Noting that  October 26 has been declared a public holiday to allow the public the opportunity to join the royal cremation ceremony, the airline’s acting president Usanee Sangsingkeo said that THAI would be offering special companion fares to passengers who wish to attend the royal cremation ceremony at the Grand Palace. The special companion fares are on THAI flights from Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi to Bangkok, for a minimum of two adults at prices beginning at Bt1,390 per seat (airport tax and charges included).  Reservations are being accepted until October 29 for travel during October 10-30.

During the royal cremation ceremony, ticket conditions apply whereby roundtrip tickets are valid until October 30 and confirmed reservations must be made with established flight dates and departure times. A one-time only flight date and time change is allowed free of charge, while rerouting and refund is not allowed. There are a limited amount of seats available per flight for promotional fares. Passengers may accumulate mileage based on Royal Orchid Plus conditions.

For further information, reservations, and ticketing assistance, visit thaiairways.com, contact any THAI sales office or travel agent, or call the THAI Contact Center (02) 356 1111 (24 hours a day).

The aim is to support schools and new generation families in taking children on outings and opening the world of learning for them outside the classroom, while at the same time generating income for local Thai communities.

The seven communities are;

– The Learning Centre at Krachaeng, Bang Sai, Ayutthaya

– Ban Bang Phlab, Bang Khon Tee, Samut Songkhram

– Ban Namsap, Kang Krachan, Phetchaburi

– Ban Thung Kraprong Learning Centre, Ban Na, Nakhon Nayok

– Busai Homestay, Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima

– Maha Withayalai Ban Nok Homestay, Ban Jamrung, Rayong

– Homestay at Ban Tha Khanthong, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai

TAT also recently organised a community promotion campaign that saw Ruamrudee International School, Mae Phra Fatima School, St Stephen’s International School, Darunsikkhalai School, St Gabriel’s College, RBIS Rasami British International School and Chiengrai Vidhayakhome School taking students on outings to communities and helping promote tourism communities via online media. The winner of the community promotion contest was Chiengrai Vidhayakhome School for promoting the homestay community at Ban Tha Khanthong.

“The Village Explorer Project opens a whole new world in community classrooms and exposes students to a simple way of life as they learn about lifestyles and folk wisdom and practise such activities as rice farming, traditional milling, search for Inca peanuts, fish and collect eggs from ducks and chickens. The kids had fun and were very impressed. School activities outside the classroom in the community helped my students learn about living together, socialising and meeting new friends. I would like to encourage schools throughout Thailand to take children on field trips to Ban Tha Khanthong Community, Chiang Rai,” said Janchai Thairat, director of Chiengrai Vidhayakhome School.

“We would like to invite schools and new generation families who are interested in new learning activities outside the classroom to take field trips to the seven communities in the Village Explorer Project. I guarantee that the kids will be able to participate in activities and have fun learning about rural Thai culture and lifestyle. Another important benefit is that the project will help generate income to support Thailand’s rural communities,” added TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

For more information about the project, visit http://www.TheVillageExplorer.com.

RURAL COMMUNITIES across Thailand have a problem keeping young people “down on the farm” after they’ve seen the city lights, but now Khon Kaen is setting an example they could follow.

A short drive from the downtown Mueang Khon Kaen, three villages in Sila district have set up with Khon Kaen University’s help the Sila Homestay Project.

Marigolds beg to have their photo taken in Sila district. 

It taps into growing interest among urbanites to sample the simple agricultural life and spend some time with nature. And it’s giving local young people a reason to stay: There’s money in this undertaking – and a level of sophistication they wouldn’t otherwise find in their remote hometowns.

Since the middle of last year, the villagers have been sharing the charms of Isaan with weekend visitors. The surrounding land is blanketed with lush rice paddies and colourful flower gardens while the Phong River flows gently past.

“We set up a ‘career group’ to draw young people back home to help develop the community, rather than going off to find a job in the city,” says Sangkom Panikom, head of the Sila Homestay Group.

“We want to preserve our traditions and give tourists – both Thais and foreigners – a chance to experience the pleasant ways of farming life.”

