in order to co-ordinate the breath with the manipulations. Shiatsu is performed with the client dressed in loose, comfortable clothing, on the floor on a mat or futon. Treatments can help the young or old, active or sedentary and the method is claimed to help conditions as varied as allergies, anxiety and depression, asthma, digestive disorders, insomnia, headache and migraine, menstrual problems and sinusitis. Shiatsu can be used as a complete system of health maintenance, or simply for stress reduction and relaxation.

 

 

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The Koh Samui Regatta, now in its sixth year, looks set to maintain its strong reputation as one of the highlights of the Asian sailing circuit at the 2007 event – being held between May 27th and June 2nd.




The week long sailing extravaganza, now officially recognised by the International Sailing Federation, brings together many of the world’s top sailors guaranteeing a week of fun filled racing action and passionate partying.

The Regatta is organised under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. Racing takes place over five days comprising of a mixture of coastal passages and around the cans.

The event culminates in a VIP gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Central Samui Beach Resort. Evening cocktail parties are held at various locations throughout the Regatta.
The laid back luxury of island life, combined with exhilarating On-The-Water action offers a truly unique event.

“In six successful years the Koh Samui Regatta has made incredible progress and it is easy to see why it has
become one of the highlights of the Asian sailing circuit,” says Pornsiri Manoharn, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

“The Koh Samui Regatta can truly be called an international yachting event since it attracts boats from as far a field as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, as well as from all parts of Thailand, which make their way here solely to take part in this fun event.”

KOH SAMUI REGATTA 2007 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
•  Saturday May 26th
    – Early Registration @ Central Samui Beach Resort
•  Sunday May 27th
    – Registration Day @ Central Samui Beach Resort/ Opening Party @ Zico’s Brazilian Grill
       and Bar
•  Monday May 28th
    – Race Day 1
•  Tuesday May 29th
    – Race Day 2
•  Wednesday May 30th
    – Race Day 3
•  Thursday May 31st
    - Rest Day / Explore this beautiful Tropical Island with the Land Rover Tour
•  Friday June 1st
    – Race Day 4 / Land Rover Party @ TBA
•  Saturday June 2nd
    – Race Day 5 / VIP Gala Dinner @ Central Samui Beach Resort

Initial participant response indicates that over 30 yachts are expected to head to Koh Samui this May with an even mixture of keelboats and multihulls. Racing classes include: Racing; Cruising; Sports Boats; Multihulls and Firefly One Design.



"We firmly support this regatta,” said Daweesak Somabha , President of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand . “Our commitment helps ensure the success of an event which brings so much credit to the lovely island of Samui and her people.”

The 2007 event is being managed by Image Asia Events Co., Ltd. , who will draw upon their vast experience running the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta the Evason Phuket Raceweek and the Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX), to ensure that the 6th Koh Samui Regatta 2007 maintains its reputation as a major player in the marine events arena. Its proven expertise in the industry will encourage the growth of the event, while remaining truthful to its origins – providing an excellent platform to showcase the region and the
regatta.

Commenting on the relationship with Image Asia Events Co., Ltd, Peter Plant, Secretary of the Koh Samui Regatta Organising Committee said, “The tie up with Image Asia Events presents a great opportunity for the Koh Samui Regatta to move forward and to strengthen its place as one of the highlights of the Asian sailing circuit.”

Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island at 247 square kilometres. During the last decade the island has become one of South East Asia’s top five most visite d tourist destinations. The neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the breathtaking Ang Thong National Marine Park offer visitors a wide range of activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and adventure excursions.

Along with the island’s established infrastructure including international educational and medical facilities, a wide choice of high street shopping brands, exquisite dining venues, and beautiful white sandy beaches, Koh Samui stands out as one of the jewels in Thailand’s illustrious crown.

For Interviews / Images / Further Information
Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd.
198 Tanou Road, Bovernives
Pranakorn, Bangkok, 10200
Thailand
Tel/Fax: +66 2622 0605 - 7

Paul Poole – Managing Director (English Speaking)
Tel: +66 8 6563 3196
E-mail: paulpoole@email.com
Thanthip Kaewsri – Personal Assistant (Thai/ English Speaking)
Tel: +66 8 1694 7412
E-mail: thanthip@email.com

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