Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Na Jomtien/Pattaya

It started in 1954 with the idea of Mr. Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha to buy around 600 acres of rolling hills and valleys between Pattaya-Sattahip at the 163 kilometer marker on Sukhumvit road in Na Jomtien/Pattaya. First it was thought that this land was anticipated to become a fruit plantation of mangoes, oranges and coconuts as well as many other local fruits. But it turned out differently. Inspired by foreign gardens, Mrs. Nongnooch decided to turn the plantation into a tropical garden of ornamental flowers and plants. In 1980 the Nongnooch garden was opened. Later a Thai cultural show and elephant show within the theater were added. Nowadays Nongnooch garden is a tourist attraction fully equipped with a variety of attractions such as cactus garden, dinosaur valley, animals kingdom, elephant riding, arapaima feeding, bicycles, paddle boats, a "Reduce Global Warming Project", accommodation, a swimming pool, restaurants, and banquet and seminar halls for the tourist’s convenience and... of course the beautiful gardens with a lot of plants.

Nowadays Nongnooch garden belongs not only one of the most popular attractions of Thailand as well as it is by far one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. 

Location: 34/1 Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chon Buri 20250

Opening hours:

8 AM - 5:30 PM

Phone: 038 238 061 / for booking: 061 647 7088 

Email: info@nongnoochtropicalgarden.com

Lanna Bird and Nature Conservaton Club Chiang Mai

Streak-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus conradi) 

Discover the birdlife of Thailand

Another way of getting to know Thailand 's bird world in the mountainous north of Chiang Mai is to follow the Lanna Bird and Nature Conservation Club. This birdwatching club encourages nature lovers in Chiang Mai to participate in bird watching and nature-related activities. The bird watching activity was initiated by Chiangmai based neurologist Dr. Rangsrit Kanjanavanit (Mor Mong) and Khun Madiew, who acted as assistant. The club aims at encouraging nature and environmental enthusiasts to meet and be enganged in the weekend activities. The club also provides a bird encyclopedia as well as bird-watching equipment and specialists to assist its members.

The Bird Walk activity is held every first Sunday of each month. The bird watching sites are both in th

e old part of the city as well as remote places such as Doi Inthanon National Park during the Inthanon Census activity. The club also organises other nature-related activities such as butterfly watching, trekking and nature studies.

Contact: Lanna Bird and Nature Conservation Club, 76/1 Moo 14 Soi5 Suthep Road., Chiang Mai 50200

Phone: 081 4014447

Email: lannabird@gmail.com

Greater Coucal, also called Crow Pheasant (Centropus sinensis)

Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) 

Greater necklaced Laughingthrush (Garrulax pectoralis) 

Big Buddha Hill or Wat Phra Yai Temple in Pattaya

An impressed landmark between Pattaya and Jomtien is the Big Buddha Hill also called “Pattaya Hill” or “Pattaya Buddha Hill”. The 18 metres high Buddha statue is the highlight of the temple Wat Phra Yai and officially named Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan, or also known as Luang Pho Yai. Around the site there are also 7 smaller Buddha images as well as a pavilion.
The temple Wat Phra Yai was built around 1940. At that time, Pattaya was still a small cozy fishing village. The Big Buddha statue was built in 1977. To get a closer look at the Buddha statue, you have to climb a long staircase with two identical golden dragons running along the entire handrails leads to this 18 meter tall Buddha. The foot of the stairs has two seven headed mythical Nagas emerging from dragon mouth.

Notice that the Buddha Hill is a place where people come to pray and there will be monks walking around. So, as in many other temples and certain public places, good clothes and impeccable manners should be taken into account as well. The clothing must be properly, knees and shoulder should be covered. Before entering the shoes have to be taken off, and quiet is required. No kiss, no hugs, no smoking, and never point the feet towards Buddha.

Staying in Buddha Hill, with the surrounded trees, flowers and burning incense sticks, you can escape the everyday city life and relax your mood and soul. From up here you also have a great panorama view of Pattaya bay area and city.