There are currently 14 families involved. Former forestry officer Krajang Janpeng runs the Rom Prai homestay in the village of Takae. It’s a residential compound in the shade of towering trees where guests can stay in either a cosy cottage, ideal for two people, or a spacious three-bedroom villa suitable for families.

Baan Rom Pai offers a choice of comfortable, tidy guestrooms.

It even has a facility where visitors learn how to make organic insect repellent and something called “enzyme ionic plasma”. There are workshops on growing rice and flowers and making floral garlands, traditional Isaan desserts and the thong mangmum flag that’s used in religious ceremonies.

A one-night stay costs Bt350 per person and that price includes breakfast. You can stay for dinner for an extra Bt200.

Daytime hours are delightfully spent roaming around the village or cycling to Wat Pho Sri. The old temple has an ubosot – a sim as they’re known locally – that was built between 1926 and 1930.

Entirely fashioned from hardwood, the prayer hall boasts classical northeastern architecture and houses a golden Buddha statue and an antique cabinet filled with scriptures.

The doors bear carvings of the Lord Buddha in a sequence of elegant poses including Subduing Mara, and a figure of Phrae Mae Thorani in her well-known “Mother Earth Squeezing Her Hair” depiction.

The hardwood ubosot at Wat Pho Sri boasts beautiful Isaan architecture.

Next to the temple is a vast flower garden cultivated by Pitsamai Thammada and Chatree Thongprathum. They started out with marigolds, but the speciality these days is white tuberoses, which apparently proliferate quite swiftly.

“The garden was flooded out in 2011, and when we restored it we planted tuberoses,” says Pitsamai. “It’s well worth spending six months a year planting, because we can keep gathering the blossoms to sell for three years!”

Another lovely outing is a cruise down the scenic river, for which you pay a Bt100 fee. Or you could go on a picnic, for which there are all sorts of tantalising local dishes on offer. The most popular ones among visitors are pla krapong son choo, gaeng om with chicken, jerked tilapia and gaeng noh mai.

A great morning excursion takes in Wanaphan Farm in Nong Rue district, set up a decade ago by Preecha Ngoksima, who might be characterised as a “new-wave cultivator”. He’s totally invested in the royal philosophy of the sufficiency economy.

Wanaphan Farm grows herbs and flowers that will be turned into shampoos and lotions.

The farm occupies 14 rai and offers a persuasive demonstration of how to be self-sufficient and live sustainably, as recommended by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Preecha graduated in agriculture from Khon Kaen University and worked as an instructor at the Chaipattana Foundation, teaching

people about the late monarch’s view of agriculture.

“Once I’d acquired a few years’ experience, I came back to help develop my hometown. I want to build a model that carries on our beloved King’s philosophy.”

The concept involves dividing farmland into separate areas – for living, water storage, raising livestock and cultivating enough rice and vegetables for the family.

Preecha first planted trees and built a fishpond. The property is now surrounded by forest, with the trees – teak, takien and yang na – all commercially saleable or good for turning into cosmetic pharmaceuticals and oil for burning.

The rice field is huge and the gardens produce organic vegetables and herbs that can be used in shampoo, body lotion and bath gel. Chickens cluck in coops alongside the family residence.

“I’m willing to teach our visitors for free about agriculture, but they have to do some work!” Preecha laughs.

Mudmee silk made by the Khum Sukkho Group features a khaen mouthorgan pattern.

The Khum Sukkho handicraft group in Baan Don Kha sub-district also runs a homestay and conducts cultural tours. Visitors can learn how to weave mudmee silk with organic thread and dye textiles with natural materials – the red comes from yor and sappanwood, blue from kram, yellow from jackfruit and black from ebony.

“We’re the only ones in the country weaving the noppakao chalerm prakiet pattern,” the group’s leader, Tawee Sukkho, points out. “It utilises the seven traditional motifs found in mudmee silk and two other patterns, plus one that feature the khaen, the famous Isaan mouth organ.”

“We’ve also enhanced our weaving techniques to make the silk more durable, as well as bacteria-resistant and scented.”

Wat Chai Sri is another local temple worth visiting. It’s known for a beautiful mural depicting the life of Sang Sin Chai, as recounted in the epic Vessantara poem.

