The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its new ‘Travel Thailand in Style, Reduce Plastic Waste’ initiative in collaboration with various stakeholders in a bid to cut tourism-related waste by up to 50 per cent by 2020.

The framework will see TAT work hand in hand with strategic partners in launching publicity campaigns for responsible tourism. Public and private sector partners include the Expedia Group, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association, the Chao Phraya River tourism-related businesses including ICONSIAM, Nonthaburi Municipality, Siam Piwat Retail and Development Company, and local communities in Bangkok.

The collaboration and follow-up initiatives will encourage both tourists and businesses to address waste problems in key travel destinations generated by the country’s tourism sector.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “This collaboration is set to serve as a catalyst within Thailand’s travel and tourism sectors. These activities will instill a sense of environmental consciousness as well as encourage tourists to travel responsibly by leaving only footprints and taking only good memories.

“TAT will take a lead role in providing support and recommendations on how to reduce waste and single-use plastics. We will encourage consumption of reusable or sustainable items; such as, plant-based drinking straws instead of plastic straws, cotton bags instead of plastic bags, water tumblers instead of plastic bottles, and reusable food utensils instead of single-use plastic or foam items.”

The initiative will kick off in Bangkok and then expand into secondary tourist destinations around the country.

With the new initiative, TAT will continue to highlight its commitment to Thailand’s marine environment and ocean conservation, as well as the rescue of imperiled marine animals that are most at risk from plastic.

The OTOP Fair 2018 aims to dazzle visitors with creative Thai entrepreneurship from every province on full display in interactive product pavilions and events.

This year marks the seventh edition of the show, taking place from August 11 to 19, from 10.00 – 21.00 hrs., at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center.

The ‘One Tambon One Product’ (OTOP) scheme is a grass-roots government stimulus initiative to promote entrepreneurship by endorsing homemade local products from Thai tambons or sub-districts.

The OTOP Fair 2018 features an exhibition zone to honour His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand and royal patron of Thai art and culture.

A ‘Highlight’ zone has been set up across 2,500 square metres, with a 1,000-square-metre pavilion showcasing ‘starred OTOP products’ from over 100 villages. Another 1,000-square-metre pavilion is dedicated to ‘OTOP Signature’ products from more than 40 additional provinces.

This sprawling zone also features a 250-square-metre pavilion with 12 booths showcasing textiles and products from villages surrounding the royal residences in four regions: the hand woven textile of Khao Tao village near the Klai Kangwon Palace, Prachuap Khiri Khan; the silk of Sakon Nakhon (Phu Phan Ratchaniwet Palace); the hand-woven cloth of Chiang Mai (Bhubing Rajanives Palace); and the local textile of Krok Kae Village and the finest products handmade from  Yan Lipao (vine fern) and Krajood (straw reed) (Thaksin Ratchaniwet Palace).

In addition, a 250-square-metre area with 16 booths showcases four types of Thai textiles, including cotton, silk, signature textiles from provinces across the country, and tribal costumes. Plus, there is a special booth providing dressmaking services and showcasing innovative basket and wickerwork production processes.

Another 2,000 booths selling items across a diverse spectrum of OTOP categories, as well as booths from the Ministry of Industry, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre and the Disabilities Thailand have been set up at the fair.

Other activities include a ‘Street Food’ zone with over 250 booths, daily live music and cultural performances, and games and lucky draws. The service zone offers health and spa services, a wi-fi corner, mobile banking units, postal unit, kid’s corner and rest area serving tea and coffee from Thailand’s four regions.

The annual Bhumibol Dam International Mountain Bike Championship 2018 celebrates its 17^th anniversary this year with two days of biking events that take place from August 25 to 26, 2018.

Mountain bikers are invited to gather at one of Thailand’s most scenic dams for an adventurous series of races and other fun activities. This mountain biking event attracts both locals and overseas visitors to challenge their physical fitness and test their biking skills while enjoying a healthy pastime.

The first day, on 25 August, features three biking segments: long-distance mountain bike race (60 km) for both male and female participants starts at 08.00 hrs. at Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road, Tak-Lampang) in Mueang Tak district to Bhumibol Dam in Sam Ngao district. The tourism mountain bike race (20 km) begins at 08.00 hrs. from Mueang district to Ban Tha Pui, as do the family mountain bike race (18 km) and International mountain bike race (30 km).