Location:

The Big Buddha Hill is 2 km away from South Pattaya

Sataranaprayot Road, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150

Opening hours:

7 AM - 8:30 PM

Phone: 087 782 6667

Thailand Stamps 2018:H. M. Queen Sirikit's Birthday Anniversary

On the 12th of August every year, Thai people celebrate the birthday anniversary for Her Majesty Queen Sirkit of the 9th Reign. Thailand Post issues this commemorative stamp to join the whole nation to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty\s 86 birthday anniversary as well as to present its loyalty. The stamp depicts Her Majesty wearing Thai Boromphiman traditional dress in standing posture. The photo was taken at the same period as another photo depicting Her Majesty in sitting posture, which was later painted and became the original artwork of the H. M. the Queen's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Commemorative Stamp.

Date of Issue: 31 August 2018
Denonmination: 9,00 Baht
Quantity: 900,000 pieces
Size: 36 x 51 mm (Vertical)
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps
First Day Cover: 18,00 Baht
Designer: Ms. Euamporn Supharoekchai (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2018: 135th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services

On 4 August 1983, it marks the inauguration of Siamese Postal Services, which has been through thick and thin for 135 years. This commemorative stamp is issued to reflect the development of Thai postal services through watercolour technique to demonstrate how postmen delivered mails, namely by walking cycling, motorcycling, and driving together with important places of postal services in each era, namely Praisaneeyakam Building Ministry of Transport, General Post Office in Bang Rak District, and the present headquarter of Thailand Post Company Limited.

Date of Issue: 4 August 2018
Denonmination: 3,00 Baht (4 designs)
Quantity: 500,000 pieces per design
Size: 48 x 30 mm (Horizontal)
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps
First Day Cover: 23,00 Baht
Designer: Mr. Thanet Ponchaiwong (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2018: H. M. Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun Definitive Issue (King Rama X)

The first definitive stamp in the reign of King Rama X, the latest definitive issue,m iullustrates a half-length protrait of His Majesty KingRama X in offical dress decorated with the Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems; together with Thai traditional pattern on the background. The stamp features text "Thaiuand", both in Thai and English, and denomination that ranges from 1 Baht, 2 Baht, 3 Baht, 6 Baht, 7 Baht, 9 Baht, 10 Baht, 12 Baht, 15 Baht, 50 Baht, and 100 Baht. The stamp colour varies by denomination; single digit denomination is printed in one colour, tens to hundreds denomination is printed in two colours. Moreover, the embossing technique is applied on the royal portrait. Hot-foil stamp technique is applied on the the oval-shape frame and Thai -style pattern 50 Baht and 100 Baht denominations, red foil and gold foil respectively.

Date of Issue: 28 July 2018
Denonmination:

   1,00 Baht: Blue                         3.000.000 piece

   2,00 Baht: Red                          1.000.000 piece

   3,00 Baht: Green                    22.000.000 piece

   5,00 Baht: Brown                      6.000.000 piece

   6,00 Baht: Violet                          300.000 piece

   7,00 Baht: Rose                            500.000 piece

   9,00 Baht: Yellow                         400.000 piece

 10,00 Baht: Dark grey                 1.500.000 piece

            and orange

 12,00 Baht: Dark blue and             300.000 piece

            bluish green

 15,00 Baht: Deep green              7.000.000 piece

            and violet foil stamping

 50,00 Baht: Emerald green            200.000 piece

            and violet foil stamping

100,00 Baht: Green and gold

             foil stamping                       200.000 piece
Size: 24 x 29 mm (Vertical)
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 20 stamps
First Day Cover: 265,00 Baht (a set of 3 covers)
Souvenir Sheet: 250,00 Baht per sheet
Designer: Mr. Thaneth Ponchaiwong (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2018: 66th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun

66th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun was born on the 28th of July 1952 as the only son of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of the 9th reign. His Majesty ascended the throne on the 13th October 2016 and was proclaimed the 10th King of Chakri Dynasty.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun was graduated as a newly commissioned lieutenant with a Liberal Art degree from University of New South Wales, Australia. Then His Majesty furthered his education at the Command and General Staff College and later completed a second bachelor's degree in law with second-class honours at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Besides, His Majesty used to be trained at the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK. His Majesty's multifarious duties include aviation, military, education, medical and public health, religious, and foreign affairs.