Erected more than 100 years ago and refurbished in 1982 with the same traditional architecture, its roof has two sweeping wings and the ubosot has the seven circles of Hell depicted on the walls in indigo, yellow, white, brown and black.

IF YOU GO

>> Find out more on the Sila Homestay Facebook page or call (087) 775 2032.

>> Wanaphan Farm is in Nong Rue district. Call (086) 893 4555 or (094) 526 2925.

>> Book a class or room at Khum Sukkho at (085) 008 2264.

The festival, which will showcase world-famous Thai cuisine from the country’s five regions, aims to build on a creative culture of local food and open the door to exciting tourist destinations across the kingdom. Running from August 25-27 between 11am and 9pm at Siam Square Soi 7, it’s being held in collaboration with the Property Management Office of Chulalongkorn University.

Some highlights of the event are:

–          Fishermen “villages” from Southern Thailand featuring fresh seafood

–          The Original: Delicious routes are traced to top restaurants in the country’s five regions.

–          Bangkok’s renowned street food: A showcase of specially selected street food from seven areas famous for their exclusive dishes.

–          Thailand Signature: Taste six Thai signature dishes that bring pride to the country — Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, Som Tam, Green Curry, Massaman Curry and Tom Kha Gai. Tuk-tuks are modified into food trucks.

–          Gastronomy Innovation: Catch interesting Thai cooking demonstrations using modern technology and innovation to create savoury food with the help of both science and art by top chefs specialized in molecular gastronomy.

–          Fruit shop: Taste and buy a diverse range of Thai fruits, either fresh from orchards or processed.

–          Organic food: Here quality goes hand-in-hand with health, as agricultural goods from a new generation of Thai farmer networks are presented.

–          All about rice: Experience a wide array of rice dishes, with both rice and rice fare on sale.

The event also features Thai martial arts and performances by leading artists other interesting activities. Find out more at tourismthailand.org/thaifest.

“Thailand has long been the key portal to Asia and a global aviation hub. Steady passenger growth depends on more flights and finding new entry points to the country. These new flights provide visitors with more choice, flexibility and convenience when travelling or making connections to major cities around Thailand. We hope that the expanded air access boosts tourism arrivals,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

On March 27 this year, Thai Airways International launched its “Phuket Express” service with four direct weekly flights between Beijing and Phuket.

Qatar Airways has been operating five flights a day from Doha to Bangkok since June 1. The increased frequency, along with its double-daily Phuket flights and the five-month-old Krabi operations (four weekly flights), increase Qatar Airways departures from Thailand to Doha to 53 per week.

Turkish Airlines launched the Istanbul to Phuket direct service on July 17, starting with four weekly flights that will increase to daily this coming winter. The airline started the Istanbul-Bangkok return service in 1989 and currently operates 14 flights per week.

Low-cost carrier Thai AirAsia has added daily Maldives flights from Bangkok to Male since August 11, using Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline is also expanding its services to India with the Bangkok-Jaipur and Bangkok-Tiruchirappalli routes, each with four flights a week, starting on September 29. The airline operates from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.

Another low-cost carrier, Jetstar Asia ,will add four weekly flights from Singapore to Hat Yai from November 3, using 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Bookings are currently available for purchase in Singapore.

TAT recently inked Memoranda f Understanding with EVA Air to work on joint tourism promotion strategies for the US and Canada markets; with Etihad Airways to jointly promote travel to Thailand from the UAE, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Egypt, and Kuwait; with Qatar Airways for travellers from Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Singapore Airlines’ important inbound markets including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Simply take a selfie with your mom at the water park, and share the photo on Facebook, along with the hashtag #RWPmom and a caption on why you want to take your mom there for a chance to win a 32GB iPad Air 2; a night in a Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort; and buffet tickets for two at the water park. The campaign is open to all residents of Thailand and runs until the end of this month, with winners announced on September 1 on Ramayana Water Park’s Facebook page “RamayanaWaterParkThailand”.