The Bhumibol Dam International Mountain Bike Championship 2018 takes place on the second day, August 26, covering 30 km in three 10-km loops.

Prizes include shirts, medals, lunch coupons, cash and bags (for the first 500 participants). There will also be trophies awarded for the top ten finishers in each category.

Registration is now open on thaimtb.com.

Phuket is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by business publication US News & World Report.

It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travellers every year. This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said everyone in Phuket, both public and private stakeholders should take pride in this achievement as it demonstrates the island’s appeal as one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

“Obviously we are delighted to win this important award. The fact the honour comes from the US News & World Report is even more gratifying given its target audience and readership.

“In the past, Phuket has won several other prestigious awards for its beaches as well, so we are very grateful for the continued recognition.” Mr. Yuthasak added.

Phuket continues to expand its appeal as it tries to shift upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the super-yacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of tourists who enjoy the island’s charms.

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.

Ratchaburi Art Centric returns on August 10 to 12 with one of the coolest happenings in Thailand’s annual calendar of events. Artists and craftsmen from all around the province will converge for a three-day celebration of creativity along the banks of the Mae Klong River.

Sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Ratchaburi municipality, and Ratchaburi WE Art, the event highlights the famous art and craft communities synonymous with Ratchaburi. Multiple event grounds are divided into four zones and seven activities featuring: ‘Art cetera’ interactive art exhibition; ‘Art… licious’ showcasing the province’s tasty and unique traditional Thai food; ‘A(rt) coustic’ concert, and ‘Super Art Market’ with new designs by emerging artists.

Two activities are being organized in front of the Ratchaburi National Museum. One showcases ‘Ong Mungkorn’, the large sculpted water jars which the province is famous for and a DIY sculpture workshop to teach visitors how to sculpt.

Along the Mae Klong River ‘Dek Din’ sculpture activities will be held for children, traditional dramatic arts like ‘Nang Yai Wat Khanon’ light and shadow puppet performances, and concerts featuring Thai pop artists will also be held.

The CIMB Thai Triathlon for Asean Day is being held on August 5, 2018 at the Pattana Golf Club & Resort in Sriracha district, Chonburi. This year’s event is being organized in three categories – Standard, Sprint and Duathlon with the standard distance open to individuals and teams of three (one swimmer, one cyclist and one runner).

Entrants receive swim caps, a set of race numbers, a timing chip, souvenir T-shirt and bike bottle, and food and beverages after the race. First, Second, and Third place finishers in each age group category will receive a trophy for the Triathlon and Duathlon, while all finishers who cross the line receive a medal.

For further information, registration, etc., see https://www.runlah.com/events/c/ctt18

One of the most charming festivals celebrated in Thailand is Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day, which marks the official start of the rainy season. It also marks the period when monks traditionally retreat to their temples for a three-month period of study and meditation.

Khao Phansa day itself is a day of special celebration and is held on the full moon of the eighth lunar month which this year falls on 28 July. But many of the celebrations to mark the festival will take place over several days during the last week of July.

Here’s a rundown of what’s on during Khao Phansa 2018 and where:

Ubon Ratchathani International Wax Candle Festival and Wax Candle Procession

Date: 23-28 July 2018

Venue: Ubon Ratchathani City Areas

The International Wax Candle Festival and Wax Candle Procession takes place in Thung Si Mueang Park, Ubon Ratchathani. Teams come from all over the world to compete and the detail on the wax artworks is staggering, with some being colossal in scale. It’s a great place to explore unique local cultures as the locals wear traditional dress and show off their age-old folk dances.

Nakhon Ratchasima Candle Procession

Date: 26-28 July 2018

Venue: Thao Suranari Monument

At the Thao Suranari Monument in Mueang Korat, there will be a wax candle contest, a candle parade, and merit-making activities. Held annually to promote the local art and culture, the festival will also feature a number of cultural activities including Khon, a traditional masked dance performance.

Nakhon Phanom Candle Festival

Date: 28 July 2018

Venue: Wat Phra That Phanom

The Lao-influenced culture of Nakhon Phanom gives a different twist to the Khao Phansa celebrations. The festival centres on the iconic local pagoda of Wat Phra That Phanom and there is always a procession of exquisitely carved candles to enjoy as well as the Miss Candle Beauty contest where local beauties hope to be named winner.