Date of Issue: 28 July 2018
Denonmination: 10,00 Baht
Quantity: 1.000,000 pieces
Size: 36 x 51 mm (Vertical)
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps
First Day Cover: 20,00 Baht
Designer: Mr. Thaneth Ponchaiwong (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Legend Siam - Thailand's first Culture Theme Park in Pattaya

A new and unique attraction can be seen in Pattaya - The Siam Legend, Thailand's first cultural theme park that combines lifestyle, arts, culture and cuisine from every region in Thailand and of all Thai people. The attraction area spreads over more than 50,000 square meters. At Legend Siam you experience the Thai History in all its glory, for the first time in the world.

The Siam Legend Park is divided in 3 zones:

Siam Vilize (Zone A) showcases civilization of Siam 

• Town square
• Siam Vilize Thai Machine: Here the culture and civilization of the early Rattanakosin Era with the typical architecture and remnants of the old ways of Siamese life are presented
• Lord Indra Airavata Erawan statue (Airavata is a mythological white elephant who carries the Hindu god Indra)

Thai Araya (Zone B) representing Thai traditions and culture

• Temple Fair: Here awaken and relive the fun legend of the past with Legend Siam with beautiful, enchanting mythological creatures from Thai literature.
• Ban Mae Nak: The gothic tale of the undying love, devotion, and attachment of Mae Nak Phra Khanong to her husband will be resurrected and recounted one again at this haunting place.
• Magical Temple 3D: The place where imagination meets reality. Bringing back to life Wat Phra Sri Sanphet from the era of King Ramathibodi I, through VDO mapping technology and state-of-the-art multimedia. Here is the intricate beauty of the temple’s architecture to see while learning about th profound philosophy of “Dhama Dhamda Dhamchati”.
• Thai Wisdom Market: An unique Thai village which highlights the distinctive characteristics of the four regions of Thailand. Stunning Thai architecture, rare folk culture performances, and exclusive local products are to be admired.
• Floating Market: Legend of the Thai Floating Market. Presentation of the floating market of Siam with its wide selection of delectable, authentic food from famous restaurants. Exquisite meals set in a pleasant and relaxing ambiance next to the beautiful river are to enjoy.
• Lord Brahma on Goose statue

Phumi Pan Din  (Zone C) presents the pride of Thailand.

• White Elephant: The symbol of royalty and prosperity of the Kingdom. Presentation of the rare, incredible traditons and breathtaking performance by a parade of white elephants with majestic splendor of elephant decorations and regal performances.
• Legendary of Thai Agriculture: Here the philosophy of a sufficiency economy conceived and developed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama 9) are presented.
• Bang Ra Chan Live Action Show: An live action stunt show recounting the moving history, sacrifice, and unity of Siam and its people. Here are the dramatic adventure and the fights for the nation by the legendary heroes of Bang Rachan to see.

Location:

NaJomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri (113,79 km)

20250 Pattaya

2 hrs from Bangkok

20 minutes (20 km) from the motorway

22 minutes (22 km) from U-Tapao International airport

Phone: 086 410 3333

Opening hours:

10 AM – 10 PM

Thailand Stamps 2018: 60th Anniversary of Metropolitan Electricity

Electricity was first introduced in Thailand in 1884 and it was for government services only. The transmission of electric power for private sector and the public was firstly operated in 1894 by "Bangkok Electricity Authority", a Danish company. Later in 1914, the business was transferred to Siam Electricity Company Limited, of which the office was located in the area of Wat Liap, and the Royal Samsen Electricity Division. On the 1st of August 1958, the two organizations were merged to form the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), which has operated.
The 60th Anniversary of Metropolitan Electricity Authority Commemorative Stamps illustrates the office of Siam Electricity Company Limited in the past, which at present is known as Building 1 of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority Wat Liap District. The building had been used as the MEA headquarter before it was relocated to Phloen Chit in 1994. Another illustration was the fire trucks parking in front of a building of Siam Electricity Company Limited, which was deemed the first fire station of Siam.