Spread over 45 acres in the lush green valley next to Khao Chee Chan and Silverlake Vineyards near Pattaya, Ramayana offers all the thrills and spills of its 21 awesome water rides.  Your adrenaline levels are guaranteed to rise as you enjoy an interactive experience with the intersecting Python and Aquaconda. The Duelling Aqua-Coasters are two of the longest slides in the world measuring over 230 metres. Get more thrills with the force of gravity on the Freefall slides or for an even greater adrenaline rush, opt for the 360-degree Aqualoop.

You can head to the River Slide and splash into the Lazy Wavy River before continuing the journey down one of the longest lazy rivers in the world with more 600 metres of gentle waves, waterfalls and geysers. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the scenery of the park. Then chill out on the tubes experiencing the biggest double wave pool in Thailand with an artificial beach that’s more than 160 metres wide. Float amongst gentle waves at one end or battle stormy water at the other. Those new to water slides should start out with the gentler but still exciting Serpentine and Spiral. Older hands should grab a friend and tube down the Boomerango to be launched up an almost-vertical wall before gravity kicks in and it’s back down into the landing pool.

The park has two uniquely designed kids’ zones with one of the largest children’s fortresses in the world for children of all ages.

Ramayana Pattaya is also offering an Eat and Play promotion for those who book online via http://www.RamayanaWaterPark.com, which entitles them to discounted entrance fees (Bt990 for adults, and Bt690 for children) and a free lunch throughout this month. It’s open daily from 10 to 6pm. Find out more by calling (033) 005 929.

CITY FOLKS who rarely have the opportunity to get out of town have a new option from today with the opening of the “Queen of Tropical Rainforest” exhibition at the Emporium. Continuing through Monday, the event is showcasing more than 200,000 multicoloured Siam tulips from nine hybrid species as well as other native flowers.

The exhibition, which marks Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 85th birthday and Mother’s Day, is the result of a collaborative effort by the shopping complex, the Play La Ploen Flora Park in Buri Ram province, and His Majesty the King’s Initiative Centre for Flower and Fruit Propagation in Chiang Mai.

“In addition to marking Her Majesty’s birthday, the exhibition aims to promote the wild flower known as the Siam tulip and conserve it. It is today Thailand’s second largest exported flower following the orchid,” says Kriengsak Tantipiphop, chief executive of The Emporium Group.

“The Emporium and EmQuartier host seasonal festivities throughout the year, and have collaborated with Play La Ploen Flora Park many times. This project came about through discussions with Porntip [Atsadathon], the owner of the floral park, about what we should do to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. She suggested that we look to the royal project that His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiated to increase the output of Thai agriculturists,” adds Sutavadee Sirithanachai, deputy managing director of the two downtown stores.

Known in Thai as dok krajeaw, the Siam tulip is a tropical plant of the ginger family that flourishes in dry dipterocarp forest and pasturelands in the northeast and east regions. The flowers bloom in July and August and certain species have been developed into ornamental plants for export under the name Siam tulip.

“Our park offers seasonal floral showcases all year and we have been experimenting with Siam tulips for five years. The first year, we brought Siam tulip bulbs from agriculturists in Chiang Mai and Phayao then learned how to grow them with the Initiative Centre for Flower and Fruit Propagation,” says the flora park’s Porntip Atsadathon.

Visitors can immerse themselves in a magnificent 1,000-square-metre floral show boasting more than 200,000 flowers and other plants. The highlight of the exhibition is a striking peacock installation, adorned with the “Royal Thai” collection of nine Siam tulip species.

Specifically researched and developed as a part of the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Accession to the Throne in 2006, this “Royal Thai” Siam tulip series is unique. The hybrids boast several outstanding qualities such as bright colours, thickness, sturdiness, unique petals arrangements, length and strength of the stems, yet remain delightfully petite. They were registered with and have been protected by the Plant Varieties Protection Office since 2011.

The CMU Manee Siam species of Siam tulip

The indoor meadows share space with the Emporium’s retail area and other parts of the complex. The Emporium Gallery on the M floor pays tribute to His Majesty the late King with the exquisite peacock floral installation created from Siam Tulips and other flowers.