Ayutthaya Aquatic Phansa Festival

Date: 28 July 2018

Venue: Lad Chado market, Ayutthaya

The ancient capital of Ayutthaya hosts very memorable Khao Phansa celebrations, as the candles are taken to the local temples in more than 200 colourful boats that float down the city’s ancient Lad Chado canal. Visitors can also enjoy a taste of rural life, beauty pageants, and local games.

Suphanburi Khao Phansa Candle Procession

Date: 27-28 July 2018

Venue: Wat Pa Laylai Woraviharn, Tambon Rua Yai, Mueang Suphan Buri

Students from local art colleges compete to put on the most impressive candle displays. There are huge sculptures depicting creatures and heroes from Thai myth and these are proudly paraded around town. Visitors also enjoy exhibitions about the ways of life of the local tribal people and colourful displays of folk dancing.

Saraburi Khao Phansa Festival

Date: 26-28 July 2018

Venue: Wat Phra Putthabat Ratchaworamahaviharn, Saraburi

During Khao Phansa in Saraburi, people visit the local shrine of the Buddha’s Footprint where yellow and white flowers are offered to monks (Tak Bat Dok Mai) as a way of making merit. This has become a big event and now thousands of people join to give alms to the monks as they ascend the steep stairs of the shrine.

Nan Candle Festival

Date: 29 July 2018

Venue: Bunyuen Royal Temple, Wiang Sa district, Nan

Visitors can join local people as they offer food to the monks in the morning. Later in the day, they can join the almsgiving of candles to the temple and take part in other merit-making activities that offer insight into the culture of Thai Buddhism.

For more information, call TAT Contact Centre 1672

The annual Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek (Phuket Raceweek) is returning for its 15th year, from July 18 to 22, 2018, at the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket and Kantary Bay Hotel Phuket.

Considered a primary tourism driver during Thailand’s annual ‘green season’, Phuket Raceweek continues to strengthen the island’s regional position as the yachting hub of Southeast Asia that attracts a growing number of high-net-worth individuals.

Phuket Raceweek is also one of the leading annual social events on the island, with over 40 sailing teams expected to take part. Entries and national representation are particularly strong from the Asia Pacific, including teams hailing from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Japan, Germany, UK, USA and more. Many of these now call Phuket their home port all year around.

Registration is from 10.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs on July 18, 2018, with daily racing off Phuket’s east coast starting from 10.00 hrs. from July 19 to 22. For a full programme, please visit www.phuketraceweek.com

The event enjoys the continued support of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, Sports Association of Phuket, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand and the Phuket Yacht Club.

A major international sporting date in Thailand’s calendar of festivals and events is the Pattaya Marathon, and 2018 marks the 27^th edition of this popular race with organisers expecting 10,000 runners from around the world.

With the venue being the renowned seaside resort city of Pattaya, situated 140 km from Bangkok, runners will have picturesque coastal scenery through which to enjoy a different perspective of this ever-popular destination.

The ‘Pattaya Marathon 2018’ race route is designed to impress both participants and spectators. It begins at Central Festival Pattaya Beach on Pattaya Beach Road and runs alongside Jomtien Beach, passing Pattaya walking street, Bali Hai Pier and Borommaratchachonnani Bridge on the way. There’s a challenging uphill stretch of 2 km towards Khao Phra Tamnak, Jomtien Sai 2, Sukumvit Road and Chaiyaphruek Road before the route turns back to Pattaya Beach Road and the finish line.

The ‘Pattaya Marathon 2018’ race program includes five categories of run – the 42.195 km full marathon, 21.100 km half-marathon, 10.550 km quarter marathon, wheelchair quarter marathon, 3.7 km student fun run and a fun run.

The full marathon starts at 03.00 hrs. and follows the above route, while the half-marathon begins at 05.10 hrs from Bali Hai Pier and runs the same route as the full marathon from this point. The quarter marathon starts from Bali Hai Pier at 05.45 hrs. with its route passing the lighthouse and Pattaya view point and continuing downhill at Khao Phra Tamnak to Pattaya 3 Road before turning back to the starting point for the finish.

The wheelchair quarter marathon starts at 06.20 hrs. while the students fun run and fun run get under way at 06.30 hrs. from the Dolphin Circle in North Pattaya, and these head to Sukhumvit Road and back along Beach Road again for the finish.