Date of Issue: 1 August 2018
Denonmination: 3,00 Baht
Quantity: 500,000 pieces
Size: 48 x 30 mm (Horinzonal)
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps
First Day Cover: 11,00 Baht
Designer: Mr. Thaneth Ponchaiwong (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Khao Chi Chan's Engraved Buddha Image, Khao Chi Chan District

In a 130 high mountain Khao Chi Chan features an one and only carved sculptural seated image of Buddha Subduing Mara. It was erected to honor is Majesty King Bhumibol on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his enthronenment (1996) and carved with laser technology into the mountain, in imitation of a Buddha image of Sukhothai and Lanna style. After laser carving it was inlaid with gold. The carved Buddha image is 109 m tall. The mountain with the impressed Buddha image is kocated between some beautiful gardens surrounded by Thai countryside and overlooking an enormous lake makes as a good view point for taking photographs. The carved Buddha image in Khao Chi Chan is one and only in the world.

Location: Soi Khao Chi Chan, Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20250

Pattaya - Walking Street

One of the famous stree in Thailand is Pattaya's number one tourist attraction “The Walking Street”, a half-mile stretched entertainment district, filled with bright lights, loud music, night clubs, street performers and shows. The street is a tourist attraction and known primarily for its night life. The Walking Street area includes seafood restaurants, live music venues, restaurants, nightclubs, beer bars, discothèques, sports bars, gogo bars, hotels and of course the girls and lady boys.

The street extends from the southern end of Beach Road to the Bali Hai Pier. The area is closed to vehicles from 19:00 until 03:00. Car and motorcycle parking is provided at the Bali Hai end. The closing time of 02:00 has been extended for many entertainment establishments.

 

Pattaya - The Fun Town in Thailand

Pattaya is a seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, about 150 km (around 2 hrs.) southeast of Bangkok. Until some time ago, Pattaya was only known as a place for its neon lights wild parties, go go bars and the coastal beach. More than 500 bars are in the “The Walking Street”, the place that put Pattaya on its map the half-mile stretch that’s filled with bright lights, loud music, night clubs, street performers and shows. However, the local authorities have made a lot of success efforts to provide more family-friendly attractions and activities. The sex industry is still going strong and sex tourism remains the most important source of income for Pattaya.

But now, Pattaya also attracts local families and holidaymakers from around the world. Pattaya now appeals to a much wider audience for couples, families, tour groups and even business travelers.

Pattaya's coastal side is divided longitudinally into fife contiguous sub-districts. Each one is named after the section of beach or headland at its seaboard.

1. North Pattaya (Pattaya Nua) - not the northern-most part of Pattaya (as Naklua lies further north), but the section of Pattaya adjacent to the northern end of Pattaya Beach and extending inland to both the north and south of North Pattaya Road. Does not include Naklua.
2. South Pattaya (Pattaya Tai) - not the southern-most part of Pattaya (as the Buddha Hill headland, and then Jomtien, lie further south), but the section of Pattaya adjacent to the southern end of Pattaya Beach and extending inland to both the north and south of South Pattaya Road. Includes Pattayaland and Walking Street. Does not include Buddha Hill or Jomtien.
3.  Central Pattaya (Pattaya Klang) - not the dead center of Pattaya, but the section of Pattaya adjacent to the middle of Pattaya Beach and extending inland to both the north and south of Central Pattaya Road. Some maps/guides disregard the Central Pattaya convention, and instead extend North Pattaya and South Pattaya to meet each other along Central Pattaya Road; sometimes, Beach Road is described with a similar division, and the respective halves given "North Beach Road" and "South Beach Road" monikers.
4.  Naklua - immediately north of North Pattaya, and with quick, frequent, and inexpensive transport to and from the rest of Pattaya; Naklua is popular with visitors whose native language is German. In terms of tourism-related locations, it's the smallest and least significant sub-district, the main attractions being the beaches (which are quieter than Pattaya Beach) and the Sanctuary of Truth.
5. Buddha Hill (Pratumnak Hill) - named after the Buddha Hill landmark and sandwiched between South Pattaya (to the north) and Jomtien (to the south); to the east, South Pattaya and Jomtien meet directly.