“Play La Ploen Flora Park in Buri Ram has planted special breeds of Siam tulips specifically for this event, using thousands of Siam tulip bulbs and a well-timed growing process to synchronise with the Mother’s Day celebration. We are delighted to be bringing these colourful flowers to Bangkok. Some of Siam tulips were planted by children, who attended the charity project ‘Siam Tulip for Children 2’. We selected less-fortunate schools for the project and provided its students with education and resources in commercial Siam tulip farming. Specialists teach students how to plant Siam tulips and about the export process. The proceeds from selling their flowers will go directly to a charity that funds school lunches,” Porntip says.

“Visitors can shop for Siam tulips and students from Buri Ram will also offer a workshop on how to grow Siam tulips.”

The RT Thai Garnet hybrid 

The Emporium Motion Hall on the ground floor is the temporary home of a beautiful 12-metre-tall peacock sculpture placed in the middle of vibrant Siam tulip garden. Here too visitors can find the Initiative Centre for Flower and Fruit Propagation’s “Royal Thai” Siam Tulip exhibition featuring the nine new species.

“The Royal Thai collection comprises of Siam tulips that were interbred by specialists around the country for the 2006 celebrations. Initially, we selected the six best breeds of Siam tulips and named them the Royal Thai and in 2011 we expanded to nine species and registered them with the Plant Varieties Protection Office,” says Assoc Prof Soraya Ruamrungsri, the Centre’s director.

The Pink Coronation Siam tulip

The Siam tulips making up the Royal Thai collections each have their own names: RT Great Reign, RT Pink Coronation, RT Sweet Memory, RT Golden Reign, RT Majesty Coronation, RT Thai Garnet, CMU Tubtim Siam, CMU Manee Siam and CMU Sweet Rosy.

Pedestrians crossing the Emporium Bridge also benefit from the floral display thanks to a colourful Siam tulip field and an extravagant botanical tunnel of dischidia, marble queen fern, long stem fern and more. The Emporium Link and BTS Phrom Phong Station gave been planted with Siam tulip gardens along with an interesting weaving exhibition that showcases Thai wisdom and craftsmanship.

“The Initiative Centre for Flower and Fruit Propagation was established in 1980 after King Bhumibol gave Bt80,000 to assistant professor Dr Pisit Worrai, who at that time worked as a lecturer at Chiang Mai University, to create an experimental project of flower breeding in Baan Rai village. In 1992, the centre started combining Siam tulips from different regions to create species with vivid colours, durable and beautiful petals, strong and long stalks and a compact-size stem,” Dr Soraya says.

Spread over 33 rai, the centre focuses on improvements in inter-species breeding to create new hybrids of plants and blossoms. In addition to the Siam tulip, it has successfully bred gladioli, star lily and zinnia that are hardy enough for the Thai climate and meet the demands of local and international markets.

In 2010, the centre taught villagers to grow Baan Rai sweet, CMU sweet lady, CMU vista, CMU miracle, yuki, nikata and the Baan Rai Burgundy species.

It has now registered 67 new species of Siam tulips, gladiolus, star lily and zinnia with the Department of Agriculture and continues to educate villagers about improvements to husbandry in Chiang Mai, Phayao, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Chachoengsao, Yala and Narathiwat.

“We endeavour to help villagers and agriculturists generate more income by regularly organising workshops on producing and breeding orchid, flowering plants, flowering-pot plants and fruit plants,” Dr Soraya says.

Kunchaya Sawasdee demonstrates how to pick Siam tulips at her Sawasdee flower garden. 

Entrepreneur Kunchaya Sawasdee, who has operated the Sawasdee flower garden in Chiang Mai for more than two decades, has contributed 8,000 white Siam tulips of the Lanna snow species along with white jasmine and montblanc to complement this floral festivity.

“I set up my garden in 1993 to showcase several kinds of blossoms. In 1998, I decided to devote all space to Siam tulips. I started planting Siam tulips in April and May so that they would bloom in July to October. Most of our income comes from |selling Siam tulip bulbs and their blossoms can be found at Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Talad, Talad Thai |in Pathum Thani and Warorot |market in Chiang Mai. I also export Siam tulips to Italy and China,” Kunchaya says.

A worker at the Sawasdee garden arranges a bouquet of Siam tulips.