Rewards for runners include souvenirs, shirts, trophies, medals and cash for the top five runners in the 42.195 km marathon, 21.100 km half-marathon, 10.500 km quarter marathon, 3.7 km fun run, 3.7 wheelchair quarter marathon and 3.7 km students fun run (except the souvenirs). The male and female runners with the best times will also receive a specific award.

‘Pattaya Marathon 2018’ registration can be made by visiting the Subdivision of Sports Tourism Development, Pattaya City Hall which is open Monday to Friday from 08.30 – 18.30 hrs. and on Saturday and Sunday from 08.30 – 16.30 hrs. Online registration is available on http://www.pattayamarathon.go.th/.

For more information, please see https://www.facebook.com/Pattaya-Marathon-366422933378043/

Surfing Thailand and the Phuket Surfing Club in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising the “Phuket Surf Series 2018+ Khao Lak” that will run from June to October 2018.

This falls during the annual ‘Green’ or monsoon season in Thailand’s Southern Region, when swells from the Bay of Bengal are most consistent for both beach and reef breaks along the Andaman coast. Phuket is Thailand’s best surfing destination but is not yet on any of the international surfing tour circuits. Nonetheless, there are an estimated 300 Thai and foreign surfers in the region.

The “Phuket Surf Series 2018+ Khao Lak” will be held at Patong, Kamala, Kalim, and Surin Becahes in Phuket, as well as Pakarang Beach at Khao Lak, Phang-nga province, which will be the final event in the competition.

Ms. Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, Director of TAT Phuket Office, said: “The Phuket Surf Series 2018+ Khao Lak will further reinforce Phuket’s image as a sports destination and generate tourism revenue for the province. The event will also help encourage surfers from around Asia and overseas to visit and participate in this series of amateur surfing competitions.”

The Phuket Surf Series 2018+ Khao Lak will comprise six competitions during June to October 2018 as follows:

Pearl of the Andaman Surfing Championship 2018, 30 June to 1 July, 2018, at Patong Beach, Phuket, featuring four divisions: Short Board Man Open; Long Board Man Open; Short Board Women Open; and Long Board Women Open.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Decha Sithidej

Tel. +66 (0) 89 973 2161

Facebook: Dede Decha Sithidej

E-mail: daysurfer@gmail.com

14th Kamala Go Surfing Contest 2018, 7 to 8 July, 2018, at Kamala Beach, Phuket, comprising Open Short Board, Open Long Board, and Grom Under 14.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Aod Penmit

Tel. +66 (0) 89 866 7683

Mr. Vissanu Madsatool

Tel. +66 (0) 62 243 6953

Facebook Fanpage: Kamala Go Surfing Club

E-mail: moto_kamala@hotmail.com

REnextop 2018 (RAST) Asian Surfing Tour, 18 to 21 July, 2018, at Patong Beach, Phuket, with four divisions: Short Board Man Open; Long Board Man Open; Short Board Women Open; and Long Board Women Open.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Chanin Aiyarak

Tel. +66 (0) 99 469 7896

E-mail: joob@surfingthailand.org

2nd Kalim Reef Surfing Contest 2018, 3 to 5 August, 2018, at Kalim Beach, Phuket, featuring five categories: Open Short Board; Open Long Board; Grom Under 14; Beginner; and Women Division.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Prasert Hamra

Tel. +66 (0) 64 948 3352

Mr. Santi Hasun

Tel. +66 (0) 83 107 0151

E-mail: info@kalimreefsurfers.com

Facebook Fanpage: Kalim Reef Surfers

http://www.kalimreefsurfers.com

2nd Surin Beach Surfing Contest 2018, 22 to 23 September, 2018, at Surin Beach, Phuket, with three categories: Open Short Board; Open Long Board; and Grom Under 14.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Sayan Bureerak

Tel. +66 (0) 94 593 2107

Mr. Jumlong Sittichok

Tel. +66 (0) 81 270 8683

Facebook Fanpage: Surin Surfer Club

E-mail: yanb3468@gmail.com

4th Khao Lak Surfing Contest 2018, 26 to 28 October, 2018, at Pakarang Beach, Khaolak, Phang-nga province, also with five categories: Open Short Board; Open Long Board; Grom Under 14; Beginner Open (board cannot be over 7 foot); and Beginner Women (no board size limit).

For more information, contact:

Mr. Montree Na Takuathung

Tel. +66 (0) 86 403 6564

Facebook Fanpage: Pakarang Surf School

E-mail: ching@pakarangsurfshop.com