Note: Where the individual sub-districts begin and end is very difficult to recognize, as none of the boundaries lie along major roads. There is no map with the details of the boundaries. Further inland, the sub-district names are used less, and locality/road names take precedence - for example, an address might state "Sukhumvit, Naklua" which is useful in that it makes it clear the location is to the north of the Sukhumvit / North Pattaya Road intersection, however the exact same place would not normally be described simply as being "in Naklua" as that would give the misleading impression of it being in the main beachside/tourism area further west.

Further immediately south of Pattaya lies Jomtien and, practically speaking, they form one municipality. Jomtien, like Pattaya, is very popular with tourists, but has a significant population of permanent expats and some workers. This fact makes Jomtien a bit sedate despite many bars and night life scene.

One problem in Thailand is the spelling character of street or places. Sometimes it is spelled Chom Tien or Chom Thian while shops and businesses use Jomtien.

Luang Phoo Dun, Wat Buraparam, Surin

Luang Phoo Dun was born in the village of Prasat in Surin Province, Thailand on October 4th, 1888, as the oldest of five children. When he was twentyandtwo years old, he ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Jumapolsuddhavasa in Surin Province. After his ordination he resided at Wat Kauko just outside the city of Surin and practiced meditation. Unfortunately the the monks discipline at Wat Kauko was not very strictly observed and his daily routine consisted more of crude duties of caring for cattle and building ox-carts. After six years of unfulfilledness, he turned to studying the scholastic side of monasticism and went to a temple to study in the city of Ubon Ratchathani.

The experience of his studies led him to an opinion that all study changed only memory, but not the real experience of practice. After Luang Phoo Dun heard a lecture of Thailand's most honored forest dwelling monk and a famous teacher, Acharn Mun. He was so inspired from his lecture of the forest practice, that he joined Acharn Mun after the rains- retreat and wandered under his guidance for the next sixteen years. After wandering in the forests and mountains for many years he returned to his home Province of Surin and settled down at Wat Nah Sahm. However, this temple was very remote and as Acharn Dun became very wellknown and respected. Many people came to listejn him. After a time, there was no room for all the people who came to hear him talk. So he was offered a place nearer to the city. Therefore Luang Phoo Dun moved moved to another forest temple called Wat Rongong Samet. He remained there during the rains-retreats but continued to go wandering outside that time especially in the untouched and deep forest of Cambodia.

The last 5 decades years of his life he resided at Wat Burapharam in Surin.  Luang Phoo Dun passed away during his 96th birthday celebration preparations on October 30, 1983.

Wat Buraparam, Surin

Wat Buraparam is an ancient Buddhist temple assumed Rattanakosin (Bangkok) period and lies in Surin town. It  was built by Surin’s first town leader, Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang. It is home to the province’s iconic Buddha image, named Luang Por Phra Chi, which was built during the same period. The temple also houses the museum of Luang Phoo Dun, a famous senior monk who was once the provincial chief of the Buddhist Dhammayuth sect. The museum features a statue of Luang Phoo Dun and his ashes.

Location:

Krung Si Nai Road in Tambon Nai Mueang, , Amphoe Mueang Surin, 32000 (close to City Hall.)

Phone: 081 867 7864