IN FULL BLOOM

“The Queen of Tropical Rainforest” exhibition is on view from today until August 14 at The Emporium shopping complex.

Find out more at http://www.Emporium.co.th.

The airline has created more than 20 fusion dishes including  Smoked Egg Rolls with Duck, Spicy Pomelo Salad, Sushi Pad Tai, Grilled Chicken, Sliced Grilled Beef Salad, Smoked Duck Breast served with crushed pumpkin, Greek-styled Salad, Green Curry Tortillas in Coconut Milk, Fried Sea Bass served with Fresh Vegetable and Special Sauce, Baked Duck with Orange Sauce, Sour Tilapia Soup Fried Rice, Pawn Apple salad celery, Fried Fish topped with Chili Sauce served with Rice, Spaghetti with Spicy Chicken. Desserts include Rose Meringue, Strawberry Savarin, Macaron Cupcake, and Raspberry Eclair.

The Pink Menu set is offered to passengers in Smile Plus passengers, while the snack box for passengers in Smile Class offers Beetroot Croissant stuffed with Chicken and Beetroot Long Soft Roll stuffed with Chicken Sausage Garlic & Pepper Sauce.

This service is not available on flights with departure time before 9.30am nor on flights WE272, WE169 and WE177

Find out more at http://www.ThaiSmileAir.com.

The 196-key resort offers an impressive choice of comfortable guestrooms, suites and villas with pool access and a fresh contemporary design alongside first-class holiday facilities for parents travelling with their children.

Perfect for larger family gatherings, the generous 268-square-metre, two-bedroom lagoon pool and beachfront villas either feature private plunge pools or lagoon pools, and villa guests enjoy exclusive lounge benefits with complementary snacks and drinks.

“Ananda is the ideal weekend getaway for Thais and expatriates living in Bangkok who crave some relaxed fun and comfort by the sea. Our child-friendly facilities and services also suit guests on longer vacations, and the wide choice of attractions and adventures within easy reach of the resort attracts families from around the world,” said general manager Nigel Tovey.

In addition to a vast communal pool with attached children’s pool, the resort also boasts a spacious submarine kids’ club looking out over the water and tropical gardens. The club interiors feature soft flooring, a ball pit, toys and climbing frames.

Younger guests can enjoy daily activities including arts and crafts, kids yoga, Thai dancing, cooking and language classes, movies and outdoor activities with 16 or more pursuits to choose from in any one week.

A jogging and cycling track with complimentary bicycles, as well as a fully equipped fitness centre keep the adults active too, while Ananda Spa inspires blissful relaxation with a choice of professional treatments and therapies.

When hunger strikes, the Staa’s offers all-day dining choices with an extensive buffet breakfast and an appealing a la carte selections, while the Aqua poolside cafe offers a menu of light Asian and international bites with a wok station, Thai soups, pizzas and pastas as well as a kids’ menu.

For more substantial fare, Breza is right by the beach and serves up Italian-style family meals including fresh seafood. After dark when the kids are asleep, parents can hire a baby sitter and head for Blue Biscuit, the resort’s very own jazz and blues club, which is set to become a new entertainment hotspot for Hua Hin.

Book your stay at http://www.AnandaHuaHin.com.

On domestic flights, special desserts will be served on all flights other than during breakfast in Royal Silk Class. For flights departing from Bangkok, Royal Silk class and economy class passengers will be treated to Pudding with pumpkin. On inbound flights into Bangkok, business class passengers will tuck into mango mousse jelly and economy class passengers will receive mango cheese pie.

On international flights: special desserts will be served on all flights. Passengers travelling in royal first class will be served egg custard with royal project pumpkin topped with foi thong (sweet egg yolk threads), anchan coconut sauce and pandan syrup, kanom chor pailin (mung bean paste in soft bun), kanom sanae jan (soft minicookies), and white chocolate truffle filled with lemon passion fruit. Royal Silk Class will enjoy royal project Pumpkin cake filled with raspberry jelly, kanom sanae jan and crumble. Economy Class passengers will be treated to royal project Pumpkin cake with raspberry sauce.

For further information, reservations, and ticketing assistance, visit http://www.ThaiAirways.com or call (02) 356 1111.